Transcript

American Family Radio takes your Bible questions live on American Family Radio

>> Bert Harper: The Bible.

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

>> Bert Harper: 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.

Some people just never learn, Alex says. Have you ever heard the statement

Welcome to Exploring the Word. Have you ever heard the statement, some people just never learn? Well, if you read chapter 16 of the book of Numbers and, and you see these people murmur against Moses and Erin and they pay the price. And then you read this verse, it's in chapter 16, verse 41. On the next day, all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Erin. Alex, you know, I know I can be hard headed and stubborn. It can be that way. Well, it is that way most of the time, but I want to be ready to obey the Lord. But the next day they done the same thing that got there in trouble the first time. some people never learn, do they?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, they don't. And you know, I look back at like verse 35, there came out a fire from the lord and consumed 250 men that offered incense. And whether it be disobedience to God's, protocols for the temple or ingratitude and slander and murmuring. Yeah, you know, they don't seem to learn. And I, that, that's one thing, I guess. Personally I always pray, Lord, I want to be teachable. Don't you feel that way?

>> Bert Harper: Amen. That's, that's one of the, I would say the characteristics of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. And so to be teachable and you know, one of the most beautiful things I believe I've ever seen is equestrian with the horses jump in and up on top of that big horse. It can be out, it can be a small, I would say teenager, female or male. and they just sit up there and that horse, who has lots more power than the person in the saddle, and yet that horse would demonstrate meekness or teachability as it has been broken. it had to be broken first. And then it became great, beautiful, animal. I think if we as human beings can learn meekness, brokenness before God, Alex. That God can use us in a great way. And so, that needs to be a part of every Disciples prayer. Alex. Just what you said, Lord. I want to be usable. I want to be teachable. Use me, Lord. Teach me Lord.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes, exactly. And that's the wisest thing we can do. You know, it's been said the will of God is what we really would have wanted for our own lives if we had been wise enough to seek it. And I, want to get back to numbers 16, but Matthew 6:33, because, look, I know we all have goals and things we hope to accomplish and we need to accomplish, and we maybe even have dreams, things we fondly wish we could do. Well. Matthew 6:33 says, if we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all these other things will be added to us. I firmly believe if you put Jesus first, you'll succeed at life and experience fulfillment. Really? But Let me read 41 on the morrow. The very next day, the congregation of Israel murmured against Moses and against Erin, saying, you have killed the people of the Lord. And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Erin, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation, and behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord appeared.

>> Caroline: And.

>> Alex McFarland: And Moses and Erin came before the tabernacle of the congregation. Bert. the judgment that fell on Korah and his sons, Moses and Erin didn't kill the people of the Lord. First of all, the people weren't all that godly, but it was their own sin that brought the judgment of God, wasn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It really was. And again, they're just that way. They want to pass the book. Okay, and, you. And. And they didn't want to blame God. So who do they blame? They blame those human beings that God has placed in their lives to be leaders. Alex, you and I have talked about pastors quite a bit leaders quite a bit. You've been president of. Of seminary. And, different things that you lead. And, there'll be people that, honestly, they're angry at God, but they don't want to necessarily bring it out. So a lot of times who do they bring it out? The leader that's over them. When God has done the discipline, when possibly a group of men or group of men and women that's aboard have done the discipline, oh, it's not. It's your fault. And so here it is, they blame Moses and Erin and, to get the blame. Let me. I want to make sure. I try to say this right, and I want you to comment on it. Sometimes in situations like this when God has done it, but you as a leader, get the blame for it. When you were, just doing the will of God. it's a. It's. It's not something you want, but it's something that you say, okay. This is part of what leadership's about Alex, you know, you do you receive that when you're in that leadership position, the possibility of it, don't you?

Good leaders make hard decisions. Sometimes it's painful, isn't it

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, it's been said, good leaders don't make good decisions. Good leaders make hard decisions. And, you know, I've, been in church situations. I've done a lot of consulting for churches that are trying to, you know, do better than they have done. And, you know, sometimes there are staff members that need to go, and, then there's, you know, nepotism and hiring family members that doesn't work out. And, let me tell you, when ministers and personnel committees are trying to do the right thing and the responsible thing, sometimes there can be some heavy pushback from the people. And let, me just say, in your churches, first of all, senior ministers and staff need to be doing the right thing, which are biblical things and ethical and godly things. Do the right thing. But when change has to come in pursuit of being good stewards and doing the right thing, prayerfully refrain from causing, an insurrection about that. Because even doing the right thing isn't always easy. But we are supposed to do the godly thing, the right thing, the good stewardship decision, and change and the quest for improvement. Sometimes it's painful, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It is. Let me add something to your right thing. Do it the right way.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes.

