Preborn's mission is to rescue babies from abortion and lead their families to Christ
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 the Bible.
Alex McFarland It's the word of God. Sharper than any two edged sword. This sacred book is living and active and contains all that's needed for life and godliness.
Bert Harper Stay with American Family Radio for the
next hour as we study God's word and take your Bible questions.
Alex and Bert welcome you to Exploring the Word tonight
Bert Harper Welcome to Exploring the Word.
Alex McFarland Well good evening everybody. Exploring the Word is on and Alex and Bert are here inviting you to get a copy of God's Word and join with us as we continue looking at some of the parables of Jesus. We are going to be in the Gospel of Luke, and Luke 15 is one of these, and it's also part of where we're going to be is in Matthew chapter 18 as well. We'll explain the cross referencing but we are glad that you're listening. And then of course as always later on we'll get to phone calls and questions. If you have never called in, we'd love to hear from you, we'd love to hear from everybody whether you have ever called us or not. But Bert always am encouraged when I hear of first time callers and we've been doing this program a long time and yet continually we hear from people and they'll say hey, I just discovered your show a short while ago, love it. Exploring the word and we give God the glory.
Bert Harper We really do and it is a joy to hear those first time callers. And so if there's somebody out there today, let me give that challenge, do that today. And I believe you would get through. Richard, is ready to receive those calls and he'll put them through. We'll just enjoy that.
Luke 15 focuses on those and that which is lost
But Luke 15, Alex, have you ever called it the lost chapter? That doesn't mean that it was lost and found, but Jesus really concentrates on those and that which is lost. And so have you ever heard, let me see, you got to get lost before you can be found, you know. And God saves sinners so you got to know where you are before you can come to Christ. So here in Luke 15, Jesus is talking and speaking. And what is amazing. Well let me just read this the first two. before we go into the wording of the parable, it's so important to look to see who Jesus is speaking to, if you can, to see what's going on. Because in that context, it helps to understand. Here it is. 15, 1, 2. Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to him to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, this man receives sinners and eats with them. That is the context by which the next three parables are put before this group of people, isn't it?
Alex McFarland What a scandal that the Savior of the world would reach out to lost sinners that needed redemption. Bert, in this Luke 15, two Pharisees and the scribes. And by the way, that, you know, the Pharisees were the really among the leaders of the Jewish culture. The scribes were copyists that made copies of the Bible, but they also were commentators. So you've got the religious hierarchy here. They murmured, saying, this man receiveth sinners. Bert, I looked up that word receives or receiveth, and it means is friendly
Bert Harper with mine, says welcomes them.
Alex McFarland Yes, isn't that something? Now, we are not to sin or be sinful, although we all stumble and do things we ought not do. Even born again people can stumble in sin. But we should be, people that are happy to be around those that don't yet know the Lord. Sinners. This, man eats with them. Oh, my goodness. He's fellowshipping and spending time with people that need a relationship with God. that's wonderful. I'm glad that Jesus receiveth sinners, because when, I was 21, he received the. This one.
Bert Harper Amen. Praise the Lord. Alex, again, going back to the tax collectors and sinners. These were Jews, but they were, again, you know, anathema. No, don't have anything. Don't even touch. They didn't touch, you know, those that were with leprosy. Unclean, Unclean. But they would have no contact with these either. And so here it is. These tax collectors and sinners do drew near to Jesus. Now, where is he at? notice back in chapter 14, verse 15, it tells now when one of those who sat at the table with him. Okay, this is even more significant. He's not just walking about in them. They're coming. There's no connection. It seems like this continues. And, that people were drawn to him and he is drawing them. He goes to where they are. Now, the Pharisees and scribes, they would do everything they could to go around where they are. And here Jesus is drawing them to himself. He drew near to him. Why? Because, you know, he listen, I would say. And he came m To do what? Save sinners. And, so here he is drawing them. And, the Pharisees and scribes, they. This man welcomes them, receives them gladly, is friend with them, using all those terms, and then eats with them. Alex, you know, it's bad enough that he would spend time with them, but eating with them, that's. Eating is a form of fellowship, isn't it?
Alex McFarland Oh, absolutely. Absolutely it is. And, you know, Bert, when we were in Matthew 13 for several days doing parables, you. You alluded to it a minute ago. It's important to look at the context, or the audience that. That Christ was addressing. If you look at Matthew 13, 1 and 2, great multitudes were gathered together to hear him. He spoke many things, to them. And really the message was, you know, very much about salvation. Right now, Here in Luke 15, the Pharisees and the scribes, these are the religious people that ought to have known the importance. And in a way, he's talking about the, You know, there's three things in this. We won't get all of it. Lost sheep, lost coin, lost son, and the obligation. The urgency to go and reach those that need God. And, I would think the Pharisees and the scribes should have known the obligation of evangelism. But it's like these parables are trying to remind, the religious hierarchy that, you know, we don't just sit on the shelf as this religious trophy. No, we're to be out in the world helping redeem, restore and reclaim those that are needing salvation.
Bert Harper Amen.
Bert says Jesus carried the lost and wounded on his shoulders
So here it is. This is the context. This is the place. These are the people. Verse three starts out, so now again, I know I. I love this word. So what did he do? I, love that, you know, when somebody says something, well, they were caught off the side of the road. They were caught by surprise. The next question is, so what did they do here? When Jesus saw and heard these Pharisees and scribes murmuring, so what did he say? Here's what he said. He spoke a parable to them, saying, and I'll read this. This goes through verse seven, and we'll put it that way. Read it all together. What man of you personalizes it? I love that having 100 sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the 99 in the wilderness and go. One which is lost until he finds it. And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, rejoice with me, for I found my sheep which was lost. I say to you that likewise, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 just persons who need no repentance. Now, Alex, again, what we're looking here is the value and the worth of one. Alex, have you ever heard that? If I heard. I don't remember the first time I heard it, but I remember a preacher saying it. If you were the only one that would have ever been saved by trusting Jesus Christ, he would have died on the cross just for you. The value of the one is pretty high up there, isn't it?
Alex McFarland Amen. Amen. The value of the one. I mean, stories have been written, songs have been written. This lost sheep, and the. The good shepherd, leaves the 90 and 9 in the wilderness and goes after the lost one until he found. Finds it. And I love this. In verses 5 and 6 and 7, when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. Bert, no doubt everybody has seen the paintings of Jesus carrying the lost sheep around his shoulders. And I want to tell you, those are some big, strong shoulders. And no matter who you are, what you've done, how, far from God you might think you are, the Lord Jesus is capable of picking you up, saving your soul, putting you back on solid ground. I just love that image of the good shepherd carrying the lost and wounded on his shoulders, bringing them home, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, rejoice with me, for I found my sheep which was lost. Bert, the friends and neighbors that rejoice over the sheep returned. that's the body of believers, the church. And Jesus says, I have found my sheep, which was lost. You know, all around us there are. There's homeless people, there's drug addicts, there's. Sin has left its ugly mark in a lot of ways. But you know what? They're. They're. They're his sheep. They're people that God made, people that God loves and people that we're called to go and reach out to. Aren't we, Bert?
Bert Harper We really are. And I do want to go back to him putting on his shoulders. we could have put a rope around him and drug him. No, this sheep notice it been gone a while. He had to find it. It was lost. And you use the word wounded. this. She was probably unable to follow. If he could follow. And sheep follow. You don't drive sheep. You can drive cattle. You lead Sheep. And Jesus, this sheep was unable to do that. It was so damaged and wounded and hurt, in pain. And, you can imagine what it. You probably anoint my head with oil. Its head was probably just scarred up and really, really bloody. And so Jesus uses this picture of a shepherd putting that sheep on his shoulder and carrying it. And again, rejoicing. Alec. Oh, he didn't say, oh, man, this sheep. You dirty old sheep. You shouldn't have done that. You.
Caroline You.
Bert Harper No, he put it on his shoulder. Notice how close that is. I mean, that. That's close proximity. And from what I've been around sheep, that's not necessarily something that's pleasant to have a sheep on your shoulder. But Jesus demonstrates that of a good shepherd doing that. And so it's a beautiful picture, as you said. Alex.
