Why does John 14 say we will do greater things than Jesus? What exactly do you believe about James 2? My son died by suicide, and I wonder where he is now. Is he still waiting to be with Jesus? Does Mark 16 mean that water baptism is required for salvation?

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

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?

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 your next sin already forgiven? Is all of Israel going to be saved? Will I recognize my wife in Heaven? I’m afraid of backsliding. Any advice? Do Christians sometimes break fellowship with God? What does it mean that Jesus rose from the dead?

Are we progressively getting closer to God? Do we have to be baptized to go to Heaven? Did Jesus appear in the Old Testament? From a grace perspective, what is the value of a quiet time?

Do we still need to deny ourselves? Who has a reprobate mind? Do we go to be with God immediately upon death or do we have to wait? Did Adam and Eve actually see God? What was it like for them?

How did some people believe Phillip’s message but not receive the Spirit yet in Acts 8? What ammunition do those who believe you can lose your salvation have? Are we walking a fine line in being saved?

Are we immediately with Jesus after we die? When do you forgive and when do you confront someone who hurt you? Why does it seem like there’s a contradiction between Romans and James about when Abraham was justified? I am experiencing anxiety and poor physical health. Can you help me?

What does it mean to walk by the Spirit? Which person of the Trinity should I pray to? Do we need to ask for the Holy Spirit to be saved? What happens when we die? Do we see Jesus right away or are we asleep? Can women speak in church or must they always remain silent? What is a grace-based approach to "witnessing"? How do we practically "offer our bodies to God" (Romans 12:1)? I was baptized and raised as a Catholic, but now I feel no comfort, only anxiety, in the Catholic church. What should I do?