Transcript

Your chance to ask us your Bible question at 888-589-8840

>> Alex McFarland: It's fireaway Friday on Exploring the Word. This is your chance to ask us your Bible question at 888-589-8840. That's 888-589-8840. You can also email your [email protected] or visit facebook.com exploringtheword.

>> Bert Harper: Exploring the word. It's fire Away Friday on American Family Radio.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, this is the day we are rejoicing and are glad in it. Psalm 118, verse 24. And with that part of God's word, we welcome you to today's edition of the program. We call it fire away Friday because on this day of the week, we kind of hit the pause button on our study. We've been in the Book of Numbers, but Bert Harper and I, we take all questions all the hour, and I'm gonna give that number, and maybe you'll be the first person to call in with a Bible question. It's 888-5898-840858-98840. any and all Bible questions, Bert and I will do our very best to give you a good answer that is scriptural, factual, and practical. Because, Bird, I believe God's word is relevant for everybody's life every single day. Don't you believe that, too?

>> Bert Harper: I believe it, Alex. I could not agree more.

Alex: Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord

And getting, ready for the show, I was reading in Ezra. Listen to this verse or three verses. Ezra. In the Old Testament, sometimes we. Oh, man, Ezra. What? No, it's great. Listen to this. Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. On the first day of the first month, he began his journey from Babylon. And on the first day of the fifth month, he came to Jerusalem according to the good hand of his God upon him. Now listen to verse 10 of chapter 7. For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel. I read that verse 10, and I said, that's what we do on exploring the Word. We do our, We prepare our hearts to seek the Lord with all of our heart and to do it, and to teach statutes in ordinance to the others. Alex, that's a great verse, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: It really is. It really is. You know, that reminds me, by the way, there's a brand new bronze statue of Ezra at the Bible Museum in Washington. this week, I had the great joy of going up to our nation's capital to read the Bible as part of the America reads the Bible. And by the way, folks, you ought to tune in to that. it'll wrap up tomorrow. The Bible will have been read in its entirety from COVID to cover. I know Franklin Graham is one of the readers and just so many other people that we know and love. And so it'll wrap up tomorrow. But in honor of that, someone donated and gave a statue of Ezra the scribe.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: And. And at the base of the statue, and I got my picture taken with it. It's probably about 7 or 8ft tall. It's really big, but it says, you know, the law of the Lord is perfect, and indeed it is. And, so what a joy. And Bert, read that again, if you would. I've prepared my heart for the word of God as I go to the house of the Lord. How it is.

>> Bert Harper: Say it again. Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: I don't know why. now I have it highlighted, underlined, and stars by it. So I've noticed it before, but it hit me afresh and anew. And, what it is, and that's what we want to do with your questions as we study the word of God. That our heart is right before God. That we share the word of God, and we obey the word of God, and then to teach it. And may God use that for his glory.

Bert says there are some things to avoid when going to family gatherings

Well, Alex, man, phone lines have come in. That means people are on them. You ready to, talk to the first caller of the day?

>> Alex McFarland: Where shall we begin?

>> Bert Harper: Let's go to Texas, and it's Lee. Lee, thank you for calling. Exploring the word. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: thank you. I asked this question many times, and I think it's in Ephesians where it says, do not associate with people that tell dirty jokes, things like that first. Don't even think those things. It's. I mean, I know it's real strict, but when you're looking at going to family get togethers and things, and that's exactly what they're going to be doing over there. Do you bow out of those? I. I have bowed out, before.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah.

>> Caroline: And I think, I think I'm going to have to continue to. I knew a man. This is a terrible story. His son is dead now, but this is his only son, and he would not go down there and visit him because he was living in sin.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Lee, listen. Yes. There are some things to avoid it. The book of, Proverbs talks about It. Avoid it, you know, and don't pass by it. That's the only way you can. Sometimes you go, don't stay long, and you walk away. And. And Alex, I don't mean to in places say, you know, I know what's waiting on me, and I have the choice, do I not go, or do I go and stay? But I think there is that third one. I go and, you know, I can walk away. I don't have to stay there the whole time. What would you say, Tilly?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, I appreciate your tender conscience. I do. And the verse of which you speak is probably Ephesians 5:4. Ephesians 5:4. And it's talking about, you know, be imitators of God as dear children, walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself for us. And it goes on, and it talks about immorality and uncleanness. Avoid. And you'll see in verse 4, a phrase, least in my Bible, it says, avoid filthiness, foolish talking and coarse jesting. C O A R S e course. Now, what does that mean? It means nasty, derogatory jokes, sayings like that. And, I'm the same way. And Bert, I'm not trying to be, like, super spiritual or anything, but even before I got saved, I could not tolerate locker room talk or nasty talk. And, you know, growing up and playing, baseball and then, when I was in college, I sold cars for a while because I love cars now. Got a job selling cars down at the Dodge dealership. And, I remember around the salesman, sometimes I'd hear stuff, and I wasn't even saved yet. And I said, guys, don't talk that way. Would you say that if your grandmother was in here? You know, now, here's the thing. Ephesians 5:4. C.S. lewis wrote about it, and he had no tolerance for dirty talk either. And he said, here's the thing. Because we're made in God's image. When you use degrading, obscene language or filthy jokes, it's demeaning to God, whose image we bear. That's why, Bert, our language and our vocabulary matters, doesn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It really does. And, So, Lee, thank you for that. I'm not sure we've had that, put it that way, but, Lee, thank you for that. And I think some good teaching has come from that and maybe some guidelines and help. And, So in other words, you're not participating. You know, you do not join in. Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: And so can I say one last thing?

