Fire Away Friday is your chance to ask us your Bible question

>> Jeff Chamblee: M It's Fire Away Friday on Exploring the Word. This is your chance to ask us your Bible question. You can email your [email protected] or visit facebook.com exploringtheword exploring the word. It's Fire Away Friday on American Family Radio.

>> Alex McFarland: In the Biblical book of Psalms, Psalm 119:89, it says, your word, O Lord, is eternal. Hi, Alex McFarland here along with Bert Harper. And this is an edition of Fire Away Friday, Exploring the Word, in which we're going to answer a lot of Bible questions. And one of the ones we're going to, begin with deals with unresolved challenging passages. And sometimes we hear from skeptics or those that are searching for answers, and they'll ask, are there contradictions in the Bible? Well, these and other questions we're going to address on this edition of, of Exploring the Word. And, Bert, you know, isn't it a blessing that people email us now? You and I, we field a lot of live questions on the radio five days a week, but people can email [email protected] w o r d wordfr.net and folks, if you want to ever submit a question or comment, we'd love to hear from you. Bert, as you and I have journeyed along for 13, 14 years, I guess at this point, I feel like I have grown because many of the questions of the listeners, I've had to hit the books and, read the Bible and do a lot of research and, the questions from all the listeners, some of which we'll get to today. But all these questions, they've helped me grow as I've studied.

>> Bert Harper: They have me as well. Matter of fact, I've just had a conversation with an employee here at afr, and we were talking about different things and, and I came away saying, you know, I haven't changed, the doctrines that I had 13 years ago when I came on board, but I have refined many of them. And we do, I think, Alex, we refine some of the things. If you walk with the Lord, it's just like a, we're his masterpiece that it talks about. We're his workmanship, or we're his canvas. We're his masterpiece. He's refining a lot of the details. He's done that in my life for his decisions. He's done that in my life ministry. But he's also defined that in doctrine and living. Okay, here it is. But it needs some qualification. It needs some, areas of shade. It needs some areas, where the sun Shines in just like you were doing a painting when you get through and you say, oh, it needs a little bit more color here, it needs a little bit light there. Now, the, the truth has not changed, but you have a greater understanding. So I believe in all my heart in the last 13 years, I have a greater understanding of the word of God, Alex. And it's been a journey. Here we are lifelong learners trying to help other people be lifelong learners as well, aren't we?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, amen.

Bert Hamilton: Someone asked me some advice on a preaching calendar

You know, it's funny, I got a call earlier from a listener who wanted to, solicit a little bit of advice on a preaching calendar. And let me ask you this, Bert. In your pastoring, did you have preaching calendar where you would sort of map out where you were going to go throughout the year, or did you sort of take it maybe a month at a time or how did you do it?

>> Bert Harper: No, I would look at it long range, but with the possibility of interruptions. Ah, certain book during the year, I would always want to do two or three books, go through them. you know, but I'd also look at subjects. I found out, around Christmas time, at least two Sundays, I, didn't care what you were looking at. Guess what people's minds were on. It was on Christmas. And I'd say the same thing about the resurrection and Easter. So there's certain, certain times of the year I knew, okay, I won't be going through Isaiah at this time unless I'm at certain passages. And so I did the planning with interruptions and it really helped me. And when I got through after 28 years pastoring at the same church, I'd gone through every book. Not verse by verse, but I'd gone through every book, preached from every book, had an understanding of them, and it was preparing me to come to hear and be part of exploring the Word.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, let me say in the spirit of growing and nuancing, I can say this. And we discovered early on after, you know, Marvin Sanders went to be with the Lord and then you and I began to the show together full time. it was interesting how we, though we had not known each other prior to exploring the Word, we agreed on everything.

