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

>> Jeff Chamblee: 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.

Alex McFarland and Jeff Chamblee discuss First Timothy 6

Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Alex McFarland: You know, one of the more famous, statements in First Timothy is in chapter 6, verse 12, where Paul says, fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life whereunto thou art also called and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. Hi, Alex McFarland here along with Jeff Shambley. And this is Exploring the Word on the American Family Radio Network. And Jeff, I'm loving just the practicality and the rich inspiration of First Timothy. And that phrase fight the good fight, that's just become part of our vernacular and vocabulary, hasn't it?

>> Jeff Chamblee: It really has and it has been a great study. You know, Alex, as we've gone through this, I'm encouraged and reminded again of my purpose as, you know, as a believer in the world, as a minister in the church. these are two commands, you know, the word fight, which we get the word agonize, you know, agonize. Fighting the good faith and laying hold of eternal life. Those are imperatives, those are commands. And so that's God's will for us. And it's just great to be reminded of that.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Folks, we're going to wrap up one Timothy six and we're also going to get a little bit into Titus.

Jeff: Two young children killed in Minneapolis school shooting; several injured

But, Jeff, I think I would be remiss if we didn't, from the very top of the hour, begin with our prayers and condolences regarding the shooting there in, Minneapolis. Very, very sad, isn't it?

>> Jeff Chamblee: It is. I saw the headline, a little earlier before I came into the office today and prayed for those parents. And as far as we know now, two young, children have lost their lives. Several others injured, I think 17 or so injured. So obviously the investigation is ongoing. So we need to be in prayer for those parents and family members.

>> Alex McFarland: Exactly. And you know, Jeff, I was on the road in 1999 speaking when Columbine happened. And you know, I was interviewed on the media and all these years, you know, it just reminds me that we need to tell people of all ages, but especially young people, that, life is sacred, we're all accountable to God. And the Ten Commandments includes, the prohibition against murder and self murder. Very sad. The gunman after, exacting that carnage, took, his own life. So I want us to pray. Can we do that? Yes, that would be great. Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank you that you are the Lord of life. And Lord, you give life and that life is a sacred gift. And Lord, we pray in the name of Jesus for your comfort to be very real. the people there, many of whom are injured, several of whom have died, children, and no doubt there's going to be trauma. They feel for all of their lives. Lord, comfort the bereaved. Lord, we pray for your holy Spirit to heal and let your glory and ultimate good come out of this. And in the name of Jesus, we pray for evil to be restrained and any persons out there plotting malicious evil deeds like this. Lord, we pray that you would prevent those things from coming to pass. And spirit of the living God, call our nation back to Jesus and give our leaders courage to speak bold truth. And may we once again become a nation that affirms, ah, human life and, Lord, that there would never be such schemes and such dastardly actions. Lord, we commit this to you. We ask for help and your intervention and ultimately healing. And Lord, bless all those that are affected, and we lift them up to you in Jesus name. Amen.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Amen. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, j.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Okay. Alex, are you there? I think we've lost the connection briefly to Alex. Okay. Is he back? No. Okay, we're going to work on that, so stay with us, folks. You're listening to Exploring the Word on American Family Radio. We've had a little bit of difficulty connecting with Alex today, but we'll keep working on that.

Paul tells Timothy to fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life

We are in the book of 1 Timothy, chapter six. And as we left off yesterday, we were around, verse 12. I'll read that for you. Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. What Paul is saying to this young pastor Timothy, whom he feels such great affection for. And, Timothy has been with him in ministry, and Paul is reminding him of this. And as we mentioned, these two commands. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life. Those are both imperatives. And sometimes the scripture gives us those imperatives, which reminds us to, you know, it's a command. We're to obey those commands. So does this apply just to Timothy, or does this apply to me and you as believers? Well, it applies to us as well. Fight the good fight of faith. And that word fight, is where we get the English word Agonize. When you think about striving for something, agonizing, fighting the good fight of faith and laying hold on eternal life. What he's saying there is, Timothy, get a grip on everything in your life that leads to eternal life. Get a grip on your own walk of holiness. Get a grip on the importance of doctrine. Get, a grip on the importance of teaching and training and frankly, reproving those false teachers in the church. So he's the grip on all of those things. Alex, did I hear you? Are you back?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, yeah. sorry. I don't know why the audio is dropping out, but you're right. Those attributes from true teaching to righteous character, those attributes are supposed to be woven into our lives, and we are to cultivate those things.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes.

