Fire Away Friday is your chance to ask us your Bible question
>> Alex McFarland: Its Fire Away Friday on Exploring the Word. This is your chance to ask us your Bible question at 888-589-8840. That's 888-589-8840. You can also email your [email protected] or visit facebook.com exploringtheword exploring the word. It's Fire Away Friday on American Family Radio. Jesus said, the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest that he may send forth laborers into his harvest. That's Matthew 9, 37, 38. We were reading in Matthew 9 yesterday, but today is Fire Away Friday and we welcome everybody. This is the program on Exploring the Word where we take all questions all the hour. The number toll free, free nationwide. It's triple 858-98840. Bert and I just feel so privileged to try to do our best and give a biblical answer to any and all questions. And we'd love to hear from you today. 888-589-8840. And Bert, I see the phone lines are starting to ring already, don't you?
>> Bert Harper: They are ready and we are ready. And we really do look forward to Friday. We get to hear from more of you on. On an average Monday through, Thursday, it's four or five calls we get to. Except on Tuesday. We usually get more prayer requests on Tuesdays, but Friday, the lines are open and we're going to try to get to as many as we can. And, so, Alex, we're ready. Where do we go to first?
>> Alex McFarland: Oh, a place I really love and it's called Ohio. A lot of God's people up in Ohio for sure. This is Rod in Ohio. Rod, are you there?
Yes, I am.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, welcome. You're the first caller on today's edition of Fire Away Friday. What you got, brother?
I, was wondering. I was reading in the Bible they were talking about the avenger of blood With that.
>> Bert Harper: We sure are.
Who are they referring to?
>> Bert Harper: Okay, Alex. It has another name as well, you know, and, let me see if I can. I will name one Rod and. And then we'll get to it. His name was Boaz. Okay, now again, Avenger of blood. That's kind of being aggressive and that's good, when something's done wrong. But there's another part of that, Alex, isn't there?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, there really is. And the, the main verse in numbers 35, it talks about the avenger of blood, who is a near relative. That puts the murderer of a relative to death. Now, it's very interesting. There's several words for Savior, Redeemer and it's a Hebrew word, Goel G O E L. Now when we think about like the kinsman Redeemer, which Boaz was. Or we think about the scapegoat that took the sins away, the avenger of blood might seem kind of harsh or something but Bert, let me, let me throw out an idea and you respond as you feel so led when Jesus Christ. And by the way, these Old Testament figures were types T, Y, P E S or really examples that sort of give a picture of Jesus. Yes, Jesus is the kinsman redeemer that can take up our cause and forgive our sins. But he is also the avenger of blood that vanquishes our enemy, who is Satan who came to steal, kill and destroy. So I think in a way the avenger of blood is, is part of what our Redeemer, the goel Hebrew word Messiah does. He not only saves our soul, he vanquishes the enemy of our soul who is Satan.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Now again, why would we say listen, there is that God is judge and he is the one that sits in judgment. And so in this context, Alex, I believe it with all my heart. You have that. It's like, you know, how do you have love without truth? You know?
>> Bert Harper: They go hand in hand. And when truth is rejected, then it's not cause of lack of love, but it's because they do show both. And I believe the avenger of blood and the kinsman Redeemer.
>> Bert Harper: Yes.
>> Bert Harper: I think the same person having two different roles under two different situations and that in the Old Testament. So Rod, that's a good. Alex, have we had that question before?
>> Alex McFarland: Not to my recollection.
>> Bert Harper: I don't remember years.
>> Alex McFarland: I really don't think we've had that. And I'll tell you what I want to do for coming up with a very creative, brand new question. Rod, I want to send you a copy. Bert and I did a book several years ago, the first book we did of three on 100 Bible questions. And if Brent, Austin gets your address for coming up with a really, really good question, I'm going to send you a book.
>> Bert Harper: Rod, don't hang up. Rod, stay with us. And Richard, will get that. you know, Brent's running the board, but Richard, the board op that you've already ye. You've already talked to, he'll get more information.
>> Alex McFarland: how about we go to Kentucky? Steve? Steve in Kentucky. Welcome to Exploring The Word.
Good afternoon, Barton. Alex, it's good to talk to you.
>> Alex McFarland: Thank you.
Steve: What is the Bible's position on female seminary professors
this is something that you guys are my go to guys when I don't really know or understand. And I was listening to a well known radio preacher commending a, woman who became one of the first seminary professors at a, prominent, theological seminary. And I just was wondering, what is the Bible's position on m. Female seminary professors teaching male, pastors or going to be male pastors?
>> Alex McFarland: let me ask this, Steve. do you recall what, what subject it was? I'm just curious.
Do you want me to tell you?
>> Bert Harper: No, I was wondering what subject they were teaching.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, what subject?
it was incidental to what he was teaching. He was like, he had already given the lesson and then he brought up the fact that they were going to honor this woman, that she was one of the first female professors at a very prominent seminary in the United States.
>> Alex McFarland: Let's talk about this. Bert, I'm going to let you go first and let me just say, a relevant scripture might be First Timothy 2:12, where Paul says. But now Paul's talking about church. He says, I do not permit a woman to teach or, or have authority over a man, but to be in silence for Adam was formed first. So I get where the reasoning might be going on this. But, Bert, women teaching men in a seminary. What say you, Pastor Harper?
>> Bert Harper: Well, let me share with you. I had one in seminary and I also had one in college. Okay. And my college, professor that taught Old Testament. I'm telling you what I learned a lot. I learned how to write papers, because I wasn't very good at that. I tell you, I had misplaced commas and everything around it. But she taught me a lot and I was not feeling inferior. She said, I come to you as one that wants to help you. In my seminary experience, it was a little different, but it was still a good situation. And I think what you and I were looking at on. Okay, what are they teaching? There are some things you need to learn in seminary, Alex, as a pastor, even a missionary, you know, staff member probably would be better taught by a woman when it comes to, how to respond and everything. That's, that's my goal. I don't think in seminary, it's necessarily do it going against what the biblical model is. That's my opinion. Go ahead, brother.
>> Alex McFarland: yes. Okay. In First Timothy 2:12 where Paul says, a woman should not teach a man for one thing, a Christian college Graduate school or seminary is not a local church. So I, as long as she was credentialed and biblical, I wouldn't have a problem at all having a woman teach men in a seminary. In fact, when I was president of Southern Evangelical Seminary, we had women and men faculty. Bert, when I was at Liberty University, one of the great, classes that I had, well, several classes on psychology at the graduate level, were by female professors, all of whom had earned doctorates, PhDs, all of whom were absolutely inerratist, believe the Bible, and one of whom was on the faculty of UCLA Med School, you know. So we had some incredibly credentialed female professors in seminary, ah, at Liberty University. And here's the thing, and let me quote my former theological mentor, the late Norm Geisler, who was as conservative as a human as you would ever meet. Dr. Geisler was real conservative, and yet he was a big, big, big proponent of women in ministry. And he said this, that what Paul says is not letting women, in the local church usurp authority over a man. And he said, if the woman is, has been asked to teach, is teaching God's word, and under, you know, accountability and authority, like we all are, she hasn't usurped authority.
>> Bert Harper: Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: You see what I mean?
>> Bert Harper: I agree with you. Matter of fact, pastoring, I've asked women to come and speak. They had a message. It was great. I loved it. And listen, Jan and I get to share when we've done our marriage conferences, family revivals, and we shot on, on Sunday morning. We've asked, we've stood up there together, sharing together, not un, not usurping authority, but the authority that was given to us as the pastor invited us to come. Alex, I, I think we're in good stead like that.
>> Alex McFarland: God bless you, Steve. How about, Zachary in Colorado? Zachary, welcome to Exploring the Word.
Hey, Alex Burges, Great to talk with you. Thank you for taking my call.
>> Alex McFarland: God bless you.
Question about the current weather patterns that we're seeing today
Question about, the current weather patterns that we're seeing today. The hurricanes, the earthquakes, we've always had them, of course, but they seem to be picking up intensity. And I was wondering, could we apply the current weather patterns to Matthew 24 and Jesus talked about it will be the beginning of birth pains. Or is it, could we do that?
>> Alex McFarland: let me go first and Bert will tell you this is a very good question. Thank you very much, Zach, for this question. we, touch on this in our book of nine months ago, 100 Bible questions on prophecy and the End times that, is available. Okay. Matthew 24:8. You know, if you look at the Matthew 24, there's going to be wars and rumors of wars and different things all, ah, these, the beginning of sorrows. I will say, I've read about that. They think there are more earthquakes than have been in the last hundred years than in all of previous history. And earthquakes do have an effect on the weather, by the way. I don't know. But if you look at everything together, the rebirth of the nation of Israel, the rise of wickedness, the loss of morality, gender confusion, lawlessness, the rise of Islam, I think the weather patterns, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, signs, Matthew 24:8 says you put it all together. I'll say this. I think we are very likely near the return of Christ. But no man knows the day or the hour. Bert, what do you say?
