Andrew Farley

How am I supposed to be holy when I'm such a sinner? I asked my church for help and now feel rejected and discouraged. What should I do? Celebrating our new identity as holy and righteous really resonates with me!

How does living under God's grace affect the way we pray? Did the sons of Noah have their own clans and languages? I believe people operate from either truth or fear. What are your thoughts?

Why does James 1:18 say God "gave us birth by the word of truth"? And why does James write that we are a kind of "first fruits" among God's creation? My father broke my heart when I was growing up. Now I wonder about the meaning of Isaiah 61:1 and how God can heal me. My brother-in-law died last year; near the end, he began to doubt the Bible and maybe his salvation too. His concerns seemed to center on the word "beguiled."

I'm a recent widow. I don't want to get depressed, so I'm wondering if I can start dating again? Did God predestine individuals whom He knew ahead of time would eventually believe? Or is there a simpler message in Paul's epistles when it comes to predestination?

Do we need to continually come to Jesus? What does it mean that His yoke is easy? Is God's affection for us impacted by our attitudes and actions? I may have a big career decision to make soon. I'm not sure what to do!

Are You Exhausted Doing What Jesus Never Asked? What if some of the most familiar Christian advice is keeping you from enjoying Christ? In this message, Andrew challenges the pressure to rededicate your life, put God first, live by the Ten Commandments, and agonize over finding God's perfect plan for every decision. You don't need another promise, checklist, or formula. You've been joined to Jesus. He isn't merely your priority. He is your life. Discover the freedom of getting your eyes off your performance, walking by the Spirit, and trusting Christ to bear His fruit through you. Discussion Questions: Read Ephesians 1:21–22 and Colossians 3:4. What is the difference between trying to continually "put Christ first" and recognizing that Christ is already your life and already above all things? Read Acts 17:28 and Philippians 1:21. How do these verses challenge the idea that the Christian life is about fitting Jesus into one part of our lives rather than living from Him as the very source of our life? Read 1 Corinthians 6:19–20. If the Holy Spirit already lives in you and you already belong to God, how might that change the pressure to repeatedly "rededicate" yourself to Him when you feel you have fallen short? Read Romans 7:4 and Romans 7:6. According to these verses, what happened to our relationship with the Law when we came to Christ, and what has replaced the "oldness of the letter"? Read Galatians 5:18 and Galatians 3:24–25. What was the Law's purpose, and what do these passages say about our relationship to the Law now that faith has come and we are led by the Spirit? Read 2 Corinthians 3:7–9. Why does Paul call the commandments engraved on stone a "ministry of death" and "ministry of condemnation," and how is the ministry of the Spirit different for someone who has spent years trying to measure up? Read 1 Timothy 1:7–9. What does Paul mean when he says the Law is good when used lawfully, but that it is "not made for a righteous person"? How does that challenge the idea that Christians need the Ten Commandments as their daily rulebook? Read Romans 12:2 and Philippians 2:12–13. Instead of anxiously searching for a hidden plan from God before every decision, what do these verses suggest about how God works through a renewed mind and even through our own desires? Read 1 Corinthians 10:31. If Scripture says we can eat, drink, and do "whatever" we do to the glory of God, what freedom does that give us when facing ordinary decisions where several choices may all be perfectly acceptable?

What can I do if I never feel like I measure up? If I feel like I'm always failing? How can the message of God's grace help me? What role do the 10 Commandments play in my life? What are your thoughts on evangelism? I often get discouraged when people shun me because of my faith. What is Peter referring to when he says a dog returns to its own vomit and a pig to the mud? Is that about loss of salvation? How does God treat us in the midst of a struggle with lust? Now I can't help but share the truth of God's grace! I'm excited!

What are your thoughts on James 5 with regard to prayer and healing and forgiveness? Who are the two mothers in Galatians 4 and what do they represent? What was the original sin? And what does it mean for us today?

