Jeff Chamblee it's fireaway Friday on Exploring the Word. This is your chance to ask us your Bible question at 888-589-8840. That's 888-589-8840. You can also email your [email protected] or visit facebook.com exploringtheword. Exploring the word. It's Fire Away Friday on American Family Radio.
Bert Harper Psalm 80. they do not know nor do they understand. They walk about in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are unstable sometimes in certain ages, in the past, that's what it seemed like. And in the day in which we live in, there's a lot of instability with the foundations that we were built on as a nation, but it's spreading all over the world. So we are here on American Family Radio, exploring the Word to go back and say, hey, we. We need to go back to the foundations, the word of God. Alex McFarland, Bert Harper here. And we want to give you a very important number. The lines are open right now. It is 8885-8988-4088-8589-8840. And, we would love your Bible question today. we're anticipating those questions because we love to give God the glory for all that he has done. Well, Alex, I asked you earlier, and I want to ask you now so everyone could hear it, you were at the Fellowship, last night, Children's Evangelism. And I asked you how it went, and you said it went good. Let everybody hear how well it was.
Alex McFarland Well, God bless you. Thank you, Bert. Yes. Last night, Angie and I were at Child Evangelism Fellowship, cef, which has the Good News Clubs, and they, they reach children with the Gospel and many millions of children every year all around the world. But there are several thousand Good News clubs in America. And I got to speak last night. you see, my wife came to the Lord through Child Evangelism Fellowship when she was in third grade. And then she was absolutely responsible for me coming to Christ when I was in college. And so we do believe in cef, but. But, Bert, thanks for praying and everybody. I feel like, the Lord used, me last night. I gave a message on the Great Commission. Why the commission and why it's great. But, Bert, there was a very large crowd, 165, 175 people at least. And so many came up, I'm going to say several dozen. And they just said they love Exploring the Word and they listen. American Family has stations in eastern North Carolina, South Carolina and, well, all over the country, but a lot of great listeners, and we just appreciate that. And Bert, you. You and I, anytime we can fan the flames of evangelism and the Great Commission. I know you and I both are eager to do that.
Bert Harper We really are. And we thank God for that. And listen, the mission. The mission statement of AFR AFA Is to aid the church in carrying the Great Commission, the Gospel around the world to those across the seas, but those at home to aid the church in doing that. And so we want you to call this number. We've got lines that are open. 8885-898888-40888-589-8840. And while we're waiting for others to call in, let's go to Texas and talk to Ruth. Ruth, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Caroline Yes, I would like some people to be unconfused about Matthew 23, verse 9. Not calling anyone, Father, please explain.
Bert Harper Okay, Alex, when we say that, you read that whole chapter. And again, he's talking about the Pharisees and them wanting to be in a position of authority and honor, that scripture stands alone. But looking at in the context, it's somebody really wanting the honor and the power when they don't deserve it, you know? Go ahead.
Alex McFarland Yeah, Well, it's the state of the heart, isn't it? Hypocrisy and religious pride and religiosity. And so, like in the Matthew 23, Jesus, he pronounces a list of woes. But I'm going to, go even back there. Like in verse eight, when he says, you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. Now, James 3:1 says, don't aspire to be the way the King James renders. James 3:1 says, Be not many masters. In other words, don't crave and quest after being in a position of authority, because you're going to be judged all the more stringently. Now, you and I both have been ministers of the Word. I can say, and I'm sure you would agree, we went into this, with humility, fear and trembling. Because heaven forbid, we would never, ever, ever want to mislead anybody. And I know that you and I both have done our utmost to accurately handle God's Word and to accurately set out the path of salvation. But, Christ's warning to the religious leaders in his day, it's worth it in our day too, because, you don't do this for Pride or ego. You do this for the glory of God and the salvation of souls, don't you?
Bert Harper You really do. The highest position in the kingdom of God is servanthood. Mark
Alex McFarland 10:44.
Bert Harper That's it. And listen, when you try to aspire more than a servant, you're going in the wrong direction, you're going downward. servanthood's as high as it can gets. Well, Ruth, we hope that helps. Matter of fact, and I wrote it down because I said we were going to pray each and every day for our election. And we've got calls that are coming in, but while we're waiting on them, Alex, is it alright for us to pray again concerning that?
Alex McFarland Then, then I've got a letter from a listener in College Station, Texas that I want to reference, if I may. Okay, but you lead us in prayer. I'll do
Bert Harper it, Father, thank you that we can come to you. We've committed ourselves to not only share the word of God, but be an hour that we take prayer requests and praises and we got a lot of prayer requests the other day concerning the elections that are coming up concerning electing men and women who have a biblical worldview and they'll stand on that. And Father, we are in danger of so many things happening. those that are opposed to worldview. And the Democrat Party has been so much taken by the socialist Democrat Party. And Father, they're, they're kind of in the driver's seat now and it's dangerous. And I pray, Father, we'd be alerted to that. But we trust you. We do. We trust you. And that's the bottom line. Regardless of where we go or what will happen, you'll be on the throne on Wednesday morning no matter what. But we would be a better shape in America to have those men and women who, who are conservative in their thoughts concerning the issues of morality, the issues of handling money. And Father, I pray that you would direct men and women to, especially those that are followers of you, to go and vote, pray and seek you and Father, that they would vote that way to hold to the foundations of our country founded upon the thought of judo, Christian ethic, the Ten Commandments and others. And I pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Let me give that number again. And then you go ahead with that letter. That number, 888-589-8840. And Alex, go ahead with that letter.
Alex McFarland Well, we've got a listener in College Station, Texas. And I remember this call she sent in a letter and she was A little bit upset with us. I'm going to write a personal letter. But she was sharing basically what amounted to medical advice, and she felt like you. And I cut her off and didn't, let her tell her story. And, let me just say this. Bert and I would never intentionally, be abrupt or hurt somebody's feelings, but we can't, administer medical advice on this show. It's got to be a Bible teaching show. And to the lady that wrote in, if you felt like Bert, or I was kind of short with you, it's because this is not a medical show, and we are not medical doctors, and we don't give medical advice. Okay,
Bert Harper that's exactly right. I appreciate that. Okay.
Alex McFarland We love you dearly. We do. We care about you. I'm going to write a personal note, too, but this particular listener, I hope she's listening now. College Station, Texas, you matter to us. We care about you, but we can't be broadcasting out medical advice. Okay,
Bert Harper good answer. Hey, Ruth is called, and now Rose from North Carolina is on the line. Rose, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Caroline Okay, I'm here.
Bert Harper Yes, we can hear you.
Caroline I have. You can't hear me.
Bert Harper We can. You're coming through. Go right ahead.
Caroline Okay. M. In at least two, maybe three of the gospels, in the listing of the disciples, there is a James, the son of Alpha. Is he related to Matthew?
Bert Harper Okay, in that list, you will find some brothers. And, you know, we know that for sure, Alex, you know, but Matthew and James of Alpha, I can't get my brain around it. I've done a lot of research on all of them. I don't remember if they are, kin folks or not. Do you?
Alex McFarland no, they would not have been related. you know, Matthew was also known as Levi. James, the son of Zebedee, was brother of Jon. But, Matthew's father in Mark 2:14 is, Alphaeus. But all the commentators I've read said a different Alphaeus, not related.
Bert Harper Okay, Rose, hope that helps. Thank you for that. It helps studying those 12, it is amazing the things that we do know and the things that probably are so, they were 12 men that honestly did turn the world upside down. Well, let's go to Tennessee and talk to Mel. Mel, thank you for calling. Is it male? Yes, go right ahead. You're on. Yes,
Caroline I'm wondering, I know you can answer this. Are all, angels male, or are they both male and female?
Bert Harper Okay, Alex, you got masculine and feminine and Neuter. In the Greek language, when you hear the word angel. Let me just make this. Angel is a transliteration of the Greek word. the Greek is angelos. The real meaning of the word is messenger, you know, and, they carry a message. The three big were all male names anyway. Is there room for female or is it either Neither nor. It says they don't give in marriage, but I'm not sure that means they're quote agender, you know, either way or both. What would you say?
