(00:24) Exploring the Word Fire Away Friday Introduction and Matthew 24:44 Scripture Reading
(00:47) Call in for Bible Questions and Introduction of Guest Dylan Burroughs and His Upcoming Event
(01:40) Conversations That Matter: A Christian Response to Islam with Former Muslims Turned Christians
(02:20) Concerns About Sharia Law in the West and Promoting the Christian Response to Islam Event
(03:02) Update on Dylan Burroughs' Activities and Current News
(03:29) Christian Responsibility in Voting and Being Aware of Candidates and Key Issues
(04:02) The Importance of Prayer and Action for Christians in National Affairs
(04:18) First Caller Question About Hasidic Jewish Side Curls and Their Religious Origins
(06:35) Discussion on Significant Mountains in the Bible and Jesus as the Way, Truth, and Life
(07:26) Commentary on John 14:6: Jesus as the Sole Path to the Father
(07:53) Jesus' Claim to Be the Way, Truth, and Life and Its Significance for Believers
(08:58) Contending for the Faith: Christianity as the Exclusive Way Through Jesus Christ
(09:39) Exploring God's Will in Prayer and Understanding How God Answers Our Petitions
(11:06) Understanding God's Will: Conformity to Christ and Latitude in Decision-Making
(13:09) Discerning God's Will Through Prayer, Scripture, and His Providential Hand
(14:03) Listener Support Appeal for American Family Radio and Exploring the Word Podcast
(14:33) Welcome Back and Continuation of Discussion on Knowing God's Will
(15:03) Practical Guidance on Knowing and Living According to God's Will
(16:24) Discussion on False Prophets, False Teachings, and Condemnation of Destructive Doctrines
(17:44) The Pernicious False Teaching Regarding Homosexuality and the Importance of Sound Doctrine
(19:19) The Role of Church Leaders in Refuting False Doctrine and Standing for Truth
(19:46) Question Regarding Women Pastors and Biblical Interpretation of Gender Roles in Ministry
(20:55) Biblical Complementarianism and the Case Against Women in Pastoral Roles
(23:19) Qualifications for Pastors and the Interpretation of Scripture on Male Leadership
(24:38) The Distinction Between Vengeance and Justice in the Context of Capital Punishment
(25:29) Biblical Perspectives on Vengeance, Justice, and Civil Government
(28:22) The Role of Government in Enforcing Law and the Biblical Permissibility of Capital Punishment
(29:43) Christian Ethics and the Death Penalty: Recommendations for Further Study
(30:23) Question Regarding Generational Curses and Their Validity for Believers
(31:13) Continuing the Discussion on Generational Curses and Biblical Freedom in Christ
(32:04) Generational Curses vs. Personal Redemption: Understanding the New Covenant in Christ
(33:17) Breaking Cycles and Patterns: The Christian's Freedom from Generational Negativity
(36:26) The Rapture and the Believer's Resurrection Body: A Theological Discussion
(38:28) Understanding the Rapture Process and the Believer's Eternal Presence with Christ
(39:53) A Bible Class Student's Question About Jesus Being Tempted by the Devil
(40:15) The Hypothetical Scenario of Jesus Succumbing to Satan's Temptation
(42:07) Jesus' Unwavering Obedience and the Significance of His Victory Over Temptation
(43:16) The Good News of Resisting Temptation Through Faith in Jesus Christ
(43:31) Seeking Reconciliation with an Abusive Mother Who Refuses to Acknowledge Past Wrongs
(44:55) Navigating Reconciliation When One Party Refuses to Acknowledge Painful History
(45:17) Advice and Prayer for Healing and Peace in Broken Family Relationships
(47:20) The Shame of Nakedness After Eating the Forbidden Fruit: A Question on Genesis
(47:57) Understanding Shame After the Fall: Disobedience and Separation from God
Transcript:
Welcome to Fire Away Friday and Introduction to Exploring the Word Program and Contact Information
M It's Fireaway Friday. Fire Away Friday on Exploring the Word. This is your chance to ask us your Bible question at 888-589-8840. That's 888-589-8840. You can also email your [email protected] or visit facebook.com exploring the word.
Exploring the Word Fire Away Friday Introduction and Matthew 24:44 Scripture Reading
It's Fire Away Friday on American Family.
Rad.
Ready for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. That's Matthew 24:44. We've been in Matthew for some weeks. And, with that verse, we welcome you to today's edition of Exploring the Word. Fire Away Friday.
Call in for Bible Questions and Introduction of Guest Dylan Burroughs and His Upcoming Event
Now with your Bible questions, you can call in and get in the queue. And I see we are getting a call already, but the number is, 358-98840. Triple 858-9840. And it's early enough that if you style with a Bible question, you will get through. We'll get to you. And with me is Dillon Burroughs. Dillon, thank you for making time to be with us on Fire Away Friday. Bert Harper is traveling today. He and Jan have an event they're doing this weekend. But, Dillon, we always appreciate you helping us out the times that you're on Exploring the Word. Welcome, sir.
Oh, great to be with you as always, Alex. And excited about your event coming up as well. I know you have a big, I guess you would say, conversation going on in Myrtle beach coming up. Tell us about it real quick.
Conversations That Matter: A Christian Response to Islam with Former Muslims Turned Christians
Well, thank you. And just moments ago, I was picking up one of our speakers at the airport. Yes. tomorrow night, please be in prayer, everybody. And I know some listening probably are on their way here. We've got one of our biblical worldview, gatherings, we call it Conversations that Matter. And Dillon is really a Christian, response to Islam. We have two former Muslims now, both devout Christians. Mohammed Faridi, who's a college professor, and Kamal Saleem, who, in addition to being a professor, does a lot of, really counterterrorism work around the world. And they're going to tell how they came to Christ and left Islam.
Concerns About Sharia Law in the West and Promoting the Christian Response to Islam Event
But really they're also talking about their grave concern, a concern that I share about, Sharia law in America and the West. And so please be in prayer. we're at a venue there. There might be maybe a dozen seats left. The event is free, but we do ask that people register. And you can go to alexmcfarland.com tomorrow night in North Myrtle Beach. the Christian response to Islam. So, Dillon thanks for asking about that. And before we go to the calls, the number is a triple 858-98840. Triple 858-98840.
Update on Dylan Burroughs' Activities and Current News
Dillon, tell us what, what's been going on in your world, any, books you're working on or speaking you've been doing, bring us up to date on Dillon Burroughs.
No, there's always something new happening. A lot of what I'm looking at lately has been some of the things happening in the news as we get close to the midterms. Though this isn't a political show. There are so many things happening right now that you should probably be aware of when it comes to who's running in your state.
Christian Responsibility in Voting and Being Aware of Candidates and Key Issues
every House member is running for reelection. So it's important as Christians that we are registered to vote and that we do vote our values and know who the candidates are and when early voting is in your state and when election day is coming up. So I wanted to encourage you with that. And, especially as we get close to the. The actual date of the election and, some of these key issues that, like you're even mentioning some things, things that relate to Sharia law and some of the radical, candidates that are running in particular states who, would support some of these ideas.
The Importance of Prayer and Action for Christians in National Affairs
It's a matter of prayer, but it's also a matter of action. So I just want to encourage all of our listeners. you know, whatever you do, if you vote your values as a Christian, our country is going to be a better place. I'll just leave it at that. And it's just one of those important things that, we really need to be prayerful about at this time.
First Caller Question About Hasidic Jewish Side Curls and Their Religious Origins
Indeed. Indeed. Well, good word there, Brother Dillon. We're going to begin our. Fire away Friday, Friday in Arkansas. And we'll start with Linne. Linne in Arkansas. thanks for being the first caller on today's edition of Explorer.
There we go. Hello?
Yeah, thanks for calling.
Okay. Yeah, I didn't expect it to be this quick. yeah, what I wanted to know is, I saw a picture of one of the Jews the other day, who, you know, they have those curls, long curls around their face, looks like they used a curling iron or something. And I just wanted to know, where does that come from? Is that the Talmud or what's the purpose of that?
well, great, great question. The Hasidic Jews, if you go to Israel, you'll see a lot of that. And when I'm in NewSong York City, I see a lot of that. so, Dillon, what about the.
The.
The. The clothing and also the hair, Those, kind of, the curled hair that the Orthodox Jewish men have?
Yeah, I remember seeing that when I was younger and wondering, what was that all about? And it's Hasidic Jewish people who tend to, continue that tradition today where you have the side curls. And it goes all the way back to Leviticus if you look this up. Leviticus 19 talks about men not to round off the corners of their heads, not to shave their sideburns. And so Hasidic Jews take this very literally as part of the law still today where they don't do that. So, you'll see that practice, like you said, in NewSong York City, where there's a larger Jewish population or in areas where there are more Hasidic Jews. And nothing wrong with it necessarily. It's just a modern keeping, of an ancient tradition. And I think it's pronounced payo if I say it right in Hebrew. So, it's something you can look up more in Leviticus 19, if you're interested in the background to that.
Yeah, it's.
It.
It's very, noticeable, isn't it? They call them side curls, but. Thank you, Linne, and God bless you. Let's go to Mark in North Carolina. Mark, welcome to Exploring the Word.
Discussion on Significant Mountains in the Bible and Jesus as the Way, Truth, and Life
Hello.
Yes, you're on. Mark.
Hey, God bless y'. All. Thanks for taking my call.
Well, glad to have you. Thank you for listening.
I was listening to your, program yesterday about the mountains. the three. The three biggest, mountains, you know, that's talked about in the Bible. I don't think y' all was taking cows yesterday, right?
yeah, yeah, we were. That was a prerecord. And, we said that Mount Sinai, Mount Calvary and Mount Moriah. Three very significant mountains.
Listening to, Bert Harper, and he was talking about how Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. And it says on that no one comes to the Father but by me.
