This is your chance to ask us your Bible question on American Family Radio

>> Jeff Chamblee: M Its Fire Away 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.

>> Alex McFarland: on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13. Isn't that a great word, A great promise.

This edition of Exploring the Word features Alex McFarland and Bert Harper

And with that, we welcome you to this edition of Exploring the Word. It's Friday, and this show is Fire away Friday. Alex McFarland here along with Bert Harper. We're so honored that you're listening. And on Fridays, what we do, it's been a tradition now for all these years. We take all calls all the hour. So we would love to have your Bible question. It's 8885-898888-40888-589-8840. And Bert and I will do our best to give you a biblical answer to all the questions this hour. Bert, aren't we blessed to be able to do this wonderful radio show?

>> Bert Harper: We are, Alex, and it's been going on, like you say, for 15 years. And, we've seen God do some amazing things and it's, it's a good tradition. You know, sometimes we talk about tradition. No, there's some great traditions and this is one of them. We enjoy. We look forward to it. And we just ask you to make that call. 8885-8988-4088-8589-8840. And we would love to have your Bible question while we're waiting to get online. And we have them ready in just a moment. I'm going to be in a revival here in northeast Mississippi and we'd love to invite you. A friend of mine who, who used to be on the board at AFR Forrest Sheffield, is the pastor at this church at Friendship, and it's up between Baldwin and Guntown. Those of you in northeast Mississippi, you'll know where that is. And we're going to start out Sunday morning at 11 o'. Clock. But Sunday night through Wednesday night it is 6:30. The theme is going to be Come Jesus, Come. So we're going to be looking at the second Coming. So we would invite folks to out and join us at Friendship Baptist Church, 6:30 Sunday night through Wednesday night. Looking forward to it, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, amen. Along those lines, let me remind, people, if I May, this Sunday April 19th, I'll be in Danville, Virginia. the Baptist TABernacle in Danville, Virginia. Two services, 9:00am and 10:15am and then I, know this is a week away, but I will be in Wichita, Kansas, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, April 24 through 27. And so the full info is on my website, Alex mcfarland.com on the calendar. But you know, Bert, everywhere we go, yesterday I was in a men's Bible study in South Carolina. And people come up and they say how much they love the American Family Radio Network, and we give God all the glory. But, it is making a difference. People across the country either coming to Christ or coming back to Christ or, getting deep into the Word of God. And we rejoice in that, don't we?

>> Bert Harper: We really do. And that's what exploring the Word is about. We want to study His Word to honor the Lord Jesus Christ, pray for revival, awakening in our country. And we want to be on the point, of doing that. We don't want to be lagging behind. We want to go and ask God, do a work in our lives.

>> Caroline: We.

Robert, do you think God would call a pastor that has been divorced

>> Bert Harper: Well, Alex, the phone lines, man, they're, they're full up. You ready to answer the first question?

>> Alex McFarland: Where shall we begin?

