Transcript

Because of listeners like you, Preborn helped to rescue over 67,000 babies

>> Bert Harper: Because of listeners like you, PreBorn helped to rescue over 67,000 babies. Your $28 to sponsor one ultrasound doubled a baby's chance at life. Your tax deductible gift saves lives. Please join us in this life saving mission. To donate, go to preborn.com afr the Bible.

>>  : It's the word of God. Sharper than any two edged sword. This sacred book is living and active and contains all that's need for life and godliness. Stay with American Family Radio for the next hour as we study God's word and take your Bible questions.

Are you ready while you're waiting for Jesus' return? Alex: Yeah. That's true. So the whole idea is, are you ready

Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Alex McFarland: I want to start the program today and I want to reference two songs. If you listen to Exploring the Word much, I mention music a lot. I love music. And we're going to be in Matthew, chapter 2425. We'll talk about some of the famous parables. We'll get to Matthew 25 and Bert, when I was a youth pastor and I had played guitar for young life and different youth things, really even before I was personally saved, I had played guitar for you things. But we used to do, this is way back in the 80s, a song. Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning, burning. Do you ever remember that song?

>> Bert Harper: I remember it well.

>> Alex McFarland: Give me oil in my lamp I pray keep me burning to the break of day. And as I was reading in Matthew 25, Parable of the wise and the foolish virgins, I thought about that old song about give me oil in my lamp. I thought you might remember that too.

>> Bert Harper: I do. I'm young enough, I mean old enough to remember that. And so it does. And so we'll get to that. It's very important. Have oil. What good is a lamp like that without oil? It's not going to help you, is it?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, that's true. That's true. Now I'm going to mention another song and then we're going to read some from Matthew 25 and I invite you if you've got a copy of God's Word, Word turned to the NewSong Testament book of Matthew. Bert. I think it was probably the first time that I ever went as a messenger to the Southern Baptist Convention. This was many, many years ago and it was in Phoenix, Arizona. And maybe you might have been there.

>> Bert Harper: I was there. I was there.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. This is more than 20 years ago, wasn't it?

>> Bert Harper: Yes, it was.

>> Alex McFarland: And so it was like the first day and it was really great. And if you've ever been to one of the Baptist conventions, I mean there's just this emphasis on the Great Commission. Well, the lights went down and a group came out to sing. And it might have been the newsboys, but the song they did was called the Midnight Cry. Speaking of, there is going to be a day when there'll be, a shout, a cry from heaven, a blast of a trumpet, and Christ, returns. And just as in the parable of the wise virgins, the bridegroom in verse 10 comes, comes. And those who were ready went with him into the wedding. And the door was shut, but some weren't ready. And Bert, when I read Matthew 25:10 about the moment the bridegroom comes for the bride, I think about that gospel song, the Midnight Cry. The moment will, will happen. The day is coming.

>> Bert Harper: It is coming. And being ready, being ready. But while we are. Need to be ready, we will be waiting. And that's where we are now. We're still waiting. So the whole idea is, are you ready while you're waiting? And both, of these, both of the parables that we'll look at today concerning the virgins and the servants who were given the money, they both was waiting for a return. And so one was the bridegroom, the other one was the master. So we're waiting. We're waiting for the Lord Jesus. Is he going to find us ready? Are we going. He's. He's. Is he going to find us serving and using what he's given us? So, Alex, let's.

