The Grace Message

Is it correct to say that God “uses” us? Are there apostles today? What do you teach about election and free will? How were people saved in the Old Testament? What happens to your old human spirit when you’re saved?

Where does the New Testament say our sins are taken away forever? Does Romans 7 mean that Christians are doomed to be dominated by sin? How can I more effectively share the message of God’s grace with people of all backgrounds? How do the dead in Christ rise first if we are already with God when we die? How can our body be holy and acceptable yet need to be replaced in Heaven?

What happened to the five virgins in Matthew 25 who had no oil? What is your take on election and free will? I’m possibly wanting to leave the church I’ve been attending a short while and return to the one I was at before. What do I need to tell the pastor?

Why does Paul tell the Galatians they’ve been redeemed from the Law if Gentiles are not under the Law to begin with? Do I need to seek restitution with others to be forgiven by God? I was divorced, and I’m now remarried. I’ve heard that I’m living in a perpetual state of adultery? Is this true?

I invite you to join in on an enlightening message centered around the thought-provoking themes in Romans 13. This sermon explores its relevance to our lives and society at large. As we dive into Romans 13, we’ll embark on a journey to understand the role of government and its impact on our perspectives. This exploration raises important questions: How does the passage shape our view of government? What does it mean to obey governing authorities while remaining faithful to our commitment to God? We’ll discover how our hope lies not in government, but in the unwavering grace of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, we’ll reflect on the concept of government as “a minister of God, an avenger.” This truth unveils the significance of societal order and prompts us to consider the implications of a world without government. We’ll also explore how obedience to governmental authorities does not equate to passivity, but rather encourages us to express our voices and engage with our communities actively. Join me as we unravel the depths of Romans 13 and uncover how love encompasses God’s desires for us. Together, we’ll gain a clearer understanding of the New Testament’s perspective on “light” and “darkness,” drawing motivation to live out the instructions found in this chapter. Access this sermon on Romans 13 and embark on this meaningful exploration with me. Discussion Questions for Romans 13: 1. Make a short list of the ways Paul describes governmental authorities in the first several verses. How does this passage impact your view of government? 2. React to this statement: Obey governing authorities unless they ask you to disobey God. 3. React to this statement: Jesus, Paul, and the other apostles didn’t seek to change the governments of their day. Our hope is never in government but in Jesus Christ. 4. Government is shown to be “a minister of God, an avenger.” How do you react to this truth? (Hint: Consider a world with no government!) 5. React to this statement: Obeying governmental authorities doesn’t mean going passive or failing to express your voice. 6. How does love sum up everything God wants for us? 7. How does a New Testament understanding of what “light” and “darkness” mean help us with motivation to carry out the instruction in verse 12? 8. You already have Christ living in you, so what does “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” mean? Explain in your own words. 9. Read verse 14. Whom do the lusts belong to? How does referring to the flesh as an “it” help separate it from your identity?

What is grace? Can women be church leaders? If I’m divorced and then remarry, is that adultery? Is marriage important strictly in the eyes of God? Or do governmental regulations matter too?

Can you share the profound insights that Hebrews 7 has to offer? Why don’t the apostles write about casting out demons in their letters? Why did some people in the Book of Acts only know about John the Baptist’s message?

Can the gift of tongues be taught or imitated? Who is Jesus talking to in Matthew 18 about a millstone being put around their neck? Who are those who overcome in Revelation 2?

Whom is the book of James written to? How does this impact our understanding of chapter 2? What is the “royal law”? Why does God say to come out and be separate and He will receive us? Is this a performance-based acceptance?

Why didn’t people recognize Jesus after His resurrection? What are the “seven spirits of God” in Revelation? Can you explain the sheep and goats and final judgment in Matthew 25?