New study looks into growing trend of violence among the left

>> Bert Harper: On a two state solution.

>> Caroline: When you ask the people in Gaza whether they want a two state solution, the nation of Israel and a nation called Palestine, they overwhelmingly say no. We want a one state solution. We want a state where Palestinian Muslims are the majority and Israeli Jews will have to live as a minority in in the nation we will run. Well, how do you think that would turn out? You would see another Holocaust.

>> Bert Harper: I'm Chad Groening.

>> Alex McFarland: A new study looks into the growing trend of violence among the left. Here's Fox's Alexandria Hoff.

>> Caroline: It was conducted by the center for Strategic and International Studies, a, bipartisan think tank. It shared this quote. The left wing movement as a whole has not returned to its violent heights of the 1960s and 70s. But the number of terrorist incidents involving left wing extremists so far this year puts 2025 on pace to be the left's most viol violent year in more than three decades. CSIS found that Reich wing terror plunged this year with one incident cited compared to five carried out by left wing perpetrators. This Data runs through July 4th, so it does not include the assassination of Charlie Kirk or the attack on the Dallas ICE facility.

>> Alex McFarland: Democrats are accusing the Trump administration and Republicans in general of citing these violent acts for political gain in previous years. From 1994 to 2024 right wing attacks tracked higher with the peak of 33 in 1995. Left wing attacks peaked in 2020 and 2022 at 8 each year. Some conservatives point out that it is the left that is violent and not the right and cited recent shootings. Former FBI director James Comey, son in law, resigned as a federal prosecutor yesterday minutes after Comey was indicted for allegedly lying to Congress over the debunked investigation and to Russia's involvement in the 2016 election. Troy Edwards quit his job, quote to uphold my oath to the Constitution and the country, he wrote in a one sentence resignation letter addressed to the newly appointed acting U.S. attorney in Virginia's Eastern District. The office that charged Comey and employed Edwards. Sinclair will bring back Jimmy Kimmel Live. Here's Fox's Myshel Paulino.

>> Caroline: Sinclair is putting Jimmy Kimmel Live back on the air Friday night across its 38 ABC affiliates, reversing course after over a week long preemption over Kimmel's comments about MAGA enslaved conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Sinclair in a statement said in part it heard feedback from viewers, advertisers and community leaders and even proposed new accountability measures to abc, including a network wide independent ombudsman, adding our decision to preempt this program was independent of any government interaction or influence. Stating free speech provides broadcasters with the right to exercise judgment as to the content on their local stations, adding it is simply inconsistent to champion free speech or while demanding that broadcasters air specific content.

>> Alex McFarland: A system that soon could become Tropical Storm Imelda is being watched by the National Hurricane Center. Forecast models take the system near the southeast US coast sometime early next week. That's all our time for now. Find more [email protected].

>> Alex McFarland: The world around us is constantly challenging the way we think. That's why we need a constant source of information that's based on the unchanging, word of God. I'm Jeff Shamble and I invite you to join me for the Stand Radio, a weekly program that highlights the latest trends in culture, faith and family. You'll hear insightful interviews with, a biblical WorldView application. The Stand radio Saturdays at 4pm and Sundays at 8pm Central on American Family Radio. It's Fireaway Friday on exploring the Word. This is your chance to ask us your Bible question at 888-589-8840. That's 888-589-8840. You can also email your [email protected] or visit facebook.com exploringtheword exploring the word It's Fire Away Friday on American Family Radio.

>> Bert Harper: On Exploring the Monday. Looking forward to Friday. Not because it's the last day of the week, although sometimes that is so welcomed, but most of the time because it's far away Friday and we get to talk to more callers. And that is no exception today. If you want to have a Bible question and you're ready to ask it, we want to hear it. And that number is 888-589-8840. But we're going to do something a little different today. Go ahead and call in, but you might have to wait just a few moments before we get the first caller in because we've got several questions that's come in at Facebook and wordfr.net that we're going to take time to give as short an answer and accurate so we can get to the phone calls. But again, that number is 888-58-98840. Make that call. We'll get to you call at very soon.

Alex: We want to pray for Vodie Baucham's family

but Alex, before we begin, another one of our brothers in Christ, has gone to be in glory. Vodie baum, died 56 years old. A great man of God and just great toward the family. Helps family so much, but he's in glory today. So we want to be praying for his family, don't we?

