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.
Welcome to the program today. Alex McFarland here along with Bert Harper. You're listening to the American Family Radio Network. And we're in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 23. And as we finished up yesterday, we had great day of prayer request and for some of you that listened, I mean, you know, the Tuesday days of prayer and prayer requests, the Lord has just really used that in a great way. And we give God the glory. And to everybody that shares prayer requests on Tuesdays, we feel very privileged that people would open up and share their heart. And we, are going to, later on in the program, take questions. But yesterday, as we wrapped up Chapter 22 of Matthew, Jesus, ah, had answered the accusers, the questioners, the scribes, the Pharisees, the Herodians. And it said after this no man was able to answer him. And they just didn't ask him any more questions. And so, Bert, I got to tell you, I thought it was with amazing, gentleness and certainly wisdom and grace and power that Jesus responded to those who were being very accusatory. God the Son here to be our Savior, he just wouldn't be tripped up or painted into a corner, would he?
He would not. And speaking of the way he answered, if we could only learn, we would be a lot more effective answering that way with calmness and clarity than outrage. And yeah, I understand there's a time for, Jesus overturned the tables, There's a time for that. But when he was trying to show them where they were, notice how he did that. He did it in such a way. But in chapter 23 he moves on to characterize them as, let me just put it in a, you know, two words, false teachers and very false. And we want to look at that, chapter 23, there's eight woes. woe unto them. Woe unto them. And it was those scribes and Pharisees, because, Alex, they should have been the one that recognized the Messiah. They should have been the one that would lift him up. They should have been the ones that would go and tell others, but in place of receiving, they rejected and then they tried to do everything against him. So chapter 23 is a pretty severe chapter. following that as he would tell them, all the damage that they were doing. So Alex, he spoke to the multitudes and his disciples. So when I see that the disciples is more than just these apostles. Okay, sometimes we get it mixed up. No, these are the people that. That were already started following Christ and then others that were looking on and, they were considering. So this is quite a moment here in chapter 23.
Well, it really is. And what it is, it's condemnation. The, the scribes and the Pharisees, they were religious and they were, quick to let people know about it. They were proud of their humility, and they were, just very, very, glad about their righteousness. And the first 12 verses of chapter 23 is one thing that stands out to me. You know, they want you to observe whatever they observe, and they put heavy burdens on people. And this is just legalism, really, and works righteousness for a show. But verse 5 says, but all their works they do for to be seen of men. In other words, look at me. Look at me. True piety, true godliness is an internal thing. I mean, we. We're not ashamed to say we follow Jesus, we live for the Lord, but we're not doing it to impress anybody. But we're doing it because of a personal relationship with Christ and intimacy with the Lord, not to be seen of men. But verse five, Interesting. They make broad their phylacteries and enlarge the borders of their garments. Okay, now a phylactery is a little bitty container. I've seen several of these on, people's houses. That. I mean, it could be. Imagine a quarter inch by a quarter inch by about 4 inches long. And rolled up in it could, be a number of scriptures, but Most likely Deuteronomy 6, the Shema. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one. But to make broad the phylactery, okay, they would tie it maybe around their arm, or put it on their forehead, like, okay, I've got the word of God foremost in my heart or mind. But, Bert, before we talk about creating, I mean, imagine you've got one of these tiny little things discreetly on your person that you're carrying God's word with you. That, Okay, I get that. Imagine you tied a shoebox around your arm because I've got so much scripture bound on my person. But, Bert, when the Bible says to keep God's word on the doorpost of our house and heart, no problem. And to keep God's word ever before our eyes, I mean, it's a priority. We think about it. Doesn't mean that we need to, carry around a family Bible, does it? I mean, that might be kind of,
ostentatious, you know, hey, that's what they wanted. And notice, real quickly in verse three, whatever they tell you to observe that observe and do, but do not do according to their works. For they say and do not do, they tell them one thing to do. But in their life, even in their heart, in their private life, they're not following it, but they're quick to do that. And they have these to show, look who I am. They want position, and they want, I would say, a matter of honor. They want to sit in the highest places. They want to be seen in the synagogue. they want to be called certain, names. Position means more to them than practice. Okay. They broadened their helm, make them look better, had the phylacteries to make them. Oh, man, I've got God's word. But in reality, no, in reality. And he's going to get to this. Let me get ahead of it a little bit. inside they were full of dead men's bones. They were dead. Even though they looked good on the outside, on the inside they were lacking. And you can't help but remember when Samuel went to Bethlehem, to Jesse's home, to find the next king after Saul, God told him, he said, don't look on the outside, look on the heart. God is always looking past the mask, isn't he?
He really is. And you know, Vance Havner, folks, if you're maybe new to exploring the word, Bert and I, we have heroes, that we quote, with regularity, one of whom is Adrian Rogers, one of whom is Vance Havner, and, several others, Billy Graham and Charles. Charles, yeah. So you'll get really acquainted with our heroes, I think. But Vance Havner was talking to somebody about legalism, and, Vance Havner was like, I'm not sure that guy really knows the Lord. He's outwardly religious. And somebody said, Dr. Havner, I'll have you know, he's as straight as a gun barrel. And Vance Savner said, yes, and every bit is empty. You've heard that quote?
I remember. Yes.
But you know, the thing is, okay, should we live right. Of course. Should we live biblically? Of course. Should we pursue Christlikeness? Of course. But our relationship with Jesus is not about, what we do or don't do. It's about, have we been born again? And Christ's warning here, they want to be seen of men. They love the uppermost rooms at the feast, the chief seats in the synagogues. They love to be greeted in the market. Verse 7. To be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. And verse 8. Be not ye called rabbi. For one is your master, even Christ and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth. For one is your father. You'll notice in verse nine, the first rendering of the word father is a lowercase letter. F. Yes. And the second one is uppercase. The heavenly Father. Neither be called masters. Let me say this, and, Bert, you feel free to respond. When I went into the ministry, I felt very much called to the ministry. Do feel called to the ministry. And, Angie and I got married, and I, was a youth pastor and then ordained after I finished seminary. And people, began to say, you know, Reverend, this and that. Reverend Alex. And I always felt a little bit, you know, uncomfortable, because, look, I'm just a guy. I love the Lord. I'm a safe sinner. I'm a Christian. But every now and then, I'd be maybe up at the convenience store. And whenever I walked in, you know, all of the language stopped. And somebody that might say a bad word would say, I'm sorry, Reverend, and I'd say, hey, don't mind me. I'm nobody. I'm just. I love the lord. Alex McFarland listening. That doesn't matter. Is Jesus listening?
Amen.
You know what I mean?
You bet. I've had those same things. And I, told him. I said, well, I don't like to hear it, but do you think God does?
Amen.
And so it has helped verses 11 and 12 bring it all together. Now, this is, verses 2 through 10. Yeah, man, he's. But listen to what God says. We should be. Here it is. This is powerful, Alex. Verses 11 and 12. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. Wow. And whoever exalts himself will be abased. And he who humbles himself will be served exalted. Alex, there it is our character, who we are. listen, it's all about Christ. And we're to serve. I remember first time I ever heard the term servant leadership or leadership being a servant. it is. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. And, that's who we are. We've been bought with a price. We're to glorify God in our bodies, and we're to serve another. So he this. Verses 11 and 12 is right. The opposite of the scribes and Pharisees. You know, he's described them and now he gives them the opposite of that. And it's to be servants, isn't it?
