The Grace Message

Did Jesus only fulfill a portion of the Law? Is Hebrews 8:13 only referring to the sacrificial laws? What kind of repentance did the Jews (and Gentiles) need in Acts 2:38? My wife and I divorced a year ago, and I now wonder what God thinks and if I’m free to remarry. How does the Gospel speak into my situation?

Why was there polygamy in the Old Testament? Does it mean God is okay with it? Does morality change over time? Why did Jesus tell John the Baptist they were fulfilling all righteousness? What Bible version should I read?

Is every sin really willful? What about mistakes we make? I’ve heard your messages on a healthy marriage, and I agree and have implemented those truths. But I feel like I’m missing something that will make my marriage richer and deeper. At the same time, I’m afraid of losing my marriage. What can I do? Why are there so many conflicting passages on water baptism? Is it really needed for salvation?

How can I share the new covenant message of God’s grace with Catholics? With Protestants? With anyone? *previously aired

Can we be saved but still lack the Holy Spirit? Is there a second blessing? Doesn't 1 John 1:9 mean we confess to God for relational forgiveness? I used to experience so much peace and joy with God, but lately I'm not feeling any of it. What can I do?

In this first message of our new series on 1 John, “Forever in His Presence,” we explore how “experiencing the presence of God” has often been miscommunicated in the church, missing the incredible truth of our constant union with Christ. We also address common misunderstandings about “fellowship” with God. Many think our fellowship with God can be lost or broken, especially when we sin. But we’ll discuss what really happens with the Holy Spirit when we stumble and what remains unchanged. Plus, you’ll discover that 1 John 1:9 was written – not as a “bar of soap” for daily forgiveness – but to those denying their sinfulness. (And, yes, this means we as believers already have complete forgiveness and cleansing of all unrighteousness!). Join us and get encouraged by the profound truths of our unbreakable fellowship with God! Discussion Questions: 1. How has “experiencing the presence of God” been communicated popularly in the church today? How does this perspective fall short of the amazing truth? 2. How has the concept of “fellowship” been misunderstood in the Christian world today? What is the truth about our fellowship with God? 3. What about when we sin? What happens with the Holy Spirit? What does not happen with Him? (Be specific on the consequences of sin and what we retain.) 4. What heresies is John combating in his first chapter? Why is this so important to understand? 5. How do verses 8 and 10 shed light on who needs the solution of verse 9? Explain. 6. React to this statement: 1 John 1:9 was written to sin deniers, and we believers already have forgiveness and cleansing of all unrighteousness, forever!

Is the new covenant a “renewed” covenant? This ministry saved my life! Why does Hebrews 12 talk about God’s discipline in connection with holiness? What are your thoughts about church based on gender, race, etc.?  What about couples who live together? Do we need to confess every sin to be forgiven by God?

How do I know if I have God’s favor? I want to walk in righteousness and do His will and be successful. What’s the best way? Are there two kinds of forgiveness? My pastor told me there’s judicial forgiveness and patriarchal (or relational) forgiveness. Where is that idea coming from? Is it true? And what about the Lord’s Prayer where Jesus says to ask for forgiveness?

What is a healthy view of fasting? Won’t I lose my salvation if I receive the mark of the beast? Won’t I lose my salvation if I deny Jesus at gunpoint? I’m feeling pressure from others to get water baptized, and I wonder if I should. What are your thoughts? I struggle with so much immaturity in terms of my emotions. I wonder what to do!

What does 1 John 3 really mean about a believer not practicing sin? Does John 20 mean humans can determine who is forgiven by God? Why does Jesus say there’s a reward for giving a cup of water if we all get the same reward? Why was I slain in the Spirit when I went up front in church?