Transcript

American Family Radio takes your Bible questions live on American Family Radio

>> Bert Harper: 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 needed for life and godliness. Stay with American Family Radio for the next hour as we study God's word and take your Bible questions.

Birdie and Alex welcome Dr. Jessica Peck to Exploring the Word

Welcome to Exploring the Word. Thank you for joining us today here on Exploring the Word. This is Birdie and Alex and it's always a joy to start a fresh new week. Ah, on a Monday. A lot of people get up and say, oh, it's Monday. On Exploring the Word. We get to the microphone say it's Monday and we're studying in the book of numbers. But the first segment today, Alex, we've got a very special guest that our listeners possibly mostly and probably hear right before we come on there. And it's Dr. Jessica Peck. We're glad to have her, aren't we Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: You know, as I travel the country, everywhere I go people ask about the show Doctor, Nurse, Mama. And she is going to be one of the keynote speakers at the upcoming Activate Summit, which is a big conference this summer you don't want to miss. But welcome to exploring the word. Dr. Jessica Peck.

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: Well, thanks guys. I'm so grateful that you have that you have me on today and I'm glad to know that. Hey, my payment got to you from you to hype me up. So I'm really grateful about that. Glad you got it.

>> Alex McFarland: I'm gonna mobile deposit the check real soon.

Alex: Did you know AI was destroyed in the Old Testament

Okay.

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: All right, good, good. That's good. Let me know if you need any more. No, but really I'm so glad to be joining you and I'm really excited about being in Tupelo this July to be at the Activate Summit. I'm going to be talking about the way that AI Artificial intelligence or actually my mother in law can I tell you this, calls it OW because it looks like a capital A and it's really a capital I but it looks like a lowercase L. So she asked me one day what's up with this guy?

>> Bert Harper: Ow.

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: Like running around just ruining everything. So I'm going to talk about AI or owl and how it's impacting kids worldview.

>> Bert Harper: Well let me tell you something. Did you know AI was destroyed in the Old Testament?

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: This I did not know. I feel bird or is this J.J. jasper?

>> Caroline: Hey.

>> Bert Harper: I get to be on you know, learning university every once in a while to show that other side. But you remember Jericho and they walls came tumbling down. The next city that they were to take was AI Yeah, and they were defeated. And. But then they got rid of sin, and they came in and got rid of AI. So I don't know if that's, Are you going to use that in your presentation, Jessica?

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: Well, I am going to now. Now that we're on the radio, I feel like this is a legal binding contract. You just gave me that who relevant to modern living. I mean, come on. That's really good, Bert.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Alex, the word of God. If you look for it, you will find God has a sense of humor, you know, and having, AI destroyed. Anyway, I found it that way.

The Activate Summit focuses on marriage and family life

Go ahead, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, folks, the Activate Summit. You can find out more information. Activate.aca.net and Bert Harper is the speaker. Jeff Schrieve, Josh Wood, Katy Foust, many great speakers, but Dr. Jessica Peck of the Dr. Nurse Mama Show. Dr. Peck, for those that may not know what time and where, can they hear your show on afr? What time do you come on every day?

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: I am actually right before you guys. So I'm sorry if that's a tough act to follow, but you were a tough act to follow when I started, Alex, because you guest hosted for me before I stepped in. I'm here on AFR. You can go to afr.net AFR also has an app. App you can download. You can also find me on any podcast platform or on a radio station near you, if you have one near you. We're on every day from 2 to 3pm Central Time. And Alex and Bert, it really is my honor to be able to serve in the AFR lineup and to prescribe Hope for Healthy Families. We are the show that is really family based. And it doesn't matter. We talk a lot about parenting, but it doesn't matter what age or stage of life you're in. There are so many people who have written into me, listeners who have written letters to us, saying, hey, I'm not a parent, but here's how this show helped, how it helped me with other kids in my life and my marriage. We talk about all issues of marriage and family life and really, how do we find hope for healthy families? Because I believe that God has equipped us for such a time as this, even a time, and trying to defeat AI. God has equipped us, and he. He has called us, and he will equip us for every good work.

>> Bert Harper: You know, Go ahead, Alex. I'll go next. Yeah.

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, okay.

What do you think are unique challenges to Christian parenting in the 21st century

Well, I was going to ask you. And by the way, as I travel, I mean, yes, everywhere I go People comment on your show and what a blessing it is. What do you think are some of the unique, challenges to Christian parenting here in the 21st century?

