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.
Bert Harper One of the things that I just enjoy doing studying the Scriptures is look at the movements we've been talking about. Jesus withdrawing from, uh, you know, the crowds and going, uh, to isolated, uh, places. Chapter 17 is a perfect example of this as we start today. In verse 9 he comes down from the mountain. And then in verse 14 it says, Then they came to the multitudes. 22 they were staying in Galilee. And then in verse 24 they came to Capernaum. Now these are all important. And because in chapter 16 he told his disciples, I've got to go to Jerusalem. And these steps are on his way to Jerusalem. Well, this is Bert Harper along with Dr. Alex McFarland M and it's our joy to be with you today as we open the Word of God and read and study it. And we hope you can join us. If you have the opportunity to open your Bibles, you can do that. But if you're listening, just listen. We'll share it with you and make it as plain as we can so we can all grow in the Lord. Alex, again, I'm enjoying this journey through the book of Matthew. And uh, every time I study a book like this, I see new things that I did not see before. That's the amazing part of the Word of God, isn't it?
Alex McFarland Well, it really is, Bert. It's great to be with you. And we're in Matthew chapter 17. And yesterday as we were wrapping up 16, uh, Christ was trying to explain to his disciples about his upcoming crucifixion and resurrection. And uh, he says, whoever will save his life will lose it. Whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it. Very, uh, powerful words. And then, uh, that enigmatic phrase yesterday. There are some here that will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom. Now, in other words, some of you will get to see my resurrected and glorified body is really what that means. But chapter 17, Bert, I've always loved chapter 17, always been very fascinated by it. And it says after six days Jesus takes Peter, James and Jon and uh, brings them up to a mountain high apart and was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment or his clothing was as White as the light. Bert, these first two verses, um, and I don't know, some have said maybe it was like a day off for the disciples. Uh, everybody's out doing something else except for Peter, James and Jon. You know, I remember when we've talked about how doubting Thomas after the resurrection, Thomas initially wasn't with them, and then they said, we've seen the Lord, he's risen. Thomas said, I want believe unless I see the nail prints in his hands. Well, um, I don't know where everybody was. I don't know, uh, where Thomas was after the resurrection. But here's the thing. Um, if you stick close to Jesus, you'll see and experience glorious things. Peter, James and Jon, they got to be a part of one of history's most significant consequential days. They go up there and they see the Son of God in his glory. He is transfigured, transformed. We've, um, said this. The veil of his humanity was momentarily pulled back to reveal the explosive brightness of his deity. I bet they were really glad they stayed with Jesus that day.
Bert Harper Amen. I agree with you. Notice the term Jesus took them. Uh, I believe these are the three guys that Jesus. This, this is his inner circle. These are guys. Now, he loved all 12 of them. And there's no doubt, but you find these three at special times. There are some people that God uses at special times and it's never wasted and it's not for their necessarily benefit. It's for the ministry that they could have because of it. And I believe that is the case here. Uh, these two, these three, uh, they were going to talk about it, they were going to share it, and, uh, they would share it with the other nine. Uh, but not until, not until Jesus put restrictions on what they saw later on and notice who appeared with them. Moses and Elijah appeared to them. And I love this, and I underlined it in my Bible, talking with him. They was having a conversation. And, uh, you know, here it is. Moses, the law receiver. Some people call him the law giver. God gave the law, he received it and then shared it. And then Elijah, a prophet, a great prophet, talking with him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, uh, lord, it's good for us to be here. That's right. If you wish, let us make, oh, three tabernacles. One for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. The only thing I got to say about this, uh, at least he put Jesus first. Alex, go ahead.
Alex McFarland Exactly. Listen, there's no tabernacle going to be built for Moses. Or Elijah, you know, uh, a house of worship or a building to commune with the true and living God. It's only. And. And I. I don't know, um, if it meant just, you know, structures. But I've often kind of thought, um, about the humor of this. Talk about an understatement. Peter says, it is good for us to be here. Hey, we're up on this mountain. Here's the Son of God in all of his glory. My goodness. Here's two venerated Old Testament saints, Moses and Elijah. I don't know if they just were so dumbfounded and awestruck. They thought maybe, hey, we're, we're in heaven now. We've left Earth. Uh, I want to say this. When, uh, you're on a mountaintop, it's not the natural inclination to want to go down again, is it?
Bert Harper It is not the one thing that I find interesting. Moses. Okay, let me see. Do you remember when he was out on the desert and he saw a, ah, bush burning? That was about being consumed. You're talking about understatement. He said, I'm going to turn aside and look at this and see this. And so, the Bible, I love this part. Look at it. You could do a whole series of sermons on understatements in the Bible. I mean, you catch what I mean by understatements? And, uh, it doesn't mean they're not true, but it's like, man, yeah, it's good for us to be here. It's wild that we're here. We're here to see this. This is amazing. So, but they were still speaking. So this was a conversation. They talked. That's what it says in verse three. And then while they were still speaking, Moses is, uh, doing it. And Peter was talking. So he was hearing this conversation. A bright cloud overshadowed them. Suddenly, a voice came out of the cloud saying, this is my beloved Son, in whom I am, um, well pleased. Now list these next two words. Hear him, Alex. I'll throw it back to you in just a second. But those two words are important. What has he just told them before? He was going to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things. Guess what he's going to do in just a little while, he's going to tell them again and remind them, I'm going to go to Jerusalem and suffer.
Bert Harper Hear him.
Bert Harper The preparation that God did for these three guys, these three apostles, uh, he was getting them ready because he had a big task for them, didn't he?
Alex McFarland Absolutely. Absolutely. He did have a big task. And, um, I Don't mean to go so slowly, because I know in Matthew We've got 28 chapters, but. Bert, may we talk about mountains for a minute?
Bert Harper Go ahead, man. They're so. Okay, you want to name them or are you going to do selective mountains?
Alex McFarland Well, mountains figure very prominently in God's word, don't they?
Really?
Bert Harper They do. Amen.
Alex McFarland Of course, one of history's most famous mountains is Mount Sinai. And there was the giving of the law to Moses there. And a big, incredibly, uh, significant mountain is Mount Calvary, and the grace of God, Christ suffered and paid our sin debt. There's another mountain that I think of, and whenever we go to the Holy Land, it's so moving as the Mount of Olives, where Christ returns. Right. Now, I think about this. This is just amazing that they're on the Mount of Transfiguration. And listen, um, Christian, uh, history. There are two mountains that have been identified. Some have said that it was Mount Tabor, you know, um, and in fact, I believe it's on Mount Tabor that there is a church called the Church of the Transfiguration that's been there since about the second or third century. Now, some have said Mount Hermon, uh, because maybe it's a little closer to. To Caesarea Philippi, but both of Mount Tabor, which has the longer tradition among Christians as being, you know, the Mount of Transfiguration, both of them are very, very high mountains. And it says an exceedingly high mountain, uh, where this took place. But there's Moses and Elijah. Now, when I think about Moses, I think about the burning bush. And here's the thing that I would like to say that when God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, many, um, a scholar believe that was the voice of Jesus, a pre incarnate appearance of Jesus. Because Exodus 3 talks about the angel of the Lord was in the flame. But Exodus 3 also says God said. And, um, you know, I think it's just very significant. Here's Moses again on a mountaintop, this time with Christ there in all of his glory. I mean, definitely all of his, you know, uh, deified glory. And I think about. What a beautiful parallel. Moses. Now, just think about us. The Old Testament is the revelation of God. But it's been said that in the Old Testament was Christ concealed. In the NewSong Testament is Christ revealed. And Bert, um, what voice came out of the burning bush? Well, the voice of God. But here is Jesus, the incarnate Word of the Father. I mean, now the full revelation, it's appropriate that the Mount of transfiguration took place in the NewSong Testament times because Christ was all the more fully revealed.
