A Day Of Prayer & Jesus' Birth: Matthew 1:18-2:6

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Bert Harper and Alex McFarland discuss Matthew chapter one today

Welcome to Exploring the Word. Well, we know of Christmas in July, but how about Christmas in August? Well, we're going to talk about this because we're in the book of Matthew and after the genealogies you get straight to the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. We're going to cover that today and it's always a blessing to do that. It's, it's. I know we do it at Christmas, but it is a message that needs to be given again and again. This is Bert Harper along with Dr. Alex McFarland. And it's our joy each day at this time to dig into God's word. And we haven't gone through the book of Matthew for 11 years and we're going back through it. It is, it is a long book when it looks to gospels. Alex, let me say this and I'll throw it to you. I was reading, trying to find some, you know, new, a new perspective, a little bit. I don't mean there's nothing new under the sun. Not know that, but something I had not seen. And I found this to be interesting and I'm going to read it and share it with you and see what you think it says. Why of all the four gospels does Matthew, why was it first Matthew, Mark, Luke and Jon? It wasn't probably the first one written, it was Mark. But it said the early church placed it first in the NewSong Testament canon because it is a natural bridge between the Old and NewSong Testament. Because, and you'll find this phrase today, that it might be fulfilled is used as it bridges the Old Testament prophecies concerning Jesus. Jesus and bringing them alive in the NewSong Testament. I thought that was a good statement. What about you?

>> Alex McFarland: I agree, Bert. It's great to be with you and great to be in Matthew chapter one, and great to be Tuesday because that's the day we take prayer requests as well. But it is the perfect bridge from the book of Malachi, the closing of the Old Testament, the beginning of really the story of the NewSong Covenant. The, the NewSong Testament beginning of course with the arrival of Jesus, Matthew and very, you know, Jewish in its voice you might say it is the perfect bridge to begin to lead readers into the NewSong Testament. So good call there Bert.

Alex: Yesterday we went over the genealogy of Jesus Christ

>> Bert Harper: And that's what we want to do today. Yesterday we went over the genealogy, and, that is so important. As you said, Alex, in verse 17, the 14. The 14, the 14. You went through different individuals in those groups. But the first verse is also important. It makes it plain, and it shows the Jewishness, as we've talked about, of this book. When he said the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. that's pretty Jewish when it gets to the roots of it, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, yeah. And as we get into Matthew 28 chapters, I really do love the Gospel of Matthew, all of God's word. But we've got the Nativity, we've got the Sermon on the Mount. Very famously Matthew 5 through 7. You know, we've got, the Lord's Prayer is in this gospel. And there's so much, just to ponder on and internalize. Yesterday we went through these genealogies and, got up to verse 17, verse 18. It says. Now, the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. I always love how the King James says it, on this wise. Or as follows. After his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph. In other words, they were engaged before they came together. She was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph, her husband, and being a just man and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly or privately. So Joseph's fiance is carrying a child, and he thinks, well, you know, he will quietly call off the marriage. Right. Verse 20. But while Joseph thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a son. And you will call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. So all this was done that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which is translated God with us. So right here, excuse me, we've got a reference to Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9, 6. So Joseph gets a visitation from an angel who says, look, don't be afraid to marry Mary because that the baby she's carrying is conceived in her of the Holy Spirit. Bert, look at, if you would, at verse 20, it says, Joseph, son of David. So Joseph was of the right lineage. Do not be afraid to take to you marry your wife for that which is conceived. Now, the way the wording is, I don't want to miss this. Even though they were only engaged, it was a covenant marriage. Was a covenant. Marry your wife, and it doesn't say, marry the one who is eventually going to be your wife. Here's the thing I think about this, Bert. we accept Christ and we're saved. And then maybe people live years or decades, and then they go to heaven. When you are betrothed to Jesus, Paul in Romans 7 says, we're espoused to Jesus. We already are the bride of Christ. And the bridegroom is not going to abandon us or leave us, is he?

