Exploring the Word: Miracles in Matthew 17 and the Tribute Money Miracle
Jeff Chamblee The Bible. It's the word of God. Sharper than any two edged sword. This sacred book is living and active and contains all that's needed for life and godliness. Stay with American Family Radio for the next hour as we study God's word and take your Bible questions. Welcome to Exploring the Word.
Alex McFarland Well, as we wrap up Matthew 17 and we transition into Matthew 18, we again see miracles. you know, I have just always been amazed at how Jesus had gotten the tribute money, for the tax that was provided. And Peter, he's they, they asked Peter, they said In Matthew, 1724, does your master pay tribute? He said yes. When they were come into the house, Jesus asked Simon, when what do you think of whom do the kings of the earth take customer tribute? Of their own children or of strangers? Peter said unto him, of strangers. Jesus said unto him, then are the children free notwithstanding, lest we should be a stumbling block or an offense. Go cast a hook into the sea, take up a fish.
The Miracle of the Coin in the Fish's Mouth and Peter's Miraculous Encounters
And the first fish that comes up, when you open his mouth, you'll find a piece of money. Take, take and give them. Now I've always been intrigued by that miracle of the coin in the fish's mouth. We're going to continue on into Matthew 18 and talk about much more. Plus we'll take your Bible questions on this edition of Exploring the Word. But Bert, I've heard you say Matthew is a book of action. And those actions included many, many supernatural works of Jesus. The miracles of the Savior and Matthew 17:18. These chapters are no exception. It's exciting stuff, the story of our Lord.
Bert Harper It really is, Alex. And matter of fact, Peter probably had more miracles done for him than anyone. Now let me give you this list. You've already mentioned this. The fish in the coin, Peter was involved because it was his taxes as well. But then he healed Peter's mother in law. You know, he helped Peter catch a large amount of fish. Peter walked on the water, you remember when he cut Malchus ear off and Jesus in, in the garden. Yeah. Healed it. Yeah. And then Acts 12, he delivers Peter from prison in a miraculous way. No wonder Peter could talk about how great God was. And, but real quickly, I know verses 22 and 23, we touc on it. But I got to go back.
Jesus Foretells His Betrayal and Death, and the Miracle of the Fish and the Coin
This is the second time that Jesus talks to them about going to Jerusalem. It's much smaller here. But no, it says staying in Galilee. Now again, staying in Gal, they weren't just passing through immediately. They stayed there for A while. And, this would be Jesus last time in Galilee. So he spent some time there. But he said, the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And the third day he will be raised up. Now, first time he did that, Peter took him aside and rebuked him. Okay, it doesn't say that this time, but it does say they were exceedingly sorrowful. Now, again, this transition made m. In the last chapter, they went up to, Caesarea Philippi, and that's as far as they would go. And then he set his face toward Jerusalem. And that was the first place he would tell them that. That he was going to go to Jerusalem and suffer and die and be raised again. And this is the second time, Alex. He is really spending time. And then he transitions in that while they were going to Capernaum again. And he does this one or two things about this fish. Think. Now, Peter usually didn't fish with a hook. He was a commercial fisherman, not a.
Alex McFarland With a net.
Bert Harper With a net. So he goes down with a line and a hook and he drops it in the water. And Jesus specifically says the first fish will open its mouth. You open its mouth, and you'll find the coin. Don't have to dress it. It's still in its mouth. That's. This is miraculous. And this also, this is unusual about this, miracle. It doesn't follow up on Peter going, or Jesus going and giving it and paying it.
Bert Harper But we know he did because that was the purpose of what Jesus said this coin would be used, for.
Reflections on the Coin in the Fish's Mouth Miracle and Jesus' Patience with Disciples
So I found this one very interesting, and it does intrigue me as well, Bert.
Alex McFarland When I was a little boy in Sunday school, I wondered, did the Lord Jesus miraculously put a coin in that fish's mouth or did God, you remember, Jesus has already shown he controls the elements. He can still the storm. He can control the animals. I mean, you know, he called those animals two by two to go to Noah's Ark. So there's no doubt coins dropped at the bottom of the. The. The Sea of Galilee. Did Jesus just tell that fish to, hey, go down there, that shiny object on the bottom of the ocean, you put it in your mouth. How did that coin get there? Miracle or deep dive by the part of a fish.
Bert Harper Okay, if. If God can prepare a fish to sw. He can prepare a fish to get a coin in its mouth. I was reading the different scenarios how that could happen, and I love this one. there's a guy out there fishing, and he Reached and dropped a coin. And the fish was just happening to go under that boat at that time, grab that coin and started headed toward that way about the time. How long could you keep a, coin in a fish's mouth? You know, so at the right timing? And what was done, it, I, I just love this as well. It's, it's kind of, it is interesting. It's a fun fact. You know, I, I love it. But it, this is a fun miracle. you know, Amen.
Alex McFarland It really is.
Dr. Jessica Peck Yeah.
Bert Harper I love it.
Alex McFarland And, and I think it, it shows, among other things, Jesus's ability con. To control the animal world.
Bert Harper Animal, sea, wind. Who is this that even the wind and the fish obey him? Who is this that even the fish obey him?
Alex McFarland Amen. It well said. Well, 18, Jesus talks to his disciples about what constitutes true greatness. The disciples came and they, they asked him who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Bert, I see, among other things, the patience of Jesus, because remember, they were going to argue about who's going to sit at the right hand and the left hand. I mean, Christ hadn't even gone to the cross yet. There's so much to come, not the least of which is the church age. And there's just a little bit of competitiveness and envy and jockeying for position already manifesting itself.
Bert Harper And remember, he has started telling them about him going to Jerusalem and dying. And I know some space happens between chapter 17, verse 22 and 23, and chapter 18, but it still should have been fresh on their minds.
True Greatness in the Kingdom: Humility, Childlike Trust, and Knowing Who You Are
I mean, he said it. And so who's the greatest? What does he do? He brings a little child to him. Alex.
Alex McFarland Yeah.
Bert Harper You know, and, you know what he's saying. But I am amazed at his patience. But let me say this. I think you say not you guys, let me show you. You know, it's not who you think. And have you found that out to be true, who God uses? Sometimes it's not who we think he would use, but, but he uses them well.
Alex McFarland You know, the, the race is not to the swift, you know, not eloquence of speech. We're going to see when we get to Matthew 20 in a couple of chapters. As a mother asks for greatness and acknowledgment for her sons. We're going to see some more about that. But Jesus calls a little child, verse 3 of Matthew 18, and says, verily I say unto you, except you be converted and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receives me. Now, you and I have said it many times. There is no calling to be childish, but there is a need to be childlike. And let me say, you know, children just instinctively trust grownups, right?
Bert Harper Right.
Alex McFarland And I think we need to instinctively trust God and his Word. If the Bible says we're sinners, then we need to admit that we're sinners. If we need. If the Bible says that we just simply put our faith in Jesus plus nothing, minus nothing. I think we need to trust God. And just as a child thoroughly will trust their parent or a grown up, we need to thoroughly trust God. And I do think our love, our trust, our gratitude, just our look. You know, a little child would just want to jump in your arms. It'll melt your heart. I mean, the way children are so loving. We need to be that childlike and loving and willing and obedient to our heavenly Father as a child would be to their earthly father.
Bert Harper Alex, the word is humble himself. We as adults, humble ourselves. now when you think you are humble, you've just lost it. You know, you blew it. humility is knowing who you are, okay? Knowing who you are, not denying who you are, not denying your strengths, but. But not overplaying your strengths, not overplaying who you are. Humility is knowing who you are and doing what God has called you for his glory. And, so that's what he says here. but then he continues this about the little ones in verse six.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Warnings Against Causing Sin and Cherishing Little Ones
But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin. Now again, he uses these little ones and I believe he means little ones. But, but he's also talking about young believers here. Causes one of these little one who believes in me to sin. It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he was drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of the offense, for offenses must come, but woe to that man to whom the offense comes. And if your hand or foot causes you to sin, he does that whole thing again, we'll talk about that. He's not, he's talking about. He's talking about someone called it spiritual surgery here because you can cut off your hand and guess what? You can still offend people. So you get rid of it. your eye. But verse 10, take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I say to you that in the heaven there, angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. Alex, again, I believe he's talking about little children, that God, they're special to him. But he's also talking about young believers as well. We need to be careful. We need to nurture them in the admonition of the Lord, don't we?
