A Word of Grace

We are called to move forward by faith, not fear. God has already given us the land—His promises and His rest—and invites us to enter in through trust, surrender, and submission of our will. Fear is the spirit that opposes love, but perfect love casts it out.

Key Scriptures (mentioned or read)

Deuteronomy 1 Proverbs 29:25 Ezekiel 28 Isaiah 6 1 John 4:18 2 Timothy 1:7 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 Ephesians 6:12 Romans 7 Matthew 6:24 Philippia...

This discussion focused on the believer’s secure position in Christ and the joy that flows from understanding God’s finished work. We reflected on reconciliation and justification as complete realities—not goals to reach but gifts already received. Through Romans 5 and John 10, we explored what it means to “enter in” through the Door, where Christ Himself keeps us. Once we enter by faith, we do not leave His presence—wherever we go...

God calls us to move from fear to faith. Perfect love casts out fear and leads us to “enter in” to His promises today—not someday.

Key Scriptures (quick notes)

• Deuteronomy 1:6–8 — Break camp; go take possession
• Deuteronomy 1:17–18 — Do not fear people; judgment is God’s
• Numbers 13–14 — Giants vs. faith; Joshua and Caleb believe
• Proverbs 29:25 — Fear of man is a snare
• 1 John 4:18 — Perfect love casts out fear
• 2 Timothy 1:7 — God did no...

October 28, 2025

We prayed together and sat with the David–Goliath account as a living picture of spiritual warfare. We noted how “Saul’s armor” symbolizes the flesh and false teaching that never fits us, while God quietly prepares us in hidden places to trust Him. With the “sling” of faith and the “stone” of truth, we run toward loud enemies—fear, doubt, accusation—resting in Christ’s sufficiency. We affirmed that our Shepherd corr...

October 26, 2025

Our message centered on John 10, where we explored Christ as the ultimate Shepherd. We reflected on His sufficiency, His intimate love for every believer, and His authority over all earthly leaders. The conversation emphasized that while God uses faithful pastors and teachers to guide us, it is Christ alone who calls each of His sheep by name and leads them into rest and safety.

We also examined the nature of true bi...

October 24, 2025

We began by acknowledging Barbara’s absence due to illness and reflected on the call to walk by faith rather than sight. The discussion centered on inward renewal—the truth that, though the outward person may weaken, the inner life in Christ grows stronger daily. We shared encouragement from 2 Corinthians 4:16, emphasizing how God’s unseen work sustains us beyond physical or emotional struggles.

Our conversation deep...

October 23, 2025

We began by reflecting on the meaning behind a name—Stephen Paul Hensley—and its connection to early Christian figures: Stephen, the first martyr, and Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. This opened a conversation about divine identity, purpose, and how God’s timing shapes our journeys.

We shared gratitude for spiritual breakthroughs and the ways God turns painful experiences and even false teachings into growth and m...

October 22, 2025

We reflected deeply on John chapter 8, focusing on Jesus’ divine authority, His interaction with the woman caught in adultery, and His declaration as the light of the world. The discussion centered on how Jesus revealed His identity gradually and how the Pharisees’ rejection reflected hardened hearts despite their knowledge of His divine origin.

We explored the believer’s authority in Christ, emphasizing that true au...

October 22, 2025

Faith, Purity, and Prophecy: Trusting God’s Guidance Through Daniel’s Example

We reflected on gratitude, healing, and purity through the life of Daniel, exploring how faith and reliance on God triumph over worldly powers and deception. The discussion began with prayer for healing and thanksgiving, followed by an in-depth look at Daniel’s steadfastness as a young captive who remained pure and faithful amidst Babylon’s...

October 19, 2025

We gathered to reflect on the importance of knowing our identity in Christ and recognizing the enemy’s subtle attempts to separate us from it. The discussion emphasized that believers stand secure—without condemnation—in the presence of God, and that understanding this truth leads to peace, confidence, and transformation.

We explored how divine truth removes guilt and reveals the depth of God’s love, empowering us t...

October 16, 2025

We explored the nature of a believer’s conscience and guilt, diving deeply into the difference between positional truth and experiential reality. The discussion focused on how sin, sanctification, and the transformation of the soul relate to faith, dependence on God, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

We examined how guilt originates in the flesh rather than in the believer’s new nature, and how God uses conviction—not...

Faith Under Fire: God’s Presence and Love in the Book of Daniel

We reflected on the purity and power of God’s Word and how His unfailing love transforms our hearts. The meeting explored Daniel’s faith during trials, emphasizing God’s presence, protection, and sovereignty amid the fall of earthly powers. We discussed how love—central to God’s grace—must guide all teaching and correction, as knowledge without love profits nothing.

Thro...

We gathered to reflect on spiritual growth and sanctification, focusing on what it means to live in love rather than in the flesh. The discussion centered on the believer’s new nature in Christ, the protection found in God’s love, and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding transformation.

We explored how false doctrine and self-dependence can defile the conscience, contrasting that with the purity and peace that come from submitting...

We reflected on the journey of spiritual growth and the importance of humility in receiving God’s grace. The discussion centered on how trials, challenges, and moments of weakness serve as divine tools for refining faith and deepening our intimacy with God.

We talked about God’s anticipatory love—a love that sees and prepares for our needs before we even recognize them. Through faith trials and brokenness, God draws us closer to sub...

We studied the story of Daniel, focusing on how true wisdom comes from God, not human understanding. We reflected on Daniel’s humility and faith as he sought God’s guidance before revealing Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, showing that prayer and dependence on God are the foundation for spiritual strength.

The discussion centered on the contrast between human wisdom and divine revelation—how the world’s logic fails where God’s power prevails...

We reflected on the tension between sin and righteousness, discussing how believers are called to live in the Spirit rather than in the flesh. The discussion explored facing God through prayer, humility, and submission, and how this produces lasting transformation.

We emphasized that sin is a choice and that every decision reveals whether we are submitting to the flesh or to Christ. Idol worship was described as arising from a lack ...

Finding strength, purpose, and intimacy with God through rest, prayer, and dependence on His perfect provision.

We reflected on what it means to wait with expectation for God’s provision and strength, learning that in moments of weakness, His grace and love sustain us. Through prayer and discussion, we explored how trust and love overcome doubt and fear, recognizing Christ as the ultimate answer to every need.

Our conversation center...

Exploring Romans 6 and the call to walk in the newness of life through Christ’s resurrection.

We studied Romans 6:1–15, reflecting on the question, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” and the clear biblical answer—God forbid. We discussed how believers are called not to live under the dominion of sin but to walk in the newness of life made possible through Christ’s death and resurrection. We emphasized the importance o...

Learning to rest in His timing, receive His Word, and walk in the healing power of truth.

We opened with prayer and reflection, thanking God for His faithfulness and the power of the previous message. We took time to express gratitude for His healing and spiritual renewal, acknowledging the freedom and restoration His Word brings. As we reflected on trusting God, we recognized how difficult it can be to recall past messages in the m...