The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

I asked some Jehovah's Witnesses if Christ lives in them, and they said "no." Are they saved? What about my child who doesn't want to talk about Christianity very much? What can you do when you feel like you're constantly falling short of God's expectations? Andrew, do you ever worry you're doing mental gymnastics to believe we're eternally secure?

What is the meaning of the parable of the wicked servant? What would you say to those who hurl accusations of cheap grace, hyper-grace, and easy believism? It feels like some worship services are way over the top! What are your thoughts on worship?

What are the spiritual blessings that we've been given in Christ? What does it mean to be "conformed" to the image of Christ in Romans 8? Do we need to agree with everything that Israel ever does out of fear of being cursed (Genesis 12)? What does it mean to be unequally yoked? Doesn't Genesis 9 teach that we will be punished for taking a life? How does that reconcile with our forgiveness in Christ? *previously aired

Discussion Questions: What does it mean to be "led by the Spirit"? What does it mean to "walk by the Spirit"? What exactly happens when we commit sins? Can we disappoint God? If we are totally forgiven, what will we be judged for? Why does religion make God feel distant when He's not? Is Christianity really supposed to feel easy and light?

One pastor said giving from the heart is the same as "sacrificial" giving. Is that a good way to describe it? How would you counsel someone who is committing sexual sin? Would you still tell them they're "once saved, always saved"? What do they need to hear and believe for real change? I'm so excited now, because God's grace is more than awesome!

Finally, I no longer question my salvation! How can we best understand the book of Revelation? I can't find a church that teaches grace. What should I do? It seems like so many worship songs don't really reflect the truth of the gospel. What can churches do about that?

What does it really take to be saved? I keep hearing mixed messages on the internet. My wife and son have passed away, and I'm very concerned. I struggled all my life with religiosity, but God's grace has set me free! How much theology do you have to have right to be saved? How do you reconcile "born of water" (John 3) with water baptism (Acts 2:38)?

What is the main point of the book of Job? I've heard we can walk away from Christ. Is this true? I want to start encouraging people with the truth of God's grace online. Do I need to wait until I'm a church member? In Acts 8, was Simon the sorcerer a true believer? How could he be so deluded about buying the Holy Spirit?

I'm of Jewish descent. Do I need to be under the Law? My church keeps asking me about membership. Do I need to be a member? I've been struggling lately, and I worry my sins might prevent God from giving me a breakthrough. How can I know for sure what my purpose is in life?

Questions That Challenge Everything About Sin and Grace Discussion Questions: As a believer, do you want to sin or not? Explain. What exactly is the flesh? How is it not you? If you're totally forgiven, why do you still feel so guilty at times? Where does repentance factor into the finished work of Christ? Why does "trying to obey God" often make you sin even worse? What does it mean to "walk by the Spirit"? Why do people think too much grace causes sin?

Have you ever noticed that Jesus talks about the "unforgivable sin" with religious leaders? What does "only Israel have I known" mean in Amos 3? Why did Jesus say He wasn't going to the feast in John 14 if later He went? What are your thoughts on the Ten Commandments in the life of a believer?

Do we have Jesus and sin living inside us at the same time? I'm starting to see issues with the message at my church, but I really love the people. What should I do? What's the meaning of Romans 3:30? How does it relate to the mixed message we see today?

What does it mean that all the promises are yes in Christ? I heard that you're not truly saved if you can't overcome every struggle. Is that true? If we die with unrepentant sin, are we still forgiven? Isn't it amazing that God has time for each one of us? That's the beauty of Christ in you!

Why does the book of Hebrews belong in the New Testament? Why did people in the Old Testament live so long? My wife posts about grace on social media, and some people are telling her to be quiet. Is that what 1 Timothy 2:12 is really about? I know God has forgiven me, but how do I forgive myself?

How should we view Paul's instruction about clothes and jewelry today? Can our faith grow? What's the best focus for us as believers? What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? What about the many places in the book of Acts where people are filled and doing things?

I experience social anxiety, and now I need to get back to work in an office. What can I do? I had a dream and was continually asked, "Why do you keep going back to the cross?" What does it mean to have the life of Christ within us? Are there levels of Heaven? Levels of rewards? What about crowns? I have tithed for 10 years and have been blessed by God. I want to encourage others to do the same. Your thoughts?