Jeff: Where is salvation and immortality found in Jesus only

>> Jeff Chamblee: So we're right around verse 13. Is that where you want to pick up for today? Yeah, go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickens all things. I, love that God makes all things alive. And before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession. Now, this is in John 18, where Jesus, he said that he was the truth sent from the Father, even in spite of persecution and certain death, Jesus faithfully, consistently gave a, witness or a good confession before Pilate. Verse 14. That you keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable unto the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which in his times he shall show us who is the blessed and only potentate, King of kings and. And Lord of lords. Isn't that something that. It wasn't Pilate that was the leader, and it's no human king. It's Jesus, King of Kings. verse 15. What translation do you have, Jeff?

>> Jeff Chamblee: I'm looking at the new King James Version.

>> Alex McFarland: Does it say the only potentate?

>> Jeff Chamblee: It does. The blessed and only potentate.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Yeah. King Jesus, verse 16. Who only hath immortality dwelling in the light which no man can approach, unto whom no man hath seen nor can see, to whom be honor and power everlasting. verse 16. Where is salvation and immortality found? In Jesus only.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Yeah.

>> Alex McFarland: Honestly, there's no other, one who could say or did say that they are life. Ah. And I think about John 14. 6. Jesus says he is the way, the truth, the life. Now, let's talk about these phrases. the bright, unapproachable light of God's power, righteousness, holiness. In a way, Jeff, I heard one commentator say that when we become a believer, and According to Romans 4, we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ in a way that's, One commentator said, almost like a fireproof suit that enables us to enter the presence of almighty God and live to tell about it, shall we say? that's true. I'll put it this way. even yesterday I was sharing the gospel with a college student who reached out and has some questions. And, basically they said, you know, well, if I die and it turns out there is a God, I'm going to say this, this, and this. No, you won't. I mean, nobody is going to barge in and read God the riot act. I mean, God dwells in unapproachable light, power, eternality. Now, God wants us to have a relationship with him, but to do that, we have to come and be born again, saved, regenerated, redeemed, clothed in the righteousness of Christ. No man can stand in God's presence otherwise.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Yeah. You know, Alex, as we're reading these verses and as you read those here, Paul is coming out of this exhortation to Timothy. Hey, fight the good fight. Lay, hold of eternal life. And then this emotional burst of praise and adoration for the Lord Jesus Christ. I mean, it's almost like it comes out of nowhere. But really, it's the foundation of everything that drives the Apostle Paul. I mean, a man who has been in prison, who's been shipwrecked and beaten and stoned, this is the thing that's driving him. And I ask myself the question, do I have that kind of love for Christ? Is he exalted like this in my mind that it just flows out of me naturally? Well, it does for Paul here, and it's a great example. And of course, it puts the spotlight exactly where it belongs on Jesus.

>> Alex McFarland: In verse 15, it says, Jesus, in his times shall show who is the blessed and only potentate, the King of kings, Lord and lords, the immortality. And down in verse 16, to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. That's kind of the closing of the book. But then there's a final kind of a postscript in the last five verses. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded. And that word really means haughty or, arrogant. Nor trust in uncertain riches. But in the living God who gives us richly all things to enjoy, that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute kind of a word play there. People, rich in this world, made so by God to be rich in good works. generous, in verse 18, willing to communicate which Means to share. Do you remember the New Testament? A time or two will talk about communicating good things to those that preach the gospel. Sharing, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come that they may lay hold of eternal life. You know, m. The Bible often talks about laying up in store, as in, you know, saving or even warnings against hoarding things. But really Paul is saying, to know Christ and to serve Christ, what you're really doing, if you want it to last, you're laying up in store the riches in heaven, not just in this.

>> Caroline: World.

>> Jeff Chamblee: I would imagine. And you can comment on this too, Alex, for a young pastor like Timothy, who is in this gentile, setting to be able to speak to the rich and the powerful in the church. Those who have money certainly have influence, but he's exhorting them with a gospel heart. So there's this equality, not materially, but certainly in terms of the cross at the foot of the cross among all brethren. So this task, that Timothy has been given to exhort people who really have a lot more influence than he does, and by the fact that they have the spirit of God, they will receive it and they will do exactly what he says.

Preborn has helped save 38,000 babies this year

>> Alex McFarland: Was, it yesterday that you mentioned the Randy Alcorn book about eternity? Great author. Folks, if you have never read anything about Randy Alcorn and folks, you'll forgive my repetition. I've shared this story many times. But Randy, Alcorn tells the story of John Wesley, who met a rich farmer and they were on a porch, and the farmer pointed in this direction, in that direction. He said, I've got cows over here. I've got land over there in that direction. I have all these crops. And Wesley pointed heavenward. He said, well, how much do you own in that direction? Because that's the only thing that's going to last, isn't it?

