American Family Radio takes your Bible questions live on American Family Radio
>> Jeff Chamblee: The Bible. It's the word of God. Sharper than any two edged sword. This sacred book is living and active 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 and take your Bible questions.
Alex McFarland: Exploring the Word begins with First Timothy 5
Welcome to Exploring the Word.
>> Alex McFarland: You know, First Timothy is a book with a lot of theology, a lot of doctrine, but also a lot of good practical ministry for the Christians and for the local church. Hi, Alex McFarland here. We welcome you to today's edition of Exploring the Word. And I'll be joined with Jeff Chambley, our frequent collaborator and guest host. If Bert Harper is out, as is the case today, or if I'm out, Jeff is very faithful to join in with us. So we invite you to get a copy of the Word of God. And we're going to turn to First Timothy, chapter five. Now, Jeff, I'm going to ask the question that I ask when I'm on the road doing our youth camps. I'll say, okay, First Timothy, is that old or New Testament? And I'm hoping people across America said New Testament. So turn to first Timothy 5 and we'll begin there today.
Jeff Shambley hosts and produces the Stand radio program
But welcome Jeff Shambley. And if you would tell us, what all is new in your world, sir.
>> Jeff Chamblee: Well, thank you. It's great to be with you. I was so excited when Brother Burt, told me that he, I would have the opportunity to be on this week and we would be in First Timothy. What a great book to talk about in terms of what's going on in the church and how to live for Christ. But, I work with the Stand, as you know, the Stand magazine here at, afa. And I produce and host the Stand radio program heard on the weekends, 4pm on Saturday afternoon and 8pm Sunday evenings. And we interview all kinds of interesting people, about a lot of different topics. And, our podcasts are on afr.net, so we encourage people to check that out. So, that's what's going on with me.
Alex Carland: What are you up to this week
Alex, what are you up to this week? Where are you and what's on your calendar?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, thank you, Jeff. I am back on home turf in Greensboro, North Carolina. And let me just say, I want to say a big shout out to everybody who came, Thursday night, August 21st. So just three or four days ago, we had Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA. We were in, North Myrtle beach at the Alabama Theater. And we had about 2,000 people, Jeff, and so many AFA listeners. It was great Charlie spoke, I spoke. We did about 50 minutes of just open Q and A, and just a lot of people came up and they said that they appreciate the programming of the American Family Radio Network. And, anyway, it was a great night, and, I appreciate everybody praying. Let me share this. And then we'll get into one Timothy five that, we've wrapped up our seven summer camps, and we do have a couple of things going on. on September 14th, we will have Loren Green from Fox News and from the West Wing, literally, we will have Donald Trump's international ambassador for religious freedom. This is September 14th, a Sunday night, and it's in Myrtle Beach. we've got a speaker series we're doing called Conversations that Matter. And Two more events. September 14th with Loren Green and Trump's international ambassador for religious freedom. This is a free event. And then on October 3 and 4, the final big thing that I'm doing in Myrtle beach is a free apologetics, how to defend the Christian Faith. And I'll be speaking, and I'll be talking about the five most m important questions that the church should answer at this time. about the authority of the Bible and Jesus. So, anyway, my website is alexmcfarland.com but, enough about that.
Paul says how one should behave in the house of God
I want to get into the Word of God, because we've been going through, folks, and these are called the Pastoral epistles, first and second Timothy and Titus. And there's been a lot in there that, you know, of course, Paul says how one should. This is First Timothy 3, 15, behave or behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and the ground of truth. And we've said this. The word pillar means stylus that speaks to the written word. The word ground means something unchangeable and immovable. And God and his word are forever unchangeable. Salvation there forever and always has been one pathway of salvation. It's through Jesus Christ.
Chapter five of Jesus' Gospel calls Christians to care for widows
And so now, Jeff, I think chapter five is very, practical because it basically begins with some instructions concerning the care of widows. And the church has been the greatest benevolent engine in world history, hasn't it? And it is, to this day, absolutely.
