Transcript

>> Bert Harper: The Bible.

>> Alex McFarland: It's the word of God.

>> Bert Harper: Sharper than any two edged sword.

>> Alex McFarland: This sacred book is living and active.

>> Bert Harper: And contains all that's needed for life and godliness. Stay with American Family Radio for the next hour as we study God's word.

>> Alex McFarland: And take your Bible questions.

>> Bert Harper: Welcome to Exploring the Word. If you were a father. I am. And you were giving your son some charges or some commands, do it in writing. This is what Paul does with Timothy. I'm just going to do this real quick as an introduction. In chapter one, verse 18, where we start today, listen to these words. This charge I commit to you now, we'll get to what it was. But that's not the Last 1. Chapter 3, verse 14. He says these things, I write to you, but I hope to come to you shortly. But this I say to you, know how to conduct yourself. Chapter four, verse 11. He doesn't stop. He continues on. He says these things, command and teach. Let no one despise your youth. Then the fourth one, in chapter five, verse 21, he makes it plain, I charge you before God and the Lord. And he goes on and shares that one. And then the last five charges is in 6, 20. Matter of fact, the last part, the last verse in first Timothy, O Timothy. Guard what was committed to your trust. This is Bert Harper and Alex McFarland. And I guess by now you know we're in the book of first Timothy. It's the first of what is called the Pastoral epistles that Paul would write. He wrote these later on in his life. Matter of fact, 2 Timothy is the last letter he wrote. So we're starting out with first Timothy. Then we're going to go to Titus, because he wrote it next. And then we'll finish up with two Timothy again. Alex, when I get into these Pastoral epistles, being a pastor, it really means a lot to me. Not only just it being the word of God, but also practicality. How should I conduct myself as a minister of the gospel? So these are practical, practical, instructions that Paul gives Timothy, aren't they?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, they really are. And Bert, it's good to be with you. Great to have everyone listening as we are in first Timothy, chapter one. And just all of these verses are so wonderful. Yesterday we were wrapping up verse 15 where Paul said, this is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. In other words, everybody ought to believe it and accept it that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief. And he goes on, he obtained, mercy that, in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long suffering for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. In other words, Paul knew, he seemed to reference, the fact that even after he was gone, the ripple effect of his ministry and, and really the ripple effect of all Christians would result in believers. Now, verse 17 is really special to me, Bert, because, it says this first Timothy 1:17. Now, unto the king, eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. Bert, did you ever hear a song, and this is kind of an oldie Goldie, Walter Chalmers Smith wrote a song. Immortal, invisible God only wise in light inaccessible, hid from our eyes Most blessed, most glorious the ancient of days Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise. And what inspired him to write that wonderful hymn of the faith back in the 1800s was 1st Timothy 1:17, the king, eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God be glory and honor forever and ever. Amen. I, I just think virtually every verse in first Timothy is, a, shouting and praising and amen verse, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It really is king eternal. You remember what it says at the Incarnation? Born king. Not born to become king. You know, most time they are prince and then they become. No, he was born king. And so this is king of kings, the Lord of Lords, eternal, immortal, invisible. He. He shows himself to us. And this is what's so important. Jesus took on flesh. And, to God alone, who is wise, again, Christ alone. That's who it is. Be, honor and glory. For how long, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: Ever.

>> Bert Harper: Forever.

>> Alex McFarland: Forever and ever.

>> Bert Harper: Sounds a little bit like, you know, a song that you referring to earlier, but the Hallelujah chorus as well. Yes, Forever and ever. And that's who we worship even today. And you were talking about verse 16 about he was looking ahead. I love that phrase. Who are going to be saved, who are going to believe? That's faith. We believe the word of God going forth will accomplish what it sends it forth to do, what God intends to do. People will be saved. And that's why we preach here on exploring the Word, telling people about Jesus Christ, because there's some people listening probably today that need to be born again. That need. Would you be one of those. Those of you that are listening, would you be one of those that say, I need Christ, I'm not right with God. I want to get right with Him. And I know Jesus paid the price. He paid it all. And all to Him I owe. So right now I'm committing myself to him as I turn away from my sin. I turn to him, believing that he. He died on the cross for me. And I'm asking him to forgive me of my sin. And I'm surrendering myself to him. As Lord of my life, I pray you would do that today. Alex, when I read verse 17, I want to get saved all over again. I just tell you that's how great God is, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Praise God. Praise God. Well, in verse 18, my, translation reads, this charge I commit unto the son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on the. That thou by them might might as war a good warfare. Now, the word charge in verse 18, which is also rendered a, responsibility or an assignment. Bert, what. What is your translation?