>> Jeff Chamblee: Amen. Amen. Do what it takes to store up treasures for eternity. Jesus said, sell what you have and give alms. Provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old. A treasure in the heavens that does not fail. Where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, is there your heart will be also. You're listening to Exploring the Word on American Family Radio. We are approaching the end of the book of First Timothy. We'll continue with more in just a moment, so don't go away.

>> Bert Harper: I want you to picture this. Her name is Kayla. She is 17, alone, terrified and pregnant, sitting in a clinic, tears blurring, thinking abortion is her only option until she was offered a free ultrasound, paid for by a hero just like you. The moment Kayla heard her baby's heartbeat, the decision was made. And today, her little baby boy Gabriel is thriving because her preborn walked with Kayla every step of the way. Now multiply that by 38,000. That's how many babies preborn has helped save just this year. How many mothers preborn has come alongside with practical and spiritual resources to make motherhood possible. But here's the most important thing you will hear today. Their goal is to save 70,000 by the end of the year. And they can't do it without us. Every $28 provides the ultrasound. The moment everything changes, will you be the reason the next Kayla chooses life? The reason Gabriel fulfills his destiny. To donate, dial £250 and say the key word baby. That's £250, baby. Or, donate [email protected] afr that's preborn.com afr.

>> Caroline: I know the only reason I can stand here unashamed. It's not because I'm worthy. It's all because of mercy. There's no way that I could earn it. Praise God, my debt is paid. It's not because I'm worthy.

>> Alex McFarland: It's all because of mercy.

>> Jeff Chamblee: All because of mercy. Aren't you thankful for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ that has reached us by his spirit and brought us to himself? I'm Jeff Chamblee. Great to be with you on exploring the Word this afternoon along with Alex McFarland.

First Timothy warns Timothy to avoid science falsely so called

We are in First Timothy and we are drawing close to the last couple of verses. And it's been an exciting study, hasn't it, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: It really has. It really has. I love the closing salutation in these New Testament letters. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings and opposition of science falsely so called, which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. And, thus concludes 1 Timothy. You know, for one thing, Jeff, isn't it interesting that there are a couple of warnings also back in chapter six, verse five, but here in chapter six, verse 20, to avoid the things that really don't matter. The vain babblings, you know.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Yeah.

>> Alex McFarland: I've heard people that major on the minors, and there are a lot of theological, issues and questions that are fun to speculate about. But let's keep the main thing. The main thing. And the main thing being the risen Lord Jesus and how we know him through faith. Yeah.

>> Jeff Chamblee: And it's shocking to see that in verse 21, by professing it, some have strayed concerning the faith. These are serious warnings. And when we spend our time majoring on the minors and little minutia and arguing about things the Bible's really not very clear on, it has the effect of leading others astray. And he's just simply warning that. But I love the exclamation that he gives in verse 20. Oh, Timothy, you know, the love that he has for this young pastor just comes out of this. He is leaving this pastor in this church. All that Paul has invested in the church is now in the hands of Timothy. And he is really pleading with him. And, I think that's appropriate for all of us, you know. Oh, Alex. Oh, Jeff. And fill in your name. Guard what was committed to you. Guard the doctrine according to your trust, you know.

>> Alex McFarland: In the King James, verse 20 concludes science falsely so called. And in the original language it's really okay for one thing, gnosis, G N O S I s, which is a form of the word for knowledge. But then falsely so called is the Greek word pseudonym. In other words, a, false name. Now, I think about this. There are a lot of things and the King James renders the word for knowledge, science. And really true science is true, verifiable knowledge. But there's so much in our own lifetimes that has been enforced on people in the name of science. We've heard people say follow the science. And yet so much, whether it be radical environmentalism or evolutionism. the technical term is methodological naturalism, the idea that there is no God and everything must be explained only in purely physical, humanistic terms. That's, that's falsehood. And so knowledge or science falsely so called. Folks, let's remember truth begins with the revelation of almighty God, really true truth, let's call it. And any worldview. That's why it's so important that we teach worldview in the church. And by that I mean a biblical worldview. one of the things science falsely so called that the unborn baby is not a fully human life.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Exactly.