Well, it is. Verse 13 should really be a wake up call, really to every Christian, but certainly to everyone in the ministry. Jesus says, woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you shut up. The kingdom of heaven against men. Now, what that really means is you close the door and make it harder for people to come to Christ, not easier. In fact, maybe there are even people lost, that were turned away from trusting Jesus because of the words or actions of some clergy. What we're to do is to our utmost ability, open up the understanding of salvation.
Amen.
We need to make it, as, you know, different ones would say, clear enough for a child to understand. And, you know, I think that's why, if ever you do a wedding, you might have heard the phrase or used the phrase like, enter into it advisedly, soberly. You know, marriage is a very somber thing to enter into. Well, the ministry is a very somber thing to enter into now. It's a joy, believe me, it's a blessing. But here's the thing. Heaven forbid that something we said or did push people away from Jesus, not drew them to Jesus. no man lives unto himself. In other words, our actions, our posture, our reactions, our life, it has influence on people, and we need to be very, very mindful of that. These Pharisees and scribes weren't.
They were not. Have you ever heard this? Your life speaks so loudly. I can't hear what you're saying. Listen. Our walk and our talk need to work together, not against one another. So live by faith. Serve Christ. Love him with all your heart, soul and mind. We'll be back with more right after the break here on exploring the word foreign.
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.net give that's afr.net
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praise him for friends and family, for the very air we breathe, for having everything we need. Won't somebody come praise the Lord with me?
Amen. That's what we want to do on Exploring the Word we're going to praise. And speaking of that, we not only get prayer requests on, you know, at our Facebook and wordfr.net, but we also get praises. But we want to talk about the podcast a little bit. Brent, tell people about that. You know, I hear it has improved. Is that right?
It's improved greatly, thanks to Miss, Maisie Warren that works here with us in American Family Studios. she's, getting us more advanced information, more transcript, more links, and it's really paid off. I mean, it looks great. And we're getting a lot more, response to it.
Yeah, we're getting a lot of. They call it traffic in the. Lots of traffic. And, the prayer request, man, that was yesterday. Tell us a little bit about what happened after the program went off.
We were getting them left and right as. As we were going off the air still, and I was trying to, get links and send those to you and Alex by texting so you could at least know what we had that you didn't know about, and you could be praying for those. So I don't want people to think that once we go out there and we're done with you. No, it's nowhere near that. We still check everything, and we still praying for you guys, and we love you all, and we thank you so much for, listening to us and supporting us.
And Brent, we don't want to brag on him too much, Alex, but, that presence has really improved since Brent has come on board, hasn't it?
He really has. And you know the thing I want to brag on Brent Austin, because his heart is in this. I mean, he's got the skills. He runs that board. You should see, folks, if you ever come up to AFR, the, the soundboard, has probably 500 knobs on it. I don't even. I don't even walk near it. I'm like, I don't. A little voice at me says, don't touch that. Brent runs that board, but he's got the skills, but he's got the heart, too. And don't you appreciate that?
I do. I appreciate we have fun with one another. But we, the three guys here, plus Marty, who runs the camera, and Richard, who answers the phone, all five of us love the Lord Jesus Christ, and we take the honor of being on this program, as God is calling in our life.
Quite a team of misfits, right?
Hey, God, it's amazing who God uses, and I'm the number one evidence that. Alex, I know we need to get back to the. To the Bible study, but you got Something big going on this weekend, I hear. And I hear there's a little few spaces left if people can get in. Is that right?
God bless you. Thank you so much. Well, you know, we've done Biblical Worldview apologetics for many, many years. And here in the last three years we've done a series we call Conversations that Matter. And, we've done most of these Conversations that Matter in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. There's all these theaters and one I want to give a big shout out to, the Greg Rolls Legacy Theater. Brad and Ladonna Alexander, godly people. Greg Rolls, who is a country music star and kind of a local legend around here. The Greg Rolls Theater. They're all devout believers. they may be listening right now. And Greg Rolls does these wonderful family friendly music shows and pretty soon they'll be starting their Christmas shows. But they rent their theater out to us many times. We've had incredible people there like Rick Metaxas and Jenna Ellis and Charlie Kirk and, Dinesh d', Souza, Gary Chapman and Bert, let me just say, to rent out a major world class theater on a Saturday night that shows commitment to the gospel. But this Saturday, October 3rd, we're doing a Christian response to Islam. 7:00pm this is North Myrtle beach, the Greg Rolls Theater. Islam, Sharia law, the future of America. Bert, we've got two former Muslims now devout followers of Jesus. one is a college professor, one does consulting for our government, for national security. Former Muslims, now believers. And Bert, by God's grace, we've just got a few seats left, but if you. And it's free, the event is free, but we need you to register because space is limited and we have a lot of security. Very safe and secure. But if you go to my website, which is Alex McFarland.com this Saturday night, you'll learn about Islam and how to share Christ effectively. And frankly, with the rise of Islam in the West, Europe and America, it needs to influence how we vote too, because we must remain a constitutional republic. We cannot have Sharia law or any
foreign law or communism.
Or communism. But, let me say a big thank you to Bert, thousands and thousands of people. Like when we had Charlie Kirk, people from 17 states came and people from half a dozen states are coming Saturday night. And I am deeply grateful, of course to Christ, but to Tim Wildmon. Tim Wildmon. we've seen in the 16, now, almost 17 years that I've been with AFA, thousands of people come to Christ. Thousands of people get equipped to defend the biblical worldview because Tim Wildmon has graciously allowed me to talk about what I do on the radio and stuff. And Bert, this truly is a team effort, isn't it?
It really is. And matter of fact, usually on Thursday you're on Today's Issues and he's going to ask you, what's up, Alex? Tomorrow morning. Yeah. Amen. Well, let's jump in. Let's try to finish these seven other woes. That means we won't go into detail with them, but feels like we need to. Verse 14 is about, they are taking advantage of widows. Pretend to care about them, but taking advantage of them. And listen, widows is one of those groups that the NewSong Testament says is special unto the Lord. Now every God's interested in everybody. But orphans and widows, they seem to have a special, place in, in God's vision, don't they, Alex?
Well, they really do. Christ cares about those that are, you know, at least to a degree, defenseless. And so there's a lot of woe for those that would exploit or extort money from widows and those that are otherwise kind of helpless. And so he goes on and there is a lot, like you say, these seven woes, much, much condemnation. And I mean, Jesus says to these, these religious, I mean these super religious people, like in verse 33, you know, you serpents, you generation of vipers, how can you escape the damnation of hell? Isn't that something, Bert, that, I mean, from the eyes of man, people would have said, my goodness, that must be a super good upright guy. But Jesus calls them serpents, vipers and warns them that they're en route to hell. And I think, all of this is a reminder, first of all, the human heart is capable of great sin. But the other thing is there's no outward religion or self righteousness that can get us straight with God. Only through the redemption that comes by faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ and the person of Christ.
Amen. Let me go through this. I tried to do it. And it may not be as clear, but if you're doing a Bible study and you go back over these, this might help again. the first woe that you find there in verse 13 has to do with leading people astray, and blocking their way to heaven. Then they're robbing the widows. And then the woe that's number three in verse 15 has to do with they would go way out of the way to try to find someone to come onto their side. But in reality, they're leading them to hell. That's exactly what he says. Twice as much a son of hell as yourselves. What a statement. Then the fourth woe is the blind leading the blind. They don't know where they're going. They're struggling. They're going through it. They don't know woe number five that you find here in verse 23. They nitpick with others that do not follow their traditions and they ignore God's inward character that he wants them to have. That's what they do. They nitpick. And that's. That would be a legalism that we talked about with, you know, Vance, Havner, Alex. And then woe6 is talking about a cup and it being clean on the outside, but on the inside it's dirty. In other words, you're dirty, sinful on the inside, and you're more interested in what people see than what God knows. And then woe7 is the one that really speaks out so clearly. It talks about whited sepulchers. man, you. You want to know, man, you can't. We can't go near a dead body. They nitpick it together. They was willing to put Jesus to death, but they wouldn't go into the Hall's pilot, pilot of Hall. I'll, get this right in a minute. Pilots hall to talk to him. They sent somebody else in. And then finally, woe number eight that you'll come up to in verse 29 is, rejecting real truth. Alex, these are. And he says, woe unto you. You're leading them wrong. Judgment is coming. So, Alex, if I were in a courtroom and all these charges were brought and every one of them could be proven, that's exactly where it was with the Pharisees and scribes. They were hypocrites and judgment was pronounced on them, wasn't it?
