The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

What kind of repentance actually saves? How should we view the Lord’s Prayer if believers are already forgiven? Why does James 2 say “justified by works” three times? Who was Melchizedek and why is he mentioned in the Old and New Testaments? Do we lose our painful memories when we get to Heaven?

Who exactly is the Holy Spirit? Why did Jesus tell the man near the pool at Bethesda that he should sin no more so nothing worse happens? I can’t seem to quit smoking weed, and I’m torturing myself every day. Can you help? Do we get more self control as time goes by?

Can you be in Christ but still “think” in Adam? (Well, not exactly, but here’s why we’re still learning and growing.) I know I was saved early on in my life, but I feel that my heart has been hardened, and I keep believing lies. I’m miserable. Can you help me? Is self-defense with a firearm okay for a Christian?

Why do Hebrews and Colossians say to “hold fast“ or “continue”? Does this imply we could lose our salvation? Is Romans 7 about Paul before or after his conversion? When Romans 8 says “no condemnation”, is it referring to total forgiveness of our future sins? Why do some Christians seem to have a negative view of Jews in the Old Testament or even today?

Why does the New Testament say no one has seen God if He appeared to people in the Old Testament? Does the Bible contradict itself? What does it mean to not love things of this world? How do you know when you’ve come to trust God?

What is the difference between discipleship and sonship? How do we know we’re walking by the Spirit? Does the Father actually “take away” branches that don’t bear enough fruit?

What is Paul’s thorn in the flesh? Why did King Saul prophesy? Am I free to gather with other Christians in a home on any day rather than Sunday church? If a believer dies by suicide, are they still saved? Did angels have relations with humans to produce offspring? Is once-saved-always-saved true? What does “I can do all things through Christ” mean in context?

The mysteries of the Gospel were once hidden, but now they’re revealed! Join me as we uncover profound insights – including the deeper truth behind predestination and the true meaning of being filled with the Spirit – in Ephesians 3.

We’ll also explore Paul’s humble declaration of being “the very least of all saints.” What’s that all about? And we’ll discover why God goes beyond mere rearrangement of circumstances in our lives and how He’s doing something far more profound.

I encourage you to listen to this one. You’ll be amazed at the depth of the Gospel and the breadth of God’s love for you!

Discussion Questions for Ephesians 3:

1. Read verses 1-7. Paul was given stewardship of a mystery that has now been revealed. What is it? How does this help us understand predestination better? What kind of reaction do you think Paul received from the Ephesians? And from his fellow Jews?
2. Read verse 8. Why does Paul call himself “the very least of all saints”? How does this personally impact your view of God’s grace in your life?
3. Read verses 9-10. This passage speaks of the manifold wisdom of God. Who makes it known? To whom is it made known?
4. Read verses 11-12 and react to this statement: God’s eternal purpose in Christ was to give you boldness and confident access to Him forever!
5. Read verses 14-19. What specifically is Paul praying for the Ephesians? With what goal in mind? How does this help us better understand what it means to “be filled with the Spirit” in Ephesians 5?
6. Read verse 20. Is this about God rearranging circumstances for you or something deeper? How do you know?

Is the Bible really a book about good and evil? Or does it contain another message? I love my son, but he’s been abusive in some ways, so I wonder about healthy boundaries. Do you have any New Testament commentary content available now? If so, how can we access it? We just started a coffee shop discussion group, and now I’m wondering how to stay focused on Jesus rather than morphing into a service projects group. What are your suggestions?