Andrew Farley

What is election (predestination)? My church won't baptize me, because they say I'm living in sin. They say if I remarry, it will be adultery! My Bible teacher says Jesus is the Holy Spirit. Is that accurate? I wonder what God thinks of me being an introvert!

Are We Abusing Grace—or Finally Getting It? Let's face it—grace makes people nervous. Say you're totally forgiven, and someone's bound to ask, “So… sin doesn't matter anymore?” Mention freedom from the Law, and suddenly you're accused of tossing out morality altogether.   In this message, “Grace Under Fire,” we take an honest, in-depth look at the toughest questions people ask about the message of God's grace, including: If I'm totally forgiven, then why confess at all? What keeps me in line if I'm under grace? Why do I still struggle if Christ lives in me? This isn't fluff or feel-good theology—it's the powerful, liberating truth of the Gospel. The kind that silences shame, dismantles fear, and anchors you in Jesus.   So, if you've ever wrestled with doubt or been grilled by others, this message will equip and encourage you in just how amazing God's grace really is. Watch now and discover grace that holds up under fire! Discussion Questions: Are we saying that sin doesn't matter? If we're totally forgiven, why confess at all? If we're under grace, what's going to keep us in line? Are we really righteous right now? If so, how do we know? If Christ is in us, why do we still struggle? What's the point of growth if we're already complete? Are we saying that the Law is bad? What about judgment day—shouldn't we still be nervous?

Someone in our community just died of suicide. What can I be ready to say or share when people ask me about his death? My son tells me I need to go to a real church, my baptism doesn't count, and I'm not reading the true Bible. Help me! My husband passed away five years ago, and since then I've been helping others. Now, I need a job and place to live. What should my next steps be?

What does Jude mean when it says, "build yourselves up"? And what about "praying in the Spirit"? Isn't that tongues? If not, what is it actually? My mother wants me to drive her to the Catholic church, but I wish she knew the truth about Jesus. What can I do? I put mud on my eyes and nothing happened. Why didn't God heal me?

How do we balance God's goodness with God's justice? What about those who have never heard? They never had a chance! My children say I'm not a real Christian, because I don't have enough godly sorrow over my sins and not enough true repentance. Are they right about me?

What does it mean to be "seated at God's right hand"? Does Jesus pray for us today? People are telling me that I'm going to Hell. What can I do? Why aren't we hearing people pray for Palestine (and Israel) and the children starving in Gaza?

Are those who have a form of godliness in 2 Timothy 3 actually saved or not? Is there any truth to generational curses for believers? Why was Uzzah killed for touching the ark of the covenant? Is the gift of tongues for every believer? Is it the sign of true salvation? If genuine tongues involves human languages, then what is the other phenomenon we see today?

I'm worried my love might grow cold and that I won't stand firm until the end (Matthew 24). What can I do? I heard it's not enough to be saved and now I need to be a disciple. What are your thoughts on this? My son is convinced we need to go to church on Saturday because of the Sabbath. Is this true? What are the names of the Holy Spirit? There are no “levels” for Christians, but what about the apostles? If I'm really saved, then why do I constantly get sinful thoughts flooding my mind? Is Jesus only drawing some people to be saved, leaving others with no invitation and no chance?

Why Bring a Casserole to a Catered Feast? Discussion Questions: Why do you think the original invitees rejected the banquet? What does this tell us about how some people respond to God's grace? How does this parable challenge the idea that God's invitation is only for the “qualified”? What does it say about who is welcome? If grace is truly a “banquet” already prepared, why do people still try to bring something to the table? React to this statement: Drop your excuses and enjoy what God has freely given you! Which debtor do you most identify with right now—the one forgiven little or the one forgiven much? How does your awareness of God's forgiveness affect your love for Him and others? Why do you think the Pharisee was so cold toward Jesus, while the woman was so expressive and emotional? React to this statement: Those who are forgiven much, love much. What meant the most to you from this message? Why?