>> Bert Harper: Well, I would agree. And again, I do believe, some things that comes in cycles. When you look back over the history of weather patterns, and I mentioned this yesterday, in the 1930s, the, the dust bowl and all the things that were happening, Alex, and things that's been happening at other places in the world, I do believe it. But I would say the lawlessness and the confusion and, and so forth and falsehood teaching is a greater, greater, witness of his return soon. We'll be back with more right after the break.
The work of preborn network clinics is more urgent than ever
>> Bert Harper: It's been four years since the overturn of Roe, but tragically, abortions have continued to rise. Today the abortion pill accounts for more than 60% of all abortions. And last year alone, over 1.1 million babies lost their lives. That's why the work of preborn network clinics is more urgent than ever. Every day, mothers facing unplanned pregnancies walk through preborn's doors searching for hope instead of pressure and fear. They're met with love. Through a free ultrasound, mothers meet their baby for the very first time.
It was like the beginning of my healing journey. They do an ultrasound and, that's when everything changed.
>> Alex McFarland: Because when I saw my baby and
when I heard her heartbeat, that was it.
>> Bert Harper: Just $28 sponsors one ultrasound. $140 helps rescue five babies. To donate, dial hashtag250 and save baby. That's 250 baby or visit preborn.com bertharper that's preborn.com bertharper People need the Lord.
People need the Lord. At the end of broken dream.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Ah, I know we could listen to that song its entirety. Listen, get it on and listen to it. It'll ah, it'll get your heart right to know that we can make a difference. And we need to make a difference. Alex, I love that song. First time I heard it, I remember I said, man, that's good.
Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: It is. Well, Brent Austin, our faithful board operator, has questions, by the way, on Facebook. If you're on Facebook, there is, an exploring the word Facebook page and stuff gets posted there. And we would be very grateful if you would friend us, be our friend on Facebook. You can also message in and we get questions there if you want to put a question to us. And of course, if you ever want to email us, Bert and I, you can email us at word w o r dfr.net But Brent Austin, you have an online question, right?
Alex: We give a shout out to our law, law enforcement officers
>> Alex McFarland: I actually do. This is another from Facebook. We've been getting a lot from Facebook lately, so thank you very much for taking the time to do that. This is from Marjorie. her husband is a police officer and he's feeling led to go to college to get a biblical degree to be like, maybe a chaplain, something in that field. And he's wanting to do this online and he's asking, what colleges would you guys recommend and what degree would be best to serve others.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Great. Hey, first of all, we give a shout out to our law, law enforcement officers. We really do thank God for you guys. A lot of them are listening. they're able to listen and thank you for what you do. And you are a minister of the Lord. That's according to the word of God. And, we thank God for that. Alex. I, I, I'm just giving this and I'll throw it to you. Matter of fact, this week for the other program that I do, exploring missions that's heard on the weekends, I interviewed a law enforcement officer that just retired and, but he had felt God's call into ministry and he started preparing. And I won't tell everything about his story, but he was ready and he is making a difference in his area because his heart was broken. And then God used that broken heart to call him and prepare him because he saw the broken lives. Just like, the song we, we, we just heard. People need the Lord. He said, man, they need this. And he started a ministry. So we praise the Lord for Marjorie's husband.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen. We really do. I've got a very, very close friend in ministry named J. Warner Wallace, Jim Wallace. He wrote a book called Cold Case Christianity. And he was, an unsolved, case detective for Los Angeles. he specialized in cracking the homicides that were like, unsolvable. He was a great detective, became a great Christian, and now he does ministry for Billy Graham to law enforcement people. And, we. It seems like everywhere I go, I meet faithful men and women that, that are law enforcement first responders. And how we thank God for you.
>> Bert Harper: Amen.
Jo: Regarding online education, I absolutely believe in Christian education
>> Alex McFarland: Regarding online education, let me say this. I absolutely believe in Christian education and have spent much of my life in it. One thing that I want to challenge everybody listening, myself included, for one thing, be a lifelong learner and be a reader. And more and more they talk about how we spend our life in front of a screen. much research has documented how it is good for us to read books. Of course, the first and most primary, most important is the word of God. But be a self learner. but in terms of online education, let me say there are many, many good schools, maybe too many to name. but here's some of the questions. Do they believe that the Bible is the infallible, inerrant word of God? Do they believe Jesus Christ is God incarnate, the one and only savior? More and more you've got to look about wokeness. And, is this or that school willing to say that God made two genders, male and female? Marriage is between a man and a woman. The sanctity of human life. Bert. I think about some of the great schools. Of course. I graduated from Liberty, a pioneer in online education. And there's Moody, Moody Bible Institute Online, which is fantastic. Colorado Christian University, where I've spoken. They've got online Charis Bible College, where I've, I've helped them create a number of courses, Global Baptist. so I think if you look around and really pray about it and just make sure that they are true, true, true to Christ Jesus and his infallible word. you'll find the, educational opportunity that suits you best. I really believe that.
>> Bert Harper: I do as well. Blue Mountain Christian University, they have online studies. That's where I went. I recommend it highly. Let me just say two things about it. Make sure at different schools, they call it different things. Theology. at mine we just had, it was plain biblical studies. Man. Man, I know the scriptures. listen, that other stuff you can learn, you can, I don't mean to downplay it, but you can go to a, a, weekend seminar, a week seminar to learn a few things about ministry, but digging into the word of God, languages and everything like that. Alex, I Would not take anything from those classes. Old Testament, NewSong Testament survey, the Book of Amos, the book of Romans, man, studying deeply. Those, they helped me develop a skill of getting into the word of God. And then I, yeah, I had some other courses that helped as well. I don't deny that, but I'm telling you know, in your scriptures, the Holy Spirit of God, he, he will direct you. So we're praying for that.
>> Alex McFarland: I, I, and I'll say this and listen, we give God the glory. Bert Harper and I, we're just so excited about the Lord. We've had people, that ask if we would ordain them. I have. There's a gentleman I'm thinking about right now in about two weeks ago, and they said, I've listened to you for 10 years. I think I know you guys, would you ordain us? And which we, we have never done anything like that. But my point is on this program, it's a Bible study, but Bert and I, we try to make it a little bit like a school of ministry and a little bit like a seminary course.
>> Bert Harper: It is.
Yeah.
>> Alex McFarland: And because we want to grow and we want everyone listening to grow in the Lord and in the service to him.
>> Bert Harper: So if you want us to start giving you tests to get in touch with. No, I'm joking. I'm Jo. Okay.
>> Alex McFarland: there will, there will be a quiz.
Okay. Okay.
Yeah.
John 3:16 says every branch that does not bear fruit gets cut off
>> Alex McFarland: How about one of my favorite places is Texas. Gary in Texas. Welcome to exploring the Word.
Yeah, I'll try to articulate myself a little better than I did with your call screening. So, Jon 3:16. I don't need to recite this to you because I know you know it. And when, when the book talks about the fruit of the vine and God will cut off the dead parts, I can't really remember exactly how it goes, but comparing these two, statements, I need verification.
>> Bert Harper: Okay. Alex, does God are we accountable for after we have received and we have, come into relationship with Jesus Christ because of his love for us, and we responded to that him in faith, by grace? does that mean everything we do after that will not be judged, everything's okay, or is there going to be some, you know, withholding and judging and maybe cutting off, not relationship, but cutting off some of the maybe fellowship and other things? Am I hearing him? Gary asked the right question on that or my close to answer?
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. And, and I gotta say, when the, the NewSong Testament talks about, the vine, the branches, the fruit and the pruning, you know, Jon 15, Jesus says I'm the true vine, and my father is the vine dresser. Every branch that does not bear fruit, he takes away. I'm not exactly sure that I understand the correlation between this and Jon 3:16, but Jon 15, you know, I think this is a key. verse four. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. And Jesus says, you know, that if the Father loves you, you might get pruned a little bit, that you could bear more fruit. And, if a branch is dead and doesn't bear anything, and it's even a hindrance to the branches that are bearing fruit, they might get pruned off and thrown in the fire. and so, the illustration, Bert, there was years ago, Bruce Wilkinson, I think the title of one of his books was Secrets of the vine, or maybe Secrets of the Vineyard, something like that. But the comparison, I think, is very valid. Just like. And I know from being on the farm, I've done a lot of work on grapevines, bushes, trees. the dead limbs have to be pruned. Even the living limbs can be pruned a bit, and they come back stronger than ever.
>> Bert Harper: They got to be cut back. Yeah. I've got a rose bush, that I have at our yard, and I've already looked at it. It's gotten bigger than it needs to be. And I was checking up on. It needs to be cut back or pruned.
>> Alex McFarland: Really?
>> Bert Harper: Yeah. Alex, let me say this real quickly. It won't take me but a minute, but I really do. Believers, far as difficulties here upon earth probably have more possibilities of it than those that are unbelievers. Everybody's going to suffer because we live in a fallen world. Okay?
Yes.
