Transcript

Exploring the Word: The Bible is living and active

>> 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. Welcome to Exploring the Word. Merry Christmas.

>> Alex McFarland: You know, one of the great realities of the Christian faith is the absolute rock solid trustworthiness of God's holy word.

Alex McFarland: God's Word infallibly stands true. Bert Harper: Yes, God's word stands

Hi, Alex McFarland here along with Bert Harper. This is Exploring the Word. And we are in Isaiah, chapter 14. And we'll pick it up again, you know, in second Peter, chapter one. Speaking of scripture, Peter says we have a sure word of prophecy, meaning dependable. Now let me read a similar sentiment from Isaiah 14:24. It says, the Lord of hosts hath sworn saying, surely as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so shall it be stand. Bert, isn't it just one of the great comforts, one of the great realities of the Christian faith, that we have a God who has given us His Word, and his word infallibly stands true.

>> Bert Harper: Amen, Alex. And there In Isaiah, 14, he repeats that two times when he's putting these judgments on Assyria. Verse 24, as you've read. But then in verse 27, the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back? listen. God's word stands. It is settled in heaven. And as you said, Alex, it brings great comfort to us who know the Word of God. Know it's the Word of God. And listen. Yes, God's word stands. And so here in the Old Testament, as you said over in the NewSong Testament, you can depend on it as much today as it all came to happen, as Isaiah said it would to Assyria, to Moab, to Egypt and everybody else that he's going to cover in the next few chapters. His word stands. He has purposed it, it shall stand. What a, I would say what a promise, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, it really is. It really is. Verse 27, speaking of the judgment on Assyria. He says he will break assyria. But verse 27. For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? Hey, the Word of God. The will of God. No human entity can overturn that.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. And what we're going through here are the judgments on different nations. Let me just. Is it all right if I run through these so it'll make a little sense? we covered Babylon yesterday. We just covered Assyria today. And then it goes on to Philistia, Moab, Damascus, Ethiopia, Egypt, Edom Arabia. he even hits, he comes back to Jerusalem in chapter 22. And in chapter 23, this judgment of the, I call it the judgment of the nations, you know, that around them he ends it with Ty and Sidon. So here the judgments, and he calls them burdens because they're heavy. And so the, but involved in them, you'll see promises to God's people. You'll see the promise of Messiah coming. Even in the judgments you have a glimpse of God's purpose of redemption. Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Well, chapter 14 concludes, I do want to point out, it's interesting. In verse 31, howl O gate, cry O city. Thou whole Palestina art dissolved. And by the way, this is an ancient rendering of what we would say today, not only Philistia or Palestine. And by the way, there's so much in the news about the ownership and control of Gaza. That is part of the land promised to the children of Israel, but here in 750 years before the birth of Christ, 2750 years removed from us, Isaiah says, you know, wail and cry, Palestine, you are dissolved. There comes from the north a smoke and none shall be alone. In his appointed times, what shall, the ones answer the messengers of the nation that the Lord hath founded Zion and the poor of his people trust in it. Bert. you know, Jesus said, blessed are the poor. Now we think of monetary lack poor. But you know, very often the Jews of old the church today, not always, but often. We we don't hold the reins of cultural power. We don't often have the, the megaphone and the voice of a lost world. But let me say, believing child of God, trust in the Lord and his word and your trust is absolutely validated.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Alex. Great word. I just want to point out verse 29, they was getting rid of one ruler and they thought man, this would be helpful. And God says, well, not so fast. His offspring will be fiery flying serpent. And things are bad. But guess what we say, oh, they're going to get better. No, sometimes they get worse. And for here that was the case. But Alex, as you said in verse 32 here, it is that promise, the love of God, the hope that God gives. It may be judgment, and it is, but the Lord has founded Zion and the poor of his people shall take refuge in it. listen, even in the darkest days, God is our refuge. And tower. And, we need to run to him every time, don't we?

>> Alex McFarland: We do. We do. You know, chapter 15 is a relatively brief chapter. Isaiah has some pretty long chapters. But let me read on, and we'll comment briefly.

