God's Intention For Mariage: Malachi 2:11-17

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>> Alex McFarland: the Bible. It's the word of God. Sharper than any two edged sword. This sacred book is living and active and contains all that' needed for life and godliness.

>> Bert Harper: Stay with American Family Radio for the

>> Alex McFarland: next hour as we study God's word and take your Bible questions.

This is Exploring the Word. We're in the book of Malachi

>> Bert Harper: Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Alex McFarland: We're in the book of Malachi, the Old Testament book of Malachi, chapter two. And we invite you to turn there. This is Exploring the Word. And besides being, doctrinal and containing truth, it's very practical and I think we'll see that here in just a few moments as we look at some of these verses. There's a lot that we can take away and apply to our own lives. But we welcome you to the program. This is Alex McFarland along with Bert Harper. And Exploring the Word is a show where we read God's word and we study the Bible and then we take calls and questions on. Yesterday we took prayer requests too. But if you have a, Bible question of any sort, doesn't have to just be Malachi. We'd love to hear from you later on in the show when we open up the phones.

Bert says God rebukes some priests for misusing their positions

But Bert, yesterday in Malachi chapter two, God's Word had some rebukes for some of the priests, didn't they?

>> Bert Harper: It did. He did. And let me. He started with the leadership and then he goes to some issues and to the whole nation. The responsibility that leadership has is quite, I mean, it's an awesome responsibility. I don't care where it is in the family, in a church, in an industry, in a nation, leadership, God's going to look to whom much is given, much is required. So he talks about the priests and the things they're doing. They just really just misused their positions. They did not fulfill it. And it kind of bleeds down if the leadership's not right, you know, the others tend to weigh. And that's what happens here. And in chapter two, verse 11, it matters because it says, may the Lord cut off from m the tents of Jacob, the man who does this, being awake and aware, and who brings an offering to the Lord of hosts. In other words, you bring in these, gifts to the Lord, these sacrifices. Listen, you're going to pay a price. God expects obedience. And he said, I will bless you, but you must be. You must obey. And out of. Out of obedience comes blessing. Now, that doesn't mean there won't be some difficulty along with. It doesn't mean everything's going to run smoothly. But God does bless obedience, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Well, you know, in verse 11, it talks about. And by the way, there's the proclamation of truth. There's living out truth. There's dealing, morally and, ethically and righteously with each other. I mean, there's such a ripple effect about our walk with the Lord or even our disobedience to the Lord. And like you say, it trickles down from the ministry or the clergy, in this case the priests and the Levites, down to the people. But it says this, that Judah has profaned the Lord's holy institution, which. Which he loves. He has married the daughter of a foreign God.

Let's talk about the Lord's holy institution. What is that holy institution, Bert?

Let's talk about the Lord's holy institution. God raised up Israel. through the nation of Israel would come the Savior. But, Bert, the Bible says unto the Jews were committed the oracles of God, the scriptures. And then, not only the Old Testament, Genesis, through Malachi, but Christ was born. He rose from the dead. Peter preached at Pentecost. The church was birthed. all of the NewSong Testament was written by Jewish believers, most of whom were apostles who had seen the Lord. But here's the point. my Bible in verse 11 says the Lord's holy institution, which he loves. What is that holy institution, Bert? Is it, the remnant of believers throughout all the ages? Is it the church Christ redeemed and commissioned to proclaim the gospel? Is it, the people that are responsible to tell their generation of God the Creator and the Savior? Or is it all of the above, the holy institution of the Lord?

>> Bert Harper: I believe it is that. And I also believe marriage comes under that umbrella, as well. And, when you see that he has married the daughter of a foreign God, you come the idea of two things. Idolatry, and then that of, you know, following, that which God has said no. So, Alex, I do believe that. Notice now I'm in the new King James. And this will be a little study for most, I think everyone knows. Notice it says the Lord's institution, which he loves. Institution in the, new King James is in italics, which means there's some interpretation going on there. You know, they looked at it so it would be the Lord's holy, which he loves. In other words, Everything about God is holy. His thoughts toward us is holy. God's institutions that he started is holy Israel. This, holy means been set aside. You know, set aside for his glory. Marriage is one of those. The law was that. So that which is holy. And then it says he married the daughter of a foreign God. Again, disobedience. But listen, I would say divided allegiance as well. Alex, you catch what I'm saying?

