Romans 8:35-9:29: The Mercy of God

Fire Away Friday means that we are taking phone calls

>> Bert Harper: It's Fireaway Friday on Exploring the Word. This is your chance to ask us your Bible question at 888-589-8840. That's 888-589-8840. You can also email your question@wordfr.net or visit facebook.com exploring the word. It's Fire Away Friday on American Family Radio. Well, fire Away Friday means that we are taking phone calls. Your phone calls and that number. You just heard it on the intro. But let me give it again. 888-589-8840. Alex and I will look forward to those questions. And we're asking God just to give glory to himself, and we want to do that as well.

Fire Away Friday is always a good day, but we need people to call in

But while we're doing that, I want to read a passage of scripture from Psalm 103. Psalm 103. And, I love this. And it's really, At different times of your life, different verses will make a greater impact on you. John, six, verse 66. When they all walked away. And Jesus said, are you also going to go away? Apostles? And Peter said, to whom would we go? You have the words of life. As I've gotten older and looked at people that I know, either were never saved or they walked away when they were saved. I don't know all the reasons, but whom would you go to? And then Psalm 103. Listen to this, verses 1 through 5. Bless the Lord, O my soul and all that is within me. Bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits. Who forgives all our iniquities and heals all our diseases and. And redeems your life from destruction. Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. And so when your youth is renewed like the eagles, no matter what age you are, you are striving in Christ. You're soaring with the eagles, and I pray that you're doing that. Don't forget all of his benefits. Again, that number, if you want to call here on Fire Away Friday, Alex and I are ready. that number, triple 858-98-840. Well, Alex, fire Away Friday. It's always a good day, but we need people to call in. We've got lines that are open, so there's plenty of time and for us to get your question and answer it, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, there is. And I see some calls coming in now, and I'm looking forward to us getting to hear from everybody. The number is 888.

Bert, are you going to be in a pulpit this weekend

Bert, I've got to ask, are you going to be in a pulpit this weekend?

>> Bert Harper: I will be. I'll be at Ozark Baptist Church. I've been there for. This will be my fourth month that I'm going on. And, I'm preaching. I thought I was preaching somewhere else or, not somewhere else, but from the Bible. But I'm going to be preaching from the book of Matthew. And when they asked, when Pilate asked, what will you do with Jesus? Let me just give you a hint. In that one chapter, you have four reactions of what people would do with Jesus. Now, I'm not going to tell you what they are, but it is a. It's just right there. I love passages like that where, where you find out a question or you find out something. And right there in that passage, you see all the responses. So I'm looking forward to that. Ozark Baptist church. And, 11 o' clock, I'll be preaching. Alex, how about you?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, I'll be at Mount Pleasant Church outside of Greensboro, which is 40. formerly Mount Pleasant United Methodist. Now it's just Mount Pleasant Church doing great. And then as soon as I finish preaching, I get on an airplane and go to Montana for our first of seven summer youth camps. And so we value everybody's prayers. But, hey, we got calls coming in for Fireway Friday. How about we go to it? You ready?

>> Bert Harper: I'm ready. Where do we go to first?

>> Alex McFarland: We're going to begin in the great state of Mississippi. Steve in Mississippi. Steve, if Brent can make that button, press on.

Why did David's command of having the people numbered make God angry

Let's go to Steve in Mississippi. Steve, are you there?

>> Caroline: Yes, I'm here.

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome. Thanks for holding.

>> Caroline: Thanks for taking my question.

>> Alex McFarland: What? You got my question?

>> Caroline: it comes from, first chronicles chapter, chapter 21.

>> Bert Harper: My question is, why did David's command of having the people numbered make God angry? Okay. Wow. Steve, are you reading through the Bible to come to that, or did you. Are y' all studying something that would make you look at Chronicles? Is one of those. When people ask questions from it, I usually ask, what are you doing reading there? I'm being kind of trying to be funny, but are you studying through Chronicles?

>> Caroline: Well, I was just reading through the Bible and I come across that, and I didn't really understand why God got angry.