Commentary on John 14:6: Jesus as the Sole Path to the Father
Right.
And I just want to comment on that. There's a chapter where. Where he says, in my Father's house, there are many mansions. If it weren't so, would have told you.
Okay.
And I think if there was another way, a different way, he would have told us the only way is through him, because he is the way, the truth and the life.
Amen. Amen. Well, Mark, you're right on the money.
Jesus' Claim to Be the Way, Truth, and Life and Its Significance for Believers
Yeah. Both of those verses come from Jon 14, of course, very famously Jon 14:6, where Jesus said, I'm the way, the truth the life. Dillon, that definite article, the singular Christ is the way to heaven, isn't He?
Yeah, and that's very specific. And it's Jesus himself who's saying it. It's not somebody else coming along with this message. It's Jesus, the God made flesh and living among us. During the NewSong Testament period where he says, I am the way, the truth, the life. The Jewish people who heard him understood, very clearly he was claiming to be God. He was claiming to be the Messiah, the chosen one, the only way to God. And so if you accept his message that you were accepting him as Messiah, if you were rejecting him, you're rejecting him because he claimed to be Messiah. And it's a very bold claim, but it's one that the disciples followed up with in Acts 4:12, for example. There's no other way, to, you know, to be saved other than through Jesus Christ. And that's the message of the NewSong Testament, the message we still hold to today. Thanks so much for bringing that up.
Contending for the Faith: Christianity as the Exclusive Way Through Jesus Christ
Amen. Amen. And to everybody listening, I hope that you have put your faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior. you know, I love in Jude, verse three, the little brief book at the end of the NewSong Testament Jude, it says that we are to earnestly contend for the faith once delivered. Christianity is not just a way, it's the way. And that way is a relationship with Jesus. Okay, we're going to go to Robert in Oklahoma. By the way, that number is 888-589-8840. If you have a Bible question. Dillon, love to hear from you, but Robert in Oklahoma, welcome to the program.
Exploring God's Will in Prayer and Understanding How God Answers Our Petitions
Hi. I just. I had something that I've never pondered before, but recently I've pondered. I was having a conversation with someone that's going on with their life, and it seemed they were trying to ask me if it was in God's will for that to happen, you know, because they prayed, you know, and I believe earnestly that God answers prayer. And, so I have a question about God's will. I mean, like Adam and Eve, you know, they acted out. So he allows us to act outside of his will. And. Or I'm asking that as a question. And, when we ask for God to answer prayer and he answers prayer is if it was within his will already, wouldn't what we were praying for already taking place? you know, I'm a little, I've confused myself.
good question. Now, are you talking about, like, if we're praying for. Praying for this election? I know A lot of people are praying about that. Or do you mean like praying for some individual personal thing in our life?
Yeah, I mean, and if you pray for someone to be healed, an election and God, you know, seems to obviously answer prayer.
Was that not in his will to begin with?
Understanding God's Will: Conformity to Christ and Latitude in Decision-Making
this is really great and I want to. And I'm glad you're bringing this topic, because there are things that for the believer, first of all, like Romans 8:29 says that we're to be, conformed to the image of Christ. Dillon, do you remember a book some years ago, really good book and folks, I recommend this book. It was called Decision Making and the Will of God by a guy named Gary Friesen. I think it was published by InterVarsity. Dillon, do you remember that book?
Yeah, yeah, it's been a while, but it was a good one. And it's one that still has some great guidelines for today. So go ahead and share some of that.
Yeah, Friesson, said the primary will of God is that we grow in righteousness and be conformed to the image of Christ. And then within, that as long as we're, you know, we've accepted Christ, we're born again, we're trying to live for the Lord, we're doing the things that a disciple does. there then we have some latitude. should I take the job in one city or should I take the job in a different city? Well, either one could work out. As long as you're walking with Jesus and following the Lord. I will say this, and we might have to pick this up on the other side of the first break. Even though we can know God's will by reading the Word and we can pray and the Spirit of God will lead us, like with healing and something like that. Even though we have a lot of liberty in Jesus, there are things obviously that are reserved for the hands of a sovereign God. You know, the Bible says God is long suffering, not willing that any should perish, but yet some do perish because they reject Jesus Christ. So, I think that's part of what having a relationship is.
Discerning God's Will Through Prayer, Scripture, and His Providential Hand
Every day we're trying to hear from God, follow God, discern the leading of God. But then there are going to be some things that are just in his providential hands, irrespective of what we do. Dillon, what do you say?
No, that's very well said. And it's interesting that Jesus in the Lord's Prayer said to, pray according to God's will. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. But we don't always know what that will is. So we pray that his will be done. And then first Jon 5, 14, 15 talks about the will of God. It's says if we pray according to his will, we know that we will have what we've asked of Him. So even when we don't know God's will, we can pray for it. When it is God's will, we know it's going to happen. So we can be confident either way. And scripture does guide us in many of these areas, as you mentioned, that we can break into ways.
Hello, I'm Bert Harper.
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Welcome Back and Continuation of Discussion on Knowing God's Will
everything I need. Everything I need.
My Father. Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Amen. Our Father has everything you need. Remember, Jesus is as close by as a prayer. Hey, Dillon Burroughs, before the break, you were talking about the will of God and I wanted to give you a chance, to finish that.
Practical Guidance on Knowing and Living According to God's Will
By the way, if, you've got a Bible question, we'll do our best to give you a good, factual biblical answer. The number is triple 858-98-8840. But, Dillon, finish your thought there if you wanted to, about, knowing God's will.
Sure.
And I believe it was Robert who was calling in about this. But Scripture is clear about many areas of God's will, so we can count on God's word for many of those, like 1st Thessalonians 5:16 to 18 that talks about rejoicing. Always pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. That one's pretty clear. The Lord's Prayer, like we said before the break, Jesus prays, your kingdom come, your will be done. So we know that we're to pray for God's will. And then when something is God's will, 1st Jon 5, 14 and 15 tells us, if we pray according to his will, we know that we will have what we have asked of him, so we can be confident that God's will will be accomplished. But, we also, like Robert expressed, have times where we doubt whether we're doing God's will or not. But I've found in personal experience, the closer we walk with God, the more closely we will hear his voice. So my best advice is walk very closely with him, and he will guide you by his word and by his spirit and by even his other people and circumstances to help, point you to the right path.
Amen.
Discussion on False Prophets, False Teachings, and Condemnation of Destructive Doctrines
God bless you. Well, we go to Illinois. William in Illinois. You are our next caller on Exploring the Word.
Good day to you, brothers. And through. We just been through several, years of, the abortion push at lbgtq. the false prophet will have his latent part in the Lake of Fire, which I know there'll be different judgments even in hell, but, a, false prophet to me is more than it seems like, and just a religious false prophet. I think somebody that's giving out false information in these situations, act like they have no fear of the false prophet having his part in the Lake of Fire. They're ignorant of that. And people, should be be aware that, I'm taking these chances of pushing this, to me, I don't understand this.
William, God bless you. Let me jump in here for a second because I. Regarding, false teaching. One of the, I would say very prominent and pernicious false teachings of.
The Pernicious False Teaching Regarding Homosexuality and the Importance of Sound Doctrine
Of our time. And sadly, this has even come from some professed ministers, teachings that, suddenly, after all of human history, homosexuality is okay. And there have been even ministers, that have said, well, you know, it's a different time, and that's not a sin anymore. That's false. And, you know, I think about you mentioned in Revelation that, the false prophet and all those who live and love a, lie, they find their part in the Lake of fire. But. 2 Peter, chapter 2. Dillon, I had the privilege a couple years ago to teach, at the COVID the Billy Graham Center. And I taught first and Second Peter over two years. And, by the way, you'll be with us next summer at the Cove Lauren Greene of Fox News, myself Dillon Burroughs, will all be at the COVID next summer, and we would love for many of you to come, and join us. But Second Peter talks about destructive doctrines and the judgment on the false teachers that teach such things. God speaks in pretty strong language about his, condemnation on those that twist and deny and. And distort his word.
Yeah, and that's really well said. Even in Titus 1, one of the things that a church leader was required to do is verse nine says he must hold firmly to the trustworthy message, so you can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
The Role of Church Leaders in Refuting False Doctrine and Standing for Truth
it's Interesting to me how often this is left out of church leadership discussions in churches, overall, that you don't only speak sound doctrine, you also have to be able to refute a false doctrine like you're talking about. And many people don't want to do that. You want to please everybody, make everybody happy, live. Let everybody live their own way. But as a leader in the church and as a follower of Christ, we are called to oppose falsehood, to stand for truth, even when it's difficult.
Question Regarding Women Pastors and Biblical Interpretation of Gender Roles in Ministry
Amen. Amen. God bless you, William. You keep on standing for truth. Let's go to north, Carolina, my home state. Aletha. In North Carolina. In North Carolina. Aletha, are you there?
I am.
Am I pronouncing your name correctly?
You sure are.
Well, praise the Lord. What you got for us?
just, first of all, I really appreciate your program. I happen to have it on it a few months ago, and it's. I. I just love it. It's very difficult. My question is that, my mom, she's been Christian for many years, and she. She's in different church now, but bottom line is, they have a woman that's like an associate pastor. And I said, well, you know, that not. Women aren't really supposed to be pastors. And she said to me, well, women are supposed to keep their head covered and men don't have to, so what's the difference?
So that.
That's kind of my question.