>> Alex McFarland: That's false, of course. It's a human from the moment of conception and so many other things. The idea that we can redefine marriage. The idea, oh my goodness, what delusion. The idea that someone's gender could change. no, XX XY chromosomes, you cannot change whether you're male or female. and of course Paul tells Timothy some professing have erred from the faith. Jeff, sadly, there are professed Christians that have fallen into woke liberal revisionist worldview. And I got to say this, I'll throw it back to you, Jeff. To take a position, to take a biblical position very often takes courage. But that's what we're called to do. All Christians, but especially those in ministry.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Yeah. And I think Alex, it gets down to getting into the word of God and knowing the doctrine that we've been given and guarding that as he said in verse 20, he says in second Timothy that that good thing which was committed to you keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. And First Corinthians says that we are stewards of the mysteries of God. And again in first Thessalonians that we've been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. So you have this idea that God has given us a treasure to steward and to hold and to guard and to study and to know that would keep us from getting into false knowledge and distortions and things that you've described.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, in second Timothy. And we'll get there not today. But like second Timothy four. Three says the time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine. It seems like we may be in those kinds of times now. All the more reason that we proclaim truth. By the way, you're listening to Exploring the word, Alex McFarland, Jeff Chamblee here on the American Family Radio Network. And in the third segment we will get to your calls and questions.

Titus is one of Paul's sons in the faith

But, let's segue as first Timothy closes, let's segue to the second in the order that they were given of the pastoral epistles. And that is, one of the people that Paul had led to the Lord. but it was Titus. And so just as like Timothy was Titus one of the Paul's sons in the faith. Timothy was probably half Jewish, half Gentile. Titus was fully Gentile, it says in Galatians chapter two. But this, is just one of those little, you know, rather brief books in the New Testament. But it is power packed. And again, there are qualifications for elders and bishops. There's warnings against false teachers. Titus. It's only three chapters, but it is power packed with truth and practical knowledge.

>> Jeff Chamblee: And like a good shepherd that Paul is, he's making sure that these young pastors are equipped and encouraged and exhorted to do what's right. Timothy was in Ephesus as he was ministering. And Titus is on a small island of Crete which is in the Mediterranean Sea. Crete is about 160 miles long and 35 miles wide at its widest point. And here, this young Pastor Titus is charged with setting things in order, appointing elders in all of the cities. And you think about that, Alex. That's a lot of territory to be over. you know, it's a small island, but it's a lot of people that he's responsible for to bringing them to the Lord.

>> Alex McFarland: Sure. And, you know, from the very beginnings, there was a structure to Christ's church. And a real, an order that enabled the gospel to go forth.

Jeff: In Titus, chapter one, Paul promises eternal life in hope of salvation

But let me begin. In Titus, chapter one, Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. According to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledging of the truth, which is after godliness. In other words, this gospel, it's God's revealed truth, the deity, death, resurrection of Christ. It's the acknowledgment of God's truth in hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie, promised before the world began. You know, Jeff, let me just say this. ministering, traveling, I meet a lot of people that are very concerned about. Are they really, really saved? And, listen, if you're not sure and you are under conviction, obviously, make sure. But for those that you have put your faith in Christ, give yourself permission to rest in the promises of God. Spurgeon, over 100 years ago, one of my favorite figures of church history. But Charles Spurgeon would often tell audiences, look, take God at His word. And his word promises that if we come to Christ, he will receive us. Now, the reason I say that in verse 2 Titus 1, eternal life and God, who cannot lie, m promised before the world began. that whosoever will may come. Whoever calleth on the name of the Lord will be saved. And I say that because, listen, if you know you're lost, by all means, come to Christ. But if you have come to Christ, rest in the assurance of what His Word promises. That in Christ you are redeemed.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Yeah. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. So even if you swerve into sin, and we all sin, we confess those sins, but we never come under condemnation as if we have lost our salvation when we sin against God. I mean, we are all sinners, even though we are born again. But we come to him in repentance and true sorrow. And then we pick up and keep going. And don't take the condemnation from the devil that you are never born again, because you have failed. all of God's children go through that. But I love Alex that he's. In these first two verses, you have the entire scope of salvation there. You have the faith of God's elect, the acknowledgement of the truth. They have salvation there which accords with godliness. You have sanctification. And then in verse two, in the hope of eternal life, you have glorification. So in the mind of Paul as he's opening this salutation, the entire spectrum of the Gospels before him, and it's a glorious thing.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

Jeff: We need to recapture emphasis on the importance of preaching on Sunday

Well said. Well, these first four verses are really kind of a prologue or a greeting, if you will. And, the salvation that God promised before the world began. You know, the Bible tells us that Jesus was that lamb slain before the foundation of the world. And God knew us before we were in our mother's womb. And he knew, that Jesus would lay down his life for our redemption even before creation. Okay, verse three. But hath in due times manifested His Word through preaching? kind of the phraseology here reminds me of Galatians 4.