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: You know, Alex, it's all technology. Everything is technology. And it creates a lot of fear for parents because we are raising kids in a generation that we, in a time that we don't recognize. That's why you see all of this affinity for nostalgia. Recently on social media, there was a trend that said, like, what were you like in the 90s, dad? And everybody was posting their 90s pictures. And we want to raise our kid and kids in a world that was like what we grew up in, because we know how to navigate that world. We don't know how to navigate AI, social media, smartphones, all of the technology, the vocabulary that's so rapidly changing. And a lot of parents just feel overwhelmed and they just want to give up and kind of tune out. And we just kind of hope everything's going to go okay. But again, I believe, I don't believe in a fear based reaction. I believe in a faith informed approach. And I believe that Solomon said there's nothing new under the sun. So even though technology may be new, the sin issues, the heart issues, the character issues, those are all the same. And God has equipped us to respond to those. So we don't need to be distracted by the tactic that the enemy is using. We need to respond to, to the threat that the enemy is presenting.

>> Bert Harper: You know what, when I hear you talking about AI or anyone, and when I look at things or somebody will put up something like on Facebook or something, and it's an unusual picture, they'll say, is it real or unreal? Okay, so what I think that it really registers to me real will ultimately win that, which is there may be some hiccups along the way, you know, and that's what I hear you saying. Dr. Peck, you know, we, yes, we have. If we know Christ, we have the word of God, we have the Holy Spirit, he can let us know truth even when, the unreal looks real. What is that a comment that's worth thinking about?

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: Oh, for sure. You know, I had a guest not too long ago who said she calls Facebook fake book. And I thought that is really accurate. And that's what kids are looking for. They're looking for authenticity. But honestly, you know, Bert and Alex, that's one of the things that makes your show so important. Because as things are changing and what is celebrated in culture today is canceled tomorrow, and kids are trying to constantly calculate like, what is the cultural currency here? What am I supposed to do? How am I supposed to be. I feel pressure to image craft for myself and to create this image of myself to present on social media. That's where people need the truth of the word of God more than ever. Families need to be in their Bible. They need to know their Bible inside and out. They need to know verses that they can speak, words of wisdom, words of encouragement, words of empowerment over their kids. Because we can tell them in a world where culture is on shifting sands and everything changes in a moment, God's word is built on a firm foundation. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And I believe that that gives kids a security to face even the uncertainty in their future.

>> Alex McFarland: Dr. Beck, Alex here.

Christian parents should set boundaries for children's use of technology, Bert says

let me ask you this about setting boundaries for the use of technology. And you know, it just seems like mobile devices are ubiquitous. My heart was kind of heavy. We were in a store the other day and among the toddler's toys, we were on this toy aisle, there was a toy cell phone facsimile thing and then a toy remote. And it said, teach your toddler, exclamation point. I mean to give like a little toy smartphone and a little toy remote. And it kind of made me sad because, you know, I mean, these children living and there'll never be a time that they remember, you know, pre technology and maybe when all the friends have all the smartphones and everything. How do you recommend Christian parents set boundaries so that, you know, technology just doesn't dominate and own our lives?

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: That's a great question. You know, not too long ago I was eating lunch with my son at a Cracker Barrel actually of all places. And we were looking around, he said, mom, all you see are iPad kids and screenagers. Like everybody is just has their face in a screen. And so I think that there's two things to consider. The first thing is rules without relationship lead to rebellion. You may have heard that phrase before and I believe that's true. If we crack down and we just try to be the screen police and say limit, you know, don't do this and turn off your phone and you can only have this much screen time and I have these eyes on there. If we just have those rules and we really don't teach them how to pull that digital world into how we're discipling our kids, then that's just going to make their heart feel like you're disconnected. You don't understand. As soon as I get older, you know, I can do my own thing and I'll. My own rules. And so we need to make sure that we're giving rules and boundaries within the context of relationship. The second thing that I would think is that instead of concentrating most of your effort and figuring out where to put the limitations on the boundaries and saying these are the things that you can't do, create boundaries that protect your family. Create a compelling alternative. I can't tell you how often I hear, you know, as a pediatric nurse practitioner, when I have parents in the waiting room, they'll tell their kids, get off their phone and I'll say, okay. And then what? Like, give them something to do instead and come on a walk with me and do a puzzle with me. M. And watch this show with me and cook something with me and take a drive with me. Kids need our presence. They need our emotional, physical, mental and physical and spiritual presence more than ever. So I'd say, yes, absolutely. Have the courage to put the boundaries in. Make sure you do that in the context of a healthy relationship and give them a compelling alternative when you're trying to limit their screen time.

