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>> Bert Harper: The Bible.

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

>> Bert Harper: 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.

Bert Harper and Alex McFarland discuss second Timothy chapter four

Welcome to Exploring the Word in the book of, second Timothy. Paul was telling Timothy that difficult is part of life. They just are. So he said in 2 Timothy chapter 2, verse 3, endure hardship as a good soldier. Later on in that same chapter, in verse 10, he'd say, I endure all things for the sake of the elect. But now in closing his closing chapter, chapter four, verse five, he says, endure afflictions. And so yes, the journey that we're on as following Christ is an endurance race and, and we want to endure and stay with him. Stay faithful. This is Bert Harper along with Dr. Alex McFarland. And Alex, as we come to second Timothy chapter four, we're going to try to close it out today.

Paul tells Timothy to fulfill the ministry that God's given you

But it is again right here at this last, you've been talking about some of the amazing, words that were used, phrases that was used, right here in chapter four, we're going to get a bunch of them.

>> Alex McFarland: Brother, I love that phrase. Make full proof of your ministry. Don't you like that?

>> Bert Harper: I do, yes.

>> Alex McFarland: In other words, the implication is bring the harvest thoroughly in and we are to be all that we can be for Christ, aren't we?

>> Bert Harper: We really are. And notice what it says, do the work of an evangelist. now you have served in your life, but you're calling. this is Bert Harper observing you is an evangelist now. Yeah, but you use apologies. They say he's an apologist, but he uses this apologetic ministry that Alex has for evangelism. Look what he does with the kids in camp. Evangelism, everything he has done. That is it. But for Timothy, he said this may not be your, the main thing that you're. I would say gifted for, far as your giftedness, but you do the work. Is there anybody, Alex? And I'm asking you, is anybody, Is there anybody that's a Christian that is not to do the work of an evangelist?

>> Alex McFarland: No. Every Christian. I've quoted Mordecai Ham and he was the born again Jewish evangelist that led Billy Graham to Christ. Mordecai Ham, do you remember the quote that I love to share?

>> Bert Harper: Go ahead. I was safe.

>> Alex McFarland: No option, no alibi, no excuse. Every blood bought believer has an obligation to a lost world.

>> Bert Harper: And that's what we're doing. And when we see Paul closing out this chapter, this book, in this chapter, listen, you see that? So fulfill the ministry that God's given you. And then Paul reverts back to himself. And I think this is the last few verses here. yeah, he gives Timothy some instructions about being where, what to bring him, who to bring. But he's going to concentrate on some things on himself that I believe he gave for encouragement, not only to Timothy, but for us. So let me read verses 6, 7, and 8, Alex. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering at the time. And the time of my departure is at hand. One of the greatest pictures you've ever heard. When we get to the word departure, I can't wait to get there. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I've kept the faith. Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day. And not to me only, but also to all who have loved his appearing. Now, Alex, again, these three verses, you know, we use them all the time. The time of my departure is at hand. I fought a good fight, I finished the race. I've kept the faith. There's a crown of righteousness waiting on me. Alex, again, here. It is so much here that he is, telling about himself, but I believe he's telling it as a testimony to encourage Timothy and to us as well.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. and ready to be offered. Although he did not know the time of his demise. None of us do. But we're to be ready. I mean, we ought to be able to say with 2 Timothy 4, 6, that we are ready to be offered and our demise, whenever that might be, we will meet the Lord unashamed. But until then, every day, all day, faithful, fruitful, obedient.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

That word departure is, uh, it has four different meanings

That word departure is, it has four different meanings. I want you to listen to them. The first one I'll use is my favorite. It can be used four different ways. Hoist the anchor and set sail. In other words, like a ship departing from the harbor. Hoist the anchor and set sail. The other one is to take down a tent. Okay, we've here, we got to move on. Let's take down that tent. And the other one is loose in a prisoner. the prisoner being loosed and departing and finally unyoking an ox. And so. But the one that really gets my attention is hoist the anchor and set sail. Here has, he's, he's, he's fought the good fight. Okay. But now I'm ready to hoist the anchor that's held me here on this earth and set sail to the place God's prepared for me. Alex, again, departure, to be absent from the bodies, to be present with the Lord. For those of us who are followers of Jesus Christ, listen, death is. Is not the just ending, but life is also beginning, you know, so the departure is not something to fear if you're right with the Lord.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Because to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. And of course, that famous verse 7. I've fought a good fight. I've finished my course. I've kept the faith. You know, again, Bert, I've said that there's so many words and phrases that are just axiomatic. Their. Their sayings. Fight the good fight. I mean, that's a. That's a saying that everybody has heard, you know, finish my course or literally my race. That's one of Paul's athletic, you know, references. I have kept the faith henceforth. In other words, in light of all this, there's laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day. The. The day that the. Well, the judgment seat of Christ, as what that day is, I believe. And not to me only, but also into, them, that love his appearing.