>> Caroline: 4.

>> Alex McFarland: In the fullness of time, God sent forth his Son born of a woman at, just the right time. And let me say, God always acts at just the right time. He's manifested His Word. That's true. And through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Savior. There's several things I want to say here. The most important message and mission in the world, getting the saving Gospel to the ends of the earth. And yet God has entrusted it to us, just like he entrusted it to Paul. And then the Commandment, Verse 3 of Titus 1, there's a reference to the deity of Christ, God our Savior. Who is the savior? Jesus. What is his identity? God. Isn't that something?

>> Jeff Chamblee: Yeah. I love that he mentions Christ as being our Savior there. So you have both of those. I like, his emphasis upon preaching because he says he's manifested His Word through preaching. We need to recapture, an emphasis on the importance of the preached word on Sunday morning. It needs to have the weight that it has behind it. Standing up and saying thus says the Lord. That's a significant role in the church, and we can't underestimate that or cut that short. So that's just my throwing that 2 cents in there.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, amen. You know, first, Corinthians 1:21 says it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them. That would believe. I often say this, Jeff, and I really, really mean it. every now and then I'll go and I'll be preaching somewhere, in A small church, it's always an honor. Sometimes I'll be in a big city, or sometimes in a very, very rural area. And every now and then, people will say, oh, Alex, you know, we're just amazed you would come out here to a church out in the boonies or whatever. Hey. And here's what I always say. I'll say, look for a safe sinner. To open the scriptures anywhere is an honor.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: I mean, it really is. And we've had the privilege to do a lot of gospel meetings all over this world. everything from death row in Virginia at the prisons to wonderful, wonderful houses of God. And, yes, this preaching of the gospel, which is a glorious calling. I mentioned Spurgeon, okay? Spurgeon was famous, and they wanted him to go to Parliament. And, they said, oh, you're famous. You're influential. How much good you could do if you would get into the government. And Spurgeon said, if God has called you to preach, don't stoop to be a king.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Wow, that's good.

>> Alex McFarland: yeah, here's the thing. Maybe somebody's listening, and you kind of feel like you're toiling away in anonymity, and nobody knows. Maybe nobody cares. Listen, your labor in the Lord is not in vain. First Corinthians 15:58. And, praise God. Billy Graham and David, Jeremiah and Franklin Graham. God entrusted them a highly visible stage before the world. Praise God. And God has an assignment for each of us. And, don't look at what you're doing by the measuring stick of the world. Just know that to share the gospel anywhere, anytime, is a real honor and, frankly, a sacred assignment. Isn't it, Jeff?

>> Jeff Chamblee: Absolutely. And that could happen, in a school. It could happen at home, or, in the workplace, the marketplace, wherever God has us, where he has us for his purposes. And so we need to be faithful, contending for the faith, living in a way that would complement what we have to say and not take away from it. but being faithful to live out and to share the gospel. Exactly.

>> Alex McFarland: To Titus, mine own son, after the common faith, grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. Jeff, do you remember in Jude, verse three, it says, earnestly contend for the faith once delivered. That's kind of like the wording here, the common faith. What is that? The universal faith. Well, that Jesus, the Son of God, paid for our sins on the cross. He rose, we put our faith in him. And, you know, 1 John 5:1. Regarding what Gary Habermas the famed resurrection scholar. Deity, death, resurrection, which we receive by faith. That's the common faith. Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God first. John 5:1, Folks, we hope you have believed that message of all messages.

>> Jeff Chamblee: We'll continue in more with just, your questions at 8885-8988-4088-8589-8840. Give us a call.

The 2025 AFA Pastors and Wives Fishbowl Retreat is set

>> Caroline: Hi, I'm Jan Harper.

>> Bert Harper: And I'm Bert.

>> Alex McFarland: If you're a pastor's wife, you know.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Both the blessings and the unique family.

>> Caroline: Challenges that come with the life you.

>> Alex McFarland: And your husband live daily. We call it living in the fishbowl.