Alex McFarland We do, we do. And I gotta tell you, you know, Bert, I. I've been so privileged to travel to a lot of churches. I love to see a great children's department. And don't you? I mean, it better believe. It thrills my heart whenever I see on Sunday morning, lots of children in Sunday school and there'll be Bible verses on the wall and posters and you know, I've. I remember in the nursery in a number of churches, I've seen there's a very famous painting of a boy and a girl going over a dangerous bridge and a guardian angel with her arms around the two children. let me say, loving on children, being a role model, showing them godliness, teaching them the things of Jesus, whether it be memory, verses, vbs or crafts and all that stuff. it is a precious, sacred thing. And Jesus has very stern warnings for any that would mislead or, God forbid, abuse little children. Bert, I think much can be said about the spiritual state of a nation in the way that they treat children.
Bert Harper Amen.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Importance of Listener Support and Testimonies
Alex McFarland And Christ is very clear about that. verse 11, one of my favorite verses. For the Son of man has come to save that which was lost. and this is going into the parable of the lost sheep. If a man has a hundred sheep and one is gone astray, will he not leave the ninety and nine and go into the mountains and seek the one that has gone astray? If so, be that he finds it. There's great rejoicing. Even so, it is not the will of God that any one of these little ones should perish. Hey, we're to go to find the lost and see them brought to salvation too, aren't we?
Bert Harper We really are. The 99. They were there, but Jesus went after the 1. If you're the one, he is running after you. We'll be right back.
Bert Harper Hello, I'm, Bert Harper. Did you know that this content is listener supported? Without people like you, this podcast would not exist. That's why we need you. A generous monthly gift of any amount will sustain American Family Radio and specifically this podcast. Please consider becoming a monthly financial partner today by visiting afr.netgive.
Bert Harper that's AFR.
Bert Harper Uh.net give sing everything I need.
Dr. Jessica Peck Everything I need. My father hasn't. My father hasn't. And every single time. The Lord will provide. That's right. My father has. And
Bert Harper amen. Amen. Listen. One of the hardest things about doing exploring the word, I know it is cutting these songs off. I just love them. And I praise God for those that are songwriters, those that are musicians, and those that can sing. Ah, what a blessing you guys are to people like Bert Harper that can't produce it. But I sure can't appreciate it, and I do. Hey, Alex, have you ever heard of listener stories during Charathon?
Alex McFarland Well, is that, like, when listeners, share maybe how this show or others have been a blessing to them?
Bert Harper You got it. Ding, ding, ding. You won that one. But it is. And we love these. And I. I'm just sharing with you, Alex. You're coming in for Sharathon this year. A lot of times you're on the road and you have to, come in, but you're going to be here some of the time here in Tupelo, Mississippi, and we're going to enjoy that. Do you enjoy the listener testimonies? that when we play those.
Alex McFarland Oh, I love it. I love it because I just. In my heart, I want to give God the glory. I mean, we're so excited to be doing things that we believe God's called us to do. And so, listener, if, if exploring the word or Bert or Brent or myself, if it's encouraged you in your walk, it would encourage us if you'd call in and just share for, like a minute. And don't. Don't feel like you've got to do some great grandiose thing. Just call in and say, I listen to AFR and I, think about all the great shows all day long that are giving out the word of God, the good news of the gospel, the news of the day from a biblical perspective. And Bert, what is that number where people can call in? let me guess.
The Shepherd's Pursuit of the Lost: The Nature of Salvation and Returning to God
Is it 877-876-8893?
Bert Harper You did it again, man. You're on a roll, Alex. That is the number. 877-876-8893. And again, that's a special line dedicated to these testimonies, these stories about what God has done in your life, your family's life, maybe your marriage, that God has done and AFR was part of what God was using in your life. 8 7, 7, 87 6, 8, 8, 9 3. Well, Alex, with that in mind, I know we were talking about the 99 and 1 that is 1 of the greatest. I mean, it's a short parable, but think of that, Alex. You got a hundred sheep, one goes astray, and the shepherd leaves the 99. Now, usually, I've done this enough research. He doesn't usually leave them out there wandering. He keep. He gets them into a. Keep, an area that is secure and safe, and goes after the one. But they're still in danger without the shepherd there, aren't they?
Alex McFarland Well, they really are. And of course, you know, songs have been, been written, paintings. There's a very famous painting by. I believe it's Warner Salmon of Christ, the good shepherd. Going down into a thorny, thorny ravine. Now, back up on the bank, you can see the 90 and 9. But the one sheep that's gone astray, Jesus goes and rescues it. And why do we have such a seeking Savior come to seek and save that which is lost? Why? Because it is not the will of your Father, which is in heaven, that any one of these little ones should perish. I mean, let me just say this without getting off track here. People ask, you know, who did Jesus die for? The whole wide world. I mean, he paid the sin debt of all of humanity. Now, that doesn't automatically mean that everybody goes to heaven. You have to be born again. You have to respond and turn to Christ. But I believe Jesus died. And when God says, whosoever will may come, I think he really means whosoever will may come. Now, sadly, not all do come. But all could have come, Bert.
Bert Harper They really could. If you. If you're listening today on the radio, you may be driving a truck. you may be in a field harvesting. Man harvesting is taking place here in North Mississippi on the farms. And it's just neat to see that, you may be on your way home from work or from school, or you may be going to your shift to start work, and you've never come to Christ. Or at one point in time, you were serving the Lord and you've wandered away. What a day to get right with him, would you say? Oh, God, I want to. I want to get right with you. I confess my sin. I confess that I've wandered. And I come back to you. And I want you as, I want to live for you. And you be Lord of my life. Listen. He is ready. And that song, the goodness of God, he's running after you. He's called the Hound of Heaven. Trying to Track you down to make this known to you. And I pray you would come to Christ with Alex.
Restoring Relationships: Steps for Correction, Binding and Loosing, and Forgiveness
It moves on. He moves on in verse 15 and says, Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. Now, let me just say this. The whole idea is not you correcting them and saying, oh, you dirty dog, no, you're wrong. No, it's gaining him, Alex, that really needs to be emphasized.
Alex McFarland Doesn't really, does it? Really does that, you've gained your brother, but if he will not hear, take two or three. That in the mouth of two or three witnesses, everything may be established. That's an Old Testament reference. let me say this. The Bible is very clear about the gracious yet decisive treatment of an erring brother. And again, there's the verses that we read. I believe it was yesterday from, chapter 16, verse 19. About binding and loosing. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven. Whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Now, Bert, I want to say this about Matthew, 1818 here. Binding and loosing. It's not. I don't think it's that we have the power to do it, but I think by the power of God's word.
Bert Harper Amen. You got it, Alex.
Alex McFarland I mean, when we say Jesus will set you free, that's really, really true. Jon 8:32. The truth will set you free. And when we say, you know, timeless and eternal, you know, sex outside of marriage is wrong. I mean, we're binding that as a sin. It's not that we arbitrarily dream that up. It's what God's word says. And Jon, one of my favorite verses, Jon 10:35, the scripture cannot be broken. That's why what's true, what's moral, what what is righteous, what is unrighteous, there's no expiration date because God has bound it, or in other words, ratified that as long as the earth stands, heaven and earth will pass away. God's word doesn't change. That's Matthew 24:35. So I, do think the church can speak and should speak authoritatively on many matters, including human relationships. But it's the binding and the loosing, the irrefutable truth and the, grace. It's all by the word of God, not just by the whim or arbitration of man.
Bert Harper It is the issue of correction. The book of Jude is so much. And basically, it's geared to false teachers and stand in there so the word of God is the standard. Jesus Christ is the standard. He is the Word. And so that is where we come from. But we come and we speak the truth in love. We're not going to browbeat. It's not going to do that. No, it is to gain them. It is to see, hey, this is the love of God that he wants you. Isn't this interesting that it follows up the 99 and the 1 he goes after. Alex, I don't think Matthew just put these together arbitrarily. He's saying, listen, this is what the kingdom and what the king is about. Jesus Christ is the king, gaining that brother, gaining that person, winning them. And then again in verse 19, I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
Bert Harper Ah, Alex. Anything, Anything. Or has this got some qualifiers? What do you think?
Alex McFarland Well, I think like we look at Jon 15:16, it's not just any anything, but it's according to God's word and according to God's will.
Bert Harper That's the whole chapter here. It's talking about the Father and it's talking about within him. Because verse 20 follows up where two or three are gathered together in my name. I'm there in the midst of them again, it's what God's will be done. Jesus himself. Not my will, but your will be done. This is what we're doing. And there's nothing wrong in our prayer life. Praying and saying, God, if this be your will. Now, there's certain things you don't have to say. If this be your will, it's God's will that that person be saved. But it, you know, some things I've asked out of, out of kilter, you know, and, I'm glad I said, God, I. I want your will to be done in my life. And a lot of times I want relief. And God's putting the pressure. Now, Alex, coal and diamonds are. Have the same substance in them. I understand. But what makes the difference? Time and pressure. So sometimes that pressure and times on us. And what's God doing? He's making a jewel out of our lives, through difficulty. I mean, I've seen it happen.