>> Bert Harper: Let's go to Arkansas. Robert, thank you for calling. Exploring the Word. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Thank you, guys. I appreciate talking to me again. two part for you, if you would. I know the qualifications for a pastor says man, of one wife, define that a little better for me. And number two, do you think God would call a man that has been divorced? I was not saved until I got remarried, so I've only had one wife. After I've accepted Christ, I'll, let you guys have that and hang up and listen.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, thank you. We do get this question quite often. And the Greek. And again, we're backed up by a lot of scholars on this Greek scholarship. The real meaning is a one woman man. Now, Alex, people have looked at that different ways. And it means one man and one woman. That's it. No other ways. And it's been interpreted that way, and I honor that. But at the same time, you and I both have, been able to know some individuals. I have that, because of different circumstances. Just like Robert before they were saved, married, and got out of it, and God had given them some, a desire. And is, is a desire, a calling, that's hard to know. I think you got to follow through and see. But would you help Robert out?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, yeah, and probably the most famous passage associated with this topic would be first Timothy 3, verse 2. and in the English, there is the phrase the husband of one wife. Now, many, many, many American churches have taken that to mean never having been divorced, but no less an authority than John MacArthur. And I mean, if, if anybody was Mr. Scripture, it was John MacArthur. And he, he took it really to mean a one woman man. so in other words, absolutely loyal to the woman he is married to, not a polygamist. And so even John MacArthur and even Dr. Norm Geisler, both of whom are in heaven. Part of the reason I bring up their names is because these guys were like, faithful to scripture really, to the point of being really, really, really rigid. And even Dr. Geisler and John MacArthur would say it didn't necessarily mean a man that had never been divorced. The thing I would say though, is that, you know, where it does talk about being above reproach, it's just, it's might be unfortunate, but it's a reality. I will say that that does, in the eyes of many people, somewhat taint a man, doesn't it, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: It really does. And I was had. I had at that. Scripture looked up and right before it says the husband, one wife, it says blameless, you know, without reproach. And again, I'm not going to guarantee anything of what it means. I do not know guarantee that. But I know the church and the pastor, they need to make sure. Don't hide it. If you're a pastor and a church is talking to you and you've been married before and you come in from a church, don't hide it from them. be very open. And the church, according to what you're. It may be tradition or it may. And I think you're standing on solid ground in both ways. But it's not a polygamist, it's not a philanderer. I know that. And, so, it would be divorced and married again, would it not? if Paul, possibly he was married before. We don't know how the. If he was, the marriage ended. We don't know all of that.

>> Alex McFarland: He might have been a widower.

>> Bert Harper: He could have been a widower. So we don't know all of the facts and, but it needs to be on solid ground with the pastor and the church to, to make sure that. Don't you. You know what I'm talking about, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: I, I agree. I know a pastor I'm thinking of right now and his wife, they'd been married, I don't know, 10 years. And his wife left him for a woman. And he, went to the trustees of this church, and he said, look, my wife has left me and is divorcing me, and I'm going to resign. And they said, well, no, you didn't break the marriage covenant. She broke the marriage covenant. And, you know, he, went on and has pastored very successfully. it's unfortunate. And, but, you know, there. And this also relates to the question of is remarriage possible? even Dr. Dobson, you know, these mentors in my life that are all gone on. Dr. Dobson would say that if. If one person breaks the marriage covenant, the. The person that remains is free. But, you know, I think as much as I do value the wise counsel of godly men, we have to take the scripture for what it says. That's our primary guidebook, obviously.

>> Bert Harper: It really is, Robert. We hope we've helped some. We know. We didn't say, hey, we know and guarantee you something. this is one of those areas where there is some, I don't know how to say some width between it. But again, being called of God and being honest and being blameless and. And letting that church know, priority it really is to let them know and make that decision. Let's go to Texas. Lavon, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Thank you. Thank you very much.

If you read the whole Bible in a year, you get a certificate

Now, number one, I need to know when. last year you said that after a year, if you read the whole Bible in a year, you get a certificate. I don't know what date that ends. I'm almost to the end, but I'm not sure what date it ends.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Alex, we promote it at the beginning of the year, and so it'd be at the end of the year. Alex, if they started in here, it is April, and they get through next year in March, would they still deserve a certificate?

>> Alex McFarland: I say yes. Okay, tell you what. When you finish and you've read the Bible cover to cover, you just send us your contact info. And we mailed out. It was dozens of certificates. And I want to give a big shout out to Linda Kiger. She helps us get these together, and. And we print up a very beautiful certificate. Kelly Pracht is a listener in Ohio. She designed the certificate. Bert signs it, Tim Wildmon signs it, I sign it. And if I do say so, it's a pretty nice keepsake, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It is nice. It looks good. And, what I'll do each time I Sign one. I'll look at that name. And I pray for you as well. Right then. And say, lord, let the word of God dwell in them richly.

>> Alex McFarland: And so, yeah, folks, here's the challenge. If you read the Bible in its entirety,

>> Bert Harper: that includes Leviticus, too, right, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: Exactly.

>> Bert Harper: Okay.

>> Alex McFarland: From Genesis to the maps.