Bert, there's so much in second, uh, Timothy four, eight

Bert, there's so much in second, Timothy four, eight, isn't there?

>> Bert Harper: There really is, but it's also in verse seven. I want to go back to this. I fought a good fight. he's used that before about a boxer. You know, that's the term. I finished the race, the runner. And when the runner finishes the race, they're rewarded. But this last one, it wasn't athletic.

>> Caroline: It's.

>> Bert Harper: It's a banking term. In other words, that which I deposited is secure and safe. Alex, I've kept the faith, God. What you gave me, I've used wisely. You remember the man, the three men that got the talents. you know, Paul had this given to. And he has used the deposit of what God gave him wisely. I think that's an encouragement to Timothy. It's an encouragement to us. don't. Don't just go and bury the talents. Don't just know. And then, as you said, what a statement. There's this crown of righteousness, and it's not the diadem, but it's the victor's crown. It's the one to the victor. And, so it's not necessary. We're not racing against each other. Okay? We're not racing against each other. We are racing against ourselves. In other words, we want to have our spiritual life. There's. You remember it says the carnal man and the spiritual man. I. I want that spiritual man to win the race over the carnal nature that is always pulling against me. And so I've done that. And therefore, there's crown of righteousness, the victor's crown, waiting on me, but to others as well. When I read this, there's so many pictures of. Of these different, like you said, they're beautiful phrases, Alex, but the meaning behind them is even greater than the phrase Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

Verses 9 and 21 indicate urgency of Timothy responding and coming quickly

Well, after this, verse, nine sort of transitions to some of Paul's needs. And Bert, I've always felt like this was kind of poignant. You know, here's the greatest evangelist, the man that wrote half the New Testament, one of the greatest Christians ever, and yet the apostle Paul had needs. okay, verse nine. Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me. In other words, as quickly as you can, Please come to me, for Demas hath forsaken me. Having loved this present world. You know, I looked up these. These names. Luke, verse 11. Only Luke is with me. Luke means light giving. Demas means popular. I think it's very, that's what his name meant. Popular. Having loved this present world and has departed into Thessalonica, crescends to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. I, wonder if, this present world, this popular world is. I wonder if there's a connection between the meaning of Demas name and what he abandoned the ministry work for. And he wouldn't be the last, would he?

>> Bert Harper: He would not. He's mentioned three times, and each time it's like it's a little sliding down. The first time he's mentioned, he's mentioned as a co worker. The second time, he's here. This time, m. He has forsaken me. usually things like this do not happen overnight. There's a gradual slide. Alex, one more thing I want to say about verse 9. Be diligent to come to me quickly. Connect that with the first part of verse 21. Listen to them. Be diligently to come to me. Quickly. Verse 21. Do your utmost to come before winter. Now, there's two reasons that this is real. he is on trial. He's already stood before the judge. We'll get to that in a moment. And they're still got him in jail. The next time he appears is probably the decision and the sentence. So he says there's not a lot of time, so come quickly and then come before winter, because he's got to set sail and come. And the ports shut down in this winter. So the urgency is there. verses 9 and 21 show us the urgency of Timothy responding and coming quickly. Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: Yes. Well, Paul mentions in verse 13, the cloak I left at Troas with Carpus. When you come, bring with you and the books, but especially the. The parchments. And you know, I think about this, the. The wording there for cloak is. Is it really means outside garment, but his outer jacket. Now, most people nowadays probably have two or three in the closet, but, I don't know, you get the impression that it's just the only one he's got.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah. And winter is coming, so I'll need that if I'm here in the dungeon. Notice the things that he says to bring. He says, first bring Mark, okay. That person that deserted them on the first missionary journey. Paul, is saying, okay, God's done a work in his life. I think. I think it'd be an encouragement to Paul. But I think Paul wants to say, brother, thank you, because Demas did gradually went away. Mark has come back. What a contrast those got. And the other is, like you said, the cloak, the books and the parchments. He says, bring these things with you. Why? this is at the end of his life, and he needs these people. Timothy, Mark. Luke is with him. Seems like these are the three people that he, you know, get, you know, when you die. I've been there many times. People death, pastoring. As long as I have family members and also church members. There's a desire for people to be there at that time in their life. So Paul, I think it's getting. Luke is with me. Bring, you come bring Mark. These three people. I'd love to be surrounded when my homegoing is ready.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. you know, it's fascinating here, and I do think it's worth noting about Mark for his profitable to me for the ministry. And, you know, we remember back in Acts where there was a break, but, you know, there was restoration. And now, you know, Mark, has gotten his second chance and apparently has risen to it.