The Bible speaks about in the night when judgment of God comes

The burden of Moab. Because in the night ar of Moab is laid waste and brought to silence. Because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste and brought to silence. And it lists some of the. The Moabite regions that are judged. And it speaks about in the night. Bert, let me say this. darkness comes. Every 12 hours. It gets dark. But let me say this. The judgment of God comes. And what about darkness? you can't see. You don't know what's going on. You don't know what to do. When the judgment of God falls on a people group. It's like being lost in the dark, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It really is. And what do you do? I. I could not hope, notice. And you know, Alex, I'm going to find repeated words. It's just something that I was trained to do. And my eyes go to notice how many times it talks about wailing or crying. Listen to verse, verse two, Moab will wail. Verse three, everyone will wail, weeping bitterly. And then in verse four, it says they'll cry out. And then five, they'll cry out and weeping. So it's filled with this. This is, horrible judgment. And they're weeping. and I think verse three, everyone will wail, weeping bitterly. Alex, it's good to do that, but. You better do it on time, hadn't you? You know, you don't. everybody. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is Lord. That's going to happen. But it's when and where you do it. You better do it when Now.

Alex: The time to make right and to receive the grace is now

>> Alex McFarland: Well, seek the Lord while you have time. Seek the Lord while you have an opportunity. Bert, I had the great privilege of being on a show, the Bob Dutko show out of Detroit, about an hour ago. it was about our book, and they wanted to interview me, and we got straight to the gospel. And I felt very privileged. You know, that's a heavily. Dearborn, Michigan. Detroit, Michigan. A lot of Muslims there. So I just start sharing the gospel. And I said, look, call on the name of the Lord while you have an opportunity. I don't know about tomorrow or next week, but I know right now you could call on the name of the Lord. And by the way, when we get through 15 and get into 16, there's going to be, references to, you know, the glory of Moab ending and the throne of God being established because it's really part of the throne of David. But here's my point. Judgment, comes, and like you said, every knee will bow, every tongue will confess. Question is, will you bow your knee, in a state of salvation right now or over in eternity? Will you bow your knee in a state of condemnation when it's too late? I'm not being overly dramatic here, but the time to make right and to be saved and receive the grace and love and forgiveness of Christ is right now, while the Holy Spirit is speaking to you and God is drawing you and you have opportunity.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, you're not being too dramatic. Let me see. What does the Bible say? Everybody is assured of tomorrow?

>> Alex McFarland: It doesn't say that, does it?

>> Bert Harper: It does not. It says, we don't know what a day may bring.

>> Alex McFarland: Boast not thyself of tomorrow.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, and the book of James makes it plain. I'm going to do these things on tomorrow. No, you better make use of today. those of you who are listening, do not turn around and wait, but turn to God and see that he is a good God. One thing I'd say out of chapter, besides, the weeping and the wailing in chapter 15 that got my attention is in verse six. And, it just says, for the waters of Nimrim will be desolate, for the green grass has withered away and the grass fails. There is nothing green. Alex, those are, you know, famine, drought, war, all of that. it happens. And what happens, all of that, that is refreshing. That which is new, it's not there. And so this judgment that we're talking about is very severe. It's not just okay, a little bit. No, and I agree this is happening to them. But. But, it makes me think of what one day it will be over the earth. Ah, tribulation. So if we read this, Alex, and I see that and I say, man, if it happened, then to an area, how is it going to be when it happens so much m. All over the earth?

>> Alex McFarland: You know, forgive, me if I digress here a moment, but I remember back in the 1980s, there was some very, ah, wealthy person. And, they were an atheist. And I remember might have been Dan Rather, but it was somebody on 60 Minutes interviewing this, you know, wealthy person. They said, you know, what about God? And the person said, well, I don't believe in God, but I've Got a plan. Now hang, with me. I'm going to tie this to Isaiah 15. And he said, I'm going to be cremated and I'm going to have my ashes scattered all over the ocean. You know, I'll be gone. Finding me will be impossible. And I remember Bert, I thought, how foolish, because it says, coming up to the judgment day, the angels will gather the human race from the four winds. Now back to Isaiah 15:9. For the waters of daemon or demon should be full of blood. For I will bring more upon Daemon. In other words, more judgment lions upon him that escape of Moab and upon the remnant of the land. In other words, imagine somebody in Moab says, well, if judgment falls, I'll run away. Well, God says, look, sinner, I'll send a lion out after you. And I'm not making God out to be a bad guy. God is full of grace and love and mercy, merciful, to all who call on his name. But nobody is going to out fumble God. Or are they?

