Bert and Alex takes your Bible questions live on Exploring the Word
>> 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 discuss miracles in Matthew chapter eight
Welcome to Exploring the Word.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, good evening everybody. This is Exploring the Word on the American Family radio network. Alex McFarland and Bert Harper. And we're so honored that you're listening. We are in the NewSong Testament Book of Matthew, the Gospel of Matthew. We're going to be wrapping up chapter eight today. Tuesday is also a special day because we take prayer requests on Tuesdays. And that was pretty much Brent Austin's idea sometime back that Tuesday is a day of prayer. So we, we later on we will take Bible questions as we always do, but we'll take prayer requests as well. And you know, as we get into Matthew chapter eight, Bert, there were all these, these proofs by which Jesus showed that he is the Messiah, the son of God. And just 30 minutes ago I was interviewed by the news department at AFR because the candidate out of Texas, James Talarico, says that, Muslims and Christians worship the same God. And I was asked to comment on that. And, and that you know, we might use different phraseology, but we're all going to the same place. I said no, no, Jesus Christ is different. Jesus is not the God of Islam. And Jesus proved it by miracles in Matthew chapter eight, healing the centurion servant we talked about yesterday. And I, think it's important that whether it be his teachings about the atonement on the cross, his resurrect from the grave on that first Easter morning, He fulfilled prophecy. He walked on water, he could control the weather, the elements. He had power over sickness and disease. Jesus is the one and only Savior and we, we dare not ever abandon that reality.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. When he said, I am the way, the truth and the life, it was truth. And there's no other way to the Father except through Jesus Christ. And Alex, as we go in continuing chapter eight, I'm still amazed at these first three healings. I think they're significant. I think it's demonstrating Jesus is not just coming to save the Jews, he's coming for the world that for God so loved what. Not the Jewish nation, not just the United States, but God so loved the world that he gave his son. And the first one was a leper who was untouched. But guess what Jesus did. He touched Him. The second was a centurion servant, a, Gentile. And Jesus, hey, he. He was healed. And again, we find that amazing. Then it brings us to verse 14, and he's in Capernaum. And listen to verses 14 through 17. Now, when Jesus had come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. And he touched her hand and the fever left her. Then she arose and served them. I love that term. When evening had come, they brought him many who were demon possessed. And he cast out the spirits with a word. And then he healed all who were sick that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, he himself took our infirmities and, and bore our sicknesses. Well, you could read this and say, wow, this is awesome. It is but two or three things. Again, he touched a leper, and then he healed the centurion servant. And now he heals a woman. And, this, let me just say this raises each individual person, made in the image of God. Everyone is important, whether they're a leper, whether or not it's a centurion servant, servant of the centurion, or a woman, they're able in the eyes of God. And Alex, he saw her and he touched her. listen, he looks on with compassion. He really does. It doesn't use those words, but you know that. And she was healed. And again, I believe it's many infallible proofs that he's doing this.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen.
>> Bert Harper: but I believe there's a reason bigger than that. And that is because of his love and compassion for others. I, I, you know, but. And, that reveals the character of God, doesn't it? It's not just, okay, I'm going to prove I'm God. I'm going to. No, I think it reveals his character of who he is. And that character reveals us. I would call it the character of God himself.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen. You know, in verse 17 there. And this was a fulfillment of, Isaiah 53 ver. 4. He himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses. Those verbs took and bore. I looked those up. And it means a number of things. But he carried, it away, literally carried it away, but he received it. Now, what's amazing is Jesus said, behold, I go away and prepare a place for you. That, if I prepare place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself. That where I am, there you may be also. You remember that. But you know what he received unto himself before he could receive Us unto himself. He took on himself our, our guilt, our sin, our fallenness with all that that entails. He took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses. And you know, Christ, he did all these healings and he heals today because he's the one who has power over sin, death and the grave. Jesus has power over the elements, even diseases and our infirmities. And I praise God. Isaiah prophesied it. Jesus fulfilled it. He took it all away, didn't he?
>> Bert Harper: He really did. One more thing. again, these, these verses are just filled with, details that are amazing to me. In verse 16, it differentiates between demon possession and sickness. Notice what it did. It says, those who were demon possessed, he cast out the spirits with a word. Again, notice he touched, Peter's mother in law. But he speaks to the spirits and they obey him.
Bert says we should give everything we've got for Jesus full out
They were cast out. And then he healed all who were sick. Again, two different groups. But he has power. He has the, as you said, over the elements, over physical ailments, sickness and everything. And power spiritually over the demon and demonic, forces. Alex. So this is our Savior. You can trust him with your life, your whole life. W H O L E. Your physical, your emotional, your spiritual. Alex, he's sufficient, isn't he?
>> Alex McFarland: Oh, my goodness. He is our all sufficient Savior. Yes. I mean, think about this word. All, sufficient. And we wake up every day and we, we have needs. The Lord knows that. And we have concerns on our heart. The Lord knows that Jesus is your source, everybody. He is all sufficient. verse 18. And when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave a commandment to depart to the other side. Then a certain scribe came and said to him, teacher, I will you wherever you go. Now, that's a wonderful statement of commitment. I'm going to come back to this in just a minute. But verse 20, Jesus said, Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head. Then another of his disciples said, lord, let me first go and bear my father. But Jesus said, follow me and let the dead bury their own dead. Bert, in business, in sales, there's something they call the cost of yes. And the cost of yes is a salesperson understanding what it might take to get a potential customer to agree. You know, maybe somebody's going to buy a house or buy an expensive appliance or something, and you want to help them understand the commitment they're making, but you want to help them over the cost of yes. you know, Jesus I'm about to say yes, but first let me go bury, you know, my father. Jesus is saying, look to the scribe. You understand? The Son of God is here on earth, the King of kings. And yet many commentators have said this, verse 20. Christ probably spent many a night outdoors sleeping under the stars. The Son of man did not have a place to lay his head. So, Bert, we should give everything we've got for Jesus, full out, 100% commitment. But we need to, I think we need to make people understand. If you take the gift of forgiveness that comes with the price of discipleship.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Alex, God does not run a bargain basement business.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen.
>> Bert Harper: You know. Well said he. Yes, there's cost. And is it worth it? Yes.
>> Bert Harper: And that's it. Yes.
>> Bert Harper: Of the cost. Yes, it is. Notice, Alex, it does not say what the scribe did, it does not say what the disciple did. You know each one of those, I really do believe, hopefully they said yes. Now the reason I say that, you remember the rich young ruler that came to Jesus and he went away sorrowful because he wasn't willing to do it.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, that was in Luke 18, wasn't it?
>> Bert Harper: Yeah, it really is. And here it is. he tells them, God, I think we need to do that in evangelism. We don't come to Jesus and everything will be smooth sailing since, well, they're about to get into a boat and they're going to find out it's not smooth sailing just because Jesus is in the boat. it's a storm that rages. And so those of you that are saying, I'm ready to follow Jesus, you don't do it with a okie dokie attitude. That's a Southern term, Okie dokie. yeah, that sounds good. No, you've got to do it. I've decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. You've got to do it like I would say Daniel did. He purposed in his heart. And so, yes, it is a prayer and it is that prayer. but it's easy for his praying and the contact, the decision. Listen, I just, Yes, count the cost. So foxes have holes, birds have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head. I find that statement beyond measure. We're talking about Jesus Christ, the very son of God. And as you said, my professor at Blue Mountain Christian University said he was on a three year camp out staying in a house every so often. ah, that really may be the case here. We don't know how much. And the Other thing I wanted to make sure. Let, the dead bury their dead. Alex, it seems like most folks said, it's not necessarily because this disciple's father was already dead. He was going to say, I'm going to go home and wait till he dies, and then I'll come. Have you heard that?
Bert: I think we have to be forthright with people
>> Alex McFarland: I have. I have. And, and I want to talk about that statement because what it's not, it's not a coarse, unsympathetic, you know, dismissal, but, you know, this thing about the cost of. Yes, and I know most people have heard this quote, but, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I was thinking about this because, you know, Rick Metaxas wrote a very wonderful biography of Bonhoeffer that I would encourage you to read. But, Bonhoeffer was part of the resistance during the Holocaust, and he was eventually hung and executed for his Christian witness. But Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, and I quote, when Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. That's powerful. Now, hey, salvation is wonderful. Salvation is joyful. Walking with Jesus is blessing after blessing. But I'm with you, Bert. I think we have to be forthright with people and say, listen, if you really seriously start out to follow Jesus, It's not going to be milk and cookies every day. And especially nowadays, if you stand up for the word of God, what it says about God, salvation, morals, marriage, gender, life, Israel, you stand up for what the Bible says, you might just have a target on your back.
>> Bert Harper: I, believe you do. Hey, we're going to find Jesus in the midst of a storm. We're going to find out what he did, what his apostles did, and it's the day of prayer and praise. So get ready to contribute to that in the last segment. Thank you for listening.
Preborn Ministries fights for the babies. Would you join Preborn in the fight for life
>> Bert Harper: If we've learned anything from this election, it's how important it is for us to fight, fight, fight.