>> Bert Harper: Okay. Okay. Let's go to Ohio and talk to Mary. Mary, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Thank you. I'm invited to my grandson's home occasionally for a meal. And one time some time ago when I was there, I noticed his son, my oldest great grandson, then a high school senior, spent time in his room with his steady girl. Door shut. I had an opportunity later at my home to speak to my grandson as tactfully as I knew how. I told him that God did not. I didn't think that God approved of that conduct. He was, a little miffed. And he said he had spoken to his kids about fornification and that they could be in a car or anyplace else. I told him I believe that God. God would hold him responsible for allowing that conduct in his home and that his daughter, then a high school sophomore, will think it's okay for her to say, and sad to say, that she is now a junior and has followed suit. The mother fully approves, and I have no family support. But is there any Bible verse or parable that I could speak to my grandson and his wife, if I can get the opportunity again, what can

>> Bert Harper: I say, Mary, we don't have a lot of time, and so stay on a little bit. We would love to pray with you because we won't have time right now. Mary, let me just share with you. Pray hard, stand strong, and love them at the same time. Alex, you think we can come up with some Bible events that might help Mary, if she hangs on?

>> Alex McFarland: Yes. Psalm 119, verse 9, among them, about moral purity.

>> Bert Harper: So, Mary, stay with us, if you don't mind, through the break. It'd just be three minutes, and we'll bring you back and pray and see if we got any other thoughts.

>>  : The AFR app is a powerful tool, but it does have limitations. You can't use it to change the oil in your vehicle or get rid of carpet stains. It won't walk the dog, won't pick up the dry cleaning or take the kids to practice. But while you're doing those things, you can listen to your favorite AFR content through the app on your phone, smart device, or Roku. Just go to your app store or visit afr.net listen to AFR. wherever you go with the AFR. app

>> Alex McFarland: praising for friends and family for the very air we breathe.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. We want to praise the Lord. And, right now we have Mary. That stand stayed with us through the break. And Mary, our heart goes out. And, here, here. As a man sows to the flesh, he will of the flesh reap corruption. I know that sounds harsh, but it is true. Galatians makes it plain. her question was, for those of you just trying to help her grandchildren see the help and consequences of. Of sowing, immorality and living in it. Alex, we're going to pray for Mary.

Bert says parents should not let teens have sex outside of marriage

But you have. I know you had Psalm 119. Any other passage?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, I was just going to talk about that.

>> Alex McFarland: And let me just say this is vitally important.

>> Alex McFarland: by the way, a wise parent would be willing to take counsel from a godly grandparent. And, I got to say this. You know, I was in full time Youth Ministry for 11 years, and then we've been doing youth work for, you know, 25 years since,

>> Alex McFarland: parents, your

>> Alex McFarland: teenage children should not be alone behind closed doors with a member of the opposite sex. I mean, it's just. That's just wise parenting. And, as long as the child is living under your roof, they need to abide by the boundaries that you.

>> Alex McFarland: The.

>> Alex McFarland: The wise and godly boundaries you set. But Psalm 119, verse 9 asks the question, how can a young man cleanse his way by taking heed according to your word. And, you know, young man or young woman, you know, generic, masculine, pronoun used in a generic sense there. So a young person and the word cleanse their.

>> Alex McFarland: Bert.

>> Alex McFarland: Not only there is the concept of moral purity. And I just want to say this. All sex outside of marriage is wrong, including premarital sex in the eyes of God. And so, you know, this is just. I know this is against where our culture is, but the word there in Hebrews. I'm sorry. Psalm 119, verse 9. The Hebrew word not only means moral purity, but it means blamelessness, too. And Bert, doesn't God's word tell us to avoid the very appearance of evil?

>> Bert Harper: It really. The Bible makes it plain. And Mary as a grandparent, it puts us all grandparents, in a difficult position when we have. And they know what the Bible says. And then our children, our grandchildren are not heeding that. Keep the relationship. If you. I best. You can keep your relationship. Yes, you're. When they are at your house, you have the privilege to speak to them, share with them. I don't know if I would do it. Every time they came over and every time you saw them, it might be, often. It may not be often, but, you've made your point. You pray. And the prayer, the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. So one of the greatest tools you have, is prayer. Let them see. Let them see. and be clear about what God's word says. Mary, I'm going to pray for you. Father, I thank you for Mary. we hear her brokenness, her hurt, her pain. And, I've heard it a lot of times, Pastor, and I've heard it in parents, I've heard it in grandparents and God. I just pray that you would give Mary strength. May she stand in truth and in love. And, Father, I, pray for those children, the grandchildren, that they would be open to what wisdom she is sharing with them from your word. So, Father, I pray that you would break that bondage of immorality that's taken place. Father, in Jesus name, amen. Mary, thank you for holding on. And you got a lot of folks who have called who are listening or praying for you as well. Thank you so much.