The question in Matthew 24 and 25 is when will the Kingdom come

Let's start with, chapter 24, just the first part. So to set it up, what we're talking about. And then we. We just mentioned 24. He's talking about when. And it happens with the question in chapter 24, verse 1. Then Jesus went out and departed from temple, and his disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the temple. They were impressed with the buildings. And I'm not sure Jesus was that impressed. Okay, because he says, do not see all these. Do you not see all these things? I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another that shall not be thrown down. He is telling the Future now. Verse 3. Here it is. Now, as he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, without the multitudes here. Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age? Now, that is the question that sets up the chapters 24 and 25. What will be the sign? when will these things be? He starts talking about the Tribulation Here in ver. In chapter 24, four verse through 26, he talks about the second coming in verses 27, all the way through the rest, verse 31. And then gives the parable, the fig tree, the days of Noah. And then he gets into some parables of the two servants. But that brings us to chapter 25 with two, I wouldn't say lengthy, parables. But they're longer than a lot of them, aren't they, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, they really are. They really are. And, you know, I want to get into 25. But that. That is amazing. When the disciples were showing Jesus the, The vast buildings of the temple, and, I mean, he's the. The God of the temple, that, you know, it's. It's amazing. Revelation 18, incidentally, says that all the. The cities of the world are going to fall in the space of one hour. And, Bert, I think about. I was out in, Seattle, Washington, and Everett, Washington, I believe it is, is where the Boeing factory is. Some of the largest buildings I've ever seen, where they make these jumbo jets. And indoors they'll build these jets and bring them out. Massive, staggeringly large buildings. And human beings have made some amazing things, from the, the pyramids to the Eiffel Tower. And yet in less than 60 minutes, it's all going to crumble. But the kingdom of Christ will be ushered in. But, Matthew 25, then the kingdom of heaven, Jesus says, shall be likened to 10 virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now, five of them were wise and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them. But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Now, Bert, oil very often means or is symbolic of the Holy Spirit, isn't it? And just as oil is in a lamp, the Holy Spirit indwells the believer. And, you know, outwardly carrying around a lamp might have looked like they were ready for the bridegroom. But the outward appearances and the external, machinations, that's not the whole story. It's what's on the inside. And I think about how Christ told Nicodemus, you must be born again. the oil in our lamps is symbolic of truly having a relationship with Christ, being born again and indwelt and sealed by his Holy Spirit, is it not?

>> Bert Harper: It is. He who has the Spirit has life. He who does not have the spirit does not have life, and it does not dwell in him. But those of us who have received Jesus Christ as savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit comes in immediately. It's called the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And this oil represents this. And you have five ready and five that were not. Now what made the difference on the outside, it looks like they were dressed right and they had the right equipment, but there was something missing. And I couldn't help but think that. As you said, Nicodemus, I also can't think of help, but think about the rich young ruler, man. He'd kept all these things since his youth, man, surely I've done enough. But he was missing something. Judas's chariot. Here he was, he was one of the 12. And when Jesus said, one of you is going to betray me, they didn't say, oh man, we've been waiting on you to know it was Judas. No, they all said, is it I? And so the outward appearance, yes, it. We need to walk and act correctly. Don't miss that. But I want to just tell you, you can go with a bunch of rules and a bunch of regulations and check them off and keep them off and miss what God is doing inside in your life. God works from the inward out. Alex, do you remember, I know this is before your dime, but when Lyndon Johnson was president, they wanted to bring about the Great Society here in the ghettos, in the city, in the Appalachian Mountains, especially where poverty was. He said, man, we're going to take them out of their poverty and put them in better places. Listen, you can change the outside, you can change, but unless the inside is changed. The dog, and I'm using this, and it's very, you know, powerful, it's not a beautiful illustration. The dog returns to its vomit and the pig returns to its walla. the change has got to take place within. Doesn't does.

>> Alex McFarland: And you know, I've shared this illustration many times, but when Billy Graham was in NewSong York City, I think in 1957, they were in the downtown. And actually when I was in NewSong York City just hours after 9 11, I met a number of people that had come to Christ when Billy Graham preached in Madison Square garden in the 50s. But, they're downtown and there's a, ah, communist, up on a soapbox and he points to a homeless person and he said, communism, can put a new suit of clothes on that man. And Billy Graham said, yes, but Jesus could put a new man in that suit of clothes.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: And that's like what you said that. I mean, it doesn't matter if you Throw money at people or change their location. For life to change, and ultimately marriages and families and cultures to be transformed, there has to be a change on the inside. And only the Lord Jesus can affect that change. in Matthew 25 it says in verse 5, while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. Okay, Jesus ascended to heaven. Acts 1:11.

You have to be born again to be saved by Jesus Christ

But he's coming back. And right now we're in a thing called the church age. And some are ready, some are diligent, some, and we're gonna get to the talents here in a while. But some are slumbering and sleeping. Verse 6. And at midnight a cry was heard. Behold, the bridegroom is coming. Go out and meet him. Then those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. There's another old gospel song. Keep your lamp trimmed and burning. And the foolish said to the wise, give us some of your oil for our lamps are going out. Bert, I've always pondered on ver they their lamps weren't ever on. They didn't have any oil in those lamps.

>> Bert Harper: Well, they may have. They may have had the wick. Okay. Or whatever. It will light, but it will not stay. it even smokes and gives irritating smell.

