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.
Bert Simon discusses First Peter and Second Peter on Exploring the Word
Welcome to Exploring the Word.
Alex McFarland Simon. Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Well, with that wonderful verse, we begin today on Exploring the Word Second Peter Chapter one. And you're tuned in at the right time and place because we're beginning Two Peter. We finished First Peter. And I want to say this book is a wonderful, glorious part of the New Testament. But really the critics, the liberals have subjected Second Peter maybe to, to more scrutiny and criticism than any other book of the New Testament. Now I'll explain and we'll talk about this wonderful part of God's Word 2nd Peter But Bert, I will tell you I love God's Word and we've had the privilege of going through so much of scripture over these years, but I will tell you I have come to absolutely cherish first and two Peter. They are rich, full of doctrine, full of rock solid biblical truth, but also full of practical biblical, truth for just living, victorious Christian living. And when you think of the Apostle Peter, I don't know what image comes to mind. Peter the fisherman Peter that says, plain spoken Peter with minimal filter says whatever comes to mind. But I wanna tell you, Peter is one of the great theologians of the New Testament. Wouldn't you agree?
Bert Harper I agree fully. And let me say this about John and Peter. Although they were different in many ways, both of them had something very, much in common and that was maturity. John was first called the Son, one of the sons of thunder, and wanted to, you know, call fire on it. It took time for him to become the Apostle Paul of love. You know, Peter, we see what he did, the things you just mentioned, and then see him right first and Second Peter in what he says, it is powerful. Notice what he does in verse one. He puts his servanthood above his apostleship. There is no higher calling in the kingdom of God than servanthood. You don't get any higher. Now after that you may be put in positions that pastor, bishop, deacon, elder, but still, guess which overrides every one of those, a servant being a servant. The other thing, let me say this real quickly about First Peter and Two Peter and I'll throw it back to you First Peter deals with the problems from outside, in other words, the suffering that they're going through brought on by other people and circumstances. While two, Peter deals with the problems from the inside, the. Those creeping into the church and leading people astray through false doctrine. So here, Peter covers it within and without.
Alex McFarland You know, what's amazing is, one of the reasons that we know, and by the way, let me just say, whenever you're approaching a book of the Bible or any passage, some things to look at. And Bert and I have often talked about what's called the historical, grammatical look at Scripture. All right, historically, what was the circumstance around this? To whom was it written? Who did write it? And we know ultimately every word of the Bible was given by the Holy Spirit. I mean, it is God's word, but God worked through human authors, in this case the Apostle Peter. So historical, grammatical, what that means is you're looking at the setting, the history around it, the context and the author. And then you look at the words, what the words actually say grammatically, the definitions of words. And that's what we talk about on every edition of the show, the word meanings. But there are things in this book that are, you might say, autobiographical. And I'll explain. But first, let me say this, Bert. I really think the two Old Testament books that have been subjected to the most skeptical scrutiny, one would be the book of Genesis, and the other would be the book of Isaiah. I mean, if the, the liberal critics, were going to take their, their blade to cut apart Scripture, in the Old Testament, it would be Genesis. And I think that because of origins, because of the call of Abraham. But Isaiah, Isaiah, Isaiah is very, very, Messianic and Christological. But in the New Testament, the Gospels have been subjected to endless criticism. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The book of Revelation has been subjected to a lot of criticism. the book of Acts has but two Peter and skeptics. They deny that Peter wrote it. Oh, how could a fisherman have written such a book as this? But I want to point out, if I could, some of what I think are autobiographical things. For one thing, Peter references the fact that he's probably going to get martyred, right? he's going to die for the faith. Another thing, he references the fact that he was there on the Mount of Transfiguration, and he was an eyewitness to the glorified Jesus. He, also says in chapter, three, verse one, that this is his second epistle. So Peter kind of de facto gives a nod to his first Epistle proving the existence of that previous epistle that we just finished yesterday. Then this is just amazing. He references, the apostle Paul.
Bert Harper Yes.
Alex McFarland And he references Paul's writings as quote other scriptures. So this is just amazing. Only Peter could have written it. Although ultimately the author is almighty God. But working through human writers. But, you know, I gotta tell you, Bert, I'm throw it back to you. it's interesting. I think I got saved when I was in the middle of a degree program at a very liberal university. I was 21 years old. And I remember in some of my, literature classes, whenever something about the Bible came up. I can remember this was in the late 80s, but professors that spoke, you know, very disparagingly of the Bible. And I remember it dawned on me, I thought, it's just so much easier to take the Bible for what it says. I mean, accept it at face value. Because all of the theories and the contrivances to deny the Bible and deconstruct the Bible and, you know, try to undermine the authority and the trustworthiness of the Bible, they get so twisted up and complicated. I'm just a simple person. Just seems easier, straightforward. Take it for what it says. And all through the word of God, you see these little tidbits and these little clues affirming and reaffirming that this is a perfect book given by a perfect God and it is perfectly trustworthy.
Bert Harper Amen. Alex. Good word. And I didn't know if you was going to get to him referencing Paul, so I had it turned over there and I said, don't forget that. But you brought it in. Thank you.
Alex: You see consistency between first and second Peter's writings
Let me say one thing about this. God in us, does not cause us to, for us to lose our uniqueness. Okay? Now think about that. The inspiration of the Holy Spirit through these people who wrote the New Testament and the Old Testament. yes, the Holy Spirit. Yes. Filled them, guided them without the person losing their uniqueness. And you see that in the gospels. I think you're exactly right. You see this in Peter's writings. When they critiqued it, they said, oh, first Peter and two Peter. There's a little bit difference in the written. Well, if you read First Peter, there's a guy there probably doing it with him named Silas or Silvanius, who was, written to you briefly. And again, Paul had those, call them secretary back then they call him an amanuensis, someone that was there writing down. As Paul would say, that's not unusual in that day. And so here it is. We see Peter, a Unique guy writing these unique books. But I think the consistency in first and Second Peter has to do with it. In other words, he was writing to the same people because as you said, this is the second letter I'm writing to you. Now. Who did he write it to the first time? Pilgrims, as he called them. And they were all through what we call Asia Minor or Turkey today. And he said, I'm writing to you again because the first time the. I was writing to you about facing the suffering that you're going through and even greater suffering that you're going to go through. And now there's some people that's entered into your, territory that is misleading, mostly about Jesus Christ. Now, let me just say this. Listen. The first thing you want to do when you read a book by someone, go to a church. When you look at their, what they believe, concentrate on Jesus Christ and what they say. And then you go to the other issues. What do they say about the Word of God? What do they say? I would say about marriage and all of those, but you start with Jesus, because that is what was happening in those days. They wanted to make Jesus less than. You got that, Alex? Less than. No, he is the God man. Not the less God God and less man. No, he is the God man, uniquely given to us through Jesus, as our Savior, so we could be born again. And I think Second Peter holds that up strongly, brother.
Alex McFarland Amen. You know, I was thinking about something. there are so many just wonderful nuggets to come across in the Word of God. You know how Peter talks about his previous, you know, writing. And Peter indicates that, this is his second epistle. Luke did that too. And I was thinking about, in the book of Acts, Acts begins. He says, the former treatise I have written, O Theophilus. Okay, a treatise is a writing. And, the book of Acts is written by Luke the physician, but Luke the, The biography of Jesus. So Luke alludes to the fact that he had written a couple of things. So does Peter. And, you know, like you say that, he wrote to these pilgrims. But, in Second Peter, he, you know, the truth of First Peter, which is promised. First Peter 1:25 says, the word of the Lord endures forever. And I think that the Bible that has been subjected to such just immeasurable scrutiny and criticism and, you know, chopping it apart. And I remember reading, you know, critical, commentaries years ago, and they said, no book of the New Testament, is written by who we traditionally thought. In other words, Traditional authorship was rejected. Well, I accept traditional authorship of the biblical books. Cause, Bert, I think that the eyewitnesses and those that were there 20 centuries ago, they might have a better handle on who wrote it all than 21st century woke postmodern critics.
Bert Harper You know, preach it, brother. You're exactly right. And it was that way. And, in two Peter, what you have. And again, I alluded to it, and I want to say it again. Peter refers to himself as a servant before he does an apostle. Now, again, I think that is Peter who has learned so much. This is the guy that, you know, denied Christ. This is the guy. Well, they may. They may turn away from you, but not me. I'm going to be there. You know, the guy that would always say he would rebuke the Lord. No, Lord, you don't want to do it that way. You want to do it my way. But after years of, listen, finding out how less Peter was, he says, I have my highest calling as servanthood. And Alex, the people that I really know and have really admired and seen up close, the thing that, that draws you to them is that humble spirit. And we talked about that yesterday in Peter. I see that tying in one Peter and two Peter is the humility that he talked about in one Peter and him starting off second Peter in the same manner with servanthood. may we grow in servanthood as we get older. Right? Indeed.