>> Bert Harper: Dr. James Dobson said parenthood for his prayers never end. And, you know, no matter how old they are, and I'll be speaking. And Janet and I are going to be speaking about being grandparents now, Jessica. Okay. I love it. And, we have. That's a privilege for grand, you know, grandparents. But give us some hope here. I just thought of this, when Alex, you were talking about the little, you know, phone and the smartphone being miniature. Okay. When our boys were coming up, Fisher Price had a telephone that you pulled around. It was white with a dial and the red. Okay.

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: Yep.

>> Bert Harper: Okay. Yeah. All those things have been around for a long time. Whatever the adults are doing, no matter what, they're going to provide something for that. That child that is similar. And I don't know if it's marketed or if it's reality, but again, those. You know, that. That hasn't changed as far as what children, they want to have something to identify with, even with their parents, don't they, Bert?

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: That. That phone had googly eyes on it. I remember that phone. Yes. I absolutely do. I'm dating myself. But let me give you. Let me give you some encouragement, though, because one thing about grandparents, a lot of times it makes me really sad because there's of cultural narrative that says that's really kind of disrespectful towards older people. Like, you don't understand what the world's like today, you don't, you know, know how to use an iPhone. Like you can't understand my world. And that is just absolutely not true. And grandparents have something that parents don't. They have more time, generally speaking, grandparents have more time and that is what kids are missing. And parents are running around with a rat race trying to, you know, get their kids the right college coach, the right sports coach, or put food on the table or, you know, just do all of those things that are required for daily living. We need to embrace grandparents and older role models into our kids lives because they have walked with the Lord for longer. They know those things. They know how to persevere and kids need that.

>> Bert Harper: How do you spell love? T, I, M, E. Is that right, Alex?

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: 7-16-18, the Activate Summit 26. Dr. Jessica Peck will be there along with Bert Harper. Many other great speakers go to the website activate.aca.net and we'll be back after this brief break on Exploring the Word.

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: Dusty Bibles.

Alex Burke is attending a conference in Washington on standing up for Israel

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Alex and Bert here, so honored that you're listening. And we're, going to get into numbers, chapter 20 in just a moment. And Bert, as we look up the Old Testament book of numbers, I have to tell you where I am. And for one thing, I'm staring at the Potomac river and I'm here today and tomorrow for a conference on standing up for Israel and the Jewish people standing against anti Semitism. We've got some pretty exciting things tonight and all day tomorrow and some folks we're going to be meeting with. But I am at the Watergate Hotel.

>> Bert Harper: Oh, I've heard of that. Does it have a place in history or something?

>> Alex McFarland: It really does. for one thing, it's a fascinating hotel and it's you can tell it's product of its times. It looks kind of late 60s, early 70s, but there's a lot all over the walls and not to dig in and digress and talk about that. I'm old enough. I remember I was just a kid, but I remember when all that was in the, in the news. But there's a lot of news clippings about Nixon resigning and Ford becoming president and the Watergate scandal, famously, you know, there was a break in and they eavesdropped on people here, but there's a big poster of Richard Nixon and not to comment yay or nay on his legacy, but he's campaigning and they had a huge banner and it said character is the number one qualification. Now that's still true, isn't it Burke?

>> Bert Harper: I would say so. And because character, if you do not have that, that means you're holding your finger and checking the wind of what is popular, what's going on and at every whim, that's what the Bible talks about, a double minded man or every whim of men. So you need character that has a base for their foundation of their worldview and it really makes a difference. So Alex, just don't get Potomac Fever while you're there. That's, you know, I don't even know

>> Alex McFarland: what that is, but I don't think I want it.

>> Bert Harper: You don't want it, what we call it after quote and I'm not going to get any further than this, they say after you spend too much time in D.C. you start viewing the world in a different way. So keep your biblical worldview. And we do have, we do have a lot of men and women in D.C. that have that biblical worldview and we thank God for them and we're asking God to increase their tribe.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen.

