Instructions and Greetings: Titus 3: 9-15

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Bert Harper and Alex McFarland discuss Titus in Exploring the Word

Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Bert Harper: When you read the scripture, you'll find out some things we tor we are to avoid. There are some things that we need to remind one another of and even some things that we need to reject. That's what you find in the last chapter of the Book of Titus. This is Bert Harper along with Dr. Alex McFarland. And it's good to be back. And, I've taken a few days off and since I took off, finished Numbers and went into the Book of Titus. So we're looking forward to this. And I know Alex and Dylan covered most of Titus, but they saved a few verses for my comment. Thank you, Alex, for saving a few verses in Titus.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, thank you for being back. And I, know Dylan Burroughs did such a great job as he always does, but you were missed and we're glad you're back. And we've been going through one of these NewSong Testament books. It's kind of brief, it's not a long book, but my goodness, it is just filled with great wisdom, great counsel about not only the tasks of overseers and leaders, but many of the qualifications. And Bert. Godliness and righteousness and obedience and a fruitful Christian life. Those are things to which we all should aspire.

>> Bert Harper: And it is a pastoral epistle. Now we know that that's first and Second Timothy and then Titus. But let me just share with you. He talks a lot about the men and women, the older men, the older women training the younger men and the younger women. It sounds like it's more than just for pastors and leaders. Sounds like it's for every believer, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: I believe it. Yes. And you know, Dylan and I talked about this yesterday. There was a time in church life, certainly in American church life, where people talked much about, holiness. And I don't know if maybe you heard about decades ago the holiness movement, but you know, let me just say, when your Christian life is, is something that you're really investing, in and with the help of the Holy Spirit every day, you do want to be more godly and, kind to people, mindful that everywhere we go, we are a witness. And many people we've said this, Bert. Many people are evaluating the merit of Christianity by looking at our lives. Now, you Say, well, it's all based on Jesus. Absolutely true. It's all based on Jesus. Don't look at us, look at Christ. However, we are his witnesses. And, so these things. I think it's a good challenge for all of us to, We've quoted Andy Griffith a lot of times. Remember who you are and remember whose you are.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

Bert says the New Testament calls for theological unity

Well, Alex, when I read this and again knew you and Dylan had gone over it, I refreshed myself. Read the whole. It didn't take long. Like you said. Three, chapters in the chapter.

>> Alex McFarland: I think it's like 46 verses.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, they're not very long at all, each chapter, but it really is one about our relationship with the Lord and our relationship with others and how people view us. And you're talking about how people do that. Do you remember the old song? You're the only Bible some people read. And, so, you know, what's their view? what is the view that people have of believers? is it kind? And that's what he does in chapter three. Now, I know y' all covered the first eight verses, but I could not help but notice this. Let me. It says in chapter three, verse one, remind them. You know, I found out as a hearer of teachers and preachers, and now as a teacher preacher myself, most of what I do is remind people of who Jesus is, what he's done, what he said. very few times do I come up with a sermon or a message. Even here on the Bible study, exploring the Word. Oh, this is brand new. No, it's usually something that we're reminding people of, and it says, notice, Remind them to be this way. And then in verse three, we ourselves were once foolish. Don't you love the word once?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah.

>> Bert Harper: That means what we were, but we're not now.

>> Alex McFarland: By God's mercy, we're different than we used to be.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. So when I saw that, and then I looked at verse five, and I know, I'm reviewing this. But by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy, we're saved by Christ Jesus and Christ Jesus alone. And then it says, renewing of the Holy Spirit. So when I put here, you know, I'm always looking for an outline, but here it is. We need to remind. We need to renew in verse 10 that leads us to reject those three R's. They're powerful, aren't they?

