Stay with American Family Radio for the next hour as we study God's word

>> Bert Harper: The Bible.

>> Alex McFarland: It's the word of God, sharper than any two edged sword. This sacred book is living and active

>> Bert Harper: and contains all that's needed for life and godliness. Stay with American Family Radio for the next hour as we study God's word

>> Alex McFarland: and take your Bible questions.

>> Bert Harper: Welcome to Exploring the Word. As the children of Israel prepare to go into the land of promise, God brings some enemies into their area of preview. And matter of fact, the Israelites are entering their territory and you're going to hear this phrase two or three times. Listen to it. Then Israel defeated him with the edge of the sword and took possession of his land. Then in chapter 21, verse 22, so they defeated him, his sons and all his people. They took possession of the land. And again and again you find this phrase, even verse 32, they drove out the enemy. So God is getting them ready to go into that land that he has promised them. And usually in preparation, God gives us something that we're going to have before the battle. And so we're going to study that in a moment.

Alex: We've got a correspondent in Washington DC covering a very important meeting

But first let's go to Washington dc. We've got a correspondent in Washington DC covering a very important meeting. And I'm not trying to be funny with that, it is a very important meeting. And Alex, you've been there and I'm anxious to hear how it went. You reminded us that you were there doing this. And, would you update us and give us an update of what God is doing and how he's using people to say, listen, we need to stand with Israel.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Well, Bert, it's great to be with you. And yes, I greet Everybody from Washington D.C. again. after we did exploring the Word yesterday, I went to a banquet and we were in the Ronald Reagan building and there were 550 attendees. many, many, many Jewish rabbis. There's like 2,000 Jewish rabbis in the Western Hemisphere and probably 300 of them were there at this meeting last night. And, many Jewish leaders, many, many, many Christian leaders. I saw Troy Miller of the National Religious Broadcasters that you and I are members of, and Kathi Branzel from National Day of Prayer, which by the way is Thursday. But we heard a number of speake. Stackelbeck, who's a great correspondent. Bert, are you familiar with Eric Stacklebeck?

>> Bert Harper: I am, Yes, I am.

>> Alex McFarland: And it was just inspiring. I'll tell you last night, as many, many Jewish leaders said thank you to America's evangelical Christians, that we have stood with Israel, we've gone to Israel, and all day Today. You know, Bert, you and I were on the Jenna Ellis show this morning, and, that was great. I would encourage people, if you, if you would go back, let me humbly say we had a fantastic Jenna Ellis show with David Barton and Bert Harper. And then literally, Bert, since you and I hung up the phone this morning at 9:00am Eastern, up until just a few minutes ago, I've been in the congressional offices of elected officials and we've been meeting, we've had 15 minute meetings all day long with, people from the Congress and Senate to talk about why America should stand with Israel, why antisemitism must be condemned, how, Sharia and the further encroachment of, of Islam is a danger to democracy. And so, I appreciate everybody's prayers. It's been a long day, a lot, a lot of speaking, but we've just been talking about God and country and America's standing with Israel, and that's what we've been doing up here.

Alex: I'm praying for the war that's going on with Iran

>> Bert Harper: Well, Alex, the day of prayer is Thursday, National Day of Prayer. And today on Tuesday's day of prayer. Why don't we just take time out for a moment and then pray as you ask us to do so. And not that this settles it, but it does let us let people know, hey, we're serious about it. could I lead us in prayer for this one, Alex, please? Father, I thank you for Alex being able to be there in D.C. and all the other leaders that were there that he's mentioned. And I know there's others. Thank you for them, being able to talk with these rabbis. And, Father, that we do stand with Israel. I pray that those rabbis, as they study the Old Testament, they might understand Messiah, Jesus Christ has come. I'm praying for that. But, Father, I pray for those congressmen, those senators that they were able to speak to, that they would see the necessity of America being free from Sharia law, that America would stand, on your word, Father, as our founding fathers again and again look to your word for guidance and leadership. And you gave it, Father. And I pray for the nation of Israel right now that you would protect them. And I pray, Father, we would stand with them. I'm praying for the war that's going on with Iran, Father. The Strait of Hormuz is the big battlefield right now. It's not a battlefield, but it is a sea. And, I pray that the clay of what we stand for would be understood. I pray for the believers that in Iran right now, Father, there's a lot of them there. I Pray that you would help them and strengthen them. But Father, our prayers go back to Israel, and the anti Semitism that is going on, not just here in the United States at places, but in the world. And Father, I pray that you would help us as a country, and especially evangelical Christians, to stand with the Jewish people and Father, with the nation of Israel. In Jesus name, Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Thank you, Bert.