Absolutely, absolutely. And you know, verses 37 through 39 are kind of a great summation because, he says in 29 and 30, you, say, if we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. So Jesus says, you know, that they have been, witnessed against themselves because you are the children of those who killed the prophets. There's a lot we could say. And I would encourage people to read 23 up through the verse 36. But listen to this. Jesus laments over Jerusalem. He says, jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone them which are sent unto you. How often would I have gathered Thy children together, even as I have got a, hen, gathers her chickens under her wings. And you would not behold your house has left you desolate. For I say unto you, you shall not see me henceforth till you shall say, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Now, for one thing, this is amazing. And by the way, this is in, Luke as well. Jesus is indicating that the prophets worked for him. I mean, this is amazing. You stone the prophets and kill those I sent to you. I mean, this is a great, declaration of Christ's deity. And then he says, how often would I have gathered? Now, Bert, he didn't phrase it like this. He didn't say, you know, God could have gathered you under his wings. No, he says, I would have done it. How could Christ claimed to be the one who sent the prophets, claimed to be the one that could gather Israel together and shield them. And because he is God and he is Messiah. And really this. And Lord knows, we are not anti Semitic. We love and support Israel. In fact, Bert, I did an interview an hour ago, as passionately as I could convey, speaking against anti Semitism and for Israel. But when Jesus says, your house is left desolate, I think this prefigures the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. And the fact that the house that the temple, that is. I mean, their identity is their religiosity. And Christ is saying, look, it's empty. the real, the real kingdom of God and the salvation of God is inside by accepting the Messiah of God, something that they hadn't done. And at this point, I don't know that they could even comprehend.
I believe they were willfully blind. And when you're doing that, you're going down a very dark path. Pit which darkness is getting darker. If you've ever gone, like, into a cavern, like Mammoth Caves up in Kentucky, we've been there two, two different times with grandchildren and taking them through. And the deeper you go, it seems like the darker it gets. And that is true spiritually. That's the reason the Bible says today's the day of salvation. You don't want to put it off anyone. No, Alex, there's two or three things real quickly. Jerusalem. Jerusalem. He loves Jerusalem. He loves the Jewish people. Oh, the lament that he gives over that. And, yes, you've killed these. And again, notice what he says here over in Matthew 21:13, when he's cleansing the temple, he calls it my house. You have made my house a den of thieves. Now, two chapters later, three, four chapters later he says, your house is left to you desolate. God had moved out. Okay, God moved out. He's no longer there. Is what you come to, understand. And so here it is. I don't know how to say this any plainer to those of you who are listening. It's a dangerous thing to say no to God one time, but when you continue to say no again and again and again. Oh, Jerusalem, how many times I would have. But you did not. Here we find out the sovereignty of God and man's free will working together to try to override one and without the other. You're missing scriptures. And, we can't explain it all, Alex. I've tried and tried to get it. I just know God is able to bring his will, but our free will as well. And we have that choice. But he is sovereign overall, isn't he?
He really is. He really is. That's why the time to respond to God's overtures and the voice of the Holy Spirit is the minute that you hear God calling. you know the Luke 13 and the Matthew 23 rendering of these verses. Jerusalem, Jerusalem. But you would not let's not that ever have that said of ourselves. Let's say we would respond to Christ. He's calling right now. Stay tuned. We're gonna come back and we'll take your Bible questions here on Exploring the Word. We've got a brief break and we'll be back. Stay with us,
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Welcome back to Exploring the Word.
Hey, here's the phone there.
I'm going to give this, triple 858-98840. Triple 858-98840. If you've got a Bible question, Bert and I would love to hear from, from you and we will do our best to give you a godly, biblical factual answer. And it's early enough in the show that you'll get in if you call. So whatever your Bible question is. 888-589-8840 and Bert, before we get into. I've got, a couple of questions that have come in by email.
Okay, well, let me do this real quick. First, one of the prayer requests that came through, I just wanted to pass it on and Byron, was able to do this from Virginia and he said we need to be praying for the family of Kentucky State Trooper Hayden. And he, he was, he was killed there. And we need to pray for all law enforcement officers. And I just, that really hit me. And they do put every time they pull a car over, regardless of why they've had to pull them over, they're putting, they're putting their life on the line. So we want to all of you who are listening, and we know several law enforcement officers, they listen to exploring the word while they're on patrol. And we're praying for you guys. We. And ladies, we want you to know that.
Well, I thought about that this morning I was reading the news and that trooper that was tragically just, hating Philip.
Is his last name Hayden Phillips?
Indeed. And so thank the Lord. And this is right out of thank the Lord for our peacekeepers and our first responders, our law enforcement. Romans 13:1 7, those that keep the peace, they're actually the ministers of God.
That's what it is. And when you, let me suggest this for pastors, when they have that day, I think it's in January, and they have that recognition. Recognize those guys and just let it be known. Well, we've had people to call in. But one question real quick. Alexand this was a legitimate question, said, you know, when we go and we praise, is when we make much of Jesus more so than God, you know, itself. Does that send the wrong message?
No, I, I don't think you can praise Jesus too much because of the Trinity, because he is God incarnate. people have asked, you know, we pray in the name of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit. we all have prayed that way, I'm sure. could we pray in the name of the Father? Of course. In the name of the Son, in the name of the Holy Spirit or all. Because God is indivisible and you know, Philippians talks about he's the name above all names. I just don't think you can praise Christ too much.
I agree with you. Jesus when his. This is my Son in whom I'm well pleased. the Father made much of Jesus and the Holy Spirit makes much of Jesus. They make much of each other. Jesus said, I came to do the will of my Father. I mean so when you praise, when you praise all. And I do, I do love that. But that was a legitimate question. Somebody was concerned about that and hope that helps. Well, Alex, we've got people online. You ready?
Yes, sir.
Let's go to Laine in Mississippi. Laine, go ahead with your question.
hello.
Yes, you're on. Go right ahead, man.
Hey, so I, this is a kind of a, I don't know if it's a controversial topic or if it's more or less just been argued about recently, but there's a, I've noticed a lot of different opinions online and amongst my social groups and this and that and the other about modern Judaism being a little bit, what's the word Discriminatory of Christianity. And I looked into it a little bit myself and I, I've haven't really been able to find a start to it except for all the way back, you know, when the scribes and Pharisees were trying to make false persecution for Jesus. And so I was just wanting to know, you know, your opinion on modern day Judaism and, and Israel according to the Bible. I've seen so many different things.