>> Bert Harper: Hey, good question, Alex. Does it have. I'm going to set up a general comment. Okay. David's power was really that of trust in the Lord. Okay. It's kind of like when he faced Goliath. And he was talking about, I come in the name of the Lord and, numbering the people. Did it have anything to do with maybe lack of faith? What do I need to do for myself? What do you think?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, in 1st Chronicles 21:1, it says, and listen to this. Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. And so, you know, I believe that, you know, in 2 Samuel 24, it says, the anger of the Lord was kindled against David. It was that, it was the flesh, not the spirit. And, there's nothing wrong with having an inventory or knowing, you know, what the resources you have at your disposal are. But, at this point, God was, expecting David to trust him and to take a census. I think it was maybe having confidence in the wrong thing, having confidence in the number of men, or trusting the physical, visible things rather than trusting God.

>> Bert Harper: I agree with you all the way. Not by might, not by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord. I just want to tell you, you remember several times when the children of Israel were outnumbered, but because of their trust in the Lord, it was delivered. They were delivered into their hands. And I think he was showing lack of trust in the Lord. I think that's it, Steve. I really do. keep on reading, brother, and you'll come across people that say the first, Old Testaments. Oh, man. Listen, read it and you'll find out. It's got a lot to say, Steve. Thank you. Let me help me to run the phone calls. Oh, you got it now. Go ahead, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Michael in Mississippi. Michael, thanks for holding. Welcome to Exploring the Word. Michael. Hello, Michael, do you hear us? let me try. Lisa in Mississippi.

>> Bert Harper: Oh, man. Mississippi's going wild, aren't we?

>> Alex McFarland: I know. Praise God. Lisa, are you there?

>> Caroline: Yes, I'm here.

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome.

>> Caroline: Can you hear me?

>> Bert Harper: Yes, Lisa, go right ahead. Yes, okay.

>> Caroline: Yes.

Question: When we get to heaven, do you think we will see Jesus physically

My question is, when we get to heaven, do you think that we will actually see Jesus in form or just in spirit?

>> Bert Harper: let me. Let me answer that real quick, Alex. I love to do this. And leave all the particulars up to Alex. This is kind of how we work. And Alex, it says this same Jesus Acts, chapter 1:11. After that, this same Jesus which you see departing from you, will so come in like manner, just as you've seen him leave. And that was physically, wasn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: Absolutely, absolutely. And also, you know, Bert, I think about Revelation 22:1, six, and then following, you know, John got to see the, the new Jerusalem and It says, a river of water, of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. So John is seeing heaven, and then he sees Jesus. And, Jesus says, you know, write these things. Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. I, John, saw these things and heard them. I believe in heaven. We will absolutely see Jesus face to face, like you said, Acts 1:11. This same Jesus, we'll see him.

>> Bert Harper: We will. And I think the mount of Transfiguration has something about that too, because when they went up there, they could see Elijah and Moses, they would see them physically. And again, you know, Jesus, the blood left, but he was still a body, you know.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes.

>> Bert Harper: And so I don't see that any transition from that. Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: That's good question, Lisa.

>> Bert Harper: And that number, give the number because we do have lines, open, don't we, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: 888-589-8-8840. Triple 858-98-840. We'll take any and all Bible questions today, do our best to give you a factual biblical answer. But, you know, in the book that we've got coming out in September, which will be a part of Sharathon, In the fall, 100 Bible questions on prophecy and the end times, we've got a fair amount in there about heaven and eternity. And so pray that God will use that book. Alicia in Tennessee. Alicia, welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Thank you. Thank you for, taking my call and thank y' all for your, Your service.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, bless you.

>> Caroline: my, My middle son passed away almost seven years ago in a car accident. And he was, he was such, a, A godly, boy and, and he witnessed to several people and just did so much. And I just wonder if it. So many times, I wonder if it. If the reason he passed away is because of so many things I did wrong. And so I was wondering if, we're just. If our kids pay for our sins. You know, I've, I've read different things in the Bible about, you know, I mean, I, I know there's some, there's a scripture, but I can't remember it right now. about, about that. And I just wonder what your thoughts are on that.

>> Bert Harper: Alicia, thank you for calling in that. That hurts.