>> Bert Harper: Mine is a charge. I looked it up, and I really do believe that's the best word to translate it, Alex. I looked at the alternatives, but it's a charge. I charge you, what a word that is. Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, what does the word angel mean? What is an angel?

>> Bert Harper: Messenger.

>> Alex McFarland: A messenger, that's right. A, sent one with a message. Well, this word here, this charge or, you know, assignment or commission is a word, that is a variation of the word angel. now, we're not angels. A saved sinner is a redeemed part of the body of Christ. But it's, you know, P, A R, a para, which means like alongside, in other words, with the very same seriousness that God's angels are sent with messages and assignments and duties in a similar way, literally, the word, this charge, just like the angels, we have an assignment. We are God's sent ones. We are his messengers.

>> Caroline: And.

>> Alex McFarland: And, you know, we're not serving there around the throne in heaven yet. And we're not going to turn into angels. When people pass away, they do not become angels, but we are the messengers with the same seriousness and gravity that an angel sent from the throne room of heaven would have.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Now, I love that verse because it's talking about Timothy. He says, I, I give you this charge. I give you this commandment. I give you this message to deliver. It says to Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you. When I read Acts 16 concerning that when again Timothy joined him, he was well spoken of of those where he was come from. He was well spoken of of the believers. And he had a Jewish mom, a gentile father, and we know his grandmother was Lois. This is the way you can remember it. Let, Lois, Eunice, and Timothy. So you can remember. Let. But I love that it says that by them you may wage the good warfare. He was sent off right now, this is, this is what you need to do. Timothy was sent off right from his home church. Raised right in the home because it says later on, in two Timothy, that was taught to you by your mother and your grandmother. And then he, he was with Paul, continued in this, and it was a whole life full now. He had difficulties, said, take a little wine for your stomach sake. He had some things sounded like he was. Had some anxiety. And so here it is. This is. I charge you. Even though we have weaknesses, Alex, and even though we may have started right, be in good shape, we still need to work at keeping what God has given to us. We don't need to relax and say, okay, I've come this far. Now I need to, you know, take, take a, take a time off and just live for myself. No, we've been bought with a price, haven't we?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, we really have. And you know, the prophecies in verse 18 made over Timothy, I don't think this is like the prophecies of Isaiah and Daniel, or Ezekiel, But I will say this. we've all had people, I'm sure you've had people pray over you and look to you now. Yeah, people give you a blessing and Bert, haven't you prayed not just in maybe an ordination or a commissioning service, but prayed over some young person and, you know, pronounced a blessing of God on their life and stay with the stuff. I remember, you know, so far back when Angie and I first got married and we were coming out of Macedonia and we were going to, go to Liberty University, and then you blink and, you know, 30 plus years has gone by, but I remember people that prayed over us and they said, go, go do good for Jesus. you want to honor that? You know, let me just say, folks, Satan has all kinds of ways. He's going to try to discourage you, tempt you. But look, all of us are where we are because somebody believed in us and somebody invested in us. Somebody prayed for us. Somebody did the best they could to send us off with, a blessing. And just as Timothy, you know, Paul is saying, look, I'm giving you a charge, keep, uphold, your end of the deal. Young man, I think that speaks to all of us, don't you, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: I really do, Alex, just talking about yourself. I remember when I went forward in my home church, Wheeler Baptist Church, here in Northeast Mississippi, a real small church, and I said, I, I, God is calling me to, to preach. And the number of people that came by and encouraged me. And they said we knew it all along. And they, they said we'd been praying for you before you've done this. And man, what a charge. It's a charge to keep. That's the whole idea. And so we're saying that on exploring the Word, this, this program was started to just share the word of God, share the gospel, that people would know the truth and let that truth set them free as they follow Christ. That's the charge that's been given to Alex and myself concerning exploring the Word. It's not an interview program, although we do get to do interviews every so often. But listen, what we do, open the word of God and let the word of God speak. So, Alec, Alex, I'd say the charge that was given to Timothy, is similarly to the charge that's been given to us as well.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, and we might often say, well, you know, don't, don't bail out, don't fall into sin, don't wreck, your testimony, because you don't want to dishonor the Lord. And obviously honoring the Lord and pleasing Jesus is the number one thing in life, obviously. But we don't want to dishonor those that invested in Good word.