Bert Harper There's another mountain you think of when you see Moses in Elijah Mount Carmel. Okay, well, yeah, here too, BAAL was defeated. And these two men appear with Jesus on a mountain when two of the most significant things happened in their life, uh, were mountains. So these are quote, mountaintop experiences. But as we continue on hear him, he says in verse 6, when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. Okay. They heard God's voice. They were greatly afraid. Listen, the fear of the Lord. Uh, okay. Have we misspoken? What, you know, what's God going to do? We're in his very presence. That is, um, that is something. And he says, but Jesus came and touched them. Amen. They were afraid. Jesus touched them. Arise and do not be afraid. Here it is. Don't be afraid. Don't be that way. Don't be afraid. God's got something for you. When they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Now, Alex, I love this. And the different versions, uh, have different ways of saying this. The King James, Jesus only Niv. No one except Jesus. But the new American Standard, I just love that. Except Jesus himself alone. Uh, that catches the whole Jesus himself alone. No one stands beside him.
Bert Harper No one.
Bert Harper He is above all. He's in all. He's greater than the law. He's greater than the prophets. And over in the book of Hebrews, he talks about that. And Jesus is so much better.
Bert Harper Better.
Bert Harper So, Alex, the Mount of Transfiguration, it is a powerful picture of Jesus and Jesus alone who is able to connect us with a heavenly father. Only Jesus, isn't it?
Alex McFarland Only Jesus. Well, we're going to continue in Matthew 17. We've got a very brief break. Stay with us and of course we'll get your calls and Bible questions later on in the show. If you've never called in. Hey, let today be the day. You're a first time caller. We'll tell you more about that after this brief break. Please stay tuned.
Bert Harper Hello, I'm, um, 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 that's afr.net give
praising for friends and family, for the very air we breathe, for having everything we need. Won't somebody come Praise the Lord with me.
Bert Harper What a perfect song to tell you about, uh, what we're asking you to do. Uh, we want you to praise the Lord for what God has done in your life by using American Family Radio. Now what we mean by that, we're collecting listener testimonies or listener stories and we're gathering these up for fall Share a thon, which is coming up in October, just not too far away. And we love to play these stories about how God has done a work in individuals lives through American Family Radio. We're not asking you to praise us, we're asking you to praise God for what he's done by letting you hear. Maybe it's this program or another program and you can do that. We just need about a two minute minute or two minutes that you could share what God has done for you and blessed you by using afr. It may be this program, we hear it just about every day. How God has used this program or other programs to, to bless someone, to guide someone, praying for someone. And that number, if you would do that and have this ready, is 8, 7, 7, 8, 7, 6, 8, 8, 9, 3. Let me give it again. Write it down, pray about it. See what you have God to do. Someone praise the Lord with me. That's all asking you to do. 8, 7, 7, 8, 7, 6, 8, 8, 9, 3. Now, Alex, I can just tell you my favorite part of Sharathon is the listener stories, brother.
Alex McFarland Yeah, mine too. And welcome back, everybody. Bert. I appreciate that. You know, um, I've got the great privilege of being on the road many, many, many weekends a year. And it, it's so humbling because no matter where I am, no matter where I am in America, people come up and they, they explain what exploring the word has meant. Many times I've heard testimonies in the last 16 years, Bert. I'm not exaggerating to say probably hundreds of people have come up and said, um, you know, I came back to the Lord through exploring the Word. My marriage got restored. You know, uh, many young people, they say I was in college and my professors just had us, uh, doubting everything. And I listened to you and Bert, and I listened to the Hamilton corner and I listened to Jeff Schrieve and Jenna Ellis, and I got equipped. And so, yeah, call in those testimonies because we're giving God the glory. This is not for us. But, you know, when I'm on the road and people say some very, very kind sentiments about what this show and what this network means, we always say, look to God be the glory. We're just excited as we can be about the scriptures and to see lives changed and to see people everywhere coming to Christ. But Burke, give that number again, folks, if you would call in, please, and just give a minute or so. We're just bragging on Jesus, aren't we?
Bert Harper There, Bert, that's all we want is.
Bert Harper It's 877-876-8893. One more time. 877-87-68893. We would love to hear from you. And we, we. All we do is praise God for what he's done. Uh, Alex, it's been amazing these 15 years that we've done this program together. And you were with Marvin Sanders a year before that. But it's been a great journey is the life, our lives by the people who've called in to ask, uh, questions to ask for prayer for, to give praise. And so just join us. That's all we're saying. Join us in praising God for what he's done.
Alex McFarland Amen. Amen. Well, the word of God is powerful. And Isaiah, uh, 55 says, God's word does not return void. And we make a little bit of commentary. But the scripture has power, and it is the holy Spirit of God that uses the. The scriptures in the hearts of people. And so Jesus is saying to the disciples, um, you know, don't tell this vision until I've risen from the dead. Now I get the picture. They're, like, walking down the mountain. The disciples ask him, why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first? And by the way, this is also in Mark, chapter 9. Jesus answered and said unto them, um, Elijah truly shall first come and restore all things. But I say unto you that Elijah is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they like. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer. Then the disciples understood that he spoke unto them of Jon the Baptist. Let me say this. Um, Jon the Baptist, yes, was a preacher and prophet, much like Elijah. And of course, we read last week about how Jon the Baptist got beheaded, but in terms of Elijah coming and restoring all things, in other words, before the kingdom of heaven is ushered in. Bert, I happen to believe m. I'm not going to be dogmatic about this, but during the tribulation period, the two witnesses of the book of Revelation just might be Moses and Elijah that are there. Um, you know, the plagues of Moses's time are very much like the bowls of wrath during the Tribulation. And, um, of course, you know, Elijah and Moses if they are the two witnesses, just before the end of time and eternity is ushered in, they appear. So that might be how we understand about Elijah appearing before all things, uh, are fulfilled, restored.
Bert Harper It really could be. And a lot of people do that. The only other person that I've heard compete with them is Enoch and Elijah, because neither one of them saw death. And the Bible says it is appointed unto man once to die. So a lot of people do that. We don't know for sure, but it sure would be, I, uh, I, uh, logical, I mean biblically logical for it to be Moses and Elijah, verse 14. Now here it is. Notice again, they went up on the mountain. Now they've come down from the mountain. And now verse 14. And when they had come to the multitude, they've been in isolation, they've been. They've had their quiet time. Okay, uh, you said earlier maybe a day off. Yeah. Jesus would, uh, go away and rest. He rested in the boat, he had time, he went up into the mountain. And so now I think it may have been because from now on, there is no rest. They're headed to Jerusalem. They make their way here. They'll go through Galilee, they'll go through Capernaum, they'll make their way down to Jericho, and then they'll make their way all the way up to Jerusalem. So this is the journey they're taking. But they came down to the multitudes. A man came to him, kneeling to him, saying, lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely, for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. So I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him. Uh, and Jesus answered, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to me. Uh, I don't know if he said it that way or not, but I'm putting that. And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him. And the child was cured from that very hour. Alex, I know you got a lot. Would say a lot, but the word rebuke. That's not the first time we've heard it in this recent scriptures. Let me see. Peter took Jesus aside and what, rebuked him about going to Jerusalem. And no wonder Jesus said, get the behind me, Satan. Now here it is. He rebuked who, Alex? The demon.
Alex McFarland The devil.
Bert Harper Wow. What? You know, it's amazing. Uh, listen, God can use, ah, a lot of folks. Satan doesn't care who he uses to derail the plan. Of God, and he was trying to use Peter to derail God's plan. But here, God rebukes Jesus, rebukes the demon, and the child was cured from that very hour.
Alex McFarland Um, Bert, M. You Remember in Ephesians 5:11 where it says, have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. And some translations will say reprove them. And the word rebuke and reprove are very similar, similar because reprove is like exposure and then a rebuke is like a condemnation, uh, and putting away. And Jesus, for one thing there in verse 18 of Matthew 17, he's exposing the devil. You, uh, know, and there's a lot of stuff that goes on in this world that I think the devil likes to be incognito.
Bert Harper You know, he's either that way or wide open. Uh, uh, there's no. Doesn't seem like the beat needs to be a middle, middle gauge for him. He either wants to be incognito like you said, or he wants to be out there like the Satan worshipers. And you know, so I'm amazed at that. But I agree he does. Like, he's a what, uh, a, ah, wolf in sheep's clothing?