Alex McFarland Well, you know, generally in Bible translations, males get designated with, masculine pronouns like he, but. And you've got the masculine archangels, Micah and Gabriel. But really from, you know, most commentaries would say that angels are genderless. Really. so they could appear.
Bert Harper So they could appear as a female helping. Because Billy Graham wrote his book, I've read other books, and, they're not all the male that appears to help someone sometimes. You know what, after they were through, seemed like it was a, you know, female. You know what I'm talking about?
Alex McFarland Yeah, yeah. but, you know, I don't know that we definitively know till we get to heaven, but the masculine pronoun can be used in a generic sense, you know, so just because it says, you know, an angel, he, this or that, you know, Matthew 22:30 says there's no marriage in heaven because we will be like the angels. And, so it doesn't just say they're genderless, but it could indicate that.
Bert Harper Yep. Okay, thank you again for that question. 888589 8840. Give us a call. We'll be back right after this. Hello, I'm Bert Harper. Did you know that this content is listener supported? Without people like you, this podcast would not exist. That's why we need you. A generous monthly gift of any amount will sustain American Family Radio and specifically this podcast. Please consider becoming a monthly financial partner today by visiting afr.net or that's afr.net give
Tony Vitagliano we give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father, your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our lord Jesus Christ. 1st Thessalonians 1:3American
Jeff Chamblee Family Radio soon and very soon, we are going to see the King. Soon and very soon we are going to see the
Alex McFarland King soon and every. Amen. Hallelujah. One day we're gonna see Jesus face to face. And you want to be ready, and you can be ready. Put your faith in Jesus and he will forgive your sins. And Bert, the Bible calls it the blessed hope that we're going to see Jesus and be with Jesus. Well, the number, if you've got A Bible question is 8885-898408-88589-8840. And Bert, we heard a listener named Rebecca who says she likes our study of Hosea. We're in the Old Testament book of Hosea. That's where we went after we finished Matthew. And so Rebecca, I'm thrilled that you're enjoying this because, you know, the, there are a lot of books, Bert, the minor prophets. And you and I, we've been pretty intentional about trying to bring the books of the Bible to people that you don't always here preached on, you know. So Rebecca and others, we're just very humbled and hope it's a blessing to you.
Bert Harper I want to join Rebecca and saying I'm enjoying it. I really am. I just. Hosea draws me in this prophet that was experiencing difficulty and heartache. And let me just share with you some of the pastors that I know preaching through heartache and difficulty. you know, we're finishing up October, it's Pastor Appreciation Month. We had our fishbowl retreat for pastors and wives. But a lot of pastors and their families, wife, they're, hey, they, they hurting. They bleed just like everyone else. And yet they get up and they share the word of God with strength and courage and, and compassion. And so pray for your pastors out there as they teach and preach the word. And that's the reason that's I'm joining you on that on Hosea. So go to the phone lines and that number, triple 858-98-8840. And we have Cullen in Texas. Cullen, go right ahead.
Caroline yes, sir. I know you men got not a lot of knowledge up there. I've got a People's NewSong Testament written by M. B. W. Johnson, printed by the Christian Board of Publications, St. Louis, Missouri. and said back here on the next page, Christian Publishing Company, 1889. And I, I use a King James version I have for years. And I'm real careful about who up read or listen to. So can you throw any light on this guy? Is he a reasonable man? Can I read it and be okay?
Bert Harper Okay. Alex, are you familiar with this, translation, this Bible?
Alex McFarland Yeah, I have seen that. It's been a long time. I hadn't thought about that in a long time. the People's NewSong Testament. It was published by Barton Johnson. so it's, it's not a new translation of the Bible, but it's got some study notes. And from what I remember, you, know it's it's good. it's conservative, evangelical. there were one edition, it's actually kind of rare. there were two different versions of the King James. And by the way, even when we say the King James Bible, there have been many updates over the years. Not changes, but the 1611 King James uses very, very, antiquated, you know, Elizabethan English. And there would be, you know, modernizations over the time. So one of the people's NewSong Testaments had an 1881 and an 1891 King James editions side by side in parallel. But, as far as I know, you know, it's good. bert, in the 20th century there have been so many good study Bibles. And I got one, I'm looking at it right now. Thomas Nelson did a study a, King, if you like the King James and I do. I'm not King James only, but I grew up hearing my grandmother read it. But there is a Bible called the Liberty Annotated Study Bible. Now it's also identical, published as the Believers Study Bible. And there are just notes and notes and notes. It's so good. And that was one that's been around probably 40 years. But I gotta. Let me give a shout out because, you know, I love study Bibles. Bert, there was a great man of God and his name was Henry Morris and He was a Dr. Henry Morris. He put out a study Bible called the Defenders Study Bible. And he was really big in creation versus evolution. But he also wrote commentaries, like commentaries on prophecy, Revelation. But the Defenders Study Bible, it is based on the King James, but there are so many appendices. I just, I love all that stuff. Bert and I, I love study Bibles, but that the people study Bible, far as I know, it's good. It's just, you know, about 140 years old and nothing wrong with that necessarily. Amen.
Bert Harper I love the King James as well. I memorized all the verses in King James, but I always had trouble with the runneth and the th's. That's Bert. And I'd get mixed up with the vowels and the, you know, they. So when the new King James version came along, man, I loved it and I've, I've latched onto it and I read others sometimes to help and get our, our former co host Jim Stanley, man, he'd go the amplified Bible every time. And I said, well, you don't want to miss anything. So there's a lot of good Bibles out there. And I appreciate you calling in Cullen. Well, Brent has, Okay, we got callers. We're going to get to them. But Brent's got a call that came in.
Alex McFarland All right, I've got one from Facebook. It's a prayer request from Ursula. she wants prayers for her grandmother who is in the hospital, and she needs an unspoken prayer for her mother. And, she's continuing grad school, and she could use all the prayers she could get.
Bert Harper Oh, man. Grad school. Hey, it is Alex, could you pray for Ursula, her grandmother, her mother, and then her in grad school?
Alex McFarland Let's pray. Father God, we thank you so much that you do give us what we need. And Philippians 4:13. We can do all things through you, Jesus. And I pray for Ursula's grandmother, who's in the hospital, pray for her mother and family, and then she's getting more education, going to grad school. What a wonderful thing that is, the stewardship of the mind. So help in all these things, Lord. Healing, provision, wisdom, guidance, blessing, making a mark for you, Lord, bless Ursula, and we lift her up to you in these related needs as well. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Bert Harper Thank you, Alex. Well, let's go to Ohio and talk to Joshua. Joshua, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Speaker I Yes, hi. Long, time listener here, so thank you very much for your ministry. I enjoy listening to you every day on the way home from work. my question is about, Lucifer. So I think most. Most people, have understood that he was a fallen angel. He rebelled against God, took a third of the angels with him. when, like, where? I guess we're in the Bible. Does it say that? Like, where do we find that? And then how long before creation do you think that actually happened?
Bert Harper Okay, some good questions you got to get in Ezekiel and isaiah. okay, 14 and 28. Which. Which chapter in Isaiah is it? 14. And then. Yeah, I see. And then Ezekiel. Double the 14, you get Ezekiel 28. And then the third is in Jude, isn't. Is that right, Alex? You're the,
Alex McFarland Yeah, there. Well, in Jude, it talks about contending with Satan. For, the body of Moses was referenced. But then, of course, In Revelation, chapter 12, very famously, Revelation 12. 7 and following, there is war in heaven, and the great dragon was thrown down. Now, we learn in Revelation 12:9 who this dragon was the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent called the devil. And Satan, the deceiver of the whole world, he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Okay, so, in Isaiah 14, you've got Lucifer who wanted to put his throne above the throne of God, you know, and you've got. In Ezekiel 28:12 and following, there was this perfect, the signet of perfection, until iniquity was found in you. And. And he was put out of the holy mountain of God. but then a third of the angels apparently joined Satan in this failed coup attempt of heaven and their demons. Now, now, two thirds of the angels stayed true to God. But, Bert, how soon before creation did this happen? I don't know, but I'll say this. I'll throw it to you. Satan could not kill God, but so he's tried to harm the ones made in God's image, human beings, beginning with Adam and Eve.