>> Bert Harper: Well, amen.

Bert Bosacher: God gave Israel the victory in the Old Testament

Well, let's jump in here, Alex. We finished up yesterday and we were taught, and I've already introduced it. here they go through battle after battle, and they're getting ready. And again, Eryn has died, Miriam has died. The serpent has been lifted up, but they journey to Moab. And you can read all of this and you find out some of the things and where they were. And you can go to the back. If you have a detailed map of that, peninsula, you will see some, if not most of these places that they would go to and walk between. And one of the most interesting things, God gave them the victory. But they quote from something of the book of the wars of the Lord. Alex, that's in verse 14:15. And I found that interesting. Now, that wasn't a scripture, but it was history. But Moses, the writer of numbers, brings that out to demonstrate, God's control and God using, God giving the victory. I found that interesting, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, this is really fascinating. And this is a great example, Bert, as you know, of how the power of God, the providential power of God cannot be overthrown. And, in numbers 22 through 24, just kind of a little bit of an overview. Okay, King Balak of Moab hires Balaam M To curse Israel. but, you know, he says, how can I curse what God is not cursed? And Balaam says he can only speak what God puts in his mouth, which is very true, and in three ways, really three, they might be called oracles. He blesses Israel. and, I know, Balak of Moab is going to probably say, give me my money back. But here's the thing. The, growing numbers of Israelites, you know, are there. They're going to go to battle. And so God warns Balaam, you will not go with them. You will not curse this people, for they are blessed. And, and, this is, it's. Well, it's, as history has documented time and again, God's supernatural protection of the nation of Israel.

>> Bert Harper: It is now you find that Alex, just read in chapter 22, verse 12, and, God spoke to Balaam. Now, again, he's Not a prophet. He's not one. He's not an Isaiah, he's not a Jeremiah. you know, I read different things, and he, seems to be a sorcerer that people would go to. And again, he says, there's been some success in what he had done in the past. So he has this reputation. And so Balak wants him to curse this people. Verse 6. Curse this people for me, for they're too mighty for me. Now. I love that last phrase. They're too mighty for me. Now, how did he know that? Because of all the things that had taken place that you can read about in the previous chapter, that they had, Ammon, Bashan, they had already wiped them out. And one of the words, as I said, they took possession of the land. So he knows he needs help now, his help, Alex, honestly, he's not wanting it from God, so where else would he get that help? Would it be demonic help that he's really wanting? Well, I think so as well. Yes.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, he was, as one commentary said, Balaam was a fallen prophet. And this is referenced in 2nd Peter 2, 2nd Peter 2. 15. it says this, you know, it's talking about false prophets, that walk after the flesh. I'm in second Peter 2, beginning at verse 10. And this is demonic. And it goes on. It talks about the reward of unrighteousness. In other words, people that could, you know, be bought, which have forsaken the right way and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam, the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness. So this is a reference to the fact that for financial gain, greed, disobedience, I mean, for money, Balaam was willing to lead others into sin. And there's very, very severe condemnation on this. It's also referenced In Jude, 1, verse 11. But, there are still preachers that can be bought and will deliver whatever palatable message you know, they think is the most, profitable. That's not what we're called to do. If you're a Christian of any strata, if you're in the ministry for certain, we're called to proclaim God's truth, not spin it based on what we think might be popular or profitable.

>> Bert Harper: They may say the love of money, you know, it is severe, and it brings damage to whoever. the love of that money, and of gain, who shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul. Balaam's trying to gain the world. And again, verse seven here in chapter 22, talks about the diviners fee. In other words, he had a fee. I, don't know if he put out. I don't know if he put it out on email or not.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, it's like imagine. What is it? What is it you want to hear? Oh, that gay marriage is okay, abortion is okay, Transgender okay, here's my rate card. You pay it. And that's wrong. You know, I got to say this. We'll get back to numbers, but James 3, verse 1, speaking of going into the ministry, it says, brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation or scrutiny. Now what's interesting, by the way, I gotta unpack this. The word in the King James masters, it could be teachers or instructors. in the Greek, it's the word. Now in the Jewish culture, there's the word the didache, which is teachings on the Old Testament. So didache or didasko is teaching. And the Bible says, look, don't rush into that because the teachers will receive greater scrutiny. And Bert, let me just say this. and one of the reasons I think Bert Harper and I have gotten along like family for 15 years is because we're both Bert. I'm a simple guy. If it's in the book, I believe it.