Alex McFarland This is exploring the word. The voice you're hearing there is bert Harper. Alex McFarland here. You're here at the right day because we're just now beginning two Peter. Stay tuned. a brief break, and then we'll continue in chapter one of two Peter.
The Footsteps of Paul tour is scheduled for March 2026 in Greece
Wesley & Walker Wildmon Hey, my name is Wesley Wildmon.
Walker Wildmon And I'm Walker Wildmon.
Wesley & Walker Wildmon And we're brothers. And our family have been leading tours to the land of the Bible for more than 30 years.
Walker Wildmon Coming up in March of 2026, we would love for you to join us for something very special. A Footsteps of Paul, A journey through Greece.
Wesley & Walker Wildmon We'll walk exactly where the Apostle Paul walked through Athens, ancient Corinth, Philippi, and Thessalonica.
Walker Wildmon you'll enjoy unforgettable experiences and meaningful fellowship with believers and with Wesley and Walker.
Wesley & Walker Wildmon And we'll eat well, laugh a lot, and yes, eat well again. And most importantly, we will grow in our faith. As the Bible comes alive before your eyes, you'll get to see the very things that we read about or that your pastor talks about in church.
Walker Wildmon The Footsteps of Paul tour is March 17th through the 24th, 2026.
Wesley & Walker Wildmon Register today@wildman group.com.
Walker Wildmon That'S wildman group.com. we can't wait to see you there.
Dr. Jessica Peck in Jesus, just to take him at his word Just to rest upon his promise Just to know. Thus saith the Lord.
Bert Harper Amen. keep playing it. Listen to this.
Dr. Jessica Peck I trust him how I proved you more and more Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus oh, for grace to trust him more.
Bert Harper Amen. Amen.
Alex: Precious is being used about, uh. Precious Jesus
Now, Alex, that's the perfect song to bring in what I had right ready to bring in. Notice what it says in verse one. To those who obtained. Obtained or received. Like, precious faith. There it is. Precious Jesus. Now, the word precious and just. We were talking about the continuity of 1st Peter and 2 Peter. Precious is being used about, It's close to six times. Or, it's talked about in Second Peter chapter one, and then First Peter chapter one, verse seven. A precious faith in Second Peter one, four, right down from where we started, is precious promises. In First Peter chapter 1, verse 19, it's his precious blood. In First Peter chapter 4, verses 4 and 6, it's the precious stone. And then in First Peter 2, 7, He's a precious Savior. He really brought that in about this precious. It means, something that is to be treasured beyond recognition. And so I believe that ties in Peter, writing first and Second Peter as well. Because he is precious Jesus, isn't He?
Alex McFarland He really is. Now, I'm so glad you played that. That is just one of the most beautiful melodies. Tis us with to trust in Jesus. and like we said in the first segment, just to take him at his word. it solves so many problems to take Jesus at His word and believe what the Bible says.
Second Peter is about God's provision for us in salvation through Jesus
But, let me continue reading. verse two. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. According to his divine power. He has given us unto all things that pertain unto life and godliness through. Through the knowledge of him that called us to glory and virtue. Isn't that something, Bert? You know, is there a calling on every life? Yes, there is a calling. right here it says to glory and virtue. Do you know what we think about salvation as the forgiveness of sins only. And of course, that is vitally important that Christ, he paid our sin debt. We put our faith in Jesus.
Dr. Jessica Peck We put our.
Alex McFarland We confess our sins and he will forgive us. But we're not merely innocent. We're more than that. We're declared righteous. And isn't that something that God desires For each one of us a better thing than we would even know to desire for ourselves. I think many people, we think, well gee, I want to be right with God, I don't want to go to hell. And that's true, that's of course only rational. But he has for us glory, glorification and virtue or righteousness. And I doubt many people wake up and say, you know what I want, I want righteousness. But indeed that's actually what we should want if we only were wise enough to want it. Because glorification, righteousness, redemption through Jesus Christ, these are parts of, and in fact the key to everlasting life.
Bert Harper It really is, Alex. And these verses again, it doesn't let up. We've talked about it says when you get somewhere it just compounds. It gets better and better. Here, notice what it says. Knowledge of God. Did you know that 13 times in this small three chapter book he uses the word know or knowledge. So, and now this know is not just intellectual. I, think it refers similar. Let me give you the verse that will help, I think us understand what this knowing and knowledge is about. It's in John, chapter 17, verse 3. And this, and this is Jesus speaking. This, and this is eternal life. That you may know that they may know you, the only true God in Jesus Christ, whom you have sent, that they may know you. It's a personal knowledge, it's a real knowledge, not about him, but in relationship to Him. So here in second Peter, Peter, starts off with a relationship. When you have this relationship with God and he's going to jump right into it, and you did it well, sharing those last two things, glory and virtue. And it's, and notice in verse three, it's through the knowledge of him, know Him. You remember that what we say, ah, we are to know him and make him known.
Alex McFarland Amen.
Bert Harper Really to know him. And that's exactly what Peter's doing here. You've already given that evidence of him being at the transfiguration, of him being the one that God has just delivered. And he says through this knowledge of him, this relationship with him, that he has called us to glory and virtue. And he's going to add to that virtue in a little bit, talking about what characteristics we're to have and he's given us what exceedingly great and precious promises.
Alex McFarland Amen.
Bert Harper Alex, with what God has given us, does anything need to add be added? Or do we just need to use what God's already given us to live in this present Godless world.
Alex McFarland He has given us all things necessary for life and godliness. And I'm glad you mentioned that because, let me encourage people. If you're a Sunday school teacher or maybe you work with the youth or you lead a small group, you ought to teach through second Peter. It's three chapters, it is a perfectly, it's already outlined for you because really chapter one is about God's provision for us in salvation through Jesus. Chapter two is just completely a warning against false teachers, the coming and the work of those that are the deceivers, the false teachers. And really not only the doom, guaranteed against the false teachers, but really there's a warning about the victims of false teaching. And then chapter three is about the coming of the Lord. So there's just this perfect three part division of this three chapter book. And so it really does lend itself to great teaching. And you mentioned these exceeding great precious promises in a way, that kind of reminds me of the way Paul words when the apostle Paul says that above and beyond all that we could ever ask or think these superlatives here Peter says the promises are exceeding great precious. Verse 4. And by these, in other words, by the wonderful gospel and Jesus, you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, through sin. And by the way, in other words, if you don't have Jesus, you will not escape the corruption and condemnation of this world. I mean the only way to escape the world sin and the judgment that is coming on sin is to be in Christ and through Christ. But there's not just verse, one through four, salvation, but there's growth and that's called sanctification. Now redemption, call it many things, born again, saved, redeemed, regenerated, that's the moment you trust Christ, but everything after that is growth. And that's called sanctification, which is the increasing day by day journey of being more set apart, more conformed to the image of Christ. verse five says, and besides this giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge. And this is just one of the most beautifully written things that is in verses five through seven. But Bert, let me ask you this and throw it back to you when verse five begins. And besides this, what that means is okay, we've laid out salvation, but additionally, not just getting born again, important as that is the, there's the growth that really ought to follow a life that's been redeemed by Jesus.
Bert Harper Amen Alex. And that's why in verse 4, it says that you may be partakers of the divine nature, the Holy Spirit of God in us, that he is in us working, that we are partaking. Jesus said, I've done a great work, but guess what? After the Holy Spirit has come, you're going to do what? A, greater work. So we're able to partake in what Christ has provided for us in our redemption that you just talked about. But also he is. We're able to partake in the growth that you just added to here when we get to verse five. Now, this word, when it says two words, it's important in verse five, given diligence. listen, you don't say, okay, here I am, God. Do with me what you want to. No, it's. It's cooperating with him. It's investing your life in the word of God, in investing your life in obedience that you give all diligence to. This is what your main thought is. This is where you're going. You're not just diverting, going here and there. No, you've got aim, you've got direction.