Biblical Complementarianism and the Case Against Women in Pastoral Roles
It doesn't make, you know, I didn't
know how to answer her on God bless you. And by the way, I love to recommend books, if you folks, if you really want to do a deep dive on this subject, the larger, you know, does the Bible support women pastors? Andreas and Margaret Costenberger wrote a book called God's Design for Men and Women. And it, it sets forth what's called complementary complementarianism. Now, as in complementary, men and women are equal in personhood, humanity, joint heirs, as believers, but we're unique in function, and in complementarianism. And by the way, for the record, I don't believe women should be pastors, because like first Timothy, chapter two, 11 and 12, Paul says, I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man. First Timothy 3 talks about an overseer being, quote, the husband of one wife and Dillon. And we haven't discussed this, so you feel free to agree or disagree. But, really, this was never an issue until the feminist movement of the 20th century. Now, can women serve the Lord and Contribute wonderfully to the gospel. Absolutely. Oh my goodness. You know, I think about one of the great apologists of our lifetime, a man named Dr. Norm Geisler, who touched millions of lives defending the gospel. He was led to Christ by a woman, praise God. But regarding the structure of the church, and that's called ecclesiology, the ecclesia, the called out assembly. Dillon. I think we have to let Christians lay down the, the structure and the, the guidelines because it's his church which he purchased.
Sure. That's a really good commentary on how to handle this. And of course it's a very dicey issue. Sometimes we're talking about how to treat a particular title in a church. So it's not always as cut and dry as whether a woman should be a pastor or not. So I, just want to clarify that.
Qualifications for Pastors and the Interpretation of Scripture on Male Leadership
But I think what it really comes down to is if you look at the places in the NewSong Testament that talk about what is a qualification for a pastor or an. They're also called, they're primarily found in 1st Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Both of those sections specifically refer to men, use male pronouns. And Paul talks elsewhere in the NewSong Testament about male elders and leaders in the church and specifically only male elders and leaders in the church. So what do you do with that? Well, you can either affirm that that's still the case today, which is the view you're taking and I would recommend, and hold to as well, or you can try to redefine that and say that was cultural for that time and now we can do it differently. Well, to do that you have to really reinterpret these texts in some way. And one way that people try to do it is like the caller just mentioned, you try to compare it to something else like you know, head coverings for women, which is less clear in the NewSong Testament and try to make a comparative argument. So it's a difficult one to make, but some Christian leaders do. I, would recommend that you look at the scriptures themselves. There are also many good resources. A book called Biblical Eldership that goes into this, an entire book length form and goes through, through all the history and all the theology behind it. So a lot more that could be discussed than we can get into. Right. In our few minutes, today.
The Distinction Between Vengeance and Justice in the Context of Capital Punishment
thank you very much and Aletha, God bless you. Let's go to Mississippi Elisabeth, in Mississippi Elisabeth, that's a Bible name. Welcome to the program.
Hey, how you doing? Alex and Dillon, How y' all doing? This afternoon.
Wonderful. Thanks so much for calling.
All right. I'm just kind of torn with this question. you know, in the Bible where it said that vengeance is the Lord. So my question came about between me and a co worker. We got to talking about, like, if somebody murders somebody and then they sentenced to be put to sleep, then that's. That is vengeance. And I said, no, that's not vengeance.
Biblical Perspectives on Vengeance, Justice, and Civil Government
That's justice. And so if somebody commit a crime and just say they are, ordered to be put to sleep, now, the family might forgive them. But is that vengeance if they, if they still want that person to be put to death even though they don't forgave them? Or, is that justice?
God bless you. God bless you. Elisabeth. This is a wonderful, wonderful question. And, you know, let me just say this. Like in Romans, chapter 13:1 through 7, I'm going to give you a couple of scriptures, and you said it perfectly. Vengeance speaks of, like, revenge that we as an individual might feel like, you know, that person, you know, they did something that hurt me and I want to get back at them. That's vengeance. Whereas people being accountable to the law, that's justice. Now, I'll give you two scriptures. One, Romans 12:19 says that we are not to avenge ourselves, but, let God take care of it, because vengeance is mine. Now, let me just say this, doesn't mean that we can't legally avail ourselves and use lawful means to, protect our rights. Paul did that as a Roman citizen. Paul, whenever he needed to, he would invoke his Roman citizenship. But in terms of, harboring anger and plotting to, get revenge on somebody, we're not to do that. However, not too much farther down in the NewSong Testament, Romans 13:1 7, God talks about civil justice, and it says that, the powers that be, are ordained and are actually ministers of God. So, law enforcement, military, honest, lawful, judges in keeping an ordered, safe civil society. that's when justice is carried out. Sadly, when people commit heinous crimes, there's very severe penalties under the law. But, because we have a sin nature, people that aren't yielding to the Lord and the Holy Spirit, I'll put it this way, and Dillon, I'll throw it to you. GK Chesterton, who was a Christian leader 100 years ago, he said, if we don't control ourselves by the Ten Commandments within, then people have to forcibly be controlled by 10,000 commandments without, in other words, endless amounts of laws.
The Role of Government in Enforcing Law and the Biblical Permissibility of Capital Punishment
So, we're not to be vengeful, but it is good for a society like ours to have godly justice. What do you say about all this, Dillon?
Well, I think you hit the most important passage in Romans 13, that government is there to enforce the law. So even though we leave room for God's wrath, there are consequences when people, break the law. And in our nation, many states still have capital punishment. And so that's a consequence that is allowed. Biblically, it's not necessarily required, but it is something that scripture, does permit. I, would also say that it's not always required. You look at people like Moses in the Old Testament, who did murder someone earlier in his life before God called him. You look at David, who was involved in the death of someone, who he should not have been, putting to death, who, was under difficult circumstances, and he could have been put to death for that, but he wasn't. So there are times where God forgives and allows a, new beginning. There are also other times where God allows justice to move forward and capital punishment to occur. So it's one of those issues where biblically, yes, it does allow for it, but it doesn't mean we have to require it. And that's one of those reasons it's divided among Christians. Not everybody agrees it's something that we should have as a law in our country today.
Christian Ethics and the Death Penalty: Recommendations for Further Study
But, others do. And it's, you know, why it makes such a good question for a show like today. Thanks so much for calling and asking about that.
Amen. As we go to Georgia. Antoinette, there's a really good book on, on Christian ethics by a guy named Robertson McQuilkin. It was published by Tyndale, and I think it's just called Biblical Ethics, and they deal with the question of, the death penalty for convicted murderers. It's a good book. I love to recommend good books. Biblical ethics by Robertson McQuilkin. Antoinette, thanks for holding. Welcome to Exploring the Word.
Well, hello there. Thank you. God bless you, everybody.
Question Regarding Generational Curses and Their Validity for Believers
I'm really enjoying this program, and I just love to hear the sound of your voice, Alex. It is just so comforting and educating. But m. Today I have a question, and it's regarding generational curses. And I hope. I'm hoping that you all can help me with it. So in Deuteronomy 5. 9, it talks about how, that God, the Lord thy God, is a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.
Antoinette, forgive me for there's a break. Can you hold? We've got a very brief commercial. Can you hold through this commercial? And we're going to come back. Stay with us. Okay, Dillon Burroughs, Alex McFarland, the American family Radio Network. It's exploring the word.
Continuing the Discussion on Generational Curses and Biblical Freedom in Christ
Fantastic questions today. And after the break, Dillon and I will give biblical answers. Stay tuned. We would like to thank our sponsors, including PreBorn. PreBorn has rescued over 400,000 babies from abortion and has seen over 100,000 commitments to Christ. Will you join PreBorn in continuing this good work supporting young moms in crisis? Save a life today? Go to preborn.com afr.
Generational Curses vs. Personal Redemption: Understanding the New Covenant in Christ
Alex McFarland here. Dillon Burroughs. We're so honored that you're listening. Hey, before the break, we were hearing from Antoinette in Georgia. start again and restate your question, if you would, Sister. I, wanted to give you time to lay that question out there.
Okay, Great. All right. Thank you so much. So, in Deuteronomy 5, verse 9, it says how the Lord is, a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me. And then later In Deuteronomy, chapter 24, verse 16, it says, Parents shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers. Each person dies for their own sin. this rule guided Israelite civil law and prevented generational blood feuds or unfair judicial punishments. My question is, are generational curses a valid thing for the believer? Deliverance Ministries are avid promoters of, deliver, validity of generational curses and its ability to hold back our destinies and make accusations upon us in heaven.
Breaking Cycles and Patterns: The Christian's Freedom from Generational Negativity
they talk about the iniquity drive in our bloodline, but just wanted some, guidance on that.
God bless you. God bless you. and Dillon, I've met people that were, you know, very concerned, maybe heavily, heavily burdened about this. And, I want to say this, and Dillon, I'll throw it to you. I believe when an individual comes to Christ and you put your faith in Jesus, like 2nd Corinthians 5, 17 would say all things are made new. Now, at the same time, families there. There have been families with long histories of negative things. And even, you know, I mean, there can be financial problems, substance abuse. it seems like certain families get into, destructive patterns of behavior. And if you think that you come from a family where there have been, you know, painful memories and maybe even things that you don't even know about. And there's one more thing I want to say too that I believe we need to pray over in the name of Jesus to be wiped away. If your family had any history with the occult or something like that, if you're worried in that regard, folks, lay it before Jesus and just pray and say in the name of Jesus. All that past is, is behind me. I'm a child of the King. I move forward joyfully, confidently. So even to the degree that generational negativity has been present, I think the, the, the pattern is broken and all things are made new in Jesus. What do you say, Dillon?
well, I would just add to that that you make a great contrast between how we live as followers of Christ and what the nation of Israel was going through during the time that the law was written. This idea of generational curses, where your grandparents or great grandparents actions will impact you in a negative way was something that the Jews literally experienced. history, if you look at the Old Testament, when Judges especially, but also the books of Kings and Samuel and the Chronicles, but as Christians we are made new through Jesus Christ. God's spirit lives within us. That said, there's still cycles and patterns of sin to break and to fight against and sometimes just patterns of life that you need to break, whether it's in terms of jobs or education or finances or other things like Alex mentioned. But that's not necessarily a generational curse. That's a cycle of systematic living that you need to overcome. It's a spirit filled life that you can live differently now by God's strength instead of the pattern that you try to do in human strength before. So it's much different than the generational curses talked about in the Old Testament. So I wouldn't lean too heavily on that for Christians today.