>> Bert Harper: He is not. And again, betrothal in those days had a little bit more significant than the engagement. In our day, they were considered husband and wife. After, that was announced, statute was given. It would not take place until later, when they would have the celebration and they would become that husband and wife. As we know, the what God said. So betrothal had the idea that, you know, they were married, and if anything took place, except for the physical relationship they could have, that they weren't living together. The other thing that I noticed in all of this, Alex, these verses that we read is what he said there. it made it plain, that which is found, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Matthew wasted no time sharing the virgin birth. He. It comes across two different times in this section. And it also comes across in a way in the genealogy. Notice what it says in verse 16, Jacob begot Joseph. Now, notice how it says that the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called the Christ, not the father of Jesus, but the husband of Mary who bore the child. Again, Alex, the virgin birth. Here, when you look at chapter, this chapter, chapter one, it is affirmed again and again and again. And so that was so important. The other thing that really got in my mind was he was going to put her away secretly. He didn't want to make a public spectacle of Mary. I think you could see the love that he had. And when the angel appeared to him in this dream. And matter of fact, there'll be four dreams that Joseph will have that will lead him and God guiding him when the angel would appear in these dreams. But notice it says, don't be afraid. Now, Alex. now, later on, he'll say, I do what you commanded, but don't be afraid. It sounds like Joseph had a soft heart, in this idea, not wanting to put her away, publicly, but secretly and do not be afraid to take her as your wife. go ahead, Joseph, go ahead. Do, follow your love for her. Do you catch the way that is said? I think it is significant myself, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: It is. And it's a great example of grace. Grace. Okay. Leviticus 20:10, in the ancient Jewish law, if a married person. And really, you know, in the eyes of the community, the union between the families involved. I mean, engagement, like you say, it carries a lot more gravity than it does now, really. I mean, it was uniting of families. It was a pledge.

>> Bert Harper: That's right.

>> Alex McFarland: you know, they used to talk about, a couple would pledge their troth T R O T H betrothed. And it was a commitment. Just. And that's why marriage is so significant. I mean, because it really is a picture of the gospel.

Bert Harper: In Biblical times, engagement, marriage and commitment was serious

And I know in our world today, frankly, engagement, marriage and commitment is not really taken as seriously as it ought to be. But back in that day, it was taken very, very, seriously. Well, in, in the case of adultery, According to Leviticus 20:10, both the. The. Both parties could be stoned. The woman and the man. And, you know, whenever there's a betrayal or infidelity, there's two people involved. But Joseph, we see Grace here. He was minded. And don't, you know, he was momentarily heartbroken. But his fiance, you know, by the way, let me just say this, that, I've heard skeptics say things like, well, she wasn't really, you know, pregnant or the virgin birth is an impossibility. or maybe in that primitive time, they were too ignorant to know. Look, they didn't have electricity or cell phones, but they knew how human reproduction worked. And so Joseph is going to quietly step, away from this engagement. But he gets a dream from God. And of course, as we said a minute ago, you know, he is told, do not be afraid to take Mary, your wife, because, she's carrying the child of the Holy Spirit. And there's these, it's fulfilled by the prophet Jesus. He will save his people from their sins. Verse 23. He is God with us, Bert. A dozen times the Gospel of Matthew reads, it was done, that it might be fulfilled by the prophets.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. This is the first one.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes.

>> Bert Harper: And what comes the fulfillment and the scripture that it fulfills. Isn't it, Alex? Right here.

>> Alex McFarland: We often say this, and I love to say it, because it's true. God has a 100% track record of keeping his promises, doesn't he?

>> Bert Harper: He really does. And this, this is highlighted in my Bible. I've got a star by it. I've got it underlined because it really does speak to the validity of the word of God, that it might be fulfilled. That's Matthew's purpose. And then the scripture, virgin will conceive. And the whole idea here is what God is doing. He's a bring, he's bringing about his redemption plan. He's already had it, but now it has started here on Earth. Alex, the redemption plan started back in Genesis when he told that serpent, hey, your head's going to be, be wounded severely, you know. And Genesis 3:15, that's it. And now here, that redemption plan, and that's the whole, that's the whole scriptures. It's God's redemption. And so this really, this virgin conceiving is of God. And Alex, it's a beautiful story, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, it is. And I want to point out in verse 18 and verse 25, before they came together and then verse 25, he did not know his wife. In other words, she was a virgin. Christ had no sin nature. After the birth of Jesus, they lived as husband and wife and had children. But Jesus born miraculously. No sin nature. And we'll talk further about this. We've got a break. This is exploring the Word. Hey, prayer requests today. We'd love to hear them. Stay tuned. We're back after this.

