The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

Alive with Christ: Discovering Our Spiritual Riches in Ephesians – Part 7

What does it mean to be “imitators of God”? Ephesians 5 not only ventures deep into this question but also demystifies the idea of living authentically, as opposed to putting on an act. Imagine being sinful at the core and then being asked by God to embrace holy living. Here’s a revelation: You’re not inherently flawed, striving to mask your true self with goodness. Instead, at your very core, you contain the light of Jesus, and now, God’s call is for you to walk as a child of the Light. ...

"Why not just sin if we're totally forgiven?"

Why not just sin if we're totally forgiven? Is there a second baptism of the Holy Spirit that includes tongues? When do you receive the Spirit - at salvation or later? Are both men and women made in God's image? I'm born again now, and I wonder if I should continue to go to my Catholic church?

Do Christians really "backslide"? No!

Why would we be judged for our sins if our sins are forgiven? God showed me how to break free from addiction! What are your thoughts on backsliding?

"I feel burned out, and I don't want to pray!"

What does the Revelation 22 warning about adding or subtracting mean? Is the "sanctification" in Hebrews 10:14 progressive or finished? How does Hebrews 10:10 factor in? I feel burned out and I have lost some of my desire to pray for others. What should I do?

"I feel overwhelmed with problems. Am I cursed?"

I have a toxic relationship with my ex-husband. What can I do to move on? My husband doesn't want to be intimate as much as I do. What should I do? So many things are going wrong in my life, and I feel overwhelmed with problems. Am I cursed?

Salvation for anyone? But the Bible says “predestined”!

I reported my friend because of the way they treat their granddaughter. I don’t know if I did the right thing. What is your viewpoint on Easter given its pagan roots? How can salvation be available for everyone if the Bible actually uses the word “predestined”? And what about “many are called but few are chosen”?

“I’m not living up to God’s expectations!”

Is there any sadness or disappointment in Heaven? Will disputes be settled and bitterness be healed in Heaven? Do angels have bodies like humans? How are our minds renewed? I feel like I’m not living up to God’s expectations. I heard you teach that we don’t need to tithe 10% today. Where do we find that? What about Jesus’ instruction on tithing? I’ve been smoking for decades and can’t seem to stop. Does this mean I have a lack of faith? What does “help my unbelief” mean in Mark 24?

Alive with Christ: Discovering Our Spiritual Riches in Ephesians – Part 6

I invite you to join me as we continue our “Alive with Christ” series, diving into the rich truths of Ephesians 4. In this message, we’ll explore the description of the unbeliever and uncover the root cause behind their state of futility, darkness, and ignorance. Through the analogy of an electrical outlet, you’ll also gain insight and understanding into your new identity in Christ and why you don’t need to put off your old self daily. Additionally, we’ll delve into the importance of not l...

“We unplug from Adam and get plugged in to Christ”

What are the ways in which Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled by Jesus? What exactly happened at the fall for Adam and Eve? I want a deeper spiritual relationship with someone close to me, but I always seem to feel rejected. Any advice?

Wait on God or move forward?

I get confused and even depressed from all the different theological viewpoints out there. Is Hell only for fallen angels? What is the main issue with Calvinism? Do we wait for God to bring us a spouse or do we actively seek one out? Or is there an entirely different perspective? What Bible version is the best and why?

Do you have a “dirty worm” view of yourself?

Are we simultaneously saints and sinners? Can you talk about the “dirty worm theology” so many have today? What does your tag line “Jesus plus nothing“ mean? What is our authority as believers to do miracles or heal people? Why is Jesus talking about nakedness and clothing in Revelation 16?

Deny yourself? Not if you’re the new self!

Does our old self die when we believe? Does the Holy Spirit live in me or does Christ live in me? Why does Paul give instruction about women’s clothing but not men’s? What do you mean by “you can be yourself and express Jesus at the exact same time”?

“What if I stop believing?”

Why did Jesus mention Heaven and Earth passing away in reference to the Law? Can Christians really have more fun than unbelievers? Is generational trauma a real thing? What about generational curses? Can a Christian stop believing and lose their salvation? What about free will?

Forgive to be forgiven? Justified by works?

What kind of repentance actually saves? How should we view the Lord’s Prayer if believers are already forgiven? Why does James 2 say “justified by works” three times? Who was Melchizedek and why is he mentioned in the Old and New Testaments? Do we lose our painful memories when we get to Heaven?

Alive with Christ: Discovering Our Spiritual Riches in Ephesians – Part 5

Do we “get” more self-control over time? No!

Who exactly is the Holy Spirit? Why did Jesus tell the man near the pool at Bethesda that he should sin no more so nothing worse happens? I can’t seem to quit smoking weed, and I’m torturing myself every day. Can you help? Do we get more self control as time goes by?

“I’m struggling with lust and sexual sin…”

Can you be in Christ but still “think” in Adam? (Well, not exactly, but here’s why we’re still learning and growing.) I know I was saved early on in my life, but I feel that my heart has been hardened, and I keep believing lies. I’m miserable. Can you help me? Is self-defense with a firearm okay for a Christian?

Do we need to “hold fast” to stay saved?