Alex Am. loves biblical names. Growing up, lots of my friends were named Aaron

Well, you know what, as we're in numbers 20 and we'll pick it up here at about verse 22. Growing up, lots of my friends were named Eryn. That's a good biblical name, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It really is. And you know, mine as well and I had members who named their children Eryn. And what a joy it is. And let me see, he was an older brother, but the younger brother was that one that was used. Is that a pattern seemingly in the, in the Bible, Alex Am.

>> Alex McFarland: It seems like that. And you know I always I think it's beautiful when people have biblical names. I've known a lot of Aarons, a lot of Josephs, Benjamins, a lot of girls in school were named things like Raechel and Sarah, these beloved biblical figures. It's wonderful that many children growing up in America were their namesake.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. I remember Dennis Swanberg, comedian, just love the guy and just a great guy person, a great comedian. But he was talking about, you know, he went to a baseball, Little league baseball team. And it seemed like in his day the most popular name was Joshua, not Moses. Although Moses was the guy that was running first and he had the most, Joshua was the name that you heard your children say. And it was when Joshua came on. One of the first things that God told Joshua about leadership. I've you Moses is dead. He did what he did. It was important what he did. But what I've got you to do Is important as well. So, Alex, I love these Bible names. Matter of fact, here's mine, Nathaniel or Nathan. Matthew. We gave our middle one a double one. Matthew, Joseph, and then Micah, M I C A H. And, all biblical names. And we thank God for them and even in our grandchildren. I love those biblical names. I as well love them.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen.

When Aaron dies, there is an appropriate period of mourning

Well, you know, Eryn dies and his mantle or garments are put on. Eliezer, the son of Eryn, whose, Eryn was gathered unto his people and died. And it says in verse 29 that all the congregation, when they saw that Eryn was dead, they mourned him for 30 days, even all the house of Israel. And that's how it is when, a beloved godly leader, goes. There is an appropriate period of mourning. And, you know, but I like what verse 27 says. Moses did as the Lord commanded, and they went up to the m. Mount hor in the sight of all the congregation. Moses did as the Lord commanded. that's a good prescription for any life, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It really is. And, it was taken away and put it on. that brings us to the NewSong Testament, where it says, put off the old man, put on the new man. So here's the garments. Take off the garments on the older man and put those garments on the younger man that he's going to continue doing the work.

Alex Stanley: What do you want your loved ones to be in heaven

Well, there's a phrase, and it's used two times in here. And Alex, I wanted, you to give me your thoughts. Innocent. I love we say when someone's died. Well, they've passed on, they've gone on, they've lived their life. How do you like the way they say it? Gathered to his people. Isn't that a. Do you see that I've gathered you up and brought you to where, your people is buried. My people is buried. So come up here and join me. Does that get that context?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, it really does. You know, and I think about this. There's a great old hymn. Everybody's heard it. I guarantee. Will the circle be unbroken. The family circle. And you know what you want your loved ones to be in that circle in heaven. you know, so many songs and so many Bible verses talk about the great reunion day. And like, like you say, Eryn was, quote, gathered to his people. The Salvation Army. Jim Stanley served, the Lord for years in the Salvation army, they say. Promoted up to glory. And, one last thing.

Do not miss out on heaven if you miss Jesus Christ

And then I want to get to numbers 21, but in, Matthew 8, 32, I believe it is. Jesus asked the question, what does it profit a man to gain the whole world but to lose his soul? And the answer is, nothing. Folks miss out on anything else. But do not miss out on heaven. I mean, really, you could be famous or wealthy or powerful. None of that matters a bit if you miss heaven.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. And the way you do that, there's no other way except through Jesus Christ. Jesus said, I am the way, that there is no other way. there's an alternate route. There's not a plan B. It's only through Jesus Christ. So if you're listening today and you've never received Christ, that's what Alex and I are talking about. Come to Christ. He died on the cross. He took our sin, took our place. But he overcame sin and death, our two greatest enemies. The resurrection. And he's seated at the right hand of the Father, accepted in the beloved. And we can call upon him, if you will, today call upon him, say, lord, I need you. I'm lost. I can't save myself. You paid the price. I, turn from my way, and I turn to you, holy, I pray. That would be your prayer today, if you've never done it before.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen.