Exploring the Word celebrates America's 250th birthday with special apparel
Alex McFarland Bert, we would be remiss if we didn't mention the 90 and 9, which is a famous gospel song by Ira Sankey, who traveled with DL Moody. Do you remember some of the famous story about this? Okay. Iris Sankey fought for the Union army during the Civil War, and he had this little bitty keyboard that you pumped with your foot. And D.L. moody would preach to thousands. I mean, there was no amplification, no PA system back in the 1800s. And, you know, he would sing this. You know, there were 90 and nine that safely lay in the shelter of the fold but one was on the hills away Far from the gates of gold Away on the mountains wild and bare Away from the tender shepherd's care. Now when we come back, Bert, I have to tell you this story about Iris Sankey and the miraculous, man he led to the Lord years and years after the Crusades, where he would sing this song.
Bert Harper You don't want to go away. You want to hear the rest of the story Coming up in segment two here on Exploring the Word,
Alex McFarland America's 250th birthday. It's a great excuse to have some extra cake and ice cream, but we can help your celebration go well beyond that. Show your patriotism with America 250 apparel that will become a memento of this special year. We also have special episodes on AFA Stream to help underscore that America is a Christian nation and help you find God in the Constitution, Find all of this and more in one place. Afa.net topics 250. Chases me down fights till I'm found leaves the 99 I couldn't learn and I don't deserve deserving still you give yourself away all the overwhelming, never ending reckless Love of God.
Bert Harper Thank you for listening to Exploring the Word. And that song uses this illustration. God values the one so much. And, Alex, when we left, you were talking about another song, a hymn that was written by Ira Sanke. And again, it's worth checking out Ira Sanke's history as well. But what. What a story this is. In Luke, chapter 15, the 99 is left to go after the 1. Tell us and finish the story you started in the earlier segment.
Alex: Ira Sankey led one man to Christ on a steamboat
Alex McFarland Well, thank you, Bert, and it's great to be with everybody. You know, I'm just so inspired by Christian history, and about 25 years, it might have been even a little more than that. I was preaching around Chicago, and, anyway, I went over to Moody Church and saw Erwin Lutzer, our friend, and went, around Moody Bible Institute. And they had quite a number of D.L. moody's artifacts, but they had one of Ira Sankey's keyboards. Now, the 1800s, no electricity, no PA system, but IRA Sankey had this little organ. It folded up like a suitcase, and. And it was called a reed organ. And he would pump it and he would sing. And I guess everybody had to be really quiet. and they let me play that thing. I just couldn't believe it. The lid. You would open up the lid of this organ, and vertically they had the word gospel. G, O, S, P, E, L. And then they, on horizontally, the words of Jon 3:16, God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. And, So the word gospel was an acronym that you would see when Sankey would open his organ. And much to my surprise, the. The lady showing me through all these archives said, would you like to play it? And I said, wow, I'm not worthy to play Iris Sankey's, pump organ. But I played a chord or two on it. But here's the thing. Moody and Sankey, they were getting old. And it was, I think, 1899 that they did their last evangelistic tour. And they preached, and sang in a few places around America. And folks, I cannot overstate how big DL Moody was. And this parable of the lost sheep was really big in their messaging. But they were going down maybe, it was the Mississippi river on a steamboat, and they were in some restaurant or something on this boat, and Ira Sankey, now elderly, sang a gospel song. A man came up to him and said, you don't know it, but during the, The, Civil War, I was fighting for the Confederates. You were on the Union side. On a moonlit Night I saw you standing guard, Mr. Sankey, and I raised my rifle to shoot you. And you, looked up at the sky and sang a hymn. And, I just felt the presence of God. And even though I had a clear shot, could have killed you, I didn't shoot you. And this man apparently had come from the bar on the ship anyway. Iris. Sankey led him to Christ. And that may have been the last person that Sankey led to Christ. But Bert is not amazing the sovereignty of God. How decades prior, Sankey out. He thought he was alone. He just in a spirit of worship, sang a hymn. Little did he know that in the, you know, in the bushes was a man about to shoot him. They remit decades later on a steamship. And Sankey led him to Christ. Isn't that amazing?
Bert Harper It is amazing. And that connection was made here upon earth. Alex, I just can't help but say this. Can you imagine what it's going to be like in heaven when we get to hear all the connections of what took place because of this. This person heard the gospel. Because they saw this person help this individual, they decided they, there must be something to this. There is something to it. You who are listening God. Jesus Christ changes lives and it's for good. He goes after the lost. And you may be the one out there today, you may be incarcerated today. You may be driving down the road today, and you're just defeated. You may have lost your job and now you gotta go home. You feel like you're the only one Jesus Christ looks at the one. He had to go through the area of semester, Samaria, because there was a woman that was coming to the well that nobody would have anything to do with. Not just the Pharisees and the scribes, but nobody would have. But Jesus took time to talk to the 1. Let Christ come into your life today. Those of you that are listening, who have never known Jesus, he changes your life. And just like what happened here, the whole group, they rejoiced over this one, this, over this one sinner who repents and then comes unto the Lord. What a beautiful story. It's short, Alex, but so picturesque, you know?
Alex McFarland Yeah, exactly. So much ministry that came out of the parable of the lost sheep. Also, in Luke 15, beginning at verse 8, is a parable of a lost coin. And let me read this again. Jesus is telling these stories that anybody could relate to, but conveying very powerful spiritual reality. Jesus says, either what woman Having 10 pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light A candle and sweep the house and seek diligently till she finds it. I mean, you can picture somebody with a candle for a light, looking under the bed, you know, looking in every dark corner. And when she hath found it, she calls her friends and her neighbors and together says, rejoice with me, for I have found the peace which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Caroline Bert.
Alex McFarland a silver coin is valuable. Even a silver coin that is lost is still. It has inherent intrinsic value. A human made in God's image. Even a lost human has value to God.
Bert Harper They really do.
Alex : Jesus came into the world to save sinners, right
Notice this. Again, the one. But notice the 99 and now the nine. Oh, I have nine coins left now. You know, I understand that. Let me share this story. It's personal about my family. I'm the youngest of nine. Alex. My mom and dad had nine children, and I'm the youngest. And, so when the. We would have these family gatherings and all nine, that is usually in July. I had a sister that she usually got off in July. And they would come and everybody, we would gather at least once a year, all nine of us, most of the time. But every so often, and especially it happened when my older brother Dwayne, was in the military and could not be there when he wanted to and gather together. My mom was always, we could tell, you know, someone's missing. Now, she knew where he was. He wasn't lost, but she knew he wasn't there. And, I. Me not knowing and not having children at that time, I thought, mother, you know, you got eight of us. rejoice in the eight. Don't be so depressed over the one who is not there. And then I remember seeing this, especially this one, because nine and nine children she had, you know, weirs eight and, that were there, one that was not. But she had on her mind. She was glad she had the eight children there, but she was hurting because of the one who wasn't there. And so when I see this and make it personal, there's many reasons. I've heard several thoughts of why this was so important. possibly a dowry. And I've researched and researched and I don't find that, you know, that it's actually that. So whatever it is, these 10 coins, 10 is kind of a set, Alex. Okay, 10, that's a good round number. Right? And so, she was missing one. But again, it's the value of the one that Jesus is trying to share with this. This parable that, hey, this one coin is valuable. Remember who we're talking to, and I'll throw it to you. Alex, we're talking, Jesus is talking to the scribes and the Pharisees because they were murmuring because the tax collectors and the, sinners were there. Jesus is saying, I want you to know those tax collectors and those sinners are valuable to me. Matter of fact, tax collectors are so good, I called one of them to be my apostle. That speaks pretty loudly, doesn't it, Alex?
Alex McFarland Well, it really does. It really does. And, you know, these parables show that, saving souls was the thing nearest and dearest to the heart of God. Really. let me read first Timothy chapter one for just a second here. Paul writes this of his testimony in 1st Timothy 1:12. And following the apostle Paul said, I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who enabled me. For that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry who was before. Paul is saying what he was before Christ. A blasphemer, a persecutor. Injurious. But I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus. Now, first Timothy 1:15. If you want to understand Jesus and his life, ministry, resurrection and the heart of God, this is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am Chief Paul says, sometimes I feel like it's me. But here's the thing, and this is what we should be about to. Because it's what our Lord was about. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. that's why the lost sheep was pursued. That's why the house was searched to recover the lost coin. Jesus said this. The Son of man came into the world to seek and save that which was lost. And, that. Hey, what. What else is there? Jon Wesley said this. We have nothing to do but the saving of souls. And, Bert, that's a priority the church must never forget.
Bert Harper Amen.