>> Alex McFarland: Yes.

>> Bert Harper: because that really took, looking back, Solomon, that's man. Solomon's heart, because of what he did in the marriage, just made mockery of it. And then wayward gods. And so listen, God, he deserves our all in all. Not part, but everything. So when they say that, I believe it's everything about God that is holy, Alex. That's my thoughts.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. You know, the Lord in the English Bible says, the Lord's holy institution. And you're right, the word institution is in italics. So really, the Hebrews says the Lord's holy, which he loves by definition. Anything God does is going to be perfect.

>> Bert Harper: That's it.

>> Alex McFarland: Anything the Lord does is going to be holy. And, the Bible is God's holy word. we often use the term the infallibility or inerrancy of Scripture. Infallible means it cannot fail. God's word can't fail. inerrant means without error. And so by definition, the Bible, the gospel, the commission to his church, it's all of God, and it's right and it's true. I love this. in verse 12, may the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob, the man who does this, being awake and aware, yet who brings an offering to the Lord of hosts.

>> Caroline: Bert.

>> Alex McFarland: awake and aware. I've often said this. The right thing to do is rarely a mystery. And I want to say that even the person. That is what I mean. Fill in the heresy or disobedience, of the day. People know right from wrong. Now they dance around it and they'll say, oh, I just, who knows about abortion? No, right people, deep down, they know right from wrong. Even if they try to legitimize the wrong.

>> Bert Harper: I agree fully. And he. It is awake and aware. man, they're. We're responsible, Alex. The responsibility is grave. To know truth and obey truth. And they were not. They were matter of fact. They were legitimizing that which was false. You know, bringing the. The wrong kind of sacrifice, marrying, divorcing. And we'll get to that in a moment. And all the things they're doing, you're either going to confess it or justify it, one or the other. And they were justifying it. And them being awake and aware, they knew they were doing it. And do you think that's greater accountability when you deliberately do this, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: I think it's a lot of accountability. there's a church I drove past in my hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina. well, my hometown is really Pleasant Garden, but Greensboro is nearby. But there's a big banner in the yard of this particular church, and it said, we're an inclusive, diverse community.

>> Caroline: All are welcome.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, of course, everybody's welcome to come hear the gospel.

If Christians stand by what the Bible says, it'll be a new America overnight

But when I hear churches using words like inclusion and diversity, that's wrong.

>> Bert Harper: It's a telltale sign of what they're saying, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. I did two different radio interviews today, and, in both cases, the people, Good Christian shows, they were like, what is going to save this nation? And I said, well, the Lord. but on our part, a return to the authority of scripture. Here's the thing, folks. We must. If you're a believer, and certainly if you're in the ministry or in a position of, influence, we must obey what God's word says. Whether it's popular or unpopular, whether it seems, you know, approved or frowned upon. No, God's word is truth. And, Bert, I think if. If our nation and people that claim to be Christians, if we stand by what the Bible says, it'll be a new America overnight, wouldn't it?

>> Bert Harper: Amen. I agree with that. And listen, let's do it. Let's demonstrate it. Let's preach it. Let's live it. And, notice in verse 13, and this is the second thing you do, okay? there's a list going here, isn't there? Okay. One, two, listen. Okay. You cover the altar of the Lord with tears. Oh, man. With weeping and crying. So he does not regard the offering anymore, nor receive it with goodwill from your hands. Why? Let me say something about hands. Bloody hands. you know, hands that shed innocent blood, those that greedy. You catch what I'm saying by that? Hands. Goodwill from your hands. they're receiving good blessings from God. But what are they doing? Returning. No, not with a sacrifice and not the altar. What good are tears if it's not backed up by repentance and true coming to God? You, you know. Oh, they're weeping. Well, you can weep. But listen, God is looking.

>> Caroline: He.

>> Bert Harper: He looks on the inside, doesn't he?