Bert says Israel vowed to destroy Canaanites in verses 21-22

Well, numbers 21 is very, very famous. there's a lot that goes on. but first we've got to talk about the first, four verses. It says, when King Arad, the Canaanite, which dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way of the spies, then he fought against Israel and took some of them prisoners. And Israel vowed a vow unto the Lord and said, if you will indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities. And the Lord listened to the voice of Israel, hearkened the King James says, and delivered up, the Canaanites. And they utterly destroyed them in their cities. And he called the name of the place Hormah, which means utter destruction. And they journeyed from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom. And the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. Before we get to verse four, let's talk about this, Bert. they would suffer momentary or localized defeats, and they would pray to God. isn't it just human nature if things are going well, to kind of be self sufficient? And then you get in a tight spot and you cry out to God, and God invariably blesses and intervenes. Wouldn't it be good if we could consistently walk with and call out to God. And not just wait when, we get in a tight, tight spot.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, our human nature is to either blame. What did you do wrong? In the past they had blamed Moses most of the time, which is ultimately blaming God. So if we could get out first of the blame game, then I think what you were talking about, calling on the Lord at the appropriate time without blaming before you get there. And listen, I believe that's right. And here they were, they had seen it in their previous generation. This is mainly the second generation, the older generation. 20 years old and older. They have died. Even Miriam has died. Now Eryn has died. And so there's not a lot of them left. But, but it seems like they picked up some of their, murmuring with complaints, didn't they?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, they really did. And they go on. Verse four concludes, it says the people were much discouraged because of the way. It's not easy, it's a hard way, it's a dangerous way. But God has been faithful. And nevertheless they were discouraged. Verse 5, it intensifies. The people spoke against God and against Moses. Why have you brought us here out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread, neither is there any water. And our soul, loathes this light bread. Well, there was bread and there was water. And this, this is again, this is one of multiple times when they, they basically said they would have rather been slaves in Egypt than free walking by faith with God.

>> Bert Harper: And so here, what does God do? Well, he didn't say. Okay, that's alright buddy. I'm going to do it. No. So the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people and they bit the people. And many of the people of Israel died. Okay. Therefore the people came to Moses. We have sinned. Now this is a little bit different than all the other times. I think they really seem to mean it. We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against pray to the Lord that he will take away the serpents from us. So Moses prayed for the people. Now again he tells them what to do. We'll get to that in a moment because we want to relate it to the NewSong Testament. But Alex, here I see them taking responsibility for we have sinned and then they name specifically what they have done. I, think there's some genuineness in this one. You may. I don't know I sin against that. Do you?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, I do. And let me just say this, and not to push the analogy too far because you know, we want to get what the word Means and not imply something that's speculative. But in Acts, chapter two, when the Holy Spirit fell on the church, they had tongues of fire. Now here in numbers 21, they've got serpents of fire. Big difference. the serpents of fire meant judgment. The tongues of fire, for one thing. the tongue, the spoken word, is a blessing because God spoke the world into existence. Proverbs. I think it's Proverbs 22 that says in the tongue is the power of life and death. And the Book of James reiterates that. So tongues of fire empowered by the Holy Spirit is way different than serpents of fire. But the people, are getting bitten by these snakes, and they're going to die.

Burden: Moses goes before the Lord in Numbers 21:7

And, Bert, this is something that really, it fascinated me because, Moses goes before the Lord and he cries out. And the people, in verse seven, they admit to Moses, we have sinned. We've spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. Numbers 21:7, he intercedes. Now, this is where it gets interesting. Burden, frankly, this is a vivid, vivid picture of Christ and the cross. In fact, the Lord will, you know, point this out, that it's an illustration of what he's going to do on the cross. Talk us through this, really. Beginning at verse 8, God tells Moses how to remedy the judgment that has fallen on the people.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, you're looking at what is causing them to repent, these fiery serpents. And they look upon that. That's their sin. And they look upon that pole, which is a bronze or brazen serpent. And if they look upon that, then in faith, they can be delivered from those bites of the fiery serpents. Alex, Jesus took our sin upon himself. I don't know. I cannot completely understand everything about that. I know the Bible. He who knew no sin became sin for us, and he paid the price. Here it is. They're looking unto that which was the sin. We look unto Jesus, who takes our sin. I just, you know, Jesus, when he was saying this, and then Jon related it, you see that it's Jesus Christ. He's the one that takes our sin. They admitted their sin. Right. And now they have to look upon the thing that caused their death. Is that computing?