>> Jeff Chamblee: the 2025 AFA Pastors and Wives Fishbowl Retreat is set for October 28th through the 30th, and it's filling up quickly once again. Brother Bert Harper, AFA director of family and pastoral ministries, will host the retreat along with his wife Jan. Our speakers will include J.J. jasper and Dr. Alex McFarland. This year's retreat will be at the beautiful Pickwick Landing State park in Counts, Tennessee. The per couple admission price includes lodging, meals and materials as well as three days of encouragement and renewal visit repairingthefoundations.net to learn more and register. That's repairingthefoundations.net space will fill up quickly.

>> Bert Harper: And we hope to see you at the AFA Pastors and wives Fishbowl retreat.

>> Alex McFarland: I've witnessed your faithfulness. I've seen you breathe life with it.

>> Caroline: So I pour out my praise again.

>> Alex McFarland: You're worthy, God. You're worthy of all of your promise is never fail. He is worthy. Yes, he is worthy to be praised.

Alex McFarland has a prayer request for you today

Welcome back to the program. Alex McFarland. Jeff Chamblee here. And the number, here's the number. If you have a Bible question, we would love to hear from you. It's 888-589-8840. That's 888-589-88420. And if you've never called in, be a first time caller today if you've got a Bible question. But I have a prayer request. and I know we did a lot of prayer requests yesterday, but, Jeff, earlier today I heard from a pastor friend in the eastern part of North Carolina and his daughter got a really bad concussion. Rebecca is a 17 year old Christian young lady and she accidentally hit her head and is having some frankly, frightening repercussions. And if you all would, I really ask you pray for this 17 year old girl who had a head injury and a concussion and we're just praying that she could, recover with no, repercussions.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Yeah, thanks for mentioning that, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes.

Greg from Mississippi praises Apostle Paul for dealing with Timothy on his level

>> Jeff Chamblee: Let's, go to our first caller today, who is Greg calling in from Mississippi. Hi, Greg. Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Hey, guys. Appreciate you taking my call. Yes, we were just there in Timothy. And I've always admired and loved the Apostle Paul. He, you know, he dealt with Timothy on Timothy's level. And I'm just convinced that I will, to quote D.L. moody that, you know, if the word, if we go, the word's gonna go out, it'll be done by men and women of average talent. And, I just, I think that's a really, a key point that. I always loved that about Paul with Timothy. He just kind of, you know, he kind of had kid gloves on and, and just kind of, you know, walked him through there. And I think that's a, that's a great point.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Yeah. Gentle. You know, someone with the authority of Paul could have been very, very tough on Timothy, but he wasn't. He was very compassionate. I think Paul, like you said, Greg, models a great leader.

Bob calls in with prayer request for a friend who had a stroke

Let's go to, Bob, who's calling in from Ohio. Hello, Bob, and welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Hello. Yeah, yeah, I have a prior request for my, friend Jay, Jason. And, he had a stroke. He's in the hospital. He doesn't seem to be doing no good. He ran the ministry to the poor and homeless at our church. And, he's a good guy.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. And his name is Jay.

>> Caroline: Jason.

>> Alex McFarland: Jason. I'm sorry. let me lead us in prayer. Thank you for sharing that. Father God, we come before you in prayer. And Lord, thank you that you are the God of all comfort. You're the God who does all things well. And Lord, you know what we need even before we ask? That's Matthew 6, 8. So I pray for Jason, this person who needs your intervention. And Lord, we just pray that you would heal. there would be no repercussions from a stroke or anything like that. And Lord, we lift Jason up to you. Likewise. The teenage girl I mentioned, Rebecca, 17 year old. Please, Lord, I pray she would not have lasting damage from this serious, concussion. Father God, I also think of, a brother, up in New York named Ted, who probably this week will start chemotherapy for, bone cancer. Lord, we would ask for healing in that regard. And for all these requests and more, we praise you in advance. Lord, help us to really lay our burdens at the foot of the Cross and Lord, we praise you for the ways in which you intervene in Christ's name we ask it, Lord. Amen.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Amen. Amen.

People doubt their salvation, Jeff says

Let's move next to the state of Kentucky and welcome Frank to the program. Hi Frank, you're on the air. Go ahead.

