Good Call with Andrew Farley

Cameron called in to ask about the “perfection” we have in Christ versus the “godliness” we’re called to in our attitudes and actions. How do these two fit together? In this episode, I address these two concepts and also talk about God’s answer to perfectionism. Enjoy

Has church membership ever felt more like a maze of requirements than the Gospel? A caller recently asked about her church requiring membership to take communion. Does fellowship really depend on formal paperwork? In this , I dive into what it truly means to be part of the body of Christ. We’re talking about an organism, not an organization. Hebrews encourages us to gather but doesn’t mention form...

Jack from Arkansas called in to our radio program to ask about temptation: Is temptation a mental sin? Was Jesus really tempted like we are? What do we really learn from Jesus’ life if He was God and we aren’t? In this short clip, I address all of these questions. If you often find yourself bombarded with temptations, I hope this is especially encouraging to you!

Wendy from Boston called in to tell me that she has been taught that some believers will be disappointed in Heaven, because they won’t get as many rewards as other Christians. Is this true? Will there be disappointment in Heaven? And what about the idea of differing quantities of rewards? In this brief call, I address Wendy’s fears and highlight the truth. I hope this is an encouragement to you.

Jesus said connection with Him is easy and light, and that we’d even find relaxation in Him. But how can that even happen in the chaos of life? A caller recently asked if Christianity should be restful. The short answer: YES! The Gospel is designed to bring us rest – true, lasting relaxation in Jesus. But getting there isn’t always a straight line. We deal with pain and suffering, and the flesh an...

We are totally forgiven for all our sins- past, present, and future. And we don’t have to ask for forgiveness for each sin, wondering if God will answer our request. So what is a healthy response when we’ve committed a sin? In this short clip, I address this practical question. I hope this serves as a beautiful reminder of the finished work of Christ and the new desires He has given us. Enjoy!

Grace is currently grieving the loss of someone close to her. But she has been told by others to “just think positive.” And it’s not working. So Grace called in to our radio program to ask about the concept of positive thinking and to get a biblical perspective on it. How do we grieve? Does God grieve with us? Is it okay to feel “negative” things? It is these questions and more that are addressed...

Are you hesitant to celebrate your new heart? Those embarrassing, nasty thoughts can make you doubt its trustworthiness. Ezekiel 36 promises a new heart and spirit, but does the New Testament back this up? Are we really walking around with a righteous heart, or is it still deceitful? Or a work in process? Join me as we explore numerous New Testament passages revealing the truth about your heart tr...

Tony from Cleveland called in to ask about the believer’s heart and how Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 fits in. This is such an important question, because it highlights the difference between the heart before and after salvation. I hope this is an encouragement to you to continue living from your heart where Christ lives! We hope you enjoyed this episode. Since we're a nonprofit organization, episodes...

The book of James tells us that God is not tempted by sin. However, Hebrews says that Jesus was tempted in every way. At first glance, this may seem like a real contradiction, so Chris from Akron, Ohio called in to ask about it. In this episode, I address Chris’s concern and discuss the temptations that Jesus faced. I hope this is an encouraging reminder that we have a Savior who empathizes with o...

A recent caller asked about the allure of the Orthodox Church, with its ancient ceremonies and traditions. Sure, it sounds appealing – who wouldn’t want something that feels deeper than the usual Sunday service? But just because something’s been around for ages doesn’t make it right. Remember the Galatians? They got duped by mixing law and grace, and we wouldn’t follow their lead just because they...

What role does gathering together play? How important is it? Why? This was Becky’s question when she called in to our radio program. Check out this episode in which I address the topic of church attendance. Enjoy! We hope you enjoyed this episode. Since we're a nonprofit organization, episodes like these are only made possible by friends like you. You can help us continue sharing God's message of...