>> Alex McFarland: You know, Bert, that, that is right. And he was a great thinker. He was a great voice for truth. He had done a lot, throughout America and overseas as well. Bert, when I was working for Dr. Dobson, helping get the apologetics program started, he had written a book called the Ever Loving Truth and it was really good. It's a biblical worldview book. And I called and was able to get him on the radio and interviewed Vodie Bauckham. And yeah, I mean I saw that this morning. You, think about it folks. John, MacArthur has gone on, Dr. Dobson, James Dobson, Charlie Kirk, of course, a couple of weeks ago, Voddie Baucham, another copious vacancy on the evangelical landscape. And so now, as long as we're in the land of the living, it's for every one of us to take our stand, speak out truth, and keep on bearing the light of the gospel to this culture, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It really is the world you live in, the area you influence, make it about Jesus Christ and let him be Lord. And I, so we, we'll pray for their family. you know, he's a grandparent as well, so a lot will be missed. Well, phone calls again, that number. 888589 8840. We have a caller that's called in, but we're looking forward to others.

Alex: Question about organ donation falls under the area of Christian ethics

But Alex, I'm going to take this in hand and I'll ask you first this first question because it was because of ah, a comment that was made concerning our DNA and it's about organ donation. she called, Bob calls in, or wrote in and said about your comment about it being God's handiwork in our bodies. And he said, I agree. But the person who heard that said, does that mean that we are not to have an organ donation since it was God's handiwork for the individual person and not to check off on a driver's license concerning you being a. Of organs. Alex, you got a comment about that?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, this would fall under the area of Christian ethics. And I think that it's a decision every Christian can make. And first of all, broadly speaking, I think this would fall under the area of Christian liberty, you know, that the Bible obviously doesn't specifically speak to the this because organ transplants did not exist in Bible times. But Bert, I think, and I'm only speaking for myself here, I think it's a wonderful Thing to be an organ donor. Because, if we die and something that is a transplantable organ, like kidneys or even a heart, and there have been lung transplants, I mean, it's amazing how the human body, can be used in this way. Bert, I think about in Matthew 5, 43, when Jesus said love your neighbor. Could you imagine a higher form of love? I mean the highest form of love of all is to tell people the truth and tell them the gospel. But in that same vein, I think to provide life and more years, if we're gone. And I know there are organ transplants and talk about sacrificial love, how people that are living have maybe donated a kidney in a way. Bert, every time we go and give blood, and I'm a big believer in going to the Red Cross and donating blood, that's not as intensive or invasive obviously as an organ transplant, but that is giving of yourself. So I think it's a completely appropriate thing to do. And it's, it's just good stewardship.

>> Bert Harper: I agree with you. And it is liberty. And I would say greater love hath no man. That a man lay down his life for his friend. And being able to do that, I think is good. So I don't think the DNA, the creation and the truth about DNA and it being of God keeps us from doing and laying down and giving our organs, so others might live. Alex, here's one more I want to ask and then we'll, Michael and Christine and others, we'll get to you in just a minute.

Can you explain why the 70 weeks in Daniel are not literal

I don't think this will take long, but here it is from, Shannon. She says, I believe in the six day creation. Literal. I believe in the thousand year reign of Jesus Christ on earth is literal. Can you explain why the 70 weeks in Daniel are not literal?

>> Alex McFarland: Great, great question. well actually I do think they are literal. it's just that they're spread out with kind of a timeout in the middle. Okay, briefly, this is in Daniel chapter nine. And the word for seven is heptat. So when it talks about in Daniel chapter nine, and this is very famous, it begins in verse 24, Daniel nine. says 70 weeks are determined upon thy people and upon the holy city. To finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy. Now Daniel has talked about, it says Messiah will be cut off, but not for himself. And the word, cut off, there, is a word, it's yikarat, if I'm pronouncing that correctly. And it means, a violent, painful death. Okay, so at some point after the, Messiah's death, there's going to be a long period of time and one final 70 week period. Now, why is this, I'm not going to say it's figurative or allegorical, but why is this? It's one of the most significant prophecies of the Bible. It's also fairly complex. Long story short, it says from the decree to rebuild the walls to Messiah being cut off would be, 69 weeks. Okay, 69 periods of seven. Okay. Now from the decree to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem till the crucifixion, that was from March, 14th, 445 BC till about, I believe it was April 6th, 30 AD now there's been something happening called the Church age. Right. And that how long that will completely last I don't really know, Bert, but there is one period of seven years left and that's going to be the seven year tribulation. So 70 weeks is actually going to be 70 periods of, of seven years each.

>> Bert Harper: So the weeks would be figurative for years.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes.

