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 and Burt Harper answer Biblical questions on [email protected]

Welcome to Exploring the word.

>> Alex McFarland: In John 5, verse 39, the Lord said this. Search the scriptures. In them you have eternal life. Now listen to this John 5. 39, Jesus said, Search the scriptures for they testify of me or the Scriptures bear witness of Jesus. Welcome to Exploring the word. Alex McFarland here with Burt Harper. And this is a very special edition of the show because we're going to do all questions today and many of the questions that you have emailed [email protected] and by the way, when you want to communicate directly with us, you may do that. W o r d wordfr.org, and we're going to spend today answering questions. And Bert, it's a privilege to do that. But isn't it exciting that the Scriptures promise us that they testify or if we read them, they will point us to Jesus?

>> Bert Harper: It is true. And I can't help but remember my professor at Blue Mountain College, James Travis, would say, open every page and you will find Jesus and then talk about that.

>> Alex McFarland: That's right.

>> Bert Harper: And honestly, we do. yes, we want to hear your questions on theology about practical things, marriage and life. But we want to come back to the Lord Jesus Christ and the difference that he makes in our lives. And we make no apology for that. And, I had one time this guy said, you just make too much of Jesus and not enough of God. Oh, my goodness. And I said, that's as good a compliment as I've ever had. And, listen, we're ready. So let's make much of Jesus, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, that's right. And what we're going to do, we're going to read quite a number of questions that folks have sent in and, we're going to do our best to give you a biblical answer. But, each of us have pastored, lengthy and we'll weave in hopefully just some good practical wisdom as well. Bert, let me share a couple of verses that really mean a lot to me. Proverbs 30, verse 5 says, Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Every word of God proves true. And it does, folks. And yes, the Lord is a shield to those who take refuge in him. That's a good word, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It is. And that refuge is strong. It can withstand the winds and all the storms that come our way. He is our refuge. Amen.

Study to show yourself approved to God prepared, says 2 Timothy 2:15

>> Alex McFarland: Alex, one last word and we're going to go to questions. in 2 Timothy 2:15, the Bible tells this, and this is for every believer. And this is certainly good, instruction for life. study to show thyself approved to God, a worker who needs not to be ashamed, rightly handling or rightly dividing the word of truth. So we want to study to show ourselves approved to God prepared, a worker and a walker. We're out there walking the journey, presenting Christ, processing the circumstances of life. And we want to, in every situation, because it will serve us well. We want to rightly handle the word of truth. Now let's get straight to the deep waters question.

Are same sex relationships wrong if the two people love each other

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, question number one. Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: And this was sent in and it's a couple of sentences, but here's what somebody asks. Are same sex relationships wrong if the two people love each other? The Romans 1: passage Christians always talk about speak of people burning in lust for each other. But what if people are truly in love, not in lust?

>> Bert Harper: You know, Jesus had a lot to say that he said from the beginning it was man and woman, husband and wife. And so, yeah, you look at Romans chapter one, I think it is sufficient. I think that's an erroneous argument to place that on Romans one of trying to justify a relationship that God says is unnatural. And so yeah, Alex, that scripture does not lend itself to saying, well, it's okay if you love one another no matter who you are. No, the Bible makes it plain, biblical and natural. Let me say this. Biblical and natural is, is man and woman.

>> Alex McFarland: And you know, think about this. if every home was a traditional mother and father, stable heterosexual family, it would be a pretty good world. Child, rearing and family. If every home was a homosexual home, humanity would go out of existence. You know, just, you know, the Bible says, does not nature itself tell you these things. I mean, there are so many things we could say scripturally, socially, but clearly, for the perpetuation of the human race, God made procreation to happen through the union of a male and a female. I, know people confide it, discuss it, debate it, try to stand against it. But, Scripture and even reality itself, affirms heterosexuality.

>> Bert Harper: Along with that, one of the questions that we got was a specific question about homosexuality and, the matter of, you know, it being wrong and singleness having had a homosexual relation. when you were drawn into it as someone younger with someone older does not make you homosexual. It was an encounter. It was something some of them taken advantage of in a real way. And, and yes, you walk away from it. How do you do it? And, someone said, well, I need more than just prayer and Bible reading. Let me share with you. I agree those are essential. But accountability is really accountability with someone that will hold you. And the Bible makes it plain. Do not put yourself in a place of temptation like that. Alex, if you're an, alcoholic, would you suggest working at a liquor store or would you say avoid that job?

