The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

Religious tradition is often a whirlwind of empty philosophies and legalistic practices. In Colossians 2, Paul cuts through the noise to reveal what truly matters. It’s not about following human regulations or deceptive ideas that claim you need more.

In Christ, you’re complete – no additives needed. Imagine living free from the shadows of religious rituals and embracing the fullness found in Him.

If you’re curious about this freedom and how it can empower your life, click through to watch the full message. You’ll discover confidence from your new identity in Christ, leaving behind the lifeless religiosity of the world!

Discussion Questions for Colossians 2:

1. Read verse 8. What kinds of “empty deception” or worldly philosophies do you think people are most prone to today, and how do these ideas contrast with the message of Christ?
2. Read verses 9-10. How does the fullness of Christ that Paul describes impact your sense of identity and completeness in Him?
3. Read verse 11. How does this idea of “putting off the body of flesh” relate to the new life we have in Christ?
4. Read verses 13-14. How do these verses emphasize the way God has dealt with our sins? What impact can this total forgiveness have on our daily lives and how we view ourselves?
5. Read verse 15. How does the image of Christ disarming rulers and authorities give you a fresh perspective on the battles you face? What does His victory mean for you?
6. Read verses 16-17. Paul talks about religious regulations as a “shadow of things to come.” How can we avoid lifeless religiosity and embrace the substance found in Christ?
7. Read verses 20-21. Paul asks why believers submit to religious rules after having died with Christ. In what ways are we today tempted to follow human regulations or legalistic practices? How do we remain focused on our freedom in Christ and living from Him instead?
8. Read verses 22-23. How do religious rules have “the appearance of wisdom” but lack value? How can we discern between genuine spiritual growth and empty religious rule-following?

My mother passed away a while ago, and her husband wants to put her on a Mormon list to be married eternally. Is that okay? What should we think about channeling and mediums? What about Halloween? And demon possession? Is the church replacing Israel? Is there a second blessing or second portion of the Spirit we receive later? Why did Absolom say he had no successors if he did indeed have children? Is mental illness different from demon possession?

What will happen at the final judgment? Will the Jews get a second chance after the rapture? Are we like Ezekiel the “watchman” in Ezekiel 33? Will we be held accountable for the souls of others? Do you believe in a pre-tribulation rapture?

Why did Jesus not abolish the Law but only fulfill it? Do Christians need to tithe 10% today? 1 Kings 8:7 talks about the cherubim spreading their wings over the ark. What is the significance of that? What does life after death look like?

Why did John the Baptist have to baptize Jesus? How did this event “fulfill all righteousness”? What does God allow in our lives? What about natural disasters like in Florida? Should we worry about having “graven images” of Jesus in our homes? Is it healthy for churches to preach about politics? What is the Scriptural justification for missionaries?

I have feelings for an old boyfriend who says he’s born again now. It hasn’t been very long, so what should I do? How do we get rid of idols in our lives and put God first? How do we know there’s a God at all? What could we tell an unbeliever about the benefits of being a Christian?

What is the neglected message of the cross? Am I part of a Korean cult? What does it mean to vote biblically? Why does Paul target sexual immorality as “sinning against your own body”? What does “the meek will inherit the earth” mean? 

After we come to know God’s grace, then what? For example, how would we deal with addiction? How did God rescue us from being dead in our sins? How can my daughter get closer to God? Should we get her water baptized? My son has been abused by his father, and no one will listen to our case. Please help me get these terms, straight: old self, flesh, sinful nature, sin, carnal mind.

Imagine yourself being raised up and seated with Christ in heavenly places. It might sound too lofty to understand at first, but it’s your reality. And grasping it will reshape how you see yourself and your daily life.

It means you can forget the idea of “getting closer” to Jesus. After all, you’re already united with Christ and one spirit with the Lord! God has already done the heavy lifting.

Dive into the full message now and let these power-packed truths revolutionize your outlook on everyday life!

Discussion Questions Ephesians 2:

1. Read verses 1-2. What does “dead in your trespasses and sins” mean? How does this description help us understand our condition before and after knowing Christ?
2. Read verse 3. How were we “children of wrath” according to this verse? How does this contrast with our new identity in Christ?
3. Read verse 4. What is significant about the phrase “But God…”? How does God’s mercy and love change everything in our story?
4. Read verse 5. Consider the words “alive” and “together” and comment on your closeness to God. How close are you? Why?
5. Read verses 6-7. What does it mean for us to be “raised up with Christ and seated with Him in the heavenly places”? How can this reality impact how we think daily? Why did God do this for us (Hint: See verse 7.)?
6. Read verses 8-9. How does understanding grace challenge any attempt to earn salvation through works? What does this do for ideas like “water baptism saves you” or “you can do something to lose your salvation”?
7. Read verse 10. React to this statement: If you’re God’s workmanship and you were designed from the ground up for good works, then you’re good by nature.

Should I still honor my mother and father if the relationship with them is toxic? Will some of the elect (the church) be deceived in the end times or not? Is there an age of accountability that the Bible explicitly supports? How should we approach the love and mercy of God when it comes to children? What about God‘s justice?