The Grace Message

Ever been in the grocery store and one of the representatives offers you a taste-tester? You slide the toothpick in your mouth to taste the sample. Next thing you know, there’s that awkward moment – they’re looking right at you to see if you’ll smile and then open the freezer to invest in the product. You face a decision – invest in the meal or continue on to the next aisle looking for something better. This is exactly what we see in Hebrews 6. The author is warning his readers that if they’ve tasted the Gospel but then decide to look elsewhere (namely, to the dead works of the Temple!), there is no place for repentance anywhere else. Conversely, if they do decide to invest in the Gospel, they will experience a sure and everlasting benefit that can only come from “two unchangeable things.” Find out more about this dire warning and this amazing benefit in this message on one of the most controversial passages of all! Discussion Questions: 1. What are the elementary or foundational teachings the Hebrews needed to graduate from?  2. Hebrews 6:4-6 is a challenging passage. How do the words enlightened, shared, and tasted help us better understand the author’s true intent? 3. How does the “ground that drinks the rain” (versus ground that doesn’t) analogy support that better understanding? 4. In what way does verse 9 offer hope to true believers in the midst of this warning chapter? 5. What are the two unchangeable things? How is this an anchor of hope for the soul? 6. What significance does the “order of Melchizedek” hold here?

Why did Paul call himself a "chief of sinners"? How do the dead in Christ rise first (1 Thessalonians 4) if those who died are already with Jesus? Is the gift of tongues a necessary proof of salvation? Does God strike us with difficulty to get our attention? What are your thoughts on church structure, format, and leadership today?

Why does Paul say that those who practice sorcery cannot inherit the kingdom of God? Which Bible version is the most accurate? How should I interact with my Catholic friend about the Bible?

What is hypergrace? What is “cheap grace”? Can you do whatever you want after you’re saved? Should we be afraid of what we really want? Why does Paul say some people are “worse than an unbeliever”? What is a good commentary that you would recommend? What are your thoughts on the various theories of atonement?

Why does Jesus appear to forbid anger in the Sermon on the Mount yet he got angry in the Temple? Will God let me see my pets in Heaven? Should faith be considered a work?

What do you think about people who say they’ve gone to Heaven? I haven’t been able to sleep well for ten years, and I think it might be because of pornography. Can you help me? Jesus died for the world, but we aren’t supposed to be part of the world. Can you explain this better? Is the name “Jesus” pagan and should we only be calling Him “Yeshua” instead?

Do we need to prove our love and dedication to Jesus? Why does Colossians 1:23 talk about the importance of continuing? Are we servants, or sons, or both? What if a husband and a wife disagree on where to go to church? How do you know when Jesus is living through you?

Jesus is a high priest like no other. God appointed His own Son as our eternal priest. Jesus learned obedience through suffering, and He totally gets us. But the Hebrews weren’t sure what to think of Him. They hadn’t made up their minds. They’d heard so much great teaching that they ought to be teachers themselves. Instead, many of them were still spiritual infants, while others had yet to be saved at all. In Hebrews 5, the author is telling them to get with the program, to eat meat (not just milk!), and to enjoy all the benefits of the new and better covenant. I hope this message encourages you to dive deeper into God’s grace and enjoy “the word of righteousness.” Discussion Questions: 1. What are some similarities between the Old Testament high priests and Jesus? What are some differences? 2. What does it mean in verse 8 that Jesus “learned obedience”? 3. How can “those who obey Him” in verse 9 be misunderstood to support a conditional salvation? How does the better translation “attend to” or “listen to” help us understand the author's intent? 4. Why does Melchizedek appear in this chapter? 5. What is the “milk” referred to here? What is the “word of righteousness”?

Does Hebrews 3 say that we need to hang on tightly or we might lose our salvation? What does it mean to make every effort to enter God’s rest? Is there such a thing as a temporary believer? What does it mean to delight in the Lord? What does the Parable of the Ten Virgins really mean? Do you have to deny yourself to be saved or after salvation? My church teachers I will have to give an account for every sin. Is this true?

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?