>> Bert Harper: You know, I've been there, done that, observed it. And yes, something, needed to be done, but not in the way that it was done. And, I always. The interim, I'm doing a lot of churches. since pastoring full time, I've been at 14 different churches as the interim pastor. And, over this period of time, I preach a series of sermons close to the beginning, doing God's work, God's way. And, I found out one of the best ways is when David was going to bring up the ark, you know, and, you know, the guy put out his hand uzzah, and he died. Why? Because it was in the wrong way. It was doing the right thing. It was bringing it to the right place, but yet in the wrong way. And so again, you want to do it God's way, and you can go through that yourself. But here, getting back to verse, here in verse 44, and the Lord spoke to Moses, get away from among this congregation that I may consume them in a moment. And they fell on their faces. Consume them in a moment. He said, I'm tired of this. well, I'm just putting it in There he said, I'm going to take care of a bunch of them and place just a few. And then so Moses said to Erin, take a censor, put a. Now I'm reading it in the emphasis, I think that he said it. Take a sensor, put a fire in it from the altar, put incense on it, and take it quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them. For wrath has gone out from the Lord. The plague has begun. Alex, do you catch that urgency in those days?

>> Alex McFarland: There is a real urgency. Erin is running, you know, verse 47. And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stayed. It's not something that, Erin and Moses really are like, standing as a barrier. that's a little bit like Jesus. The judgment of God that we deserved was put on Jesus, and they're willing to risk. And I think Erin is shielded from the plague, but he is this barrier to try and, deflect the judgment of God away from the people.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, you read it, but I wanted to read it. Just emphasize it. And here he is. Erin stood between the dead and the living. So what happened? The plague was stopped. Now, here is one man, a, leader, making a difference, and I think putting himself in danger, this person. And again, I agree with you. This is a picture of Christ. I agree, death and life, you know. But here he puts himself in this position of danger to save thousands. Now, what's going to happen now? Those who did die in the plague were 14,700 besides those who had died at Korah. Incident 250. So Erin returned to Moses at the door of the tabernacle of meeting, for the plague had stopped. Now, again we see these two men. How many times have they fallen on their face before God and ask, oh, God, no, don't do God, don't. God, God, give them another chance. And here they do it again. And, no wonder it says about, especially I would say, Moses, the most meek man that who had ever lived. And Alex, here he is just again, sending Erin to be the intercessor, the intermediary between death and life. And, I love this word. And the plague was stopped. I, think one man can make a difference. Oh, that's true. He did, didn't he?

>> Alex McFarland: Adrian Rogers used to say, more hangs on your obedience than you can possibly imagine. I want to read. And it does. I mean, just like one, the obedience of one man, the faithfulness of one Christian. You have no idea what God wants to do in you and through you. Now, they that died in the plague were 14,700 besides them that died. About the matter of Korah. Yeah, the matter of Korah, where the earth opened up and swallowed those people that led an insurrection. And Erin returned unto Moses unto the door of the tabernacle, the congregation. And the plague was stayed very powerful.

Moses and Aaron loved the people in spite of the people's slander

and you know what is moving to me is how Moses and Erin loved the people in spite of the people's slander, murmuring, ingratitude. And yet, like a good pastor, although he was so much more than that. Moses just shows love and empathy for these people, doesn't he?

>> Bert Harper: He does. Now remember, Moses had been away from them for 40 years and then God sent him back. You know, so, did God have a. Did Moses have a longing in his heart when he is away to go back to his people? I think so. So I think that that absence, that distance made him some. You know, sometimes it makes you great, feel greater toward them. Other times it might work the other way. But for. And Erin, they loved these people. They were ready to. Here it is. I would say, die for these people. And every time interceded for these people, did he not?

