The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

What is your take on Christ’s return? Will there be a secret rapture? And will some of us be left behind? Tribulation? Final judgment? End times? How do I totally surrender my life to the Lord?

Why are so many Christians confused about faith and works? What about James 2? What does it mean to “do the will of the Father”? Why does Jesus turn some people away in Matthew 7, saying He never knew them?

Are there two different meanings of “flesh” in Paul’s letters? Are our physical bodies evil? What does it mean to accept Jesus as “your personal Lord and Savior”? There are many different views of the end times. Would you consider those views to be heresy or “false teaching”?

Which commandments do we need to follow in the Bible? Can you explain Ephesians 5 concerning coarse jesting and immorality? What is the “simplicity of Christ” that Paul talks about? How can we avoid straying from it?

If we’re already sanctified, then why does 1 Thessalonians 4 say God’s will is our sanctification? How do we interpret all the New Testament passages that say God will punish those who practice sinful behavior? Does that punishment apply to Christians who struggle with sin? If not, why not? What does it mean to “be alert” or “be ready” for Christ’s return?

What do Seventh Day Adventists believe? Are women allowed to serve or speak in church? I know you teach that the antichrist is not pretending to be Christ, but who is the “wicked one“ or the “man of lawlessness” in 2 Thessalonians? Are we immediately with God when we die? What about what Jesus teaches in the gospels about being “left behind” upon His return?

A believer’s unbroken fellowship with God is at the core of our “Forever in His Presence” series. In this message, we explore the simplicity of salvation to see that it is heartfelt belief, not “magic words” or perfect behavior, that brings us into a saving relationship with God.

We also reflect on God’s incredible love for us, which sets us free from fear and gives us confidence for Judgment Day. Contrary to what the religious world might say, knowing the depths of His love also means we can stop trying to love Him more!

Furthermore, understanding that “we love because He first loved us” helps us see that loving God and loving others are naturally intertwined.

I encourage you to listen to this message and be inspired by the permanent presence of God’s love and grace in your life!

Discussion Questions:

1. Read verse 15. How hard is it to be saved? What’s required exactly? Did you think this involves just saying some “magic words” or something more? If so, what?
2. Read verse 16 and react to this statement: I believe the love which God has for me!
3. Read verse 17. What are the two reasons we can be confident on Judgment Day?
4. Read verse 18 and react to this statement: I will never be punished for any of my sins!
5. Read verse 19. Explain why getting this divine order of things right is so important.
6. Read 1 John 4:20-5:1. Why do loving God and loving others go hand in hand?
7. Read verses 2-3 of chapter 5. What are His commandments? (Note: Consider 1 John 3:23 in your answer.) Also, why are His commandments “not burdensome”? And how are these any different from being under the Old Testament law?
8. What does it mean that we now “overcome the world”?

What does it mean to set your mind on things above? Why aren’t we required to keep the Sabbath? Should we be praying to the Holy Spirit, asking Him to give the Word power?

My roommate is controlling and jealous in the ways she treats me. I’m wondering what to do. How do you view church tradition versus Scripture when they seem to contradict sometimes? What about the Orthodox church?

Why didn’t God give us the new covenant from the start? What is the unpardonable sin? What about Christians who just continue in sin? What was Jesus trying to say in Luke 11 about demon possession? How can we effectively witness to those who don’t believe in the Bible? Is it wrong for me to confess my sins? To ask God for forgiveness daily?