Amen. Thank you for that.
The Rapture and the Believer's Resurrection Body: A Theological Discussion
Good question. Let's go to Arkansas. Owen in Arkansas. Owen, welcome to Exploring the Word.
Thank you guys. Thanks for taking my call. Try to be real quick. Got, a question concerning a rapture. If, according to the Bible, the dead in Christ will rise first whenever Jesus returns, if I die before the Rapture, I'm going to go to be with Jesus. And when the rapture happens, am I going to come back to my body and then rise again or. And then of course the believers are still here, will be next. But I think I heard David Jeremiah talk on this, but if you could give me your opinion on all that, I appreciate it.
God bless you. And you know, Bert and I go into a fair amount of detail, in our book 100 Bible Questions on Prophecy and the End Times, we're going to get. The believer is ultimately going to get a glorified body. you know, it's interesting. First Thessalonians 5, 23 and 24 talks about spirit, soul and body. God saves the whole person. Our spirit gets regenerated, our soul or mind. The Greek word is P S Y C H E psyche. Our mind gets renewed. Romans 12. And one day our body gets glorified. Now, when a believer dies, they are with Jesus instantaneously. Paul said, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. so, the believer is in heaven with Christ right away. But like First Corinthians 15, 52 says, we will all be changed, given that ultimate glorified body. And I've got to say, Based on the First Thessalonians, First Corinthians 15, exactly how that works. I don't know that it lays out every single thing. Dillon, you correct me if I'm wrong here, but, it's an instantaneous change at the.
Understanding the Rapture Process and the Believer's Eternal Presence with Christ
I believe at the rapture of the church when the believers get that glorified body. But, feel free to weigh in on this, Dillon.
Well, you're right in what you said there. And it's interesting how the NewSong Testament often describes the end times as a mystery in some ways, because we don't have all the details. Details. But I think a couple of things that are worth mentioning. One, you see that story in, Luke 16 about the rich man and Lazarus, where you see the person who has passed away, who's already in heaven, has a body of some kind. But then we're told in this Rapture passage that when Christ returns, the dead in Christ will rise first. So we have a body in heaven if we die now, and we're immediately with the Lord, but we also have a glorified, perfect body that comes after the time of the rapture. So it's kind of a tube part, process in some ways for those who die before Christ returns. So that's important to point out. And then, it is important also to know, like you mentioned, that if we pass away now, we are immediately in the Lord's presence. We are not waiting for some time when Jesus comes back in the future to be in heaven and have some kind of soul sleep, like some, would teach. We are instantly with him. And the Apostle Paul is clear on that. And even Jesus, when he's talking to the thief, thief on the cross, says, Today you will be with me in paradise, talking about that same day. So it's a very clear indication of where we spend eternity as soon as this life ends.
God bless you. God bless you.
Christian.
A Bible Class Student's Question About Jesus Being Tempted by the Devil
in. Is it Alabama? Christian, you in Alabama.
Hello, Dr. McFarland. My name is Christian. I'm an eighth grade student at Tuscaloosa Christian School in Alabama. Yes, you're right.
God bless you. Well, forgive, me for interrupting. I am honored that you're listening, Christian.
The Hypothetical Scenario of Jesus Succumbing to Satan's Temptation
Thank you for. Thank you for listening, my friend.
Thank you.
My Bible class watches your program at school. My question is, when Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, what would have happened if Jesus took the deal where he would be ruler of all the kingdoms, the world, but he had to bow down to Satan?
Wow. Great, great question. And, by the way, I'm just very honored that your Bible class listens to the program. And, please convey my best regards to everybody at your school. I would love to come there and speak sometime. And maybe if you guys have chapel services, I could come and speak in chapel at some point. Point. But, you know, in. In the Gospel of Matthew and in Luke, it talks about Satan tries to. Satan tried to tempt Jesus because Satan was trying to derail God's plan of salvation. We, we have a sinless savior, Christ. He could die on the cross for our sins because he was God incarnate, but also because he was perfectly righteous. He never sinned. Now, the devil said, to Jesus, and this is just even almost blasphemous to think about. but the. The devil said, look, if you'll bow down and worship me, I'll give the kingdoms of the world to you. I'll say this, Dillon, and you can weigh in. And we might wonder what would have happened if Jesus had taken the bait and done that. It would have been very tragic, for one thing. But, it didn't happen, praise God.
Jesus' Unwavering Obedience and the Significance of His Victory Over Temptation
and it says there in Luke 4:13, that Satan departed from Jesus and left him alone. what it's called whenever we say what if that's called a counterfactual? because it didn't happen. And Christ wouldn't have done that because he perfectly. The Son of God who perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father. And it's never the Father's will that anybody bow to Satan. And so, just as Jesus stood strong and obeyed the will of the Father, so should we. But Dillon, do you have any thoughts on this?
Yeah, I would simply agree with what you had shared that Is very well said. The idea that Jesus is completely human and completely divine shows that he would have felt that temptation. It would have been real to him. But at the same time, he could not have actually done what was requested in the temptation if he was fully divine. So we're dealing with the what if scenario that did not happen and ultimately could not happen and helped prove that Jesus is, is and what is divine.
Amen.
The Good News of Resisting Temptation Through Faith in Jesus Christ
And you know what, folks? The good news is Christian. God bless you, my friend. But as we let the Lord have control of our life, we too can resist the temptations of sin and Satan. Let's go to Virginia Don in Virginia.
Seeking Reconciliation with an Abusive Mother Who Refuses to Acknowledge Past Wrongs
Don, welcome to Exploring the Word.
Yeah, hi, Dillon and Alex, thank you
for taking a call.
Thank you.
I have, I have a question and a prayer request. I just need some biblical advice.
my wife has had a very
rough life, from both of her parents.
Actions, involving abuse, deep, long ingrained abuse.
she's seeking reconciliation, with her mother. But her mother does not acknowledge what happened. And my wife has done many biblical examples, like it says in Colossians 3:12, how are to put on compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience and bearing with one another and forgiving one another
and her, her mother won't process the reconciliation. And that is just deeply grieved my wife.
God bless you. God bless you, Don. It's okay, brother. A lot of people are lifting you guys up in prayer even as we speak.
Navigating Reconciliation When One Party Refuses to Acknowledge Painful History
thank you.
Yes. Or is it kind of like, how do you move on and how do you achieve some sort of reconciliation if, even if the other person won't acknowledge the pain and the wrongs that were done?
Advice and Prayer for Healing and Peace in Broken Family Relationships
Is that it, Don?
Yeah. Yes sir. Yes, sir.
let me do this, because time fleets away and I want to do justice to this. Dillon, I'm going to ask you to pray, and let me encourage maybe, your wife and you, you might want to go to a Christian counselor and just a listening ear, somebody to talk to. But I've seen Jesus miraculously restore some very broken relationships. But, you know, none, of us can control another person. the best we can do is to allow ourselves to be controlled by the guidance of the Lord. And even if, even if the mom never acknowledges or tries to repent and make restitution, please know that your wife can have joy and healing and peace in, in her relationship with Christ and you. But Dillon, would you pray for this, this dear situation?
Yes. Let's pray together. Father, we thank you so Much for Don calling in today and asking for prayer and for advice in this difficult situation with his wife and her mother. Lord, you know all the circumstances far better than we do. And we pray that you would intervene in just the right way. Help her to understand that you are her refuge and her source of strength. You were her perfect father despite any imperfections in her pray. You would also help her to offer forgiveness, but not to overlook things that need to continue to happen in the change process. And, we pray especially for this mother. You give her the ability to accept what has happened, to process what has happened, to repent as needed for what has happened in the past, and to reconcile their relationship in the days ahead. And we pray also for Don that you would bless him in this time as he goes through a lot of pain and having to see his wife go through this. And we pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
Amen.
The Shame of Nakedness After Eating the Forbidden Fruit: A Question on Genesis
I want to encourage people to please pray for this couple. I'm going to try to get one more call in Israel, in Texas, very quickly, if you don't mind. Israel.
Yes.
Adam and Eve, they stood before the Lord before the eighth of the forbidden fruit. They were both naked, and they were not ashamed. Now, after they ate all the forbidden fruit, it says that they saw that they were naked and they were ashamed. Now, if they were husband and wife before they ate, they were still husband and wife after the eight. So why would they ashamed of being naked?
Good question.
Understanding Shame After the Fall: Disobedience and Separation from God
Well, for one thing, they, they knew that they had disobeyed God. You know, and this is in Genesis, Genesis chapter three. they knew they had disobeyed God and they were ashamed to see God, because they had committed, sin. And that, that sin, to this day, it affects all of us. I'll tell you what, we're gonna have to wrap, that up for today because we're just about out of time. Dillon, I want to thank you for being on with us and, everybody be in church Sunday. the house of God is where we are supposed to be on Sunday morning. And maybe you could even invite somebody and get them under the sound of the gospel. But, Brother Dillon, blessings to you. Thanks for being on.
Great to be with you, everybody. Have a great weekend.
God bless you, folks. Pray for afr, but most of all, pray about America and revival. Tell somebody about Jesus. Thanks for listening. The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family Association or American Family Radio.