>> Bert Harper: It was amazing. I had no idea I'd heard you. And let's go back a little bit. What would happen with, Marvin if he was going to miss a Sunday? or, I'd say a Sunday here. I'm going back to preaching every Sunday. Ah, if he, was going to Miss a show, he'd stick his head in and say, hey, Pastor Burt. When he said Pastor Burt, I knew he was going to ask me something. Yeah. When he said Bert, I knew was just having a conversation about something, but he would let me be a part of that with you and I'd be working with him when you could not make it. And we had no idea that it would be one that would work into a, 13 years of going through the Bible. God's. Listen, God's sovereignty is amazing, Alex. And, and the relationship we've had is. Cause we have such a high regard. We believe in the authoritative, inerrant word of God. And as I was saying, someone when I had a professor in seminary said, I'm not as interested in Baptist doctrine as I am biblical doctrine. And you and I approach it that way. We approach this. What does the Bible say? And, it puts us on good standing with, I think the word of God, but also with one another.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Well, let me tell you where I'm going with this. And folks, if you're just tuning in, it's Bert and Alex. This is a prerecorded show and we're taking a lot of questions. and so we're traveling and can't be live today. But so this person that asked me about, a preaching calendar, you know, I said, well, here's some of the topics that I would suggest. prayer, teach, the church how to pray, then family, maximize on family. Here's the thing. If you save the family, we'll save the nation. I mean, give us a nation of solid Christian families and Christian parents raising Christian children and that will fix everything. I mean, the home and then the church. Talk about the importance every Christian is to be a part of a local church. I really do believe that is one of my core convictions, that if you're a born again believer, you, are to be a part of a local congregation. and then biblical orthodoxy. What are the core teachings of Christianity? And then apologetics, how to defend the faith. But here's the thing. A couple of days ago I had the privilege, I was sitting in for Abe Hamilton and I had the privilege of interviewing one of the world's oldest living Holocaust survivors and a Christian man, a Jewish man who is a born again Christian and a, Holocaust survivor, nearly 100 years old. And he said to me, and I believe this, he said, pastors at least a couple of times a year should preach to their congregation about supporting Israel. And you know, I really do think in the, If. If part of your teaching or preaching schedule includes biblical orthodoxy and the core doctrines, Jesus, the resurrection, salvation. I really think pastors should. And this is to stand against antisemitism. I really think we need to talk about standing up for Israel because God has plans. Israel plays big in prophetic events of the future, doesn't it?

>> Bert Harper: They really do. And if you're preaching that, even like preaching through one of the NewSong Testament books and you're talking about Paul and you're in Romans or you're in Hebrews, I don't see how you get. Avoid not saying something about it. I remember a church where I was at. We had a person who, he wanted to be compassionate. He was talking about the Palestinians and the plight of them. And, I said, well, the ones that had the most difficult difficulty over there are Palestinian believers. And I said, yes, I understand that. Because what happens is they're not the Jew, and the Palestinians does want them if they're not following their. You know. And I said, but they're right to exist. And, you know, it. He. And I'd not preached, quote, a sermon since he had been there on Israel, you know, and what God said, bless, bless them, and I'll bless those who blesses them. you know, and. But he had already picked up on it, and he needed. Because when you Going through the scriptures, Scriptures, I believe you'll get on all those subjects. If you really look at the word of God, you can't preach through the Book of First Corinthians without hitting so many of the, issues that we face today. identity. the whole idea of identity about sexual perversion. So listen, stick to the word of God and the word of God will speak. that's. And that's what. Exploring the Word. Ah, we stand on. Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, amen. Amen.

Alex McFarland: We've got a question about resolving Bible contradictions

we've got a question about resolving Bible contradictions. And let me say, I want to set out. And, we've got some questions that will be shorter questions too, but I wanted to spend a few moments, Bert, about, I want to say it this way. Alleged Bible contradictions, because I do not believe the word of God contradicts itself. now there's a lot more we could say, but here's the thing. In Proverbs 35, it says every word of God is flawless. I think we can defend that. The Bible is the word of God, and almighty God is omniscient, has all knowledge. So, Bert, first of all, I do not think God could or would contradict himself. Now, there are things that are, sometimes challenging. Let me give you an example. This might not be a perfect example, but, Bert, several years ago I, was teaching. Well, for eight years, I had the privilege of teaching at North Greenville University, a Baptist school in South Carolina. And we started a biblical worldview department. And, but there were many times that I would start my day in South Carolina, I'd go to Charlotte and maybe do staff devotions for the Billy Graham ministry. And then I might be, by nightfall, I might be in Virginia. And like, let's say if I said, you know, Tuesday I spoke at North Greenville in South Carolina. Tuesday I spoke to the Billy Graham staff in Charlotte. Tuesday I spoke in Richmond. And somebody might say, well, now wait just a minute. Which was it? Well, it was all three, you know, so an apparent contradiction is not necessarily a contradiction. And so for the challenging passages, I think about this. Augustine, 1600 years ago, St. Augustine, he said, every verse of the Bible has an objective meaning, even if we don't know what that meaning is.