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We three kings of Orient are bearing gifts we traverse afar uh, field and fountain more

>> Alex McFarland: We three kings of Orient are bearing gifts we traverse afar field and fountain more and mountain following yonder stars. Born a king on Bethlehem's plain Gold I'll bring to crown him again King forever ceasing Never over us all to reign O star of wonder the star of night Star with royal beauty bright Westward leading, still proceeding Guide us to thy perfect light welcome back to Exploring the word. We're getting into Matthew chapter two. Brent Austin, great music you've picked out there. we three kings. Now, I know you associate that with the month of December, but, you know, I love Christmas. And we're in Matthew, just starting out. By the way, I'm, going to give the number because later on in the next segment, we'll take your phone calls, Bible questions and prayer requests. We, do this on Tuesdays and that. That was Bryn Austin's idea, too. Tuesday's a day of prayer. The number, and go ahead and get in the queue if you want to, but it's 888-589-884. 40. Triple 858-98840.

>> Brent: Alex, I can't take a, credit for that. Burke came in my office right before the show, and he's like, I have an idea, so.

>> Speaker C: Oh, really?

>> Brent: You'll have to give that to brother Bert, not me.

>> Alex McFarland: The day of prayer was bro. Thank you, Brent.

>> Brent: How unusual. He had that song in mind. He said, let's do it. And I said, hey, I'm all for it.

>> Alex McFarland: Let me read this from Matthew, chapter two. Now, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days, the king. That's important. Behold, wise men came from the east to Jerusalem, saying, where is he who was born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and have come to worship him. Well, Bert, that's why we played that song, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It really is. And what a. What a song. It is and it is, but here it is. And I love that sign. It says wise men. I know it can be magi, but I like wise men. And I love that saying, Wise men still seek him. That is the truth. And these wise men, I read. I was thinking about we three kings. They had position, they had wealth, they had scholarship, and they were scientists studying the stars. So they had all of these qualities and characteristics, and they came great distance to see the king. And. And the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin. They were just five miles away, and they missed it. I mean, you know, how. How Horrible it is to be so knowledgeable, so close. Here they could give directions to the wise men, but they themselves would not bow to the king. do not let that be anyone who's listening. Don't let that be your case, that you have done this, done that. But you miss the greatest relationship, the greatest person in all the world to know as savior. The only one, Alex. So, anyway, these. These wise men, it really touches my heart that they would travel that far at great distance, at great cost, with such great gifts to give to the King of the Jews.

Daniel was governor or ruler over the wise men of Babylon hundreds of years ago

>> Alex McFarland: You know, this is really amazing, here. And we've said this a few times. In Daniel 2.48-it says Daniel was made governor or ruler over the wise men of Babylon. And this is hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus. And the Jews are political prisoners and slaves in Babylon. And yet Daniel apparently was being a witness, because the question has been asked, how did the magi. And they were kind of like astrologers, and astronomers looking at combinations is a combination.

>> Bert Harper: Those really weren't they.

>> Alex McFarland: It really was. And no doubt Daniel. And kudos to Daniel for understanding, the book of Numbers that says one day a star will arise in Jacob. And, the star will signify the one in whose hand is a scepter. Who holds a scepter? A king does. Right. So years, years, years, centuries go by. Well, Jesus is born in Bethlehem, and there's a star. Remember the shepherds. And we're going to get more of this story in Luke chapter two.

>> Speaker C: But.