>> Alex McFarland: He does. Bert, this is so good. And by the way, when we get down to verse 15, we're going to see the purpose of the family, why God instituted the family. But let me read this. This is so beautiful. And, you know, it's not how much you weep or what emotional display you put on. It's how much are you willing to follow the Lord. Bert, down south, we have a saying. It's not how high you jump, it's how straight you walk when you hit the ground.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: And God says, look, I'm not going to regard your coming to the temple, putting an offering down, all that weeping and tears. God says, I'm not looking for that. I'm looking for believers that are willing to live right.

>> Caroline: All right.

>> Alex McFarland: Yet you say, for what reason? Verse 14. Because the Lord has been witness between. Okay, God has been a witness. God sees our life, and he sees inside the innermost part of our heart, too. And here's some of the indictment. God, has seen you and the wife of your youth with whom you have dealt treacherously, yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant. we'll come back to that. But he did not make them. Did he not make them one? And the answer is yes. If people are married, they are one. They're united in the eyes of God, having a remnant of the Spirit. And why, one? Here's why. Not only why God invented the family, but here's part of the reason the family has been so vehemently under attack. God. Verse 15. He seeks godly offspring, therefore take heed to your spirit and let none deal treacherously with the wife, his youth. Bert, I just think this is so beautiful. you know, Jesus talked about the men that divorced just out of the hardness of their heart. God sees it, and he had an issue with it then. I think he has an issue with it now.

>> Bert Harper: Well, later on we'll find out. God does not change. So what he said then, he's saying now, we're going to come back and we're going to finish chapter 20. It's got some powerful, powerful messages for us even today.

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But what if the door swings open to all I've been hoping and praying for

But what if the door swings open

>> Bert Harper: to all I've been hoping and praying for? And what if my season of waiting

>> Alex McFarland: was changing and leading to something more?

>> Caroline: More?

>> Alex McFarland: What if jumping leads to flying and

>> Bert Harper: fear didn't stop me from trying? What if God's just waiting for me?

>> Alex McFarland: Start seeing how.

>> Caroline: Be.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

Alex Burke: Malachi 2:15 says God wants godly offspring

This is exploring the word bird. And Alex here, we're in the box, Malachi, and we're in this second chapter. And I do believe verses 14 and 15 are. I mean, they are central to what God's plan is for family. And, Alex, we were reading in verse 14, and it says, between you and the wife of your youth. When I read that, I could not help but think of a friend of yours that was assassinated last, Charlie Kirk. The trial is going on now. Remember what he would tell those young men? He said, listen, marry and have children. And, notice as we get to it, why? Because verse 15 says, God seeks a godly offspring and a, man and a woman. Hopefully, he's talking to Jews. They would be believers, followers of the Lord. They would produce children, they would see their life, and then they would come along. Now, again, parenthood is not a science. Let me just tell you, you know, in science, math, science, two plus two is four. in raising children, it's not a science. It's more of an art. Because if it's not true, the book of proverbs, a lot of proverbs would be uncalled for because it says, obey the law of your father and your mother. You know, so there's some willful choices here. But what God is doing, he is setting up the possibility of a family, a society having a, godly heritage. Do you see those connected like that?

>> Alex McFarland: Do you know, sociologists use the term, human thriving? And what that means is well being and happiness, health. And not only, you know, physical health, but emotional and psychological flourishing. And many, many. And in fact, a decade ago, I was on npr, well, a few times on National Public Radio, which is not all that conservative, but they were talking about how we have to have a restoration of the family. Because they say sociologist. And I know it's true. And I'm going to come back to Malachi here in a minute. The greatest engine in history, the greatest force for good to people, the greatest, factor in human thinking thriving is the family, marriage and family. And Bert, I would say the Christian family has been the greatest engine for world evangelization too. You know, I know there's church and pastors and missionaries thank the Lord. But the Gospel, the Great Commission, and like it says in Malachi 2:15, that God desires that, godly couples raise up godly offspring, and godly offspring replicate the family. That's why Charlie was passionate about it. And he and I shared the stage in several places. And we talked about, you want to be happy, prosperous, live longer, all the fulfillment, joy, get married, stay married, build a Christian family. you'll contribute to the Great Commission, plus you'll help save America, plus you'll have great fulfillment in the journey.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. And part of that verse 14, you said we'd come back to it, because. 14, 15, read them together. And it is great. But listen, it talks about the wife of your youth, but it also says your wife by covenant.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Have you ever heard of covenant marriages?

