Fire Away Friday on American Family radio offers your chance to ask Bible questions
>> Bert Harper: 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 exploring the word, exploring the Word. It's Fire Away Friday on American Family radio. Psalm, 105 says your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. That's exactly what we try to do on exploring the word through the word of God to light our way to him. This is Bert Harper along with Dr. Alex McFarland, and it is Fire Away Friday. Therefore, we're throwing the lines open and you can make that call and that number that you can call and be a part of of m. This program exploring the word is 8885-898840-88858-9840. We would love for you to call today and, so we can have this Fire Away Friday. We started this several, several years ago. We didn't call it that to begin with. It was just exploring the word Q and A. But then one day we came up Fire Away Friday and it has stuck all these years. So, Al, are you ready for the questions?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, I really am. It's good to be with you. You know, we had a great, day yesterday with Thunder Thursday and now Fire Away Friday.
Truth for Youth Bible Week kicks off this week with Bible questions
But before we go to the, the calls and the Bible questions, let me say a word about how much we love truth for youth Bibles. Our very dear friend and colleague, Tim Todd, Revival Fires Ministries. folks, we have a chance to put a Bible in the hands of young people. And, I'm going to give a website and a phone number. The website is tfy.org as in truth for youth. TFY.org the phone number 800-733-4737. and, and Bert tell how Bibles, are sponsored and, thousands and thousands of kids each year they get into God's word, they hear about Jesus. But, isn't it an honor to put the scriptures in the hands of teenagers?
>> Bert Harper: That's the reason we opened up with the word of God being a lamp and a light. It really is. And it will be that for youth. So if you have a youth in your house or if you are a youth between 13 and 18 years old, you can just get this Bible by calling those numbers that Alex gave you or get online and they will send you a Bible free. If you promise to give it away in your school to someone that you know needs it. And in the beginning of it, first hundred pages, you'll find some, as Alex says, graphic novels. They really are on the issues of the day. And you can imagine what all they are. They're very, poignant, very real. And then it's the New Testament. And listen, over 30,000 youth have been saved in the last 24 years through Truth for Youth Bible giveaway. And so, over 1.3 million Bibles have been given away. And so we know that more than 30,000 have been saved because that's the number of people that filled out the form that's in the Bible saying they had received Christ. But we know some people, they didn't do that. They just went forward and said, I've been saved, so be a part of that again. Alex has given the number. Let me give it again. 800-733-4737 or go [email protected] order your Bible and if you want one for you, some for your youth group, you can order them in bulk of 50 a piece and $2 per book, but you can get 50 of them. Give them to your youth group, let them give them out and it will be a great, great blessing to you. And so do that right now. Truth for Youth Bible Week. It's one of the most exciting weeks here at AFR and we're glad to be a part of it. Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Hey, Bert. You know, it's a blessing to see a well worn Bible, isn't it? So, so, I'm going to say it was about four years ago I took a case of Truth for Youth Bibles to one of our summer camps. We do, you know, biblical worldview, evangelism camps. In fact, we've got one more this summer. But anyway, there was this camp in South Carolina where I had taken a case of Truth for Youth Bibles. And then we went back the next year and I found a Truth for Youth Bible that was so red, I mean it was about to fall apart. But that blessed my heart because it, it, you could tell it had been read, read and reread.
>> Bert Harper: Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: And that's what we're saying is the way these things, it's got the, the gospel in comic book form, but then it's got the Scriptures themselves and it's just irresistible and youth will read it and we rejoice in that.
>> Bert Harper: We really do. So be a part of that. Let me give that number again because you just don't want to miss the opportunity. 800-733-4737 or go [email protected] well, that number, if you want to call us and ask us a question, is triple 858-98840. Triple 858-98840. But, Alex, we have people online. Are you ready to hear those questions?
>> Alex McFarland: Let's hear some Bible questions.
>> Bert Harper: Okay.
Alex: Harold asks a question about Jesus' resurrection in the Gospels
Let's go to Texas. Harold, thank you for calling today, brother.
