Lectionary Calendar
Thursday, October 17th, 2024
the Week of Proper 23 / Ordinary 28
the Week of Proper 23 / Ordinary 28
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Audio Shows
The Grace Message with Dr. Andrew Farley
"The book of James scares me!"
October 16, 2024
I'm concerned about my Catholic relatives and friends. Are some of them saved? Will believers and unbelievers be together on the new earth after Christ's return? I don't understand why the church doesn't do more to fight sin in our world!
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The book of James scares me!
October 15, 2024
I'm struggling with doubt and fear. I have questions about James 2 and faith and works. When Jesus returns, is it to take us to Heaven or establish a new Earth? How do I stop being judgmental of others? Should I be talking to my husband about past sexual experiences with other men?
October 15, 2024
I'm struggling with doubt and fear. I have questions about James 2 and faith and works. When Jesus returns, is it to take us to Heaven or establish a new Earth? How do I stop being judgmental of others? Should I be talking to my husband about past sexual experiences with other men?
I don't feel guilty. Is that okay?
October 14, 2024
How can I fight the good fight and be stronger as a Christian? What is Hebrews 6 really saying about salvation? I don't feel guilt and condemnation when I sin now. Is that a good sign or a bad sign?
October 14, 2024
How can I fight the good fight and be stronger as a Christian? What is Hebrews 6 really saying about salvation? I don't feel guilt and condemnation when I sin now. Is that a good sign or a bad sign?
EPIC: High-Impact Truths in the New Testament – Part 11
October 13, 2024
Imagine yourself being raised up and seated with Christ in heavenly places. It might sound too lofty to understand at first, but it's your reality. And grasping it will reshape how you see yourself and your daily life. It means you can forget the idea of "getting closer" to Jesus. After all, you're already united with Christ and one spirit with the Lord! God has already done the heavy lifting. Dive into the full message now and let these power-packed truths revolutionize your outlook on everyday life! Discussion Questions Ephesians 2: 1. Read verses 1-2. What does "dead in your trespasses and sins" mean? How does this description help us understand our condition before and after knowing Christ? 2. Read verse 3. How were we "children of wrath" according to this verse? How does this contrast with our new identity in Christ? 3. Read verse 4. What is significant about the phrase "But God…"? How does God's mercy and love change everything in our story? 4. Read verse 5. Consider the words "alive" and "together" and comment on your closeness to God. How close are you? Why? 5. Read verses 6-7. What does it mean for us to be "raised up with Christ and seated with Him in the heavenly places"? How can this reality impact how we think daily? Why did God do this for us (Hint: See verse 7.)? 6. Read verses 8-9. How does understanding grace challenge any attempt to earn salvation through works? What does this do for ideas like "water baptism saves you" or "you can do something to lose your salvation"? 7. Read verse 10. React to this statement: If you're God's workmanship and you were designed from the ground up for good works, then you're good by nature.
October 13, 2024
Imagine yourself being raised up and seated with Christ in heavenly places. It might sound too lofty to understand at first, but it's your reality. And grasping it will reshape how you see yourself and your daily life. It means you can forget the idea of "getting closer" to Jesus. After all, you're already united with Christ and one spirit with the Lord! God has already done the heavy lifting. Dive into the full message now and let these power-packed truths revolutionize your outlook on everyday life! Discussion Questions Ephesians 2: 1. Read verses 1-2. What does "dead in your trespasses and sins" mean? How does this description help us understand our condition before and after knowing Christ? 2. Read verse 3. How were we "children of wrath" according to this verse? How does this contrast with our new identity in Christ? 3. Read verse 4. What is significant about the phrase "But God…"? How does God's mercy and love change everything in our story? 4. Read verse 5. Consider the words "alive" and "together" and comment on your closeness to God. How close are you? Why? 5. Read verses 6-7. What does it mean for us to be "raised up with Christ and seated with Him in the heavenly places"? How can this reality impact how we think daily? Why did God do this for us (Hint: See verse 7.)? 6. Read verses 8-9. How does understanding grace challenge any attempt to earn salvation through works? What does this do for ideas like "water baptism saves you" or "you can do something to lose your salvation"? 7. Read verse 10. React to this statement: If you're God's workmanship and you were designed from the ground up for good works, then you're good by nature.
Old Self? Sinful Nature? Flesh? HELP!
October 12, 2024
After we come to know God's grace, then what? For example, how would we deal with addiction? How did God rescue us from being dead in our sins? How can my daughter get closer to God? Should we get her water baptized? My son has been abused by his father, and no one will listen to our case. Please help me get these terms, straight: old self, flesh, sinful nature, sin, carnal mind.
October 12, 2024
After we come to know God's grace, then what? For example, how would we deal with addiction? How did God rescue us from being dead in our sins? How can my daughter get closer to God? Should we get her water baptized? My son has been abused by his father, and no one will listen to our case. Please help me get these terms, straight: old self, flesh, sinful nature, sin, carnal mind.
What happens at the final judgment?
October 11, 2024
What will happen at the final judgment? Will the Jews get a second chance after the rapture? Are we like Ezekiel the "watchman" in Ezekiel 33? Will we be held accountable for the souls of others? Do you believe in a pre-tribulation rapture?