>> Alex McFarland: Wow. Yeah, now that'll preach.

>> Bert Harper: It will.

>> Alex McFarland: The wise said, no, lest there should not be enough for us in you. But go rather to those who sell and buy for yourselves. Okay, there's not time to go. The bridegroom is coming. He's even at the door. Here's one thing I want to say is the oil in the lamp cannot be transferred. It's non transferable. let me say this. God doesn't have any grandchildren. Maybe your mom and dad, your grandparents, were godly people and they helped build the church. But what about you? Do you have a born again relationship? Maybe some of your closest friends are Christians. What about you? just as the virgins, they couldn't give the oil to somebody else. Everybody has to get it for themselves. And folks, you have to open your heart to Christ and you have to be born again. And the good news is, even this very day you can be by putting your faith in Jesus Christ.

>> Bert Harper: The door was shut. There's a time frame. There's a time when, okay, you can come in, it is open, the gate is open, the way is ready. But then the door is shut. Afterward, the other virgins came also, saying, lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you. Now, Alex, you couldn't help but think of what he said in Matthew 7 at the Sermon on the Mount when he said, lord, have we not done these things in your name? We've done all these outward things. And guess what he says there? I never knew you. Those words you don't want to hear, do you, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: You really don't. And the thing is, you don't have to hear them. What you can hear is, well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord, and by putting your faith in Christ, you will hear those words. Well, stay tuned.

AFA explores the word ahead of America's 250th birthday

More parables of Jesus on this edition of exploring the word.

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>> Dr. Jessica Peck: Of a mighty rushing wind. And it's closer now than it's ever been. I, can almost hear the trumpet as Gab sounds a cold. And at the midnight cry will be going home. When Jesus steps out on a cloud to call God's children,

>> Bert Harper: The dead in

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: Christ shall rise to be living.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Amen. Alex, that's the song you were talking about, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Hey, don't we have the best engineers and producers to, bring up the great music to go with the word of God?

>> Bert Harper: these writers of music, and then the poetry and then the ability to put the music, and then those that can produce it. And man, thank God for them, Alex. They have blessed my life. And that song, what a song it is. And so at the midnight cry. So here's the word, verse 13. Watch. Therefore, we better be ready, because he is coming back, isn't he?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, he really is. And, I've shared this illustration before, but, I believe it was May 7th of last year. the ID changed. You had to have what was called a real ID to fly. And some of, you know, there's. You get your driver's license and the real id, quote unquote, has a little star in the upper right hand corner. For those online. I'm holding up my driver's license right now. And Bert, I was at the airport the day. And there had been for a good two years. I do a lot of flying. There had been signs in the airport. your ID or passport has to be verified before May 7, 2025. be alert after that day, your old style of ID is not valid for travel. And Bert, I'll, never forget I was at the, airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, and it got to be the day, and there were people in line, and I'm talking well dressed, clearly, you know, well to do travelers. And they were saying to the gate agent and the TSA security, but, but I have to get on the plane. And they were saying, you don't have the correct id, but, but I have to be somewhere. And I was thinking about this, and then there were, you know, people, and thank God I had the correct ID because I got ready. But these signs were up for over two years. And I think about this for all of our lives, whether we live to be 50, 70, 80 years old, all of our life, the Holy Spirit is calling, saying, are you ready? Are you right with God? Then for 19 centuries plus, the church has cried out, be ye reconciled to God, the Spirit and the bride and the book. All three say, come and yet. Bert, when you read Matthew 25:1 through 13, there are going to be some that say, but, but, but. And the bridegroom shuts the door and says, I don't know you. And so Jesus says in verse 13, Watch therefore, for you do not know the day or the hour in which the Son of man is coming. That's why we and beg and say, are you ready? Because either by death or the trumpet sound, we are going to meet God one day, and we must be born again or we're unprepared.

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

Bert says there are two different kinds of waiting, Alex

We make the transition to another one of his parables about the servants given amount of money and to invest it. Guess what? While they are waiting, Alex, there's two different kinds of waiting. You can wait. And I'm going to use a southern expression I grew up with twiddling your thumbs away. You know, hands not doing anything, but you're just sitting there and your thumbs go around and around. have you ever heard of a do nothing machine?

>> Alex McFarland: no. I don't know what that is.