>> Alex McFarland: They really are, Bert. That's a great outline. give that to us again. Remind.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, it's just right there. That's how I do most of mine. I just tell you, I'm not that creative. I have to find it in the Scriptures. But it says remind them in verse. And then when it gets to the part where it says that we're to renew, that's renewing of the Holy Spirit in verse five. And then you come down to verse ten and it's reject. When you do remind. And when you do renew, there are certain things you're going to reject and put away. and so listen, I think he was talking about holiness. I think those are the three steps to holiness. Brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. That's really good. You know what's interesting? like in verse 10, a man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition, reject. And when we think of heresy, we think of, denial of some of the core foundational truths of the Christian faith, like the deity of Christ. That's a deal breaker. You know, Christ is the Son of God. God the Son. And this is something that we just budge on because Scripture is so clear. When you think of a heretic, you think of a denial of one of the core non negotiables of Christianity. But the word actually means divisive, and it is divisive. False teaching divides people. I mean, it can put a wedge between people and others. False teaching can put a wedge between somebody and God. And so, unity. And when we think of unity, I think we might think about, you know, relationships being harmonious and, congenial with each other. But really also the NewSong Testament maximizes theological unity, doesn't it, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: It really does, Alex.

You don't want a divisive person in leadership, Bert says

That is powerful when you see this word divisive. It can be doctrine, you know, and that's, you know, it can be doctrine, but it also can be just this issue of. In his leadership, he's being contrary. He's. He's, you know. well, I don't know if we need to do that. now, again, I'm not talking about caution. That's a good. It's good to have people that are cautious, to look at people who are adventurous. And when you put those together and see, okay, put those together, what should we do? How should we launch out? Where should we go? But this divisive person is one that's trying to find fault, trying to find something wrong. They're always investigating, trying to find. Doctrinally, yes, but I would say doctrine and practice, wouldn't you?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, yeah. Have you ever met somebody that is what I call the resident contrarian?

>> Bert Harper: I think every church Might have one,

>> Alex McFarland: you know, and listen, we are teachable, believe me. But, I've met people that if you said water was wet, they would argue with you about it. You know what I mean? And just people like that, I just kind of quietly, you know, avoid, you know, because it's just. And I don't know what it is. I don't know if it's just, a certain kind of makeup of different experiences. But watch out for the person that is just Dr. No about everything. And you, know the divisive person, you know, the Bible says, I believe it's in Proverbs that a talebearer can separate the chief of friends or the best of friends. And the divisive person is a wedge. And I think there are some people, and I have to be very clear how I say this, even born again Christians, and they don't realize it, but, but, the devil and the flesh uses them to divide and really kind of mute the impact of the church because they're divisive. And maybe they are saved and they don't even realize what a divisive person, they are. But good leadership unifies, not divides.

>> Bert Harper: It really does. And I could not get over the first and second admonition or warning. It's a warning. So you don't. Just because they've done it one time, you don't write them off. if they wait and do it again, you don't write them off. But you do say, hey, wait just a minute. What are you accomplishing? What are you trying to do? And so you see God's mercy, but you also see his strength. And this is so important, in leadership, as you were talking about Alex having that desire for mercy. Okay, listen, this is not good, what you're saying. How you saying it, what you're doing. So you go to them and you encourage them. But there comes a point in time where you have to do what? Cut them off. You have to say, no. It says reject. That's a pretty powerful word, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: It is, I mean, you know, really kind of burning bridges. But here's the thing. the word emphasized that a person's, peculiar behavior and unorthodox beliefs was dividing the church. And another word is the word schism. Here's a word you don't hear much but schismatics, and that's, S C I S M A schism is a division. A schismatic person, is really. You don't want them in a position of leadership. In the church. I mean, you'll be doing good if they even follow, but, you don't want a divisive person. Bert, you know, a lot of leadership, and I would be careful how I say this, but a lot of leadership is knowing where a healthy compromise can be found. Now, the word compromise. We're not saying compromise doctrinally or compromise the gospel, but you know what I mean. do we put in blue carpet or red carpet? I don't know. That's not something I would burn a bridge over. You know, do we have a fried chicken dinner, or should it be hamburgers and hot dogs? Either way is fine. There are plenty of times when wise leadership does compromise and give grace. But if somebody is just always going to keep the pot stirred, that's somebody you just don't need in the mix.

