The Grace Message

Is it possible for someone to be saved but still try to follow the Law? If we don’t bear fruit as Christians, might God cast us into outer darkness? Sometimes I feel so free and then I lose that feeling. I wonder if there’s something I can do to consistently feel the freedom of being under grace?

Why is Romans 3-5 so important to understand? Does the New Testament encourage financial transparency in churches? Is Romans 1 really just describing pedophilia or child abuse? What does it mean to meditate on the Word day and night?

*Previously aired* Why does Paul say that deacons should be the husband of only one wife? What was the purpose of fasting? Are Christians required to fast today? How does being under grace help our struggle against sin? What does it mean that we’re saved from the wrath of God? Is that about the final judgment or something else?

*Previously aired* Why did Jesus say He did not come to destroy the Law but fulfill it? Why did Jesus tell people to ask for the Holy Spirit? Don’t Christians already have the Holy Spirit? I struggle with 40 years of difficult of challenging circumstances. I wonder why I don’t feel better now that I believe in God’s grace. Am I doing something wrong? Does John 6 support the idea of God’s individual selection of people for salvation? If not, what does it really mean?

Why did Paul tell us to do “what is acceptable” to God? Does God want everyone to be healed? How do we reconcile the love of God with the idea that He chose some to believe and left others with no opportunity? Is that idea true or false?

The Law only speaks to one group – unbelievers. And it shuts everyone up! But thankfully, apart from the Law we can enjoy being 100% right with God for free. And God’s need for justice has been fully satisfied: The wages of sin is death. Jesus died. Do the math and celebrate! Does this mean we bash the Law or hate the Law? No, it means the opposite: Those who opt for God’s grace are the only ones who truly respect the Law as both perfect and impossible! So, I hope this message on the second half of Romans 3 causes you to brag on Jesus like never before! Discussion Questions for Romans 3:19-31 1. Read verses 19-20. In review, who does the Law speak to and what does it say? 2. Read verses 21-22. What significance does “apart from the Law” hold? And in your own words, what is "righteousness"? 3. Read verse 24. How is "justification" more than just being forgiven? 4. Read verse 25. What is "propitiation"? What is God trying to tell us in using this word? 5. Read verse 26. How is God both “just” and “the justifier? (Hint: Consider the wages of sin.) 6. Read verses 27-28. Why doesn’t the Gospel lead us into arrogance? 7. Read verses 29-30. How does this speak to those who claim there’s one message for Jews and a different message for Gentiles today? 8. Read verse 31. What does “establish the Law” mean here? (Hint: It’s only those who opt for God’s grace instead that truly respect the perfect and impossible standard of the Law.)

How should we celebrate the Lord’s Supper? Is it okay for nonbelievers to participate in the Lord’s Supper? With a faith-based definition of sin, is avoiding sin now harder? Why does Romans 3:31 say by faith we “establish” the Law? How can I encourage someone else to attend church? What does it mean to avoid the appearance of evil? Is Matthew 7:21 about a Christian losing their salvation?

What is “binding and loosing” in Matthew 16? Did I blaspheme the Holy Spirit by using profanity related to God? Does God send natural disasters to punish people today or to get their attention?

How do we balance discipline and legalism? I went through a 12-step program but then seemed to only fail afterward. Why am I convicted about drinking but not overeating? I think I fell from grace and now I’m trying to get back with God. How do I put God first and not myself?

Why does Paul say that deacons should be the husband of only one wife? What was the purpose of fasting? Are Christians required to fast today? How does being under grace help our struggle against sin? What does it mean that we’re saved from the wrath of God? Is that about the final judgment or something else?