(00:24) Exploring the Word Fire Away Friday Introduction and Matthew 24:44 Scripture Reading
(00:47) Call in for Bible Questions and Introduction of Guest Dylan Burroughs and His Upcoming Event
(01:40) Conversations That Matter: A Christian Response to Islam with Former Muslims Turned Christians
(02:20) Concerns About Sharia Law in the West and Promoting the Christian Response to Islam Event
(03:02) Update on Dylan Burroughs' Activities and Current News
(03:29) Christian Responsibility in Voting and Being Aware of Candidates and Key Issues
(04:02) The Importance of Prayer and Action for Christians in National Affairs
(04:18) First Caller Question About Hasidic Jewish Side Curls and Their Religious Origins
(06:35) Discussion on Significant Mountains in the Bible and Jesus as the Way, Truth, and Life
(07:26) Commentary on John 14:6: Jesus as the Sole Path to the Father
(07:53) Jesus' Claim to Be the Way, Truth, and Life and Its Significance for Believers
(08:58) Contending for the Faith: Christianity as the Exclusive Way Through Jesus Christ
(09:39) Exploring God's Will in Prayer and Understanding How God Answers Our Petitions
(11:06) Understanding God's Will: Conformity to Christ and Latitude in Decision-Making
(13:09) Discerning God's Will Through Prayer, Scripture, and His Providential Hand
(14:03) Listener Support Appeal for American Family Radio and Exploring the Word Podcast
(14:33) Welcome Back and Continuation of Discussion on Knowing God's Will
(15:03) Practical Guidance on Knowing and Living According to God's Will
(16:24) Discussion on False Prophets, False Teachings, and Condemnation of Destructive Doctrines
(17:44) The Pernicious False Teaching Regarding Homosexuality and the Importance of Sound Doctrine
(19:19) The Role of Church Leaders in Refuting False Doctrine and Standing for Truth
(19:46) Question Regarding Women Pastors and Biblical Interpretation of Gender Roles in Ministry
(20:55) Biblical Complementarianism and the Case Against Women in Pastoral Roles
(23:19) Qualifications for Pastors and the Interpretation of Scripture on Male Leadership
(24:38) The Distinction Between Vengeance and Justice in the Context of Capital Punishment
(25:29) Biblical Perspectives on Vengeance, Justice, and Civil Government
(28:22) The Role of Government in Enforcing Law and the Biblical Permissibility of Capital Punishment
(29:43) Christian Ethics and the Death Penalty: Recommendations for Further Study
(30:23) Question Regarding Generational Curses and Their Validity for Believers
(31:13) Continuing the Discussion on Generational Curses and Biblical Freedom in Christ
(32:04) Generational Curses vs. Personal Redemption: Understanding the New Covenant in Christ
(33:17) Breaking Cycles and Patterns: The Christian's Freedom from Generational Negativity
(36:26) The Rapture and the Believer's Resurrection Body: A Theological Discussion
(38:28) Understanding the Rapture Process and the Believer's Eternal Presence with Christ
(39:53) A Bible Class Student's Question About Jesus Being Tempted by the Devil
(40:15) The Hypothetical Scenario of Jesus Succumbing to Satan's Temptation
(42:07) Jesus' Unwavering Obedience and the Significance of His Victory Over Temptation
(43:16) The Good News of Resisting Temptation Through Faith in Jesus Christ
(43:31) Seeking Reconciliation with an Abusive Mother Who Refuses to Acknowledge Past Wrongs
(44:55) Navigating Reconciliation When One Party Refuses to Acknowledge Painful History
(45:17) Advice and Prayer for Healing and Peace in Broken Family Relationships
(47:20) The Shame of Nakedness After Eating the Forbidden Fruit: A Question on Genesis
(47:57) Understanding Shame After the Fall: Disobedience and Separation from God
Transcript:
Welcome to Fire Away Friday and Introduction to Exploring the Word Program and Contact Information
M It's Fireaway Friday. Fire Away Friday on Exploring the Word. This is your chance to ask us your Bible question at 888-589-8840. That's 888-589-8840. You can also email your [email protected] or visit facebook.com exploring the word.
Exploring the Word Fire Away Friday Introduction and Matthew 24:44 Scripture Reading
It's Fire Away Friday on American Family.
Rad.
Ready for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. That's Matthew 24:44. We've been in Matthew for some weeks. And, with that verse, we welcome you to today's edition of Exploring the Word. Fire Away Friday.
Call in for Bible Questions and Introduction of Guest Dylan Burroughs and His Upcoming Event
Now with your Bible questions, you can call in and get in the queue. And I see we are getting a call already, but the number is, 358-98840. Triple 858-9840. And it's early enough that if you style with a Bible question, you will get through. We'll get to you. And with me is Dillon Burroughs. Dillon, thank you for making time to be with us on Fire Away Friday. Bert Harper is traveling today. He and Jan have an event they're doing this weekend. But, Dillon, we always appreciate you helping us out the times that you're on Exploring the Word. Welcome, sir.
Oh, great to be with you as always, Alex. And excited about your event coming up as well. I know you have a big, I guess you would say, conversation going on in Myrtle beach coming up. Tell us about it real quick.
Conversations That Matter: A Christian Response to Islam with Former Muslims Turned Christians
Well, thank you. And just moments ago, I was picking up one of our speakers at the airport. Yes. tomorrow night, please be in prayer, everybody. And I know some listening probably are on their way here. We've got one of our biblical worldview, gatherings, we call it Conversations that Matter. And Dillon is really a Christian, response to Islam. We have two former Muslims now, both devout Christians. Mohammed Faridi, who's a college professor, and Kamal Saleem, who, in addition to being a professor, does a lot of, really counterterrorism work around the world. And they're going to tell how they came to Christ and left Islam.
Concerns About Sharia Law in the West and Promoting the Christian Response to Islam Event
But really they're also talking about their grave concern, a concern that I share about, Sharia law in America and the West. And so please be in prayer. we're at a venue there. There might be maybe a dozen seats left. The event is free, but we do ask that people register. And you can go to alexmcfarland.com tomorrow night in North Myrtle Beach. the Christian response to Islam. So, Dillon thanks for asking about that. And before we go to the calls, the number is a triple 858-98840. Triple 858-98840.
Update on Dylan Burroughs' Activities and Current News
Dillon, tell us what, what's been going on in your world, any, books you're working on or speaking you've been doing, bring us up to date on Dillon Burroughs.
No, there's always something new happening. A lot of what I'm looking at lately has been some of the things happening in the news as we get close to the midterms. Though this isn't a political show. There are so many things happening right now that you should probably be aware of when it comes to who's running in your state.
Christian Responsibility in Voting and Being Aware of Candidates and Key Issues
every House member is running for reelection. So it's important as Christians that we are registered to vote and that we do vote our values and know who the candidates are and when early voting is in your state and when election day is coming up. So I wanted to encourage you with that. And, especially as we get close to the. The actual date of the election and, some of these key issues that, like you're even mentioning some things, things that relate to Sharia law and some of the radical, candidates that are running in particular states who, would support some of these ideas.
The Importance of Prayer and Action for Christians in National Affairs
It's a matter of prayer, but it's also a matter of action. So I just want to encourage all of our listeners. you know, whatever you do, if you vote your values as a Christian, our country is going to be a better place. I'll just leave it at that. And it's just one of those important things that, we really need to be prayerful about at this time.
First Caller Question About Hasidic Jewish Side Curls and Their Religious Origins
Indeed. Indeed. Well, good word there, Brother Dillon. We're going to begin our. Fire away Friday, Friday in Arkansas. And we'll start with Linne. Linne in Arkansas. thanks for being the first caller on today's edition of Explorer.
There we go. Hello?
Yeah, thanks for calling.
Okay. Yeah, I didn't expect it to be this quick. yeah, what I wanted to know is, I saw a picture of one of the Jews the other day, who, you know, they have those curls, long curls around their face, looks like they used a curling iron or something. And I just wanted to know, where does that come from? Is that the Talmud or what's the purpose of that?
well, great, great question. The Hasidic Jews, if you go to Israel, you'll see a lot of that. And when I'm in NewSong York City, I see a lot of that. so, Dillon, what about the.
The.
The. The clothing and also the hair, Those, kind of, the curled hair that the Orthodox Jewish men have?
Yeah, I remember seeing that when I was younger and wondering, what was that all about? And it's Hasidic Jewish people who tend to, continue that tradition today where you have the side curls. And it goes all the way back to Leviticus if you look this up. Leviticus 19 talks about men not to round off the corners of their heads, not to shave their sideburns. And so Hasidic Jews take this very literally as part of the law still today where they don't do that. So, you'll see that practice, like you said, in NewSong York City, where there's a larger Jewish population or in areas where there are more Hasidic Jews. And nothing wrong with it necessarily. It's just a modern keeping, of an ancient tradition. And I think it's pronounced payo if I say it right in Hebrew. So, it's something you can look up more in Leviticus 19, if you're interested in the background to that.
Yeah, it's.
It.
It's very, noticeable, isn't it? They call them side curls, but. Thank you, Linne, and God bless you. Let's go to Mark in North Carolina. Mark, welcome to Exploring the Word.
Discussion on Significant Mountains in the Bible and Jesus as the Way, Truth, and Life
Hello.
Yes, you're on. Mark.
Hey, God bless y'. All. Thanks for taking my call.
Well, glad to have you. Thank you for listening.
I was listening to your, program yesterday about the mountains. the three. The three biggest, mountains, you know, that's talked about in the Bible. I don't think y' all was taking cows yesterday, right?
yeah, yeah, we were. That was a prerecord. And, we said that Mount Sinai, Mount Calvary and Mount Moriah. Three very significant mountains.
Listening to, Bert Harper, and he was talking about how Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. And it says on that no one comes to the Father but by me.
Commentary on John 14:6: Jesus as the Sole Path to the Father
Right.
And I just want to comment on that. There's a chapter where. Where he says, in my Father's house, there are many mansions. If it weren't so, would have told you.
Okay.
And I think if there was another way, a different way, he would have told us the only way is through him, because he is the way, the truth and the life.