>> Bert Harper: Right.

>> Alex McFarland: And so when people say, how do I deal with Bible contradictions? look, some passages are just as clear. A three year old could get it, God loves me. And then there are other passages, I will grant you, that can be very deep, somewhat complex, but a necessary, unavoidable contradiction. Never.

>> Bert Harper: I would agree with you fully. And again, that passage in Proverbs makes it, and it says, he is a shield to those who put their trust in him. This is what the word of God is doing. It is accurate, as you said. The apparent contradictions are to be understood. And even if we could not explain it in our knowledge, Alex, with all my heart, as I've seen the word of God being as consistent as it is, there is an answer. We may not have come to it yet. It's kind of like when we was talking about when we came to this program. I hadn't changed my doctrine. I've had to refine a few things and look at it in a perspective. But we're getting to know the God of the Bible. And the God of the Bible is holy and he is loving. Now again, holiness, demands justice and love demands care. Can God stand on both of those pillars? Yes, he can. And how do we know that? Through the Word of God. So when God says he is holy, it does not mean he is not loving. And when he talks about judging, it does not mean that he does not care. And so, Alex, these apparent, contradictions, even in our Lifetime. If we can't completely, you know, regard them in time, I guarantee you they will be understood, won't they?

>> Alex McFarland: They surely will. Well, this is Exploring the Word. Burt Harper, Alex McFarland, so honored that you're listening. Stay tuned. We've got more to come. Bible questions and, God's answers after this.

Alex McFarland: Truth is costly for pregnant women in crisis

>> Bert Harper: We're living in a time when truth is under attack.

>> Bert Harper: Lies are easy to tell, easy to

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>> Jeff Chamblee: m m welcome back to Exploring the Word on American Family Radio.

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: As we go, let us make disciples as we go. Let us tell the world of Christ. May our lives speak the message of his mercy and his hope. So all we come to know as we go.

>> Alex McFarland: As we go. God is so faithful. And do you know we are called to be his representatives as we go. You know, Jesus said, as you go, make disciples. And hopefully God is using exploring the Word to help all, ourselves included, be better witnesses and followers of Christ. Well, Alex McFarland here along with Burt Harper.

Bert: Three principles can help when people think there's a contradiction

And before the break, we were talking about the alleged Bible contradictions. Bert, let me just throw out three principles that I have found, ah, can be pretty helpful, I think, when people think there's a contradiction. Because, for example, you and I, a while back, we were beginning our study of the book of Exodus, and in Exodus 2:18, talked about how Moses went, to the well at Midian, and he ended up, meeting the priest of Midian, and he married one of his daughters, Zipporah. And in Exodus 2:18, it said, Zipporah's father Moses, father in law, was named Ruel R E U E L. And then in Exodus 3:1 it said Moses, father in law. Jethro. well, what was it? And so I was doing some study. Well, it turns out Jethro is really more of a title, like, you know, if I said Bert or if I said Reverend Harper. And so there was no necessary contradiction. It's just that Reuel, is the man's name and Jethro was also his name or more of a title. But, you know, it was not a discrepancy after all. But here's my point. I would say this translation context and naturalistic bias. And let me explain what I mean by these. Sometimes the donor language, Hebrew and Greek, there's no dilemma whatsoever when you look at the original language, now the recipient language. And there are innumerable recipient languages. English, Spanish, Hindi, Bimba, Mandarin, Cantonese, French, German. All right, Very often in a recipient language there might be what looks to be, a complication of the words. And when you go back to the original language, there's no contradiction at all. The other thing is context. I mean, is it about ancient Israel? Is it about the church? Is it about the millennium? And then finally, and maybe we'll talk about this separately, but very often skeptics, those that are skeptical, they come to the Bible. The Bible is guilty until proven innocent. And there's just this anti supernatural, there's going to be this naturalistic explaining away, no matter how ludicrous, when it would be much simpler to admit, okay, Almighty God, gave his word. Almighty God did a miracle.

