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 Bert Harper welcome you to Exploring the Word

Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome indeed to Exploring the word. Alex McFarland here along with Bert Harper. We're so honored that you're listening as we continue our study of God's Word, the Old Testament Book of Numbers. And there are many, many special verses in numbers and a lot of really special topics that we are going to go over related to, well, the journeyings of the children of Israel, but Old Testament history. But Bert, before we get into the Book of Numbers again, I want to say a very heartfelt and sincere thank you to all of the listeners and very faithful supporters that participated last week in Share a Thon. This is Faith Based Gospel Ministry. And Bert, it was just as always, the very, very faithful family of the American Family Association, American Family, radio Network, even in spite of a tough economy and times are not easy. And yet the brothers and sisters throughout America that believe like we do in the truth of God's word, in this ministry, they always come through. And last week was no exception.

>> Bert Harper: That is correct. And over 16,000 people, individuals called in and shared. That's awesome. Some, you know, we don't know how much each person gave the office does you and I don't. But whatever it was, it was multiplied by God over 16,000. And you think about that, that's households. So at least M1 most sometimes, but a lot of times two, a lot of times three and four. So you could at least double and triple that to say how many people were involved in this. And again the finances followed. And we're praising God for all that God has done and he's raising up an army of believers that want to share the good news of Jesus Christ. And so Alex, we do say thank you from a heartfelt hearts of appreciation.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Well, you know, this is such a, partnership ministry. It is. And you know, I'm very blessed in that, you know, when I'm on the road every weekend, I'm somewhere in America in a pulpit and I meet many, many people and they'll say they've come to the Lord or they've, you know, come back to the Lord. and God is using this ministry. God has been using exploring the Word and we, we certainly give him all the praise. But you know, while you know, Paul wrote one sows, one waters, but God gave the increase. That's how it is. And everybody listening, you're, you're going to share in these rewards. I mean we're not doing it for rewards necessarily. We're doing what we do so people can become believers and God is glorified in his kingdom extended. But, but all the people that pray and all the people that have given and are supporting, I say thank you to each and every one of you and you do share in those rewards.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. And again, thank and praise the Lord for what he's done. And again, it's what God is doing. And that's the whole idea. A lot of church, local churches, man making a difference where they are, other ministries making a difference with what you're doing, you yourself in the workplace making a difference. And that's what the Great Commission is all about. It says as you go. It really is. That's the exact you know, words that is used as you go. In other words, we're witnesses. That's what we are. Now the issue, are we good witness or a bad witness? We want to be a great witness for Christ comes from word martyr. In other words, we die to self. Now some people of our brothers and sisters all over the world, in Nigeria and other places, they're dying for their faith right now. but we're to die to self and let Jesus be glorified. And that's what we want to do on exploring the Word is make much of Jesus.

Alex Hagman: The Nazarite vow is very rare today

So today Alex, the book of numbers is an unusual book. The numbers I think is a good name for it because two times they number the people or take a census for the fighting men. And then later on at the end they do the same thing. They even talk about how many Levites there are. But in chapter six is an interesting chapter I thought, and it's the vow of the Nazirite. Now Alex, a vow is something that someone takes a, husband and wife. We repeat our vows to one another. And when I do a wedding ceremony, I say this is a, a three way vow. I said you're making a vow to one another and as a pastor you're making a vow to me that you're going to keep those. But, but more importantly you're making a vow to God. So, and, and that was, that is for unto death do you part. The Nazarite vow was for a time frame and that someone would say here we want to consecrate. And I think that's the key word. Dedicate ourselves to the Lord. to know what he's, who he is, he's holy, he's separate. And we're going to be separate in many areas of our life right now so we can grow, in the Lord. I. You know, the. And I want you to respond, you may completely disagree. but when I looked at the purpose for the Nazarite vow, okay, it's like fasting. What do you do? You take a time where you, you know, you fast from food or fast from something so you could concentrate and pray for the Lord. Do you see it that way for. As the Nazarite vow.

>> Alex McFarland: Exactly. Exactly. And you know what I was, reading behind me on the bookshelf is a book about, Judaism. And, do you know, it's even rarer. But the Nazarite vow exists to this day in Orthodox Judaism. so I don't know that many people do it anymore. But it was, a vow of separation and consecration to God. And, the Nazareth vow. And Samson was a Nazarite. but they would abstain from wine or alcohol. They would not cut their hair. They would not come in contact with, dead bodies. And, Bert, had you heard that John the Baptist probably was ministering under the terms of a Nazirite vow?