Alex McFarland Yeah, I have to, you know, verse 20, where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them. And, and I get it. And I've heard people say, you know, come and let's agree together in prayer. And, I believe in that. But, you know, could it be the two or three. Not only there's power in numbers, not only maybe there's mutual incur encouragement, but maybe there's also accountability. Because you know what, if I got in my small group and I said, bert and Brent, hey, pray with me. you know, I'm thinking about, whatever. Something that's not God's will. And, if we three agree it's got to be done, God has to do it. Well, maybe because I've got two or three around me of good brothers, they'd say, alex, that's not right. That's not in the Bible. And so I know there's. There's power in numbers and groups are strong, but they're just in the two or three. Maybe there's a little bit of accountability there too, helping us all stay on track.
Bert Harper Every time Jesus sent them out, he sent them by two. Yes, encouragement. But guess what? Accountability. Encouragement. Accountability. They should run parallel, Alex.
Alex McFarland They really should.
Bert Harper Verses 21 through 35 is amazing, but it starts off, Peter came to Jesus, and said, lord, how often shall my brother sin against me? Now, notice he didn't say, I sin against my brother. Okay?
Alex McFarland Yes.
Bert Harper And then he said, I love Peter. I do too. I forgive them up to seven times.
Alex McFarland It's almost like, hey, listen to this, everybody. You're going to hear how spiritual I am. How often should my. When my brother sins against me, should I forgive? Up to seven times.
Bert Harper Now, normally it was three, you know, the scribes. And he said, man, I'm going to add a little extra here, but go ahead, Alex, go ahead.
Alex McFarland Well, Jesus says, until seven times.
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant: The Cost of Unforgiveness and the Power of Forgiveness
No, but 70 times seven, which really was kind of a figure of speech to mean as many times as they ask. Therefore, is the kingdom of heaven linked or likened to a certain king which would take account of his servants. He had begun to reckon or take account. And one was brought to him which owed 10,000 talents. Now, it's been said that that might be in 20th century numbers. I know we're in the 21st century, but maybe $3.4 billion. I mean, that's a lot of money.
Bert Harper A m. Lot of money.
Alex McFarland And he couldn't pay it. And the servant falls down, worship saying, lord, have patience with me and I'll Pay. And verse 27, this Lord of that servant is moved with compassion, loosed him, forgave the debt. But the same servant went out and found one of his fellow servants which owed him a hundred pence or a hundred denarii. And, you know, maybe we don't know for sure, maybe this was $8,000.
Bert Harper Well, somebody even said, lest I said a week's wage.
Wow.
Bert Harper I mean, you know, but it is so significantly smaller. Go ahead.
Alex McFarland Yeah, yeah. And. And if. If one denary was, you know, maybe $80, this might have been 800. At. At most 8,000. But imagine this guy's been forgiven $3 billion, and somebody comes that owes a tiny, tiny fraction of that, and he goes, you know, you better pay up. Even though the guy, you know, begs him, please have mercy, verse 30. But he would not, he cast him into prison till he should pay the debt. So his fellow servants were wroth or angry and told the Lord all that was done. Then his Lord, after that he had called him, said, o wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt because you asked me. Should also not you have compassion on the fellow servant, even as I had pity on you? His Lord was very angry, delivered him to the tormentors that he should pay all. and here it is. In verse 35, Christ says, so likewise shall my heavenly father do also unto you, if you from your hearts do not forgive everyone, his brother, their trespasses. Bert, I've always heard we should be quick to give or receive an olive branch. Have you ever heard that?
I have. Yes.
Alex McFarland See, I mean, we who have been forgiven, we should be quick to forgive. I mean, if Christ would show grace to us, why can't we show grace to each other?
Bert Harper This is not about salvation. This is about forgiveness between two brothers. And, this is right after Peter said, if a brother sin against me. Okay, go back to the original statement that Peter made. Brother in this relationship. This is not so. This. Forgiveness is important. Alex, let me give this real quickly. it is true unforgiveness is like an acid that can. That destroys the container. It has also been said unforgiveness is like drinking poison, expecting someone else to die.
Ministers of Peace: The Detrimental Effects of Conflict and the Call to Unity
Listen, forgiveness is good, but who gets the greatest benefit when you forgive someone?
Alex McFarland Well, I think the one doing the forgiveness.
Bert Harper I agree with you fully.
Alex McFarland Yeah. Amen. And I'll tell you, few things hold back the power and the forgiveness. Joy of the Holy Spirit. Like unforgiveness, bitterness, division. let's be ministers of peace and reconciliation for Christ, our Savior. After this, we take calls and questions, don't we, Bert?
Bert Harper 888-589-8840, friend.
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Jeff Chamblee The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. Second Peter 3, 9.
If I get down, you pick me up from the ground. You give me love and don't give out.
Give.
Alex McFarland Welcome back to exploring the word as Matthew 18, kind of wraps up, I'll tell you, this is a very convicting verse. Verse 35, you know, the, the servant who had been forgiven much, but he wouldn't forgive someone who owed him a little. Jesus wraps up this teaching. He says, so likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you if you from your hearts do not forgive everyone his brother their trespasses. Hey, let me give the number. We want your Bible questions. Feel free to call in and you'll probably get through if you call, you know, within the next little bit. But it's 888-589-8840. If you've got a Bible question of any sort, we welcome you to call 888-589-8840. Bert, you pastored for a lot of years very, very successfully. God used you in a great way. I know the church you pastored, it's a great church. And I, for 11 years was in the local church and of course I've been on the road a lot. I'm going to ask you, I guess it's a very obvious question, how detrimental conflict among born again Christians, how detrimental is that to the spread of the gospel.
Bert Harper Let me answer that with. Looking at the church at Corinth. They had all kinds of problems misusing the spiritual gifts, not doing the Lord's Supper, right, Taking each other to court. But you know what he starts out with brother against brother division. Alex, it does more harm than you could ever. We need to work together. We're called a body of Christ. The body of Christ. And one when one member is not. Is out of sync with the other one. It causes turmoil in the body and it does damage. And it's obvious. So listen, be quick to forgive. Get right with God. Give them, Give grace. Listen, nobody, no, no human being is ever going to measure up. I don't care if you're the pastor, whatever you are. You. We just, we. Our frailties, we got those blind spots, you know, and, so, Alex, get right with God as quick as you can and get right with your brother.
Alex McFarland Pray for unity in the body of Christ.
Understanding the Holy Spirit: Its Role Before and After Pentecost and Divine Empowerment
and by the way, the number. Triple 858-98-8840. I was just thinking of a story about a divided family. I'm not going to tell it right now, but let me just say it is a beautiful thing to forgive. I mean, it'll flood your soul with joy to truly, truly forgive somebody. And, very often we. We're the one that needs forgiveness. So let's do what we can do to preserve harmony, love and unity in the family and in the family of God.
Bert Harper Okay, while we're waiting, we got some callers online, but I had one here that it was interesting and, they sent it [email protected] we do get those questions in Jon, chapter 20, verses 22 through 23. After Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit into the disciples, he says, receive the Holy Spirit. Alex, how does that happen? this is before Pentecost. you know, how was he giving them a portion? Was he giving them a, ah, picture of what? Or a limited amount. And the power of the Holy Spirit is going to come later. What do you think?
Alex McFarland I really think this is. I mean, even though this is before Pentecost, Christ has risen. He appears to, his disciples. And then he, you know, he shows that his, the hands and feet. But then he says, I'm sending you as the Father sent me. And he breathed on them and said, receive the Holy Ghost. Well, even though I know this is before Pentecost, I think this is, just like, the empowerment that believers get today, really. I mean, this is, it's post Resurrection. It's not like in the Old Testament, where the Holy Spirit would come on a person and leave a person, like with Samson. But this is NewSong Covenant. well, Pneumatology, I think this would have been permanent. What do you think?
Bert Harper I believe it is, because it doesn't show. Seems like though, that Peter had some failure, but after the Holy Spirit came on in that Pentecost. Pentecost in power.
Bert Harper I have mixed feelings about it, you know, But I know they received the Holy Spirit. He breathed on them. They did. To what degree? I'm going to leave that up to God, Alex, and say, hey, God did it the way he wanted to do it. The Holy Spirit was with them.
Interracial Marriage and the Unity of the Human Race in God's Eyes
Was a difference that in Pentecost, I'm not sure there were any. But, God did. Knew they needed that. Alex, people have called in. Let's go to Mississippi and talk to Lake Lake. Go right ahead.
caller Hi. I, was calling. I just wanted to hear your opinion on, Like a lot of people say it's wrong to quote unquote, like, mix races, like me and my significant other. we've been together for four years, and we are. We're different races, but we. We have grown together. We go to church together. We. We support each other and grow in our faith. however, a lot of people still view that as a very taboo, negative thing and tend to use the Bible to back their opinions on that up. I was wondering what you would think about that.