Why thank you. Go ahead, Alex.
this great question, let me mention, there is a man named Dr. Micah Brown. He's a born again Jewish man and highly, highly educated man and brilliant and he wrote, I think it's a four volume set called Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus. And it really is pretty much the ultimate set on apologetics by a Jew believer aimed at Jewish people to try to answer the objections they have about Jesus. Now Dr. Brown, we've interviewed him before and he talks about in various parts of the world there are what are called anti. Missionaries, Jewish anti missionaries that are Individuals that are Jewish and they don't like Christianity. And I understand that. but as far as the nation of Israel, the nation of Israel itself, has not, to my knowledge. Now Bert, you correct me if I'm wrong. To my knowledge, I don't think they've been, you know, persecuting of Christians. In fact, I know many Christians in Israel right now. Tim, Wildmon and our group will be there in November, good Lord willing. And you know, individually people can be neutral or hostile, but the nation of Israel, I don't think they've been hostile. In fact, there are many churches over there.
That is my, observation. I'll say it. And as far as the government, man, they are thankful for the Christians that support them. and I've heard that many times. And the churches that are there, and the missionaries who are there that have, I would say the freedom to share the truth about Jesus Christ. I've heard no discriminatory results in that. So that's. That's my thoughts as well. Laine, thank you for that. Good question. Let's go to Tennessee. Danny, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Hey guys. I, listen to you guys on the radio all the time. Really appreciate what you guys do every day. I've just been. I've got a question for you or your opinion, maybe what your thoughts are. I've been seeing a lot of controversy, and talk about this finding in Turkey about Noah's Ark. I just want to get you guys thoughts. What do you think that's all about? Do you think it's a bunch of hoopwa, or do you think it's something that. I mean, this would really be, a historic find for believers.
It would be, Alex. It's come up in my lifetime quite a few times. You know, we may have found it. We did find it. No, that wasn't it. But there is a rising, I would say interest in that, isn't there?
Yeah. And you know, I always kind of get excited when I hear something like this. actually, this is at least 20 years ago when I was president of a, seminary in Charlotte. We had a group over, to give a presentation that had, been to this site in Turkey and. And I'm not going to try to pronounce it because there's a certain district that there is, a geological formation that seems to be, you know, pretty close to the dimensions of what we think Noah's Ark would be. Now, Noah's Ark would be about 450ft long, whereas this geological site is about 515. 515ft long. they're doing some drilling. I just don't know. I'll grant you, if they could definitively find the real, remains of Noah's Ark, that would be huge because people could legitimately say, wow, this coincides with the book of Genesis. And how in the world could something that's the equivalent of a ship, or maybe the fossilized remains of a ship be on a high, high mountain range? it would strongly point to the validity of the Bible. Now, Bert, I'll say this. I believe the book of Genesis anyway. and I think there's a lot of reasons at this point. I'm just going to cautiously say, be careful about jumping on board yet, because we just don't know. But let me one final thing. God's word is still God's word, whether or not this is Noah's Ark. Because one thing we definitively, unequivocally know, the tomb is empty. Christ is risen. He is the Savior. The, the truth of the gospel doesn't hang on whether or not this Turkish site, explored since 1959, can be validated.
Has there been an archaeological find that disproved the Bible that you know of?
Never.
Never. Every one of them that they find proves the scripture to, having two kings at one time and, David really existed. That's happened recently. So, yes, the word of God has proven to be true even before these fines, and it continues to be, and we praise God for it. Hey, we've got room for another caller if you're. You have a question. And that number is 888-589-8840. Let's go to Louisiana and talk to Sheila. Sheila, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Hi, how are you? Can you hear me okay?
Yes, ma'. Am. Yes, ma'. Am.
Okay, great. Look, I have a question. I'm not quite sure how to word it. but it was brought to my attention. I never put too much thought into it until my daughter asked one day how supporting a mother who's having a baby and is not married. So say you have, a couple that's not married. They're having a baby. They're having a baby shower. And you go to the baby shower, bring gifts. Do you think there's anything wrong with that?
Okay, let me share with you. As pastor, I had to deal with that quite a, few times, and we came up with some, I would say some guidelines that baby needs Help that mother needs to know that she is loved and there is hope for her. Thankful no abortion took place. All of that is positive, but yet out of the will of God and got it wrong. So I think you do. I would be sure and get the gift. Alex. This is mine. Go into the shower. It may happen. What we decided to do, the ladies and the Bible. This is Old Testament. Kind of the older ladies teaching the younger ladies. So we would. The ladies that would get in there and they would help, that mother, that unmarried, and say to her, we're helping you, but at the same time, you have, you know, God can forgive you and God can help you, but we're going to help you as much as we can because we want you to come to Christ. And if you are a Christian and you've gotten it out, of order for how God should, be obeyed, we want you to confess and get it right. I think there's a legitimate concern. And here's the thing that we did. We was concerned you stomp out your daughter. That was our concern. That if we make too big a deal out of it in celebrating it, it's telling the younger generation, hey, this is all right. And there is a better way, isn't there, Alex?
There is.
You know, Dr. Jerry Falwell, that, led Liberty University, I heard him say a time or two, there are no illegitimate children. There are some illegitimate parents. But, out of love for the child, I think you can support and advocate for the child without necessarily endorsing the, immorality that had taken place in the lives of the parents.
I think you can. And that's my suggestion, Alex. So a gift. Whether or not the showers to be celebrated and how much. you know, that's. I think that is a cautionary thing. And what it does say to those, that are observing and looking and they have given themselves. We're going to, keep our purity until marriage. I think it says something. And, So Sheila will be praying for you. Thank you for you calling. Hope that helps those others who are listening. Let's go to North Carolina. And it's Randy. Randy. Go right ahead, man.
Good afternoon, gentlemen. Thank you so much for what you do. and. And, Brother Bert, a few minutes ago, when you were teaching, both of you were teaching from, Matthew 23. I like to apply the teachings of Jesus to today. And you made a very profound statement. And you said from that teaching, that. That God had left those individuals. And, And I gather from what you were explaining, both of you explaining was the fact of. That he had sent people and sent. Had sent people, and finally it was time for him to stop because of their sins. And. And we all know that story of Jerusalem and all. But, my comment is, I apply it to the church today. God has opened the doors so many times to the individuals that don't look like us and don't act the way we do in their. They're bound by their sins of addictions and the strongholds of life, and we turn them away. We may turn them away one at a time. we may turn. Turn them away time after time, but the churches around are dying because of this.
Wow.
Jesus is teaching. I'm sending you these people, but you still turn them away time after time. So I. I don't. God says I don't have a need for this building anymore.
Wow. Lotus comment. I think that your comment and Sheila's question about, you know, the baby shower. We're to help them and love them and care of them. If I understand what he's saying, he was talking about the temple. Your house is left unto you desolate, you know. So anyway, Alex, Steve from Kentucky. Listen, I hope you'll call back tomorrow. We just do not have time to go. When we do that, we usually cut you short, and it makes everything not work well. But call us back tomorrow, and we'd love to hear from you. Well, Alex, we start on chapters 24 and 25. We're getting into future events. so everybody be ready. This is exciting, isn't it?
Well, it really is. It's called the Olivet Discourse, which may be a period of history we're closer to than any of us realize. Hey, in the meantime, let me just say, please pray for the upcoming election. I mean, really, this is a very critical election. I was on the phone with David Barton earlier, Bert, talking about how so much about our freedoms and our soul as a nation hangs in the balance. This is exploring the Word. We thank you for listening, Bert and Alex. Brent Austin. Hey, tell somebody about exploring the Word. If you would, most of all, tell everybody about Jesus. The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
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.
