The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

How do we know when God is disciplining us? Does 1 Corinthians 3 mean we might be losing rewards? Why does Jesus say we need to purchase gold from Him in Revelation 3? Who is being described in Romans 1 when it says they have a depraved mind and God gave them over?

Why do we pray if God knows everything? Is it God’s will to heal everyone? If not, then how do we pray for healing in a biblical way?

Who was righteous in Jesus’ day? How can I develop a deeper relationship with the Lord? Does God still punish believers? I’ve prayed and been anointed but am still not healed. Am I doing something wrong?

Discussion Questions: Why is verse 12 written to “little children” with a past tense verb such an important marker of transition from chapter 1? (Hint: Consider 1 John 1:9). Verses 13-14 emphasize that we already know God. How can this encourage you when you’re wishing you felt more or “experienced” more with God? How might verses 18-22 radically change the way we use the term “antichrist” compared with the common use of the term today? Read verse 24. Recall the best understanding of “abiding in Christ.” How does this passage affirm the truth about abiding? Verse 25 holds a promise for us related to the truthfulness of God. What is it? How does it relate to our security with God? Verses 26-27 reveal that one purpose for John’s letter is to contrast believers and deceivers. How does this give us more fuel for understanding 1 John 1:9 and its surrounding verses? Read verses 28 and 29 and react to this statement: I can have confidence upon Jesus’ return because I am born of God and as righteous as He is!

Did Jesus only fulfill a portion of the Law? Is Hebrews 8:13 only referring to the sacrificial laws? What kind of repentance did the Jews (and Gentiles) need in Acts 2:38? My wife and I divorced a year ago, and I now wonder what God thinks and if I’m free to remarry. How does the Gospel speak into my situation?

Why was there polygamy in the Old Testament? Does it mean God is okay with it? Does morality change over time? Why did Jesus tell John the Baptist they were fulfilling all righteousness? What Bible version should I read?

Is every sin really willful? What about mistakes we make? I’ve heard your messages on a healthy marriage, and I agree and have implemented those truths. But I feel like I’m missing something that will make my marriage richer and deeper. At the same time, I’m afraid of losing my marriage. What can I do? Why are there so many conflicting passages on water baptism? Is it really needed for salvation?

How can I share the new covenant message of God’s grace with Catholics? With Protestants? With anyone?   *previously aired

Can we be saved but still lack the Holy Spirit? Is there a second blessing? Doesn't 1 John 1:9 mean we confess to God for relational forgiveness? I used to experience so much peace and joy with God, but lately I'm not feeling any of it. What can I do?

What is adultery in God’s view? What about polygamy in the Old Testament? When we die, are we immediately with Jesus? Does Hebrews 10 mean anyone who sins “willfully” goes to hell? If we regard iniquity in our hearts, does God not hear us? It feels like my prayers are never answered. It causes me to doubt and wonder about my relationship with God.

In the second message of our series, “Forever in His Presence: Understanding Our Unbroken Fellowship with God,” we examine the rock-solid evidence that 1 John 1:9 is directed at sin-deniers, not Christians! This distinction is crucial for grasping the completeness of our forgiveness in Christ. We’ll also unpack how Chapter 2 further clarifies that 1 John 1:9 is written to unbelievers, making the audience of this landmark passage unmistakable. Plus, we explore the profound truth that walking in the light means salvation, not just a temporary state of fellowship. Join us for this enlightening message and be inspired by the liberating truth of your once-for-all forgiveness and unshakeable fellowship with God! Discussion Questions: Which verses in today’s message prove that light here means salvation, not a temporary state of “fellowship”? Why is this important? How does it help us understand 1 John 1:9 even better? How does 1 John 2:12 help solidify that 1 John 1:9 is addressing the sin denier who says they have no sin and is in the darkness (unsaved)? 1 John 1:9 is written to someone who does not have the truth in them. How does 1 John 2:4 further define this person as being an unbeliever? What does John say to older believers and younger believers in verses 13 and 14? Why the different messages to different audiences? What is the “commandment” that John keeps referring to in this passage? What evidence do we see in this passage for this conclusion? What is the biggest takeaway from today’s message for you? Why?

How do I know if I have God’s favor? I want to walk in righteousness and do His will and be successful. What’s the best way? Are there two kinds of forgiveness? My pastor told me there’s judicial forgiveness and patriarchal (or relational) forgiveness. Where is that idea coming from? Is it true? And what about the Lord’s Prayer where Jesus says to ask for forgiveness?

What is a healthy view of fasting? Won’t I lose my salvation if I receive the mark of the beast? Won’t I lose my salvation if I deny Jesus at gunpoint? I’m feeling pressure from others to get water baptized, and I wonder if I should. What are your thoughts? I struggle with so much immaturity in terms of my emotions. I wonder what to do!

What does 1 John 3 really mean about a believer not practicing sin? Does John 20 mean humans can determine who is forgiven by God? Why does Jesus say there’s a reward for giving a cup of water if we all get the same reward? Why was I slain in the Spirit when I went up front in church?

Why does John 14 say we will do greater things than Jesus? What exactly do you believe about James 2? My son died by suicide, and I wonder where he is now. Is he still waiting to be with Jesus? Does Mark 16 mean that water baptism is required for salvation?

How can I share the new covenant message of God’s grace with Catholics? With Protestants? With anyone?

Is the new covenant a “renewed” covenant? This ministry saved my life! Why does Hebrews 12 talk about God’s discipline in connection with holiness? What are your thoughts about church based on gender, race, etc.?  What about couples who live together? Do we need to confess every sin to be forgiven by God?

In this first message of our new series on 1 John, “Forever in His Presence,” we explore how “experiencing the presence of God” has often been miscommunicated in the church, missing the incredible truth of our constant union with Christ. We also address common misunderstandings about “fellowship” with God. Many think our fellowship with God can be lost or broken, especially when we sin. But we’ll discuss what really happens with the Holy Spirit when we stumble and what remains unchanged. Plus, you’ll discover that 1 John 1:9 was written – not as a “bar of soap” for daily forgiveness – but to those denying their sinfulness. (And, yes, this means we as believers already have complete forgiveness and cleansing of all unrighteousness!). Join us and get encouraged by the profound truths of our unbreakable fellowship with God! Discussion Questions: How has “experiencing the presence of God” been communicated popularly in the church today? How does this perspective fall short of the amazing truth? How has the concept of “fellowship” been misunderstood in the Christian world today? What is the truth about our fellowship with God? What about when we sin? What happens with the Holy Spirit? What does not happen with Him? (Be specific on the consequences of sin and what we retain.) What heresies is John combating in his first chapter? Why is this so important to understand? How do verses 8 and 10 shed light on who needs the solution of verse 9? Explain. React to this statement: 1 John 1:9 was written to sin deniers, and we believers already have forgiveness and cleansing of all unrighteousness, forever!

Is your next sin already forgiven? Is all of Israel going to be saved? Will I recognize my wife in Heaven? I’m afraid of backsliding. Any advice? Do Christians sometimes break fellowship with God? What does it mean that Jesus rose from the dead?

Are we progressively getting closer to God? Do we have to be baptized to go to Heaven? Did Jesus appear in the Old Testament? From a grace perspective, what is the value of a quiet time?