Amen. Amen. Well, Mark, you're right on the money.
Jesus' Claim to Be the Way, Truth, and Life and Its Significance for Believers
Yeah. Both of those verses come from Jon 14, of course, very famously Jon 14:6, where Jesus said, I'm the way, the truth the life. Dillon, that definite article, the singular Christ is the way to heaven, isn't He?
Yeah, and that's very specific. And it's Jesus himself who's saying it. It's not somebody else coming along with this message. It's Jesus, the God made flesh and living among us. During the NewSong Testament period where he says, I am the way, the truth, the life. The Jewish people who heard him understood, very clearly he was claiming to be God. He was claiming to be the Messiah, the chosen one, the only way to God. And so if you accept his message that you were accepting him as Messiah, if you were rejecting him, you're rejecting him because he claimed to be Messiah. And it's a very bold claim, but it's one that the disciples followed up with in Acts 4:12, for example. There's no other way, to, you know, to be saved other than through Jesus Christ. And that's the message of the NewSong Testament, the message we still hold to today. Thanks so much for bringing that up.
Contending for the Faith: Christianity as the Exclusive Way Through Jesus Christ
Amen. Amen. And to everybody listening, I hope that you have put your faith in Jesus Christ, the Savior. you know, I love in Jude, verse three, the little brief book at the end of the NewSong Testament Jude, it says that we are to earnestly contend for the faith once delivered. Christianity is not just a way, it's the way. And that way is a relationship with Jesus. Okay, we're going to go to Robert in Oklahoma. By the way, that number is 888-589-8840. If you have a Bible question. Dillon, love to hear from you, but Robert in Oklahoma, welcome to the program.
Exploring God's Will in Prayer and Understanding How God Answers Our Petitions
Hi. I just. I had something that I've never pondered before, but recently I've pondered. I was having a conversation with someone that's going on with their life, and it seemed they were trying to ask me if it was in God's will for that to happen, you know, because they prayed, you know, and I believe earnestly that God answers prayer. And, so I have a question about God's will. I mean, like Adam and Eve, you know, they acted out. So he allows us to act outside of his will. And. Or I'm asking that as a question. And, when we ask for God to answer prayer and he answers prayer is if it was within his will already, wouldn't what we were praying for already taking place? you know, I'm a little, I've confused myself.
good question. Now, are you talking about, like, if we're praying for. Praying for this election? I know A lot of people are praying about that. Or do you mean like praying for some individual personal thing in our life?
Yeah, I mean, and if you pray for someone to be healed, an election and God, you know, seems to obviously answer prayer.
Was that not in his will to begin with?
Understanding God's Will: Conformity to Christ and Latitude in Decision-Making
this is really great and I want to. And I'm glad you're bringing this topic, because there are things that for the believer, first of all, like Romans 8:29 says that we're to be, conformed to the image of Christ. Dillon, do you remember a book some years ago, really good book and folks, I recommend this book. It was called Decision Making and the Will of God by a guy named Gary Friesen. I think it was published by InterVarsity. Dillon, do you remember that book?
Yeah, yeah, it's been a while, but it was a good one. And it's one that still has some great guidelines for today. So go ahead and share some of that.
Yeah, Friesson, said the primary will of God is that we grow in righteousness and be conformed to the image of Christ. And then within, that as long as we're, you know, we've accepted Christ, we're born again, we're trying to live for the Lord, we're doing the things that a disciple does. there then we have some latitude. should I take the job in one city or should I take the job in a different city? Well, either one could work out. As long as you're walking with Jesus and following the Lord. I will say this, and we might have to pick this up on the other side of the first break. Even though we can know God's will by reading the Word and we can pray and the Spirit of God will lead us, like with healing and something like that. Even though we have a lot of liberty in Jesus, there are things obviously that are reserved for the hands of a sovereign God. You know, the Bible says God is long suffering, not willing that any should perish, but yet some do perish because they reject Jesus Christ. So, I think that's part of what having a relationship is.
Discerning God's Will Through Prayer, Scripture, and His Providential Hand
Every day we're trying to hear from God, follow God, discern the leading of God. But then there are going to be some things that are just in his providential hands, irrespective of what we do. Dillon, what do you say?
No, that's very well said. And it's interesting that Jesus in the Lord's Prayer said to, pray according to God's will. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. But we don't always know what that will is. So we pray that his will be done. And then first Jon 5, 14, 15 talks about the will of God. It's says if we pray according to his will, we know that we will have what we've asked of Him. So even when we don't know God's will, we can pray for it. When it is God's will, we know it's going to happen. So we can be confident either way. And scripture does guide us in many of these areas, as you mentioned, that we can break into ways.
Hello, I'm Bert Harper.
Listener Support Appeal for American Family Radio and Exploring the Word Podcast
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Welcome Back and Continuation of Discussion on Knowing God's Will
everything I need. Everything I need.
My Father. Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Amen. Our Father has everything you need. Remember, Jesus is as close by as a prayer. Hey, Dillon Burroughs, before the break, you were talking about the will of God and I wanted to give you a chance, to finish that.
Practical Guidance on Knowing and Living According to God's Will
By the way, if, you've got a Bible question, we'll do our best to give you a good, factual biblical answer. The number is triple 858-98-8840. But, Dillon, finish your thought there if you wanted to, about, knowing God's will.
Sure.
And I believe it was Robert who was calling in about this. But Scripture is clear about many areas of God's will, so we can count on God's word for many of those, like 1st Thessalonians 5:16 to 18 that talks about rejoicing. Always pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. That one's pretty clear. The Lord's Prayer, like we said before the break, Jesus prays, your kingdom come, your will be done. So we know that we're to pray for God's will. And then when something is God's will, 1st Jon 5, 14 and 15 tells us, if we pray according to his will, we know that we will have what we have asked of him, so we can be confident that God's will will be accomplished. But, we also, like Robert expressed, have times where we doubt whether we're doing God's will or not. But I've found in personal experience, the closer we walk with God, the more closely we will hear his voice. So my best advice is walk very closely with him, and he will guide you by his word and by his spirit and by even his other people and circumstances to help, point you to the right path.
Amen.
Discussion on False Prophets, False Teachings, and Condemnation of Destructive Doctrines
God bless you. Well, we go to Illinois. William in Illinois. You are our next caller on Exploring the Word.
Good day to you, brothers. And through. We just been through several, years of, the abortion push at lbgtq. the false prophet will have his latent part in the Lake of Fire, which I know there'll be different judgments even in hell, but, a, false prophet to me is more than it seems like, and just a religious false prophet. I think somebody that's giving out false information in these situations, act like they have no fear of the false prophet having his part in the Lake of Fire. They're ignorant of that. And people, should be be aware that, I'm taking these chances of pushing this, to me, I don't understand this.
William, God bless you. Let me jump in here for a second because I. Regarding, false teaching. One of the, I would say very prominent and pernicious false teachings of.
The Pernicious False Teaching Regarding Homosexuality and the Importance of Sound Doctrine
Of our time. And sadly, this has even come from some professed ministers, teachings that, suddenly, after all of human history, homosexuality is okay. And there have been even ministers, that have said, well, you know, it's a different time, and that's not a sin anymore. That's false. And, you know, I think about you mentioned in Revelation that, the false prophet and all those who live and love a, lie, they find their part in the Lake of fire. But. 2 Peter, chapter 2. Dillon, I had the privilege a couple years ago to teach, at the COVID the Billy Graham Center. And I taught first and Second Peter over two years. And, by the way, you'll be with us next summer at the Cove Lauren Greene of Fox News, myself Dillon Burroughs, will all be at the COVID next summer, and we would love for many of you to come, and join us. But Second Peter talks about destructive doctrines and the judgment on the false teachers that teach such things. God speaks in pretty strong language about his, condemnation on those that twist and deny and. And distort his word.
Yeah, and that's really well said. Even in Titus 1, one of the things that a church leader was required to do is verse nine says he must hold firmly to the trustworthy message, so you can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
The Role of Church Leaders in Refuting False Doctrine and Standing for Truth
it's Interesting to me how often this is left out of church leadership discussions in churches, overall, that you don't only speak sound doctrine, you also have to be able to refute a false doctrine like you're talking about. And many people don't want to do that. You want to please everybody, make everybody happy, live. Let everybody live their own way. But as a leader in the church and as a follower of Christ, we are called to oppose falsehood, to stand for truth, even when it's difficult.
Question Regarding Women Pastors and Biblical Interpretation of Gender Roles in Ministry
Amen. Amen. God bless you, William. You keep on standing for truth. Let's go to north, Carolina, my home state. Aletha. In North Carolina. In North Carolina. Aletha, are you there?
I am.
Am I pronouncing your name correctly?
You sure are.
Well, praise the Lord. What you got for us?
just, first of all, I really appreciate your program. I happen to have it on it a few months ago, and it's. I. I just love it. It's very difficult. My question is that, my mom, she's been Christian for many years, and she. She's in different church now, but bottom line is, they have a woman that's like an associate pastor. And I said, well, you know, that not. Women aren't really supposed to be pastors. And she said to me, well, women are supposed to keep their head covered and men don't have to, so what's the difference?
So that.
That's kind of my question.