>> Bert Harper: And again, they will spoil the whole thing. That's what it ultimately does.

Bert Harper: These are powerful, foolish disputes

We didn't spend a lot of time on verse nine, but notice the things to avoid. These are powerful, foolish disputes. And this is what you were just talking about. That's what made me think about it. Red carpet or blue carpet? Why have a dispute over such a thing? That's a foolish dispute. Genealogies, where it came from. Well, I've been a member of this church. I'm a founding member, so I should have more, right? No, forget those things. Contentions, strivings about the law. Those little. I'm going to go ahead and say it, Alex. Nitpicky things that really. They're making a mountain out of a molehill. I don't know if that's a Southern cloak or just everywhere, but for they are what? Unprofitable and useless. Paul doesn't cut any strings here, man. He says, these feet, they're unprofitable, they're useless. And it talks about the person to reject. They're warped in sinning. They, He's putting it on the line, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: that's the thing about the Apostle Paul. I mean, he didn't sugarcoat things. And, we've got a break. We're going to wrap up the Book of Titus. Plus, later on in the show, Take youe Calls and Bible Questions. I'm going to give that number, even though It'll be the third segment before we pick up the phones. But it's 888-589-8840, triple eight phone on this Thursday edition of Exploring the Word. Bert Harper is back as we wrap up Titus. Stay tuned, folks. We've got more after this

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The Ten Commandments project is for children and youth discipleship

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome back to Exploring the Word. What a great song. I love that song and I love that version of it. that's Brent Austin that picks out really good music. And we're going to resume our look at the last few verses of Titus. But before we go too much farther, I want to remind people about the Ten Commandments project this year. Now, this is a project that AFA does. It's really for children and youth discipleship and it's really, really fun. And I want to share three things about this. for one thing, a youth could win a free T shirt, with the Ten Commandments on it by memorizing the Ten Commandments. And it's on the website. I'm going to give the website afa.net and, it's under the stand. But if you just go to afa.net as in American Family association and Google Ten Commandments Project, you'll find it. So, a young person could memorize the Ten Commandments, win a free T shirt, or they could do a four week community outreach project, sharing the gospel, learning the Ten Commandments, and sharing this with youth in your community. and you could encourage youth to get involved with the Ten Commandments speech challenge. Now this is really exciting. a, participant would write a speech and maybe an adult would help them do that. The theme this year is this. You shall have no other gods before me. And so a three to five minute Speech could be any length, but that's probably ideal. A speech three to five minutes, and you could record that and you can email that to. And I'm going to give you two email addresses and faqfa.net or J. Parker P A R K e r j parkerfa.net and, if you email it in, just put in the subject line, Ten Commandments Project. And so youth ages 7 to 17 can participate in this project. And every youth will receive a bookmark and a, here's a blessing, a free shipping coupon if you purchase something in the AFA Resource Center. But, you got to do this by June 30, so there's still plenty of time. That's the deadline date to submit something. But Bert, you know, as the Ten Commandments is the foundation of our country, really, it is. I'm just thrilled that, Joseph Parker and AFA, they've got young people seven to 17 learning God's word, the Ten Commandments. And I know, I know this will stick with these young people for the rest of their lives.

>> Bert Harper: It really will. I remember when, two of our grandsons, Jan, my wife, was working with them and got them and we had them on, I think it was on exploring missions one time. And they quoted those verses and there's hand motions that will help you do that. Jan had found that it's somewhere you can research and you can find it, but you can find that, and it really helps. guys, let me just give this. Men are very visual, guys. Young boys are visual. So if you get a hand motion, like one for the first commandment, you know, one God, and you can go through all 10 of them about, you know, all the way, to the point of number 10 of not, not wanting, not over wanting. Coveting is what it's taught. And you do that. It's a great, great way to teach them. And then those that are greater and want to make speech, wow, I pray that would be successful. So appreciate Pastor Joseph and what he does. And, the Ten Commandment Project, it is a great, great way of learning the word of God.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

