The Grace Message

Is the Rapture before or after the Tribulation? I live next to the mall where the Allen, TX shooting took place, and I'm struggling with fear. Can you help me? How should we interpret the word "might" in Romans 7? Is it a maybe? I've heard mixed messages about sexuality, sin, and Heaven. Can you help me understand the truth?

Which commands is Jesus talking about in Matthew 5:19? Are we least in Heaven if we don't obey the Law? What happens when we die? Is there an end to the punishment in Hell? Why didn't God allow Moses to go into the Promised Land?

Today, I have something truly fascinating to share with you—a powerful insight into Romans 7 that will transform your understanding of the Christian life. I invite you to watch this latest message in which I argue that Paul’s struggles in Romans 7 are not the normal Christian life, but the normal Law-based life. Being “sold in bondage to sin” is not the mark of a Christian, but rather the result of a life bound to the Law. Delving into Romans 7, we uncover an astonishing truth: Paul is saying that flirting with Moses is cheating on Jesus. Yes, astonishingly, Romans 7 reveals that sinful passions are actually aroused by the Law. This might sound counterintuitive, but sin even gains an opportunity through the Ten Commandments themselves. Join me in this eye-opening exploration of Romans 7, and together we’ll unlock the key to a fruitful and fulfilling Christian life, free from the bondage of sin and the constraints of the Law. I can’t wait for you to enjoy these powerful truths, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts! Discussion Questions for Romans 7:1-14: 1. Why does Paul use a marriage analogy? What’s the point? 2. How is verse 4 a summary of the “big picture” of this chapter? 3. Read verse 5. What does the Law do? 4. Read verse 6. How do we serve God today? 5. Read verse 7. What is the purpose of the Law? 6. Read verse 8. What specific commandment was in focus? How does one break free from sin? How does this verse show the Ten Commandments are not an exception to our freedom from the Law? 7. What are eight pieces of evidence that the passage is about Paul before his conversion? (Hint: Consider verses 1b, 3a, 5a, 7b, 9, 10, 11, and 14b.)

What commands are actually written on our hearts? I was really hurt by family, but now I’m wondering if I should give them a second chance? What’s happening in John 20 when Jesus breathed on the disciples and they received the Holy Spirit? People don’t seem to understand me, and I end up living life mostly alone. What can I do? How should we interpret the if-then statements in Deuteronomy 30? Are they law or grace? How can I be saved if I found myself backsliding into old habits so much?

Why does one group of Christians judge another group? Does any part of the Sermon on the Mount encourage us today? What about the Beatitudes? I would like to get married and have children, but I'm suffering from anxiety in my decision-making process and wonder if it's God, or if I can move forward in confidence. Can you help?

Is the bema seat a separate judgment for Christians? Do we have to give an account for every idle word? How were people saved before Jesus? What does it mean in Proverbs 3:5 to not lean on our own understanding?

I’m struggling with assurance of my salvation. How should I look at resurrection in Revelation 20? What is “two or three gathered in my name” really about? My church believes we can lose our salvation, and I don’t know how to talk with them. What about verses that say people can fall away from grace?

What is the wide gate that leads to destruction? What is the narrow gate? Should pastors have exposed tattoos in church? What are your thoughts on inerrancy? How can the Scriptures be accurate if imperfect men wrote them?

Is it a sin to want to go to Heaven ASAP? Is everyone who believes they could lose their salvation not really saved at all? Do you have to be baptized in water to be saved? Does Revelation 22:19 mean a believer can lose eternal life?

We’re under grace, so why not just sin? Paul’s answer in Romans 6 is essentially this: Look at you! You’ve got an obedient heart now, and you’re addicted to righteousness. You’ll never be happy sinning, because sin is hard work with no real payoff! I love this chapter, because it reveals the true nature of God’s counsel. There’s no guilt, no manipulation, and no fear. Instead, God gives you a healthy motivation to avoid sin and bear fruit. And it has everything to do with who you are now! I’m sure by now you’ve heard a lot of religious guilt trips. It’s time to ditch that whole shame game and enjoy lasting motivation brought to you by the God of the universe! Discussion Questions for Romans 6:15-23: 1. What is the radical question asked in verse 15? 2. What is the rationale given in verse 16? 3. What does Paul say happened to you in verse 17? 4. In your own words, explain verse 18. Be specific. 5. What is the parallel draw in verse 19? 6. What two key words in verse 21 offer reasons not to sin? Are they persuasive for you? 7. How is “enslaved to God” a synonym for sanctification in verse 22? 8. Verse 23 talks about the “wages” of sin. How is sin hard work? Is expressing Jesus hard work? Why or why not?