>> Bert Harper: They are not. Hey, think of Jonah, okay? Yeah, he wants me to do that, but I don't want to do it, so I'm getting out of town. No, listen, you. You do not outrun God. You do not hide from God. You mean what king was it that was going to go out disguised as someone and a, stray era hit him, you know? yeah, yeah, yeah. And so listen, get, right with God and do it today. This is exploring the word Bernie and Alex. And we're just so glad that you're able to listen. And we're hoping that, this study will help you, strengthen you and bless you, but challenge you also to get right with God. And we'll be back with more of Isaiah right after this break.

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>> Alex McFarland: They do an ultrasound.

>> Bert Harper: And that's when everything changed.

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>> Bert Harper: We three kings of Orient are bearing gifts we traverse a fire, field and fountain My and mountain following yonder Star.

Bird and Alex wish you a Merry Christmas on Exploring the Word

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Alex and Bird here. Hey, we want to wish you a merry Christmas. And, I know it's early in the month of December, but, Bird, I got the Christmas spirit all over me. How about you?

>> Bert Harper: I do as well. And it's just a great, great, time of the year. I enjoy it. I love it at our house. It's kind of the Christmas looking. And, we're excited about it because grandkids be coming and, we get to go and see one of her grandchildren that's just been born a, few days ago, Samantha Harper. Isn't that great? Yeah, that little girl's growing and doing good. And so we're, we're excited about that.

>> Alex McFarland: Hey, you know, we're going to get back to Isaiah chapter 16. I was doing some research for the show that I have the privilege of doing on the weekend. You know, I do kind of a biblical WorldView, just Alex McFarland. It airs on the weekends on AFR. And do you know as far there are at least three Christmas songs they know of that go back about 1700 years?

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, I was looking at some of that too. Alex. I was shocked, I really was, that it was, that far back.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. And one, it, it was written around 310 A.D. i mean, this is a long, long time ago. And, the title was Jesus, light of all the nations. This is 1,715 years ago. And it basically says, jesus, devoted redeemer of all the nations. You've shown forth. Let the whole family of the faithful celebrate the story. Isn't that amazing?

>> Bert Harper: Amen. what a story it is, isn't it, brother?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, it is. And so, folks, as we're in this month of December, let the Christmas spirit, and by that I mean reflecting on the coming of Jesus. Let that be something that you really pray about, think about, share with others. and hey, we're going to Isaiah 16. But, Bert, refresh my memory. The Christmas button this year, the AFA Christmas button. What is the wording on it?

>> Bert Harper: Those of you watching live stream, I'm stepping away a minute and Marty can't follow me. I guess he could, but he doesn't need to. I'm going to hold it up. it says, jesus, our joy for all eternity. It's beautiful. It really is. And those that are live streaming or whatever, you can see it. it's just a beautiful button. And, I purchased some yesterday, so they're still there. They can. To the resource center.

>> Alex McFarland: Is there still time to get.

>> Bert Harper: Yes, I think they can still get it. This is the fourth. If I'm. Our fifth is fourth. Yeah, December 4th. You can still get some buttons if you'll order them. AFA Resource Center. And you can find that. And, I. It'll be a blessing. So we say wear them and share them. Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, and. And I can tell you, you know, in the grocery store, out and about, it's a conversation starter. And you can talk to just your total strangers or your neighbor, talk about the Lord, talk about Christmas. But Interestingly, in verse 16. I'm sorry, verse 1 of Isaiah 16, send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land, from Selah to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion. Okay. the Moabites, bring tax or offering or tribute to Jerusalem, really, as a submission to God. And, you know, this happened in a few times of the Old Testament, but, the, the people of the land, the gentile monarchs around, would come and pay tribute or, you know, tariffs, you might as well say it, tariffs, to Israel. For it shall be as a wandering bird thrown out of the nest, so shall the daughters of Moab, and at the fords of Arnon be. And in other words, and by the way, in the Old Testament, you'll see the phrase the daughters of Jerusalem or the daughters of Moab, the children, and especially the daughters, were looked after, very helpless, very vulnerable. And talking about your daughters being wandering in the wilderness or, at the fords of a river and not knowing which way to go, that's a picture of, at risk vulnerability. Well, knowing the true and living God, that's having your feet on solid ground, but being an enemy of God and God's people, that's to be greatly at risk.