>> Alex McFarland: Covenant marriages. See, that's the thing. and look, I know, you know, we fall in love, get married. a, pretty young girl swept me off my feet nearly 40 years ago. And, her name is Angie. And by God's grace, July 28th is our anniversary. And don't you know, she has crowns in heaven.

>> Caroline: Burke.

>> Alex McFarland: but here's the thing. The line in every marriage, and I've officiated, write many, and I'm sure you have, too. It says, till death do us part. That is the covenantal agreement. Marriage is not merely coupling. That's why gay marriage is. Is false. It's a misnomer by definition. And I. I think our Creator has the prerogative to lay down what is truth and what is reality. But by definition, marriage is between a man and a woman. It's not between. There's no other way. And it's not merely coupling. Marriage is a covenant. you know, bert, how Psalm 19 says, the heavens and earth reflect the glory of God the Creator. Okay. God is trinity, Father, Son, Holy Spirit. marriage is a trinity. Husband, wife, and God. And then if children come along, there's father, mother, child. I mean, the triune nature of marriage and the other thing. And I'll throw it back to you. Marriage is really a picture of the gospel, Christ in the church. Just as Jesus laid down his life for the bride, husbands, are to lay down their lives for their bride. And, frankly, Bert, I think one of the reasons that Satan has so attacked the family is because marriage and family is a picture of the gospel. Would you agree?

>> Bert Harper: I agree fully in every way, because it's the most effective way for evangelism. It is a picture when I do, and I've done many, many, many weddings. And listen, I'd say it's a three way covenant, okay? I tell the couple you're making a covenant with one another. And as the pastor conducting this, you're making a covenant with me because we've talked about what it means, but more importantly, you're making a covenant with God. So, and then it says a three strand cord is not easily broken if you can make those that that covenant, it's not just an agreement, it's, it's not a contract. It is a covenant which you are bound by. And so here it is, this marriage, the wife by covenant, she's become your wife by covenant. In other words, this is God's idea. You're agreeing with God. And because of that he makes them one. The two shall become one flesh. And this is God's idea. He repeated that in the NewSong Testament. Jesus did. So this marriage between a man and woman, it wasn't Adam and many, it was only Adam and Eve. And so it was a man and a woman in every way.

Take heed to your spirit when God speaks to you, Alex says

It was that God's idea of what he had in mind. And it says, and why one, he seeks godly offspring. This is God's desire. He desires for our children and our children's children to follow through in this covenant relationship with God which what produces good covenant marriages. And so the. But then therefore notice this. Take heed to your spirit. Now Alex, that caught my attention. In other words, it didn't take heed to your body. Cause sometimes you break body wants to do something. But when God's spirit speaks to our spirit, I just want to tell you, we should obey. And you run that filter through the word of God. And guess what you'll get? You'll get truth.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: You'll get truth. And our, we should have truth in our relationship with husband and wife. Truth and a relationship with our offspring. And so Alex, again, as I said, these two verses, they speak real loudly about God's idea. And I'd even go further. God's demand for marriage.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes, verse 16 is awesome. Well, it all is because it's God's word. and it says, let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth. verse 15. For the Lord God of Israel says that he hates divorce. Now listen to this. Fascinating. For it covers one's garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. Therefore take heed to your spirit that you deal not treacherously.

Men, do you realize your wife is like your armor?

All right, Bert, does yours say it covers one's garment? Because, I want to talk about this. How does your.

>> Bert Harper: It covers one's garment with violence.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, I've got the new King James version, all, right, here's the thing. A garment. You think, oh, a jacket or a coat or something. Know, in this, I looked it up in a commentary, Bert. It says, this is a euphemism for one's wife. You say, how is that? Because here's the way the wording is. One's armor. Men, do you realize your wife is like your armor? now you know what that is. It's like, you know, the. The clothing that helps protect you in battle. I've heard many men say, and I certainly know what this is like. They'll say, you know, I'm just not myself. If. If my wife isn't here, I. I just don't know which way I'm going. I'm not myself or whatever. All right, men, God is saying, don't betray your marriage vows. It's a covenant. You've made a covenant between, yes, you and your spouse, but you and God and you and the preacher. But these men were dealing treacherously. They were, you know, abandoning their wives, not keeping their marriage vows. And verse 16, the Lord God of Israel says he hates divorce. He doesn't hate divorced people. And, there's forgiveness and restoration for divorce. It covers one's garment or one's armor, men. And I know this firsthand, Burton. I'll let you speak to it, too. That wife, I mean, she is the second greatest gift God's ever given you, second only to salvation. Bird, I think about how many hundreds of times I've been on the road to preach. And I opened my suitcase, and there's my toothbrush, and clean undershirts that I forgot to pack, but Angie put them in there. You know what I mean?