Alex: I remember a film when I was a teenager about Elisha

Let me share this with you. And then. Alex, I know and I probably have more to say, but I remember a film when I was a teenager. Now back then it was, I think 16 millimeter. Wasn't a movie or, or Video or anything like that. They'd show them in our church every once in a while. And it's about this young woman, Elisha, that was a teenager. She was strong in the faith, shared witness, and it was based on a true story. And, they asked, you know, why would. She was taken in a car wreck. And they asked what happened. And her life verse was Philippians 1:20. And after I heard and saw that film, heard this verse, it's one of my life verses. People say, do you have one? I have more than one. And this is one of them. According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. And in that film, again, regards not God causing it, not because of her parents, but death occurred. there were so many people that came to know the Lord Jesus Christ. And this life verse, was true in her life, whether living or death, that Christ would be magnified in my body. And I think that's what you look at concerning your son, if he was a witness and strong. Alex, I looked at God. I want you to get glory from my life, regardless of how long it might be.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Bert, you remember in John 9, there was a man blind since birth, and they asked, they said, you know, rabbi, who sinned? This man or his parents, that he was born blind? And Jesus said, neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened. That the works of God might be manifest or displayed in him. And, you know, there are some things that, just only the Lord knows the reasons for. I think our consideration is that we trust God through it and that God is praised and that God's, glory is reflected. And, leave the why to God, Alicia.

>> Bert Harper: We hope that helps. Don't live in saying, oh, was it me saying, lord, what would you have me to do now and receive what he has for you? Hey, we're waiting for next segment. We're waiting on your phone call.

Brent says Preborn introduces mothers with unplanned pregnancies to their babies

You've heard a lot about saving babies on this show. That's because it's important to me personally. And let me just be frank with you. We need to save them. That is why we partnered with PreBorn, the nation's leader, in introducing mothers with unplanned pregnancies to their babies. And once she hears that heartbeat and sees that precious life growing inside of her, she is twice as likely to choose life. Now, that's a miracle. But quite honestly, if we don't save them. Who will? PreBorn receives no government funding, so their work is completely dependent on us. PreBorn has rescued over 280,000 babies. And that's not all. They provide love, support and counseling for up to two years for free, saving lives and souls. One ultrasound is just $28. Or, $140. Helps to rescue five babies. Abortion doesn't stop, so we can't. Together, you and I, can save lives. Just call £250 on your cell phone and say the key word. Baby. That's 2:50, baby. Or, go to preborn.com. that's preborn.com.

>> Alex McFarland: Everybody sing.

>> Caroline: Yes.

>> Bert Harper: We will remember.

>> Alex McFarland: We will remember we will remember the works of your name. We will stop and give you praise.

>> Bert Harper: For great is thy faithfulness way.

>> Alex McFarland: You'Re our creator, our life sustainer. Deliver us our comfort, our door throughout the ages you've been our shelter, our peace in the midst of the storm.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Brent, thank you for getting that. I've been wanting that for a little bit. And I remember where I was the first time I heard that, Alex. I was up in Michigan, and, Dr. Lutzer was preaching, and, the praise band sang that song. And I'm telling you, it was a great. I started remembering all that God has done for us. And when we do that, I want to tell you, you'll wind up praising God for all that he is and all that he's done, won't you?

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. We live in an age of some great music. Haven't we come up with some great music? you know, songs like that, remember, remind, me of. Thank you. Do you remember that song?

>> Bert Harper: Thank you for giving to the Lord.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes, I know. Well, the number is 8-88-589-8840. Alex and Bert. And so glad you're listening. And, let's continue on.

Question revolves around Romans 6, verses 17 and 18

How about we go to Arkansas? Jake is in Arkansas. Thanks for holding. You're on the program. Hello, Jake.

>> Caroline: I enjoy your program and listening to you. when you all were in Romans 6, it surprised me a little bit what Bert had to say about verses three and four. And, Bert, you never really finished your statement. You said you got Acts 10 and Cornelius. And you said, this is the way. I'm using my words. This is the way to be saved. Romans 6. 3 and 4 is the second. And I didn't know what you meant by second, but my question revolves around Romans 6, verses 17 and 18. But God be thanked that you were servants of sin. Yet you have Obeyed from the heart. That form of doctrine to which you were delivered, the old King James would say, and having been set free, and having then, the word then would be in the old King James, and having then been set free, you became servants of righteousness. The word form is our word for doctrine or type. So what pattern or what type did those people in Rome obey?

>> Bert Harper: Okay, I think you go back to Romans 3. You use other scripture to, explain scripture. And, when you go through what I would call the Roman road, I think you come into that, like, five, eight. It makes it plain. God demonstrates his love toward us, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. I think that's what it's referring to, that this is what we were. And I think that's what Romans 6 continues in that. And then it finishes out that you come to when you say doctrine, it's not necessarily some teaching. It is the fact of the gospel of Jesus Christ that God died for sinners. And Paul said, which he was chief. And like he said, I would say over in the Book of Acts when he talked to the Philippian jailer. And I think that's where I referred to as well, when he said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. And then when I talked about Cornelius, if, you remember, it was that they first, when you see the pattern of what they did and how it was happened, they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. And then they spake in tongues as they did at Pentecost, and then they were physically baptized. I think that's what I was trying to get to Jake, if I remember. Alex, would you add to that?