>> Bert Harper: The winds come on everybody. Yes, it does. But as believers, first of all, we're disciplined, okay? And this is a little different than pruning. Discipline has the idea of correction, that God is correcting us, and he does it in different ways. Then also pruning. I. Listen, I wasn't much on grapevines, but my dad, great, you know, grew, tomatoes, and you had to prune them. They were these suckers. S U C C O R S they would come up between the vine and the branc. And, man, it looked good. It made it green. But guess what? They produced no fruit. So we would go over there and break those off so the branch could produce those good, big tomatoes that you could slice just one time. M. And lay it on a. On a piece of bread and have a, tomato sandwich with just one big slice. That was our gold. But it. Every time we broke off one of those suckers, guess what you'd see? You'd see the SAP running out of it. Okay? And it was pruning, but it produced more fruit. So I think, believers, hey, listen, our discipline, living in a fallen world, then. Then the pruning, yeah, it's. It's a life where we better be ready for the tough stuff. Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Well. And divine dresser, God the father, he owns the vineyard, and it's his prerogative to bless us, teach us, stretch us, and sometimes in love with things we can't even see yet. He prunes us.
>> Bert Harper: He does. I agree.
Wes: Hope everyone's doing well
>> Alex McFarland: Let's go to. Still in Texas, actually. Wes. In Texas. Wes. Welcome to exploring the word.
Hey, guys. Hope everyone's doing well.
>> Alex McFarland: Hey, blessings to you.
Yes, sir.
Alex: What will my sin cost others? Bert: Four questions today
So I just had a question about the. The Old Testament. so I'm reading through it, and, if you get to, like, 2nd Samuel 24, it says, it's something along lines like, why does God punish the people for the decisions of King David? That says he punished 70,000 people. And then if you hearken back to Romans 13:1, it says, There is no, authority, in. Other than in the one instituted by God. And so, like, if he appoints the leaders and they make bad decisions, why do the people have to pay for that?
>> Bert Harper: Okay, good. Alex. It wasn't long. We had that question, like, a week or two ago. Did we not? Am I remembering right?
>> Alex McFarland: That's true. well, one of the things is that no, man lives to himself. It says in Romans 14, verse 7 and 8, it is unfortunate when a leader makes a bad decision or is in, maybe even overt disobedience, the people suffer. Now, the guilt of sin goes to the one that did the sinning, but the repercussions or the ripple effect very often is felt by the innocent bystanders. You know, I think of families that have suffered by the sin of parents now, not the spiritual guilt that doesn't transfer to the children, but the circumstances. And I think, now God is redemptive. He forgives and he can restore. But I think we gotta remember, Bert, you know, when Romans 14 says, no man lives unto himself, the things we say, think, do, act, even our sin, it might just touch those around us. And we need to really think, don't we?
>> Bert Harper: We do. I asked two questions, and I've had People say, would you give it again? And I will. One of the things you do. What will my sin cost others? Alex?
>> Bert Harper: Wow.
>> Bert Harper: What will. And you just mentioned about a father, being unfaithful, to his wife and the cost it cost. The other question is, what will your sin cost me? Listen, if you've pastored as long as I have, you see this so real. One decision of sin, and it costs so much pain to the family and those around. So there are repercussions. We've talked about the ripple effect. Listen, throw that pebble and you see the ripple effect all the way across. Listen. Yes, that's true positively. It's also true negatively, Alex. It goes. And that's the world we live in. And, as you said, no man's an island. He, you know, no, we're responsible.
>> Alex McFarland: I see we have a lot of callers on. We're going to get to you. By the way, the number is Triple 858-98840. and Bert, I don't know, do we have time to pick up?
>> Bert Harper: No, I tell you what, Steve is waiting, and we'll get to you. And Brett and William. I think we've got room. And Leslie, we're going to try to get to those four questions in the next segment. That's usually the average that Alex and I have. Four questions every segment. M. So we'll be back right after this break, and we'll look at God's word and see what it says concerning the questions we have today. Thank you for listening.
We partnered with Preborn to introduce mothers with unplanned pregnancies to their babies
>> Bert Harper: You've heard a lot about saving babies on this show. That's because it's important to me personally. And let me just be frank with you. We need to save them. That is why we partnered with PreBorn, the nation's leader, in introducing mothers with unplanned pregnancies to their babies. And once she hears that heartbeat and sees that precious life growing inside of her, she is twice as likely to choose life. Now, that's a miracle. But quite honestly, if we don't save them, who will? Preborn receives no government funding, so their work is completely dependent on us. Preborn has rescued over 280,000 babies. And that's not all. They provide love, support and counseling for up to two years for free. Saving lives and souls. One ultrasound is just $28 or $140 helps to rescue five babies. Abortion doesn't stop, so we can't. Together, you and I, can save lives. Just call £250 on your cell phone and say the key word baby. That's 2:50 baby. Or, go to preborn.com. that's preborn.com.
holy, holy, holy.
William M. Smith to preach Sunday at historic lake in North Carolina
Welcome back to Exploring the Word. We're going to pick up the phones here in just a minute. We see some calls and we might have time even for more. 888-589-8840. Hey Bert, are you going to be in a pulpit Sunday morning?
>> Bert Harper: I, will be at Ozark Baptist Church. I'm, interim pastor there and I'll be preaching from Philippians, chapter 2, verse 5 through 11. The mind of Jesus in, I'm looking forward to it. How about you, Alex?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, we've got something really special. not far from where Angie and I live is a 200 year old lake, Kimesville. K M E S V I L L E Kimesville Dam and Lake. And we had a baptism there a couple of years ago this Sunday morning. It's outdoors. We're baptizing in this historic lake that 200 years people have been having baptismal services. We have outdoor, music, gospel music on the grounds this Sunday morning, September 30th. Get there about 10:30 and weather, permitting. And I believe God's going to give us a good day. But we've got a number of people that have come to Christ that want to be baptized. And I'll be out there in this 200 year old lake. We've done it before. This Sunday baptism at the historic Kimesville Lake.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. I've got a suggestion. Send the deacons out to run the snake saw first.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, exactly.
>> Bert Harper: Oh, I'm sorry. It's just Friday and I feel it.
>> Alex McFarland: If you're in the area of Greensboro, North Carolina. This is near where we are, Greensboro. Come on out. And if you want further info, Mount Pleasant Church on Alamance Church Road. Mount Pleasant Church, you can learn more. But, William in Illinois. William, thank you for holding and welcome to the American Family Radio Network and exploring the Word.
Good day to you, brother. Just excuse my horse voice with all.
>> Alex McFarland: You sound great.
All the stuff, with all the stuff that's going on in our nation today, I think there's one thing needs to be looked at, especially those that have been in churches that have kind of fallen away. But that scripture that says there seems to be a right, there seems to be, a way that's right, but the end thereof is death. It says it seems to be that way. And I see so much of this going on today. There's so much going on after with this Crowd business with these things are getting into. There seems to be a way that's right but then thereof is death. But anyway, I think they need to really take a good look at that because Noah preached 120 years and every got one convert. I can show you how things can really be in a mess.
>> Bert Harper: Okay. Yeah. William, I know what's going on.
I.
>> Bert Harper: Let me just say I just want to give a good word here, Alex, and I think you'll back it up because of what you've experienced this summer in those youth camps. Yes, there is false teaching, there's wokeness, there's going on in and it is rampant. I agree. But out of this is coming some individuals that I've been able to talk to young people early, 20s and their teens. And I'm just telling they have a heart for God and the ways of God. Alex, is it the difficult times but also God's got a remnant that he's got in bringing up.
>> Alex McFarland: He does have a remnant. You know, Proverbs 14:12, the scripture that William M. I think referenced. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end are the ways of death. All right. I think a lot of people are beginning to realize that what seems right and what my best guess and just cross my fingers and hope for the best. We need something more than that. In this changing winds of belief and opinion and, you know, bias and blindness, is there a solid rock on which to stand? And there is. It's the Lord Jesus and his infallible word. So yeah, I think a lot of people and it's the Holy Spirit doing this. But a lot of people are realizing, I gotta have something more substantial than just my attitude or blindness or preference. I need some truth. And folks, that's what we've got. We've got Jesus who is truth. We've got God's word that is truth. And many, many all around us are eager and searching to try and hear it.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Let me just encourage. This is Friday, Sunday's coming. Okay, it's Friday, but Sunday's coming. That means worship is going to take place. You who are pastors preach the word in truth and love. Just preach it and share God's word. Those of you that are small group leaders, Sunday school teachers, open the word of God and the youth and the children preschool. Let them hear the word of God all the way through. I want to tell you the word of God is, is. Is strong. It really is. And it stands and has stood the Test of time. So the word, he'll draw all men unto himself. When we lift Jesus Christ up, Alex, and, God gives the increase. We just need to be faithful in planting, don't we?
>> Alex McFarland: We really do. And he is faithful to us, and you can trust him. The number. If you've got a Bible question, we can take one or two more calls. Triple 858-98840. Triple 858-9 8840.
Leslie in Louisiana. Are you there? Yes, sir
how about we go to Louisiana? Leslie in Louisiana. Are you there?
Yes, sir. How are you?
>> Alex McFarland: We are very grateful to hear from you. How are you doing today?
We're doing great.