>> Bert Harper: He has. And I think again, Barnabas needs to be saved. Way to go, Mark. I didn't give up on you. When you fail the first time, I'm going to keep working with you. And it seems like he took it, ran with it and succeeded. We'll be back more right after the break.

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You trust in Jesus. His timetable is perfect. And Jesus is right on time every time

bert Harper.

>> Caroline: Right now want that mountain to move Right now Want the ocean apart Right now. God, I'm looking for you and I'm.

>> Bert Harper: Wondering where you are.

>> Alex McFarland: but why do I worry?

>> Bert Harper: God, I know you haven't failed me yet. Why do I worry?

>> Alex McFarland: You prove it over and over again every. Every.

>> Bert Harper: Every time. Jesus, you're right. All right, all right, all right. Jesus.

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome back. exploring the word. And Jesus is right on time every time, and he'll come through for you. Maybe you're in, a tough spot right now. Maybe you feel like you're in a bit of a crisis. You trust in Jesus. His timetable is perfect.

Bert says Paul left important scriptures with Carpus

Well, we are wrapping up second Timothy. And, Bert, I was thinking about when he says, in verse 13 of 2 Timothy 4, you know, bring my cloak, but bring the books and especially the parchments. I want to talk about this. The word, books, biblios, which I gotta believe are his. Some of his copies of Old Testament scriptures. because the books, the biblios, that'd.

>> Bert Harper: Be scrolls, but they'd still be the books. Yes, I agree.

>> Alex McFarland: That's right. What you and I, because you know, what they call the scriptures, even what Jesus called the scriptures, you know, search the scriptures for they testify of me. That would have meant, to that point, what you and I call the Old Testament. And of course, Christ, his words were divine because he is God incarnate But he made provision for the New Testament because in John 14, he said to the disciples, the Holy Spirit will remind you of all things whatsoever I have told you. Now, here's the thing. The word, especially the parchments and one of the, mediums that they wrote on was called vellum or leather.

>> Bert Harper: Right?

>> Alex McFarland: Now, the word in this is membranes. And maybe even some of the, like, internal intestines were dried. You know, they couldn't go buy paper like you and I can buy paper, but they wrote on pieces of leather. They also wrote on, plant fibers mashed out. Those were, parchments. But this indicates what I think would have been vellum or the leather that they wrote on. But here's my point, Bert. have you heard that second Timothy was maybe Paul's last letter?

>> Bert Harper: Right, yeah, no doubt in my mind. No doubt in my mind.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, I know, and I would agree that. I mean, that's what I was taught some nowadays. It's fascinating. Scholars for years said that Paul didn't write Hebrews. I. I think he at least was involved in it. Now some scholars are saying, well, maybe Hebrews was written after second Timothy. But, irregardless, the parchments, were they scriptures he was working on that God was giving him? But, you know, he's got the books, which implies existing scriptures, parchments. Was that some revelation from God in progress?

>> Bert Harper: It could be. But another thing I'd want to share with you. He was probably arrested here, or he was trying to get away from being arrested. Knowing Paul, I think, is probably arrested. But what did he do? He left these very important books and parchments with Carpus. Now, only time Carpus is mentioned, he was there, but he was trustworthy. What. You know, the most precious thing that Paul had, right at that time was those books and parchment and probably his cloak. And who did he leave them with? Carpus. Are you the kind of person that God would leave you that important task, whatever it is, Right? Now we know that Charlie Kirk was, was killed and he was, you know, turning point USA Today, the board selected his wife Erica as the next CEO. And so they're putting it in her hands for his direction, at least for a while. And so what you do that which is precious, you leave with someone. Now you go back to what, what, Peter said to him who believes he is precious. God has left his, has placed and put his Holy Spirit in us. How precious that is. We're called the Temple of the Holy Spirit, Alex. So that which is so vital and so important to Paul, he left with Carpus, But. But God has left us with a ministry of reconciliation. The Holy Spirit of God dwelling in us. I just. That really, touched my heart about this one guy I mentioned one time. But what. What a job he had to do and how trustworthy he must have been.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen.

Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil, says Paul

Well, in contrast to the trustworthiness of Carpus, Alexander, the coppersmith did me much evil. The Lord reward him according to his works, of whom be thou aware also, for he hath greatly withstood our words. So the question is, you know, what evil things did Alexander the coppersmith do to Paul? Well, for one, he opposed the preaching of the gospel. He greatly withstood our words. Then, I don't know if it was, you know, bearing, false witness or abandonment, but verse 16, at my first answer, no man stood with me. This was a trial, wasn't it?

>> Bert Harper: He'd already had the first part. Yes.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. But all men forsook me. I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

Alex: I think Alexander was conniving to get Paul arrested

>> Bert Harper: Now, Alex, let me say something about Alexander real quickly. It won't take. I know I'm interrupting more than I want to, but notice when this occurs right after Carpus Alexander. Now, we was talking about what he did. I believe possibly Paul was arrested there. And I think not only did Alexander resist the preaching of his word, but I think he was conniving to get Paul arrested. In other words, when you look at the way it is said here, verse, 13, and then he goes to 14, and that means that what, that Timothy has to go through Troas to get that? So Alexander, who is probably in Alexander, he'll be watching for you, too, Timothy. So beware. Do you get that connection?

>> Alex McFarland: You know, Bert, when we talk through the Book of Acts, I don't know, maybe it was a year ago in Acts, chapter 19. Do you remember there was Demetrius, a silversmith, who basically said that Paul's preaching was damaging their trade of selling religious artifacts made of metal. and they were like, idols that were part of the temple of Artemis. This was in Ephesus. And there was. There was a riot. Now, there was an early church leader named Chrysostom, John Chrysostom. he was a great orator. They called him the Golden Throat because of his. His voice. He believed, at least it was possible that this Alexander the coppersmith is the same Alexander mentioned in Acts 19, verse 33. there was a riot at Ephesus. So Chrysostom thought that this Alexander, like Demetrius, was A metal worker from Ephesus. But, at any rate, he was an enemy of the Gospel and for that reason an enemy of Paul.

>> Bert Harper: That is correct. And you already got to. No one stood with me, but all forsook me. The goes back. Only Luke is with me now again, where he is is not too far. It wouldn't be that difficult for the Ephesian church and those people to get there where he stay three years. But they don't go. And it says, may it not be charged against them again. Makes you think, you know, they don't know what you know. Forgive them. They don't not know what they're doing. And now verse 17. Alex. But the Lord stood with me. He strengthened me. Now here it is. There's three times we know in the book of Acts that Paul was very discouraged. And now here it is probably I can hints that I would, discouragement or you know what's going to happen. Acts, chapter 18. He's in Corinth and God encouraged him. Acts 23. He's in Jerusalem, about to be arrested and headed out. And God comes to him and tells him, I'm going to let you, I'm with you. And then in Acts 27, when he's caught in the storm and he lets you know, no, everybody's going to get to shore. You're not going to be destroyed. So God intervened at very important times in the life of Paul to give him what he needed to continue on. I don't think, Paul is exclusionary there. I believe God does that for us if we can hear his voice. Catch what I'm saying. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Absolutely. Absolutely. And Bert, don't you love in verse 17, he says, no man stood with me notwithstanding the Lord stood with me and strengthened me. That by me the preaching might be fully known and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. whether it be trumped up charges, false accusation or overt persecution like Paul, the Lord stood with him. We can say that too. And the Lord will stand with you. If you're a Christian. You're not alone and you're not forsaken. And if you've got God with you, and he is with every believer in every situation, loneliness, fear, abandonment, we don't ever have to experience those emotions.