The translation, the context. Don't you think that's helpful to consider

But let's talk about this. The translation, the context. Don't you think that's helpful to consider?

>> Bert Harper: Those, it is, I would say, mandatory. Not just, you know, important, you know, when you go from one language to another. I've been mostly Spanish speaking. I've been, you know, other places where they were speaking other language. But most of my mission trips have been to Spain or, ah, not to Spain, but to Spanish speaking countries. And I'll be preaching and the, translator will be there and every so often I'll notice him pausing just a moment and then carrying on. And after it's over, especially after you preach the first time that he's with you, he said that word, and translating it into the Spanish language, it took two or three words to explain that one word and hope he gets it right. that is true in any translation in context, that is literature, you know, all kinds in the Bible is literature. Now when you say it is literature, it does not diminish it being God's word. But in literature you have different genres. Just like music you have that, but in literature you have different ones. It does not take away the truth. It does not take away what God is saying. Jesus spoke in parables. And some of these parables, sure does sound like it's a real event. Some of them were. It seems like some of them were not. We don't know the whole detail of every one, but it's still carrying that truth. So you look at the context. So Alex, when you look at all of those and you come to the Word of God and you come open minded. But we've had a few and you're friends with some. I've known one or two that came to the Bible trying to find out all the fault with it. And after spending time in the Word of God, they faint. They became believers knowing that the Word of God was powerful and quick and sharper than any two edged sword and it was able to convert their heart and their souls. That's the power of the Word of God.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, amen.

Bert Austin: Words mean things and I'll prove it

And let me say folks, I love the illustration you gave about preaching, with an interpreter, or as we used to jokingly say, preaching with an interrupter. Because sometimes, you know, language, one language can say something in a couple of words. And maybe if there's not an immediate counterpart in the other language, it takes two or three words. But here's the thing folks, words mean things and I'll prove it. Because any skeptic, and I've spent a lot, I've invested a lot of my heart and my life in reaching skeptics because I care. And I think deep down, Bert, even the most ardent atheist deep in their heart is wishing there was a God to believe in. because I mean, without the Lord, life doesn't mean anything. I mean, you live, you die, it was nothing. Nobody wants that. And so I guess part of the reason, ah, that I do believe that the church and I've certainly tried to pursue this, I think the church really should go out of their way to try to help the skeptic over the hump. You know what I mean? But here's my point. I've had atheists say to me, well, you know, words don't mean things. No, they must mean things because you have to use words even if you're attempting to critique the value of words.

>> Bert Harper: Is that why they invented sign language? Think about just using as illustration. Yeah, why? Why is it so important communication is vital to our existence. And so language in the words really matter a lot.

>> Bert Harper: Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, well, and, yeah, you know, for instance, in English, there's the word love. L O V e. Well, in Greek, which is what the NewSong Testament was written in, there are four different words. agape, eros, phileo, and storge. Agape is the divine love of God. Eros is romantic love between a husband and wife. Phileo is brotherly love. We love Brent Austin. And then S t o r G E. Storge is like love for an inanimate object, like I love peanut butter, you know? So here in Greek, four different words. And yet in English, we just have one word, L O V e. But nevertheless, the beautiful thing about it, folks, God not only created through the Logos, the word, God spoke the world into existence. but God has revealed himself to the human race, draws people to himself through words. And we have assurance of our salvation based on the unshakable guarantee of God's words. God made a universe of language, didn't he, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: He really did. That's why we talk about the verbal inspiration of scriptures. That words is very important. Jesus said, not one jot or tittle will pass away from my word. That's how important God's word is. And that's why you teach God's Word. And, when I was first coming up, there was a big debate on these. The Bible contains the word of God, or is it the word of God? Well, if it's only contained, then who's going to pick out which parts are accurate and which ones are not? And they're doing that today with identity. the Bible talks about, over in First Corinthians 6, about the individuals that they once were. And it gives a whole list of, I would say, immorality, individuals caught up into those attitudes, just the whole remit and such were some of you. And then there's these modern folks that want to take it. Okay, let's soften that. And it says, such are some of you. So that one word were or are separates so much. It's a whole big chasm between the real meaning and the one that they want to suppose it means. So, Alex, the verbal inspiration of scriptures is vital to have an understanding again of what God's word is, which helps you to know who God is. And. And again, I know I'm beating my drum on that, but the whole idea is I know folks who know the Bible. But listen, I've heard them, and they really are far from knowing the God of the Bible. And, and so that's the purpose. Jesus came, that he might be made known. He told his apostles, have I been so long with you that you do not understand? When you have seen me, you have seen the Father. So what was Jesus doing? He was making himself known so that those apostles could know the glory of God and who he is. So, Alex, that's our purpose as well.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