>> Alex McFarland: You know, the Bible says flee temptation, flee youthful lust. you know, I've shared my testimony. When I was in college and I was playing in bands and, yeah, I played guitar at keg parties and bars, and alcohol. I was around it a lot. And before I knew Jesus, I did some drinking. I'm not proud of that. But I'll tell you this. Once I got saved, I knew that I couldn't be around that, and I shouldn't be around that, and I'm not. And so that's the thing. Hebrews 12:1 2 speaks of laying aside every weight. And the sin which so easily besets us. Now, the struggle that one person has, the temptation with which one person struggles, is not necessarily the same as somebody else. but for me, I knew that if I were going to serve Christ, I had to just put that out of my life. other things would never be a temptation. But you're right, Bert, and whether it's, people who struggle with same sex attraction, some people struggle with lust and opposite sex attraction, and some people get ensnared by pornography and things like that. And do you know, Bert, let me just say this. Psychologists talk about, in our mind, neural pathways, we establish habits. And Josh McDowell says, the nerves that fire are the nerves that wire.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah.

>> Alex McFarland: In other words, they fuse themselves together.

>> Bert Harper: That's it.

>> Alex McFarland: And folks, with the help of the Lord and with the power of Scripture, and I really do think that's, what the Bible talks about when it says renewing the mind. Train yourself to think about, the things that will tend toward godliness.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. And I'd add this. You know, a lot of people are very busy. We've had questions here. People call in and say, man, I'm so busy. I start at 4 o' clock in the morning and I don't quit until then. And I've got to do that. When can I have that time with The Lord, listen, meditate on His Word too. most of us, we're not all Alex McFarlands that can multitask beyond measure. And I say that, knowing that's true, I'm amazed at Alex and all that he gets done. And I'm kind of a one track guy. But I found out I can drive and meditate on God's word. I can do a lot of things and meditate on God's Word. So that scripture that you do know, if you don't start memorizing one, make that a part of your program and not having time. Meditate on God's Word. You know, Philippians 4, 8. You said you used it earlier today in a devotion. Alex, think on these things. listen, the mind, is a wonderful thing, but you can, through the power of God and the word of God, focus it on areas where you can have the victory. So, yes, there is deliverance and there is forgiveness.

Bert says when does a couple become one in the sight of God

Alex, let me ask you this one, because that was connected to that one. This is a, kind of in a whole different direction. But let me give you this. the ceremony of marriage. when does the couple become one in the sight of God? When the, minister says, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Or when those, papers are signed. Or if it's in different cultures when two people decide, they, you know, because the cultures are different. I'm talking about in the world. when is a couple married? That was a question that we had from two or three people.

>> Alex McFarland: you know, that is a really great question. You know, in Genesis 1:27:28, it says, so God created man in his image. In the image of God, he created him. Male and female. He created he them, and God blessed them. And God said, be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over all the fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens, over every living thing that moves upon the earth. you know, the Bible has much to say about marriage. And it says, and the two shall become one. you know, I've never had this asked and to be honest, not thought about it a lot. You know, I would say that, it's not merely the legal signing of ink on paper. it's, because marriage is a holy institution, ordained, sanctioned and initiated by God. My initial response would be, in that, you know, holy service where they make that vow. Because the husband says, I pledge myself to this woman, this woman alone, before God and these witnesses for my entire life, the woman Says the same. You see, Bert, marriage is a covenant.

>> Bert Harper: Yes. Amen. Preach it, brother.

M. Alex: Let me talk about what a covenant is

>> Alex McFarland: So let me talk a little bit about what a covenant is, and then I want to come back to marriage. God made a covenant with Abraham and said, I'm going to make you a great nation. I'm going to send the Savior. And what they did, they sacrificed these birds and they put the pieces on the ground and they walked between the pieces. See, the word covenant, M. It's, rather unusual, but it means to cut a cut. Now, what does this mean? What they were doing when they made the covenant was they said, I pledge that I will stand true to what I've committed. And really, in the covenant that God made with Abraham and the biblical covenant when they would make an animal sacrifice, it's basically saying, may that be what happens to me if I fail on my side of the agreement. Now, marriage, folks, our culture has, to a degree, forgotten this. Marriage is a covenant till death do us part. In other words, I'm pledging to God and to you, my spouse, I will die before I, bail out on what I've promised.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Alex.