>> Alex McFarland: this is a great answer, Burton. And I commend the caller for knowing the language. And it says, you know, that form of doctrine. And in the Greek, it is the word type. And that word type can mean model. and what is the model for salvation and belief? Well, it's Jesus who died on the cross and, and rose again for us. We put our faith in him. And Bert, I'm going to give you one more verse. First John 3. 23. This is his commandment that we should believe on the name of his Son, Jesus Christ. So, somebody asked me one time, what does God want me to do? Well, according to First John 3:23, believe on Jesus Christ. And that is, ah, I know there are a lot of important doctrines or teaching, but the gospel doctrine is, as Gary Habermas says, deity, death, resurrection. The Son of God died on our behalf, and he rose again. And by Putting our trust in him, who he was and what he did. Who is He? The Son of God. What did he do? Paid all of our debt On Calvary's cross. You trust in Christ and his perfect, finished work, and you are forgiven.

>> Bert Harper: And I praise God. In John, it says, not by the will of man, you know, it is God that does it. We are saved by Him. And, there is no one that can keep me from him. When he speaks to my heart, I need to respond to him. And when you see the gospel that way, I think it is straight on, as Gary Hypermass would have said. Jake, thank you for listening, brother. And I appreciate you calling in clarifying or whatever you might desire. Thank you, man.

Alex: Could someone have drowned before Adam and Eve sin

>> Alex McFarland: Liberty, in Iowa. Liberty. Thanks for holding. Welcome.

>> Caroline: Hi. It's actually my daughter's question. Her name is Liberty. You want to ask it? Go ahead. Okay. When Adam and Eve, before they sin, could someone have drowned, like, in the garden? That was her question.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, did you get that?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. Well, first of all, Liberty, thank you for listening to the program. It really does mean a lot to us. I know I speak for Bert and myself when I say that we are deeply honored. You would be listening. Do you know there was no death before sin? And, That's a good question. here's a big word. Hypothetical. Hypothetically, could someone have drowned? yeah, I suppose they could have, because the properties of water are the same then as they are now, and the need for oxygen is the same then as it is now. But nobody did. There was no death. Remember, the Lord had told Adam and Eve regarding the forbidden fruit, in the day that you eat thereof, you will die. So prior to that, there was no death. so could somebody have drowned? I suppose, theoretically, they could have. But before sin, there was no death before the fall into sin, was there?

>> Bert Harper: There was not. And, you know, that day he died, there was a spiritual death that day. Liberty. And then there would be, finally, a physical death, to Adam and Eve, both because of sin, but before that, no. And again, I, Alex, hypotheticals, they're. They're always there. And so sometimes you have. Okay, if it's hypothetical, this is what might have happened or not. So it's always one of those questions.

>> Alex McFarland: We're blessed that you'd be listening. Liberty. Thank you. Alan in Louisiana. Alan, welcome to Fire Away Friday.

>> Caroline: Thank you very much. I, really appreciate what you guys do.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, thank you.

Allen: Antisemitism started way back in the Old Testament

>> Caroline: My question is, I'm a messianic Jew, and, with all the Anti Semitism that is taking place in the world now and the war with Hamas and Iran behind all that and the intense antisemitism worldwide. Is that a continuation of God's punishment of the Jews that began in the Old Testament?