Leslie: I have a question about the Book of Job
So I have a question about the Book of Job. so about a month ago, it's part of my, you know, yearly reading where I read it, you know, cover to cover. And I noticed for the first time, and I've been doing this for a long time. I don't know, I just never noticed it before, that Satan is not the one who brings up Job. It is God who brings up, Job first and says, have you considered my servant Job? And then brings him up a second time? So I was wondering if you could explain to me why that is, like, why without Satan asking, God would bring a Job.
>> Bert Harper: Okay. Gotta read verses six and seven before you read verse eight. Leslie, let me. Let me read that. And then, Alex, you take off on 8, and I'll add if I need to. Now, there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, from where do you come? So Satan answered the Lord and said, from going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it. Now, he does this as what? observer. And also an oppressor. That's. He does. He's the observer. He's not omniscient. He doesn't know it all, but he's a fantastic observer. Looking for that, Alex. And then that's when God talked up and brought up Job.
>> Bert Harper: Wasn't.
>> Alex McFarland: Was. And I love the Book of Job. the Book of Job is a miraculous piece of writing. And, 11, God says to Satan, stretch out your hand and touch all that he has. Well, I mean, Satan says, and if you let me persecute him, touch all that he has, he'll curse you to your face. And God says, no, Job won't do that. So the question comes, why? Might God have really goaded the devil into this conversation? Have you thought about Job for one thing? For one thing, job was going to go through 17 types of testing, and he was going to get majorly blessed on the other side. The other thing is, Satan, the accuser of the brethren, was going to get silenced. And Satan, who might think he is so smart in a way, he was going to be used by God to vindicate, the name of God. Bless Job. Now, let me just say this. Bert and I have a friend named Barry McGuire, and we see him at NRB. And Barry, is just a delightful Christian brother and has been very successful in the business world. But anyway, Barry and I have talked about this, how if you're a believer, God's not going to do anything bad to you.
He won't.
>> Alex McFarland: He's a good God who does good things. And if you're going through a trial, we rejoice because it's a time to praise God, grow in God, get blessed. And so Job was blessed to get to go through these testings. And for all of world history, because this is some of the oldest part of the Old Testament, people have been blessed by the journey and the testimony of Job. Bert, let me say this. And, we all know my dear friend Dr. Gary Habermas is going through, his wife has cancer. We're praying for them. Many are praying. And I appreciate that. We learned of this back in February. And Bert, we were on the phone, Angie And I, with Dr. Habermas and his dear wife Eileen. And, I hope I wasn't speaking, you know, flippantly, but they were talking about going through this. And I said, God must love you all so much that, that you've been entrusted with this assignment. And as I said it, I thought, I hope that doesn't sound superficial or something. And Dr. Habermas said, no, I get it. We're going to praise God. We're going to trust God. we're going to walk this valley with God. And Bert, I'll thought to you, but Job is a chance to show how Satan doesn't win. Satan is defeated. God can be trusted. God is faithful. But as his children, we often get assignments. I really think they're like, an assignment to grow in the Lord, even through some of the most painful of, valleys.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. I call them checkpoints. As we run this race, there's.
It's.
>> Bert Harper: It's a marathon. It's. It's not a sprint. You got to go through checkpoints. And some of those checkpoints are painful. Let me share two things about Job. First of all, God's bragging on job.
>> Alex McFarland: Yes, he is.
>> Bert Harper: He is bragging on job, man. I've got a servant out there. He. He is serving. Okay, does that set somebody up for being tested? Yeah, it does, it does. But if you're going to be bragged on, you're going to. I've seen basketball players, man, they, you know, coach, brag on them. The next coach, he's going to do everything he can to put his best defensive man on him. The other thing is, notice what it says. And, this is so powerful. Verse 10. Have you not made a hedge around him? How does he know that? Because he's tried to attack him already, Alex. Have you not.
Alex: God does not let in more than we need
He's tested that hedge. So God does not let in more than we need. Listen, it may come, it may flood, but God is there. And God is that sieve. And our, first time I ever heard that was Bertha Smith, a great missionary. I mean, she, she rocked the world. We talk about women that could teach and speak. Listen, I learned, more about missions from her than a lot of male professors, I tell you that. And so here you have this set up. And he had already tested him, said, you've got to hedge around. If you'd let me get to him, he would curse you to your face. Listen, I agree with you. An assignment and it is a privilege to have suffered for the name of Christ. Now, I know that's a big statement, and when we say stuff like that, are we setting ourself up for Satan to come? Probably so. But we make much of Jesus and thank God for what God's done in our lives through him. Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen.
>> Bert Harper: Hey, Brent held up a, sign. Guess what it said? God's never wrong.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen.
Amen.
Brent Austin: If you read the Bible in 2026, we will send certificate
>> Alex McFarland: Hey, by the way, before Brent, I want to queue up one of the online questions. Let me remind people, one of the previous callers a moment ago mentioned reading the Bible through in a year. Now, the last thing on your mind right now is probably January, but if you have read or are reading the Bible in its entirety, in the calendar year 2026, come the first quarter, Burton and I will send you a certificate. Now, it's an honor system, but if you, if you are reading God's word and maybe you're in the middle of it or you have time to start even yet. But if you read the Bible through in a year, and we send out many, many certificates every year, don't we, Bert?
>> Bert Harper: We really do. We sign them. Tim signs them. And it's a privilege so you might
>> Alex McFarland: want to take up the challenge to read God's word in calendar year 26. Brent Austin.
Alex: Salvation involves that we admit we are sinners before God
Do we have a question from the Internet?
>> Alex McFarland: We have an email. Like I said, we've been getting a lot of questions lately from both email and Facebook. And this one comes from Rita. And Rita writes, since a Christian, sins are forgiven when they are confessed, and if I am correctly understanding it, Scripture states that sins are removed far from us and not remembered by God. What does it mean in 2nd Corinthians 5:10? That we will be repaid for acts done in the body, whether good or evil. What evil acts can remain if our sins have been forgiven?
>> Bert Harper: Okay, Alex. he doesn't remember them against us. Now, when you read, the book of, Exodus and numbers, and then you get over further, you'll find out that God brings up to them some certain things, but it's not against them. It's to help them and get them to remember. Okay, don't go this way, but go that way, isn't it?
>> Alex McFarland: Amen. that is really good. I love what you said. That he doesn't remember our sins against us. Now, part of what makes Christianity unique is, well, many, many things. But what the salvation transaction is all about, and what, regardless of how you say it, I want to say this. Salvation involves that we admit we are sinners before God. And God, I agree with what you said, that we have sinned and gone astray. Romans 3:23. But then we are accepting who Jesus is and what he did. Now, who is Jesus? God incarnate. What did he do? He paid the sin debt of the world. And that includes he paid my sin debt and Bert's and Brent's and everybody. And what we're saying is, lord, I am trusting you to be the payment for my sin. What you did on the cross is the only way my sin can be forgiven. Please save me. But Christ's righteousness is imparted to us. Now, I'll say this very quickly. When we turn to Jesus. We are in Christ. Our sins are forgiven, but there are repercussions. I mean, an alcoholic can be born again and he is saved, but he still might get cirrhosis of the liver, sadly. You know what I'm saying?
>> Bert Harper: That's it.
>> Alex McFarland: So forgiveness on the spiritual level doesn't mean that we might not experience some consequences on the personal level.
Rhett from Texas. Sorry we didn't get to your call. Call us back next week
>> Bert Harper: Rhett from Texas. Sorry we didn't get to your call. Call us back. I love the question that you're asking. So make sure and call us back next week. We want to talk with you. But let me remind everybody, Sunday is a day of worship. If you possibly can make your way to a local body of believers and join them in raising the name of Jesus.
The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
Fire Away Friday is your chance to ask us your Bible question
>> Alex McFarland: Its Fire Away Friday on Exploring the Word. This is your chance to ask us your Bible question at 888-589-8840. That's 888-589-8840. You can also email your [email protected] or visit facebook.com exploringtheword exploring the word. It's Fire Away Friday on American Family Radio. Jesus said, the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest that he may send forth laborers into his harvest. That's Matthew 9, 37, 38. We were reading in Matthew 9 yesterday, but today is Fire Away Friday and we welcome everybody. This is the program on Exploring the Word where we take all questions all the hour. The number toll free, free nationwide. It's triple 858-98840. Bert and I just feel so privileged to try to do our best and give a biblical answer to any and all questions. And we'd love to hear from you today. 888-589-8840. And Bert, I see the phone lines are starting to ring already, don't you?
>> Bert Harper: They are ready and we are ready. And we really do look forward to Friday. We get to hear from more of you on. On an average Monday through, Thursday, it's four or five calls we get to. Except on Tuesday. We usually get more prayer requests on Tuesdays, but Friday, the lines are open and we're going to try to get to as many as we can. And, so, Alex, we're ready. Where do we go to first?
>> Alex McFarland: Oh, a place I really love and it's called Ohio. A lot of God's people up in Ohio for sure. This is Rod in Ohio. Rod, are you there?
Yes, I am.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, welcome. You're the first caller on today's edition of Fire Away Friday. What you got, brother?
I, was wondering. I was reading in the Bible they were talking about the avenger of blood With that.