>> Alex McFarland: But the magi come, and they said to Herod, where is he who's born King of the Jews? Now, again, you know, Bethlehem, the ancestral home of King David, is where Jesus was born, six miles from Jerusalem. Now they say, Herod, I'll tell you this, I'll throw it back to you, Bert. Herod was a man of limited power, but he was intensely paranoid, of people. They say in his old age, even killed some of his family members. And Augustus, the Roman Emperor, said it was safer to be Herod's pig than Herod's son. That's how ruthless this man was. So here's this entourage. Now, what does it mean? Because no doubt the wise men came with, you know, an entourage. And, is it, gonna be war? You know, what is this all about? And they say to Herod, who's intensely jealous over his position, we've come to see the King of the Jews. where might we find him? And no doubt Herod is probably. His mind is racing with thoughts of Fear, paranoia, anger, manipulation. Hey, there's one king, and you're looking at him. I mean, that's probably his posture, wasn't it?

>> Bert Harper: I think it was. And, because I heard someone say he was. And when Herod was troubled, everybody around him was troubled, too, because they didn't know what he'd do. He was that paranoia. He was that, unpredictable at what he would do. Notice this term, and, Alex, I want you to speak to it. First of all, it's not prince. It's king. Amen. I mean, you know, and then it says, born king. He is born king. Not becoming king. He is born king. He was born that. To that, Alex. And that. That just really, you know, strengthens me, blesses me. And he was born king of the Jews. Not becoming. He did not inherit it. He. He was that person. Alex.

The name Jesus troubles people, says Charles Spurgeon

>> Alex McFarland: I got to read a quote by Charles Spurgeon. This is a fascinating verse, and it says, in verse three, Matthew 2, verse three, when Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all of Jerusalem with him. Now, why is it that Jesus, for some Jesus is a triumph, for some, Jesus means trouble. All right, Spurgeon said this quote, a stir begins as soon as Christ is born. He has not yet spoken a word. Jesus has not yet done a miracle. He's not proclaimed a single doctrine. But yet, when Jesus was born, from the very first, while you hear nothing but infant cries and see nothing but infant weakness, still his influence upon the world is manifest, says Spurgeon. When Jesus was born, there came wise men from the east. There is infinite power, even in an infant savior. Do you know, Bert, to this day, the name Jesus troubles people. I'll never forget. I was youth pastor at Friendly Avenue Baptist and student minister, working the. There are two or three colleges in the Greensboro area, and I was at the Baptist Student Union, and there were, I don't know, 300. They. A couple of times a year, they would have a big meal. And, the leader of the Baptist Student Union, the bsu, asked me to say the blessing and whispered in my ear, please don't pray in Jesus name, because that might offend some of the students here. Well, I'm not trying to stir the pot, but you can better know I said the blessing and thank the Lord for the food in the name of Jesus Christ. And I want to say, and I thought, you know, now this is 30 years ago, so it's, water under the bridge. But the BSU was getting paid for by Baptists that certainly they would not have Been pleased to know that, I was told not to say the blessing in Jesus name. Bert, people can talk about God. People can even talk about, you know, a higher power or the Lord, but the name of Jesus, people either love it or they don't.

>> Bert Harper: That is so true. You can know that and realize that. One more thing before we go on a little further here. We know it, but I want to say it. These wise men are Gentiles. Now, here it is. Who is Matthew, writing? Who's his target group? It's the Jewish community. Although it's for everybody. Don't. But they had. You know, somebody said, when you're, preaching a sermon, when you're telling a story, have somebody in mind so that you can look at it as they're receiving it. But here, right here, second chapter, right to beginning, he brings in who? The Gentiles who have come to worship him. that's the heart. That was what God's purpose was for the Jewish nation not to have God, only them, but to share the good news. Now, again, the gospel, this is before Jesus birth, but to share the good news that God cares, and he's the creator. He's the redeemer of what all the nations, if they come to him by faith. So, Alex, right here, right at the beginning, Matthew is not only talking about Jews, he's talking about these Gentiles. A, missional story concerning these men who have come to worship the Lord Jesus Christ. the church needs to have a vision for the world to come to Christ for all nations, don't we?