When Jesus says this generation will not pass away before he comes back

Let's go to North Carolina and talk to Shari. Shari, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Yeah, I was wondering, when Jesus, said this generation will not pass away before he comes back, what does that mean?

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Alex did have something to do with, the fig tree and all of that. And. Okay. Yeah, yeah, go ahead. You do. You do a good job of explaining that.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, yeah, this is in Matthew 24. And, you know, it's interesting that, I debated an atheist one time, actually a pretty famous atheist, and this was his, you know, sort of trump card about why he rejected the Bible because he said the disciples died and. And, you know, so clearly that generation did pass away. And I said, well, I don't really think that's what it means. for one thing, Ganeo or this. This ethnicity. I really do believe that at the very least, the. The church has never been extinguished. And even through persecutions, until Christ comes back, the church will never be extinguished. But also, let me say that, I honestly believe it means that too, Bert, that there would be people alive at the time of the rebirth of the nation of Israel that would still be alive when Christ returns. Now, if that. And many people have felt like that was, part of what Christ was alluding to. And it's been now 77 years. Would it be.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, so, yeah, it would be. Yeah.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. this is Matthew 24:32 and following about when the fig tree blossoms, that, you know, the end is near. But, let me just. While I'm in. Matthew 24, verse 36. But of that day and hour, no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only. So we don't set dates we don't know, but we do know Matthew 16:18 included. The church will never be extinguished, and that generation will never pass away.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Shari, there are some difficult passages for us. do not. Here's my thoughts on it, Alex. And I've taken them. There's scriptures that I read. I said, okay, man, this is difficult and hard. it makes me turn to God, the mystery of it all. And he's, given us everything we need to know, but he may not have given us everything we want to know, you know, and so stay with the Word and stay with God. Shari, thank you for that.

Your wife came to the Lord Jesus. And God has saved your marriage

Good call. Let's go to Louisiana and talk to John. Go right ahead, John.

>> Caroline: Hey, how you doing, fellas? I love your show. I love the whole afr. Yeah, I've gotten me so many days. But here's where I'm at. My wife, we've had a rocky, relationship. And me and my children, we focus on God. So my wife has found Jesus. It's been a year. And God has saved our marriage, and I love it. So now he's doing Bible studies, and we all study together. But when we're doing our studies, I use our hats, I use our mistakes that we've done in the past. A reference to my 7 year old, my 9 year old, my 11 year old, to let them know not to go down this. And it sometimes it tends to hurt my wife's feelings. And I don't want to hurt her, but I wanted to let her know that because we've made these mistakes, we got to teach our children not to go through them. But then we use it in scripture also. And I don't want to hurt my wife's feelings. So I want to know if I'm doing the right thing in my Bible study or not. And then the second question is that I'm in Kings, I'm in Daniel and Revelations, and me and my family do Revelations, and me and my family do, Daniel. But Kings, I'm by myself. Is that too many books to be in at one time? And if you could help me out with Those questions, I'd appreciate it very much.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, John. Well, praise the Lord for what you're doing. Praise the Lord. Your wife came to the Lord Jesus. And let's. Let me take your wife's pain or your wife's urging, your wife's concern. Listen, it should be a very big issue. If it's a big issue with her, you, you, in place of using all the mistakes, you might go to her first and you guys talk about it and pray about it. Said, would it be best to let this one go or this one come? Alex? That's my thoughts on it. Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Well, listen, I, like Bert said, we rejoice with you that your wife has become a follower of Jesus. And, wow. That you're, the Lord is not only, like you said, saving your marriage, but building your life, and your children's lives together. and you ask, are there too many books to be in at one time? God bless you.