>> Bert Harper: I have. Now, the difference is this is a vow for a time period. Far as what we can tell, Samson, Samuel and John the Baptist were Nazarites for life. And, in other words, they took a Nazarite vow that they would do that. Now, Samson is better known for all of that because of the hair and all the things did. But looking at John the Baptist and how he lived his life, it seems like he was that as well. Alex, I agree with you.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes. And this is in Numbers, chapter six. Let me read a little bit of this. Then the Lord spoke to Moses saying, speak to the children of Israel and say to them, when either a man or a woman consecrates an offering to take the vow of a Nazarite to separate himself to the Lord. He shall separate himself from wine and similar drink. He shall drink neither vinegar made from wine nor vinegar made from similar drinks. Neither shall he drink any grape juice nor eat fresh grapes or raisins. You don't hear that talked about all that much, but, refraining from grapes or raisins all the days of his separation. He shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine from seed to skin. And it says in verse 5, no razor shall come upon his head. And he shall not, verse six, not go near a dead body. Now I had heard not touch a dead body. But, I've got the, let's see the new King James here. And it says, not go near a dead body. And Bert, I think the whole, moral of this is consecration verse 8 of number 6. All the days of his separation, he shall be holy to the Lord. And Bert, you know, I'm not a legalist. I mean we're under grace, not law. However, wouldn't this be very much akin to sanctification?

>> Bert Harper: It is to be sanctified. It is. Alex, be holy. Holy is sanctification. Hagios is the Greek word. And it's to be separate. It means separate and holy. God is completely separate from us in his holiness. Now that doesn't mean he didn't come to us. It doesn't mean that he separates himself so far from us that, that we cannot know him. God is. And we can know him. But it does mean that he's set apart of who he is. And for us, we set ourselves apart from what? Well, when you look at that in our diet about the drink, in our appearance, as far as the hair is concerned, and then in our location for as being near a dead body. So when you look at those three things, our diet, which should be healthy, let's just get right m down to it. We should eat healthier than we are, than we do, you know, with everything we do. And then we talk about our appearance. We need to be his appearance. Now John the Baptist, his appearance was different than anybody else in his, time frame, it seemed like, but as far as the hair was concerned. And then separation, the thing that got me even, verse seven, and this is severe, he shall not make himself unclean even for his father or his mother, his brother or his sister when they die. And why? Because his separation of God is on his head. Now, Alex, Yes. That scripture says unless you hate your father and mother and yea, your own life also, you can't be my disciple again. I think it's talking about a relationship. What's the greatest relationship? Now? Husband and wife. Relationship is, is. Is man. It's the greatest man to man can have. But what relationship even supersedes that, our relationship with our God?

Alex: There is great peace in letting go of things and putting them in Christ

Doesn't it, it really does.

>> Alex McFarland: You know, Bert, probably about three or four months ago I was counseling with a mother and father and their college age daughter who's in her early 20s, she went on a short term mission trip to, to like inner city NewSong York. And the Lord really used her. And now she, this year is going to be leaving on a short term mission trip. I mean, this is about a year, but going to India. And I will tell you, her parents were not happy about it, even though they're devout Christians initially. And I, prayed with them and I said, listen, if she is being called by God to go on this short term mission trip to India, and I realized the danger. But the best place you would want your daughter is in the will of God. And I said, I want you to take several weeks and just pray about it and say, lord, speak to me and, help this parent, mother and dad, you know, come to peace about this. And, they did. And do you know what? It was, very transformative, season for them. And they were talking about putting their Isaac on the altar. And, you know, it's referenced to Abraham and Isaac. And, let me say this. Whether you are the one dedicating yourself to Jesus, no matter the cost, or maybe somebody you love like a child even is really, really dedicating themselves to the Lord, Bert, there is great peace and there's great liberty in truly letting go of things and putting it in the hands of Christ.