>> Alex McFarland: We really do. We really do. Herod, he's very political, and he knows what to do. In verse 4 of Matthew 2, Herod gathers all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, and he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. Now, the word Christ, Jesus Christ, it's Greek. Christos means anointed one. In other words, whenever you see the phrase the Christ, the anointed one, not only anointed, but appointed Savior. So he gets the chief priests and scribes together. Now, they answer correctly. But I've often thought this was kind of unusual. They said to him in Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet. But you. And by the way, verse six is a quotation from Micah, chapter five. But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah. For out of you shall come a ruler, capital R. This is a specific person who will shepherd my people Israel. And of course, Micah 5, 2. it says his goings forth have been from old, from everlasting. Okay. Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. I get. Bert, I would love for you to comment on this. Okay? The chief priests and scribes, verses four through six, I mean, they had the right answer, but why weren't they going to Bethlehem to see this one? That was prophesied by the prophet Micah.

>> Bert Harper: They were blinded. Now, were they blinded by fear of Herod? Were they blinded by their own power and not seeing a messiah coming as a. As a child? there's a lot of reasons. I think it's the combination. This one, this felt that way. This one felt that way, but they were blinded. Satan has come and blinded the minds. Now, I, tell you, you can be a religious leader, you can be a political leader, you can be down and out or up and in, but Satan doesn't care as long as he blinds you from real truth, the spiritual truth. And, Alex, I think that is written.

Bert Harper: When Herod heard that word, ruler, he was troubled

Now, one more thing, and I know we're coming close to the end of this segment, that this is. Okay, we're just 31 verses into Matthew, and he's already used that, same, same thing, but different little worded differently, that it might be fulfilled in chapter 122 verse. Chapter 2, verse 5. It is written by the prophet. And then he has quoted already. He's quoted Isaiah and Micah. This is Matthew. When you read the book of Matthew, you're. You're going to get some, Old Testament, whether you want it or not, Alex, you know what I mean? And here it is. The fulfillment of all that God said. Out of you shall come a ruler who shall shepherd my people Israel. When. When. When Herod heard that word, ruler, I think he is already troubled. He was already filled with fear. and I think when he heard that word ruler, it even amplified that. Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, yeah. I mean, he's scheming. He's, plotting. And by the way, you know, when this world is all you've got, I guess you would guard it jealously. But you know what? isn't it liberating, Bert, when your. Your true treasure is in heaven, your real home is with the Lord. Your actual identity and citizenship is as a child of the king. you don't have to grip this world so tightly, do you?

>> Bert Harper: M. Well said, brother. And notice what he did. He secretly called the wise men. It's showing you this conniver, this.

>> Alex McFarland: Bert, forgive me.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: I Got to paraphrase verse seven. Yeah, I do it when Herod secretly called the wiser than him men.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Good, Good point. And he's trying to figure it out. He's always done this. He's done it again and again. But he's not just met his match, Alex. He's been overmatched, as you just said. And here is God intervening in this man that is so horrible and so cruel. So all the leaders of the world that's been hideous and horrible, killers, murderers. Listen, they God's overriding them. Well, listen, we're going to take prayer requests and phone calls about your questions in the next segment. That number is 888-589-8840. We would love to hear from you today. Call right now. Right now. More mothers need that moment of Hope. Just $28 sponsors one ultrasound and $140 helps rescue five babies. Your generous tax deductible gift also helps provide mothers who choose life with love and support and care for up to two years. Please don't wait. Help surround mothers and babies with compassion, truth and hope today. To donate, dial 250 and say the key word baby. That's hashtag 250baby. Or visit preborn.com Bert Harper that's preborn.com Bert Harper don't stop praying. Don't stop calling on Jesus name Keep on pounding on heaven's door Let your knees.