Paul really lays it on the table in Titus 3 about divisive people

Well, before the break, we were kind of wrapping up verse 11. and you mentioned, well, in verse 9 of Titus 3 that this unprofitable and you know, the King James says, vain or useless, Paul really lays it on the table. The divisive, argumentative person. here's a word, it's an old word, obstreperous. Just argue about anything. The man is a heretic. After the first and Second admonition, reject, knowing that he is. That such is subverted. It really means warped and sins being condemned of himself. Bible says a double minded man is unstable in all his ways. I think some of these people that are just, you know, argumentative about anything and everything, they've got inner turmoil. But the final 12 through 15, there's what we call a closing salutation. And this book is no exception. But Paul says, when I shall send Artemis unto thee. Or is it Tychicus or Tychicus Bird? I don't.

>> Bert Harper: One or the other.

>> Alex McFarland: It's got to be one or the other.

>> Bert Harper: Hey, let me tell you, I called, you know, I shortened it to Tie. You know, tie. I'm sure that's. I would have done that anyway. Go ahead.

Paul says to be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis in winter

>> Alex McFarland: Well, when Paul says, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis, for I've determined there to winter. Now this is a big Greek city that Nicopolis exists to this day. Bert, have you ever been to Greece? I've not been.

>> Bert Harper: I have not. And that's the reason. I mean our Walker and Wesley Wildmon, they got to take a tour with people. And that's awesome that they're going to do that now. Hopefully they'll do it even in the future. Keep on doing it. If you can go, go. I hear it's awesome.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, well, you know, this city, this would have been probably the winter of 65 to 66, AD and this is in you know, Paul references this and Titus is going to go join him there from Crete. there was a thriving Christian, community in Nicopolis. And he, Paul says, bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently that nothing be wanting unto them. In other words, nothing lacking. And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful. In other words, a consistent pattern of good works. All that are with me, salute the. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen. Verse 15 is just, you know, it's very uplifting, isn't it Bert? everybody here sends their regards and convey our love to them. Grace be with you all. Amen.

Alex: Bert says the Book of Titus is a model for leadership

>> Bert Harper: What really intrigued me was these action words. the names do as well in the places, locations, always geography, just always I had to make sure I knew where Nicopolis was and looked it up Mount and I knew, I thought so knew where Crete was. But notice I sinned and then it says be diligent to come. and you know this is what Paul was doing. And you find this all through his writings and even in the Book of Acts, where he would say, I'll leave Luke here. I'll take Titus with me. Timothy, you come on ahead. So here's Paul in his administrative role as this apostle to the Gentiles. and, you know, just doing this work of, you know, helping people grow in the Lord, mentoring these men that they could mentor others. That's what it says in second Timothy. That goes to first, second, third, fourth generation. And so here it is. These individuals are important to Paul, and he has Titus doing that. It's kind of like Titus is under Paul. I love the structure here, Alex. you know, I looked at it. Here's Paul. Yes, he's the apostle. He's in charge. But he's got certain individuals under him that it seems to be the second tier of leadership. And Titus seems to have that. And now these others are. He's saying, instruct them to do this. Come here. Let them know I want them to come. And so, Alex, again, we're talking about the Book of Titus and the leadership, not only in doctrine, but again, administratively, missionally purposed. And this is what he does. He says, I'm going to carry out my mission, but I can't do it by myself. I've got all these other individuals that come alongside and minister in the name of the Lord Jesus. This was. I think this is a model for leadership.

>> Alex McFarland: It is. And good leadership promotes growth. Bert, I know you've heard of G. Campbell Morgan.

>> Bert Harper: Yes.

>> Alex McFarland: great commentator of times past. in G. Campbell Morgan's commentary on Titus, he talks about the fact that this was written in the beginning to one person, Titus 1:4. You know, he opens up Paul, a servant of God, to Titus, mine own son, in the faith singular. But by the end, just 46 verses later, it's to a whole group, you know, and that's just, the growth of leadership. It's productive, isn't it? This book might have been to an individual, but, if the contents of the book are followed, it concludes not with a single individual, but with numbers and numbers of people. And that's how the Gospel goes.