Alex Harper: Homosexual activity is a sin. I'm not singling out one sin
Preach it, Alex. One thing I wanted. Now we're going to save the lost son until Monday, Lord willing. But I do need to make this. I remember preaching on this. And I. I did not. I did each one. But, on the whole, I had an introduction. The notice, the lost sheep is because it's wandering, you know, prone to wander. Lord, I feel it, you know, was wandering away. You know, the lost coin was lost. You can say different, but it seems like carelessness, you know, carelessness. She was, going about her business and keeping house and those 10 coins. And she may have knocked it off when she was dusting. We don't know the reason, but it was carelessness.
Bert Harper And then when it gets, as we cover it Monday, ah, certain man had two sons. One son was lost because of rebellion.
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Bert Harper Regardless of the reason of your lostness, regardless of you being the one that is out there, God is concerned about you. God knows you. And matter of fact, in each one of these, each one of these, parables, God shows you he's the hound of heaven. He's looking for them and wanting them. So here, this lost coin. She lives in a dark place, you know, so she has to get a candle. It's probably a clay floor, you know, sweeping and looking for it. It was difficult and hard, but she was diligent about it. Does this demonstrate the diligence of our Savior coming after us? Alex? He, only, you know, one time would be enough. But no, he. He tends to keep on keeping on trying to draw us to himself, doesn't he?
Alex McFarland Amen. Amen. And to have the heart of Jesus, we should not be content to let people die unsaved without at least attempting to get them under the sound of the gospel. You know, we have a, diligent Savior, and we Christians, you know, we are his ambassadors. We should be diligent to see people get saved as well.
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Alex McFarland And, and I think about this verse 10, likewise, I say unto you there's joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents. Okay? So, I mean, if you want to make heaven rejoice, you want to, you want to create joy in heaven, help sinners find repentance and redemption. And, and I think so clearly, let me just say this. I know we're in a 21st century world where people like to, you know, feel pretty good about themselves. You know, amazing, grace. How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. Without Jesus, we are wretched. Some people don't like those kind of in your face song lyrics. Luke 15:10. If you have not repented and turned to Jesus, you're a sinner. I mean, sinners must turn from their sin. And we're living in a time. There was a pretty famous ministry a couple of years ago that fired, somebody because this particular person said, hey, we shouldn't be telling people that homosexuality is a sin. And look, sin is sin. I'm not singling out that One sin. But homosexuality was a sin. It still is a sin. No one is born gay. Somebody even earlier today was asking me, should the church, be loving to gay people? Well, first of all, there are no gay people. There are people who struggle with same sex attraction and they should let the spirit of God help them turn from it. But of course the church should be loving to everybody. I mean, should we help people repent from the sin of opposite sex attraction? You know, I mean, heterosexual promiscuity is a sin. Homosexual activity is a sin. But in the Spirit of Luke 15:10, sin is still sin. And sinners still need to repent from sin if they would be saved.
Bert Harper If you're the one that is out there, regardless of how you got there, we will know that. And we praise God for what he is doing in drawing you to himself. Would you come to Christ? We're going to be back. We go have phone calls. 888-589-8840. Will you take a moment and celebrate life with me? Last year PreBorn helped to rescue over 67,000 babies from abortion. Hi, this is Bert Harper and I want to thank you for your partnership. Think about what you did. 67,000 babies are taking the first breath now because of you. Your $28 sponsored one ultrasound that was given to a woman as she was deciding about the future of her child. Once she saw her precious baby for the first time and heard that sweet heartbeat, her baby's chance at life doubled. But PreBorn's mission is not only to rescue babies lives, but also to lead women to Christ. Last year Preborn network clinics saw 8,900 women receive salvation. Your help is crucial to continue their life saving work.
Alex McFarland Praise the Lord.
Bert Harper Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.
Alex McFarland His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 106:1. Christ with will hold me fast. Justice has been satisfied. He will hold me fast. Raised with him to endless life. He will hold me fast till I fade his time to start.
Bird: Google this song and find out the history about that song
Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Alex and Bird here. We're having some worship music today, aren't we there Bird?
Bert Harper Hallelujah. Listen, let me just give you a hint. Google that and find out the history about that song. And it will bless your heart just to look to see. It was written. Let me give you this real quick. It won't take but a minute. It was written in 1906 by Ada Habershon, but then it was rediscovered by Matthew Merker back in 2013 when he was going through a difficult time. And they, man, he saw it, a lady had given him that, that song, it had fallen out of being sung and he redid some of it and add that last little bit line about when he comes fast. It's awesome, Alex. It's based on Jude, verse 24 about him working with us. Also in Psalm 139, 10, it says, Even there, even there, your hand shall lead me and your right hand shall hold me fast.
Alex McFarland Amen.
Bert Harper We're secure in him, Alex.
Alex McFarland We certainly are. We certainly are. Hey, we're going to get to phone calls and questions. The number is Triple 858-98-8840. Triple 858-9840.
The Ten Commandments speech challenge closes June 30th
Hey, but before we go, something really exciting. And now summer's here and maybe, maybe some of the kids have a little more extra time with school is out. I hope where y' all are. And it's the Ten Commandments speech challenge. Now this is something that the ministry does and our beloved brother Joseph Parker really kind of leads this. But Bert, let's talk about this because I think this would be a very, very meaningful thing for young people to do with some of their summer vacation here. The Ten Commandments speech Challenge.
Bert Harper It is. I met a young lady even today that had prepared her speech and brought it by and so you can be a part of that. The Ten Commandments project. And you want to know more. I understand that you can do that. But, but it's about youth. You can win a free T shirt if you memorize the Ten Commandments. Memorize them, they're, they're great. And then you can have a church wide, ministry four, week community and how that reaches your community. And you can do that by contacting Joseph Parker. So write this down his where you can reach him. Jparkerafa.net that's so simple. J. [email protected] and he can tell you more about this ministry and then the speech challenge that we're talking about and making a speech three to five minutes about the first commandment, which is you shall have no other gods before me. You can get someone to help ages 7 to 17 for children and youth. And so you'll be rewarded for that. It's a great blessing. And there's things that, that would bless you by learning that besides getting rewarded with that T shirt and, and also other things that you can find out about Alex. It's a great thing, but they got to do it now. it closes June 30th, so we need to get on board and do that, don't they?
Alex McFarland Yes, absolutely. I can hardly believe it's June 18th right now, but you got a few days. This is very special. And, Bert, again, we're online. Can people, learn about.
Bert Harper Okay, they can go to [email protected] and learn about that. And, he'll help you, and you just leave a message, and he'll get back in touch with you all the information that you need. And again, the Ten Commandment Project speech challenge. Every youth will participate, will receive a 10 Commandment T shirt, everyone. And so we would love for you to be a part of that three to five minute, speech, but also memorize the Ten Commandments.
Alex McFarland Amen.
Bird: I mentioned the acronym on Ira Sankey's pump organ lid
Well, during the break, somebody asked about. I mentioned the acronym that was on Sankey's pump organ lid. and it was gospel. So imagine going vertically, G O, S, P, E, L Gospel. But then horizontally, these were the words. hand painted is just so precious. And this artifact is up at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. I mean, I'm assuming it still is. I believe there's also an Iris Sankey Museum in Pennsylvania. But it said, God so loved the world that he sent and then his only begotten son. So you've got G O S, God only and son, and then that whosoever believeth in him should not P perish, but have E L everlasting life. So you see that, Bert? Yes, I wrote it down, God, and it's just precious. And, yeah, they. Now, this is about 25 years ago. I was up there. They let me play a little bit, Iris Sankey's pump organ that was taken to England and all over America in the Moody Crusades. And, history like that inspires me, Bird.
Bert Harper It just does. That's the reason I said, look up about that information about he will hold me fast, man. It was popular in 1906, but then people quit singing it. And then they just put a little bit of different tune to it and brought it back. And I remember the first time I heard it, I said, man, I've got to know that song. And so let God just bless you guys by doing the history, singing these songs, memorizing the scriptures, the Ten Commandments. Alex. God wants to bless us, and a lot of that blessing is us doing. Discipline ourselves to do those things. Well, we got a whole board of folks that's called let's. How many can we get to today? You ready?
Alex McFarland let's try it. We'll go to as many as we can. Where should we begin?
Bert Harper Let's go to Missouri and talk to Steve. Steve, thank you for calling. Go right ahead, man.
Caroline Gentlemen, thank you for taking my call and for everything that you do.
