The Grace Message

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?

How can I overcome sexual temptation and have a healthy marriage? My wife and I have had many disputes, some ending in verbal and physical abuse. We are now living separately and need counseling. I’m struggling with how to respond when she seems embittered toward me. Can you help?

My dad passed away last Fall and was not a believer. I get very depressed about where he might be. Can you help? Can a genuine believer fall into habitual sin? I grew up in a very legalistic environment, and I think that just made me want to sin more.

Why do you say there are two kinds of sanctification? Is it possible to be saved and be radically confused about the Law? Are pastors the only ones who can have the gift of healing? Are the gifts of the Spirit still around today? Why does Solomon say there’s nothing new under the sun in Ecclesiastes?

What does Deuteronomy 30 say the Law is “not too difficult”? Can you explain the two kinds of sanctification? Did Adam and Eve realize the full effects of what they had done? Is self-improvement really a sin?

I need some encouragement because of my recent failures. Can you help me? How can I get my prayer language? How can I get a second baptism by fire? I seem to get stuck in self-analysis and it distracts me from Jesus. Can you speak to that?

As we wrap up our series, “Forever in His Presence,” this grand-finale message underscores a powerful truth: We are safe and secure in Jesus and can have total confidence with God. Imagine a loving husband and his bride. Does he want her to be afraid? Walking on eggshells? Wondering if divorce is looming? Of course not! Just as a husband desires his bride to feel secure and cherished, so too Jesus wants His bride (the church) to feel secure – always. Pastors, teachers, leaders, and fellow believers of all kinds should always be ready to encourage others in the truth of their security in Christ, not to scare them. Otherwise, we end up assisting in the work of the Accuser rather than the work of God! Throughout our journey through 1 John, we’ve uncovered the depth of our total forgiveness, our righteousness in Christ, and our perfect safety in Him. We’ve even explored the profound truth of the assurance we can have at the final judgment. Now, don’t miss this chance to fully embrace God’s desire for you to know your rock-solid safety and stability in Him. Join us for this powerful and encouraging finale, and let’s celebrate together the profound security we have in Jesus Christ. Discussion Questions: 1. What did you learn in this series about your forgiveness? 2. What did you learn about your compatibility with Christ? 3. What about your righteousness? Be specific. 4. How are the new commandments on your heart different from the Law? 5. How do you feel about the final judgment? Why? 6. Recall the husband-wife analogy. How does a husband want his wife to feel? How does Christ want you to feel?

Where is the garden of Eden today? Why did Jesus say “no one is good except God”? My husband died, and I can’t seem to spend time with my son now. How was Scripture canonized? Why were certain books left out? I struggle with fear over my physical health and wonder what I can do. Do we get saved and then receive the Holy Spirit later?