Gleason Archer says almost every biblical problem has been solved satisfactorily

Hey, we'll, kind of conclude this little, part of our conversation. I want to give a quote by Gleason Archer. There, ah, was a very famous book published by, I think it was published by Zondervan, but it was called the Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties. And there are a number of books like this. But, Gleason Archer, that was just a, great, great author. And he said this, and I quote. He said, I have dealt with one apparent discrepancy after another, studied the alleged contradictions, over all the years, and he said this, and I quote, almost every problem in Scripture ever discovered by men from ancient times until now has been dealt with in a completely satisfactory manner, either by the biblical text itself or by objective archeological information. And, you know, time doesn't allow us to quote norm Geisler, Josh McDowell, Lee Strobel, Frank Turek, Thomas Aquinas, C.S. lewis. Literally a hundred names I could bring up, two of whom Will Durant, an incredible historian, and also Mortimer Adler, the one time editor of Encyclopedia Britannica, all of whom became born again Christians. Here's the thing. when you look at the facts and with an open mind, do the research and look at the history, the context, the linguistics or archeology or the manuscripts, you'll see there's no contradiction. It's like, the Lord Jesus said in John 10:35, the Scripture cannot be broken.

If Christianity is true, why are there so many denominations

Bert, may I change gears and go to another question that came in?

>> Bert Harper: Yes, let's go to the second one.

>> Alex McFarland: somebody emails and we've gotten kind of a variant of this, question before. If Christianity is true, why are there so many denominations? And you, know, hey, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian assembly of God, Bible Church, Pentecostal Christian Church. there are a lot of denominations Lutheran. Bert, why? What's the story on the denominations?

>> Bert Harper: A lot of it is freedom. Okay. One of the reasons America is who we are today is because of what you would call a state church. Alex. in England especially, they had a state church, the Church of England. And then you had those that were dissenters, those that were trying to come out from up and they were paying the price. And they came to America to separate themselves from the state church. And I remember my professor asking the question, what would you rather have one state church that says, this is the way it is, or denominations that look at it and say, okay, it's not necessarily all disagreement, but it is, I would say, focusing in on certain things that the others don't focus. And there are some that are wrong on some issues. And I agree with Chuck Colson. He said there's no individual, no church, no denomination has it all, right? And he says, and I know the reason we're men, even though we're empowered by the Holy Spirit of God, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit. Alex, I have not gotten away from my humanity in my years of living, okay? And, yes, I want to bring every thought subject to him, but yet I'm with Paul. Those things I want to do, I find myself not doing in the right reverse. And I'm not justifying anything. But it does explain. It says, he said, o wretched man that I am, who will deliver me from this body of death. And the Holy Spirit has come, the indwelling Holy Spirit. But ultimately the only time we are going to be that complete and without that, that fleshly nature, that carnal nature, as the King James calls it. Alex, we're going to have to struggle through some things. And that struggle has developed into denominations. Go ahead, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: well, you know, the amazing thing, folks. And in the aftermath of the Protestant Reformation, 1517. Okay, you're right. you know, there had been largely throughout the world, there was, the early Church, and then, you know, east and west, there was the Greek Orthodox and the Catholic Church, and that went on for a thousand years. And then there was the Anglican Church or the Church of England. And then during the Reformation, you've got, out of, Geneva, Switzerland, you've got Presbyterians and also Scotland. And out of the Netherlands, you've got what would become the Baptists. And then out of, really England and the colonies, you've got Wesleyanism and ultimately Methodism. Okay, here's my point. and it's been well documented even by non Christian scholars. Catholic, Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, slice the pie of Christianity in three Protestantism, Catholicism and Greek Orthodox. You've got basically the same basic beliefs, the triune God, the second member of the Trinity, Jesus, who paid for our sin on the cross. Cross. And you've got the Bible, the word of God. Really, we're not that different as you

>> Bert Harper: might Think you're exactly right. And most of the things, those that we differ on, they can be reconciled if you have a heart for God. And we'll be back with more.