>> Alex McFarland: I think that's exactly right. You know, I. I wondered about this when I was a young believer, where Jesus said, as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of man would be lifted up. And I remember, Bert, I kind of. Yeah, I was Just reading the Bible through for the first time and I thought, wait just a minute. Snakes are a bad thing. Why would the Lord Jesus compare himself to a snake? But here's the thing. on that pole, the Lord told Moses, make a serpent of brass. This is verse nine. Put it on a pole and whoever looks will live. And the serpent was an image of what their problem was on the cross. He who knew no sin was made to be sin for us. Jesus took on our problem sin and paid it in full. And to this day, if we look in faith, we will live.

>> Bert Harper: We'll be back. Your phone calls, call 858-98849. You're listening to Exploring the Word on American Family Radio.

>> Caroline: Whoa.

>> Alex McFarland: All glory and honor is yours.

Alex: Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is in critical condition with pneumonia

>> Bert Harper: Welcome back to Exploring the Word. This is Bert and Alex and let me give that phone number. Correct. I'm telling you, I was trying to get it in so quick, I think I reverted back to Sherithon's number. Now how in the world I did that, I don't know. That's what I think. So I mummed it all messed up. Let me give you that number. And we're waiting on your phone call today with your Bible question 888-589-8840. Let me make it even clearer. 888-589-8840. So, Alex, when you're dyslexic and you have all these issues, you can mess up names and numbers, brother. I'm an expert at it.

>> Alex McFarland: Bert, you're doing great, brother.

>> Caroline: You're wonderful.

>> Alex McFarland: And if you've got a Bible question, 888-589-8840. Hey, let me say two things right quick. first of all, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, they say, is in critical condition. And I would just encourage people to pray for him. When I was in, ah, NewSong York City after 9 11, literally in the rubble of Ground Zero, ministering with the Billy Graham ministry many years ago, met with Mayor Giuliani a number of times and I've seen him a couple of times since then.

>> Bert Harper: What?

>> Alex McFarland: an amazing American. And, you know, I, I don't know him. I've met with him a few times. Don't really know him, but I know he's in critical condition, with pneumonia and some other complications. But Bert, I think we ought to remember him in prayer. In the aftermath of 9 11, he really was used by God to kind of pull this country together.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. He did and never will forget that in NewSong York City. 9 11. Those of us that Remember that what a strong leadership he was. I'll pray if that's alright, Alex, and then we'll go to the phone lines.

>> Alex McFarland: Lead us.

>> Bert Harper: Father, I thank you for Rudy, Giuliani and Father for the contribution that he's made, especially in NewSong York City during some difficult times and hard times. And Father, I pray for his health right now. I don't know his spiritual condition, but I pray, Father, that you would make yourself known to him, bring some believers around him that would either let him know the truth or confirm the truth that he knows already concerning Christ. We trust you Father, and that's the bottom line. And we ask you to do a work in his heart and his life and his as well as his families. In Jesus name. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Thank you, Bert.

>> Bert Harper: okay, well, let's go to the phone lines and I believe we're ready for Randy in Louisiana. Randy, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Thank you for taking my call.

Bert says he thinks the angel of the Lord appeared to Moses

I read an article the other day that the writer said that it was an angel instead of God talking to Moses and was guiding the Israelites and a cloud and in the pillar of fire. Is that true or false? I always thought it was God.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, let me share with you the presence of the Shekinah glory of God is not an angel. It is the person of the Lord himself. Isn't it, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: Exactly. Well, In Exodus 3 and then Acts chapter 7, verse 38 reiterates this that the angel of the Lord quote unquote appeared to Moses. well for one thing, in the voice out of the burning bush. And Bert, I think in the case of God working through Moses, I think we can know that the angel of the Lord was what some call a theophany or a pre, pre Bethlehem appearance of Christ. Because let me say this. In Exodus 3, the voice coming out of the burning bush says, I am the Lord your God, the God of your ancestors. So while you know, the word angelos generally means messenger, it was it was God that appeared to Moses, even though like in the King James it'll say the angel of the Lord. But I really think this was a pre Bethlehem appearance of the eternal God.