National Truth for Youth Bible Week is this week

>> Bert Harper: Well, that song means it's the day of prayer. That doesn't mean we don't take questions, but it does mean that we, we make prayer a priority on Tuesday. We just do. And we want to share that with you. But before we do two, two things. We're going to do it quickly. just cause we do it quickly does not mean it's not vital and important. And one is national Truth for Youth Bible Week. And it's this week when AFR and Revival Followers International partner together to get the NewSong Testament in the hands of believing students of Christ to take them to the school and give it to someone they feel like needs to know Christ. So you have this opportunity to do this right now. The students, the parents can order it for their students and so forth. And again, truth for a Bible. They're great Bible. they got strips in a, comic strips in them or graphic novels concerning so many of the issues that youth face today. And it tells them the truth about it, but it also brings them to a relationship with Christ. So if they're 13 to 18 they can take it and give it away. Over a million have been distributed in the last 25 years. And this year our, goal, Alex, is 65,000 Bibles to, to be given to students who will put it in the hands of other teens. So here's the, here's the information and here's how you can get it. You can go to tfy.org tfy.org in order, or you can call between 8:30am and 4pm this number and you can order 8007-3347-3780-0733-4737. Be a part of this. We've been doing this again. This is our 26th year to partner together. And so far, Alex, we know of, 30, over 30,000 youth who have become believers because of these Bibles put in the hands of youth.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen, Bert. That's just wonderful. This morning at the camp, in western North Carolina, we had the youth together for the morning Bible study. And I had two teenage girls read my scripture from First Jon, chapter two. And they read to the group out of truth for youth Bibles. And so, praise God, those Bibles are in use. And Bert, again, how can people, participate in the distribution of those?

>> Bert Harper: Here's the numbers and here's the contact tfy.org that's the line. That's the website tfy.org or the number 800-733-4737. I'll give it again. Put it down, write it down. 800-733-4737.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Well, we're going to go to some calls right now. Bert, are you ready to, open up the phone line?

>> Bert Harper: I'm ready. You want me to do it or can you.

>> Alex McFarland: Let's see. Yeah, let me try here. We'll, go to Illinois. William in Illinois. Welcome to exploring the Word.

>> Speaker C: good day, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Hello there.

>> Speaker C: I, been given some thought about these last days about to be a falling away and that there would be seducing spirits and doctrines of devils people would believe and also about this time of sorrow. I know God is pouring his spirit out on other countries particularly, but, things like our nation is, some of our situations there that there's been such a seducing of spirits and doctrines of devils being adhered to. And it is a time of sorrow in this nation if it don't turn around. Thank you for your time, sir.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, Bert, you know, in Matthew 24, Jesus talks about, the beginning of sorrows right near the, into the age. And you know, the caller mentions wickedness and false teaching. Are we in the times of, quote, the beginning of sorrows, or, or can we know?

>> Bert Harper: We. With all my heart, I believe we are, again, that's us, knowing what we know. And we see the signs there. They are there. Like that song, the signs of the times. They're everywhere. They really are. Lawlessness is raging. That's one of the biggest issues, is lawlessness. Every time it's mentioned, it's talked about that. Seducing spirits. We have them. They've always been with us, but they're mag. They're multiplied. And even because of social media, they're easier to be shared. Alex. And when, untruth finds a vacancy of truth, it will come in as truth. That's the reason we need to arm ourselves with truth. That's one reason afr exists and exploring the word truth. So I thank. Thank you, William.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, there's a lot. And when we get to Matthew 24, we're going to talk more about that of while we might be in the beginning of sorrows and in the last days. Let's go to, Steve in Kentucky. Steve, thanks for holding.

Bert and Alex call to talk about the Word

Welcome to today's edition of Exploring the Word.

>> Speaker C: Yeah. Hey, Bert and Alex. I consider you guys my personal friends. That's what I tell my wife.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Back at you, brother.

>> Bert Harper: Thank you. Thank you, friend, for calling.

>> Speaker C: You're welcome.

Acts 21 tells Paul to observe the law in Jerusalem

Acts 21, Paul goes to verse 17 through, 25. They arrive in Jerusalem and, it looks like some of the early Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, were following, the law. I'm sure they, they didn't real. They didn't believe, that the law could save them. But it. They told Paul to observe the law. The, the church leaders did. Look at verse 24.

>> Bert Harper: You're right, Steve. This is transition time. I'm going to set this up and let's do it quickly.

Alex: It takes us a while to learn what grace is

We got a lot of people calling in for prayers as well. But Alex, I Remember saved at 12 years old. Now you were saved later in age than I. But, you know, there was this time of. Okay, you know, what does it mean? the Holy Spirit came and yes, they had the Holy Spirit in them, but yet there was this transition from Judaism, you know, following Judaism to this freedom. And, it is always, ah, it's a highway kind of going from one side to the other side while you're navigating, aren't you?