Steve: I was studying Daniel today, and I ran across this prayer
I've been asked by a few people, about a good prayer to pray for for our country. Okay. And I was studying Daniel today, and I ran across the prayer he prayed in, chapter nine, verses three through 19. when, the. The, tribulation and the end of days had been revealed to him, he. He ended up praying. And I just thought it was the perfect prayer. And actually, I'm going to kind of use parts of it for my prayer for this country because Lord knows we need all the prayers we can get. And that, Mr. Sankey fella that you guys were talking about. Yes, the fella, the fellow that got saved that was gonna kill him. Okay. But then didn't. And then decades later, he got saved. It just emphasized to me, the good Lord always knows what we need, when we need it and when we're ready to receive it. And by God, decades later, he was ready to receive God.
Bert Harper Amen, Steve. God, if you're lost today, it'd be the great day to be saved. It really would. God is at work. He's worked in the past. He's working now, isn't he, Alex?
Alex McFarland He absolutely is. He absolutely is. We always say this. Jesus is as close by as a prayer. And by the way, if you need help, there's a number that we reference their colleagues in ministry. 1-800- need him. Is that right?
Bert Harper That is right. That is right, brother. I think you can get 800 or triple eight, either one. They both work.
Alex McFarland And look, no obligation, no strings attached. This is not asking for money or something. Just if you need somebody to talk to, they will, from God's word, give God's answer to your solution, whether you need to come to Christ, you need to come back to Christ. 1, 800, need him. these. These are right where we are theologically. And they'll pray with you if you need spiritual help.
Bert Harper Okay? That prayer again that Steve talked about is Daniel, chapter nine, verses three through 19. Write that down. I was looking at it, glanced over it. You're right, Steve. Daniel 9, 3, 19. Thank you. Let's go to Tony in Kansas. Tony, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
>> Good, afternoon, guys. Thank you for taking my call.
Alex: Verse 37 missing in some modern versions of the Bible
Hey, so in a Bible study we had at our church, we were looking at, Philip and with the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts, chapter 8. And we noticed that verse 37 was missing in our text. And that is. That was a little perplexing. We're like, why is. Why is there no verse 37? And so it is essentially, we found it in the King James Version, and it's where the Ethiopian eunuch actually testifies that he wants to get saved. You know, and then he says, look, there's water over there. Why shouldn't I get baptized? But, Philip actually asks him, do you want to. Do you believe Jesus and do you want to get saved? And he's like, yeah, okay. Why do you think that they left those out of some of the more modern versions of the Bible? Why leave out somebody's, you know, decision to follow Christ?
Bert Harper It's some of those manuscripts where that verse was not found, isn't it, Alex?
Alex McFarland Yeah. there's a couple of ways. People look at. Or translators look at the text, and whether you've got the NIV or the ESV or the. The Holman Christian Standard Bible, there. There's what's called majority text, and then there's the, old, the age of the text and the number of the text. some modern Bibles, have used manuscripts that once in a while there'll be what's called a variant reading. And it's not an error. It's not a mistake. It's. It's not a denial of any core doctrine, like, did Jesus rise from the dead or not? But, Acts 8. 37 is. Is 1 of the ones that. There are certain manuscripts, and it probably was what was called a scribal error, a copyist error. Bert. There's somewhere mark chapter 16. The last few verses of mark chapter 16, do not appear. And, you know, some end, about midway through Mark 16. I believe in the, you know, all the verses, really, because, another one, last one is, first Jon five, seven, based on. But. But I think about this, Bert. Let's say you've got, a thousand letters, or sometimes books do this. I mean, and this has happened to me, Bert, you and I have written three books together, and I've written, you know, about 18 books on my own over 25 years. And I'll get a case of books this happened in. I think it was our. Our second book, 100 Bible Questions for Families. And I was looking through. And 52 books in a case. Well, there was one book that, like, the first chapter was missing. Now, just this is a perfect analogy. It really is. I've got a case of books. 51 of those books had all the, chapters as you and I wrote them. One just a mechanical error on the printing press, I suppose. One of those books was missing a chapter. Now, yes, I had a variant reading, but If I've got 51 books that did have the chapter and one that accidentally didn't, I think I probably know what the author's original content was. Wouldn't you say, Bert?
Bert Harper I would say so. The original was written by God. And that verse, I'm glad it's in the version I use most of the time. New King James. But, like you said, Alex, those. There's some of them that left out. It doesn't change the truth of the word of God. So I think I remember what C.I. scofield said. there may be some of those things, but it is still the word of God and reliable. And I agree with that.
Alex McFarland Amen.
Alex: How long did it take Noah to build the ark
Bert Harper Okay, let's go to Danny in Virginia. Danny, go right ahead. Yeah.
>> How long did it take Noah, to. To build the ark?
Bert Harper Okay. He preached. How long? Hundred, hundred years, Alex?
>> Yeah.
Alex McFarland 120.
Bert Harper 120 years. And he was. He was a bivocational preacher. Okay. He was building the ark. I don't know if he is preaching on the side or if he was building the ark on the side, but he was doing both, wasn't he?
Alex McFarland Well, you know, there's discussion. Okay. Genesis 6:3, says that, God declares that man will be. His days will be 120 years. Noah had, based on the time frame in all the genealogies in Genesis 5 and 7, Noah was 500 when his sons were born and 600 when the flood began. so somewhere between 50 to 100 years it took to build the ark. Most people say 120 years, but, you know, his sons were already grown and married when the command was given to get into the ark. So if, Noah started at 500 and let's say by the time his sons were, you know, 30, 35, they were helping. And the flood began when Noah was 600. The work. The. The Noah family worked on the ark at least 100 years.
Bert Harper Amen. Hope that helped.
Alex: Debbie from Kansas has a question about Isaiah 65. There's a verse I don't understand
we're going to try to get Debbie from Kansas in. Debbie, we don't have a lot of time. Ruth, if you're listening, we're not going to be able to get to you, but we'd love for you to call tomorrow. But, Debbie, go right ahead with your question.
>> Hi. There's a verse I don't understand. It's in Isaiah. 65, 20 in the headlines of it was the new heavens and the new earth. When I got to 20, I got boggled. So I need help.
Bert Harper Okay, Alex, let me read that real quickly. Right after. The new heavens and the new earth, the former, you know, remembered. No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days. For the child shall die 100 years old, and the sinner being 100 years old shall be accursed.
Alex McFarland Yeah, I mean, if somebody died at 100 years old, they'll say, well, he was just a child, you know, in this new heaven and new earth, which is really in, Isaiah 65, 17 and following. So if someone was 100 years old and they were just now coming into salvation, or a child or a person died, they'd say, wow. In other words, in. In the age and the place of everlasting life, to live to be a hundred or to just find God at a hundred. My, you're just a child because life is everlasting by that point.
Bert Harper Is this kind of. I mean, I'm not trying to make it. It is poetic in a way, isn't it, Alex?
Alex McFarland Very. Poetry much so.
Bert Harper I felt so, too. And I've had.
Alex McFarland I've had people say to me, you know, you're just a pup.
Bert Harper You know, they haven't said that to me. Like, somebody called me a young man today, and I stopped and thanked him. So anyway, hey, fire away. Friday, tomorrow. So we want you to get your questions ready, make those calls, and bless the Lord with your life.
Alex McFarland The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
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next hour as we study God's word and take your Bible questions.
Alex and Bert welcome you to Exploring the Word tonight
Bert Harper Welcome to Exploring the Word.
Alex McFarland Well good evening everybody. Exploring the Word is on and Alex and Bert are here inviting you to get a copy of God's Word and join with us as we continue looking at some of the parables of Jesus. We are going to be in the Gospel of Luke, and Luke 15 is one of these, and it's also part of where we're going to be is in Matthew chapter 18 as well. We'll explain the cross referencing but we are glad that you're listening. And then of course as always later on we'll get to phone calls and questions. If you have never called in, we'd love to hear from you, we'd love to hear from everybody whether you have ever called us or not. But Bert always am encouraged when I hear of first time callers and we've been doing this program a long time and yet continually we hear from people and they'll say hey, I just discovered your show a short while ago, love it. Exploring the word and we give God the glory.
Bert Harper We really do and it is a joy to hear those first time callers. And so if there's somebody out there today, let me give that challenge, do that today. And I believe you would get through. Richard, is ready to receive those calls and he'll put them through. We'll just enjoy that.