>> Bert Harper: It is, and it continues on. And this judgment doesn't seem as severe as some of them, but it really talks about what they should do and get ready. Notice the word take counsel and execute judgment in verse three. And then, do not betray him who escapes. But verse four, when I see the word outcast, it gets my attention. Years ago, when I was in high school, there was one of the stories that I read by Bret Harte that got my attention. His initials B.H. and mine being B.H. I said, oh, I'll See what he writes. But it was the m Outcast of Poker Flats. Now, that's not biblical, but outcast really gets my attention. And here let my outcasts dwell with you, O Moab, for a shelter to them from the face of the spoiler for the executioner is in an end. Devastation ceases. The oppressors are consumed out of the land.

Alex: The Christmas story is filled with some outcasts that God used

But listen, I just going to say talk a minute about outcast, Alex. I'm just taking this opportunity and running with it for just a second. There are folk, people that feel outcast. It may have been because of the decision they've made in their past and they feel so unworthy. it may be because of jobs that they have. And they say, oh, man, our job is just, no thanks for it at all. it could be how they're treated by the family. But if you're an outcast and you're listening to this, program, I want to tell you God collects outcasts so he can bring them to himself and, you know, give you a new name written down in glory. He can give you new identity in Christ. And so, Alex, God, who did he, when Jesus was born, who did he send the angels to tell about it?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, one of the most lowly of the society, and that would have been the shepherds.

>> Bert Harper: That's exactly right. And Mary became an outcast because here she was, she was with child and not married Joseph yet, you know, and Joseph was looked down upon because Joseph, What do you mean, Joseph? Is this your child? You know, and you're not willing to put her away? you know, so here the Christmas story is filled with some outcasts that God used mightily to let the world know who he is. And so, that's an awesome story when you think about it, Alex. Go ahead, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: I remember a couple years back, you and I were recording some Christmas messages, as we do, and I had done some research and I came across from about 200 years before the birth of Christ, there was some Jewish history written, and it said, there is no more detestable job than that of a shepherd. They stink, don't have anything to do, or good people don't have anything to do with them.

>> Bert Harper: Ah.

>> Alex McFarland: And so the shepherds were not, social leaders. And yet the very first group, the angels, appeared. Luke, chapter two. Oh, my goodness. One of the most beloved pieces of writing in the history of the world. And the angels appeared to the shepherds. Maybe nobody else cared about them, but God sure did.

Bertrand Russell: God entrusted to us believers the ministry of reconciliation

Now, I want to say Something about, Isaiah 16 and I'm going to cue it up with 2 Corinthians 5, 11 and following this is so beautiful about our God. It says in 2nd Corinthians 5 that we are his ministers of reconciliation and he has entrusted to us believers the ministry of reconciliation. See, there's this old saying, always be quick to mend fences and to give or receive an olive branch. Now, with that being said, what's amazing here, when God says, let my outcasts dwell with you, In Isaiah, 16, Judah was urged to receive the outcast of Moab. And Moab is asked to receive the outcast of Judah. Isn't that something? And there have been people who said, look, in the end times. And I've got two or three great scholars, that were ex Muslims and have become born again believers, former Muslims, now Christians. And there the great belief, somehow, someday, some way, Isaac will get reconciled to Ishmael. Now what am I talking about? The sons of Isaac. Isaac was the child of Promise, Abraham and Sarah and the sons of Ishmael, that was of Hagar. And look, if you don't believe the Bible, all I've got to point to is the Middle east. Because to understand the world, it's the conflict between Ishmael and Isaac. And yet, just as Moab and Judah are, to be reconciled, and just as we are, if we've been reconciled to God through Jesus, we help others get reconciled one day. There's a reckoning coming, but there's a great reconciliation coming. Glory to God.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Alex. And this is what we're about. That's what Jesus Christ offers to the Jews, you to the Gentile, to the Muslim, to the Buddhist. Come unto me all you who are weak and heavy laden. I'll give you rest. Listen, what the other religions puts on people is nothing but heavy ladness. And you do this bow five times, you know, come back better than you were born the first. Listen, it's an endless cycle, but Jesus Christ in this reconciliation offers the redemption that we have in him. And you don't want to miss it. And with that in mind, verse five, just right in the middle of this, speaks loudly. Alex is alright if I read that now? Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: Absolutely.