>> Alex McFarland: You know, Bert, that's a brilliant observation. Just like the early church was learning what grace Was, as a new Christian. I remember that. You know, I think when I first got saved, for the first several years, I was pretty legalistic.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah.

>> Alex McFarland: Really. and look, I believe, you know, in biblical standards, live right, do right. But we are under grace, aren't we, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: We really are.

>> Alex McFarland: That, you know, Martin Luther wrote about on Christian liberty. And again, I'm not saying that we. Paul addresses in Romans. Can we just live any which way? No, but we are free in Christ and it takes us a while to learn that. Took the early church a little while

>> Bert Harper: to learn that it did.

Alex: We have a prayer request for Brent from Cindy in Iowa

Hey, Alex, before we go to the next caller, we had this come to Brent, a prayer request. I know Deborah and Don and Dennis got prayer requests. We're going to get all their prayer requests, then we'll pray. But what's the prayer request you got there, Brent? I got this one late last night on, Facebook from Cindy in Washington, Iowa. she's asking for prayer for her son, who is a horse trainer. He had a horse go down on yesterday. It knocked him unconscious. And doctor, doctors say he has a brain bleed. Okay. We don't know his name, but his name is Cindy. Tori. Okay, we do know his name. Tori. Okay, we're going though those of you that are all these prayer warriors, and we do have them that listen on Tuesday, and they keep a prayer list. They write it down. they've told me about it, so. Right. Tori and the brain bleed. Where to, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

Deborah in North Carolina has cancer, and she takes cancer medicine

Let's go to, Deborah in North Carolina. Deborah. Welcome to Exploring the World.

>> Speaker C: Hey, can y' all hear me?

>> Alex McFarland: Yes. Welcome.

>> Speaker C: Praise the Lord, but thank you. Yes. Teresa. She's got cancer, breast cancer. And she takes cancer medicine so that the cancer can't spread all over her body. But, that cancer medicine is giving her side effects, and so it's making her bones brittle and she's been falling. So her doctor says either she takes the cancer or she, you know, ordered a spread. So she's trying to make some decisions if you want to continue to take the cancer medicine. And I just put it a secret. She just got to see God.

>> Bert Harper: Thank you, Deborah. Alex, the. You know, this is always the case how far along you take this, treatment, and it causes this. Wisdom needs to be given to Teresa to know which God would have her to do. So we're going to pray for that.

>> Alex McFarland: Thank you, Deborah. We are going to pray first. I'm going to try, to get Don. Don in Illinois as well. Welcome, Don.

>> Speaker C: Well, welcome. Yeah, thank you for your program. Hey, I got my cousin. He had a brain bleed, so he had kind of a stroke, and he airlifted him to Iowa City, and he was an ICU for a while. Then he got out. He's paralyzed on his right side, so he's working with him on that. And then. Then he had a blood clot in his lungs, so he went back into icu. I haven't heard what's going on, but, I just pray for. For Leland, and I pray for his wife, Pat. I pray for, their two sons. With three sons, I guess it is. so I just, I know he want to live like this. It's. It's terrible.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah.

>> Alex McFarland: Don't you say his name was Leland?

>> Speaker C: Is.

>> Alex McFarland: What is the name Leland?

>> Speaker C: Yes. Leland or Lee. Either one. He goes by either one. Lee.

>> Alex McFarland: amen. well, thank you for sharing that, Bert.

Several listeners call in with prayer requests for Tori and Teresa

we've got, Tori with the brain bleed and Teresa with repercussions from cancer and cancer treatments. Then, I happen to know several other listeners that have called in with prayer requests. Burp for these and whatever the Lord else has put on your heart.

>> Bert Harper: Would you pray for us, Bert? I will. Father, I thank you for the fellowship we have in you. We know about the power of your resurrection, but we also know something about the fellowship of your suffering. and we have brothers and sisters here that called in for others. For Tori. God, we're praying that that brain bleed would. Would be. Be stopped. And, Father, there would be no further damage and there'd be full recovery. I thank you for Cindy, his mother, knowing this and calling. Father, we're praying for. For Teresa that this. This complications from the cancers. That.