>> Bert Harper: It really is. Didn't say it'd be easy, but there is. We're stewards anyway. That's the whole idea. God gives and God takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. He, is his. And we're stewards of that. We're managers of this. But if we ever take ownership, we're denying what God has done. We've been bought with a price, therefore glorify God in our bodies. So that's hard for us to get ahold of because we want to retain, control. That's the whole idea. I want to determine. And we need to seek God with all of our heart. The last thing I want to mention before we go to break is when this, vow, whatever time frame it was, comes to an end, there's an offering unto the Lord. Now, I found that. In other words, a life of self denial, a life of self discipline and whatever, yes, that is good. But it is offering unto the Lord, Alex. It's his. And that just really stuck with me, that it's my life and my, whatever I own. Ownership. It's his, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: It is. It is. This is exploring the Word. Stay tuned. We've got a brief break. We'll continue in numbers. Some of the key topics chapter by chapter in the Old Testament Book of Numbers. Stay tuned. We're back after this.

Preborn network clinics offer free ultrasounds to women facing unplanned pregnancies

>> Bert Harper: Right now, the voices in our culture are loud, but truth is often silent. And today preborn needs you to help speak that truth. Women facing unplanned pregnancies are often pressured to act quickly before they have time to pause, breathe, or hear the truth about life, dignity and hope. But I refuse to be silent, and I'm asking you to join me. At, preborn network clinics, a woman is welcomed with compassion and given a free ultrasound. She sees the life growing inside her, often for the first time. And in that sacred moment, fear gives way to clarity. And she's offered something the abortion industry will never provide. The hope of Jesus Christ. This April, our goal is to have 11,000 gospel conversations in preborn network clinics, trusting God to bring the increase as we remain faithful to speak. You can help make that possible by sponsoring ultrasounds. Just $28 provides one ultrasound. $140 sponsors five ultrasounds for mothers in crisis. Every dollar helps save babies and share the good news of Jesus Christ. To donate, dial pound 250 and say the keyword baby. That's pound 250 baby or visit preborn.com host that's preborn.com host

>> Caroline: Foreign.

Alex: Solid Rock bluegrass gospel group came to Greensboro last weekend

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Alex and Bert. We're going to resume numbers and read the priestly blessing at the end of number six. Hey, but Bert, I've got to give a shout out to just some very, very special friends we've made in the Hampton, roads, Virginia area. The Solid Rock bluegrass gospel group. Last fall I was in northern Virginia, just south of D.C. and I did a revival and I met these wonderful guys, Solid Rock. And they came to Greensboro over the weekend and they did a concert and we did a worship service on Sunday morning. Butch Bun and the guys in Solid Rock, besides being world class musicians and I'll tell you, bluegrass gospel is an art form unto itself. But these men, they ministered and I had the great joy of preaching the gospel. Solid Rock was in Greensboro to play a concert Saturday night and then Sunday morning. And I just want to say a big thank you to these dear brothers from, up in Virginia.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. bluegrass is a unique sound. It really is. And the musicianship in the instrument

>> Alex McFarland: is amazing and the vocal harmony.

>> Bert Harper: Yes it is. And so I know I enjoy it. I can't produce it, but I sure can enjoy it. So I know you had a great time just listening, but also ministering there together. Something special about it.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

Chapter six talks about Jesus being from the geographical location of Nazareth

Well, before the break and one Thing I wanted to say before we read the last part of number six. And a Nazarite or Nazarite vow is not the same thing as a Nazarene. You know, it talks about Jesus being from the. The geographical location of Nazareth. And so, a, Nazarite could have been from Nazareth. But, Jesus being a Nazarene, that was speaking of the geographical locality. And I, I think it's important to

>> Bert Harper: point that out, Alex. You mean there could be a Nazarene Nazarite, huh?

>> Alex McFarland: There could be a Nazarene Nazarite.

>> Bert Harper: Yes, there could be, but they're two different things. Yes, that's a good point to make.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, and you know, chapter six goes on. And, you know, as part of the, If they came to the conclusion, say, the voluntary vow of a certain time period, at the door of the tabernacle, you. He would have his head shaved at the end of it to show that he had fulfilled his vow to the Lord and given offering to the priest.

Alex: The Lord bless you and keep you in Numbers 6:24

But, as this concludes, let me read the end of, chapter six. It's very beautiful. And the Lord spoke to Moses saying, speak to Eryn and his sons, saying, this is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them, the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Verse 27. So they shall put my name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them. No doubt everybody has seen maybe a beautiful plaque or something in this very famous part of scriptures from Numbers 6:24 through 26, the Priestly Blessing. And just even reading these, these are just beautiful words of peace, aren't they?