>> Jeff Chamblee: Preparing for this, just to reflect on what the Lord Jesus thought about widows. You know, we read about, the widow of Nain's destitution in that funeral, when he raised her dead son and gave him back to her. We read about the widow seeking justice in that great parable. We read about the widow's might and his praise of her generosity. He warns against those who devour widows houses. And then finally when he's on the cross, his own mother who now is a widow, he turns to the apostle John and gives his mother into his care. So Jesus, and I think the reason, one of the reasons the church is so tasked with the responsibility of caring for widows is because it's near to Jesus heart.
>> Alex McFarland: well said. very well said. And let me read some of these verses here. It says rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father and the younger men as brethren, the elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all purity honor widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home and to requite their parents for that is good and acceptable before God. Hey Jeff, for just a minute, let's look at verse four. Requite. you've heard of unrequited love or a requisition, it means a payment and it says let children show piety at home and requite their parents. I want to say this to all the children and we're all children because if you're a human alive you had parents, it is the children's responsibility someday and frankly I would say not only duty, obligation, but really privilege to look after parents. And I think young people, one of the things, the stewardship things. And you know I just, I have to say Angie and I did this and wasn't always easy. But you, you need to realize the day will come that you're going to need to help look after those that brought you into this world. And not only is it the right thing to do, verse four says it's pious or godly and in your working, in your financial dealings, in your long term planning, I would say prayerfully ask God to help you. so if the day comes that your mother and dad in their elder years do need you, that you'll be in a position to help. And I'm not saying exploit or I don't think parents should unduly use or exploit their kids. But it's called family. And that's one of the most important things about society is that family, we help each other. And that's the way God planned it, isn't it?
>> Jeff Chamblee: Absolutely. you know there was a period of time and you mentioned your own family. There was a period of time when I was caring for my own mother before she passed away and happened to be teaching through this book at the same time. And I came across this verse, Alex, and where it says that it is good and pleasing before God to take care of your widows. And at that point, I sort of had a mental change and was looking at this as a means of worship. One facet of my worship to God was my care for my own mother. That really did give me just a completely different worldview of what I was doing. I thought, well, I'm doing what I should be doing for sure. But God's word says that it's good and acceptable before God to do that. And that's worship language, that we are out of our own gratitude, giving God thanks by caring for those who've cared.
>> Alex McFarland: For us well, and you do it as unto the Lord. Let's just get really transparent here, Jeff. as a pastor and in the ministry, I was going to say I've counseled a number of families. But I think I'll put it this way. I have refereed some family things, and I've had people say to me, you know, why should I do this or that? They don't even appreciate it. They're not grateful. I said, well, you're not really doing it for them, only you're doing it as unto the Lord. And there's just. There's a lot about the Christian life that you. You obey the Lord with no expectation of return. in a perfect world, people would be great, you know, grateful and charitable and mother and child and father and son would be in great relationship. It's a broken world. It's a world, and some of the sin and the breakage is in family relationships. Folks, here's the thing. And I don't mind saying this because, I kind of been to town and back on this. Do the right thing, do it as unto the Lord, and God will bless you. And one day you'll have this peace within yourself. That it wasn't always easy, it wasn't always convenient. Maybe it was thankless, but I did the right things. And, what Paul is saying here is that the church and the family, are to be, ready for benevolence and charity and love and care. See, one day you are showing charity. Someday you might be the one needing charity. Verse 5 says, she that is a widow indeed and desolate, trusts in God and continue with, in supplication and prayers day and night. well, here's the thing. Verse 5 is basically saying, you helping a widow, you just might be the answer to some dear saint's prayers. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. Now that what it's basically saying is indulgence, that a widow indeed versus somebody who just lived for pleasure. there's a difference there. And I do think it really shows kind of the priority the real widows, quote unquote, a widow indeed qualifies for church aid. Paul is not naive here. He's recognizing some of the life choices some people make, isn't he?
>> Jeff Chamblee: Yeah. In this society he's dealing with the Greek pagan society that this early church is coming out of. And just some of the commentaries reveal that there were some widows that reverted to an immoral lifestyle in order to make financial, support for their home. and he's making a clear distinction. There are widows who have made a pledge to remain widows. We'll get into that in just a few moments. There are others who are not true widows and those are not to be cared for by the church. So like a good teacher, he's making a clear distinction in the way that in the qualifications rather that these women should have before being taken care of.
