The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

Is Jesus teaching transubstantiation in John 6? If Christians don’t have a sinful nature, then what was Paul warring against in Romans 6 and 7? If I’m a born-again believer, why do I still have sinful desires? Is it actually me wanting to do it? What is the immorality described in Romans 1?

Is the bema seat a separate judgment for Christians? Do we have to give an account for every idle word? How were people saved before Jesus? What does it mean in Proverbs 3:5 to not lean on our own understanding?

Why does Romans 6 say that Jesus died to sin "once for all"? I've been diagnosed with cancer, and my pastor has given me books on guaranteed healing from God. Now, I feel like it's my fault that I'm not healed. Is that true? Is there any difference between the Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost? Is 1 Corinthians 3 saying God will destroy anyone who mistreats their own body? What is the truth about the gift of tongues? Is it heavenly languages or human languages? My wife and I are struggling with predestination. Does God really pre-choose some to believe and others have no chance?

We’re under grace, so why not just sin? Paul’s answer in Romans 6 is essentially this: Look at you! You’ve got an obedient heart now, and you’re addicted to righteousness. You’ll never be happy sinning, because sin is hard work with no real payoff! I love this chapter, because it reveals the true nature of God’s counsel. There’s no guilt, no manipulation, and no fear. Instead, God gives you a healthy motivation to avoid sin and bear fruit. And it has everything to do with who you are now! I’m sure by now you’ve heard a lot of religious guilt trips. It’s time to ditch that whole shame game and enjoy lasting motivation brought to you by the God of the universe! Discussion Questions for Romans 6:15-23:

1. What is the radical question asked in verse 15?
2. What is the rationale given in verse 16?
3. What does Paul say happened to you in verse 17?
4. In your own words, explain verse 18. Be specific.
5. What is the parallel draw in verse 19?
6. What two key words in verse 21 offer reasons not to sin? Are they persuasive for you?
7. How is “enslaved to God” a synonym for sanctification in verse 22?
8. Verse 23 talks about the “wages” of sin. How is sin hard work? Is expressing Jesus hard work? Why or why not?

My pastor says true salvation is demonstrated in a person by goods works, church attendance, Bible study, devotion time, etc. He says if these things are not present in a person’s life, then they may think they are saved but they are not, even if they say they believe in Jesus Christ. What is your perspective on this? Why does Paul give a list of sins and say those who practice them will not go to Heaven if we are not saved by works? Where should we draw the line with drinking alcohol?

I want my husband to be a spiritual leader. How should I approach this desire without being judgmental? Why does Mark 13:13 say those who endure will be saved? Sometimes I pray in my mind with few or no words spoken. I also don’t seem to hear anything back from God. Is this okay?

Can you help me understand the command to love others in John 15? How is it different from Law-based commands? Why did Jesus teach a “conditional” forgiveness in the Sermon on the Mount?

My father passed suddenly. Is there Scripture to comfort me and my family? How do you explain the Scripture that speaks about a person’s works being burned yet the man himself being saved? Who is the wicked servant in the Parable of the Talents? Will there be marriage in Heaven?

Why does Hebrews 10 say “the Lord will judge His people”? Do Hebrews 8 and 10 say God puts the Law on believers’ hearts? I’ve been a caregiver for 14 years, but now my grandmother has passed away, and I feel like I’ve lost my purpose. Can you help me?

I go to casinos sometimes. Do I love money too much? What is the true meaning of predestination? How should we view tarot cards, palm readings, and similar practices? What does “punish all disobedience” mean in 2 Corinthians 10? What was Paul’s thorn? How does grace really help in times of trouble?