>> Bert Harper: I think all the evidence is there. And again with his presence in the midst of it. And in the NewSong Testament he said, if two or three are gathered together in my name, I'll be in the midst or in the middle. And he makes his presence known and it's kind of glory. But also he leads his people along and he does that through a messenger. And many times that messenger was the Lord Jesus Christ himself. Alex, I think that goes. Brent says he has question that came to us, I guess, on Facebook. You got it ready, Brent?

>> Caroline: I will eventually.

>> Bert Harper: Sorry. Okay. After I told you that, let's see. I'm sorry. Well, we can go to the next. Okay. Well, you. Okay. Okay. Sorry. Listen, it takes two to do that. I'm glad I missed the number now. Makes me not feel so bad. About what? You not being ready. Is that okay, Brad? Thanks a lot. Okay.

How do we tie suicide to going to hell? Alex asks biblical question

let's go to Ken in Louisiana. Ken, you go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Yes, sir. I got a biblical question. How do we tie suicide to going to hell?

>> Bert Harper: Okay. We is. Is the key word that we don't necessarily mean everybody. It may be a certain segment, Alex, but, that is not the sin that sends people to hell. It is the sin of unbelief that makes, people. Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, and let me say, I always preface this whenever we talk about the, tragic subject of suicide. nobody should ever commit suicide because, you know, the sixth commandment says, thou shalt not murder. And that would include self murder. You see, our life is not our own. Paul says this in First Corinthians 6, 19, and 20. So I listen, I realize life can get hard. I mean, there's so many things. Stress, depression, and sometimes, you know, we. We almost lament our very existence. Nevertheless, none of us has the right to kill ourselves, because that's taking something that's not ours. Our life is not our own. Nevertheless, Bert, let me just say this. If a person is saved, born again in Christ, suicide, as bad as it is, it would not cause them to lose their salvation. Now, let me tell you what a lot of people have said to me, and I, you know, early in my youth ministry, Bert, you know, because this subject would sometimes come up, I did a lot of research, and I studied everybody from C.S. lewis to Billy Graham to Dr. Dobson. People would always say to me, they'll say, but, Alex, if you kill yourself, you don't have time to ask forgiveness for that sin. Right? Well, the fact is, Bert, that there's probably thousands of sins we all commit, either willfully or inadvertently, that we don't think to ask forgiveness for. And the truth is, when. And this is such a blessing. I'll say this. I'll throw it to you, Bert. When we believe in Jesus, we positionally. We are in Christ. And many scriptures. My goodness. Romans 5:1, Romans 8:1. And so we are in Christ. Sonship is determined the minute we put our Faith in Jesus now, fellowship is a day by day journey that we need to attend to. But, and folks, please do not hear me legitimizing suicide. I am not. It is never right. And if you've ever. If you're feeling like doing yourself harm, please get help. But, Bert, if a person is a born again Christian, they're a born again Christian. Feel free to agree or disagree.

>> Bert Harper: No, I agree. And that's the reason I said the sin of unbelief. It is wrong. It is sin, self murder. and so, again, get the help. Do not do that. That's not answer. And it's really doing harm to your loved ones who are left. I tell you, we know that. Thank you so much, Ken.

Brent: Drew is looking for a book that discusses and lists Christian core beliefs

Brent, do you have the question now? I'm finally ready. Okay. Sorry about that. That's okay. This comes from Drew on Facebook. He's looking for a book that discusses and lists the core beliefs of Christianity. Okay. The core beliefs. Alex, you've got several books, too. He's like the Washington Bookmobile. He should know. Yeah. Alex, well, is one of your books. Would it do most of that?

>> Alex McFarland: Do you know? forgive me for promoting myself here,

>> Bert Harper: but I set you up, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: I wrote a book called Core Truths you must know for an unshakable Faith, S T a n d stand. And it was my first national release 19 years ago. And, I give God the glory. Samaritan's Purse gave it away for a while, and. But it is kind of Christianity 101, Bert, is the core basic beliefs. And, you know, there are plenty of things that are sort of tangential that we might sort of have respectful disagreements on, but things like the inspiration of scripture and the deity of Christ and the blood atonement. What I write about in Stand are the foundational basics on which all true Christians agree.