>> Bert Harper: Notice the word delivered, used twice in verses 17 and 18. now, the first time he was in prison, we find that at the end of the book of Acts, he was in house arrest. And so, you know, people could come and go. And that's where we get. We hear the word, the term unhindered gospel. the gospel was not hindered. And here he is, he's not under house arrest. He's probably in a pit, chained under deplorable conditions. but he says, I remember one time he delivered me out of the mouth of the lion. We don't. I doubt if it's a real lion. I think it's a figurative term. Don't know exactly when or what. But anyway, no matter what, he's delivered me. And now he says, and the Lord will deliver me. Notice it says he, he has delivered me in the past, and he will deliver me now. Now that is the promise we have. That's God is going to bring us home. you remember when Jesus and apostles launched out from one side of the Sea of Galilee to go to the other side? You remember what he said? He said, let's go to the other side. And in the middle of that's when the storm came. Now again, between the time of launching and the time of coming to the other side, of completing the. The race or completing the. The route, they may be a lot of turmoil, but here in verse 18, the Lord will deliver me, preserve me for his heavenly kingdom. What a testimony that Paul had. I am assured that which I have committed unto him, he will hold onto it against that day. And he's going to be in the very presence of the Lord Jesus. What a promise that was given.

Pornography is evil, says Paul in 2nd Timothy 4

What a promise is secured.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. verse 18. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever and ever. You know the word in the English that's translated evil is a word that is similar to the word that we get pornography from. there, I think a case can be made based on 2nd Timothy 4. 18. Pornography is evil. but the closing salutation that Paul, you know, so often writes, Salute Priscilla and Aquila, the household of Onesiphorus Erastus abode at Corinth. But Troph trophy miss have I left it? Miletus sick do thy diligence to come before winter. Remember his reference about the cloak in verse 13. Cold weather. Eubulus greet the Perdins and Linus cloudy and all the brethren. The Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Thy be with thy spirit grace Be with you. Amen.

Bert Birdie: Apostle Paul packed in a lot in four chapters

Well, what a majestic book in just four little chapters, Bert, there's everything from doctrine to practical Christian living to the historical context Paul found himself in. Good theology, soteriology, that's the plan of salvation, Christology, who Jesus is and the power he shows on behalf of his church. now I know the Holy Spirit was giving the words. Paul was the penman. But there is a lot that the Apostle Paul packed in four chapters.

>> Bert Harper: He did. And again, I know that, but it's still. You see, the personality of Paul, this is the dynamic way we have the word of God. It was a human instrument. God used to breathe his word. Yet through some of their vocabulary, like Matthew, he concentrates on numbers. Luke, when he writes his gospel, he concentrates on physical. He was a physician. All of these come through, and you do it with Paul. Two or three things about some people notice. Priscilla and Aquila. Okay, again, those two people have been with Paul. Again, they were the same occupation. They were tent makers. And here they are there with Timothy. Now, just because leadership was being passed down from Paul to others, possibly Timothy, because it looks like Timothy is getting this last will and testament and he's passing it on. Priscilla and Aquila was faithful through those individuals. Apollos, they showed him a different way. The other thing I'd like to say, Trophimus, I have left in Miletus sick, you know, Paul, could he not heal him? Did he know God has a purpose, even in sickness? So Trophimus, left in Miletus, guess what? They was still ministry there, even though there's illness, Even though there's sickness. I know people pastored as long as I have. They couldn't teach anymore. They. They could not cook anymore. But, man, they kept a prayer journal, they wrote letters, they sent emails. So even in the most difficult times, when things are not going your way and you can't do what you once did, look for God to give you another opportunity. It may be a little different, may be completely different, but don't miss out on what God has for you. Even if you get elderly, even if you get sick, let God use you, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. That's a good word. Well, this, Priscilla and Aquila, Paul had met in Corinth back in, Acts, chapter 18, wasn't it? And, so these relationships, even though Paul was traveling, these friendships and relationships, they stayed with him. And, well, I hear that music.

>> Bert Harper: Hey, Alex, let me throw this in real quick. Far as we know, that is best count, it's Hard to get it at least close to 100 individuals. That's in Paul's letters and in the book of Acts. Paul influenced with the gospel. Hallelujah.

>> Alex McFarland: Praise God. Well, we're going to come back and we're going to take your questions on today's edition of Exploring the Word. Stay with us.

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>> Alex McFarland: Jeremiah 29:13.