>> Alex McFarland: He did. He really did. Well, folks, when we come back, we're going to get into numbers, chapter 17 +. Later on in the show, we'll take your phone calls and questions. On this edition, a brand new week of Exploring the Word. We have a brief break, stay tuned. And the American Family Radio Network will be back with more on Exploring the Word.

We partnered with Preborn to introduce mothers with unplanned pregnancies to their babies

>> Bert Harper: You've heard a lot about saving babies on this show. That's because it's important to me personally. And let me just be frank with you, we need to save them. That is why we partnered with PreBorn, the nation's leader, in introducing mothers with unplanned pregnancies to their babies. And once she hears that heartbeat and sees that precious life growing inside of her, she is twice as likely to choose life. Now that's a miracle. But quite honestly, if we don't save them, who will? PreBorn receives no government funding, so their work is completely dependent on us. PreBorn has rescued over 280,000 babies. And that's not all. They provide love, support and counseling for up to two years for free. Saving lives and souls. One ultrasound is just $28 or $140 helps to rescue five babies. Abortion doesn't stop, so we can't. Together, you and I can save lives. Just call pound two five zero on your cell phone and say the key word, baby. That's two fifty baby or, Go to preborn dot com. That's preborn dot com.

>> Caroline: everybody's been down. Hit the bottom, hit the ground. Oh, you're not alone. Just take a breath. Don't forget, hang on to his promises. He wants you to know you're an overcomer.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. You are an overcomer. And, the word of God is a part of that victory for every day of your life as a Christian, feeding on God's word. We're going to start in numbers 17, actually a pretty short chapter really. And as we get back into exploring the Word.

Bert Simpson asks everyone to pray for John MacArthur who has pneumonia

Hey, Bert. I just wanted to ask everybody to be in prayer for John MacArthur. he is, very ill and has pneumonia in the hospital. 86 years old. maybe soon going to be in the presence of the Lord. I had the privilege many years ago to interview Dr. MacArthur. I'm sure everybody has to know who he is, but he, for many decades has been just one of the champions of the word of God preaching the Bible. And, one of my theological mentors, Norm Geisler, was very close because Dr. MacArthur, in the late 70s, early 80s, had been one of the ones to champion, teaching about the inerrancy of scripture, that the Bible is God's inerrant, infallible word. We should live under the authority of God's word. And Bert, I just think it's important. These great men of God that have been used to shape good teaching for many years. John MacArthur has been a, courageous, consistent champion for the Bible. And, we need to pray for him at this time as he may be on his deathbed.

>> Bert Harper: That's right, he and his family. And, he's at the hospital. They announced it Sunday at the church. And, he's been struggling for a year or so now. And so, he's ready. Grace Community Church is the church. Pray for his family. And, then the radio ministry that is worldwide. And, they have. I, think it's going to be like J. Vernon McGee, Dr. Adrian Rogers. his ministry will continue because of just the great teaching. It's timeless. So, so. But his homegoing is either happened or very imminent, from what we know.

>> Alex McFarland: Wow. Well, may God be with them in a great way. Numbers, chapter 17. So they, the Lord spake to Moses and said, speak to the children of Israel, Take every one of them a rod according to the house of their fathers, of all the princes according to the house of their fathers, 12 rods. And write every man's name upon his rod, and thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi. For one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers. So what's interesting is they get these rods that really are kind of a symbol of authority, aren't they? And, Bert, I think it's interesting. Like Psalm 23 talks about, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. The rod for a shepherd was for correction and protection. And, this is a very symbolic thing of God's oversight over the tribes of Israel.

>> Bert Harper: It is. And remember, Moses had a rod, the rod of Moses. you know, it would still be effective. He holds it up, and there's strength. If he let it down, they wouldn't. So this is very important. The rod, they comfort us, it leads us. And the rod that God has for us, the word of God. Now, I know that's not the direct result, but the Word of God does direct us, and it corrects us. I've. I've read the Word before, Alex, and I said, oh, Lord, I need to. I need to obey this. I need to do what God says. So it is for protection, correction. it's amazing. The word of God. It's for comfort. It's for courage. the Word of God. You can read a book. you can read a great, great book regardless of who the author is. And you read it. Well, yeah, I've read it. you may refer to it every once in a while, but not read it again. But how many times do you read the Word of God over and over again? And it illuminates, it brings out something that's different? And so it is the word of God. And here's the rod. And, again, this is all about God showing mercy on this one.

