The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

What does it mean to deny yourself? To take up your cross? Why did Jesus say these things? And what do people mean when they say “we have a cross to bear”? In Luke 8, Jesus casts out demons from a man. Does that mean he was automatically saved later at Pentecost? Why or why not?

I know God allows painful things to happen to us, but what is He thinking and feeling about us in those moments? God has given me so many opportunities to express love and grace to others and to pray for them. I’m so thankful! I’m a survivor of sexual abuse, and I wonder about forgiving those who were involved. How can I? Were there people created before Adam and Eve? People tell me I’m not a real Christian, because I have separated myself from family members that were abusive. Are they right about me?

Are You Living by Rules or by the Spirit? Discussion Questions: Read 2 Corinthians 2:14-16. Paul says we are the aroma of Christ. How do people “smell” Christ through us—maybe without use even saying a word? Read 2 Corinthians 3:4-6. Where do you personally feel inadequate, and how might seeing your adequacy in God shift that? Read 2 Corinthians 3:7-9. Why do you think Paul calls the Ten Commandments “the ministry of death”? How does that challenge common assumptions about the law? Read 2 Corinthians 3:10-11. The new covenant is described as “more glorious.” What makes it more glorious than the old covenant? Read 2 Corinthians 3:12-15. The veil is removed in Christ. What veil do people still wear today when approaching God, and how does Christ remove it? Read 2 Corinthians 3:17. What kind of liberty or freedom does the Holy Spirit inspire in us? Read 2 Corinthians 3:18. How does seeing Christ IN you (“as in a mirror”) change the way you view growing in God’s grace?

Is too much grace dangerous? Should we only forgive others if they ask? Is that how God treats us? Do we have to confess every single sin to be forgiven by him? What about 1 John 1:9? And what should we do and when we sin?

My pastor told me that 70% of church members will be left behind at the rapture because of their ungodly living. Could this be true? I keep repenting and asking forgiveness for telling funny stories and cutting up. I can’t seem to stop, and I wonder why I’m in this cycle. Can you help? An elder at my church said I need to focus on my recent sins at the Lord’s Supper. He quoted from 1 Corinthians 11 about eating and drinking in an unworthy manner. What does that mean?

Be strong in the Lord? What does that mean? And doesn't Paul say to glory in our weaknesses? Help me understand! Does the Holy Spirit get us and take us with Him at our last breath? How does it all work? Our church is always talking about miracles. Do they still happen today? What about the idea of guaranteed physical healing through the cross?

What is the truth about tithing? Does it bring prosperity? What about the tithing challenge with money-back guarantee? In John 6, why does Jesus say that His words are spirit? So in the millennial reign, do we really come back in resurrected form and hang out with unbelievers who are getting a second chance for a thousand years?

I’m weaning off of some antidepressants, and it’s very challenging. Can you encourage me? What can you tell us about BibleQuestions.com and the programming behind it? What kind of repentance do we need in order to be saved? I’m ignoring a guy on a dating site, because I don’t think he’s right for me. Do I owe him an explanation?

What If God’s Role in Your Pain Isn’t What You Think? When life hits hard, most of us start asking, “Where’s God in all this?” If He’s really good, why the chaos? Why the heartbreak? Why does the struggle never seem to let up? Here’s the shocker: God never promised life without storms. He promised an anchor in the middle of them. Sometimes He stills the waves, but other times He steadies His child right there in the chaos. Either way, His love isn’t measured by circumstances but by Christ’s finished work. And no, He’s not the author of your pain. He’s the Comforter in it and the One who won’t leave you for a second—even in the darkest valleys. Don’t miss this kickoff message in our series, Fragrant Faith. Watch now and discover what it really means to know His power and His presence in times of distress. Discussion Questions: 2 Corinthians Read 2 Corinthians 1:3–4. Paul calls God “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” How does this picture of God challenge or affirm the way you’ve thought about Him in times of trouble? What difference does it make that He is not the author of the tragedy but the comfort in the midst of it? Read 2 Corinthians 1:5. Paul says, “Just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.” How does seeing suffering as something Christ also endured change how you interpret your own pain? Can you recall a time when His comfort felt “abundant” in your life? Read 2 Corinthians 1:8–9. Paul admits he was “burdened excessively, beyond our strength.” What does this teach us about the myth that “God will never give you more than you can handle”? How have you seen God teach you to lean more fully on Him? Read 2 Corinthians 2:6–8. Paul urges the church to forgive and comfort the repentant man. Why is it so important that the church embrace someone instead of letting them drown in excessive sorrow? How might this passage shape the way we respond to someone who has failed? Read 2 Corinthians 2:11. Paul warns, “so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.” What are some of Satan’s schemes when it comes to guilt, shame, and isolation? How does God’s comfort and the church’s forgiveness break those schemes? Read 2 Corinthians 2:14–15. Paul says God “always leads us in triumph in Christ” and makes us “a fragrance of Christ.” What do you think it means to be “the aroma of Christ” to God and to others? How in your life right now might God be diffusing His fragrance through you?