Luke 15 focuses on those and that which is lost
But Luke 15, Alex, have you ever called it the lost chapter? That doesn't mean that it was lost and found, but Jesus really concentrates on those and that which is lost. And so have you ever heard, let me see, you got to get lost before you can be found, you know. And God saves sinners so you got to know where you are before you can come to Christ. So here in Luke 15, Jesus is talking and speaking. And what is amazing. Well let me just read this the first two. before we go into the wording of the parable, it's so important to look to see who Jesus is speaking to, if you can, to see what's going on. Because in that context, it helps to understand. Here it is. 15, 1, 2. Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to him to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, this man receives sinners and eats with them. That is the context by which the next three parables are put before this group of people, isn't it?
Alex McFarland What a scandal that the Savior of the world would reach out to lost sinners that needed redemption. Bert, in this Luke 15, two Pharisees and the scribes. And by the way, that, you know, the Pharisees were the really among the leaders of the Jewish culture. The scribes were copyists that made copies of the Bible, but they also were commentators. So you've got the religious hierarchy here. They murmured, saying, this man receiveth sinners. Bert, I looked up that word receives or receiveth, and it means is friendly
Bert Harper with mine, says welcomes them.
Alex McFarland Yes, isn't that something? Now, we are not to sin or be sinful, although we all stumble and do things we ought not do. Even born again people can stumble in sin. But we should be, people that are happy to be around those that don't yet know the Lord. Sinners. This, man eats with them. Oh, my goodness. He's fellowshipping and spending time with people that need a relationship with God. that's wonderful. I'm glad that Jesus receiveth sinners, because when, I was 21, he received the. This one.
Bert Harper Amen. Praise the Lord. Alex, again, going back to the tax collectors and sinners. These were Jews, but they were, again, you know, anathema. No, don't have anything. Don't even touch. They didn't touch, you know, those that were with leprosy. Unclean, Unclean. But they would have no contact with these either. And so here it is. These tax collectors and sinners do drew near to Jesus. Now, where is he at? notice back in chapter 14, verse 15, it tells now when one of those who sat at the table with him. Okay, this is even more significant. He's not just walking about in them. They're coming. There's no connection. It seems like this continues. And, that people were drawn to him and he is drawing them. He goes to where they are. Now, the Pharisees and scribes, they would do everything they could to go around where they are. And here Jesus is drawing them to himself. He drew near to him. Why? Because, you know, he listen, I would say. And he came m To do what? Save sinners. And, so here he is drawing them. And, the Pharisees and scribes, they. This man welcomes them, receives them gladly, is friend with them, using all those terms, and then eats with them. Alex, you know, it's bad enough that he would spend time with them, but eating with them, that's. Eating is a form of fellowship, isn't it?
Alex McFarland Oh, absolutely. Absolutely it is. And, you know, Bert, when we were in Matthew 13 for several days doing parables, you. You alluded to it a minute ago. It's important to look at the context, or the audience that. That Christ was addressing. If you look at Matthew 13, 1 and 2, great multitudes were gathered together to hear him. He spoke many things, to them. And really the message was, you know, very much about salvation. Right now, Here in Luke 15, the Pharisees and the scribes, these are the religious people that ought to have known the importance. And in a way, he's talking about the, You know, there's three things in this. We won't get all of it. Lost sheep, lost coin, lost son, and the obligation. The urgency to go and reach those that need God. And, I would think the Pharisees and the scribes should have known the obligation of evangelism. But it's like these parables are trying to remind, the religious hierarchy that, you know, we don't just sit on the shelf as this religious trophy. No, we're to be out in the world helping redeem, restore and reclaim those that are needing salvation.
Bert Harper Amen.
Bert says Jesus carried the lost and wounded on his shoulders
So here it is. This is the context. This is the place. These are the people. Verse three starts out, so now again, I know I. I love this word. So what did he do? I, love that, you know, when somebody says something, well, they were caught off the side of the road. They were caught by surprise. The next question is, so what did they do here? When Jesus saw and heard these Pharisees and scribes murmuring, so what did he say? Here's what he said. He spoke a parable to them, saying, and I'll read this. This goes through verse seven, and we'll put it that way. Read it all together. What man of you personalizes it? I love that having 100 sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the 99 in the wilderness and go. One which is lost until he finds it. And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, rejoice with me, for I found my sheep which was lost. I say to you that likewise, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 just persons who need no repentance. Now, Alex, again, what we're looking here is the value and the worth of one. Alex, have you ever heard that? If I heard. I don't remember the first time I heard it, but I remember a preacher saying it. If you were the only one that would have ever been saved by trusting Jesus Christ, he would have died on the cross just for you. The value of the one is pretty high up there, isn't it?
Alex McFarland Amen. Amen. The value of the one. I mean, stories have been written, songs have been written. This lost sheep, and the. The good shepherd, leaves the 90 and 9 in the wilderness and goes after the lost one until he found. Finds it. And I love this. In verses 5 and 6 and 7, when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. Bert, no doubt everybody has seen the paintings of Jesus carrying the lost sheep around his shoulders. And I want to tell you, those are some big, strong shoulders. And no matter who you are, what you've done, how, far from God you might think you are, the Lord Jesus is capable of picking you up, saving your soul, putting you back on solid ground. I just love that image of the good shepherd carrying the lost and wounded on his shoulders, bringing them home, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, rejoice with me, for I found my sheep which was lost. Bert, the friends and neighbors that rejoice over the sheep returned. that's the body of believers, the church. And Jesus says, I have found my sheep, which was lost. You know, all around us there are. There's homeless people, there's drug addicts, there's. Sin has left its ugly mark in a lot of ways. But you know what? They're. They're. They're his sheep. They're people that God made, people that God loves and people that we're called to go and reach out to. Aren't we, Bert?
Bert Harper We really are. And I do want to go back to him putting on his shoulders. we could have put a rope around him and drug him. No, this sheep notice it been gone a while. He had to find it. It was lost. And you use the word wounded. this. She was probably unable to follow. If he could follow. And sheep follow. You don't drive sheep. You can drive cattle. You lead Sheep. And Jesus, this sheep was unable to do that. It was so damaged and wounded and hurt, in pain. And, you can imagine what it. You probably anoint my head with oil. Its head was probably just scarred up and really, really bloody. And so Jesus uses this picture of a shepherd putting that sheep on his shoulder and carrying it. And again, rejoicing. Alec. Oh, he didn't say, oh, man, this sheep. You dirty old sheep. You shouldn't have done that. You.
Caroline You.
Bert Harper No, he put it on his shoulder. Notice how close that is. I mean, that. That's close proximity. And from what I've been around sheep, that's not necessarily something that's pleasant to have a sheep on your shoulder. But Jesus demonstrates that of a good shepherd doing that. And so it's a beautiful picture, as you said. Alex.
Exploring the Word celebrates America's 250th birthday with special apparel
Alex McFarland Bert, we would be remiss if we didn't mention the 90 and 9, which is a famous gospel song by Ira Sankey, who traveled with DL Moody. Do you remember some of the famous story about this? Okay. Iris Sankey fought for the Union army during the Civil War, and he had this little bitty keyboard that you pumped with your foot. And D.L. moody would preach to thousands. I mean, there was no amplification, no PA system back in the 1800s. And, you know, he would sing this. You know, there were 90 and nine that safely lay in the shelter of the fold but one was on the hills away Far from the gates of gold Away on the mountains wild and bare Away from the tender shepherd's care. Now when we come back, Bert, I have to tell you this story about Iris Sankey and the miraculous, man he led to the Lord years and years after the Crusades, where he would sing this song.
Bert Harper You don't want to go away. You want to hear the rest of the story Coming up in segment two here on Exploring the Word,
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Bert Harper Thank you for listening to Exploring the Word. And that song uses this illustration. God values the one so much. And, Alex, when we left, you were talking about another song, a hymn that was written by Ira Sanke. And again, it's worth checking out Ira Sanke's history as well. But what. What a story this is. In Luke, chapter 15, the 99 is left to go after the 1. Tell us and finish the story you started in the earlier segment.