Bert Harper Let's go with the word race, Alex. really, there's one race, and it's the human race with different ethnicity. and. And listen, have you noticed this? And I'm just being plain. I'm a guy that grew up in the 50s and 60s in Mississippi. So I understood it was all right if the skin was not too different, but the darker the skin, the lighter the skin, the more people began to judge that. Am I wrong on. I'm saying they did that, didn't they?
Alex McFarland They did. like you say it, look, if, you're a female and your significant other is a male, you're both human beings, you're both believers, then you're free to get married if you want to get married. as Abe Hamilton would say, it's just the m. The amount of melanin in one person, or lack thereof. there's a great man. He was hugely influential in the formation of Samaritan's Purse. Dr. Bob Foster. He was a medical missionary, a medical doctor. He wrote a book called Sword and scalpel. He and his wife and their children, Caucasians. He was building hospitals and evangelizing throughout Africa. Well, his, I believe it was his daughter married an African man. And this was I think like in the, either the early 70s or maybe early 80s. But he said he had to be honest that look, they're human beings. So, you're not really different races, you might be different ethnicities, but, male and female, if you're two human beings and you're both loving Jesus, you're free to marry.
Bert Harper Amen. And we have those couples that work here, man, we love them to death and thank God for them. And we. What's need? You'll see some couples out, both will be Caucasian and they've adopted, a dark skinned child, you know.
Alex McFarland Amen.
Bert Harper And I just praise God. Can you imagine what heaven's going to be like, brother?
Alex McFarland I mean, what a beautiful tapestry of the redeemed of the Lord. Every kindred tongue, tribe and nation.
Bert Harper Amen. So like, you may be experiencing a little bit of heaven down here. Love Jesus. Get. Make sure I know you said significant other. marriage is. I want to be like Charlie Kirk, get married and have kids.
A Call for Prayer: Requests for Healing, Strength, and God's Will Amidst Life's Trials
Okay, let's go to Tennessee and talk to Percy. Percy, thank you for calling.
Yeah, I'm calling for. It's not a Bible question, it's for prayer.
Bert Harper Okay, brother, go right ahead. Percy.
Yes, I was saying my wife has been diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer. Oh, we went to the doctor, we went to the doctor yesterday and he said there's nothing else that he can do. So I'm calling, asking for prayer for my wife. at the same time. Like I said, we're believers. We asked him for healing because she said she won't give and see all the kids that we haven't seen yet. But if it's God's will to take her home, that he, that he let her go through with no pain.
Bert Harper Okay, we're going to pray ever. Hey, Percy, would you mind giving us your wife's name? You may have. And I may have missed it. What's your wife's name, please, brother?
Alex McFarland Cassie.
Bert Harper Cassie. I got you. Alex, would you lead us in prayer for Cassie?
Alex McFarland Let's pray. And everybody please, remember to pray for these dear people. Father, in the name of Jesus. Lord, I thank you for this dear man calling in. And we are family where you're following Lord Jesus and I pray for Cassie. Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask for a healing, whether it be by Miracle or by medicine? Lord, please, this metastatic breast cancer, stage four. In the name of Jesus, we stand against that. And I pray for healing for our sister in Christ. I pray for your mercy and your intervention. And, Lord, she's got, love for her family. She wants to spend time with her family and her husband. And so, Father, grant that, please. And Lord, we know you are the healer. And so I want to praise you, Lord. I believe you're going to heal her, and that healing is already being manifested, even right now. We praise you for that. But, Lord, thy will be done. And, Lord, even as they maybe go visit with doctors and medical personnel, let that be a witness. Give great joy, great confidence. just absolute reassurance to Cassie and her husband and family. And we, we anticipate a good report, a praise of your intervention. Lord, we lift her up to you, and we, we just pray for every blessing for them. In your name, Jesus, we ask it. Amen.
Bert Harper Amen.
Sharing Testimonies of God's Faithfulness Through Illness and Life-Altering Events
Thank you, Percy. and pray for them.
Alex McFarland And by the way, I've got to say this, our dear friend, we see him every year at NRB. Barry McGuire. Dynamic Christians. His wife Karen has breast cancer, too.
Bert Harper Oh, wow. I did not know that.
Alex McFarland And so, Barry McGuire, he might be listening now. And his dear wife Karen. Please, everybody, do pray for them as well.
Bert Harper Beautiful couple.
Bert Harper They really are.
Bert Harper Thank you so much. Let's go to, Gary in Indiana. Okay, Gary, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Okay.
Yeah, for Percy there, my wife has stage for methadone cancer, too. And, she's been on medication for two years and doing good. There is a treatment, but not a cure.
Bert Harper Gary, thank you for sharing that. I hope that Percy's still listening and God can cure it. Now, man can. Can just go so far. But I've seen God do it, Gary, and that's amazing. Now, either way, he decides to do it. Like Alex said, we leave it up to him, but thank you for that. Go ahead with your question, brother.
yeah, I can barely hear you.
Bert Harper Okay, we can hear you, so you go ahead.
Okay. Well, I was. I just wanted to say praise God. 12 and a half years ago, I was dying in a nursing home, and I told him, give me a liver, take me home. I got a liver the next day. I've had holes drilled in my head. I'm 73 and a half. I'm, fixing to face, heart surgery to get a stent. And also I've got to take my left kidney out because it has a. A big cyst on it. But I just, go by 1st Samuel 14:40, 1747. The battle is mine, says the Lord. And he's taking me through everything all my life.
Bert Harper Amen, Gary. Father, we. We pray for Gary and his wife. Thank you for the good report, but Gary's going through this now, and God, we trust you. That's the bottom line. yeah, we get our requests made known to you, Father, and we do that and we thank you that you hear them. But, God, you may have another direction for us to go in, and we want to go where you want us to go in Jesus name. Alex, go ahead. I know you were about to pray or say something, and I went ahead.
Alex McFarland He said, 1st Samuel 17:47. My Bible exactly fell open to that right here. And it says, the battle is the Lord's and he will give you into our hands. And, amen. That's very affirming. Just as he shared that my Bible fell open to that verse.
Bert Harper God will do that for you. I'm one of those, I do believe, honestly get in a systematic way of reading the scriptures. But sometimes, Alex, I just want to tell you in a miraculous way, God has done that. He's done it for me before. An answer or an encouragement just at the right time where it fell open. So praise God. Thank you, Alex, for sharing that. Let's go to Wayne in Louisiana. Wayne, go right ahead. Thank you for calling today.
Yes, sir.
The Spirit of Understanding: God's Word, Wisdom, and the Role of the Holy Spirit
I wanted to make a comment.
Bert Harper Go ahead.
About in Jon, chapter 20. About receiving the Holy Ghost.
Bert Harper Yes, sir.
So if you go back to Luke, 24, it says, then he opened their understanding that he might understand the Scriptures. So these men had been with Jesus for three, three and a half years, and they still did not understand the Scriptures. So what Jesus did, one of the seven spirits of God is the spirit of understanding. And so Jesus breathes on them. In verse 22 of Jon, it says, and when he had said this, he breathed on them and said unto them, receive ye the Holy Ghost. So it's not the full Holy Ghost as the day of Pentecost. He just breathes on him one of the seven spirits of God. That's the breath of understanding to enlighten him before he gives them the great commission and a command on what to do about making a disciple so they would all be on the same page.
Bert Harper Amen. Wayne, let me give you an affirmation for part of that. Alex, you remember, and we studied this just the other day, when Jesus, Jesus asked the apostles, who do you say that I am. And they who, do they say? And then he asked, who do you say? And Peter said, you're the Christ. In Matthew's part, he says to him, listen, flesh and blood didn't reveal this to you, but my heavenly Father who's in heaven. And again, I do think God opens up that. And the Holy Spirit helped him to see that they could get certain things because of observation. But Jesus said, for you to know this truth, it's a revelation of the heavenly Father. It's pretty stout stuff, isn't it?
Alex McFarland It really is. It really is. And that's why it's very valid to pray for wisdom. Ask God to open your mind to understand his word. And, Bert, that knowledge, that wisdom, that guidance from the Lord, it's available to each and every believer. It was back in the days of the Bible. It is now. And I know you and I, we depend on that wisdom from the teacher, the Holy Spirit. Don't believe.
Bert Harper You better believe it every day. God help me.
Final Encouragement to Turn to Christ and His Redeeming Love
Help Alex. Help, us. So listen, if you're one of the ones that's gone away from the hundred and Jesus is after you, turn to him, do it right now.
Jeff Chamblee The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
Exploring the Word: Miracles in Matthew 17 and the Tribute Money Miracle
Jeff Chamblee The Bible. It's the word of God. Sharper than any two edged sword. This sacred book is living and active and contains all that's needed for life and godliness. Stay with American Family Radio for the next hour as we study God's word and take your Bible questions. Welcome to Exploring the Word.