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: I think about the 10,000 details that I might have forgotten, but Angie reminded me, hey, you need to pay. Put that check in the mail, pay the mortgage. I mean, your wife And I think 10 million men listening could say amen. If. If your wife is a godly wife and you're being a godly husband. That cord of three strands. Husband, wife, Christ. That quarter of three strands is not easily broken.

>> Bert Harper: Hallelujah. Great word. Let me give you some more about that. The garment. In our day, if you're intended to be married, most, time they give engagement rings. I remember, asking Jan to marry me. And then I knew better than to pick out the ring on my own, not because of Jan, but because of me. And, I'm not that great of a giver. So we went and picked out her ring and put it on her finger. And she went around after she got it. She showed it to everyone. Why? It showed the intention. This is our pledge that we're getting married.

Bert: Read verse 17 in the book of Ruth about marriage

Now turn over to the book of Ruth in chapter three. And Naomi, is giving Ruth advice about this relationship she is to have with Boaz. And it says verse two, chapter three. Now, Boaz, whose young women you were with, is he not our kinsman? In fact, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing floor. Therefore, wash yourself and anoint yourself and put on your best guess what the word is, garment, and go down to the threshing floor. But do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. Then he shall be. When he lies down, he shall notice the place where he lies. And you should go in and uncover his feet and lie down. And he will tell you what you should do. Guess what it's doing. Laying that garment over that. This is a pledge that he would make toward her. Naomi knew this. Ruth responded. And, yes, they were married. And so when you see this, this, is a beautiful picture about what they're to do concerning. For, a covers one's garment with violence. If you don't do that, guess what would have happened to Ruth. Going back to Ruth, she would have been, what, open to all kinds of violence? Because had not the man, the kinsman, to protect her. But when this marriage took place, the protection was there. And guess what? The violence was gone. Alex. It's a beautiful picture of what Christ has done for us as the church. But it's also a beautiful picture, as you said, of what marriage should be to show the gospel, you and how it works in relationship and our marriages hopefully will be strong enough as a testimony to those who are watching. Hey, they got something. They have something that we need. They need that relationship. They need that care. They need that respect, with one another. Alex, again, this is powerful, powerful, information for us. And it's in the last book of the Old Testament. It's saying, listen, there's a lot of stuff here, but he said, I want you to know how important marriage and family is. I, I think it speaks loudly.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Hey, by the way, I got to read verse 17, but I just want to put in a plug for my. My very dear friend, Dr. Gary Chapman. He wrote a book called the Five Love Languages. It's one of the. The best sellers of our lifetime. And if Somebody's listening and you think your marriage is beyond saving. It isn't. Your marriage can be saved. And I would encourage you if you, if you need a tune up or just want to fall in love with your spouse all over again, get Gary chapman's book, the Five Love Languages. Bert. He has taught this material since 1968 and he told me, he's told me on several occasions, that he has never seen a marriage that couldn't be saved if the people were willing to invest and pray and work on it.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: In my opinion, his book is a must have for every family, really.

>> Bert Harper: I give you everything. Amen. Read verse 17. We've got about 40 seconds and let's just say a comment about it. Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: You have wearied the Lord with your words, yet you say, in what way have we wearied him? In that you say, everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord and he delights in them. where is the God of justice? Hey, in verse 13 they wearied him with their tears. In verse 17, they wearied God with their empty words.

>> Caroline: Action.

>> Bert Harper: speaks louder than words and tears. And that. Where is the God of justice? Tune in tomorrow and we're going to find out. The one who brings that justice, it's none other than the Lord Jesus. That number 888-589-8840. Give us a call.

