The Grace Message

What are your thoughts on God’s discipline? Should you disown your child if you disagree with them? How can I know when to give more financial help to someone and when not to? Will Adam and Eve be in Heaven?

Do we have to use the Law in evangelism? Is the story of Lazarus and the rich man a parable or an actual event? What is the role of guilt in our lives? Can demons really tempt us?

What should we know about the Book of Life? Is baptism a requirement for salvation? What is the total depravity of humanity? What is the best way to approach evangelism?

In Galatians 2, we see the apostle Paul addressing the issue of false brethren who were spying on Christians. These false brethren were trying to bring the believers back under the law and away from the freedom found in Christ. Paul recognized the danger of mixing law and grace and stood up for the truth of the Gospel. This is significant because it highlights the importance of staying true to the message of grace and not allowing legalistic influences to hinder us. In today’s world, Christianity can often be influenced by a “popularity contest.” We may feel pressured to seek the approval of others. However, Paul reminds us that our allegiance is to Christ and His message of grace. We’re called to stand firm in the truth, even if it goes against the grain. And as we embrace the liberating message of God’s grace, we can find true freedom and live out our faith without settling for lifeless rule-keeping. Check out this message in our series called “Liberated” to deepen your understanding of God’s grace. Enjoy! Discussion Questions for "Liberated" (Galatians 2): 1. Read verse 4. What did the false brethren see when they spied on Christians? How is this significant? 2. Read verse 5. What was Paul’s reaction to those spies? 3. Read verse 6. In what ways is Christianity influenced by a “popularity contest” today? 4. Read verses 7-10. How does this passage show it’s the same message for Jews and Gentiles? 5. Read verses 11-13. Why did Paul oppose Peter to his face? What can we learn from this? 6. How does verse 14 refute those who claim the apostles still kept the Law? 7. Read verse 16. How does this verse summarize the gospel of grace? 8. Challenge: Can you explain verses 17-18 in your own words? 9. What does it mean to have "died to the Law"? 10. Who are the two I’s in Galatians 2:20?

What does it mean to “do the will of the Lord”?  Will people have a second chance after death to believe the Gospel? How can I hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” from God? Does God predestine those who will be punished in Hell? How should we approach communicating with Calvinists? How do we mature and walk by the Spirit daily?

Are we simultaneously saints and sinners? What do you think about the idea of preaching the Gospel to ourselves? What about diving deeper into the Gospel? What do you think about John Calvin’s “third use” of the Law? I feel bad for praying when I’m not sure the prayer will be answered. What should I do?

What are the benefits of being saved now versus waiting until the end of your life? What are the effects of being saved in your daily life? Why do people fight so hard for the 10 Commandments in the life of a Christian? Can you talk about the significance of blood for our forgiveness?

Why is there hostility toward the message of the grace of God? Why did Paul write that Peter “stood condemned”? My wife has been divorced and is now remarried to me. Are we living in adultery?

How do we communicate the grace of God to others? What is your view of the rapture? What is God’s will?

What is the best way to communicate with my Mormon wife about the gospel? What do you mean by “100% natural, no additives” in your tagline? Shouldn’t we balance Law and Grace? Isn’t repentance needed to be forgiven? Someone told me I’m living a dead life, and I don’t understand what they meant. Should I be worried?