>> Bert Harper: Let our people also learn to. And I couldn't get over this word, maintain good works. In other words, you continue, you start, you continue, you finish. Now, I want to tell you that's the goal of the Christian life, Alex. I want to start right. I want to continue in that direction. Yeah. There will be some ups and downs. There will be Some potholes, there will be some curves and difficulty that comes along our way, but. But we maintain and we finish. Paul would say that in two Timothy when he talks about having finished his course. He's run that race. And so here, I think this is a challenge, you know.

Paul tells the Cretans to maintain good works

So, again, one of the signs of leadership is a challenge. And he's challenged. Let our people also learn to maintain good works. Learn. Make that a goal. Let it be a part of what you teach. And again, I go back to chapter three, verse one. I think it's a reminder to them. They already knew that. But guess what he's doing? I think he's reminding them that these good works, they're expected. I remember seeing a church sign. I loved it, and I thought it was unusual. It was just volunteering. It says certain, church. he said, visitors welcome, members expected. You know, here it is the expectation that Paul has of the Cretans, even though they had a bad reputation, his goal and his observance and what he wanted them to accomplish was maintain good works. And notice this to urgent needs. do you think that word urgent has something to do with needs and not necessarily wants? You know what I mean?

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, exactly, exactly. You know, you were talking about action words. And I really see. I'm going to go over these again. In these last four verses, send. Be is a verb, be, vigilant, determined, bring, learn, maintain, salute, greet, and that final, summation, grace, be with you all. These are at least nine action words. And, that's how the Christian is to be. That's how the church is to be. And, you know, you mentioned, that, you know, members expected. Do you remember once, you and I, this has been many years ago, that we. We did a show on the old church covenants.

>> Bert Harper: Oh, yeah, I remember that. That was years ago.

>> Alex McFarland: I got to read something. And the church covenant used to be. You'd see these on the wall. And it was a commitment. It really was. I mean, you could call it a promise, an agreement, a contract between God and some of his people. But it would, you know, if you join a church, I mean, you need to be a participant. And it would talk about watching over one another in brotherly love. But the church covenants would generally end with these words. We, moreover, engage that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word. In other words, if you're going to be a Disciple, you're part of a church. And if you're part of a church, you're a participant. And if you move away someday, then you'll find another good church to be a participant in. And, I know salvation is by faith, not works. I know that. Put your faith in Jesus. But I think we need to maybe re. Remind, the church that, if we take the gift of forgiveness, that comes with the responsibility of discipleship.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. I had forgotten about that. And yes, I have preached in churches where they had had the church, church covenant, on one side, and on the other side they would have Sunday school report, you know, and, gotten away from that. I understand some of the reasons why, but I missed some of it as well. But notice verse 15. And again these. I know these are little verses, but there's some really great principles and truths in them. Notice all who are with me greet you.

Bert says Paul says greet those who love us in the faith

Here it is. And you've talked about in the church covenant that if you leave this, church, you should be joining another church after you get there and you move there. Here it is, this fellowship going on between individual groups and churches where Paul is. He's going to winter in Nicus while he's traveling. He's riding, but. But we greet you. Then it says, greet those who love us in the faith. he's very specific in that. He said now those that he's already talked about, the ones to avoid and reject. Okay. I think he's saying, leave those guys out of this. But these guys that love us in the faith, greet them, send my greetings to them. Alex. I think we miss that sometimes of not appreciating others who were with us. We try to talk about it right here in the studio where I am. You have. Here's Brent, you have Richard, you have Marty. And nobody would be hearing us or seeing us. We couldn't talk to them if it wasn't for them. And so here it is. We, need to demonstrate that and show that. And Paul does that. I think that's important that Paul brought others into the conversation of what was going on.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. And here we are today. You know, we have been preceded by centuries, centuries of faithful folk that have really bequeathed the church to us. But now it's our time, isn't it, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: It is.