Why do Hebrews and Colossians say to “hold fast“ or “continue”? Does this imply we could lose our salvation? Is Romans 7 about Paul before or after his conversion? When Romans 8 says “no condemnation”, is it referring to total forgiveness of our future sins? Why do some Christians seem to have a negative view of Jews in the Old Testament or even today?

You DO trust God!

Why does the New Testament say no one has seen God if He appeared to people in the Old Testament? Does the Bible contradict itself? What does it mean to not love things of this world? How do you know when you’ve come to trust God?

How exactly do we “walk by the Spirit”?

What is the difference between discipleship and sonship? How do we know we’re walking by the Spirit? Does the Father actually “take away” branches that don’t bear enough fruit?

Can I really do ALL things through Christ?

What is Paul’s thorn in the flesh? Why did King Saul prophesy? Am I free to gather with other Christians in a home on any day rather than Sunday church? If a believer dies by suicide, are they still saved? Did angels have relations with humans to produce offspring? Is once-saved-always-saved true? What does “I can do all things through Christ” mean in context?

Alive with Christ: Discovering Our Spiritual Riches in Ephesians – Part 4

The mysteries of the Gospel were once hidden, but now they’re revealed! Join me as we uncover profound insights – including the deeper truth behind predestination and the true meaning of being filled with the Spirit – in Ephesians 3. We’ll also explore Paul’s humble declaration of being “the very least of all saints.” What’s that all about? And we’ll discover why God goes beyond mere rearrangement of circumstances in our lives and how He’s doing something far more profound. I encourage y...

The Bible’s not really about good and evil!

Is the Bible really a book about good and evil? Or does it contain another message? I love my son, but he’s been abusive in some ways, so I wonder about healthy boundaries. Do you have any New Testament commentary content available now? If so, how can we access it? We just started a coffee shop discussion group, and now I’m wondering how to stay focused on Jesus rather than morphing into a service projects group. What are your suggestions?

Don’t deny yourself. Be yourself!

Do we need to take up our cross and follow Jesus into death every day as a means of discipleship? Why did Paul warn the Corinthians against receiving the grace of God “in vain”? Can women serve as leaders in church?

Does the Melchizedek story mean we should tithe?

Does “eternal salvation” in Hebrews 5:9 offer evidence of the security of the believer? Can you explain the mention of Melchizedek in Hebrews? In Nehemiah 8, why did the people sink into despair upon hearing the Law? How can we deal with rejection from our good friends who no longer speak to us because of our children’s lifestyles?

“Did I take the mark of the beast?”

Are all sins equal? What about consequences? And what about judgment and punishment? I drank an energy drink, and now I’m afraid I took the mark of the beast! I visit church services of many denominations, and I wonder what’s most important to look for in a church?

Is your “old self” still around at times?

Are we sinning if we don’t live up to Jesus‘s teachings in the Sermon on the Mount? What happened to our old self at salvation? Why do we still struggle with sin today? Where do sinful thoughts come from? I always thought the “turn the other cheek” concept was about maintaining open conversation with others. How do you interpret Jesus’s words there?

Still under “the moral Law”?

What does it mean to grieve the Spirit? Why does James say we all stumble when Peter says there’s a way not to stumble? Why do so many church people judge others? Does the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ? Where does Catholicism get things wrong when it comes to forgiveness? My friend tells me we are still under part of the Law today. Is that the case?

Alive with Christ: Discovering our Spiritual Riches in Ephesians – Part 3

Ephesians is overflowing with eye-opening truths about God’s grace. In this message, we’ll explore the radical concept of salvation by grace through faith, challenging the popular notion of striving to achieve closeness with God. We’ll uncover the encouraging truth about your design, your new self, and the freedom found in realizing your closeness with Christ is not based on your efforts. You’ll also gain a fresh perspective on the unity the Gospel brings us and how this can shape your app...

Tell Your Sickness to Leave?

Are philosophies like Stoicism compatible with Christianity? I was taught that you’re supposed to speak to your illness and tell it to leave. Is that true? Is Matthew 24 talking about things that happened 2,000 years ago or that are still yet to happen?

Love your neighbor as yourself? (No way!)

Why did Jesus say to love your enemies and to love your neighbor as yourself? What exactly is the power of sin? Why do you refer to it as a parasite? What do you mean when you say it’s not us? How do we count ourselves dead to it?

Antichrists Don’t Pretend to Be Christ!

Who is the man of lawlessness? How is he different from the antichrist? Can you explain the head covering passage in Corinthians? Will God really not put more on you than you can bear? What about temptation? I am feeling insecure and depressed at university and need help. Can you offer any advice?

What “work” is burned up?

What exactly is the work that’s burned up in 1 Corinthians 3? Is this chapter about earning rewards in Heaven? And what did Paul mean by God destroying those who destroy His temple? What’s up with Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5? Did God kill them? If so, for what reason?

“You’re ignoring the consequences of sin!”

My friend says Jesus is helping him keep the Sermon on the Mount. How would you respond to him? He also says we Christians have a deceitfully wicked heart and that we are still the old self. What are your thoughts? Andrew, I think you’re misunderstanding people and not accounting for their struggle and the consequences of sin.

