The Grace Message

What is the meaning of "grace upon grace" in John 1:16? If an unbeliever is a slave to sin, how can he ever come to Christ? My friend thinks we believers can sin enough to harden our heart and walk away from Jesus. How do I respond to this?

How were Old Testament believers saved? How can "all Scripture be inspired" (2 Timothy 3:16) if we are not under the Law? My granddaughters have been abused, and some say this can open people to Satan and spiritual warfare. I'm wondering about a believer's susceptibility to the enemy.

How is Jesus the Prince of Peace if he came with a sword (Matthew 10)? What is Romans 9 talking about if we are not individually predestined to believe? Is Hebrews 6 warning Christians about loss of salvation? If not, what does it really mean?

I work for the government and have to file paperwork that I disagree with. How can I do my job well and with joy if I feel this way? Should I look for another job? What is a "word of knowledge"? Why does James 4 talk about drawing near to God if we are already close to Him?

Will we have free will in Heaven? Could the fall of humanity start all over again? What does it mean to live under grace? What are your thoughts on Halloween?

Make every effort to enter God’s rest? Try to rest? Sounds like a bit of a paradox to me! So, what is this Hebrews 4 invitation really about? Growing up, I believed Hebrews 4 was an invitation to believers to try to reach a second level or second tier of Christian experience – a higher plane of spiritual rest and victory. But believing that set me on a path toward chasing a superior experience that was always elusive. So, what does it really mean to enter God’s rest? In this message, you’ll discover the liberating truth that you’ve already entered it. You’ll also be introduced to a High Priest that is sympathetic toward your weaknesses and isn’t trying to get you to be someone different. Realizing this matters, so be encouraged and enjoy this message! Discussion Questions: 1. What is “God’s rest” and how does a person come short of it? 2. How is the seventh day used as an analogy for us today? 3. Explain the paradox of asking them to be diligent (or make every effort) to rest. 4. How have you seen Jesus sympathize with your weaknesses? 5. According to verse 16, what can we feel about talking with God? What can we always expect from Him?

Can you talk about Jesus as the Lamb of God? Why does Jesus say “Depart from Me” to some? How do I raise my child with new covenant teaching? Is there a certain evidence of true salvation? How should we view the fallen world and the political world? Am I allowed to defend myself in a lawsuit?

What is the new covenant? How is it different from the old? Why does Paul mention the angels in 1 Corinthians 11? Why would they care about hair length or head coverings? Was Abraham’s righteousness credited? What about us today?

Why did you say “God is blue and so are you”? How should I respond to the Jehovah’s Witness claim that Jesus is not God? Did Jesus really go to Hell for three days to preach? What’s the difference between the Kingdom of God and the church?

What Scriptures indicate we cannot lose our salvation? Is repentance needed for salvation? Is water baptism needed to be saved? What if I want to be saved but I’m not one of God’s chosen? Which is better- sprinkling or immersion?