Alex McFarland Oh, he absolutely is not. Do you know what? I was counseling, um, with a family not too long ago, and they've got an adult child that all of a sudden wants to be, ah, a female, not a male. And is such confusion. It's such heartbreak for this family. Um, it's such a destruction of this person's health, all these, you know, hormones and treatments to try to do the impossible, change gender. Without going into a biology lesson, no male can become a female. And first of all, God doesn't make mistakes. The gender you are is the gender that almighty God planned. But here's my point. That is just like the devil to steal and kill and destroy. And in Matthew 17:18 where Christ exposes and rebukes the devil and the child was cured from that very hour, there's some things that we need to say, and this is totally scriptural, that are just demonic. Transgenderism M is demonic. Redefining marriage, trying to legitimize homosexuality, that's demonic. The killing of the unborn, uh, promoting Islam and Marxism. These things are demonic. They're not just, you know, respectful disagreement. This is demonic because it is false, it is ungodly, and it destroys the lives and in many cases the souls of people. And Bert, here's the thing, and I'm going to throw it to you. Um, this is not some Preacher spouting an opinion. This is the objective word of God. And when we in the church, and especially those in the pulpit, call out evil, as we should do, uh, people often say, well, you know, we've all got our opinion. Hey, this is no opinion. This is the word of God. Uh, this is what Almighty God says and he has put in his book. And so I think we need to get back to proclaiming the content of God's word. Proclaiming and standing on, um, the authority of God's word.
Bert Harper Thus says the Lord. This is what God says. And all of these restrictions. Restrictions, okay. Oh, they're trying to restrict me. It's for your good because he loves you. It's not for your harm. It is for your good. Those of you who are listening that are struggling, your child is struggling. It is for their good to do it God's way. And, uh, that's what we need to preach. It's not, yeah, we're calling it out as evil, but it is in love that it is called out for their benefit. And so, um, listen, the disciples came to him and said, why would we. We could not cast him out? Because some versions say little faith. Uh, here it says unbelief. For assuredly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here, there, and it will be moved. Nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind comes out only by prayer and fasting. Alex, uh, again, Jesus is giving instructions. Yes, we have power, but again, it is restricted power that God chooses to use through us. It's not our power to do anything we want. Ask anything I want, and it's going to give unto me. No, Jesus, even when he is here upon earth, the miracles that he did was always to the benefit of others. Anytime he was tempted in his own, uh, you know, in the garden, to do it another way. When he started his ministry and he went into the wilderness and is tempted in those three areas, he did it not he didn't. He could have, but he did it because of his, uh. He did it in his restrictions, because he came to earth and he restricted personally himself not to use that power for his benefit. You can't find it anywhere where he used it for his benefit. So I think we need to look at what we look at and what we ask God for. Is it only for. So would it be easier for me, or will it be for the glory of God? Uh, I'll put it this way. I'm preaching to Bert Harper when I say that Alex, go ahead.
Alex McFarland Well, let me just point out four things that are in 20 and 21. And I realize I'm about to get into controversial territory. It shouldn't be, though. Jesus, um, says this. He's. They said, why could we not cast out this demon? Because, listen, we've got this evil triumvirate, the world, the flesh and the devil that we're contending with. Right? And, uh, why couldn't we cast him out? Jesus said, because of your unbelief. For verily I say unto you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to a yonder place, and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Isn't that amazing? Christ says to these disciples, nothing should be impossible to you. Now, I think to even understand this more fully, read Jon 15 and 16. We where if we're praying and speaking and ministering according to God's word and according to God's will, God will work through us, uh, to do the miraculous, the impossible, the otherwise unachievable. Now it's not us. We have no strength in and of ourselves. In Jon 15:5, of course, Christ said, apart from me, you can do nothing. But Bert, I believe one of the most under reported biblical realities is the authority the believer has indwelt by the spirit of God, uh, living out the scripture, the word of God, and it says faith, voice, influence and intercession. We believe, we speak and proclaim, and we can call a mountain to move. And then we can intercede in prayer and things happen. Well, we've got a break. Here's the number. 888-589-8840. Call us with your Bible question,
Bert Harper Friend.
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Alex McFarland Mhm.
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea. Creations revealing your majesty. From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring, every creature you.
Bert Harper Welcome back to exploring the word.
Alex McFarland The The Lord is indescribable, uncontainable. Praise God for our wonderful Savior. Hey, the number, if you've got a Bible question, it's 888-589-8840. Bert, I'm trying to speak slowly and carefully so it doesn't, uh, bottleneck the data and get garbled, but it's 888-589-8840. And we'll do our best to give you an answer to your Bible question.
Bert Harper We really will. And lines are open so that number. 888-858-9840. We're going to go to Texas and talk to Jared. Jared, you called two days ago. Have you been on the phone waiting since then? You for calling back? Sometimes we can't get to all the calls and so when somebody's been hanging on as long as you did, uh, we give them a heads up, uh, the next day if we can. So go right ahead, brother.
Yeah, it's been a long 36 hours. 48 hours.
Alex McFarland Thank you for holding.
So my question, um, is over Hebrews 10:14. Um, if you don't mind, I'm going to read it from the King James version. For by one offering he has perfected forever them that are sanctified. But if you go to a newer translation like the esv, it transitions to who are being sanctified. So, um, can you explain the difference between these two versions? Are we sanctified now or are we being sanctified? Um, yeah. So that's my question.
Bert Harper Okay, the King James. Read it again in the King James so I can look at that. And look, I've got the new King James. So they'll be. I think there's a little difference even with the new King James. Go ahead, read that again, Jared, if you don't mind.
For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.
Bert Harper Okay, that's it, Alex. The new King James agrees with the others in saying who are being sanctified. Go ahead, Alex.
Alex McFarland Well, and the interesting thing there, the word there in the original language is hagiazo, H, A, G, I, A, Z, O. The letter Z is like, uh, it's called a diphthong. It's dz. Hagiazo, uh, Bert. It's both. And when you come to Christ, uh, and we know sanctification set apart, uh, all right, there's positional sanctification. You are in Christ, you are already saved, forgiven in the eyes of the Lord, you're a saint. I know people always say, yeah, I'm just a saved sinner. And I know we are, but we're actually already sanctified. But then there is the. What's called processional or progressive sanctification, growing and growing and growing in the Lord. So when Hebrews 10:14 says, by one offering, that's Christ on the cross. He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. And I will say in the, uh, Greek, the most normative understanding is those being sanctified. But even that, Bert, being sanctified. In other words, having been sanctified and daily, continually being sanctified, it's not either or, but it's both. And.
Bert Harper And that's the way it. That's the way it should be. Um, I'm sanctified, but guess what? I am being sanctified. We go from faith to faith. Alex, you remember that scripture. But we're to grow, grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Guess what that is. Hey, growth is able to take place because I've been made holy, but I continue to do that because God continues to work in my life. New things come along, I see new things, and God continues to do that. And, uh, it is both and isn't it?
Alex McFarland Well, in a way, this is like a married couple. I mean, uh, praise God. Angie and I have been married, you know, 36 plus years we were married. We are married. And every single day, continually, we are being more and more married together. A cook in the kitchen, I'll say this. I know we got to go. Um, somebody will say, you know, we, you know, put the broth over the rice, and they're married together. You know, cooks will often use the phrase, the flavors are married together. So I let it simmer for two hours. And that's how you were married. You are being married with Jesus. You are sanctified at the moment of salvation, and daily, to an increasingly ever increasing degree, you're being sanctified.
Bert Harper Jared, thank you. That question was worth you calling back. And we appreciate you, brother. Hope this helps. Let's go to Arkansas and talk to Linne. Linne, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Yeah, hi. Yeah, I just, um, am asking, uh, that, um, pastors would, um, or people would pray that there would be pastors in college towns that would be, uh, courageous, and that they would tie in things that are going on, like transgenderism, um, and also talk about the end times for younger people who, um, they need to hear all these things.