Bert Harper So what he's trying to do. And we don't know when that happened. We know it did Joshua. And, And hey, speculation. Wouldn't do you any good if I did. So, you know, some things we're just going to have to wait and wait to find out one day. Even if then I figured this out about Heaven. Some of the questions I have, well, I know I'm going to get there. The other thing comes, I'll be so enthralled with the people I'm there with the Lord Jesus and others, I might forget those questions. So either way, we don't know it now. So appreciate it. Let's go to Missouri. And it's Steve. Steve, thank you for calling. Go right ahead, brother.
Caroline Yes, sir. Thank you. It's a true blessing to talk to you fellas two days in a row. And my thought is, the. Are you
Bert Harper there? Yeah, we're here. Go right ahead, man.
Caroline But my thought is the lady said a thing about angels, and it mainly makes sense to me that we would only have male angels because, God is masculine, Jesus is masculine, the Holy Spirit is masculine, and we can't procreate in heaven, so, we wouldn't have a need for female angels. Right.
Alex McFarland that. That does make sense. It does. We just aren't really told, are we, Bert?
Bert Harper We are not. And again to, you know, now, this is not a theological book, and Billy Graham's was in so many ways. But, one of my heroes back in. Way back in the 50s was a guy named Roy Rogers. And his wife's Name was Dale Evans. That was my wife's hero. So we had that mutual, growing up. She wrote a book called Angels Unawares. And I just want to tell you, the whole. The angels do not take the place of the Holy Spirit. Angels do not take the place of others that encourage us, and others as well. But they have their purpose. And so God can send them forth for his purpose. And again, either way, male, genderless, or whether whatever God's purpose is for these messengers of God to come and instruct and help and guide. And, so we just praise the Lord God. Amen. For what he's done in taking care of us. So, yeah, go ahead
Alex McFarland and let me throw this because we get this question from children sometimes and teenagers. when a believer goes to heaven, we don't turn into angels. the born again believer in heaven gets a glorified body. But, Bert, every now and then, some, some people say, well, maybe, when. When Grandma went to heaven, now she's an angel. Angels are a different category of created beings.
Bert Harper Amen.
Alex McFarland Messengers. So. So we, we don't ever turn into angels, do we, Bert?
Bert Harper We do not. And that's a blessing. The angels, they are amazed at the redemption that we have in Christ. cause that third of the angels that went away and followed Lucifer, they're. They're demonic. They stay demonic. But we, God's height of creation. Not angels, God's height, but man is God. When I say man, I'm talking about male and female. We are God's height. Human beings are the height of God's creation. Praise God. Thank you for that, Steve. Let's go to Sheila in Ohio. Sheila, go right ahead.
Caroline I just need prayer. I've been suffering depression and anxiety, and it's really getting to me. And I know that's what the devil wants.
Bert Harper Okay. The other day I was talking to someone one on one, and, they were having a hard time distinguishing between anxiety, depression, and. They seem to go hand in hand, Alex. And again, we're not medical, we're neither psychological, but we can pray. Satan wants to defeat us. But let me just say all depression is not always because of spiritual, difficulty. Sometimes it is physical in the brain and things not happening. And you can get help and don't be afraid. Yes. Pray, seek God. Stay in the word of God. But, listen, there's help available Christian counselors. Alex. I believe in them, brother.
Alex McFarland Yeah. And you know what? Doctor, Gary Chapman, who is a dear friend and colleague, he wrote a great book called the Five Love Languages. he started a counseling ministry 50 years ago in North Carolina. And there are many such counseling ministries. And let me say, if folks, if you need somebody to talk to, to go and see a Christian counselor and many, you know, can even file insurance if, if it gets to be, you know, prohibitively expensive, it's a good thing to do, the stewardship of your emotions. And, let me just say this because we all, we're all human and we can get stressed and get blue. Pray about it. But count your blessings. I mean, Bert, I honestly think one of the quickest things to turn things positive and see the bright side is to be write it down on paper how blessed we are. You know,
Bert Harper I used this yesterday. David encouraged himself in the Lord. What God has done, I guarantee you, is counting his blessings. Hey, we're going to take a break, but we're still taking phone calls. And that number, 888-589-8888, 589-8840. This is Fire Away Friday. We're taking questions. We're looking forward to hearing from you. In the next segment here on exploring the Word, We would like to take a moment to thank our sponsor, preborn. When a mother meets her baby on ultrasound and hears their heartbeat, it's a divine connection. And the majority of the time she will choose life. But they can't do it without our help. Preborn needs us, the pro life community come alongside them. One ultrasound is just $28. To donate, dial pound250 and say the keyword baby or visit preborn.com afr
Dr. Jessica Peck Come, Jesus, come We've been waiting so long for the day you return to heal every hurt Ride every road need you right now Come and turn this around. Deep down I know this world is in home Come, Jesus, come
Bert Harper Amen. Amen. Come, Jesus, come man, Brent, you hit the ball out of the park with those selections today.
Alex McFarland I don't think you've ever let a song play that long before, have you?
Bert Harper Well, I could hear the whole song. I love that song. Come, Jesus, come. And that's our prayer. This is exploring the word on afr and it's Fire Away Friday and we've got people that have called in and we're going to go first to North Carolina and talk to Douglas. Douglas, go right ahead.
Speaker L yes, sir, I have a two part question. if you explain to me, what the unpardonable sin is and can it be committed today.
Bert Harper Okay, good question, Alex. Right now, the only sin that cannot be forgiven is unbelief not trusting him. Is there a time when that unbelief becomes so emphatic and real that an individual could, not turn away from that decision he made one time or she made one time?
Alex McFarland anybody in this day and age, anybody that asks Christ sincerely says, lord Jesus, please forgive me, please save me. He will save. let's go back a little bit to, like, Mark chapter three and Matthew, chapter 12. And when I first went to work for Dr. Dobson, this was really, really in the news, but the blasphemy of the Holy spirit. And, Dr. Dobson asked me to research it and write about it, which I did. In fact, we made a whole little booklet that we circulated because so many young people were asking about, the unforgivable sin. And Bert, I interviewed a lot of Bible scholars, did a lot of study, even interviewed a couple of rabbis. And here was the thing. in Jesus's day, the Jewish leaders committed the unpardonable sin because they, they said some things so blasphemous to Jesus's face that they were beyond forgiveness. I'm not even going to say what they said because it was very, very blasphemous. Now, and Jesus said, you know, whoever does such a thing, will not be forgiven in this life or the next. Now, I don't think it is possible to commit that unpardonable sin today, because here's the thing. The religious leaders in Christ's day, they had arguably the highest amount of revelation any humans have ever had. They intimately knew the Scriptures. Standing right there in front of them was the incarnate Lord Jesus. And yet they blasphemed him to his face. And there was no more drawing of the Holy Spirit. They were beyond the reach of redemption. Now, here in this day and age, I really think the only sin that can put somebody beyond the reach of God's salvation is to die in a state of unbelief. Now, I want to be careful about something here, and then I'll throw it to you. Seek, the Lord while you have time. If you're listening to this right now and you're saying, you know, I need to get straight with God, I need Christ. Then do it now. I mean, think about it. A car wreck could take you out in a sliver of a second. Bert, I've. I've been to many rest homes, and I mean, I'm just going to say it. There's. There's dementia and Alzheimer's, and to be saved, there's a certain amount of Mental acuity that you have, you have to be able to admit that you're a sinner and consciously put your faith in Jesus. And, you know, don't wait till your mental faculties are gone. You know, Bert, seek the Lord while you have awareness of it and you have opportunity. That's why I think the Bible says, behold, now is the accepted time. Now is the day of salvation.