John Nixon recommends Josh McDowell's Book of Family Devotions

I want to recommend a book, and we kind of have a rule on the show that we only recommend books that we ourselves have read. That being the case, I want to recommend Josh McDowell's book of, Family Devotions. That's the title, Josh. It's a one year devotional book. Josh McDowell's Book of Family Devotions. And he, as many people would know, Josh has really been kind of a mentor to me, almost like a father figure. But I think it's good. It's good for couples, definitely good for mom and dad and the children together. And I think the Josh McDowell book of family Devotions probably will breed within the heart of your children, the desire to read the Bible, too. And so, good, for you for being the priest of the home. It sounds like you really are.

>> Bert Harper: And let me just add this. I don't mean to say this in any way. Keeping it simple for nine years old, is good. Doesn't mean you. Keeping it simple doesn't mean you make it weak. No. But one book, let them get a hold of that. Let yourself get a hold of that. when you start Nixon, the possibility of it being confusing could happen. And. But what Alex said will keep you on track, and that helps a lot as well. So, John, keep it up, brother. Thank you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for calling. Thank you for what you're doing. Most important work in the world is, as our friend Abe Hamilton says, is going home and working there. That's your main job. So thank you.

There's a power in intercessory prayer, Bert says

Let's go to Mississippi. Is it Colleen Colleen? Yes, go right ahead.

>> Caroline: yes, I just wanted to thank you both for the program and all the programming on American Family Radio because I have learned so much from the different programs. One thing I wanted to tell Mary, if she's still listening, is that there's a verse that says that two of you shall agree as touching anything that you shall ask according to my father's will, it shall be done by my father in heaven. And there's a. There's a power in intercessory prayer. I have a son that's 53, and he's going through some real heavy trials right now. And I've gathered about 15 people that promises to pray for him every day. And there's another verse that says that Jesus says, this kind cometh not forth, but by prayer and fasting. And so I would suggest prayer and fasting for her family.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Ah, thank you. Thank you, Colleen. I agree. Mary, if you're listening and what she said, I should say that find a person, an individual that you have confidence in. It may be a friend, another lady, that you're. And it would be a lady that you can pray together on this. yes. So true, Alex.

>> Caroline: And that won't gossip. You don't want anyone that's going to gossip about your child or your family.

>> Bert Harper: Thank you, girl. Amen. Alex. Colleen, you did a great job helping Mary. Alex, go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: Let me encourage people to read these verses. Matthew 18:19 is the verse about if two of you agree regarding a subject, agree in prayer together. That's Matthew 18:19. The other about prayer and fasting is Mark 9:29, about certain demons coming out only by prayer and fasting. And, Bert, I have some stories of fasting and prayer for spiritual breakthrough that are just amazing. But I know, like, if you're praying for somebody to be set free from, like, the yoke of drugs or alcohol or sexual sin or things like that, there are some spiritual breakthroughs that I do think, yes, prayer is powerful. But fasting and prayer, my friends, I assure you, you will see the hand of God work in great power. The last thing I'll say on this is James 4. 2. You have not, because you ask not, folks remember this. And, Bert, you feel free to agree or disagree, but I believe this passionately. Specific prayers get specific answers.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Am I right, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: You're right. And, general prayers get generally nowhere, you know, but sometimes. Let me clarify a little bit. When you don't know exactly how to pray on situations, praise God for the holy Spirit of God who takes those prayers. But when you know what to pray, pray it specifically. Alex, I agree with you fully. Thank you, Colette. Colleen, let's go to Montana and talk to Micah. Micah, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: But it. He said, do not engage yourself in genders. And I think I researched it a little bit and discovered that what he was talking about was not engage yourself in arguments that. That don't really have any meaning to them. And I was wondering if you could tell me where I found that.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Alex, Paul talked about some of this. Which book was it in his saying, avoid foolishness questions. And then some, some things are not as vital as others for people to, concentrate on. Go ahead, Alex. Take us out for the rest of the segment.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, like foolish genealogies and things that, Well, you know, second, Timothy 2. 23 says, avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And the King James says, engender, confusion. And it. It's not gender like male and female, but they, create. Second Timothy 2:23. But, it's Fire Away Friday, triple, 858-989-8840. Your Bible questions when we continue after this brief break. Don't go away.