No Condemnation for Some Christians- Or All?

Should I pray to the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit? I’ve been praying for my friend and so far there’s no healing. What should I do? I’m worried there will be “woe upon me” if I don’t fulfill my calling as a preacher! Is the King James Version the one and only - the best Bible? Why does Jesus talk about the kingdom “being subjected to violence” and Matthew 11? Does Romans 8:1 actually say there’s no condemnation only for those who walk a certain way? Does the meaning of “ekklesia” (cal...

No Condemnation for Some Christians- Or All?

Should I pray to the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit? I’ve been praying for my friend and so far there’s no healing. What should I do? I’m worried there will be “woe upon me” if I don’t fulfill my calling as a preacher! Is the King James Version the one and only - the best Bible? Why does Jesus talk about the kingdom “being subjected to violence” and Matthew 11? Does Romans 8:1 actually say there’s no condemnation only for those who walk a certain way? Does the meaning of “ekklesia” (cal...

Alive with Christ: Discovering our Spiritual Riches in Ephesians – Part 2

Are you ready to be convinced of God’s never-ending kindness and love for you? Here’s an extraordinary message from Ephesians that’ll leave you in awe of who God is and the immeasurable blessings He has bestowed upon you. Get ready to discover what it means to be a member of Christ’s body and partake in His fullness. This transformative passage will remind you that you’re always close to God because of what He did, not what you’re doing. Discussion Questions for: Ephesians 1:15-2:7: Rea...

Still Under the “Moral Law”? No!

How do we communicate with those who mix Law and Grace? How do you work through fear and anxiety? How does the love of God speak to our problems? Should we pray to the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit? Are we with God immediately upon death?

The Narrow Gate

Is it okay to participate in Jewish cultural events as a Jewish Christian? When did salvation go from believing in God to believing only in Jesus Christ? What does the Bible say about cremation? Is Matthew 18 speaking about a future church?

“My Sister Betrayed Me!”

I feel like my sister betrayed me with my ex-husband. What should I do? How were people saved before Jesus? Is the paradise that Jesus mentioned the same as Heaven? After two years of discipling my friend, he now says he wants to take a break. What should I do? *Previously aired *Previously aired

“My Sister Betrayed Me!”

I feel like my sister betrayed me with my ex-husband. What should I do? How were people saved before Jesus? Is the paradise that Jesus mentioned the same as Heaven? After two years of discipling my friend, he now says he wants to take a break. What should I do?

“Why don’t we always feel God?”

Can I give publicly or should I only give in secret? What is the context of the Sermon on the Mount? Why don’t we always feel God‘s presence? Do we go to be with God immediately when we die?

“Am I being unfaithful to my church?”

How can we best evangelize without being pushy? I’m having problems with a family member. What should I do? Does God still love those who are ultimately not saved? Why does Paul take a vow in Acts 21? Can you be a leader in church if you’ve been divorced? Am I being unfaithful if I don’t become an official member of my church? What if I attend multiple places? What does it mean to walk by the Spirit?

Alive with Christ: Discovering our Spiritual Riches in Ephesians – Part 1

Are you ready to discover the incredible depth of your spiritual blessings? In this first message of our series, “Alive with Christ,” we unpack the meaning of “blessed with every spiritual blessing.” We also explore the significance of being chosen and predestined by God. Is it really about individual pre-selection by God or something more loving and unifying? Prepare to be amazed at how God freely bestows His grace upon us. Don’t miss this eye-opening teaching that will challenge your per...

Not enough faith to be healed?

I want to understand the Bible better, but where should I start? Also, how do I find verses on a particular struggle? What do you think about “not having enough faith to be healed”? What are your thoughts on the death penalty? What does it mean to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling”? What can you tell us about the new website ChristianCoaching.org?

Special Teaching Edition: Your New Self!

Special Teaching Edition: What is humanity’s core problem? How does God solve it for us? What exactly happens at salvation? What are the practical implications when we’re tempted? How does the average Gospel presentation fall short? What’s the solution?

Are your prayers being hindered?

Why does Revelation 18 say “the light of your lamp will not shine anymore”? Does God stop listening to our prayers when we sin? Why did God bring in the old covenant if He knew the ultimate answer would be the new covenant?

“You’re like the Holy of Holies!”

Can you walk away from the faith and no longer abide in Christ? Didn’t Jesus teach that we should keep the Sabbath? Were the angels at Jesus’s tomb a fulfillment of the angels that were on the ark of the covenant?

What does “living sacrifice” mean?

What does Romans 12 mean about proving the will of God? How do I explain the true meaning of water baptism to my brother who thinks it saves him? God knows what we need before we ask? What if someone’s behavior doesn’t show signs of new life? Could they still be saved?

Is “speaking mysteries” to God a good thing? No!

Are we guaranteed physical healing because of the cross? How can we share the gospel as an “elevator pitch”? 1 Corinthians 14 contains two challenging verses (v.2 and v.4). How do you explain those if there is no private prayer language? Should I expect to hear the gospel regularly in church? Why do you think so many teach the New Testament “warning passages” in a way that scares believers?