How do I share the message of God‘s grace with my father without it becoming a debate? How do the Jehovah's Witnesses differ from born-again believers? At salvation, are we even forgiven for our future sins? Somebody told me that when I sin, my heart is filled with sin and I need to cleanse it. Is this true? If not, what is the healthy response to sinning?

How can we share the gospel with those in an alternative lifestyle? Is the unpardonable sin only the Jews' rejection of Jesus‘s miracles? Or is it rejection of Jesus by any of us? There are so many opinions about tongues. What is the truth?

If believers don't have to worry about their sins at the final judgment, then what's up with 1 Peter 4:17? If we all get the same reward, then what is Jesus talking about in Revelation 22?

How do you know you're saved if you're still intentionally sinning? Why did my friend get so angry in defending his view of predestination? What can I say to him? The gospel doesn't seem fair when the guy who has bad behavior gets saved, and the one with good behavior goes to Hell. Can you help me understand this?

I have been very discouraged lately because of my sin struggles. Can you help me? Could Judas have been forgiven for betraying Jesus? How do I better relate to my teenage children and inspire them? My friend is telling me that we are totally forgiven positionally but not relationally. Is that true?

Why do you call John 17 the "real" Lord's prayer? Ezekiel 1-2 are filled with creatures, symbols, and a commissioning of the prophet. Can you explain this? How is true, biblical discernment different from the judging of others that I often see? Did Jesus really say that some standing before Him would not die until the kingdom had come? How can that be if we are still waiting on His return today? I've been saturated in the message of grace for decades, and now I'm sharing it with others! How can I decide whom to give money to? I often feel pressure but want to use discernment in my giving. Why is it such a big deal to know the cross is the true dividing line of human history? I broke off my engagement, because she's pro-choice. Would a "mixed household" still be blessed by God?

“Wait... We All Get the Same Reward?”   React to this statement: “Grace doesn't check the timecard.” What does this truth reveal about how God views your life story, your past mistakes, and your late starts? How does this parable challenge the idea that Christians will receive different levels of reward in heaven based on performance? In what ways does it affirm that Jesus is the reward—and that the reward begins right now? Have you ever felt like a “latecomer” in the faith, or that you've missed out on something by not doing more, sooner? How does God's equal generosity in this parable speak to those feelings? What does this story say to the person who has spent a lifetime in religious effort trying to “earn” more from God? How can this parable set them free? React to this statement: “Comparison kills joy. Grace revives it.” Where have you seen comparison steal joy in your life? How might embracing grace bring you peace? In what areas of your life do you catch yourself keeping score—with others or even with God? How might trusting God's grace allow you to let go of the scoreboard entirely? Jesus says, “The last shall be first, and the first last.” How does this grace-based reversal affect your view of spiritual status, legacy, and reward? What does it mean for how you see yourself and others?

Is it okay to get a tattoo? What about a tattoo of Scripture? Did Eve lie when she said they must not "touch" the tree? Are all snakes from Satan? If we get more people to pray with us, is it more likely for God to answer "yes"?

Is it okay to attend church virtually? What does it mean that the Holy Spirit "drove" Jesus into the wilderness? My friend is heavy into a psychological approach to making life work called NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming). How can I share the gospel with her? My wife and I were invited to a same-sex wedding. Should we go?

My wife and I are discussing issues like quiet times, getting closer to God, and putting on the armor of God. How do we navigate these discussions when we have differences of opinion? Do you think the enemy can influence our dreams? If so, what should we do?

Does the Parable of the Soils teach loss of salvation? How can I respond to someone who is always bossing and lecturing me? I want to evangelize on the streets for the rest of my life! Why do I always feel like I'm walking on eggshells with God? I want to launch a fitness program online, but my friends say I need to “do more.” What are your thoughts?

