The Grace Message

Would God withhold a spiritual gift until we repent of something from long ago? Why does 1 John 1:9 seem to say that daily confession is needed in order to be forgiven and cleansed by God? What's really going on in that passage? Why does 1 John 3:9 say that no one who is born of God practices sin? How can that be?

Why would God put people in the Book of Life if He is only going to take them out later? Might I be judged differently for my sin of adultery than other sins? I feel that I probably committed the unpardonable sin when I was young. What should I do?

“If you go on sinning willfully, there’ll be no sacrifice left!” That’s the declaration made in Hebrews 10:26 – one of the most controversial passages in the whole Bible. In this important message, I put this challenging verse in proper context and demonstrate why we can actually have full assurance that God will never leave us and that we will never shrink back from Him. Enjoy the truth and let it set you free! Discussion Questions:  1. Read verses 19-22. How exactly does the “new and living way” inspire confidence and assurance? 2. Read verse 24. In context, what is the motivation for love and good deeds? 3. Read verse 25. What benefit is gained by gathering with other believers? How is this different from a legalistic approach to church “attendance”? 4. Read verse 26 and react to this true statement: <em>The only kind of sinning mentioned for ten chapters in Hebrews is the sin of unbelief in God’s message. </em> 5. In verse 26, why does it say, “there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins”? Why not? 6. Read verses 27-28. What key words do we see here that show this warning is for unbelievers who reject the Gospel? 7. Read verse 29. How do the phrases “do you think” and “will deserve” frame this as a rhetorical question for you as the reader? Why is this important? 8. React to this statement: <em>Christians don’t get what they deserve. We get what Jesus deserves.</em> 9. Andrew offered three interpretations of verse 29 (“by which the covenant was sanctified”, “by which Jesus was sanctified”, and the overall rhetorical nature of the question). What are your thoughts on these? 10. Read verses 35-37. What is the present-day and/or future “reward” and “promise” the author may be speaking of? 11. How does verse 39 offer us clarification and relief?

Where did Christ go when He died? I wake up every morning with obsessive thoughts that induce guilt. Would God ever speak negatively to us? What is happening in the Romans 14 concerning the weaker brother? Is it okay to have a Christmas tree?

Did God choose us, or did we choose Him, or is it both? I struggle with how my relatives celebrate Christmas and wonder how I can break free from this bitterness. Can you help me? How can Hell be a justified punishment for those who don’t believe? And what does it mean that God judges the living and the dead?

What do you think of praying with your spirit only? Why did Jesus tell people their sins were forgiven if He had not died yet? Is there an easy-to-read Bible that I could buy for my husband who is new to the faith? Does “the sixth month” in Luke 1 refer to Elizabeth’s pregnancy or the Jewish calendar? I am now 51 years old and have lived a life full of regrets. How do I find and fulfill my purpose now?

Is the vine-branches passage about salvation, growth, or both? Is the doctrine of original sin Biblical? What if we adopt an old Earth perspective without any Adam? What is the test of a true believer in 2 Corinthians 13:5?

Who are the virgins who follow the Lamb in Revelation 14? Does the money I give to ministries that send a thank-you gift still count as part of my tithe? I was abused growing up, and now I find myself attracted to abusive men. Can you help?

How can we possibly give thanks when terrible things happen? How could God allow the holocaust and other tragedies without any intervention? Does Titus 3:9 mean we should never debate spiritual issues with people?

It’s over. Jesus will never do anything new about your sins, because… the cross worked! This is the powerful message of Hebrews 10. And because you’re perfectly forgiven forever, you can live every day with a clean conscience. Jesus has taken His seat at the right hand of God. He’s resting, because the sin issue is over. Isn’t it time you take a seat and relax with Jesus? Find out how in this most important message! Discussion Questions:  1. Read verses 1-2. There will never be another sacrifice for your sins. What does this mean for you? How is this different from what Old Testament people experienced? 2. Read verse 4. How does this showcase Christ’s finished work as greater? 3. Read verses 6 and 8. Why do you think God takes no pleasure in sacrifices? 4. Read verse 9. What are the “first” and the “second”? Why is this statement important? 5. Read verse 10. What does this do to the erroneous teaching of “progressive sanctification” for the believer? How can we still account for the setting apart (sanctifying) of attitudes and actions over time? 6. Read verses 11-12. What do standing and sitting represent here? What position are you in regarding your sins? Discuss. 7. Read verse 14 and react to this statement: Your next sin is already forgiven.