We want your Bible question today. If you have a Bible question, call in

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>> Alex McFarland: It was like the beginning of my healing journey. They do an ultrasound and, that's when everything changed.

>> Caroline: 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 250 and say baby that's hashtag 250baby. Or visit preborn.com Bert Harper that's preborn.com Bertharper thank you Jesus for finding me.

>> Alex McFarland: Like a good shepherd, your mercy leads

>> Bert Harper: back to, to your arms where I'm meant to be. So I thank you Jesus for finding me.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. I am so grateful. Jesus found me too. That's a good song, isn't it?

>> bert: It is.

>> Bert Harper: That blesses my heart. Listen, I found the Lord. Listen, he found me.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Hey, this is exploring the word. Let me give this number. Listen up everybody. It's triple 858-98840. That's 888-589-8840 and we have a few lines open. If you have a Bible question, call in. Today's your day, maybe you're a first time caller, you've never called before. you'll super easy. Just come on and we'll hear what your question is. Bert Harper and I will do our best to give you biblical answer. And Bert, I'm fascinated by the questions, aren't you?

>> Bert Harper: I am, I am. I agree with you Alex, and we appreciate it so much.

Steve: Jacob from Michigan calls to ask about salvation through faith

And we got Jacob from Michigan calling, in. Jacob, thank you for calling. Go right ahead. Jacob, are you there? Okay, we. Jacob, Jacob. Well we dropped Jacob. We don't know exactly what happened, but he was asking about salvation. I saw some of the information. Alex and his talking about what Catholics say, what Seventh Day Adventists say. Listen, regardless what anybody says. And he's calling back because he dropped. But it is salvation by grace, by, by grace through faith alone. there's in Christ Jesus, there's no other way.

>> Alex McFarland: That's true. You know you mentioned by grace through faith. I bet you know what verse I'm going to read from Ephesians, don't you?

>> Bert Harper: That's it.

>> Alex McFarland: this is, I'm holding up my

>> Bert Harper: Bible 9, something like that.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. I love this. Listen to this. It says, for we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. Verse 10. But let me go back in verse 8. For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. And we are his workmanship. But God's grace is love and favor that we didn't really deserve.

>> Bert Harper: Ah, that's right. Jacob's back on. So let's see if we. Jacob, you were cut off. We started answering your question even though you didn't answer it. But ask, ask your question and see if we answered it. Go right ahead, brother.

>> jacob: Okay, hopefully you guys can hear me this time. Hey, real quick. yeah, I wanted to know what you guys thought on salvation through, Catholicism, Orthodox Christianity. You know, when people pray to other saints or when there's legalism involved. What are your guys's thoughts on that? if a person still has a

>> Bert Harper: faith in Jesus, okay, regardless of the tag you wear, and I'm using that kind of facetiously, I admit it, Alex, okay? Baptist, Pentecostal, whatever it is. Salvation according to the word of God. And we just answered that, Jacob is by grace through faith. Alex, I, know Catholics. That's born again. I know some that are not. I know Baptists that are born again. And I've met Baptist who were not and they got born again later. there's no certain quote, denomination that's going to secure your salvation, is there?

>> Alex McFarland: That's true. And by the way, folks, this is the subject of soteriology. the Greek word soterios is me, means to save. So when we're talking about soteriology, it's the, the topic of salvation. Whenever you add O, l, O G, Y ology, that means a, study of something. Theology, theos, logos, it's the study of God. Soteriology is the study of salvation. And you know, different denominations are characterized by different things. But really, Bert, the church throughout history, slice the pie of Christianity into three pieces. You've got, you know, the Eastern Orthodox or the Greek Church, Protestantism, Catholicism. And I realize there are some doctrinal divides. I really, I don't minimize that, but really, for 20 centuries, all of Christendom has taught that salvation is a free, free, unmerited gift from God won entirely through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And we, this is appropriated to us through faith.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Only way.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, the only way. And it might be translated, belief, faith, trust. But Jon 3:16 says of Jesus, whoever believes in, in him would not perish, but have everlasting life. First Jon 5:1, Believe in Jesus. Acts 16:31, Believe in Jesus. Jon 6:40, Believe in Jesus. Bert, I'm seeing a pattern here, aren't you?

