The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley

Can you explain how God's perfect love casts out fear? Someone told me I need a second baptism, a baptism of the Spirit. Am I missing something? How do we explain the punishment of those who ridiculed Elisha in 2 Kings 2?

Do we need to re-dedicate our lives to God when we fail? When we share the gospel, should we mention the new covenant? I never knew how great the gospel was until now! Am I wrong to pull out gospel truths from popular country songs in the 70s?

How can some people be in church so long yet miss the message of Jesus? Why does Paul say "do not even eat with such a person"? My cousin wants to drink poison and pick up snakes because of Mark 16. What are your thoughts? What teaching should we look for in a healthy church environment? Why was Jesus so bluntly honest and direct with the Pharisees?

What If Trying Harder is the Problem? Discussion Questions: Read Romans 6:14 and 1 Corinthians 15:56. How does knowing that grace (not law) is God's answer to sin change the way you approach a struggle you keep trying to conquer? Read Romans 7:8. Why can focusing constantly on rules, prohibitions, and "don't do that" actually intensify temptation, guilt, or frustration? Read Galatians 5:16 and Titus 2:11–12. What would it look like to trust the Spirit and God's grace to teach and empower you instead of relying on sheer willpower? Read 1 John 4:10 and 1 John 4:19. How might your relationship with God change if you stopped trying to generate more love for Him and focused instead on receiving His love for you? Read Romans 5:5 and Ephesians 6:24. How does knowing God's love is already within you (and your love for Jesus is real and enduring) speak to seasons when you feel cold or empty? Read Ephesians 1:21–22 and Acts 17:28. How does knowing Christ is already supreme and that your whole life exists in Him change the pressure to constantly "put God first"? Read 1 Corinthians 6:19–20. How does knowing you already belong completely to God free you from cycles of rededication, recommitment, and making more promises to Him? Read Philippians 1:21 and Colossians 3:4. What difference does it make to see Christ not merely as your highest priority, but as your very life?

At what point do we become so obsessed with trusting God that the fruit of the Spirit just automatically flows out of us? And what about the temptation of lust and resisting sin? My pastor says our hearts are still dirty, but I think they're new and clean. What's your take? I'm still struggling with persistent thoughts of bitterness and resentment. What can I do?