Alex: Ira Sankey led one man to Christ on a steamboat
Alex McFarland Well, thank you, Bert, and it's great to be with everybody. You know, I'm just so inspired by Christian history, and about 25 years, it might have been even a little more than that. I was preaching around Chicago, and, anyway, I went over to Moody Church and saw Erwin Lutzer, our friend, and went, around Moody Bible Institute. And they had quite a number of D.L. moody's artifacts, but they had one of Ira Sankey's keyboards. Now, the 1800s, no electricity, no PA system, but IRA Sankey had this little organ. It folded up like a suitcase, and. And it was called a reed organ. And he would pump it and he would sing. And I guess everybody had to be really quiet. and they let me play that thing. I just couldn't believe it. The lid. You would open up the lid of this organ, and vertically they had the word gospel. G, O, S, P, E, L. And then they, on horizontally, the words of Jon 3:16, God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. And, So the word gospel was an acronym that you would see when Sankey would open his organ. And much to my surprise, the. The lady showing me through all these archives said, would you like to play it? And I said, wow, I'm not worthy to play Iris Sankey's, pump organ. But I played a chord or two on it. But here's the thing. Moody and Sankey, they were getting old. And it was, I think, 1899 that they did their last evangelistic tour. And they preached, and sang in a few places around America. And folks, I cannot overstate how big DL Moody was. And this parable of the lost sheep was really big in their messaging. But they were going down maybe, it was the Mississippi river on a steamboat, and they were in some restaurant or something on this boat, and Ira Sankey, now elderly, sang a gospel song. A man came up to him and said, you don't know it, but during the, The, Civil War, I was fighting for the Confederates. You were on the Union side. On a moonlit Night I saw you standing guard, Mr. Sankey, and I raised my rifle to shoot you. And you, looked up at the sky and sang a hymn. And, I just felt the presence of God. And even though I had a clear shot, could have killed you, I didn't shoot you. And this man apparently had come from the bar on the ship anyway. Iris. Sankey led him to Christ. And that may have been the last person that Sankey led to Christ. But Bert is not amazing the sovereignty of God. How decades prior, Sankey out. He thought he was alone. He just in a spirit of worship, sang a hymn. Little did he know that in the, you know, in the bushes was a man about to shoot him. They remit decades later on a steamship. And Sankey led him to Christ. Isn't that amazing?
Bert Harper It is amazing. And that connection was made here upon earth. Alex, I just can't help but say this. Can you imagine what it's going to be like in heaven when we get to hear all the connections of what took place because of this. This person heard the gospel. Because they saw this person help this individual, they decided they, there must be something to this. There is something to it. You who are listening God. Jesus Christ changes lives and it's for good. He goes after the lost. And you may be the one out there today, you may be incarcerated today. You may be driving down the road today, and you're just defeated. You may have lost your job and now you gotta go home. You feel like you're the only one Jesus Christ looks at the one. He had to go through the area of semester, Samaria, because there was a woman that was coming to the well that nobody would have anything to do with. Not just the Pharisees and the scribes, but nobody would have. But Jesus took time to talk to the 1. Let Christ come into your life today. Those of you that are listening, who have never known Jesus, he changes your life. And just like what happened here, the whole group, they rejoiced over this one, this, over this one sinner who repents and then comes unto the Lord. What a beautiful story. It's short, Alex, but so picturesque, you know?
Alex McFarland Yeah, exactly. So much ministry that came out of the parable of the lost sheep. Also, in Luke 15, beginning at verse 8, is a parable of a lost coin. And let me read this again. Jesus is telling these stories that anybody could relate to, but conveying very powerful spiritual reality. Jesus says, either what woman Having 10 pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light A candle and sweep the house and seek diligently till she finds it. I mean, you can picture somebody with a candle for a light, looking under the bed, you know, looking in every dark corner. And when she hath found it, she calls her friends and her neighbors and together says, rejoice with me, for I have found the peace which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Caroline Bert.
Alex McFarland a silver coin is valuable. Even a silver coin that is lost is still. It has inherent intrinsic value. A human made in God's image. Even a lost human has value to God.
Bert Harper They really do.
Alex : Jesus came into the world to save sinners, right
Notice this. Again, the one. But notice the 99 and now the nine. Oh, I have nine coins left now. You know, I understand that. Let me share this story. It's personal about my family. I'm the youngest of nine. Alex. My mom and dad had nine children, and I'm the youngest. And, so when the. We would have these family gatherings and all nine, that is usually in July. I had a sister that she usually got off in July. And they would come and everybody, we would gather at least once a year, all nine of us, most of the time. But every so often, and especially it happened when my older brother Dwayne, was in the military and could not be there when he wanted to and gather together. My mom was always, we could tell, you know, someone's missing. Now, she knew where he was. He wasn't lost, but she knew he wasn't there. And, I. Me not knowing and not having children at that time, I thought, mother, you know, you got eight of us. rejoice in the eight. Don't be so depressed over the one who is not there. And then I remember seeing this, especially this one, because nine and nine children she had, you know, weirs eight and, that were there, one that was not. But she had on her mind. She was glad she had the eight children there, but she was hurting because of the one who wasn't there. And so when I see this and make it personal, there's many reasons. I've heard several thoughts of why this was so important. possibly a dowry. And I've researched and researched and I don't find that, you know, that it's actually that. So whatever it is, these 10 coins, 10 is kind of a set, Alex. Okay, 10, that's a good round number. Right? And so, she was missing one. But again, it's the value of the one that Jesus is trying to share with this. This parable that, hey, this one coin is valuable. Remember who we're talking to, and I'll throw it to you. Alex, we're talking, Jesus is talking to the scribes and the Pharisees because they were murmuring because the tax collectors and the, sinners were there. Jesus is saying, I want you to know those tax collectors and those sinners are valuable to me. Matter of fact, tax collectors are so good, I called one of them to be my apostle. That speaks pretty loudly, doesn't it, Alex?
Alex McFarland Well, it really does. It really does. And, you know, these parables show that, saving souls was the thing nearest and dearest to the heart of God. Really. let me read first Timothy chapter one for just a second here. Paul writes this of his testimony in 1st Timothy 1:12. And following the apostle Paul said, I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who enabled me. For that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry who was before. Paul is saying what he was before Christ. A blasphemer, a persecutor. Injurious. But I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus. Now, first Timothy 1:15. If you want to understand Jesus and his life, ministry, resurrection and the heart of God, this is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am Chief Paul says, sometimes I feel like it's me. But here's the thing, and this is what we should be about to. Because it's what our Lord was about. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. that's why the lost sheep was pursued. That's why the house was searched to recover the lost coin. Jesus said this. The Son of man came into the world to seek and save that which was lost. And, that. Hey, what. What else is there? Jon Wesley said this. We have nothing to do but the saving of souls. And, Bert, that's a priority the church must never forget.
Bert Harper Amen.
Alex Harper: Homosexual activity is a sin. I'm not singling out one sin
Preach it, Alex. One thing I wanted. Now we're going to save the lost son until Monday, Lord willing. But I do need to make this. I remember preaching on this. And I. I did not. I did each one. But, on the whole, I had an introduction. The notice, the lost sheep is because it's wandering, you know, prone to wander. Lord, I feel it, you know, was wandering away. You know, the lost coin was lost. You can say different, but it seems like carelessness, you know, carelessness. She was, going about her business and keeping house and those 10 coins. And she may have knocked it off when she was dusting. We don't know the reason, but it was carelessness.
Bert Harper And then when it gets, as we cover it Monday, ah, certain man had two sons. One son was lost because of rebellion.
>>
Bert Harper Regardless of the reason of your lostness, regardless of you being the one that is out there, God is concerned about you. God knows you. And matter of fact, in each one of these, each one of these, parables, God shows you he's the hound of heaven. He's looking for them and wanting them. So here, this lost coin. She lives in a dark place, you know, so she has to get a candle. It's probably a clay floor, you know, sweeping and looking for it. It was difficult and hard, but she was diligent about it. Does this demonstrate the diligence of our Savior coming after us? Alex? He, only, you know, one time would be enough. But no, he. He tends to keep on keeping on trying to draw us to himself, doesn't he?
Alex McFarland Amen. Amen. And to have the heart of Jesus, we should not be content to let people die unsaved without at least attempting to get them under the sound of the gospel. You know, we have a, diligent Savior, and we Christians, you know, we are his ambassadors. We should be diligent to see people get saved as well.