Bert Harper Let me say this, everybody. How young do you know can you be saved at a young, young age? Dr. Dobson said he was three years old this year, at the fishbowl retreat, met another individual, and they said they were saved. At three years old, I cannot comprehend that because I did not have that kind of comprehension, but they did. But the question might be, concerning what you just said. You better not wait too late. You better do it now. Don't wait till you're too old. Now, when I say that, I say that in the context of what you just said, Alex. Dementia coming in, different things. Coming in, salvation. It's today. And if you're listening now, those of you that are listening and you've never received Jesus Christ as savior, or you don't know, you say, I just don't know if I'm saved or not. Right now, you need to come to the place and say, God, I'm a sinner. I'm lost. There's nothing that I can do. In order to achieve salvation from you, I'm turning to you, asking you to come into my life, because I know you died on the cross and rose again. And I'm trusting you right now. Would you forgive me of my sin, of my direction? And I want to trust you. You can put it in your own words. Different people say it a different way. But let me just tell you, God looks at the heart. And if you will turn to Christ, I pray you would do it right now. Douglas, thank you for that. Good question, Alex. You had something you was wanting to share. go ahead.
Alex McFarland so, this is kind of for those that maybe have an interest in apologetics. There was, ah, a Jewish man named Josephus that, he lived, from about 37 to about 100. And his writings, which have come to be called antiquities of the Jews. We, A lot of what we know about the Roman Empire, the Jewish nation, the dispersion. Josephus is a highly, highly respected ancient source and always known to be accurate. Well, Josephus mentions Jesus, and this is really important because, Bert, I've debated atheists and they'll say, oh, Jesus never existed. No, the historical record is very clear. And Josephus says that Jesus was a worker of miracles. he was known to be the Son of God. He was crucified. his disciples preached that he rose from the dead. So Josephus confirms much of what we know about Jesus from the NewSong Testament. And this would be called an extra biblical source. Well, atheists, they'll say, oh, well, the Josephus references are fake. Christians inserted those. That's not true. in fact, the greatest Josephus scholar, who ever lived was a Jewish man named Louis Feldman. And my friend Micah Lycona interviewed him. Louis Feldman would always say that Jesus references in Josephus are real, they're accurate to the text. but atheists don't like that. Well, there is a Yale PhD, a man named T.C. schmidt, and he is a scholar of early Christianity. He's got a brand new book out published by Oxford, and he says, look, the Jesus passages are real. And I just throw that out there. That is compelling, just more historical evidence that the, the Jesus you find in Matthew, Mark, Luke and Jon, real, he lived. And what the NewSong Testament says, again, proven accurate.
Bert Harper I read that article and it's been proven. Even the languages that Josephus, you, know the antiquity of the Jews was translated in. And again, there's consistency in them verifying that they were true. And hallelujah. What a savior he is. Let's go to Scott in Oklahoma. Scott, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Caroline Gentlemen. I love your show. I have a quick question. There is the Noah Hyde convention happening on the Mount of Olives November 2nd through the 6th. Do you guys know the Noah Hides?
Bert Harper Alex, do you heard of this?
Alex McFarland I, have not. I
Bert Harper haven't either.
Alex McFarland I'm not. First I've heard of it. So tell us what you need to
Caroline look it up. It's, it is pertinent to end time opinion. This is, are a group of Jews, very, very traditional Jews who are opening Judaism up to the gentile through the Noah Hyde laws. The, the laws that were given to Noah after departing the ark. and they are calling for no sexual immorality, worship of one God, setting up a court system, and a government. And it's very appealing to, I would say the woke church and Muslims who are on the edge of Christianity and Islam because there's a lot of conversion in Islam right now. But in my opinion, what it sets up is a one world government out of Jerusalem. You can go to their Noah Hyde charter or something like that. They're literally having a convention at a Hotel, November 2nd through the 6th on the Mount of Olives. And they are actually endorsed by the President of Israel, so.
Bert Harper Okay. Wow. I'm gonna check into that. Alex, how about you?
Alex McFarland Yeah, yeah, I'm reading about it right now. Well, let me just say this, that, there. There are all kinds of movements and gatherings, and, you know, I think about. There was the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago some years ago, folks. rural, urban, Middle East, Western world. Doesn't matter where you are. Acts 4, verse 12 says, There is one name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. The name of Jesus. And that's, I agree with the caller. It probably is indicative that we're near the end times. There's going to be a lot of spiritual voices in the wind, folks. The only. Only name you need to know is Jesus, and he alone is the Savior.
Bert Harper Amen. Thank you, Scott. Okay, we got some more prayer requests. Helen, I know you have a prayer request. Go right ahead. Helen from Michigan.
Caroline Yes, I need, prayer for Beverly Murphy, who's in the hospital with lots of blood clots.
Bert Harper Okay. Beverly Murphy. Okay. And, Brent, I understand we had one come in on Facebook as well, so we'll take care of both of these.
Alex McFarland That's right. I've got one from Rebecca. she's asking for prayers for her husband, who is experiencing complications, from back
Bert Harper surgery. Okay, Zard, if I pray, Alex. And then we'll go to Steve in North Carolina right after this. Father, I pray, that you would be with Beverly, Murphy right now, with all the difficulty and heartache, and we're knowing that Helen is concerned. And, Father, I pray that you would meet him where he is both spiritually, emotionally, physically. We are wonderfully made. And that means, we're more than just a body. We're more than just emotions. We're more than just spirit, Father. And, we don't know all the things he needs, but you do. And I pray you'd meet them. And then I pray for Rebecca's husband, Father, that where he is and what he's going through. I'm praying that you would touch him, speak, to him, give him what he needs. And sometimes, Father, we need to be specific, but sometimes we don't know how to be specific because we don't know all the needs. But you do. And we ask you, God, to meet those needs according to your riches that are in Christ, Jesus Christ, alone. Amen. Thank you, Helen. Yeah. And thank you, Rebecca. Let's go to man we getting a lot of folks from North Carolina, lately. Alex, are you, putting word out up there?
Alex McFarland We, we got some, Some believers up here in my home state. Yes, we do.
Bert Harper Well, it's Steve from m. North Carolina. Steve, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Speaker O yes, my question is, I had a family member. He and I will speak. Talking the other day, that he lives a. He. He lives a, ah, alternate lifestyle. He's homosexual. and he made a comment. He said, well, I was made this way. And I looked at him and I said, God wouldn't make anybody like that. I just, I don't believe God would do that. He's. He'll affirm to his thing that I was made this way, and that's the way I was made. So I'm gonna hang up and let you know. I'll listen on the phone.
Bert Harper Okay, Steve? Yes, that is a place they go, you know, Alex, a lot of times, but when you understand what Romans especially and others say about homosexuality and it being a, horrible sin, it's. It's a sin. matter of fact, on the spiral in Romans, chapter one, the spiral downward. It's there on the Very close to the very bottom. Why would God. I'm asking the question. Why would God make someone to be something that he condemns?
Alex McFarland Yeah. let me say this, as unequivocally as I can. No one is born gay. They're not. And do you know, the modern mental health research documents this. Those that experience same sex attraction or gender confusion, transgender ideation. It is always a means of dealing with pain. And some of the pain, lack of bonding with the parent of the same sex, having been molested, rejected. So, I want to mention a website. This is a colleague with whom I worked with Dr. Dobson, Anne Paul. The website is Restored Hope Network. A lot of great articles, a lot of great scholars, but one other thing, a book. One of our colleagues, MD M. Perkins, wrote a wonderful book called Dangerous Affirmation. And Bert, that's a real critique. There was also, wasn't there, a video that American Family Studios made Bert about?
Bert Harper In his image.
Alex McFarland In his image.
Bert Harper In his image. And you can find that at the Resource Zone. It is. And you'll see the testimonies of what God did to bring people out of this sin. Just like he's brought them m. From alcohol, like he's brought them from adultery, fornication. God is a deliverer from that which would destroy us. Thank you for listening to Exploring the Word. And again, Church, let it. Be a part of your life this coming Sunday. Worship him, Alex. and keep on praying that the elections will, Hey. That Christians will vote, and they'll vote godly. That's a good advice, isn't it?
Alex McFarland It is. Again, be in the house of God on Sunday morning. Find a good church. Tomorrow is Reformation Day. We're here thanks to something God did on October 31, 590 years ago. Every blessing. Thanks for listening.
Jeff Chamblee The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
Jeff Chamblee it's fireaway Friday on Exploring the Word. This is your chance to ask us your Bible question at 888-589-8840. That's 888-589-8840. You can also email your [email protected] or visit facebook.com exploringtheword. Exploring the word. It's Fire Away Friday on American Family Radio.