Second Peter 1:5 says to diligently add to your faith and virtue
and then the second one, the word add. This word add. And it's an interesting word. It's more what God has supplied for you. And it means when we develop one of these qualities, guess what happens? We exercise another quality. In other words, if we exercise our faith, guess what's going to be added? Virtue. If we exercise virtue, the knowledge that we get is going to make sense. Now, this knowledge, we, we need to go over every one of these a little bit. So we may have to hold it over to tomorrow, some of this. But anyway, what, what this is when it says to. To the. These things, that the, the knowledge is discernment. In other words, it's not just intellectual, capabilities. It's discernment to be able to do what I think it refers back to living this life in a fallen world. In other words, he's given us everything that we need for that. Alex. and when he's given it to us, and when we exercise one, it works its way. Okay, this is what's happening. It reminds me of the Fruit of the Spirit in a lot of ways. Does it? You.
Alex McFarland Absolutely, absolutely. we're on, second Peter 1:5. Besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue. And to virtue, knowledge. let me read these. They're so beautiful. Add to your faith, virtue. And to virtue, knowledge. And to knowledge, temperance. And to temperance, patience. And to patience, godliness. And to Godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love or charity. Now, Bert, let's go back. I looked up the word add. Add to your faith. and it means, it's a multisyllabic Greek word. I'm not going to try to pronounce it, but it means to personally carry in. Now, I want to be clear. salvation is by the work that Jesus did. And we can't work or earn or buy or achieve our own salvation. You trust Jesus, he paid it all on the cross. But once you are born again, you're a child of God, your name is written in the Lamb's book of life, your sins have been forgiven, you're indwelt by the Holy Spirit, all, by God's work. You, you put your faith in Jesus. However, Christian growth absolutely requires investment and work on your part. Bert, I've got a good friend, Rick Lawrence, and a pastor in North Carolina. He's semi, ah, retired now, but just for 40 years, did a magnificent work at a church. And I used to hear Rick Lawrence and say, he said, salvation is not by works, but sanctification absolutely requires some work on our part. And let me just say, folks, if we take the, the gift of sonship that comes with the responsibility of discipleship, don't just passively, well, I'm saved. I guess I'll wait around till I die. Decades from now, and maybe once in a blue moon, you go to church. No, we are. Verse 5, diligently add to your faith. Now, Bert, I look these words, up. The diligence means that we are to. It says hurry after something. In other words, with eagerness, proactivity, zeal. You are supposed to pursue Christian growth and it is you doing it. And I'm going to say this and I'll throw it back to you, Bert. There are some Christian responsibilities that nobody else can do for us. I mean, and you and I did a show on this some years ago. if you're going to have a strong prayer life, only you can work and make that happen, folks. If you're going to grow in your ability to be a witness for Christ and overcome those bad habits and get victory over those temptations, and you learn the Word and you get consistency in your walk and you grow really bold and strong in faith and you learn how to trust God for big things, all of those virtues, of Christian maturity. If it's going to happen, folks, you're going to have to be about it, you know.
Joseph added to all the promises of God in suffering, Alex says
Bert Harper Well said. Alex. This hit me and I want you to think we will start in, verse, five tomorrow and go through these seven different elements because I think it will take a whole show because. Do you want to cut it short? But do you remember what Joseph's name means? Jacob. Jacob's son. Wasn't it addition? Am I. Do you remember that?
Alex McFarland I think you're right. Yes.
Bert Harper Okay, now think of that. What did Joseph do? He added to all the promises of God in suffering. Now, this is what first Peter was about, was in suffering. And Joseph, the first part of his life, suffering, being sold by his brothers in the pit in the prison. That's what he did. But because of that, his brothers and all the promises of God were fulfilled. This is what God does. When you add this to your faith, you see God operate. Well, we're going to take phone calls and take your questions and that number, if you would call 888-589-8840. We'd love to hear your.
Preborn network clinics help women choose life through a free ultrasound
We're living in a time when truth is under attack. Lies are easy to tell, easy to.
Bert Harper Spread, and easy to believe. But truth, truth is costly. And nowhere is the cost greater than for mothers in crisis. When a woman is told abortion is her only options, silence and lies surround her. But when she walks into a preborn network clinic, she's met with compassion, support, and the truth about the life growing inside her. That moment of truth happens through a free ultrasound, and it's a game changer. When a mother sees her baby and hears that heartbeat, it literally doubles the chance she'll choose life. Preborn network clinics are on the front lines, meeting women in their darkest hours, loving them, helping them choose life, sharing truth. Friend, this is not a time to be silent. It's time for courage, for truth, for life. Just $28 provides one ultrasound and the opportunity for a mother to see her baby to help her choose truth and life. Donate today. Call £250 and say baby. That's £250, baby. Or give online at PreBorn AFR. That's preborn.com afr.
Dr. Jessica Peck Lavishly lives are wasted. Humbleness left untasty. You can't live your life to please yourself. Yeah, that's a tip from my mistake. Exactly what it doesn't take to win. You got a common last place.
Bert Harper Yeah.
Dr. Jessica Peck To live your life.
Bert Harper: We need to be praying for our brothers and sisters worldwide
Alex McFarland Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Further proof that Brent Austin is really good at picking the music for us. kudos to our board op. Brent Austin, he picks out really, really good, upbeat Christian songs to take us out and bring us back. But hey, this is a part of the program where we love to hear from you. And so the number, if you've got a Bible question toll free nationwide, we'd love for you to call in with a Bible question. It's 8885-8988-4088-8589-8840. We'll take any and every Bible question, and Bert Harper and I will do our very best to give you a scriptural factual answer. Again, I want to say praises that our book came out last week. October 7th was the release date of our brand new book, the third one we've done together. This one is called 100 Bible Questions and Answers on Prophecy and the End Times. And, please pray about that, that God, would use that book in a significant way. And we would encourage you to, check out a copy of it because, the Bible has a lot to say about our future, doesn't it, Bert?
Bert Harper It really does. And it brings hope. if you get, yes, there's some things that's going to happen that are difficult. But guess what? God said that at the beginning, you know, difficulties apart. And right now we've got brothers and sisters in China. There's been this arrest that's taken place in China, and they said it's the worst in 54 years that it's been going through. So we need to be praying for our brothers and sisters all over the world. in Nigeria, they're dying and they go back to church anyway, right where they were, the church people were killed and burned. But guess what they did. Those believers there that were survived, they went back there to sing and praise God. So we are praying, praying for the flooding that's going on in Alaska. Hadn't heard a lot about it. Brent's helped me to know about it. So we got a lot of prayers to go on. So, yes, pray and pray and pray.
Rob from Missouri is praying for his daughter who has a kidney stone
Alex McFarland Well, where should we begin, Bert?
Bert Harper Okay, let's go to Missouri, and it's Rob. Rob, thank you for calling today.
Caroline Hey, Bert, how you doing?
Bert Harper Doing great today. Thank you, brother, for asking.
Caroline Hey, if you remember, a couple weeks ago, I had talked about my daughter Sarianna, who had a kidney stone. Do you remember that?
Bert Harper I do. When I saw, I saw your name from Missouri and I told the guys, I said, I think this guy's got a report. Go ahead.
Caroline So she is still with the kidney. they are going in on Monday to, go through her back and put a, tube with a stent, to relieve Pressure and also to relieve fluid for her kidney. And then on that, in that same week, on week Wednesday, the urologist is actually going into the kidney and cutting her open and getting that kidney stone out. There's no other way it's coming out.
Bert Harper Wow.
Bert Harper Give us her name once again. So those prayer warriors that listen to exploring the Word and they pray, they can write it down and be praying. What's her name again, Rob?
Caroline Her name is Sarianna.
Bert Harper Okay, that's what I thought. We are going to be praying for Sarianna. Alex, would you mind lifting her up right now?
Alex McFarland Let's do that. Father God, in the name of Jesus, we pray for Sarianna, and, Lord, that this kidney issue will get resolved, Lord, either by your miraculous hand or good medical procedures. And, Lord, we pray for Rob. it's a great concern, and of course, we understand that it would be. So please intervene. And, Lord, I want to thank you in advance because you are the healer, and, Lord, we're asking in Jesus name, and you have health and life and blessing and peace for this person. So we lift them up to you in Jesus name. Amen.
Bert Harper Amen. Thank you, Rob.
Alex McFarland We love to hear the great reports and the great testimonies, don't we?
Bert Harper We really do. This is what it's about. We love that.
Lacey from Louisiana calls Exploring the Word to talk about Louisiana
Here on Exploring the Word, we have what I call. We have church here, and I hope other people feel that. Let's go to Louisiana. Lacy. Thank you for calling.
Jeff Chamblee Hey, how are y' all doing?
Bert Harper Well, thank you. What part of Louisiana are you from, Lacey?
Jeff Chamblee New Orleans.
Bert Harper Oh, wow. Great city. Go right ahead.
Jeff Chamblee Yes.