>> Alex McFarland: And he says in verse seven these things give in charge that they may be blameless. In other words, Paul is saying teach on these things. But if any provide, and this is a very famous verse, if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel. Isn't that something that's powerful? That is very powerful. Men, you don't abandon your family. and you don't.
>> Caroline: Whatever.
>> Alex McFarland: I mean Satan has had plenty of ways to shipwreck the lives of people. you know, drinking, gambling, chasing women, you know, whatever.
Jeff Shambley: Drug use is one of the scourges of our lifetime
one of the absolute scourges of our lifetime has been drug use. And Jeff, you know, 50 years ago during the 70s and late 60s, I mean there was all this worry over young people using drugs and rightly so. But my goodness, I've got to tell you, in the ministry, 30 plus years, this is heartbreaking. When I've had teenagers say, please pray for me, my dad is hooked on this or that drug. it's very sad when children don't have the basic needs of life because their 40, 50 year old parent is strung out on drugs or locked up. Verse 8 speaks that's worse than atheism. It says, well this is exploring the word. Alex McFarland, Jeff Shambley, very honored. You're listening more in First Timothy Five plus your calls, your Bible questions. On this issue of exploring the word.
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>> Jeff Chamblee: Have no fear of them, nor be troubled. But in your hearts, honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason, for the hope that is in you. Yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience so that when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. First Peter 3, 1416. American Family Radio Exploring the Word on American Family Radio.
Jeff Shambley: If anyone does not provide for his household, he denies faith
And happy Monday to you. I'm Jeff Shambley along with Alex McFarland. It's a pleasure to be with you as we study the Word of God today. We are in the pastoral, epistle of 1 Timothy in chapter 5. And we are, in the middle of a discussion of true widows and those whom the church is charged with supporting. And, Alex, as we get back into the passage in verse eight, I think that's where we left off. I'd like to just point out one thing that jumped out to me. The word provide. And I'll read that verse again. But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. That strong statement there, the word provide means, to consider in advance. And when I read that, I thought, you know, a provider, is someone who's thinking about the needs of people before they need to be Met. In other words, he's got this in his mind, a provider for his family is just not meeting that spontaneous need, but he's actually making plans and he's considering the needs. And, and for a person that doesn't do that, this is such a strong statement. He's denied the faith, which is the gospel.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, that language is a little bit like in Jude 3. It says that we are to earnestly contend for the faith. The faith. Now what is the Christian faith? Well, it's, the God of the Bible. It's the authority of scripture. It's Jesus, the incarnate Lord who paid our sin debt on the cross. We're saved through faith in Christ. Christ alone, the Christian faith. Now, if you ask the majority of people would, you deny God and Christianity. Most would say, oh, I would never do that. And yet, according to 1 Timothy 5, 8, some do that by their actions. Now, the Bible, I think about 2nd Thessalonians 3:10, and we need to hear this in this, very, very licentious age. Second, Thessalonians 3:10 says, if a man will not work, neither shall he eat. It's not godly just to throw money at people who won't work. and let me just say this, having a hobby or some leisure time, that's one thing. But I mean, we're living in a time. Psychologists call it arrested, failure to launch. Paul said, when I became a man, I put away childish things. And there comes a day when men, and women are to show their maturity and be adults and realize that life is a stewardship. You get a job, you make money, you tithe, you serve the Lord. And this verse, basically it says if a man will not provide for his household, he is denied the faith and is worse than an atheist. That's what infidelity, by the way, in the 19th century they would speak of atheists, they would say an infidel. well, infidelity, to what? Has an atheist been infidelitous? To common sense and their unconscious. We know there is a God, Creation had a creator. We know that we're accountable to that God. And an infidel, that's a little bit of an old timey word, but it means an unbeliever, someone who rejects what they know is true. So Jeff, I mean, God's word is pretty strong on, right belief and right living.
>> Jeff Chamblee: Yeah, yeah, there's a direct connection there. And I think we tend to in these modern times, think, well, if I've Got my doctrine right. If I believe the right things, then everything's okay. But the New Testament doesn't, doesn't disconnect those things. Your, your works are going to validate your true faith and the Bible teaches that. So. And again, Paul brings this out so clearly.