>> Bert Harper: That settles. It doesn't.

>> Alex McFarland: I mean, you know, and we're living in a time where there be beware of woke Christianity, beware of relativistic, preachers. Like I said, I'm from the country, Bert, if it's in the Bible, I believe it. And that's how I think ministers ought to be.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

The AFR app is a powerful tool, but it does have limitations

One more thing before we go to the break. Going back to chapter 22, not only the finders or diviners feed, but in verse 17, Balak says, I will certainly honor you greatly. you hadn't received all that I want from you. If you'll agree with me. Listen, we don't agree with the world. We agree with Christ. And that's what exploring the word wants to share. As we'll be back right after this break. The AFR app is a powerful tool, but it does have limitations.

>> Alex McFarland: You can't use it to change the

>> Bert Harper: oil in your vehicle or get rid of carpet stains.

>> Alex McFarland: It won't walk the dog, won't pick

>> Bert Harper: up the dry cleaning or take the kids to practice. But while you're doing those things, you can listen to your favorite AFR content through the app on your phone, smart device or Roku. Just go to your app store or visit afr.net listen to AFR. Ah, wherever you go with the AFR app,

>> Alex McFarland: Then you look at this prisoner and say to me, son, stop fighting a fight. It's already been won, and I am redeemed. Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Through Jesus Christ.

>> Caroline: Amen.

July 16 through 18 in Tupelo, Mississippi for Activate Summit 26

>> Alex McFarland: Hey, listen, we're going to resume numbers 22 in just a minute, but, I want to tell you where you need to be. July 16 through 18. All right, let me get on my soapbox here. July 16 through 18, where you need to be is Tupelo, Mississippi. It's a fantastic event there. It's called Activate Summit 26, and the theme is Roots to Fruit Grounded in Truth. There are going to be great speakers like, Pastor Jeff Schrieve that you hear on AFR. There's going to be Jessica Peck of Dr. Nurse Mama in person. But one of the great speakers is Bert Harper of Exploring the Word, and it's going to be fantastic. There's Activate Kids. There's sessions for all ages. And I just want to encourage you. Go to the website. It's activate.afa.net summit. You'll get there. Activate afa.net it was my great honor to speak there last summer, but it's all about biblical worldview, Family, parenting young, people being equipped to stand strong. And I'll say this, plus, you're going to love Tupelo. I don't know if you've ever been. It's just one of my favorite places anywhere. Incredible people, incredible history there, incredible restaurants. Bert, I think anybody that comes to activate 26, they will not be disappointed.

>> Bert Harper: I agree with you. And one of the great things here is headquarters at afa, afr. And, we're going to give tours and we're going to have a great time. And you need to get your tickets by May 22nd. And if I know right, it's May 5th. And if my addition is right, that means about what, 17 more days you got. So, do that, go to the website and you'll find out even more details, the cost and where it's going to be exactly in Tupelo, afa.net summit. And get those tickets and get them now.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

Alec: Do you think the donkey saved Balaam's life

Well, we're in, numbers 22. I mean, this is pretty famous. Balaam's donkey is. Is in this. And Bert, if you look over this, you know, Balaam has been hired to curse Israel. But let me begin reading at verse 21. Well, 20, God came to Balaam at night and said unto him, if the men call thee, rise up and go with them. But yet the Word which I say unto thee, that shalt thou do. And Balaam rose up in the morning and saddled his donkey. King James says his ass, but it's a donkey went with the princes of Moab M. And God's anger was kindled because he went. And the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now, he was riding on this donkey with his two servants. And so they begin to, you know, beat this donkey because the donkey wouldn't go forward because there's this angel. verse 25. The donkey saw the angel. It pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam's foot against it. Again, he beats the donkey. Bert, I've been around animals, and I know there's a supernatural miracle here, but when an, animal gets frightened or spooked, they'll do different things. And this donkey is leaning, pressing against this wall, probably frozen with fear initially. And it always made me sad when I heard this in Sunday school, that they would beat that donkey, I mean, just abused this poor animal. That just made my heart heavy, Bert.