>> Bert Harper: Well, where can they find that? Can they find that on a website?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, and I want to ask a favor, too. If you have a local Christian bookstore, support your local Christian bookstore. And of course, many of my books and the books that Bert and I have done jointly are available at the AFA Resource Center. But if you would. And this, this helps, believe me. since Bert and I began writing together, more and more of my books have been showing up in Barnes and Noble, and virtually any Barnes and Noble you go in, you'll find the questions books that Bert and I have done. But if you go in and there are some of my books like Stand, that, you don't see ask for them, and, Bert, it's always good to get Christian books and God's Word out into the secular arena like Barnes and Noble, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It really is. And we praise God for what he's doing. But, Alvin, I think, that. No. Who that was on Word for Net. Drew. Drew. Thank you. Hope that helps, Drew.

Alvin in Indiana calls Alex to talk about his sister's abuse

Now we go to Alvin in Indiana. Alvin, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Hey, thanks for taking my call. quick story. Back in the late 80s, my sister was dating a guy who thought it was pertinent to, pick her up for work. And instead of taking her to work, he took her to his house, threw her down his basement steps, tied her up, and beat her with a two before. Now, before that, or, when that happened, I wasn't saved. I believed in Jesus, but I wasn't saved. I have since been saved, but I'm still wrestling with being able to forgive this man, what he'd done to my sister. Now, I've heard he has since went into eternity. What his spiritual positioning was, as far as whether or not he ever accepted the Lord, I don't know. And the center in me is saying, I don't know if I care. And I'm having. Being conflicted inside about it.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Alvin, we understand the conflict. Let me give you one thought, Alex. I know you'll add more, and I appreciate that so much. But, Alvin, ultimately, forgiveness is for our benefit. It really is. again, that is unthinkable that he did this. And the punishment that he deserved on earth is real. Now what Eternity hell for him if he did not come to Christ. We know that as well. And with all my heart, Alex, people, that do that, and they go out without forgiveness from God, they take those thoughts into eternity with them. And I do believe, according, to what I read in Luke 16, that they are going to remember those things, just like the rich man remembered his five brethren. their punishment is enough, Alvin. So you can release it either way. Either way, you release that and not harbor it. Alex, Take it away.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, first of all, I'm very, very, very sorry for what happened to your sister. And I feel privileged that you would share that with us. That's. It's painful just to even hear it. And now the one that did this and beat, her is dead. Let me say this. forgiveness is not easy. But I truly believe whenever in life, and this is all of us, sooner or later, all of us are going to need to forgive somebody. I mean, that's just how it is. And this is a real spiritual Moment I'm going to tell you. Let me share a couple of thoughts. And Bert, you can maybe tie a bow on it. But in job 42:10, it said, the Lord turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends. Remember, his friends accused him, and they were not much friends at all. But things began to turn around when Job began to pray for his friends. Reinhold Niebuhr, Christian, leader during World War II. He said, Forgiveness is the final form of love. And you're going to have to ask God by God's Holy Spirit in your soul to forgive this person. And you say, but they don't deserve it. They didn't ask. And it's hard, I know, but showing grace is always appropriate because we ourselves have been shown grace. And Bert, I've had, man, I've had times that I've helped people and given people money. And it seems like the people that you help will backstab you the worst. And I gotta tell you, it's human nature to think about getting even or whatever. But then we remember how God showed us grace. I would encourage you to pray for their family. This person is gone. Pray for the family. and then really try to reflect on the fact that, God has shown you grace. The last thing I would say, maybe even, and I'm just speaking out off the top of my heart and head here, make a donation to something for abused women in this guy's honor. I mean, you say, wow, that's not deserved, but I mean, there are great ministries and things and, abuse of anybody, but especially abuse of women is a terrible thing. if God moves on your heart, just even make a small contribution to something to help battered women and do it in this guy's honor. And that just might be cathartic and healing for you. Bert, what do you say?

>> Bert Harper: I could not disagree with that. That's an unusual thing, but wow. Because forgiveness sometimes is not an event. It is a process. And, it's a step by step walking in the Lord. The steps of a godly man are ordered of the Lord. So out one step at a time. And we're praying, God, help Alvin. Help him deal with that unforgiveness. Just like help me with my unbelief and father. So we pray for him that you would help him deal with this. Give him the victory that only comes through Jesus Christ. And we ask this in Jesus name. Amen. Well, Alex, we'll continue in numbers tomorrow, won't we?

>> Alex McFarland: We shall. Folks, the thanks for listening. Keep your eyes on Jesus and remember that he's as close by as a prayer. If you would tell somebody about the American Family Radio Network. But most of all, tell everybody about Christ.

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: M the views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.