>> Bert Harper: So it's not literal weeks, it's years with the weeks being, the figurative part of it.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, it is. And it's the word heptat and it means a series of sevens. So 69 of these weeks have already been fulfilled. And one way I've heard it is imagine you've got, you know, a basketball game and there's, you know, seven seconds left on the clock. And right at the eighth second there's a timeout. Now there's seven seconds of play left and a lot can happen in seven seconds. But there's this timeout. Now a timeout might last one minute or 20 minutes, right, Bert? And you know, ah, a lot of great scholars, like John Walvoord, Dr. Harold Wilmington, J. Dwight Pentecost, David, Jeremiah, have tried to really make this very complex prophecy understandable. I'll put it this way. The Church age is that timeout from the completion of the 69th week till the time that. And it's not going to be a buzzer to restart play. It's going to be a trumpet sound.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Amen. Alex, thank you for that. And we hope that gives that answer and we appreciate it.

Michael From Texas says he believes the Christian Sabbath is Sunday

Well, let's go to the phone lines. Michael From Texas. Thank you for waiting this length of time, Michael. But thank you for calling today, too.

>> Caroline: Okay, thank you. my questions for Dr. McFarland. About a month ago, I believe it has been four whole weekends. I listened on a weekend broadcast, and, Dr. McFarland was interviewing a man, and he kept saying, we need to establish the seventh day. And I never could figure out what he was talking about in that interview. And I was hoping Dr. McFarland would, remember that and explain how that man was accurate in what he was saying. Because I believe the Christian Sabbath is Sunday.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, we get a lot of questions about the Sabbath. And let me say this. while I think it is good to, take a day off, I mean, I really think it's good. And I wish I practiced what I preached. Bert, I'm a hypocrite. I need to. We all need a day off. Because the Bible does say six days thou shalt labor. But Christians from the. Literally, within four to six weeks after Calvary, Christians were worshiping on Sunday morning because that was resurrection day. And Saturday is the Sabbath, the last day. But we're not Sabbatarians. We don't add Sabbath keeping to the Gospel. Jesus completely paid our sin debt. And, there are a number of scholars. One that I mentioned is named James D.G. dunn, and others like Gary Habermas. Part of the reason I mentioned some of these names is because these are not necessarily, you know, hyper, hyper conservatives. Although James Dunn was a Bible believer and Gary Habermas is. But from Burt. Within just a few weeks after Calvary, Christians were worshiping on Sunday. I call it the Lord's Day, first day of the week, Resurrection day. But, just to be specific, I don't call Sunday the Sabbath because that's Saturday.

>> Bert Harper: But some people do. You know what, they can't say the Christian Sabbath, or they even just say Sabbath sometimes. But they mean Sunday.

>> Alex McFarland: They do. They do.

>> Caroline: And.

>> Alex McFarland: And I think it's good, good stewardship, to turn off the phone to get quiet before God, spend time with the Lord, spend time with the family. You know, it's good for many people that their day off is Saturday. Maybe based on work schedules and rhythms. Maybe you take a different day off. I think it's good for Christians to take a Sabbath, but we don't do it for salvation. That's through faith alone in Christ.

>> Bert Harper: Well, we're going to take more phone calls and we have lines. Open that number. 885-898-8840. I want you to picture this, her name is Kayla. She is 17, alone, terrified and pregnant, sitting in the clinic, tears blurring, thinking abortion is her only option until she was offered a free ultrasound, paid for by a hero just like you. The moment Kayla heard her baby's heartbeat, the decision was made. And today, her little baby boy Gabriel is thriving because her preborn walked with Kayla every step of the way. Now multiply that by 38,000. That's how many babies preborn has helped save just this year. How many mothers preborn has come alongside with practical and spiritual resources to make motherhood possible. But here's the most important thing you will hear today. Their goal is to save 70,000 by the end of the year. And they can't do it without us. Every $28 provides the ultrasound. The moment everything changes, will you be the reason the next Kayla chooses life? The reason Gabriel fulfills his destiny. To donate, dial £250 and say the key word baby. That's £250, baby. Or donate [email protected] afr that's preborn.com afr.

>> Alex McFarland: At the name of Jesus. every knee will bow and every tongue confess so let it start right now before you come back Lord before the rocks cry out I will lift my praise Let it start right now we lift our praise to Jesus.

Alex King will be preaching in Greensboro, North Carolina this coming Sunday

>> Bert Harper: Welcome back to Exploring the Word.

>> Alex McFarland: Hey, we're going to get to more calls and questions. It's such a so good to talk with each and every last one of you. the number is 888-589-8840 and hey, let me throw this out there. If you are in the area of Greensboro, North Carolina, right in the middle of the state this coming Sunday and morning and night, I'm going to be at Restoration Church at the Rock, Pastor Joey Baines and their website is restoration gso.com as in Greensboro Restoration gso.com Restoration Church at the Rock and I very much look forward to being there Sunday morning and Sunday night. And Bert, I'm going to preach on Sunday morning and then Sunday night we're going to talk about worldview and apologetics and so if you happen to be in central North Carolina, sure would love to see you this coming up Sunday.