>> Bert Harper: Well, I agree with you, Alex. I was raised on the farm, and my dad taught us to treat these animals correctly and not harshly. but this donkey has more sense than Balaam does. Okay?

>> Caroline: Indeed.

>> Bert Harper: Now, have you noticed how God uses, let me see, he uses this donkey in this situation with Peter, he's going to use a rooster crowing. And for Jonah, he's going to use a big fish. you know, I'm not just amazed at God being able to calm the storms. I'm not just amazed at that, but him using these animals and letting them have an effect on someone. But this donkey is not just, you know, making a sound. It is speaking, it speaks. And, so here it is, finally, after that, notice what it says, the Lord opened Balaam's eyes and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way. This is in verse 31, with his drawn sword in his hand, and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face. Let me ask you this, Alec. Do you think the donkey really saved Balaam's life?

>> Alex McFarland: Absolutely.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, I do, too.

>> Alex McFarland: I think the donkey saved his life. Well, and, you know, the thing about it, and folks, I would encourage you to read, in numbers 22, 21, and following, you know, he's beating this donkey. And finally, you know, verse 28, the Lord opened the donkey's mouth, and the donkey says to Balaam, what have I done to you to make you beat me these three times? And Balaam, he Has conversation. He says, well, you've made a fool of me. If only I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you now. That's what he says. And the donkey is very poignant. The, the donkey says, am I not your own donkey, which you have ridden always to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you? In other words, stalling and stopping? No. And then the Lord opened Balaam's eyes. Balaam finally saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. He bowed and he says, well, the angel said, why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I've come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one. Before me, see, the angel of the Lord is Jesus. The angel doesn't say, your path is reckless before God, but before me. M. So this is a pre incarnate appearance of Christ.

>> Bert Harper: I think I agree.

>> Alex McFarland: The donkey saw me and turned away. If it had not been for your donkey, I would have killed you by now, Balaam. And so, Balaam, I've got a hand it. And Bert, you reading verse 34. Will we see Balaam in heaven? I don't know, but Balaam falls down and says, I have sinned. this is pretty powerful, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It is. And again, there's that which is eternal repentance and that which is temporary repentance. Alex, you see it all in the Bible. Even the demons believe the Bible, you know, and tremble and, so the temporary God. This is where God. Okay, and you said it will we see that's an area that we can't go. We don't know. but he does have at least this, observation. I have sinned for. I did not know you stood in the way. Now, if you go further, and he has all these oracles and what he did, I don't believe he is saved because he's going to give to Balak, some information that will cause them, the Israelites to sin. You can follow that through. And so here that's. But I don't know that. The bottom line is we don't know. And, if it displeases you, I will turn back. The angel of the Lord said to him in verse 35, go with the men, but only the word that I speak to you, that you shall speak. So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. Now, Alex, the reason, you know, it's hard for me to believe he really got saved, because Peter talks about the love of wages that he had Jude Talked about the era of Balaam, you know, concerning what he did. Revelation 2:14 talked about the doctrine of Balaam. And you look at the doctrine of Balaam, this is in Revelation 2:14, about the church at Pergamos. It had the idea of one or two things or a combination being bought off, you know, the way he was, or, entertaining this sexual immorality that they would use to distract the Israelites from pursuing God. And, this is the first time later on that they'll worship baal, but it's not the last time they'll do that. So that's my thoughts on Balaam. Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, he's never really mentioned, ah, in a positive sense, ever. And, and so let me read this. This is, pretty amazing. They, they go on. And it says this, that m. they go on, the angel of the Lord says, go with the men, but speak only what I tell you. So Balaam went with Balak's officials.

Balak says to Balaam, did I not send you an urgent summons

By the way, the word Balak means destroyer or wasted. Isn't that something? So Balak heard that Balaam was coming. He went out to meet him at the Moabite town of Arnon. At the edge of his. Balak said to Balaam, did I not send you an urgent summons? Why didn't you come to me? Am I really not able to reward you? In other words, Balak is saying, well, what took you so long to get here? you know, you're going to get your money from me, you better do what I say. Verse 38, Balaam, and he's probably trembling, but he says, well, I have come to you now. I'm here now. I might be late, but I'm here now. But I can't say whatever I please. I must speak only what God puts in my mouth. Well, it's about time, isn't it? And so Balaam goes with Balak to Kiriath Huzoth, which means many streets, open cities. That's kind of what this means, or city of streets. And you're right, Balaam is, you know, God has tamed him a little bit, but he's certainly not going to be consistently helpful to Israel at all, is he?