>> Bert Harper: Alex. Thank you, Father, for reminding your church.

>> Alex McFarland: Body, I don't care who you are. You know, right now, many churches, maybe even this Sunday, will pray over the graduates before they go away to college. Young people, when you get away from home and you're unsupervised, hey, remember who you are and who's back home praying for you.

>> Bert Harper: We're going to come back and we're going to look at 19 says having faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected. You don't want to reject it. As Alex said. Stay with the stuff. We'll be back right after this break. I want you to picture this. Her name is Kayla. She is 17, alone, terrified and pregnant, sitting in the clinic, tears blurring, thinking abortion is her only option until she was offered a free ultrasound, paid for by a hero just like you. The moment Kayla heard her baby's heartbeat, the decision was made. And today, her little baby boy, Gabriel, is thriving because her preborn walked with Kayla every step of the way. Now multiply that by 38,000. That's how many babies preborn has helped save just this year. How many mothers preborn has come alongside with practical and spiritual resources to make motherhood possible. But here's the most important thing you will hear today. Their goal is to save 70,000 by the end of the year. And they can't do it without us. Every $28 provides the ultrasound. The moment everything changes, Will you be the reason the next Kayla chooses life? The reason Gabriel fulfills his destiny. To donate, dial £250 and say the key word baby. That's £250, baby. Or donate [email protected] afr that's preborn.com afr.

>> Alex McFarland: And all my life you have been faithful. all my life you have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able.

>> Caroline: Oh, I'm gonna sing.

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, boy. Singing of the goodness of God.

>> Bert Harper: Hallelujah.

>> Alex McFarland: the Christian faith has a lot to sing about. Praise God. Glory to God for his love and goodness. And also how we rejoice in his word. Well, this is Alex and Bert exploring the Word. We're in first Timothy, chapter one. And, I know Paul was writing the words the Holy Spirit gave him, but I gotta say, the Apostle Paul was a really great writer. Very inspiring. so he's encouraging Timothy and 19 and 20, holding faith and a good conscience, which some, having put away concerning faith, have made shipwreck, of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I've delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. But the word shipwreck there. What is your translation?

>> Bert Harper: It is shipwreck. It is shipwreck, and it is a nautical term. And he uses it quite a bit. Remember? and I'll throw it back to you. He, He. He knew what a shipwreck was when he. When he wrote this. Go ahead, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: He did. And it is a nautical term. And it. It means, like, to run it into the ground. And we've even. I've heard people say, you know, well, so. And so they ran that into the ground, I mean, to navigate, into a place of destruction. And that's what people do when they revert, back to their sinful ways, you know. So Paul is saying, look, hold the faith. That's sound doctrine, A good conscience, righteous living. Not only true, doctrine, but godly. Godly living. And he has a couple there that he names that are examples of the opposite. Right, exactly. Examples of the opposite.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah.

>> Alex McFarland: And he says, whom I've delivered unto Satan, I think. And Bert, there's been much speculation about what all that means, but sometimes you have to go and let people hit bottom, don't you?

>> Bert Harper: You really do. I do believe they were within the church because it's talking about having faith and good conscience. And in the book of, First Corinthians, Paul talks about something like that, about the man that was a leader in the church living an immoral life and bragging about it and talking about, oh, God permits this. And the church was going along and Paul said, no, turn, him over. You know, don't do this. let Satan. And I think it goes back to what Paul, Peter was said by Jesus, sift you at, you know, as Satan, he's going to sift you as wheat. And so turn it, let it be sifted to see, if they'll turn around and come back. And as long as you're propping them up, they're going to remain in their sin, they're going to remain that. But if you turn them loose, there's a time to turn them loose and, and let them do so that they can be the prodigal son come to himself and say, I will return to my Father. So, Alex, I believe it has all that in the context.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, Hymenaeus is mentioned again in second Timothy 2, 17, and we get some of the specifics of his apostasy or falling away. Now, Alexander here, that's mentioned in First Timothy 1:20. I can't really find a, complete, you know, unpacking of what he did.