Welcome to the program today. Alex McFarland here along with Bert Harper. You're listening to the American Family Radio Network. And we're in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 23. And as we finished up yesterday, we had great day of prayer request and for some of you that listened, I mean, you know, the Tuesday days of prayer and prayer requests, the Lord has just really used that in a great way. And we give God the glory. And to everybody that shares prayer requests on Tuesdays, we feel very privileged that people would open up and share their heart. And we, are going to, later on in the program, take questions. But yesterday, as we wrapped up Chapter 22 of Matthew, Jesus, ah, had answered the accusers, the questioners, the scribes, the Pharisees, the Herodians. And it said after this no man was able to answer him. And they just didn't ask him any more questions. And so, Bert, I got to tell you, I thought it was with amazing, gentleness and certainly wisdom and grace and power that Jesus responded to those who were being very accusatory. God the Son here to be our Savior, he just wouldn't be tripped up or painted into a corner, would he?
He would not. And speaking of the way he answered, if we could only learn, we would be a lot more effective answering that way with calmness and clarity than outrage. And yeah, I understand there's a time for, Jesus overturned the tables, There's a time for that. But when he was trying to show them where they were, notice how he did that. He did it in such a way. But in chapter 23 he moves on to characterize them as, let me just put it in a, you know, two words, false teachers and very false. And we want to look at that, chapter 23, there's eight woes. woe unto them. Woe unto them. And it was those scribes and Pharisees, because, Alex, they should have been the one that recognized the Messiah. They should have been the one that would lift him up. They should have been the ones that would go and tell others, but in place of receiving, they rejected and then they tried to do everything against him. So chapter 23 is a pretty severe chapter. following that as he would tell them, all the damage that they were doing. So Alex, he spoke to the multitudes and his disciples. So when I see that the disciples is more than just these apostles. Okay, sometimes we get it mixed up. No, these are the people that. That were already started following Christ and then others that were looking on and, they were considering. So this is quite a moment here in chapter 23.
Well, it really is. And what it is, it's condemnation. The, the scribes and the Pharisees, they were religious and they were, quick to let people know about it. They were proud of their humility, and they were, just very, very, glad about their righteousness. And the first 12 verses of chapter 23 is one thing that stands out to me. You know, they want you to observe whatever they observe, and they put heavy burdens on people. And this is just legalism, really, and works righteousness for a show. But verse 5 says, but all their works they do for to be seen of men. In other words, look at me. Look at me. True piety, true godliness is an internal thing. I mean, we. We're not ashamed to say we follow Jesus, we live for the Lord, but we're not doing it to impress anybody. But we're doing it because of a personal relationship with Christ and intimacy with the Lord, not to be seen of men. But verse five, Interesting. They make broad their phylacteries and enlarge the borders of their garments. Okay, now a phylactery is a little bitty container. I've seen several of these on, people's houses. That. I mean, it could be. Imagine a quarter inch by a quarter inch by about 4 inches long. And rolled up in it could, be a number of scriptures, but Most likely Deuteronomy 6, the Shema. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one. But to make broad the phylactery, okay, they would tie it maybe around their arm, or put it on their forehead, like, okay, I've got the word of God foremost in my heart or mind. But, Bert, before we talk about creating, I mean, imagine you've got one of these tiny little things discreetly on your person that you're carrying God's word with you. That, Okay, I get that. Imagine you tied a shoebox around your arm because I've got so much scripture bound on my person. But, Bert, when the Bible says to keep God's word on the doorpost of our house and heart, no problem. And to keep God's word ever before our eyes, I mean, it's a priority. We think about it. Doesn't mean that we need to, carry around a family Bible, does it? I mean, that might be kind of,
ostentatious, you know, hey, that's what they wanted. And notice, real quickly in verse three, whatever they tell you to observe that observe and do, but do not do according to their works. For they say and do not do, they tell them one thing to do. But in their life, even in their heart, in their private life, they're not following it, but they're quick to do that. And they have these to show, look who I am. They want position, and they want, I would say, a matter of honor. They want to sit in the highest places. They want to be seen in the synagogue. they want to be called certain, names. Position means more to them than practice. Okay. They broadened their helm, make them look better, had the phylacteries to make them. Oh, man, I've got God's word. But in reality, no, in reality. And he's going to get to this. Let me get ahead of it a little bit. inside they were full of dead men's bones. They were dead. Even though they looked good on the outside, on the inside they were lacking. And you can't help but remember when Samuel went to Bethlehem, to Jesse's home, to find the next king after Saul, God told him, he said, don't look on the outside, look on the heart. God is always looking past the mask, isn't he?
He really is. And you know, Vance Havner, folks, if you're maybe new to exploring the word, Bert and I, we have heroes, that we quote, with regularity, one of whom is Adrian Rogers, one of whom is Vance Havner, and, several others, Billy Graham and Charles. Charles, yeah. So you'll get really acquainted with our heroes, I think. But Vance Havner was talking to somebody about legalism, and, Vance Havner was like, I'm not sure that guy really knows the Lord. He's outwardly religious. And somebody said, Dr. Havner, I'll have you know, he's as straight as a gun barrel. And Vance Savner said, yes, and every bit is empty. You've heard that quote?
I remember. Yes.
But you know, the thing is, okay, should we live right. Of course. Should we live biblically? Of course. Should we pursue Christlikeness? Of course. But our relationship with Jesus is not about, what we do or don't do. It's about, have we been born again? And Christ's warning here, they want to be seen of men. They love the uppermost rooms at the feast, the chief seats in the synagogues. They love to be greeted in the market. Verse 7. To be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. And verse 8. Be not ye called rabbi. For one is your master, even Christ and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth. For one is your father. You'll notice in verse nine, the first rendering of the word father is a lowercase letter. F. Yes. And the second one is uppercase. The heavenly Father. Neither be called masters. Let me say this, and, Bert, you feel free to respond. When I went into the ministry, I felt very much called to the ministry. Do feel called to the ministry. And, Angie and I got married, and I, was a youth pastor and then ordained after I finished seminary. And people, began to say, you know, Reverend, this and that. Reverend Alex. And I always felt a little bit, you know, uncomfortable, because, look, I'm just a guy. I love the Lord. I'm a safe sinner. I'm a Christian. But every now and then, I'd be maybe up at the convenience store. And whenever I walked in, you know, all of the language stopped. And somebody that might say a bad word would say, I'm sorry, Reverend, and I'd say, hey, don't mind me. I'm nobody. I'm just. I love the lord. Alex McFarland listening. That doesn't matter. Is Jesus listening?
Amen.
You know what I mean?
You bet. I've had those same things. And I, told him. I said, well, I don't like to hear it, but do you think God does?
Amen.
And so it has helped verses 11 and 12 bring it all together. Now, this is, verses 2 through 10. Yeah, man, he's. But listen to what God says. We should be. Here it is. This is powerful, Alex. Verses 11 and 12. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. Wow. And whoever exalts himself will be abased. And he who humbles himself will be served exalted. Alex, there it is our character, who we are. listen, it's all about Christ. And we're to serve. I remember first time I ever heard the term servant leadership or leadership being a servant. it is. Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. And, that's who we are. We've been bought with a price. We're to glorify God in our bodies, and we're to serve another. So he this. Verses 11 and 12 is right. The opposite of the scribes and Pharisees. You know, he's described them and now he gives them the opposite of that. And it's to be servants, isn't it?
Well, it is. Verse 13 should really be a wake up call, really to every Christian, but certainly to everyone in the ministry. Jesus says, woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you shut up. The kingdom of heaven against men. Now, what that really means is you close the door and make it harder for people to come to Christ, not easier. In fact, maybe there are even people lost, that were turned away from trusting Jesus because of the words or actions of some clergy. What we're to do is to our utmost ability, open up the understanding of salvation.
Amen.