Bert Harper Psalm 80. they do not know nor do they understand. They walk about in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are unstable sometimes in certain ages, in the past, that's what it seemed like. And in the day in which we live in, there's a lot of instability with the foundations that we were built on as a nation, but it's spreading all over the world. So we are here on American Family Radio, exploring the Word to go back and say, hey, we. We need to go back to the foundations, the word of God. Alex McFarland, Bert Harper here. And we want to give you a very important number. The lines are open right now. It is 8885-8988-4088-8589-8840. And, we would love your Bible question today. we're anticipating those questions because we love to give God the glory for all that he has done. Well, Alex, I asked you earlier, and I want to ask you now so everyone could hear it, you were at the Fellowship, last night, Children's Evangelism. And I asked you how it went, and you said it went good. Let everybody hear how well it was.
Alex McFarland Well, God bless you. Thank you, Bert. Yes. Last night, Angie and I were at Child Evangelism Fellowship, cef, which has the Good News Clubs, and they, they reach children with the Gospel and many millions of children every year all around the world. But there are several thousand Good News clubs in America. And I got to speak last night. you see, my wife came to the Lord through Child Evangelism Fellowship when she was in third grade. And then she was absolutely responsible for me coming to Christ when I was in college. And so we do believe in cef, but. But, Bert, thanks for praying and everybody. I feel like, the Lord used, me last night. I gave a message on the Great Commission. Why the commission and why it's great. But, Bert, there was a very large crowd, 165, 175 people at least. And so many came up, I'm going to say several dozen. And they just said they love Exploring the Word and they listen. American Family has stations in eastern North Carolina, South Carolina and, well, all over the country, but a lot of great listeners, and we just appreciate that. And Bert, you. You and I, anytime we can fan the flames of evangelism and the Great Commission. I know you and I both are eager to do that.
Bert Harper We really are. And we thank God for that. And listen, the mission. The mission statement of AFR AFA Is to aid the church in carrying the Great Commission, the Gospel around the world to those across the seas, but those at home to aid the church in doing that. And so we want you to call this number. We've got lines that are open. 8885-898888-40888-589-8840. And while we're waiting for others to call in, let's go to Texas and talk to Ruth. Ruth, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Caroline Yes, I would like some people to be unconfused about Matthew 23, verse 9. Not calling anyone, Father, please explain.
Bert Harper Okay, Alex, when we say that, you read that whole chapter. And again, he's talking about the Pharisees and them wanting to be in a position of authority and honor, that scripture stands alone. But looking at in the context, it's somebody really wanting the honor and the power when they don't deserve it, you know? Go ahead.
Alex McFarland Yeah, Well, it's the state of the heart, isn't it? Hypocrisy and religious pride and religiosity. And so, like in the Matthew 23, Jesus, he pronounces a list of woes. But I'm going to, go even back there. Like in verse eight, when he says, you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. Now, James 3:1 says, don't aspire to be the way the King James renders. James 3:1 says, Be not many masters. In other words, don't crave and quest after being in a position of authority, because you're going to be judged all the more stringently. Now, you and I both have been ministers of the Word. I can say, and I'm sure you would agree, we went into this, with humility, fear and trembling. Because heaven forbid, we would never, ever, ever want to mislead anybody. And I know that you and I both have done our utmost to accurately handle God's Word and to accurately set out the path of salvation. But, Christ's warning to the religious leaders in his day, it's worth it in our day too, because, you don't do this for Pride or ego. You do this for the glory of God and the salvation of souls, don't you?
Bert Harper You really do. The highest position in the kingdom of God is servanthood. Mark
Alex McFarland 10:44.
Bert Harper That's it. And listen, when you try to aspire more than a servant, you're going in the wrong direction, you're going downward. servanthood's as high as it can gets. Well, Ruth, we hope that helps. Matter of fact, and I wrote it down because I said we were going to pray each and every day for our election. And we've got calls that are coming in, but while we're waiting on them, Alex, is it alright for us to pray again concerning that?
Alex McFarland Then, then I've got a letter from a listener in College Station, Texas that I want to reference, if I may. Okay, but you lead us in prayer. I'll do
Bert Harper it, Father, thank you that we can come to you. We've committed ourselves to not only share the word of God, but be an hour that we take prayer requests and praises and we got a lot of prayer requests the other day concerning the elections that are coming up concerning electing men and women who have a biblical worldview and they'll stand on that. And Father, we are in danger of so many things happening. those that are opposed to worldview. And the Democrat Party has been so much taken by the socialist Democrat Party. And Father, they're, they're kind of in the driver's seat now and it's dangerous. And I pray, Father, we'd be alerted to that. But we trust you. We do. We trust you. And that's the bottom line. Regardless of where we go or what will happen, you'll be on the throne on Wednesday morning no matter what. But we would be a better shape in America to have those men and women who, who are conservative in their thoughts concerning the issues of morality, the issues of handling money. And Father, I pray that you would direct men and women to, especially those that are followers of you, to go and vote, pray and seek you and Father, that they would vote that way to hold to the foundations of our country founded upon the thought of judo, Christian ethic, the Ten Commandments and others. And I pray this in Jesus name. Amen. Let me give that number again. And then you go ahead with that letter. That number, 888-589-8840. And Alex, go ahead with that letter.
Alex McFarland Well, we've got a listener in College Station, Texas. And I remember this call she sent in a letter and she was A little bit upset with us. I'm going to write a personal letter. But she was sharing basically what amounted to medical advice, and she felt like you. And I cut her off and didn't, let her tell her story. And, let me just say this. Bert and I would never intentionally, be abrupt or hurt somebody's feelings, but we can't, administer medical advice on this show. It's got to be a Bible teaching show. And to the lady that wrote in, if you felt like Bert, or I was kind of short with you, it's because this is not a medical show, and we are not medical doctors, and we don't give medical advice. Okay,
Bert Harper that's exactly right. I appreciate that. Okay.
Alex McFarland We love you dearly. We do. We care about you. I'm going to write a personal note, too, but this particular listener, I hope she's listening now. College Station, Texas, you matter to us. We care about you, but we can't be broadcasting out medical advice. Okay,
Bert Harper good answer. Hey, Ruth is called, and now Rose from North Carolina is on the line. Rose, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Caroline Okay, I'm here.
Bert Harper Yes, we can hear you.
Caroline I have. You can't hear me.
Bert Harper We can. You're coming through. Go right ahead.
Caroline Okay. M. In at least two, maybe three of the gospels, in the listing of the disciples, there is a James, the son of Alpha. Is he related to Matthew?
Bert Harper Okay, in that list, you will find some brothers. And, you know, we know that for sure, Alex, you know, but Matthew and James of Alpha, I can't get my brain around it. I've done a lot of research on all of them. I don't remember if they are, kin folks or not. Do you?
Alex McFarland no, they would not have been related. you know, Matthew was also known as Levi. James, the son of Zebedee, was brother of Jon. But, Matthew's father in Mark 2:14 is, Alphaeus. But all the commentators I've read said a different Alphaeus, not related.
Bert Harper Okay, Rose, hope that helps. Thank you for that. It helps studying those 12, it is amazing the things that we do know and the things that probably are so, they were 12 men that honestly did turn the world upside down. Well, let's go to Tennessee and talk to Mel. Mel, thank you for calling. Is it male? Yes, go right ahead. You're on. Yes,
Caroline I'm wondering, I know you can answer this. Are all, angels male, or are they both male and female?
Bert Harper Okay, Alex, you got masculine and feminine and Neuter. In the Greek language, when you hear the word angel. Let me just make this. Angel is a transliteration of the Greek word. the Greek is angelos. The real meaning of the word is messenger, you know, and, they carry a message. The three big were all male names anyway. Is there room for female or is it either Neither nor. It says they don't give in marriage, but I'm not sure that means they're quote agender, you know, either way or both. What would you say?
Alex McFarland Well, you know, generally in Bible translations, males get designated with, masculine pronouns like he, but. And you've got the masculine archangels, Micah and Gabriel. But really from, you know, most commentaries would say that angels are genderless. Really. so they could appear.