When is the rapture? What about the recent predictions concerning the return of Christ? Can you lose your salvation? My medical aid was murdered by her boyfriend. I’m asking: Why did God let this happen?

Is it okay to pray for more material blessings? Is it worldly to do that? What about spiritual blessings? My teenage son died several years ago around this time. I don’t know for sure about his salvation, and I worry every day about him, because I didn’t let him take communion and he was never baptized. What can I do now to find peace?

Who is the Holy Spirit to us? What role does He play in our lives? How do we share the gospel? Do we have to seal the deal? I hear a nagging voice that says you’re not doing enough. Is that God?

Does Jesus promise to save anyone who calls on Him? Three times, I’ve heard our pastor use foul language during the church service. What should I think? Do we repent from our sins to be saved? Or is that a works-based salvation without the faith component? Are you saying God doesn’t punish us for our sins? We never have to pay for them? What about consequences?

What are the defilements of flesh and spirit that Paul talks about? Can we be tarnished spiritually as believers? How can I stand up for the truth in my small group without creating division? Can a Christian be possessed by a demon? What is the ultimate solution to spiritual warfare?

How are we “present with the Lord” when we die yet “the dead in Christ will rise first”? How can we be seated at God‘s right hand if we are even closer than that by being united with Christ? Somebody told me we should be thankful for everything, including the Nazi regime. That can’t be right, right? Two of my children’s lives were taken at a young age. Now, I wonder if God hates me or has taken His hand off of me. Can you help me?

What If Fruit Only Grows in Freedom? If bearing fruit feels more like pressure than joy, maybe it’s time to ask—are you growing in grace? In this message, Grounded in Grace, we explore why true fruitfulness doesn’t come from trying harder or doing more. It comes from freedom. Legalism cages you. Grace frees you. And only one of those environments produces real, lasting fruit. The Spirit isn’t asking you to manufacture something fake—He’s inviting you to express what’s already true of you in Christ. You’re a good tree. That means good fruit is inevitable… but only when you’re rooted in grace. If you’ve been white-knuckling your way through Christian living, this message will be a breath of fresh air. Watch now and discover the connection between freedom, fruitfulness, and fun in God’s grace. Discussion Questions: Read Matthew 7:18. What does Jesus’ teaching about good and bad trees reveal about the source of our fruit? Our nature? Our goodness? Read Romans 7:4. How does the “death and remarriage” analogy help us understand our new relationship with Christ? What was our old husband like? Our new one? Read Romans 7:6. What does it mean to serve “in newness of the Spirit” instead of “in oldness of the letter”? What does that really look like? How is it different from the stereotype of Christian living that can stifle the genuine article? Read Galatians 5:1. In what ways do believers sometimes drift back toward a “yoke of slavery”? How can we remain firm in our freedom? Any practical helps? Read Galatians 5:22-24. Why do you think Paul says, “against such things there is no law”? Read Colossians 2:19. How does being “connected to the head” (Christ) change the way we think about growing in grace and fruit-bearing? React to this statement: “Fruit only grows in an atmosphere of freedom.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

How do we hear from God? Does He speak in an audible voice? If not, how are we led by Him? What is the best way to point out theological errors to my peers without offending them or shocking them? My son says he only prayed the salvation prayer for our sakes, his parents. He believes the gospel today, but we wonder if he needs to pray to be saved again?

Should we hunger for more of God? Am I allowed to defend myself in court as a Christian? How can I break free from the sin of self improvement? Should I leave my church because they have a female co-pastor?