>> Bert Harper: Well, there's several Alexanders, you know, the reason there's more than one. Not as common as, as I would say, James or Simon's, but Alexander, there was more than one.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, of this hymenaeus, in 2 Timothy 1:18, it says, who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some. And it says that he, Well, in second Timothy 2, 16, 17. And this was part of Hymenaeus problem. Shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase unto more ungodliness. And so, and we'll get there. But here in this first Timothy 1:20, they turned away from the gospel to vain babblings, saying things like, the resurrection from the dead has already passed, and it hasn't. But it's a warning to hold fast to truth. Not only God's revealed truth, but honest, righteous, godly living.

>> Bert Harper: And Paul calls that blasphemy, you know.

>> Alex McFarland: To betray those things.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, and so stay with Christ. That's the whole idea. Stay with it living, stay with it preaching, stay with it all the way.

>> Alex McFarland: You know, we've done the National Day of Prayer for, I don't know, 20 years, I suppose. Bert, I've every. The first Thursday of May, I believe it is his national day of prayer. And I've spoken many places on those days. And every now and then, some. Some fellow minister will say, Alex McFarland, why are you so. Pray for America, Save America, revive America. don't you know that our home is in heaven? Well, along that sentiment, let's listen to second, one Timothy, chapter two. Here's what Paul says about our citizenship. I exhort, therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. Bert, as I read first Timothy 2, really one through three, especially verse two, praying for kings and those in authority. You know, we don't have kings. We have a president and a cabinet and the House and Senate, and we have governors and we have leaders, and we have employers and bosses and parents and teachers. We are to pray for those that are over us, and we are to be respectful, to their authority. But this idea of corporate praying for the culture, I think it comes right out of the New Testament.

>> Bert Harper: It really does. And go back to verse one. he makes it plain. Supplications, prayers, intercessors, and giving thanks. Four aspects of this prayer life. Now, what you do, all four of these should be a part of our prayer life. we supplications for others and for ourselves, and intercessions, we're. We are interceding for others. On Tuesdays, the day of prayer, people will call in, they'll say, somebody. We intercede for them. And then it says, and giving thanks. Listen, sometimes our. I. I think our prayer life is out of balance by not remembering what God has done. I. One of the things that I've noticed at the church where I'm interim pastor, Ozark Baptist Church, they have a prayer list, but they also put in there answered prayer. And they'll listen that. I love that because, if all you have is listing prayers, that's good. But people say, well, I don't see any effect of it. Put those in there as well. So be thanks and for all men. And when he says that, then he. I'll put it this way, Alex, I may look at this a little different than you. I, think you could put the word even in there with Paul's thoughts. all these prayers be made for all men, even kings. Okay, you catch my m. Drift?

>> Alex McFarland: I got you.

>> Bert Harper: You know, because, man, we're bad to complain about those over us, the pastor, over us, the governor, the, the president. No, we pray for them as well, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Well, we do. We, we should. And folks, if, the, you know, condition, of the country concerns you, well, let's pray about it and let's be an intercessor. And he goes on, he says, that we may lead a peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. In other words, that we pray for and desire a culture most conducive to the spread of the Gospel. Verse, three and four, I love. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. And that's Jesus. That is another reference to the deity of Christ. the word savior there is soterios. Soteriology is the study of salvation. And so the Savior, the son of God who died on the cross, is God incarnate. Okay, now in verse four, Alex, let.

