The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

Why don’t Christians follow the Law? What does “leaders who will give an account” mean in Hebrews 13? When is the Sabbath today? When should we gather to worship?

The once-for-all forgiveness message is powerful! I’m blown away by God’s grace as seen in Hebrews. I’m a new believer. How can you hear God’s voice? Do I need to prepare myself?

How can we best understand the rapture and the tribulation and the millennium? Are we still under the moral law? How does Jesus live through us? What is New Testament prophecy? Who are those with reprobate minds? Is God really slaying us in the Spirit? Are there new apostles today?

The book of Colossians is filled with transformative truths! Join me as we explore powerful and encouraging themes from Chapter 1 in the first part of our “Complete in Christ” series.

We reflect on the secure hope and inheritance we have in Heaven, fully protected by God. We also delve into a more Jesus-centered view of God’s will and the inspiring result of knowing it. And we address the myth of needing to “put God first,” uncovering the freeing reality that everything is spiritual and Christ is our life in all things.

I invite you to check out this message to deepen your understanding of your completeness in Christ!

Discussion Questions for Colossians 1:1-20:

1. Read verse 5. What does it mean to you that your hope is laid up in Heaven, fully protected by God? What does it mean for your salvation? Your inheritance?
2. Read verse 6. React to this statement: The message of God’s grace is constantly bearing fruit all over the world.
3. Read verses 9-10. How does this passage inspire a more Jesus-centered view of “knowing God’s will”? What is God’s will? What is the result of knowing it?
4. Read verse 12. React to this statement: The Father has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints.
5. Read verse 13. What exactly do you think this verse is describing? So, what happened to you? And when?
6. Read verse 14. React to this statement: You already have both redemption and forgiveness in Christ. You don’t need to ask God daily for either one!
7. Read verses 16-17. What does it mean to you that Jesus Christ is your Creator? What does this say about His knowledge of you?
8. Read verse 18. React to this statement: Jesus already has first place in the church and in you. He is your life!

Why do we have to wait a thousand years for God to continue with His plan? Does the Bible support the concept of the Trinity? Why did the Israelites have to look at a bronze serpent to be healed? Should we be concerned with having more faith? What about a Christian who wants to end their life?

Are there two different Gospels? Why did Paul warn Timothy about people who have a form of godliness with no power to it? Is a person automatically sanctified if their spouse is a believer? I have a friend who is living with her boyfriend. Should I consider “not even eating with such a person”? What did Paul mean by that?

Who were the holy people in Matthew 27 that were raised at the resurrection of Jesus? Are some people today saved just by believing in a Creator God? What kind of message was poisoning the church and spreading like cancer in 2 Timothy 2? My pastor told me if I left his church, it would be seven times harder for me to come back. What are your thoughts on his statement? Why did you emphasize the resurrection life of Jesus earlier and not talk about atonement for sins?

Why is the resurrection of Christ so important? What is the meaning of the Sabbath? Did it exist before the Law? What "form of godliness" that "denies the power" is Paul talking about in 2 Timothy 3? How is it "three days and three nights" if Jesus was crucified on Friday and resurrected on Sunday? When exactly is the tribulation? How long does it last? If our bodies are holy and acceptable, then why do we need new bodies? Will some believers be "left behind" upon the return of Christ? Where is repentance in this gospel you preach? 

The resurrection holds a profound significance for each of us, and it is an event that brings hope and transformation to our lives. In this final part of our “Two Acts of God” series, we explore ten incredible reasons to be excited about Jesus rising from the dead.

We’ll discover that the resurrection means our faith is not in vain and that we can rest assured that our salvation is permanent. We’ll also see how the resurrection (not just the cross!) is the source of a good conscience.

Check out this message to deepen your understanding of Christ’s resurrection and celebrate the very core of our Christian faith!

Discussion Questions:

1. In your own words, what does the resurrection mean to you?
2. Why is our faith “worthless” if Christ has not been raised? (see 1 Corinthians 15:17)
3. React to this statement: I will be saved as long as Jesus lives. (see Hebrews 7:25)
4. React to this statement: I have an imparted-life righteousness. (see Galatians 3:21)
5. Why do you think Peter mentions the resurrection (not the cross) as the source of a good conscience? (see 1 Peter 3:21)
6. Of all the benefits of the resurrection, which impacts you the most? Why?

What is the meaning of the cross? It’s hard for me to believe that Jesus loves me, because my life is filled with failure. Can you encourage me?