Bert Harper Lyn, I agree with you that you have hit on it. I've prayed for that. I need to continue to pray for that. But I've prayed for that for quite some m time because when I was a youth minister and then I was a pastor, and we would send these college kids to college towns where the universities were, uh, before they'd go, we'd get them aside and we'd pray and let them find a good church. We'd even try to find a church that would do that. Linne, that's a great observation and a great request, isn't it, Alex?
Alex McFarland Well, it really is. Um, my goodness, how we need courageous, courageous voices in our pulpits these days. Let's pray therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth such laborers.
Bert Harper Amen. Brett, do I understand you got a question real quick?
Alex McFarland Well, actually, I've got a question and two prayer requests.
Bert Harper Okay, give, uh, the prayer request. Hey, yeah, get the prayer request first.
Alex McFarland Uh, first, this one comes from Casey. She's asking for prayer for her sister's 31 year old son, Dane. He's been diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer. And she also has a dear friend, her son Dillon. He's been diagnosed with stage four brain tumor.
Bert Harper Okay, all of you who are prayer warriors, write those down and be praying for them. What's the question?
Alex McFarland And I've got one more prayer request. This one, uh, really relevant to all that's going on now. And I'm not going to give the name of the lady that wrote, but her 17 year old grandson claims he is now practicing Muslim. Her heart's broken. His father passed away when he was only 8 and his mom suffered brain cancer and underwent surgery when he was only 7. His mom is still with us, but there is fear that the cancer has returned. I want to reach him and guide him, but I fear I will push him further into this evil religion. Please pray for him. His name is Phoenix.
Bert Harper Okay. Keep the relationship alive. Keep and do not be afraid. Make much m of Jesus. I just want to tell you, I'm not sure, uh, when he's ready to hear the evils of Islam. But until then, man lift Jesus up. Uh, that's. Alex, you know what I mean? Uh, they have to be ready to receive that, or they'll reject it. But don't be afraid. Uh, so we'll be praying for that question.
Alex McFarland All right, we'll get to the question now from Charlene on Facebook. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus speaking to his disciples and says, then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. The part where he tells them to take up their cross. What cross?
Bert Harper Okay, Alex, Uh, I don't think. Oh, I'm bearing my cross of asthma. No, uh, it's identifying with Jesus. I mean, when the cross identifies us with Christ, does it not that we die to self and live for him?
Alex McFarland Yeah, I don't know that they would have fully understood that at that point, but certainly we do. And for 2,000 years, that's made great, uh, preaching, uh, Matthew 16:24. And, Bert, this is one of those idioms or sayings, you know, people even now, and I think maybe they don't even realize the full meaning. They'll say, well, this is my cross to bear, you know?
Bert Harper Yeah.
Alex McFarland Uh, and so the taking up of the cross, even this was before Mount Calvary. But it means, like you say, identifying with Jesus. Just as Christ was obedient to the Father, so should we be as well, whatever the circumstance.
Bert Harper Amen. Well, we're going to Texas, and it's Walter. And I think Walter has a question from Matthew 16 as well. Go ahead, Walter. Thank you for calling.
Thank you, guys. I appreciate it, and I appreciate what y' all do. I've got a little different take on this, and I just want to know what you think. Um, in 27, he's talking about his return. Correct. And then in 28, he says, there are some of you who will not taste test until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom. To me, that sounds like Christ's return. And when I thought about it, one person did. One of his disciples did see him coming in his kingdom. When Jon wrote about revelation, uh, that's kind of the way I saw that. But I don't know what y' all think.
Bert Harper Alex, you gotta come in on Walter's comment on that one. Jon did look ahead. And I would say this to adding to that, Walter, about here, uh, you know, Peter seeing, um, Moses and Elijah and them talking about. I know. I figured this talking about his death, but I think they may have been talking about the future as well.
But.
Bert Harper Go ahead, man.
Alex McFarland Yeah, I think that, like you say, he says some. So, you know, there does seem to be a specific limited number. And Jon, absolutely, in the vision of Revelation, if you look at, uh, Revelation were right after, uh, he hears the voice of many rushing waters, he begins to see this vision. Now, what. What's very interesting in verse 28 is that, um, you know, it says, um, there are some that will not taste death anyhow. And. And you don't see that in the English, but it's there until they have seen the. Some son of man coming in the kingdom. And the. The word there is. Is really the word basilica. Now, it could mean a lot of things. I think it's all I. There's no chapter division from Matthew 16:28 to 17:1. The chapter divisions weren't there. So I do think it refers to the transfiguration, but I also think it refers to the coming of Pentecost, because the Basilia, or basilica, the kingdom of God, is the coming of the church. But then Jon specifically got the vision of the end of the age in the future, uh, which is the last book of the NewSong Testament. So I think. Actually, I know this is a lot, but the accurate handling of Matthew 16:28 is multiple fulfillments of this prophecy.
Bert Harper And just praise God for scriptures like this. Uh, it teaches us that I don't care how filled you are of the Spirit, how much Bible knowledge you might have, uh, there's some mystery to what God is doing and what he will do. We don't know when he's coming back. We know he is, but we don't know exactly when. And so, Alex, uh, in place of that driving me away, it's driven me closer to him. Man, we have an amazing God. Well, let's go to Georgia and talk to Tony. Tony, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Yes, sir.
How y' all doing?
Bert Harper Doing well. Go right ahead, brother.
Uh, I had a question about the prayer and fasting.
Um, in today's culture, is it recommended to fast?
Alex McFarland And.
And what is biblical fasting exactly?
Bert Harper Okay. Most folks, Alex, before they do this, especially as you get older, you better find out a little bit about your health if you're going to do away with food, all food, but, uh, doing away with liquid is very, very. Could be very dangerous. Water, you know. Go ahead, Alex.
Alex McFarland Well, God, um, bless you. I absolutely think fasting is still for today and fasting. And again, Bert is right. Make sure it's medically doable, uh, for you. You definitely want to stay hydrated and drink water. But, um, and really the classic book on this is Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough by Elmer Towns, incredible Bible scholar. But, um, here's the thing. Christians are not commanded to fast, that you have to do it, but you can do it. And you know, Mark 9 talks about some things are only accomplished by prayer and fasting. I want to encourage people to fast and pray for this upcoming midterm election. Um, I think it's very important because here's the thing, when your tummy growls, it's a reminder to pray. Um, but I really believe there is absolute power and it's between you and God. Matthew 6. Jesus says, don't look somber like the hypocrites do. I think if you are fasting and praying, it's between you and God. Nobody needs to. You don't advertise, oh, look at me. Aren't I spiritual? It's not like that at all. But Bert, I really think, um, maybe even planning and thinking about the things you're going to pray about and bring to God. Elmer Towns, his book title says it all. Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough. I've seen it happen. And it's a wonderful reality that every Christian, if they so choose, can experience.
Bert Harper Amen. And there's that fasting for food. Uh, but there is that also of limiting yourself of certain things at certain times. I know a lot of folks are taking, whether you call it fasting or not, uh, taking time out from social media and different things like that to concentrate and say in place of looking at all the Facebook and all that, I'm going to read the word of God. And uh, so that's a possibility. Jim from Arkansas, sorry we didn't get to you today, but you're welcome to call back again. Listen the listener stories that would help for uh, the great share a thon that's coming up in October. That number 877-876-8893. Let us know what God has done for you through the ministry of American Family Radio. A, uh, minute or two minute testimony of what God has done. 877-876-8893. Well, Alex, we'll continue tomorrow in Matthew and we've got some great stuff even waiting on us. And there's going to be a miraculous fish that has a coin in their mouth to pay the taxes. Uh, you don't want to miss that tomorrow on exploring the Word. The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
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.