>> Bert Harper: Me say one real quick word. I know we're going slowly. You've talked about it, I've talked about it. And we talk about our country. Listen, what the United States has done in next year we'll be 250 years old since 1776. We need to celebrate 250 years, a quarter millennium, you bet. What's happened, the freedom and prosperity that the church has been in a country where the freedom was real, prosperity had been realized. And guess what? The church has done. And even we need to do more, should have done more. But we've sent more missionaries around the world than any country during that period of time or any other time in history that is quite. And peaceable. That's what. And you're talking about that the gospel, I think the United States is, is evidence of that. I use this quite often. I'm going to use it again. After World War II, there was awesomeness about man. The church grew. It. It. Man. Billy Graham was filling stadiums to hear him. Thousands and millions even were being saved. Over in China, where you had no freedom, we didn't know what was taking place. But the underground church was at work. And even when President Nixon went over there years ago and they found out there was a lot of believers there in China because of the mission work that had been done there. Hudson Taylor and all the others that had been there before, the church thrived even under persecution and underground. But where did missions thrive during that period of time, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: China.

>> Bert Harper: Yes. They grew. But who? In the United States. They grew. But guess which ones were sending missionaries around the world. Not the one that had no freedom, but the one that had great freedom. That's the reason we pray for that quiet and peaceable life.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. We've said it this way, folks. You can do evangelism anywhere, but you can only really do missions in, a culture of liberty, freedom and prosperity, you know? And so we are to pray for America. Verse 4 says, who will have all men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the truth? Now, this is not saying that everybody will get saved, and this is not universalism, but it. What it's saying is God's will is that all would be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. So I'm just going to say this. I'm not trying to be controversial, but, Bert, I think this is one of the strongest verses that would argue against limited atonement.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: That the Lord only died for the elect. No, it is God's will. and really, the word will is desires all. God desires that all be saved. And. And frankly, all could be, but not all will, because not all will believe on him.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, two things real quickly. You're going to see truth mentioned three times in this passage of Scripture from verse one to verse eight, truth. Notice in verse four how saved and truth are linked together. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, salvation. The truth of who Jesus Christ is, the truth of what he's done, the truth of where he is. This is so real. He's at the right hand of the Father, making intercession for us right now. So. And God desires this? This is God's desire. He doesn't force it, but his desire. And I tell you what all means in Greek. It means all. Not. Not. Not just a select group, but all men.

>> Alex McFarland: Verse five of chapter two. Oh, this is so beautiful. For there is one God and one mediator between God and man. The man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all. Not some, but all. Jesus shed his blood on Calvary's cross for the forgiveness of the sins of the human race. Gave himself a ransom for all to be testified in due time. Where unto I am ordained a preacher and an apostle. I speak the truth in Christ. I lie not. A teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. And what that word means. Their verity is like truthfulness and honesty.

>> Bert Harper: Yes.

>> Alex McFarland: I, will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting. Bert, this is powerful. Verse five. one God, one savior, one mediator between God and man, Christ Jesus. In other words, if you leave this world without Jesus, there is no, you know, contingency plan. You either have Jesus or you need Jesus. And that goes for everybody, doesn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It really does. And notice the man Christ Jesus. Here it is, this great, great connection, God becoming man and dwelling among us. This is the only way he could do it. There was no other way. Jesus prayed in the garden. If there be another way, let this cup of suffering pass from me. And it notice this, it is the man Christ Jesus, Alex. Only Jesus. There's in Christ alone. That song, we hear it in Christ alone. Hey, that is so true. And so here it is. For there is one God, one mediator between God and men. Man. The man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom. Okay, does that mean he paid the price? Is that what he meant when he is on the cross and said, it.

>> Alex McFarland: Is finished, it is finished, paid in full. And let me just say this is really powerful. philosophers use the word necessary like, this is necessary and the way they mean it. It's not like, oh, it's very, very, very needful. You know, a roof over your head is necessary. You know, food on the table is necessary. it's really more than that. If, if a theologian says, you know, what Christ did on the cross was necessary. And it was. What they really mean is there was no other way. Because look what God was doing. Okay, humans that God could have a relationship with, but he would not override their free will. The Holy Spirit would beckon and call. God would offer salvation, but he didn't force it. Then in Jesus, fully divine, fully human, not fallen human, he could go to the cross and pay the sin debt of the world, impart his righteousness. It was necessary in the sense there was no other way. But glory to God. He is risen. You can know him. He is the way and the only way.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. We're going to take questions. That phone number, 888-589-8840. Are you a new small group leader.

>> Alex McFarland: Looking for a strong curriculum? Even if you've been a leader for years, there's always a need for tools to help you as you help others.