>> Bert Harper: It's all through it. The book of James adds to that. I believe with all my heart. Faith without works is dead. Being alone. That's it. We're not talking about, faith that works gives faith and saves you. But faith alone produces works. The Bible says in Corinthians, we've been changed. The old is past, the new has come. He's created us unto what good works. And, we are his workmanship created unto that. So Jacob, we hope that gives you an answer. Brother, we appreciate you calling back and getting through. Lets go to Missouri and talk to Steve. Steve, thank you for calling today.

Steve: Dr. Jeff Shreve's book answers many questions about today's world

>> Steve: Well, thank you for taking my call, and thank you for all that both of you do to help each of us out here when we have questions. But today I came across something in, Dr. Jeff Schrieve's book, the Devil's Newsroom, that answered so many questions for me about the way things are in this world today. That God is a God of planning and organization. And, that's how he does everything. He's got a plan for everything and has even before the world was created. But Satan is a spirit of chaos because that's how he messes up God's plans or tries to. And for me, that answered all the questions that are going on in the world today, because I've been asked by a lot of people. People, you know, they just don't understand what's going on. And, you know, and. But when I read that from. From Dr. Jeff Schrieve, I'm going to tell you, it answered those questions, and I have used that, and it seems to really help people kind of understand. So it will help at least just one out there that is asking the same question.

>> Bert Harper: Thank you, Steve. Yes. Jeff Schrieve, listen, he is a brother in Christ. And he's a, He's a fellow, you know, radio, personality here at afr, and we appreciate him. Chaos. Alex, Satan, he. I agree with it fully. He's. He's. He desires chaos in the family, in. Well, let's start in a person's life. Chaos in a family, chaos in a church. Listen, Chaos, he thrives on that, doesn't he?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, he really does. And basically, Ephesians 2, 2 and 3 and First Jon 2. Talk about the world, the flesh and the devil. You know, why is the world like it is? Well, because of the world, the secular system. Apart from God, the flesh, everyone has a sin nature. First Jon 2:16 says, Everything in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life comes not from the Father, but from the world. And then you've got Satan, Jon 10:10, who comes to steal, kill and destroy. So the world is the way it is, at least the bad parts, because of, it's a fallen world of sin. Hence our need for salvation through the Savior, Jesus Christ.

>> Bert Harper: Steve, thank you for calling. Thank you for getting Jeff's book, and I agree with you. may his tribe increase. He's a great brother in Christ.

Bill says it doesn't matter which Jesus Christ you believe in

Let's go to Arkansas and talk to Bill. Bill, thank you for calling today.

>> bill: Yes, y'. All were just quoting scripture that was supposed to back up, faith alone. But nowhere in that scripture that you quoted did it say faith alone. Those words are not there. It sounds like you're adding to scripture. And you also said it doesn't matter which Jesus Christ you believe in. You can believe in any of the 55,000 different Jesus Christ that have been man made in the last 500 years by Protestants. But St. Paul says we agree on all things. St. Paul says if you have another belief, realize that we all agree on everything. Well, Bill, it's okay.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Bill. Thank you for calling. Let me just share this. I didn't hear what you heard. To say that we believed on any kind of Jesus Christ. I'm not. I didn't see that. It's Christ, the Christ, and it's the Christ alone. There's only one one. The others are demonic. Honestly, if you raise up anybody else alongside of Christ, it's demonic. We're not talking about that. We did not refer to that at all. And Alex, faith. If it's only as you said, believe, faith. It's there alone. Using the word alone. We're not adding to the scriptures, we're just saying, stating it. There it is. It's not faith and works. It's not faith and baptism. It's not faith and church membership. It's faith by itself. That's it. We're not. We're not adding to the word, are we?