Alex: Verse 5 is very key on this. You've been complaining about the leaders I've given you

You've been complaining about the leaders I've given you, and you want other leaders. They've asked for leaders to lead them back to Egypt. They've asked for leaders to go in a different direction. And God says, no, these are my leaders. It's Moses and Erin. And he's going to give them a word picture. You remember the tassel that he told them to put on the. The garment that they had as a reminder? Well, here's another reminder, Alex, of who God has put into leadership. we do. I don't know about you, but I have to be reminded every so often. okay, It's God who's in charge, Bert, not you. It's God who is Lord, not you. And, because, whether you call it stubbornness or whatever it is, we. This Reminder of who God is, and he is in control, and we can trust him, and we need to obey him and follow him. And here he does this with rods, doesn't he?

>> Alex McFarland: He does. Verse 5 is very key on this. So they take these rods, they put everybody's name on them. And verse 5. It shall come to pass that the man's rod, whom I shall choose shall blossom. And I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you. And so they do this. They put these long sticks or rods, and one of them is going to bud or blossom. Let me go down to verse 8. Moses did all this. And it came to pass that on the morrow, Moses went into the tabernacle of witness, and behold the rod of Erin. For the house of Levi was budded and brought forth buds and blossomed and blossoms and yielded almonds. You know, Bert, all right, if you've cut a limb off a tree, it's not going to blossom anymore. And, you know, these. These rods, I don't know if they were like, really, really straight sticks, but these. These rods cut off, they begin to bear leaves and sprouts and. And blossoms and even almonds, just all in a day. And Moses brought out all the rods from, the Lord before all the children of Israel, and they looked and took every man his rod. And the Lord said unto Moses, bring Aaron's rod again for the testimony to be kept for a token against the rebels that thou shalt take away their murmurings from me. Now, and this was ultimately put in the Ark of the Covenant, wasn't it?

>> Bert Harper: Again, a reminder. this is it. This is the power of God in whom I've anointed. I've anointed who I've called. I've called. This is a confirmation of calling. You know, this is the one that God's hand was upon Erin and Moses to do this, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. And so the people had to be, like, re reminded. you know, I don't want to, spiritualize too much. But it was even more. If you look at verse eight, it was abundantly above all. God said, look for the rod that budded. And Aaron's rod did more than that. It budded, brought forth blossoms, and even yielded almonds. And so the people see all this. It's interesting. Verse 12, The children of Israel spoke unto Moses, saying, behold, we die, we perish, we all perish. Whosoever cometh anything near unto the tabernacle of the Lord shall die. Shall we be consumed with Dying now, Bert, I wonder, were they under conviction? Were they saying, oh, God's going to judge us because we did murmur against God, or are they again, just simply lamenting the fact that they're in the wilderness now? It was their unbelief that put them in the wilderness in the first place. But they're not going to die if they follow God's leading.

>> Bert Harper: Oh, yes, you're exactly right. And that is the problem, though. They tend to overreact, okay? Regardless of overreaction, it's like driving a car. And if you get off to the left, to the center lane too quick and you see a vehicle coming, you want to get back in your lane for sure. But don't overreact and go into the other lane or off the side of the road. And here they are. This is God's tabernacle. This is the presence of God in their midst. And notice what happened. It says, concerning this, about, the tabernacle. Whoever ever comes near the tabernacle of the Lord, this is the presence of God. Again, Alex, I just don't think they realize the goodness of God, the kindness of God. They saw the anger of God. But do they not remember God's deliverance from them, how he got them out of Egypt, how he delivered them through the Red Sea, and how he provided manna again and again? God has provided. But it seems like what they remember is the judgment. And so I think this is what we need to understand. Count our blessings, name them one by one.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: And you will be amazed at what God has done. And can I tell you this? I want to add this, and I'll throw it back to you. He's done even more than that. There is no, imagination that could go that. I know God delivered me from something that I could have gone into headlong. I could have done. I know one instant in my life where God, just the only way I know he moved the vehicle so that, there would not be this horrible, horrible accident again. God is. We need to count the deliverances. We need to count the times he is blessed beyond measure. Yes, God disciplines whom he loves. Yes. God, he does bring about us when we need to produce fruit. He, does take away that excess.