>> Bert Harper: They really are. And let's look at them. Just a. Mom, I know you could, but the Lord bless you. This is intercessory. This is the priest interceding for the is. You know, the Nazirite vow, the person, the Israelite, and saying them bless you. the Lord's blessings upon you. He's the one that gives you. And then notice the word keep you again. When you say the word keep, you, can't help about be thinking of kept. what would happen to a shepherd and the sheep? They would keep them in a. A perfect place. He will keep us in the hollow of his hand. Another place. So you find all these bless and keep. Now, Alex, that's talking about, the blessing. In that day, more than anything else was children into the family. But but also blessing of. Yes, sure of. Of income, of all the things that go on and keep you. Those two things. Now think about our salvation. What has God done for us? He has blessed us with unspeakable blessing in salvation and in the indwelling Holy Spirit. And he said, I will keep you. you'll. I'll never leave you. I'll never forsake you. He's going to keep us. So this is a picture of. Honestly, of what we have in Christ as well, and comment on that. And then we'll go to verse 25 if you have anything to add to verse 24.

>> Alex McFarland: No, this is just wonderful. The Lord bless you and keep you. And you know, Bert, I believe in what is called the eternal security of the believer. Not based on our performance or our ability, but based on God's ability and God's strength. And, the, security we have in Christ, I just think is one of the greatest reasons to be a believer. and I've shared this verse so many times, but you know where in John 10:28, Christ says, nothing can pluck you out of my hand. And Hebrews 13 where he says that he will never leave us or forsake us. And, hey, by the way, back to the John 10:28, Jesus says, and if anybody questions eternal security, Jesus says of the believer, I give to them eternal life, and they will never perish. And, Bert, you know how we've often said all means all? Does it never mean never?

>> Bert Harper: It does. What a statement that is. And we do have that assurance. and it is knowing Christ, make sure you're saved. Has there been a time in your life where you surrendered your life? You ask God to come into your life and him be Lord of your life. You. You believe in the death, burial, and resurrection. That's. That's head knowledge. But have you. Have you surrendered your life? Have you trusted him who did that for you to come into this relationship? That is real. That changes your life. And so if, you haven't, I pray that you would do that today. Verse 25. Notice I. I think verse 24 has to do, the bl. The Lord bless you and keep you. And the reason, named that about the hollow of your. And the hollow of his hand. This is kind of his hand of blessing. Okay, Keep that in mind. Now, verse 25. The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. you know that scripture in Chronicles about. If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and do what Turn from their wicked ways and seek my way. Face his pleasure. Now notice the Lord make His face shine upon you. May God have pleasure in who you are. May God have pleasure in the ways you live your life. May his face shine upon you. May he display it with pleasure. Alex. And then. And be gracious to you again. The graciousness of God is real.

Bert says Earth is a privileged planet that God placed it on

It really is for me to breathe, to be on this planet Earth. As Artemis made, the four astronauts made their way from the, I think Ronald Reagan said it, the surly, bounds of Earth. Yeah. And they were making their way up to the moon to go around the curvature of the moon and then come back and they took those pictures of how beautiful it was. And I see that for us to have this. Occupy. I'm going to say it. This privileged planet, okay. This privileged planet that God knew where to place it. Third from the. From the, from the sun. Have two between us and the sun and have others afterwards having one moon that, revolves around this Earth as we revolve around the sun and we tilt and we rotate to get seasons. And you have one moon, so you'll have tide coming in and out with a gravitational pull. It is a privileged planet that we live on. So when I saw that and I thought about that Artemis and them taking the pictures that they did, I thought about man. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious. Alex, to be here is the graciousness of God. I could go on and on and make lists, but that really hit me. This is his face. I want to be pleasing to him. I'll put it that way, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Well, and, you know, these verses are so beautiful. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. In other words, the Lord sees you. and it says that in the book of Genesis that he is, you know, El Roi, the God who sees us. The Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace. The countenance of the Lord. I love what Benjamin Franklin once said. The propitious smiles of heaven had been on this nation, said, Benjamin Franklin. In other words, the smile, the blessing, the favor of God. there was a gospel song. Bert, did you ever know of the gospel singer? He's long since gone to heaven. Doug Oldham.

>> Bert Harper: Oh, yes, yes. I heard him on, with Jerry Falwell many times watching it on television.

