The Grace Message

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?

Do you have idols in your heart? Where do struggles with sin really come from? Are you good or bad? Is total forgiveness a license to sin? Is God breaking you? Do you need to worry about having more faith? What is the bare minimum required to be saved?

Will you still remember everything in Heaven? If so, how will there be no sorrow there? Are we humans a little lower than God? Is it okay for the New Testament to tweak Old Testament quotes? My pastor said he had the authority to hand me over to Satan. This has concerned me for months! If water baptism doesn't save, why do it?

Here’s the final installment in our Romans series in which Paul says goodbye to friends and shares some deep and meaningful truths along the way. Here, you’ll learn about… • false teachings • women in church • more on predestination! • the “obedience of faith” I hope you enjoy this message as our series in Romans reaches its dramatic finale! Discussion Questions for Romans 15:22-16:27: 1. What are some of the key truths in the book of Romans that mean the most to you? Why? 2. How does Romans 15:22-27 show Paul’s commitment to spreading the message and the unity and generosity of the churches at that time? 3. What do you think Paul means by “the fullness of the blessing of Christ” (v. 29)? 4. This chapter offers several pieces of evidence that women were very active in the early church. What are they? 5. How does Romans 2:7 respond to the false teaching that everyone (the whole world) is in Christ? 6. Read verses 17-19. What sort of deceivers does Paul seem to be concerned about here? 7. As Paul closes out the letter (verses 25-27), how does he once again allude to the true meaning of predestination (the gospel going out to the Gentiles)? 8. What is the “obedience of faith” (verse 26)? In your own words, explain.

What is the doctrine of election? How much does your education affect your study of the Bible? How do we really put on the armor of God? Does Acts 13:48 support individual selection of some to be saved? What should we think about near-death experiences? What does "God swore by Himself" really mean? How do we get closer to God? If we have the mind of Christ, why do we need our minds renewed?

Why is someone who is born of the Spirit like the wind (John 3)? Why did Jesus clarify that food and drink don’t defile a person (Matthew 15)? Hebrews 10 speaks of the blood of Jesus that “sanctified” a person, so doesn’t that mean a Christian is being warned of punishment? I have been abused and even raped. I wonder what life would’ve been like if things were different. How can I know and trust God’s plan?