Andrew Farley

What is the “third heaven”? What does it mean that we’re already seated in heavenly places? My pastor said our character is the foundation for our lives. What are your thoughts? Please explain the Parable of the Talents. If it’s about Christians, then how could the last person end up in “outer darkness”?

Our pastor wants to evangelize all communities, including those of different lifestyles. Is that biblical? What do you think he has in mind? How can I help my friend who is having marriage problems? What kind of counseling is best? I have a religious OCD, and I’m constantly concerned that I’m not entering God’s rest. Can you help me? There are so many lies that we end up believing about forgiveness of other people! Can you clarify? What are your thoughts on God’s glory being revealed in “seconds”?  

Do You Realize What Treasure God Put in You? Discussion Questions: Read verses 3–4. Why is it important to recognize that Satan (not God!) is the one blinding unbelievers? How does that understanding change the way we view God and people who reject the gospel? Read verse 6. Paul says God “shone in our hearts.” What does this verse imply about the nature of our hearts and what’s inside them? Read verse 7. What do you think Paul means by “earthen vessels”? How does knowing about the treasure inside us shape how we see our weakness and our adequacy? Read verses 8–9. Paul lists hardships but never ends in defeat. What do these verses teach us about the difference between suffering with Christ in us versus suffering without Him? Read verses 10–12. Why is it freeing to realize that “carrying the dying of Jesus” refers to the apostles’ suffering for the gospel’s sake—not a call for all Christians to die more every day? How does verse 12 make this crystal clear? Read verse 15. How do you see “grace spreading to more

What does a healthy marriage dynamic look like? Should the needs of the husband come first? What is biblical submission? Should we worry with attacks of the enemy or magical spells? Can you talk about how we don’t need Jesus to pray to the Father for us but instead we have direct access? Also, can you talk about some of the deep truths in John 6 and John 17? What does it mean to be equipped with everything we need for life and godliness?   marriage, dynamic, submission, husband, wife, enemy, attacks, spells, direct access, Father, prayer, John 6, John 17, complete, adequacy, equipped  

I’m burning out trying to help my brother (an addict living on the street) at any cost. What can I do? My daughter watches scary movies and has skulls. I wonder if she’s still saved. What should I conclude? I’m frustrated, because our church has been studying David for two years, and it’s mostly about sin management. And when I mention grace, they tell me I need to be careful, because it’s too dangerous and people might abuse it.

Why aren’t there many sermons on being single? What does the Bible have to say about singles? What is the best definition of “grace”?  

Why does 2 Timothy 2 talk about purging ourselves? How could we do that? Why do I feel bad for stealing but not for breaking the Sabbath? What is the “veil” in 2 Corinthians 4? Do we “surrender” to be saved?  

What does it mean to deny yourself? To take up your cross? Why did Jesus say these things? And what do people mean when they say “we have a cross to bear”? In Luke 8, Jesus casts out demons from a man. Does that mean he was automatically saved later at Pentecost? Why or why not?

I know God allows painful things to happen to us, but what is He thinking and feeling about us in those moments? God has given me so many opportunities to express love and grace to others and to pray for them. I’m so thankful! I’m a survivor of sexual abuse, and I wonder about forgiving those who were involved. How can I? Were there people created before Adam and Eve? People tell me I’m not a real Christian, because I have separated myself from family members that were abusive. Are they right about me?

Are You Living by Rules or by the Spirit? Discussion Questions: Read 2 Corinthians 2:14-16. Paul says we are the aroma of Christ. How do people “smell” Christ through us—maybe without use even saying a word? Read 2 Corinthians 3:4-6. Where do you personally feel inadequate, and how might seeing your adequacy in God shift that? Read 2 Corinthians 3:7-9. Why do you think Paul calls the Ten Commandments “the ministry of death”? How does that challenge common assumptions about the law? Read 2 Corinthians 3:10-11. The new covenant is described as “more glorious.” What makes it more glorious than the old covenant? Read 2 Corinthians 3:12-15. The veil is removed in Christ. What veil do people still wear today when approaching God, and how does Christ remove it? Read 2 Corinthians 3:17. What kind of liberty or freedom does the Holy Spirit inspire in us? Read 2 Corinthians 3:18. How does seeing Christ IN you (“as in a mirror”) change the way you view growing in God’s grace?

Is too much grace dangerous? Should we only forgive others if they ask? Is that how God treats us? Do we have to confess every single sin to be forgiven by him? What about 1 John 1:9? And what should we do and when we sin?

My pastor told me that 70% of church members will be left behind at the rapture because of their ungodly living. Could this be true? I keep repenting and asking forgiveness for telling funny stories and cutting up. I can’t seem to stop, and I wonder why I’m in this cycle. Can you help? An elder at my church said I need to focus on my recent sins at the Lord’s Supper. He quoted from 1 Corinthians 11 about eating and drinking in an unworthy manner. What does that mean?

Be strong in the Lord? What does that mean? And doesn't Paul say to glory in our weaknesses? Help me understand! Does the Holy Spirit get us and take us with Him at our last breath? How does it all work? Our church is always talking about miracles. Do they still happen today? What about the idea of guaranteed physical healing through the cross?

What is the truth about tithing? Does it bring prosperity? What about the tithing challenge with money-back guarantee? In John 6, why does Jesus say that His words are spirit? So in the millennial reign, do we really come back in resurrected form and hang out with unbelievers who are getting a second chance for a thousand years?

I’m weaning off of some antidepressants, and it’s very challenging. Can you encourage me? What can you tell us about BibleQuestions.com and the programming behind it? What kind of repentance do we need in order to be saved? I’m ignoring a guy on a dating site, because I don’t think he’s right for me. Do I owe him an explanation?

What If God’s Role in Your Pain Isn’t What You Think? Discussion Questions: 2 Corinthians Read 2 Corinthians 1:3–4. Paul calls God “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.” How does this picture of God challenge or affirm the way you’ve thought about Him in times of trouble? What difference does it make that He is not the author of the tragedy but the comfort in the midst of it? Read 2 Corinthians 1:5. Paul says, “Just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.” How does seeing suffering as something Christ also endured change how you interpret your own pain? Can you recall a time when His comfort felt “abundant” in your life? Read 2 Corinthians 1:8–9. Paul admits he was “burdened excessively, beyond our strength.” What does this teach us about the myth that “God will never give you more than you can handle”? How have you seen God teach you to lean more fully on Him? Read 2 Corinthians 2:6–8. Paul urges the church to forgive and comfort the repent

When is the rapture? What about the recent predictions concerning the return of Christ? Can you lose your salvation? My medical aid was murdered by her boyfriend. I’m asking: Why did God let this happen?

Is it okay to pray for more material blessings? Is it worldly to do that? What about spiritual blessings? My teenage son died several years ago around this time. I don’t know for sure about his salvation, and I worry every day about him, because I didn’t let him take communion and he was never baptized. What can I do now to find peace?

Who is the Holy Spirit to us? What role does He play in our lives? How do we share the gospel? Do we have to seal the deal? I hear a nagging voice that says you’re not doing enough. Is that God?