Did James and Paul disagree? Did Paul complain about James in Galatians 2?Did James write his epistle with little understanding of grace? How do we best understand faith and works in James 2? Was James talking about doing the works of the Law to be saved? Did James write a legalistic letter in Acts 15, being ignorant of salvation by faith? Did James persuade Paul to go against the gospel in Acts 21? What is antinomianism? When we opt for God's grace, are we respecting the Law less or respecting it even more?

When Jesus talks about "paradise," where is that exactly? I've been pastoring for six years, and I'm already burned out. What should I do? I'm finally discovering my new identity in Christ, and it's exciting!

Can you explain how God's perfect love casts out fear? Someone told me I need a second baptism, a baptism of the Spirit. Am I missing something? How do we explain the punishment of those who ridiculed Elisha in 2 Kings 2?

Do we need to re-dedicate our lives to God when we fail? When we share the gospel, should we mention the new covenant? I never knew how great the gospel was until now! Am I wrong to pull out gospel truths from popular country songs in the 70s?

How can some people be in church so long yet miss the message of Jesus? Why does Paul say "do not even eat with such a person"? My cousin wants to drink poison and pick up snakes because of Mark 16. What are your thoughts? What teaching should we look for in a healthy church environment? Why was Jesus so bluntly honest and direct with the Pharisees?

What If Trying Harder is the Problem? Discussion Questions: Read Romans 6:14 and 1 Corinthians 15:56. How does knowing that grace (not law) is God's answer to sin change the way you approach a struggle you keep trying to conquer? Read Romans 7:8. Why can focusing constantly on rules, prohibitions, and "don't do that" actually intensify temptation, guilt, or frustration? Read Galatians 5:16 and Titus 2:11–12. What would it look like to trust the Spirit and God's grace to teach and empower you instead of relying on sheer willpower? Read 1 John 4:10 and 1 John 4:19. How might your relationship with God change if you stopped trying to generate more love for Him and focused instead on receiving His love for you? Read Romans 5:5 and Ephesians 6:24. How does knowing God's love is already within you (and your love for Jesus is real and enduring) speak to seasons when you feel cold or empty? Read Ephesians 1:21–22 and Acts 17:28. How does knowing Christ is already supreme and that your whole life exists in Him change the pressure to constantly "put God first"? Read 1 Corinthians 6:19–20. How does knowing you already belong completely to God free you from cycles of rededication, recommitment, and making more promises to Him? Read Philippians 1:21 and Colossians 3:4. What difference does it make to see Christ not merely as your highest priority, but as your very life?

At what point do we become so obsessed with trusting God that the fruit of the Spirit just automatically flows out of us? And what about the temptation of lust and resisting sin? My pastor says our hearts are still dirty, but I think they're new and clean. What's your take? I'm still struggling with persistent thoughts of bitterness and resentment. What can I do?

I was saved about a year ago, and lately my family and I have started to experience shunning (rejection) because of our faith. Can you help me with this? Why were Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration? What are your thoughts on Calvinism and its doctrines?

Why did Jesus say to "work hard" or "strive" to enter through the narrow door? Why does Paul talk about "running a race" and trying to "win"? Does daily confession cause God to forgive us more?

Are we getting closer to God? Where do learning and growing fit in? Does our soul go to Heaven right away when we die (or only our spirit)? My friends are shocked that I don't ask God for forgiveness every night! Does Romans 8:1 have an "if" clause in it? Or is there no condemnation for us, period?

Why did Jesus tell Mary not to touch him? If I don't move to Texas, will God forgive me? I wonder if I have committed the unforgivable sin!

Do you need to "die to self"? Deny yourself? Die daily? So much time in these truths has meant so much freedom for me! My two sons took their inheritance and haven't spoken to me in decades. I have forgiven them and pray for them! How is our union with Christ lived out? Can we really be ourselves?