>> Alex McFarland: Be faithful yet.

>> Bert Harper: Hey, that number. We want your Bible question. 8885-8988-4088-8589-8840. We would love your call today.

>> : 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.

Brent Sutton plays song that encourages me but also challenges me

Just go to your app store or visit afr.net Listen to AFR wherever you go with the AFR app.

>> Bert Harper: The floor. Amen. I'm glad Brent Sutton played this song. I missed it Tuesday, and I love it. That is a song that encourages me but also challenges me. It really does. So I pray that the songs that we have played that Brent picks out, and some are in the queue already, and we just remind me. I promise. Hey, that was a good one. I'm glad that was slipped. But these songs should encourage you, but they also should challenge you. Real good songs always do that. So I appreciate that.

If you have a Bible question, call 888-589-8840

Well, Alex, are you ready to go to the phone lines?

>> Alex McFarland: Let's do it. The number. Folks, if you have a Bible question, it's 888-589-8840, and Bert and I will do our best to give you a good answer. Bert, where shall we begin?

>> Bert Harper: Well, we're going to go to Arkansas, and we do have a lot of lines open, so it'd be a good time to call in. Will have Danita in Arkansas. Danita, thank you for calling. Did I say your name correctly?

>> Caroline: Yes, you did. Thank you.

>> Bert Harper: Yes, ma', am. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Okay. last Thursday, Alex stated, that goat is unclean. Well, according to what I see In Leviticus, chapter 11, it says, Adonai spoke to Mosheh and to Aharon, saying to them, speak to B' Nai Israel, saying, these are the living things which you may eat. Among all the animals that are on the earth, whatever has a split, divided hoof, and choose the cud among the animals that you may eat. A goat has a, cloven hoof, and it also chews the cud. If it is an unclean animal, why would it be used as a sacrifice in the temple or the tabernacle, which is a holy place?

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Alex, do you remember that?

>> Alex McFarland: I do. I do. And I was really thinking about, like, in Matthew 25, where Jesus uses this to talk, about the division of sheep and goats, that the sheep are on the right hand and the goats are on the left hand. As in, you know, sheep, save people, goats, people that are, driven away. Another thing That I was thinking about was that, you know, they would, very often, the scapegoat, they would lay hands and really symbolically impute the sin of the people and send it out into the wilderness. And so I know they do, God's word did, like in Deuteronomy 14, allow it to be eaten. but, you know, symbolically, whether it be the scapegoat ritual or the teaching of Christ In Matthew 25, goats were just, held to represent sin, guilt, and separation from God.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, so the issue is, is it in the unclean thing about not being eaten?

>> Caroline: And.

>> Bert Harper: And, so, you know, you look at that and view it and see that. That. That they viewed it that way, the scapegoat in left and right. But I'm not sure that they. The dietary laws. Were they allowed to eat it?

>> Alex McFarland: yeah. verse, well, 3 through 21 of Deuteronomy, do not eat anything the Lord has declared unclean. You may eat these animals, cattle, sheep, goats, deer, wild sheep, wild goats, or antelopes, any animals that have divided hooves and also chew the cud. But no animals may be eaten unless they have divided hooves and also chew the cud. You may not eat camels, rabbits, rock, badgers. They are considered unclean. and verse eight, famously, and this is where hundreds of thousands of Southerners, lament, do not eat pigs. They must be considered unclean. They have divided hooves, but do not chew the cud. I think the minutiae about the divided hooves and chewing the cud or not. Again, it was so intricate that when the grace of God appeared and Jesus paid the law in full, and we are under grace. I mean, Peter's vision of the great, banquet in the Book of Acts, you know, everything is clean ritualistically now. But back then, Bert, I've often said I would have thought they would have eagerly embraced the fact that by coming to Christ, the fulfillment of the law was theirs.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, we hope that answers that. Danita, we appreciate you calling and checking up. I just want to quote a verse, and it talks about the Berean Christians, the Book of Acts. They were noble, very loyal that they checked the scriptures daily. And, that's what Alex and I desire for you to do. Join us in our Bible study and check the Scriptures, run those references. And, listen, it helps us as we have to rethink and say. Okay, Did I make that clear? or not? So, Danita, thank you for that. Go to North Carolina and talk to Gary. Gary, thank you. For calling. Go right ahead.