>> Bert Harper: Okay. We were in Branson, Missouri, and they had this little, what they call the do nothing machine. And it was. Someone had made it, and all you do is crank it. But it, it doesn't do anything. A, do nothing machine. It doesn't accomplish anything. It doesn't do anything. It. You just turn, you know, turn, turn the handle. Here it is. We are to be busy while we're waiting. We're, and I'm going to use this word, we're to invest our lives while we're waiting for Christ. And there's that waiting and purposeful waiting, doing what God would have us to do while we wait on him. Let me start this in verse 14, the second parable that he gives here in chapter 25. For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one to each according to his own ability. And immediately he went on a journey. Now, when I use the word talent, it's amount of money and it's a big amount by the way. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But here's the contrast. He who had received one went and dug in the ground, hid the Lord's money after a long time. And I'm going to start stop at verse 19. And after a long time the Lord of those servants came and listened to this word and settled accounts with them. Alex, are the accounts going to be settled one day?

>> Alex McFarland: all accounts are going to be settled one day. It's funny, I was just thinking about the Johnny Cash version, of the old account was settled long ago.

>> Bert Harper: That's it.

>> Alex McFarland: M. Another great gospel song. Sorry folks, I can't help it. I just, I love music. But, yes, and there are accounts. And here's the thing. The Bible says that the wages of sin is death. That's Romans 6, 23. A wage, a paycheck, a net result. You know, you work a 40 hour week, along comes payday. And you, you get, a recompense for the hours. Well, you live your life there, there's a payoff, there's a, there's a wage. And it doesn't matter if you, by the world's estimation, if you've been quote good or quote bad, you've been, you know, you've tried your best, whatever, without Jesus, your pay envelope is going to carry lostness. That's all. You know, we've Matthew 7, 21, 24 where Jesus says to many. And I know it's with a heavy heart and a sad voice because the Bible says God is not willing that any should perish. God doesn't want anybody lost, but he is not going to force you. The, spirit of God will offer salvation make you aware of it. But you must open your heart and respond to Christ. And many will hear, depart. I never knew you. That's going to be the wage you carry away from your life, Bert. We're all sinners, but through Jesus, we can all be forgiven. But we have to put our faith in him. And so there is going to be a settling of accounts, isn't it, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: There really is. And again, notice these words. I could not help. 5. Yes, two in one verse 15. To each according to his own ability. God has invested in us. Does that mean he loves more than others? No, it just means that, to whom much is given, much is required. And sometimes we're given much, you and I, Alex. Just this radio program. Okay. there's a lot of pastors. I was pastor for 40 years. Okay, and, so. And you've been on staff, administering and serving, you know. But when God opened up this radio program for us, this hour, every Monday through Friday, an hour of opening God's word. What a responsibility. What more? It's like God said, okay, I gave you this in a church. I gave you this possibility, but I'm giving you this responsibility, this. And it's a great. What are we going to do with it? yes. And so what you've been given by God, there's an accountability for that. To whom much is given, much is required. So that settlement is there. And so he gave five. Two and one. And again. The first two, five. What did he do? He invested it. And the second one?

Alex: God's a gracious God. And God doesn't show favoritism or malice

Invested it. The third one, I buried it, you know. And, now we can get to the reasons why. verse 20. So he had received five talents, came and brought five more talents. Lord, you've delivered me five talents. Look, I've gained five more besides this. The Lord said, what? Well done, good and faithful servant. You were faithful over a few things. I'll, make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of the Lord. Same thing with two. Well done, thy good and faithful servant. He says the same thing to both of them. But then he come to the one talent. Lord, verse 24. I knew you to be a hard man. Where did he get that information, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, I mean, you know, he knew, didn't he?

>> Bert Harper: Well, you know, God's a gracious God. If this is representative of God, he's a gracious God, and he's going to do what's right. But being. Being just is not being hard.

>> Alex McFarland: You catch that?

>> Bert Harper: There's a big difference there, brother, I think.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, exactly. And God Is not cruel. God is not unfair. And God doesn't show favoritism or. I mean, he doesn't show favoritism or malice. He's just. In fact, he's a God of grace. And this thing. What an insult. How disrespectful. And, verse 24, Lord, I knew you to be a hard man. Look, he entrusted you with something. He gave you something and gave you life and gave you opportunity to take your talent and yield an increase. He allowed you to have a place in the heavenly economy.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: A hard man. I think God's pretty gracious to this guy.