Bert Harper One of the things that I just enjoy doing studying the Scriptures is look at the movements we've been talking about. Jesus withdrawing from, uh, you know, the crowds and going, uh, to isolated, uh, places. Chapter 17 is a perfect example of this as we start today. In verse 9 he comes down from the mountain. And then in verse 14 it says, Then they came to the multitudes. 22 they were staying in Galilee. And then in verse 24 they came to Capernaum. Now these are all important. And because in chapter 16 he told his disciples, I've got to go to Jerusalem. And these steps are on his way to Jerusalem. Well, this is Bert Harper along with Dr. Alex McFarland M and it's our joy to be with you today as we open the Word of God and read and study it. And we hope you can join us. If you have the opportunity to open your Bibles, you can do that. But if you're listening, just listen. We'll share it with you and make it as plain as we can so we can all grow in the Lord. Alex, again, I'm enjoying this journey through the book of Matthew. And uh, every time I study a book like this, I see new things that I did not see before. That's the amazing part of the Word of God, isn't it?
Alex McFarland Well, it really is, Bert. It's great to be with you. And we're in Matthew chapter 17. And yesterday as we were wrapping up 16, uh, Christ was trying to explain to his disciples about his upcoming crucifixion and resurrection. And uh, he says, whoever will save his life will lose it. Whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it. Very, uh, powerful words. And then, uh, that enigmatic phrase yesterday. There are some here that will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom. Now, in other words, some of you will get to see my resurrected and glorified body is really what that means. But chapter 17, Bert, I've always loved chapter 17, always been very fascinated by it. And it says after six days Jesus takes Peter, James and Jon and uh, brings them up to a mountain high apart and was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment or his clothing was as White as the light. Bert, these first two verses, um, and I don't know, some have said maybe it was like a day off for the disciples. Uh, everybody's out doing something else except for Peter, James and Jon. You know, I remember when we've talked about how doubting Thomas after the resurrection, Thomas initially wasn't with them, and then they said, we've seen the Lord, he's risen. Thomas said, I want believe unless I see the nail prints in his hands. Well, um, I don't know where everybody was. I don't know, uh, where Thomas was after the resurrection. But here's the thing. Um, if you stick close to Jesus, you'll see and experience glorious things. Peter, James and Jon, they got to be a part of one of history's most significant consequential days. They go up there and they see the Son of God in his glory. He is transfigured, transformed. We've, um, said this. The veil of his humanity was momentarily pulled back to reveal the explosive brightness of his deity. I bet they were really glad they stayed with Jesus that day.
Bert Harper Amen. I agree with you. Notice the term Jesus took them. Uh, I believe these are the three guys that Jesus. This, this is his inner circle. These are guys. Now, he loved all 12 of them. And there's no doubt, but you find these three at special times. There are some people that God uses at special times and it's never wasted and it's not for their necessarily benefit. It's for the ministry that they could have because of it. And I believe that is the case here. Uh, these two, these three, uh, they were going to talk about it, they were going to share it, and, uh, they would share it with the other nine. Uh, but not until, not until Jesus put restrictions on what they saw later on and notice who appeared with them. Moses and Elijah appeared to them. And I love this, and I underlined it in my Bible, talking with him. They was having a conversation. And, uh, you know, here it is. Moses, the law receiver. Some people call him the law giver. God gave the law, he received it and then shared it. And then Elijah, a prophet, a great prophet, talking with him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, uh, lord, it's good for us to be here. That's right. If you wish, let us make, oh, three tabernacles. One for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. The only thing I got to say about this, uh, at least he put Jesus first. Alex, go ahead.
Alex McFarland Exactly. Listen, there's no tabernacle going to be built for Moses. Or Elijah, you know, uh, a house of worship or a building to commune with the true and living God. It's only. And. And I. I don't know, um, if it meant just, you know, structures. But I've often kind of thought, um, about the humor of this. Talk about an understatement. Peter says, it is good for us to be here. Hey, we're up on this mountain. Here's the Son of God in all of his glory. My goodness. Here's two venerated Old Testament saints, Moses and Elijah. I don't know if they just were so dumbfounded and awestruck. They thought maybe, hey, we're, we're in heaven now. We've left Earth. Uh, I want to say this. When, uh, you're on a mountaintop, it's not the natural inclination to want to go down again, is it?
Bert Harper It is not the one thing that I find interesting. Moses. Okay, let me see. Do you remember when he was out on the desert and he saw a, ah, bush burning? That was about being consumed. You're talking about understatement. He said, I'm going to turn aside and look at this and see this. And so, the Bible, I love this part. Look at it. You could do a whole series of sermons on understatements in the Bible. I mean, you catch what I mean by understatements? And, uh, it doesn't mean they're not true, but it's like, man, yeah, it's good for us to be here. It's wild that we're here. We're here to see this. This is amazing. So, but they were still speaking. So this was a conversation. They talked. That's what it says in verse three. And then while they were still speaking, Moses is, uh, doing it. And Peter was talking. So he was hearing this conversation. A bright cloud overshadowed them. Suddenly, a voice came out of the cloud saying, this is my beloved Son, in whom I am, um, well pleased. Now list these next two words. Hear him, Alex. I'll throw it back to you in just a second. But those two words are important. What has he just told them before? He was going to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things. Guess what he's going to do in just a little while, he's going to tell them again and remind them, I'm going to go to Jerusalem and suffer.
Bert Harper Hear him.
Bert Harper The preparation that God did for these three guys, these three apostles, uh, he was getting them ready because he had a big task for them, didn't he?
Alex McFarland Absolutely. Absolutely. He did have a big task. And, um, I Don't mean to go so slowly, because I know in Matthew We've got 28 chapters, but. Bert, may we talk about mountains for a minute?
Bert Harper Go ahead, man. They're so. Okay, you want to name them or are you going to do selective mountains?
Alex McFarland Well, mountains figure very prominently in God's word, don't they?
Really?
Bert Harper They do. Amen.
Alex McFarland Of course, one of history's most famous mountains is Mount Sinai. And there was the giving of the law to Moses there. And a big, incredibly, uh, significant mountain is Mount Calvary, and the grace of God, Christ suffered and paid our sin debt. There's another mountain that I think of, and whenever we go to the Holy Land, it's so moving as the Mount of Olives, where Christ returns. Right. Now, I think about this. This is just amazing that they're on the Mount of Transfiguration. And listen, um, Christian, uh, history. There are two mountains that have been identified. Some have said that it was Mount Tabor, you know, um, and in fact, I believe it's on Mount Tabor that there is a church called the Church of the Transfiguration that's been there since about the second or third century. Now, some have said Mount Hermon, uh, because maybe it's a little closer to. To Caesarea Philippi, but both of Mount Tabor, which has the longer tradition among Christians as being, you know, the Mount of Transfiguration, both of them are very, very high mountains. And it says an exceedingly high mountain, uh, where this took place. But there's Moses and Elijah. Now, when I think about Moses, I think about the burning bush. And here's the thing that I would like to say that when God spoke to Moses out of the burning bush, many, um, a scholar believe that was the voice of Jesus, a pre incarnate appearance of Jesus. Because Exodus 3 talks about the angel of the Lord was in the flame. But Exodus 3 also says God said. And, um, you know, I think it's just very significant. Here's Moses again on a mountaintop, this time with Christ there in all of his glory. I mean, definitely all of his, you know, uh, deified glory. And I think about. What a beautiful parallel. Moses. Now, just think about us. The Old Testament is the revelation of God. But it's been said that in the Old Testament was Christ concealed. In the NewSong Testament is Christ revealed. And Bert, um, what voice came out of the burning bush? Well, the voice of God. But here is Jesus, the incarnate Word of the Father. I mean, now the full revelation, it's appropriate that the Mount of transfiguration took place in the NewSong Testament times because Christ was all the more fully revealed.