Alex: Why God allowed or put Satan on earth? Gary: Good question

>> Caroline: How you doing, fellas?

>> Bert Harper: Doing well today.

>> Caroline: My question is, why the Lord? Or why God allowed or put Satan on earth?

>> Bert Harper: Okay. He did fall from the heavens, didn't he, Alex? Or thrown out. I say fall. He was cast out. Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: Lucifer. And one third of the angels fell. Lucifer became Satan. The third of the angels that joined him in an attempted coup in heaven were cast out. And they are demons now. And they The Bible says Satan is the prince of the power of the air. When God created the solar system and planet Earth, the devil and his angels were out there in the air. And I know Satan must have been watching as Adam was created, the pinnacle of God's creation, body, soul and spirit, human beings. And here's the thing about it. Satan could not kill God, so he has tried to harm the ones made in God's image. And Bert, I think the sin, the sadness, the violence, the anguish and the evil of human history, it could be summarized by saying, here's what happened. And we read about this in Genesis 3, of course, the fall, the devil could not kill off God. So Satan has tried to harm, devalue, dehumanize, debase those made in God's image. And let me just say about part of the reason we need to show each other love and respect because every human being is a person made in God's image, a person for whom Christ died. And so, humanity, that's why we are so consistently, passionately pro life. Because humans are made in the image of God. And that hasn't changed. Even though Satan has tried to harm the human race.

>> Bert Harper: And yet Satan. Listen, this verse gives me great, great hope concerning Satan and his tactics, what he's wanting to do, what he is doing. Remember when Peter, you know, said that he had not deny the Lord and Jesus said, Satan has desired to what, sift you, but after you are converted, go and strengthen the brothers. Satan in all his tactics, all of his devices, God even uses that for some great work. And Peter, after that, Alex, he was stronger. He knew his weaknesses. He knew he depended upon the Lord. Doesn't mean he didn't make any mistakes. But even Satan there. So Gary, I'd say even with Satan here upon earth, that causes havoc. Yes, he does. Even that's going to prove of God's strength and God's glory. And if we will go to God, it will even be for our strength and blessing others. Thank you Gary, for that. Good question.

Billy Graham's Christian Workers Handbook is a great resource for Christian workers

Brent, do you have a question that came over on Facebook, Katy is looking for some resources to help her share the gospel with folks where she volunteers at a pregnancy resource center. Okay. Billy Graham, ministry sure does have a lot of helps in that area. And, used to be Campus Crusade for Christ now crew the four spiritual laws. There are a lot of ministries, work available for that, isn't there, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. hey, let me mention a book and you know, we often mention resources that we believe pretty strongly in. And one of the must have books I just, I would never be without. It is called Billy Graham's Christian Workers Handbook. And it's spiral bound. You can flip through it really easily. But here's the beautiful thing. It's a free PDF. You can find it online, the Billy Graham Christian Workers Handbook. And it's like an A to Z of how to counsel with people, relevant verses. It is just super easy to read. And yes, how to deal with those that are struggling with the guilt of an abortion. But with every, every, item or circumstance, abortion, abuse, you know, atheism, I mean, A to Z, then how very naturally, very easily to lead them to faith in Christ. I just cannot overstate what a good resource this is. And you could order it from Billy Graham or you could, I'm sure, find it online, print it out on your printer. And I would urge people to, if you've got a heart, to evangelize and, and counsel with people for Jesus. You need to familiarize yourself with that book.

>> Bert Harper: Hope that helps not just her, but everyone. Let's go to William in Ohio. Thank you, William, for calling.

>> Caroline: Thank you all for your ministry.