>> Bert Harper: He is not. Verse 41 is important, and you'll find this similar in verses. So it was the next day that Balak took Balaam and brought him to the high places of baal. Here it is. That from there he might observe the extent of the people. Now, I couldn't, there was a spiritual message in here, observing Israel from a high Place dedicated to the God, to baal. Okay? And, so here it is. He's trying to find the right location. This lets you know at the right time to look and give a curse to the children of Israel. And they, built seven bulls there, and they provide the altars and the realms, and they go through all the procedures. And then the Lord put a word in Balaam's mouth and said, return to Balak, and thus you shall speak. He does. Now, again, you can read the whole thing, but again, look at verse 8. How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? And how shall I denounce him who God has not denounced? God lets him know. Listen, I. This is what God has said. The curse is not going to be given. And, I. How. How can I do that, Alex? Israel was a blessed nation, and Balaam could not override what God has done. If you put BAAL and then God in a match. Let me see. Did somebody named Elijah have a battle

>> Alex McFarland: similar to that on Mount Carmel?

>> Bert Harper: That's exactly right. So here it is again. God overriding all the gods. Little God of the world, isn't he?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know what? in verse 41, there's Baal B, A, A, L, which commentaries, say is short for Baal Zebub, one of the, It's the devil. I mean, it's Satan is who this is. And the fact that they would go to this high place to see the uttermost parts of the people. BAAL was a demon, false God, but, representing a very real spiritual reality that this heathen God had troubled Israel throughout much, much of the Old Testament. And, like you said, Elijah there, he, squared off against the prophets of Baal in, First Kings. Was it First Kings 18 or 13?

>> Bert Harper: I can't remember. You've got a better memory than I do on those. Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: But, you know, here's the thing. it was through Israel, that God entrusted his revelation, the oracles of God. And I'm telling you, by extermination, by persecution, by idolatry, by just ingratitude, the devil, in any way possible, was trying to destroy Israel. Why? Because it would be through Israel that would come Jesus, who would crush the head of the serpent.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. It's chapter 18, by the way. Is that.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. Okay, first king.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, it is.

>> Alex McFarland: It says that the serpent made war on the woman that delivered the man child. Well, the. The man child is Jesus, the woman is Israel, the serpent is the devil. And Bert, that's just been the story of much of history, the satanic war against Israel, because through Israel came the savior of humanity and the victor over Satan and the demons.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Alex, still going on today. Now look, if you would, at chapter 23, verse 13. Well, it didn't work there on that place. So Balak said to him, please come with me to another place from which you may see them. You shall see only the outer part of them and shall not see them all. Curse them for me from there. And he brought him to this place, specific place, and said in verse 15, stand here by your burnt offering while I meet the Lord over there. And, again, here's the oracle, the second oracle, and that's where we'll probably get to today. We won't get any further, but notice part of what it says. Verse 19. God is not a man that he should lie, nor a son of man that he should repent as he said. And will he not do it? Or has he spoken and will he not make it good? Alex, man, this guy's preaching all of a sudden because God is overriding his desire, isn't he?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, I mean, yes, God is overriding and overruling. You know, sometimes I've heard people pray, lord, rule and overrule.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah.

>> Alex McFarland: And in this case, it was Balaam's vocabulary that was subject to the sovereign control of God.

Today's the day of prayer; phone number is 888-58-98840

>> Bert Harper: Now, real quickly, and we'll have to go to a break, and today's the day of prayer. We're looking forward to that. But look at 23. For there is no sorcerer against Jacob, nor is there any divination against Israel. It now must be said of Jacob, and here it is. And of Israel. Oh, what God has done, Alex. Hallelujah. That is true in history, it's true presently, and it's going to be true in the future, what God has done. And we're praying that God has done a work in your life, those of you who are listening that he has saved you, set you free from sin and death, and giving you new life in Christ. It's a life worth living. Well, Alex, again, this is a day of prayer, and the phone number is 888-58-98840. we'll take Bible questions, we'll take your prayer requests. so if you have either of those, give us a call at 880-858-98840.