Alex: Marriage is a two track covenant between society and God

Now let me ask, we're running out of time. Let me give my little thoughts on here before we go to break and have time. I think it's a two track, covenant. It's a track with society. Adam and Eve were starting in the garden. It was a society that they were beginning. He said, bring forth m multiply. And God brought them together. He brought them together. It was for society, but it's also God. So it's a two track, a covenant. One with the society, that you're in, whatever that is, and also with God. And listen, both of them, both of them are vital. And I do believe you are married at the point that we say I do. And Alex, marriage is from God, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: It sure is. Folks, this is Exploring the Word with Question Day. This is Question Day, and we'll be back after this brief break. Stay tuned to more of Exploring the Word.

>> Bert Harper: Will you take a moment and celebrate life with me?

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>> Jeff Chamblee: This is exploring the word on American Family radio.

>> Bert Harper: Everybody here looking for revival in our.

>> Alex McFarland: Own hearts and across man.

>> Bert Harper: Anybody looking for a revival, lift up your voice and say man, one of the greatest things that we hear about is what God is doing. And Alex, this is a pre record. It is for Friday but it's just because both of us couldn't be here and we just, we need to take time out sometime and we answer those questions that come [email protected] but it sounded like last night where you were in Texas, you guys just had a meeting beyond measure and I believe one of those meetings going to break out in revival that will spread, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, amen. Exactly. And you saw I sent some photos to some of the dear people. I was at First Baptist Church of Cuero, Texas and in fact right now I'm at the hospital because it was my joy. What an honor to speak to the staff of the hospital this morning. And they were so good to me. And I want to tell you and folks, with all due respect to the 49 other states, we love you, but we love Texas.

>> Bert Harper: Don't mess with Texas.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, I'm telling you. And I was at First Baptist and the place was just so packed with people and had a great altar call and we love it. And you know what we're seeing here in Texas, Bert and I travel quite a bit and it is truly a privilege wherever we go in the United States to present the name of Jesus and to talk to people, pray with people. it really means the world to us. And so folks, thanks for watching, listening to this show and thanks for allowing us to come to many of your churches.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. We enjoy and we love to hear from you. And so let's hear some more of the questions. Alex, go ahead brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, here's one. And you know, I can kind of almost feel the emotion in this, because there's probably a back story, but somebody writes in and here's how it goes. It says, alex, I used to be kind of religious, but now I guess you could say I'm agnostic about God. Think about it. The world is full of evil, injustice, suffering. If there is a creator in all of this, he did a pretty poor job on this world. You'll never get me to believe that some. You'll never get me to believe that some God intended all of this.

>> Bert Harper: M Now, wow, that is filled with emotion.

>> Alex McFarland: Probably. and I don't know, I don't know the person's backstory, but let me say, a lot of times people become, full of doubt or maybe even rejection of God because of pain. because Bert, I honestly believe that the default position of the human mind is to believe that there is a creator, a God. I've been in Zambia and, through an interpreter, a man said to me, he said, I know there's a God because something created all of this. And he was gesturing to the landscape. I had a five year old child, a five year old once say to me, I, believe in God because all of this had to come from somewhere. So, I honestly think rejection of God or doubt is a learned response to pain.

>> Bert Harper: Let me share this. And it is one of the laws. Disorder comes from order. you know, order doesn't come from disorder.

>> Alex McFarland: Now that's a good point.