>> Bert Harper: And let's say this to those who are listening right now, Alex. There's some people listening right now, and they think, God, man, I've heard how hard you are. God, why are you letting evil take place? If you were a good God, all this would not take place. God has given us a way, the way. And it's Jesus Christ to come into relationship with him. Yes, we live in a fallen world. It rains on the just and the unjust. Is rain good or bad? Yes, it is. Too much floods, you know. So, Alex, this. This information that he got, Don't let bad information about our Heavenly Father, those of you listening, keep you from really knowing him. And it's just been Father's Day. And I've listened to some podcasts, recently, and about 4 or 5 they had. Sing that song. You're a good, good father. I want to tell everybody who is listening, God's a good, good father, and through Jesus Christ, you can know him.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: It's the way to go, isn't it, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, it really is.

Bert Harper: Don't try to be a Billy Graham or Jerry Falwell

And, you know, thinking about talents, some of the wise counsel I ever got when I was at Liberty University. Two guys that were just the best. Elmer Towns and Harold Wilmington. And if you all, anybody listening ever went to Liberty university from the 70s to the early 2000s. And Bert, I know you knew Dr. Townes.

>> Bert Harper: I believe I did.

>> Alex McFarland: Those guys were fantastic. And one time we were very privileged. Some of us were sitting around and just listening to these men share wisdom. Guys that had worked with everybody from Billy Graham on down. And, Dr. Falwell was really influential. Jerry Falwell. But I heard one of them say, they said, we've watched guys come through here, and they. They want to try to imitate Adrian Rogers or imitate Jerry Falwell, and that's fine, you know, to, have your heroes. But they said, don't try to be a Billy Graham because You're supposed to be you. And don't try to be a Jerry Falwell, because the world doesn't want to miss out on, an Alex McFarlane or a Krish Gambis. We were. The point is, And at the same time, we shouldn't be envious. Look, I know there are big churches. We've been to some of them. And then there's the little country church of 50 people. To all the pastors out there, I want to say this. If you're faithfully handling your assignment, that's every bit as valid as the mega church pastor. Over 10,000 people, and it's. Don't focus on where the decimal point is. Focus on faithfulness. Because any of us. I want to tell you something. I really mean it. I thank the Lord every time I've ever put this. I plug in this microphone. We've got this gear. Bert, 16 years, I don't think I've ever hooked up the Comrex that I didn't. In my heart, I said, lord Jesus, thank you. This is such an honor. Thank you. But, it was an honor to speak for eight youth at a hot dog supper 30 years ago, too. And, Bert, I really, really mean that. Don't you agree?

>> Bert Harper: I do. I do. Alex. Five talents, two talents, one talent. It does not matter. Be faithful with what God has given you. And that's, what he said. He took that one talent from the guy who buried it, and he did what? Gave it to the guy who now has 10 talents. And why not? Cause God's unfair. Because he'll know. He'll use it correctly. So you want to use the time God has, the resources God has, use them for his glory. While we're waiting for his return, this young. This man and what he did revealed who he was, his lack of faith, not knowing who God was. And it says, the unprofitable servant was cast into outer darkness, weeping and gnashing of teeth. Listen, it's severe not to know Christ as savior. No, he's not hard, but he is just. And he says, come to me. Well, Alex, real quickly, by the way, it's the day of prayer, so go ahead and finish this out. That number, by the way, if you'd call 888-589-8840. Give us a call. Day of prayer. Alex, take us out.

>> Alex McFarland: yeah, we've got a break, folks, and then we come back. We're going to take calls, your prayer requests, your Bible questions. If you've got a Bible question. Again, the toll free number 888-589-8840. Bert and I would love to hear from you on this edition of Exploring the Word. Stay tuned.

>> Bert Harper: Right now, more mothers need that moment of Hope. Just $28 sponsors one ultrasound and $140 helps rescue five babies. Your generous tax deductible gift also helps provide mothers who choose life with loving support and care for up to two years. Please don't wait. Help surround mothers and babies with compassion, truth and hope today. To donate, dial hashtag 250 and say the key word baby. That's hashtag 250baby. Or visit preborn.com Bert Harper that's preborn.com Bert Harper.

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: Holy, holy, holy is there, oh God Almighty, who was and is and is to come with all creation. I sing praise to the king of Kings. You are my everything and I will adore you.