Preborn Network aims to have 11,000 gospel conversations in preborn clinics

Right now, the voices in our culture are loud, but truth is often silent. And today preborn needs you to help speak that truth. Women facing unplanned pregnancies are often pressured to act quickly before they have time to pause, breathe, or hear the truth about life, dignity and hope. But I refuse to be silent, and I'm asking you to join me. At, preborn Network clinics, a woman is welcomed with compassion and given a free ultrasound. She sees the life growing inside her, often for the first time. And in that sacred moment, fear gives way to clarity. And she's offered something the abortion industry will never provide. The hope of Jesus Christ. This April, our goal is to have 11,000 gospel conversations in PreBorn Network clinics, trusting God to bring the increase as we remain faithful to speak. You can help make that possible by sponsoring ultrasounds. Just $28 provides one ultrasound. $140 sponsors five ultrasounds for mothers in crisis. Every dollar helps save babies and share the good news of Jesus Christ. To donate, dial £250 and say the keyword baby. That's £250, baby. Or visit preborn.com host that's preborn.com host

>> Alex McFarland: and even when I ran he didn't run away he came and put that back in its place Friday on a cross broken from my shame Sunday morning rose up from that grave Take him Look at those scars on his hands and feet he said our souls for eternity Worthy is the Lamb Glory to the King Let all the saints in the angels sing like God.

The National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 7th

>> Bert Harper: Welcome back to Exploring the Word. This is Bert and Alex. He is an awesome God and we praise him today. It is a day of prayer, but it's also a day of questions. That number 888, 589, 8840. And here's what we're going to do. First, we're going to, mention this. We want you to pray for the day, the National Day of Prayer, that it will be a great day. I know here in Tupelo, Mississippi. We'll meet down there close to the city hall. And, we're going to meet and pray and seek the Lord. And, so I hope it is you find it in your town, in your community, and if you don't have one in your community, listen, you take time out to pray Thursday for our nation. And that's what we want to do. So, Alex, I always love the day of prayer.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, this is the 75th annual National Day of Prayer here in America, Thursday, May 7th. And, the theme, they say, is glorify God among the nations. And so I would, I would just encourage people find where the NDP gathering is in your city or wherever it's hundreds and hundreds of locations and be A part of National Day of Prayer. Bert, I gotta say this. I am glad that this was designated by Congress 75 years ago to call America to turn to the God of the Bible in prayer.

>> Bert Harper: And what a year to do it on our 250th anniversary as a nation. So it is awesome. They just got through a, week or so ago reading the Bible through there at the Museum of the Bible in D.C. so God, we are praying he would send a revival, that he would awaken the church, and we would be on evangelism and missions and for godliness and do it together. We can. Well, we've got people who have called in, so let's go to the phone lines, and it's Helen in Alabama. Helen, go right ahead. Thank you for calling.

There are dozens of places in the Bible where someone would rend their clothes

>> Caroline: Yes, I wanted to talk about when the men rent their clothes. It started in Genesis when, Reuben came to the pit and found that Joseph was not there. He tore his clothes. That was the first time it happened. And then, in Acts 14:14, that was the last time that it happened. Barnabas and Paul heard it on, the priest of Jupiter was going to bring garlands and oxen. And, they had said, these are gods come down to us. And they tore their clothes. Barnabas and Paul. That was the last time they tore their clothes. In chapter. In, Acts, chapter 22, like 22, verse 23, they cast off their clothes, but they did not tear them. And then, let's see, chapter 18 of Acts, Paul just. Chapter 18 6, Paul just shook his clothes.

>> Bert Harper: Yep, yep, yep. Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: In Ecclesiastes 3, verse 7, it says there's a time to rend R, E N D and a time to sow. And there are dozens of places in the Bible where someone would rend, you know, rend their clothes or tear their clothes. And, it was a sign of grief, or anguish or repentance. And, a great outward display of anguish in the soul.

>> Bert Harper: let me add to that. Helen, thank you for that. I appreciate that, because we had that discussion, about that earlier in a program. Alex, let me just share this with you. In other words, this grief and this remorse had an outward response. And a lot of times we want to keep everything in. It's sort of like the joy of the Lord. Now I have the joy of the Lord in my heart and in my life. but you remember that scripture in Psalm 118. This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and then be glad in it. When you read that rejoicing has the idea of inward, but being glad is an outward expression. The same thing is true with remorse and grief and all that. Yes, you have that inward anguish, but you also should have this outward response. And, that's how God's made us, Alex. you know, we don't get saved and stay the same. No, we get saved. And what changes our life changes. Hey, I think it goes together. Go ahead, brother.