Lacey lost her brother on Monday to an overdose
Well, I have a question for you guys. I lost my brother on Monday, to an overdose. And while I knew he knew the Lord, you know, he had an on and off past with drugs and. And he suffered mentally, you know. I just wonder if there's anywhere in the Bible where it says specifically, like, about mentally ill people. I mean, I believe he is with the Lord, but I didn't. I can't find in the Bible where it says specifically, like, if people with mental illness or addiction, even though they were saved.
Bert Harper Okay, Lacey, thank you for calling. We. We're sorry for your, brother's loss. I know it's a deep thing, and what you're talking about is a very diffic issue. We, know those that are mentally challenged, because of some things that took place at birth, Alex. And we know, you know, they don't develop mentally. and we know there are believers that, come to the point in their life where they're overcome sometimes by, things that they didn't grow into. it's one of those things hard to find exactly. A Bible verse, Lacy, that I can think of. Alex, that would. To give her a direct answer. Alex, can you,
Alex McFarland Yeah, I don't know that there is a verse that speaks directly about, mental illness. Psalm 34 says this. That the Lord is near to the brokenhearted. I think we know what that is. And saves the crushed in spirit. Now, crushed in spirit. I will say this, Bert. You know, mental illness is a very complex thing, and there's a lot of factors. I mean, there can be genetic factors, there can be emotional factors, outside abuse. And one of the things that psychologists have struggled over is, is it environmental or is it, you know, genetic? I mean, and I think there's probably an overlap of who we are and the things that happen to us, but then how we deal with them. And of course, it's compounded if substance abuse comes in. You know, second Timothy 1:7 says, God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self control. And so, Lacey, again, as Bert would say, condolences on the passing of your brother. And, you know, our prayers are with you. I know God is very merciful, and I know that, we sinners, we are desperately in need of his grace. And he shows his grace. But that's why, let me just say to everybody here, we need to be. You know, the Bible talks about being ministers of reconciliation. Let's urge people to get help. When we see those around us that are on a very destructive trajectory, whether it's, behavior or psychosis, you know, we need to do our best to help people that, they don't wind up in a bad place where they. Their life is jeopardized. But, Lacy, our prayers are with you. trust that God's. God's grace is very, very real.
Bert Harper We do, Lacy. Thank you for listening. And we'll keep. We got you down to be praying for you as well. Let's go to Oklahoma and talk to Lance. Lance, thank you for calling.
Caroline Hey, thank you. Listen to you guys all the time.
Michael calls with a question about the CFIR Bible and the cipher Bible
but I do have a question. so what do you think about the cipher Bible.
Bert Harper Spell? C I P E R or what? What is that?
Caroline Yeah. C E P H E R. Okay.
Bert Harper Alex, you know, anything, you know.
Alex McFarland I don't know anything about it, really. I'm looking it up here. C E, P H E. Or the Sefer Bible. you know, it lists the name of Jesus as Yeshua. you know, in Aramaic. that's Hebrew and Aramaic, Yeshua, which really means, Jehovah saves. But in terms of the CFIR Bible.
Bert Harper I'd have no, I have to as well.
Alex McFarland Brand new.
Bert Harper Yeah, we'll need to look at that. Alex and I talk about different, translations and the King James is awesome. It's a good book. And then I love, and I do prefer the new King James. The ESV is awesome. there's a lot of good books and different translations. Does it with a more precise way of looking at the word and staying as close to it as they can. Others, I won't use the word liberty, but they want to explain it a little bit in our language. It's not that they're horribly bad, but when you do real, real Bible study, the closer you can get to the, real thing, Alex, the easier it is for me. I'll put it that way. Even though the language may be a little more difficult to understand, it still brings the meaning out for me.
Alex McFarland Yeah, I'm looking and I know time fleets way. I'm looking at their website. Let us give a more full report on this. my initial reaction is a little bit of caution here on the Seafir Bible because they claim to, quote, restore 87 texts that have been lost, including the book of Enoch. And it goes on.
Bert Harper That's a red flag there.
Alex McFarland Major red flag.
Bert Harper It really is.
Alex McFarland I want to tell you folks. And we could do literally a semester long class of this, the Bible that you have, the 66 canonical books, 39 Old Testament, 27 new. It is the word of God. And I think compelling lines of evidence, point to that. And so when the CFIR website, it's calling like the book of Enoch, the wars of the Jews and other things, sacred texts, when neither the ancient Jews nor the early church recognized them as scripture. be careful that, let me say be careful when 21st century, writers seem to know more about the ancient church than the people that were actually there.
Bert Harper Amen. Good word.
Alex McFarland Major red flag on my part. And we'll do more later.
Bert Harper Thank you, Lance. Hope that helps. Brother. Let's go. Go to Texas. Michael, thank you for calling.
Caroline Hi, thank you for taking my call.
My question is about the resurrection of Jesus
My question is about the resurrection of Jesus. why was it three days that that it took him to rose from the dead? why was it not like one or two or a week? and was it because of the composition of the, body when it decomposes.
Bert Harper Alex, did you get all that? Question? Yeah, okay, go ahead. I missed some.
Alex McFarland You know, Jesus said as, as Jonah was three days and nights in the belly of the great fish, so the son of man would be three days and nights in the heart of the earth. do you know, I don't want to read too much into this, but our salvation is past, present, future, accomplished by a triune God, Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Also, there is past guilt, present indwelling future promises. Bert. There is a certain three ness to reality and a certain, beauty. And I'm not going to say perfection because seven is the perfect number. But there's a lot of completeness and balance in the number three. And so Jesus was in the grave three days and nights, and then rose on the third day. I can't say we completely know why, but it was prophesied by scripture. It was reaffirmed. Jesus said, destroy this body, and three days later I'll rise it up again. God had his reasons, even if our knowledge of those reasons is only partial.
Bert Harper I just read an article. It was a short article about some unusual things. George Washington, he had put into writing. He wanted to wait three days before he was buried. And the reason he was is making sure, yes, death was real. You know, that was his part. three days. what was unusual about that? That Jonah survived it, you know.
Alex McFarland Yeah.
Bert Harper And here's Jesus three days dead for sure, but overcoming death again. I think it speaks loudly. I agree with you about the three days significance, but I think, yes, death did happen. It wasn't something that was just, you know, faked swooning. No, he was dead. Okay, let's go to Texas. And Olin. Thank you, Olin. Go right ahead.
Caroline Yeah, I finally figured out how my Christianity, you know, play kind of not doing what it is, using money as an idle. Because that, that makes me happy. I, want more money to do this, that, and it makes me feel better than one time, with God. And that's wrong. That's dead wrong.
Bert Harper Okay.
Caroline And, I just need some help.
Caroline Prayer.
Caroline I need some help.
Bert Harper Oh, we need to pray. Olin, you have a church that you're a part of. Yeah.
Caroline I can't drive. My pastor comes out once a week.
Bert Harper Okay, well, that's awesome. Make, your needs known there too. Alex, would you say something?
Alex McFarland Yeah. And God bless you, Olin. There. Seeking after God and, you know, even recognizing that you're right. Materialism and money can't satisfy. It's only Jesus. And even though maybe you are housebound to a degree and not driving. Pray for us, Olin. We're praying for you. And when that pastor comes to visit you, you be sure to thank him and let him know you appreciate that. And I'm sure you do. But even no matter where you are, and this goes for everybody, Bert. God can reach us and God can minister to us and we can serve God, can't we?
Bert Harper Everywhere. One of my heroes, he's gone to be of the Lord. And his first name was Galen. And I think of referring early on man. He taught classes, he is a deacon. He did all that, but his time took, you know, its course. He couldn't do all those things, but he found something to serve the Lord. A prayer warrior sending prayer grounds. Listen, if you're still alive, serve the Lord. Serve him with gladness. Isn't that right, Alex?
Alex McFarland Amen. No matter where you are in the journey of life, your walk with the Lord does matter. And even from a sickbed, you can pray and achieve great things for God. Well, we're going to continue, good Lord willing, in second Peter again tomorrow. In the meantime, blessings, if you would pray for us, pray for our nation and tell somebody about the American Family Radio Network. But most of all, tell everybody about Jesus. The views and opinions expressed in this.
Bert Harper Broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of.
Alex McFarland The American Family association or American Family Radio.
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.
Bert Simon discusses First Peter and Second Peter on Exploring the Word
Welcome to Exploring the Word.