>> Bert Harper: We also learned how desperately the left
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Bert: God loves you.
Fight, fight, fight for the babies.
Love of God oh, it chases me down Fights till I'm found leaves the 99 I couldn't earn and I don't deserve it still you give yourself away oh, the overwhelming never ending reckless love of.
>> Bert Harper: I want you to know today that God loves you. That's an amazing song that's talked about leaving the 99 and going after the 1.
>> Bert Harper: Oh man, that's our God. He is. He is now the good thing. He keeps the 99 for sure and going after that one, but he still goes after. Is he coming after you today? Is your heart drawn to the Lord God? Is there a, missing vacuum in your life that's never been able to be filled with alcohol, with popularity, with drugs, with work, education? There's this divine vacuum that only God can feel, and that's through Jesus Christ. We want you to follow him today. Well, here talking about following him, Alex, sometimes following him leads you to be uncomfortable. I found verses 23 through 27 is some of my favorite scriptures in all the Bible. And, we'll get to that. But let me read it now. When he, Jesus, got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And suddenly a great tempest arose in the sea, so that the boat was covered with waves. But, but he was asleep. Then his disciples came to him and awoke him, saying, lord, save us, we are perishing. And he said to them, why are you fearful, O you of little faith? Then he arose, rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, who can this be that even the winds and the sea obey him? Now there's going to be another storm later on in Matthew 14, and this time they'll be in the middle of, the sea with a storm with Jesus on shore. But that's when he comes walking to them. But this time they say, who is this that even the winds and the sea obey him? But in, later on in, Matthew 14, they'll say, surely this is the Son of God. You know, Alex, I love to see the growth of these men as they were following Christ his teaching and then seeing all these miracles, seeing him raise the dead. So when Jesus was. And I know I'm getting ahead, but I just Want to make this statement? So when Jesus went to the cross, he died on the cross. He rose again. And on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came and fell upon them, and they were filled with power. Okay? They had. They knew without a doubt they'd seen the risen Lord. And the Holy Spirit of God gave them power. They were ready to be said of what they said in the book of Acts. These men are the ones who are turning the world upside down.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen.
>> Bert Harper: Don't you love their progression?
>> Alex McFarland: that. That's a wonderful progression. And a similar progression can take place in the life of each and every.
>> Bert Harper: Believe me.
>> Alex McFarland: Hey, here's a real good prayer in verse 25. Lord, save us. We are perishing. You know, maybe even somebody today needs to pray that prayer. You're not in a boat on the Sea of Galilee, but you are along the journey of life. And if you pray that prayer, Lord, save us. Lord, save me. I'm lost. Lord, forgive me. I, need your forgiveness. He'll do that. He really will. He will save you. And, Bert, we have a number. Just because somebody might be listening. And you. You need to come to Christ, or make sure that you're saved. Or maybe you need to come back to Christ, or you just need somebody to talk to and pray with. What is that number, Bert? Is it 1, 800, need him?
>> Bert Harper: That's it. That's the number. And they're ready to receive your call. And, listen, they'll spend time with you, sharing with you, praying with you, helping you through scriptures that you might know Christ. Alex. They're read. By the way, I forgot to tell this. If you have a prayer request and you don't want to be on the radio, we understand that we have that quite a bit. Brent, is manning Facebook. And so if you'd get on Facebook, exploring the word Facebook and get your let, us hear your prayer request, Brent will share it with us. And I, just wanted to make sure everyone knew that. So, Alex, I wanted to get that in. I forgot to do it at the beginning. I was too anxious to get into the Bible study. I had that trust trouble when I was in church. I didn't care anything about the announcements or promotion. Let's get to the word. So I bring that same intensity to exploring the word as well.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen.
Bert: Even demons tremble at Jesus' presence
Verse 27. The men marveled, who can this be that even the winds and the sea obey him? I'll tell you who it can be. Could be God. And in fact, it is.
>> Bert Harper: Now, let's Go back. Okay, what's he done so far in this chapter? He healed a leper, right? Ah, he healed a servant. Centurion. Servant. And wasn't even there when he spoke the word. He healed Peter's, mother in law and he cast out demons. He's healed many of the sick. And now he tells the wind to calm down and the waves. Okay, settle down, boys. I'm here.
Exactly.
>> Bert Harper: This is Jesus, isn't it?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, how could he control those elements? He made those elements, you know, the wind, heaven and earth, water and sea, the universe itself. Colossians chapter 1 says that Jesus is the creator of all. He's not only the creator, the redeemer. And you know, I love. I don't mean to go backwards, but in verse 16, many M. Came, by the evening, okay, it's the end of day, sun's going down. Many came. They were demon possessed. he cast out spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. He's got this power. Well, there's going to be another healing of two men that are possessed by demons. If you read the latter part of Matthew, chapter 8 as it closes out, what's interesting to me in verse 29. So there are these two other men in the region of, Gergesenes, if I'm pronouncing that correctly. But these demons cry out, what have we to do with you, Jesus, you son of God? Have you come to torment us before the time? Now, Bert, there is just a library of theological truth in this verse. For one thing, even the demons acknowledge what some liberal college professors won't acknowledge, that Jesus is deity, the son of God, the second member of the Trinity, the promised Messiah. I mean, the demons are demons, but at least they knew who Jesus was. Many liberals today don't even know who Jesus is. But the other thing. Have you come to torment us before the time? Okay, these demons, they might could afflict a human, but they realize they can't mess with Jesus. And they know that Jesus has the power to judge and torment them. But the time, Bert. I think even the devil and his minions know that they might be rampant for this moment, but there is coming a day when almighty God hits the pause button on time. And I just think this is astounding that they somehow know that their day of judgment condemnation is. And the lake of fire is coming.
>> Bert Harper: It is amazing what they know. Okay? And yet they don't trust, we know that's demonic. James says even the demons believe and they tremble. In other words, they know, And I think this is where they tremble. They tremble at his presence, but they're also trembling at the their future. And so here it is. We, need to trust the Lord. You say, well, I believe. Well, it's more than believe, if you can understand the Word. It's not head knowledge. They have this. It is trust, faith in Christ.
Alex: I love this passage of scripture. I think it has a lot to say about our lives
Alex, I want to do something you and I do quite often. And I just want to make a real quick comment. Verse 28, the first line is so powerful. I want to read it and I want to make it into context. When he had come to the other side. Now, okay, that's it. Now what did he say before that? In verse 18, he said, let's depart to the other side. There was no doubt he had already told them, guys, let's go to the other side. So when they get into the boat and the storm is raging, they're fearful we're going to drown. Do you not care? We're perishing? There wasn't a chance they were going to perish because two things Jesus said, let's go to the other side. That means you're going to make it. And the other Jesus is there in his presence and power. And so that's the reason I love this passage of scripture. I think it has a lot to say about our lives. When you people say, I'm not sure about this idea of being the security of the believer if you are secure in Christ, if you've trusted him with your life. I didn't say you've been baptized, joined a church. I didn't say, you know, who Christ is. I'm saying, if you have entrusted your life to him, Alex, he's going to get us to the other side. There may be storms in between, and I use the word plural storms, but guess what? He's going to bring us through, isn't he?
>> Alex McFarland: He really is. We are secure in Christ. And, you know, I don't mean to belabor this point, but I've got to. One of the core doctrines of the Christian faith, and this goes back to the Old Testament prediction of the Messiah. Who would come, he would be God incarnate and then Jesus. And one of the reasons I love Christmas, by the way, four months from today is Christmas. So it's time to start getting Christmas.
>> Bert Harper: Way to go, Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Hey, you know I love Christmas.
Yeah, man.
>> Alex McFarland: I was on YouTube last night listening to oh, Holy Night, because that's my favorite Christmas song. But yes, Christmas is coming, but the birth of God incarnate, and here's the thing, Bert. I grew up in a denomination that was going very liberal. And, so once I came to Christ and began to read and understood the theological battles in which we find ourselves, I just, you know, I. Denial of the deity of Christ, that is a. That's a deal breaker. And standing up that Jesus is who he claimed to be, the son of God. I mean, this is a hill we die on. first Jon 2, verse 22 says, denial of Jesus's deity and incarnation is the mindset of the Antichrist. And when I. Forgive me, but. All right, James Talarico says, Jesus is not the one and only, Savior. We all worship the same God. Doesn't matter what you believe. If there is a heaven, we all get in here. I just want to say this in verse 29, that these demons have better theology than James Talarico. Even the demons know that Jesus is indeed the one and only son of God. I mean, I got to tell you, some of these leftists, they have worse theology than the devil and the demons. And the devil. And the demons are headed for the lake of fire. So, anyway, preaching, brother, that needs to be said.
>> Bert Harper: And all of you folks in Texas need to hear that. That's enough said on that.
>> Alex McFarland: I'm going to tell you, they do.
>> Bert Harper: They need to know that and say, hey, we got it. We can do better than this.