>> Alex McFarland: So yeah, let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old having been the wife of one man, well reported, for good works, if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers as she has washed the saint's feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, diligently followed every good work. So there, there's a bit of a vetting process. the church is just not to indiscriminately hand out welfare. Although, hey, and ah, we've talked about this. I did a study in the summer of 24. I was on a show down in Atlanta and the host was just being very critical of the church. 85% of the more than $1 trillion t. Trillion. 1.2 to $1.7 trillion, is given to benevolent work. Soup kitchens, homeless shelters, clothes closets. 85% of all of the benevolent giving comes from what they call, quote, people of faith. Christians really. in fact the group, the demographic least likely to be philanthropic or the more liberal, the more left leaning a person is, the less likely they are. So Jeff, when the New Testament says that the church is to be generous and philanthropic and charitable, but there's also accountability and there's a vetting process. We just don't throw money into the wind. There is some accountability. Verse 11. But the younger widows refuse. For when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry. Okay. Isn't that amazing? Verse 11. Refuse to enroll in your m. Whatever your charitable program is. For one thing, it's presuming if a woman is younger, when she finds herself widowed or perhaps indigent, she can marry. But maybe, they would. I hate to use the word take advantage.
>> Alex McFarland: The church is. There's nothing necessarily pious about allowing the church's benevolent monies to be taken advantage of, is it?
>> Jeff Chamblee: You know, and he uses the word burden, later on. So yeah, you're taking advantage. You're actually putting a burden on the church, to care for people that their family should be caring for. In the case of these younger widows, he's going to advise that they marry and raise children, apparently. You know, Alex, there's this list that he mentions here. They've cast off their first faith or their first, a Solemn oath in verse 12, apparently there was some sort of a list or there was a pledge that these widows had made in this church that they would remain widows and m. They would care for others. And that when they are tempted, they break that pledge, they break that oath. And, they suffer condemnation. Not eternal condemnation, but condemnation certainly from those outside who are watching their lives from breaking that oath.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, verse 15. For some are already turned aside after Satan. You know, there's like in verse 13, that, The ones that are basically on some sort of stipend and they're not married, they're not raising children. they're just. They don't have to, you know, be accountable. let me say when you're young and strong and able to.
Jeff: One of the most detrimental things to society has been the welfare state
There's work to be done and good work. There's the greatest work of raising a family, raising a godly family. and then there are innumerable types of gainful employment. Otherwise, people, it says women wandering house to house. Not only idle, but tattlers and also busybodies speaking things which they ought not. Now, this is old school, but it's truth. You ever heard that old saying that idle hands are the devil's workshop?
>> Jeff Chamblee: Yeah.
>> Alex McFarland: You know, and we see that. do you know. And I don't want to get us off track. I want to stay with first Timothy 5. But one of the most detrimental things to society, and frankly the souls of people, has been what you and I might call the welfare state. Do you know, Jeff, studies, plenty of studies show that, the time when crime was the lowest and even though times were hard, the basic foundations of society seemed to be the most stable was during the Great depression, in the 30s, during the depression. And there was the famine in the Dust bowl in the Midwest. But here's the thing. Two pillars held up this nation. The church and the family, the nuclear family. And, there's a lot we could say about that. And half the time, you know, people. I think a lot of Americans have been conditioned to believe that just, throw money at things and it solves it. But morals and, family and accountability and self restraint, self control. These are virtues that need to be passed on in every generation.
>> Jeff Chamblee: And he was saying to exhort and instruct these things. So you mentioned those two pillars. The church is instructed to teach the very things that we're talking about today. To be busy and to work with your hands, provide for your family. And, those aren't popular. Those are countercultural ideas. But the church is tasked with that responsibility to preach that message, Even today.