Alex McFarland Simon. Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Well, with that wonderful verse, we begin today on Exploring the Word Second Peter Chapter one. And you're tuned in at the right time and place because we're beginning Two Peter. We finished First Peter. And I want to say this book is a wonderful, glorious part of the New Testament. But really the critics, the liberals have subjected Second Peter maybe to, to more scrutiny and criticism than any other book of the New Testament. Now I'll explain and we'll talk about this wonderful part of God's Word 2nd Peter But Bert, I will tell you I love God's Word and we've had the privilege of going through so much of scripture over these years, but I will tell you I have come to absolutely cherish first and two Peter. They are rich, full of doctrine, full of rock solid biblical truth, but also full of practical biblical, truth for just living, victorious Christian living. And when you think of the Apostle Peter, I don't know what image comes to mind. Peter the fisherman Peter that says, plain spoken Peter with minimal filter says whatever comes to mind. But I wanna tell you, Peter is one of the great theologians of the New Testament. Wouldn't you agree?
Bert Harper I agree fully. And let me say this about John and Peter. Although they were different in many ways, both of them had something very, much in common and that was maturity. John was first called the Son, one of the sons of thunder, and wanted to, you know, call fire on it. It took time for him to become the Apostle Paul of love. You know, Peter, we see what he did, the things you just mentioned, and then see him right first and Second Peter in what he says, it is powerful. Notice what he does in verse one. He puts his servanthood above his apostleship. There is no higher calling in the kingdom of God than servanthood. You don't get any higher. Now after that you may be put in positions that pastor, bishop, deacon, elder, but still, guess which overrides every one of those, a servant being a servant. The other thing, let me say this real quickly about First Peter and Two Peter and I'll throw it back to you First Peter deals with the problems from outside, in other words, the suffering that they're going through brought on by other people and circumstances. While two, Peter deals with the problems from the inside, the. Those creeping into the church and leading people astray through false doctrine. So here, Peter covers it within and without.
Alex McFarland You know, what's amazing is, one of the reasons that we know, and by the way, let me just say, whenever you're approaching a book of the Bible or any passage, some things to look at. And Bert and I have often talked about what's called the historical, grammatical look at Scripture. All right, historically, what was the circumstance around this? To whom was it written? Who did write it? And we know ultimately every word of the Bible was given by the Holy Spirit. I mean, it is God's word, but God worked through human authors, in this case the Apostle Peter. So historical, grammatical, what that means is you're looking at the setting, the history around it, the context and the author. And then you look at the words, what the words actually say grammatically, the definitions of words. And that's what we talk about on every edition of the show, the word meanings. But there are things in this book that are, you might say, autobiographical. And I'll explain. But first, let me say this, Bert. I really think the two Old Testament books that have been subjected to the most skeptical scrutiny, one would be the book of Genesis, and the other would be the book of Isaiah. I mean, if the, the liberal critics, were going to take their, their blade to cut apart Scripture, in the Old Testament, it would be Genesis. And I think that because of origins, because of the call of Abraham. But Isaiah, Isaiah, Isaiah is very, very, Messianic and Christological. But in the New Testament, the Gospels have been subjected to endless criticism. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The book of Revelation has been subjected to a lot of criticism. the book of Acts has but two Peter and skeptics. They deny that Peter wrote it. Oh, how could a fisherman have written such a book as this? But I want to point out, if I could, some of what I think are autobiographical things. For one thing, Peter references the fact that he's probably going to get martyred, right? he's going to die for the faith. Another thing, he references the fact that he was there on the Mount of Transfiguration, and he was an eyewitness to the glorified Jesus. He, also says in chapter, three, verse one, that this is his second epistle. So Peter kind of de facto gives a nod to his first Epistle proving the existence of that previous epistle that we just finished yesterday. Then this is just amazing. He references, the apostle Paul.
Bert Harper Yes.
Alex McFarland And he references Paul's writings as quote other scriptures. So this is just amazing. Only Peter could have written it. Although ultimately the author is almighty God. But working through human writers. But, you know, I gotta tell you, Bert, I'm throw it back to you. it's interesting. I think I got saved when I was in the middle of a degree program at a very liberal university. I was 21 years old. And I remember in some of my, literature classes, whenever something about the Bible came up. I can remember this was in the late 80s, but professors that spoke, you know, very disparagingly of the Bible. And I remember it dawned on me, I thought, it's just so much easier to take the Bible for what it says. I mean, accept it at face value. Because all of the theories and the contrivances to deny the Bible and deconstruct the Bible and, you know, try to undermine the authority and the trustworthiness of the Bible, they get so twisted up and complicated. I'm just a simple person. Just seems easier, straightforward. Take it for what it says. And all through the word of God, you see these little tidbits and these little clues affirming and reaffirming that this is a perfect book given by a perfect God and it is perfectly trustworthy.
Bert Harper Amen. Alex. Good word. And I didn't know if you was going to get to him referencing Paul, so I had it turned over there and I said, don't forget that. But you brought it in. Thank you.
Alex: You see consistency between first and second Peter's writings
Let me say one thing about this. God in us, does not cause us to, for us to lose our uniqueness. Okay? Now think about that. The inspiration of the Holy Spirit through these people who wrote the New Testament and the Old Testament. yes, the Holy Spirit. Yes. Filled them, guided them without the person losing their uniqueness. And you see that in the gospels. I think you're exactly right. You see this in Peter's writings. When they critiqued it, they said, oh, first Peter and two Peter. There's a little bit difference in the written. Well, if you read First Peter, there's a guy there probably doing it with him named Silas or Silvanius, who was, written to you briefly. And again, Paul had those, call them secretary back then they call him an amanuensis, someone that was there writing down. As Paul would say, that's not unusual in that day. And so here it is. We see Peter, a Unique guy writing these unique books. But I think the consistency in first and Second Peter has to do with it. In other words, he was writing to the same people because as you said, this is the second letter I'm writing to you. Now. Who did he write it to the first time? Pilgrims, as he called them. And they were all through what we call Asia Minor or Turkey today. And he said, I'm writing to you again because the first time the. I was writing to you about facing the suffering that you're going through and even greater suffering that you're going to go through. And now there's some people that's entered into your, territory that is misleading, mostly about Jesus Christ. Now, let me just say this. Listen. The first thing you want to do when you read a book by someone, go to a church. When you look at their, what they believe, concentrate on Jesus Christ and what they say. And then you go to the other issues. What do they say about the Word of God? What do they say? I would say about marriage and all of those, but you start with Jesus, because that is what was happening in those days. They wanted to make Jesus less than. You got that, Alex? Less than. No, he is the God man. Not the less God God and less man. No, he is the God man, uniquely given to us through Jesus, as our Savior, so we could be born again. And I think Second Peter holds that up strongly, brother.
Alex McFarland Amen. You know, I was thinking about something. there are so many just wonderful nuggets to come across in the Word of God. You know how Peter talks about his previous, you know, writing. And Peter indicates that, this is his second epistle. Luke did that too. And I was thinking about, in the book of Acts, Acts begins. He says, the former treatise I have written, O Theophilus. Okay, a treatise is a writing. And, the book of Acts is written by Luke the physician, but Luke the, The biography of Jesus. So Luke alludes to the fact that he had written a couple of things. So does Peter. And, you know, like you say that, he wrote to these pilgrims. But, in Second Peter, he, you know, the truth of First Peter, which is promised. First Peter 1:25 says, the word of the Lord endures forever. And I think that the Bible that has been subjected to such just immeasurable scrutiny and criticism and, you know, chopping it apart. And I remember reading, you know, critical, commentaries years ago, and they said, no book of the New Testament, is written by who we traditionally thought. In other words, Traditional authorship was rejected. Well, I accept traditional authorship of the biblical books. Cause, Bert, I think that the eyewitnesses and those that were there 20 centuries ago, they might have a better handle on who wrote it all than 21st century woke postmodern critics.
Bert Harper You know, preach it, brother. You're exactly right. And it was that way. And, in two Peter, what you have. And again, I alluded to it, and I want to say it again. Peter refers to himself as a servant before he does an apostle. Now, again, I think that is Peter who has learned so much. This is the guy that, you know, denied Christ. This is the guy. Well, they may. They may turn away from you, but not me. I'm going to be there. You know, the guy that would always say he would rebuke the Lord. No, Lord, you don't want to do it that way. You want to do it my way. But after years of, listen, finding out how less Peter was, he says, I have my highest calling as servanthood. And Alex, the people that I really know and have really admired and seen up close, the thing that, that draws you to them is that humble spirit. And we talked about that yesterday in Peter. I see that tying in one Peter and two Peter is the humility that he talked about in one Peter and him starting off second Peter in the same manner with servanthood. may we grow in servanthood as we get older. Right? Indeed.