>> Alex McFarland: You Texans, who I love so dearly, you better pray and get out and vote and vote. Some people with some, Some principles. And that is not James Tallarico, let me tell you. But anyway, so these demons are saying, cast us into this herd of swine. They know that Jesus has the power to cast them into the lake of fire. And the demons begged him, verse 31, saying, if you cast us out, we can't inhabit these two poor victims. permit us to go into that herd of swine. Now, with one word, verse 32, Jesus says, Go.
>> Bert Harper: A two letter word, Alex, in English. I know that.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. Now, sadly, there's going to be people at the Great White Throne where Jesus says, depart, I never knew. Here, he says, go. Now, I want to tell you, and then I'll throw it back to you. But in Jon 16:11, this is very powerful. Jesus just very calmly says, the prince of this world is judged the devil. That's the prince of this world. Now again, because his time is short and every single passing day gets shorter, Satan and his demons are busy, but I want you to know, Christ said it 2,000 years ago. In Jon 16:11, he demonstrates his Authority here with a single word, go. Satan is under judgment. His destination is the lake of fire. And the security, the salvation and the service, and the security that's available is by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. And I pray everyone here in this show today has done or will do that.
>> Bert Harper: Preach it, Alex. Satan is a defeated foe already. he is defeated. He was defeated at the cross and the resurrection. It is just time until that defeat is finalized. But he is a defeated foe, Alex. I love that. Go. That's simply. He does, and that's what he does. So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. Suddenly, the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep into a sea and perished in the water. Then those who kept them, kept. Kept the swine, they went away in the city and told everything, included, what had happened to the demon possessed men. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus.
Alex Guerrero: Jesus destroyed the swine because there was money in them
And when they saw him, they begged him to depart.
>> Alex McFarland: Alex, that's ironic.
>> Bert Harper: It is ironic. Well, okay, let me ask you one or two things. Go ahead, Go ahead.
>> Alex McFarland: I think I would have, seeing the love and the power, the authority of Jesus, I would have said, please don't ever leave.
>> Bert Harper: Okay. There had to be money in the swine. Do you think the root, of all evil, a root of all evil, is the love of money? I look at that as a possibility, you know, and I've heard people say, why did Jesus do that and destroy the swine? Are they in Jewish territory when they're doing this, Alex?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, yes, they are. Now, there's 10 cities called the Decapolis, right? That traditionally was a Greek region that's called Hellenistic. And so, Gadarenes, or sometimes rendered Genesaret, was not necessarily all Jewish. All Jewish. It wasn't. But, these. These people, probably these demon possessed people, these, Guerrero, however you pronounce it, there were Jews. And so this begs the question, what in the world are y' all doing raising pigs?
>> Bert Harper: Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: You know what I mean?
>> Bert Harper: Amen. you know, they had plenty of pig pens for the prodigals to get into, didn't they? Okay. Hey, it's the day of prayer. If you have a prayer or a praise, we'd love to hear from you today. That number 888-589-8840. Or you can go to exploring, the word Facebook and let your prayer request be heard by us
>> Bert Harper: right now.
Preborn needs you to help speak the truth about life, dignity and hope
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don't stop praying? Don't stop calling on Jesus name Keep on pounding on heaven's door Let your knees wear out the floor? Don't stop believing? Cause mountains move with just a little faith and your father's heard every single word you're saying so don't stop praying?
>> Alex McFarland: Don't stop praying. Hey, if you want to share a prayer request, we'd love to agree with you in prayer. The number is 888-589-8840. Triple 888-589-8840. And we're gonna get right to it.
Bert says Dolly Parton passed away at 80
But Bert, you know, as long as you and I have been doing this show, there have been a number of really world level news events that have of, breaking news that have happened while exploring the word was going on. And I think we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the passing the homegoing of the musical icon. Dolly Parton died at 80 years old. And I want to say this folks, go online and look in 1989, she was on an awards show and she sang the Don Francisco song He's alive with the Nashville Christ church choir. And it, you'll, you'll be shouting hallelujah. Guarantee it. But, the life, the musical accomplishments and the witness, she would frequently talk about her Christian faith. God bless the memory of Dolly Parton.
>> Bert Harper: Heard her nephew is released, the announcement and everything. And in it he said, she's in the arms of Jesus. And we pray, that you would join her by trusting him. Alex, we've got people that's called, and that number is 888-589-8840. And we're going to go to Illinois and talk to Larry first. Larry, thank you for calling.
Thank you for being there.
>> Bert Harper: You bet, brother. Go right ahead.
Larry asks for prayer for his wife and ministry facing some challenges
Well, I'd like to ask for prayer for me and my wife and, the ministry we've been, called to. we're facing some challenges. Don't want to go into details here, but God knows, and, we just want to place our trust in him. I'd like for you to agree with us that things are going to turn out well, for our good, for his glory.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Listen, that's the bottom line, Larry. his glory. And sometimes it's difficult and hard.
I.
>> Bert Harper: Hey, my wife and I, we've been there. Mo m. Alex and Angie, they've been there. So we're going to be praying for you, aren't we, Alex?
>> Alex McFarland: We sure will. We sure will. And thank you for sharing that and Godspeed in all that you're doing, sir.
>> Bert Harper: Father, I pray for Larry right now for his wife, that they would, They are seeking you. We hear that in what he said. And, Father, we pray you would lead them each step of the way. And, you. Sometimes the only light we have is right in front of us, and we don't know exactly the whole path, but we know the path that we're on, and one step at a time. And I pray they would seek you, follow you, and you would bring about the peace that they need to be, knowing they're doing your will in the ministry you've called them to do. In Jesus name. Amen. yeah, Brent. Thank you, Larry.
Brent asks for prayers for Nancy following back surgery
Brent, I hear we got some praises, is that right?
>> Brent Austin: a little bit of both.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, well, share them with us, brother. Go right ahead.
>> Alex McFarland: First of all, Nancy is still in need of a job, and she's asking for prayers for continued healing from her back surgery that she had in February.
Okay.
>> Brent Austin: Trudy has praises for a new granddaughter born in Germany. Trudy's son is in the military and thankful he's over there with his wife and baby through his, paternal leave. And, also Trudy's mom has been having blood pressure issues and had to return to the hospital. So prayers for her recovery as well. And then I've got one more. I've got Mike. he said, praise the Lord. My niece Christina is in drug rehab after 20 plus years addiction and wants to stay clean. Please Pray for her salvation and for the Lord to deliver her from this.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Wow. Thank you guys for using Facebook. It's a valuable commodity. you remember when we were trying to get numbers going up and up and they've gone up and they've stayed up and we communicate with them. So pray for Nancy, do that and ask her job and for back to get better. Trudy grandbaby born in German. Man, I know what it is to have one born not in another country, but all the way across the country. And your heart is there. And pray for Mike as well. And so we're doing that. Alex, let's go to Texas and talk to Anthony. Anthony, go right ahead.
Alex: Brother, do we have any other message besides Jesus saves
God bless you, brothers. Best so enjoy what you was talking about Jesus Christ, all the miracles he has done. And here's the truth. Jesus is the way to go. To have is the only one. Pay the price at the cross for everyone who wants to believe in him. Brothers, keep going and preaching because that full earth heart. Amen.
>> Bert Harper: amen. Listen, Alex, do we have any other message besides Jesus saves? Jesus saves.
>> Alex McFarland: That's the, that's the message. That's the message that Christ. You know, I've been in many a church pulpit and every now and then you'll be in a pulpit on the backside. The audience can't see it, but the preacher can is maybe there'll be a little plaque and it says, sir, we would see Jesus.
>> Bert Harper: Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: And that message, Christ receiveth sinners, as the old song says. Hey, what else is there? And I think about this too, and we'll go back to the phones, but in this life, everything we do after we get saved should be a decades long thank you note back to Jesus.
>> Bert Harper: Hey, that's the reason we're adding praise to this. We called it day of prayer. But it is a day of praise too, because God's answering prayer and he, you know, just because it hadn't gotten there yet doesn't mean anything. Alex, how long did the, Israelites in Egypt have to wait to be delivered after they were been praying all this time?
>> Alex McFarland: Was it four, 400 years, wasn't it?
>> Bert Harper: And the last 80 years that they were there, the prayer had been answered. Moses had been born. And 40 years there in Egypt, 40 years on the desert. So their prayer had already been answered. It just hadn't arrived yet. Is that a way to say it?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, and let me just say this and the number, by the way, if you want to call in folks, it's 8 8 8 5 8 9 8, 8, 4, 0. Triple 8, 5 8, 9, 8, 8, 4, zero. I've heard a lot of people from different camps say they believe that a revival is beginning. And you know, the Bible, it's in Amos, it says God doesn't do anything without revealing it to his servants, the prophets. Bert, I'm encouraged. I'm really encouraged. And I want to tell you folks, I've lived long enough. When I became a Christian in the late 80s, Bert, there were great folks like Chuck Colson and there was James Dobson and there was Don Wildmon. A lot of people were saying, my goodness, we need a revival. And we do. And we did. It's here. It's beginning. The wheels are turning. And sometimes we just pray and wait and trust. But believe me, God is working, isn't he?
>> Bert Harper: He is. Praise the Lord.
Alex: Let the dead bury the dead. That's the bottom line for every Christian
Let's go to the phone lines one more time. And I know Brent's got one after this, but Colleen in Texas. Go right ahead.
Hi. Hello, everyone. Yes, I just want to make a comment on what I heard you all say about, the scripture in the Bible. let the dead bury the dead. Well, I had just explained that scripture to my daughter. I lost my sister 4 months ago in NewSong Orleans, Louisiana. And I was explaining it and, Jesus Christ told that man that your father is dead already and he may even be spiritual dead, and also you alive. But you may be spirit today. So come with me. And you, I will teach you how to get everlasting life so you will be able to live forever, and you will be spiritually fed and learn how to live forever.
>> Bert Harper: Well, Colleen, it is true. Jesus Christ, he brings life. There's a lot of different thoughts on verse 22, but he does say, what do you need to do, Alex? Follow me. You know, that's. That's the bottom line for every one of us, no matter what the circumstances may be. Don't wait on anything. Follow me. When? Now. Today's the day of salvation.
Brent asks for prayers for Penny's granddaughter battling lymphoma
Okay. Well, Brent, you have some more?
>> Brent Austin: yes, I have one from Penny. She was asking for prayers for her 21 year old daughter, who has lymphoma, is battling some complications with that.
>> Brent Austin: Also 21 year old. Wow.
>> Alex McFarland: And Brent, what was that name? the.
>> Brent Austin: I didn't get the daughter's name, but the, the mother's name is Penny. Let me make sure that, I don't have a name for that as Katy, her granddaughter. Penny's granddaughter, Katy. Phone crashed. I'm sorry. Yeah, she's 21 years old, battling lymphoma with complications, immune system.
>> Bert Harper: Alex, would you mind praying for Katy?
>> Alex McFarland: Yes, and I'm also going to pray for ongoing prayers for Gary Habermas.
>> Bert Harper: His wife, Eileen, is still in the
>> Alex McFarland: progression, going treatments and things. Let's pray. Father God, in the name of Jesus, we thank you that you are a healer. And we see that in Matthew 8 and elsewhere. But, Lord, I especially lift up this young adult, Penny's granddaughter. Maybe it was Katy, the name, I'm not sure, but Penny's granddaughter with lymphoma. Father, God, in the name of Jesus, please heal this. This young lady and reach, reach in. And it might be medicine, it might be a miracle, but by your means, Lord, give her health and years of life and draw her closer to you, Jesus. I pray she knows you and has complete healing spiritually and physically. And, Lord, I pray for Eileen Habermas, Lord, as she is battling pancreatic cancer. And I pray for Dr. Gary Habermas, a dear friend of this radio network and of the Gospel. Help them. we know that people everywhere are battling illnesses and concerns. So all of these and more, we lift up to you and, Jesus, we thank you for how faithful you are to meet our needs, heal our bodies, and to bless our lives. And we lift it up to you in Christ's name. Amen.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Amen.
Mary's niece is on life support
Well, let's go to the great state of North Carolina, Alex McFarland's home state, where he lives now, and talk to Mary. Mary, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Yes, sir. Thank you. I just want to say I stumbled upon this radio station like, a couple of months ago, and it just has been life changing and life altering for me. And I've called so many times and trying to get in on Tuesday, and I'm just so happy to be able to speak with you all today.
>> Bert Harper: Mary, we want to say thank you, and can I share something with you? You may think you stumbled on it, but I believe with all my heart God brought you to it. And I say that with all sincerity. And we are glad you're listening. Go right ahead.
Yes, sir. I would like for. I was going to ask for prayer for myself, but I then I thought my niece, she's on life support, and they're saying they're going to pull the plug on Thursday, just letting everybody come in, you know, say their final farewell. And I just like to ask for prayer for her. You know, I feel like God has the final say. So it may not be Thursday, may not be her day. I'm praying okay. Ask, to lift her up in prayer, sir. And her family.
>> Bert Harper: We're going to pray for you, too. Mary, I just want you to know Alex is zard if I pray, please lead us. Father, I thank you for Mary, man. I'm thankful that she, was led to listen to afr so many people. We've heard of that, and, they're a blessing to us, for us to hear. This encourages us. So I want to thank you for Mary. I pray you'd meet her need, whatever it might be, God, but for her niece, I'm praying, God, that you would draw that family to you. And as she said, you have the last word. And, Father, we trust you with that. When it's like that, we don't turn to anyone else. We turn to you and say, God, we, trust you. Life and death, we trust you. I pray you would help them, minister to them, and I pray you would speak to their hearts and if any are lost, that they'd be drawn to you and to be saved. In Jesus name, Amen. Amen again. Thank you.
Let's go to Richard in Mississippi with a prayer request
Let's go to Richard in Mississippi. Richard, go right ahead.
Hey, sir. How are y' all today?
>> Bert Harper: Doing well, man.
Well, I've got a prayer request. I have, I ministered for about 15 years, starting out in youth ministry. I did, I did worship music for our youth program at the church I grew up in. And then I, I felt God's call to the ministry, and I started into youth pastoring. A youth pastor at a couple of churches. And I got hurt really bad at the last one I was at, and I kind of fell away from it. And, I know you gentlemen both know this. When God calls you ministry, he doesn't call you for a moment. He calls you for. For your life is the way I believe. And, now back into ministering, and I'm. I'm just finding it a difficulty, as I've changed churches and I'm in a different place. And that's what I want prayer for is that whatever ministry God has there for me to do, that he would open the doors and guide me to it.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Hey, listen, God does that. And I believe you don't want to join a church. I'm just going to be frank. You don't want to be there just to be there. You want to be there as a servant of the Lord. So, Richard, we're going to pray for that. But we got Rose in Texas, and she has a prayer request as well. Rose, go right ahead.
Yes, sir. I Just. I have a grandson whose girlfriend is without a job, and she's been looking and looking, and she can't seem to find one.
She.
She.
I don't think has accepted the Lord, and so. And I think he's gotten kind of away from the Lord, and he's trying to help her with bills, so he's not paying some of his. And his sister, my granddaughter needs a car, too. He needs a car. So just for my grandkids and.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, sure, man. We'll do that. Brent, do you have something that we need to hear before we pray?
>> Brent Austin: I've actually got one more from Facebook. Tasha is asking for prayer for her, missionary work that she's doing with eight Days of Hope. She needs, financial means and blessings. And, she's also asking for prayer for her alienated daughter, who is now 20 years old and in college.
>> Bert Harper: Wow. Alex, would you mind praying? Taking us out? We got about a minute left. And, Pasha's and all these. Would you pray, brother?
>> Alex McFarland: Amen. M. Let's pray together. Lord Jesus, we continue to pray. And, Lord, I just rejoice in Matthew 8, where it says they brought all their needs to Him. So, Lord, people need a job. People need help with their finances. People need your guidance. People need healing. People need the comfort and the hope that comes only through you. We lift these things up to you for all these needs and more. Lord, you know our heart. So in every life, Thy will be done. We lift it up to youo. In Christ's name I pray. And amen.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. All you that are prayer warriors, you've written some of these down, or maybe all of them. And more has come in. We may share that tomorrow so we'll have time to pray. But be praying for these. I write their names down, and that way it helps me to pray for them and not forget. So do that. Thank you for listening to Exploring the Word here on afr. Tell someone about this program, but more importantly, tell them about Jesus.
M. The views and opinions expressed in
this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those
of the American Family association or American Family Radio. M.
Bert and Alex takes your Bible questions live on Exploring the Word
>> 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 discuss miracles in Matthew chapter eight
Welcome to Exploring the Word.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, good evening everybody. This is Exploring the Word on the American Family radio network. Alex McFarland and Bert Harper. And we're so honored that you're listening. We are in the NewSong Testament Book of Matthew, the Gospel of Matthew. We're going to be wrapping up chapter eight today. Tuesday is also a special day because we take prayer requests on Tuesdays. And that was pretty much Brent Austin's idea sometime back that Tuesday is a day of prayer. So we, we later on we will take Bible questions as we always do, but we'll take prayer requests as well. And you know, as we get into Matthew chapter eight, Bert, there were all these, these proofs by which Jesus showed that he is the Messiah, the son of God. And just 30 minutes ago I was interviewed by the news department at AFR because the candidate out of Texas, James Talarico, says that, Muslims and Christians worship the same God. And I was asked to comment on that. And, and that you know, we might use different phraseology, but we're all going to the same place. I said no, no, Jesus Christ is different. Jesus is not the God of Islam. And Jesus proved it by miracles in Matthew chapter eight, healing the centurion servant we talked about yesterday. And I, think it's important that whether it be his teachings about the atonement on the cross, his resurrect from the grave on that first Easter morning, He fulfilled prophecy. He walked on water, he could control the weather, the elements. He had power over sickness and disease. Jesus is the one and only Savior and we, we dare not ever abandon that reality.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. When he said, I am the way, the truth and the life, it was truth. And there's no other way to the Father except through Jesus Christ. And Alex, as we go in continuing chapter eight, I'm still amazed at these first three healings. I think they're significant. I think it's demonstrating Jesus is not just coming to save the Jews, he's coming for the world that for God so loved what. Not the Jewish nation, not just the United States, but God so loved the world that he gave his son. And the first one was a leper who was untouched. But guess what Jesus did. He touched Him. The second was a centurion servant, a, Gentile. And Jesus, hey, he. He was healed. And again, we find that amazing. Then it brings us to verse 14, and he's in Capernaum. And listen to verses 14 through 17. Now, when Jesus had come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever. And he touched her hand and the fever left her. Then she arose and served them. I love that term. When evening had come, they brought him many who were demon possessed. And he cast out the spirits with a word. And then he healed all who were sick that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, he himself took our infirmities and, and bore our sicknesses. Well, you could read this and say, wow, this is awesome. It is but two or three things. Again, he touched a leper, and then he healed the centurion servant. And now he heals a woman. And, this, let me just say this raises each individual person, made in the image of God. Everyone is important, whether they're a leper, whether or not it's a centurion servant, servant of the centurion, or a woman, they're able in the eyes of God. And Alex, he saw her and he touched her. listen, he looks on with compassion. He really does. It doesn't use those words, but you know that. And she was healed. And again, I believe it's many infallible proofs that he's doing this.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen.
>> Bert Harper: but I believe there's a reason bigger than that. And that is because of his love and compassion for others. I, I, you know, but. And, that reveals the character of God, doesn't it? It's not just, okay, I'm going to prove I'm God. I'm going to. No, I think it reveals his character of who he is. And that character reveals us. I would call it the character of God himself.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen. You know, in verse 17 there. And this was a fulfillment of, Isaiah 53 ver. 4. He himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses. Those verbs took and bore. I looked those up. And it means a number of things. But he carried, it away, literally carried it away, but he received it. Now, what's amazing is Jesus said, behold, I go away and prepare a place for you. That, if I prepare place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself. That where I am, there you may be also. You remember that. But you know what he received unto himself before he could receive Us unto himself. He took on himself our, our guilt, our sin, our fallenness with all that that entails. He took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses. And you know, Christ, he did all these healings and he heals today because he's the one who has power over sin, death and the grave. Jesus has power over the elements, even diseases and our infirmities. And I praise God. Isaiah prophesied it. Jesus fulfilled it. He took it all away, didn't he?
>> Bert Harper: He really did. One more thing. again, these, these verses are just filled with, details that are amazing to me. In verse 16, it differentiates between demon possession and sickness. Notice what it did. It says, those who were demon possessed, he cast out the spirits with a word. Again, notice he touched, Peter's mother in law. But he speaks to the spirits and they obey him.
Bert says we should give everything we've got for Jesus full out
They were cast out. And then he healed all who were sick. Again, two different groups. But he has power. He has the, as you said, over the elements, over physical ailments, sickness and everything. And power spiritually over the demon and demonic, forces. Alex. So this is our Savior. You can trust him with your life, your whole life. W H O L E. Your physical, your emotional, your spiritual. Alex, he's sufficient, isn't he?
>> Alex McFarland: Oh, my goodness. He is our all sufficient Savior. Yes. I mean, think about this word. All, sufficient. And we wake up every day and we, we have needs. The Lord knows that. And we have concerns on our heart. The Lord knows that Jesus is your source, everybody. He is all sufficient. verse 18. And when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave a commandment to depart to the other side. Then a certain scribe came and said to him, teacher, I will you wherever you go. Now, that's a wonderful statement of commitment. I'm going to come back to this in just a minute. But verse 20, Jesus said, Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head. Then another of his disciples said, lord, let me first go and bear my father. But Jesus said, follow me and let the dead bury their own dead. Bert, in business, in sales, there's something they call the cost of yes. And the cost of yes is a salesperson understanding what it might take to get a potential customer to agree. You know, maybe somebody's going to buy a house or buy an expensive appliance or something, and you want to help them understand the commitment they're making, but you want to help them over the cost of yes. you know, Jesus I'm about to say yes, but first let me go bury, you know, my father. Jesus is saying, look to the scribe. You understand? The Son of God is here on earth, the King of kings. And yet many commentators have said this, verse 20. Christ probably spent many a night outdoors sleeping under the stars. The Son of man did not have a place to lay his head. So, Bert, we should give everything we've got for Jesus, full out, 100% commitment. But we need to, I think we need to make people understand. If you take the gift of forgiveness that comes with the price of discipleship.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Alex, God does not run a bargain basement business.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen.
>> Bert Harper: You know. Well said he. Yes, there's cost. And is it worth it? Yes.
>> Bert Harper: And that's it. Yes.
>> Bert Harper: Of the cost. Yes, it is. Notice, Alex, it does not say what the scribe did, it does not say what the disciple did. You know each one of those, I really do believe, hopefully they said yes. Now the reason I say that, you remember the rich young ruler that came to Jesus and he went away sorrowful because he wasn't willing to do it.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, that was in Luke 18, wasn't it?
>> Bert Harper: Yeah, it really is. And here it is. he tells them, God, I think we need to do that in evangelism. We don't come to Jesus and everything will be smooth sailing since, well, they're about to get into a boat and they're going to find out it's not smooth sailing just because Jesus is in the boat. it's a storm that rages. And so those of you that are saying, I'm ready to follow Jesus, you don't do it with a okie dokie attitude. That's a Southern term, Okie dokie. yeah, that sounds good. No, you've got to do it. I've decided to follow Jesus. No turning back. You've got to do it like I would say Daniel did. He purposed in his heart. And so, yes, it is a prayer and it is that prayer. but it's easy for his praying and the contact, the decision. Listen, I just, Yes, count the cost. So foxes have holes, birds have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head. I find that statement beyond measure. We're talking about Jesus Christ, the very son of God. And as you said, my professor at Blue Mountain Christian University said he was on a three year camp out staying in a house every so often. ah, that really may be the case here. We don't know how much. And the Other thing I wanted to make sure. Let, the dead bury their dead. Alex, it seems like most folks said, it's not necessarily because this disciple's father was already dead. He was going to say, I'm going to go home and wait till he dies, and then I'll come. Have you heard that?
Bert: I think we have to be forthright with people
>> Alex McFarland: I have. I have. And, and I want to talk about that statement because what it's not, it's not a coarse, unsympathetic, you know, dismissal, but, you know, this thing about the cost of. Yes, and I know most people have heard this quote, but, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I was thinking about this because, you know, Rick Metaxas wrote a very wonderful biography of Bonhoeffer that I would encourage you to read. But, Bonhoeffer was part of the resistance during the Holocaust, and he was eventually hung and executed for his Christian witness. But Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, and I quote, when Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. That's powerful. Now, hey, salvation is wonderful. Salvation is joyful. Walking with Jesus is blessing after blessing. But I'm with you, Bert. I think we have to be forthright with people and say, listen, if you really seriously start out to follow Jesus, It's not going to be milk and cookies every day. And especially nowadays, if you stand up for the word of God, what it says about God, salvation, morals, marriage, gender, life, Israel, you stand up for what the Bible says, you might just have a target on your back.
>> Bert Harper: I, believe you do. Hey, we're going to find Jesus in the midst of a storm. We're going to find out what he did, what his apostles did, and it's the day of prayer and praise. So get ready to contribute to that in the last segment. Thank you for listening.
Preborn Ministries fights for the babies. Would you join Preborn in the fight for life
>> Bert Harper: If we've learned anything from this election, it's how important it is for us to fight, fight, fight.
>> Bert Harper: We also learned how desperately the left
>> Bert Harper: wants to fight to take babies lives. Which is why every day PreBorn Ministries fights for the babies. PreBorn's network of clinics are positioned in the highest abortion areas. Fighting for mothers deciding between the life and death of their child. Preborn welcomes these women with God's love and offers them a free ultrasound to introduce their precious baby and hear the beautiful heartbeat. This amazing encounter gives her baby a fighting chance and the majority of the time she'll choose life. Would you join PreBorn in the fight for life? One ultrasound is just $28 and $140 will sponsor five ultrasounds. Babies are worth fighting for to donate. Dial pound 250 on your cell and say the key word baby. That's £250 baby. Or visit preborn.com afr that's preborn.com afr all gifts are tax deductible and PreBorn has four star charity ratings.
Bert: God loves you.
Fight, fight, fight for the babies.
Love of God oh, it chases me down Fights till I'm found leaves the 99 I couldn't earn and I don't deserve it still you give yourself away oh, the overwhelming never ending reckless love of.
>> Bert Harper: I want you to know today that God loves you. That's an amazing song that's talked about leaving the 99 and going after the 1.
>> Bert Harper: Oh man, that's our God. He is. He is now the good thing. He keeps the 99 for sure and going after that one, but he still goes after. Is he coming after you today? Is your heart drawn to the Lord God? Is there a, missing vacuum in your life that's never been able to be filled with alcohol, with popularity, with drugs, with work, education? There's this divine vacuum that only God can feel, and that's through Jesus Christ. We want you to follow him today. Well, here talking about following him, Alex, sometimes following him leads you to be uncomfortable. I found verses 23 through 27 is some of my favorite scriptures in all the Bible. And, we'll get to that. But let me read it now. When he, Jesus, got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And suddenly a great tempest arose in the sea, so that the boat was covered with waves. But, but he was asleep. Then his disciples came to him and awoke him, saying, lord, save us, we are perishing. And he said to them, why are you fearful, O you of little faith? Then he arose, rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, who can this be that even the winds and the sea obey him? Now there's going to be another storm later on in Matthew 14, and this time they'll be in the middle of, the sea with a storm with Jesus on shore. But that's when he comes walking to them. But this time they say, who is this that even the winds and the sea obey him? But in, later on in, Matthew 14, they'll say, surely this is the Son of God. You know, Alex, I love to see the growth of these men as they were following Christ his teaching and then seeing all these miracles, seeing him raise the dead. So when Jesus was. And I know I'm getting ahead, but I just Want to make this statement? So when Jesus went to the cross, he died on the cross. He rose again. And on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came and fell upon them, and they were filled with power. Okay? They had. They knew without a doubt they'd seen the risen Lord. And the Holy Spirit of God gave them power. They were ready to be said of what they said in the book of Acts. These men are the ones who are turning the world upside down.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen.
>> Bert Harper: Don't you love their progression?
>> Alex McFarland: that. That's a wonderful progression. And a similar progression can take place in the life of each and every.
>> Bert Harper: Believe me.
>> Alex McFarland: Hey, here's a real good prayer in verse 25. Lord, save us. We are perishing. You know, maybe even somebody today needs to pray that prayer. You're not in a boat on the Sea of Galilee, but you are along the journey of life. And if you pray that prayer, Lord, save us. Lord, save me. I'm lost. Lord, forgive me. I, need your forgiveness. He'll do that. He really will. He will save you. And, Bert, we have a number. Just because somebody might be listening. And you. You need to come to Christ, or make sure that you're saved. Or maybe you need to come back to Christ, or you just need somebody to talk to and pray with. What is that number, Bert? Is it 1, 800, need him?
>> Bert Harper: That's it. That's the number. And they're ready to receive your call. And, listen, they'll spend time with you, sharing with you, praying with you, helping you through scriptures that you might know Christ. Alex. They're read. By the way, I forgot to tell this. If you have a prayer request and you don't want to be on the radio, we understand that we have that quite a bit. Brent, is manning Facebook. And so if you'd get on Facebook, exploring the word Facebook and get your let, us hear your prayer request, Brent will share it with us. And I, just wanted to make sure everyone knew that. So, Alex, I wanted to get that in. I forgot to do it at the beginning. I was too anxious to get into the Bible study. I had that trust trouble when I was in church. I didn't care anything about the announcements or promotion. Let's get to the word. So I bring that same intensity to exploring the word as well.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen.
Bert: Even demons tremble at Jesus' presence
Verse 27. The men marveled, who can this be that even the winds and the sea obey him? I'll tell you who it can be. Could be God. And in fact, it is.
>> Bert Harper: Now, let's Go back. Okay, what's he done so far in this chapter? He healed a leper, right? Ah, he healed a servant. Centurion. Servant. And wasn't even there when he spoke the word. He healed Peter's, mother in law and he cast out demons. He's healed many of the sick. And now he tells the wind to calm down and the waves. Okay, settle down, boys. I'm here.
Exactly.
>> Bert Harper: This is Jesus, isn't it?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, how could he control those elements? He made those elements, you know, the wind, heaven and earth, water and sea, the universe itself. Colossians chapter 1 says that Jesus is the creator of all. He's not only the creator, the redeemer. And you know, I love. I don't mean to go backwards, but in verse 16, many M. Came, by the evening, okay, it's the end of day, sun's going down. Many came. They were demon possessed. he cast out spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. He's got this power. Well, there's going to be another healing of two men that are possessed by demons. If you read the latter part of Matthew, chapter 8 as it closes out, what's interesting to me in verse 29. So there are these two other men in the region of, Gergesenes, if I'm pronouncing that correctly. But these demons cry out, what have we to do with you, Jesus, you son of God? Have you come to torment us before the time? Now, Bert, there is just a library of theological truth in this verse. For one thing, even the demons acknowledge what some liberal college professors won't acknowledge, that Jesus is deity, the son of God, the second member of the Trinity, the promised Messiah. I mean, the demons are demons, but at least they knew who Jesus was. Many liberals today don't even know who Jesus is. But the other thing. Have you come to torment us before the time? Okay, these demons, they might could afflict a human, but they realize they can't mess with Jesus. And they know that Jesus has the power to judge and torment them. But the time, Bert. I think even the devil and his minions know that they might be rampant for this moment, but there is coming a day when almighty God hits the pause button on time. And I just think this is astounding that they somehow know that their day of judgment condemnation is. And the lake of fire is coming.
>> Bert Harper: It is amazing what they know. Okay? And yet they don't trust, we know that's demonic. James says even the demons believe and they tremble. In other words, they know, And I think this is where they tremble. They tremble at his presence, but they're also trembling at the their future. And so here it is. We, need to trust the Lord. You say, well, I believe. Well, it's more than believe, if you can understand the Word. It's not head knowledge. They have this. It is trust, faith in Christ.
Alex: I love this passage of scripture. I think it has a lot to say about our lives
Alex, I want to do something you and I do quite often. And I just want to make a real quick comment. Verse 28, the first line is so powerful. I want to read it and I want to make it into context. When he had come to the other side. Now, okay, that's it. Now what did he say before that? In verse 18, he said, let's depart to the other side. There was no doubt he had already told them, guys, let's go to the other side. So when they get into the boat and the storm is raging, they're fearful we're going to drown. Do you not care? We're perishing? There wasn't a chance they were going to perish because two things Jesus said, let's go to the other side. That means you're going to make it. And the other Jesus is there in his presence and power. And so that's the reason I love this passage of scripture. I think it has a lot to say about our lives. When you people say, I'm not sure about this idea of being the security of the believer if you are secure in Christ, if you've trusted him with your life. I didn't say you've been baptized, joined a church. I didn't say, you know, who Christ is. I'm saying, if you have entrusted your life to him, Alex, he's going to get us to the other side. There may be storms in between, and I use the word plural storms, but guess what? He's going to bring us through, isn't he?
>> Alex McFarland: He really is. We are secure in Christ. And, you know, I don't mean to belabor this point, but I've got to. One of the core doctrines of the Christian faith, and this goes back to the Old Testament prediction of the Messiah. Who would come, he would be God incarnate and then Jesus. And one of the reasons I love Christmas, by the way, four months from today is Christmas. So it's time to start getting Christmas.
>> Bert Harper: Way to go, Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Hey, you know I love Christmas.
Yeah, man.
>> Alex McFarland: I was on YouTube last night listening to oh, Holy Night, because that's my favorite Christmas song. But yes, Christmas is coming, but the birth of God incarnate, and here's the thing, Bert. I grew up in a denomination that was going very liberal. And, so once I came to Christ and began to read and understood the theological battles in which we find ourselves, I just, you know, I. Denial of the deity of Christ, that is a. That's a deal breaker. And standing up that Jesus is who he claimed to be, the son of God. I mean, this is a hill we die on. first Jon 2, verse 22 says, denial of Jesus's deity and incarnation is the mindset of the Antichrist. And when I. Forgive me, but. All right, James Talarico says, Jesus is not the one and only, Savior. We all worship the same God. Doesn't matter what you believe. If there is a heaven, we all get in here. I just want to say this in verse 29, that these demons have better theology than James Talarico. Even the demons know that Jesus is indeed the one and only son of God. I mean, I got to tell you, some of these leftists, they have worse theology than the devil and the demons. And the devil. And the demons are headed for the lake of fire. So, anyway, preaching, brother, that needs to be said.
>> Bert Harper: And all of you folks in Texas need to hear that. That's enough said on that.
>> Alex McFarland: I'm going to tell you, they do.
>> Bert Harper: They need to know that and say, hey, we got it. We can do better than this.
>> Alex McFarland: You Texans, who I love so dearly, you better pray and get out and vote and vote. Some people with some, Some principles. And that is not James Tallarico, let me tell you. But anyway, so these demons are saying, cast us into this herd of swine. They know that Jesus has the power to cast them into the lake of fire. And the demons begged him, verse 31, saying, if you cast us out, we can't inhabit these two poor victims. permit us to go into that herd of swine. Now, with one word, verse 32, Jesus says, Go.
>> Bert Harper: A two letter word, Alex, in English. I know that.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. Now, sadly, there's going to be people at the Great White Throne where Jesus says, depart, I never knew. Here, he says, go. Now, I want to tell you, and then I'll throw it back to you. But in Jon 16:11, this is very powerful. Jesus just very calmly says, the prince of this world is judged the devil. That's the prince of this world. Now again, because his time is short and every single passing day gets shorter, Satan and his demons are busy, but I want you to know, Christ said it 2,000 years ago. In Jon 16:11, he demonstrates his Authority here with a single word, go. Satan is under judgment. His destination is the lake of fire. And the security, the salvation and the service, and the security that's available is by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. And I pray everyone here in this show today has done or will do that.
>> Bert Harper: Preach it, Alex. Satan is a defeated foe already. he is defeated. He was defeated at the cross and the resurrection. It is just time until that defeat is finalized. But he is a defeated foe, Alex. I love that. Go. That's simply. He does, and that's what he does. So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. Suddenly, the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep into a sea and perished in the water. Then those who kept them, kept. Kept the swine, they went away in the city and told everything, included, what had happened to the demon possessed men. And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus.
Alex Guerrero: Jesus destroyed the swine because there was money in them
And when they saw him, they begged him to depart.
>> Alex McFarland: Alex, that's ironic.
>> Bert Harper: It is ironic. Well, okay, let me ask you one or two things. Go ahead, Go ahead.
>> Alex McFarland: I think I would have, seeing the love and the power, the authority of Jesus, I would have said, please don't ever leave.
>> Bert Harper: Okay. There had to be money in the swine. Do you think the root, of all evil, a root of all evil, is the love of money? I look at that as a possibility, you know, and I've heard people say, why did Jesus do that and destroy the swine? Are they in Jewish territory when they're doing this, Alex?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, yes, they are. Now, there's 10 cities called the Decapolis, right? That traditionally was a Greek region that's called Hellenistic. And so, Gadarenes, or sometimes rendered Genesaret, was not necessarily all Jewish. All Jewish. It wasn't. But, these. These people, probably these demon possessed people, these, Guerrero, however you pronounce it, there were Jews. And so this begs the question, what in the world are y' all doing raising pigs?
>> Bert Harper: Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: You know what I mean?
>> Bert Harper: Amen. you know, they had plenty of pig pens for the prodigals to get into, didn't they? Okay. Hey, it's the day of prayer. If you have a prayer or a praise, we'd love to hear from you today. That number 888-589-8840. Or you can go to exploring, the word Facebook and let your prayer request be heard by us
>> Bert Harper: right now.
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don't stop praying? Don't stop calling on Jesus name Keep on pounding on heaven's door Let your knees wear out the floor? Don't stop believing? Cause mountains move with just a little faith and your father's heard every single word you're saying so don't stop praying?
>> Alex McFarland: Don't stop praying. Hey, if you want to share a prayer request, we'd love to agree with you in prayer. The number is 888-589-8840. Triple 888-589-8840. And we're gonna get right to it.
Bert says Dolly Parton passed away at 80
But Bert, you know, as long as you and I have been doing this show, there have been a number of really world level news events that have of, breaking news that have happened while exploring the word was going on. And I think we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the passing the homegoing of the musical icon. Dolly Parton died at 80 years old. And I want to say this folks, go online and look in 1989, she was on an awards show and she sang the Don Francisco song He's alive with the Nashville Christ church choir. And it, you'll, you'll be shouting hallelujah. Guarantee it. But, the life, the musical accomplishments and the witness, she would frequently talk about her Christian faith. God bless the memory of Dolly Parton.
>> Bert Harper: Heard her nephew is released, the announcement and everything. And in it he said, she's in the arms of Jesus. And we pray, that you would join her by trusting him. Alex, we've got people that's called, and that number is 888-589-8840. And we're going to go to Illinois and talk to Larry first. Larry, thank you for calling.
Thank you for being there.
>> Bert Harper: You bet, brother. Go right ahead.
Larry asks for prayer for his wife and ministry facing some challenges
Well, I'd like to ask for prayer for me and my wife and, the ministry we've been, called to. we're facing some challenges. Don't want to go into details here, but God knows, and, we just want to place our trust in him. I'd like for you to agree with us that things are going to turn out well, for our good, for his glory.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Listen, that's the bottom line, Larry. his glory. And sometimes it's difficult and hard.
I.
>> Bert Harper: Hey, my wife and I, we've been there. Mo m. Alex and Angie, they've been there. So we're going to be praying for you, aren't we, Alex?
>> Alex McFarland: We sure will. We sure will. And thank you for sharing that and Godspeed in all that you're doing, sir.
>> Bert Harper: Father, I pray for Larry right now for his wife, that they would, They are seeking you. We hear that in what he said. And, Father, we pray you would lead them each step of the way. And, you. Sometimes the only light we have is right in front of us, and we don't know exactly the whole path, but we know the path that we're on, and one step at a time. And I pray they would seek you, follow you, and you would bring about the peace that they need to be, knowing they're doing your will in the ministry you've called them to do. In Jesus name. Amen. yeah, Brent. Thank you, Larry.
Brent asks for prayers for Nancy following back surgery
Brent, I hear we got some praises, is that right?
>> Brent Austin: a little bit of both.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, well, share them with us, brother. Go right ahead.
>> Alex McFarland: First of all, Nancy is still in need of a job, and she's asking for prayers for continued healing from her back surgery that she had in February.
Okay.
>> Brent Austin: Trudy has praises for a new granddaughter born in Germany. Trudy's son is in the military and thankful he's over there with his wife and baby through his, paternal leave. And, also Trudy's mom has been having blood pressure issues and had to return to the hospital. So prayers for her recovery as well. And then I've got one more. I've got Mike. he said, praise the Lord. My niece Christina is in drug rehab after 20 plus years addiction and wants to stay clean. Please Pray for her salvation and for the Lord to deliver her from this.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Wow. Thank you guys for using Facebook. It's a valuable commodity. you remember when we were trying to get numbers going up and up and they've gone up and they've stayed up and we communicate with them. So pray for Nancy, do that and ask her job and for back to get better. Trudy grandbaby born in German. Man, I know what it is to have one born not in another country, but all the way across the country. And your heart is there. And pray for Mike as well. And so we're doing that. Alex, let's go to Texas and talk to Anthony. Anthony, go right ahead.
Alex: Brother, do we have any other message besides Jesus saves
God bless you, brothers. Best so enjoy what you was talking about Jesus Christ, all the miracles he has done. And here's the truth. Jesus is the way to go. To have is the only one. Pay the price at the cross for everyone who wants to believe in him. Brothers, keep going and preaching because that full earth heart. Amen.
>> Bert Harper: amen. Listen, Alex, do we have any other message besides Jesus saves? Jesus saves.
>> Alex McFarland: That's the, that's the message. That's the message that Christ. You know, I've been in many a church pulpit and every now and then you'll be in a pulpit on the backside. The audience can't see it, but the preacher can is maybe there'll be a little plaque and it says, sir, we would see Jesus.
>> Bert Harper: Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: And that message, Christ receiveth sinners, as the old song says. Hey, what else is there? And I think about this too, and we'll go back to the phones, but in this life, everything we do after we get saved should be a decades long thank you note back to Jesus.
>> Bert Harper: Hey, that's the reason we're adding praise to this. We called it day of prayer. But it is a day of praise too, because God's answering prayer and he, you know, just because it hadn't gotten there yet doesn't mean anything. Alex, how long did the, Israelites in Egypt have to wait to be delivered after they were been praying all this time?
>> Alex McFarland: Was it four, 400 years, wasn't it?
>> Bert Harper: And the last 80 years that they were there, the prayer had been answered. Moses had been born. And 40 years there in Egypt, 40 years on the desert. So their prayer had already been answered. It just hadn't arrived yet. Is that a way to say it?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, and let me just say this and the number, by the way, if you want to call in folks, it's 8 8 8 5 8 9 8, 8, 4, 0. Triple 8, 5 8, 9, 8, 8, 4, zero. I've heard a lot of people from different camps say they believe that a revival is beginning. And you know, the Bible, it's in Amos, it says God doesn't do anything without revealing it to his servants, the prophets. Bert, I'm encouraged. I'm really encouraged. And I want to tell you folks, I've lived long enough. When I became a Christian in the late 80s, Bert, there were great folks like Chuck Colson and there was James Dobson and there was Don Wildmon. A lot of people were saying, my goodness, we need a revival. And we do. And we did. It's here. It's beginning. The wheels are turning. And sometimes we just pray and wait and trust. But believe me, God is working, isn't he?
>> Bert Harper: He is. Praise the Lord.
Alex: Let the dead bury the dead. That's the bottom line for every Christian
Let's go to the phone lines one more time. And I know Brent's got one after this, but Colleen in Texas. Go right ahead.
Hi. Hello, everyone. Yes, I just want to make a comment on what I heard you all say about, the scripture in the Bible. let the dead bury the dead. Well, I had just explained that scripture to my daughter. I lost my sister 4 months ago in NewSong Orleans, Louisiana. And I was explaining it and, Jesus Christ told that man that your father is dead already and he may even be spiritual dead, and also you alive. But you may be spirit today. So come with me. And you, I will teach you how to get everlasting life so you will be able to live forever, and you will be spiritually fed and learn how to live forever.
>> Bert Harper: Well, Colleen, it is true. Jesus Christ, he brings life. There's a lot of different thoughts on verse 22, but he does say, what do you need to do, Alex? Follow me. You know, that's. That's the bottom line for every one of us, no matter what the circumstances may be. Don't wait on anything. Follow me. When? Now. Today's the day of salvation.
Brent asks for prayers for Penny's granddaughter battling lymphoma
Okay. Well, Brent, you have some more?
>> Brent Austin: yes, I have one from Penny. She was asking for prayers for her 21 year old daughter, who has lymphoma, is battling some complications with that.
>> Brent Austin: Also 21 year old. Wow.
>> Alex McFarland: And Brent, what was that name? the.
>> Brent Austin: I didn't get the daughter's name, but the, the mother's name is Penny. Let me make sure that, I don't have a name for that as Katy, her granddaughter. Penny's granddaughter, Katy. Phone crashed. I'm sorry. Yeah, she's 21 years old, battling lymphoma with complications, immune system.
>> Bert Harper: Alex, would you mind praying for Katy?
>> Alex McFarland: Yes, and I'm also going to pray for ongoing prayers for Gary Habermas.
>> Bert Harper: His wife, Eileen, is still in the
>> Alex McFarland: progression, going treatments and things. Let's pray. Father God, in the name of Jesus, we thank you that you are a healer. And we see that in Matthew 8 and elsewhere. But, Lord, I especially lift up this young adult, Penny's granddaughter. Maybe it was Katy, the name, I'm not sure, but Penny's granddaughter with lymphoma. Father, God, in the name of Jesus, please heal this. This young lady and reach, reach in. And it might be medicine, it might be a miracle, but by your means, Lord, give her health and years of life and draw her closer to you, Jesus. I pray she knows you and has complete healing spiritually and physically. And, Lord, I pray for Eileen Habermas, Lord, as she is battling pancreatic cancer. And I pray for Dr. Gary Habermas, a dear friend of this radio network and of the Gospel. Help them. we know that people everywhere are battling illnesses and concerns. So all of these and more, we lift up to you and, Jesus, we thank you for how faithful you are to meet our needs, heal our bodies, and to bless our lives. And we lift it up to you in Christ's name. Amen.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Amen.
Mary's niece is on life support
Well, let's go to the great state of North Carolina, Alex McFarland's home state, where he lives now, and talk to Mary. Mary, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Yes, sir. Thank you. I just want to say I stumbled upon this radio station like, a couple of months ago, and it just has been life changing and life altering for me. And I've called so many times and trying to get in on Tuesday, and I'm just so happy to be able to speak with you all today.
>> Bert Harper: Mary, we want to say thank you, and can I share something with you? You may think you stumbled on it, but I believe with all my heart God brought you to it. And I say that with all sincerity. And we are glad you're listening. Go right ahead.
Yes, sir. I would like for. I was going to ask for prayer for myself, but I then I thought my niece, she's on life support, and they're saying they're going to pull the plug on Thursday, just letting everybody come in, you know, say their final farewell. And I just like to ask for prayer for her. You know, I feel like God has the final say. So it may not be Thursday, may not be her day. I'm praying okay. Ask, to lift her up in prayer, sir. And her family.
>> Bert Harper: We're going to pray for you, too. Mary, I just want you to know Alex is zard if I pray, please lead us. Father, I thank you for Mary, man. I'm thankful that she, was led to listen to afr so many people. We've heard of that, and, they're a blessing to us, for us to hear. This encourages us. So I want to thank you for Mary. I pray you'd meet her need, whatever it might be, God, but for her niece, I'm praying, God, that you would draw that family to you. And as she said, you have the last word. And, Father, we trust you with that. When it's like that, we don't turn to anyone else. We turn to you and say, God, we, trust you. Life and death, we trust you. I pray you would help them, minister to them, and I pray you would speak to their hearts and if any are lost, that they'd be drawn to you and to be saved. In Jesus name, Amen. Amen again. Thank you.
Let's go to Richard in Mississippi with a prayer request
Let's go to Richard in Mississippi. Richard, go right ahead.
Hey, sir. How are y' all today?
>> Bert Harper: Doing well, man.
Well, I've got a prayer request. I have, I ministered for about 15 years, starting out in youth ministry. I did, I did worship music for our youth program at the church I grew up in. And then I, I felt God's call to the ministry, and I started into youth pastoring. A youth pastor at a couple of churches. And I got hurt really bad at the last one I was at, and I kind of fell away from it. And, I know you gentlemen both know this. When God calls you ministry, he doesn't call you for a moment. He calls you for. For your life is the way I believe. And, now back into ministering, and I'm. I'm just finding it a difficulty, as I've changed churches and I'm in a different place. And that's what I want prayer for is that whatever ministry God has there for me to do, that he would open the doors and guide me to it.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Hey, listen, God does that. And I believe you don't want to join a church. I'm just going to be frank. You don't want to be there just to be there. You want to be there as a servant of the Lord. So, Richard, we're going to pray for that. But we got Rose in Texas, and she has a prayer request as well. Rose, go right ahead.
Yes, sir. I Just. I have a grandson whose girlfriend is without a job, and she's been looking and looking, and she can't seem to find one.
She.
She.
I don't think has accepted the Lord, and so. And I think he's gotten kind of away from the Lord, and he's trying to help her with bills, so he's not paying some of his. And his sister, my granddaughter needs a car, too. He needs a car. So just for my grandkids and.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, sure, man. We'll do that. Brent, do you have something that we need to hear before we pray?
>> Brent Austin: I've actually got one more from Facebook. Tasha is asking for prayer for her, missionary work that she's doing with eight Days of Hope. She needs, financial means and blessings. And, she's also asking for prayer for her alienated daughter, who is now 20 years old and in college.
>> Bert Harper: Wow. Alex, would you mind praying? Taking us out? We got about a minute left. And, Pasha's and all these. Would you pray, brother?
>> Alex McFarland: Amen. M. Let's pray together. Lord Jesus, we continue to pray. And, Lord, I just rejoice in Matthew 8, where it says they brought all their needs to Him. So, Lord, people need a job. People need help with their finances. People need your guidance. People need healing. People need the comfort and the hope that comes only through you. We lift these things up to you for all these needs and more. Lord, you know our heart. So in every life, Thy will be done. We lift it up to youo. In Christ's name I pray. And amen.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. All you that are prayer warriors, you've written some of these down, or maybe all of them. And more has come in. We may share that tomorrow so we'll have time to pray. But be praying for these. I write their names down, and that way it helps me to pray for them and not forget. So do that. Thank you for listening to Exploring the Word here on afr. Tell someone about this program, but more importantly, tell them about Jesus.
M. The views and opinions expressed in
this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those
of the American Family association or American Family Radio. M.
Chapters:
(00:00) Bert and Alex takes your Bible questions live on Exploring the Word
(00:17) Alex McFarland and Bert Harper discuss miracles in Matthew chapter eight
(07:02) Bert says we should give everything we've got for Jesus full out
(12:15) Bert: I think we have to be forthright with people
(14:02) Preborn Ministries fights for the babies. Would you join Preborn in the fight for life
(15:20) Bert: God loves you.
(20:47) Bert: Even demons tremble at Jesus' presence
(24:25) Alex: I love this passage of scripture. I think it has a lot to say about our lives
(30:33) Alex : Jesus destroyed the swine because there was money in them
(32:23) Preborn needs you to help speak the truth about life, dignity and hope
(34:36) Bert says Dolly Parton passed away at 80
(36:05) Larry asks for prayer for his wife and ministry facing some challenges
(37:23) Brent asks for prayers for Nancy following back surgery
(38:57) Alex: Brother, do we have any other message besides Jesus saves
(41:52) Alex: Let the dead bury the dead. That's the bottom line for every Christian
(43:13) Brent asks for prayers for Penny's granddaughter battling lymphoma
(45:19) Mary's niece is on life support
(47:26) Let's go to Richard in Mississippi with a prayer request
Chapters:
(00:00) Bert and Alex takes your Bible questions live on Exploring the Word
(00:17) Alex McFarland and Bert Harper discuss miracles in Matthew chapter eight
(07:02) Bert says we should give everything we've got for Jesus full out
(12:15) Bert: I think we have to be forthright with people
(14:02) Preborn Ministries fights for the babies. Would you join Preborn in the fight for life
(15:20) Bert: God loves you.
(20:47) Bert: Even demons tremble at Jesus' presence
(24:25) Alex: I love this passage of scripture. I think it has a lot to say about our lives
(30:33) Alex : Jesus destroyed the swine because there was money in them
(32:23) Preborn needs you to help speak the truth about life, dignity and hope
(34:36) Bert says Dolly Parton passed away at 80
(36:05) Larry asks for prayer for his wife and ministry facing some challenges
(37:23) Brent asks for prayers for Nancy following back surgery
(38:57) Alex: Brother, do we have any other message besides Jesus saves
(41:52) Alex: Let the dead bury the dead. That's the bottom line for every Christian
(43:13) Brent asks for prayers for Penny's granddaughter battling lymphoma
(45:19) Mary's niece is on life support
(47:26) Let's go to Richard in Mississippi with a prayer request
Live
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