>> Alex McFarland: He was fantastic. You know, when I was at Liberty University, I mean, if you were on the first three or four rows and Doug Oldham sang, I mean, you could just about feel it in your ribs. That voice could, you know, just touch the audience. But one of his last songs, and I would encourage people to read it, he wrote this song, but it was called He Saw Me. And it's about how God, God sees us and the Holy Spirit draws us to Jesus and we, we become saved if we'll put our faith in Christ. But then throughout life's journey, we need the Lord. Well, he's there for us. And, the Lord makes his face to shine upon the believer. And yes, he is gracious and praise God. His. His countenance and peace are upon us and so we are so blessed. You were talking about the, what are called the anthropic principles, how God has fine tuned this planet not just for mere survival or existence, but for blessing. And, that's why, I mean, we, we can't help but praise Him. He is so gracious to us.

The only place and the only one that gives real peace is a relationship with Jesus

And, so moving on a little bit in chapter Alex, let me say.

>> Bert Harper: Well, I'm sorry, I, know. Let me say one more word about the last part of the prayer and give you peace.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: M. The only place and the only one that gives real peace is a relationship with the Lord Jesus. That's the only way. Right now we're looking at peace there, at the Strait of Hormuz there with Iran. And, you know, the talks broke down in Pakistan. And now, it looks like the United States is trying to put a blockade on that strait and put pressure again on Iran, trying to get something done with this, you know, the peace process. God is the one that gives real peace. I want peace and absence of war. That's awesome. I love peace when the winds are settled and everything and it's just a peaceful day. Love that. But the peace that he gives passes all understanding, that in the midst of everything, we can have peace. And I believe the best place that is illustrated, and I've used this before, is when the apostles were out on the boat in the Sea of Galilee and the storm was raging and Jesus was asleep and they woke him up and said, don't you care? We're going to perish. Jesus gets up and he talks about their faith, a little faith, and he rebukes the storm. And all of a sudden the wind quit. No rain quit now. Alex, I've tried to picture this, and I don't know if it's like this, but this is the way it fits into the peace that God gives us here as believers. I believe There was peace all around the boat or the ship where they were. But possibly the storm was still raging on the, on the circumference all around it, you know, does that. That's the way it is. A lot of times in our lives, the storms of life are raging. It can be disappointment, it can be difficulty, it can be so many things. But yet in our life, because the Lord blesses us and keeps us, because the Lord lets His face shine upon us and he's gracious to us and he lives his countenance upon you, we can have his peace that he gives us in the midst of the storm. I just wanted to throw that in before we moved on, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Well, when there's an absence of peace, you sure know it, don't you?

>> Bert Harper: You really do. Been there too, I have to admit that too. When I didn't receive his peace, it was there. But I've got to live in it, Alex, you know, I can't live on my own.

In chapter seven of Numbers, leaders make offerings as tabernacle is dedicated

>> Alex McFarland: Well, in chapter seven of Numbers, there is, the leaders making offerings as the tabernacle is getting dedicated. And remember we talked about the Wilderness Tabernacle, that was almost kind of like a really, really big camping tent, if you will. And there were, you know, the wooden poles and the ropes and the cords that it hung on. And so they bring offerings to dedicate and, consecrate. I think it's interesting, God's servants, the priests and the Nazarites were consecrated. Well, the tabernacle is consecrated itself, verse one, and all of its furnishings and the altar and its utensils, they were anointed and consecrated. Bert. I had the privilege, with my friend Dr. Jordan Gandy at Market Commons Community Church. I got to speak and pray at a building dedication not long ago. And I think it's important that there are certain things that are just consecrated to the Lord. I know many churches nowadays, the buildings can be multi use. But I think where you're going to have your worship service, should be specially dedicated to the preaching of the Gospel and the worship of the Lord. And, there is such a thing as holy ground, isn't there?

>> Bert Harper: There really is. And notice each tribe brings one. The leader brings the offering each day, one after the other, starting with Judah, and then it goes on to Issachar, to Zebulun, all the way down to all 12 of these. And they bring similar things, but each one of them has their own specific offering that they make that is geared to them. now in verse 89, that wraps up that chapter. I think we can do this real quickly.

>> Alex McFarland: It's a long chapter, by the way.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, it is. 89 says, and when Moses went into the tabernacle of meeting to speak with him, God, he heard the voice of the one speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of this testimony. Alex, God still speaks from his mercy seat, doesn't he?

>> Alex McFarland: He really does. From between those two cheer of them, he spoke to him. Well, hey, the number is 888-589-8840. Your calls after this.