>>
Alex McFarland And, and I think about this verse 10, likewise, I say unto you there's joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents. Okay? So, I mean, if you want to make heaven rejoice, you want to, you want to create joy in heaven, help sinners find repentance and redemption. And, and I think so clearly, let me just say this. I know we're in a 21st century world where people like to, you know, feel pretty good about themselves. You know, amazing, grace. How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. Without Jesus, we are wretched. Some people don't like those kind of in your face song lyrics. Luke 15:10. If you have not repented and turned to Jesus, you're a sinner. I mean, sinners must turn from their sin. And we're living in a time. There was a pretty famous ministry a couple of years ago that fired, somebody because this particular person said, hey, we shouldn't be telling people that homosexuality is a sin. And look, sin is sin. I'm not singling out that One sin. But homosexuality was a sin. It still is a sin. No one is born gay. Somebody even earlier today was asking me, should the church, be loving to gay people? Well, first of all, there are no gay people. There are people who struggle with same sex attraction and they should let the spirit of God help them turn from it. But of course the church should be loving to everybody. I mean, should we help people repent from the sin of opposite sex attraction? You know, I mean, heterosexual promiscuity is a sin. Homosexual activity is a sin. But in the Spirit of Luke 15:10, sin is still sin. And sinners still need to repent from sin if they would be saved.
Bert Harper If you're the one that is out there, regardless of how you got there, we will know that. And we praise God for what he is doing in drawing you to himself. Would you come to Christ? We're going to be back. We go have phone calls. 888-589-8840. Will you take a moment and celebrate life with me? Last year PreBorn helped to rescue over 67,000 babies from abortion. Hi, this is Bert Harper and I want to thank you for your partnership. Think about what you did. 67,000 babies are taking the first breath now because of you. Your $28 sponsored one ultrasound that was given to a woman as she was deciding about the future of her child. Once she saw her precious baby for the first time and heard that sweet heartbeat, her baby's chance at life doubled. But PreBorn's mission is not only to rescue babies lives, but also to lead women to Christ. Last year Preborn network clinics saw 8,900 women receive salvation. Your help is crucial to continue their life saving work.
Alex McFarland Praise the Lord.
Bert Harper Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.
Alex McFarland His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 106:1. Christ with will hold me fast. Justice has been satisfied. He will hold me fast. Raised with him to endless life. He will hold me fast till I fade his time to start.
Bird: Google this song and find out the history about that song
Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Alex and Bird here. We're having some worship music today, aren't we there Bird?
Bert Harper Hallelujah. Listen, let me just give you a hint. Google that and find out the history about that song. And it will bless your heart just to look to see. It was written. Let me give you this real quick. It won't take but a minute. It was written in 1906 by Ada Habershon, but then it was rediscovered by Matthew Merker back in 2013 when he was going through a difficult time. And they, man, he saw it, a lady had given him that, that song, it had fallen out of being sung and he redid some of it and add that last little bit line about when he comes fast. It's awesome, Alex. It's based on Jude, verse 24 about him working with us. Also in Psalm 139, 10, it says, Even there, even there, your hand shall lead me and your right hand shall hold me fast.
Alex McFarland Amen.
Bert Harper We're secure in him, Alex.
Alex McFarland We certainly are. We certainly are. Hey, we're going to get to phone calls and questions. The number is Triple 858-98-8840. Triple 858-9840.
The Ten Commandments speech challenge closes June 30th
Hey, but before we go, something really exciting. And now summer's here and maybe, maybe some of the kids have a little more extra time with school is out. I hope where y' all are. And it's the Ten Commandments speech challenge. Now this is something that the ministry does and our beloved brother Joseph Parker really kind of leads this. But Bert, let's talk about this because I think this would be a very, very meaningful thing for young people to do with some of their summer vacation here. The Ten Commandments speech Challenge.
Bert Harper It is. I met a young lady even today that had prepared her speech and brought it by and so you can be a part of that. The Ten Commandments project. And you want to know more. I understand that you can do that. But, but it's about youth. You can win a free T shirt if you memorize the Ten Commandments. Memorize them, they're, they're great. And then you can have a church wide, ministry four, week community and how that reaches your community. And you can do that by contacting Joseph Parker. So write this down his where you can reach him. Jparkerafa.net that's so simple. J. [email protected] and he can tell you more about this ministry and then the speech challenge that we're talking about and making a speech three to five minutes about the first commandment, which is you shall have no other gods before me. You can get someone to help ages 7 to 17 for children and youth. And so you'll be rewarded for that. It's a great blessing. And there's things that, that would bless you by learning that besides getting rewarded with that T shirt and, and also other things that you can find out about Alex. It's a great thing, but they got to do it now. it closes June 30th, so we need to get on board and do that, don't they?
Alex McFarland Yes, absolutely. I can hardly believe it's June 18th right now, but you got a few days. This is very special. And, Bert, again, we're online. Can people, learn about.
Bert Harper Okay, they can go to [email protected] and learn about that. And, he'll help you, and you just leave a message, and he'll get back in touch with you all the information that you need. And again, the Ten Commandment Project speech challenge. Every youth will participate, will receive a 10 Commandment T shirt, everyone. And so we would love for you to be a part of that three to five minute, speech, but also memorize the Ten Commandments.
Alex McFarland Amen.
Bird: I mentioned the acronym on Ira Sankey's pump organ lid
Well, during the break, somebody asked about. I mentioned the acronym that was on Sankey's pump organ lid. and it was gospel. So imagine going vertically, G O, S, P, E, L Gospel. But then horizontally, these were the words. hand painted is just so precious. And this artifact is up at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. I mean, I'm assuming it still is. I believe there's also an Iris Sankey Museum in Pennsylvania. But it said, God so loved the world that he sent and then his only begotten son. So you've got G O S, God only and son, and then that whosoever believeth in him should not P perish, but have E L everlasting life. So you see that, Bert? Yes, I wrote it down, God, and it's just precious. And, yeah, they. Now, this is about 25 years ago. I was up there. They let me play a little bit, Iris Sankey's pump organ that was taken to England and all over America in the Moody Crusades. And, history like that inspires me, Bird.
Bert Harper It just does. That's the reason I said, look up about that information about he will hold me fast, man. It was popular in 1906, but then people quit singing it. And then they just put a little bit of different tune to it and brought it back. And I remember the first time I heard it, I said, man, I've got to know that song. And so let God just bless you guys by doing the history, singing these songs, memorizing the scriptures, the Ten Commandments. Alex. God wants to bless us, and a lot of that blessing is us doing. Discipline ourselves to do those things. Well, we got a whole board of folks that's called let's. How many can we get to today? You ready?
Alex McFarland let's try it. We'll go to as many as we can. Where should we begin?
Bert Harper Let's go to Missouri and talk to Steve. Steve, thank you for calling. Go right ahead, man.
Caroline Gentlemen, thank you for taking my call and for everything that you do.
Steve: I was studying Daniel today, and I ran across this prayer
I've been asked by a few people, about a good prayer to pray for for our country. Okay. And I was studying Daniel today, and I ran across the prayer he prayed in, chapter nine, verses three through 19. when, the. The, tribulation and the end of days had been revealed to him, he. He ended up praying. And I just thought it was the perfect prayer. And actually, I'm going to kind of use parts of it for my prayer for this country because Lord knows we need all the prayers we can get. And that, Mr. Sankey fella that you guys were talking about. Yes, the fella, the fellow that got saved that was gonna kill him. Okay. But then didn't. And then decades later, he got saved. It just emphasized to me, the good Lord always knows what we need, when we need it and when we're ready to receive it. And by God, decades later, he was ready to receive God.
Bert Harper Amen, Steve. God, if you're lost today, it'd be the great day to be saved. It really would. God is at work. He's worked in the past. He's working now, isn't he, Alex?
Alex McFarland He absolutely is. He absolutely is. We always say this. Jesus is as close by as a prayer. And by the way, if you need help, there's a number that we reference their colleagues in ministry. 1-800- need him. Is that right?
Bert Harper That is right. That is right, brother. I think you can get 800 or triple eight, either one. They both work.
Alex McFarland And look, no obligation, no strings attached. This is not asking for money or something. Just if you need somebody to talk to, they will, from God's word, give God's answer to your solution, whether you need to come to Christ, you need to come back to Christ. 1, 800, need him. these. These are right where we are theologically. And they'll pray with you if you need spiritual help.
Bert Harper Okay? That prayer again that Steve talked about is Daniel, chapter nine, verses three through 19. Write that down. I was looking at it, glanced over it. You're right, Steve. Daniel 9, 3, 19. Thank you. Let's go to Tony in Kansas. Tony, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
>> Good, afternoon, guys. Thank you for taking my call.