Alex McFarland This is exploring the word. The voice you're hearing there is bert Harper. Alex McFarland here. You're here at the right day because we're just now beginning two Peter. Stay tuned. a brief break, and then we'll continue in chapter one of two Peter.
The Footsteps of Paul tour is scheduled for March 2026 in Greece
Wesley & Walker Wildmon Hey, my name is Wesley Wildmon.
Walker Wildmon And I'm Walker Wildmon.
Wesley & Walker Wildmon And we're brothers. And our family have been leading tours to the land of the Bible for more than 30 years.
Walker Wildmon Coming up in March of 2026, we would love for you to join us for something very special. A Footsteps of Paul, A journey through Greece.
Wesley & Walker Wildmon We'll walk exactly where the Apostle Paul walked through Athens, ancient Corinth, Philippi, and Thessalonica.
Walker Wildmon you'll enjoy unforgettable experiences and meaningful fellowship with believers and with Wesley and Walker.
Wesley & Walker Wildmon And we'll eat well, laugh a lot, and yes, eat well again. And most importantly, we will grow in our faith. As the Bible comes alive before your eyes, you'll get to see the very things that we read about or that your pastor talks about in church.
Walker Wildmon The Footsteps of Paul tour is March 17th through the 24th, 2026.
Wesley & Walker Wildmon Register today@wildman group.com.
Walker Wildmon That'S wildman group.com. we can't wait to see you there.
Dr. Jessica Peck in Jesus, just to take him at his word Just to rest upon his promise Just to know. Thus saith the Lord.
Bert Harper Amen. keep playing it. Listen to this.
Dr. Jessica Peck I trust him how I proved you more and more Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus oh, for grace to trust him more.
Bert Harper Amen. Amen.
Alex: Precious is being used about, uh. Precious Jesus
Now, Alex, that's the perfect song to bring in what I had right ready to bring in. Notice what it says in verse one. To those who obtained. Obtained or received. Like, precious faith. There it is. Precious Jesus. Now, the word precious and just. We were talking about the continuity of 1st Peter and 2 Peter. Precious is being used about, It's close to six times. Or, it's talked about in Second Peter chapter one, and then First Peter chapter one, verse seven. A precious faith in Second Peter one, four, right down from where we started, is precious promises. In First Peter chapter 1, verse 19, it's his precious blood. In First Peter chapter 4, verses 4 and 6, it's the precious stone. And then in First Peter 2, 7, He's a precious Savior. He really brought that in about this precious. It means, something that is to be treasured beyond recognition. And so I believe that ties in Peter, writing first and Second Peter as well. Because he is precious Jesus, isn't He?
Alex McFarland He really is. Now, I'm so glad you played that. That is just one of the most beautiful melodies. Tis us with to trust in Jesus. and like we said in the first segment, just to take him at his word. it solves so many problems to take Jesus at His word and believe what the Bible says.
Second Peter is about God's provision for us in salvation through Jesus
But, let me continue reading. verse two. Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. According to his divine power. He has given us unto all things that pertain unto life and godliness through. Through the knowledge of him that called us to glory and virtue. Isn't that something, Bert? You know, is there a calling on every life? Yes, there is a calling. right here it says to glory and virtue. Do you know what we think about salvation as the forgiveness of sins only. And of course, that is vitally important that Christ, he paid our sin debt. We put our faith in Jesus.
Dr. Jessica Peck We put our.
Alex McFarland We confess our sins and he will forgive us. But we're not merely innocent. We're more than that. We're declared righteous. And isn't that something that God desires For each one of us a better thing than we would even know to desire for ourselves. I think many people, we think, well gee, I want to be right with God, I don't want to go to hell. And that's true, that's of course only rational. But he has for us glory, glorification and virtue or righteousness. And I doubt many people wake up and say, you know what I want, I want righteousness. But indeed that's actually what we should want if we only were wise enough to want it. Because glorification, righteousness, redemption through Jesus Christ, these are parts of, and in fact the key to everlasting life.
Bert Harper It really is, Alex. And these verses again, it doesn't let up. We've talked about it says when you get somewhere it just compounds. It gets better and better. Here, notice what it says. Knowledge of God. Did you know that 13 times in this small three chapter book he uses the word know or knowledge. So, and now this know is not just intellectual. I, think it refers similar. Let me give you the verse that will help, I think us understand what this knowing and knowledge is about. It's in John, chapter 17, verse 3. And this, and this is Jesus speaking. This, and this is eternal life. That you may know that they may know you, the only true God in Jesus Christ, whom you have sent, that they may know you. It's a personal knowledge, it's a real knowledge, not about him, but in relationship to Him. So here in second Peter, Peter, starts off with a relationship. When you have this relationship with God and he's going to jump right into it, and you did it well, sharing those last two things, glory and virtue. And it's, and notice in verse three, it's through the knowledge of him, know Him. You remember that what we say, ah, we are to know him and make him known.
Alex McFarland Amen.
Bert Harper Really to know him. And that's exactly what Peter's doing here. You've already given that evidence of him being at the transfiguration, of him being the one that God has just delivered. And he says through this knowledge of him, this relationship with him, that he has called us to glory and virtue. And he's going to add to that virtue in a little bit, talking about what characteristics we're to have and he's given us what exceedingly great and precious promises.
Alex McFarland Amen.
Bert Harper Alex, with what God has given us, does anything need to add be added? Or do we just need to use what God's already given us to live in this present Godless world.
Alex McFarland He has given us all things necessary for life and godliness. And I'm glad you mentioned that because, let me encourage people. If you're a Sunday school teacher or maybe you work with the youth or you lead a small group, you ought to teach through second Peter. It's three chapters, it is a perfectly, it's already outlined for you because really chapter one is about God's provision for us in salvation through Jesus. Chapter two is just completely a warning against false teachers, the coming and the work of those that are the deceivers, the false teachers. And really not only the doom, guaranteed against the false teachers, but really there's a warning about the victims of false teaching. And then chapter three is about the coming of the Lord. So there's just this perfect three part division of this three chapter book. And so it really does lend itself to great teaching. And you mentioned these exceeding great precious promises in a way, that kind of reminds me of the way Paul words when the apostle Paul says that above and beyond all that we could ever ask or think these superlatives here Peter says the promises are exceeding great precious. Verse 4. And by these, in other words, by the wonderful gospel and Jesus, you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, through sin. And by the way, in other words, if you don't have Jesus, you will not escape the corruption and condemnation of this world. I mean the only way to escape the world sin and the judgment that is coming on sin is to be in Christ and through Christ. But there's not just verse, one through four, salvation, but there's growth and that's called sanctification. Now redemption, call it many things, born again, saved, redeemed, regenerated, that's the moment you trust Christ, but everything after that is growth. And that's called sanctification, which is the increasing day by day journey of being more set apart, more conformed to the image of Christ. verse five says, and besides this giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge. And this is just one of the most beautifully written things that is in verses five through seven. But Bert, let me ask you this and throw it back to you when verse five begins. And besides this, what that means is okay, we've laid out salvation, but additionally, not just getting born again, important as that is the, there's the growth that really ought to follow a life that's been redeemed by Jesus.
Bert Harper Amen Alex. And that's why in verse 4, it says that you may be partakers of the divine nature, the Holy Spirit of God in us, that he is in us working, that we are partaking. Jesus said, I've done a great work, but guess what? After the Holy Spirit has come, you're going to do what? A, greater work. So we're able to partake in what Christ has provided for us in our redemption that you just talked about. But also he is. We're able to partake in the growth that you just added to here when we get to verse five. Now, this word, when it says two words, it's important in verse five, given diligence. listen, you don't say, okay, here I am, God. Do with me what you want to. No, it's. It's cooperating with him. It's investing your life in the word of God, in investing your life in obedience that you give all diligence to. This is what your main thought is. This is where you're going. You're not just diverting, going here and there. No, you've got aim, you've got direction.
Second Peter 1:5 says to diligently add to your faith and virtue
and then the second one, the word add. This word add. And it's an interesting word. It's more what God has supplied for you. And it means when we develop one of these qualities, guess what happens? We exercise another quality. In other words, if we exercise our faith, guess what's going to be added? Virtue. If we exercise virtue, the knowledge that we get is going to make sense. Now, this knowledge, we, we need to go over every one of these a little bit. So we may have to hold it over to tomorrow, some of this. But anyway, what, what this is when it says to. To the. These things, that the, the knowledge is discernment. In other words, it's not just intellectual, capabilities. It's discernment to be able to do what I think it refers back to living this life in a fallen world. In other words, he's given us everything that we need for that. Alex. and when he's given it to us, and when we exercise one, it works its way. Okay, this is what's happening. It reminds me of the Fruit of the Spirit in a lot of ways. Does it? You.