>> Bert Harper: And so what you're seeing is disorder. God made it right in man. Because of how God made man with free will. I know a lot of folks don't like that word, but it is there, with ability to choose, ability, accountability. Yeah, man, he has. It's not like God left it. And okay, man, God's still active, but he is not the one that's, just directing every little part of our lives. We do that, we make those decisions. And so disorder has come. But guess what's going to happen, Alex? God is going to bring it back to the original order. Okay? And, so it is one of those things that people look at and I would suggest to this person, to whom else are you going to look? What else are you going to look to? listen, you and I have had to take comparative religions. We did that in our school. I had to. And I am telling you, if you line them up, all the religions, and putting science and secularism into those categories and agnostic and atheism into those categories because they are a religion, believe it or not, that they die on you. Find out the superiority of Jesus Christ and Christianity above all, and we have answers. What is it? it's the only one that gives you purpose, Alex. It gives you meaning to life. It gives you your origin, it gives you destiny. Listen, none of the others do that, do they?

>> Alex McFarland: They really don't. Meaning and purpose and fulfillment.

Your worldview should be comprehensive, cohesive, corroborated and completing

Hey, let me give you kind of the four Cs of a worldview because, you know, every belief system, you know, answers, you know, where did we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going? And, I was trying to kind of write out what a worldview is, but a worldview, whatever you believe. An atheist says there is no God. Everything just kind of happened. Why is there bad stuff in the world? Well, the atheist really doesn't have an answer. Because in a world without God, in a world without an ultimate standard of righteousness that we measure from, there's no good or bad. There's just stuff, you know, all the atheists can really legitimately say about suffering and violence and injustice and evil. the atheist really can only legitimately say, I acknowledge that things happened, that he can't really praise the virtue or condemn the vice. See, Christians, we admit there is sin and suffering in the world. There is stuff in this world that is just rotten. However, the problem is not that there is no such thing as God. The problem is that there is sin. And the good news is God has addressed the sin problem. So if you are shopping for a worldview or a belief system, it should be comprehensive, cohesive, corroborated, and completing. Now let me explain. Comprehensive, your worldview ought to answer the big questions. Who is God? What is life about? What should I do with my life? It should be, cohesive. The answers ought to make sense and hang together. it should be corroborated by good evidence. And then it should complete you. It should be fulfilled. And Bert, I will say this from the mountaintops. I will shout it. Jesus Christ will fill your heart. Jesus Christ will heal your wounds. Jesus Christ will give you a reason to get up in the morning. And, you know, I don't want to reference myself, but, I will tell you when I found Jesus and begin to live by his word, meditate on his word, internalize and read and ingest the scriptures, the Bible verses, My whole universe changed.

>> Bert Harper: Amen, Alex. And it will change your life. If you're listening today, and, you may be incarcerated, you may be, working, farming is going on all around. And today, farmers listening to the radio, and you find out your life is in disorder. Just like that question came about the world. Your life and the world have a lot in common. There's a lot going wrong. Turn to Christ, ask him to come into your life. As you know, you're a sinner, you're lost, you can't do it your own. You've tried it on your own, and you come up short every time that's what the Bible says. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Turn your life over to him. Surrender in repentance. Ask him to come into your life. He died on the cross. You know that. You believe that, and now you take that in personally and let him be Lord of your life. He will make a difference and he will bring order out of that disorder. That's what God can do. Man can't do it, but God can.

Bert Harper and Alex McFarland disagree on Jesus' temple clearing

Alex, here's a question, and this was a unique question, and it was about, Jesus clearing the temple. And she writes and says, or he writes and says. I've heard many people teach that Jesus did this in anger. I cannot find the word anger in that passage about clearing the temple. I see it as zeal. No anger. what do you guys think? Well, first of all, I'd like to say you can have anger and not sin. Ephesians 4, 26, quote Psalm 44. It says, Be angry and sin not. I believe his adrenaline, was going. Jesus, I think he saw what he was doing. And I do think that, what was the author? It says, a time for anger. And that's what's lacking. I think in some cases of believers that we have, you know, we have signed a peace agreement with the world and the devil, and so we're okay. but I don't see if he didn't have anger, it was zeal, but if he had anger, there was nothing wrong with it at that point in time. Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: No, no. You remember one of the prophecies about, the Messiah would be the zeal of my Father's house has consumed me. And so it was not anger in terms of, you know, losing one's temper and flying off the handle, but it was a righteous indignation. Because think about this. You know, people were making sacrifices and, the money changers were selling blemished animals. And I mean, this is about people's spiritual well being, you know, I mean, and that's why, I've got to believe the Lord, who is the head of the church. Matthew 16 and Ephesians, tells us that Jesus is the head of the body. when we trifle with, the things of God and the souls of people. I mean, that's why, you know, the Bible says, be not many masters, for those that handle the word and lead the house of God will be judged more thoroughly. listen, God is a loving, merciful God, but you don't trifle with the souls of people. That's why I'VE got to say, you know, we approach the exploring the word microphone with fear and trembling and prayer, don't we?