>> Alex McFarland: Verse 16 says, if any man or woman that believes have widows, let them assist them and let not the church be charged that it may relieve them that are widows indeed. In other words, if you're a son or a daughter and you've got a mother or mother in law, that is a widow indeed. Family look after family, or I would say even a relative, an aunt or grandmother, and let the church, be able to have its resources to look after those that are, quote, widows indeed. There are. I went to see a lady last week, a dear lady, in North Carolina, and she fell in her house. And she's at an assisted living, but literally doesn't have a relative on the planet. well, she. And she's a dear believer and she's an elderly lady and quite feeble. And this particular church is helping her because I would call her a widow indeed. Doesn't have anybody else. And of course the family of God is going to do what they can to rally around her. But, it goes on. let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. Okay. 17 through 25 duties to elders, older, mature saints of God. For the scriptures sayeth, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn, and the laborer is worthy of his reward. And this is in verse 18. These are some quotes from Deuteronomy. All right, Jeff. I know there are some ministries that look after missionaries and ministers that have, have died. There have been different benevolent funds created for people, I think about that have given their entire life to the Great Commission. And they're old and feeble and they really don't have any retirement. And they are worthy of respect and love. And yes, they are worthy of some help. And, even 2,000 years ago, the New Testament seems to, you know, foresee this and provide for it.
>> Jeff Chamblee: Yeah. And the word, honor, let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor. That word honor harkens back to verse three, speaking of honoring the widows. And that has not just respectful connotations, but also financial, as you've mentioned. It's material support. I read in a commentary, honor and honorarium, which I thought was a good way to put that. So we show our honor by providing material m means to these elders. So it's right for a church to pay the preacher and to not starve him. You know, they're not going to be getting rich, obviously, but to support the, the elders, those who rule among you, which would Include the pastor, I think.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. in First Corinthians 9:13, Paul said, those that preach the gospel should live of the gospel. And you know, I realize a preacher preaching about compensating preachers might sound self serving, but you know, it's basically saying, look after the one that ministers the word of God, in your church. Now, verse 19, is about looking after someone who is accused of something against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Jeff, one of the things that can be so disastrous is what we might call the rumor mill. M. You know, and just as it talked about, you know, the accusations in verse 13, there was a condemnation against tattling and spreading rumors. All right? This doesn't mean people aren't accountable, but if it's an older Christian minister, an elder, if there's going to be an accusation, there better be witnesses to, you know, confirm that. Them that sin rebuke before all that others may also fear. I charge thee before God in the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Okay, this thing about, bringing witnesses and then verse 20, them that sin rebuke before all that others may also fear, that probably really isn't practiced a lot. You know, I think. Think about Matthew 18, where it says if you get crossways, you know, or you know, rebuke a brother, and then privately, and then less privately and bring witnesses. And if somebody is just still going to be in unrepentant sin, you know, kind of excommunicate them in front of the whole church to act redemptively. We really don't practice this kind of church discipline much anymore, do we, Jeff?
>> Jeff Chamblee: No, and I think that's one of the reasons. And we have to be very careful how we do that. Some churches have really abused that, and it's been not a very redemptive process, I should say that. But it is something that the church should do. And I think because of the abuses some churches, fail to carry out on this biblical admonition, there is accountability in the membership of the church for those who are in lives of sin. And that has to take place. That accountability has to take place.
Not to receive an accusation means not to delight in receiving an accusation
Just a, throwback to one word in that previous verse, not to receive an accusation. The word receive there means to actually receive near, to be brought near. And there's this idea of, delighting in that accusation. So we're also commanded not to, you know, entertain accusations in a receiving way that we would delight in that. So we have to make sure that there's accountability with witnesses and that sort of thing. You're listening to Exploring the Word on American Family Radio. We're going to take your, calls and comments in just a few moments. So stay with us. We'll continue with more in just a few moments. Hey, if you've never heard of AFA Stream, let me tell you about it. It's video streaming that goes beyond just entertainment. Yeah, there are shorts and feature films for all ages, but they're all backed by scriptural themes. You'll also find resources to help you grow closer to God, along with documentaries like Culture Warrior, the Story of Don Wildmon and the Founding of afa. There's a lot of free content, but if you become a great commission partner, you'll unlock much more. Check it out today at stream.aca.net.
If you have never called with a Bible question, do that today
>> Alex McFarland: Did he move every mountain?
>> Jeff Chamblee: Did he part every sea?