>> Speaker C: That.

>> Bert Harper: That it would be lifted. And, God, that there would be restoration for her. We thank you for that. And, Father, for Lee, and what. That brain bleed and stroke and now other complications. His wife, Pat, their three sons. God, we're praying that you would do the work that you can do. And Alex has several. I've got a friend. the funeral will be Thursday. God of. You know, Dwayne, that Father, his son and daughter and wife are left. And I just pray, God, that you would be with them. And there's a lot of others, and we. We pray that you'd meet people where they are. Carry them, Father, just like it says in that little. Little poem. you carry us during these times, Father, So carry them and protect them in Jesus name. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. M. Amen. Demetrius in Texas. Demetrius. Thanks for holding. Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Speaker C: Thank you, guys. yes, I got a young man, 17 years old, his name is Maddox. he had an ATV or four wheeler drive, roll over him, crushed his skull, been to surgery, had Blaine bleeding, broke his leg in seven different places. He's doing a lot better now, but they had to induce in coma like two, three times. just all the brothers and sisters out there who's listening today. I know there's a lot of the prayer requests out there and whatnot, but, young man is a believer, his family is a believer. And I mean to hear them saying that there's. They're still hanging on and trusting to the Lord to get them through all of this. He's gonna make it, but it's horrible. It just, you know, it's horrible. Thank you, guys.

>> Bert Harper: Thank you for friends like you, man. Alex, isn't it awesome to have friends that pray for you?

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. And we will. Demetrius.

Alex: Dennis in Missouri, are you there

Let's go to Missouri. Dennis in Missouri, are you there?

>> Speaker C: Yes, sir. How are you? Welcome. Thank you, Alex. And burden your families and your program. I try to listen as often as I can.

Bert says he's concerned about his brother's soul for salvation

My prayer request is for my brother. My brother's name is Micah. He is 81. I believe I'm younger than him a little bit, but I'm concerned about his soul for salvation. He's not saved because I try to talk with him. And these basically said I don't hear nothing about the church and all that. And which grieves me because I don't want to see my brother lost. he's the only brother I have. So I just pray before you ask that your listeners will pray that he'll. The Lord will go after with the hounds of heaven, realize that he needs to know Jesus is Lord and Savior.

>> Alex McFarland: And Dennis, what's his first name?

>> Speaker C: Cool.

>> Bert Harper: Micah.

>> Alex McFarland: Micah.

>> Speaker C: yeah, M. Micah.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah.

>> Speaker C: Bert.

>> Alex McFarland: Let me pray.

>> Bert Harper: Go ahead, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Father, in the name of Jesus, we all agree with Dennis for Micah's salvation. Father God, I ask that you would keep him alive physically till he could be born spiritually. And in Jesus name, we pray that he would desire to know you. The Holy Spirit would draw him and he would be sensitive and hear that. In the name of Jesus, we ask for this man to, come to a personal knowledge of Jesus and be saved, not lost. Lord, hear the prayers of this dear brother praying for his. His brother. And we agree in prayer. We thank you in advance. Put witnesses in his path. Maybe he'll turn on the TV and see Billy Graham or David Jeremiah. But Lord, we ask for this man's salvation and we ask it in Jesus name and for his glory. Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. We're praying for Maddox, that four wheeler accident. Young man, good man, believer. And we did not get to answer the question. Alex, I'm going to write it down again about first Jon five, seven and we're going to give an answer. So, we, we just put day of prayer as a priority. We do our best to do that. And so tomorrow we're going to continue in the book of Matthew. We'll be in chapter two. Read ahead and see some more dreams that Joseph had that God would help and guide. And we thank God for that. Tell someone about exploring the word. But more importantly, make sure you tell people about Jesus.

>> Alex McFarland: 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.

A Day Of Prayer & Jesus' Birth: Matthew 1:18-2:6

A Day Of Prayer & Jesus' Birth: Matthew 1:18-2:6

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