The Grace Message

I asked five Christians if we’re under the Law, and I was blown away by their answers! Why didn’t God tell Adam and Eve not to sin and fall? Who are the “wolves” in Matthew 7 that brag on their accomplishments on the Day of Judgment?

Do we need to repent of each sin in order to be restored as children of God? Does Hebrews 10 teach us that God took away our feelings of shame? Jesus told the disciples to teach everything He commanded, so why don’t we see their epistles filled with instruction from the Sermon on the Mount? Should a believer live with another person without marrying them?

Did Paul instruct Gentiles to obey the Law? Could Jesus have actually sinned? Does James 5 tell us that a believer can lose salvation and gain it back again? Why did Paul and the apostles sometimes seem to make compromises regarding Old Testament regulations?

Why does Jesus tell us that some people’s part in the tree of life will be taken away in Revelation 20? Is the teaching of “progressive holiness” accurate? What does anointing with oil signify? What should we do if we’re struggling with hearing God’s voice and feeling His presence?

If we die, do we receive a temporary body in heaven until the rapture? What is fellowship? Why does Jesus say some will be turned away from Heaven? Is it because they didn’t do enough? I’m hearing voices that blaspheme God, and I start feel guilty and doubt my salvation.

We’re now embarking on a profound journey together—a new series, “The Power of Oneness: Savoring Your Union with Jesus Christ.” The first message in this transformative series, focusing on John 15, dives deep into the essence of our oneness with Christ. We’ll ponder questions like, “Does the Father really cut off branches in Christ that aren’t bearing fruit?” This question invites us to explore the nature of God as our caring vinedresser. And here’s another: “How are the disciples ‘already clean’ if the cross hasn’t happened yet?” This question might challenge your current understanding of forgiveness. This message also invites you to unravel the true and confidence-inspiring meaning of “abide in Me,” and how it contrasts with the phrase “apart from Me.” This exploration will be a stepping-stone towards understanding your inseparable union with Jesus Christ. I look forward to sharing this journey with you. And feel free to share this message with friends or family who you think might be encouraged by it. Let’s spread God’s unending love and our union with Christ as far as we can! Discussion Questions for John 15: 1. What does the Father do with branches in Christ that aren’t bearing fruit? What does this say about Him? 2. How are the disciples “already clean” if the cross hasn’t happened yet? 3. What does “abide in Me” really mean? Is it about daily trying to trust Him, or is it evangelistic? How do we know? 4. Why is “abide in Me” contrasted with “apart from Me”? Are believers ever “apart from” Him? Why or why not? 5. What happens to any branch that is not in Christ? How do we know this refers to an unbeliever? 6. How does “ask whatever you wish” balance with “if My words abide in you”? 7. Do you live in God’s love? Do you always think and act that way? 8. How does authentic joy occur in our lives? What inspires it?

Can you be cast away and burned if you don't abide in Christ enough? What does it mean to worship God "in spirit and in truth"? How do you "stay right" with God? How can you be loving but also stand up for the truth of the Gospel? How does God's grace factor into my financial woes? If I keep struggling with a sin, does that mean I'm not repentant enough? Is there an end to the suffering in Hell? What about the flames themselves? Why don't more churches get politically active rather than going passive?

Why does the church fear the messiness of grace? What purpose do the Ten Commandments have? Is Hebrews 10 written only to the believer? How does “backsliding” fit in with Christianity if you can’t lose your salvation?

How can our bodies be holy if they’re decaying and ultimately replaced? Are there still apostles and prophets today? I know a preacher who left the faith, because of personal pain he endured. What does this mean for our theology of “once saved, always saved”? Was obedience to the Law an act of faith? Did it justify?

What is the grace message? How do you deal with a sin struggle? Is God still enabling prophets to see the future today? I got kicked out of my church for smoking. What is the healthy view of fellowship?