>> Alex McFarland: Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Welcome back. Hey, the number, if you've got a Bible question, the number is Triple 858-98-8840. You ought to write this down because we would love to hear from you. It's triple eight. And I'm going to throw out a challenge today. If you have never called in with a Bible question, do that today. And any question, it doesn't have to be about 1 Timothy 5, it can be anything. we will do our best to give you an answer. And you know, Jeff, we had seven summer camps this summer, just literally a week ago, finished up and had 1200 kids. Over 300 kids made a profession of faith, but they had volumes and volumes of questions. I've got little scraps of paper, from camps all over the country of kids asking really good Bible questions. But, are you ready? And we'll pick up the phones, Jeff.
>> Jeff Chamblee: Sure, let's go, let's go with it.
>> Alex McFarland: And by the way folks, the number again is 888-589-8840. If you're a first time caller, we want your Bible question today, but we, begin in Ohio. Will, will in Ohio. Welcome to Exploring the Word.
>> Caroline: How are y'? All?
>> Alex McFarland: Good. How you doing?
>> Caroline: Doing well.
Jeff Hoyt: On salvation, believe in Jesus. How do we get saved
Had a quick question, A little controversial, but you may have covered it in studying Timothy. I haven't listened for a little while, but it's basically, women pastors, women preachers, I know a lot of, mainline denominations have allowed that. And then more prominent, ladies, are preaching and pastoring. So I just wondered what the Bible Says specifically and what y' all think.
>> Alex McFarland: God bless you. Let me start, ah, right here and say this falls under the heading of ecclesiology. In other words, how do we structure the church? another topic is soteriology. How do we get saved? Now, there are a lot of people that, and obviously salvation is the important thing. They're right. On salvation, believe in Jesus. But on ecclesiology, very often in our lifetimes, there have been a lot of people that get a little bit kind of loosey goosey or fluid, you know. In, chapter three, verse one, this is a true saying. If a man desires the office of a bishop, and that was, a reference to a pastor, the husband of one wife, it says in verse two. Jeff. I believe New Testament wise. I believe through church history, the role of a local pastor was male. and I'm not saying those that would disagree, I'm not saying they don't love the Lord, but really this idea of women senior pastors is a relatively new, late 20th century development that I think was really the church sort of, caving to some of the pressures of the feminist movement.
>> Jeff Chamblee: Yeah, I think that's spot on, Alex. You know. M. In Titus chapter one, Paul almost says verbatim the same thing, in qualifications for an elder, if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife. So over and over, at least it's clear in the Apostle Paul's mind and in the Scriptures, stance that men should be senior pastors. women can serve in various capacities within the church. There are even some churches that have women deacons. I'm familiar with that. But the real kicker is the senior pastor who's leading the congregation and who is teaching and preaching.
>> Alex McFarland: M. Thank you for that question. Will, Hoyt in Georgia. Hoyt, welcome. How are things down in Georgia?
>> Caroline: Okay, so far. tomorrow. My request is I'm, having a colonoscopy tomorrow. And my question is, when the Rapture comes, is it going to be the only saved people that hears the trumpet?
>> Alex McFarland: Great question. Only the saved people that hear the trumpet. All right, Ahoyt, thank you for listening and thank you for calling. I do believe in the Rapture. Let me just say this very briefly. The point of orthodoxy, on which all Christians agree, is that Christ is coming back. Christ is coming back. Now, within Christendom, there are different. Because there are a lot of scriptures about the end times, and different people believe, different things. But I take it to heart, like first Thessalonians, chapter four, where it says this, that one. Thessalonians 4, 16. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. The word is harpazo. Jeff, I just did a funeral one week ago, and like Christians have done for centuries, this gentleman is a dear believer. I officiated, his service. He was buried facing east. Christians, for time immemorial have go in a cemetery, and you'll see. why. Because that eastern sky splits open. Christ returns. Says the dead in Christ will rise first, get their glorified body. Now, this all happens in the blink of an eye. So to Hoyt's question, will only the saved hear that trumpet? well, as Johnny Cash sang, the dead of all the ages who believed in him will rise. Yes, that's what I believe. And the Bible calls it the blessed hope.