What If the Christian Life Isn't About Fixing Yourself? What if some of the things you've been told to do as a Christian… Jesus never asked you to do at all? Become more holy. Die to yourself. Examine your heart. What if you've been working to fix what God already fixed? This message blows up religious assumptions and points you back to the finished work of Christ. You're not becoming who God wants; you're discovering who He already made you! Discussion Questions: Read Colossians 1:21–22. Is holiness something you're trying to achieve, or something Christ has already accomplished for you? How does this change the way you see yourself? Read Romans 6:6–7. What does Paul say has already happened? What difference can this make in your battle with sin? Read Colossians 3:9–10 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. What's the difference between trying to "improve" your old self and learning to live from your new self? Read Galatians 5:24. Does Paul tell believers to crucify the flesh, or does he say something different here? Why is this distinction important? Read Galatians 5:16. What solution does Paul actually give us here? How does it work? Read Ezekiel 36:26 and Romans 6:17. What do these passages suggest about the believer's heart? How does this truth challenge popular religious teaching on the heart? Read Hebrews 10:16 and 2 Corinthians 3:3. God has written on our hearts rather than merely giving us external rules to follow. How might this change the way we make decisions and live life?

Does Jesus have two kinds of blood? What are your thoughts on divorce and remarriage? Is it adultery? How would a person escape the conundrum of being an adulterer after they sinned? I grieved the Holy Spirit and then ate and drank my way out of the kingdom! Can you help me get back?

Shouldn't we call him Yeshua instead of Jesus? I'm a believer, but I find myself addicted to a prescription drug. Aren't I supposed to have "dominion" over this? Should we engage in fasting to get a breakthrough or to be victorious over the flesh?

Shouldn't we use the law to define sin? Otherwise, how would we know adultery is sin? Sometimes, I get emotional in church, but then I wonder if it's okay. If it is okay, then why do church people often talk about not walking by feelings?

I've lost my husband, and I've received a lot of advice lately. I just don't know how to deal with the grief. Can you help? How did Jesus take our sins upon Himself? And did He become sin? If so, what does that mean?

I don't want to forgive people, and I don't want to love people. I want them to suffer! Does God choose some people to believe in Him and leave others with no chance? Can you talk about the renewing of the mind? What's happening there? I was reading Romans 7, and it sounds like he's not a believer when he's describing the struggle. Am I crazy for thinking that?

Are You Trying to Become What You Are? Discussion Questions: Read Colossians 2:13–14. If God has already forgiven us all our sins, what does that say about the idea that forgiveness has to be obtained again every time we fail? Read Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13. Do we forgive others in order to get God to forgive us, or because He's already forgiven us? How does knowing this distinction change the reason and the way we forgive other people? Read 1 John 2:12. Why do you think John speaks of forgiveness as an accomplished fact? How does this help us recognize what's really happening in often misused passage, 1 John 1:9? Read Hebrews 8:12 and 10:17. What does it mean practically to live as though God truly remembers your sins no more? What do we do when we sin? Be specific. Read Romans 5:19. According to this verse, what made us righteous? And how should that shape the way we see ourselves? Read 2 Corinthians 5:21. What is the difference between saying God merely treats us "as if" we are righteous versus saying that in Christ we've actually become the righteousness of God? Read Romans 6:18. What does it mean that believers have been freed from sin and have become slaves of righteousness? How does that challenge the idea that our identity is still sinful? Read Hebrews 10:10 and 10:14. How can believers be "sanctified" and even "perfected for all time" yet still continue to grow in their attitudes, choices, and behavior? Read 1 Corinthians 1:2. Why is it significant that Paul calls the Corinthians "sanctified" and "saints" even though they still had serious behavior problems?

What is the meaning of Luke 14? Why does Jesus say to hate your family and your own life? And what does it mean to "count the cost"? I have been under so much legalism and have been miserable. Now, I'm just wondering how to get free from all the analysis, especially about Hell.

Why do so many preachers talk about "backsliding" Christians? A lot of my friends embrace God's grace but hesitate when it comes to freedom from tithing. What are your thoughts? How do you meditate on God's law the way that Psalm 1 encourages? And what about when you get busy?

