The Grace Message

Should we take literally the Old Testament account of God creating the world and Noah’s family surviving a flood? What about people in remote places who’ve never heard the Gospel – how can they be saved? How many people will be in Heaven – a lot or only a tiny percentage of the Earth’s population? Hebrews 11 answers these questions and so much more – such as the important role of faith and why we have something better today than any Old Testament person experienced. In this message, I address this important passage and all of these issues, hopping from one to the next at a fun pace. It will prove to be both informative and reassuring as your confidence in God’s grace grows even more. Discussion Questions: What “invisible” truths do you have faith in?How does verse 3 speak to the beginning of the universe?In what way does verse 6 help us with the question of those in remote parts of the world?How does verse 7 affirm the veracity of the Old Testament?According to verse 12, how many should we expect in Heaven?How did Isaac serve as a “type”?The phrase “by faith” appears fifteen times in this chapter. Why do you think faith is so important to God?Verses 13 and 39 both say Old Testament people didn’t receive what we have today. What spiritually do you have that is better? Can you think of a few things?

Why does John 5:24 say we will not be judged if Hebrews 10:30 says the Lord will judge his people? Who is Melchizedek? Does God judge us for our past or the past of our ancestors? Are we to avoid every “sin” in the New Testament? If so, how? I lock myself in my room because I’m afraid of my father. I want to leave my home. Can you help? What do you think of passing the plate? Doesn’t this tend to pressure people to give?

Why do so many believe in the rapture if it's not in the Bible? Why has God allowed so much evil when He knew about it ahead of time? What does "don't cast your pearls before swine" really refer to?

How exactly did Jesus forgive us for our sins? How did He not commit any sins? There is so much suffering in life, so is it even worth it to live on?

I was a miserable Christian for 25 years. The message of God's grace has transformed my life. Why was Jesus baptized? Do we need to be baptized in water to be saved? What does the Bible say about women speaking and teaching?

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?