Biblical Complementarianism and the Case Against Women in Pastoral Roles
It doesn't make, you know, I didn't
know how to answer her on God bless you. And by the way, I love to recommend books, if you folks, if you really want to do a deep dive on this subject, the larger, you know, does the Bible support women pastors? Andreas and Margaret Costenberger wrote a book called God's Design for Men and Women. And it, it sets forth what's called complementary complementarianism. Now, as in complementary, men and women are equal in personhood, humanity, joint heirs, as believers, but we're unique in function, and in complementarianism. And by the way, for the record, I don't believe women should be pastors, because like first Timothy, chapter two, 11 and 12, Paul says, I do not permit a woman to teach or have authority over a man. First Timothy 3 talks about an overseer being, quote, the husband of one wife and Dillon. And we haven't discussed this, so you feel free to agree or disagree. But, really, this was never an issue until the feminist movement of the 20th century. Now, can women serve the Lord and Contribute wonderfully to the gospel. Absolutely. Oh my goodness. You know, I think about one of the great apologists of our lifetime, a man named Dr. Norm Geisler, who touched millions of lives defending the gospel. He was led to Christ by a woman, praise God. But regarding the structure of the church, and that's called ecclesiology, the ecclesia, the called out assembly. Dillon. I think we have to let Christians lay down the, the structure and the, the guidelines because it's his church which he purchased.
Sure. That's a really good commentary on how to handle this. And of course it's a very dicey issue. Sometimes we're talking about how to treat a particular title in a church. So it's not always as cut and dry as whether a woman should be a pastor or not. So I, just want to clarify that.
Qualifications for Pastors and the Interpretation of Scripture on Male Leadership
But I think what it really comes down to is if you look at the places in the NewSong Testament that talk about what is a qualification for a pastor or an. They're also called, they're primarily found in 1st Timothy 3 and Titus 1. Both of those sections specifically refer to men, use male pronouns. And Paul talks elsewhere in the NewSong Testament about male elders and leaders in the church and specifically only male elders and leaders in the church. So what do you do with that? Well, you can either affirm that that's still the case today, which is the view you're taking and I would recommend, and hold to as well, or you can try to redefine that and say that was cultural for that time and now we can do it differently. Well, to do that you have to really reinterpret these texts in some way. And one way that people try to do it is like the caller just mentioned, you try to compare it to something else like you know, head coverings for women, which is less clear in the NewSong Testament and try to make a comparative argument. So it's a difficult one to make, but some Christian leaders do. I, would recommend that you look at the scriptures themselves. There are also many good resources. A book called Biblical Eldership that goes into this, an entire book length form and goes through, through all the history and all the theology behind it. So a lot more that could be discussed than we can get into. Right. In our few minutes, today.
The Distinction Between Vengeance and Justice in the Context of Capital Punishment
thank you very much and Aletha, God bless you. Let's go to Mississippi Elisabeth, in Mississippi Elisabeth, that's a Bible name. Welcome to the program.
Hey, how you doing? Alex and Dillon, How y' all doing? This afternoon.
Wonderful. Thanks so much for calling.
All right. I'm just kind of torn with this question. you know, in the Bible where it said that vengeance is the Lord. So my question came about between me and a co worker. We got to talking about, like, if somebody murders somebody and then they sentenced to be put to sleep, then that's. That is vengeance. And I said, no, that's not vengeance.
Biblical Perspectives on Vengeance, Justice, and Civil Government
That's justice. And so if somebody commit a crime and just say they are, ordered to be put to sleep, now, the family might forgive them. But is that vengeance if they, if they still want that person to be put to death even though they don't forgave them? Or, is that justice?
God bless you. God bless you. Elisabeth. This is a wonderful, wonderful question. And, you know, let me just say this. Like in Romans, chapter 13:1 through 7, I'm going to give you a couple of scriptures, and you said it perfectly. Vengeance speaks of, like, revenge that we as an individual might feel like, you know, that person, you know, they did something that hurt me and I want to get back at them. That's vengeance. Whereas people being accountable to the law, that's justice. Now, I'll give you two scriptures. One, Romans 12:19 says that we are not to avenge ourselves, but, let God take care of it, because vengeance is mine. Now, let me just say this, doesn't mean that we can't legally avail ourselves and use lawful means to, protect our rights. Paul did that as a Roman citizen. Paul, whenever he needed to, he would invoke his Roman citizenship. But in terms of, harboring anger and plotting to, get revenge on somebody, we're not to do that. However, not too much farther down in the NewSong Testament, Romans 13:1 7, God talks about civil justice, and it says that, the powers that be, are ordained and are actually ministers of God. So, law enforcement, military, honest, lawful, judges in keeping an ordered, safe civil society. that's when justice is carried out. Sadly, when people commit heinous crimes, there's very severe penalties under the law. But, because we have a sin nature, people that aren't yielding to the Lord and the Holy Spirit, I'll put it this way, and Dillon, I'll throw it to you. GK Chesterton, who was a Christian leader 100 years ago, he said, if we don't control ourselves by the Ten Commandments within, then people have to forcibly be controlled by 10,000 commandments without, in other words, endless amounts of laws.
The Role of Government in Enforcing Law and the Biblical Permissibility of Capital Punishment
So, we're not to be vengeful, but it is good for a society like ours to have godly justice. What do you say about all this, Dillon?
Well, I think you hit the most important passage in Romans 13, that government is there to enforce the law. So even though we leave room for God's wrath, there are consequences when people, break the law. And in our nation, many states still have capital punishment. And so that's a consequence that is allowed. Biblically, it's not necessarily required, but it is something that scripture, does permit. I, would also say that it's not always required. You look at people like Moses in the Old Testament, who did murder someone earlier in his life before God called him. You look at David, who was involved in the death of someone, who he should not have been, putting to death, who, was under difficult circumstances, and he could have been put to death for that, but he wasn't. So there are times where God forgives and allows a, new beginning. There are also other times where God allows justice to move forward and capital punishment to occur. So it's one of those issues where biblically, yes, it does allow for it, but it doesn't mean we have to require it. And that's one of those reasons it's divided among Christians. Not everybody agrees it's something that we should have as a law in our country today.
Christian Ethics and the Death Penalty: Recommendations for Further Study
But, others do. And it's, you know, why it makes such a good question for a show like today. Thanks so much for calling and asking about that.
Amen. As we go to Georgia. Antoinette, there's a really good book on, on Christian ethics by a guy named Robertson McQuilkin. It was published by Tyndale, and I think it's just called Biblical Ethics, and they deal with the question of, the death penalty for convicted murderers. It's a good book. I love to recommend good books. Biblical ethics by Robertson McQuilkin. Antoinette, thanks for holding. Welcome to Exploring the Word.
Well, hello there. Thank you. God bless you, everybody.
Question Regarding Generational Curses and Their Validity for Believers
I'm really enjoying this program, and I just love to hear the sound of your voice, Alex. It is just so comforting and educating. But m. Today I have a question, and it's regarding generational curses. And I hope. I'm hoping that you all can help me with it. So in Deuteronomy 5. 9, it talks about how, that God, the Lord thy God, is a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.
Antoinette, forgive me for there's a break. Can you hold? We've got a very brief commercial. Can you hold through this commercial? And we're going to come back. Stay with us. Okay, Dillon Burroughs, Alex McFarland, the American family Radio Network. It's exploring the word.
Continuing the Discussion on Generational Curses and Biblical Freedom in Christ
Fantastic questions today. And after the break, Dillon and I will give biblical answers. Stay tuned. We would like to thank our sponsors, including PreBorn. PreBorn has rescued over 400,000 babies from abortion and has seen over 100,000 commitments to Christ. Will you join PreBorn in continuing this good work supporting young moms in crisis? Save a life today? Go to preborn.com afr.
Generational Curses vs. Personal Redemption: Understanding the New Covenant in Christ
Alex McFarland here. Dillon Burroughs. We're so honored that you're listening. Hey, before the break, we were hearing from Antoinette in Georgia. start again and restate your question, if you would, Sister. I, wanted to give you time to lay that question out there.
Okay, Great. All right. Thank you so much. So, in Deuteronomy 5, verse 9, it says how the Lord is, a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me. And then later In Deuteronomy, chapter 24, verse 16, it says, Parents shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers. Each person dies for their own sin. this rule guided Israelite civil law and prevented generational blood feuds or unfair judicial punishments. My question is, are generational curses a valid thing for the believer? Deliverance Ministries are avid promoters of, deliver, validity of generational curses and its ability to hold back our destinies and make accusations upon us in heaven.
Breaking Cycles and Patterns: The Christian's Freedom from Generational Negativity
they talk about the iniquity drive in our bloodline, but just wanted some, guidance on that.
God bless you. God bless you. and Dillon, I've met people that were, you know, very concerned, maybe heavily, heavily burdened about this. And, I want to say this, and Dillon, I'll throw it to you. I believe when an individual comes to Christ and you put your faith in Jesus, like 2nd Corinthians 5, 17 would say all things are made new. Now, at the same time, families there. There have been families with long histories of negative things. And even, you know, I mean, there can be financial problems, substance abuse. it seems like certain families get into, destructive patterns of behavior. And if you think that you come from a family where there have been, you know, painful memories and maybe even things that you don't even know about. And there's one more thing I want to say too that I believe we need to pray over in the name of Jesus to be wiped away. If your family had any history with the occult or something like that, if you're worried in that regard, folks, lay it before Jesus and just pray and say in the name of Jesus. All that past is, is behind me. I'm a child of the King. I move forward joyfully, confidently. So even to the degree that generational negativity has been present, I think the, the, the pattern is broken and all things are made new in Jesus. What do you say, Dillon?
well, I would just add to that that you make a great contrast between how we live as followers of Christ and what the nation of Israel was going through during the time that the law was written. This idea of generational curses, where your grandparents or great grandparents actions will impact you in a negative way was something that the Jews literally experienced. history, if you look at the Old Testament, when Judges especially, but also the books of Kings and Samuel and the Chronicles, but as Christians we are made new through Jesus Christ. God's spirit lives within us. That said, there's still cycles and patterns of sin to break and to fight against and sometimes just patterns of life that you need to break, whether it's in terms of jobs or education or finances or other things like Alex mentioned. But that's not necessarily a generational curse. That's a cycle of systematic living that you need to overcome. It's a spirit filled life that you can live differently now by God's strength instead of the pattern that you try to do in human strength before. So it's much different than the generational curses talked about in the Old Testament. So I wouldn't lean too heavily on that for Christians today.