>>  : The AFR app is a powerful tool, but it does have limitations. You can't use it to change the oil in your vehicle or get rid of carpet stains. It won't walk the dog, won't pick up the dry cleaning or take the kids to practice. But while you're doing those things things, you can listen to your favorite AFR content through the app on your phone, smart device, or Roku. Just go to your app store or visit afr.net listen to AFR wherever you go with the AFR app.

>> Alex McFarland: Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus just to take him at his word.

Exploring the Word takes calls on any and every Bible question

Welcome back to Exploring the Word. I want to give the number because this is the part of the show where we take calls. Bert and I, we love to hear from each and every one of you. And the number is triple 858-9884. That's 888-589-8840. And, it doesn't necessarily have to relate to the Book of Numbers. That's where we are. But any and every Bible question, we will do our best to give you a good, factual, biblical answer. And, we've had the privilege of doing this for, well, well over a decade. Almost 15 years, I guess. And, Bert, aren't we blessed?

>> Bert Harper: We are blessed, and we're blessed by the people who ask the questions. And, a lot of the questions, okay, we've had before, but after 15 years, just about it. It's unusual to come up with maybe. Man, we hadn't been asked that before, but it sure is fun to get those and hey, guys. We depend upon the Lord. We ask, we pray. Lord help us as we respond. We want to do it truthfully, we want to do it humbly, and we want to do it helpfully. We really do and make a difference. So, Alex, you ready to go to the phone lines?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. Where shall we begin?

Bert says you don't have to be an atheist to be truly scientific

>> Bert Harper: Well, let's be in Texas with Krish. Krish, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Oh, thank you for having, Yes, sir. I was wanting a recommendation, actually, for a book. I ran into an atheist friend of mine yesterday. And, every time I asked him why he doesn't believe, he just always has science to say about it. And I wanted to show him some Christian aspects of science, but I have no idea what to look into or who do. What author to look for.

>> Alex McFarland: well, let me encourage you not only to look for some good books, but visit, the website. And there are many I could recommend, but one would be Answers in Genesis. AIG And Ken Ham is the founder of Answers in Genesis. But besides Ken Ham, there are a number of PhDs from the various branches of science, biology, chemistry, physics, that they write many papers. And, so one is a dear friend of mine named Dr. Terri Mortensen, who has a PhD from Oxford in geology. And so, Bert, you don't have to be an atheist to be truly, truly scientific. In fact, quite the opposite. True science acknowledges God, the Creator. But let me just say one of the best kind of overview books would be, really by, Henry Morris and Dr. John Bert. Was it new? oh, golly, the Genesis Flood is in my opinion. Was it John?

>> Bert Harper: I cannot. I know what Newcomb. No, I cannot remember, but I know the one you're talking about.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes, yes. look for this book by Dr. Henry Morris called the Genesis Floyd. And in a way, it's kind of the, the basics of actually science being theistic. T H E I S M M Theism is the belief that God exists and God created and God can intervene in the world. John Whitcomb, I believe was his name.

>> Bert Harper: That's it. I. Hey, when you said it, I remember it. Let me. I would say somebody, that's heard on the weekends here on AFR is Frank Turek and, his classic, I don't have enough Faith to be an Atheist. And it really speaks. And I, think it registers with people. Alex. Really. Well, it really does.

>> Alex McFarland: And by the way, one last thing that I want to say. Frank is great. We've been friends for 30 years plus. And, he wrote that book I don't have Enough Faith to be an Atheist. Along with Norm Geisler, who's, he went to heaven in 2019. Let me just say this. I've had people glibly say, well, I don't believe in God. I believe in science. Well, ask them what science. Because really, people misuse the word science. In reality, there are the sciences, you know, and every branch of science has its operating methodologies and procedures. So I want to say unequivocally, there is no scientific discovery observable, testable, repeatable, and that's true science. In fact, what passes for science is very unscientific. evolution. We've never watched anything morph into something else. DNA mutations never create life or add more coding to the genome. So if somebody says, well, I believe in science, ask them, okay, which branch of the sciences? Because there is no branch of any part of science that has disproven God or the Bible.

>> Bert Harper: Thank you, Krish. And we keep on with the atheist friend in praying for him and giving answers. It'll be, God will do his part on his side.