>> Bert Harper: American Family Radio. welcome back to Exploring the Word. Birdie and Alex here. Tomorrow is going to be fire away Friday, where we take questions the whole hour. And we're looking forward to that tomorrow. And, it's just a great day. But we're also looking forward to the questions for today on Thursday. And so, Alex, you ready to go to the phone lines?

>> Alex McFarland: Let's do it. The number is 888-58-98840. If you want to call in with a Bible question, we would love to hear from you.

Dr. Adrian Rogers says there will be a resurrection of the body

>> Bert Harper: Well, Sherry from North Carolina has called in and Sherry, thank you for calling today.

>> Caroline: Yes, hi. we're all, of course, finding peace and knowing that Charlie is with Jesus in heaven or with Jesus I don't know about. Anyway, because that's from the body. But first Thessalonians. And there are other verses too, but speaks of the dead and Christ will be the first to rise. Who. Who is that? If Charlie and the other people are already there.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, that's talking about their body. Sherry, there's going to be a resurrection of the, of a new body. That's, the reason if, if, if it was cremated or some other way that the body was destroyed. there. The body. And there's going to be a. I call it, an Adrian. Dr. Adrian Rogers said that there's going to be a reunion not only with Christ, but there's going to be a reunion of the soul and in you. new body. Alex. It's pretty neat that Sherry has noticed that.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes. this is First Thessalonians 4, which talks about that Christ will return verses 13 and following and it says that, the dead in verse 16, the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Bert, the Christian who dies now is in the presence of Jesus. And yet I believe at a future moment there's going to be the giving of the glorified body. So, you know what people are in heaven. They are who they are, their person, personality, and it is tangible and it's real. But there's even something better coming. The, the resurrection body, the glorified body that all believers will get. And you know what? We talk about this. I've got, for those watching on Zoom, I've got a copy of the new book, right. That's coming out October 7th, 100 Bible Questions and Answers on Prophecy and the end times. I've got a copy right here. I'm holding it up for those that are watching online. And let me just say this, folks, the public can't get this yet, but October 7 through 9 is going to be the AFA shareathon. And I know that, one of the things they're going to be doing for a support gift to AFA during Shareathon, you'll be the first people anywhere to get this new copy of the Bert. The, the Bert book. And I have written the book Bert and I have written.

>> Bert Harper: That's hard to say. Bert book. Okay, it is good. I just want to tell you did it and I've read it when it was going to print and now that it's in print and we've got copies, it's a joy to have that. And it answers a lot of the questions and again that we get here, just like Sherry did. So Sherry, thank you for that question. And remember, Sharethon, 7th, 8th and 9th matter, of fact, Alex, I'll be kicking it off at 6:00 clock at Tuesday morning and it'll be, I think my 15th, Sherithon. No, 15 years. So it'd be 30 sharathons that I've been able to. Yeah. To kick that off. So.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, let me be there with you on, 6:00am October 7th. How about if I join you?

>> Bert Harper: Hey, come on in, man. As they say on Price is Right, come on down. We say come on in here. So we'd love it. Sherry, thank you for your good call.

Let's go to John in Mississippi. John, thank you for calling

Let's go to John in Mississippi. John, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: yes, sir, I was just calling to, gosh, the. We Are. We've been down here on the Gulf coast, since 2014, and we have searched three, well, three churches from that day starting in 2014, going to them several times. But the pastors, finally, we joined one because the people were so great and, you know, and like family to us. But the sermons. I know you guys know this. I've heard it, y' all mention it. But talk about not getting the gospel out, just talking up, preaching off the top of their heads, you know, and, the music's great, the people are great. That's why we joined, because of the people. But you're supposed to join because of God's Word. Yes.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, John. Thank you, brother. Yeah, listen, let me just share with you. if your pastor is opening the Word of God, reading the Word of God, I pray they would teach from the Word of God and, yes, make the gospel plain, the whole counsel of God. And that's what we try to encourage pastors and Sunday school teachers to do. here on Exploring the Word and what you do. If you'll preach through books. Alex, guess what? You're going to get them. I would challenge Sunday school teachers and pastors preach through First Corinthians. And I want to just tell you, you'll hit every issue of the day right now in 2025, going into 2026, won't you?

>> Alex McFarland: Exactly. Exactly. Pastors, if you're, apprehensive about the hot button, volatile issues of the day, just, you know, preach through the Bible line by line, precept upon precept, and eventually everybody's toes will get stepped on.