>> Bert Harper: Alex. That is so exciting. I'll be at Ozark Baptist Church again that's close to Mary Adam, Ms. i'm interim pastor and looking forward to that. Starts at 11 o' clock and I'm m looking forward to preaching from the book of Colossians, one of your favorite books. I'm looking forward to that as well. I'm going to be preaching on, the subject chasing shadows. Chasing shadows.

>> Caroline: And.

>> Bert Harper: And so I'd invite folks to come out to that as well. But let's go to the phone lines, Alex, where to?

>> Alex McFarland: Let's do that. How about we go to one of my favorite places, which is Texas, and we'll speak with Kristin. Thank you for holding, and welcome to Exploring the Word. Hey, Kristin. Kristin, you there?

>> Bert Harper: Okay, well, listen, before we go, she says pray for her daughter. We don't know her name, but we know Kristin. Okay. Can I pray for that? Lead us, Father, thank you for Kristin taking time to call and concerning her daughter. We don't know what, health, emotional, spiritual. But all three, we're. We're fearfully and wonderfully made. So everything. We're affected by each one of those. And we're praying, God, that you would meet Kristen's daughter where she is, draw her to yourself, help her strengthen her physically, emotionally, spiritually. Father, in Jesus name, Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Thank you, Bert.

There's a dark side to organ donation that some people may not be aware of

Well, let's go to Diane in Ohio. Diane, are you there?

>> Caroline: Can you hear me okay?

>> Alex McFarland: Yes, we can. Thanks. What you got?

>> Caroline: yeah, I want to shed some light on, the issue of organ donation.

>> Bert Harper: Go ahead.

>> Caroline: Yeah, there's, unfortunately, a dark side to, organ donation that some people may or may not be aware of. I became aware of it about 10 years ago, from an article that I read. And, there's been a little bit of, more knowledge about this with, rfk bringing some light to it. But unfortunately, it is, what people don't know the purpose of brain death being brought into the picture. I don't remember when that was, was, because, organs cannot be used once the heart stops beating.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Diane, let me just share this with you. My wife and I were talking about this yesterday, believe it or not, and there are some issues that are going on. and the. The death, the brain dead and the heart there. It. You want to have a reputable. Let's qualify this, Alex. And we can go on, but we, Diane's right. There needs to be a reputable, I would say resource person that is there. I would. I would want doctors maybe that, know you and care for you and to make. Help make those decisions. Make sure. I agree, Diane. Thank you for that qualifier. I think it is accurate. Alex, Go ahead. Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, I mean, there's a difference between organ donation and organ harvesting. And there have been. I've read, Stories of people being really killed to get the harvest out their organs. And I'm not talking about that, but I'm talking about the voluntary with people, you know, with, what they call informed consent, that if someone is clinically dead, there's no hope of coming back. That maybe, like on a ventilator, they're kept alive long enough that organs could be successfully extracted. And, Bert, I've known a lot of law enforcement officers and a lot of EMTs, and that's why, like on driver's licenses, there's that option that imagine if you were in a traffic fatality, but they could successfully keep you alive, then something that you are not going to use ever again could be used to save somebody's life. But you're right, there have been unethical things that have been done, and that's a good caution.

>> Bert Harper: Diane, thank you. Thank you, Diane.

>> Alex McFarland: We do, David in Oklahoma.

Early Christians would actually honor the Jewish Sabbath by resting throughout the entire day

David, welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Hey, how are you all doing?

>> Alex McFarland: Good.

>> Caroline: So I have a comment. Just before the break, we were. You guys were talking about the Sabbath, and I. I did a little bit of a study on that. And what I had found out was that originally, of course, Sabbath literally translates to rest. So the early Christians would actually honor the Jewish Sabbath by resting throughout the entire day. And then that night when the sun goes down, they would get together in their groups, you know, in the families, and they would talk about the scriptures and talk about Jesus and the Gospel and spread his word. And then they would have, like, a potluck, and then they would go home. So they could actually go to work on Sunday morning from that. And then when the Christian religion was actually recognized by the Romans as a, an actual religion, then we could just meet openly on Sundays. Have you guys heard anything on that?

>> Bert Harper: I had not heard about, the train, the transition. I've heard, David. Yes, I have. But for it to be that specifically, calendarized. Alex, that's new to me. How about you?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. Ah, well, and in church history, it kind of varies, because, in Jerusalem, where, you know, the Resurrection took place outside of Jerusalem, actually. But, that's where Sunday worship really first took hold. And it seems like the farther you got from Jerusalem, the longer it sometimes took for news to spread and, I guess habits to be established. But, you know, and you and I have talked about how the Book of Acts was kind of a transitional period because, you know, they didn't have the Bible finished. And, you know, frankly, I think it's kind of amazing Christianity got structured as quickly as it did. Yes, but, the important thing is that we don't add a work to the finished work of Christ on the cross.