Mark 10 speaks of a hundredfold return for those who believe the gospel. But what does Jesus mean? Does He refer to a cash return or something spiritual? This was Anthony’s question when he called into our radio broadcast. And here are my thoughts on this challenging passage. We hope you enjoyed this episode. Since we're a nonprofit organization, episodes like these are only made possible by frien...

How do we define sin without clinging to the Ten Commandments? A caller posed this question, and I had to respond – imagine trying to use the Law to keep track of what’s right and wrong! It’s laughable to think our moral compass should be limited to what’s etched in stone. Here’s the deal: Christianity isn’t about avoiding a checklist of sins. It’s about expressing Christ in us. The Spirit of God...

Have I repented enough? Can I get back in God’s favor? Will God hear my prayers? These were Clint’s questions as he nearly broke down in tears asking me about his past and his concern of being distant from God. We hope you enjoyed this episode. Since we're a nonprofit organization, episodes like these are only made possible by friends like you. You can help us continue sharing God's message of gra...

Jonathan called in to ask about the difference between our righteous actions and our righteousness as people. His question spurred me to share several important thoughts on righteousness. In this eipisode, I distinguish the inspiring truth from some of the misconceptions we hear today. We hope you enjoyed this episode. Since we're a nonprofit organization, episodes like these are only made possibl...

Does the God of the Old Testament seem different in the New Testament? A caller asked me about this apparent shift from violence to mercy. Is God having a personality crisis? And what about evil and disasters – is God hurling calamities our way? God’s character is unchanging, but there’s been a radical change in covenants. As believers today, we’re living under a better deal with better promises....

Dennis recently asked his mother why she believes Jesus is the one true way to God. Her answer: “I don’t know, I just always believed that way.” Dennis was not satisfied with that answer, so he called in to our program to ask me the same question! Why do I believe Jesus is the one true way to God? Why do I believe Christianity is the truth when there are so many religions in the world? In this epi...

The book of James tells us to “consider it all joy” when we encounter trials. Anthony called in with back pain and Lymes disease, wondering how to apply this passage to his own life. In this episode, I discuss how we can give thanks in the midst of horrible circumstances, without faking it. Hope this encourages you today! We hope you enjoyed this episode. Since we're a nonprofit organization, epis...

We hear a lot about eternal rewards in Christian circles, but what does it actually mean to “store up treasures in Heaven”? Is it about snagging a bigger mansion or stacking up crowns, like a heavenly bling collection? Jesus isn’t offering a Righteous Rewards Program in Matthew 6 – He’s inviting us to shift our focus from the earthly to the eternal perspective. (Remember: Treasures are discovered,...

David has only been a believer for about one year. But already he has noticed all the different beliefs and opinions among Christians. His question is: If the Holy Spirit is teaching every believer, why are there so many different (and opposing!) beliefs out there? In this short clip, I offer David my thoughts. We hope you enjoyed this episode. Since we're a nonprofit organization, episodes like t...

In Revelation, there’s an admonition for Christians to remain focused and not lose their first love. David from Florida called in about this expression. He had been told that not losing your first love means to “remain energized” and “stay 100% sold out” and make sure you’re always doing good works. But the group that received this admonition from God was already busy standing up for truth and sto...

Ever been told you need to try harder to be like Jesus? It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle for cleaner living and better behavior, thinking it’ll boost your standing with God. But striving to be more like Jesus suggests you’re not already like Him. If you’re always trying to become something you’re not, you’ll never arrive. What if true growth is about realizing you’re already like Jesus? In...

Jack from Grand Rapids, Michigan called in to ask about this challenging New Testament passage: “For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband.” (1 Corinthians 7:14) Is a husband automatically saved because of his wife’s faith? Or vice versa? This was Jack’s question, and in this episode, I address this...

Leonard called to ask about this challenging passage in Romans: “What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction?” (Romans 9:22) Is this just a hypothetical? Who are the “vessels of wrath”? Does Romans 9 somehow support the idea of an irresistible calling by God to salvation for select individu...