Preborn Network offers free ultrasounds to women facing unplanned pregnancies

>> Bert Harper: Right now, the voices in our culture

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>> Bert Harper: Forever. You call me.

Alex and Bert discuss the upcoming Activate Summit in Tupelo, Mississippi

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Alex and Bert, so honored that you're listening. We've got questions. We're going to try to get each and every one. And, before we resume the questions, I do want to mention that the Activate Summit, if you're planning travel this summer, you will love your visit to Tupelo, Mississippi, and you'll also get some really, really great training there. And Bert, I had the great privilege last summer. I was one of the speakers at the Activate Summit. And, besides, you know, the great presenters and personalities that you hear on AFR radio, folks, I guarantee it, you will love the city of Tupelo, Mississippi. It's a great place to visit. And Bert, would you tell people a little bit about the summit and the website where they can register?

>> Bert Harper: The dates is July 16th through the 18th. this year, July 16th, 17, 18. And you can [email protected] summit. That's AFA.net summit. You need to get your tickets before May 22nd, and that won't be long till it'll be just a month that you will have. So go ahead. And like I said, got some great presenters. Jeff Schrieve is among those. doctor, Nurse, Mama, Jessica Peck, and I'll be speaking as well, along with my wife. And we'll be sharing and, we hope people will come to the Activate Summit July 16th, 17th, 18th. And you can [email protected] summit.

>> Alex McFarland: And that, that theme is refresh. my memory is something like grounded and fruitful.

>> Bert Harper: Grounded in truth, growing in grace.

>> Alex McFarland: Exactly.

>> Bert Harper: That's what we want to do. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

Why does the Ethiopian Bible contain more books than the standard canon

All right. Hey, we got a Facebook question that came in about why does the Ethiopian Bible contain more books than the, you know, standard canon? By the way, you can always email us wordfr.net or, you know, please like us, friend us on Facebook. We're more than 10,000 friends on Facebook. let me just say this, Bert, about the canon of scripture is 66 books. Genesis through Malachi, Matthew through Revelation. Here is one thing about the early Ethiopian Orthodox Church. They were kind of isolated, from many of the other Mediterranean Christians and Christians in Rome, Christians that went to Europe. And so the Ethiopian, there is a Bible, and. And I can't pronounce. It's T e W A H e D O Tiwahedo Church Bible that is related to Ethiopian Christians has 81 books in it. So it's got more books than the Western Bible. And Bert, let me say what it's not. It's not because there are, you know, more books that are inspired. They're not necessarily heretical. But here's the thing. There was some early, Jewish histories. There was a book that was called First Enoch. There was a book called the Book of Jubilees. And the Ethiopian Christians, they're believers in Jesus, but they were isolated from other Christians because by about 130 A.D. so this is, you know, 33, 35 years after the Book of Revelation, the church had largely recognized the canon that God had given. There was some tests for canonicity, but the, the Ethiopian Christians adopted some non canonical books really, because they were isolated from the other, the larger church that really definitively knew the canon that we have today.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. we hope that helps. Again, Facebook, wordfr.net, connect with us. Let's go to Michigan and talk to Jacob. Jacob, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: And guys, it's always good to talk to you and to hear you guys. Alex, I've been meaning to tell you, I've been praying for Eileen Habermas every day.

It appears that two prophets lied to condemn Ahab

but I want to go into my question. Yeah, I want to go into my question. Be mindful of your time. so I'm in First Kings right now. And it. Why does it appear, that God made, I don't know how else to phrase this, but it appears that two prophets lied to condemn Ahab. one prophet commanded somebody to strike him so that he could appear as a woman soldier. And the other one, their name was Micaiah, I think.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Jacob, let me just share. Alex and I say this. The Bible reports things it doesn't necessarily condone. So what about these prophets? Alex? Did sometime they were false. Got it wrong. What, what, what happens?