Alex Dobson calls with a prayer request for a cat with cerebral palsy

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome back to Explore Word. Alex and Bert. Here we've got lines open. If you have a Bible question or if you want to share a prayer request, you will get through. It's 888, 589, 88, 40 and ah, Bert, I'm going to let you cue up the, call computer, if you don't mind. I was thinking about something about the talents. Think about this. And this impacted me. it may surprise people to know that Ernest Hemingway, the famed writer, died in 1961. He wrote sometimes for Sports Illustrated. Did you know that, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: I did not know that, no.

>> Caroline: He.

>> Alex McFarland: There's a story. I read it, oh, many, many years ago, but it really touched my heart. Ernest Hemingway wrote a story for Sports Illustrated about doing your best, giving your best. And he tells the story when he was back in high school that he was in an English class and everybody had to write a short story. And I suppose even back then, in his teens, his writing abilities were beginning to show. And some student that he knew was kind of a poor student. He looked and that guy got an A and he got like a C. And he went to the teacher, he said, look, I happen to know what I turned in is way better than what that other guy did. How in the world did that student get, an A? And I got a C. And the teacher, who apparently was a very wise teacher, he said, given his level of ability, he did an A. But given the level of ability you've got, you get a C because you didn't do your best and you should have. And Ernest Hemingway said that really convicted him. And I think about it, folks, every one of us has much Much in life that we've been entrusted with by the Lord. Give God our best.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. There's an old hymn that goes that. Our best. I haven't thought about that in years. Till you just said that. I couldn't say it, but I remember singing it as a, as a young teenager. Give, him your best and listen. That's what we're saying. Give God your life and then serve him with all your might. Well, we've got people that have called in that number, and we do have lines that are open. 888-589-8840. Triple 858-98840. Let's go to Indiana and talk to Kimberly. Kimberly, thank you for calling today. Go right ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: I'm calling for a prayer request. I, have a little orange and white.

>> Caroline: Sorry.

>> Alex McFarland: Little orange and white cat. He has cerebral palsy and he's not supposed to get outside. And he's gotten out before, but he's never stayed gone overnight like this. He got out yesterday evening, and I'm really worried about him.

>> Bert Harper: Okay. Kimberly. Alex, you know what it is to love a pet, because we hear Esther quite often. And so, yeah, pets, man. And Kimberly, thank you for calling. Alex, is there something that we shouldn't pray for? Is, people, I think it's something we ought to pray for. Myself, what about you?

>> Alex McFarland: You should absolutely pray. And I'm not ashamed to tell you I have spent sleepless nights praying for a kitty cat to come home, too. I want to pray for this. Father, in the name of Jesus, bless Kimberly. Give her comfort. And Lord, speak to that little cat you made and tell that cat come home in Jesus name. I pray that cat is safe. And the cat has cerebral palsy. But. But pets are such a comfort to us. And Lord, give this woman another day with her kitty cat. Make that cat come home. I ask it in Jesus name and help Kimberly. Trust in you as she waits. And we hope to get a good report on this. And we ask it in your name, Lord. Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. one of the greatest programs that I ever remember with Dr. James Dobson was the time he visited out in Bend, Oregon, and there was a lady there that had horses that had been mistreated, and she had the ranch for them. And what would happen when abused or children that were, you know, considered something wrong and seemed like those horses and those individuals, there would be a, just a great communication with them. And she even told a story. How about one horse just would bend the neck and hug the neck of this girl that was just struggling so much. So amen. M. Thank God. Thank you for animals. I really do. We praise God for that. Well, let's go to Virginia and talk to Steve. Steve, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Hey, thank you, guys. Love you guys.

Alex: I have two questions about whether the fall affected other universes

Alex, a few years ago I called in and asked you a question. Whether the fall affected the entire universe that God created. And you thought for 10 seconds and said yes, and that really blew my mind. So I have a question. Follow up to your follow up.

>> Alex McFarland: Is this okay?

>> Caroline: You know all the talk about, you know, all the talk that people are having about aliens and stuff like that. two. Two questions, actually, but let me get to the first one and then I'll mention the second. so, because, and I think you're right, the fall effect of the entire, creation, does that imply that the. That. That the Earth and the populated Earth that God created, is. That's it. We are the only, creatures that God created, or then the fall would have affected other universes and other. I'm not, I'm not. I'm kind of fuzzy on how to, express this question, but. But that's. That's my first question.