>> Bert Harper: In mercy, the throne will be established and one will sit on it. In truth, in the tabernacle of David, judging and seeking justice, hastening righteousness. That is the whole idea right there. And if you've got a correct translation of the Bible, most of them get this when you read the one it's capitalized. Who is this one that will sit on that throne, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: It is the Lord Jesus Christ.

>> Bert Harper: None other.

>> Alex McFarland: King of glory.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. And when we have that, listen, is he on the throne of your heart? Those of you who are listening, is he lord of your life? have you been bought with a price? So, Alex, I, just love that in mercy, isn't that a beautiful word? In mercy, he established, this throne. Not. Not it. Now, yes, Judgment comes, yes. But he wants to demonstrate mercy. When we admit our sin, when we confess it and understand who we are, we have nothing to offer him. And we come to him in humility. M. The mercy and grace of God is poured out on us, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. The mercy and grace of God. And even in this book, where there is a lot of judgment on sin and iniquity, but there's a lot of grace and judgment. Isaiah 16:6 and following talks about, in pride, Moab will be brought down. it says he's very proud. And he'll be plundered and wander in the wilderness. her branches are stretched out, gone over to the sea. Which, really is, I think, a reference to, being fragmented and broken. You know what I mean?

>> Bert Harper: Yes.

>> Alex McFarland: I, mean, you think about the branches of a tree. Well, the branches of a nation. I mean, could be their financial strength or, their military strength or their long, long culture or something like that. But those branches are going to get broken off and really thrown to the waters. well, the Bible says that pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. You know, if there's one thing that I think is God honoring, it's humility, Isn't it, Bert?

God responds to humility and he responds to pride in two different ways

>> Bert Harper: It really is. And God responds to humility, and he responds to pride, but in two different ways. The Bible says he resists the proud, but the humble. Come unto me all you that are weak and heavy. Humility. And so this is. This is. Listen, I don't know of any of us that are humans that we don't have to understand, you know, we need to humble ourselves before a mighty hand of God. And you need to do that. Verse 10 going to verse 14. I want to make sure we cover this, and I'll read verse 10. But verse 13 and 14, Alex, I hope you'll take it away about this is all going to happen pretty soon, you know. But listen to verse 10. Gladness is taken away. Joy from the plentiful field, in the vineyards. There will be no singing, nor will there be shouting. No treaders will tread out wine in their presses. I've made their shouting cease. listen, the joy is gone. Nothing there. Because it's dark. It's, overflowing. You remember, the grass is gone. So the judgment has come. And my heart shall resound like the harp of Moab, my inner being. So. But verse 13 and 14 says it's going to happen within a certain period of time. Do you get that?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, within three years. Isn't that something?

>> Bert Harper: It is.

>> Alex McFarland: And so, you know, Moab goes back to the beginnings of history, really. and it says, this is the word the Lord has spoken concerning Moab. But now the Lord has spoken, saying within three years as the years of a hireling. Now, hireling, there's kind of a little parallelism here because they're talking about no joy out in the field. Well, hirelings were just temporary farm workers, really. And Moab, your, duration as a country is going to be less than some temporary day worker, really, with all that great multitude. And the remnant shall be very small and feeble. the glory of Moab ended. That's what this is about.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, one last thing. You remember where we started over in chapter 14. The Lord has purposed that it will stand. It ends with this. The Lord has spoken. Listen. When he speaks on judgment, yes. But when he speaks on salvation, respond to him. Come to him. That phone number is, RIPLE 858988. Give us a call with your Bible question today. Because of listeners like you, preborn helped to rescue over 67,000 babies. Your $28 to sponsor one ultrasound doubled a baby's chance at life. Your tax deductible gift saves lives. Please join us in this life saving mission. To donate, go to preborn.com afr we Three Kings of Oriental bearing gifts. We travel so far fielding fountain Mountain, following yonder star.