>> Caroline: Hey, thank you, guys. I enjoy the show. What y' all talk about? I have a question about, that moment in the Gospels where Jesus says, you know, destroy this body, destroy this temple, and it will be raised again in three days. And he's talking about his body and not the temple. And I'm just. Because, I mean, he's God. He. He knows how they're going to respond to that. And I'm just wondering. It's almost like, I guess he kind of, you know, he tricks him, but he. God can't lie. So I'm just trying to, I'm just confused by that a little bit and clarify, like, how he did that or, you know, what kind of. What's that called? That kind of stuff.
>> Bert Harper: Harold, thank you for that. Good question. Let me give you another example of that. He comes in riding on that donkey on what we call Palm Sunday, the Sunday before he would go to the cross. He's doing this because his time has come. Especially in the Book of John, you'll find that phrase, my hour is not yet come. our. And then finally it says, my hour has come. When he does that, he starts even making greater emphasis on his purpose for coming, that he is God in the flesh. And this resurrection, you may kill it, but in three days, we'll raise it up again. Listen, they knew it was the temple, but he knew what it was. And it is. Was declaring himself king as he would come in to Jerusalem on that Sunday.
>> Alex McFarland: Jesus.
>> Bert Harper: Jesus is in control even of the timing of what he does that, isn't he, Alex?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, he really is. And you know, Bert, whenever I've read that, you know, destroy this temple, I m. Wonder if he gestured to himself, you know, because, the Bible says our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. And there is that. You know, there was the Herodian Temple. That would have been the temple during that period. but he was certainly referencing his. His body. You know, if they destroy this body, three days later, I'll rise it up again. And so, it was, Well, a, double meaning there, really. And so much, of what he would say, you know, the kingdom of heaven is like this or like that. And while those that were his enemies, they didn't understand what he was saying, but those that were his disciples, they. They understood that he would rise even after having been crucified.
>> Bert Harper: And Harold, great question. I appreciate you catching that and asking that. but Jesus is, from the very beginning to the end, is in control. And, that. I don't know what that does to you. That gives me great comfort even today. Hey, God's in control. He doesn't say, oh, that catches me by surprise. He knows. So thank you, Harold.
How do you, um, witness when your family thinks you're crazy
Next, let's go to Iowa and talk to Laurie. Laurie, thank you for calling.
>> Caroline: Thank you. my question is, I'm, a Christian and my family thinks I'm a little over the top. How do you, witness? I've tried to not really witness, but be an example. And they just, I gave my niece a Bible for her confirmation. And I said, I just want you to read one chapter a day. And I wrote around, about Jeremiah 29 and then, the Roman road. And they all laughed at me and they, I asked sister different things and she said, the Bible needs to be updated. And I, I love my family.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, Laurie, thank you. Let me give you two thoughts. I know Alex can give you more. You've already stated on 1. Just leave your life, for Christ. Really do that. I decided a long time ago, at a family meeting or like a reunion, at a class reunion. I played basketball and we had an anniversary basketball. I'm going to live my life. I'm a follower of Jesus Christ and I want them to see Christ in me. It speaks loudly. And when they ask me of faith, I'm ready. And the other time is at the difficult times in your family's life. Let them see the peace and the hope that God brings. Because without God, I want to just tell you their hope is nebulous and their peace is fake. But Jesus Christ gives real peace. I found that the. Alex, you want might want to respond more. But I find that these difficult days when you, when believers have the Holy Spirit in their life and they're depending on the word of God, it speaks, it shouts. I would say, Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Mhm? You know, bless you, ma'. Am. God bless you. do you remember when the apostle Paul, he said, my heart's desire and prayer for Israel is that they would be saved. And when you find Jesus, and you just really almost agonize over your loved ones that don't know Christ. Yet I think we all know what that feeling is like, and certainly Paul did. so for one thing, don't be discouraged. Keep on praying. As Bert said, keep on living your life. And sometimes the most vocal witness is the way you carry yourself and live your life. now, that being said, Bert, I, do think sometimes the toughest people to reach are those that are the very closest to you. and I know it might sound kind of simplistic, but keep on praying. And. And Bert, my evangelism professor in seminary was Bill Bright of Campus Crusade. It was such a great honor. And Bill Bright, gave us many lessons on how to pray for lost people. And, And Bill Bright, I don't know if everybody knows that name, but, Bert, back me up here. Bill Bright, he. He was something else. Was.
