News Flash! – Part 5 - The Grace Message

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News Flash! – Part 5

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October 23, 2022

Make every effort to enter God’s rest? Try to rest? Sounds like a bit of a paradox to me! So, what is this Hebrews 4 invitation really about?

Growing up, I believed Hebrews 4 was an invitation to believers to try to reach a second level or second tier of Christian experience – a higher plane of spiritual rest and victory. But believing that set me on a path toward chasing a superior experience that was always elusive.

So, what does it really mean to enter God’s rest? In this message, you’ll discover the liberating truth that you’ve already entered it. You’ll also be introduced to a High Priest that is sympathetic toward your weaknesses and isn’t trying to get you to be someone different.

Realizing this matters, so be encouraged and enjoy this message!

Discussion Questions:

1. What is “God’s rest” and how does a person come short of it?
2. How is the seventh day used as an analogy for us today?
3. Explain the paradox of asking them to be diligent (or make every effort) to rest.
4. How have you seen Jesus sympathize with your weaknesses?
5. According to verse 16, what can we feel about talking with God? What can we always expect from Him?

News Flash! – Part 1

September 25, 2022

Two covenants. Two priesthoods. Two ways to relate to God. Hebrews is a book of powerful contrasts, and I’m so excited to begin this series with you. If you’ve never studied Hebrews before (or if it’s been a while!), this is a great way to start. It’s a quick overview of the entire letter right here in a single message. I’ve never done it this way before, but so many have reported it helped them understand Hebrews better than ever. Here, you’ll discover the radical difference between law and grace, the stark contrast between partial and total forgiveness, and even receive an exciting invitation from God to go “outside the gate” of religion to be with Jesus. Discussion Questions: 1. Hebrews is a book of comparisons. What are some of the comparisons you remember Andrew discussing? 2. What does it mean to enter God’s rest? 3. Why does understanding the background and audience matter so much for interpreting the warnings in Hebrews? 4. What are the two types of forgiveness contrasted in the letter? 5. Who’s your favorite Old Testament person? What do you enjoy that is better than what they had? 6. Why does the author of Hebrews use the analogy of going “outside the gate”?

News Flash! – Part 2

October 2, 2022

God used to speak in a variety of ways in the Old Testament, but now He has spoken to us strongly and clearly through His Son. So, if you’ve ever wondered what God feels about you, look to Jesus – His death, His resurrection, and His place at the right hand of God. He has fully dealt with your sins, and He loves you! In this message on Hebrews 1, you’ll learn why Jesus is announced as greater than the angels and what this means for your newfound freedom in Christ. Discussion Questions: 1. What were some of the ways God used to speak before? 2. How specifically has God spoken in a new way? And what has He said? 3. How do some see Jesus and God differently? How does verse three speak to this problem? 4. What does Jesus being seated mean here? How do we sometimes act like He is not? 5. Why does the author argue so strongly that Jesus is greater than the angels? 6. How does Jesus being the Creator factor in to trusting Him?

News Flash! – Part 3

October 9, 2022

“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?