North Charlottesville church of Christ

Meeting Purpose

To discuss and answer common Bible questions, focusing on understanding God's law, grace, and generational impacts of sin.

Key Takeaways

• Being "under grace" doesn't negate God's moral standards; it changes how we approach righteousness

• All Scripture is valuable for study, not just "salvation issues"

• Parents' attitudes/behaviors toward God can significantly impact future generations

• Bitterness and scoffing at God's ways can lead to spiritual blindness across generations

Topics

Understanding "Not Under Law, But Under Grace"

• Phrase often misused to claim no standards apply to Christians

• Actually means we're not saved by perfect law-keeping, but by faith and grace

• Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness (Titus 2:11-14)

• Still under "law of Christ" (1 Cor 9:21, Gal 6:2)

• Romans 6 context: grace doesn't permit sinning

Addressing "Salvation Issues" Only

• Some use this to avoid studying certain topics

• All Scripture is profitable (2 Tim 3:16-17)

• Even non-sin issues can become sin if violating conscience (Rom 14:23)

• Collective church practices warrant careful study

Generational Impacts of Sin (Exodus 34:7)

• Not direct punishment, but natural consequences of attitudes/behaviors

• Can instill faith or hatred of God in children

• Examples: Israel's generational scorning, alcoholic family patterns

• Children not guilty of parents' sins (Ezekiel 18:20)

• Our daily attitudes crucial in shaping next generation

Dangers of Bitterness and Scoffing

• Can lead to justifying sin, rejecting God's ways

• Root of bitterness defiles many (Hebrews 12:15)

• Deuteronomy 29:18-19 warns of self-deception through bitterness

• Real-life example shared of couple influenced by critical attitudes

Next Steps

• Continue discussion in Part 2 next week

• Gather feedback on potential new study series topics:

  • Religious beliefs

  • Fellowship

  • Local church