Why Do We Keep Running Back to What God Replaced? Discussion Questions: Despite the overwhelming evidence in Scripture, why do you think so many push for a combination or balance of old covenant and new covenant? Set aside. Weak. Useless. Taken away. Cast out. Abolished the enmity. These are the expressions used to describe the old covenant. What do they say to you about your relationship with God? Explain. Died to the Law. Not under the Law. Released from the Law. Christ is the end of the Law. What do these NT expressions say to you about your relationship with Moses? Explain. How do your answers to #2 and #3 fit with "all Scripture is inspired" (2 Tim. 3:16) and the fact that the whole Bible is useful to us today? Led by the Spirit. Not mastered by sin. Serve in a new way. Bear fruit for God. How do these NT expressions respond to those who suggest we're only free from the Law for salvation but not for daily living? Is the Old Testament law written on believers' hearts? Explain. If your answer is "no", then explain what is actually written on our hearts? Also, who then is Romans 2:14-15 actually talking about? React to this statement: Many just can't imagine a way to be godly that doesn't involve the Ten Commandments.

What does "born of water" mean in John 3? Does it relate to the "sprinkling" of water in Ezekiel 36? How can I get the Holy Spirit? My pastor says I need to! I'm struggling with depression, and sometimes I think God hates me. I also deal with outbursts of anger and rage. What can I do?

Certain animals were considered "unclean" before the law, so why aren't they unclean now?  Thank you for proclaiming the message of God's grace! What can we do to share this message with others more? If we all get the same reward in heaven, then what is the meaning of the parable of the talents? And why does one servant get so severely punished?

What does it mean that Jesus became sin? What are the implications of us becoming God's righteousness? When do we ask God to forgive us of all our sins? Do we need to "plead the blood" of Jesus? Are our sins "under the blood"? How does Satan masquerade as an angel of light?

Do the 10 virgins in Matthew 25 represent Christians? To whom does Jesus say, "Depart from Me"? What is the context of women and head coverings in 1 Corinthians 11? Why are they prophesying if they're supposed to remain quiet in church? 

As believers, are we really ever "faithless"? But don't we experience doubt and struggle? How does 2 Timothy 2:12 speak to this? My emotions are all over the place, and my family doesn't agree with me about God's grace. I struggle with this! Sometimes, I'm not sure that Christianity is more than a story, especially the resurrection part. Can you help me? Where is Jesus right now? In Heaven?

If "new" really means new, why do we keep going back? Discussion Questions: How is the new covenant better? Explain at least three ways. What was the specific issue with the old covenant? Why was it the issue? How are the old and new covenants so different? Why does Hebrews 8:10 say "laws" instead of "law"? Why is this important? React to this statement: I intuitively know God now and forever. What makes new covenant forgiveness so powerful? So controversial? Why do you think so many religious people want "balance" between old and new?

It's amazing to be of one heart and one mind as believers together! Does God help Christians keep the Law? Why does Jesus intercede for us if our sins are already taken away? Should I drop my health insurance and just trust Jesus?   *Previously aired

I struggle with guilt over my past adultery and divorce. When you warn people about not receiving God's grace, who are you talking to? Aren't believers forgiven and living under grace already? Help me understand, and I need encouragement. My son got taken in by a movement I'm worried about. I feel responsible and guilty! What can I do? What do you think of women participating in church? As deacons? As exhorters? What does the Bible say? And what about the two passages on women remaining silent? I'm so grateful for The Grace Message. Thank you!

What If Christmas Was About Rescue, Not Religion? Discussion Questions: Read John 1:14-18. What does it mean to you that Jesus became human, explained God, and gave us His fullness? Read Hebrews 2:14. What stands out to you about why Jesus shared fully in flesh and blood? Read Hebrews 2:15. How does fear of death (or loss, failure, rejection) still subtly influence people today—and how does Jesus' victory speak to that? Read Hebrews 2:16-17. Why is it comforting to know that Jesus represents you as a merciful High Priest rather than a demanding one? Read Hebrews 2:18. In what way does knowing Jesus experienced real temptation change how you view your own struggles? What role can the indwelling Christ play for you? Read Galatians 4:4–5. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus entered life "under the Law" so you wouldn't have to live there? Read Galatians 4:6. How does calling God "Abba, Father" reshape prayer from performance into relationship? Read Galatians 4:7. In what area of life do you most need to move from a slave mindset ("I must earn") to an heir mindset ("I already belong")?