Alex: For believers, discipline is usually painful

They call it pruning. And so, Alex, for the believer, we reap what we sow. We live in a fallen world, so the floods come on us as well as non believers. But then you add to the believer. We're disciplined and discipline is usually painful. We are pruned and pruned is usually if you prune grape or, I'm more familiar with tomatoes. And we would prune those, we call their suckers. S U C C O R S break them off because they didn't produce fruit. They just took up room and they took up nourishment. But you'd break them off so you'd get bigger tomatoes for the fruit. And when you would break off those, limbs that didn't produce, guess what? The juice would come out. So it knew it was, quote, if the plant could feel it was painful. So we as believers need to understand that God is doing a great work in our lives. Even when things are hard and difficult and painful. We need to count the blessings. Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen.

Bert Wildman: Biblical tithing has double purpose, Alex

Well, Bert. Well said, brother. Chapter 18, is a little bit longer. And after dealing with some rebellion and some discipline that had to take place, really, there's assignments of responsibilities for the priests and the Levites, carrying out the work of the sanctuary. And, you know, it's kind of housekeeping here in a way. responsibilities, privileges. I always thought it was interesting about portions of food devoted to the priests. And, I'm gonna. We can go backwards, but let me look at verse eight. The Lord. This is chapter 18. The Lord spoke to Erin. Behold, I have also given you charge of my heave offerings. So you're going to see this thing, charge of and responsibilities. That this is kind of seminary for the Levites in a way, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: Good point, Alex. Again, when you read that, you look at the responsibilities and you also, what they receive, their work, and it's to be done. There's something. And again, it's not a lot, but, I just want to show this because how important details are in verse 22. It says, Hereafter, the children of Israel shall not come near the tabernacle of meeting unless they bear sin and die. Now, what is we talking about? If they have not, done as God said concerning the dead bodies and taking care of them? I think it shows you the reasonableness, the horribleness of sin and what it does. But it also. So I think it is that of, taking care of them physically. You didn't want this contamination of a dead body to be thrown. So it has a double purpose. But then it does not stop there. Look at verse 32, after the whole thing. But you shall not profane the holy gifts of the children of Israel, lest you die. In other words, God says, here it is. And this is the whole idea. See, if you Agree, and then I'll throw it back to you real quickly. In other words, I'm giving you details, and it is true on what you're to do, to make these offerings, to take care of sin, to do that. And if you don't do it this way, there's going to be a price to pay and it's even going to lead to death. Jesus Christ dying on the cross shows us the severity of sin. Alex, when I read this and see what they're to do, we're not, we're to be detailed in our following the Lord and, and not let sin get, into our lives and hurt us and harm us. Because, Alex, yes, he is forgiven. He'll forgive us. Jesus died on the cross, but we need to obey him, don't we?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, we really do. And the tithes and offerings and the gifts of the people were to also be the sustenance and care of the Levites. You know, the Levites portion, you know, Malachi 3 talks about how the people robbed God in their tithes and offerings. there was a Reader's Digest article some years ago, and I don't know how accurate it is today, but they estimated that maybe, maybe 3% of church members actually tithe. And I don't know, Bert, I wonder if the ancient Israelites, were any better at tithing than people are today. I don't know. And God bless the generous givers. God bless those that are the obedient givers. And folks, let me say, whenever your preacher preaches on tithing, it's really not about money. It isn't because you can't out give God. I really think sermons on stewardship or tithing are about trusting God, really. And if you become a tither and more, it's going to be you that gets the blessing. But I, don't know, Bert. Sometimes people don't tithe. You think it was that way in the ancient world too?

>> Bert Harper: I don't think we've changed a lot since Adam and Eve left the garden. I really don't. Hey, we're going to take phone calls. And that number, 888-589-8840. We'd love to have your Bible questions today. Give us a call. If we lose this cultural war, we're.

>> Alex McFarland: Going to have a hedonistic, humanistic society. Discover the story of the culture warrior Don Wildmon and how he went head.

>> Bert Harper: To head with Hollywood playboy, the homosexual.

