The Grace Message

Does speaking in tongues give us a deeper relationship with God? I feel empty, guilty, and depressed. Can you help me?

What does "perfect love casts out fear" really mean? Is it okay for Christians to get tattoos? What is the prophecy in Matthew 24 really about?

Can you fall from grace? If there's not guaranteed healing, does God want us sick? What role does water baptism play in salvation?

“Jacob, I loved. Esau, I hated.” -God We hear this and wonder what it means and what God is trying to tell us today. Some say it’s about God individually selecting people for salvation and leaving others with no chance. But is that what’s really going on in Romans 9? No way! Instead, it’s about God historically doing whatever He pleases. He always does it His way. And now “His way” is known as the new covenant. Through the new covenant, Gentiles are invited to be a part of God’s kingdom. So, it’s not about individual selection. It’s about God’s prerogative and His secret plan (now revealed!) to unleash the Gospel on the whole world through Jesus. This is how He calls people who were never His people, His people! Enjoy this enlightening take on Romans 9. It’s so liberating and unifying! Discussion Questions for Romans 9: 1. Read verses 1-5. Why does Paul say he’s telling the truth and why would he be willing to give up his own salvation? 2. Read verses 6-8. Explain “they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel.” 3. Read verses 9-12. How do Isaac and Ishmael, and Jacob and Esau, both make the point that physical Israel doesn’t get a free pass and God can do as He pleases? 4. Read verses 14-18. Who is “the man who wills or the man who runs” in this passage? And who is it that God has decided to have mercy on today under the new covenant? 5. Read verses 19-24. Who are the vessels of common use (vessels of wrath)? Who are the vessels of honorable use? What is Paul defending in the passage? 6. Read verses 25-26. How does the Old Testament quote from Hosea reveal the true meaning of predestination in Romans 9? 7. Read verses 30-31. How is this a summation or encapsulation of the whole chapter? 8. Read verses 32-33. How is Jesus a stumbling stone to the Jews? And what does it mean to you that believers in Him “will not be disappointed”?

I feel overwhelmed by doubt about my salvation. Can you help me? Is salvation based on God choosing you? When was Paul actually saved? I suffer from depression and wonder why I don’t experience the peace of God. Can you explain? My friends tell me that because I’m divorced and remarried, I’m living in adultery. Is this true? How are the four gospels different from the epistles?

I have been a believer for about 50 years, and the grace message has transformed my experience! Why is there such a sin consciousness in so many religious circles today? What is the true meaning of 1 John 1:9? Is it really a “bar of soap” for daily cleansing in the believer’s life?

Are there different levels of Hell? How much repentance is needed for true salvation? What about deathbed conversions? Can you explain what appears to be apostasy in 2 Thessalonians 2?

Is there a difference between surrendering and submitting to God? How can we say the Sermon on the Mount is not a passage for Christian growth when Jesus told the disciples in Matthew 28 to teach “everything” He commanded? Isn’t being baptized in water an important act of obedience? What does the Bible say about finding your true purpose in life?

Should we worry about nuclear war? Are there mansions or rooms in heaven? What are the biblical grounds for divorce? If we don’t have to ask for forgiveness, then what should we do when we sin?

If we are forgiven of all our sins, then why do we have to give an account? What does “hold fast” in 1 Corinthians 15:2 mean? My friend believes that we are only positionally righteous and we have wicked hearts. What are some Scriptures that correct this false belief?