>> Bert Harper: He really was. Campus Crusade for Christ. It's crew now. we have folks that I know that our friends that are involved in that ministry, changing lives. Bill Bright, listen, I never will forget those four spiritual laws. When I was a student and in college, we had some people coming around sharing, and I said, yes, go ahead and share with me. I wanted them to have that experience. I was already on fire for the Lord and I, man, we prayed. But that gave them the incentive to go even further, so you better believe it. What an evangelism professor you had, Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Oh, I know. And, but, I'll say this. I'll throw it back to Bert. His book, witnessing Without Fear is just so good. But Bill Bright said, you know, pray like this, say, lord, please keep this person alive physically till they could be born spiritually. And then pray God, please, put witnesses in their path, even if it. If it's not me. Put somebody in their pathway that will sow the seeds of gospel truth and give their heart a hunger. Pray that they would hunger to know the true God. And, anyway, blessings on you. Just don't, don't be discouraged. As much as you want these people to know the Lord Jesus cares about their soul even more than. Than we do.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Alex, I want to emphasize, pray that God would bring others into their life as well. That would demonstrate and see Christ in them the hope of glory. That is it. Wow. Thank you, Laura. Two great calls to start this fireway Friday. We're going to continue doing that and get more phone calls. That phone number, 888-589-8840. If you have that Bible question, get in the queue. We're going to get to as many as we can today on, Exploring the Word.
Preborn has helped save 38,000 babies this year
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.
>> Caroline: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29, verse 13.
>> Bert Harper: American Family Radio. Lavishly lives are wasted.
>> Caroline: Humble to please yourself.
>> Bert Harper: Yeah, that's a tip from my mistake.
>> Caroline: Exactly what it doesn't take to win. You gotta come and laugh.
Let us encourage you to please send a bible to a teenager
>> Alex McFarland: Welcome back to Exploring the Word. now that is some Friday upbeat contemporary Christian music courtesy, of Brent Austin. they used to say when it was on record, spinning the platters that matter, but it's digital now. But welcome, back to exploring the Word, everybody. And Bert and Alex and Brent here and your phone calls and Bible questions. Again, let us encourage you to please send a bible to a teenager. You can do that with the truth for youth Bible campaign that we do with our longtime friend and colleague Tim Todd. Hey, the website on the truth for youth Bibles, by the way, is tfy.org as in truth 4 youth t f y.org or you can send a bible to a teen by calling 1-800-733-4737. And, hey, if it's spreading God's word to people of all ages, well, we're all about that, aren't we?
>> Bert Harper: We really are. We're celebrating 25 years of working with Revival Fires International. Tim Todd. We're celebrating it big, wanting 65,000 Bibles that have been called in and given and given to other students. We're looking for God for a great harvest. again, Alex, we're ready. You ready for some more questions?
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. Where we going now, Bert?
>> Bert Harper: We're going to go to Kentucky and talk to Steve. Steve, thank you for calling today.
>> Caroline: Good afternoon, Burton, Alex, it's always good to talk to you guys.
Bert says the fall of Genesis 3 did not take God by surprise
Bert, you already said God is never taken by surprise. I wanted to ask you, did the fall in the garden of Eve. I'm sorry? Did the fall by Adam and Eve in the garden that did not take God by surprise? Was that a setup?
>> Bert Harper: It was not a setup. it's still a moral choice that, that Adam and Eve made, but because of God in who he is, what he knows, he was ready for it. There's a difference in the setup and being ready. And, he was ready for that. Now, Now I do want to say something about surprise. There's two things that Jesus wondered or marveled or was amazed at in the New Testament. It was men's faith. One of them, he talked about the centurion. He said, I have not found so great a faith, even in Israel. and the other one was the unbelief. So the only thing I know that amazes God is individuals with their belief or trust in God. And then, Alex, their unbelief or untrusting God. Go ahead.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, in revelation, like Revelation 5, John said that, he saw the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. So the fall of Genesis 3 did not take God by surprise. But I want to say this. God is proactive, not reactive. You know, by definition, being omniscient, he knows all things. But the, the world is the way it is. I believe, Bert, because God made humans to have a relationship with him. And to legitimately have a relationship, there has to be the element of choice. Yes, sadly, some people opt to not let Christ into their life. Some people refuse his gift of salvation. But note the fall sin, the plan of redemption. God knew it. But for us to truly have a relationship with our Creator, there has to be free will.