We need to make it, as, you know, different ones would say, clear enough for a child to understand. And, you know, I think that's why, if ever you do a wedding, you might have heard the phrase or used the phrase like, enter into it advisedly, soberly. You know, marriage is a very somber thing to enter into. Well, the ministry is a very somber thing to enter into now. It's a joy, believe me, it's a blessing. But here's the thing. Heaven forbid that something we said or did push people away from Jesus, not drew them to Jesus. no man lives unto himself. In other words, our actions, our posture, our reactions, our life, it has influence on people, and we need to be very, very mindful of that. These Pharisees and scribes weren't.
They were not. Have you ever heard this? Your life speaks so loudly. I can't hear what you're saying. Listen. Our walk and our talk need to work together, not against one another. So live by faith. Serve Christ. Love him with all your heart, soul and mind. We'll be back with more right after the break here on exploring the word foreign.
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.net give that's afr.net
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praise him for friends and family, for the very air we breathe, for having everything we need. Won't somebody come praise the Lord with me?
Amen. That's what we want to do on Exploring the Word we're going to praise. And speaking of that, we not only get prayer requests on, you know, at our Facebook and wordfr.net, but we also get praises. But we want to talk about the podcast a little bit. Brent, tell people about that. You know, I hear it has improved. Is that right?
It's improved greatly, thanks to Miss, Maisie Warren that works here with us in American Family Studios. she's, getting us more advanced information, more transcript, more links, and it's really paid off. I mean, it looks great. And we're getting a lot more, response to it.
Yeah, we're getting a lot of. They call it traffic in the. Lots of traffic. And, the prayer request, man, that was yesterday. Tell us a little bit about what happened after the program went off.
We were getting them left and right as. As we were going off the air still, and I was trying to, get links and send those to you and Alex by texting so you could at least know what we had that you didn't know about, and you could be praying for those. So I don't want people to think that once we go out there and we're done with you. No, it's nowhere near that. We still check everything, and we still praying for you guys, and we love you all, and we thank you so much for, listening to us and supporting us.
And Brent, we don't want to brag on him too much, Alex, but, that presence has really improved since Brent has come on board, hasn't it?
He really has. And you know the thing I want to brag on Brent Austin, because his heart is in this. I mean, he's got the skills. He runs that board. You should see, folks, if you ever come up to AFR, the, the soundboard, has probably 500 knobs on it. I don't even. I don't even walk near it. I'm like, I don't. A little voice at me says, don't touch that. Brent runs that board, but he's got the skills, but he's got the heart, too. And don't you appreciate that?
I do. I appreciate we have fun with one another. But we, the three guys here, plus Marty, who runs the camera, and Richard, who answers the phone, all five of us love the Lord Jesus Christ, and we take the honor of being on this program, as God is calling in our life.
Quite a team of misfits, right?
Hey, God, it's amazing who God uses, and I'm the number one evidence that. Alex, I know we need to get back to the. To the Bible study, but you got Something big going on this weekend, I hear. And I hear there's a little few spaces left if people can get in. Is that right?
God bless you. Thank you so much. Well, you know, we've done Biblical Worldview apologetics for many, many years. And here in the last three years we've done a series we call Conversations that Matter. And, we've done most of these Conversations that Matter in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. There's all these theaters and one I want to give a big shout out to, the Greg Rolls Legacy Theater. Brad and Ladonna Alexander, godly people. Greg Rolls, who is a country music star and kind of a local legend around here. The Greg Rolls Theater. They're all devout believers. they may be listening right now. And Greg Rolls does these wonderful family friendly music shows and pretty soon they'll be starting their Christmas shows. But they rent their theater out to us many times. We've had incredible people there like Rick Metaxas and Jenna Ellis and Charlie Kirk and, Dinesh d', Souza, Gary Chapman and Bert, let me just say, to rent out a major world class theater on a Saturday night that shows commitment to the gospel. But this Saturday, October 3rd, we're doing a Christian response to Islam. 7:00pm this is North Myrtle beach, the Greg Rolls Theater. Islam, Sharia law, the future of America. Bert, we've got two former Muslims now devout followers of Jesus. one is a college professor, one does consulting for our government, for national security. Former Muslims, now believers. And Bert, by God's grace, we've just got a few seats left, but if you. And it's free, the event is free, but we need you to register because space is limited and we have a lot of security. Very safe and secure. But if you go to my website, which is Alex McFarland.com this Saturday night, you'll learn about Islam and how to share Christ effectively. And frankly, with the rise of Islam in the West, Europe and America, it needs to influence how we vote too, because we must remain a constitutional republic. We cannot have Sharia law or any
foreign law or communism.
Or communism. But, let me say a big thank you to Bert, thousands and thousands of people. Like when we had Charlie Kirk, people from 17 states came and people from half a dozen states are coming Saturday night. And I am deeply grateful, of course to Christ, but to Tim Wildmon. Tim Wildmon. we've seen in the 16, now, almost 17 years that I've been with AFA, thousands of people come to Christ. Thousands of people get equipped to defend the biblical worldview because Tim Wildmon has graciously allowed me to talk about what I do on the radio and stuff. And Bert, this truly is a team effort, isn't it?
It really is. And matter of fact, usually on Thursday you're on Today's Issues and he's going to ask you, what's up, Alex? Tomorrow morning. Yeah. Amen. Well, let's jump in. Let's try to finish these seven other woes. That means we won't go into detail with them, but feels like we need to. Verse 14 is about, they are taking advantage of widows. Pretend to care about them, but taking advantage of them. And listen, widows is one of those groups that the NewSong Testament says is special unto the Lord. Now every God's interested in everybody. But orphans and widows, they seem to have a special, place in, in God's vision, don't they, Alex?
Well, they really do. Christ cares about those that are, you know, at least to a degree, defenseless. And so there's a lot of woe for those that would exploit or extort money from widows and those that are otherwise kind of helpless. And so he goes on and there is a lot, like you say, these seven woes, much, much condemnation. And I mean, Jesus says to these, these religious, I mean these super religious people, like in verse 33, you know, you serpents, you generation of vipers, how can you escape the damnation of hell? Isn't that something, Bert, that, I mean, from the eyes of man, people would have said, my goodness, that must be a super good upright guy. But Jesus calls them serpents, vipers and warns them that they're en route to hell. And I think, all of this is a reminder, first of all, the human heart is capable of great sin. But the other thing is there's no outward religion or self righteousness that can get us straight with God. Only through the redemption that comes by faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ and the person of Christ.
Amen. Let me go through this. I tried to do it. And it may not be as clear, but if you're doing a Bible study and you go back over these, this might help again. the first woe that you find there in verse 13 has to do with leading people astray, and blocking their way to heaven. Then they're robbing the widows. And then the woe that's number three in verse 15 has to do with they would go way out of the way to try to find someone to come onto their side. But in reality, they're leading them to hell. That's exactly what he says. Twice as much a son of hell as yourselves. What a statement. Then the fourth woe is the blind leading the blind. They don't know where they're going. They're struggling. They're going through it. They don't know woe number five that you find here in verse 23. They nitpick with others that do not follow their traditions and they ignore God's inward character that he wants them to have. That's what they do. They nitpick. And that's. That would be a legalism that we talked about with, you know, Vance, Havner, Alex. And then woe6 is talking about a cup and it being clean on the outside, but on the inside it's dirty. In other words, you're dirty, sinful on the inside, and you're more interested in what people see than what God knows. And then woe7 is the one that really speaks out so clearly. It talks about whited sepulchers. man, you. You want to know, man, you can't. We can't go near a dead body. They nitpick it together. They was willing to put Jesus to death, but they wouldn't go into the Hall's pilot, pilot of Hall. I'll, get this right in a minute. Pilots hall to talk to him. They sent somebody else in. And then finally, woe number eight that you'll come up to in verse 29 is, rejecting real truth. Alex, these are. And he says, woe unto you. You're leading them wrong. Judgment is coming. So, Alex, if I were in a courtroom and all these charges were brought and every one of them could be proven, that's exactly where it was with the Pharisees and scribes. They were hypocrites and judgment was pronounced on them, wasn't it?