Bert: Dennis, thank you for calling. God bless you both

Let's go to Missouri. Dennis, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Good afternoon, gentlemen. I think I try to listen to your program, and I enjoy it very much. A while back, I called in, and I live alone, and I don't get much fellowship because I'm just out in the country. I get. My daughter comes by once and somebody else once in a while, but I don't get to go to church. I'm on parole, so my PO Says no church. But anyway, as I saw with you, you said you were going to send me something, and you sent me a thing called the God you thought you knew, that CD pack. And I've been listening to that, and I'm so impressed with it. I want to thank you so very much for sending it to me, because I've enjoyed it immensely, and I'll probably go back and listen to it again. But I want to just thank you so very, very much for your consideration, your kindness. God bless you, because I've really enjoyed it. So God bless you both.

>> Bert Harper: Thank you, Dennis. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: God be the glory. Bert, I've got to say, I recorded that at AFR Studios in Tupelo. it was called the God you thought you knew, exposing 10 common myths about Christianity. And, along with the engineers over there, took us a pretty long time, quite a number of hours, and to be honest, I forgot about that. But, I'm really glad God is using that. To God be the glory.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Thank you, Dennis. Keep listening, brother.

Megan calls from Iowa with a question about whether someone has demons

Let's go to Iowa. Megan, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Yes, hi. Thank you for having me. I do have a question. I grew up with Native American beliefs with my mother, and I did a vision quest. I am white, Caucasian. I did a vision quest and gave flesh offerings to the spirit world. I was then, raped by this Medicine man. And, so what I'm wondering is, is a per. Can the person have demons in them? Because I have now found Jesus and I did accept him into my heart. And I'm thinking about getting baptized. I do go to a church now. And, but I really. I feel I have demons. And I've talked to my pastors, and they kind of. They said if I have the Holy Spirit, then I don't.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Megan, we're going to take Alex. Go ahead. My voice is struggling today as most folks can hear and see it. Hear it in my voice. Go ahead. And if I have anything to help with. Megan, I will. Go ahead. Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Megan, can you hear me? You still there with me?

>> Caroline: Yes, yes.

>> Alex McFarland: I want to pray together and right here on the radio. And, I do believe that when you get saved, the Holy Spirit comes to Indwell. But, you know, I understand. And it could just be. And by the way, this. This Native American kind of rite of passage, I'm glad you acknowledge that that is past. That is not who you are now. But I want us to pray through this and, we'll just settle this right now. Can. Can you and I pray together, Megan, on live radio? Because chances are there are some people listening and they have some things in their past that they want the. The remnants of the residue to be gone. So I think this will be very helpful for a lot of people. So let's you and I pray together, Megan. May we do that?

>> Caroline: Yes, please.

>> Caroline: Thank you.

>> Caroline: Yes.

>> Alex McFarland: All right. Why don't you pray this, Megan? Say. Say dear Lord Jesus. Dear Lord Jesus. I have trusted you as my savior.

>> Caroline: I have trusted you as, my savior.

>> Alex McFarland: And you have forgiven me.

>> Caroline: And you have forgiven me.

>> Alex McFarland: And you are my Lord, my master, and I follow you.

>> Caroline: And you are my Lord and my master, and I follow you.

>> Alex McFarland: So let none of my past have a hold on me today.

>> Caroline: So let none of my past have a hold on me today.

>> Alex McFarland: In the name of Jesus.

>> Caroline: In, the name of Jesus.

>> Alex McFarland: Satan is gone from me.

>> Caroline: Satan is gone from me.

>> Alex McFarland: No demons or evil spirits have any claim on me.

>> Caroline: No demons or evil spirits have any claim on me.

>> Alex McFarland: In Jesus name.

>> Caroline: In Jesus name.

>> Alex McFarland: Now keep on praying. And folks, you pray along this way, too. Say, Lord Jesus, fill me with your holy spirit.

>> Bert Harper: Megan, you can go ahead and repeat that.

>> Alex McFarland: Megan.

>> Caroline: Oh, I'm sorry.

>> Caroline: What did you.

>> Caroline: I'm sorry.

>> Alex McFarland: Lord Jesus, fill me with your holy spirit.

>> Caroline: Lord Jesus, fill me with your holy spirit.

>> Alex McFarland: Guide me by your Holy Spirit.

>> Caroline: Guide me by your holy Spirit.

>> Alex McFarland: Help me to grow in your Word.

>> Caroline: Help me to grow in your word.