>> Bert Harper: Deepen their love for God and their Bible knowledge.

>> Alex McFarland: AFA Stream is a great resource with.

>> Bert Harper: Topics covering biblical worldview, training, godly marriage and more.

>> Alex McFarland: You'll have access to some of the best teaching available.

>> Bert Harper: And if you're a great commission partner.

>> Alex McFarland: You open up each visit stream.aca.net today. Stream.aca.net.

>> Bert Harper: Welcome back to Exploring the word on American family Radio.

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, my hope is in Jesus. Thank God that yesterday's gone.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Hallelujah. I'm telling you, some of the songs that we bring in to bring back the segments. Alex, I don't know about you, but, man, I'm blessed by them and I love that one.

>> Alex McFarland: Hey, yeah.

>> Bert Harper: The number that you can call and ask Your question is triple 858-98-8840. Triple 858-9840. Real quickly, we're going to the lines, but Alex, I'm. Jan and I are really excited about you and Angie joining, us at Pickwick Landon State park for the fishbowl retreat. That's October 20, 8th, 29th and 30th. And we're going to be talking about being courageous in a time in your own life and everything. And if you want to be a part of this and people talk about Bert and Alex being together, we're going to be. But we got the best. Our other halves, which is our better halves are going to be there as well. Jana be speaking. She. Matter of fact, she'll open it up. It was her idea. She's the one that came up with the idea of having a, a ministry to pastors and their wives. And she came up with the idea of the fishbowl ministry because people look at their pastor, they, when they go to a store, they look to see what's in their cart. They look at, see what car, kind of car they get in. It's like living in a fishbowl. So, Alex, we're excited about you and Angie being with us.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, Angie and I are very, very excited to be there. It's going to be great. And I believe the website is repairing the foundations with an s. Repairing the foundations.net and does memory serve me? Will JJ, Jasper be there, too?

>> Bert Harper: JJ will be there. He will be there the first day. And, listen, we're there to encourage. We're going to laugh. We're going to study, we'll pray. And we've got a special guest. He's the pastor at First Baptist Church here in Tupelo, Dr. Matt Powell. He's agreed to come and share one session. We're excited about that. What God's doing at First Baptist. They're really touching lives. And he and his wife, man, we're going to hear their story about being courageous when difficulty comes. So it's going to be well attended. We still have room that they're growing and people are signing up. So go ahead and sign up. And, you might want to ask your pastor, hey, Pastor, would you and your wife like to go? Give them plenty of time so they can make the plans and be there October 28th, 29th and 30th.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, we're excited about being included and right now we're going to go to the phone calls. the number, by the way, is, 888-589-8840. Mary in Indiana. Mary, welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Well, thank you very much. I have what I think is a big problem and I would like a career request. if you would do that. I know you did it the other day, but, there are people who come in and rob my house on a regular basis and the police have not been able to catch them because they're not stupid enough to stick around.

>> Alex McFarland: they're gone.

>> Caroline: But I live out in the country and the perpetrators are gone before the police get here. it's very exasperating for me because my stuff is disappearing.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, well, Mary, we'll pray for you on that. Listen, this is what's happening. Let me share and we'll pray for you. We'll go pretty quick to the next caller, but we're going to pray for you first, Mary. But we. I believe in 10 years from now, if Lord hadn't come back, that because of what's happening with Gen Z's, I mean, many of them are being saved, they're doing Bible studies, they're searching the Scriptures. Alex can tell you that with all the children, the, youth camps he's doing, I've observed it, the revivals that's taking place on many college campuses. When that happens, Satan is also working as well. So lawlessness is in the land, Mary, and it's not just in big cities, it's out in the country as well. So we're going to be praying for Mary, aren't we, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, we really are. And I'm going to be praying Psalm 34, 7, the angel of the Lord encamps around them that fear him and delivers them. And, I want to pray right now, if I may. Let's join together. Father God, we thank you that you look after your saints. And that Psalm 34, verse 7 says that the angel of the Lord encamps around, the dwelling place of the righteous. I pray for Mary, Father. God, protect her in Jesus name. I pray there would be no more break in or theft or Vandalism. Lord, we do pray the authorities could intervene and help her. But Lord, you please protect her. And if anybody is coming to rob or break in her house, that they just would be driven away. By the power of your holy spirit, we lift her up to you, keep her safe and all listening as well. We ask in Christ's name. Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Thank you, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Okay, Randy in Texas. Randy, welcome to exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Thank you for taking my call. I'd like to ask both you gentlemen, concerning the first resurrection event, the timeline on it, Revelation chapter 20, verse 5 speaks of the first resurrection. Now I'm thinking it's in context of this happened after the tribulation, but right before the thousand year reign of Christ. So you turn over to 1st Thessalonians 4:16, that famous pre trib verse. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, you know, and the dead in Christ shall rise first. That seems to be a physical resurrection. So are, there. I only thought there was a first and second resurrection or could there be more? And is this is the resurrection in First Thessalonians 4:16, the same as Revelation chapter 20, verse 5.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, go ahead, let me weigh.