>> Bert Harper: And, since we're living in a world that a lot of times does not recognize Sunday as any special day, in other words, the work continues on and Christians have to work. And it may be on Sunday. A lot of churches, they have multiple worship services, and some of them are on Saturday, which would be the Jewish Sabbath, you know, Alex. And, again, that time of coming aside to worship. But it is true on the first day of the week is when Jesus rose, there from, from the grave. And we celebrate that. And that is the day of, of the resurrection. And we, we worship Him. but if it's something that you can't get there on Sunday and you gotta Saturday, praise God, let's worship Him. Alex. You know, we come together on Wednesday nights. Isn't that pretty neat? it's a time of worship.

>> Alex McFarland: Hey, let me read a quote. there was a Christian leader named Ignatius, sometimes called Ignatius of Antioch. And he was writing about 110 A.D. two different letters, and I'll be very brief, but one is a letter to, a group of believers called the Magnesians. And another was to a person, another person, but to the Magnesians. Ignatius wrote this that we are in possession of a new hope. No longer observing the Sabbath, but living in the observance of the Lord's Day, on which day our Lord resurrected and by his death we endure and are disciples of Jesus, our only master. So Ignatius, in 110, this is about 15 years after the completion of the New Testament, he talks about observing the Lord's Day. And then he, wrote in another letter, to a group called the Trailians. But he says Joseph of Arimathea had laid Jesus in the tomb. At the dawning of the Lord's day, Jesus arose from the dead. And he said we. He said the Sabbath embraced the burial, the Lord's Day, the resurrection, alluding to the fact that it was on Sunday, that was resurrection day when they would meet. So, Bert, I do think that, if somebody wants to keep a day or two days, I mean, you know, the Bible says that let everyone be persuaded in their own mind. My point is, though, that we don't add Sabbath keeping to the saving Amen Gospel of Jesus through faith.

>> Bert Harper: Good word, Alex. David, thank you for that.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes.

Monica in Arkansas has a question about suicide. Um, well, I have a question

go to Arkansas. Monica. Monica in Arkansas. Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: yes. Hi.

>> Alex McFarland: Hi.

>> Caroline: can you hear Me.

>> Alex McFarland: We can. Yes.

>> Caroline: well, I have a question. I think I know the answer, but I was hoping that y' all could, help me. My, my cousin, she lost her life. she killed herself. I think it was because of her medication that she went off it abruptly. And I guess my question is if she was a Christian, where her soul would go.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Monica, thank you for that question. That is a legitimate good question. It's caused different doctrines that's been, given. But Alex, let's go to the Bible. the Bible condemns self murder. It is wrong. But is it a sin unto death that cannot be forgiven? I'll ask you that. I'm setting it up for you. And then you answer and I'll respond as well.

>> Alex McFarland: No, I do not think suicide is a sin that separates you eternally from God if you've been born again. so let me say it another way. And you know, Bert, as I was an early Christian, a young Christian, I had heard the grown ups say that people who committed suicide went to hell. And then I read what Billy Graham wrote. I'll never forget. And I've still got this book. And I want to be very clear. Let me say this folks, suicide is not right. It's not a solution. Folks, if you are considering self harm, please don't do that. Please get help, call 91 1. You know, please do not do yourselves any harm. And I always say that because, I want to be theologically and biblically truthful. But in no way, in no way am I saying that suicide is okay or anyone should entertain that you shouldn't. However, if a person is a born again believer and you've accepted Christ and Bert, I know some people have taken their own lives for a variety of reasons and I mean, it's well documented that antidepressants and medications and health issues can sometimes compromise our feelings and our judgment. But I believe, and Billy, Graham, Josh McDowell, a lot of great, very well intentioned Christian thinkers have come to this conclusion. And I would agree. If a person is saved, they are saved.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. The sin of unbelief. Why a person does not spend eternity in heaven, but in hell. Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ now and again, as Alex said, no way do that. Get yourself help. But when you're left and you're the loved one and that person knew Christ walked with Christ, but then something happened, triggered something in their life taken by themselves. just trust the Lord. He has done that which he said he would, he would keep that which was committed unto him. Him. He will and always will.

John 10:10 says Jesus came to give you an abundant life

Alex, we're not going to go to the next caller, if you don't mind, but because Richard had someone to call in earlier and they didn't necessarily want to be on the radio, but they asked about John 10:10, where Jesus came to give you an abundant life, that your life might be abundant. Is that for now or later? Is there a possibility of having an abundant life while we're still here on earth?

