Andrew Farley

The Irreversible Work of Jesus Discussion Questions: In your own words, what is the new covenant? How is it different from the old? What are the two unchangeable things? Why is this important to understand? React to this statement: Jesus shed His blood once, so you were forgiven by God once. What does once-for-all forgiveness mean for you at the final judgment? React to this statement: I'm allergic to sin and addicted to Jesus. Why does the true definition of “eternal life” (no beginning or end) matter so much? React to this statement: Behavior passages are like God showing us what clothes fit us best!

I was abused growing up, and it led me to drinking too much. Will that keep me from Heaven? How can I deal with the guilt and shame that has come from the abuse? How can I share my faith with my young adult children without seeming too pushy?

What are the “works” that God prepares in advance for us? People accuse me of wanting to have my ears tickled with grace teaching. Is that what Paul meant when he warned Timothy? Do I have to call my husband “lord” to be truly submissive?

Is it okay to break out in tongues when you're in a group? Can you lose your salvation? I am a newer believer, and I've shared my faith with my father and my uncle. However, now I wonder if I did enough?

What's in the believer's heart? Are we fighting ourselves? Does half of you still need to die? What do Romans and Corinthians really say about freedom and sensitivity to others? What do you teach about divorce and remarriage?

Halloween is coming up, and I'm not sure what to do. What are your thoughts on celebrating with kids? What can I do now that I understand God's grace so much better, yet people at church don't agree with me? Are Christians obligated to financially support Israel? Does Matthew 24 mean some Christians will not go to Heaven if they are not able to endure enough?

Is the Law written on our hearts? What role does the Law play in raising our children today? For whom should I vote for mayor of Detroit? One candidate is a pastor! Should the sexually immoral be invited to leadership in church? Are Christians grafted into Israel? Will believers have to answer for every idle word? What about divorce and remarriage? 

What's That Smell? (Grace Giving and Grace Living!) Discussion Questions for 2 Corinthians: Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-16. What does it look like to “be separate” without being isolated or legalistic? How are you “different” in this world? Read 2 Corinthians 7:8-10. What is the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow? Explain in your own words. Read 2 Corinthians 8:12-15. What do we learn about how the early church was invited to share with each other to meet needs? Read 2 Corinthians 9:5. Why did Paul send someone to go ahead of him? What does that show us about Paul's heart? Read 2 Corinthians 9:6. React to this statement: If we invest in the gospel, we're going to see a harvest: transformed lives! Read 2 Corinthians 9:7. What four expressions here show exactly what a healthy motivation for giving looks like? How is this different from the “give until it hurts” mentality? What meant the most to you from Andrew's message today? Why?

Should we focus on the enemy? If not, what's the best way to approach spiritual warfare? I'm trying to understand Philippians 2 about God working within us. Does it really mean we try to become blameless and pure? (If so, I'm toast!) As believers, can we have our bodies cremated instead of buried? Or do we have to pay for a burial site and a casket?

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My business is struggling, and my friend tells me it's because of unconfessed sins in my life! Is he right? My pastor told me that, when we sin, some of the Holy Spirit leaves us. Is that true? When we die, does the Holy Spirit go with us? Does the Bible talk about tithing? Do we have to tithe ten percent today? If not, what should we do?

Are there two returns of Christ or one? I gave my teenager some marijuana. Is that unforgivable? Does the Holy Spirit convict believers? How does He relate to us? What do you think about the celebration of All Saints Day? *previously aired  

What about people in remote locations who have never heard the gospel? And what about all those Gentiles in the Old Testament? How can believers who have died already have a resurrection body in Heaven? Or are they bodiless in Heaven or sleeping for thousands of years? What are your thoughts on James? Does he teach the Old Testament law as the means to salvation? What is the gift of tongues? Are there two kinds of tongues? What about women leading in church? Aren't they told to always be quiet?

What Died When You Did? Discussion Questions for 2 Corinthians 5-6: Read verse 15. What does it practically mean to no longer live for ourselves? How might this reshape our goals and motivations? Read verse 16. How does seeing others “not according to the flesh” change how we treat other people, even those who frustrate or anger us? Read verse 17. What does it mean to be a new creation? What old things have passed away, and what new things has God brought you? When? Read verses 18–20. Why is it important to read these verses as a cluster (including verse 20) to avoid the idea of universal salvation? Note verse 20. What role does our response play in reconciliation with God? Read verse 21. What does it mean to become “the righteousness of God in Him”? How does this go beyond being merely forgiven? Read verses 6:14–16. How should our identity as righteousness and light shape the (marriage) partnerships and priorities we form in the world? Read verses 6:17–18. What does it mean to come out and be separate without becoming self-righteous or isolated? How does knowing you're God's child shape your confidence and compassion?

Are there two returns of Christ or one? I gave my teenager some marijuana. Is that unforgivable? Does the Holy Spirit convict believers? How does He relate to us? What do you think about the celebration of All Saints Day?

Is Christ living in us just symbolic? My wife wants a divorce. What's my next move? Should we wish evil or destruction on unbelievers?

Why am I not able to feel God when I pray? Is the analogy of solid, liquid and gas a good representation of the Trinity? Am I grieving the Spirit? Am I being attacked by the enemy? Or do I have a physical problem? What are your thoughts on my situation?