>> Alex McFarland: In on this and I'm going to hold up something that officially doesn't exist until October 7th. And that's 100 Bible questions on prophecy in the end times, by Reverend Bert Harper and Alex. And this, we address this. And Bert, you feel free to disagree. Okay. A key word in Revelation 20, verse 5 says, but the rest of the dead, right, lived not again until the thousand years were finished. Blessed and holy is he that has a part in the first resurrection. So here's the thing. Whenever you see the phrase the first resurrection, it refers to the dead in Christ that get a glorified body. Now some of those got their glorified body at the Rapture, and that's the first Thessalonians, passage. but then many did. They don't get their glorified body till the end of the tribulation. They're tribulation saints. But now the second resurrection, verse 6 of Revelation 20, the second death has no power. You do not want to be in the second death or the great white throne judgment. that's the judgment of the unsaved masses of humanity. But Bert, believe it or not, as I understand it, this first resurrection, which is the putting on of a glorified body, it's going to happen to different groups of saints at different times actually.

>> Bert Harper: So what you're talking about is like this, like he has made us like first sons. you know, the whole idea that we, we are there, It's a position more so, than. Than I would say the numerical part. It's a position that we hold. The first resurrection is talking about a. A. I would say an event that takes place at different late places, but it's getting the glorified body, which is the first resurrection. I think you're right, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Thank you for that. Really good question, Randy. I'm not sure we've actually had that question before, but it's a really good one. Melissa in Tennessee, thank you for holding and welcome m. To Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Thank you very much. I appreciate your program. I'm calling to ask for prayer. some situations came up in my life and I had to make a drastic move, kind of far away from the job I'm at presently. And I have an hour drive to work. An hour drive, homework, you know, from work to home. And I am thankful, don't get me.

>> Alex McFarland: Wrong, that I am thankful that I.

>> Caroline: Am able to work and still have a job. But I'm praying that the Lord will open some doors in the community that I'm living in now and, just make a way for me to be closer to my family and not have this long drive every day.

>> Bert Harper: Melissa, listen, there's a lot of folks that, you know, that's not a selfish prayer. That is a prayer. I think that helps with your frame, your time. Alex, again, you, where you live, you have to fly a lot, so how close you are to an airport really makes a difference in your life and how you use your time, doesn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: It really does, Sister. I don't think this is, insignificant at all. I think it's a very valid prayer request. And some of us that have done our share of commuting, I can relate. And Bert, would you. Would you pray for this dear lady as she seeks employment that's more convenient to where she lives?

>> Bert Harper: Father, I thank you for Melissa calling. I thank you for being able to call and listen. And man, what a joy it is to pray for a sister who loves you, who's. Who desires to serve you, spend time with her family. So that, how important that is, Father, that we can pass on the faith. So we're asking that you'd open up those doors as you see fit in your time so Melissa could have this better time, of her life, spent, studying whatever is serving rather than on the road. So, Father, we pray this and ask this and believe this in Jesus name. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Okay, we're gonna go to Dennis in. In a VA hospital in Mississippi. Dennis, Do I have that right? Are you in the. The veterans hospital?