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Well, I think you and I are doing it, aren't we?

>> Bert Harper: We are. Listen, it's a. It's an abundant life. It's a great adventure, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: It is. and this is one of my favorite memory verses, and I ponder on this quite a bit, but it says, the thief cometh not, but to steal, kill and destroy. That's Satan. He's a thief and a liar. Steal, kill, and destroy. And how sad it would be if the verse ended there. Jesus says this, though I, on the other hand, Jesus says, I am come. That they might have life, and they might have it more abundantly. Bert, I think the L, I F E the life. Two things. Everlasting life in heaven. Abundant life down here. And I was going to say this about the suicide question, but that's why every day is a gift. It really is, folks. And I know some days from a human perspective seem a little happier than others. I truly believe every day you wake up is a gift from God. Let's not refuse that gift, but let's joyfully, fruitfully embrace the gift of life.

>> Bert Harper: Turn to Jesus. Let Jesus reign in your mortal bodies. We'll be back with more right after this break.

>> Alex McFarland: AFA action takes attacks on the family seriously. The enemies of the family constantly employ new tactics to try to sneak past our radar. They know if we stand together, their evil plans will fail. Your gift to afa, action allows us to stay vigilant against their onslaught. And if you give this month, you'll receive access to the Cultural institute video when your faith is illegal by Frank harbor on AFA Stream as our thanks. You can make your gift [email protected].

>> Caroline: No matter how far we run, you never give up.

Bert asks what audio Bible you use

>> Bert Harper: Welcome back to exploring the word man. Brent's over there. He's. He's going with that music. You can tell he's a drummer. Man, you cut these off way too fast. I know. We got good questions. And you got a question, don't you, Brent? I do. It's a very simple question. That's From Wayne. He sent us an email. He wants to know what audio Bible.

>> Caroline: App is safe to download and use.

>> Bert Harper: He also says he's a big fan of the show Amen. Alex, do you use Bible App?

>> Alex McFarland: I do. Well, I use a couple of Bible apps. You know Bert, I'm kind of old school and so I kind of like to read the Bible, the printed Bible. But I almost live on these two apps. They're both free. I know there are paid apps, but I'm kind of tight with a dollar. But there's one called Word Alert and it's just a free Bible verse, app. And every morning there's a Bible verse to read and then you can go backward and reread others. It's just called Word Alert. But then one that I really use a lot, it's called Bible Hub Hub. And there are, you know, all the translations. King James, New King James, New American Standard, there's devotionals, there's there's kind of a web forum and people post sermons even. but there's interlinear Bible, there's Greek, Hebrew Concordance and it's, it's a free app. I use it all the time. Bible Hub. How about you? Do you.

>> Bert Harper: I do, I. You talking about you being old fashioned? I'm really old fashioned. I still, I have my commentaries that I like to read with my hands. Now every once in a while I'll do that and turn to Bible Hub. But it's not as much as, hey, I, I've got it at my hands and I, I love it that way. I'm a hard copy guy.

Brent: I'm going to give you 11 books and this gives a chronological reading

Hey listen, I got another question here and I'm going to do this as quick as I can, but those of you get you pen and paper ready because this comes in a, little bit years ago. First started, I found out there were 11 books in the Old Testament that if you read them from one to the other, you will go through the history of the Old Testament. So get that pen and paper ready or whatever you can. I'm going to give you 11 books and this gives you a chronological reading. It's not a chronological Bible. Chronological Bibles, they're able to intersperse all the other books that were written where they belong. But these 11 are the history that you go through. Genesis number one, Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, Judges, First Samuel, Second Samuel, First Kings, Second Kings, Ezra and Nehemiah. Those 11 books will take you through the history, without the prophets, intercession, without the Psalms, first and second Chronicles is a repeat of, first and second Samuel and Kings, and are told in a different way. So Those are the 11. I M will give them to you one more time. Genesis, Exodus, numbers, Joshua, judges, 1st Samuel, 2nd Samuel, 1st kings, 2nd kings, Ezra, and Nehemiah. And again the prophets in this verse in the Old, in the New Testament, the. The four ones that I've come up with again, I. The. The Gospels, yes, but I like Luke since it contains itself and goes automatically into the book of Acts. And then second Timothy, his last will and test. We just got through that. And Revelation. It's really the first three chapters of Revelation. That's kind of a history as well that John would write. So those are that. Brent, you had something, brother?

>> Caroline: Yeah, I was just going to say real quick, we've done a chronological.

>> Bert Harper: listing and posted it before I just found that. So I'm going to repost that on Facebook and you'll be able to find those 11 books.