October 11, 2024
What will happen at the final judgment? Will the Jews get a second chance after the rapture? Are we like Ezekiel the "watchman" in Ezekiel 33? Will we be held accountable for the souls of others? Do you believe in a pre-tribulation rapture?
The Law - Fulfilled, Not Abolished?
October 10, 2024
Why did Jesus not abolish the Law but only fulfill it? Do Christians need to tithe 10% today? 1 Kings 8:7 talks about the cherubim spreading their wings over the ark. What is the significance of that? What does life after death look like?
October 10, 2024
Why did Jesus not abolish the Law but only fulfill it? Do Christians need to tithe 10% today? 1 Kings 8:7 talks about the cherubim spreading their wings over the ark. What is the significance of that? What does life after death look like?
Does God allow disaster? Does He cause it?
October 9, 2024
Why did John the Baptist have to baptize Jesus? How did this event "fulfill all righteousness"? What does God allow in our lives? What about natural disasters like in Florida? Should we worry about having "graven images" of Jesus in our homes? Is it healthy for churches to preach about politics? What is the Scriptural justification for missionaries?
October 9, 2024
Why did John the Baptist have to baptize Jesus? How did this event "fulfill all righteousness"? What does God allow in our lives? What about natural disasters like in Florida? Should we worry about having "graven images" of Jesus in our homes? Is it healthy for churches to preach about politics? What is the Scriptural justification for missionaries?
Why be a Christian?
October 8, 2024
I have feelings for an old boyfriend who says he's born again now. It hasn't been very long, so what should I do? How do we get rid of idols in our lives and put God first? How do we know there's a God at all? What could we tell an unbeliever about the benefits of being a Christian?
October 8, 2024
I have feelings for an old boyfriend who says he's born again now. It hasn't been very long, so what should I do? How do we get rid of idols in our lives and put God first? How do we know there's a God at all? What could we tell an unbeliever about the benefits of being a Christian?
The other half of the gospel!
October 7, 2024
What is the neglected message of the cross? Am I part of a Korean cult? What does it mean to vote biblically? Why does Paul target sexual immorality as "sinning against your own body"? What does "the meek will inherit the earth" mean?
October 7, 2024
What is the neglected message of the cross? Am I part of a Korean cult? What does it mean to vote biblically? Why does Paul target sexual immorality as "sinning against your own body"? What does "the meek will inherit the earth" mean?
EPIC: High-Impact Truths in the New Testament – Part 10
October 6, 2024
Why stay in the bondage of legalism and law-based living when you can have true freedom? In my latest message on Galatians 5, I explore what it means to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given us. It's not about trying harder or doing more. We'll dive into walking by the Spirit and gain new insight into the tension between the desires of the flesh and the leading of the Spirit. Knowing your identity in Christ and trusting Him as your self-control changes everything. Ready to ditch religious rule-keeping and embrace a life of true freedom and joy? Click through to watch the full message and discover a fresh perspective on living by the Spirit! Discussion Questions for Galatians 5: 1. Read verses 1-2. What does it mean to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given you, and how does that relate to your identity in Him? 2. Read verses 3-4. How does trying to achieve righteousness through the Law affect a person's relationship with Christ and their understanding of grace? 3. Read verses 5-6. In these verses, faith expressing itself through love is emphasized. How does this align with walking by the Spirit and our union with Christ? 4. Read verse 16. What does it look like in practical terms to walk by the Spirit in everyday life? How does this differ from law-based or rule-based living? 5. Read verses 17-18. How do you experience the tension between the desires of the flesh and the leading of the Spirit? How does knowing your new identity in Christ help you in this battle? 6. Read verses 19-21. How do these "deeds of the flesh" compare with the freedom we experience in Christ? How does focusing on our identity in Him help us avoid these attitudes and behaviors? 7. Read verses 22-26. How does the fruit of the Spirit grow in our lives as we trust Christ and live from our union with Him, rather than relying on self-effort or law-based living?
October 6, 2024
Why stay in the bondage of legalism and law-based living when you can have true freedom? In my latest message on Galatians 5, I explore what it means to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given us. It's not about trying harder or doing more. We'll dive into walking by the Spirit and gain new insight into the tension between the desires of the flesh and the leading of the Spirit. Knowing your identity in Christ and trusting Him as your self-control changes everything. Ready to ditch religious rule-keeping and embrace a life of true freedom and joy? Click through to watch the full message and discover a fresh perspective on living by the Spirit! Discussion Questions for Galatians 5: 1. Read verses 1-2. What does it mean to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given you, and how does that relate to your identity in Him? 2. Read verses 3-4. How does trying to achieve righteousness through the Law affect a person's relationship with Christ and their understanding of grace? 3. Read verses 5-6. In these verses, faith expressing itself through love is emphasized. How does this align with walking by the Spirit and our union with Christ? 4. Read verse 16. What does it look like in practical terms to walk by the Spirit in everyday life? How does this differ from law-based or rule-based living? 5. Read verses 17-18. How do you experience the tension between the desires of the flesh and the leading of the Spirit? How does knowing your new identity in Christ help you in this battle? 6. Read verses 19-21. How do these "deeds of the flesh" compare with the freedom we experience in Christ? How does focusing on our identity in Him help us avoid these attitudes and behaviors? 7. Read verses 22-26. How does the fruit of the Spirit grow in our lives as we trust Christ and live from our union with Him, rather than relying on self-effort or law-based living?