>> Caroline: Well, I had a reaction. I don't know if you're hear me. I had a UTI relax reaction. Then it turned into a. A thing affecting my skin. Like skin cancer. Not skin cancer, but a skin disease that could have been fatal. But the Lord intervened. It was not. It was not the fatal one. It did put me in the hospital with sores and blisters and things all over. And, I'm back out back at the VA where I was going to a school for the blind. And it's been an experience and it's. You know, I thank the good Lord that he got me through it. The good nurses and doctors here, and I'm m grateful for that. I want to try to finish the school. I'm praying my PO Because I'm an ex con will allow me to finish the school. I don't know the answer, but, Now that's not my question. But my situation is yes, I'm an ex con. I. I've been out of prison. I've been, I rededicated my life to the Lord eight years ago before I went to prison. And I did my try to do my best with the godtail, go over come those areas and to walk faithfully with the Lord and reading and all. But I have handicaps like vision and. And legally blind. So that's but one of the areas that I made up my mind to. And I was going to tithe no matter what I'm m going to tie and I do tithe. I don't know how much money I give. I don't. I don't. I just set up the accounts and go. But my. I've been having thoughts about who am I? How do I give? Who do I give to? I give to my ex church. No, I can't go back to church. My PO won't let me. But I give to them. M. I give to AFR Ball radio. I mean, there's just so many others. But sometimes I get all these calls from ministries morning and they're good calls and I don't want to turn them down, but I don't know. Can you go overboard?

>> Bert Harper: Dennis? Thank you, brother. Hey, we're. I'm cutting so we can pray for you. We want to pray for your situation. But Alex, a lot of Time tithing, it. I believe you tithe where and how you're being blessed. At a local church. Yes. And it can be a ministry as well, a part of it as well. So Dennis, I think you're good. I think you just seek the Lord, follow him, let him lead you. And you can't meet every need, but you can meet some, those that have blessed. And you want to increase. I think you should. But we want to pray for you, Dennis. And Alex, you and I get letters from people incarcerated and we also get letters from those that were incarcerated and now they're free. We're praying that God would use them and bless them. don't we.

>> Alex McFarland: We really are. And let me just say this. I know we've got another call, but, Bert, when I was a young Christian, I would get things in the mail. I sent some money to Billy Graham, and I sent some money to Liberty, University, even before I ever went there. But I would get all these solicitations and man, they made me feel so bad because, I couldn't give to everything. And then I would, I was really almost obsessive. if I don't send something, what if somebody would be lost and I, I could have done something. And Bert, finally I purpose. I read where Paul said, give as you've purposed in your heart. And I just said, lord, I'm going to give where I feel led and the 500 other appeals that I get that I just can't possibly do. I'm going to have to let you deal with that. So let me just say, Dennis, I think I can hear your heart, brother. Your certainly a dedicated believer. don't, I have to be careful. I say this. Do what God leads you to do, but give yourself permission not to worry or obsess about things you can't do. Every one of us can do something, but none of us can do everything. You see what I'm saying, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: That's exactly right. And Dennis, set free from that, you're not in bondage, and so don't get into bondage. But Bill in Ohio. Go ahead, Bill. We don't have a lot of time.

>> Alex McFarland: Bert, can you hit that one?

>> Bert Harper: No, it's open. It's open. Go ahead, Bill.

>> Caroline: Got a quick question a skeptical skeptic might ask. Hebrews 13, 8, I believe it says, Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever. As skeptic, might say, well, what about the incarnation when, Jesus became man? Is that a change? Is that a possible contradiction.

>> Bert Harper: Go ahead, Alex, real quick.

>> Alex McFarland: I'm going to tie that to Malachi 3 where it says I the Lord change not. It doesn't mean that God doesn't act in different ways, but what it does mean is in his nature, his immutable, eternal nature, he doesn't change. And yes, Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. That's ah why it also says in verse five that he would never leave us or forsake us. But does he act in various different ways to reach the human race? He does act differently, but in his nature he is everlasting and eternal.

>> Bert Harper: He is holy and is loving. No matter in the garden or at the end of the time of millennial, he is that nature. Thank you for listening to Exploring the Word. Pray for Dennis. Ask God to do a great work in his life and and we'll see you back here tomorrow.

>> Alex McFarland: The views and opinions expressed in this.

>> Bert Harper: Broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of.

>> Alex McFarland: The American Family association or American Family Radio.