Do you suffer from OBS (Older Brother Syndrome)? Discussion Questions: What does this parable teach us about the empty promises of sin? What motivated the prodigal son to want to go home? Have you found yourself preparing a script to grovel before God? Why? What does the father's reaction say about our Father? What does it say that the father went into FULL “party mode”? Do you ever suffer from OBS (Older Brother Syndrome)? What's the remedy? React to this statement: “You have always been with me, all that is mine is yours.”

Is “once saved, always saved” really true? How can we know for sure? Why did Jesus say to be “as wise as serpents”? I hate snakes! I was saved decades ago, but have backslid so much. Now, I'm afraid I might be “out”!

Why do we see so many off-base teachings in churches today? Are there different levels in Heaven? I have an opportunity to get remarried to an unbeliever. Should I? Can you explain sanctification more clearly?

Explain the blessing through Abraham in Genesis 12. Is that only about Jewish believers or all believers? Why does Paul quote one of the Ten Commandments (in Ephesians 6) if we are not under the Law? How do we identify lies we're believing and replace them with the truth? What did Jesus mean when He said the thief comes to steal, but that He came to give us life?

Doesn't a balance of law and grace make sense? If we all have the Holy Spirit, why are there so many disagreements among Christians? What do you say to people who claim you're teaching “cheap grace”?

What if God loves you just as much as Jesus? Discussion Questions: React to this statement: You are not of this world! What does sanctified mean? How do people try to be sanctified? What really sanctifies? What level of oneness did Jesus pray for? What evidence do you see of this in the passage? React to this statement: The Father loves you just as much as He loves Jesus. Read verse 24. What does it mean to be with Jesus where He is? How does knowing your oneness lead to a healthier view of dependence? What is the biggest takeaway for you from this message?

Matthew 7 really scares me! To whom does Jesus say, “Depart from Me”? Right now, I'm being slandered. And the person doing it is a believer! How does God view this injustice? If God hardened Pharaoh's heart long ago, then does He harden people's hearts today so they can't believe?

Can you explain “in the flesh”? What about “in the Spirit”? And then please explain “walking” and “setting the mind.” My friend says he believes in God but not in Jesus. What should I say next? What is your best advice on evangelism, sharing the gospel with all kinds of people?

I listened to false teaching for a while, and now I feel confused and condemned. I don't want to follow the wrong Jesus! My friend told me that we shouldn't use common sense, only godly wisdom. Is there really a competition between those two?

What is the punishment mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10? How does it relate to “taking every thought captive”? What is the “courts of Heaven” teaching? Which verses say the Trinity never had a beginning? I'm trying to figure out if I was truly saved long ago. Also, I made a deal with God to give up my salvation in exchange for physical relief from pain. I wonder if I ruined my eternity!

My pastor seems to only preach from the Old Testament. What can I do? What does it mean to “take every thought captive”? Can you give a practical example?

I continue to struggle with pornography. What can I do differently? Did Enoch and Elijah get a special death-free experience from God? I know I'm saved, but for some reason I still get the doubting thoughts. Where is that coming from? Is it okay that I was saved without anyone else present? Are the Canaanites descendants of Cain? How would they be alive after the flood? Can you explain sanctification, holiness, and perfection (completeness) in Christ?

Are you letting God shine in you? Discussion Questions: Which of the Scriptures on God leading you means the most to you? Why? Which of the three obstacles mentioned do you struggle with most? Why? React to this statement: God is always leading me, and I can simple “let” Him. How does knowing the Holy Spirit is “good” affect our choice to let Him lead? React to this statement: Christ is my life. What does that mean to you? Romans and 2 Corinthians both say God gives life to our mortal bodies. Notice the word “mortal” which means now. What does that mean to you on a practical level? How is living from God different from only living for God? What is one big thing you've learned from this “Let God” series? Verses used: Ps 32:8, Prov 3:5-6, Rom 8:14, Prov 16:9, Ps 37:23, Ps 143:10, Rom 5:10, Jn 14:19-20, Jn 6:57, Phil 1:21, Rom 8:11, 2 Cor 4:11, Col 3:4, 2 Cor 4:6.