Alex McFarland Well, as we wrap up Matthew 17 and we transition into Matthew 18, we again see miracles. you know, I have just always been amazed at how Jesus had gotten the tribute money, for the tax that was provided. And Peter, he's they, they asked Peter, they said In Matthew, 1724, does your master pay tribute? He said yes. When they were come into the house, Jesus asked Simon, when what do you think of whom do the kings of the earth take customer tribute? Of their own children or of strangers? Peter said unto him, of strangers. Jesus said unto him, then are the children free notwithstanding, lest we should be a stumbling block or an offense. Go cast a hook into the sea, take up a fish.
The Miracle of the Coin in the Fish's Mouth and Peter's Miraculous Encounters
And the first fish that comes up, when you open his mouth, you'll find a piece of money. Take, take and give them. Now I've always been intrigued by that miracle of the coin in the fish's mouth. We're going to continue on into Matthew 18 and talk about much more. Plus we'll take your Bible questions on this edition of Exploring the Word. But Bert, I've heard you say Matthew is a book of action. And those actions included many, many supernatural works of Jesus. The miracles of the Savior and Matthew 17:18. These chapters are no exception. It's exciting stuff, the story of our Lord.
Bert Harper It really is, Alex. And matter of fact, Peter probably had more miracles done for him than anyone. Now let me give you this list. You've already mentioned this. The fish in the coin, Peter was involved because it was his taxes as well. But then he healed Peter's mother in law. You know, he helped Peter catch a large amount of fish. Peter walked on the water, you remember when he cut Malchus ear off and Jesus in, in the garden. Yeah. Healed it. Yeah. And then Acts 12, he delivers Peter from prison in a miraculous way. No wonder Peter could talk about how great God was. And, but real quickly, I know verses 22 and 23, we touc on it. But I got to go back.
Jesus Foretells His Betrayal and Death, and the Miracle of the Fish and the Coin
This is the second time that Jesus talks to them about going to Jerusalem. It's much smaller here. But no, it says staying in Galilee. Now again, staying in Gal, they weren't just passing through immediately. They stayed there for A while. And, this would be Jesus last time in Galilee. So he spent some time there. But he said, the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And the third day he will be raised up. Now, first time he did that, Peter took him aside and rebuked him. Okay, it doesn't say that this time, but it does say they were exceedingly sorrowful. Now, again, this transition made m. In the last chapter, they went up to, Caesarea Philippi, and that's as far as they would go. And then he set his face toward Jerusalem. And that was the first place he would tell them that. That he was going to go to Jerusalem and suffer and die and be raised again. And this is the second time, Alex. He is really spending time. And then he transitions in that while they were going to Capernaum again. And he does this one or two things about this fish. Think. Now, Peter usually didn't fish with a hook. He was a commercial fisherman, not a.
Alex McFarland With a net.
Bert Harper With a net. So he goes down with a line and a hook and he drops it in the water. And Jesus specifically says the first fish will open its mouth. You open its mouth, and you'll find the coin. Don't have to dress it. It's still in its mouth. That's. This is miraculous. And this also, this is unusual about this, miracle. It doesn't follow up on Peter going, or Jesus going and giving it and paying it.
Bert Harper But we know he did because that was the purpose of what Jesus said this coin would be used, for.
Reflections on the Coin in the Fish's Mouth Miracle and Jesus' Patience with Disciples
So I found this one very interesting, and it does intrigue me as well, Bert.
Alex McFarland When I was a little boy in Sunday school, I wondered, did the Lord Jesus miraculously put a coin in that fish's mouth or did God, you remember, Jesus has already shown he controls the elements. He can still the storm. He can control the animals. I mean, you know, he called those animals two by two to go to Noah's Ark. So there's no doubt coins dropped at the bottom of the. The. The Sea of Galilee. Did Jesus just tell that fish to, hey, go down there, that shiny object on the bottom of the ocean, you put it in your mouth. How did that coin get there? Miracle or deep dive by the part of a fish.
Bert Harper Okay, if. If God can prepare a fish to sw. He can prepare a fish to get a coin in its mouth. I was reading the different scenarios how that could happen, and I love this one. there's a guy out there fishing, and he Reached and dropped a coin. And the fish was just happening to go under that boat at that time, grab that coin and started headed toward that way about the time. How long could you keep a, coin in a fish's mouth? You know, so at the right timing? And what was done, it, I, I just love this as well. It's, it's kind of, it is interesting. It's a fun fact. You know, I, I love it. But it, this is a fun miracle. you know, Amen.
Alex McFarland It really is.
Dr. Jessica Peck Yeah.
Bert Harper I love it.
Alex McFarland And, and I think it, it shows, among other things, Jesus's ability con. To control the animal world.
Bert Harper Animal, sea, wind. Who is this that even the wind and the fish obey him? Who is this that even the fish obey him?
Alex McFarland Amen. It well said. Well, 18, Jesus talks to his disciples about what constitutes true greatness. The disciples came and they, they asked him who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Bert, I see, among other things, the patience of Jesus, because remember, they were going to argue about who's going to sit at the right hand and the left hand. I mean, Christ hadn't even gone to the cross yet. There's so much to come, not the least of which is the church age. And there's just a little bit of competitiveness and envy and jockeying for position already manifesting itself.
Bert Harper And remember, he has started telling them about him going to Jerusalem and dying. And I know some space happens between chapter 17, verse 22 and 23, and chapter 18, but it still should have been fresh on their minds.
True Greatness in the Kingdom: Humility, Childlike Trust, and Knowing Who You Are
I mean, he said it. And so who's the greatest? What does he do? He brings a little child to him. Alex.
Alex McFarland Yeah.
Bert Harper You know, and, you know what he's saying. But I am amazed at his patience. But let me say this. I think you say not you guys, let me show you. You know, it's not who you think. And have you found that out to be true, who God uses? Sometimes it's not who we think he would use, but, but he uses them well.
Alex McFarland You know, the, the race is not to the swift, you know, not eloquence of speech. We're going to see when we get to Matthew 20 in a couple of chapters. As a mother asks for greatness and acknowledgment for her sons. We're going to see some more about that. But Jesus calls a little child, verse 3 of Matthew 18, and says, verily I say unto you, except you be converted and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore, shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receives me. Now, you and I have said it many times. There is no calling to be childish, but there is a need to be childlike. And let me say, you know, children just instinctively trust grownups, right?
Bert Harper Right.
Alex McFarland And I think we need to instinctively trust God and his Word. If the Bible says we're sinners, then we need to admit that we're sinners. If we need. If the Bible says that we just simply put our faith in Jesus plus nothing, minus nothing. I think we need to trust God. And just as a child thoroughly will trust their parent or a grown up, we need to thoroughly trust God. And I do think our love, our trust, our gratitude, just our look. You know, a little child would just want to jump in your arms. It'll melt your heart. I mean, the way children are so loving. We need to be that childlike and loving and willing and obedient to our heavenly Father as a child would be to their earthly father.
Bert Harper Alex, the word is humble himself. We as adults, humble ourselves. now when you think you are humble, you've just lost it. You know, you blew it. humility is knowing who you are, okay? Knowing who you are, not denying who you are, not denying your strengths, but. But not overplaying your strengths, not overplaying who you are. Humility is knowing who you are and doing what God has called you for his glory. And, so that's what he says here. but then he continues this about the little ones in verse six.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Warnings Against Causing Sin and Cherishing Little Ones
But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin. Now again, he uses these little ones and I believe he means little ones. But, but he's also talking about young believers here. Causes one of these little one who believes in me to sin. It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he was drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of the offense, for offenses must come, but woe to that man to whom the offense comes. And if your hand or foot causes you to sin, he does that whole thing again, we'll talk about that. He's not, he's talking about. He's talking about someone called it spiritual surgery here because you can cut off your hand and guess what? You can still offend people. So you get rid of it. your eye. But verse 10, take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I say to you that in the heaven there, angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. Alex, again, I believe he's talking about little children, that God, they're special to him. But he's also talking about young believers as well. We need to be careful. We need to nurture them in the admonition of the Lord, don't we?
Alex McFarland We do, we do. And I gotta tell you, you know, Bert, I. I've been so privileged to travel to a lot of churches. I love to see a great children's department. And don't you? I mean, it better believe. It thrills my heart whenever I see on Sunday morning, lots of children in Sunday school and there'll be Bible verses on the wall and posters and you know, I've. I remember in the nursery in a number of churches, I've seen there's a very famous painting of a boy and a girl going over a dangerous bridge and a guardian angel with her arms around the two children. let me say, loving on children, being a role model, showing them godliness, teaching them the things of Jesus, whether it be memory, verses, vbs or crafts and all that stuff. it is a precious, sacred thing. And Jesus has very stern warnings for any that would mislead or, God forbid, abuse little children. Bert, I think much can be said about the spiritual state of a nation in the way that they treat children.