William: Alex, you address question about Old Testament morality

I had a question about, sort of related to the first color. I just heard the tail end of your answer about the law in the Old Testament. there's people who say, who are critical, saying, you know, why don't we still stone people for adultery? Or, you know, why is there that inconsistency, within the Old Testament? Why is it different? And then I've heard it said it's divided into like the moral, the civil and the ceremonial laws. And then some are just for the Jews and some, that Jesus, the NewSong Testament reiterates, the moral law is still binding. But could you address that, William challenge.

>> Bert Harper: Thank you, William. That is a good question and a legitimate question. And that's correct. About the civil, the moral, religious laws. Now Jesus nailed those religious laws to the cross. I understand that. But moral and civil, now the only thing, they're still wrong. If we were in a quote, theocracy, they'd still be wrong. The judgment of how to discipline that or how to punish, that might change during this period of time. But Alex, if they were wrong then concerning morality, they're wrong today.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. Yeah. And, the thing about it is whenever the skeptics, they'll point to the Old Testament and try to say, well, that, I mean, think about the irony here. They will point to some things that God's law specified to ancient Israel and they'll say, well, God must not exist, or the Bible is immoral. Now, before we get too much into the scripture, just think about what a contradiction that is. Because moral truth, objective morality is only possible or knowable because there is God. A perfect standard from which we measure. I mean, we are, varying degrees of ethical and moral. God is perfectly righteous, holy, 1000% moral. That's part of why God is eternal. There's no sin, no death in God. God is thoroughly righteous. And when we say this was good, that was bad, what we're really saying is this action conforms more closely to an ultimate standard of good than did that action. So whenever skeptics say, well, the law of Moses was very strict about this or that, therefore God must not exist, I mean, you couldn't defend the non existence of God on moral grounds because God is the foundation of moral truth. but all of the laws of Moses, they were fulfilled in Jesus.

>> Bert Harper: They were, William.

>> Alex McFarland: And his righteousness is ours the moment we believe.

>> Bert Harper: Amen, William. We hope that helps you got it down. And I think, Alex, and hopefully what we said helps you, be able to answer that with others.

Sandy from Illinois questions about Nicodemus' salvation

Let's go to Illinois. Sandy, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Yes, my question is about, Nicodemus. it's been questioned to me about his salvation. So I wondered what you, you guys thought about that.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, if you follow in the book of Jon, Sandy, you'll see Nicodemus mentioned two other times he would speak out with the Sanhedrin about hearing him. Why are you condemning this man when you hadn't heard him? And then he would help Joseph of Arimathea at the grave site. I think the actions speak pretty loudly that the conversion and his following Christ really happened. Alex, what about you?

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, yeah, I think so. and you know, in Jon chapter seven, Nicodemus, tried to defend Jesus, right, to get a fair hearing before the Sanhedrin. And I absolutely believe you're going to see Nicodemus in heaven because like for instance in Jon chapter three, you know, he's there with Jesus and of course, very famously, Jesus says, you must be born again. No doubt he was born again.

>> Bert Harper: I believe that with all my heart. Jon from Louisiana, we just won't have time to ask the question and answer it correctly. But let me say this about, Jon from Louisiana, talking about grace and transformation. Only by the grace of God, Alex, are we changed. There's no other way. again. And is it through the power of the Holy Spirit in our. The indwelling power of the Holy Spirit changes everything, doesn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: It really does. It really does, folks. you mentioned Campus Crusade, Bert. Bill Bright wrote a little booklet called have you Discovered the Wonderful Spirit Filled Life?

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: You ought to Google that. Very Biblical, very true, very needed by each and every person.

>> Bert Harper: And the Spirit filled Life, I want to just tell you, it is letting him come in. And just like the wind filled the sails, the Holy Spirit fills our life. It empowers us. He directs us and shows us the way to go. Thank you, Alex. It's good to be back with you today, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Good to have you. Tomorrow's gonna be fire away Friday, good Lord willing, all questions all the hour. Hope you'll tune in. Blessings to you all. The views and opinions expressed in this

>> Caroline: broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of

>> Bert Harper: the American Family association or American Family Radio.

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