Bert Harper So they could appear as a female helping. Because Billy Graham wrote his book, I've read other books, and, they're not all the male that appears to help someone sometimes. You know what, after they were through, seemed like it was a, you know, female. You know what I'm talking about?
Alex McFarland Yeah, yeah. but, you know, I don't know that we definitively know till we get to heaven, but the masculine pronoun can be used in a generic sense, you know, so just because it says, you know, an angel, he, this or that, you know, Matthew 22:30 says there's no marriage in heaven because we will be like the angels. And, so it doesn't just say they're genderless, but it could indicate that.
Bert Harper Yep. Okay, thank you again for that question. 888589 8840. Give us a call. We'll be back right after this. Hello, I'm Bert Harper. Did you know that this content is listener supported? Without people like you, this podcast would not exist. That's why we need you. A generous monthly gift of any amount will sustain American Family Radio and specifically this podcast. Please consider becoming a monthly financial partner today by visiting afr.net or that's afr.net give
Tony Vitagliano we give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father, your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our lord Jesus Christ. 1st Thessalonians 1:3American
Jeff Chamblee Family Radio soon and very soon, we are going to see the King. Soon and very soon we are going to see the
Alex McFarland King soon and every. Amen. Hallelujah. One day we're gonna see Jesus face to face. And you want to be ready, and you can be ready. Put your faith in Jesus and he will forgive your sins. And Bert, the Bible calls it the blessed hope that we're going to see Jesus and be with Jesus. Well, the number, if you've got A Bible question is 8885-898408-88589-8840. And Bert, we heard a listener named Rebecca who says she likes our study of Hosea. We're in the Old Testament book of Hosea. That's where we went after we finished Matthew. And so Rebecca, I'm thrilled that you're enjoying this because, you know, the, there are a lot of books, Bert, the minor prophets. And you and I, we've been pretty intentional about trying to bring the books of the Bible to people that you don't always here preached on, you know. So Rebecca and others, we're just very humbled and hope it's a blessing to you.
Bert Harper I want to join Rebecca and saying I'm enjoying it. I really am. I just. Hosea draws me in this prophet that was experiencing difficulty and heartache. And let me just share with you some of the pastors that I know preaching through heartache and difficulty. you know, we're finishing up October, it's Pastor Appreciation Month. We had our fishbowl retreat for pastors and wives. But a lot of pastors and their families, wife, they're, hey, they, they hurting. They bleed just like everyone else. And yet they get up and they share the word of God with strength and courage and, and compassion. And so pray for your pastors out there as they teach and preach the word. And that's the reason that's I'm joining you on that on Hosea. So go to the phone lines and that number, triple 858-98-8840. And we have Cullen in Texas. Cullen, go right ahead.
Caroline yes, sir. I know you men got not a lot of knowledge up there. I've got a People's NewSong Testament written by M. B. W. Johnson, printed by the Christian Board of Publications, St. Louis, Missouri. and said back here on the next page, Christian Publishing Company, 1889. And I, I use a King James version I have for years. And I'm real careful about who up read or listen to. So can you throw any light on this guy? Is he a reasonable man? Can I read it and be okay?
Bert Harper Okay. Alex, are you familiar with this, translation, this Bible?
Alex McFarland Yeah, I have seen that. It's been a long time. I hadn't thought about that in a long time. the People's NewSong Testament. It was published by Barton Johnson. so it's, it's not a new translation of the Bible, but it's got some study notes. And from what I remember, you, know it's it's good. it's conservative, evangelical. there were one edition, it's actually kind of rare. there were two different versions of the King James. And by the way, even when we say the King James Bible, there have been many updates over the years. Not changes, but the 1611 King James uses very, very, antiquated, you know, Elizabethan English. And there would be, you know, modernizations over the time. So one of the people's NewSong Testaments had an 1881 and an 1891 King James editions side by side in parallel. But, as far as I know, you know, it's good. bert, in the 20th century there have been so many good study Bibles. And I got one, I'm looking at it right now. Thomas Nelson did a study a, King, if you like the King James and I do. I'm not King James only, but I grew up hearing my grandmother read it. But there is a Bible called the Liberty Annotated Study Bible. Now it's also identical, published as the Believers Study Bible. And there are just notes and notes and notes. It's so good. And that was one that's been around probably 40 years. But I gotta. Let me give a shout out because, you know, I love study Bibles. Bert, there was a great man of God and his name was Henry Morris and He was a Dr. Henry Morris. He put out a study Bible called the Defenders Study Bible. And he was really big in creation versus evolution. But he also wrote commentaries, like commentaries on prophecy, Revelation. But the Defenders Study Bible, it is based on the King James, but there are so many appendices. I just, I love all that stuff. Bert and I, I love study Bibles, but that the people study Bible, far as I know, it's good. It's just, you know, about 140 years old and nothing wrong with that necessarily. Amen.
Bert Harper I love the King James as well. I memorized all the verses in King James, but I always had trouble with the runneth and the th's. That's Bert. And I'd get mixed up with the vowels and the, you know, they. So when the new King James version came along, man, I loved it and I've, I've latched onto it and I read others sometimes to help and get our, our former co host Jim Stanley, man, he'd go the amplified Bible every time. And I said, well, you don't want to miss anything. So there's a lot of good Bibles out there. And I appreciate you calling in Cullen. Well, Brent has, Okay, we got callers. We're going to get to them. But Brent's got a call that came in.
Alex McFarland All right, I've got one from Facebook. It's a prayer request from Ursula. she wants prayers for her grandmother who is in the hospital, and she needs an unspoken prayer for her mother. And, she's continuing grad school, and she could use all the prayers she could get.
Bert Harper Oh, man. Grad school. Hey, it is Alex, could you pray for Ursula, her grandmother, her mother, and then her in grad school?
Alex McFarland Let's pray. Father God, we thank you so much that you do give us what we need. And Philippians 4:13. We can do all things through you, Jesus. And I pray for Ursula's grandmother, who's in the hospital, pray for her mother and family, and then she's getting more education, going to grad school. What a wonderful thing that is, the stewardship of the mind. So help in all these things, Lord. Healing, provision, wisdom, guidance, blessing, making a mark for you, Lord, bless Ursula, and we lift her up to you in these related needs as well. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Bert Harper Thank you, Alex. Well, let's go to Ohio and talk to Joshua. Joshua, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Speaker I Yes, hi. Long, time listener here, so thank you very much for your ministry. I enjoy listening to you every day on the way home from work. my question is about, Lucifer. So I think most. Most people, have understood that he was a fallen angel. He rebelled against God, took a third of the angels with him. when, like, where? I guess we're in the Bible. Does it say that? Like, where do we find that? And then how long before creation do you think that actually happened?
Bert Harper Okay, some good questions you got to get in Ezekiel and isaiah. okay, 14 and 28. Which. Which chapter in Isaiah is it? 14. And then. Yeah, I see. And then Ezekiel. Double the 14, you get Ezekiel 28. And then the third is in Jude, isn't. Is that right, Alex? You're the,
Alex McFarland Yeah, there. Well, in Jude, it talks about contending with Satan. For, the body of Moses was referenced. But then, of course, In Revelation, chapter 12, very famously, Revelation 12. 7 and following, there is war in heaven, and the great dragon was thrown down. Now, we learn in Revelation 12:9 who this dragon was the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent called the devil. And Satan, the deceiver of the whole world, he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Okay, so, in Isaiah 14, you've got Lucifer who wanted to put his throne above the throne of God, you know, and you've got. In Ezekiel 28:12 and following, there was this perfect, the signet of perfection, until iniquity was found in you. And. And he was put out of the holy mountain of God. but then a third of the angels apparently joined Satan in this failed coup attempt of heaven and their demons. Now, now, two thirds of the angels stayed true to God. But, Bert, how soon before creation did this happen? I don't know, but I'll say this. I'll throw it to you. Satan could not kill God, but so he's tried to harm the ones made in God's image, human beings, beginning with Adam and Eve.