It's amazing to be of one heart and one mind as believers together! Does God help Christians keep the Law? Why does Jesus intercede for us if our sins are already taken away? Should I drop my health insurance and just trust Jesus?

Many people today seem to be chasing the "power" of God. What is the power of God? What is the evidence of being saved? How much evidence do we need? Where does fruit bearing fit in? What about "easy believism"? Shouldn't we be concerned about that?

I misrepresented my motives for marriage years ago. Am I forgiven by God for the sin of dishonesty? How do we convince others of the finished work of Christ? What about 1 John 1:9? Who is it written to? How can we know for sure?

Would you pray for my housing situation? Why is the resurrection so central to Christianity? What does it mean for us personally? What are your thoughts on "hypergrace"? Why is Jesus called the "firstborn of the dead" in Revelation 1:5?

What should I know about angels? Was the disciple Matthew autistic? My girlfriend's funeral was today, and my pastor said only chosen people go to heaven. This worries me! Can you explain?

I suffer with sleep paralysis. What can I do? If our sins are forgiven, then do we have to give an account? I never really knew God until now! Does the punishment in Hell last forever or come to an end? How come God doesn't use more "gotcha" moments to prove Jesus is Messiah? I wish I could experience Christ as my life more. What should I do?

What If God Moved In—For You? Discussion Questions: Read verses 1–3. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is your Creator? How does this shape the way you see His authority, care, and nearness? Read verses 4–5. React to this statement: "Jesus is the light of men." What does His light reveal, and what does it overcome? Read verses 6–8. What was the purpose of John the Baptist's ministry? Why was his role intentionally limited and temporary? Read verse 11. Why do you think so many people rejected Jesus, even when He came to His own? Read verses 12–13. React to this statement: Those who believe and receive Christ are born of God. Why is this simple message so difficult for people? Read verse 16. What does it mean to you to have received from His fullness? How have you experienced "grace upon grace" in your life? Read verse 17. How does this verse contrast the old covenant with the new covenant? What changes when grace and truth come through Jesus Christ? Read verse 18. How does Jesus explain God to us? What do we learn about God's heart by looking at Christ?

If our sins are taken away, why does Romans 4:7 say "covered"? What does "work out your salvation with fear and trembling" really mean? Does Galatians 2:20 say we live by faith "in" Christ or by the faith "of" Christ?

Why are the genealogies of Jesus so different in Matthew and Luke? I struggle with obsessive thoughts and wonder if I truly "did it right" to get saved. Do we really have to submit to any and every pastor? What if it's an unhealthy environment or dynamic?

Better to give than receive? What does that mean in the context of Acts 20? In Romans 7, why does Paul say, "I was once alive apart from the Law"? How exactly did God reveal Himself to Isaiah? What does it mean for Jesus to share His glory with us?

Take up your cross? Lose your life? To whom was Jesus referring? What are your thoughts on the Orthodox traditions? How do I share the core message of Christianity with my grandchildren?

How do Orthodox Jews look at God's forgiveness if there are no current sacrifices? Doesn't James 4:8 say we need to get closer to God? What's the truth about crowns and rewards in Heaven? What's happening with those scary verses in 2 Peter 2? Do they refer to loss of salvation? What should I do about my adult child who has rebelled? Doesn't 1 Corinthians 3 talk about loss of rewards (plural)?

If Christ lives in you, why are you still trying to do this alone? Discussion Questions: Read John 3:36 and 5:24. What does it mean to "see life" and to have "passed out of death into life"? Read John 14:19 and react to this statement: "Because I live, you will live also." Read John 14:23. What does it mean to you to have the entire Trinity living within you? Read Romans 5:10 and react to this statement: I am reconciled by Jesus' death and saved by Jesus' life. Read Romans 8:10-11. What does "the spirit is alive because of righteousness" mean for the imputed-vs-imparted righteousness debate? Read 1 John 4:13 and 2:27. How do you understand "abiding" better because of these? Read Galatians 5:16, 25. In your own words, describe what it means to walk by the Spirit.

My neighbors are awful. Is it okay to wish they didn't come home? I felt so much darkness when I was praying for salvation 20 years ago. Now I look back, and I'm scared it wasn't legitimate! Why does John 8 say the disciples needed to "abide" or "continue" in His word?