>> Bert Harper: We sure are.
Who are they referring to?
>> Bert Harper: Okay, Alex. It has another name as well, you know, and, let me see if I can. I will name one Rod and. And then we'll get to it. His name was Boaz. Okay, now again, Avenger of blood. That's kind of being aggressive and that's good, when something's done wrong. But there's another part of that, Alex, isn't there?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, there really is. And the, the main verse in numbers 35, it talks about the avenger of blood, who is a near relative. That puts the murderer of a relative to death. Now, it's very interesting. There's several words for Savior, Redeemer and it's a Hebrew word, Goel G O E L. Now when we think about like the kinsman Redeemer, which Boaz was. Or we think about the scapegoat that took the sins away, the avenger of blood might seem kind of harsh or something but Bert, let me, let me throw out an idea and you respond as you feel so led when Jesus Christ. And by the way, these Old Testament figures were types T, Y, P E S or really examples that sort of give a picture of Jesus. Yes, Jesus is the kinsman redeemer that can take up our cause and forgive our sins. But he is also the avenger of blood that vanquishes our enemy, who is Satan who came to steal, kill and destroy. So I think in a way the avenger of blood is, is part of what our Redeemer, the goel Hebrew word Messiah does. He not only saves our soul, he vanquishes the enemy of our soul who is Satan.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Now again, why would we say listen, there is that God is judge and he is the one that sits in judgment. And so in this context, Alex, I believe it with all my heart. You have that. It's like, you know, how do you have love without truth? You know?
>> Bert Harper: They go hand in hand. And when truth is rejected, then it's not cause of lack of love, but it's because they do show both. And I believe the avenger of blood and the kinsman Redeemer.
>> Bert Harper: Yes.
>> Bert Harper: I think the same person having two different roles under two different situations and that in the Old Testament. So Rod, that's a good. Alex, have we had that question before?
>> Alex McFarland: Not to my recollection.
>> Bert Harper: I don't remember years.
>> Alex McFarland: I really don't think we've had that. And I'll tell you what I want to do for coming up with a very creative, brand new question. Rod, I want to send you a copy. Bert and I did a book several years ago, the first book we did of three on 100 Bible questions. And if Brent, Austin gets your address for coming up with a really, really good question, I'm going to send you a book.
>> Bert Harper: Rod, don't hang up. Rod, stay with us. And Richard, will get that. you know, Brent's running the board, but Richard, the board op that you've already ye. You've already talked to, he'll get more information.
>> Alex McFarland: how about we go to Kentucky? Steve? Steve in Kentucky. Welcome to Exploring The Word.
Good afternoon, Barton. Alex, it's good to talk to you.
>> Alex McFarland: Thank you.
Steve: What is the Bible's position on female seminary professors
this is something that you guys are my go to guys when I don't really know or understand. And I was listening to a well known radio preacher commending a, woman who became one of the first seminary professors at a, prominent, theological seminary. And I just was wondering, what is the Bible's position on m. Female seminary professors teaching male, pastors or going to be male pastors?
>> Alex McFarland: let me ask this, Steve. do you recall what, what subject it was? I'm just curious.
Do you want me to tell you?
>> Bert Harper: No, I was wondering what subject they were teaching.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, what subject?
it was incidental to what he was teaching. He was like, he had already given the lesson and then he brought up the fact that they were going to honor this woman, that she was one of the first female professors at a very prominent seminary in the United States.
>> Alex McFarland: Let's talk about this. Bert, I'm going to let you go first and let me just say, a relevant scripture might be First Timothy 2:12, where Paul says. But now Paul's talking about church. He says, I do not permit a woman to teach or, or have authority over a man, but to be in silence for Adam was formed first. So I get where the reasoning might be going on this. But, Bert, women teaching men in a seminary. What say you, Pastor Harper?
>> Bert Harper: Well, let me share with you. I had one in seminary and I also had one in college. Okay. And my college, professor that taught Old Testament. I'm telling you what I learned a lot. I learned how to write papers, because I wasn't very good at that. I tell you, I had misplaced commas and everything around it. But she taught me a lot and I was not feeling inferior. She said, I come to you as one that wants to help you. In my seminary experience, it was a little different, but it was still a good situation. And I think what you and I were looking at on. Okay, what are they teaching? There are some things you need to learn in seminary, Alex, as a pastor, even a missionary, you know, staff member probably would be better taught by a woman when it comes to, how to respond and everything. That's, that's my goal. I don't think in seminary, it's necessarily do it going against what the biblical model is. That's my opinion. Go ahead, brother.
>> Alex McFarland: yes. Okay. In First Timothy 2:12 where Paul says, a woman should not teach a man for one thing, a Christian college Graduate school or seminary is not a local church. So I, as long as she was credentialed and biblical, I wouldn't have a problem at all having a woman teach men in a seminary. In fact, when I was president of Southern Evangelical Seminary, we had women and men faculty. Bert, when I was at Liberty University, one of the great, classes that I had, well, several classes on psychology at the graduate level, were by female professors, all of whom had earned doctorates, PhDs, all of whom were absolutely inerratist, believe the Bible, and one of whom was on the faculty of UCLA Med School, you know. So we had some incredibly credentialed female professors in seminary, ah, at Liberty University. And here's the thing, and let me quote my former theological mentor, the late Norm Geisler, who was as conservative as a human as you would ever meet. Dr. Geisler was real conservative, and yet he was a big, big, big proponent of women in ministry. And he said this, that what Paul says is not letting women, in the local church usurp authority over a man. And he said, if the woman is, has been asked to teach, is teaching God's word, and under, you know, accountability and authority, like we all are, she hasn't usurped authority.
>> Bert Harper: Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: You see what I mean?
>> Bert Harper: I agree with you. Matter of fact, pastoring, I've asked women to come and speak. They had a message. It was great. I loved it. And listen, Jan and I get to share when we've done our marriage conferences, family revivals, and we shot on, on Sunday morning. We've asked, we've stood up there together, sharing together, not un, not usurping authority, but the authority that was given to us as the pastor invited us to come. Alex, I, I think we're in good stead like that.
>> Alex McFarland: God bless you, Steve. How about, Zachary in Colorado? Zachary, welcome to Exploring the Word.
Hey, Alex Burges, Great to talk with you. Thank you for taking my call.
>> Alex McFarland: God bless you.
Question about the current weather patterns that we're seeing today
Question about, the current weather patterns that we're seeing today. The hurricanes, the earthquakes, we've always had them, of course, but they seem to be picking up intensity. And I was wondering, could we apply the current weather patterns to Matthew 24 and Jesus talked about it will be the beginning of birth pains. Or is it, could we do that?
>> Alex McFarland: let me go first and Bert will tell you this is a very good question. Thank you very much, Zach, for this question. we, touch on this in our book of nine months ago, 100 Bible questions on prophecy and the End times that, is available. Okay. Matthew 24:8. You know, if you look at the Matthew 24, there's going to be wars and rumors of wars and different things all, ah, these, the beginning of sorrows. I will say, I've read about that. They think there are more earthquakes than have been in the last hundred years than in all of previous history. And earthquakes do have an effect on the weather, by the way. I don't know. But if you look at everything together, the rebirth of the nation of Israel, the rise of wickedness, the loss of morality, gender confusion, lawlessness, the rise of Islam, I think the weather patterns, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, signs, Matthew 24:8 says you put it all together. I'll say this. I think we are very likely near the return of Christ. But no man knows the day or the hour. Bert, what do you say?
>> Bert Harper: Well, I would agree. And again, I do believe, some things that comes in cycles. When you look back over the history of weather patterns, and I mentioned this yesterday, in the 1930s, the, the dust bowl and all the things that were happening, Alex, and things that's been happening at other places in the world, I do believe it. But I would say the lawlessness and the confusion and, and so forth and falsehood teaching is a greater, greater, witness of his return soon. We'll be back with more right after the break.
The work of preborn network clinics is more urgent than ever
>> Bert Harper: It's been four years since the overturn of Roe, but tragically, abortions have continued to rise. Today the abortion pill accounts for more than 60% of all abortions. And last year alone, over 1.1 million babies lost their lives. That's why the work of preborn network clinics is more urgent than ever. Every day, mothers facing unplanned pregnancies walk through preborn's doors searching for hope instead of pressure and fear. They're met with love. Through a free ultrasound, mothers meet their baby for the very first time.
It was like the beginning of my healing journey. They do an ultrasound and, that's when everything changed.
>> Alex McFarland: Because when I saw my baby and
when I heard her heartbeat, that was it.
>> Bert Harper: Just $28 sponsors one ultrasound. $140 helps rescue five babies. To donate, dial hashtag250 and save baby. That's 250 baby or visit preborn.com bertharper that's preborn.com bertharper People need the Lord.
People need the Lord. At the end of broken dream.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Ah, I know we could listen to that song its entirety. Listen, get it on and listen to it. It'll ah, it'll get your heart right to know that we can make a difference. And we need to make a difference. Alex, I love that song. First time I heard it, I remember I said, man, that's good.
Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: It is. Well, Brent Austin, our faithful board operator, has questions, by the way, on Facebook. If you're on Facebook, there is, an exploring the word Facebook page and stuff gets posted there. And we would be very grateful if you would friend us, be our friend on Facebook. You can also message in and we get questions there if you want to put a question to us. And of course, if you ever want to email us, Bert and I, you can email us at word w o r dfr.net But Brent Austin, you have an online question, right?
Alex: We give a shout out to our law, law enforcement officers
>> Alex McFarland: I actually do. This is another from Facebook. We've been getting a lot from Facebook lately, so thank you very much for taking the time to do that. This is from Marjorie. her husband is a police officer and he's feeling led to go to college to get a biblical degree to be like, maybe a chaplain, something in that field. And he's wanting to do this online and he's asking, what colleges would you guys recommend and what degree would be best to serve others.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Great. Hey, first of all, we give a shout out to our law, law enforcement officers. We really do thank God for you guys. A lot of them are listening. they're able to listen and thank you for what you do. And you are a minister of the Lord. That's according to the word of God. And, we thank God for that. Alex. I, I, I'm just giving this and I'll throw it to you. Matter of fact, this week for the other program that I do, exploring missions that's heard on the weekends, I interviewed a law enforcement officer that just retired and, but he had felt God's call into ministry and he started preparing. And I won't tell everything about his story, but he was ready and he is making a difference in his area because his heart was broken. And then God used that broken heart to call him and prepare him because he saw the broken lives. Just like, the song we, we, we just heard. People need the Lord. He said, man, they need this. And he started a ministry. So we praise the Lord for Marjorie's husband.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen. We really do. I've got a very, very close friend in ministry named J. Warner Wallace, Jim Wallace. He wrote a book called Cold Case Christianity. And he was, an unsolved, case detective for Los Angeles. he specialized in cracking the homicides that were like, unsolvable. He was a great detective, became a great Christian, and now he does ministry for Billy Graham to law enforcement people. And, we. It seems like everywhere I go, I meet faithful men and women that, that are law enforcement first responders. And how we thank God for you.
>> Bert Harper: Amen.
Jo: Regarding online education, I absolutely believe in Christian education
>> Alex McFarland: Regarding online education, let me say this. I absolutely believe in Christian education and have spent much of my life in it. One thing that I want to challenge everybody listening, myself included, for one thing, be a lifelong learner and be a reader. And more and more they talk about how we spend our life in front of a screen. much research has documented how it is good for us to read books. Of course, the first and most primary, most important is the word of God. But be a self learner. but in terms of online education, let me say there are many, many good schools, maybe too many to name. but here's some of the questions. Do they believe that the Bible is the infallible, inerrant word of God? Do they believe Jesus Christ is God incarnate, the one and only savior? More and more you've got to look about wokeness. And, is this or that school willing to say that God made two genders, male and female? Marriage is between a man and a woman. The sanctity of human life. Bert. I think about some of the great schools. Of course. I graduated from Liberty, a pioneer in online education. And there's Moody, Moody Bible Institute Online, which is fantastic. Colorado Christian University, where I've spoken. They've got online Charis Bible College, where I've, I've helped them create a number of courses, Global Baptist. so I think if you look around and really pray about it and just make sure that they are true, true, true to Christ Jesus and his infallible word. you'll find the, educational opportunity that suits you best. I really believe that.
>> Bert Harper: I do as well. Blue Mountain Christian University, they have online studies. That's where I went. I recommend it highly. Let me just say two things about it. Make sure at different schools, they call it different things. Theology. at mine we just had, it was plain biblical studies. Man. Man, I know the scriptures. listen, that other stuff you can learn, you can, I don't mean to downplay it, but you can go to a, a, weekend seminar, a week seminar to learn a few things about ministry, but digging into the word of God, languages and everything like that. Alex, I Would not take anything from those classes. Old Testament, NewSong Testament survey, the Book of Amos, the book of Romans, man, studying deeply. Those, they helped me develop a skill of getting into the word of God. And then I, yeah, I had some other courses that helped as well. I don't deny that, but I'm telling you know, in your scriptures, the Holy Spirit of God, he, he will direct you. So we're praying for that.
>> Alex McFarland: I, I, and I'll say this and listen, we give God the glory. Bert Harper and I, we're just so excited about the Lord. We've had people, that ask if we would ordain them. I have. There's a gentleman I'm thinking about right now in about two weeks ago, and they said, I've listened to you for 10 years. I think I know you guys, would you ordain us? And which we, we have never done anything like that. But my point is on this program, it's a Bible study, but Bert and I, we try to make it a little bit like a school of ministry and a little bit like a seminary course.
>> Bert Harper: It is.
Yeah.
>> Alex McFarland: And because we want to grow and we want everyone listening to grow in the Lord and in the service to him.
>> Bert Harper: So if you want us to start giving you tests to get in touch with. No, I'm joking. I'm Jo. Okay.
>> Alex McFarland: there will, there will be a quiz.
Okay. Okay.
Yeah.
John 3:16 says every branch that does not bear fruit gets cut off
>> Alex McFarland: How about one of my favorite places is Texas. Gary in Texas. Welcome to exploring the Word.
Yeah, I'll try to articulate myself a little better than I did with your call screening. So, Jon 3:16. I don't need to recite this to you because I know you know it. And when, when the book talks about the fruit of the vine and God will cut off the dead parts, I can't really remember exactly how it goes, but comparing these two, statements, I need verification.
>> Bert Harper: Okay. Alex, does God are we accountable for after we have received and we have, come into relationship with Jesus Christ because of his love for us, and we responded to that him in faith, by grace? does that mean everything we do after that will not be judged, everything's okay, or is there going to be some, you know, withholding and judging and maybe cutting off, not relationship, but cutting off some of the maybe fellowship and other things? Am I hearing him? Gary asked the right question on that or my close to answer?
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. And, and I gotta say, when the, the NewSong Testament talks about, the vine, the branches, the fruit and the pruning, you know, Jon 15, Jesus says I'm the true vine, and my father is the vine dresser. Every branch that does not bear fruit, he takes away. I'm not exactly sure that I understand the correlation between this and Jon 3:16, but Jon 15, you know, I think this is a key. verse four. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. And Jesus says, you know, that if the Father loves you, you might get pruned a little bit, that you could bear more fruit. And, if a branch is dead and doesn't bear anything, and it's even a hindrance to the branches that are bearing fruit, they might get pruned off and thrown in the fire. and so, the illustration, Bert, there was years ago, Bruce Wilkinson, I think the title of one of his books was Secrets of the vine, or maybe Secrets of the Vineyard, something like that. But the comparison, I think, is very valid. Just like. And I know from being on the farm, I've done a lot of work on grapevines, bushes, trees. the dead limbs have to be pruned. Even the living limbs can be pruned a bit, and they come back stronger than ever.
>> Bert Harper: They got to be cut back. Yeah. I've got a rose bush, that I have at our yard, and I've already looked at it. It's gotten bigger than it needs to be. And I was checking up on. It needs to be cut back or pruned.
>> Alex McFarland: Really?
>> Bert Harper: Yeah. Alex, let me say this real quickly. It won't take me but a minute, but I really do. Believers, far as difficulties here upon earth probably have more possibilities of it than those that are unbelievers. Everybody's going to suffer because we live in a fallen world. Okay?
Yes.
>> Bert Harper: The winds come on everybody. Yes, it does. But as believers, first of all, we're disciplined, okay? And this is a little different than pruning. Discipline has the idea of correction, that God is correcting us, and he does it in different ways. Then also pruning. I. Listen, I wasn't much on grapevines, but my dad, great, you know, grew, tomatoes, and you had to prune them. They were these suckers. S U C C O R S they would come up between the vine and the branc. And, man, it looked good. It made it green. But guess what? They produced no fruit. So we would go over there and break those off so the branch could produce those good, big tomatoes that you could slice just one time. M. And lay it on a. On a piece of bread and have a, tomato sandwich with just one big slice. That was our gold. But it. Every time we broke off one of those suckers, guess what you'd see? You'd see the SAP running out of it. Okay? And it was pruning, but it produced more fruit. So I think, believers, hey, listen, our discipline, living in a fallen world, then. Then the pruning, yeah, it's. It's a life where we better be ready for the tough stuff. Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Well. And divine dresser, God the father, he owns the vineyard, and it's his prerogative to bless us, teach us, stretch us, and sometimes in love with things we can't even see yet. He prunes us.
>> Bert Harper: He does. I agree.
Wes: Hope everyone's doing well
>> Alex McFarland: Let's go to. Still in Texas, actually. Wes. In Texas. Wes. Welcome to exploring the word.
Hey, guys. Hope everyone's doing well.
>> Alex McFarland: Hey, blessings to you.
Yes, sir.
Alex: What will my sin cost others? Bert: Four questions today
So I just had a question about the. The Old Testament. so I'm reading through it, and, if you get to, like, 2nd Samuel 24, it says, it's something along lines like, why does God punish the people for the decisions of King David? That says he punished 70,000 people. And then if you hearken back to Romans 13:1, it says, There is no, authority, in. Other than in the one instituted by God. And so, like, if he appoints the leaders and they make bad decisions, why do the people have to pay for that?