>> Alex McFarland: So, they promised these, these lying prophets, promised a victory at a, at a battle site called Ramoth Gilead. And God allowed. He. I'm not going to say God caused because God doesn't cause evil or sin. But a lying spirit, influenced these prophets and it pretty much, led Ahab to his death. And see, he was a wicked king. And there was a true prophet named Micaiah, not to be confused with the prophet Micah Micaiah. But you know, this was really kind of revealed. This is in First Kings 22:12 where these lot two line prophets, they, they said, go up and triumph. The Lord will give it into the hand of the king. But there was a lying spirit. First Kings 22:22. And it enticed Ahab to go into battle and he died.

>> Bert Harper: And let me just share. This continues over in the NewSong Testament where you had false prophets Satan always has counterfeits. and they try to get as close to the tr. To look like the truth out, let me put it that way. Not necessarily close to the truth, but they try to get as close to look like the truth and give falsehoods. And, Been around a long time, haven't they?

>> Alex McFarland: They really have. That's why, let me just parenthetically say this, and I'll give it back to you. The horoscope, fortune tellers. Don't you ever, never, never have anything to do with that stuff. it's God, his word and the leading of the Holy Spirit. That's the solid ground and the sure path on which we must stay.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Give no room to Satan. He'll take if you give him an inch. He'll take a mile if he can.

Why was Jesus' beard plucked out 750 years before Christ was born

Let's go to Tennessee. And it's destiny. Destiny. Go right ahead. Destiny, are you there? Destiny. Okay, I'm going to ask her a question real quickly. Why was Jesus, I saw it. Why was his beard plucked out? Alex, is there scripture about that in the Old Testament? And then were they just saying, okay, we've got to obey Old Testament and pluck his beard out? How does that happen?

>> Alex McFarland: For one thing, you know, 750 years before Christ was born, in Isaiah 53 that, it talks about, his visage was marred more than that of any man. In other words, he was so beaten and bloodied. And this is even like en route to the cross. So in a way, and, you know, I think it was, besides being physically painful, and it would be really a disfigurement. It was just part of the way that they just, were trying to humiliate and just, destroy the man that is the Messiah. it was just wickedness and sin and rejection of Christ to the maximal degree, wasn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It really was. Brent, our, producer, was over. He said, I know why it's men being evil. And that's a lot of it. But it's amazing how that is connecting to the old testament even 750 years before. So that was a, destiny that had asked that. And I could read it and look at it. So, destiny, by the way, the verse

>> Alex McFarland: where that is, that's Isaiah 50, verse 6.

>> Bert Harper: 50, verse 6. That's it. It says, I gave my back to those who struck me and my cheeks to those who plucked out the beard. I did not hide my face from shame and spitting. It's amazing how specific that is.

Well, let's go to Maryland and talk To John. John, thank you for calling. Yeah, I just wanted to make sure I got

Well, let's go to Maryland and talk To John. John, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Yes. You guys hear M me?

>> Bert Harper: Yes, we can. Thank you, John.

>> Caroline: Yeah, I just wanted to make sure I got my radio off.

John: I have a question about the temptation of Eve in Genesis

So I have a, I have a question. You guys have been taking some really hard hitting questions here this afternoon and mine is fairly light hearted, I would like to think, but I do get a little bit passionate about it. So I have heard many, many preachers reference, the temptation of Eve in Genesis as Eve adding to the words of God when she said that they were told Adam and her were told not to touch the fruit. And my problem with that is I'm questioning at which point did Eve develop a sin nature? Adam and Eve were born without a sin nature. So I've heard several different pastors preach on Eve slandering or adding to the word of God. And I know what the, what the revelation says about adding to the word of God. if, if I was a parent and I was cautioning my children to avoid something that that was evil and I wanted them to stay away from it, I think it's logical that I might as God tell Adam and Eve that perhaps maybe they shouldn't touch the fruit. We don't have an entire, we don't have every conversation that God had with Adam and Eve when he walked with them in the garden in the cool of the day revealed to us in Genesis. And I just think it's a little bit tough on Eve to say that she added to the words of God, you know, as Moses, wrote the first five books of the Bible inspired by God. Maybe God inspired him to add this extra bit of information for us. anyway, that's my question is what do you guys think of that?

>> Bert Harper: John? Thank you, man. I, wouldn't call this light.