Alex McFarland Absolutely, absolutely. we're on, second Peter 1:5. Besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue. And to virtue, knowledge. let me read these. They're so beautiful. Add to your faith, virtue. And to virtue, knowledge. And to knowledge, temperance. And to temperance, patience. And to patience, godliness. And to Godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, love or charity. Now, Bert, let's go back. I looked up the word add. Add to your faith. and it means, it's a multisyllabic Greek word. I'm not going to try to pronounce it, but it means to personally carry in. Now, I want to be clear. salvation is by the work that Jesus did. And we can't work or earn or buy or achieve our own salvation. You trust Jesus, he paid it all on the cross. But once you are born again, you're a child of God, your name is written in the Lamb's book of life, your sins have been forgiven, you're indwelt by the Holy Spirit, all, by God's work. You, you put your faith in Jesus. However, Christian growth absolutely requires investment and work on your part. Bert, I've got a good friend, Rick Lawrence, and a pastor in North Carolina. He's semi, ah, retired now, but just for 40 years, did a magnificent work at a church. And I used to hear Rick Lawrence and say, he said, salvation is not by works, but sanctification absolutely requires some work on our part. And let me just say, folks, if we take the, the gift of sonship that comes with the responsibility of discipleship, don't just passively, well, I'm saved. I guess I'll wait around till I die. Decades from now, and maybe once in a blue moon, you go to church. No, we are. Verse 5, diligently add to your faith. Now, Bert, I look these words, up. The diligence means that we are to. It says hurry after something. In other words, with eagerness, proactivity, zeal. You are supposed to pursue Christian growth and it is you doing it. And I'm going to say this and I'll throw it back to you, Bert. There are some Christian responsibilities that nobody else can do for us. I mean, and you and I did a show on this some years ago. if you're going to have a strong prayer life, only you can work and make that happen, folks. If you're going to grow in your ability to be a witness for Christ and overcome those bad habits and get victory over those temptations, and you learn the Word and you get consistency in your walk and you grow really bold and strong in faith and you learn how to trust God for big things, all of those virtues, of Christian maturity. If it's going to happen, folks, you're going to have to be about it, you know.
Joseph added to all the promises of God in suffering, Alex says
Bert Harper Well said. Alex. This hit me and I want you to think we will start in, verse, five tomorrow and go through these seven different elements because I think it will take a whole show because. Do you want to cut it short? But do you remember what Joseph's name means? Jacob. Jacob's son. Wasn't it addition? Am I. Do you remember that?
Alex McFarland I think you're right. Yes.
Bert Harper Okay, now think of that. What did Joseph do? He added to all the promises of God in suffering. Now, this is what first Peter was about, was in suffering. And Joseph, the first part of his life, suffering, being sold by his brothers in the pit in the prison. That's what he did. But because of that, his brothers and all the promises of God were fulfilled. This is what God does. When you add this to your faith, you see God operate. Well, we're going to take phone calls and take your questions and that number, if you would call 888-589-8840. We'd love to hear your.
Preborn network clinics help women choose life through a free ultrasound
We're living in a time when truth is under attack. Lies are easy to tell, easy to.
Bert Harper Spread, and easy to believe. But truth, truth is costly. And nowhere is the cost greater than for mothers in crisis. When a woman is told abortion is her only options, silence and lies surround her. But when she walks into a preborn network clinic, she's met with compassion, support, and the truth about the life growing inside her. That moment of truth happens through a free ultrasound, and it's a game changer. When a mother sees her baby and hears that heartbeat, it literally doubles the chance she'll choose life. Preborn network clinics are on the front lines, meeting women in their darkest hours, loving them, helping them choose life, sharing truth. Friend, this is not a time to be silent. It's time for courage, for truth, for life. Just $28 provides one ultrasound and the opportunity for a mother to see her baby to help her choose truth and life. Donate today. Call £250 and say baby. That's £250, baby. Or give online at PreBorn AFR. That's preborn.com afr.
Dr. Jessica Peck Lavishly lives are wasted. Humbleness left untasty. You can't live your life to please yourself. Yeah, that's a tip from my mistake. Exactly what it doesn't take to win. You got a common last place.
Bert Harper Yeah.
Dr. Jessica Peck To live your life.
Bert Harper: We need to be praying for our brothers and sisters worldwide
Alex McFarland Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Further proof that Brent Austin is really good at picking the music for us. kudos to our board op. Brent Austin, he picks out really, really good, upbeat Christian songs to take us out and bring us back. But hey, this is a part of the program where we love to hear from you. And so the number, if you've got a Bible question toll free nationwide, we'd love for you to call in with a Bible question. It's 8885-8988-4088-8589-8840. We'll take any and every Bible question, and Bert Harper and I will do our very best to give you a scriptural factual answer. Again, I want to say praises that our book came out last week. October 7th was the release date of our brand new book, the third one we've done together. This one is called 100 Bible Questions and Answers on Prophecy and the End Times. And, please pray about that, that God, would use that book in a significant way. And we would encourage you to, check out a copy of it because, the Bible has a lot to say about our future, doesn't it, Bert?
Bert Harper It really does. And it brings hope. if you get, yes, there's some things that's going to happen that are difficult. But guess what? God said that at the beginning, you know, difficulties apart. And right now we've got brothers and sisters in China. There's been this arrest that's taken place in China, and they said it's the worst in 54 years that it's been going through. So we need to be praying for our brothers and sisters all over the world. in Nigeria, they're dying and they go back to church anyway, right where they were, the church people were killed and burned. But guess what they did. Those believers there that were survived, they went back there to sing and praise God. So we are praying, praying for the flooding that's going on in Alaska. Hadn't heard a lot about it. Brent's helped me to know about it. So we got a lot of prayers to go on. So, yes, pray and pray and pray.
Rob from Missouri is praying for his daughter who has a kidney stone
Alex McFarland Well, where should we begin, Bert?
Bert Harper Okay, let's go to Missouri, and it's Rob. Rob, thank you for calling today.
Caroline Hey, Bert, how you doing?
Bert Harper Doing great today. Thank you, brother, for asking.
Caroline Hey, if you remember, a couple weeks ago, I had talked about my daughter Sarianna, who had a kidney stone. Do you remember that?
Bert Harper I do. When I saw, I saw your name from Missouri and I told the guys, I said, I think this guy's got a report. Go ahead.
Caroline So she is still with the kidney. they are going in on Monday to, go through her back and put a, tube with a stent, to relieve Pressure and also to relieve fluid for her kidney. And then on that, in that same week, on week Wednesday, the urologist is actually going into the kidney and cutting her open and getting that kidney stone out. There's no other way it's coming out.
Bert Harper Wow.
Bert Harper Give us her name once again. So those prayer warriors that listen to exploring the Word and they pray, they can write it down and be praying. What's her name again, Rob?
Caroline Her name is Sarianna.
Bert Harper Okay, that's what I thought. We are going to be praying for Sarianna. Alex, would you mind lifting her up right now?
Alex McFarland Let's do that. Father God, in the name of Jesus, we pray for Sarianna, and, Lord, that this kidney issue will get resolved, Lord, either by your miraculous hand or good medical procedures. And, Lord, we pray for Rob. it's a great concern, and of course, we understand that it would be. So please intervene. And, Lord, I want to thank you in advance because you are the healer, and, Lord, we're asking in Jesus name, and you have health and life and blessing and peace for this person. So we lift them up to you in Jesus name. Amen.
Bert Harper Amen. Thank you, Rob.
Alex McFarland We love to hear the great reports and the great testimonies, don't we?
Bert Harper We really do. This is what it's about. We love that.
Lacey from Louisiana calls Exploring the Word to talk about Louisiana
Here on Exploring the Word, we have what I call. We have church here, and I hope other people feel that. Let's go to Louisiana. Lacy. Thank you for calling.
Jeff Chamblee Hey, how are y' all doing?
Bert Harper Well, thank you. What part of Louisiana are you from, Lacey?
Jeff Chamblee New Orleans.
Bert Harper Oh, wow. Great city. Go right ahead.
Jeff Chamblee Yes.
Lacey lost her brother on Monday to an overdose
Well, I have a question for you guys. I lost my brother on Monday, to an overdose. And while I knew he knew the Lord, you know, he had an on and off past with drugs and. And he suffered mentally, you know. I just wonder if there's anywhere in the Bible where it says specifically, like, about mentally ill people. I mean, I believe he is with the Lord, but I didn't. I can't find in the Bible where it says specifically, like, if people with mental illness or addiction, even though they were saved.