Two times in the Bible God rents something, Helen says

>> Alex McFarland: Well, in the almost 70 times where the Bible talks about rent or rent r a n d rent, someone would rend their clothes. A lot of times it was anguish. And, you know, But God, twice God rent r e n t something. In, Mark one, the heavens rent. And the spirit of the dove, the Holy Spirit, descended on Jesus. And then the other time that God rent, in Matthew 27:51, he rent the curtain in the temple. It was torn top to bottom. Now, here's the thing that I wanted to say. Rending something, tearing something open is always a sign of. Of pain and anguish and grief. But in the case of the Messiah, God rent the heavens to send the Holy Spirit on Jesus. And God rent the temple curtain at the moment Christ died. Yes, it was sad to think about the Son of God being nailed to the cross. But in a way, it's open now. The way to the holy of holies is open through faith in Jesus. The, indwelling of the Holy Spirit for every believer is available now. And I just think it's amazing that to get us saved and to send the Messiah, God rent something too.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Good point, Alex. Thank you, Helen. Thank you for calling.

Scott is thankful for God for helping him through back surgery scheduled for July

Let's go to Kansas. Scott. Thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Yes, I had a testimony three or four weeks ago. I called in asking for prayer. I'm looking at major back surgery in July. I was dealing with a lot of pain. And, the thing I'm thankful for testifying about is that God put me in touch with a, physical therapist that's pretty much retired, fills in part time, who taught me some isometric exercises that has given me significant relief from the pain to help me get along better until I have that surgery. I'm just so thankful for God for so many things in my life.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Scott. Listen, brother, that blesses me. And again, those of you that have called in and you would call back to give a praise report, we love to hear them. We rejoice in that, Father. We thank you for. Scott, thank you for sending him to that therapist that although they're retired, they're still ministering. And God that blesses me to hear that and I thank you for the good report he has. And I pray God that you'd continue to help him in all those ways. And, and just as you get the glory for this, that you'll get glory later on as well. In Jesus name, Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

Pastor has said that Christians could be in hell, says Barbara

>> Bert Harper: Okay, right now let's go to Barbara in Tennessee. Barbara, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Thank you, thank you for listening. And my pastor the last couple of times has said that, Christians could be in hell. And I talked to him and I could. A Christian means a Christ one that you've accepted Christ. And he says that, well, you can do bad stuff and God will send you to hell. And he said, Billy Graham had said that. And I'm just looking for Bible verses that I can tell him that once saved, always saved.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Jon 10's one good place. Just read that, Barbara. But there's other. Alex, Romans is filled with that as well, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, I would, I would have to disagree with this because in Jon 10:28, Jesus said of believers, I give to them eternal life and they will never perish. Never perish. And nothing can pluck them out of my hand. And so, if someone goes to hell, not heaven, is because they weren't a, ah, born again Christian. When we put our faith in Christ, regardless of how you phrase it, but you're turning to Christ, you're saying, I admit that I'm a sinner. Lord, I believe you died for me. I'm trusting you, Jesus, you paid my sin debt. Please save my soul. Well, forever, eternally. We are then positionally in Christ and that's why we don't have to worry. you know, God's word is clear that the believer is secure in Christ. And so, we, have not been appointed under wrath, you know, we have peace with God. Romans 5:1. There last thing. Romans 8:1. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. So Bert, I rejoice in the security that every believer has by putting their trust in the Lord Jesus.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. In Romans 8, 38 and 39, he's persuaded that means without doubt that nothing shall separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. So Barbara, we hope that's helped and I hope he will, look at that and reconsider and just go to the Scriptures, no matter what anyone would say. And I thank you for that.

David is asking for prayer for Debbie Standing Bear who is on life support

Brent, do I understand we Have a prayer request. I have two from Facebook. Okay. First, is from.

>> Alex McFarland: From Trudy.

>> Bert Harper: She is asking for prayers for her son and the other military servants in the Middle east, for the Iranian family's safety and salvation and always for Israel. Okay. Second of all, David is asking for prayer for Debbie Standing Bear in Cannonball, North Dakota. She is on life support. Okay. Okay, Alex, we going to wait. I got one or two more prayer requests I know that will come in. And, so let's go to Joe in Tennessee. Joe, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Thank you. Thank you for your service. I listen to you all the time. Afa, AFR is about the only channel I ever listened to. Please pray for David and Judith. Dear friends of mine, they're both in the hospital. They have sung the gospel for over 50 years in quartet, and they both need a touch from the master.