>> Bert Harper: We do a fearful thing to fall in the hands of an angry God, but it's a fearful thing to misuse the word of God as well, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: It is. And let me just say this. Bert and I do try, to preach the Word. And I mean, we, talk about, love, of God, but we talk about, you know, heaven is real, but hell is hot. And we do talk about sin and repentance. And the reason I say that is because there are, you know, it's fashionable now in a lot of circles in some of the big churches. I mean, there are a lot of churches that would never lay the cards on the table and say, look, either you repent or you're going to wind up in hell. homosexuality is a sin. Abortion is murder. I mean, there are some hard things that need to be preached, but never would because some preachers are afraid they're going to offend somebody. Some denominations are more about political correctness than scriptural correctness. And I would say this. Bert Harper and Alex McFarland. We're not up here preaching the word of God because we like to hear the sound of our own voice. We're preaching because God has called us to do it. And we're trying to handle the scriptures accurately because, the head of the church is the Lord and master of all, Jesus Christ. So Jesus cleared the temple because people were, misusing the things of God, jeopardizing the souls of people. And they were representing God falsely. And he had every right to clear that temple, just like he has every right to judge the church today.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Well said. Now, let me ask this question real quickly, and then we'll get to yours.

Alex Harper: Sometimes prayers are signs, aren't they

The other one. Is there a biblical example of God distinctly answering someone's specific prayers in order to change their mind or prove a point? he asked this concerning, a marriage, and he said, I want you to give me a sign. Is basically, you know, sometimes those prayers are signs, aren't they? Lord, if you want me to do this, do this, this and this, so I'll know. Alex, you know, everything takes faith. You know, without faith, it is impossible to please God. but, Lord, show me a verse. give me a sign. If giving a sign is a reason for you not to do it, when he's already demonstrated it, I think that's wrong. I think that's what happened when Jesus was on the cross. When the guy said, give us a sign. And Jesus said, there's no sign going to be given to you except the sign of the prophet, Jonah. And so when the signs have already been given, God's not necessarily going to be bound by showing you more, is he?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, no, he won't. And, you know, we don't test God now. God evaluates our heart. But we're not to, you know, put God to the test or anything like that or try to give God an ultimatum. I'm not going to do this unless you jump through this hoop. For me, God is not about jumping through hoops. you know, I think about Gideon, and wasn't, Gideon the one that put out a fleece?

>> Bert Harper: He put out the fleece. That's in chapter six. He sure did.

>> Alex McFarland: And, and he said, you know, if there's water on the fleece, I'll know that you're with me. And then if, you know, the fleece is dry, but the ground all around is wet, I'll know that you're with me. And so I think that's a biblical answer. Is that in Judges, chapter six?

>> Bert Harper: Judges, chapter six, it is, and I agree with you, because we need. Let me give you another example. I think it's the Apostle Paul, on his second missionary journey when he was, trying to go further north on, the second missionary journey, and the Holy Spirit forbid him, and he tried a second time, and the Holy Spirit withheld him. Well, that night, guess what? God gave him a vision of a man in Macedonia. And saying, come over here. Come here and help us. Now, I would say that was a direction, a sign. And so in place of looking at that, look, you know, some of this is somatic, you know, but look for direction. God gives you direction in the word. God gives you direction in counsel. God gives you direction with circumstance. And, there's nothing wrong. And I listen. More important than that sign, or that would be say, lord, give me wisdom to know your will, you know, and it's going to come from the word of God. So I don't think there's anything wrong with praying. Lord, help me know about this marriage. Lord, let me know about this job. Let me know about this, deal that I'm looking at. So we all need that direction, don't we, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: We do. You know, a really good book, folks. We've mentioned it a time or two. there was a book called Decision Making and the Will of God by a guy named Gary Friesen. Decision making in the will of God. There's a big difference between, asking a prayer out of disobedience or asking a prayer out of need for assurance.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. And we hope that you're seeking the Lord. Seek him while he may be found. Today is the day of salvation. Come unto the Lord all ye that are weak and heavy laden. He'll give you rest. We'll be back with more of your questions right after this break. Preborn's whole mission is to rescue babies from abortion and lead their families to Christ. Last year, Preborn's network of clinics saw 8,900 mothers come to Christ. Please join us in this life saving mission. To donate, go to preborn.com afr exploring.