>> Bert Harper: It really does. love is impossible without that. Alex, honestly, let me, let me say this. go ahead, go ahead. I thought you were three.
>> Alex McFarland: Our parents, Adam and Eve, and really all of us. We're all family because our parents were Adam and Eve and they used their free will to disobey God, thus entering sin into the equation.
>> Bert Harper: Have you ever heard falling in love? You really don't. It's. Love is a choice. Some. Now, you may be infatuated with individual, but at some point in time, love is a choice. You've got to make that choice for your Husband and wife. You make that choice, even for a child. Now, I can't understand why you would not. But I, I tell you this. I was looking at some pictures today of our sons, and I, The first time I saw them, I loved them before they were even born. But after I saw them, the love and the choice I made to love them. So God chooses to love us. Let's choose to love him. And, Steve, thank you, brother, for calling. Let's go to Mississippi. And it's Lexie. Lexie, thank you for calling today.
>> Caroline: Hi.
>> Bert Harper: Good after. Good afternoon.
>> Caroline: Good afternoon.
Alex: I just finished the Book of Joel about the day of the Lord
I just finished the Book of Joel in the Old Testament, and it talks a lot about the day of the Lord. And I was wondering any thoughts you had about how that relates to the revelation coming.
>> Bert Harper: You did say Joel, right? Okay.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, she said that.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, go ahead, Alex. I was making sure. Go ahead.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. yeah, Joel talks about the day of the Lord and, you know, ultimately the future, I believe it's going to be like this. There'll be the Rapture, a seven year tribulation, the battle of Armageddon. Christ, vanquishes the armies of the Antichrist, and at the battle of Armageddon, a thousand year peace on earth, millennium, and then really eternity proper. The day of the Lord. In a way, Bert, I think it means really two things. Obviously, the, the moment of Christ's return. And you know, Bill Gaither wrote that song, the King is Coming, and there's a line in that song, it's very good. The marketplace is empty in the courtroom, no debate for the King has come, and there is the great day of Christ's return. But in a way, the, the tribulation period is a time of judgment. And the, the day of the Lord really refers to also the term the wrath of the Lamb, where judgment is poured out on this fallen planet of rebellious sinners. And so in a way, I think the day of the Lord is twofold, the moment of Christ's return, but the seven year period of tribulation as well.
>> Bert Harper: I agree with you as well. Let me give you an example of that. They call it. We call it the Battle of Armageddon. When you read about it, it's really more like a campaign. You know, when you read about how they come this one from here, this one from there, it's a campaign. And when I hear the day of the Lord, what you just said, I, it's not quite. But it's similar, is it? Is that one day? But when you encapsulate all of the. That judgment in with that. I. I think you're right Alex. I think that's a good answer. Hey Lexie, thank you for reading and looking and thank you for listening and man connecting. This is why old and you. I just got to take time Alex, and I want you to respond real quickly. The Old Testament and the New Testament, when you make those connections between what, what the prophet said or what the law or one of the I would say the feast days and you, you connect it over in the New Testament with ah, the Lord's Supper. You connect it. It really brings life to it, doesn't it Alex?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, it does, it does. And incidentally let me say that in October of this year Bert and I have a book coming out and Glory to God, but it's our third book and it is on Bible prophecy. And the book, it's not going to be available until after the AFA share a thon because. And folks be. Be in prayer about this because the. The book is going to be offered and it's called 100 Questions on Prophecy and the End Times. And that will be a thank you gift during Shearethan. And I have to say it's one. Just one of the greatest honors of my life. That bird and I get to take yalls questions that, that you so graciously call in. And we, we write about the day of the Lord sometimes also called the time of Jacob's trouble because the way the Antichrist will so vehemently persecute the Jewish people. And by the way folks, let me say I think the, the global rise of anti Semitism which has just cropped up in the last four or five years. But I think that is one of the indicators that we may very likely be nearing the end of history. But our book on prophecy comes out this fall and it will debut during sheriff on Amen.
>> Bert Harper: And that's in October. We're looking forward to it. Let's go to Arkansas. Karen, thank you for calling.
>> Caroline: Yes.
When were the disciples born again? Alex says it was incremental
When were the disciples born again?
