The Grace Message

What is Lordship salvation? Why do so many people lack assurance with God? Did the Queen of Sheba and Solomon have a baby together? My Bible study teacher said it’s wrong to pray for both the people of Israel and the Palestinians (casualties, children, famine, etc.). Is that really true?

1 John makes clear distinctions between love and hate, light and darkness, care and murder. These contrasts are obvious and meant to show believers they have a new practice now. This doesn’t mean we perform perfectly, but now there’s a new tendency – a new trend in our lives since we are born of God. John also mentions “commandments” but he doesn’t mean Moses! No, he’s not talking about following the Law. He’s describing the marks of a true believer – faith in Jesus and a natural love for God’s people. Watch now to break free from a performance mentality and embrace your new-hearted identity in Jesus! Discussion Questions: 1. Read verses 10-12. How do the words “obvious”, “love”, and “hate” make John’s point clear? 2. Read verses 13-15. How does John continue to drive the “obvious” contrast home for us in these verses? 3. Read verses 16-18. How is Jesus the example? Example of what? 4. Read verses 19-22. Why is this not a “name it, claim it” passage? What is John’s meaning instead? 5. Read verses 23-24. What two commandments is John referring to? Why is it important to define “commandments” in this context? How are these the natural mark of every believer? 6. React to this statement: A majority of this entire passage is descriptive, not prescriptive. Now, how does this statement keep us from a performance mentality and help us to identify ourselves as new-hearted believers? (Note: Verses 16 and 18 are indeed prescriptive.)

Who was righteous in Jesus’ day? How can I develop a deeper relationship with the Lord? Does God still punish believers? I’ve prayed and been anointed but am still not healed. Am I doing something wrong? *Previously aired

What should we do when a popular pastor fails us? Will we be sinless in Heaven? My friend and I debate about the Sabbath. Are Christians obligated to keep it? Doesn’t the Holy Spirit help us keep the Ten Commandments? *previously aired

What should we do when a popular pastor fails us? Will we be sinless in Heaven? My friend and I debate about the Sabbath. Are Christians obligated to keep it? Doesn’t the Holy Spirit help us keep the Ten Commandments?

How should we interpret near-death experiences where they go to Heaven or Hell and come back? Why did a woman need to prophesy with her head covered in 1 Corinthians 11? I had a friend terminate our relationship because of my view on law and grace. Can a person be saved yet confused on that?

I have an ongoing struggle with pornography. How do I overcome it? I have been giving God the glory when my business goes well. Is there a better perspective, especially for when things don’t go well?

Why does Paul talk about the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds? Is the Earth flat? Why is Jesus called the “firstborn of all creation”? Does God withhold blessing if we don’t tithe?

The next message in our “Forever in His Presence” series explores what it means to have the Holy Spirit living inside of us, teaching us all things. John even says they don’t need anyone to teach them, because they have an intuitive knowing of truth about Jesus! You’ll also be challenged by the statement that you’re as righteous as Jesus Christ. Could that really be true? Check out this message packed with powerful truths that encourage you to see yourself as God sees you! Discussion Questions: 1. Verse 25 holds a promise for us related to the truthfulness of God. What is it? How does it relate to our security with God? 2. Verses 26-27 reveal that one purpose for John’s letter is to contrast believers and deceivers. How does this give us more fuel for understanding 1 John 1:9 and its surrounding verses? 3. Read verses 28 and 29 and react to this statement: I can have confidence upon Jesus’ return because I am born of God and as righteous as He is! 4. Read verses 1-3. What does the purification refer to? What’s the motivation for this purification? 5. Read verse 6. How are we to interpret this passage if Christians still fall into temptation and commit sins? 6. Read verse 7. React to this statement: I am as righteous as Jesus Christ. 7. Read verse 10. How does the word “obvious” play into our understanding of John’s contrast between righteousness and sin, light and darkness, believer and deceiver? Why is this word so important for those who get caught in morbid introspection of their performance?

How should we approach unbelievers in our circle? Do we have two parts or three parts? Does our spirit sin? Does Hebrews 9 say that God plans our time of death? What happens to those who reject the gospel? What are some key verses that remind us of our identity in Christ?