>> Jeff Chamblee: The word on American Family Radio. Connect with Alex and Bert on the Exploring the Word Facebook page. Facebook.com exploringtheword your words give us life that's never ending.

>> Bert Harper: Your words bring us love that never fails. Everything else will fade away, but what will remain? All your words.

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome back to Exploring the Word. It is a busy day on, Exploring the Word. Bert Harper and I are going through questions and I just want to say thanks to everybody who corresponds with us. And you know, if you would like us on Facebook and you can go on afr.net and you can listen to the show, and listen to previous shows that are archived and put up there. And we've just got a very faithful staff that helps do all that kind of stuff. And we know a lot of people listen live and a lot of people email us. And if you ever do need to email us, you can do that at Word W o r d wordfr.net and Bert, we've got another question.

Many Christians are also in support of the death penalty for convicted murderers

That's an interesting question. And by the way, we have not rehearsed any of this. Bert doesn't know what I'm going to say and vice versa. But somebody emails in and says, how can Christians be so pro life? But many Christians are also in support of the death penalty for convicted murderers. How can you be both pro life and pro death penalty?

>> Bert Harper: That's a good question. Matter of fact, there are those who think that is an inconsistency. I think you have to look at innocence and then you have to look at society, of an issue of a person, doing evil, of killing someone or killing many people. And that, you know, being death. And that was under in the Old Testament. Alex, I'll put it this way, and you may disagree. If I could get abortion illegal, I'd be fine with eliminating the death Penalty as well. You catch what I'm saying? You know, the death penalty, I think there is legitimate. I think it needs to be the very, very last. It needs to be so severe that, you know, it is, 100%. You know what I mean? If there's a little doubt, I would say no. I'm one of those that would say no as well. But if I could say, okay, if you think it's inconsistent, if you'll agree with me, no more abortions, okay, guess what? I'd be fine with no more death penalty. What about you?

>> Alex McFarland: Right. Well, you know, I say what I'm about to say kind of with fear and trepidation, but, I actually think scripture, mandates capital punishment. I really do. Ah, but before I say that, let me just say this. Believe it or not, capital punishment affirms the value of human life. A lot of people say, you know, I thought you loved people. I thought you viewed life as sacred and you're pro life, anti abortion, but yet you're capital punishment. you know what? I interviewed for one of my books, a man who has just spent the last 30 years being a district attorney. And we were doing an interview with this. He was a county prosecutor and a DA and, a legal expert. And I've interviewed district attorneys, and I've interviewed lawyers and law professors. And, this man explained to me that out of 10,300 cases over which he had presided, in 30 years, only one person, they did a study, one person ever was wrongly convicted. And even that was kind of questionable. Now, the justice system isn't perfect and mistakes happen, but it's pretty accurate. And let me say this. in the Christian worldview, and certainly in the Western world, capital punishment existed because of some scriptural arguments. Genesis 9, verse 6. And by the way, this is before Israel, before the law. This is before the law. This is before Israel. And so we're not talking about, you know, a theocracy here. this is just good civil order. But Genesis 9. 6 says, Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed. For in the image of God has God made man. And so, you know, after, the flood, God, made a covenant with Noah and reiterated that covenant. And that there's the implication that if a human being is murdered, the murderer convicted on fair evidence, and, just process, the murderer pays with his life. Now, some, people say, well, that's Old Testament. Let me throw out a New Testament scripture and we can talk about this. But, there's no contradiction from being pro life, but also pro death penalty for convicted murderers. I'm sorry, Romans 13, 1 7. Paul, calls, the readers to submit to civil government. And Romans 13 says this. If you do wrong, be afraid, for the state does not bear the sword for nothing. In other words, in its, fullest use, the state, whether it's soldiers fighting for national defense, a police officer keeping the peace in the community, a judge that is justly administering a sentence to a convicted criminal, they do not bear the sword in vain. In other words, the state, which includes capital punishment for convicted murderers, is keeping the peace. And really the Bible says is a minister of God. So I think really capital punishment for murderers, ah, affirms our recognition in the value of human life, not undermines it.