>> Bert Harper: Oh, wow, Alan, first of all, praise the Lord that you've come to the Lord Jesus Christ. One of my very, very best friends is a messianic Jew. He and I just, we're thank God for. And been friends for a long time. And I want to tell you, I think more than just that, it's the hatred as that is going on started way back then, Allen. It has increased with Muhammad. It even got greater. And it has and it's enhanced in these last days, I think because of Satan and his power and his anger toward the Jewish people. Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: yeah, I want to say this, and first of all, I rejoice that you're a messianic Jew. I want to address antisemitism and then I want to make a statement about the condition of all people. anti Semitism is demonic. And there was a German, a Nazi named Wilhelm Marr. well, this was really before Adolf Hitler, but there was a Germanic superiority, complex even in the late 19th century and in 1879. And this did influence Adolf Hitler. Later Wilhelm Marr, wrote a pamphlet on the victory of Germanism over Judaism. And Marr, spread the word that the Jews were in negative influence. And this had a real, you know, a, ah, very negative effect on how, there was this rising sentiment against Jewish people. And sadly, very sadly, and this is worth pointing out, Martin Luther of the Reformation. Luther, we're all indebted to Luther because he preached salvation by faith, not works, but very late in his life. And Bert, I've got to believe he was maybe in some early stages of dementia, but Luther wrote some horribly, just detrimental things about the Jewish people that spread in Germany and in parts of Europe and, and the phrase Jew hatred came about and antisemitism was really a little softer word. and Semite, the Jewish people, descendants from Shem, because the Jewish people come from m. The line of Shem. Anyway, here's my point that antisemitism is wrong. I think it's been spread by Satan because as the book of Revelation says, Satan made war on the woman that delivered the man child, Jesus. Now the final thing I want to say, Bert, and feel free to disagree. The Bible says that, in times past God spoke through his prophets. But in these Last Days has spoken through Jesus. And God commendeth men everywhere to repent. I do not think there is any judgment of God against any of the Jewish people. All sinners need to repent. Now, I know that In March of 70 AD, Rome ransacked Jerusalem and the Jews were dispersed. But, let me. I want to be on record and say there's no curse on the Jews. it's wrong when I've had people talk about the Jews, killed Christ. Hey, the fallen human race killed Christ. Jesus. My sins put Jesus on that cross. And so God says, whosoever will may come. Jew, gentile, Oriental, Occidental, all can come to the loving Savior who offers forgiveness to whoever will believe in him.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. And I want to add something to that. To all of those of you believers following Christ, stand up for the Jewish people and, be against the Jewish haters. Let's just put it go back that far, Alex. And, listen, AFR we stand with you and Alan, I just want to pray for you and a lot of the other messianic Jews right now. Father, I thank you for Allen. I thank you for him, coming to know you and my friend that is dear to me and blessed my life for him knowing you and following you. But all of those that are messianic Jews here in America, in Israel and around the world, Father, may you just encourage them right now during this period of time of history when they, are looked on. And not just the Christians, but all Jewish people, Father, may Satan's hold on people that are spreading this hatred and this lie. Father, I pray that they would be turned around and the words would fall on deaf ears. Father, I pray that you would help. In Jesus name, amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Good call. well, Alabama. Jimmy in Alabama. Thank you for holding.

Alex: What was the first miracle? Jimmy: Prostate cancer

>> Caroline: Hey, guys. How y' all doing?

>> Alex McFarland: Blessed. How about you?

>> Caroline: I'm blessed. I'm blessed. I'm blessed with you guys. I, listen to y' all for many years. My first question is, what was the first miracle?

>> Alex McFarland: I think the first miracle was Genesis 1:1 that God spoke the worlds into existence. in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Bert, what do you say?

>> Bert Harper: Listen, there's nothing that I know that occurred before that. And yes, I would say that's a miracle. I would ask this. For God to create, he had to speak. For him. To save, he had to die. What a statement that is. Go ahead, Jimmy. What? You got a second?

>> Caroline: Yeah. Yes, sir. you know, I talk to people around and I. I live on, I heard y' all say Mississippi. a lot of Mississippi folks. Well, I was born in Mississippi, and I'm raised in Alabama, so.

>> Bert Harper: Hey, I got. I've got three grandchildren that live in Alabama. Jimmy. So Alabama special to me, I tell you.

>> Alex McFarland: Go ahead, sir. You're in a great part of the world.

>> Bert Harper: Yes, you are.

>> Caroline: I had a couple of guys tell me about their miracles. Well, I had a miracle, guys. I had a miracle.

>> Bert Harper: Share it with us.

>> Caroline: I had a, prostate cancer. And, it did get in me, and my PSA was 10, and then it dropped to 9.9. And then after my first treatment, just my first treatment, it dropped a zero.

>> Bert Harper: Hallelujah.

>> Alex McFarland: Praise God.

>> Bert Harper: Hey, hey, Jimmy, I hate to cut you off. Time is running out. You've already spoken enough to make us praise God, Jimmy. Thank you, man. Alex, God is still a, miracle working God, isn't he?

>> Alex McFarland: He's our savior. He's our provider. He's our healer. God bless you, Jimmy. Folks, the number 888-589-8840. We'll do our best to get to the COR after this brief break. Stay tuned. The political climate in America has changed.