>> Bert Harper: Okay, well let me tell you they first started. This is good. The apostles and disciples. Let me make sure we get the difference. The apostles came out of a group of disciples and the apostles are the 12 that Jesus selected. But there was at least 500 disciples because they were gathered there. But Alex, they first heard the apostles, especially John the Baptist, you know. And so let me put this together. And then when Jesus came along, John would point them to him and say the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. And let me make this even plainer and I throw it to you, Alex. In the book of Acts, you remember Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside to tell him more about the way, because all he had done up until that time was know about John the Baptist and repenting. But then he got the rest of the story. So these apostles, they got to the rest of the story when John the Baptist pointed them to Jesus, did they not?
>> Alex McFarland: They did. They did. And you know, we get some little hints about the, the incremental understanding and belief they had. For example, Matthew 16:16, well, Jesus has said, who do you say that I am? Peter answered and said, thou art the Christ, the son of the living God. Verse 17, Jesus said, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona. Flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And, and of course over in John 6:69, Peter said, Jesus, you are the Christ, the son of the living God. So you know, Bert, like many of us it was probably incremental and they begin to understand. But there was that moment in each one of their hearts where they said, okay, yeah, this, this is the Messiah and I believe in him and I just pray everybody listening to this broadcast right now, there, there's that moment where you maybe you know about Jesus, but you move over to relationship with Jesus and remember he's as close by as a prayer.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. You believe with your mind, yes, you do that, but that will is changed. And the word, you know, believe and the we can use it so much, but it trusts you. Entrust yourself to him. And there comes that time when you trust the Lord with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, all that is within you. We pray that you would make that real in your life. If you've done never done it, do it today. Don't wait. Thank you, Karen. Let's go to Alabama and talk to Jonathan. Jonathan, thank you for calling.
Jonathan: I believe dinosaurs died out during the global flood of Noah
>> Caroline: Thank you both. my question is what, what time period was the dinosaurs was they after? I knew, I know it was after the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve got banished from the garden. But then the flood came. So was that dinosaur was after the flood, or was it between the flood and the punishment of the Garden of Eden?
>> Bert Harper: Jonathan, thank you for that. Good question. Alex. let me give you this. I heard this the other day, back to Genesis. One of its, I, would say teachers got in a conversation with AI and the Groak, I think is how you say it, and they started talking Mainly about the flood and how you have all these trees that are still standing but turned into rock and how you have all this. It could not have happened gradually. Sedimentation at a time. It had to be catastrophic. So that brings us to this point I would say Jonathan, dinosaurs were there in the first. They were there, I believe with all my heart they were some on the ark, that I don't believe they were the full grown pair but I do believe they were dinosaurs on the ark. But because of all the things that took place deer before the flood and after the flood, I think they became extinct. Alex, take it away.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, well you know what in Genesis chapter one, verse 20, on the, the fifth day, God created marine life and then whales and creatures and then ah, the sick, the, the sixth day were land animals. So whether they be marine animals or reptiles and you know, dinosaurs were great reptiles. dinosaurs existed simultaneously with Adam and Eve and human beings. And I think if you get over there to Genesis chapter six where God told Noah, you know, there's all this wickedness, Genesis 6:17, I'm going to bring a flood and destroy all the, the flesh, the creatures on earth that breathe life. I believe the dinosaurs died out during the global flood of Noah. And so there were some reptiles, you know I think of reptiles that were taken on the ark. But things like the T. Rex and you know the Velociraptors, and things like that, the big dinosaurs, they died out during the flood.
>> Bert Harper: Okay Jonathan, thank you for that. And that's a good question because listen, people wonder about that because for the longest people Christian, oh, there's no such thing as dinosaurs. Well you see the, the relics and you know there they were and as you said Alex reptile and when you see that alligator or crocodile, I think you know good and well man those, it wouldn't take your mind very much. Okay. Is being bigger and stronger it's a reality? Yup, that's right.
Today is the last day for Truth for Youth Bible Week
Well let's give this promotion and we'll get to Darrell and David after, after the break. And we want to remind you the reason we're doing this is the last day for us to be promoting Truth for Youth Bible Week. It's a great week here at afr. Tim Todd, he was with us this past Monday here on Exploring the Word stayed the whole time. But you can get a Bible and give it to a fellow student. If you're ah, the parent or the grandparent of a student, you can order this Bible if they, you can give it to your grandchild, make sure or your child to give it away. And that number is 8007-3347-3780-0733-4737 or you can go [email protected] do that now and make sure that we reach that 65,000 goal of giving that many Bibles away. When that happens, people will be born again. We'll be right back after this break. 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.