>> Bert Harper: Okay, good. Alex. It wasn't long. We had that question, like, a week or two ago. Did we not? Am I remembering right?
>> Alex McFarland: That's true. well, one of the things is that no, man lives to himself. It says in Romans 14, verse 7 and 8, it is unfortunate when a leader makes a bad decision or is in, maybe even overt disobedience, the people suffer. Now, the guilt of sin goes to the one that did the sinning, but the repercussions or the ripple effect very often is felt by the innocent bystanders. You know, I think of families that have suffered by the sin of parents now, not the spiritual guilt that doesn't transfer to the children, but the circumstances. And I think, now God is redemptive. He forgives and he can restore. But I think we gotta remember, Bert, you know, when Romans 14 says, no man lives unto himself, the things we say, think, do, act, even our sin, it might just touch those around us. And we need to really think, don't we?
>> Bert Harper: We do. I asked two questions, and I've had People say, would you give it again? And I will. One of the things you do. What will my sin cost others? Alex?
>> Bert Harper: Wow.
>> Bert Harper: What will. And you just mentioned about a father, being unfaithful, to his wife and the cost it cost. The other question is, what will your sin cost me? Listen, if you've pastored as long as I have, you see this so real. One decision of sin, and it costs so much pain to the family and those around. So there are repercussions. We've talked about the ripple effect. Listen, throw that pebble and you see the ripple effect all the way across. Listen. Yes, that's true positively. It's also true negatively, Alex. It goes. And that's the world we live in. And, as you said, no man's an island. He, you know, no, we're responsible.
>> Alex McFarland: I see we have a lot of callers on. We're going to get to you. By the way, the number is Triple 858-98840. and Bert, I don't know, do we have time to pick up?
>> Bert Harper: No, I tell you what, Steve is waiting, and we'll get to you. And Brett and William. I think we've got room. And Leslie, we're going to try to get to those four questions in the next segment. That's usually the average that Alex and I have. Four questions every segment. M. So we'll be back right after this break, and we'll look at God's word and see what it says concerning the questions we have today. Thank you for listening.
We partnered with Preborn to introduce mothers with unplanned pregnancies to their babies
>> Bert Harper: You've heard a lot about saving babies on this show. That's because it's important to me personally. And let me just be frank with you. We need to save them. That is why we partnered with PreBorn, the nation's leader, in introducing mothers with unplanned pregnancies to their babies. And once she hears that heartbeat and sees that precious life growing inside of her, she is twice as likely to choose life. Now, that's a miracle. But quite honestly, if we don't save them, who will? Preborn receives no government funding, so their work is completely dependent on us. Preborn has rescued over 280,000 babies. And that's not all. They provide love, support and counseling for up to two years for free. Saving lives and souls. One ultrasound is just $28 or $140 helps to rescue five babies. Abortion doesn't stop, so we can't. Together, you and I, can save lives. Just call £250 on your cell phone and say the key word baby. That's 2:50 baby. Or, go to preborn.com. that's preborn.com.
holy, holy, holy.
William M. Smith to preach Sunday at historic lake in North Carolina
Welcome back to Exploring the Word. We're going to pick up the phones here in just a minute. We see some calls and we might have time even for more. 888-589-8840. Hey Bert, are you going to be in a pulpit Sunday morning?
>> Bert Harper: I, will be at Ozark Baptist Church. I'm, interim pastor there and I'll be preaching from Philippians, chapter 2, verse 5 through 11. The mind of Jesus in, I'm looking forward to it. How about you, Alex?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, we've got something really special. not far from where Angie and I live is a 200 year old lake, Kimesville. K M E S V I L L E Kimesville Dam and Lake. And we had a baptism there a couple of years ago this Sunday morning. It's outdoors. We're baptizing in this historic lake that 200 years people have been having baptismal services. We have outdoor, music, gospel music on the grounds this Sunday morning, September 30th. Get there about 10:30 and weather, permitting. And I believe God's going to give us a good day. But we've got a number of people that have come to Christ that want to be baptized. And I'll be out there in this 200 year old lake. We've done it before. This Sunday baptism at the historic Kimesville Lake.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. I've got a suggestion. Send the deacons out to run the snake saw first.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, exactly.
>> Bert Harper: Oh, I'm sorry. It's just Friday and I feel it.
>> Alex McFarland: If you're in the area of Greensboro, North Carolina. This is near where we are, Greensboro. Come on out. And if you want further info, Mount Pleasant Church on Alamance Church Road. Mount Pleasant Church, you can learn more. But, William in Illinois. William, thank you for holding and welcome to the American Family Radio Network and exploring the Word.
Good day to you, brother. Just excuse my horse voice with all.
>> Alex McFarland: You sound great.
All the stuff, with all the stuff that's going on in our nation today, I think there's one thing needs to be looked at, especially those that have been in churches that have kind of fallen away. But that scripture that says there seems to be a right, there seems to be, a way that's right, but the end thereof is death. It says it seems to be that way. And I see so much of this going on today. There's so much going on after with this Crowd business with these things are getting into. There seems to be a way that's right but then thereof is death. But anyway, I think they need to really take a good look at that because Noah preached 120 years and every got one convert. I can show you how things can really be in a mess.
>> Bert Harper: Okay. Yeah. William, I know what's going on.
I.
>> Bert Harper: Let me just say I just want to give a good word here, Alex, and I think you'll back it up because of what you've experienced this summer in those youth camps. Yes, there is false teaching, there's wokeness, there's going on in and it is rampant. I agree. But out of this is coming some individuals that I've been able to talk to young people early, 20s and their teens. And I'm just telling they have a heart for God and the ways of God. Alex, is it the difficult times but also God's got a remnant that he's got in bringing up.
>> Alex McFarland: He does have a remnant. You know, Proverbs 14:12, the scripture that William M. I think referenced. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end are the ways of death. All right. I think a lot of people are beginning to realize that what seems right and what my best guess and just cross my fingers and hope for the best. We need something more than that. In this changing winds of belief and opinion and, you know, bias and blindness, is there a solid rock on which to stand? And there is. It's the Lord Jesus and his infallible word. So yeah, I think a lot of people and it's the Holy Spirit doing this. But a lot of people are realizing, I gotta have something more substantial than just my attitude or blindness or preference. I need some truth. And folks, that's what we've got. We've got Jesus who is truth. We've got God's word that is truth. And many, many all around us are eager and searching to try and hear it.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Let me just encourage. This is Friday, Sunday's coming. Okay, it's Friday, but Sunday's coming. That means worship is going to take place. You who are pastors preach the word in truth and love. Just preach it and share God's word. Those of you that are small group leaders, Sunday school teachers, open the word of God and the youth and the children preschool. Let them hear the word of God all the way through. I want to tell you the word of God is, is. Is strong. It really is. And it stands and has stood the Test of time. So the word, he'll draw all men unto himself. When we lift Jesus Christ up, Alex, and, God gives the increase. We just need to be faithful in planting, don't we?
>> Alex McFarland: We really do. And he is faithful to us, and you can trust him. The number. If you've got a Bible question, we can take one or two more calls. Triple 858-98840. Triple 858-9 8840.
Leslie in Louisiana. Are you there? Yes, sir
how about we go to Louisiana? Leslie in Louisiana. Are you there?
Yes, sir. How are you?
>> Alex McFarland: We are very grateful to hear from you. How are you doing today?
We're doing great.
Leslie: I have a question about the Book of Job
So I have a question about the Book of Job. so about a month ago, it's part of my, you know, yearly reading where I read it, you know, cover to cover. And I noticed for the first time, and I've been doing this for a long time. I don't know, I just never noticed it before, that Satan is not the one who brings up Job. It is God who brings up, Job first and says, have you considered my servant Job? And then brings him up a second time? So I was wondering if you could explain to me why that is, like, why without Satan asking, God would bring a Job.
>> Bert Harper: Okay. Gotta read verses six and seven before you read verse eight. Leslie, let me. Let me read that. And then, Alex, you take off on 8, and I'll add if I need to. Now, there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. And the Lord said to Satan, from where do you come? So Satan answered the Lord and said, from going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it. Now, he does this as what? observer. And also an oppressor. That's. He does. He's the observer. He's not omniscient. He doesn't know it all, but he's a fantastic observer. Looking for that, Alex. And then that's when God talked up and brought up Job.
>> Bert Harper: Wasn't.
>> Alex McFarland: Was. And I love the Book of Job. the Book of Job is a miraculous piece of writing. And, 11, God says to Satan, stretch out your hand and touch all that he has. Well, I mean, Satan says, and if you let me persecute him, touch all that he has, he'll curse you to your face. And God says, no, Job won't do that. So the question comes, why? Might God have really goaded the devil into this conversation? Have you thought about Job for one thing? For one thing, job was going to go through 17 types of testing, and he was going to get majorly blessed on the other side. The other thing is, Satan, the accuser of the brethren, was going to get silenced. And Satan, who might think he is so smart in a way, he was going to be used by God to vindicate, the name of God. Bless Job. Now, let me just say this. Bert and I have a friend named Barry McGuire, and we see him at NRB. And Barry, is just a delightful Christian brother and has been very successful in the business world. But anyway, Barry and I have talked about this, how if you're a believer, God's not going to do anything bad to you.
