The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

How do you balance the eternal security of Romans 8:1 with Galatians 6:8? Did God create evil? Are those who believe they can lose their salvation not even saved? I deal with scrupulous thinking and wonder if I’m saved. Can you help?

Why would there be animal sacrifices in the millennial kingdom if Jesus was the final sacrifice for sins? I have seen Jesus three times but wonder if I should say anything. I’m concerned about a dream I’ve had repetitively involving death. Is there a message from God in it? If Revelation is full of symbolism and imagery, then why do we need to heed its instruction (Revelation 1:3)?

What are the “commandments” in 1 John 2:3-6? My friend believes she can see sin on people. What do you think of that? What did Jesus mean by ask and you will receive? I’m deeply terrified that I’m a narcissist. What should I do?

I’ve heard that God’s hand is in three places - on you, off you, against you. What does that mean? Is our focus to be on sins at all? My dad passed away a couple months ago. He was a believer. Where is he now? Has he gone through the judgment yet?

What do you do about doubts concerning salvation? What are the “various kinds of tongues” in 1 Corinthians 12? Can Christians get tattoos? What do we say to people who claim the Bible isn’t true because of the age of the Earth? What kind of amends should I try to make for the hurt I caused as an alcoholic? Is it possible to be blotted out of the Book of Life?

Did you know we Christians are only qualified to share one spiritual message about having relationship with God? And it’s not the message of self-improvement. It’s the new covenant message of God’s grace!

That’s right, the new covenant is all we are qualified to share with others. And when we focus on the new covenant, it leads to all kinds of confidence and boldness. This is exactly what Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 3.

We just started a new year. As new creations, isn’t it time we focus on the new covenant? When we do, the “veil” of the Law is taken away and we find real freedom in Jesus!

Find out more in this foundational message that will help you start the new year off right!

Discussion Questions:

1. Read verses 1-3. How do people serve as “letters of recommendation”?
2. Read verses 4-6. What specific message are we believers adequate and confident to share?
3. Read verses 7-11. Here, Paul compares the Ten Commandments (on stone) with the Gospel message we enjoy today. What expressions does Paul use to compare them? (Hint: Look for keywords such as the four uses of “ministry” and the ten uses of “glory.”) What should we conclude?
4. Read verses 12-13. Paul says we can “use great boldness in our speech” about the new covenant. How can this boldness be misinterpreted by others? Is there anything we can do about being misinterpreted? Discuss.
5. Read verses 14-16. Who has the veil over their eyes and hearts? What specifically does the “veil” blind them from? How is the veil lifted?
6. Read verse 17. What atmosphere can we expect from the Holy Spirit? How will this atmosphere be manifested in our personal lives? Relationships? Church congregations?
7. Read verse 18. Why does Paul say “beholding as in a mirror”? If you’re already a new creation, then what exactly is being transformed within you? (See also Romans 12:2 as a cross-reference.)

What does it mean to be born or made in God's image? To what degree was that image lost at the Fall? Why does Romans 14:12 say we will "give an account" if our sins are taken away forever? When did the New Testament era really begin? Another Bible teacher claims we must be baptized to be saved. Is this true?

Does Galatians 2:20 say it's faith "in" Jesus or the faith "of" Jesus? How do I share the Gospel with unbelievers in an organic way? I've had panic attacks and wonder if it's because of my sins. How is God's discipline different from punishment? I haven't heard God's voice lately, and it concerns me. Should I be worried?

How is my human spirit different from the Holy Spirit within me? Do I need to "die to self" or get out of God's way? The real Gospel message is easy and light, and it's worth celebrating. What does the Parable of the Mustard Seed mean?

Will I be judged more harshly by God because I served as a pastor? If we are born spiritually dead, then what exactly dies with Christ at salvation? After all, why would a dead spirit need to die? Has the gift of healing gone away? Should we still pray for people's healing?