>> Bert Harper: We want you to make the right choice. Follow Jesus. No matter where, when or how, Follow Christ.
Alex: One of the neat things at afr is having interns
Well, Alex, want to recognize somebody real quickly? One of the neat things working at afr, we have summer interns and so there'll be some young guys and young gals walking around and working and it's always a joy. We've had one of them and he's the one. If you've called in and you've talked to him today, he's been the call screener today. Jameson Hurst, great guy, know his dad well. and so the, the apple didn't fall far from the tree. He's a great guy as well and we appreciate him. But I wanted to give a shout out. We had several interns and they're headed back to school now and some have already gone back, some are going back. So we, we thank God for those interns. Isn't it awesome to be able to see this new generation? I know, hey, there's concerns, but I just want to tell you I've had, I've gotten more hope with this generation right now than I've had in several years, I tell you.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, amen. Amen. Well, I concur. And we're thankful for Jameson and all the interns And Bert, we've got one more youth camp this summer in upstate New Jersey and we will have been in front of about 1200 teenagers and many have come to Christ. And yes, there is great hope. Hey, let me say this before we go to the calls this weekend. I'm at Rehoboth Baptist Church, which is in King William, Virginia. 5904 Quinton Church Road, King William, Virginia. there's a men's breakfast tomorrow morning. There's a big gospel event and concert tomorrow night. I'll be preaching 6:30 and then the worship services on Sunday morning. But if you happen to be near Richmond, Virginia, King William, Virginia, Rehoboth Baptist, I'll be there Saturday morning, Saturday night and Sunday. And I would love to meet anyone that can come out.
>> Bert Harper: Those of us that participate in Sharathon recognize Richmond, Virginia is one of our great, great stations reaching all kinds of people. And you have responded so well, dear, in Sherithon. So if you can make your way to here, Alex, it will be well worth your time. Let me give you that. Well, Alex, we, we've got people online and we might have time for another. And if you got one Bible question, we've got two people ready to go. Might get a third one on. If you want to call Triple 858-98-8840. So make that call if you want to. Let's go to Arkansas. And it's Darrell. Darrell, thank you for calling today.
>> Caroline: Thank you for taking my call. Love you guys. Program, and how you answer your questions using God's word and what the Bible says. And I pray that he'll continue to bless this program and bless each of you individually.
>> Bert Harper: Thank you, Darrell.
>> Alex McFarland: Thank you.
Bert: What would prevent another angel turning against God after millennial reign
>> Caroline: Brother and I were talking the other day and he asked a question I'd never thought about. So we were discussing what Lucifer's fall from heaven and how he took a third of the angels. what would prevent or does the Bible say anything about, after the thousand year millennial reign, another angel turning against God during that time?
>> Bert Harper: I, if it's in the Bible, I haven't caught it and I've read it through. I don't think it's there. Ah, it was similar with angels. Alex, you and I have had this question before and it's about. Seemed like they had that one line of demarcation, you know, and after that the, I'm using these terms, the cast was, was thrown and that was it. And so I don't know of any other angels falling after this, do you?
>> Alex McFarland: Right. And this is in Revelation 12, 3 and 4, about a third of the stars fell from heaven. and scholars believe that this is a reference to one third of the angels joined Lucifer in this failed coup attempt. Now, the great Vance Havner, and, and he's a man that we believe you'll be blessed if you ever find any of his books. Vance Havner noted one time, he said, no provision is made for the salvation of fallen angels. And why might that be? Vance Havner said, well, in eternity past, Lucifer and the angels were in the very, very presence of God and to join Lucifer in an attempt to overthrow heaven. And apparently one third of the angels very foolishly and darkly joined Lucifer. Two thirds of the angels stayed true to God, but once they fell. And all those fallen angels are now demons. But there's no second chance now. Bert, here's the thing. Our decision window is in life. If you leave this world. and Vince Havner said it this way. He said, brethren, there's coming a time where what you are is what you'll be everlastingly. if you are saved once you leave this world and then their eternity, you're saved, you're fixed, glorified forever. If you're fallen, you enter eternity. Without Christ, there is no second chance. And that's how it is with the angels. the. The ones that stayed true to God, now they're in a fixed state. Those that rebelled and fell out of heaven, they too are in a fixed state. So, the two thirds of those angels that were true to God, they'll. They'll never fall there. You know, for Christians, we call it glorification. I don't know what you'd call it for angels. But there will be no second fall.