Bert Harper There's another mountain you think of when you see Moses in Elijah Mount Carmel. Okay, well, yeah, here too, BAAL was defeated. And these two men appear with Jesus on a mountain when two of the most significant things happened in their life, uh, were mountains. So these are quote, mountaintop experiences. But as we continue on hear him, he says in verse 6, when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. Okay. They heard God's voice. They were greatly afraid. Listen, the fear of the Lord. Uh, okay. Have we misspoken? What, you know, what's God going to do? We're in his very presence. That is, um, that is something. And he says, but Jesus came and touched them. Amen. They were afraid. Jesus touched them. Arise and do not be afraid. Here it is. Don't be afraid. Don't be that way. Don't be afraid. God's got something for you. When they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. Now, Alex, I love this. And the different versions, uh, have different ways of saying this. The King James, Jesus only Niv. No one except Jesus. But the new American Standard, I just love that. Except Jesus himself alone. Uh, that catches the whole Jesus himself alone. No one stands beside him.
Bert Harper No one.
Bert Harper He is above all. He's in all. He's greater than the law. He's greater than the prophets. And over in the book of Hebrews, he talks about that. And Jesus is so much better.
Bert Harper Better.
Bert Harper So, Alex, the Mount of Transfiguration, it is a powerful picture of Jesus and Jesus alone who is able to connect us with a heavenly father. Only Jesus, isn't it?
Alex McFarland Only Jesus. Well, we're going to continue in Matthew 17. We've got a very brief break. Stay with us and of course we'll get your calls and Bible questions later on in the show. If you've never called in. Hey, let today be the day. You're a first time caller. We'll tell you more about that after this brief break. Please stay tuned.
Bert Harper Hello, I'm, um, 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 that's afr.net give
praising for friends and family, for the very air we breathe, for having everything we need. Won't somebody come Praise the Lord with me.
Bert Harper What a perfect song to tell you about, uh, what we're asking you to do. Uh, we want you to praise the Lord for what God has done in your life by using American Family Radio. Now what we mean by that, we're collecting listener testimonies or listener stories and we're gathering these up for fall Share a thon, which is coming up in October, just not too far away. And we love to play these stories about how God has done a work in individuals lives through American Family Radio. We're not asking you to praise us, we're asking you to praise God for what he's done by letting you hear. Maybe it's this program or another program and you can do that. We just need about a two minute minute or two minutes that you could share what God has done for you and blessed you by using afr. It may be this program, we hear it just about every day. How God has used this program or other programs to, to bless someone, to guide someone, praying for someone. And that number, if you would do that and have this ready, is 8, 7, 7, 8, 7, 6, 8, 8, 9, 3. Let me give it again. Write it down, pray about it. See what you have God to do. Someone praise the Lord with me. That's all asking you to do. 8, 7, 7, 8, 7, 6, 8, 8, 9, 3. Now, Alex, I can just tell you my favorite part of Sharathon is the listener stories, brother.
Alex McFarland Yeah, mine too. And welcome back, everybody. Bert. I appreciate that. You know, um, I've got the great privilege of being on the road many, many, many weekends a year. And it, it's so humbling because no matter where I am, no matter where I am in America, people come up and they, they explain what exploring the word has meant. Many times I've heard testimonies in the last 16 years, Bert. I'm not exaggerating to say probably hundreds of people have come up and said, um, you know, I came back to the Lord through exploring the Word. My marriage got restored. You know, uh, many young people, they say I was in college and my professors just had us, uh, doubting everything. And I listened to you and Bert, and I listened to the Hamilton corner and I listened to Jeff Schrieve and Jenna Ellis, and I got equipped. And so, yeah, call in those testimonies because we're giving God the glory. This is not for us. But, you know, when I'm on the road and people say some very, very kind sentiments about what this show and what this network means, we always say, look to God be the glory. We're just excited as we can be about the scriptures and to see lives changed and to see people everywhere coming to Christ. But Burke, give that number again, folks, if you would call in, please, and just give a minute or so. We're just bragging on Jesus, aren't we?
Bert Harper There, Bert, that's all we want is.
Bert Harper It's 877-876-8893. One more time. 877-87-68893. We would love to hear from you. And we, we. All we do is praise God for what he's done. Uh, Alex, it's been amazing these 15 years that we've done this program together. And you were with Marvin Sanders a year before that. But it's been a great journey is the life, our lives by the people who've called in to ask, uh, questions to ask for prayer for, to give praise. And so just join us. That's all we're saying. Join us in praising God for what he's done.
Alex McFarland Amen. Amen. Well, the word of God is powerful. And Isaiah, uh, 55 says, God's word does not return void. And we make a little bit of commentary. But the scripture has power, and it is the holy Spirit of God that uses the. The scriptures in the hearts of people. And so Jesus is saying to the disciples, um, you know, don't tell this vision until I've risen from the dead. Now I get the picture. They're, like, walking down the mountain. The disciples ask him, why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first? And by the way, this is also in Mark, chapter 9. Jesus answered and said unto them, um, Elijah truly shall first come and restore all things. But I say unto you that Elijah is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they like. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer. Then the disciples understood that he spoke unto them of Jon the Baptist. Let me say this. Um, Jon the Baptist, yes, was a preacher and prophet, much like Elijah. And of course, we read last week about how Jon the Baptist got beheaded, but in terms of Elijah coming and restoring all things, in other words, before the kingdom of heaven is ushered in. Bert, I happen to believe m. I'm not going to be dogmatic about this, but during the tribulation period, the two witnesses of the book of Revelation just might be Moses and Elijah that are there. Um, you know, the plagues of Moses's time are very much like the bowls of wrath during the Tribulation. And, um, of course, you know, Elijah and Moses if they are the two witnesses, just before the end of time and eternity is ushered in, they appear. So that might be how we understand about Elijah appearing before all things, uh, are fulfilled, restored.
Bert Harper It really could be. And a lot of people do that. The only other person that I've heard compete with them is Enoch and Elijah, because neither one of them saw death. And the Bible says it is appointed unto man once to die. So a lot of people do that. We don't know for sure, but it sure would be, I, uh, I, uh, logical, I mean biblically logical for it to be Moses and Elijah, verse 14. Now here it is. Notice again, they went up on the mountain. Now they've come down from the mountain. And now verse 14. And when they had come to the multitude, they've been in isolation, they've been. They've had their quiet time. Okay, uh, you said earlier maybe a day off. Yeah. Jesus would, uh, go away and rest. He rested in the boat, he had time, he went up into the mountain. And so now I think it may have been because from now on, there is no rest. They're headed to Jerusalem. They make their way here. They'll go through Galilee, they'll go through Capernaum, they'll make their way down to Jericho, and then they'll make their way all the way up to Jerusalem. So this is the journey they're taking. But they came down to the multitudes. A man came to him, kneeling to him, saying, lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and suffers severely, for he often falls into the fire and often into the water. So I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him. Uh, and Jesus answered, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to me. Uh, I don't know if he said it that way or not, but I'm putting that. And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him. And the child was cured from that very hour. Alex, I know you got a lot. Would say a lot, but the word rebuke. That's not the first time we've heard it in this recent scriptures. Let me see. Peter took Jesus aside and what, rebuked him about going to Jerusalem. And no wonder Jesus said, get the behind me, Satan. Now here it is. He rebuked who, Alex? The demon.
Alex McFarland The devil.
Bert Harper Wow. What? You know, it's amazing. Uh, listen, God can use, ah, a lot of folks. Satan doesn't care who he uses to derail the plan. Of God, and he was trying to use Peter to derail God's plan. But here, God rebukes Jesus, rebukes the demon, and the child was cured from that very hour.
Alex McFarland Um, Bert, M. You Remember in Ephesians 5:11 where it says, have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. And some translations will say reprove them. And the word rebuke and reprove are very similar, similar because reprove is like exposure and then a rebuke is like a condemnation, uh, and putting away. And Jesus, for one thing there in verse 18 of Matthew 17, he's exposing the devil. You, uh, know, and there's a lot of stuff that goes on in this world that I think the devil likes to be incognito.
Bert Harper You know, he's either that way or wide open. Uh, uh, there's no. Doesn't seem like the beat needs to be a middle, middle gauge for him. He either wants to be incognito like you said, or he wants to be out there like the Satan worshipers. And you know, so I'm amazed at that. But I agree he does. Like, he's a what, uh, a, ah, wolf in sheep's clothing?