Alex: Verse 37 missing in some modern versions of the Bible
Hey, so in a Bible study we had at our church, we were looking at, Philip and with the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts, chapter 8. And we noticed that verse 37 was missing in our text. And that is. That was a little perplexing. We're like, why is. Why is there no verse 37? And so it is essentially, we found it in the King James Version, and it's where the Ethiopian eunuch actually testifies that he wants to get saved. You know, and then he says, look, there's water over there. Why shouldn't I get baptized? But, Philip actually asks him, do you want to. Do you believe Jesus and do you want to get saved? And he's like, yeah, okay. Why do you think that they left those out of some of the more modern versions of the Bible? Why leave out somebody's, you know, decision to follow Christ?
Bert Harper It's some of those manuscripts where that verse was not found, isn't it, Alex?
Alex McFarland Yeah. there's a couple of ways. People look at. Or translators look at the text, and whether you've got the NIV or the ESV or the. The Holman Christian Standard Bible, there. There's what's called majority text, and then there's the, old, the age of the text and the number of the text. some modern Bibles, have used manuscripts that once in a while there'll be what's called a variant reading. And it's not an error. It's not a mistake. It's. It's not a denial of any core doctrine, like, did Jesus rise from the dead or not? But, Acts 8. 37 is. Is 1 of the ones that. There are certain manuscripts, and it probably was what was called a scribal error, a copyist error. Bert. There's somewhere mark chapter 16. The last few verses of mark chapter 16, do not appear. And, you know, some end, about midway through Mark 16. I believe in the, you know, all the verses, really, because, another one, last one is, first Jon five, seven, based on. But. But I think about this, Bert. Let's say you've got, a thousand letters, or sometimes books do this. I mean, and this has happened to me, Bert, you and I have written three books together, and I've written, you know, about 18 books on my own over 25 years. And I'll get a case of books this happened in. I think it was our. Our second book, 100 Bible Questions for Families. And I was looking through. And 52 books in a case. Well, there was one book that, like, the first chapter was missing. Now, just this is a perfect analogy. It really is. I've got a case of books. 51 of those books had all the, chapters as you and I wrote them. One just a mechanical error on the printing press, I suppose. One of those books was missing a chapter. Now, yes, I had a variant reading, but If I've got 51 books that did have the chapter and one that accidentally didn't, I think I probably know what the author's original content was. Wouldn't you say, Bert?
Bert Harper I would say so. The original was written by God. And that verse, I'm glad it's in the version I use most of the time. New King James. But, like you said, Alex, those. There's some of them that left out. It doesn't change the truth of the word of God. So I think I remember what C.I. scofield said. there may be some of those things, but it is still the word of God and reliable. And I agree with that.
Alex McFarland Amen.
Alex: How long did it take Noah to build the ark
Bert Harper Okay, let's go to Danny in Virginia. Danny, go right ahead. Yeah.
>> How long did it take Noah, to. To build the ark?
Bert Harper Okay. He preached. How long? Hundred, hundred years, Alex?
>> Yeah.
Alex McFarland 120.
Bert Harper 120 years. And he was. He was a bivocational preacher. Okay. He was building the ark. I don't know if he is preaching on the side or if he was building the ark on the side, but he was doing both, wasn't he?
Alex McFarland Well, you know, there's discussion. Okay. Genesis 6:3, says that, God declares that man will be. His days will be 120 years. Noah had, based on the time frame in all the genealogies in Genesis 5 and 7, Noah was 500 when his sons were born and 600 when the flood began. so somewhere between 50 to 100 years it took to build the ark. Most people say 120 years, but, you know, his sons were already grown and married when the command was given to get into the ark. So if, Noah started at 500 and let's say by the time his sons were, you know, 30, 35, they were helping. And the flood began when Noah was 600. The work. The. The Noah family worked on the ark at least 100 years.
Bert Harper Amen. Hope that helped.
Alex: Debbie from Kansas has a question about Isaiah 65. There's a verse I don't understand
we're going to try to get Debbie from Kansas in. Debbie, we don't have a lot of time. Ruth, if you're listening, we're not going to be able to get to you, but we'd love for you to call tomorrow. But, Debbie, go right ahead with your question.
>> Hi. There's a verse I don't understand. It's in Isaiah. 65, 20 in the headlines of it was the new heavens and the new earth. When I got to 20, I got boggled. So I need help.
Bert Harper Okay, Alex, let me read that real quickly. Right after. The new heavens and the new earth, the former, you know, remembered. No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days. For the child shall die 100 years old, and the sinner being 100 years old shall be accursed.
Alex McFarland Yeah, I mean, if somebody died at 100 years old, they'll say, well, he was just a child, you know, in this new heaven and new earth, which is really in, Isaiah 65, 17 and following. So if someone was 100 years old and they were just now coming into salvation, or a child or a person died, they'd say, wow. In other words, in. In the age and the place of everlasting life, to live to be a hundred or to just find God at a hundred. My, you're just a child because life is everlasting by that point.
Bert Harper Is this kind of. I mean, I'm not trying to make it. It is poetic in a way, isn't it, Alex?
Alex McFarland Very. Poetry much so.
Bert Harper I felt so, too. And I've had.
Alex McFarland I've had people say to me, you know, you're just a pup.
Bert Harper You know, they haven't said that to me. Like, somebody called me a young man today, and I stopped and thanked him. So anyway, hey, fire away. Friday, tomorrow. So we want you to get your questions ready, make those calls, and bless the Lord with your life.
Alex McFarland The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
Just $28 sponsors one ultrasound, and $140 helps rescue five babies
Bert Harper Right now, more mothers need that moment of Hope. Just $28 sponsors one ultrasound, and $140 helps rescue five babies. Your generous tax deductible gift also helps provide mothers who choose life with love and support and care for up to two years. Please don't wait. Help surround mothers and babies with compassion, truth and hope today. To donate, dial hashtag 250 and say the keyword baby. That's hashtag 250baby. Or visit preborn.com Bert Harper. That's preborn.com Bert Harper.
💬 Show Notes
In this enlightening episode of Exploring the Word, we dive deep into the heart of God's Word, exploring the powerful parables found in Luke 15. Join hosts Alex and Bert as they discuss the profound significance of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son, illustrating God's relentless pursuit of the lost and His immense love for each individual. With engaging insights and heartfelt stories, they emphasize the importance of reaching out to those who have strayed and the joy that comes from repentance and redemption.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own journeys and the value of every soul in the eyes of God. The hosts also share inspiring historical anecdotes, including the remarkable story of hymn writer Ira Sankey, reminding us of the lasting impact of sharing the Gospel. Whether you’re a first-time listener or a long-time supporter, this episode is sure to uplift and challenge you to embrace the mission of saving souls.
00:00 </Preborn's mission is to rescue babies from abortion and lead their families to Christ
00:37 </Alex and Bert welcome you to Exploring the Word tonight
01:56 </Luke 15 focuses on those and that which is lost
08:02 </Bert says Jesus carried the lost and wounded on his shoulders
13:08 </Exploring the Word celebrates America's 250th birthday with special apparel
16:00 </Alex: Ira Sankey led one man to Christ on a steamboat
22:09 </Alex : Jesus came into the world to save sinners, right
26:50 </Alex : Homosexual activity is a sin. I'm not singling out one sin
33:33 </Bert: Google this song and find out the history about that song
34:50 </The Ten Commandments speech challenge closes June 30th
37:29 </Bert: I mentioned the acronym on Iris Sankey's pump organ lid
39:44 </Steve: I was studying Daniel today, and I ran across this prayer
42:10 </Alex: Verse 37 missing in some modern versions of the Bible
46:17 </Alex: How long did it take Noah to build the ark
47:55 </Alex: Debbie from Kansas has a question about Isaiah 65. There's a verse I don't understand
50:04 </Just $28 sponsors one ultrasound, and $140 helps rescue five babies
✍️ Episode References
PreBorn
[preborn.com](https://preborn.com
American Family Radio
[afr.net](https://afr.net
Gospel of Luke
[biblegateway.com](https://www.biblegateway.com
Gospel of Matthew
[biblegateway.com](https://www.biblegateway.com
Ira Sankey
[wikipedia.org/wiki/Ira_Sankey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ira_Sankey
D.L. Moody
[wikipedia.org/wiki/D._L._Moody](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._L._Moody
1 Timothy
[biblegateway.com](https://www.biblegateway.com
Psalm 106:1
[biblegateway.com](https://www.biblegateway.com
Jude 24
[biblegateway.com](https://www.biblegateway.com
Ten Commandments Speech Challenge
[afa.net](https://afa.net
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