>> Bert Harper: We've been given a reprieve, and we have to work together to take advantage.

>> Alex McFarland: Of that momentum and effect even more cultural and spiritual change. We can rebuild America.

>> Bert Harper: The American Family association is working to do just that.

>> Alex McFarland: And when you join, with your support, it helps maximize the impact. As our thanks, we'll give you a DVD of biblical financial advice from Rob west called Biblical Stewardship. Please visit afa.net and get started today.

>> Bert Harper: It was not the path I would have chosen.

>> Alex McFarland: I could see no hope from where I stood.

>> Bert Harper: Even even though I knew what God.

>> Alex McFarland: Had promised, I didn't see how he could work it for my good.

>> Bert Harper: Yet that road where pain was my companion.

Alex and Bert have your questions on Exploring the Word

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome back to Exploring the Word. You know, I love to take the time to hear all the lyrics of that song. That song alludes to Romans 8, 20, 28, which we were talking about yesterday. And, Brent picks out a lot of really good, we call it bumper music, you know, because it's, between the segments. But Exploring the word is back on. Alex and Bert, we're so honored to have your questions. Bert, we've got a full board of questions.

>> Bert Harper: we're to as many as we can. Where to first?

>> Alex McFarland: That beautiful place in springtime Missouri. Tom in Missouri. Thank you for holding. You're on Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: I mean, I'm here.

>> Alex McFarland: All right.

>> Caroline: I was living in Kansas, so I had a great station in Kansas to listen to. I have no stations here. So I'm glad you have a, app to listen to.

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, praise God.

>> Caroline: But my question is, again, First Chronicles 1, 22. And there's other places I've seen the Bible also that for, for the Jews demand a sign and the Greeks, seek wisdom. Now who are the Jews? Because I thought he was talking to Jews.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, you got it?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, well, the, the Jews are all the descendants of Judah and you know, different ones, not just Jewish people interacted with Jesus while he was here. there were, ah, the Roman centurion and different, ones that were Gentiles as well. But people, this is kind of a generalization. sometimes the non Jewish listeners will call Greeks and the Jews demand a sign and the Greeks desire wisdom. You know, the Greeks, even by 200 BC, you've got Greek philosophy and Aristotle and they prided themselves on their intellect. And that's why in Acts 17 when Paul went to Mars Hill, Paul was so effective at sharing Christ with the Greeks or Gentiles. But Bert, I just think it was a little bit of a generalization that the Jews that knew of the oracles of God, they wanted a visible sign. The Greeks or Gentiles desired wisdom.

>> Bert Harper: I think it had something to do with that because the priority that Jews on signs show us a sign. And the Jews in the history, like even the ten plagues, God signed to them that God was greater than the gods of Egypt. So the Jews from that time on was always seeking a sign, whereas Greeks, it was wisdom that was the highest position or highest thing you could acquire. So I think it's a generality, but I think it's a pretty, I won't use the word rigid, but very accurate one that the Jews would do that.

>> Alex McFarland: Alex, do you think some of them, part of the reason that multitudes followed John the Baptist is they thought they might have the thrill of seeing a miracle happen?

>> Bert Harper: I do. Really, That's. And notice this was, it was that in the Old Testament, even in the New Testament, you see that. And then when you find out that I would say the sign gifts, you know, the spiritual gifts, the sign ones again, the Jews really put a premium on that. And what it did when they would speak in tongues in Ephesus and you know, at different places they would say, oh, it's like it was at Pentecost, which was Jews. So I think that's one of the reasons.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Well, thank you for that call. John 20:29. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. Mark in Louisiana. Thank you for holding.

Mildred: Matthew 25 parable says five had oil and five didn't

Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Yes, sir. I was wondering about those 10 versions.

>> Bert Harper: You know, five of them had oil and five didn't.

>> Caroline: What happened to the five that didn't?

>> Bert Harper: Were they born again or. That's my question, Alex. Does it tell us?

>> Alex McFarland: It doesn't say. And this is a parable in Matthew 25. this is a parable, but I would say that they weren't. They weren't born again because oil represented the Holy Spirit, the indwelling, just as the lamp could burn with fire, because there was oil in the lamp. We have the presence of God and the fire of God and his empowerment because we're indwelt with the Holy Spirit. And, I think if, you know, we're going to try. There's no saying making it walk on all fours. In other words, if we were going to parse out every detail, even though it's not exactly specific, I think the implication is that five knew the Lord and five didn't.

