The Grace Message

Andrew, how was your father saved? Was everyone around Jesus healed? What perspective on healing is healthy today? Is the discipline in Matthew 18 really for Jews under the Law? Why did David mention eating the flesh of bulls and goats? Isn’t there “high sin” that is unforgivable? What about 1 John 1:9? Don’t we need to confess our sins to be forgiven and cleansed?

How do you know that a grace-centered perspective is the most accurate interpretation of the Gospel? Why does Jesus tell some people “depart from Me”? How does God view your spirit, your soul, and your body? Is your body evil? Or is it holy?

Why did Jesus sometimes ask people to keep His miracles a secret? Do we need to take up our cross every day? Die daily? If not, does this mean there’s no struggle? Is this just semantics? How is this an important and powerful truth in the moment of temptation?

Do angels have gender? What purpose do they serve? Why does Passover come after Easter? Should all Christians observe Passover too? If we believers are totally forgiven, why do some say we will have to answer for every idle word at the final judgment?

How do we deal with disappointment with God? How can we say God is good when so many bad things happen? Why did Jesus say the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath? Is it okay to express the desires of our heart to God and ask Him for them?

Do angels have gender? What purpose do they serve? Why does Passover come after Easter? Should all Christians observe Passover too? If we believers are totally forgiven, why do some say we will have to answer for every idle word at the final judgment?

In this next installment of our “Complete in Christ” series, we explore redemption, reconciliation, and our full assurance in Christ. We uncover the mystery Paul refers to and address false teaching and universalism. We also reflect on the practical implications of being complete in Christ and what it means to labor and strive according to God’s power at work within us. Enjoy! Discussion Questions for Colossians 1:21-2:6: 1. Read verse 22 and react to this statement: I am reconciled to God and holy and blameless forever. 2. Read verse 23. How does this passage respond to those who twist the meaning of this passage to promote a universal salvation? (Hint: Notice the “if” and the condition that follows.) 3. Read verses 26-27 and Colossians 2:2. What is the mystery Paul is referring to? What does this mystery mean to you personally? 4. Read verse 28. What does it mean for us to be complete in Christ? What practical implications does this have in your life? How does this help you avoid distractions? 5. Read verse 29 and react to this statement: It’s not legalism to labor and strive according to God’s power at work within me. 6. Read Colossians 2:2. In your own words, explain what is “the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding.” 7. Read Colossians 2:6. What attitude or approach did we have at salvation? How can we walk in that same approach today (after we’re saved)?

Why do a variety of churches practice communion differently? Is church membership biblical? What does it mean to be not of this world? I argue with my friend about the Catholic view of transubstantiation. What are your thoughts? Why does God reference Able’s blood crying out? Are people who are murdered given another chance in the afterlife to repent and believe?

What does “a dog returns to its own vomit” mean? Did Did Peter, Paul and James have a law-based perspective in their writings at times? How should we view Matthew 18 in terms of church discipline? Was God’s wrath poured out on Jesus?

Do we go immediately to Heaven after we die? My brother committed suicide, and I wonder if he could have a second chance with God? Is suicide an unforgivable sin? How did Catholicism perpetuate this idea? What do you think of the Freemasons movement?