>> Alex McFarland: And be Lord of every area of my life.

>> Caroline: And be Lord of every area of my life.

>> Alex McFarland: In Jesus name I pray.

>> Caroline: In Jesus name I pray.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Caroline: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

Megan, according to the Bible, you are complete in Christ

>> Alex McFarland: Megan, according to the Bible, and there's so much that I could say, and I want everybody listening to. folks, if you're struggling with things, as Megan did, understand that Paul says this in Colossians 1, that you are complete in Christ. And so, Megan, you're set free from all that you really are. And I know that, there are things in our past. I mean, when I was a kid, my sister and I very foolishly played with a Ouija board. And my sister and I prayed together. We renounce that in Jesus name. And I mean, that was long since gone, but we didn't want any residue. And, so I understand your sentiment there, but, my dear sister, I believe you are free and completely in the possession of the dear Lord Jesus.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Caroline: I do appreciate that.

>> Bert Harper: Thank you.

>> Caroline: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Let me add one thing. If you have some artifacts, some of the things that were involved in this, get rid of them. It's cleansed.

>> Caroline: Yeah, they were burned. Everything was burned.

>> Alex McFarland: Good.

>> Bert Harper: Okay. We're praying for you and, the church and baptism, Bible believing church and following the Lord and believer's baptism. Yes. Megan, you don't want to cut short. You want to complete as a disciple of Christ in obedience to him. And Megan, after you baptize, would you mind calling us back and reporting to us and, just so we can rejoice with you? Would you do that?

>> Caroline: Yes, I will.

>> Bert Harper: we want to hear from you, Megan from Iowa, be praying for. Thank you. Amen. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: M. Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

Burt Harper says surrendering control to God makes life a lot happier

Let's go to Texas and talk to Olin. Olin, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Bert.

>> Caroline: And Alex, if I don't call Linne, I don't know y' all so much providences. And, Bert, you said something today that hit the nail on the head. I've been having trouble with. I don't know why, but I want control. I don't want to let Jesus run my life. And what I do, what don't make no sense, when I let Jesus run my life, I'm a lot more happier.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah.

>> Caroline: And if I give that devil a little bitty crack, he says, well, you can do this. And then I do it, then I feel bad.

>> Caroline: I feel like I'm convicted.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, well, Owen, let me share with you. Olin, Let me share with you listen carefully. Listen. It is a battle. That's the whole idea. And, the battle is won up on our surrender to the victor. The victor is the Lord Jesus Christ. And in surrendering to him, Alex, I got Janet and I got this new vehicle, and it has what is called driver assist, you know, And I didn't know all about it the first time I got ahold it. I was holding the steering wheel, and all of a sudden I'd feel it turning to the left or to the right. And I, said, okay, what am I going to do? But I compare that to the battle sometimes that we have, with control. God, you know, I want to get as close to the edge as I can, and he doesn't want me to. So you have to. I had to press off driver assist, because I wanted that I need to press off the driver assist of control in Bert Harper and let God have control. I thought that that's the whole idea, Olin, Isn't it, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: Yes, it is. It is. And, I know that driver assist, it can be a little bit, disconcerting at times, but I got used to it yet. But I need God assist, you know. But, let's see if we can get another call in triple, 858-98840.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Barry, go right ahead. We haven't got about a minute and a half, but go ahead, brother.

>> Caroline: Okay. All right, thank you.

Question: Am I correct in assuming Christian observance of Cedar takes over

my, question is regarding the observance of Cedar. That is the, Pentecostal. Not the Pentecostal, the, Passover observance. I just would like to know where it comes from. And basically, Am I correct in assuming that our Christian, observance of, the Last Supper, takes over from the observance of Cedar?

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Barry, thank you. Alex, you got time to answer that real quickly?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. You know, the Passover Cedar, many people and one of the best is chosen People Ministries talk about how the Passover Seder or cedar really does, depict Jesus Christ. It really originated, in Talmudic Judaism in the second century. Century after the destruction of the second Temple. But, you know, I think it's very meaningful when you get it done from a Christian perspective.

>> Bert Harper: It really helps you see clearly. I would say that it fits. It fits it together. Barry. Thank you, Alex. We'll continue tomorrow with numbers. And tomorrow is a day of prayer, so we're going to keep praying. Thank you for listening to exploring the Word. The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.

Nazarite Vow and Offerings: Numbers 6 & 7