>> Bert Harper: Amen, David and Judith and then Trudy's son. That's, over there in the Middle east right now. Right. And she added Israel and the Christians in Iran. Amen, Trudy. And then David prayed. Who was that one for again, Brent? David sent it in. It's going to be for Debbie Standing Bears. She's on life support. Okay. Alex, you got enough of that that you could lead us in prayer for these?

>> Alex McFarland: I think so. Let's pray together. Father God, a lot. A lot of prayer requests. And we know you hear them all, and we lift them up to you. We pray for these people, David and Judith, that are needing just immediate intervention. And we lift them up and Trudy's son. We pray for, this young m. Man, for Debbie standing bare there. We pray for your touch and your healing. We pray for Israel. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for the Christians in Israel in the Middle East. And, Lord, I pray that they're the Strait of Hormuz. Lord, that you would intervene and let this Iranian war come to a quick end. Defeat terrorism and the persecution of Christians and Israel. So for these things and more, and, Lord, I know there are many people listening. They've got concerns about health issues. One of my dear, dear friends, Allen Sawyer in North Carolina, had surgery this morning. I pray for his speedy recovery. And, Lord, we've got many things on our heart. We bring them all to you, and we thank you for how faithful you are, and we praise you in Jesus name. Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Thank you. Well, let's go to Kentucky. Steve, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Yeah, hi, Bert and Alex.

There are two injunctions against rending your clothes by the high priest

talking about rending one's clothes. There are two injunctions against rending your clothes by the high priest. He's not supposed to rend his clothes. And the idea there is that the high priest represents God. And rending one's clothes is an act of exasperation. And he represents God, and God never becomes exasperated. And then we find in the, When Jesus was standing before Caius, Caiaphasis, accused Jesus of blasphemy, and he tore his clothes, and he wasn't supposed to do that. And Jesus knew that. And he's looking right at Caiaphas as he's tearing his clothes, accusing him of blasphemy. And he absolutely, What's the word? he. He committed blasting.

>> Bert Harper: That's the truth. Listen, it is true. The high priest was not, matter of fact, when you, we talked about this yesterday, when, you know, Eryn went up on the mountain and died, and it was Moses who took the clothes from him and gave it to his son. And Alex, the high priest. That's exactly right. And again, Jesus is our high priest, isn't he?

>> Caroline: Yeah.

>> Alex McFarland: In Mark 16, Mark 1463, the High Priest rent his clothes and basically said, you know, Jesus has blasphemed because he claimed to be God, which was false. According to Leviticus 21:10, the high priest was explicitly forbidden from tearing his garments.

>> Bert Harper: That's right. Amen.

Sylvia calls in with a prayer request for her nephew Kevin

Hey, we got one more prayer request. We're going to get it in. Sylvia, thank you for calling. What's your prayer request? And. And we will pray for that. Go ahead.

>> Caroline: Okay. I listen to y' all every day. Anyway, I missed most of program today, but I finally got in. First time I've been able to call in and get in. And I did have a prayer request for my nephew Kevan. He fell off a ladder on Sunday afternoon trying to get rid of a water. And he's broken his ankle and got a wife and four kids to support. And I would certainly appreciate prayers for him.

>> Bert Harper: Pray for Kevan. Father, we praying for Kevan right now. And I pray for his family. And I thank you for an aunt that would call in and get through. And we're praying, God, you would heal him, restore him, help him in Jesus name. Amen.

>> Caroline: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, as usual, day of prayer. It's an awesome day each and every Tuesday, isn't. it.

>> Alex McFarland: It's very special, folks. We thank you for listening to Exploring the Word. We thank you for your prayers and support of the American Family Radio Network. Don't forget National Day of Prayer Thursday. If you would tell somebody about Exploring the Word. But most of all, tell everybody about Jesus. The views and opinions expressed in this

>> Bert Harper: broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of

>> Alex McFarland: the American Family association or American Family Radio.

A Day of Prayer & When A Donkey Is Wiser Than A Man: Numbers 21:21 - 23:25

✍️ Episode References

American Family Radio
https://afr.net 

National Day of Prayer
https://nationaldayofprayer.org 

Erick Stackelbeck
https://stackelbeckondefense.com 

The Bible
https://www.biblegateway.com 

Activate Summit
https://activate.afa.net/summit