>> Alex McFarland: Agenda and the Disney empire. The movement Don started paved the way for Christians to boldly stand for Truth and righteousness in a hostile culture.

Exploring the Word Bird welcomes back Katie and Alex from West Virginia

Watch Culture Warrior today For free visit CultureWarrior Movie.

>> Bert Harper: Welcome back to Exploring the Word Bird. And Alex here. And we are taking questions and people are online. They're calling. That number is 458-98840. And since we got so many calls coming in, Alex, I think we need to get to them. What about you?

>> Alex McFarland: Let's do it. Let's do it. We're so glad to hear from all of you. And we will begin in West Virginia. Katie. Katie in West Virginia. Thanks for calling and welcome to the program.

>> Caroline: Thank you. I want to thank you both for your show. Thank you. You guys are amazing, and you're wise and you're godly. Thank you for being a good example to all of us.

>> Alex McFarland: You're so kind. I know it's beautiful.

>> Caroline: You are wonderful.

>> Alex McFarland: But we just, we're excited about Jesus.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. He's m. Made a difference in our lives, Katie. Amen.

>> Caroline: Yes.

>> Bert Harper: Yes.

Katie: How can I ensure that I have a biblical worldview

>> Caroline: I have a question. I'm currently reading through the Bible. we have a program where I go to church, but how can I ensure that I have a biblical worldview?

>> Bert Harper: Okay, let me just share a verse of scripture, and it's Philippians 2 and following. And it says, let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. To have a biblical worldview is to have Jesus thinking. Now, I know that's simple and I said it, but you can you measure it upon the word of God. Katie, about the Bible. And, now what happens about. You got to get right about the Bible being the authority, authoritative word of God, inspired, that Jesus is the only way. And when you start there, I want to tell you, Alex, I believe if you have those two things and you solidly look at the word of God, you will develop that biblical worldview. Take it away, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Well, Katie, kudos to you for wanting to have a biblical perspective about the areas of life. And, you know, years ago, a, ah, century ago, there was a guy named Abraham Kuyper. And Abraham Kuyper, many people have now elaborated on this, like my dear friend Chuck Colson, James Dobson. But Abraham Kuyper, he said, the Bible speaks, of course, about salvation and spiritual things, but the Bible speaks about economics, the Bible speaks about education, the Bible speaks about government. The Bible speaks about marriage and family and morals and so many things. And so he developed a phrase called sphere sovereignty. there are spheres of life. Now, I'm going to phrase it the way that I used to Teach my youth at Friendly Avenue Baptist 30 years ago. and I still teach youth this. There's the home, the church, the classroom, the media, the marketplace, the judiciary, the arts, the sciences. I call those the eight engines that drive the culture. The home, that's marriage and family. the classroom, that's education. There's, of course, church and our involvement there. There is the marketplace, and that's business or our job. there's the media and journalism, and there's the judiciary, law, politics. There are the arts and the sciences. And no matter where we go in life, we are to take a biblically informed perspective with us, aren't we, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: We really are. And when you take that in there, I want to just tell you, you. You get it by reading the word of God. What does the Bible say about marriage? Look at it and see that. What does it say about, business? It teaches honesty. Look what he said about the weights and making sure that you have those correctly. And so in all of that, each one of those are developed. And then, those eight areas that you're talking about, Alex, they're part of her life. And when you have that biblical worldview, you'll look at it through the lens of scripture. There's that song, My Father's Eyes, and that's exactly. I want the father's eyes and the mind of Christ. When I see, have it that way. And I want my ears to be open, my sheep hear my voice, and they follow me. Do you catch how. When you have those areas of your life and you bring that mentality to those eight areas, I, would say this, Katie. You're. You're developed or developing a biblical worldview.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen.

Bert from Alabama calls to discuss biblical views about heaven and hell

Let's go to Alabama. Bert, can you hit Steve in Alabama?

>> Bert Harper: I'll do it. Steve, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: How you doing, Bert? I'm just wondering, are you familiar with the radio station and saw your bill?

>> Bert Harper: If I. And I know I'm not, I don't believe I am Steve.

>> Caroline: Oh, well, he's preaching things that are contradictory to what I've always been taught, that when you die, you'll be in the grave till Jesus comes back. And when you go to hell, you just perish. You don't burn forever. Can you comment on those?