Absolutely, absolutely. And you know, verses 37 through 39 are kind of a great summation because, he says in 29 and 30, you, say, if we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. So Jesus says, you know, that they have been, witnessed against themselves because you are the children of those who killed the prophets. There's a lot we could say. And I would encourage people to read 23 up through the verse 36. But listen to this. Jesus laments over Jerusalem. He says, jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone them which are sent unto you. How often would I have gathered Thy children together, even as I have got a, hen, gathers her chickens under her wings. And you would not behold your house has left you desolate. For I say unto you, you shall not see me henceforth till you shall say, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Now, for one thing, this is amazing. And by the way, this is in, Luke as well. Jesus is indicating that the prophets worked for him. I mean, this is amazing. You stone the prophets and kill those I sent to you. I mean, this is a great, declaration of Christ's deity. And then he says, how often would I have gathered? Now, Bert, he didn't phrase it like this. He didn't say, you know, God could have gathered you under his wings. No, he says, I would have done it. How could Christ claimed to be the one who sent the prophets, claimed to be the one that could gather Israel together and shield them. And because he is God and he is Messiah. And really this. And Lord knows, we are not anti Semitic. We love and support Israel. In fact, Bert, I did an interview an hour ago, as passionately as I could convey, speaking against anti Semitism and for Israel. But when Jesus says, your house is left desolate, I think this prefigures the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. And the fact that the house that the temple, that is. I mean, their identity is their religiosity. And Christ is saying, look, it's empty. the real, the real kingdom of God and the salvation of God is inside by accepting the Messiah of God, something that they hadn't done. And at this point, I don't know that they could even comprehend.
I believe they were willfully blind. And when you're doing that, you're going down a very dark path. Pit which darkness is getting darker. If you've ever gone, like, into a cavern, like Mammoth Caves up in Kentucky, we've been there two, two different times with grandchildren and taking them through. And the deeper you go, it seems like the darker it gets. And that is true spiritually. That's the reason the Bible says today's the day of salvation. You don't want to put it off anyone. No, Alex, there's two or three things real quickly. Jerusalem. Jerusalem. He loves Jerusalem. He loves the Jewish people. Oh, the lament that he gives over that. And, yes, you've killed these. And again, notice what he says here over in Matthew 21:13, when he's cleansing the temple, he calls it my house. You have made my house a den of thieves. Now, two chapters later, three, four chapters later he says, your house is left to you desolate. God had moved out. Okay, God moved out. He's no longer there. Is what you come to, understand. And so here it is. I don't know how to say this any plainer to those of you who are listening. It's a dangerous thing to say no to God one time, but when you continue to say no again and again and again. Oh, Jerusalem, how many times I would have. But you did not. Here we find out the sovereignty of God and man's free will working together to try to override one and without the other. You're missing scriptures. And, we can't explain it all, Alex. I've tried and tried to get it. I just know God is able to bring his will, but our free will as well. And we have that choice. But he is sovereign overall, isn't he?
He really is. He really is. That's why the time to respond to God's overtures and the voice of the Holy Spirit is the minute that you hear God calling. you know the Luke 13 and the Matthew 23 rendering of these verses. Jerusalem, Jerusalem. But you would not let's not that ever have that said of ourselves. Let's say we would respond to Christ. He's calling right now. Stay tuned. We're gonna come back and we'll take your Bible questions here on Exploring the Word. We've got a brief break and we'll be back. Stay with us,
Friend.
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Welcome back to Exploring the Word.
Hey, here's the phone there.
I'm going to give this, triple 858-98840. Triple 858-98840. If you've got a Bible question, Bert and I would love to hear from, from you and we will do our best to give you a godly, biblical factual answer. And it's early enough in the show that you'll get in if you call. So whatever your Bible question is. 888-589-8840 and Bert, before we get into. I've got, a couple of questions that have come in by email.
Okay, well, let me do this real quick. First, one of the prayer requests that came through, I just wanted to pass it on and Byron, was able to do this from Virginia and he said we need to be praying for the family of Kentucky State Trooper Hayden. And he, he was, he was killed there. And we need to pray for all law enforcement officers. And I just, that really hit me. And they do put every time they pull a car over, regardless of why they've had to pull them over, they're putting, they're putting their life on the line. So we want to all of you who are listening, and we know several law enforcement officers, they listen to exploring the word while they're on patrol. And we're praying for you guys. We. And ladies, we want you to know that.
Well, I thought about that this morning I was reading the news and that trooper that was tragically just, hating Philip.
Is his last name Hayden Phillips?
Indeed. And so thank the Lord. And this is right out of thank the Lord for our peacekeepers and our first responders, our law enforcement. Romans 13:1 7, those that keep the peace, they're actually the ministers of God.
That's what it is. And when you, let me suggest this for pastors, when they have that day, I think it's in January, and they have that recognition. Recognize those guys and just let it be known. Well, we've had people to call in. But one question real quick. Alexand this was a legitimate question, said, you know, when we go and we praise, is when we make much of Jesus more so than God, you know, itself. Does that send the wrong message?
No, I, I don't think you can praise Jesus too much because of the Trinity, because he is God incarnate. people have asked, you know, we pray in the name of the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit. we all have prayed that way, I'm sure. could we pray in the name of the Father? Of course. In the name of the Son, in the name of the Holy Spirit or all. Because God is indivisible and you know, Philippians talks about he's the name above all names. I just don't think you can praise Christ too much.
I agree with you. Jesus when his. This is my Son in whom I'm well pleased. the Father made much of Jesus and the Holy Spirit makes much of Jesus. They make much of each other. Jesus said, I came to do the will of my Father. I mean so when you praise, when you praise all. And I do, I do love that. But that was a legitimate question. Somebody was concerned about that and hope that helps. Well, Alex, we've got people online. You ready?
Yes, sir.
Let's go to Laine in Mississippi. Laine, go ahead with your question.
hello.
Yes, you're on. Go right ahead, man.
Hey, so I, this is a kind of a, I don't know if it's a controversial topic or if it's more or less just been argued about recently, but there's a, I've noticed a lot of different opinions online and amongst my social groups and this and that and the other about modern Judaism being a little bit, what's the word Discriminatory of Christianity. And I looked into it a little bit myself and I, I've haven't really been able to find a start to it except for all the way back, you know, when the scribes and Pharisees were trying to make false persecution for Jesus. And so I was just wanting to know, you know, your opinion on modern day Judaism and, and Israel according to the Bible. I've seen so many different things.
Why thank you. Go ahead, Alex.
this great question, let me mention, there is a man named Dr. Micah Brown. He's a born again Jewish man and highly, highly educated man and brilliant and he wrote, I think it's a four volume set called Answering Jewish Objections to Jesus. And it really is pretty much the ultimate set on apologetics by a Jew believer aimed at Jewish people to try to answer the objections they have about Jesus. Now Dr. Brown, we've interviewed him before and he talks about in various parts of the world there are what are called anti. Missionaries, Jewish anti missionaries that are Individuals that are Jewish and they don't like Christianity. And I understand that. but as far as the nation of Israel, the nation of Israel itself, has not, to my knowledge. Now Bert, you correct me if I'm wrong. To my knowledge, I don't think they've been, you know, persecuting of Christians. In fact, I know many Christians in Israel right now. Tim, Wildmon and our group will be there in November, good Lord willing. And you know, individually people can be neutral or hostile, but the nation of Israel, I don't think they've been hostile. In fact, there are many churches over there.