>> Alex McFarland: No. And, by the way to the caller, I would love if we could get his address free of charge. I'd love to send him one of our books. Two things here, salvation and Jesus. Okay. Ephesians 2. And by the way, I'm honored that you're listening. You know, respectfully, I want to respectfully disagree and clarify, but, I'm honored you're listening. And please Continue, sir. Ephesians 2:8 through 9. For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one can boast. So, yes, it is faith alone in Jesus. But regarding, what he said about the 50,000 Jesus is there's one Jesus and only one. And let me just say this, and we could do a whole show on this. And M. Bert, maybe we need to, The Jesus you meet in the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and Jon, virgin born, born in Bethlehem, sinless life, miraculous deeds proved. He was the fulfillment of the scriptures. Died on a Roman cross as Passover, rose from the dead. Here's the thing about this singular Jesus. Even critical historians acknowledge the, I'm going to give you six bare facts that. And I'm not talking preachers, I'm not talking evangelical Christians, I'm talking critical historians agree the Jesus of the Gospels actually did live. They agree he was crucified on a Roman cross at Passover. three days later, the tomb is empty. And yet what's interesting, Bert, is, and I don't have time to name a lot of names, although I certainly could. Historiography. Historiography. That's the discipline of professional historians. And they agree he, the tomb was empty and he arose. And these are men that aren't necessarily believers, but there's no other explanation. Stolen body doesn't work. Jesus faked his death. That doesn't work with all the known facts. And so then they also agree that Christ appeared multiple times to different people, different places, and that the disciples begin to pray, proclaim, Christ is risen, We've seen him. Then they're willing to die for that. Nobody's going to die for something that's a lie. They've met then. And critical historians agree. You've got the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. He was on his way to a city called Damascus, and he was an enemy of the church. He got converted because he experienced a meeting with the resurrected Jesus. Then you've got the half brother of Jesus, James, who was a skeptic, and he became a believer. So, Bert, these core facts show that there is one Jesus, historically documentable, and he. We can know him. I'm being very brief here, but, certain others, just one Jesus. And, may I say he's as close by as a

Prayer.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. thank you. Thank you, Bill. And, listen, keep listening. Call back. We love these discussions.

Brent: Alex, do you think we will have jobs in heaven

Brent, you say we got one on Facebook or Word. Which one?

>> brent: Yes.

>> brent: Marian on Facebook asks a question which I've never thought of this myself. Do you think we will have jobs in heaven? Work is not a part of the curse, is it, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: No, I think we're going to have things to do in heaven. Heaven that are going to be fascinating and, yeah, jobs or responsibilities. But we won't be encumbered by, thorns and thistles and the sweat of

>> Bert Harper: our brow and mosquitoes and no mosquitoes, no poison ivy.

>> Alex McFarland: I think heaven is going to be very purposeful and very wonderful and will move throughout God's universe, at the time, same speed of thought.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Darrell from Tennessee, we got two minutes. Go ahead. We're going to Try to answer your question. If you ask it quickly, brother, go right ahead. Yes, Sir.

>> darrell: chapter 19, Matthew, verse 30,

>> Bert Harper: and chapter 20, verse 16 talks about, being last being first and then first being last. Explain that. Okay, Alex, we ain't got a lot of time. Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, and Matthew 19, verse 30 says, Many, who are first will be last and last will be first. For one thing to be very brief, there's no partiality with God. You know, just because the Jews were born ethnically Jewish doesn't mean they're automatically saved. Just. And there's no spiritual, arrogance or favoritism, really. And, just like the parable of the workers in the vineyard, you know that those that came at the end of the day got the same pay as those that came. God is just, God is fair. God is uniform. Whosoever will may come. And we're all accountable for what we did with the truth that we knew.

>> Bert Harper: In those two contexts, there's rewards. And again, I, I agree with that. No, no partiality. But just because you was the first doesn't necessarily mean that you were the best. So God judges all from the first to the last and all in between. And there's no partiality in him. Alex, we'll continue in Malachi tomorrow. we'll start in chapter three, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: You know, folks, we often say this, but we really mean it first. For one thing, we thank you for listening. It really means the world to us. We give God all the glory. Tell somebody about American Family Radio. Tell somebody about exploring the word if you would. But most of all, tell everybody about Jesus. The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those who of the American Family association or American Family Radio.

>> Bert Harper: PreBorn's whole mission is to rescue babies from abortion and lead their families to Christ. Last year, PreBorn's network of clinics saw 8,900 mothers come to Christ. Please join us in this life saving mission. To donate, go to preborn.com afr.

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