Bert Harper Amen.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Importance of Listener Support and Testimonies
Alex McFarland And Christ is very clear about that. verse 11, one of my favorite verses. For the Son of man has come to save that which was lost. and this is going into the parable of the lost sheep. If a man has a hundred sheep and one is gone astray, will he not leave the ninety and nine and go into the mountains and seek the one that has gone astray? If so, be that he finds it. There's great rejoicing. Even so, it is not the will of God that any one of these little ones should perish. Hey, we're to go to find the lost and see them brought to salvation too, aren't we?
Bert Harper We really are. The 99. They were there, but Jesus went after the 1. If you're the one, he is running after you. We'll be right back.
Bert Harper Hello, I'm, Bert Harper. Did you know that this content is listener supported? Without people like you, this podcast would not exist. That's why we need you. A generous monthly gift of any amount will sustain American Family Radio and specifically this podcast. Please consider becoming a monthly financial partner today by visiting afr.netgive.
Bert Harper that's AFR.
Bert Harper Uh.net give sing everything I need.
Dr. Jessica Peck Everything I need. My father hasn't. My father hasn't. And every single time. The Lord will provide. That's right. My father has. And
Bert Harper amen. Amen. Listen. One of the hardest things about doing exploring the word, I know it is cutting these songs off. I just love them. And I praise God for those that are songwriters, those that are musicians, and those that can sing. Ah, what a blessing you guys are to people like Bert Harper that can't produce it. But I sure can't appreciate it, and I do. Hey, Alex, have you ever heard of listener stories during Charathon?
Alex McFarland Well, is that, like, when listeners, share maybe how this show or others have been a blessing to them?
Bert Harper You got it. Ding, ding, ding. You won that one. But it is. And we love these. And I. I'm just sharing with you, Alex. You're coming in for Sharathon this year. A lot of times you're on the road and you have to, come in, but you're going to be here some of the time here in Tupelo, Mississippi, and we're going to enjoy that. Do you enjoy the listener testimonies? that when we play those.
Alex McFarland Oh, I love it. I love it because I just. In my heart, I want to give God the glory. I mean, we're so excited to be doing things that we believe God's called us to do. And so, listener, if, if exploring the word or Bert or Brent or myself, if it's encouraged you in your walk, it would encourage us if you'd call in and just share for, like a minute. And don't. Don't feel like you've got to do some great grandiose thing. Just call in and say, I listen to AFR and I, think about all the great shows all day long that are giving out the word of God, the good news of the gospel, the news of the day from a biblical perspective. And Bert, what is that number where people can call in? let me guess.
The Shepherd's Pursuit of the Lost: The Nature of Salvation and Returning to God
Is it 877-876-8893?
Bert Harper You did it again, man. You're on a roll, Alex. That is the number. 877-876-8893. And again, that's a special line dedicated to these testimonies, these stories about what God has done in your life, your family's life, maybe your marriage, that God has done and AFR was part of what God was using in your life. 8 7, 7, 87 6, 8, 8, 9 3. Well, Alex, with that in mind, I know we were talking about the 99 and 1 that is 1 of the greatest. I mean, it's a short parable, but think of that, Alex. You got a hundred sheep, one goes astray, and the shepherd leaves the 99. Now, usually, I've done this enough research. He doesn't usually leave them out there wandering. He keep. He gets them into a. Keep, an area that is secure and safe, and goes after the one. But they're still in danger without the shepherd there, aren't they?
Alex McFarland Well, they really are. And of course, you know, songs have been, been written, paintings. There's a very famous painting by. I believe it's Warner Salmon of Christ, the good shepherd. Going down into a thorny, thorny ravine. Now, back up on the bank, you can see the 90 and 9. But the one sheep that's gone astray, Jesus goes and rescues it. And why do we have such a seeking Savior come to seek and save that which is lost? Why? Because it is not the will of your Father, which is in heaven, that any one of these little ones should perish. I mean, let me just say this without getting off track here. People ask, you know, who did Jesus die for? The whole wide world. I mean, he paid the sin debt of all of humanity. Now, that doesn't automatically mean that everybody goes to heaven. You have to be born again. You have to respond and turn to Christ. But I believe Jesus died. And when God says, whosoever will may come, I think he really means whosoever will may come. Now, sadly, not all do come. But all could have come, Bert.
Bert Harper They really could. If you. If you're listening today on the radio, you may be driving a truck. you may be in a field harvesting. Man harvesting is taking place here in North Mississippi on the farms. And it's just neat to see that, you may be on your way home from work or from school, or you may be going to your shift to start work, and you've never come to Christ. Or at one point in time, you were serving the Lord and you've wandered away. What a day to get right with him, would you say? Oh, God, I want to. I want to get right with you. I confess my sin. I confess that I've wandered. And I come back to you. And I want you as, I want to live for you. And you be Lord of my life. Listen. He is ready. And that song, the goodness of God, he's running after you. He's called the Hound of Heaven. Trying to Track you down to make this known to you. And I pray you would come to Christ with Alex.
Restoring Relationships: Steps for Correction, Binding and Loosing, and Forgiveness
It moves on. He moves on in verse 15 and says, Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. Now, let me just say this. The whole idea is not you correcting them and saying, oh, you dirty dog, no, you're wrong. No, it's gaining him, Alex, that really needs to be emphasized.
Alex McFarland Doesn't really, does it? Really does that, you've gained your brother, but if he will not hear, take two or three. That in the mouth of two or three witnesses, everything may be established. That's an Old Testament reference. let me say this. The Bible is very clear about the gracious yet decisive treatment of an erring brother. And again, there's the verses that we read. I believe it was yesterday from, chapter 16, verse 19. About binding and loosing. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven. Whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Now, Bert, I want to say this about Matthew, 1818 here. Binding and loosing. It's not. I don't think it's that we have the power to do it, but I think by the power of God's word.
Bert Harper Amen. You got it, Alex.
Alex McFarland I mean, when we say Jesus will set you free, that's really, really true. Jon 8:32. The truth will set you free. And when we say, you know, timeless and eternal, you know, sex outside of marriage is wrong. I mean, we're binding that as a sin. It's not that we arbitrarily dream that up. It's what God's word says. And Jon, one of my favorite verses, Jon 10:35, the scripture cannot be broken. That's why what's true, what's moral, what what is righteous, what is unrighteous, there's no expiration date because God has bound it, or in other words, ratified that as long as the earth stands, heaven and earth will pass away. God's word doesn't change. That's Matthew 24:35. So I, do think the church can speak and should speak authoritatively on many matters, including human relationships. But it's the binding and the loosing, the irrefutable truth and the, grace. It's all by the word of God, not just by the whim or arbitration of man.
Bert Harper It is the issue of correction. The book of Jude is so much. And basically, it's geared to false teachers and stand in there so the word of God is the standard. Jesus Christ is the standard. He is the Word. And so that is where we come from. But we come and we speak the truth in love. We're not going to browbeat. It's not going to do that. No, it is to gain them. It is to see, hey, this is the love of God that he wants you. Isn't this interesting that it follows up the 99 and the 1 he goes after. Alex, I don't think Matthew just put these together arbitrarily. He's saying, listen, this is what the kingdom and what the king is about. Jesus Christ is the king, gaining that brother, gaining that person, winning them. And then again in verse 19, I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
Bert Harper Ah, Alex. Anything, Anything. Or has this got some qualifiers? What do you think?
Alex McFarland Well, I think like we look at Jon 15:16, it's not just any anything, but it's according to God's word and according to God's will.
Bert Harper That's the whole chapter here. It's talking about the Father and it's talking about within him. Because verse 20 follows up where two or three are gathered together in my name. I'm there in the midst of them again, it's what God's will be done. Jesus himself. Not my will, but your will be done. This is what we're doing. And there's nothing wrong in our prayer life. Praying and saying, God, if this be your will. Now, there's certain things you don't have to say. If this be your will, it's God's will that that person be saved. But it, you know, some things I've asked out of, out of kilter, you know, and, I'm glad I said, God, I. I want your will to be done in my life. And a lot of times I want relief. And God's putting the pressure. Now, Alex, coal and diamonds are. Have the same substance in them. I understand. But what makes the difference? Time and pressure. So sometimes that pressure and times on us. And what's God doing? He's making a jewel out of our lives, through difficulty. I mean, I've seen it happen.