>> Bert Harper: Amen.
Alex: The ministry of angels is real and God assigns them
in the ministry of angels, I just want to tell you, people talk about the better angels and, and so forth. The angels are spiritual beings that can take on a physical appearance and, and, some are in heaven. And they. It seems like their, Their position, their job is to go around the throne, the seraphim. And you see each one, saying, holy, holy, holy is the Lord God. But also, God assigns angels. It seems like they're assigned for areas, sometimes individuals, sometimes. And, So the ministry of angels are real. They do not take the place of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is with you always. The angels, they may be around you, they can come and go, but the Holy Spirit in our lives. Alex, what a joy it is to know the Holy Spirit. The indwelling Holy Spirit will never leave us, never forsake us once we know Christ. And that determines what you are, where you'll be. And you want to make the decision to follow Christ.
Darrell: Let's go to Tennessee and talk to David
Thank you, Darrell. Let's go to Tennessee and talk to David. David, thank you for calling. Exploring the word today.
>> Caroline: hey, how you guys doing?
>> Bert Harper: Doing great today.
>> Caroline: Really are good. Wanna be sure you hear me. We, listen to your program a lot. Really appreciate you.
David: John 1:18 says no man has seen God at any time
guys, I've had a couple of questions that I've wondered about a long time. I wanted to call and ask you, so I thought I'd do it today. it's kind of a three part quick question, but the first one is, you know, in John 1:18 it says that no man has seen God at any time. I guess that means God the Father. But in the Garden of Eden, you know, Adam heard the footsteps of God and walked with God, so I assume he saw him. So was that Jesus? That was the incarnate Jesus walking with him then. And then the second thing is, why did God put the forbidden fruit right in the middle of the garden where they had to walk around it and trip over it every day instead of somewhere else? Then the last thing is, in the message to, Sardis, in Revelation 3, verse 5, it talks about that he who overcomes shall, shall reign with God. And if he will, if he will do that, I won't erase his name from the book of life. That's what my translation says. But I'm like, does God have an eraser? Almost sounds like you could be saved and not be saved.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, David, what a group of questions. They're great. Alex. let me see, what was the first one? Do you remember? You got a better memory than I do. Start, man.
>> Alex McFarland: No man has seen God at any time.
>> Bert Harper: Yeah, go ahead.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, and, and then, you know, Jesus said, if you've seen me, you have seen the Father. a great book, I've referenced it many times is, the book Christ in the Old Testament by James A. Bo Borland. And yes, I do believe the, the Lord, the voice of the Lord walking in the garden in the cool of the day. I think that's called a christophany. A christophany is an Old Testament pre Bethlehem appearance of Christ that God could, you know, appear, and communicate, he did with Abraham, he did with Adam and Eve. But in, in terms of the John chapter one, where it says no man has seen God at any time, the part of the way scholars kind of parse this out and, and I think it's, it's a good, attempt to understand it. no man have seen God at any time. Okay. Verse 18 of John 1, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. Okay. Now in our Human state by human effort. And in a finite fallen state, we cannot not only see the eternal, uncreated, eternal, all powerful essence of God, not only do we not see it or comprehend it, we can't even enter his presence. But the second half of John 1:18, the only begotten Son from the Father has revealed it. So what it says is that. So we can not only see God, comprehend God, experience God. The Father sent the, the only begotten Son. And by the way, in the King James, only begotten. If a Muslim ever says to you, ah, doesn't that mean Jesus was like, physically born like any other human? No, what it means is that Jesus is monogenesis of the same nature as the Father so that we could see God, comprehend and even have a relationship with God. The Father sent the Son. And that is why Jesus could legitimately say, if you've seen me, you've seen the Father.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. And I would say this, David, what you, what you have, God had to veil himself, in human flesh to Jesus Christ, the Shekinah, glory of God. If you remember, at the Mount of Transfiguration, you know, ah, you know, Moses was there, Elijah was there, Jesus was there. But all of a sudden, there was no one but Jesus. What it was Jesus who veiled himself in human flesh is kind of like he. And, and I don't know how else to say it, pull the flesh back so his glory could be seen. And what would they do? They would hide their face. When Moses would see God, he had to hide him in the cleft of the rock and put his hand there. God is that awesome and that great that nobody far as putting that, fruit in the middle of the garden. It was the choice. That's what it is, not hidden. Sin is never hidden away. It's always out there. It's in us and wanting, to take control of our lives. So thank you so much, David.