He won't.
>> Alex McFarland: He's a good God who does good things. And if you're going through a trial, we rejoice because it's a time to praise God, grow in God, get blessed. And so Job was blessed to get to go through these testings. And for all of world history, because this is some of the oldest part of the Old Testament, people have been blessed by the journey and the testimony of Job. Bert, let me say this. And, we all know my dear friend Dr. Gary Habermas is going through, his wife has cancer. We're praying for them. Many are praying. And I appreciate that. We learned of this back in February. And Bert, we were on the phone, Angie And I, with Dr. Habermas and his dear wife Eileen. And, I hope I wasn't speaking, you know, flippantly, but they were talking about going through this. And I said, God must love you all so much that, that you've been entrusted with this assignment. And as I said it, I thought, I hope that doesn't sound superficial or something. And Dr. Habermas said, no, I get it. We're going to praise God. We're going to trust God. we're going to walk this valley with God. And Bert, I'll thought to you, but Job is a chance to show how Satan doesn't win. Satan is defeated. God can be trusted. God is faithful. But as his children, we often get assignments. I really think they're like, an assignment to grow in the Lord, even through some of the most painful of, valleys.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. I call them checkpoints. As we run this race, there's.
It's.
>> Bert Harper: It's a marathon. It's. It's not a sprint. You got to go through checkpoints. And some of those checkpoints are painful. Let me share two things about Job. First of all, God's bragging on job.
>> Alex McFarland: Yes, he is.
>> Bert Harper: He is bragging on job, man. I've got a servant out there. He. He is serving. Okay, does that set somebody up for being tested? Yeah, it does, it does. But if you're going to be bragged on, you're going to. I've seen basketball players, man, they, you know, coach, brag on them. The next coach, he's going to do everything he can to put his best defensive man on him. The other thing is, notice what it says. And, this is so powerful. Verse 10. Have you not made a hedge around him? How does he know that? Because he's tried to attack him already, Alex. Have you not.
Alex: God does not let in more than we need
He's tested that hedge. So God does not let in more than we need. Listen, it may come, it may flood, but God is there. And God is that sieve. And our, first time I ever heard that was Bertha Smith, a great missionary. I mean, she, she rocked the world. We talk about women that could teach and speak. Listen, I learned, more about missions from her than a lot of male professors, I tell you that. And so here you have this set up. And he had already tested him, said, you've got to hedge around. If you'd let me get to him, he would curse you to your face. Listen, I agree with you. An assignment and it is a privilege to have suffered for the name of Christ. Now, I know that's a big statement, and when we say stuff like that, are we setting ourself up for Satan to come? Probably so. But we make much of Jesus and thank God for what God's done in our lives through him. Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen.
>> Bert Harper: Hey, Brent held up a, sign. Guess what it said? God's never wrong.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen.
Amen.
Brent Austin: If you read the Bible in 2026, we will send certificate
>> Alex McFarland: Hey, by the way, before Brent, I want to queue up one of the online questions. Let me remind people, one of the previous callers a moment ago mentioned reading the Bible through in a year. Now, the last thing on your mind right now is probably January, but if you have read or are reading the Bible in its entirety, in the calendar year 2026, come the first quarter, Burton and I will send you a certificate. Now, it's an honor system, but if you, if you are reading God's word and maybe you're in the middle of it or you have time to start even yet. But if you read the Bible through in a year, and we send out many, many certificates every year, don't we, Bert?
>> Bert Harper: We really do. We sign them. Tim signs them. And it's a privilege so you might
>> Alex McFarland: want to take up the challenge to read God's word in calendar year 26. Brent Austin.
Alex: Salvation involves that we admit we are sinners before God
Do we have a question from the Internet?
>> Alex McFarland: We have an email. Like I said, we've been getting a lot of questions lately from both email and Facebook. And this one comes from Rita. And Rita writes, since a Christian, sins are forgiven when they are confessed, and if I am correctly understanding it, Scripture states that sins are removed far from us and not remembered by God. What does it mean in 2nd Corinthians 5:10? That we will be repaid for acts done in the body, whether good or evil. What evil acts can remain if our sins have been forgiven?
>> Bert Harper: Okay, Alex. he doesn't remember them against us. Now, when you read, the book of, Exodus and numbers, and then you get over further, you'll find out that God brings up to them some certain things, but it's not against them. It's to help them and get them to remember. Okay, don't go this way, but go that way, isn't it?
>> Alex McFarland: Amen. that is really good. I love what you said. That he doesn't remember our sins against us. Now, part of what makes Christianity unique is, well, many, many things. But what the salvation transaction is all about, and what, regardless of how you say it, I want to say this. Salvation involves that we admit we are sinners before God. And God, I agree with what you said, that we have sinned and gone astray. Romans 3:23. But then we are accepting who Jesus is and what he did. Now, who is Jesus? God incarnate. What did he do? He paid the sin debt of the world. And that includes he paid my sin debt and Bert's and Brent's and everybody. And what we're saying is, lord, I am trusting you to be the payment for my sin. What you did on the cross is the only way my sin can be forgiven. Please save me. But Christ's righteousness is imparted to us. Now, I'll say this very quickly. When we turn to Jesus. We are in Christ. Our sins are forgiven, but there are repercussions. I mean, an alcoholic can be born again and he is saved, but he still might get cirrhosis of the liver, sadly. You know what I'm saying?
>> Bert Harper: That's it.
>> Alex McFarland: So forgiveness on the spiritual level doesn't mean that we might not experience some consequences on the personal level.
Rhett from Texas. Sorry we didn't get to your call. Call us back next week
>> Bert Harper: Rhett from Texas. Sorry we didn't get to your call. Call us back. I love the question that you're asking. So make sure and call us back next week. We want to talk with you. But let me remind everybody, Sunday is a day of worship. If you possibly can make your way to a local body of believers and join them in raising the name of 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) Fire Away Friday is your chance to ask us your Bible question
(05:48) Steve: What is the Bible's position on female seminary professors
(11:32) Question about the current weather patterns that we're seeing today
(14:01) The work of preborn network clinics is more urgent than ever
(16:44) Alex: We give a shout out to our law, law enforcement officers
(18:55) Jo: Regarding online education, I absolutely believe in Christian education
(23:01) John 3:16 says every branch that does not bear fruit gets cut off
(28:23) Wes: Hope everyone's doing well
(28:36) Alex: What will my sin cost others? Bert: Four questions today
(32:09) We partnered with Preborn to introduce mothers with unplanned pregnancies to their babies
(33:38) William M. Smith to preach Sunday at historic lake in North Carolina
(39:22) Leslie in Louisiana. Are you there? Yes, sir
(39:35) Leslie: I have a question about the Book of Job
(45:32) Alex: God does not let in more than we need
(46:42) If you read the Bible in 2026, we will send certificate
(47:37) Alex: Salvation involves that we admit we are sinners before God
(50:10) Rhett from Texas. Sorry we didn't get to your call. Call us back next week
✍️ Episode References
American Family Radio
https://afr.net
Exploring the Word
https://afr.net/exploring-the-word
Matthew 9:37-38
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+9%3A37-38&version=ESV
1 Timothy 2:12
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+2%3A12&version=ESV
Cold Case Christianity by J. Warner ELsie
https://coldcasechristianity.com/
Preborn
https://preborn.com/
Chapters:
(00:00) Fire Away Friday is your chance to ask us your Bible question
(05:48) Steve: What is the Bible's position on female seminary professors
(11:32) Question about the current weather patterns that we're seeing today
(14:01) The work of preborn network clinics is more urgent than ever
(16:44) Alex: We give a shout out to our law, law enforcement officers
(18:55) Jo: Regarding online education, I absolutely believe in Christian education
(23:01) John 3:16 says every branch that does not bear fruit gets cut off
(28:23) Wes: Hope everyone's doing well
(28:36) Alex: What will my sin cost others? Bert: Four questions today
(32:09) We partnered with Preborn to introduce mothers with unplanned pregnancies to their babies
(33:38) William M. Smith to preach Sunday at historic lake in North Carolina
(39:22) Leslie in Louisiana. Are you there? Yes, sir
(39:35) Leslie: I have a question about the Book of Job
(45:32) Alex: God does not let in more than we need
(46:42) If you read the Bible in 2026, we will send certificate
(47:37) Alex: Salvation involves that we admit we are sinners before God
(50:10) Rhett from Texas. Sorry we didn't get to your call. Call us back next week
✍️ Episode References
American Family Radio
https://afr.net
Exploring the Word
https://afr.net/exploring-the-word
Matthew 9:37-38
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+9%3A37-38&version=ESV
1 Timothy 2:12
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+2%3A12&version=ESV
Cold Case Christianity by J. Warner ELsie
https://coldcasechristianity.com/
Preborn
https://preborn.com/
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