Alex McFarland Oh, he absolutely is not. Do you know what? I was counseling, um, with a family not too long ago, and they've got an adult child that all of a sudden wants to be, ah, a female, not a male. And is such confusion. It's such heartbreak for this family. Um, it's such a destruction of this person's health, all these, you know, hormones and treatments to try to do the impossible, change gender. Without going into a biology lesson, no male can become a female. And first of all, God doesn't make mistakes. The gender you are is the gender that almighty God planned. But here's my point. That is just like the devil to steal and kill and destroy. And in Matthew 17:18 where Christ exposes and rebukes the devil and the child was cured from that very hour, there's some things that we need to say, and this is totally scriptural, that are just demonic. Transgenderism M is demonic. Redefining marriage, trying to legitimize homosexuality, that's demonic. The killing of the unborn, uh, promoting Islam and Marxism. These things are demonic. They're not just, you know, respectful disagreement. This is demonic because it is false, it is ungodly, and it destroys the lives and in many cases the souls of people. And Bert, here's the thing, and I'm going to throw it to you. Um, this is not some Preacher spouting an opinion. This is the objective word of God. And when we in the church, and especially those in the pulpit, call out evil, as we should do, uh, people often say, well, you know, we've all got our opinion. Hey, this is no opinion. This is the word of God. Uh, this is what Almighty God says and he has put in his book. And so I think we need to get back to proclaiming the content of God's word. Proclaiming and standing on, um, the authority of God's word.
Bert Harper Thus says the Lord. This is what God says. And all of these restrictions. Restrictions, okay. Oh, they're trying to restrict me. It's for your good because he loves you. It's not for your harm. It is for your good. Those of you who are listening that are struggling, your child is struggling. It is for their good to do it God's way. And, uh, that's what we need to preach. It's not, yeah, we're calling it out as evil, but it is in love that it is called out for their benefit. And so, um, listen, the disciples came to him and said, why would we. We could not cast him out? Because some versions say little faith. Uh, here it says unbelief. For assuredly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move from here, there, and it will be moved. Nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind comes out only by prayer and fasting. Alex, uh, again, Jesus is giving instructions. Yes, we have power, but again, it is restricted power that God chooses to use through us. It's not our power to do anything we want. Ask anything I want, and it's going to give unto me. No, Jesus, even when he is here upon earth, the miracles that he did was always to the benefit of others. Anytime he was tempted in his own, uh, you know, in the garden, to do it another way. When he started his ministry and he went into the wilderness and is tempted in those three areas, he did it not he didn't. He could have, but he did it because of his, uh. He did it in his restrictions, because he came to earth and he restricted personally himself not to use that power for his benefit. You can't find it anywhere where he used it for his benefit. So I think we need to look at what we look at and what we ask God for. Is it only for. So would it be easier for me, or will it be for the glory of God? Uh, I'll put it this way. I'm preaching to Bert Harper when I say that Alex, go ahead.
Alex McFarland Well, let me just point out four things that are in 20 and 21. And I realize I'm about to get into controversial territory. It shouldn't be, though. Jesus, um, says this. He's. They said, why could we not cast out this demon? Because, listen, we've got this evil triumvirate, the world, the flesh and the devil that we're contending with. Right? And, uh, why couldn't we cast him out? Jesus said, because of your unbelief. For verily I say unto you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say unto this mountain, remove hence to a yonder place, and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Isn't that amazing? Christ says to these disciples, nothing should be impossible to you. Now, I think to even understand this more fully, read Jon 15 and 16. We where if we're praying and speaking and ministering according to God's word and according to God's will, God will work through us, uh, to do the miraculous, the impossible, the otherwise unachievable. Now it's not us. We have no strength in and of ourselves. In Jon 15:5, of course, Christ said, apart from me, you can do nothing. But Bert, I believe one of the most under reported biblical realities is the authority the believer has indwelt by the spirit of God, uh, living out the scripture, the word of God, and it says faith, voice, influence and intercession. We believe, we speak and proclaim, and we can call a mountain to move. And then we can intercede in prayer and things happen. Well, we've got a break. Here's the number. 888-589-8840. Call us with your Bible question,
Bert Harper Friend.
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Alex McFarland Mhm.
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea. Creations revealing your majesty. From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring, every creature you.
Bert Harper Welcome back to exploring the word.
Alex McFarland The The Lord is indescribable, uncontainable. Praise God for our wonderful Savior. Hey, the number, if you've got a Bible question, it's 888-589-8840. Bert, I'm trying to speak slowly and carefully so it doesn't, uh, bottleneck the data and get garbled, but it's 888-589-8840. And we'll do our best to give you an answer to your Bible question.
Bert Harper We really will. And lines are open so that number. 888-858-9840. We're going to go to Texas and talk to Jared. Jared, you called two days ago. Have you been on the phone waiting since then? You for calling back? Sometimes we can't get to all the calls and so when somebody's been hanging on as long as you did, uh, we give them a heads up, uh, the next day if we can. So go right ahead, brother.
Yeah, it's been a long 36 hours. 48 hours.
Alex McFarland Thank you for holding.
So my question, um, is over Hebrews 10:14. Um, if you don't mind, I'm going to read it from the King James version. For by one offering he has perfected forever them that are sanctified. But if you go to a newer translation like the esv, it transitions to who are being sanctified. So, um, can you explain the difference between these two versions? Are we sanctified now or are we being sanctified? Um, yeah. So that's my question.
Bert Harper Okay, the King James. Read it again in the King James so I can look at that. And look, I've got the new King James. So they'll be. I think there's a little difference even with the new King James. Go ahead, read that again, Jared, if you don't mind.
For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.
Bert Harper Okay, that's it, Alex. The new King James agrees with the others in saying who are being sanctified. Go ahead, Alex.
Alex McFarland Well, and the interesting thing there, the word there in the original language is hagiazo, H, A, G, I, A, Z, O. The letter Z is like, uh, it's called a diphthong. It's dz. Hagiazo, uh, Bert. It's both. And when you come to Christ, uh, and we know sanctification set apart, uh, all right, there's positional sanctification. You are in Christ, you are already saved, forgiven in the eyes of the Lord, you're a saint. I know people always say, yeah, I'm just a saved sinner. And I know we are, but we're actually already sanctified. But then there is the. What's called processional or progressive sanctification, growing and growing and growing in the Lord. So when Hebrews 10:14 says, by one offering, that's Christ on the cross. He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. And I will say in the, uh, Greek, the most normative understanding is those being sanctified. But even that, Bert, being sanctified. In other words, having been sanctified and daily, continually being sanctified, it's not either or, but it's both. And.
Bert Harper And that's the way it. That's the way it should be. Um, I'm sanctified, but guess what? I am being sanctified. We go from faith to faith. Alex, you remember that scripture. But we're to grow, grow in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Guess what that is. Hey, growth is able to take place because I've been made holy, but I continue to do that because God continues to work in my life. New things come along, I see new things, and God continues to do that. And, uh, it is both and isn't it?
Alex McFarland Well, in a way, this is like a married couple. I mean, uh, praise God. Angie and I have been married, you know, 36 plus years we were married. We are married. And every single day, continually, we are being more and more married together. A cook in the kitchen, I'll say this. I know we got to go. Um, somebody will say, you know, we, you know, put the broth over the rice, and they're married together. You know, cooks will often use the phrase, the flavors are married together. So I let it simmer for two hours. And that's how you were married. You are being married with Jesus. You are sanctified at the moment of salvation, and daily, to an increasingly ever increasing degree, you're being sanctified.
Bert Harper Jared, thank you. That question was worth you calling back. And we appreciate you, brother. Hope this helps. Let's go to Arkansas and talk to Linne. Linne, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Yeah, hi. Yeah, I just, um, am asking, uh, that, um, pastors would, um, or people would pray that there would be pastors in college towns that would be, uh, courageous, and that they would tie in things that are going on, like transgenderism, um, and also talk about the end times for younger people who, um, they need to hear all these things.