>> Bert Harper: I think that's the implication. Although it does not say it leads you to look at this accurately. I think that would have to be the conclusion that you had come to, Alex. I think that, too.

>> Alex McFarland: Wonderful. Mildred in Texas. Mildred, thank you for listening to the American Family Radio Network.

>> Caroline: Thank y' all for having me, and thank y' all for spreading God's word.

>> Alex McFarland: God bless you.

Bert says we can pray to God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit

>> Caroline: Where is it in the Bible that it tells us that we can pray to God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit and none other?

>> Bert Harper: Okay. Jesus talks about Come unto me, talks, about the Father alone. when you pray what we would call. People call it the Lord's Prayer, it's really the model prayer. it was to the Father, wasn't?

>> Alex McFarland: Was. And you know, in the New Testament, we see all of these, you know, and we just got through in Romans 8, I believe it was 26, about the Spirit makes intercession for us. That's one of the beautiful things about the inseparability of God's nature. We can pray to the Father, Son or Holy Spirit, because, there's one God. And, Bert, we, you know, we often. We say God, we say Lord, we say in Jesus name. We, we say Heavenly Father. but.

>> Bert Harper: And sometimes sweet Holy Spirit, we do.

>> Alex McFarland: Like Doris Acher that sung Sweet, Sweet Spirit. So they're all one in the same, really. but I do love the Lord's Prayer, the model prayer. Have you ever preached through that, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: I have. Yes, I did.

>> Alex McFarland: Line by line. Yes, Mildred. Thank you. Rita in Tennessee. Do I have your name correct? Rita?

>> Caroline: Yes, that's correct. It's. It's Rita. It just felt different.

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome. Good to have you.

>> Caroline: Yeah, well, thank you. first off, I'd like to say, I love you guys. I've been listening to you for years and years and years. I listen to you every day when I get off work. thank you.

Rita: I have a question about suicide, Biblically speaking

I have is about question. I have is about suicide, Biblically speaking. I've, had some friends that their family members has committed suicide, and they say they know that God forgave them and that they're in heaven. I know God, you know, his grace and mercy just, you know, gets us through every day. And I know he's a very forgiving God. But my thing is. And I don't really understand it myself, but my question is, I, Does he? I mean, I know he forgives you, but will we lose our reward in heaven and not go to heaven if we take our own life? Now, I'm gonna say one more thing, then I'm gonna get off so I can listen to you guys. went to this church one time. This pastor was talking. Talking about suicide, and he said, we can say that Jesus committed suicide himself. And he preached a whole sermon on that. And he said because he could have called those angels to come get him if he wanted to, but he chose not to. So can we say he committed suicide? So, anyway, I'm just throwing that in there, but I would like to do input on this, and, you guys have a blessed weekend, and thank you all so very much.

>> Bert Harper: Thank you, Rita. Time's running out, so I'm not going to take much time. That pastor completely was wrong. Giving yourself, is not suicide. It could be. I've heard this, Alex, about, you know, somebody taking a bullet for you, like, several times. Like Secret Service guys. Would they take a bullet for them? It's not suicide. It's taking the bullet. It's different than. And Jesus did that for us. Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus said, Woe to him who betrays the Son of man. It was Judas that betrayed Jesus, and Christ was nailed to the cross. Jesus did not, he was not committing suicide. He was not a martyr, dying for his faith. He was a savior who died for the sins of the world. so, yes, I would respectfully disagree with that, Pastor. Jesus did not commit suicide. But, the Other thing that I would say, she asked about reward and going to heaven. A born again Christian. Everything we do post salvation, we're going to get rewarded for. But it's not works that gets us salvation. It's by putting our faith in Christ, being born again and then positionally we are in Christ now. and I hesitate to really say this, and I don't want to say it fast or glibly. Suicide, is wrong. Suicide is never justified. And all the suicides in the Bible, whether it be Saul, Judas or Ahithophel, there's an Old Testament person who committed suicide. They're always in a negative light. So suicide is never right. I do think it is possible. And Bert, I hesitate to even say this because folks don't ever even contemplate self harm or taking your life. And if you feel that depressed, dark spiral of contemplating ending your life, get help. But I think it's possible for a truly born again person to get in a dark, depressed state that they take their life. And that does not mean they would have lost their salvation. Now, one last thing and I'll throw it back to Burke. The sixth commandment says, thou shalt not commit murder. And that includes self murder. Because our life is not our own, Bert. I mean, suicide is taking something that belongs to somebody else. What your life, even our life is not our own. We belong to God.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, let me add to that, and this is m. You did a great job of doing it biblically. I want to share with you more so as a pastor, pastoring. As long as I did, you know, a long time I had to do several funerals of people who had committed suicide. And many of those, I'm telling you, their faith, what I knew about them, what they demonstrated, what I saw in them was strong, you know. Now again, only God knows. Let's leave it there. You know, when Jesus said, one of you is going to betray me, nobody said, oh, it's Judas. I've been knowing that for a long time. Though they say, no, is it?