>> Bert Harper: And hope their hearts will be moved. That's it. Yeah.

>> Alex McFarland: But we do hear this a fair amount, that people are having trouble. For those of us that believe the Bible, we believe the Bible as written as given by God. depending on where you are, it's not always easy to find a good church.

>> Bert Harper: It is not. So pray, ask God to touch the life of the pastor. And, pray hard that they would open up and say, oh, God. And encourage them. when you find one message that they preach is on target, make sure, send them an email. Send them a card. say it to them. Say, man, I appreciate you opening the Word the way you did today. Let them know and that that's an encouragement, and I pray you would do that. John, thank you for calling. Let's go to Tennessee and talk to Tom. Tom, thank you for calling today. Where are you calling from in Tennessee, by the way?

>> Caroline: Thank you. Chattanooga.

>> Bert Harper: Chattanooga. Okay. Beautiful City. Go right. A home of a lot of, home of a lot of good preachers and teachers, by the way, folks, in the past and present. But Tom, go right ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: Okay.

Tom: Could you repeat Norman Geisler quote about reading Gospel of John

>> Caroline: The cost trainer said I could ask two quick questions is take one sentence each. Could you repeat the Norman Geisler quote about reading, the Gospel of John? And could you recommend one book that would help me make up my mind about, premillennialism or amillennialism?

>> Bert Harper: Alex. Norm Geisler, go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, he used to call it the Gospel of John Challenge. And I knew Dr. Geisler very well for better than 20 years. And he said, and by the way, he had led a lot of atheists to Christ. But he would talk to people. He said, look, pray and say, God, if you are real, show me. And if you do, I will respond and then read the Gospel of John three times. And he said, over decades, either people wouldn't do it or by the second time through they would call him and say, I've decided to trust Christ.

>> Bert Harper: That's the power of the word of God, especially the book of John. When you look at what it was written for, that's exactly what John said he wanted to happen.

>> Alex McFarland: And let me just say this about the end times. Look, I mean the point of orthodoxy on which we all agree is that Jesus is coming back and he will rule and reign forever. And you know, there's kind of a part of me that is like, given the world situation, it's like D.L. moody would say, any friend of Jesus is a friend of mine. And Bert, I've worked with non dispensationalists. And I believe rapture, tribulation, Armageddon, return, millennium, new heavens, new earth. I really do. That's often called dispensationalism. Now there was a book by Charles Caldwell Ryrie R Y R I E called Dispensationalism, came out about 30 years ago. I've got this book, the word dispensationalism. dispensational is a biblical word. It means economy or arrangement. And God has worked throughout history with arrangements. He promised ancient Israel the Messiah that would come. We look back at the Messiah that did come. So there's nothing wrong with the concept of a dispensation because it is a Bible word. But Bert, in recent years, a lot of people have really thrown that word under the bus. And if you, I guarantee if you get in a group of pastors that are say, under 50 and you say, if you're in a room of 20 people, and there are ministers under 50. And you say I'm a dispensationalist. 19 out of the 20 are going to look askance at you. But it's not because there's something wrong with that. It's just because, there's been a real pushback against belief in the Rapture. and that's unfortunate because it's biblical. But I guess, Bert, I would say the book by Charles Ryrie is as good a place to start as any on this subject.

>> Bert Harper: Charles Ryrie, awesome, man. his study Bible's good as well. I'd recommend it highly, Tom. We hope that helps, brother.

William in Illinois says he believes Jesus is preparing a place for believers

Let's go to William in Illinois. William, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Good day, brother. I hope this might help somebody. I was saved in 1967 in a legalistic church, and Lord led me out of it very shortly after being raised that way. And, I grew up with all this nonsense about being backsliding and every time you stump your toe. So I asked the minister one day about that. I said, do you actually believe that they're tearing down your heaven every time you stump your toe, where he's going to prepare a place for you? He said, well, I don't think they went up with nails and hammers. I thought, well, it sounds like you think they went up there with that or you think that you're going to tear you down every time you stump your toe. But I have confidence in the blood of Jesus declaring me more so. And since I've been born again and I know I'm a son of God. Have a good day, brothers.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. I want to tell you, I go to prepare a place for you. What we're going to receive. And we talked about one today. Paul said, there's a crown of righteousness laid up for us now. I, I do. I just know the dwelling is going to be fine. You know the word prepare mean it has the idea of specially prepared. In other words, he's doing it with you in mind. He's preparing that place. But, Alex, there's some crowns that a believer can, earn and be rewarded for, so we can cast them at Jesus feet. I want as many as I can. How about you?