Amen. Thank you for that.
The Rapture and the Believer's Resurrection Body: A Theological Discussion
Good question. Let's go to Arkansas. Owen in Arkansas. Owen, welcome to Exploring the Word.
Thank you guys. Thanks for taking my call. Try to be real quick. Got, a question concerning a rapture. If, according to the Bible, the dead in Christ will rise first whenever Jesus returns, if I die before the Rapture, I'm going to go to be with Jesus. And when the rapture happens, am I going to come back to my body and then rise again or. And then of course the believers are still here, will be next. But I think I heard David Jeremiah talk on this, but if you could give me your opinion on all that, I appreciate it.
God bless you. And you know, Bert and I go into a fair amount of detail, in our book 100 Bible Questions on Prophecy and the End Times, we're going to get. The believer is ultimately going to get a glorified body. you know, it's interesting. First Thessalonians 5, 23 and 24 talks about spirit, soul and body. God saves the whole person. Our spirit gets regenerated, our soul or mind. The Greek word is P S Y C H E psyche. Our mind gets renewed. Romans 12. And one day our body gets glorified. Now, when a believer dies, they are with Jesus instantaneously. Paul said, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. so, the believer is in heaven with Christ right away. But like First Corinthians 15, 52 says, we will all be changed, given that ultimate glorified body. And I've got to say, Based on the First Thessalonians, First Corinthians 15, exactly how that works. I don't know that it lays out every single thing. Dillon, you correct me if I'm wrong here, but, it's an instantaneous change at the.
Understanding the Rapture Process and the Believer's Eternal Presence with Christ
I believe at the rapture of the church when the believers get that glorified body. But, feel free to weigh in on this, Dillon.
Well, you're right in what you said there. And it's interesting how the NewSong Testament often describes the end times as a mystery in some ways, because we don't have all the details. Details. But I think a couple of things that are worth mentioning. One, you see that story in, Luke 16 about the rich man and Lazarus, where you see the person who has passed away, who's already in heaven, has a body of some kind. But then we're told in this Rapture passage that when Christ returns, the dead in Christ will rise first. So we have a body in heaven if we die now, and we're immediately with the Lord, but we also have a glorified, perfect body that comes after the time of the rapture. So it's kind of a tube part, process in some ways for those who die before Christ returns. So that's important to point out. And then, it is important also to know, like you mentioned, that if we pass away now, we are immediately in the Lord's presence. We are not waiting for some time when Jesus comes back in the future to be in heaven and have some kind of soul sleep, like some, would teach. We are instantly with him. And the Apostle Paul is clear on that. And even Jesus, when he's talking to the thief, thief on the cross, says, Today you will be with me in paradise, talking about that same day. So it's a very clear indication of where we spend eternity as soon as this life ends.
God bless you. God bless you.
Christian.
A Bible Class Student's Question About Jesus Being Tempted by the Devil
in. Is it Alabama? Christian, you in Alabama.
Hello, Dr. McFarland. My name is Christian. I'm an eighth grade student at Tuscaloosa Christian School in Alabama. Yes, you're right.
God bless you. Well, forgive, me for interrupting. I am honored that you're listening, Christian.
The Hypothetical Scenario of Jesus Succumbing to Satan's Temptation
Thank you for. Thank you for listening, my friend.
Thank you.
My Bible class watches your program at school. My question is, when Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, what would have happened if Jesus took the deal where he would be ruler of all the kingdoms, the world, but he had to bow down to Satan?
Wow. Great, great question. And, by the way, I'm just very honored that your Bible class listens to the program. And, please convey my best regards to everybody at your school. I would love to come there and speak sometime. And maybe if you guys have chapel services, I could come and speak in chapel at some point. Point. But, you know, in. In the Gospel of Matthew and in Luke, it talks about Satan tries to. Satan tried to tempt Jesus because Satan was trying to derail God's plan of salvation. We, we have a sinless savior, Christ. He could die on the cross for our sins because he was God incarnate, but also because he was perfectly righteous. He never sinned. Now, the devil said, to Jesus, and this is just even almost blasphemous to think about. but the. The devil said, look, if you'll bow down and worship me, I'll give the kingdoms of the world to you. I'll say this, Dillon, and you can weigh in. And we might wonder what would have happened if Jesus had taken the bait and done that. It would have been very tragic, for one thing. But, it didn't happen, praise God.
Jesus' Unwavering Obedience and the Significance of His Victory Over Temptation
and it says there in Luke 4:13, that Satan departed from Jesus and left him alone. what it's called whenever we say what if that's called a counterfactual? because it didn't happen. And Christ wouldn't have done that because he perfectly. The Son of God who perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father. And it's never the Father's will that anybody bow to Satan. And so, just as Jesus stood strong and obeyed the will of the Father, so should we. But Dillon, do you have any thoughts on this?
Yeah, I would simply agree with what you had shared that Is very well said. The idea that Jesus is completely human and completely divine shows that he would have felt that temptation. It would have been real to him. But at the same time, he could not have actually done what was requested in the temptation if he was fully divine. So we're dealing with the what if scenario that did not happen and ultimately could not happen and helped prove that Jesus is, is and what is divine.
Amen.
The Good News of Resisting Temptation Through Faith in Jesus Christ
And you know what, folks? The good news is Christian. God bless you, my friend. But as we let the Lord have control of our life, we too can resist the temptations of sin and Satan. Let's go to Virginia Don in Virginia.
Seeking Reconciliation with an Abusive Mother Who Refuses to Acknowledge Past Wrongs
Don, welcome to Exploring the Word.
Yeah, hi, Dillon and Alex, thank you
for taking a call.
Thank you.
I have, I have a question and a prayer request. I just need some biblical advice.
my wife has had a very
rough life, from both of her parents.
Actions, involving abuse, deep, long ingrained abuse.
she's seeking reconciliation, with her mother. But her mother does not acknowledge what happened. And my wife has done many biblical examples, like it says in Colossians 3:12, how are to put on compassion,
kindness, humility, gentleness and patience and bearing with one another and forgiving one another
and her, her mother won't process the reconciliation. And that is just deeply grieved my wife.
God bless you. God bless you, Don. It's okay, brother. A lot of people are lifting you guys up in prayer even as we speak.
Navigating Reconciliation When One Party Refuses to Acknowledge Painful History
thank you.
Yes. Or is it kind of like, how do you move on and how do you achieve some sort of reconciliation if, even if the other person won't acknowledge the pain and the wrongs that were done?
Advice and Prayer for Healing and Peace in Broken Family Relationships
Is that it, Don?
Yeah. Yes sir. Yes, sir.
let me do this, because time fleets away and I want to do justice to this. Dillon, I'm going to ask you to pray, and let me encourage maybe, your wife and you, you might want to go to a Christian counselor and just a listening ear, somebody to talk to. But I've seen Jesus miraculously restore some very broken relationships. But, you know, none, of us can control another person. the best we can do is to allow ourselves to be controlled by the guidance of the Lord. And even if, even if the mom never acknowledges or tries to repent and make restitution, please know that your wife can have joy and healing and peace in, in her relationship with Christ and you. But Dillon, would you pray for this, this dear situation?
Yes. Let's pray together. Father, we thank you so Much for Don calling in today and asking for prayer and for advice in this difficult situation with his wife and her mother. Lord, you know all the circumstances far better than we do. And we pray that you would intervene in just the right way. Help her to understand that you are her refuge and her source of strength. You were her perfect father despite any imperfections in her pray. You would also help her to offer forgiveness, but not to overlook things that need to continue to happen in the change process. And, we pray especially for this mother. You give her the ability to accept what has happened, to process what has happened, to repent as needed for what has happened in the past, and to reconcile their relationship in the days ahead. And we pray also for Don that you would bless him in this time as he goes through a lot of pain and having to see his wife go through this. And we pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
Amen.
The Shame of Nakedness After Eating the Forbidden Fruit: A Question on Genesis
I want to encourage people to please pray for this couple. I'm going to try to get one more call in Israel, in Texas, very quickly, if you don't mind. Israel.
Yes.
Adam and Eve, they stood before the Lord before the eighth of the forbidden fruit. They were both naked, and they were not ashamed. Now, after they ate all the forbidden fruit, it says that they saw that they were naked and they were ashamed. Now, if they were husband and wife before they ate, they were still husband and wife after the eight. So why would they ashamed of being naked?
Good question.
Understanding Shame After the Fall: Disobedience and Separation from God
Well, for one thing, they, they knew that they had disobeyed God. You know, and this is in Genesis, Genesis chapter three. they knew they had disobeyed God and they were ashamed to see God, because they had committed, sin. And that, that sin, to this day, it affects all of us. I'll tell you what, we're gonna have to wrap, that up for today because we're just about out of time. Dillon, I want to thank you for being on with us and, everybody be in church Sunday. the house of God is where we are supposed to be on Sunday morning. And maybe you could even invite somebody and get them under the sound of the gospel. But, Brother Dillon, blessings to you. Thanks for being on.
Great to be with you, everybody. Have a great weekend.
God bless you, folks. Pray for afr, but most of all, pray about America and revival. Tell somebody about Jesus. Thanks for listening. The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family Association or American Family Radio.
Join Alex McFarland and Dillon Burroughs on this episode of Exploring the Word on American Family Radio as they answer real caller questions about faith and the Bible. From the origins of Hasidic Jewish side curls and Jesus as the exclusive path to God, to understanding God’s will, false teachings, gender roles in ministry, capital punishment, generational curses, and the rapture; no topic is off-limits. Tune in to gain practical, scripture-grounded insights for walking closely with the Lord and standing firm in biblical truth.
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