Exploring the Word Bird is celebrating Christmas the whole month of December

Welcome back to Exploring the Word Bird. And Alex here. Yeah, we're celebrating Christmas the whole month of December. we're having the best time ever. And that number, if you've got a Bible question today, right now would be a great time to call. The phone lines are open. And that number is 888-58-98840. Triple 858-9840.

Alex, what do you look for in a church

Alex, a question that I get quite often. What are you looking at in a local church to be a part of? hey, when I said the lines are open, they lit up like a Christmas tree. So answer my question real quickly and we'll get to these. But Alex, what do you look for in a church?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, we've been very blessed to be a part of South Elm Street Baptist church for 20 years now. And, what drew us there was I KNEW the pastor, Dr. Lawrence Clapp. We were friends, but I knew his commitment to the Word of God. I knew his commitment to the Great Commission, and I knew that it was a church that, the resources were used for what we're supposed to use them for, which is the Great Commission, you know, now the people are good, the fellowship is good. but I m. Guess, Bert, we would, go where?

>> Caroline: What?

>> Alex McFarland: Ah, I'm not looking for in a church. You know what I mean? how many people we can get to go to the best restaurant every Sunday at 12? 10. That doesn't matter to me. Now, I know there's fellowship, there's, you know, there's activities, but really, for me, and I wrote a little piece, it's on my website, on what to look for in a church, but I think is the word of God the authority? Is Jesus the one and only Savior proclaimed? is the pastor committed to the Great Commission, and is he himself a man of the Word, as he calls us to be? People of the Word. What do you say, brother?

>> Bert Harper: I agree with you. And I'm not just trying to agree. I would look for those. I want the word of God proclaimed. I want it to be missional. if you got those two things, yeah, you can do other stuff, and it needs to be backed up. The pastor, example to the flock. You know, he's not to do all the work, but he's to be an example to the flock. So, Alex, I would agree. And so those churches, if you're not there, become one. Hey. Repent and return to your first love. Is it says in the. In Revelation.

Alex: Where do we get the translation from Yahshua

Well, Alex, people did respond. So let's go to the phone lines and get to these as quick as we can. And the first caller of today is from Texas, and it's Dannah. Dannah, thank you for calling. Hello. Hi.

>> Caroline: wanted to ask y' all where. That. Where did we get the translation from Yahshua. Jesus. I mean, where does that come from? I've asked several people, and I don't understand why all the new Bibles say Jesus versus.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, well, Dannah, good question. Let me. Joshua. how about Joshua, Alex? What. Let me see. What does that mean?

>> Alex McFarland: it means Jehovah saves.

>> Bert Harper: Now, what does Jesus mean?

>> Alex McFarland: well, hey, this is so exciting. I got to tell you something. Okay, really? By about 200 years after the life of Christ, Jesus was crucified, 30 AD rose from the dead. The Hebrew name Yeshua, more and more Christians were speaking Koine Greek. And in Greek, Yeshua is pronounced Jesus. Jesus. So but over the years, the Latin Jesus is pronounced with a J. Jesus. So really, within two to 300 years after the cross. But let me throw something out here, and I would just say to everybody, brace yourself. This is big, okay? In Romans 10, 9, 10, very famously, it says, whosoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. And Lord is in all caps. L, O R D. Now, that is a quote from Joel 2, 32. But I want to say what leads up to it is all about Christ. In Romans chapter 10, Christ died for our sins, and Jesus paid the price. And Paul leads up and he says, you know, call on Jesus. But here's the thing. One of the holiest designations, names of God is Jehovah or Yahweh, right? In Romans 10, 9, 10, where it says, whoever calls on, the name of the Lord, Paul is saying Christ is Yahweh. And part of the reason I bring that up, Bert, is because I know there are cults, there's beliefs out there who say Jesus was a good man, but he wasn't God incarnate. Isn't it powerful? And this is something more and more scholars are writing about how essentially. And we've used this in the gospel forever. You know, Romans 10:13, for whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. verse 12. There's no difference for the same as Lord over all this is saying that Jesus is deity. Whether you pronounce it Yeshua, maybe you want to pronounce it in Hebrew or the Greek Jesus or the Latinized Jesus. We're talking about the second member of the Trinity who paid our debt on the cross, aren't we?