>> Bert Harper: Okay, let me just tell you that's not a biblical worldview. and I am, saying that after Katie's call. No. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Now, I think there is a, heaven that is waiting on Us. But there is a greater heaven coming. Alex, I don't know exactly how to put that. And far as hell, the man, Jesus, and it was the man in hell, Lazarus. And the rich man, he says, I am tormented in this flame. it wasn't immediate death, wasn't. Or unconsciousness.

>> Alex McFarland: No, that sounds like annihilationism. And there is an absolutely unbiblical view called annihilation. That, maybe some people do go to hell, not heaven, but. And this is how they reason. And they'll say, well, but God is love. And so they eventually get snuffed out. But that's not biblical. The book of Revelation, talking about, the. The devil, his angels, and the lost. It says, the smoke of their torment ascended forever and ever. And so it. You know, I'm going to say of hell, what Jonathan Edwards said, tis dreadful, tis awful, but Tis true. And so, Bert, I know one of the core doctrines is the deity of Christ. And of course, we believe that Christ is the son of God who died for our sins. But I almost. If somebody denies the reality of what the Bible says about heaven or hell, I wouldn't listen to a teacher like that. Because if Christ was wrong about eternity, that calls into question everything about him. Does it?

>> Bert Harper: It really does. It really does. Steve, I don't know that radio station, but I'm with Alex. I'm, glad you got AFR to listen to. I'll put it that way. Thank you, brother. Alex. You want me to do the phone line?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. This computer is not functioning correctly. Hit it.

>> Bert Harper: If you would, please, Burt Elwood from Arkansas. El would, go right ahead. Thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Well, hi, guys. I really enjoy all this program. It is just. It's great. It's. It's entertaining, but it's really biblical. I love it.

Elwood Wood says he's convinced God prevented a car accident

Anyway, I want to comment. And you made. Bert, you made a comment earlier about having a. I guess really looking at what God has done for us, what he's through our lives. And you said there was a car you thought went somewhere?

>> Bert Harper: Yeah. Hey, I'd tell you the full story.

>> Caroline: There was no accident.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah. I hate. But guess what, Elwood? Let me balance that out. I've been in some other cars, that I wasn't exempt from a car accident, but on this one, it was. Go ahead.

>> Caroline: I, agree. Well, it just struck me because I have. I've told people about this. When I was in high school, I was going home from a ball game. I was being real late. I was sleepy. And when I made the turn, I Turned right in front of a semi. And when I looked the lights. Like, all I could see were the lights and the hood and the grill. And I thought, okay, I'm done. But it just. It didn't hit me. And I went, You know, I just went on by and. And then after he was passed, he blows his horn. I mean, like, he was shocked too. I mean, I don't know. I just. I am convinced that God just prevented that accident. And I've told people about it and they go, yeah, yeah, you just were half asleep.

>> Bert Harper: Not me. L. Wood. I was in a car and my, wife and three boys were in it. And my wife was there with me. And we were headed toward a car head on. Now, we weren't real fast, you know, it would have been bad, but I don't think we. Death could have happened. But it was like me not even steering the wheel. And we went to the right and missed that car.

>> Alex McFarland: Wow.

>> Bert Harper: I. To this day, and Elwood, people look at me the same way they look at you. And, But now, why doesn't God do that all the time? Listen, God does what God does, Alex. You know?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah.

>> Bert Harper: I've learned so many people are asking, what about Texas and all the. Why would God permit that to happen? I don't have all the answers. I do not have. I know we live in a fallen world, and it rains on the just and the unjust, so therefore it floods on the just and the unjust. I understand that. But God has and does intervene sometimes, Alex, and I trust him with it. Yeah.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. You know, Bert, did you ever hear of the Christian leader from China? I think she's long since gone to be with the Lord. Nora Lam.

>> Bert Harper: Yes.

>> Alex McFarland: And she had a famous book called China Cry, and the Chinese Communist put her in front of a firing squad. And, it was well documented. I mean, in fact, some of the soldiers later became Christians because they were so shocked. But she was put in front of a firing squad, and everybody's gun fired, and she was untouched. And they didn't understand, so they did it again and again. She was untouched. Twice survived a firing squad. And I don't know, I would encourage people to read Billy Graham's book, God's Secret Agents. And he doesn't always do it the way we might humanly think. But when God wants to, he can absolutely intervene and control the elements to spare the life of people. And I think we've seen miracles where he's done that.