>>  : 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: God gave us chance to be on American Family Radio

>> Jeff Chamblee: Now back to the Bible study. You're listening to Exploring the Word on American Family Radio.

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: It's about the cross, about my sin. It's about how Jesus came to be born one so that we could be born again.

>> Alex McFarland: So that we could be born again. Jesus Christ, the son of God. And we always say this. He's as close by as a prayer. Hey, Alex and Bert here. We're answering some of your questions. By the way, before we resume the questions, you can, find out all things Bert and Jan and the Fishbowl retreat. Bert, how can people keep up with, the, the great work you and Jan do with Fishbowl?

>> Bert Harper: It's called repairing the foundations. And, you'll hear more about it. We're working on getting everything up so that you'll know about 2025. We're still looking at a few things before we put it in public, but we're excited about it. Working with pastors and their wives. That was one of our callings before we came to afr, Alex. And when we came, Tim said, how, how about bringing Fishbowl with you? Janet and I had been doing Fishbowl for several years. Just, it was a ministry God had given to us. And, then when we came, it expanded and it became a part of AFR's itinerary each year. And so we're proud to do that. So it'll be coming up.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Well, and, my own website is just my name, Alex McFarland dot com. We've got seven summer youth camps with 1200 teenagers. twice I'll be at the COVID the Billy Graham center, and that website is thecove.org and so you know, Bert, the Lord has given you and me both a pretty, robust, ministry schedule outside of the radio studio. But my goodness, God is so good. I could never have dreamed years ago that, God would give us the chance to be on the American Family Radio Network.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, take time, just a minute to tell. Okay. When they called you, you said, man, I don't have enough money to do that. I love that story. It shows you how God operates, with our desires, with our abilities, and he puts them together and he makes. Makes those things take place that we could only dream of.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, exactly. You know, I had worked for eight years for James Dobson and written a couple of books, and so I give God all the glory. But the radio networks came calling, and, folks, this is a big thank you to the donors that make, the American Family association work. And I know there are supporters that pray and they give all over America. But it was, 2009, and I got a call. I'd never met him, but a man named Jim Stanley called me and he said, I'm with the American Family Association. The President, Mr. Tim Wildmon, wants to meet with you. And I, of course, knew who Tim Wildmon was. And we were in Tennessee at a convention, and I had breakfast with Tim Wildmon, and he said, I've got this idea for a show. And see, Bert, I had had over the years four or five Christian networks. And they'd say, oh, we're going to put you on the radio. And Alex, It'll only be $1.2 million a year. And so when Tim Wildmon came calling, I said, listen, I'm very honored to meet you, but, we need to talk about money, because I don't have any anyway. And Tim Wildmon. And listen, I almost got emotional and wept. He looked at me, he said, I don't want any money. it will not cost you a penny. But, Alex, if you will commit your time, if I can depend on you, that you'll be live on the radio five days a week, I'm going to put you on the American Family Radio Network to teach the Bible. He said, nothing fancy. Just read the scripture, comment, take calls, you and Marvin Sanders. And of course we've said, you know, Marvin is in heaven now, and Bert, here's the thing. In 14 plus years with you, and then there had been about a year and a half previous to this with Marvin Sanders. Millions and millions of listeners, countless numbers of people that have indicated they've made a decision for Christ. dozens of encounters in airports where people flag me down, and they'll say, oh, my goodness, Alex, you have no idea how afa. Afr. Exploring the Word has Touched my life. Bert, a couple of years ago I was in Houston, Texas and I, well, remember this. I mentioned on a Friday afternoon that I was going to be in Houston, Texas. Well, midday Saturday, a Chevy Tahoe with six family members. They drove all night from M. Chicago to Houston, Texas because they wanted to meet me and say, Alex, please tell Bert what this show is doing. even this morning I got an email, one of my staff read me an email from a man that, his family listening to you and I, he's kept his marriage together. And so all of those folks that donate money because Bert and I don't have seven figure budgets. one last thing and we'll get back to the questions that those of you, we are a family and we partner together. You pray for us, you donate. And then over the years the radio has enabled me to do more and more and more speaking. I've hired some staff, and believe me, that was a step of faith. But we've got the gospel goes forth. The Bible is proclaimed, churches are strengthened, souls are getting saved. Young 1200 young people a year are in summer camp. And number one, I thank the Lord, obviously, but I thank Tim wildman that in 2009 he took a chance on me and here we are. And now I think God's allowed you and me to put some points on the gospel scoreboard.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Alex, I know what you're saying. Here's what Tim will tell you. He said, you know, the lineup is good on afr. He said all of it is biblical in its context, but said most of the other programs that we do that AFR produces are. They're driven concerning event, their event. He said by 3:00, clock central time. That's where Tupelo, Mississippi is. Said, man, we need a program that just says, hey, this is what the Bible says. Read it, do your best to explain it, apply it, and then take questions. And so, Tim is real quick to let everybody know, hey, this was from God through him to us. And, let me add this a little bit. I know we're taking up some time from questions, but I came on board. I was going to work with pastors. I had been on the board. I had been chairman of the board at afa. Man, I was closely connected to the ministry, to the family. And, so I come on board not knowing that I would be a part of exploring the Word. But God in his sovereignty had.