Burt says there's hardly any holiness emphasis preaching these days
Let's go to Randy from Texas. Randy, go right ahead.
>> Caroline: Thank you. From taking my call, I've been listening here quite frequently to this guy, Leonard Ravenhill, which I think is a great preacher. He's going to be with the Lord. Now, I'm sure y' all probably heard of him. He seems to be from a holiness background, maybe a Wesleyan Methodist or Salvation Army. And, he really stresses holiness. And he says in all of his sermons, especially the church in America, there's hardly any holiness emphasis preaching these days. And I can agree with him because when I was growing up, I didn't hear much myself. What do you think about that? I know holiness is important and we're supposed to be holy, but, it didn't seem like it's really getting a lot of preaching these. These days.
>> Bert Harper: God says, be holy, for I am holy. That's right. Now, Alex, have you ever heard of.
>> Alex McFarland: That guy he talked about Leonard Ravenhill? Listen, when I was a brand new believer, like, I'd been saved a couple of months, and, one of my customers on my delivery route gave me the book. I've got it to this day, this very book. Why Revival Terries by Leonard Ravenhill. And it's fantastic. and it's frankly very convicting. And I went out, I was in Lindell, Texas, and I quoted Leonard Ravenhill, and half a dozen people came up during the break and said, oh, he's buried out back. I said, really? So I go out to this cemetery, and it's probably five acres of tombstones, and I just start walking and I look down, and I was at his tombstone, and it asked a question. Leonard Ravenhill, the great revivalist. Here's the question. I took a photograph of it. Are the things I'm living for worth Christ dying for? Question mark. Now, Bert, let me say this. I'll throw it back to you. In the early to mid 20th century was a movement called the Deeper Life Movement. And it was Christians that born again, but really took seriously growing in the Lord. Kind of like the holiness of the Wesleyans. But have you ever heard of that?
>> Bert Harper: Bird, let me just tell you, I not only heard of it, I was part of it. God just got a hold of my life. It changed my life completely. Dr. Adrian Rogers, Bertha Smith, Ron Dunn, Peter Lord, Manley Beasley. Just hearing them, the Deeper Life and walking with Christ, and, I'll. I'll just put it this way. I hadn't gotten over it yet, Alex. God put that in my heart to walk with Christ, and it is part of the holiness. You're exactly right. Randy, listen. We need to preach. Come out from among them and be ye separate. Seth Lord. That doesn't mean that we're. We're, you know, we're just being odd for reasons, but. But we are to be like Christ in the Holy Spirit of God through the word of God, living it. I want to just tell you, let others see Jesus in you. Alex. That's a good song, too. Let, let others see Jesus in you.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen. do we have another question, Burt?
>> Bert Harper: Well, I tell you what. Ah, we won't have time. Time's gotten away. But there's someone that had text us and told them about him being baptized. There's, they were christened as a baby, but they're going to be baptized again. They've been born again in the Missouri River. They was reading about Jesus being the son of God. You already covered it. The unique son of God, the only one. And, yes, it says, Adam, son of God. We came from God, but Jesus is that unique person. Alex, real quickly, let me give that number. Make that call to order those Bibles. 8007-3347-3780-0733-4737 or go [email protected] and get your Truth for Youth Bible. Do it now. We're looking at 65 thousands that they've given away to students to give to other students. Well, Alex, let me give you this real quickly. We're going to start with First Timothy Monday. I'm looking forward to it, brother.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Us, too. Hey, folks, be in church on Sunday. Be in the house of God on Sunday. If you would tell somebody about American Family Radio. But most of all, tell everybody, everybody about.
The views and opinions expressed in this Broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
