The Grace Message

The “passport” of Jesus is one of the strongest arguments for us to abandon Law and enjoy God’s grace. That’s right – Jesus’ lineage (born into the tribe of Judah) makes Him a high priest like no other. As a result, we can set aside the Law as weak and useless for us, because Jesus Christ is greater and His grace is enough. Find out more in this important message on Hebrews 7! Discussion Questions: 1. Read verses 1-3 and verse 8. Do you think Melchizedek represents Christ (as a symbol) or was he actually an early appearance of Christ? Explain your reasons. 2. Read verse 5. How does this support the idea that tithing 10% is not a requirement for believers today? (Cross-reference Matthew 23:23 also.) 3. Read verses 6-10. If the purpose here is not to require a tithe today, then why does the writer recount this story? (Hint: Think in terms of lesser and greater.) 4. Read verse 11. What one word encapsulates why Jesus came to replace the Levitical priesthood? 5. Read verses 12-14. How does the “passport” of Jesus argue for a new covenant? 6. Read verses 18-19. Give four reasons the Law has been set aside. 7. Read verse 25. Why are you saved forever? 8. Read verses 26-28. What are four ways that Jesus is different from high priests in the Old Testament?

Why does Luke 12 talk about a servant who is punished? Why was Jesus so critical of religious leaders? What is the "falling away" that Paul describes to the Thessalonians? What does it mean to grieve the Spirit? Didn't Jesus tell us to keep the commands of the Law? What is hypergrace? Are you omitting repentance?

What does it mean to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony? My friend tells me I’m not keeping the Lord’s Day holy. Am I required to keep the Sabbath?

How is the peace that Jesus gives different from worldly peace? What does the Holy Spirit think when a believer gets distracted by New Age or pagan practices? My daughter was raised as a Christian, but now says she is an atheist. Is there a chance she is saved?

Will the Holy Spirit ever leave me? My wife left me, and I'm wondering if I'm allowed to remarry. Am I? Have the seals in Revelation already been opened? How should we view the book of Revelation?

Is the New Testament message really about Abraham or is it about Jesus? Why does Paul talk about baptism for the dead? Can someone fall away from Christ and lose their salvation? Why does Paul say that women will be “saved” through childbirth?

How should we view Proverbs 20:1 and 23:20 regarding alcohol? What is Paul’s instruction on the weaker and stronger brother? A friend of mine condones immoral sexual behavior, telling me it's okay. He also says Jesus is not the only way to have a relationship with God. How should I respond? Why does Jesus teach "Give, and it will be given to you" in Luke 6:38?

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?