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. We definitely want some crowns to lay at his feet and say, all glory to the Lamb. All glory to the Lamb. But, yeah, we're, we're to be consistent in our, in our discipleship and Christ likeness. But, you know, the wood. Hay. Wood, hay. And, and, you know, wood, hay and stubble. That's right. That's the word I'm looking for. Gold, silver, precious stuns. You know, I think consistency day by day is going to keep adding to those crowns.

>> Bert Harper: I do, too. So let's. Let's serve the Lord with gladness. That's an old hymn. Serve the Lord with gladness. Do it with a joyful heart that he has. Let us be a part of the. Some of the greatest work in the world. Thank you, William.

Matthew: After somebody takes mark of the beast, is it possible to be saved

Let's go to Georgia. Matthew, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Yes, sir. My question is, after somebody takes the mark of the beast, is it possible for them to be saved?

>> Bert Harper: It sure doesn't seem like it in and, tribulation, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: It doesn't.

>> Bert Harper: It does not.

>> Alex McFarland: Those during the tribulation, they take the mark of the beast. it's too late for them. From what I read in Scripture, that's.

>> Bert Harper: As best I can know. Matthew it is. And, we who believe in the rapture before the tribulation, we should be with the Lord during that time. But there are going to be those that come out of the tribulation. 144,000 Jews from the tribes and a great multitude of Gentiles, praise God. And guess what, Alex? They're saved by grace. Has anyone ever been saved that was not saved by God's grace?

>> Alex McFarland: No. All ever saved are saved by the grace of God.

>> Bert Harper: So when you go to dispensation, it's God's work working. God works in these different economies dispensing like a cup dispenser. God's working, but it's salvation by grace through faith from Genesis to Revelation. Just keep that in mind.

Stephen says he and his wife are going to a prayer walk for Charlie

Everyone, let's go to Stephen in North Carolina. Stephen, thank you for calling today.

>> Caroline: Thank you, bros. Before I ask my question, I want y' all to, pray for me and my wife Libby. We're in Fayetteville, North Carolina. We're going to go to the prayer walk m that they're going to have for Charlie on Sunday. There's been a lot of negative comments online, but we're going to trust in the Lord and we're going to go anyway.

>> Bert Harper: Way to go, Stephen. Way to go. I just want to give you a shout out. Be strong and courageous. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: We. We ain't going to take the kids, but we're going.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

How long were Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden before the fall

>> Caroline: How. How long were Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden before the fall and them having children?

>> Bert Harper: Well, I'm going to answer that real short and say I Don't know for sure. But Alex, we don't know for sure. We really don't. But we can make a, Would you call it an education? Educated guess.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. I mean, most people don't think it was very long. I've heard some people that are of the old Earth persuasion that have said, oh, maybe they were there for millions of years or something like that. Dr. Harold Wilmington, the great scholar, he felt like it was probably just a very short time. Was it days or weeks? Nobody knows. Nobody knows. But it, it seems to be, that it wasn't very long.

>> Bert Harper: I agree. I think you get into weeks myself, because they had gotten to the point where God, they knew him walking through. And it takes 30 days to kind of set a habit. You catch what I'm saying? And that's weeks and a little more. So they were there for a while, but not a lengthy period of time. I think that's right, Stephen. This is what's going to be awesome. Part of it in heaven. And I came up, came up with this. Some of the questions that I have, are not going to be really important. So there's no need of it because we'll be looking at Jesus. Others will know, and some man we may find out. Exactly. And Alex, it won't be opinion, it will be truth guaranteed there, won't it?

>> Alex McFarland: And I'll, ask who really, really wrote the book of Hebrews.

>> Bert Harper: And we may be surprised. you, Paul? I'm kind of leaning toward Apollos. We don't know who it was, but it was God who gave the words, wasn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Well, I know this Good Lord willing will be here tomorrow with Fire Away Friday. Call in with your questions. All questions all the hour tomorrow. In the meantime, tell somebody about the American Family Radio Network. But most of all, tell everybody about Jesus. The views and opinions expressed in this.

>> Bert Harper: Broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.

2 Timothy 4:6-22: Paul's Needs and Hopes