The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

I struggle with obsessive thoughts about hating God. Does this mean I am in danger? Your message about not having fear really freed me. Thank you! How does the renewing of the mind really happen? What is a reprobate mind? Can a Christian have one? Hebrews is an awesome summary of the new covenant. What can you say about it? What should I look for in a church?

Remember what happened when your ancestors rejected God’s message? They wandered in the desert for forty years. Now, God has a new message for you, so don’t neglect it or you’ll find yourself in a spiritual wilderness.

Hebrews 3 offers a stern warning concerning the importance of belief in the Gospel. The author tells his readers to make sure they don’t have an evil, unbelieving heart.

Realizing this passage was written to address unbelievers is so important! This offers context when we get to those potentially frightening passages about continuing in sin (unbelief!) in Hebrews 6 and 10.

In this message, you’ll gain the clarity you’re looking for and begin to realize there’s no cause for fear when you’re “reading someone else’s mail.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Why does the author bother to say that Jesus is greater than Moses?

2. What does it mean to enter God’s rest? Have you?

3. What was the main reason the Israelites did not enter the Promised Land? How does this relate to God’s message today?

4. How do we know the author is speaking of unbelievers in verse 12?

5. What are the “synonyms” in verses 17-19? Why are they so important to recognize?

6. Consider the stern warnings that come up later in Hebrews 6 and 10. How does chapter 3 help give them context?

When does concern become fear? Is it okay for believers to possess firearms for self defense? What does it really mean to walk by the Spirit? Should we really base our self-worth on God's "opinion" of us? Are we free to participate in any of the events surrounding Halloween? Why or why not?

Did Jesus actually claim to be God or not? Does God still love people in Hell? If we could lose our salvation, then wouldn't God have to resurrect our old self? If someone calls upon the Lord with their last breath, can they still be saved?

Does 1 Corinthians 3 lend support to a rewards-in-heaven theology? Does Abraham’s gift to Melchizedek mean we should tithe today? Does Hebrews 6 warn a believer about losing their salvation?

Who are the thieves (plural) that "steal, kill, and destroy" in John 10? What is antinomianism? Is the idea of "hypergrace" in the Bible? What is licentiousness? My church teaches Calvinism. Should I go elsewhere?

What does the Bible say about cremation? How would it work with our resurrected bodies? Why did Jesus say, "I did not come to abolish the Law"? Our church believes we have to give to receive from God. Is that biblical? Why was the high priest the only one allowed to enter the Holy of Holies?

How do I overcome fornication with my ex-husband? I'm frustrated that freedom in Christ is not taught everywhere! How is the Gospel not fear-based or performance-driven? Do you think Peter killed Ananias and Sapphira? How do I find a body of believers that will accept me as a forgiven person? I struggle every day with the evil in the world. What can I do?

“You need to pay attention to this Gospel and not let your focus drift away toward dead religion!”

This is the warning in Hebrews 2. Think about it: Their forefathers failed to listen to Moses, and remember what happened to those lawbreakers. Ouch! How much more important is it now to respond to the message of Jesus as Messiah and not neglect salvation!

Jesus did a great work on that cross, satisfying God forever, and now everyone is offered the opportunity to look to Him. He will make you holy and call you family. And He will even help you through temptation when things get rough. All the while, He treats you with dignity and respect, knowing that you are a gift from the Father to Him.

Wow! So much to reflect on in Hebrews 2. Enjoy!

Discussion Questions:

1. What is the true purpose of signs and wonders? How can this purpose be distorted by some?

2. React to this statement: Jesus tasted death so you wouldn’t have to.

3. What does “sanctified” really mean? What does it mean to you to already be sanctified? Why do you think so many get this wrong?

4. Have you ever thought about yourself as a gift from God to Jesus? Why or why not?

5. React to this statement: God is fully satisfied with the sacrifice of Jesus, so you can be too.

6. How does Jesus being tempted in every way make you feel about trusting Him today?

Did believers in the Old Testament have the Spirit within them? What is the abomination of desolation? Does Scripture support the rapture? Are tattoos permissible for a Christian? Should we anticipate rejection, even from family members, because of the Gospel?