The Grace Message

Are there good qualities in people before they’re saved? What if you’re struggling with sin when you die? Do you go to Hell? Is it safe to say those who completely abandon Christianity were never really in Christ to start with? Is it accurate to say God unconditionally loves some people and hates others?

What is “binding and loosing” in Matthew 16? Why do I experience so much fear? My friends tell me I should have more faith. What are the main benefits of the new covenant?

Growing up, I only heard the Holy Spirit’s job was to “convict” me, so naturally I was a bit scared of Him. But now, I realize there’s a whole lot more to the Spirit than I first thought. He is always leading me, always convincing me of my new heart, and always good toward me. Did you know the Holy Spirit is always leading you? Yes! You can count on Him to never stop counseling, guiding, helping, and leading. And His way with you is always healthy and good. In this message on Romans 8, I share the truth about the Holy Spirit and I reveal why you can have genuine, heartfelt hope even when circumstances in your life don’t seem to be changing. Be encouraged! Discussion Questions for Romans 8:12-25 1. Read verses 12-14 as a group. Consider the words “live” and “die” and “led.” How do these words lend evidence to the idea that Paul is contrasting unbelievers and believers? 2. Read verse 14. What does it mean to you to know you’re always being led by God’s Spirit? 3. Read verse 15. How are “a spirit of slavery” and “a spirit of adoption” different? 4. Read verse 16. What is the Holy Spirit testifying to? What can we expect from Him? 5. Read verse 17. How does this play into the idea of judgment, rewards, mansions, inheritance, etc.? 6. Read verses 18-22. What is the hope? How is it different from the promise of better circumstances right away? 7. Read verse 23. What does it say we are groaning for? Do you experience this? If so, how? 8. Read verses 24-25. What are examples of things we hope for that we do not see?

Does 2 Peter 3:17 mean we can lose our salvation? Does sin cause a rift between us and God? Why does 1 Corinthians 10 cite the punishment of Israel if believers are not punished by God? Why does Paul say we have “all things” in 1 Corinthians 3? What role does the renewing of the mind play? Should I counsel my mom to divorce my dad? So many teachers online say we can lose our salvation. What should we do about this? How should we view James 1?

Why is there so much talk about revival? Is there something wrong with the church? Is that how God sees us? What does real spiritual maturity look like? I have a friend who is dying and believes in the health-wealth gospel. How can I help him?

Can you elaborate on the reason why we don’t need to recite the Lord’s Prayer? Why are there so many denominations? It seems like we should be finding our identity in Christ instead. If all of our sins have been forgiven, then why does Hebrews say we will not see God without holiness? What does this mean?

Why don’t we need to recite the Lord’s Prayer? My friends believe in guaranteed healing- that God wants to heal everyone. What should I tell them? If we are once saved, always saved, then what is the meaning of the Parable of the Sower?

How does God view the church today? Does He see us as lazy, falling asleep, and passive? The Lord’s Prayer says one must ask for forgiveness. Is this the way for believers today to continually be more forgiven? Why does the prayer sound so conditional?

How do you listen to the Holy Spirit? What if someone accepted Jesus while they were inebriated? I enjoy writing fantasy books from a Christian perspective. Is that okay?

There’s zero condemnation for you! Romans 8 begins with the amazing reality that you’ll never get what you deserve. Sin deserves death, but you sin every day and never die. You always have eternal life in Jesus, no matter what. Romans 8 contains another stunning truth: “the spirit is alive because of righteousness.” This means you have a real righteousness that involves being alive in Christ. It’s not about imputed righteousness as “heavenly bookkeeping.” You’ve been imparted real righteousness at the core of your being. You’re the righteousness of God! In this message on Romans 8, I celebrate these exciting truths and so much more. In fact, you’ll gain a new perspective on the whole passage – no longer seeing it as merely being about two ways for the Christian to “walk” but instead as being about two kinds of people (unbelievers and believers). And during our exploration of the passage, you’ll discover that you have a new, powerful tendency within you. Enjoy! Discussion Questions for Romans 8:1-17: 1. What does “no condemnation” mean to you personally? 2. What is the law of sin and death? How were you set free from it? 3. How is Romans 8 describing two kinds of people? How is this different from the idea of it describing two kinds of choices? 4. Read verses 8 and 9. Who are “in the flesh”? Can Christians be “in the flesh”? 5. React to this statement in verse 10: “the spirit is alive because of righteousness.” 6. What do you think “you must die” means in verse 13? 7. Read verse 14 and react to this statement: All believers are being led by the Spirit of God. 8. What does it mean to you to be a “fellow heir with Christ”?