Alex McFarland Yeah, I have to, you know, verse 20, where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them. And, and I get it. And I've heard people say, you know, come and let's agree together in prayer. And, I believe in that. But, you know, could it be the two or three. Not only there's power in numbers, not only maybe there's mutual incur encouragement, but maybe there's also accountability. Because you know what, if I got in my small group and I said, bert and Brent, hey, pray with me. you know, I'm thinking about, whatever. Something that's not God's will. And, if we three agree it's got to be done, God has to do it. Well, maybe because I've got two or three around me of good brothers, they'd say, alex, that's not right. That's not in the Bible. And so I know there's. There's power in numbers and groups are strong, but they're just in the two or three. Maybe there's a little bit of accountability there too, helping us all stay on track.
Bert Harper Every time Jesus sent them out, he sent them by two. Yes, encouragement. But guess what? Accountability. Encouragement. Accountability. They should run parallel, Alex.
Alex McFarland They really should.
Bert Harper Verses 21 through 35 is amazing, but it starts off, Peter came to Jesus, and said, lord, how often shall my brother sin against me? Now, notice he didn't say, I sin against my brother. Okay?
Alex McFarland Yes.
Bert Harper And then he said, I love Peter. I do too. I forgive them up to seven times.
Alex McFarland It's almost like, hey, listen to this, everybody. You're going to hear how spiritual I am. How often should my. When my brother sins against me, should I forgive? Up to seven times.
Bert Harper Now, normally it was three, you know, the scribes. And he said, man, I'm going to add a little extra here, but go ahead, Alex, go ahead.
Alex McFarland Well, Jesus says, until seven times.
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant: The Cost of Unforgiveness and the Power of Forgiveness
No, but 70 times seven, which really was kind of a figure of speech to mean as many times as they ask. Therefore, is the kingdom of heaven linked or likened to a certain king which would take account of his servants. He had begun to reckon or take account. And one was brought to him which owed 10,000 talents. Now, it's been said that that might be in 20th century numbers. I know we're in the 21st century, but maybe $3.4 billion. I mean, that's a lot of money.
Bert Harper A m. Lot of money.
Alex McFarland And he couldn't pay it. And the servant falls down, worship saying, lord, have patience with me and I'll Pay. And verse 27, this Lord of that servant is moved with compassion, loosed him, forgave the debt. But the same servant went out and found one of his fellow servants which owed him a hundred pence or a hundred denarii. And, you know, maybe we don't know for sure, maybe this was $8,000.
Bert Harper Well, somebody even said, lest I said a week's wage.
Wow.
Bert Harper I mean, you know, but it is so significantly smaller. Go ahead.
Alex McFarland Yeah, yeah. And. And if. If one denary was, you know, maybe $80, this might have been 800. At. At most 8,000. But imagine this guy's been forgiven $3 billion, and somebody comes that owes a tiny, tiny fraction of that, and he goes, you know, you better pay up. Even though the guy, you know, begs him, please have mercy, verse 30. But he would not, he cast him into prison till he should pay the debt. So his fellow servants were wroth or angry and told the Lord all that was done. Then his Lord, after that he had called him, said, o wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt because you asked me. Should also not you have compassion on the fellow servant, even as I had pity on you? His Lord was very angry, delivered him to the tormentors that he should pay all. and here it is. In verse 35, Christ says, so likewise shall my heavenly father do also unto you, if you from your hearts do not forgive everyone, his brother, their trespasses. Bert, I've always heard we should be quick to give or receive an olive branch. Have you ever heard that?
I have. Yes.
Alex McFarland See, I mean, we who have been forgiven, we should be quick to forgive. I mean, if Christ would show grace to us, why can't we show grace to each other?
Bert Harper This is not about salvation. This is about forgiveness between two brothers. And, this is right after Peter said, if a brother sin against me. Okay, go back to the original statement that Peter made. Brother in this relationship. This is not so. This. Forgiveness is important. Alex, let me give this real quickly. it is true unforgiveness is like an acid that can. That destroys the container. It has also been said unforgiveness is like drinking poison, expecting someone else to die.
Ministers of Peace: The Detrimental Effects of Conflict and the Call to Unity
Listen, forgiveness is good, but who gets the greatest benefit when you forgive someone?
Alex McFarland Well, I think the one doing the forgiveness.
Bert Harper I agree with you fully.
Alex McFarland Yeah. Amen. And I'll tell you, few things hold back the power and the forgiveness. Joy of the Holy Spirit. Like unforgiveness, bitterness, division. let's be ministers of peace and reconciliation for Christ, our Savior. After this, we take calls and questions, don't we, Bert?
Bert Harper 888-589-8840, friend.
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Jeff Chamblee The Lord isn't really being slow about his promise as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. Second Peter 3, 9.
If I get down, you pick me up from the ground. You give me love and don't give out.
Give.
Alex McFarland Welcome back to exploring the word as Matthew 18, kind of wraps up, I'll tell you, this is a very convicting verse. Verse 35, you know, the, the servant who had been forgiven much, but he wouldn't forgive someone who owed him a little. Jesus wraps up this teaching. He says, so likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you if you from your hearts do not forgive everyone his brother their trespasses. Hey, let me give the number. We want your Bible questions. Feel free to call in and you'll probably get through if you call, you know, within the next little bit. But it's 888-589-8840. If you've got a Bible question of any sort, we welcome you to call 888-589-8840. Bert, you pastored for a lot of years very, very successfully. God used you in a great way. I know the church you pastored, it's a great church. And I, for 11 years was in the local church and of course I've been on the road a lot. I'm going to ask you, I guess it's a very obvious question, how detrimental conflict among born again Christians, how detrimental is that to the spread of the gospel.
Bert Harper Let me answer that with. Looking at the church at Corinth. They had all kinds of problems misusing the spiritual gifts, not doing the Lord's Supper, right, Taking each other to court. But you know what he starts out with brother against brother division. Alex, it does more harm than you could ever. We need to work together. We're called a body of Christ. The body of Christ. And one when one member is not. Is out of sync with the other one. It causes turmoil in the body and it does damage. And it's obvious. So listen, be quick to forgive. Get right with God. Give them, Give grace. Listen, nobody, no, no human being is ever going to measure up. I don't care if you're the pastor, whatever you are. You. We just, we. Our frailties, we got those blind spots, you know, and, so, Alex, get right with God as quick as you can and get right with your brother.
Alex McFarland Pray for unity in the body of Christ.
Understanding the Holy Spirit: Its Role Before and After Pentecost and Divine Empowerment
and by the way, the number. Triple 858-98-8840. I was just thinking of a story about a divided family. I'm not going to tell it right now, but let me just say it is a beautiful thing to forgive. I mean, it'll flood your soul with joy to truly, truly forgive somebody. And, very often we. We're the one that needs forgiveness. So let's do what we can do to preserve harmony, love and unity in the family and in the family of God.
Bert Harper Okay, while we're waiting, we got some callers online, but I had one here that it was interesting and, they sent it [email protected] we do get those questions in Jon, chapter 20, verses 22 through 23. After Jesus breathes the Holy Spirit into the disciples, he says, receive the Holy Spirit. Alex, how does that happen? this is before Pentecost. you know, how was he giving them a portion? Was he giving them a, ah, picture of what? Or a limited amount. And the power of the Holy Spirit is going to come later. What do you think?
Alex McFarland I really think this is. I mean, even though this is before Pentecost, Christ has risen. He appears to, his disciples. And then he, you know, he shows that his, the hands and feet. But then he says, I'm sending you as the Father sent me. And he breathed on them and said, receive the Holy Ghost. Well, even though I know this is before Pentecost, I think this is, just like, the empowerment that believers get today, really. I mean, this is, it's post Resurrection. It's not like in the Old Testament, where the Holy Spirit would come on a person and leave a person, like with Samson. But this is NewSong Covenant. well, Pneumatology, I think this would have been permanent. What do you think?
Bert Harper I believe it is, because it doesn't show. Seems like though, that Peter had some failure, but after the Holy Spirit came on in that Pentecost. Pentecost in power.
Bert Harper I have mixed feelings about it, you know, But I know they received the Holy Spirit. He breathed on them. They did. To what degree? I'm going to leave that up to God, Alex, and say, hey, God did it the way he wanted to do it. The Holy Spirit was with them.
Interracial Marriage and the Unity of the Human Race in God's Eyes
Was a difference that in Pentecost, I'm not sure there were any. But, God did. Knew they needed that. Alex, people have called in. Let's go to Mississippi and talk to Lake Lake. Go right ahead.
caller Hi. I, was calling. I just wanted to hear your opinion on, Like a lot of people say it's wrong to quote unquote, like, mix races, like me and my significant other. we've been together for four years, and we are. We're different races, but we. We have grown together. We go to church together. We. We support each other and grow in our faith. however, a lot of people still view that as a very taboo, negative thing and tend to use the Bible to back their opinions on that up. I was wondering what you would think about that.