Bert Harper So what he's trying to do. And we don't know when that happened. We know it did Joshua. And, And hey, speculation. Wouldn't do you any good if I did. So, you know, some things we're just going to have to wait and wait to find out one day. Even if then I figured this out about Heaven. Some of the questions I have, well, I know I'm going to get there. The other thing comes, I'll be so enthralled with the people I'm there with the Lord Jesus and others, I might forget those questions. So either way, we don't know it now. So appreciate it. Let's go to Missouri. And it's Steve. Steve, thank you for calling. Go right ahead, brother.
Caroline Yes, sir. Thank you. It's a true blessing to talk to you fellas two days in a row. And my thought is, the. Are you
Bert Harper there? Yeah, we're here. Go right ahead, man.
Caroline But my thought is the lady said a thing about angels, and it mainly makes sense to me that we would only have male angels because, God is masculine, Jesus is masculine, the Holy Spirit is masculine, and we can't procreate in heaven, so, we wouldn't have a need for female angels. Right.
Alex McFarland that. That does make sense. It does. We just aren't really told, are we, Bert?
Bert Harper We are not. And again to, you know, now, this is not a theological book, and Billy Graham's was in so many ways. But, one of my heroes back in. Way back in the 50s was a guy named Roy Rogers. And his wife's Name was Dale Evans. That was my wife's hero. So we had that mutual, growing up. She wrote a book called Angels Unawares. And I just want to tell you, the whole. The angels do not take the place of the Holy Spirit. Angels do not take the place of others that encourage us, and others as well. But they have their purpose. And so God can send them forth for his purpose. And again, either way, male, genderless, or whether whatever God's purpose is for these messengers of God to come and instruct and help and guide. And, so we just praise the Lord God. Amen. For what he's done in taking care of us. So, yeah, go ahead
Alex McFarland and let me throw this because we get this question from children sometimes and teenagers. when a believer goes to heaven, we don't turn into angels. the born again believer in heaven gets a glorified body. But, Bert, every now and then, some, some people say, well, maybe, when. When Grandma went to heaven, now she's an angel. Angels are a different category of created beings.
Bert Harper Amen.
Alex McFarland Messengers. So. So we, we don't ever turn into angels, do we, Bert?
Bert Harper We do not. And that's a blessing. The angels, they are amazed at the redemption that we have in Christ. cause that third of the angels that went away and followed Lucifer, they're. They're demonic. They stay demonic. But we, God's height of creation. Not angels, God's height, but man is God. When I say man, I'm talking about male and female. We are God's height. Human beings are the height of God's creation. Praise God. Thank you for that, Steve. Let's go to Sheila in Ohio. Sheila, go right ahead.
Caroline I just need prayer. I've been suffering depression and anxiety, and it's really getting to me. And I know that's what the devil wants.
Bert Harper Okay. The other day I was talking to someone one on one, and, they were having a hard time distinguishing between anxiety, depression, and. They seem to go hand in hand, Alex. And again, we're not medical, we're neither psychological, but we can pray. Satan wants to defeat us. But let me just say all depression is not always because of spiritual, difficulty. Sometimes it is physical in the brain and things not happening. And you can get help and don't be afraid. Yes. Pray, seek God. Stay in the word of God. But, listen, there's help available Christian counselors. Alex. I believe in them, brother.
Alex McFarland Yeah. And you know what? Doctor, Gary Chapman, who is a dear friend and colleague, he wrote a great book called the Five Love Languages. he started a counseling ministry 50 years ago in North Carolina. And there are many such counseling ministries. And let me say, if folks, if you need somebody to talk to, to go and see a Christian counselor and many, you know, can even file insurance if, if it gets to be, you know, prohibitively expensive, it's a good thing to do, the stewardship of your emotions. And, let me just say this because we all, we're all human and we can get stressed and get blue. Pray about it. But count your blessings. I mean, Bert, I honestly think one of the quickest things to turn things positive and see the bright side is to be write it down on paper how blessed we are. You know,
Bert Harper I used this yesterday. David encouraged himself in the Lord. What God has done, I guarantee you, is counting his blessings. Hey, we're going to take a break, but we're still taking phone calls. And that number, 888-589-8888, 589-8840. This is Fire Away Friday. We're taking questions. We're looking forward to hearing from you. In the next segment here on exploring the Word, We would like to take a moment to thank our sponsor, preborn. When a mother meets her baby on ultrasound and hears their heartbeat, it's a divine connection. And the majority of the time she will choose life. But they can't do it without our help. Preborn needs us, the pro life community come alongside them. One ultrasound is just $28. To donate, dial pound250 and say the keyword baby or visit preborn.com afr
Dr. Jessica Peck Come, Jesus, come We've been waiting so long for the day you return to heal every hurt Ride every road need you right now Come and turn this around. Deep down I know this world is in home Come, Jesus, come
Bert Harper Amen. Amen. Come, Jesus, come man, Brent, you hit the ball out of the park with those selections today.
Alex McFarland I don't think you've ever let a song play that long before, have you?
Bert Harper Well, I could hear the whole song. I love that song. Come, Jesus, come. And that's our prayer. This is exploring the word on afr and it's Fire Away Friday and we've got people that have called in and we're going to go first to North Carolina and talk to Douglas. Douglas, go right ahead.
Speaker L yes, sir, I have a two part question. if you explain to me, what the unpardonable sin is and can it be committed today.
Bert Harper Okay, good question, Alex. Right now, the only sin that cannot be forgiven is unbelief not trusting him. Is there a time when that unbelief becomes so emphatic and real that an individual could, not turn away from that decision he made one time or she made one time?
Alex McFarland anybody in this day and age, anybody that asks Christ sincerely says, lord Jesus, please forgive me, please save me. He will save. let's go back a little bit to, like, Mark chapter three and Matthew, chapter 12. And when I first went to work for Dr. Dobson, this was really, really in the news, but the blasphemy of the Holy spirit. And, Dr. Dobson asked me to research it and write about it, which I did. In fact, we made a whole little booklet that we circulated because so many young people were asking about, the unforgivable sin. And Bert, I interviewed a lot of Bible scholars, did a lot of study, even interviewed a couple of rabbis. And here was the thing. in Jesus's day, the Jewish leaders committed the unpardonable sin because they, they said some things so blasphemous to Jesus's face that they were beyond forgiveness. I'm not even going to say what they said because it was very, very blasphemous. Now, and Jesus said, you know, whoever does such a thing, will not be forgiven in this life or the next. Now, I don't think it is possible to commit that unpardonable sin today, because here's the thing. The religious leaders in Christ's day, they had arguably the highest amount of revelation any humans have ever had. They intimately knew the Scriptures. Standing right there in front of them was the incarnate Lord Jesus. And yet they blasphemed him to his face. And there was no more drawing of the Holy Spirit. They were beyond the reach of redemption. Now, here in this day and age, I really think the only sin that can put somebody beyond the reach of God's salvation is to die in a state of unbelief. Now, I want to be careful about something here, and then I'll throw it to you. Seek, the Lord while you have time. If you're listening to this right now and you're saying, you know, I need to get straight with God, I need Christ. Then do it now. I mean, think about it. A car wreck could take you out in a sliver of a second. Bert, I've. I've been to many rest homes, and I mean, I'm just going to say it. There's. There's dementia and Alzheimer's, and to be saved, there's a certain amount of Mental acuity that you have, you have to be able to admit that you're a sinner and consciously put your faith in Jesus. And, you know, don't wait till your mental faculties are gone. You know, Bert, seek the Lord while you have awareness of it and you have opportunity. That's why I think the Bible says, behold, now is the accepted time. Now is the day of salvation.
Bert Harper Let me say this, everybody. How young do you know can you be saved at a young, young age? Dr. Dobson said he was three years old this year, at the fishbowl retreat, met another individual, and they said they were saved. At three years old, I cannot comprehend that because I did not have that kind of comprehension, but they did. But the question might be, concerning what you just said. You better not wait too late. You better do it now. Don't wait till you're too old. Now, when I say that, I say that in the context of what you just said, Alex. Dementia coming in, different things. Coming in, salvation. It's today. And if you're listening now, those of you that are listening and you've never received Jesus Christ as savior, or you don't know, you say, I just don't know if I'm saved or not. Right now, you need to come to the place and say, God, I'm a sinner. I'm lost. There's nothing that I can do. In order to achieve salvation from you, I'm turning to you, asking you to come into my life, because I know you died on the cross and rose again. And I'm trusting you right now. Would you forgive me of my sin, of my direction? And I want to trust you. You can put it in your own words. Different people say it a different way. But let me just tell you, God looks at the heart. And if you will turn to Christ, I pray you would do it right now. Douglas, thank you for that. Good question, Alex. You had something you was wanting to share. go ahead.