Alex: Give your life to Christ and be saved. And do it now. Amen

I'd been preaching for 40 years, 28 years at the same church, going through the Bible and going through the books and going through chapters of the book. So when I was asked to help with Marvin every so often, man, it was right up something, man. this is something that God has prepared me for. And then when Marvin went, to the hospital and I did it during that period of time, and then he came back and all three of us had worked together, which was fun. But then Marvin went home to be of the Lord and it was like, okay, Bert, this is what I have you here for. The other things, they're important, but I've got you here for such a time as this. So, Alex, that's why we take exploring the Word as seriously as we do. We have fun doing that. That doesn't mean it's not important to us. It means that this is the word of God and it is settled in heaven. The word of God is quick and powerful than any two edged sword. And we're making much of it so people can know God through Jesus Christ as Lord. That's the goal of exploring the Word.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, and everybody listening. God has a sovereign plan for your life. We believe that the Bible is God's roadmap. Amen, number one. I mean, the point of life is to know Jesus. And if you've never opened your heart and put your faith in the Lord Jesus for salvation, obviously, number one, the most urgent. There is no thing more prioritized than this. Give your life to Christ and be saved.

>> Bert Harper: And do it now. And do it now.

>> Bert Harper: Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. You know, Bert, I got to say this. And we've got a couple more questions. Yesterday I had a wonderful conversation with a mutual friend, Barry McGuire. You and I see him every year at the convention. We go to McGuire's, Car Wax. He is the single most joyful Christian I've ever known.

>> Bert Harper: I'd second that.

>> Alex McFarland: And I, was talking to him yesterday for nearly an hour, and he said 50 years ago, he and his wife were born again Christians, but they had no joy. He said, you know, business, family, there's just the stress of life. And he said he heard a preacher Preach on Romans 8:28, that, we know that all things work together for the good, for those that are the called of God according to his purpose. And he said that this preacher 50 years ago said, look, if you're a Christian, there are no bad things. Ultimately, yeah, you know, there's stresses, there's valleys, sometimes there's heartbreak. But if we give it to God, a sovereign God will weave it for the good and have joy because Ultimately, for the Christian, everything works out ultimately for the good. And he said, he and his wife, Barry McGuire and his wife said they made a decision that they were going to have joy because God is going to make it all work out. And he said, alex, I can tell you in 50 years of life, God makes it work out. And I feel led to say that because maybe somebody's listening and you are in the crucible of life's experiences, and you're just in the pressure cooker, I can promise you. And look, some days are hard. I know that. We all do. But God doesn't make mistakes. And God is for you. And God will help you and Bear McGuire said it. I agree with it. I'm sure Bert concur.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: We can rest. Give yourself permission to be at peace. And when you, when you are, clueless and you don't know what to do, just say, dear Jesus, here's my life. Jesus, help me. And he will.

>> Bert Harper: He will.

>> Alex McFarland: He really will.