Bert Harper Let's go with the word race, Alex. really, there's one race, and it's the human race with different ethnicity. and. And listen, have you noticed this? And I'm just being plain. I'm a guy that grew up in the 50s and 60s in Mississippi. So I understood it was all right if the skin was not too different, but the darker the skin, the lighter the skin, the more people began to judge that. Am I wrong on. I'm saying they did that, didn't they?
Alex McFarland They did. like you say it, look, if, you're a female and your significant other is a male, you're both human beings, you're both believers, then you're free to get married if you want to get married. as Abe Hamilton would say, it's just the m. The amount of melanin in one person, or lack thereof. there's a great man. He was hugely influential in the formation of Samaritan's Purse. Dr. Bob Foster. He was a medical missionary, a medical doctor. He wrote a book called Sword and scalpel. He and his wife and their children, Caucasians. He was building hospitals and evangelizing throughout Africa. Well, his, I believe it was his daughter married an African man. And this was I think like in the, either the early 70s or maybe early 80s. But he said he had to be honest that look, they're human beings. So, you're not really different races, you might be different ethnicities, but, male and female, if you're two human beings and you're both loving Jesus, you're free to marry.
Bert Harper Amen. And we have those couples that work here, man, we love them to death and thank God for them. And we. What's need? You'll see some couples out, both will be Caucasian and they've adopted, a dark skinned child, you know.
Alex McFarland Amen.
Bert Harper And I just praise God. Can you imagine what heaven's going to be like, brother?
Alex McFarland I mean, what a beautiful tapestry of the redeemed of the Lord. Every kindred tongue, tribe and nation.
Bert Harper Amen. So like, you may be experiencing a little bit of heaven down here. Love Jesus. Get. Make sure I know you said significant other. marriage is. I want to be like Charlie Kirk, get married and have kids.
A Call for Prayer: Requests for Healing, Strength, and God's Will Amidst Life's Trials
Okay, let's go to Tennessee and talk to Percy. Percy, thank you for calling.
Yeah, I'm calling for. It's not a Bible question, it's for prayer.
Bert Harper Okay, brother, go right ahead. Percy.
Yes, I was saying my wife has been diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer. Oh, we went to the doctor, we went to the doctor yesterday and he said there's nothing else that he can do. So I'm calling, asking for prayer for my wife. at the same time. Like I said, we're believers. We asked him for healing because she said she won't give and see all the kids that we haven't seen yet. But if it's God's will to take her home, that he, that he let her go through with no pain.
Bert Harper Okay, we're going to pray ever. Hey, Percy, would you mind giving us your wife's name? You may have. And I may have missed it. What's your wife's name, please, brother?
Alex McFarland Cassie.
Bert Harper Cassie. I got you. Alex, would you lead us in prayer for Cassie?
Alex McFarland Let's pray. And everybody please, remember to pray for these dear people. Father, in the name of Jesus. Lord, I thank you for this dear man calling in. And we are family where you're following Lord Jesus and I pray for Cassie. Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask for a healing, whether it be by Miracle or by medicine? Lord, please, this metastatic breast cancer, stage four. In the name of Jesus, we stand against that. And I pray for healing for our sister in Christ. I pray for your mercy and your intervention. And, Lord, she's got, love for her family. She wants to spend time with her family and her husband. And so, Father, grant that, please. And Lord, we know you are the healer. And so I want to praise you, Lord. I believe you're going to heal her, and that healing is already being manifested, even right now. We praise you for that. But, Lord, thy will be done. And, Lord, even as they maybe go visit with doctors and medical personnel, let that be a witness. Give great joy, great confidence. just absolute reassurance to Cassie and her husband and family. And we, we anticipate a good report, a praise of your intervention. Lord, we lift her up to you, and we, we just pray for every blessing for them. In your name, Jesus, we ask it. Amen.
Bert Harper Amen.
Sharing Testimonies of God's Faithfulness Through Illness and Life-Altering Events
Thank you, Percy. and pray for them.
Alex McFarland And by the way, I've got to say this, our dear friend, we see him every year at NRB. Barry McGuire. Dynamic Christians. His wife Karen has breast cancer, too.
Bert Harper Oh, wow. I did not know that.
Alex McFarland And so, Barry McGuire, he might be listening now. And his dear wife Karen. Please, everybody, do pray for them as well.
Bert Harper Beautiful couple.
Bert Harper They really are.
Bert Harper Thank you so much. Let's go to, Gary in Indiana. Okay, Gary, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Okay.
Yeah, for Percy there, my wife has stage for methadone cancer, too. And, she's been on medication for two years and doing good. There is a treatment, but not a cure.
Bert Harper Gary, thank you for sharing that. I hope that Percy's still listening and God can cure it. Now, man can. Can just go so far. But I've seen God do it, Gary, and that's amazing. Now, either way, he decides to do it. Like Alex said, we leave it up to him, but thank you for that. Go ahead with your question, brother.
yeah, I can barely hear you.
Bert Harper Okay, we can hear you, so you go ahead.
Okay. Well, I was. I just wanted to say praise God. 12 and a half years ago, I was dying in a nursing home, and I told him, give me a liver, take me home. I got a liver the next day. I've had holes drilled in my head. I'm 73 and a half. I'm, fixing to face, heart surgery to get a stent. And also I've got to take my left kidney out because it has a. A big cyst on it. But I just, go by 1st Samuel 14:40, 1747. The battle is mine, says the Lord. And he's taking me through everything all my life.
Bert Harper Amen, Gary. Father, we. We pray for Gary and his wife. Thank you for the good report, but Gary's going through this now, and God, we trust you. That's the bottom line. yeah, we get our requests made known to you, Father, and we do that and we thank you that you hear them. But, God, you may have another direction for us to go in, and we want to go where you want us to go in Jesus name. Alex, go ahead. I know you were about to pray or say something, and I went ahead.
Alex McFarland He said, 1st Samuel 17:47. My Bible exactly fell open to that right here. And it says, the battle is the Lord's and he will give you into our hands. And, amen. That's very affirming. Just as he shared that my Bible fell open to that verse.
Bert Harper God will do that for you. I'm one of those, I do believe, honestly get in a systematic way of reading the scriptures. But sometimes, Alex, I just want to tell you in a miraculous way, God has done that. He's done it for me before. An answer or an encouragement just at the right time where it fell open. So praise God. Thank you, Alex, for sharing that. Let's go to Wayne in Louisiana. Wayne, go right ahead. Thank you for calling today.
Yes, sir.
The Spirit of Understanding: God's Word, Wisdom, and the Role of the Holy Spirit
I wanted to make a comment.
Bert Harper Go ahead.
About in Jon, chapter 20. About receiving the Holy Ghost.
Bert Harper Yes, sir.
So if you go back to Luke, 24, it says, then he opened their understanding that he might understand the Scriptures. So these men had been with Jesus for three, three and a half years, and they still did not understand the Scriptures. So what Jesus did, one of the seven spirits of God is the spirit of understanding. And so Jesus breathes on them. In verse 22 of Jon, it says, and when he had said this, he breathed on them and said unto them, receive ye the Holy Ghost. So it's not the full Holy Ghost as the day of Pentecost. He just breathes on him one of the seven spirits of God. That's the breath of understanding to enlighten him before he gives them the great commission and a command on what to do about making a disciple so they would all be on the same page.
Bert Harper Amen. Wayne, let me give you an affirmation for part of that. Alex, you remember, and we studied this just the other day, when Jesus, Jesus asked the apostles, who do you say that I am. And they who, do they say? And then he asked, who do you say? And Peter said, you're the Christ. In Matthew's part, he says to him, listen, flesh and blood didn't reveal this to you, but my heavenly Father who's in heaven. And again, I do think God opens up that. And the Holy Spirit helped him to see that they could get certain things because of observation. But Jesus said, for you to know this truth, it's a revelation of the heavenly Father. It's pretty stout stuff, isn't it?
Alex McFarland It really is. It really is. And that's why it's very valid to pray for wisdom. Ask God to open your mind to understand his word. And, Bert, that knowledge, that wisdom, that guidance from the Lord, it's available to each and every believer. It was back in the days of the Bible. It is now. And I know you and I, we depend on that wisdom from the teacher, the Holy Spirit. Don't believe.
Bert Harper You better believe it every day. God help me.
Final Encouragement to Turn to Christ and His Redeeming Love
Help Alex. Help, us. So listen, if you're one of the ones that's gone away from the hundred and Jesus is after you, turn to him, do it right now.
Jeff Chamblee The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
In this episode, we explore the profound lessons found in Matthew 17 and 18, focusing on the miracles of Jesus and the essence of true greatness in the kingdom of heaven. Join us as we discuss the intriguing miracle of the coin in the fish's mouth and the critical lesson of humility and childlike faith that Jesus imparts to His disciples. We also delve into the importance of forgiveness and how it reflects our relationship with God, along with taking your Bible questions. Don't miss this enlightening journey through scripture!
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