The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

What is adultery in God’s view? What about polygamy in the Old Testament? When we die, are we immediately with Jesus? Does Hebrews 10 mean anyone who sins “willfully” goes to hell? If we regard iniquity in our hearts, does God not hear us? It feels like my prayers are never answered. It causes me to doubt and wonder about my relationship with God.

In the second message of our series, “Forever in His Presence: Understanding Our Unbroken Fellowship with God,” we examine the rock-solid evidence that 1 John 1:9 is directed at sin-deniers, not Christians! This distinction is crucial for grasping the completeness of our forgiveness in Christ.

We’ll also unpack how Chapter 2 further clarifies that 1 John 1:9 is written to unbelievers, making the audience of this landmark passage unmistakable. Plus, we explore the profound truth that walking in the light means salvation, not just a temporary state of fellowship.

Join us for this enlightening message and be inspired by the liberating truth of your once-for-all forgiveness and unshakeable fellowship with God!

Discussion Questions:

1. Which verses in today’s message prove that light here means salvation, not a temporary state of “fellowship”? Why is this important? How does it help us understand 1 John 1:9 even better?
2. How does 1 John 2:12 help solidify that 1 John 1:9 is addressing the sin denier who says they have no sin and is in the darkness (unsaved)?
3. 1 John 1:9 is written to someone who does not have the truth in them. How does 1 John 2:4 further define this person as being an unbeliever?
4. What does John say to older believers and younger believers in verses 13 and 14? Why the different messages to different audiences?
5. What is the “commandment” that John keeps referring to in this passage? What evidence do we see in this passage for this conclusion?
6. What is the biggest takeaway from today’s message for you? Why?

How do I know if I have God’s favor? I want to walk in righteousness and do His will and be successful. What’s the best way? Are there two kinds of forgiveness? My pastor told me there’s judicial forgiveness and patriarchal (or relational) forgiveness. Where is that idea coming from? Is it true? And what about the Lord’s Prayer where Jesus says to ask for forgiveness?

What is a healthy view of fasting? Won’t I lose my salvation if I receive the mark of the beast? Won’t I lose my salvation if I deny Jesus at gunpoint? I’m feeling pressure from others to get water baptized, and I wonder if I should. What are your thoughts? I struggle with so much immaturity in terms of my emotions. I wonder what to do!

What does 1 John 3 really mean about a believer not practicing sin? Does John 20 mean humans can determine who is forgiven by God? Why does Jesus say there’s a reward for giving a cup of water if we all get the same reward? Why was I slain in the Spirit when I went up front in church?

Why does John 14 say we will do greater things than Jesus? What exactly do you believe about James 2? My son died by suicide, and I wonder where he is now. Is he still waiting to be with Jesus? Does Mark 16 mean that water baptism is required for salvation?

How can I share the new covenant message of God’s grace with Catholics? With Protestants? With anyone?

Is the new covenant a “renewed” covenant? This ministry saved my life! Why does Hebrews 12 talk about God’s discipline in connection with holiness? What are your thoughts about church based on gender, race, etc.?  What about couples who live together? Do we need to confess every sin to be forgiven by God?

In this first message of our new series on 1 John, “Forever in His Presence,” we explore how “experiencing the presence of God” has often been miscommunicated in the church, missing the incredible truth of our constant union with Christ.

We also address common misunderstandings about “fellowship” with God. Many think our fellowship with God can be lost or broken, especially when we sin. But we’ll discuss what really happens with the Holy Spirit when we stumble and what remains unchanged.

Plus, you’ll discover that 1 John 1:9 was written – not as a “bar of soap” for daily forgiveness – but to those denying their sinfulness. (And, yes, this means we as believers already have complete forgiveness and cleansing of all unrighteousness!).

Join us and get encouraged by the profound truths of our unbreakable fellowship with God!

Discussion Questions:

1. How has “experiencing the presence of God” been communicated popularly in the church today? How does this perspective fall short of the amazing truth?
2. How has the concept of “fellowship” been misunderstood in the Christian world today? What is the truth about our fellowship with God?
3. What about when we sin? What happens with the Holy Spirit? What does not happen with Him? (Be specific on the consequences of sin and what we retain.)
4. What heresies is John combating in his first chapter? Why is this so important to understand?
5. How do verses 8 and 10 shed light on who needs the solution of verse 9? Explain.
6. React to this statement: 1 John 1:9 was written to sin deniers, and we believers already have forgiveness and cleansing of all unrighteousness, forever!

Is your next sin already forgiven? Is all of Israel going to be saved? Will I recognize my wife in Heaven? I’m afraid of backsliding. Any advice? Do Christians sometimes break fellowship with God? What does it mean that Jesus rose from the dead?