What is the “third heaven”? What does it mean that we're already seated in heavenly places? My pastor said our character is the foundation for our lives. What are your thoughts? Please explain the Parable of the Talents. If it's about Christians, then how could the last person end up in “outer darkness”?

Our pastor wants to evangelize all communities, including those of different lifestyles. Is that biblical? What do you think he has in mind? How can I help my friend who is having marriage problems? What kind of counseling is best? I have a religious OCD, and I'm constantly concerned that I'm not entering God's rest. Can you help me? There are so many lies that we end up believing about forgiveness of other people! Can you clarify? What are your thoughts on God's glory being revealed in “seconds”?  

Do You Realize What Treasure God Put in You? Discussion Questions: Read verses 3–4. Why is it important to recognize that Satan (not God!) is the one blinding unbelievers? How does that understanding change the way we view God and people who reject the gospel? Read verse 6. Paul says God “shone in our hearts.” What does this verse imply about the nature of our hearts and what's inside them? Read verse 7. What do you think Paul means by “earthen vessels”? How does knowing about the treasure inside us shape how we see our weakness and our adequacy? Read verses 8–9. Paul lists hardships but never ends in defeat. What do these verses teach us about the difference between suffering with Christ in us versus suffering without Him? Read verses 10–12. Why is it freeing to realize that “carrying the dying of Jesus” refers to the apostles' suffering for the gospel's sake—not a call for all Christians to die more every day? How does verse 12 make this crystal clear? Read verse 15. How do you see “grace spreading to more and more people” in your circles today? Why is gratitude always the result of genuine ministry? Read verses 16–18. Paul contrasts the “outer man” decaying with the “inner man” being renewed. What does this say about where our real hope and beauty come from? How does it help you not to lose heart?

What does a healthy marriage dynamic look like? Should the needs of the husband come first? What is biblical submission? Should we worry with attacks of the enemy or magical spells? Can you talk about how we don't need Jesus to pray to the Father for us but instead we have direct access? Also, can you talk about some of the deep truths in John 6 and John 17? What does it mean to be equipped with everything we need for life and godliness?   marriage, dynamic, submission, husband, wife, enemy, attacks, spells, direct access, Father, prayer, John 6, John 17, complete, adequacy, equipped  

I'm burning out trying to help my brother (an addict living on the street) at any cost. What can I do? My daughter watches scary movies and has skulls. I wonder if she's still saved. What should I conclude? I'm frustrated, because our church has been studying David for two years, and it's mostly about sin management. And when I mention grace, they tell me I need to be careful, because it's too dangerous and people might abuse it.

Why aren't there many sermons on being single? What does the Bible have to say about singles? What is the best definition of “grace”?  

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?

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? 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? 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?

What do you think about the darkened sun in Matthew 24? Metaphorical or actual? What are your thoughts on preterism? My uncle said he experienced fire when he was saved. Is that something we should expect in a true conversion? How can I finally get some peace in my struggle with lust?

My wife won't forgive me, and it's been eight years! What can I do? What does Paul mean by buffeting his body and making it his slave? Is this about loss of salvation?

Does the man of lawlessness show up before the great tribulation and the return of Christ? What does it mean to “obey the gospel”? My husband has cheated on me multiple times and has been involved in drugs. Now, he's gone all the time, and I don't know where he is. What are my options? How can we best understand the thousand-year reign and the seven-year tribulation? Doesn't Matthew 24 say some will be taken and some will be left behind? What is persecution in the Bible? How does that fit with Christians who hurt other believers?

Did Jesus forget to mention a secret rapture? Discussion Questions: Read 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17. Paul describes one dramatic, public return of Christ with a shout, trumpet, and the resurrection of believers. Why do you think Paul emphasizes these visible signs instead of describing a secret return? Read John 5:28–29. Jesus says both “those who did good” and “those who did evil” will come out of the tombs at the same hour. How does this challenge the idea of two separate resurrections or two separate comings of Christ? Read 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10. Why does Paul connect Christ's return with both judgment on the wicked and relief for the suffering church? How does this strengthen our hope in times of hardship? Read Matthew 24:27–31. Why do you think Jesus compares His return to lightning flashing across the sky? What does this tell us about how obvious and undeniable His coming will be? For nearly 1,800 years, Christians believed in one visible return of Christ and one final judgment. Only in the 1800s did the idea of a “secret rapture” appear. Is it helpful to you to know that particular history? Why or why not? Read Hebrews 9:28. The writer says Christ will appear a second time “to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.” Why is Christ's return essential to completing God's plan of salvation? If Christ is returning once, visibly, and finally to judge and renew all things, how might this shape the way think? What perspectives might change if we live in the hope of His coming?

What is water baptism all about? Should we sprinkle or immerse? How do you overcome lust? What are the “spiritual blessings” that we get at salvation? Does God have to give us a new heart before we can be saved? Does that leave some with no opportunity to hear and believe?

What is the thousand-year reign? What will we do? My friend says she's a believer, but she consults mediums, and now her young grandson is getting involved. What can I do? My daughter is upset that we didn't sell her our house. We are afraid of losing her. How can we respond?