>> Bert Harper: I believe that he counted all joy, not some, but all. Why can you do that? Because of this relationship that we have with God through Jesus Christ. God is able. Some of these words that we hear, phrases, God is able. but God, he interrupts some of the most difficult things in my life to show me some deep principles. he'll take you deeper than you could ever know. When I say deeper, I'm talking about into the difficulties of life. He'll take you deeper than you could believe. But when you see that, you see things and understand things you've never understood before. And, I love this. I don't know the painter, but anyway, it's a story about a guy that was doing paintings. And, he was on. You know, all of his paintings were on display. And everybody come in and said, man, they're good, but something is missing. He said, yes, there's something missing. And he said, I've got about five paintings here, and I'm going to add to them. What was missing were the shadows. Without shadows, there's no depth. So in our life, when those difficult things, those hard things come, they're shadows. C.S. Lewis would write Shadowlands, and he was talking about the difficult things in life. And out of them, it brings perspective. Out of them, it brings depth to our lives. Let me say this. It brings reality to our lives. The joy that Barry McGuire, displays does not deny hard things, but what it does, it accepts and knows that our God is able to take those difficult things and work them for good, for the betterment of the believer. Now, what is the betterment for the believer? And sometimes it's not relief. It is just to be conformed to the image of Christ. To be conformed to the image of Christ, Alex. It takes pressure on one side or the other. It takes him lifting us up. Sometimes it causes him to bow us down so we'll be on our knees, but we're conformed to his image. And, that's the good, and that's what God sees, and he develops it in our lives. It may not be easy and it may be difficult, but it is a journey worth taking, brother.

Colonel Harland Sanders spoke at Liberty University about trusting in God

>> Alex McFarland: Does the name Colonel Harland Sanders ring a bell?

>> Bert Harper: For some reason, I think a chicken. Does that have any connection?

>> Alex McFarland: Kfc? Well, he came to speak at Thomas Road Baptist Liberty University. He, late in life, became a fervent Christian, and he loved Jerry Falwell and the Old Time Gospel Hour. And he came and, you know, Colonel Sanders was talking about, you know, really learning to trust in a sovereign God. And he said, you know, one of his franchisees said, I'm just sick of all this bad weather. And he said, there's no bad weather. There's just different kinds of good weather. And isn't that a good perspective?

>> Bert Harper: It is. only God, Only God can give you that perspective, Alex. You'll not get it anywhere else. You know what I mean?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, there's no bad weather, just different kinds of good weather.

Alex: How do we know that the apostles accurately quoted Jesus' words

But, let me go over another one of these questions. I know time fleets away, but I just appreciate getting to kind of have a fireside chat with you today, Bert. But, somebody asked, this question. How do we know that the disciples or the apostles quoted the words of Jesus accurately? Now, I love my red letter Bible that I bought in Tupelo, actually. And when you see the red ink, those are the words of Christ, the words of Jesus. Now, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. And even in the Book of Acts, you've got some red letters. Bert, how can we know that the apostles, because Jesus had died, risen, ascended back to heaven, and then it was, you know, roughly 10 years after the Ascension that the first NewSong Testament books were written. So basically, from 40 to 70 A.D. you've got the NewSong Testament written, and that's between, 10 to 30, 35 years after the Ascension. Now, the book of Revelation was written about 95, 96 A.D. that was the last book of the Bible written. But how can we be for sure that the disciples accurately quoted the words of Christ?

>> Bert Harper: Let me quote Peter. And this is, says in Second Peter, chapter one. For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. Now, again, we find this true. And we find Peter talking about, Paul in his writings. We know he quoted him and he said he wrote many things hard to understand. So what we're talking about, verse, 21, is not just true about the Old Testament, but it's true about the wording that they used concerning Jesus Christ. That's second Peter 1. 21. Mark it down, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: In John 14:26, Jesus told the disciples, I love it. Jesus said the Holy Spirit was will remind you all things whatsoever I've told you. So it was a miracle. the words of Christ, and we have them in the Bible.

Well, Bert, this has been fun and I appreciate you helping us go through questions

Well, Bert, this has been fun and I appreciate you helping us go through some questions.

>> Bert Harper: And it was a Fireside chat more than Fireaway Friday, but it was awesome. We hope it is a blessing to all of you who are hearing. And may you follow God. May you trust him and have the joy in your life that only God can bring.

The Best of Exploring the Word: It's Fire Away Friday