>> Alex McFarland: That's a fantastic question.

>> Bert Harper: It is a fantastic question. He said, don't eat of this fruit. Now the key player, you got to do the temptation. And the response, Alex, you know, you've got to take both of them. If you take one side, you do, Satan is there to do whatever. He's going to confuse as much as he can. You catch what I'm saying? And in that confusion, if you, if we're not careful even today, we will try to negotiate in place of obey. Go ahead, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, I'm reminded of a grand old hymn, Trust and Obey. To be happy in Jesus. Trust and obey. Right.

John Rogers: When did Adam and Eve get a sin nature

So, part of the question was when did Adam and Eve get a sin nature? Well, when they ceased trusting God. And they disobeyed God. The. The sin happened. This is in Genesis 2, really. 16 through 17. So here are some possibilities. Okay. the serpent said, you know, the tree is good for. And your eyes will be opened. So they disobeyed. Now, Eve said, you know, God has told us of the tree, the fruit of the tree in the midst of the garden. God said, you shall not eat, nor shall you touch it, lest you die. Genesis 3, 2 and 3. Okay, so what? Maybe Adam told Eve what God had said, but she misheard or misunderstood. Maybe Adam told Eve what God had said, but he exaggerated it to make sure she would stay away from the tree. You know, that that's a likelihood. and I've heard many preachers say Eve added to the word of God. Maybe she did, maybe she didn't. some even said, well, maybe Eve deliberately lied to the serpent. we don't. That's very speculative. But, And maybe being so, you know, dumbfounded by a talking animal, a talking snake, I don't know. But, they sinned. They. Here's the bottom line. God said, don't eat from the tree, which is what they did. And, sin came on Adam and Eve and all of their children, which is all of us.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. That's true.

>> Alex McFarland: And, God told them, he said, the day that you eat thereof, you will die. And the wording. I'm sure many people have heard it. It's worded this way. In dying, you shall die. So it not only prophesied physical death, but unless there's the new birth, spiritual death as well.

>> Bert Harper: Dr. Rogers, I'm not sure we've quoted him, so I better get this in. He was. Yes. said they died spiritually immediately. They died, socially, progressively. And he died spiritually. I mean, physically, ultimately. And there was that death. So, John, thank you.

Alex: Question about 144,000 Jewish evangelists in Revelation 7

Good question. Let's go to Missouri, to Joe. Joe, we didn't get to your call, but we did today. Go ahead with your question, Joe.

>> Caroline: Yes, my question's on. Concerning the 144,000, Jewish, evangelists in, Revelation, seven. Can you hear me okay?

>> Bert Harper: Yeah. You want to know who they were or what they're doing?

>> Caroline: No, no, what I want to know is that, looking at it, and it's even in your book, it said it was 12,000 from each tribe. Now, I consider the tribes, the 12 tribes. But when you look at it, it's really to try. Their two tribes was Joseph and Manasseh, which is Joseph's son So it really didn't come from each tribe. It came from, Joseph's tribe by one more.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, you got what Joe's asking. Go ahead if you do. We don't have a lot of time.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, by the time of the Tribulation, which is yet future. Do, you remember in Genesis 48, and I love Joseph of the book of Genesis, Joseph. Yeah.

>> Caroline: Where he talks about Ephraim the.

>> Alex McFarland: And Manasseh. Yeah. so they became heads of their own respective tribes. But, and really throughout Israeli history, they were called, quote, the house of Joseph. it adds up to 144,000. Even though by the time of the Great Tribulation, the delineations of the tribes are not as, clear as we might want them to be. But the listing there in Revelation 7 lists ultimately where all of these Jews originated from.

>> Bert Harper: Okay. God knows where they are. They not lost with him. Let me put it to you that way. Hey, guys. Thank you, Alex. It's been good. And we'll continue in the Book of Numbers on Monday. I'm looking forward to that. So we hope all of you will tell people about afr, exploring the Word, but more importantly, tell them about Jesus.

>> Alex McFarland: The views and opinions expressed in this

>> Bert Harper: broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of

>> Alex McFarland: the American Family association or American Family Radio.

It's Fire Away Friday for April 17th!