Does 1 Timothy 4 mean Jesus saves everybody? Was the sin in the Garden of Eden caused by a lack of faith? Why did Jesus want the five thousand people to sit down? Is the story of the woman caught in adultery found in the original manuscripts of John? What's the big takeaway from that event?

I forgave my mom who has passed away, and it made all the difference! Thank you! I had a dream, and God told me that I'm forgiven. But my friend says it could've been Satan! I read my Jimmy Swaggart Bible, and it said Satan will be released in the future. But what are you saying?

What does it mean that every knee will bow? Does that mean everyone will be saved? How do we reconcile the idea of people going to Hell? Why would Satan be released from a pit to tempt Christians after they've been raptured? 

What is "once for all" forgiveness? Does it make us sin even more? What does God think of the Catholic doctrine concerning forgiveness? And what about the Catholic priesthood and their wardrobe? What does "if we deny Him, He will deny us" mean in context (2 Timothy 2)? My wife and I disagree about how to handle a situation with our adult son. What should we do?

Are You Trying to Get What You've Already Got? Discussion Questions: Read John 14:19–20. How does Jesus' description ("you in Me, and I in you") change the way we think about our closeness to God? Read Colossians 3:3–4. What do the phrases "hidden with Christ in God" and "Christ, who is our life" tell us about how secure and inseparable our relationship with Him really is? Read Ephesians 2:5–6. What difference does it make to realize that God has already made us alive, raised us, and seated us with Christ rather than asking us to climb our way toward Him? Read Ephesians 1:3. What does the phrase "every spiritual blessing" leave out and how should that affect the way we pray and think about what we possess in Christ? Read Romans 8:32. How does the fact that God already gave us His own Son challenge the fear that He might be withholding something important from us now? Read 2 Corinthians 1:21–22. What do the words established, anointed, sealed, and gave tell us about whether we are still waiting for God to do something more spiritually? Read Galatians 4:6–7. Why did God send the Spirit of His Son into our hearts? And what does that reveal about the Spirit being part of our identity as God's children rather than a reward for spiritual achievement? Read 1 Corinthians 12:13. What is Paul emphasizing by repeatedly saying all believers were baptized by one Spirit and all were made to drink of one Spirit? Read Romans 8:9–10. How does Paul's statement that anyone without the Spirit does not belong to Christ challenge the idea that some Christians have the Spirit while others still need to receive Him?

What was Pentecost for the Jews? Why did God choose it as the big day to reveal new birth by the Holy Spirit? What happened on Pentecost? Every time I read behavior passages in the New Testament, I start to feel guilty for everything I've done. What can I do? My mom and I debate the role of women in the New Testament church. What are they allowed to do?

What is the sin that leads to death? Why is it compared to sin that doesn't lead to death? Should I attend a class that will help me with pornography? Did the disciples really have the Holy Spirit before Pentecost? What's your take on the Ethiopian Bible?

If I do more quiet times to get closer to God, will there be more good works He prepares for me? Is there a connection between the Law and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Do we need to be under a pastor to maintain our anointing?

How do I take responsibility for my past actions without wallowing in shame? Does God hurt us when He disciplines us? I'm going to be leading a small group this Fall. What is the best series on your website to start with?

How is the Christian life really lived? Do we only forgive people who ask us to? How should we understand "Depart from Me"? How do we define sin? What about a believer marrying an unbeliever? What does it mean that "death reigned from Adam until Moses"? Who are the "other sheep" in John 10:16?