>> Bert Harper: If you don't believe it, read Hebrews chapter 11. And I'm just going to read part of it. You can read of all the people. But at the end, in verse 33 and following, it says, through faith they've subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the of the sword. Out of the weaknesses were made strong, became vagant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead, raised to life again. And then all of a sudden, in verse 35, there's a switch. And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trials of mockings, scourgings. Yes. Of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sewn in two. They were tempted, they were slain. Same faith. Alex, there's not a separate thing. Here's what it is. We trust God. God knows what he's doing. And we know for the believer, the ultimate is going to be with the Lord Jesus. Hey, Elwood, thank you for calling. You've blessed me today, brother. Thank you.

Lisa in Kansas calls to talk about her dog, Esther

Let's go to Lisa in Kansas. Lisa, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Thank you for having me on your show. I appreciate it.

>> Bert Harper: Yes, ma'. Am.

>> Caroline: First, first, I'd like to say hello to Esther.

>> Alex McFarland: Yay. Good. God bless you. Thank you. That's my dog, Esther. Yes.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah.

>> Caroline: And getting some attention this week.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes, she has. Thank you. We. We always appreciate the Esther related questions. And, thank you very much. I've got to send some new pictures that Brent can put on the. The Facebook page of my beloved dog, Esther.

>> Bert Harper: Go ahead, Lisa.

My mother is very bitter, so we pray for that bitterness to fade away

>> Caroline: Okay, so my. My question is not a question, but is a request, a prayer request for my mother, who she's not in her final moments, but she's probably in her final months. And, she's very bitter. And I just ask that all believers lift her up in prayer at.

>> Bert Harper: Can we have m. Her first name? First name only, Lisa, if you don't mind. If you don't, that's all right, too.

>> Caroline: Her name is Elizabeth.

>> Bert Harper: Elizabeth. Okay, everybody out there, write her name down, and let's pray for Elizabeth that that bitterness will fade away. That's what we want to do. Elisa. thank you for calling.

>> Alex McFarland: Bert. Can I just briefly pray for.

>> Bert Harper: I think we should go right ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: Pray, Father God, in the name of Jesus, we pray for Elizabeth that in these final, days or weeks, however long it might be, that you would give her a joy. Please help her reconnect with her daughter and let them have some sweet, sweet fellowship together. And, Lord, in the end of life. Sometimes people have regrets or things they kind of think about, if not obsess over. But I pray in the heart of Elizabeth and in her demeanor in these days that it would be a smile and it would be happiness and it would be fulfillment. I pray she, has you in her life and give her joy and peace with her family in these days and every day. And we ask this in Jesus name. Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Thank you, Lysa. And we are praying. We ask you to pray for Elizabeth as Alex did. Thank you, Alex.

Rebecca in South Carolina needs prayer for her sick mother

Let's go to Rebecca in South Carolina. Rebecca, go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Yeah, I just got a prayer request from my mom.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, go right ahead.

>> Caroline: She went. She went Friday to get fluid drain off. And I'm concerned. Is it going to build back up or you're going to be on medicine and seeing out the fluids so they can get the rest? And I just need your prayer.

>> Bert Harper: Do you mind giving us her first name, Rebecca?

>> Caroline: Karen.

>> Bert Harper: Karen. Okay. Okay, we'll pray for her. Let me do that. Father, I pray that you would be with Karen. Thank you for Rebecca, that she would call in for her mom. And I pray, God, that you would intervene in a way that you would be glorified. And, Father, we trust you. And I know that we. Rebekah desires her mom to have a longer life. And Father, we just pray that you would do your work in both of their lives and let this time that they're together to be important, to share, to remember and look to what God has for them. In Jesus name, we make our prayer. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Well, Alex, tomorrow is a day of prayer, so we got started early today. But that's going to be a great day, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: It is. And I want to thank everybody for listening. And, the American Family Radio Network, is grateful for all of those who listen. We would ask that you tell a friend about AFR and explore the word, but most of all, tell everybody about Jesus. 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.