>> Bert Harper: we are, Alex. That's huge. And that's who he is. And so, Dannah, regardless, we call him Lord. He's the Christ. And, Yeshua. Jesus. Jesus. He is. He is Lord. Thank you, brother.

Joshua asks if the Book of Enoch is a reliable source of biblical history

Well, next we want to go to Ohio. And I talked about Joshua, and I didn't know Joshua was going to call in. Welcome, Joshua, to exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Well, thank you very much. How are you guys doing?

>> Bert Harper: Doing well, man.

>> Alex McFarland: Good.

>> Caroline: Well, I have a quick question. It's kind of a random question, actually. My wife and I were talking about giants in the Old Testament, and there were further descriptions of them, more detailed descriptions. Someone posted about in the. Referencing the Book of Enoch. And I wanted to ask you guys if the Book of Enoch is actually a reliable source of biblical history.

>> Bert Harper: Okay. It doesn't deserve to be in the canon. We've talked about that. But is it a reliable source of history, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: as far as I know, yes, it's reliable. In terms of history, I don't really know. I'm trying to think about, you know, because Enoch. here's the thing. The Book of Enoch, and there's another one called the Book of Jasher. And there's the writings of, Josephus. Okay. The Book of Enoch references, a race of giants with bodies so large and countenance different from other men that they were surprising to the sight and terrible to the hearing. Here's the thing. First of all, the Book of Enoch is not written by Enoch, the great grandfather of Noah. it's what's called pseudepigraphal writings. And I think it's, as far as I know, it's pretty historically accurate. But really, the m. Majority of it is what we call apocalyptic. The Book of Enoch talks about the end of time and the final judgment on, evil people at the end of time. There's a lot in the Book of Enoch about demons. And so I would just say be careful. And let me just issue a little gentle, caution. We get lots and lots and lots of questions about the Book of Enoch. And I don't know why people are so interested in something that is, at best, a historical curiosity, but it's not part of the word of God, which we know is true. And what it says about. There were giants in the world. Yeah, there probably were. in fact, I know there were. But when it gets into demons and spiritual issues and the future, be very, very careful, because unlike 2nd Peter 1, 1921, Enoch is not the sure word of prophecy.

>> Bert Harper: That's. That's exactly the answer. And, yeah, curiosity. and I think it's because it's referred to, you know, just talking about why. I think that's the reason. And, so they want to find out. And, but it's not a sure word. And we can go to the word of God. 66 books, 39 in the old, 27 in the new reliable. And that's what we talked about today in Isaiah. God has purposed it. We can say that about his word. Joshua, thank you for calling. We appreciate that, brother.

Alex: Was God giving you a sign not to eat sausage

Well, next we want to go to Kentucky and talk to Betty. Betty, thank you for calling. yes.

>> Caroline: Can you hear me?

>> Bert Harper: Yes, ma'. Am. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Ah, first, time I've ever called. but this scripture is still in my mind because, as I guess they told you a little bit about it, we have ate hog meat ever since. I can ever remember and love it. And, after reading this, I don't know, the next morning, it stayed on my mind as we was going to bed, because I always try to read a chapter, at least before I go bed. And after breakfast, I try to read. And, So the next morning, I got up and I had some sausage. I was gonna fry one for my husband, one for me. And, as I went to cut the sausage, had trouble cutting it. And, finally I, cut it and put in this in a little orange scale by the cabinet here. And, I thought, well, I've got my coffee made. I'm gonna get my mug out and pour me a cup of coffee. And so doing, getting my coffee mug out, it failed out of my hands onto the stove that I haven't had very long. Oh, and chipped it. And I thought, could that be, something God's time trying to tell me?

>> Bert Harper: Okay. Okay.

>> Caroline: Betty?