Alex McFarland so, this is kind of for those that maybe have an interest in apologetics. There was, ah, a Jewish man named Josephus that, he lived, from about 37 to about 100. And his writings, which have come to be called antiquities of the Jews. We, A lot of what we know about the Roman Empire, the Jewish nation, the dispersion. Josephus is a highly, highly respected ancient source and always known to be accurate. Well, Josephus mentions Jesus, and this is really important because, Bert, I've debated atheists and they'll say, oh, Jesus never existed. No, the historical record is very clear. And Josephus says that Jesus was a worker of miracles. he was known to be the Son of God. He was crucified. his disciples preached that he rose from the dead. So Josephus confirms much of what we know about Jesus from the NewSong Testament. And this would be called an extra biblical source. Well, atheists, they'll say, oh, well, the Josephus references are fake. Christians inserted those. That's not true. in fact, the greatest Josephus scholar, who ever lived was a Jewish man named Louis Feldman. And my friend Micah Lycona interviewed him. Louis Feldman would always say that Jesus references in Josephus are real, they're accurate to the text. but atheists don't like that. Well, there is a Yale PhD, a man named T.C. schmidt, and he is a scholar of early Christianity. He's got a brand new book out published by Oxford, and he says, look, the Jesus passages are real. And I just throw that out there. That is compelling, just more historical evidence that the, the Jesus you find in Matthew, Mark, Luke and Jon, real, he lived. And what the NewSong Testament says, again, proven accurate.
Bert Harper I read that article and it's been proven. Even the languages that Josephus, you, know the antiquity of the Jews was translated in. And again, there's consistency in them verifying that they were true. And hallelujah. What a savior he is. Let's go to Scott in Oklahoma. Scott, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Caroline Gentlemen. I love your show. I have a quick question. There is the Noah Hyde convention happening on the Mount of Olives November 2nd through the 6th. Do you guys know the Noah Hides?
Bert Harper Alex, do you heard of this?
Alex McFarland I, have not. I
Bert Harper haven't either.
Alex McFarland I'm not. First I've heard of it. So tell us what you need to
Caroline look it up. It's, it is pertinent to end time opinion. This is, are a group of Jews, very, very traditional Jews who are opening Judaism up to the gentile through the Noah Hyde laws. The, the laws that were given to Noah after departing the ark. and they are calling for no sexual immorality, worship of one God, setting up a court system, and a government. And it's very appealing to, I would say the woke church and Muslims who are on the edge of Christianity and Islam because there's a lot of conversion in Islam right now. But in my opinion, what it sets up is a one world government out of Jerusalem. You can go to their Noah Hyde charter or something like that. They're literally having a convention at a Hotel, November 2nd through the 6th on the Mount of Olives. And they are actually endorsed by the President of Israel, so.
Bert Harper Okay. Wow. I'm gonna check into that. Alex, how about you?
Alex McFarland Yeah, yeah, I'm reading about it right now. Well, let me just say this, that, there. There are all kinds of movements and gatherings, and, you know, I think about. There was the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago some years ago, folks. rural, urban, Middle East, Western world. Doesn't matter where you are. Acts 4, verse 12 says, There is one name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. The name of Jesus. And that's, I agree with the caller. It probably is indicative that we're near the end times. There's going to be a lot of spiritual voices in the wind, folks. The only. Only name you need to know is Jesus, and he alone is the Savior.
Bert Harper Amen. Thank you, Scott. Okay, we got some more prayer requests. Helen, I know you have a prayer request. Go right ahead. Helen from Michigan.
Caroline Yes, I need, prayer for Beverly Murphy, who's in the hospital with lots of blood clots.
Bert Harper Okay. Beverly Murphy. Okay. And, Brent, I understand we had one come in on Facebook as well, so we'll take care of both of these.
Alex McFarland That's right. I've got one from Rebecca. she's asking for prayers for her husband, who is experiencing complications, from back
Bert Harper surgery. Okay, Zard, if I pray, Alex. And then we'll go to Steve in North Carolina right after this. Father, I pray, that you would be with Beverly, Murphy right now, with all the difficulty and heartache, and we're knowing that Helen is concerned. And, Father, I pray that you would meet him where he is both spiritually, emotionally, physically. We are wonderfully made. And that means, we're more than just a body. We're more than just emotions. We're more than just spirit, Father. And, we don't know all the things he needs, but you do. And I pray you'd meet them. And then I pray for Rebecca's husband, Father, that where he is and what he's going through. I'm praying that you would touch him, speak, to him, give him what he needs. And sometimes, Father, we need to be specific, but sometimes we don't know how to be specific because we don't know all the needs. But you do. And we ask you, God, to meet those needs according to your riches that are in Christ, Jesus Christ, alone. Amen. Thank you, Helen. Yeah. And thank you, Rebecca. Let's go to man we getting a lot of folks from North Carolina, lately. Alex, are you, putting word out up there?
Alex McFarland We, we got some, Some believers up here in my home state. Yes, we do.
Bert Harper Well, it's Steve from m. North Carolina. Steve, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Speaker O yes, my question is, I had a family member. He and I will speak. Talking the other day, that he lives a. He. He lives a, ah, alternate lifestyle. He's homosexual. and he made a comment. He said, well, I was made this way. And I looked at him and I said, God wouldn't make anybody like that. I just, I don't believe God would do that. He's. He'll affirm to his thing that I was made this way, and that's the way I was made. So I'm gonna hang up and let you know. I'll listen on the phone.
Bert Harper Okay, Steve? Yes, that is a place they go, you know, Alex, a lot of times, but when you understand what Romans especially and others say about homosexuality and it being a, horrible sin, it's. It's a sin. matter of fact, on the spiral in Romans, chapter one, the spiral downward. It's there on the Very close to the very bottom. Why would God. I'm asking the question. Why would God make someone to be something that he condemns?
Alex McFarland Yeah. let me say this, as unequivocally as I can. No one is born gay. They're not. And do you know, the modern mental health research documents this. Those that experience same sex attraction or gender confusion, transgender ideation. It is always a means of dealing with pain. And some of the pain, lack of bonding with the parent of the same sex, having been molested, rejected. So, I want to mention a website. This is a colleague with whom I worked with Dr. Dobson, Anne Paul. The website is Restored Hope Network. A lot of great articles, a lot of great scholars, but one other thing, a book. One of our colleagues, MD M. Perkins, wrote a wonderful book called Dangerous Affirmation. And Bert, that's a real critique. There was also, wasn't there, a video that American Family Studios made Bert about?
Bert Harper In his image.
Alex McFarland In his image.
Bert Harper In his image. And you can find that at the Resource Zone. It is. And you'll see the testimonies of what God did to bring people out of this sin. Just like he's brought them m. From alcohol, like he's brought them from adultery, fornication. God is a deliverer from that which would destroy us. Thank you for listening to Exploring the Word. And again, Church, let it. Be a part of your life this coming Sunday. Worship him, Alex. and keep on praying that the elections will, Hey. That Christians will vote, and they'll vote godly. That's a good advice, isn't it?
Alex McFarland It is. Again, be in the house of God on Sunday morning. Find a good church. Tomorrow is Reformation Day. We're here thanks to something God did on October 31, 590 years ago. Every blessing. Thanks for listening.
Jeff Chamblee The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
Join Bert Harper and Alex McFarland on Exploring the Word for Fire-Away Friday on American Family Radio! In this episode, our hosts tackle pressing listener questions regarding the unpardonable sin, Matthew 23:9, whether angels have a gender, the historical reliability of Josephus, and how to navigate depression and anxiety through a biblical worldview. Tune in for sound biblical answers, listener prayer requests, and encouragement to stand firm on God’s Word.
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