The Grace Message

Should we worry about nuclear war? Are there mansions or rooms in heaven? What are the biblical grounds for divorce? If we don’t have to ask for forgiveness, then what should we do when we sin?

If we are forgiven of all our sins, then why do we have to give an account? What does “hold fast” in 1 Corinthians 15:2 mean? My friend believes that we are only positionally righteous and we have wicked hearts. What are some Scriptures that correct this false belief?

God will never bring any charge against you. He is always for you, and the Holy Spirit even prays for you. This is an important message in Romans 8!But there’s more: God freely gives us everything in Christ. He doesn’t withhold in the slightest. Plus, He even guarantees our growth as He inspires us to be conformed to the image of Christ in our attitudes and actions.In short, God is good, and you can count on Him. Be encouraged by the simple, powerful truth in this message about how much your Father loves you.Enjoy!Discussion Questions for Romans 8:26-39:1. What do you believe the Spirit prays for you? Give examples.2. Read verse 28 and react to this statement: All believers (collectively) love God and have a heavenly calling. How is this different from the popular view of predestining (or calling) individuals to believe?3. Read verse 29 and react to this statement: God knows ahead of time who will believe and He simply predestined every believer to be conformed to the image of Jesus.4. How does “predestined” in verse 29 provide context for “predestined” in verse 30? Predestined to what? (Hint: Think growth and consider Philippians 1:6).5. Read verse 31. What does it mean to you that God is “for” you?6. Read verse 32. What does “freely give us all things” mean? What things?7. Read verse 33. Who is “God’s elect”? Think in terms of a collective group. Does this support individual selection of some to believe and others having no chance? Why or why not?8. Read verses 33-39 and react to this statement: God will never bring any charge against you, and you will never be separated from His love for any reason. 

Does living by the Spirit mean keeping the Ten Commandments? How do we recognize the Holy Spirit? What is meaning of the Parable of the Talents? Is it possible that I have been severed from Christ? Should my wife be baptized again? Are there membership requirements to take communion?

What is the difference between spirit and soul? How important is it to understand this? Should Genesis be taken literally or allegorically? Someone from my church uses the Lord’s name in vain. Are they really saved?

Are there levels of punishment in Hell? Would it be enough to call on the Lord to save you on your deathbed? Or is more repentance from sins needed? What is 2 Thessalonians 2 really saying about a "rebellion" or "departure" from the truth? Is it about people walking away from the Gospel and losing their salvation?

How do I take every thought captive? Why does the New Testament talk about "religion" in a positive and negative light? The churches I've attended make me feel inferior for not speaking in tongues. What should I do?

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?