>> Bert Harper: Yeah. So is God trying to tell you don't eat pork, Alex? bacon, ham. A lot of good pork meat. now, in the Old Testament, it was. But let me see. Did acts chapter 10 happen? Is there something about acts chapter 10 that sets pork, apart? That it's all right for us to eat today.

>> Alex McFarland: You know, I have to smile and. Sister, your desire to copiously follow the Lord is very commendable. but. Yeah, all right. In Leviticus 11:7, the ancient Jews, as part of the Mosaic law and Mosaic rituals, were told not to eat pork, that it was unclean. But, you know, Peter, In Acts chapter 10, Peter had a vision of a picnic blanket that came down from heaven. And the picnic blanket was opened, and there were all kind of foods. And God told Peter, if you're in Christ, it's all clean. And I. Joking. I'm not making light at all, but, I'm from North Carolina, where we have a thing called barbecue.

>> Bert Harper: I was waiting on that word.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. Smoked pork shoulder. And, we are free in Christ. Martin Luther wrote this small pamphlet called On Christian Liberty. Sister, you follow the Lord as he leads. But I don't think that, the cup falling. Was God giving you a sign not to eat sausage? we are free in Christ. The dietary laws. Now, I'll tell you what is the. I think Bert, the bigger consideration to show moderation, that's.

>> Bert Harper: That. That's exactly where my mind went as you were talking. And, it's. Listen, if you'll do that, it's wise. Do all things in decency and order. And when you do that, you find it's balanced. You do all things in moderation. And so, you need to watch your diet. I do. I need to watch my diet. I've tried. My wife Jan has kind of gotten me, changed, some in that, and it's shown in my health. And, it's a wise thing to do. Moderation. Is that so, Betty, thank you for that. And I agree with Alex. Thank for you wanting to follow the Lord and do what he says, no matter what. That is awesome. Let's go back to Ohio and talk to Tim. Tim, thank you for calling.

Bruce Bloom: We're studying the Christmas season at school with Christian athletes

>> Caroline: Hey, guys. we're studying the Christmas season at school with our fellowship, of Christian athletes. Next week, we're touching on the three wise men. I thought I heard this on the radio last week, that the wise men came from a land where Daniel had prophesied, and they were obviously many generations removed, but they were following the teachings or the prophecies of Daniel. Is there any truth to that? And what can you give me to help the kids?

>> Bert Harper: Yes, it is, Tim. keep it going and praise the Lord for fellowship of Christian athletes. Alex, love them. And so I say that to him, keep the work up and do that work. And everybody there, churches support that. Fca. You want to get into your local schools, FCA is a good way to do it. Alex. Those wise men were. They connected with Daniel from generation to generation.

>> Alex McFarland: They were. And by the way, here, here on the thumbs up for FCA. It's been my privilege to speak for many FCA chapters and they reach many people. So Daniel 2:48 says that Daniel was governor over the wise men of Babylon, meaning a, leader. Now, no doubt, even though Daniel was like a political prisoner, he told them about the promised Messiah. And So in Matthew 2:1 12, you get the Magi, or this entourage really, of the wise men that came from Babylon. But you know, Bert, it's just amazing to me that, probably one of the verses, Daniel 2:48, one of the verses that Daniel taught them about was numbers 2417. A star will arise out of Jacob, and in his hand a scepter. It was interesting when the Magi. Back to Matthew, chapter two, when they went to Jerusalem, they said, we're looking for the king of the Jews and Herod. That was a title Herod used for himself. But Bert, isn't that something? Daniel, even though he was a political prisoner, he was a witness for the true and living God.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Wherever God has planted you, Bloom. Joseph, in Potiphar Prison, no matter what, Daniel, political prisoner Bloom where God has planted you. And let Jesus shine forth. Bruce, sorry we couldn't get to you, but tomorrow. Allen, Alex, let me see. Is it Friday?

>> Alex McFarland: Fire away. Friday. All questions, all the hour. Tomorrow. Tune in.

>> Bert Harper: That is tomorrow. So, Bruce, if you can get through, we'd love to answer that question as best we could, but we want you to tell other people about American Family Radio, but especially tell them about exploring the word. We are kind of partial, but more than anything, we want you to tell them about the Lord Jesus Christ.

>> Alex McFarland: The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.