The Grace Message

Are the Ten Commandments still in effect for believers? Does Revelation 3 contain warnings to Christians, or unbelievers, or both? Should I consider reconstruction after a double mastectomy, or is that vanity? Is it biblical to resist globalization and a one-world economy or government?

The Sermon on the Mount isn’t your typical Sunday School lesson. It’s a wake-up call that shatters any illusion of self-righteousness. Ever tried to keep every ounce of the Law? Jesus shows us we can’t. And that’s the whole point. He equates anger with murder and sees looking with lust as adultery. Plus, tearing out your eye and cutting off your hand weren’t just hyperbole (exaggeration). No, Jesus was setting an impossible standard to drive us to one conclusion: We need grace, not rule-keeping. Click to watch this message and discover why Jesus’ impossible demands are the ultimate setup for His incredible gift of grace. Discussion Questions: 1. Why does Jesus emphasize that not one command in the Law can be ignored? What does this mean for those who single out the Ten Commandments today? 2. React to this statement: Anger equals murder. Looking with lust equals adultery. Why would Jesus teach these things? 3. How do verses 23-24 further solidify that His audience is the Jews under the Law? 4. React to this statement: Tear out your eye. Cut off your hand. What would you say to those who claim that Jesus is just using hyperbole (exaggerating)? How does that argument hold up when reading the rest of the passage? 5. How can understanding the true context of this sermon help us avoid the pitfall of condemnation that some feel about having been divorced? 6. React to this statement: Always keep your word. Let people physically harm you. Give to whomever asks and let anyone borrow from you. How should we approach this passage? By watering it down or putting it in covenantal context? Why? 7. How does verse 48 sum up everything and bring despair and then relief to those who truly understand the Gospel?

Was the sin of Adam and Eve passed down to everyone? What can we say to Muslims who emphasize that Ishmael was born before Isaac? How do the Jews obey the Law if they are not offering sacrifices any longer? Why didn’t Jesus appear to more people after His resurrection? Plenty of people could say “Jesus is Lord” and not really have the Holy Spirit, so how does 1 Corinthians 12:3 make sense? What if we enjoy sin? Does that mean we’re not saved? Do we need to do anything to maintain our salvation? Why do some people teach there is a second blessing and that we’re not saved without the gift of tongues?

Why is my church teaching that it’s wrong to play musical instruments during the service? Where do they see that in the Bible? Why does Jesus reject people in Matthew 7 for their “lawlessness” if we are not under the Law? Is there a gift of wisdom and knowledge? If so, what does that look like? And what about tongues and the interpretation of tongues?

I have no desire to go to church lately, and I wonder if I might be going to Hell. Are there new apostles today? Have the spiritual gifts gone away now? What is “testing the spirits” or discernment of spirits? Is it about spiritual warfare and demons?

What is Luke 6:38 really saying about giving and receiving from God? How can we respond to the Eastern Orthodox Church who claims to be the one and only original church today? What is freedom in Christ? What kind of “freedom” are we really talking about? Romans 14 tells us not to judge other people and references the final judgment. What is the reasoning there?

I’ve seen people give away money online to others, and I wonder if I should do the same. Is that what Paul meant about a cheerful giver? I’ve lost my two sons, and now I’m afraid I may lose my daughter to drug abuse. What should I do? I’m starting to see how I can best help those who are saved but confused! I’m wanting to encourage a man who was once in prison for sexual sin, yet I’m repulsed by what he did. How can I get over that and truly minister to him?

What does “store up treasures in heaven” really mean? Yesterday looks, I got baptized in the Spirit and then they came to my house to pray over it and anoint me with oil. I’m wondering where to go from here. Why does Luke 9 say if you “look back“ you’re not fit for the kingdom?

Ever feel like you’re constantly being told you’re a mess in need of major “fixing”? Well, buckle up, because in this message, we’re going to flip that script! In 2 John, we uncover the truth about you and your spiritual growth. No more chasing after elusive perfection or feeling like you’re constantly under construction. No, your growth isn’t about a never-ending self-improvement project; it’s about embracing your completeness in Christ and walking that way. Ready to ditch that mountain of guilt and live in the freedom of God’s truth about you? Watch now and see yourself in a whole new light! Discussion Questions for 2 John: 1. Read verses 1-2. Where is the truth? For how long? How does this help us better understand 1 John 1:8-10 and whom it is really addressed to? 2. Read verse 3. What does it mean to you to have these from the Father and Jesus? 3. Read verses 4-6. What is this commandment? How is it different from Old Testament law? 4. Read verse 7. How does this help us understand the true meaning of “antichrist”? (Hint: Remember what we also saw in 1 John.) 5. Read verse 8. What is the “full reward” here? Something now or in the future? 6. Read verses 9-11. What does it mean to go “too far” in this context? How should we treat those who want to convince us Jesus is not who He says He is?

What can you do when you have recurring doubts about your salvation? Should I get baptized again now that I’m a believer? What should you look for in a church? Should anyone be allowed to partake of communion? How can we know Christ really even existed? How does sanctification factor in?