>> Alex McFarland: God bless you. God bless you. Thank you for calling in. And you know what? I do remember. I don't know that I could have called your name or anything, but I remember that I believe that the fall affected all of creation. Now, and I want to say this, and, I'll happily be on record saying this, I do not think there is human life on other planets. I really don't. Now, there are four kinds of life forms. There's humans, plants, animals, and angels. There's angelic life. And we know that part of the angelic life is fallen. And, Bert, I truly believe, for one thing, what we call UFOs, some of it is explicable. I mean, there have been satellites that flashed some reflection from the sun and, you know, weather, balloons. I truly believe some of what are these unexplained phenomenon that seem to defy the laws of physics. I think they're demonstrating. I really do. And people I've talked to, atheists that say maybe we can contact aliens, maybe there are aliens and, will someday communicate. Be very, very careful. I do think it's interesting, Bert, what they call a close encounter of the third kind. In other words, not just visual, not just physical, but communication. It's always people that are not born again Christians. And I think those that aren't saved Those that are not sealed by the Holy Spirit of God. Those people are vulnerable to demonic deception. So the Bible tells us in First Corinthians, chapter 1545. And following that Jesus is the second Adam, the first Adam, our Father, Adam and Eve, father and mother, they came and brought sin into the world. Jesus, the second Adam is a life giving spirit. Bert, I really don't think we have clear evidence for any human life on any planet except planet Earth.

>> Bert Harper: When you consider. And, Steve, we'll get to you in just a second with your quick second question because we got other callers, but let me say this. Earth, third from the sun. You take Mars, further away. Venus, they're too close. All the others, Mercury, too close. And you can go out. there was this, and it was on public television. but they did talk about the perfect planet right here with this atmosphere. And I know I watched Star wars and it was neat to see that that, planet had two moons. You better be glad we don't have two moons. because of the one moon and the gravitational pool, because of where it's located. You have the end tide, the outside you coming in and out. And that brings life to the ocean and ice. How does it freeze from the top down, Alex? If it froze the other way, life in the ocean and water would be impossible. So listen, I do believe that as well.

Robert: Are you familiar with the book Alien Invasion

Hey, Steve, we're going to take a chance, make this next question as short as you can, brother. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Are you familiar with the book Alien Invasion?

>> Bert Harper: There it is. Alex, go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: I've heard of it, yes.

>> Caroline: Okay. Do you have any opinion on it? Maybe you haven't read it. I heard about it on your station. Not your program, but your station. And I've read it. It's really. It basically says it. The, alien junk is demonic. It's all demonic. And I agree with you on hold that.

>> Alex McFarland: refresh my memory of who the, the author is. Do you recall.

>> Caroline: I'm sorry, yeah, I can't, cannot. I'm driving. And I don't have the book with me.

>> Bert Harper: I remember that interview, the one by Warren Wiersbe. I don't think so. I think it was written after this.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, yeah. Let me do a little homework before I comment on that, because I'm very hesitant to recommend resources that I'm not really, really familiar with. So, yes, I'm somewhat familiar with it. But before I say yay or nay, let me, give me, give me 24 hours to do some homework on it.

>> Bert Harper: Thank You. Thank you, Steve.

>> Caroline: Okay.

>> Bert Harper: Thank you, brother. Appreciate you, man. Keep listening. Well, real quick, before we go to. Robert. Robert. Hang on.

Alex, we need to pray for your youth camp that's going on now

Alex, I feel led that we need to pray for your youth camp that's going on now. It's in Georgia, right?

>> Alex McFarland: It is. And a number of kids have made decisions for Christ already and I appreciate that. And Bert, I'll tell you, just the zeal for the Lord, the spiritual hunger and just the enthusiasm about what it is to know Jesus is more than anything I've ever seen.