>> Caroline: Hi brothers. I have a question to ask you. I've heard this question before many times and when you become born again of the Holy Spirit, this question I've heard on the radio. People doubt their salvation. I, I never quite understood why they don't, why they don't know they're saved or not. I mean you, when you, when you ask Jesus to come in your life, he saved you. The Holy Spirit's in you. He doesn't do it tomorrow, he does it right away. So when someone says, I doubt your salvation, there's a quickening in your body. It's a witness. If someone says Jesus, you know, it's a witness, you know what I'm saying? So I don't understand. If you hear anything about God, you hear anything about Jesus, hear anything about, anything about the holiness of Jesus, you're going to, you're going to, it's going to sense the quickness in your body. I don't know if you understand what I'm trying to say. Yeah,

>> Alex McFarland: Jeff, I do think there are a lot of people that for lack of a better term are like baby Christians that you know, there's the old saying, somebody's been a Christian 20 years and somebody else has been a Christian one year, 20 times. I think that yes, there is the moment that we put our faith in Christ, but then there should be growth and sanctification and you know, there's the milk of the word, there's the meat of the Word. And I think there are some people that I do think they put their faith in Christ but they are unsure. They haven't really matured. And one of the things not only is sitting under good preaching and going to church, but reading the Bible ourselves. And not only reading good devotional books and maybe a daily quiet time, but time in the Word ourselves. And the Holy Spirit will be our teacher. But I just don't think a Christian can mature and strengthen up without God's Word.

>> Jeff Chamblee: No, I don't. And I would say this too, to Frank's question. I think that believers can stray, they can go through seasons of sin. And that in itself will create a, ah, conscience issue that you'll wonder, am I saved? And Satan will latch onto that and will say, no, you weren't. And so it can create quite a crisis. and then there are other points where you grow in your spiritual life, and then you look back at where you were, you know, 15, 20 years ago, and you think, how could I have been saved? So, you know, you grow in your salvation. But the essential thing is faith and repentance. and staying in the Word and feeding on those promises, those doubts are like, you know, those warning lights on your car. Check oil. You know, something's going on here. If you're doubting your salvation, number one, is there sin in your life? If so, repent and get out of it. Get into the Word and trust those promises. So that's just a couple of suggestions there for you.

Hello, Bill. Welcome to Exploring the Word

Let's go to, Arkansas, and, Welcome, Bill. Hi, Bill. Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Hello.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Hello, Bill, you're on the air. Go ahead.

>> Caroline: Oh, okay. Yeah. good afternoon, gentlemen. Thanks for taking my call.

Jeff: I've been thinking about issues with faith lately

I've been thinking about considering a lot of issues with faith here lately. And the book of Job I really identify with. As much as I've heard about the faith of Job in God, I've never heard it considered or debated about God had in Job to allow him to endure those things.

>> Alex McFarland: Do you mean, like, why would God have allowed that?

>> Caroline: Well, yeah, just. I mean, God said, consider my servant Job. I mean, obviously God had faith in Job that he would endure and that he would come out clean on the other side, so to speak. But I've never heard it considered as a point of debate or discussion.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, well, you know, one of the great things about, God is everything has a purpose. Now, in the case of Job, ah, and this was really, you know, commendable, on Job's part, that he was able to trust God even through all that pain. He did not know it at the time, but Job was being, tested and persecuted to silence the one that the Bible calls the accuser of the brethren. Because, you know, there in Job, chapter one, Satan said to God, you know, in verse nine of Job one, job, doesn't fear you for nothing. You've put a hedge around him and blessed him. but if you let me, you know, smack him around a little bit, he'll curse you to your face. And God says, no, he won't. And, you know, Job was vindicated and restored. The book of Job closes out, and it says that, you know, God blessed him abundantly. But, Jeff, I've often wondered if we go through some trials and testings maybe trusting God, even when we don't know all the details at the moment, to silence the accusations of Satan that have taken place in some invisible realm.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Yeah. It's that faith, in spite of understanding, that silences the enemy. Yeah. I was reading in Job this morning, and I cannot find the passage, but in it, Job was talking about things about God that were just completely skewed. And I'm thinking, part of what God is doing in this great book is giving vent to all of these wrong notions of God so that he can correct them in the very end. So in the book of Job with all of those chapters, we learn an awful lot about God. One of the things we learn is we will not understand everything, but to simply trust. So that's very good.

William from Georgia has recently been diagnosed with stage four cancer

Thanks for calling in, Bill. Let's go to line number two and welcome William from Georgia. Hi, William.

>> Caroline: Hello. Thanks for taking my call. I just had a prayer request. I have recently been diagnosed with stage four cancer. I would appreciate prayers from everyone who.

>> Alex McFarland: Is willing to pray for me. Absolutely. Wow. First, of all, I'm sorry for that diagnosis, but we absolutely will pray for you. In fact, Brother Jeff, would you do that just now for this gentleman?