That is my, observation. I'll say it. And as far as the government, man, they are thankful for the Christians that support them. and I've heard that many times. And the churches that are there, and the missionaries who are there that have, I would say the freedom to share the truth about Jesus Christ. I've heard no discriminatory results in that. So that's. That's my thoughts as well. Laine, thank you for that. Good question. Let's go to Tennessee. Danny, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Hey guys. I, listen to you guys on the radio all the time. Really appreciate what you guys do every day. I've just been. I've got a question for you or your opinion, maybe what your thoughts are. I've been seeing a lot of controversy, and talk about this finding in Turkey about Noah's Ark. I just want to get you guys thoughts. What do you think that's all about? Do you think it's a bunch of hoopwa, or do you think it's something that. I mean, this would really be, a historic find for believers.
It would be, Alex. It's come up in my lifetime quite a few times. You know, we may have found it. We did find it. No, that wasn't it. But there is a rising, I would say interest in that, isn't there?
Yeah. And you know, I always kind of get excited when I hear something like this. actually, this is at least 20 years ago when I was president of a, seminary in Charlotte. We had a group over, to give a presentation that had, been to this site in Turkey and. And I'm not going to try to pronounce it because there's a certain district that there is, a geological formation that seems to be, you know, pretty close to the dimensions of what we think Noah's Ark would be. Now, Noah's Ark would be about 450ft long, whereas this geological site is about 515. 515ft long. they're doing some drilling. I just don't know. I'll grant you, if they could definitively find the real, remains of Noah's Ark, that would be huge because people could legitimately say, wow, this coincides with the book of Genesis. And how in the world could something that's the equivalent of a ship, or maybe the fossilized remains of a ship be on a high, high mountain range? it would strongly point to the validity of the Bible. Now, Bert, I'll say this. I believe the book of Genesis anyway. and I think there's a lot of reasons at this point. I'm just going to cautiously say, be careful about jumping on board yet, because we just don't know. But let me one final thing. God's word is still God's word, whether or not this is Noah's Ark. Because one thing we definitively, unequivocally know, the tomb is empty. Christ is risen. He is the Savior. The, the truth of the gospel doesn't hang on whether or not this Turkish site, explored since 1959, can be validated.
Has there been an archaeological find that disproved the Bible that you know of?
Never.
Never. Every one of them that they find proves the scripture to, having two kings at one time and, David really existed. That's happened recently. So, yes, the word of God has proven to be true even before these fines, and it continues to be, and we praise God for it. Hey, we've got room for another caller if you're. You have a question. And that number is 888-589-8840. Let's go to Louisiana and talk to Sheila. Sheila, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Hi, how are you? Can you hear me okay?
Yes, ma'. Am. Yes, ma'. Am.
Okay, great. Look, I have a question. I'm not quite sure how to word it. but it was brought to my attention. I never put too much thought into it until my daughter asked one day how supporting a mother who's having a baby and is not married. So say you have, a couple that's not married. They're having a baby. They're having a baby shower. And you go to the baby shower, bring gifts. Do you think there's anything wrong with that?
Okay, let me share with you. As pastor, I had to deal with that quite a, few times, and we came up with some, I would say some guidelines that baby needs Help that mother needs to know that she is loved and there is hope for her. Thankful no abortion took place. All of that is positive, but yet out of the will of God and got it wrong. So I think you do. I would be sure and get the gift. Alex. This is mine. Go into the shower. It may happen. What we decided to do, the ladies and the Bible. This is Old Testament. Kind of the older ladies teaching the younger ladies. So we would. The ladies that would get in there and they would help, that mother, that unmarried, and say to her, we're helping you, but at the same time, you have, you know, God can forgive you and God can help you, but we're going to help you as much as we can because we want you to come to Christ. And if you are a Christian and you've gotten it out, of order for how God should, be obeyed, we want you to confess and get it right. I think there's a legitimate concern. And here's the thing that we did. We was concerned you stomp out your daughter. That was our concern. That if we make too big a deal out of it in celebrating it, it's telling the younger generation, hey, this is all right. And there is a better way, isn't there, Alex?
There is.
You know, Dr. Jerry Falwell, that, led Liberty University, I heard him say a time or two, there are no illegitimate children. There are some illegitimate parents. But, out of love for the child, I think you can support and advocate for the child without necessarily endorsing the, immorality that had taken place in the lives of the parents.
I think you can. And that's my suggestion, Alex. So a gift. Whether or not the showers to be celebrated and how much. you know, that's. I think that is a cautionary thing. And what it does say to those, that are observing and looking and they have given themselves. We're going to, keep our purity until marriage. I think it says something. And, So Sheila will be praying for you. Thank you for you calling. Hope that helps those others who are listening. Let's go to North Carolina. And it's Randy. Randy. Go right ahead, man.
Good afternoon, gentlemen. Thank you so much for what you do. and. And, Brother Bert, a few minutes ago, when you were teaching, both of you were teaching from, Matthew 23. I like to apply the teachings of Jesus to today. And you made a very profound statement. And you said from that teaching, that. That God had left those individuals. And, And I gather from what you were explaining, both of you explaining was the fact of. That he had sent people and sent. Had sent people, and finally it was time for him to stop because of their sins. And. And we all know that story of Jerusalem and all. But, my comment is, I apply it to the church today. God has opened the doors so many times to the individuals that don't look like us and don't act the way we do in their. They're bound by their sins of addictions and the strongholds of life, and we turn them away. We may turn them away one at a time. we may turn. Turn them away time after time, but the churches around are dying because of this.
Wow.
Jesus is teaching. I'm sending you these people, but you still turn them away time after time. So I. I don't. God says I don't have a need for this building anymore.
Wow. Lotus comment. I think that your comment and Sheila's question about, you know, the baby shower. We're to help them and love them and care of them. If I understand what he's saying, he was talking about the temple. Your house is left unto you desolate, you know. So anyway, Alex, Steve from Kentucky. Listen, I hope you'll call back tomorrow. We just do not have time to go. When we do that, we usually cut you short, and it makes everything not work well. But call us back tomorrow, and we'd love to hear from you. Well, Alex, we start on chapters 24 and 25. We're getting into future events. so everybody be ready. This is exciting, isn't it?
Well, it really is. It's called the Olivet Discourse, which may be a period of history we're closer to than any of us realize. Hey, in the meantime, let me just say, please pray for the upcoming election. I mean, really, this is a very critical election. I was on the phone with David Barton earlier, Bert, talking about how so much about our freedoms and our soul as a nation hangs in the balance. This is exploring the Word. We thank you for listening, Bert and Alex. Brent Austin. Hey, tell somebody about exploring the Word. If you would, most of all, tell everybody about Jesus. The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
Join hosts Alex McFarland and Bert Harper on American Family Radio’s Exploring the Word as they journey through the severe warnings and grief of Matthew 23. In this episode, Alex and Bert break down Jesus’ condemnation of the scribes and Pharisees, unpacking the eight woes directed at religious legalism, spiritual hypocrisy, and outer show versus inner transformation. They discuss the dangers of legalistic burdens, pride in religious titles, and Jesus' emotional lament over Jerusalem's rejection. The hosts also address listener questions regarding modern Judaism, archaeological claims surrounding Noah's Ark, and how the local church can minister with grace to unwed mothers while honoring biblical truth.
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