>> Bert Harper: I would agree. And again I say that. But I'll go back to say as many lives that are lost because of abortion, if I could save those and sacrifice that right for the state to do that. Alex. I'll take, I'll take the anti abortion route, but it's not necessarily. They're not inconsistent. That's the whole idea and that's what we've tried to say. There's not some inconsistencies. But I would say the one that is the greatest offense is taking that innocent life of that child.

>> Alex McFarland: right. I agree.

>> Bert Harper: Well, you got another question, Alex? Go ahead, man.

>> Alex McFarland: I do. Somebody writes in and says Christianity seems so much about condemnation, but I think that people are basically good. I try to do my best and I've not really committed crimes or anything. Why the obsession with telling people how bad they are? I appreciate their.

>> Bert Harper: I do, I love, I love this.

Bert: Are we really sinners? Alex: Yes, we are

Let me just share with you, you may not have met, have you ever raised three boys?

>> Alex McFarland: one, not three.

>> Bert Harper: Okay. I raised three, three sons. And their mother said they were a lot like their dad. I did not have to teach them to do wrong. Alex. it was within their nature, to step over the line. It was in their nature to, look to see if mom and dad was looking. If they weren't looking, they'd take the next step. Now again, it's just in our nature of disobedience. And when you raise children, that is an observation. You have to teach them to do what is right. They're going to say, one of the first words that they're going to say is mine. You know, another little boy come into their territory and they try to pick up their toy. Mine, mine. we are. And if you don't see selfishness as sin. you need to regain that. And look at that. And I say that with love. we are basically, you know, evil. Are there levels of that evil? Yes, there is. but yet in me, Paul said, dwelleth no good thing. Go ahead, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, it's almost like the first three phrases a child learns is, that's mine. I saw it first. And that's not fair. You know, Isn't it interesting? You're right. You know, you don't have to teach a child to do wrong. It just kind of comes naturally. We've got this, you know, as the song Love, divine, all loves, excelling. It has that line, take away our bent to sinning. We have this bent to sinning. But here's the thing. Kids have an incredible moral compass because they'll say, that's not fair. Or, what do you mean? We're not going to, go to the amusement park you promised? What's interesting? And all humans are guilty of this. We, hold others to a rigid standard that we don't hold ourselves to. And isn't it something. I mean, a little child can lie or tell a story. You told me a story. or they can be selfish or whatever. But if. Here's the bottom line. And isn't it good that, we parents are to love our children, but even more so that the heavenly Father loves us? Bert, I think it's very evident to the listener's question, are we really sinners? Well, we're hypocrites. Even as children, we give ourselves a pass, but we hold others to an inflexibly rigid standard. If we demand everybody be fair with me, then we need to be fair with those. But we don't. And the fact is sin. Here's what sin is. Sin is missing the mark. Imagine there's this thing called, righteousness. And the middle of the bull's, eye, the pinpoint, is God's perfect righteousness. And you might be close or you might be far, but we've all fallen short. We're hypocrites. we know the truth, and we tell a lie. We know the right, we do the wrong. That's why we needed a savior. And praise God that, we're not good people. We're people that have known what was right and we didn't do it. And that is bad.

>> Bert Harper: Is that the answer to original sin that, you know, David said, in sin, did my mother conceive me? In other words, it wasn't a sexual sin. No, we're not taking the sexual act of sin, but that sin nature, original sin. the question is, am I sinner because I sin or do I sin because I'm a sinner? And the answer is yes on both of those, wouldn't you say?