Bert Harper Lyn, I agree with you that you have hit on it. I've prayed for that. I need to continue to pray for that. But I've prayed for that for quite some m time because when I was a youth minister and then I was a pastor, and we would send these college kids to college towns where the universities were, uh, before they'd go, we'd get them aside and we'd pray and let them find a good church. We'd even try to find a church that would do that. Linne, that's a great observation and a great request, isn't it, Alex?
Alex McFarland Well, it really is. Um, my goodness, how we need courageous, courageous voices in our pulpits these days. Let's pray therefore, the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth such laborers.
Bert Harper Amen. Brett, do I understand you got a question real quick?
Alex McFarland Well, actually, I've got a question and two prayer requests.
Bert Harper Okay, give, uh, the prayer request. Hey, yeah, get the prayer request first.
Alex McFarland Uh, first, this one comes from Casey. She's asking for prayer for her sister's 31 year old son, Dane. He's been diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer. And she also has a dear friend, her son Dillon. He's been diagnosed with stage four brain tumor.
Bert Harper Okay, all of you who are prayer warriors, write those down and be praying for them. What's the question?
Alex McFarland And I've got one more prayer request. This one, uh, really relevant to all that's going on now. And I'm not going to give the name of the lady that wrote, but her 17 year old grandson claims he is now practicing Muslim. Her heart's broken. His father passed away when he was only 8 and his mom suffered brain cancer and underwent surgery when he was only 7. His mom is still with us, but there is fear that the cancer has returned. I want to reach him and guide him, but I fear I will push him further into this evil religion. Please pray for him. His name is Phoenix.
Bert Harper Okay. Keep the relationship alive. Keep and do not be afraid. Make much m of Jesus. I just want to tell you, I'm not sure, uh, when he's ready to hear the evils of Islam. But until then, man lift Jesus up. Uh, that's. Alex, you know what I mean? Uh, they have to be ready to receive that, or they'll reject it. But don't be afraid. Uh, so we'll be praying for that question.
Alex McFarland All right, we'll get to the question now from Charlene on Facebook. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus speaking to his disciples and says, then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. The part where he tells them to take up their cross. What cross?
Bert Harper Okay, Alex, Uh, I don't think. Oh, I'm bearing my cross of asthma. No, uh, it's identifying with Jesus. I mean, when the cross identifies us with Christ, does it not that we die to self and live for him?
Alex McFarland Yeah, I don't know that they would have fully understood that at that point, but certainly we do. And for 2,000 years, that's made great, uh, preaching, uh, Matthew 16:24. And, Bert, this is one of those idioms or sayings, you know, people even now, and I think maybe they don't even realize the full meaning. They'll say, well, this is my cross to bear, you know?
Bert Harper Yeah.
Alex McFarland Uh, and so the taking up of the cross, even this was before Mount Calvary. But it means, like you say, identifying with Jesus. Just as Christ was obedient to the Father, so should we be as well, whatever the circumstance.
Bert Harper Amen. Well, we're going to Texas, and it's Walter. And I think Walter has a question from Matthew 16 as well. Go ahead, Walter. Thank you for calling.
Thank you, guys. I appreciate it, and I appreciate what y' all do. I've got a little different take on this, and I just want to know what you think. Um, in 27, he's talking about his return. Correct. And then in 28, he says, there are some of you who will not taste test until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom. To me, that sounds like Christ's return. And when I thought about it, one person did. One of his disciples did see him coming in his kingdom. When Jon wrote about revelation, uh, that's kind of the way I saw that. But I don't know what y' all think.
Bert Harper Alex, you gotta come in on Walter's comment on that one. Jon did look ahead. And I would say this to adding to that, Walter, about here, uh, you know, Peter seeing, um, Moses and Elijah and them talking about. I know. I figured this talking about his death, but I think they may have been talking about the future as well.
But.
Bert Harper Go ahead, man.
Alex McFarland Yeah, I think that, like you say, he says some. So, you know, there does seem to be a specific limited number. And Jon, absolutely, in the vision of Revelation, if you look at, uh, Revelation were right after, uh, he hears the voice of many rushing waters, he begins to see this vision. Now, what. What's very interesting in verse 28 is that, um, you know, it says, um, there are some that will not taste death anyhow. And. And you don't see that in the English, but it's there until they have seen the. Some son of man coming in the kingdom. And the. The word there is. Is really the word basilica. Now, it could mean a lot of things. I think it's all I. There's no chapter division from Matthew 16:28 to 17:1. The chapter divisions weren't there. So I do think it refers to the transfiguration, but I also think it refers to the coming of Pentecost, because the Basilia, or basilica, the kingdom of God, is the coming of the church. But then Jon specifically got the vision of the end of the age in the future, uh, which is the last book of the NewSong Testament. So I think. Actually, I know this is a lot, but the accurate handling of Matthew 16:28 is multiple fulfillments of this prophecy.
Bert Harper And just praise God for scriptures like this. Uh, it teaches us that I don't care how filled you are of the Spirit, how much Bible knowledge you might have, uh, there's some mystery to what God is doing and what he will do. We don't know when he's coming back. We know he is, but we don't know exactly when. And so, Alex, uh, in place of that driving me away, it's driven me closer to him. Man, we have an amazing God. Well, let's go to Georgia and talk to Tony. Tony, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.
Yes, sir.
How y' all doing?
Bert Harper Doing well. Go right ahead, brother.
Uh, I had a question about the prayer and fasting.
Um, in today's culture, is it recommended to fast?
Alex McFarland And.
And what is biblical fasting exactly?
Bert Harper Okay. Most folks, Alex, before they do this, especially as you get older, you better find out a little bit about your health if you're going to do away with food, all food, but, uh, doing away with liquid is very, very. Could be very dangerous. Water, you know. Go ahead, Alex.
Alex McFarland Well, God, um, bless you. I absolutely think fasting is still for today and fasting. And again, Bert is right. Make sure it's medically doable, uh, for you. You definitely want to stay hydrated and drink water. But, um, and really the classic book on this is Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough by Elmer Towns, incredible Bible scholar. But, um, here's the thing. Christians are not commanded to fast, that you have to do it, but you can do it. And you know, Mark 9 talks about some things are only accomplished by prayer and fasting. I want to encourage people to fast and pray for this upcoming midterm election. Um, I think it's very important because here's the thing, when your tummy growls, it's a reminder to pray. Um, but I really believe there is absolute power and it's between you and God. Matthew 6. Jesus says, don't look somber like the hypocrites do. I think if you are fasting and praying, it's between you and God. Nobody needs to. You don't advertise, oh, look at me. Aren't I spiritual? It's not like that at all. But Bert, I really think, um, maybe even planning and thinking about the things you're going to pray about and bring to God. Elmer Towns, his book title says it all. Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough. I've seen it happen. And it's a wonderful reality that every Christian, if they so choose, can experience.
Bert Harper Amen. And there's that fasting for food. Uh, but there is that also of limiting yourself of certain things at certain times. I know a lot of folks are taking, whether you call it fasting or not, uh, taking time out from social media and different things like that to concentrate and say in place of looking at all the Facebook and all that, I'm going to read the word of God. And uh, so that's a possibility. Jim from Arkansas, sorry we didn't get to you today, but you're welcome to call back again. Listen the listener stories that would help for uh, the great share a thon that's coming up in October. That number 877-876-8893. Let us know what God has done for you through the ministry of American Family Radio. A, uh, minute or two minute testimony of what God has done. 877-876-8893. Well, Alex, we'll continue tomorrow in Matthew and we've got some great stuff even waiting on us. And there's going to be a miraculous fish that has a coin in their mouth to pay the taxes. Uh, you don't want to miss that tomorrow on exploring the Word. 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 continue in the profound teachings found in Matthew 17 as Bert Harper and Dr. Alex McFarland guide us through the Transfiguration of Jesus. They explore the significance of this important moment, the conversations between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, and the lessons we can learn about faith and divine revelation. Join us for a compelling discussion that illuminates the power of God's word and its relevance in our lives today.
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