>> Jeff Chamblee: Absolutely. Let's pray. Father, thank you for this brother who's called in today. William, Lord, you know his heart. You know, Lord, you created him, you knit him together, Lord, you know his condition right now with this diagnosis of stage four cancer. And we pray for him, God, we join our hearts together. We pray that you would grant healing, Lord God, that you would grant strength. And, Lord, as he waits upon whatever you have for him, Lord, would you draw him close to you with the spirit, Lord, just be tangible to him. And knowing your love and your peace and your grace, Lord, for his family members and the physicians, Lord, would you just give them your grace as well? Sustain him through this, Lord God, we commit him to you in Jesus name. Amen.

June 24 speaks of believers after death being presented blameless to God

All right, let's go to, Let's see. Let's go back to Louisiana. Let's go to John, who's calling in, who has a question. Hi, John. Welcome to the program.

>> Caroline: Yes, in June 24, it speaks of believers after death being presented blameless to God. And then in 2 Corinthians 5, 10, it speaks of we shall all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. So these two are very different, things that will happen to believers after death. And so how do we understand both of them?

>> Alex McFarland: Great question. Let me jump in on this for a little bit. Thank you for listening. And thank you for this great question. I think one, the Jude 24, him who is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before the presence of Almighty. I think that speaks of our salvation wrapped in Christ robes of righteousness. But like the Second Corinthians 5, appearing before the judgment seat of Christ, is that we are going to be rewarded for things that we did after salvation. Now the second Corinthians 5, 10, all believers appearing before the Bema seat or the judgment seat of Christ. This is not about salvation or lostness, but everything we do post salvation, we're going to be either rewarded or suffer loss of rewards. Jeff, I think that. And by the way, you do want rewards in heaven, Folks, I've had people say, oh, I don't want rewards. Just a little cabin, not a mansion. No, because the Book of Revelation says, says in five different places that we are, we lay our crowns at Jesus's feet. And I bet we're going to recite Psalm 115, verse 1. Not unto us, O Lord, give glory. Not unto us give glory, but unto thy name give glory for the sake of the truth. So, the Jude 24 is about faultless, blameless, ready to meet God because we've been born again, wrapped in the robes of righteousness. But 2 Corinthians 5, 10, we're going to get rewards. And, God is going to reward Billy Graham in one way, but I think equally valid, somebody with a vastly different assignment is going to get rewarded. And we want those crowns in heaven because really, our salvation and even our service is only possible because of the Lord Jesus.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Amen. That's a great question, John. Thank you for calling in today.

Helen calls in with a question about Mark 11:11

Let's go to, Helen, who's calling in today from Alabama. Hi, Helen. Welcome to Exploring the Word. Helen, are you with us? Yes, you're on the air. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Yes, I have a question about Mark 11. 11. Jesus went into the temple and it says he looked round about him, but he didn't do anything. And they left and went to Bethany. And on further down, I think it's in 15, they went back to Jerusalem and into the temple, and that's when he made the little cords and, got out the money changers. Why didn't he do that from the beginning when he went in the temple and looked around about.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, this is near the time of the triumphal entry. And, you know, he. He went in there and they, you know, he's getting, getting ready for Palm Sunday, and they Said Hosanna, blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. And Jesus entered into Jerusalem and into the temple. And when he looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come. He went out unto Bethany. What happens next, Jeff? And I'm maybe speculating a little bit, but he curses the fig tree, and the fig tree represents Israel. Now, I want to be clear about something like Romans 3:3 and Romans 9, the covenant promises to Abraham are still in effect. and while the Pharisees, the religious hierarchy said, crucify him, Crucify him. And there was. There was no fruit on the fig tree. And so Israel was left dormant. and we're in now what the Bible calls the times of the Gentiles. Now, there were some Jews that believed. There was Nicodemus and others then there were many Jews that didn't. But I think, Jeff, Mark 11:11, he's looking all around and he sees the Bible says he came unto his own, and his own received him not.

>> Alex McFarland: He was rejected.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Yeah. This is the presentation of the offer to Israel, and they will reject it. And Jesus comes into the place where God's the center of worship is, and he examines it because he alone has authority to examine it. And, you know, Mark alone mentions that, so it's a great point. Thank you for calling in. Helen. Great show today.

>> Caroline: Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. Jeff Chamblee, thank you. And Brent Austin and all helping us do the show. And listeners, thank you. Hey, we know you pray for us. We know you tune in and listen. Keep on listening to the American Family Radio Network. Please tell somebody about exploring the Word, but most of all, tell everybody about Jesus.

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

1 Timothy 6:13-21 & Titus 1-4: Fight the Good Fight