Jesus is Better Than Religion! Discussion Questions (Hebrews 1-13 overview): Read Heb. 1:3. What does it mean to you that Jesus is the "exact representation" of God? And that He "sat down" at the right hand of God? Read Heb. 2:11 and react to this truth: You're sanctified, and Jesus isn't ashamed to call you family! Read Heb. 3:18-19 and 4:10-11. How do these passages reveal the core sin the author is concerned about? Why is this so important for understanding the warnings in Heb. 6 and 10? Read Heb. 5:9 and 7:24-25. What do these say about your salvation? Read Heb. 6:18-19. What are the two unchangeable things that anchor you? How is this different from you trying to anchor yourself? Read Heb. 7:12 and explain this statement: When you change the priesthood, you have to change the law. Read Heb. 8:10-12 and 9:16-17. What's the new covenant? When did it go into effect? Read Heb. 9:28. What should we expect when Christ returns? What does this inspire within us? How do Heb. 10:10 and 10:14 clarify common misconceptions about sanctification and forgiveness for the believer?

Will there be food in heaven? Will we see God right away when we die? How do you protect yourself from wandering eyes? Is the Earth flat? Is the Ethiopian Bible better than all the others?

How can we handle "alternative lifestyle" issues in church with grace? Why are so many Old Testament believers rich? Why did God stop making people rich? Why does James say teachers will incur a stricter judgment if there's no condemnation for us in Christ?

What does "faith without works is dead" mean? Has Jesus already returned? Will there be tribulation after His return? What does it mean to take communion in "an unworthy manner"? Is that about unbelievers eating and drinking it?

How can we say "three days and three nights" when it's less than 72 hours? What year was Jesus crucified? How can Hebrews (and James) say "draw near" if we're already one with Christ? How are there saints coming down with Christ if they are just being raptured?

How should we view those who say they're saved yet keep on sinning? And what if they end up in jail or prison? Why does the Lord's Prayer say "lead us not into temptation"? Why does Jesus talk about getting a return that's a hundredfold or sixtyfold or thirtyfold? What's He talking about?

Do I have to learn every deception of the enemy to be victorious? I know God feels emotions, but what does that mean for how He treats us? How could Jesus be truly tempted if He is God? Are we forgiven by God each time we confess or all at once? What if asking for forgiveness daily just makes me feel better? Why did King Saul call upon a witch? I know someone who was kicked out of church. Is there any place for that? Did the Apostles ever do that?

Would You Leave Religion for Jesus? Discussion Questions for Hebrews 13: Read verses 1–3. What do love, hospitality, and remembering prisoners look like in practical terms today? Read verse 4. Why does God place such a high value on the marriage bed? How does honoring your spouse with your body reflect both belonging to Christ and the picture of Christ and His church? Read verses 5–6. What is the connection between freedom from the love of money, contentment, and God's promise, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you"? Read verse 7. The writer says to "imitate their faith," not simply imitate their behavior. What's the difference? Why not just copy their actions? Read verses 8–9 and react to this statement: God is always the same, but the covenant has changed. It's good for us to be strengthened by grace! Read verse 10. What are believers now "feasting on" in Christ that the Old Covenant could never provide? Read verses 11–14. Here we are told to "go out to Him outside the camp." What might it look like for us today to leave behind popular religious systems in order to identify fully with Jesus and His grace? Read verses 15–16. Under the New Covenant, what kinds of "sacrifices" does God actually desire from us? Read verses 20–21. What do you see God producing or working in you that you recognize as coming from Christ rather than from your own self-effort?

Do we need a second portion of the Holy Spirit after salvation? Does Paul say we might lose our salvation because of coarse jesting? My son thinks we might be saved by works. What can I share with him? Do we celebrate communion in order to be forgiven by God?

I constantly struggle with the assurance of my salvation. Can you help me? How can I put God first in my life? What is 1 Corinthians 2 saying about the Holy Spirit and discernment? I've got big decisions to make, and I don't want to miss God's will!

Why did Jesus speak in parables? If God had the Devil in chains, why does He let him loose? What does it mean to reign with Christ? Isn't Jesus already reigning? What is the least we need to do to be saved?

What about fasting? Why did people fast and is it required for believers today? I forgave a debt but still hope it's paid in the future. Is that okay? Are we robbing God if we don't tithe 10%? What does New Testament giving look like?