Bert Harper Okay, Lacey, thank you for calling. We. We're sorry for your, brother's loss. I know it's a deep thing, and what you're talking about is a very diffic issue. We, know those that are mentally challenged, because of some things that took place at birth, Alex. And we know, you know, they don't develop mentally. and we know there are believers that, come to the point in their life where they're overcome sometimes by, things that they didn't grow into. it's one of those things hard to find exactly. A Bible verse, Lacy, that I can think of. Alex, that would. To give her a direct answer. Alex, can you,
Alex McFarland Yeah, I don't know that there is a verse that speaks directly about, mental illness. Psalm 34 says this. That the Lord is near to the brokenhearted. I think we know what that is. And saves the crushed in spirit. Now, crushed in spirit. I will say this, Bert. You know, mental illness is a very complex thing, and there's a lot of factors. I mean, there can be genetic factors, there can be emotional factors, outside abuse. And one of the things that psychologists have struggled over is, is it environmental or is it, you know, genetic? I mean, and I think there's probably an overlap of who we are and the things that happen to us, but then how we deal with them. And of course, it's compounded if substance abuse comes in. You know, second Timothy 1:7 says, God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self control. And so, Lacey, again, as Bert would say, condolences on the passing of your brother. And, you know, our prayers are with you. I know God is very merciful, and I know that, we sinners, we are desperately in need of his grace. And he shows his grace. But that's why, let me just say to everybody here, we need to be. You know, the Bible talks about being ministers of reconciliation. Let's urge people to get help. When we see those around us that are on a very destructive trajectory, whether it's, behavior or psychosis, you know, we need to do our best to help people that, they don't wind up in a bad place where they. Their life is jeopardized. But, Lacy, our prayers are with you. trust that God's. God's grace is very, very real.
Bert Harper We do, Lacy. Thank you for listening. And we'll keep. We got you down to be praying for you as well. Let's go to Oklahoma and talk to Lance. Lance, thank you for calling.
Caroline Hey, thank you. Listen to you guys all the time.
Michael calls with a question about the CFIR Bible and the cipher Bible
but I do have a question. so what do you think about the cipher Bible.
Bert Harper Spell? C I P E R or what? What is that?
Caroline Yeah. C E P H E R. Okay.
Bert Harper Alex, you know, anything, you know.
Alex McFarland I don't know anything about it, really. I'm looking it up here. C E, P H E. Or the Sefer Bible. you know, it lists the name of Jesus as Yeshua. you know, in Aramaic. that's Hebrew and Aramaic, Yeshua, which really means, Jehovah saves. But in terms of the CFIR Bible.
Bert Harper I'd have no, I have to as well.
Alex McFarland Brand new.
Bert Harper Yeah, we'll need to look at that. Alex and I talk about different, translations and the King James is awesome. It's a good book. And then I love, and I do prefer the new King James. The ESV is awesome. there's a lot of good books and different translations. Does it with a more precise way of looking at the word and staying as close to it as they can. Others, I won't use the word liberty, but they want to explain it a little bit in our language. It's not that they're horribly bad, but when you do real, real Bible study, the closer you can get to the, real thing, Alex, the easier it is for me. I'll put it that way. Even though the language may be a little more difficult to understand, it still brings the meaning out for me.
Alex McFarland Yeah, I'm looking and I know time fleets way. I'm looking at their website. Let us give a more full report on this. my initial reaction is a little bit of caution here on the Seafir Bible because they claim to, quote, restore 87 texts that have been lost, including the book of Enoch. And it goes on.
Bert Harper That's a red flag there.
Alex McFarland Major red flag.
Bert Harper It really is.
Alex McFarland I want to tell you folks. And we could do literally a semester long class of this, the Bible that you have, the 66 canonical books, 39 Old Testament, 27 new. It is the word of God. And I think compelling lines of evidence, point to that. And so when the CFIR website, it's calling like the book of Enoch, the wars of the Jews and other things, sacred texts, when neither the ancient Jews nor the early church recognized them as scripture. be careful that, let me say be careful when 21st century, writers seem to know more about the ancient church than the people that were actually there.
Bert Harper Amen. Good word.
Alex McFarland Major red flag on my part. And we'll do more later.
Bert Harper Thank you, Lance. Hope that helps. Brother. Let's go. Go to Texas. Michael, thank you for calling.
Caroline Hi, thank you for taking my call.
My question is about the resurrection of Jesus
My question is about the resurrection of Jesus. why was it three days that that it took him to rose from the dead? why was it not like one or two or a week? and was it because of the composition of the, body when it decomposes.
Bert Harper Alex, did you get all that? Question? Yeah, okay, go ahead. I missed some.
Alex McFarland You know, Jesus said as, as Jonah was three days and nights in the belly of the great fish, so the son of man would be three days and nights in the heart of the earth. do you know, I don't want to read too much into this, but our salvation is past, present, future, accomplished by a triune God, Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Also, there is past guilt, present indwelling future promises. Bert. There is a certain three ness to reality and a certain, beauty. And I'm not going to say perfection because seven is the perfect number. But there's a lot of completeness and balance in the number three. And so Jesus was in the grave three days and nights, and then rose on the third day. I can't say we completely know why, but it was prophesied by scripture. It was reaffirmed. Jesus said, destroy this body, and three days later I'll rise it up again. God had his reasons, even if our knowledge of those reasons is only partial.
Bert Harper I just read an article. It was a short article about some unusual things. George Washington, he had put into writing. He wanted to wait three days before he was buried. And the reason he was is making sure, yes, death was real. You know, that was his part. three days. what was unusual about that? That Jonah survived it, you know.
Alex McFarland Yeah.
Bert Harper And here's Jesus three days dead for sure, but overcoming death again. I think it speaks loudly. I agree with you about the three days significance, but I think, yes, death did happen. It wasn't something that was just, you know, faked swooning. No, he was dead. Okay, let's go to Texas. And Olin. Thank you, Olin. Go right ahead.
Caroline Yeah, I finally figured out how my Christianity, you know, play kind of not doing what it is, using money as an idle. Because that, that makes me happy. I, want more money to do this, that, and it makes me feel better than one time, with God. And that's wrong. That's dead wrong.
Bert Harper Okay.
Caroline And, I just need some help.
Caroline Prayer.
Caroline I need some help.
Bert Harper Oh, we need to pray. Olin, you have a church that you're a part of. Yeah.
Caroline I can't drive. My pastor comes out once a week.
Bert Harper Okay, well, that's awesome. Make, your needs known there too. Alex, would you say something?
Alex McFarland Yeah. And God bless you, Olin. There. Seeking after God and, you know, even recognizing that you're right. Materialism and money can't satisfy. It's only Jesus. And even though maybe you are housebound to a degree and not driving. Pray for us, Olin. We're praying for you. And when that pastor comes to visit you, you be sure to thank him and let him know you appreciate that. And I'm sure you do. But even no matter where you are, and this goes for everybody, Bert. God can reach us and God can minister to us and we can serve God, can't we?
Bert Harper Everywhere. One of my heroes, he's gone to be of the Lord. And his first name was Galen. And I think of referring early on man. He taught classes, he is a deacon. He did all that, but his time took, you know, its course. He couldn't do all those things, but he found something to serve the Lord. A prayer warrior sending prayer grounds. Listen, if you're still alive, serve the Lord. Serve him with gladness. Isn't that right, Alex?
Alex McFarland Amen. No matter where you are in the journey of life, your walk with the Lord does matter. And even from a sickbed, you can pray and achieve great things for God. Well, we're going to continue, good Lord willing, in second Peter again tomorrow. In the meantime, blessings, if you would pray for us, pray for our nation and tell somebody about the American Family Radio Network. But most of all, tell everybody about Jesus. The views and opinions expressed in this.
Bert Harper Broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of.
Alex McFarland The American Family association or American Family Radio.
2 Peter 1:1-4: Growing in Christ
✍️ Episode References
American Family Radio
https://www.afa.net/networks/american-family-radio/
Book of Second Peter
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter&version=NIV
Book of Enoch
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Enoch
100 Bible Questions and Answers on Prophecy and the End Times
https://www.amazon.com/100-Bible-Questions-Answers-Prophecy/dp/1683594528
Live
Did you know American Family Radio is listener-supported? Your monthly financial support will allow us to continue upholding Godly values through our numerous channels, like American Family Radio, One Million Moms, The Stand magazine, and many more.
Become a Great Commission Partner TODAY to help AFR transform culture by rebuilding the family. When you donate today, you’ll get access to:
