Exploring The Word takes your Bible questions live on American Family Radio
>> Bert Harper: The Bible.
>> Bert Harper: 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 names in Matthew chapter 10
Welcome to Exploring the Word.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, in Shakespeare's very famous play, Romeo and Juliet, there's a question, what's in a name? Well, in Matthew chapter 10, we're going to talk about, some very significant things in some names and I just think it's very interesting. The 12 apostles. And we'll go through the first four verses and much, much that follows. But we welcome you to this edition of Exploring the word. Alex McFarland here along with Bert Harper. And Bert, you know, we've gone through all of the Bible over the last 15 plus years, many times. But I always love the gospels because Matthew, Mark, Luke and Jon, the first four books of the NewSong Testament, they are biographies of Jesus and so many rich details about the ministry of God incarnate here on planet Earth. And we're in Matthew 10. We invite everybody to, follow along. But as I was reading these, Bert, you know, says Jesus and the 12 disciples, I thought about that question. What's in a name? So let's talk about that a bit, shall we?
>> Bert Harper: We shall. And some of these may have double names. Some of these guys may have their name changed. And this is an interesting roll call, as I would say it. by the way, this is the first commissioning that you'll find in the book of Matthew. Of course, Matthew 28 is for what is called the Great Commission. And so this is a trial commission. What I mean is, I don't mean their sin, but it was a trial to let these apostles know that when he gives the command in Matthew 28 later on, and when Acts 18 after Pentecost or before Pentecost and after the Holy Spirit fell, they were to go to all the earth. And these guys, guess what? They did it. But they had the advantage of having this opportunity that Jesus has given them to take the message to others as well. So Alex, Jesus was always preparing these guys for when he was leaving. And then the great one was when the Holy Spirit would come in them and empower them and they truly would go throughout the world.
Bert says Jesus gave 12 apostles power over unclean spirits
It's some list of great men here.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, absolutely. Men who changed the world. I mean, quite literally we are here today doing what we're doing because of many faithful folk that preceded us. And some of those Names are here. Let me read this. It says when he had called his 12 disciples to him, he gave them power over unclean spirits to cast them out and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Now, the names of the twelve apostles are these.
First.
>> Alex McFarland: First Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother James, the son of Zebedee, and Jon, his brother Philip, and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector. James, the son of Alphaeus and, Libaeus, whose surname was Thaddeus. Simon the Canaanite and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. You know, Thaddeus. I did not know till just now. If I did know, I'd forgotten it. Libaeus, whose surname was Thaddeus, right there in verse three. Bert, what are some of the, nuggets, the rich nuggets that came to you reading these first four verses?
You will find the list of the apostles in four different locations
>> Bert Harper: Well, you will find the list of the apostles in, four different locations. Okay. But they're always grouped. They're never. Not necessarily lined up. The first to the last, always the same. But they're found in three groups. The first four are always listed first. The second four are listed next. And then the last four. Now they may move them around. Which one of the four is listed in that list, but they are listed in that way. I, found that to be just amazing. That that's. That was consistent. It. I think it. Yes, 12 is important. But Jesus even broke it down even little further so that there would be some groups here not to. Not to compete, but for accountability. He sends them out. Two, but two. But there's accountability in when he gives those four. So here it is. Let me give them to you, if you don't mind, Alex. First is Peter, listed first. And then James, in place of going to Andrew, his brother. First he goes. He goes and puts, James here. And then Jon and Andrew. Peter, James, Jon and Andrew. They're always listed as the first four, no matter which list you find them in. And then the second list, Bartholomew or Nathaniel. Most folks that I read think these were two people that had the same name. You know, Nathaniel, the one in whom is no guile, possibility of it being Bartholomew. And I think that's true. And Philip. And they're always listed together. They must have been really close. And then Matthew and Thomas, those four Betholamu, Philip, Matthew and Thomas is the second group. The first, the. The third group. And here it is, James the less that James was a very common name. And Thaddeus or Lebeus. And one place he said Jude. And some of the commentators think his name may have been Judas. And, But he had another name, and they didn't want him to be associated with that Judah. So, you know, they, use that. And then Simon the second Simon, he's the zealot. And then always last, Judas is carrot. Who would betray him. Alex. I found that interest in that, even in all the four places listed. The four go together. These four go together. And these four, although they alternate, in which order they come. that speaks to me of the orderliness of Jesus. When he fed the 5,000, he did it orderly. Even the 4,000, he did it orderly. And so in organization. Now, this is my last thing I'd say about this, and I'll turn it over to you. Ah, but here, he has it organized in such a way that they proceed that way. I think, it makes us look at. We need to do things, what, in decency and in order. And, So that. That spoke to my heart. I don't know if it does anyone else or not. But anyway, that. That just blessed me how that occurred.
>> Alex McFarland: God bless you, Bert. Thank you for that. Amazing. That's. That's good stuff. You know, First Corinthians 14:33 says, God is not a God of disorder, but of order. Some translations say of peace. but God is a God of order. And we see that orderliness and that, intentionality, even in the listings here of the apostles. So verse 5 of Matthew 10 says that Jesus sent these 12 out saying, do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans, but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and as you go preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Now, these first seven verses, remember Acts 1, verse 8 says, you know, that, the gospel is for the Jew, first. whether it be Acts 1:8, Acts 5, 42, you see, it's to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 says, so is that the gospel first going to the Jewish people? In verse 6, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Is. Is that the Jew first? The. The. The promise of taking the gospel to the nation that was promised the birth of the Messiah in the first place?
Alex: I think God sent these guys to the Jews first
>> Bert Harper: Well, I think that's it, but I think there's an alternate thought too. And I don't think they're opposite. I think they're parallel. And it's this. These guys, they will ultimately, most of them go out into Quote the gentile world to answer their questions, to call them, but they're not ready yet. Okay, so they know Jewish tradition, they know Jewish culture, they know a lot of the law, if not care. So they can present it in such a way. I, you know, I know the Holy Spirit, he breathed on them, and I think they had some, the Holy Spirit helping them. It's different than what it was at Pentecost. Again, this pre commissioning to them, was so important because they would go into all the world, but first to the Jew, yes, to fulfill that, but I think also to prepare them for what God has later. Alex, you and I have talked about us being here on Exploring the Word. I look back on my life, the time I spent at a church. 28 years just preaching through the word of God. going on mission trips, working with people, learning how to interview people after they had come back from the mission trip and asked them questions. I look at all of that, and for the last 15 years, I've been able to use all that pre, education, pre preaching for all that, to bring it to AFR radio. And so here I, I really believe that he is sending them to these to the Jews first, yes, for that, but also for the training they would get.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Well said. Well, and like you say, I mean, they're starting out in familiar culture, familiar idioms and, conversation, Jews among Jews. Well, it says in verse eight, and this is in red. These are the words of Christ. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give, provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs, for a worker is worthy of his food. Now, whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy and stay till you go out. And when you go into a house, household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let, your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever will not receive you nor hear your words when you depart from that house or that city, shake the dust from off of your feet. Assuredly I say to you, it would be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.
Christ has entrusted the disciples with spiritual power, says Bert Harper
Now, there's a lot here. Clearly, Christ has entrusted the disciples with spiritual power. And you know what I think about this, Bert? you know, casting out demons, proclaiming the kingdom of God, healing the sick. I mean, all this is very impressive, really is. It's the power of God. But among those apparently who could wield spiritual power right along with them was Judas. And you know, when, whenever we read Matthew 7:23, where, many will say, lord, didn't we cast out demons? And, you know, in your name did many wonderful works. That's even outward religious power or the appearance of authority and power. That's no replacement for the new birth, is it?
>> Bert Harper: It is not. There's so much here. And again, we could spend more time. I want to go back to see what it says in verse 1. 12 disciples, verse 5. When Jesus sent them out, all of a sudden they've transferred from just being a follower of Christ, which disciple means or a learner, to one being an ambassador for Christ. Okay? He had kept them there. Now he's sending them out and commanded them. They're under commission, command, commission. And they do that. And they preach these. And about Judas Chariot, he was with someone. Okay? And listen, you and I, we, we save it. Burton. Alex. Alex and Bert. And a lot of times people will say, man, I heard you guys say this, and guess what? It was one of us that said it, you know, but yet, because we're teamed up together, you know, they're hearing that. I believe that was true with Judas Carrot again, when you see how he groups them together, I believe Judas was either with James the Less or Thaddeus or Simon the Zealot. And they, had power. They were real. But Judas been along. If he didn't have it or he didn't use it, he got part of the credit for it. And so we're going to be back and there's some more things here that I think will interest you. But more than that, help you as you are sent out by Christ on a commission of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
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Everybody has trial and temptation. Everybody knows heartbreak, isolation. But we can lay our burdens down.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. We hope you'll do that. At the foot of the cross. Because Jesus is that friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Bert and Alex discuss mission strategy in Matthew chapter 10
Well, you're listening to Exploring the Word here on American Family Radio. It's Bert and Alex, and we are in Matthew chapter 10. It is a commissioning, and it was a commissioning to the 12 to go out into that country. that would not be Gentiles or Samaritans. That would come later.
But.
>> Bert Harper: But go to the house of Israel. But there is a mission strategy that is so real here, and it's true in any group, whether you're trying to start a plant a church, start a Bible study, or whatever you do. And it's found here in verses 11, 12, and 13. I want to share that. Alex. Nathan, I, get my right son. When you got three sons, you start doing a roll call if you're not careful until you get the right one. But Nathan, my son and I do exploring missions on the weekend. And listen to this verse 11 and following. Now, whatever city or town you enter, inquire in, it is worthy and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. Now, what this is, you find a person of peace. A person of peace, they not may not be saved yet. They may not be ready to. To, say, I'm ready to embrace this. But they're ready to hear. They're ready to hear more about it. And if you find a family like that, a household like that, make that a place of centering and ministering from now again, do that all the time on mission trips. And if you go out into a small village or whatever, they'll go through. But when they find a person of peace, a person that is willing to listen, a person that is ready, and you start sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, it can and will expand from there. And. But if you don't find that person, shake the dust off of your feet and head to someone else. And so, Alex, this strategy really does work. And, even in a listen at a church where I was, we used this strategy and I would say in apartment complexes and some, subdivisions, and we were trying to reach people, it wasn't just inviting them to come to church, but we would, try to, quote, invade their territory. But by starting this and finding that person of peace and, and branch out from there, start inviting. And they don't have to go all the way across town to the church. They can come to an apartment, they can come to a house. And there they start hearing about good news of Jesus Christ. That strategy was good in that day. That strategy is still good in our day.
Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: Bur said, there was an English writer years ago named Samuel Butler, and he used to say, a person convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. Do you ever hear that little. And do you know, it doesn't take long to determine if somebody is open to you or not. Have you ever noticed that? Especially in sharing the gospel. Now, I believe in talking with people and as Fanny Crosby would write, plead with them earnestly. But, this might sound kind of harsh. Verses 11 through 14. But Jesus says, you know, as you go, greet and offer the peace of God, and if they, if they're worthy, they'll receive you. And if they don't, shake, shake the dust off your feet. Verse 14. That's kind of equivalent, saying wash your hands of it and move on. the gospel does not return void. That's Isaiah 55. And, a few times in my life, Bert, I have shared the gospel with people who just shut, me down. And then years later I would see them and they would say, hey, I never could forget what you talked to me about. And I eventually became a Christian, Bert. When I was at the Cove back in July, the Billy Graham center, there was a dear man there. And the last time I had seen this man was 10 years prior. And he was an atheist, and he was pretty staunch intractable atheist. And, you know, I was very nice to him and had had many gospel conversations with him, but it really got nowhere. And I just hadn't seen him in about a decade. And I was shaking hands with people at the Cove and there he was, and, he's a, ah, certain man, Mr. Jones. but I said, what are you doing here? He looked, he smiled, he said, well, I teach Sunday school. He said, I'm a believer now. And I said, fantastic. But, it took a while. But sometimes, Bert, I mean, you can tell if people receive you or reject you. Aren't you able to tell?
>> Bert Harper: Generally you are, but you never know who's going to reap the. The harvest. Okay, that's so true. We plant. That's what God has called us to do. And you planted that seed. It was on his heart. Don't know who it was. May just be he by himself, contemplating what you said. The Holy Spirit driving it home. It's like, David Jeremiah, Route 66, Driving the Truth home.
>> Bert Harper: And.
>> Bert Harper: And when you share God's word, he says, it will never come back. without purpose. It's going to accomplish something. So it will accomplish them coming to Christ or accomplish them considering it. They might not always come, but it is that powerful.
Alex: Notice the 12 disciples in chapter 11. Notice what this is. This is a commissioning service
Now, Alex, verse 16, you may want to go further back. But this is so important. Notice what this is. And again, chapter 10, and then the first part of chapter 11 are so connected, but it's so important. Notice the 12 disciples. And then in verse 5, he sent out and commanded them. Now, in verse 16, behold, I send you out. I send you what a statement. Jesus Christ is set, is telling Peter, James, Jon, Andrew, Bartholomew, he says, I'm, sending you out, but I'm sending you into a tough place, like sheep among wolves. And, so we can look at that. But I wanted to skip over to chapter 11, verse one, just real quickly, because I think you see the context in which they're sent out. Now, it came to pass when Jesus finished commanding his 12 disciples. Okay, this is the whole. This is a commissioning service. Alex, you've been part of a commissioning service, and this is a commissioning service that Jesus is given to the 12. And then after he had finished giving that commissioning service and sending them out, what did he do? He departed from there. And notice what he does to teach and preach in their cities. The third part of his ministry that he did most of the time was what, Healing. Here, he does not mention that. And that's one of the reasons, again, practicality. don't take out the practical word of how Jesus did things and how he organized. yes, there's spiritual life in it, but there's also practicality. If these 12 go out and they have the power to heal, that means there will not be as much healing for Jesus to do. And he can spend his time doing what? Teaching and healing. do. you catch how that this all connects?
>> Alex McFarland: You are so right. You know, I want to read a little bit here, verse 24, and then I'm going to go backward.
>> Bert Harper: But we're good at going backward. Have you noticed?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, that's right. I mean, you'll read a verse, set out a thought, and then get through material, supported the thought.
>> Bert Harper: That's good Bible study, Alex. Go right ahead, man.
>> Alex McFarland: A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house, Beelzebub. Let me turn the page here. How much more will they call those of his household? Therefore, do not fear them, for there is nothing Covered, that will not be revealed and hidden. That will not be known. So persecutions are coming. And Jesus says, I'm sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves. You know the great piano, player Liberace, in an interview one time, you know, he said, people often say I want to play like you're able to play. And he said, well, are you willing to do what I did to make it possible for me to do what I do? In other words, years and years and years of practice. I mean, if you've got a hero and you really want to be like your hero, then, it's not just the accolades and the fame. There's the price before the prize, right? And so Jesus is saying, look, if I'm your master and your Lord, and they hate and persecute me, they're going to hate and persecute you as well. And do you know, if you've ever wondered, folks, you know, why am I going through what I'm going through? It doesn't seem fair. I've tried to be a good Christian, a faithful believer. My family is church going folk. Why are we going through this or that hard time? Well, if they would, crucify the perfect man, you know, Heaven help the rest of us, right? so, they're going out and Jesus says, beware of Men, verse 17. They will deliver you up to councils, scourge you in their synagogues. I mean, a synagogue is a place of worship. Imagine somebody being scourged and beaten in, in a house of worship. You will be brought before governors and kings for my sake as a testimony to them, to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak, for it will be given to you in that hour which you should speak. For it is not you who speak, but the spirit of your Father who speaks in you. By the way, the whole Trinity is here in verse 20.
Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: I saw that Christ be doing the talking, referencing the Holy Spirit sent from God the Father, right? There is a verse, Matthew 10:20, that really references the entire Trinity. Now Bert, let me just say this, I'll throw it back to you. It's one thing for a fallen world to persecute the church and the followers of Jesus. But in verse 21, brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father, his child and children will rise up against parents. Boy, we see that nowadays and cause them to be put to death. You'll be hated by all. For my name's Sake. Now do you see in verse 18, for my sake, verse 22, for my name's sake, it, I mean just mark it down. here in America, most people have been Christian, you know, and that's good. But the tide sadly seems to be changing. The the culture at large seems pretty negative toward the things of God. But Bert, in many, many a, country throughout history, if you take a stand for Jesus, you've got a target on your back. The world doesn't have a too big a problem with philosophy or creeds or self help programs. But when you say Jesus Christ is the revelation of God to the human race, the second member of the Trinity, he rose from the dead. His word is true. Christ is the king, he's the one and only path to heaven. I mean if you take a stand for Jesus, that's where tolerance is, seems to be strangely absent in, isn't it?
>> Bert Harper: That can be tolerant of everyone. Except that.
There are three areas of persecution that Christians face in India, Alex says
Now Alex noticed these. You've already gone on them, but let's give them a name. Verse 17, persecution through religion. Verse 18, persecution through government. Verse 21, persecution through family. These three areas are the areas. And you find this so true? I, throughout. You find it in America, yes, but you find it you just use India. I've interviewed quite a few missionaries that work in India and we talk about it and from different regions, it's different places. But these are the three you find. Everybody thinks that Buddha and Hindu is peaceful. They're not so peaceful when it comes to believers there in India doing everything they can. And, and so they have that. Then they have the government right now, the, the leader of India is really coming down, making it hard for Christian ministries and churches to operate in India. We need to pray for them because that is a highly populated area that has been open somewhat to the gospel. But they're doing everything they can close it and then family, how many of them, when they came to Christ they would reject them completely, put them out. So these are the three areas of persecution that again, this is missional. Okay, look at it from A missional chapter 10 is a missional chapter on how the church should operate. Yes, it was to the, the is, you know, the Jewish people right then. But it's still the model for what was coming. So you're going to expect this religion according to what area of the country you're in, what area of the world you're in. But that will come. Then government. The government is not freedom. This is why I would say, Islam and communism, are kindly being joined together here in many places in America, because the enemy of my enemy is my friend. And so they look at just what you said earlier, Alex, about Jesus Christ, anything but Jesus. And so they're coming together to try to say, hey, we need to change everything. so here it is. Go ahead.
>> Alex McFarland: You know, there's that old saying, politics makes strange bedfellows. So does persecution.
>> Bert Harper: That's right, it does. Good point, Alex. Amen. So here it is. But he. Now, what happens? Verse 22. But he who endures to the end will be saved. I just. Yeah, persecution is going to come. Now, what's going to show that whether it was real or not? Well, I want to tell you, Judas Zachariah proved that it wasn't real. When in the beginning, Judas didn't fall. He never was, was he, Alex?
>> Alex McFarland: That's true. That's right. To fall, you have to have been upright at one time, which Judas never was. Well, we're going to come back and take questions. The number, write this down, if you would, 888-589-8840. That's 888-589-8840. Your questions after this.
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I give you my plans. I give you my decision.
>> Alex McFarland: Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Bert and Alex. The number, if you have a Bible question, we would love to answer any and all Bible questions. We'll do our best. It's triple 858-98840.
Alex: We had a baptismal service yesterday in a historic lake
And Bert, as we queue up the telephone calls, May I tell you about this very memorable service I had the joy of participating in yesterday?
>> Bert Harper: Well, you told us about it Friday, so I'm ready to hear. I think everybody else is as well. Go ahead.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, there is a lake right outside of Greensboro. It's in a community called Kimesville. K I M M E S V I L L E Kimesville. The big rock dam, huge rock dam and lake was built in 1820, 12. I mean, way back then. James Madison, our fourth president, was president. Napoleon was leading the French military when this lake was built. That's how far back it goes. But we had a baptismal service yesterday, and it was great out there in that historic lake where they've done baptisms for 200 years. And, people were up on the bank. A lot of people came and we had, kind of bluegrass gospel music playing there. And the Lord just gave us a wonderful day. The weather was good and people made their profession of faith. And, baptism is. Is what we often call the first step of obedience for a new believer. And I was out there and I, wore shorts and tennis shoes and walked out in that lake. And, one. One gentleman, was probably a foot taller than me. But, we didn't lose a one, didn't lose anybody.
>> Bert Harper: Yeah, I baptized a guy. He was a former basketball player for the Tennessee Volunteers College, you know. And, he got saved. Six, eight. And, I had to nearly climb up on a ladder to reach his. I wasn't quite that bad, but it was amazing baptizing people that tall. Amen, Alex. I'm glad to hear that. Well, that number. And we do have some lines open if you want to call. Triple 858-98-8840 is the number. And we're going to go to Texas. Brett. Now, I know you call Friday. You haven't been hanging on until then. You did get. Just called back. You didn't hang on, right?
>> Speaker E: No, I got some sleep in between now and then. I appreciate it.
>> Bert Harper: Amen, brother. I appreciate you calling back. Go right ahead, man.
>> Speaker E: Yeah, actually, I got. I got that question answered. It was a caller that, had mentioned, reference in scripture between scripture and Mary Magdalene at the tomb. And my radio had cut out in between. Then it kind of caused me some confusion to make me think that he was mentioning something about Jon's profession being a gardener. And, so that was. I'd answer my own question on that.
Brett: Alex mentioned that Judas never was with Jesus
the question I had was, regarding to, Alex's comment right before the break, he mentioned that Judas never was. And I was just wondering in Scripture where it actually references, Judas's somewhat inadequacy aside from his deception ultimately in the end. And I know he was introduced as the one who would betray him, but to my understanding, in Acts, they even had to replace him as a head of a church. So, I mean, I would suffice to say that there are a certain, you know, quite a few people he led to Christ. And I was wondering, what we could, what scripture we could use to kind of draw that conclusion, to corroborate, Alex's comment right before the break of his, you know, that he never was.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, in, in Jon 17, verse 12, it calls Judas, ah, quote, the son of perdition at P, E R D I T I O N. Perdition really means, you know, eternal damnation. So a, ah, Son of God, a child of God born again would not be a son of perdition. And so, while I believe that, Judas absolutely outwardly went through the motions and you know, to an observer it would have appeared that he was, you know, with them. And he may have physically been a part of the apostles, but his heart was never yielded to Jesus. and I think this is, proven by the fact that he would betray him for 30 pieces of silver. so Judas, like Bert said, he didn't fall because he never was standing with Christ really in the first place.
>> Bert Harper: Where is it? Alex, you're my lexicon a lot of times. Where is it? He had a demon from the very beginning. That's another place. Do you remember where that is?
>> Alex McFarland: no, but we can find, we
>> Bert Harper: find that real quick. He had a demon from the very beginning. Now why would Jesus do that? Well, yes, he knew what he was doing. The prophecy would be fulfilled. But still Judas had the opportunity to turn away and turn to Christ, but he chose not to. It was a willing choice that he made, Brett. So, Judas was that and from the very beginning. And so I would say this about him, about Matthias replacing him. it says because he was a part of the ministry, he, I put it this way, he carried his weight. In other words, Judas was not a slacker. He a, lot of folks that are, you know, fake or whatever you'd want to say, they're going to make it look, they're going to keep up appearance. And he kept up the appearance. And now, notice they always worked two by two and they needed a 12th person to complete that, to go out two by two. Now that's my thoughts on it, Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Mm, Yeah. do you know, it talks about Satan entered Judas there in like Jon 13:27. And I know there is a scripture, and I can't call it off top my head about how he had a demon from the very beginning. Now, not from the beginning of his, his birth, all people, but, at some point in his life, he irrevocably was given over to evil, such that he never, you know, he could have accepted salvation, but he never did.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, Brett, we hope that helps. Brother, son, of perdition. He never was part of that. and that's what it says over there. When he was preaching Sermon on the Mount, I never knew you. You look at it in the Greek. I knew you at no time. There was no time that I knew you. And that, that describes Judas.
Alex: I often wondered who Judas was with when Jesus cast out demons
Let's go to Iowa and talk to Marty. Marty, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Alex and Bert, thank you so much. I so much appreciate your program. And I think you guys just might have answered my question. When my question was when Jesus sent them out two by two, I often wondered who Judas was with and if he had any ability to cast out any kind of demon. And when they came back, they were so excited that they had been able to perform these miraculous things and cast out demons. Then Jesus would told them, and I'm paraphrasing, gentlemen, but it's like, don't be excited about that, but, be excited that your name is written in the book of life. And I just often wondered, was, was, was Judas just standing there with one of the others and watching this? Because it's hard to, to imagine that he had any ability to cast out anything. So I don't know, in the timeline, maybe I'm incorrect.
>> Bert Harper: And so Marty, let me share with you. Do you remember who was it here? I'm asking you all these questions. I know them. I can't find it all. But when, they said, you know, Paul, I know, this one I know, but I don't know you. When he was trying to cast out a demon in his own power, you know that I think it was because my personal opinion, I may be wrong, that he was with someone. Now, he carried the load. In other words, when it was time to gather the wood, he gathered the wood. When it was time to cook the meal out onto the campfire, he cooked the meal. I think he did all of that. But when it comes to all of that, I believe he was along for the ride. that's just my Thoughts. And we'll find out one day in heaven, I guess.
>> Alex McFarland: Alex, you know, you mentioned Acts 19 when, Paul is in Ephesus. And, some of the, the people nearby, some Jews were jealous that Paul had authority. And so they tried to do that and lock horns with demons and, the, the seven sons of Shiva.
>> Bert Harper: That's it.
>> Alex McFarland: You remember that?
>> Bert Harper: Yes, I do. I knew it was there. Thank you, Lord.
>> Alex McFarland: And in verse 15 of Acts 19, a demon says to them, jesus, I know, Paul, I know, but who are you? And then the man with this demon jumped on them and basically, one demon possessed man whipped the seven sons of Shiva, didn't he?
>> Speaker E: He did.
>> Bert Harper: So I think there's evidence that Judas carry it, you know, but that's just I putting that all together. And so, one of these days we'll find out. Some of these questions we have is, okay, it could be this way. Some are definite, but praise the Lord that we are going to still be wondering in heaven when we get there to sit at the feet of Jesus and worship him. And it says, being a lifelong learner, it may be eternal learning. okay, Alex, you catch what I'm saying exactly?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, and you mentioned Luke, or the caller mentioned Luke 10:20. Don't, rejoice that you have spiritual power, but rejoice that your names are written in the Lamb's Book of life.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Make sure you're saved. All of you who are listening today. Make sure Jesus Christ is the Lord of your life. Don't. Don't take a chance. Well, I don't know. Maybe so you can know. So call upon Jesus. Do it today.
>> Bert Harper: And asking him to forgive you and
>> Bert Harper: come into your life as Lord.
Bert: Alex, I passionately believe in the Rapture
Let's go to Kentucky. No, I go the wrong way. I think it is. Okay, Greg in Kentucky. Yeah. Go ahead, Greg.
>> Caroline: That's me. Bless you guys. You're gonna think you went the wrong way when you let me talk on there.
>> Bert Harper: Hey, they let me on, Greg. Go ahead, man.
>> Caroline: Okay. I told your screener that I would behave, but I'll make a reference. So I'll be loose about it. I'll be politically correct. but I'm. I'm being Earnest. The other night, one of your most recent programs that featured that, and I'm getting the name wrong. I'm going to only sound it out phonetically. Is that Dr. Baruch Foreman? I don't. I've never understood, I've never looked up his ministry. But he has a segment, you know, with you guys on the, on the Network. And in his last key share was all about, kind of being dogmatic about the pre Trib, position. And he was laying it out there and referring to scriptures in Revelation 13 and saying that basically all the rest of you guys are. He didn't use the word heresy, but he said there's a lot of other people on this network, you know, that say post or, I'm sorry, pre tribulation, rapture. And he's saying, no Christians will go through the. The tribulation.
>> Bert Harper: Yeah.
And he was given all the scriptural basis for it. And I guess, Alex, to you, and I know you've addressed this before, for lack of a better word, frustration is sometimes. Why is the Bible so that you can find so many contradictory scriptures like that in it? I'm 65 years old and it keeps me confused for a lifetime. To me, it only makes sense that the Rapture is going to be the kickoff. You know, that's going to be the big reveal. if you calendared anything else, you know, then you're going to have, then everybody's going to be able to go to the calendar and say, okay, here's, here's where we're at, you know, and we're not, we're not supposed to know the time anyway. I'm done. It's just.
Greg.
I wish, ew. Jackson had that time slot. Yawk Yonk.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, you. You did good, Greg. Go ahead, Alex. He referred to you first.
God.
>> Alex McFarland: God bless you. Well, you know, there, there are no contradictions in the Bible, but the interpretations of man can conflict because, while God's Word is infallible, our understanding of God's word and our interpretations of certain passages that are a little bit ambiguous, our interpretations are definitely fallible sometimes, aren't they, Bert?
>> Bert Harper: They really are, Alex and I agree with you. Listen, I want to say something. When we try to do this, Alex and I do our best, we believe this, but we have fellow believers that love the Lord as much as we do, and they love God's scriptures and they look at that a little bit different. So, Alex, with all my heart, I think there got to be some grace with eschatology.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, we've said it many times. The point of orthodoxy, on which we all agree, all true Christians agree. Christians, Christ is literally coming back and he will rule and reign victoriously, and the evil fallen systems of the world will be vanquished. Now, because eschatology is so voluminous, at least 30% of the Bible deals with future events. One thing that I would encourage people, and I do, I passionately believe in the Rapture. Seven year literal tribulation, battle of Armageddon, return of Christ, thousand year millennium, new heavens and new earth. I believe that. And let me just say without belaboring this point, I can virtually guarantee that if you Google the Rapture, you're going to read somebody writing an article saying, well, it was invented in 1830 by Jon Nelson Darby that is utterly 1000% false. And anybody that writes and says that the Rapture was, quote, invented in the early 1800s needs to do a little more church history. But at the very same time, I wouldn't burn bridges with anybody, because, look, we're all brothers and sisters in Christ. If you're a believer. The Son of God died on the cross for our sins. We receive his forgiveness by faith in Jesus. Even though, Bert, I have some rather strongly held opinions about theology and you know, exegesis, ministry flows out of kindness, really. And I would just encourage people, the, interpretations where somebody loves the Lord, but you might disagree, be gentle and hold those, opinions loosely. and let's agree and unify around the core truths that we never would debate. That the Son of God shed his blood on Calvary's cross and rose again.
>> Bert Harper: That's right. Greg, thank you.
Alex: We'll continue in Matthew chapter 10 tomorrow
Hey Patti, sorry we didn't get to a new caller and we, we didn't get to call back tomorrow, please. And we'll go to you first. Okay, so Patti, from Tennessee. We'd love to hear your question, Alex. We'll continue in Matthew chapter 10 tomorrow and it'll finish up this commissioning service that Jesus was given to these 12 as they were to go out and preach and heal and deliver from demonic forces. What a first time assignment. Tomorrow we'll finish this up and look at it and we hope it'll be a blessing to you tell someone about this program, but more importantly, tell them about Jesus.
The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
Exploring The Word takes your Bible questions live on American Family Radio
>> Bert Harper: The Bible.
>> Bert Harper: 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 names in Matthew chapter 10
Welcome to Exploring the Word.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, in Shakespeare's very famous play, Romeo and Juliet, there's a question, what's in a name? Well, in Matthew chapter 10, we're going to talk about, some very significant things in some names and I just think it's very interesting. The 12 apostles. And we'll go through the first four verses and much, much that follows. But we welcome you to this edition of Exploring the word. Alex McFarland here along with Bert Harper. And Bert, you know, we've gone through all of the Bible over the last 15 plus years, many times. But I always love the gospels because Matthew, Mark, Luke and Jon, the first four books of the NewSong Testament, they are biographies of Jesus and so many rich details about the ministry of God incarnate here on planet Earth. And we're in Matthew 10. We invite everybody to, follow along. But as I was reading these, Bert, you know, says Jesus and the 12 disciples, I thought about that question. What's in a name? So let's talk about that a bit, shall we?
>> Bert Harper: We shall. And some of these may have double names. Some of these guys may have their name changed. And this is an interesting roll call, as I would say it. by the way, this is the first commissioning that you'll find in the book of Matthew. Of course, Matthew 28 is for what is called the Great Commission. And so this is a trial commission. What I mean is, I don't mean their sin, but it was a trial to let these apostles know that when he gives the command in Matthew 28 later on, and when Acts 18 after Pentecost or before Pentecost and after the Holy Spirit fell, they were to go to all the earth. And these guys, guess what? They did it. But they had the advantage of having this opportunity that Jesus has given them to take the message to others as well. So Alex, Jesus was always preparing these guys for when he was leaving. And then the great one was when the Holy Spirit would come in them and empower them and they truly would go throughout the world.
Bert says Jesus gave 12 apostles power over unclean spirits
It's some list of great men here.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, absolutely. Men who changed the world. I mean, quite literally we are here today doing what we're doing because of many faithful folk that preceded us. And some of those Names are here. Let me read this. It says when he had called his 12 disciples to him, he gave them power over unclean spirits to cast them out and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Now, the names of the twelve apostles are these.
First.
>> Alex McFarland: First Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother James, the son of Zebedee, and Jon, his brother Philip, and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector. James, the son of Alphaeus and, Libaeus, whose surname was Thaddeus. Simon the Canaanite and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. You know, Thaddeus. I did not know till just now. If I did know, I'd forgotten it. Libaeus, whose surname was Thaddeus, right there in verse three. Bert, what are some of the, nuggets, the rich nuggets that came to you reading these first four verses?
You will find the list of the apostles in four different locations
>> Bert Harper: Well, you will find the list of the apostles in, four different locations. Okay. But they're always grouped. They're never. Not necessarily lined up. The first to the last, always the same. But they're found in three groups. The first four are always listed first. The second four are listed next. And then the last four. Now they may move them around. Which one of the four is listed in that list, but they are listed in that way. I, found that to be just amazing. That that's. That was consistent. It. I think it. Yes, 12 is important. But Jesus even broke it down even little further so that there would be some groups here not to. Not to compete, but for accountability. He sends them out. Two, but two. But there's accountability in when he gives those four. So here it is. Let me give them to you, if you don't mind, Alex. First is Peter, listed first. And then James, in place of going to Andrew, his brother. First he goes. He goes and puts, James here. And then Jon and Andrew. Peter, James, Jon and Andrew. They're always listed as the first four, no matter which list you find them in. And then the second list, Bartholomew or Nathaniel. Most folks that I read think these were two people that had the same name. You know, Nathaniel, the one in whom is no guile, possibility of it being Bartholomew. And I think that's true. And Philip. And they're always listed together. They must have been really close. And then Matthew and Thomas, those four Betholamu, Philip, Matthew and Thomas is the second group. The first, the. The third group. And here it is, James the less that James was a very common name. And Thaddeus or Lebeus. And one place he said Jude. And some of the commentators think his name may have been Judas. And, But he had another name, and they didn't want him to be associated with that Judah. So, you know, they, use that. And then Simon the second Simon, he's the zealot. And then always last, Judas is carrot. Who would betray him. Alex. I found that interest in that, even in all the four places listed. The four go together. These four go together. And these four, although they alternate, in which order they come. that speaks to me of the orderliness of Jesus. When he fed the 5,000, he did it orderly. Even the 4,000, he did it orderly. And so in organization. Now, this is my last thing I'd say about this, and I'll turn it over to you. Ah, but here, he has it organized in such a way that they proceed that way. I think, it makes us look at. We need to do things, what, in decency and in order. And, So that. That spoke to my heart. I don't know if it does anyone else or not. But anyway, that. That just blessed me how that occurred.
>> Alex McFarland: God bless you, Bert. Thank you for that. Amazing. That's. That's good stuff. You know, First Corinthians 14:33 says, God is not a God of disorder, but of order. Some translations say of peace. but God is a God of order. And we see that orderliness and that, intentionality, even in the listings here of the apostles. So verse 5 of Matthew 10 says that Jesus sent these 12 out saying, do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans, but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and as you go preach, saying, the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Now, these first seven verses, remember Acts 1, verse 8 says, you know, that, the gospel is for the Jew, first. whether it be Acts 1:8, Acts 5, 42, you see, it's to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 says, so is that the gospel first going to the Jewish people? In verse 6, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Is. Is that the Jew first? The. The. The promise of taking the gospel to the nation that was promised the birth of the Messiah in the first place?
Alex: I think God sent these guys to the Jews first
>> Bert Harper: Well, I think that's it, but I think there's an alternate thought too. And I don't think they're opposite. I think they're parallel. And it's this. These guys, they will ultimately, most of them go out into Quote the gentile world to answer their questions, to call them, but they're not ready yet. Okay, so they know Jewish tradition, they know Jewish culture, they know a lot of the law, if not care. So they can present it in such a way. I, you know, I know the Holy Spirit, he breathed on them, and I think they had some, the Holy Spirit helping them. It's different than what it was at Pentecost. Again, this pre commissioning to them, was so important because they would go into all the world, but first to the Jew, yes, to fulfill that, but I think also to prepare them for what God has later. Alex, you and I have talked about us being here on Exploring the Word. I look back on my life, the time I spent at a church. 28 years just preaching through the word of God. going on mission trips, working with people, learning how to interview people after they had come back from the mission trip and asked them questions. I look at all of that, and for the last 15 years, I've been able to use all that pre, education, pre preaching for all that, to bring it to AFR radio. And so here I, I really believe that he is sending them to these to the Jews first, yes, for that, but also for the training they would get.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Well said. Well, and like you say, I mean, they're starting out in familiar culture, familiar idioms and, conversation, Jews among Jews. Well, it says in verse eight, and this is in red. These are the words of Christ. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give, provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs, for a worker is worthy of his food. Now, whatever city or town you enter, inquire who in it is worthy and stay till you go out. And when you go into a house, household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let, your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever will not receive you nor hear your words when you depart from that house or that city, shake the dust from off of your feet. Assuredly I say to you, it would be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.
Christ has entrusted the disciples with spiritual power, says Bert Harper
Now, there's a lot here. Clearly, Christ has entrusted the disciples with spiritual power. And you know what I think about this, Bert? you know, casting out demons, proclaiming the kingdom of God, healing the sick. I mean, all this is very impressive, really is. It's the power of God. But among those apparently who could wield spiritual power right along with them was Judas. And you know, when, whenever we read Matthew 7:23, where, many will say, lord, didn't we cast out demons? And, you know, in your name did many wonderful works. That's even outward religious power or the appearance of authority and power. That's no replacement for the new birth, is it?
>> Bert Harper: It is not. There's so much here. And again, we could spend more time. I want to go back to see what it says in verse 1. 12 disciples, verse 5. When Jesus sent them out, all of a sudden they've transferred from just being a follower of Christ, which disciple means or a learner, to one being an ambassador for Christ. Okay? He had kept them there. Now he's sending them out and commanded them. They're under commission, command, commission. And they do that. And they preach these. And about Judas Chariot, he was with someone. Okay? And listen, you and I, we, we save it. Burton. Alex. Alex and Bert. And a lot of times people will say, man, I heard you guys say this, and guess what? It was one of us that said it, you know, but yet, because we're teamed up together, you know, they're hearing that. I believe that was true with Judas Carrot again, when you see how he groups them together, I believe Judas was either with James the Less or Thaddeus or Simon the Zealot. And they, had power. They were real. But Judas been along. If he didn't have it or he didn't use it, he got part of the credit for it. And so we're going to be back and there's some more things here that I think will interest you. But more than that, help you as you are sent out by Christ on a commission of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
>> Bert Harper: 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 loving 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 hashtag 250 and say the key word baby. That's hashtag 250baby. Or visit preborn.com Bert Harper that's preborn.com Bert Harper.
Everybody has trial and temptation. Everybody knows heartbreak, isolation. But we can lay our burdens down.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. We hope you'll do that. At the foot of the cross. Because Jesus is that friend that sticks closer than a brother.
Bert and Alex discuss mission strategy in Matthew chapter 10
Well, you're listening to Exploring the Word here on American Family Radio. It's Bert and Alex, and we are in Matthew chapter 10. It is a commissioning, and it was a commissioning to the 12 to go out into that country. that would not be Gentiles or Samaritans. That would come later.
But.
>> Bert Harper: But go to the house of Israel. But there is a mission strategy that is so real here, and it's true in any group, whether you're trying to start a plant a church, start a Bible study, or whatever you do. And it's found here in verses 11, 12, and 13. I want to share that. Alex. Nathan, I, get my right son. When you got three sons, you start doing a roll call if you're not careful until you get the right one. But Nathan, my son and I do exploring missions on the weekend. And listen to this verse 11 and following. Now, whatever city or town you enter, inquire in, it is worthy and stay there till you go out. And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. Now, what this is, you find a person of peace. A person of peace, they not may not be saved yet. They may not be ready to. To, say, I'm ready to embrace this. But they're ready to hear. They're ready to hear more about it. And if you find a family like that, a household like that, make that a place of centering and ministering from now again, do that all the time on mission trips. And if you go out into a small village or whatever, they'll go through. But when they find a person of peace, a person that is willing to listen, a person that is ready, and you start sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, it can and will expand from there. And. But if you don't find that person, shake the dust off of your feet and head to someone else. And so, Alex, this strategy really does work. And, even in a listen at a church where I was, we used this strategy and I would say in apartment complexes and some, subdivisions, and we were trying to reach people, it wasn't just inviting them to come to church, but we would, try to, quote, invade their territory. But by starting this and finding that person of peace and, and branch out from there, start inviting. And they don't have to go all the way across town to the church. They can come to an apartment, they can come to a house. And there they start hearing about good news of Jesus Christ. That strategy was good in that day. That strategy is still good in our day.
Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: Bur said, there was an English writer years ago named Samuel Butler, and he used to say, a person convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. Do you ever hear that little. And do you know, it doesn't take long to determine if somebody is open to you or not. Have you ever noticed that? Especially in sharing the gospel. Now, I believe in talking with people and as Fanny Crosby would write, plead with them earnestly. But, this might sound kind of harsh. Verses 11 through 14. But Jesus says, you know, as you go, greet and offer the peace of God, and if they, if they're worthy, they'll receive you. And if they don't, shake, shake the dust off your feet. Verse 14. That's kind of equivalent, saying wash your hands of it and move on. the gospel does not return void. That's Isaiah 55. And, a few times in my life, Bert, I have shared the gospel with people who just shut, me down. And then years later I would see them and they would say, hey, I never could forget what you talked to me about. And I eventually became a Christian, Bert. When I was at the Cove back in July, the Billy Graham center, there was a dear man there. And the last time I had seen this man was 10 years prior. And he was an atheist, and he was pretty staunch intractable atheist. And, you know, I was very nice to him and had had many gospel conversations with him, but it really got nowhere. And I just hadn't seen him in about a decade. And I was shaking hands with people at the Cove and there he was, and, he's a, ah, certain man, Mr. Jones. but I said, what are you doing here? He looked, he smiled, he said, well, I teach Sunday school. He said, I'm a believer now. And I said, fantastic. But, it took a while. But sometimes, Bert, I mean, you can tell if people receive you or reject you. Aren't you able to tell?
>> Bert Harper: Generally you are, but you never know who's going to reap the. The harvest. Okay, that's so true. We plant. That's what God has called us to do. And you planted that seed. It was on his heart. Don't know who it was. May just be he by himself, contemplating what you said. The Holy Spirit driving it home. It's like, David Jeremiah, Route 66, Driving the Truth home.
>> Bert Harper: And.
>> Bert Harper: And when you share God's word, he says, it will never come back. without purpose. It's going to accomplish something. So it will accomplish them coming to Christ or accomplish them considering it. They might not always come, but it is that powerful.
Alex: Notice the 12 disciples in chapter 11. Notice what this is. This is a commissioning service
Now, Alex, verse 16, you may want to go further back. But this is so important. Notice what this is. And again, chapter 10, and then the first part of chapter 11 are so connected, but it's so important. Notice the 12 disciples. And then in verse 5, he sent out and commanded them. Now, in verse 16, behold, I send you out. I send you what a statement. Jesus Christ is set, is telling Peter, James, Jon, Andrew, Bartholomew, he says, I'm, sending you out, but I'm sending you into a tough place, like sheep among wolves. And, so we can look at that. But I wanted to skip over to chapter 11, verse one, just real quickly, because I think you see the context in which they're sent out. Now, it came to pass when Jesus finished commanding his 12 disciples. Okay, this is the whole. This is a commissioning service. Alex, you've been part of a commissioning service, and this is a commissioning service that Jesus is given to the 12. And then after he had finished giving that commissioning service and sending them out, what did he do? He departed from there. And notice what he does to teach and preach in their cities. The third part of his ministry that he did most of the time was what, Healing. Here, he does not mention that. And that's one of the reasons, again, practicality. don't take out the practical word of how Jesus did things and how he organized. yes, there's spiritual life in it, but there's also practicality. If these 12 go out and they have the power to heal, that means there will not be as much healing for Jesus to do. And he can spend his time doing what? Teaching and healing. do. you catch how that this all connects?
>> Alex McFarland: You are so right. You know, I want to read a little bit here, verse 24, and then I'm going to go backward.
>> Bert Harper: But we're good at going backward. Have you noticed?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, that's right. I mean, you'll read a verse, set out a thought, and then get through material, supported the thought.
>> Bert Harper: That's good Bible study, Alex. Go right ahead, man.
>> Alex McFarland: A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house, Beelzebub. Let me turn the page here. How much more will they call those of his household? Therefore, do not fear them, for there is nothing Covered, that will not be revealed and hidden. That will not be known. So persecutions are coming. And Jesus says, I'm sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves. You know the great piano, player Liberace, in an interview one time, you know, he said, people often say I want to play like you're able to play. And he said, well, are you willing to do what I did to make it possible for me to do what I do? In other words, years and years and years of practice. I mean, if you've got a hero and you really want to be like your hero, then, it's not just the accolades and the fame. There's the price before the prize, right? And so Jesus is saying, look, if I'm your master and your Lord, and they hate and persecute me, they're going to hate and persecute you as well. And do you know, if you've ever wondered, folks, you know, why am I going through what I'm going through? It doesn't seem fair. I've tried to be a good Christian, a faithful believer. My family is church going folk. Why are we going through this or that hard time? Well, if they would, crucify the perfect man, you know, Heaven help the rest of us, right? so, they're going out and Jesus says, beware of Men, verse 17. They will deliver you up to councils, scourge you in their synagogues. I mean, a synagogue is a place of worship. Imagine somebody being scourged and beaten in, in a house of worship. You will be brought before governors and kings for my sake as a testimony to them, to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak, for it will be given to you in that hour which you should speak. For it is not you who speak, but the spirit of your Father who speaks in you. By the way, the whole Trinity is here in verse 20.
Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: I saw that Christ be doing the talking, referencing the Holy Spirit sent from God the Father, right? There is a verse, Matthew 10:20, that really references the entire Trinity. Now Bert, let me just say this, I'll throw it back to you. It's one thing for a fallen world to persecute the church and the followers of Jesus. But in verse 21, brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father, his child and children will rise up against parents. Boy, we see that nowadays and cause them to be put to death. You'll be hated by all. For my name's Sake. Now do you see in verse 18, for my sake, verse 22, for my name's sake, it, I mean just mark it down. here in America, most people have been Christian, you know, and that's good. But the tide sadly seems to be changing. The the culture at large seems pretty negative toward the things of God. But Bert, in many, many a, country throughout history, if you take a stand for Jesus, you've got a target on your back. The world doesn't have a too big a problem with philosophy or creeds or self help programs. But when you say Jesus Christ is the revelation of God to the human race, the second member of the Trinity, he rose from the dead. His word is true. Christ is the king, he's the one and only path to heaven. I mean if you take a stand for Jesus, that's where tolerance is, seems to be strangely absent in, isn't it?
>> Bert Harper: That can be tolerant of everyone. Except that.
There are three areas of persecution that Christians face in India, Alex says
Now Alex noticed these. You've already gone on them, but let's give them a name. Verse 17, persecution through religion. Verse 18, persecution through government. Verse 21, persecution through family. These three areas are the areas. And you find this so true? I, throughout. You find it in America, yes, but you find it you just use India. I've interviewed quite a few missionaries that work in India and we talk about it and from different regions, it's different places. But these are the three you find. Everybody thinks that Buddha and Hindu is peaceful. They're not so peaceful when it comes to believers there in India doing everything they can. And, and so they have that. Then they have the government right now, the, the leader of India is really coming down, making it hard for Christian ministries and churches to operate in India. We need to pray for them because that is a highly populated area that has been open somewhat to the gospel. But they're doing everything they can close it and then family, how many of them, when they came to Christ they would reject them completely, put them out. So these are the three areas of persecution that again, this is missional. Okay, look at it from A missional chapter 10 is a missional chapter on how the church should operate. Yes, it was to the, the is, you know, the Jewish people right then. But it's still the model for what was coming. So you're going to expect this religion according to what area of the country you're in, what area of the world you're in. But that will come. Then government. The government is not freedom. This is why I would say, Islam and communism, are kindly being joined together here in many places in America, because the enemy of my enemy is my friend. And so they look at just what you said earlier, Alex, about Jesus Christ, anything but Jesus. And so they're coming together to try to say, hey, we need to change everything. so here it is. Go ahead.
>> Alex McFarland: You know, there's that old saying, politics makes strange bedfellows. So does persecution.
>> Bert Harper: That's right, it does. Good point, Alex. Amen. So here it is. But he. Now, what happens? Verse 22. But he who endures to the end will be saved. I just. Yeah, persecution is going to come. Now, what's going to show that whether it was real or not? Well, I want to tell you, Judas Zachariah proved that it wasn't real. When in the beginning, Judas didn't fall. He never was, was he, Alex?
>> Alex McFarland: That's true. That's right. To fall, you have to have been upright at one time, which Judas never was. Well, we're going to come back and take questions. The number, write this down, if you would, 888-589-8840. That's 888-589-8840. Your questions after this.
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>> Alex McFarland: Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Bert and Alex. The number, if you have a Bible question, we would love to answer any and all Bible questions. We'll do our best. It's triple 858-98840.
Alex: We had a baptismal service yesterday in a historic lake
And Bert, as we queue up the telephone calls, May I tell you about this very memorable service I had the joy of participating in yesterday?
>> Bert Harper: Well, you told us about it Friday, so I'm ready to hear. I think everybody else is as well. Go ahead.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, there is a lake right outside of Greensboro. It's in a community called Kimesville. K I M M E S V I L L E Kimesville. The big rock dam, huge rock dam and lake was built in 1820, 12. I mean, way back then. James Madison, our fourth president, was president. Napoleon was leading the French military when this lake was built. That's how far back it goes. But we had a baptismal service yesterday, and it was great out there in that historic lake where they've done baptisms for 200 years. And, people were up on the bank. A lot of people came and we had, kind of bluegrass gospel music playing there. And the Lord just gave us a wonderful day. The weather was good and people made their profession of faith. And, baptism is. Is what we often call the first step of obedience for a new believer. And I was out there and I, wore shorts and tennis shoes and walked out in that lake. And, one. One gentleman, was probably a foot taller than me. But, we didn't lose a one, didn't lose anybody.
>> Bert Harper: Yeah, I baptized a guy. He was a former basketball player for the Tennessee Volunteers College, you know. And, he got saved. Six, eight. And, I had to nearly climb up on a ladder to reach his. I wasn't quite that bad, but it was amazing baptizing people that tall. Amen, Alex. I'm glad to hear that. Well, that number. And we do have some lines open if you want to call. Triple 858-98-8840 is the number. And we're going to go to Texas. Brett. Now, I know you call Friday. You haven't been hanging on until then. You did get. Just called back. You didn't hang on, right?
>> Speaker E: No, I got some sleep in between now and then. I appreciate it.
>> Bert Harper: Amen, brother. I appreciate you calling back. Go right ahead, man.
>> Speaker E: Yeah, actually, I got. I got that question answered. It was a caller that, had mentioned, reference in scripture between scripture and Mary Magdalene at the tomb. And my radio had cut out in between. Then it kind of caused me some confusion to make me think that he was mentioning something about Jon's profession being a gardener. And, so that was. I'd answer my own question on that.
Brett: Alex mentioned that Judas never was with Jesus
the question I had was, regarding to, Alex's comment right before the break, he mentioned that Judas never was. And I was just wondering in Scripture where it actually references, Judas's somewhat inadequacy aside from his deception ultimately in the end. And I know he was introduced as the one who would betray him, but to my understanding, in Acts, they even had to replace him as a head of a church. So, I mean, I would suffice to say that there are a certain, you know, quite a few people he led to Christ. And I was wondering, what we could, what scripture we could use to kind of draw that conclusion, to corroborate, Alex's comment right before the break of his, you know, that he never was.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, in, in Jon 17, verse 12, it calls Judas, ah, quote, the son of perdition at P, E R D I T I O N. Perdition really means, you know, eternal damnation. So a, ah, Son of God, a child of God born again would not be a son of perdition. And so, while I believe that, Judas absolutely outwardly went through the motions and you know, to an observer it would have appeared that he was, you know, with them. And he may have physically been a part of the apostles, but his heart was never yielded to Jesus. and I think this is, proven by the fact that he would betray him for 30 pieces of silver. so Judas, like Bert said, he didn't fall because he never was standing with Christ really in the first place.
>> Bert Harper: Where is it? Alex, you're my lexicon a lot of times. Where is it? He had a demon from the very beginning. That's another place. Do you remember where that is?
>> Alex McFarland: no, but we can find, we
>> Bert Harper: find that real quick. He had a demon from the very beginning. Now why would Jesus do that? Well, yes, he knew what he was doing. The prophecy would be fulfilled. But still Judas had the opportunity to turn away and turn to Christ, but he chose not to. It was a willing choice that he made, Brett. So, Judas was that and from the very beginning. And so I would say this about him, about Matthias replacing him. it says because he was a part of the ministry, he, I put it this way, he carried his weight. In other words, Judas was not a slacker. He a, lot of folks that are, you know, fake or whatever you'd want to say, they're going to make it look, they're going to keep up appearance. And he kept up the appearance. And now, notice they always worked two by two and they needed a 12th person to complete that, to go out two by two. Now that's my thoughts on it, Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Mm, Yeah. do you know, it talks about Satan entered Judas there in like Jon 13:27. And I know there is a scripture, and I can't call it off top my head about how he had a demon from the very beginning. Now, not from the beginning of his, his birth, all people, but, at some point in his life, he irrevocably was given over to evil, such that he never, you know, he could have accepted salvation, but he never did.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, Brett, we hope that helps. Brother, son, of perdition. He never was part of that. and that's what it says over there. When he was preaching Sermon on the Mount, I never knew you. You look at it in the Greek. I knew you at no time. There was no time that I knew you. And that, that describes Judas.
Alex: I often wondered who Judas was with when Jesus cast out demons
Let's go to Iowa and talk to Marty. Marty, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Alex and Bert, thank you so much. I so much appreciate your program. And I think you guys just might have answered my question. When my question was when Jesus sent them out two by two, I often wondered who Judas was with and if he had any ability to cast out any kind of demon. And when they came back, they were so excited that they had been able to perform these miraculous things and cast out demons. Then Jesus would told them, and I'm paraphrasing, gentlemen, but it's like, don't be excited about that, but, be excited that your name is written in the book of life. And I just often wondered, was, was, was Judas just standing there with one of the others and watching this? Because it's hard to, to imagine that he had any ability to cast out anything. So I don't know, in the timeline, maybe I'm incorrect.
>> Bert Harper: And so Marty, let me share with you. Do you remember who was it here? I'm asking you all these questions. I know them. I can't find it all. But when, they said, you know, Paul, I know, this one I know, but I don't know you. When he was trying to cast out a demon in his own power, you know that I think it was because my personal opinion, I may be wrong, that he was with someone. Now, he carried the load. In other words, when it was time to gather the wood, he gathered the wood. When it was time to cook the meal out onto the campfire, he cooked the meal. I think he did all of that. But when it comes to all of that, I believe he was along for the ride. that's just my Thoughts. And we'll find out one day in heaven, I guess.
>> Alex McFarland: Alex, you know, you mentioned Acts 19 when, Paul is in Ephesus. And, some of the, the people nearby, some Jews were jealous that Paul had authority. And so they tried to do that and lock horns with demons and, the, the seven sons of Shiva.
>> Bert Harper: That's it.
>> Alex McFarland: You remember that?
>> Bert Harper: Yes, I do. I knew it was there. Thank you, Lord.
>> Alex McFarland: And in verse 15 of Acts 19, a demon says to them, jesus, I know, Paul, I know, but who are you? And then the man with this demon jumped on them and basically, one demon possessed man whipped the seven sons of Shiva, didn't he?
>> Speaker E: He did.
>> Bert Harper: So I think there's evidence that Judas carry it, you know, but that's just I putting that all together. And so, one of these days we'll find out. Some of these questions we have is, okay, it could be this way. Some are definite, but praise the Lord that we are going to still be wondering in heaven when we get there to sit at the feet of Jesus and worship him. And it says, being a lifelong learner, it may be eternal learning. okay, Alex, you catch what I'm saying exactly?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, and you mentioned Luke, or the caller mentioned Luke 10:20. Don't, rejoice that you have spiritual power, but rejoice that your names are written in the Lamb's Book of life.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Make sure you're saved. All of you who are listening today. Make sure Jesus Christ is the Lord of your life. Don't. Don't take a chance. Well, I don't know. Maybe so you can know. So call upon Jesus. Do it today.
>> Bert Harper: And asking him to forgive you and
>> Bert Harper: come into your life as Lord.
Bert: Alex, I passionately believe in the Rapture
Let's go to Kentucky. No, I go the wrong way. I think it is. Okay, Greg in Kentucky. Yeah. Go ahead, Greg.
>> Caroline: That's me. Bless you guys. You're gonna think you went the wrong way when you let me talk on there.
>> Bert Harper: Hey, they let me on, Greg. Go ahead, man.
>> Caroline: Okay. I told your screener that I would behave, but I'll make a reference. So I'll be loose about it. I'll be politically correct. but I'm. I'm being Earnest. The other night, one of your most recent programs that featured that, and I'm getting the name wrong. I'm going to only sound it out phonetically. Is that Dr. Baruch Foreman? I don't. I've never understood, I've never looked up his ministry. But he has a segment, you know, with you guys on the, on the Network. And in his last key share was all about, kind of being dogmatic about the pre Trib, position. And he was laying it out there and referring to scriptures in Revelation 13 and saying that basically all the rest of you guys are. He didn't use the word heresy, but he said there's a lot of other people on this network, you know, that say post or, I'm sorry, pre tribulation, rapture. And he's saying, no Christians will go through the. The tribulation.
>> Bert Harper: Yeah.
And he was given all the scriptural basis for it. And I guess, Alex, to you, and I know you've addressed this before, for lack of a better word, frustration is sometimes. Why is the Bible so that you can find so many contradictory scriptures like that in it? I'm 65 years old and it keeps me confused for a lifetime. To me, it only makes sense that the Rapture is going to be the kickoff. You know, that's going to be the big reveal. if you calendared anything else, you know, then you're going to have, then everybody's going to be able to go to the calendar and say, okay, here's, here's where we're at, you know, and we're not, we're not supposed to know the time anyway. I'm done. It's just.
Greg.
I wish, ew. Jackson had that time slot. Yawk Yonk.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, you. You did good, Greg. Go ahead, Alex. He referred to you first.
God.
>> Alex McFarland: God bless you. Well, you know, there, there are no contradictions in the Bible, but the interpretations of man can conflict because, while God's Word is infallible, our understanding of God's word and our interpretations of certain passages that are a little bit ambiguous, our interpretations are definitely fallible sometimes, aren't they, Bert?
>> Bert Harper: They really are, Alex and I agree with you. Listen, I want to say something. When we try to do this, Alex and I do our best, we believe this, but we have fellow believers that love the Lord as much as we do, and they love God's scriptures and they look at that a little bit different. So, Alex, with all my heart, I think there got to be some grace with eschatology.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, we've said it many times. The point of orthodoxy, on which we all agree, all true Christians agree. Christians, Christ is literally coming back and he will rule and reign victoriously, and the evil fallen systems of the world will be vanquished. Now, because eschatology is so voluminous, at least 30% of the Bible deals with future events. One thing that I would encourage people, and I do, I passionately believe in the Rapture. Seven year literal tribulation, battle of Armageddon, return of Christ, thousand year millennium, new heavens and new earth. I believe that. And let me just say without belaboring this point, I can virtually guarantee that if you Google the Rapture, you're going to read somebody writing an article saying, well, it was invented in 1830 by Jon Nelson Darby that is utterly 1000% false. And anybody that writes and says that the Rapture was, quote, invented in the early 1800s needs to do a little more church history. But at the very same time, I wouldn't burn bridges with anybody, because, look, we're all brothers and sisters in Christ. If you're a believer. The Son of God died on the cross for our sins. We receive his forgiveness by faith in Jesus. Even though, Bert, I have some rather strongly held opinions about theology and you know, exegesis, ministry flows out of kindness, really. And I would just encourage people, the, interpretations where somebody loves the Lord, but you might disagree, be gentle and hold those, opinions loosely. and let's agree and unify around the core truths that we never would debate. That the Son of God shed his blood on Calvary's cross and rose again.
>> Bert Harper: That's right. Greg, thank you.
Alex: We'll continue in Matthew chapter 10 tomorrow
Hey Patti, sorry we didn't get to a new caller and we, we didn't get to call back tomorrow, please. And we'll go to you first. Okay, so Patti, from Tennessee. We'd love to hear your question, Alex. We'll continue in Matthew chapter 10 tomorrow and it'll finish up this commissioning service that Jesus was given to these 12 as they were to go out and preach and heal and deliver from demonic forces. What a first time assignment. Tomorrow we'll finish this up and look at it and we hope it'll be a blessing to you tell someone about this program, but more importantly, tell them about Jesus.
The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
Chapters:
(00:00) Exploring The Word takes your Bible questions live on American Family Radio
(00:17) Alex McFarland and Bert Harper discuss names in Matthew chapter 10
(02:45) Bert says Jesus gave 12 apostles power over unclean spirits
(04:01) You will find the list of the apostles in four different locations
(08:38) Alex: I think God sent these guys to the Jews first
(11:30) Christ has entrusted the disciples with spiritual power, says Bert Harper
(15:28) Bert and Alex discuss mission strategy in Matthew chapter 10
(21:36) Alex: Notice the 12 disciples in chapter 11. Notice what this is. This is a commissioning service
(28:14) There are three areas of persecution that Christians face in India, Alex says
(31:31) Preborn Network offers free ultrasounds to women facing unplanned pregnancies
(33:28) Alex: We had a baptismal service yesterday in a historic lake
(36:11) Brett: Alex mentioned that Judas never was with Jesus
(40:06) Alex: I often wondered who Judas was with when Jesus cast out demons
(43:52) Bert: Alex, I passionately believe in the Rapture
(49:16) Alex: We'll continue in Matthew chapter 10 tomorrow
✍️ Episode References
American Family Radio
https://afr.net
Matthew
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10&version=NIV
PreBorn
https://preborn.com
Chapters:
(00:00) Exploring The Word takes your Bible questions live on American Family Radio
(00:17) Alex McFarland and Bert Harper discuss names in Matthew chapter 10
(02:45) Bert says Jesus gave 12 apostles power over unclean spirits
(04:01) You will find the list of the apostles in four different locations
(08:38) Alex: I think God sent these guys to the Jews first
(11:30) Christ has entrusted the disciples with spiritual power, says Bert Harper
(15:28) Bert and Alex discuss mission strategy in Matthew chapter 10
(21:36) Alex: Notice the 12 disciples in chapter 11. Notice what this is. This is a commissioning service
(28:14) There are three areas of persecution that Christians face in India, Alex says
(31:31) Preborn Network offers free ultrasounds to women facing unplanned pregnancies
(33:28) Alex: We had a baptismal service yesterday in a historic lake
(36:11) Brett: Alex mentioned that Judas never was with Jesus
(40:06) Alex: I often wondered who Judas was with when Jesus cast out demons
(43:52) Bert: Alex, I passionately believe in the Rapture
(49:16) Alex: We'll continue in Matthew chapter 10 tomorrow
✍️ Episode References
American Family Radio
https://afr.net
Matthew
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+10&version=NIV
PreBorn
https://preborn.com
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