Andrew Farley

Join us here for our morning service at The Grace Church. We continue our series called "Alive with Christ: Discovering our Spiritual Riches in Ephesians" with Part 6 (Ephesians 4:17-32). Below are the discussion questions for today’s message:   (1) Read verses 17-19. How do words like futility, darkened, excluded, ignorance, hardness, and callous describe the unbeliever? What is the main cause of this? (Hint: Consider the electrical outlet analogy.) (2) Read verses 20-24. Why is it important to read these five verses as one big thought? Is it really saying we need to put off our old self daily? If not, what does it mean? (Make sure to cross-reference Colossians 3:9-10). (3) What does verse 24 say about you as the new self? What does this mean to you personally? (4) Read verse 25. How does belonging to one another relate to lying? (5) How does “letting the sun go down on your anger” give the devil an opportunity? What’s the solution? Be sure to discuss what “forgiveness as a choice” really looks like. (6) Rea

What are the ways in which Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled by Jesus? What exactly happened at the fall for Adam and Eve? I want a deeper spiritual relationship with someone close to me, but I always seem to feel rejected. Any advice?

I get confused and even depressed from all the different theological viewpoints out there. Is Hell only for fallen angels? What is the main issue with Calvinism? Do we wait for God to bring us a spouse or do we actively seek one out? Or is there an entirely different perspective? What Bible version is the best and why?

Are we simultaneously saints and sinners? Can you talk about the “dirty worm theology” so many have today? What does your tag line “Jesus plus nothing“ mean? What is our authority as believers to do miracles or heal people? Why is Jesus talking about nakedness and clothing in Revelation 16?

Does our old self die when we believe? Does the Holy Spirit live in me or does Christ live in me? Why does Paul give instruction about women’s clothing but not men’s? What do you mean by “you can be yourself and express Jesus at the exact same time”?

Why did Jesus mention Heaven and Earth passing away in reference to the Law? Can Christians really have more fun than unbelievers? Is generational trauma a real thing? What about generational curses? Can a Christian stop believing and lose their salvation? What about free will?

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?

Discussion Questions for Ephesians 3: 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? 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? Read verses 9-10. This passage speaks of the manifold wisdom of God. Who makes it known? To whom is it made known? 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! 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? 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?

Do we need to take up our cross and follow Jesus into death every day as a means of discipleship? Why did Paul warn the Corinthians against receiving the grace of God “in vain”? Can women serve as leaders in church?

Does “eternal salvation” in Hebrews 5:9 offer evidence of the security of the believer? Can you explain the mention of Melchizedek in Hebrews? In Nehemiah 8, why did the people sink into despair upon hearing the Law? How can we deal with rejection from our good friends who no longer speak to us because of our children’s lifestyles?

Are all sins equal? What about consequences? And what about judgment and punishment? I drank an energy drink, and now I’m afraid I took the mark of the beast! I visit church services of many denominations, and I wonder what’s most important to look for in a church?

Are we sinning if we don’t live up to Jesus‘s teachings in the Sermon on the Mount? What happened to our old self at salvation? Why do we still struggle with sin today? Where do sinful thoughts come from? I always thought the “turn the other cheek” concept was about maintaining open conversation with others. How do you interpret Jesus’s words there?