Bible Questions with Andrew Farley

We know God loves us, but what if we are faithless to God? We may worry that our doubts will somehow disconnect us from God. But any Christian can experience any thought at any time, and this includes thoughts of doubt. And God is clear that if we are faithless, He remains faithful to us, no matter what (2 Timothy 2:13).

If so, why do Christians need to fast? Some teach that fasting is required for spiritual growth, yet this is not Biblical. In the days of the early church, eating food was the main form of entertainment. So, believers might fast in order to regain focus on God’s grace. But this was not a spiritual mandate that made prayers get answered or helped believers get closer to God. Fasting was employed merely to avoid distraction.

Many interpret Paul’s words in Philippians 4:13 to mean Christians have the power to be successful at anything in life. However, the passage is actually talking about contentment in any circumstance, whether difficult or easy. Paul speaks of having little (poverty) versus having much, and going hungry versus being filled. His point is that Jesus Christ is our life in every circumstance we face. This is a far cry from the idea that Christians can be successful at anything because they have Christ. Believing this lie sets a person up for unrealistic expectations and disappointment with God.

James 2 is talking about living faith (which includes a decision) versus dead faith that even the demons have. James is encouraging his readers to be like Rahab and open the door to God’s message. James is instructing his readers to imitate Abraham by offering themselves to God just as Abraham offered Isaac. Faith without decision is dead faith.

While the term “Trinity” is not found in the Bible, Scripture is clear about the unity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three coequal persons in one Godhead. As human beings with finite understanding, we can believe in the Trinity without fully comprehending it.