>> Alex McFarland: Yes. You know, we've often said this. We needed a Savior because we're sinners by birth and we're sinners by choice. And you might not have inherited, you know, money and lands, but I'll tell you what you did inherit the minute you were born, really, the minute you were conceived, the minute you hit town, you had an inheritance, and that was the guilt of Adam and Eve. you know, Bert, we often talk about the imputed righteousness of Jesus, but there is the issue of the imputed unrighteousness of Adam and Eve.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah. Have you ever heard this? That Adam was made in the image of God and we are made in the image of Adam. you know, wow, there's some truth in that. I know we're in the image of God, you know, but we really are Adam. He said, you know, God told Adam and Eve to multiply, and so we come. That's originally. That's really got some deep thought in it, that we are made in the image of Adam.

>> Alex McFarland: That is really true. 2 Corinthians 5, 21 says, he who knew no, see, was made to be sin for us. And what that's talking about is that Jesus is the second Adam.

If you're under the first Adam, only you're lost

If you're under the first Adam, only you're lost. But if you would come into Jesus, you'll be saved because 1 Corinthians 15, 45. I love this verse. Says the first man, Adam, became a living being. The second Adam, Jesus Christ, became a life giving spirit.

>> Bert Harper: Hallelujah.

>> Alex McFarland: First Corinthians 15:14.

>> Bert Harper: That's the victory.

Alex: You guys recommended several Bibles, uh, study Bibles

Hey, I've got this question. It's more of a practical one, but I think we can do, says a few weeks ago, you guys recommended several Bibles, like study Bibles, versions and study Bibles. And they were talking about Chuck Swindoll and David, Jeremiah. Listen, if you get anything but those two guys. Right on is all I got to say. But there are some good versions out there. I still like esv English Standard Version. I love the King James. I love the new King James. But listen, read, the scriptures, you know, I guess all of us have a little bit of a preference, Alex, you know, but, anyway, and everybody says, well, we're King James only. Listen, hey, read the King James, but don't criticize others that do not only read the King James. That's what I got to say about that, brother. What about you?

>> Alex McFarland: well, let me throw a few things out here that you might not have, heard, about or thought about, but there's a Bible. It was my privilege to contribute, to the Apologetics Bible for Students. And, Sean McDowell and I worked on that and a lot of great people, John Stonestreet and others. So. And it's especially geared to youth. And so the Apologetics Study Bible for Students is good, and it was my privilege to help with that. there's one, Henry Morris, the founder of cri, the Creation Research Institute, he did one called the Defender's Study Bible. And Bert, there are a lot. There are so many incredible study notes. Dr. Henry Morris, he's long since gone to be with the Lord. He was a great scholar and a great defender of the faith. And there's, his commentary on thousands of verses is real good at the bottom of every page. But there are several appendices, just about old and New Testaments, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and, I like it a lot. The Defender's Study Bible, if you ever come across that one. it's good.

>> Bert Harper: It is.

The Bible says we're fearfully and wonderfully made

Got time for this one? These we're trying to do. Short ones is this one. It's from Psalm 139. And he's saying, the Bible says we're fearfully and wonderfully made. I understand, wonderfully. but what about fearfully? what does that mean?

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, great question, great question. Well, you know, Psalm 139, 14, fearfully and wonderfully made for one thing, you know, it talks about the fact that God, saw us as we were being knit together, literally crafted in our mother's womb. And what I think this means is the human body is unique. We're different. We're not animals. We're different. We're not just, the highest evolved primate or something like that. You've got all these amazing systems that work together. You've got the brain that generates an electrical signal and the heart beats, but it brings oxygen to the brain, keeping the brain alive. And I'm going to say this. I think the human body, especially the baby in the mother's womb, is a holy thing.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: And it would be a fearful thing to harm that or trifle with it.

>> Bert Harper: I think it does mean that God was very careful in making us, you know, from the dirt from the earth, he fashioned us. He created us. He fashioned woman, male and female. He created them.

>> Bert Harper: He knew exactly what he was doing and what the purpose was. And so you did it. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Aren't we?

>> Alex McFarland: It means wonderfully complex and purposeful.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Thank you for listening to Exploring the Word. Alex and I love to do this program. We hope you enjoy listening. Tell someone about exploring the Word. But more importantly, tell someone about Jesus. The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast do not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.

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