>> Jeff Chamblee: By the way, I was just going to mention that. Titus, chapter 2, verse 13. Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing, of our great God and savior, Jesus Christ. That is the hope that we have, Alex. And it's certainly appropriate at a Christian funeral to preach that. So, yeah, we will go. Whether or not you physically hear it, you will hear it. That's for sure.
>> Alex McFarland: That's for sure. And, folks, that's why we always say Jesus is as close by as a prayer, folks. That blessed hope can be yours. And if you're not sure that you know the Lord, and maybe you've tried to be a good person or gone to church, that's wonderful. But the way that you are ready, you put your faith in Christ and say, dear Jesus, I believe you died for me. Please save me. And, if you've never done that, by all means, make sure and do that today. Let's go to Ray in Alabama. Ray, thanks for holding. Welcome to Exploring the Word.
>> Caroline: Thank you all so much.
Michael Love: Why would God allow Job to go through painful trials
my question has to do with the Book of Job. And I've heard y' all talk about the Book of Job, you know, many different questions. my thing is, I've never understood the point. Satan going before the throne room of God. And of course, you know, Job praises you, Job loves you. You blessed him with this and that, but, you know, let me have my way with him, and then we'll see what he. See what he does. But my. What I can't get past is God didn't have anything to prove to the devil he's God. So why allow Job, that loved God so much to go through that?
>> Alex McFarland: M. By the way, this is like in Job, chapter one, verse, 11. Satan, throughout this challenge, said, you know, let me hurt him and do these things, and he will curse you to your face. And what's interesting, and folks, if you've ever been going through a hard time and you think, why. Why am I suffering like this? I don't. As far as I know, I don't have unconfessed sin in my life. why am I suffering? Okay. Job went through 17 types of trials to silence the accusation that Revelation 12:2 calls the accuser of the brethren. Now, at the time, he didn't realize it, but Satan, who is a liar, the father of lies, he said, oh, sure, Job serves you because you've blessed him, but you let me hurt him a little bit and he'll curse you. And God basically says, no, he won't. And, Jeff, I want you to chime in. The book of Job, it says a lot of things, but there is a spiritual battle in the invisible realm. And it just might be that, dear Christian friends, you go through some of what you go through to silence the one that the Bible calls the accuser of the brethren.
>> Jeff Chamblee: Yes. And because we have the book of Job, we have the answer to at least part of the answer that we can have in this life as to why bad things happen to people that it doesn't seem like it should happen to. that one question that Satan asked God in verse nine, Does Job fear God for nothing? That's the challenge to God, is that the only reason he worships you is because you do things for him. And so really, what this book is showing in a large part is that there is worship in spite of what God does to bless us, that he is worthy of our worship not based upon what he gives us, but because of who he is. And so that doesn't answer the question of why we're suffering, but it certainly does show us that God is worthy. And I'll say this, that God crushed the righteous one on the cross for our sake. So the fact that he would let Job go through this, God allowed his own son to be crucified so that we might be redeemed. So, you know, it's very tempting, and I think it's a great question that Ray brings up, because we think that way. Why would God let this righteous man? Well, Job was a sinner, and Job had to be taught things about God. And when you go to the very end of the book of Job and God asked him this series of questions, there's an entirely different worship given to God because of what he went through, you know, Jeff.
>> Alex McFarland: And we're going to get some more questions. The number, by the way, is 888-589-8840. I've known a lot of fine, fine Christian families and that, they went through hard times. Economic, physical, illnesses, you know, godly, Godly Christian families can go through deep, painful valleys. And I love what Job said. And I mean, it takes a maturity that only the Holy Spirit can give. But Job said, though he slay me, yet will I trust him. And, boy, that is a level of spiritual maturity that, you know, it really is a lesson to all of us. Michael in Texas, welcome. Thanks for holding.
>> Caroline: Thank you. Love the AFA and listen every day.
>> Alex McFarland: Thank you, brother.
Who broke all 10 commandments at the same time? Who
>> Caroline: And, my question, I forgot it wasn't Friday. This is kind of a Friday question, so I can have another one if you need me to. But it was. Who. Who broke all 10 commandments at the same time?