>> Alex McFarland: I. Ah.

>> Bert Harper: And so you can't fool God. You can't fool God. But with all my heart, I do believe I know some individuals that love God, but because of whatever it was, physical, mental and other things, that they made the bad and wrong decision of committed suicide. but I'm with you. Not heavens, not withheld from them.

>> Alex McFarland: Wow. serious stuff here. Carrie in South Carolina. Carrie, thanks for holding.

Alex: Every human being on earth is faced with Jesus Christ's death

Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Well, thank you. I just wanted to add something to what you said. Earlier about the crucifixion of Christ.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes, sir.

>> Caroline: That the Jews crucified him. And I kind of halfway agree with that because they brought all the false lawsuits against him to get him crucified. But then you bring in the entire rest of the world of gentiles who actually did crucify. So every human being on earth is faced with the death of Jesus Christ.

>> Bert Harper: Hey, Carrie, I'd say this too now. The Romans did it. They were. And they were hardened men, that this was not new to them. This was one of their many. They beat him, and they would go, but the centurion, I still find this is one of the most amazing things in all the Bible about the centurion. When he heard and he saw, surely this was the son of God. Alex. the Jews, it was all of us. And that's what you say. And I love the phrase, the ground is level at the foot of the cross. That means for forgiveness, but it also means for the sin that he died.

>> Alex McFarland: Okay, yeah.

>> Bert Harper: Wasn't a select group of people. It was for them. And so, yes, amen. Jesus died for all.

>> Alex McFarland: In Matthew 27:54, when the Centurion said, truly this was the son of God, it dawned on me one time. One minute he was part of the cause of the cross. A minute later, he was one of the beneficiaries of the cross.

>> Bert Harper: Hallelujah.

>> Alex McFarland: And you know, the Sanhedrin and the religious hierarchy, they were looking for a way to get Jesus executed. certainly we wouldn't fault the Jewish people. If we're going to fault, it would be the religious, the dead, ritualistic religion that was motivated by pride and self interest and. And then a fallen, secular, sinful world like the Roman Empire. But praise God, he died out of love so that our sins could be atoned for. And by putting our faith in him, we are forgiven. Glory to God.

Linda in Texas questions Alex about heaven's walls and gates

Let's go to Texas. Linda in Texas. Thank you for holding. Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Yes, thank you for always encouraging everyone to read the Bible. It's the absolute joy every day. just quick question. The 12 walls in this new city of Jerusalem and in all its beauty and splendor. I just didn't expect there to be walls and gates in heaven. And I wondered how you could contribute like glory and splendor to those.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, you got it. Go ahead. Don't have a lot of time.

>> Alex McFarland: You know, the foundation stones are kind of, corresponding to the 12 stones over the priests, breastplate in the Old Testament. But it is a kingdom now. Evil will be vanquished, Satan is defeated. There's no danger of, any outward invasion or anything like that. But when John writes about the gates, the walls, the kingdom of God is a kingdom and there's a king. And I think it's appropriate that there are, the attributes of a city, the new Jerusalem, where we can be citizens through the Savior.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. And Jesus said, you know, he talked about the way or the gate being narrow that you come in. I think it'll be a reminder of us, too. Praise God. We've come through that gate, we've come through that way, and Jesus has us, in his place, that he's made for us. Alex. Heaven will be worth it all, won't it?

>> Alex McFarland: You ever heard it said? It's a prepared place for prepared people.

>> Bert Harper: So get prepared, right?

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen, folks. Thank you for listening to Exploring the Word. Hey, be in church on Sunday, Be in the house of God, and we'll see you next week. The views and opinions expressed in this.

>> Caroline: Broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of.

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

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