Do we need to convict people of their sin? How do we best share the gospel? Are there examples in Scripture? What is a “carnal Christian”? Is that some sort of identity that we should give believers at times? Why do some people call themselves “red letter Christians”? Do they really only follow the teachings of Jesus and avoid Paul and the other apostles?

Does God have a sense of humor? Is there any proof? I feel like I'm always doing wrong, and I can't ever recover the promise God made to me. I need His rescue, but I don't know how to get it! How can I know the difference between my own brain or conscience and the Spirit of God in me?

I lost my son to fentanyl, and my wife just died as well. I feel all alone, and I need help! What's the difference between the Bible and the gospel?

A new law in Texas requires the Ten Commandments posted in every classroom. Is that what children need most? Does 1 Corinthians 8 mean we should walk on eggshells concerning the opinions of others about everything we do? Should churches be requiring membership and contracts?

What does spiritual warfare look like today in light of the finished work of Christ? Paul told the Corinthians they could eat meat sacrificed to idols, so why does Revelation 2 condemn it? How should we view Israel today given we are the Church (God‘s people)? My friend is making a big deal out of Psalm 82 and what she calls “the divine council of gods.” What is this chapter really about? My husband is narcissistic and financially abusive. Should I leave to try to save the marriage? Why does God talk to the church at Thyatira about destroying children? Who is He talking about?

Are you letting God lead you? Discussion Questions: How often do you think about the concept of letting God free you? React to this statement: God has freed me, so I can walk free! Which of the Scriptures on our freedom in Christ means the most to you? Why? React to this statement: God wants to strengthen me. Is that hard for you to believe without imagining Him getting you “out of the way”? Which of the Scriptures on God leading you means the most to you? Why? React to this statement: God is always leading me, and I can simple “let” Him. How does knowing the Holy Spirit is “good” affect our choice to let Him lead?

Why does it seem like healing and miracles stopped? And what about demons today? How do we know Jesus is the Messiah? My brother isn't sure about the Trinity. What can I do? What should we do when we sin? Ask God for forgiveness and then forget about it?

Is everyone in the Book of Life originally? If so, when and why are they taken out? My good friend has a six-year-old diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor. How can I be an encouragement to her and her husband? I have a religious OCD, and I worry about overindulging in jazz, art, and audiobooks. Is that God warning me? What can I do to get free?

What is repentance? What kind of repentance is needed for salvation? Do we have to give a certain percentage to a church to please God? What will we remember (and forget) when we are in Heaven? Is that how we experience no sorrow? Do we have to confess each sin or ask forgiveness each time to be forgiven by God?

Why did Jesus call the Pharisees spiritually blind? What about people today? Who wrote the epistle of James? What are your thoughts on it? How do we know if we are the good soil described by Jesus? Fruit-bearing is a natural byproduct after salvation, but what actually saves a person?

Why are there so many denominations? How did they get started? Why does the apostle John tell us to not love the world if God loves the world? I feel overwhelming guilt for my past, and I don't know what to do. I've tried everything! Are some sections of the Bible not of any benefit to us today?

I struggle with obsessive thoughts about my salvation and staying in God's will. Is this God sending me a message? My 11-year-old went to a camp and was told that he is not saved, because he hasn't been baptized in water. Can you help him? What is the true meaning of predestination? Can women speak in church and serve in leadership? Or should they be quiet in every church setting? *previously aired

Are you letting God comfort you? Discussion Questions: How often do you think about the concept of letting God comfort you? React to this statement: God has forgiven me, and I can agree with Him! Which of the Scriptures on God's forgiveness means the most to you? Why? React to this statement: God comforts me. Is that easy for you to believe? Why or why not? Which of the Scriptures on God's comfort means the most to you? Why? React to this statement: God has freed me, so I can truly live free! What choices could you make to fully enjoy the forgiveness, comfort, and freedom of God's grace?