>> Bert Harper: Bert, it is me again. I mentioned this the other day. We had a group, Mississippi Youth, coming and singing and to catch them and their enthusiasm, their love and their willingness to be a part. My granddaughter, she's a college student, she's at a camp this this summer and working and then discipling and man, some. All these different youth groups going to different places and ministering. I'm excited about what God's going to do. So let me pray for the youth camps and all the others. Father, I thank you for Alex. I thank you for the heart that he has for this generation that's coming up. And he has said it again. And each year it seems like this group is growing more and more intense on the reality of who you are and that we can know you through Jesus Christ. And Father, I'm praying for the youth camp, especially those that need to be saved. They would. Those that are on mission trips, those that are, are about your business. I pray God that you would protect them and I pray you would help them grow. And may they increase in their knowledge of you, their love for you, and may that influence be led to the adults following them. A child will lead them. Father, we're praying that this generation, a great outpouring of your holy Spirit, even not just revival, but a great awakening would take place in Jesus name. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

Robert calls to ask for prayers for Alex and himself ahead of spinal surgery

>> Bert Harper: Let's go to Mississippi. And it's Robert. Robert, thank you for calling. Go right ahead, brother.

>> Caroline: Yes sir. I just want to get people to pray for you and Alex because in afr. And the way it just seems like it grounds me so much to listen to, to the program to And one of my favorite programs is the one that comes on at three in the morning. And I don't know why it's only three, but the one with That is such a good. The first company was the. The song. The. The song on their sin out of prayer. And I didn't even really know the words. I knew something about that song.

>> Caroline: But.

>> Caroline: But anyway, I just want to lift y'. All. You guys, thank you, man. Wanted special for myself. I'm facing them. they just put a spinal cord stimulator in about two months ago, and I was giving me all kind of trouble. Now they got to take it right back out. So I'm having surgery on the July 7 for that. I've had eight spinal surgeries, and I was born with a bunch of congenital birth defects that I didn't realize what. How God chasing, people, you know, how. You know, because I'm always was down on what was going on. Like, you know, why me and this kind of stuff.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah.

>> Caroline: And trying to find out. Listen to you guys programs up. And basically what it is, is glorifies him. So it wipes that pride out.

>> Bert Harper: Well, let me. Let me say this, brother. You've encouraged us. And Alex, have you ever been that place where you needed encouragement?

>> Alex McFarland: yeah, a lot of times.

>> Bert Harper: Me and you both. And have you noticed on this program when people like Robert call in and they say, man, we're praying for y'. All, does that. What does that do for you?

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, it just lifts my heart. Thank you all. Thank you. And I know that many times, you know, Bert and I and Brent Austin, we'll have a phone call getting ready for the, programs and planning. And we pray for the listeners and we do pray for y' all and we write these things down. And, let me throw out this, too. And yes, it encourages us and we are deeply grateful. It really, everybody's enthusiasm for this show means the world to us. But, be in prayer for vbs. A lot of churches this time of year, from now to August, churches will be doing vacation Bible school. Let me encourage you, and you're going to be blessed. I cannot overstate how joyful this will make you folks. Volunteer and help with vacation Bible school.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Vbs. And, I don't care where you are. I guarantee there's some VBS going on, right, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: They're going on in our town, Tupelo, Mississippi. I'll come through and there'll be signs on the side of the road welcoming people coming to their vacation Bible school, concerning what God is doing. So, yes, Alex, pitch in and help.

>> Alex McFarland: I promise you folks there's a job for you and invest a few days. You. You will be so full of joy helping these children hear about Jesus. So, so volunteer.

>> Bert Harper: I have got over being in vacation Bible School 60 something years ago. It still has affected my life. Father, be with the vacation Bible schools. Be with those workers. Help those that are thinking about it. Let them say we need to help. Father, thank you for your love. Thank you for what you're doing. Praying for Robert God that you would help him, strengthen him. And as they go back and have to take something out and put something in that you would speak to his heart, that he would know you are there. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus name, amen. Well, we'll see everybody tomorrow. Or at least we will hear from you tomorrow on Exploring the Word.

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

Last year Preborn helped to rescue over 67,000 babies from abortion

>> Bert Harper: Will you take a moment and celebrate life with me? Last year PreBorn helped to rescue over 67,000 babies from abortion. Hi, this is Bert Harper and I want to thank you for your partnership. Think about what you did. 67,000 babies are taking their first breath now because of you. Your $28 sponsored one ultrasound that was given to a woman as she was deciding about the future of her child. Once she saw her precious baby for the first time and heard that sweet heartbeat, her baby's chance at life doubled. But PreBorn's mission is not only to rescue babies lives, but also to lead women to Christ. Last year Preborn network clinics saw 8,900 women receive salvation. Your help is crucial to continue their life saving work.