Alex: I'm wondering how we reconcile being in heaven right after death

Okay, well, Alex, are you ready to go to the next caller?

>> Alex McFarland: Let's talk to Brian in Texas. Brian, are you there?

>> Caroline: Yes, gentlemen, thank you for your call. Can you hear me?

>> Alex McFarland: Yes.

>> Caroline: Okay, I know you've probably answered this question multiple times, but I've tried to reconcile different, sermon aspects on this topic with the understanding that, the criminal. When Jesus said, today you will be with me in paradise. And Paul makes the assertion that to be absent from the body is be present with the Lord. However, what I'm wondering is the. When Jesus died, he didn't go to heaven because three days later he said he told the women, I have not yet ascended to my father. And so I'm wondering how we can reconcile being in heaven right after death when we haven't even. That's the reward where we haven't even endured the judgment yet, which would allow us to get the reward. So, I'm curious as to what Yalls view on that is.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Brian, thank you.

After dying on the cross, Jesus reportedly appeared in heaven

>> Alex McFarland: Go ahead, Alex, let me start. And, Brian, thank you for this question. In John 20, verse 17, the king James renders it, okay, Jesus has arisen and was appearing. And John 2017, it says, Touch me not, for I have not yet ascended to my father. And people thought, well, was he in. You know, touch me not literally. What it's. What it's saying is, in some translations they'll say, do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to my father. I, remember I had this question, and there was an old seminary professor that I talked to, and he Showed me how it really. In John 2017, it's almost like this. Well, no, it is like this. You can't keep clinging to me because I have not yet ascended, but I'm going to. In other words, you know, I understand you're thrilled to see me alive, but you can't keep clinging to me. Now, Christ did. After dying on the cross, he appeared in heaven. The sacrifice was paid. And I, do believe in, I believe it's 2 Corinthians 5, 8. To be absent from the body is instantly to be in the presence of the Lord. And so Jesus, died, went to heaven. Believers go to heaven. But, you know, we do get a glorified body later on. But the John 20:17 is, you know, when Jesus, said, you just can't keep clinging to me because I'm going to the Father.

>> Bert Harper: Let me add this, Jesus. In Luke 16, Jesus gives the story. I don't believe it's a parable out. He uses the real name of the rich man in Lazarus, and it talks about, you know, where the. The Lazarus was, was in Abraham's bosom. And the death, the man, the. The elder, the rich man was in the place of torment. And there's a great gulf fixed. And Jesus descended and preached to the captives. I think it was in this holding place. Could it be called Abraham's bosom or paradise? And then when he led captivity captive, he took it with him. That does not say that he did not go to the Father to say, yes, I've offered myself, and then descended, to do this. But there's no contradiction in what Jesus told the thief on the cross and, to be absent from the bodies, to be present with the Lord. It takes. It's a good bit of thinking and putting Scriptures together, but Bryan, I think Alex has done a great job of doing that. Thank you so much.

Alex: Be sure and turn your radio down, Steve

Where to next, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: Steve in Kentucky. Steve, welcome. Hello, Steve.

>> Bert Harper: Be sure and turn your radio down, Steve. Steve, Right.

>> Caroline: Oh, yeah.

>> Bert Harper: Turn your radio down, brother, please.

>> Caroline: Yeah, yeah, I got it.

>> Bert Harper: Okay.

The Hebrew word for God that most would infer the Trinity is Elohim

>> Caroline: yeah, Alex and Bert, the, Old Testament name for, For Lord, is usually Lord is, used for the personal name of God, that we know as Yahweh.

>> Bert Harper: Yes.

>> Caroline: Does that include the Trinity? Yeshua. Ah, the Father and the Holy Spirit.

>> Bert Harper: Okay.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, there are several names for God throughout the Bible, like, Elohim, which means all powerful, creator, mighty and strong. Elohim is a plural word that, that really does seem to infer the doctrine of the Trinity. You know, and then there's El Shaddai, the mighty one of Jacob. Adonai is the closest, Hebrew word that means lord. And sometimes, well, and there's of course the word, yhwh, which doesn't have vowels in it, but they've been, you know, vocalize Yahweh or Jehovah, which is Lord. It seems like if you look in, like, Genesis and Judges, Adonai, Lord or master and Yahweh are often used a little bit interchangeably. But, Bert, I think the, the Hebrew word for God that most would infer the Trinity would be Elohim.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, I agree. And again, what. You have the names, then you have the creation. Let us make, you know, man in our image. I believe it is. Alex, I agree with you.