>> Alex McFarland: Who broke all 10 commandments at the same time? I think I know the answer. I would say not Charlton Heston, but Moses. Moses, right.
>> Caroline: Yes.
>> Alex McFarland: And I guess because he smashed the tablets, didn't he?
>> Caroline: Broke all 10 of them. All right.
>> Alex McFarland: Wow. Well, that's a good question. I might have to remember that. But thank you, Michael. Thank you. M. I tell you what, in the interest of time, you call us back on another day and we'll revisit that. But right now we're going to go to John in Texas. John, thanks for holding. Welcome to Exploring the Word.
>> Caroline: Thank you. Thank you. Long time listener, first time caller.
>> Alex McFarland: Wow, thanks.
Alex McFarland says the teachings of the Masonic Lodge are anti Christian
>> Caroline: Just. I just had a quick question, on, on Yalls opinion son. just joined, the Masons. And you know, you hear so much.
>> Alex McFarland: About them, negative, positive and all that.
>> Caroline: It'S kind of confusing. So I just want. What's Yalls opinion on that. That group?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, let me chime in here and I want to say that what I'm about to say, I'm only speaking for Alex McFarland. I realize what I'm about to say might be a little bit controversial, so please don't get mad at afr. I, growing up in the south, there were a lot of men in our neighborhood that were in the Masonic Lodge. And I was in college, Jeff, and I didn't know what it was. I thought, I wonder what that is. Well, I Began to do some study. And I did a whole lot of study. first of all, let me say there are a lot of men that are in the Masonic Lodge that are churchgoing men, good family men, pillars of the community. I'm not disputing that. But really the teachings of the Masonic Lodge are very anti Christian. And I'll prove it. there was, morals and dogma was written by a man named Albert pike. And that first of all, there is what's called the entered apprentice, fellow, craft and Master Mason. And there's all these levels that you can earn. And anyway, Albert pike said this. He said, and I'm quoting verbatim, he said the first three degrees are a sham, a deliberate hoax to make the simple initiate think he knows something about Masonry when he knows nothing at all. Now, later on, there are recitations that accompany some of the higher degrees up to 32nd and 33rd degrees. And it says Lucifer is God. And elsewhere in the lodge there is the Quran and the Bible and they're all on the level plane. And, and they talk about, the great architect of the universe. Now, somebody might say it's Jesus, or some might say Jehovah or some might say Allah. Now folks, here's the thing. Acts 4:12 says, Jesus is the name above all names. I guess my point is this because at this juncture, usually a Mason will say, but we do good works. We provide reading glasses for children. Look, if you're a born again believer, you'll have all the good works you can possibly have time and money for by being involved in the Church of Jesus Christ. And there's a lot more I could say, but, I don't think that a born again Christian has any place whatsoever in the Masonic Lodge. Jeff, feel free to disagree.
>> Jeff Chamblee: Man, that was so good, Alex. I'm glad you answered that. That's a great resource. And John, I would say that there's plenty that you can read on your own. that would back up what Alex has just said. I read through that years and years ago. It's been a long time, but, you brought back some of those things, so I couldn't agree more.
Jeff Shambley: I do not think there's a second chance after death
>> Alex McFarland: Donna, quickly, time fleets away, but I wanted to give you a chance to squeeze a question in.
>> Caroline: Okay, I appreciate it. is there any, way that there is a second chance after you die for salvation if you have not believed on Jesus?
>> Alex McFarland: I do not think so. Hebrews 9:27. It is appointed unto man once to die after this, the judgment. that's why seek the Lord while he may be found. I do not think there's a second chance after death. Jeff, what say you?
>> Jeff Chamblee: I agree. Once. Once. in this life is where we believe in Christ while there's opportunity.
>> Alex McFarland: Wow. Well, thanks to all the listeners. Thanks for Ben Austin and Marty Stone Sparks. Jeff Shambley. Thank you. And we'll continue tomorrow in more of 1 Timothy 5, a closing word.
>> Jeff Chamblee: Jeff, join us tomorrow and walk with the Lord every single day. Be with us again tomorrow. Have a great day. The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
>> Caroline: M.