>> Alex McFarland: Okay, let's go to Ronnie. Oh, by the way, Elmer Towns, Dr. El Towns has what, in my opinion is really kind of the definitive book on the names of God. But Ronnie in Mississippi, welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Hey, brother Burt. Hey, brother Allen. I pray for y' all all the time, but, thank you. I don't have a Bible question, but I like to ask, Brother Allen something. Brother Allen, every time somebody's on vacation, somebody going on the radio station, you're filling in for them. And I don't figure out. I don't know how you do that. And, and, my wife and I was talking about Charlie, Kurt. We all, you know, witnessed everybody and talked to everybody. But my main concern, I was thinking, who can walk in and sit at that chair and talk to somebody as a college like Charlie Kerr? And you, your name came up. I said, Brother Allen, I said he could do that.

>> Bert Harper: Alex. Alex, Ronnie. Hey. His name came into my mind as well. Go ahead, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you're very kind to God be the glory. I tell you, I've watched since Charlie, Kirk died. And Bert and I were on live radio, you know, three weeks ago when we, we announced that. And it. That was, that was a tough day of radio, wasn't it, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: It really was. And let me just say this, Ronnie, Alex, with him being able the other day, he was on three and a half Hours because he, he, he was on Today's issues. He did Exploring the Word and he helped with Abe. And, we here at headquarters said Alex was doing what he loves to do and, share all the time. So, Alex, I agree with Ronnie. What a, what opportunity you have here. And we thank God for it. Brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Let me encourage y' all Watch the videos of Charlie Kirk. He really was gifted. He wasn't perfect. There was a time or two he would misspeak, as we all do. But I am telling you, he was brilliant. He loved Jesus Christ. And it is a big loss, isn't it Bert?

>> Bert Harper: It really is. And pray God would raise up for people such a time as this. God's, you know, his clubhouse quote. I know that's vernacular, but it's, you know, his bench is not, not depleted. He's got people ready to go.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Stephen in Texas. Welcome to the American Family Radio Network.

>> Caroline: Hey guys, how are y' all doing today?

>> Alex McFarland: Blessed. Good to have you.

>> Caroline: It's good to be here.

Stephen King: There is biblical evidence for the Rapture in the Bible

I just I have a lot of friends who ah, have different opinions on the on the legitimacy of the Rapture because, well, a lot of, a lot of my friends, they say that there's actually not any biblical evidence for the Rapture in the Bible. Unfortunately I haven't had the chance to research into that myself. I haven't read through Revelation yet, but I just wanted to hear you, I wanted to hear your guys thoughts on that. And if there is biblical evidence for the Rapture, where could I find that information?

>> Bert Harper: Okay. Ah, thank you for your call, Alex. We got that book coming up, a hundred questions about prophecy and answers and that's coming out in October during Share a Thon. It's going to be the premium gift we give to our folks. we answer some of those questions, don't we?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, we really do. Stephen, two of the passages that are, I believe very clearly teach what we call the rapture. One is 1 Thessalonians 4, 13, 18, 1st Thessalonians, chapter 4, verses 13 through 18. Another would be 1st Corinthians 15, 50, 54. And there's some other passages like 1 John 3, 2, it says when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Now Bert, I think we have to make a distinction between the Rapture and the second coming because as I understand scripture and you know, I'll say the point of orthodoxy, on which we all agree is that Christ is coming back, but there will be the catching away. Harpazo is the Greek word. and these verses like 1 Thessalonians 4, that we will be caught up together in the air to meet the Lord in the clouds. That sounds like the Rapture to me. seven years of tribulation will follow. Then at the end of the seven year tribulation, Christ returns. but you know, it's too long to get into in just the minute we have left. There are some theological reasons that I think are, An anti rapture sentiment has come about in recent years, and I don't burn any bridges over it, but I really do think it's the best explanation for the passages that we have. You know, meeting the Lord in the air. That's, I think, the only way to really accurately understand that is what we would call catching away the rapture.

>> Bert Harper: In first Thessalonians, it says, we shall be caught up. There's going to be a gathering up. Now, the debate is when it's going to happen. We going to go, is seven tribulation years literal, or is it the end when it's figurative? I think it's literal, and I think we'll go before then. But there is going to be a gathering up of God's people, Al. It's got to be. If 1st Corinthians 15 and 1st Thessalonians 4 have any legitimacy, there's going to be a gathering up of his people, aren't there?

>> Alex McFarland: There are, Diana in Texas. I am so sorry, we didn't get your question. It was a question about multiple wives in the Old Testament. Hey, you know, not everything God records did he condone.

>> Bert Harper: We'll get to that next week.

>> Alex McFarland: Hey, be in church on Sunday. And thanks for listening.

>> Caroline: The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.

It's Fire Away Friday For September 26, 2025!!