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, go right ahead, man.

>> Alex McFarland: If We've given Jesus our heart, we should also give him our vocabulary, our pocketbook.

>> Bert Harper: Let me see. Should we withhold anything if he's given us all that, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: No, we should give ourselves wholly and fully to Christ.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

Jimmy says everything before Christ was BC and everything after Christ was ad

Well, let's go to Mississippi. And it's Jimmy. Jimmy. Thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Yes, sir. I thank y' all for everything. I really appreciate y' all this program. But, my question is, is I've understood everything before Christ was BC and everything after Christ was ad and I thought that was after his death. And then I've heard on, AFR that maybe because he died like 33 A.D. and it confuses me.

>> Bert Harper: Okay. In the year of our Lord. Isn't it, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: Mm, Anno Domini.

>> Bert Harper: Anno Domini.

>> Alex McFarland: And, you know, I remember, you know, growing up and I was pondering, what does that mean? BC before Christ? And then, it's really Latin, Anno Domini in the year 525. That's when they started using that. so, you know, 1500 years, 1501 years ago. because everything post resurrection is the ever present in the year of our Lord. Anno Domini. so it didn't really mean after death. And I thought that too. But now you'll notice this, folks, as a modernized lost world doesn't like to think about God. They say BCE and CE before the Common Era. And Common Era, Bert, it just. It amazes me, frankly, saddens me how the world of academia will just bend over backwards to try to avoid that uncomfortable reality. The reality of Jesus Christ and his

>> Bert Harper: Word, me as well. Now, if I read it, it's there. But if you're talking to somebody, here's what you do. You say, what is the mark? What is the point of the Common era? And before the Common era, what happened that separated that? And honestly, you got a greater way of telling about Christ using that. So use this, and agree. I agree with Alex. Trying to do away with anything that has anything to do with God. But what, what is the mark of before the coming era and after the coming era? What is that? The birth and life of the birth of Jesus Christ. Amen. Hey, you can try to get away from God, but you can't. Jonah tried, didn't he, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: He went down to Nineveh. And, you can't. You know, there's no song. So high you can't get over it. So low you'll never go under it, so wide, you'll never go around. It.

>> Bert Harper: That's it, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: God is the inescapable reality.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Hey, Jimmy, thank you for that.

Susan: Jesus says we're going to be given stewardship over other worlds

Great. Let's go to Tennessee. And it's Susan. Susan, thank you for calling. Yeah, go right ahead, Susan.

>> Caroline: Yes, I'm wondering, when Jesus said that at the end of time or when he comes back that we're going to be rulers of other worlds. What other worlds was he talking about? When I believe that man is the pinnacle of creation. And, so what does he mean that we're going to be rulers of other worlds, Alex?

>> Bert Harper: Is it rulers of other worlds or rulers or what? Which way is that?

>> Alex McFarland: well, you know, really it's other domains.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah.

>> Alex McFarland: I think it could be understood as areas of stewardship. I do not think, let me say how we often do what it doesn't mean. I don't think it means that there are other civilizations on other planets or anything like that. There's only four categories of life. Plant, animal, angelic, and human life. And so I think we're going to be given stewardship, over things. Heaven is not going to be boring. And one of the great books on this that I would recommend was, by Billy Graham about heaven, what heaven is going to be like. you know, I think about my dad and I think about my mother in law. They never saw a piece of ground that they didn't want to plow up and plant something in. And you know, maybe, my dad and Angie's mom are up in heaven right now growing flowers or crops or something. I guarantee if there's vegetables in heaven, my dad has planted 100 acres of silver queen corn. What am I saying? I think in eternity we're going to have responsibilities, wonderful things to do, but it's not going to be encumbered by the fall of Genesis 3. It'll be joyous, glorious, and completely fulfilling whatever those stewardship assignments are.

>> Bert Harper: Alex is telling us that we're not going to sit around on, on clouds playing harps in heaven. We will have time for those areas in our life. We'll be right back.

>> Alex McFarland: The AFR app is a powerful tool, but it does have limitations. You can't use it to change the oil in your vehicle or get rid of carpet stains. It won't walk the dog, won't pick up the dry cleaning or take the kids to practice. But while you're doing those things, you can listen to your favorite AFR content through the app on your phone, smart device or Roku. Just go to your app store or visit afr.net listen to AFR wherever you go with the AFR app.

Maryann says Samuel appears to a medium and tells Saul he will be fine

>> Bert Harper: Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,

>> Caroline: humility, gentleness, and patience.

>> Alex McFarland: Colossians 3:12. I talk about grace. I talk about love. I talk about faith. But some days I don't have enough. I talk about forgiveness. Still learning how to give it. Lord, I need your strength to live what I believe.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. We do. We want to live what Christ has done for us and let people see our good works and glorify the Father who's in heaven. Well, we've got callers, but every once in a while, we'll get one on Facebook. Brent, do I understand someone has asked a question? We just happen to have one on Facebook. Well, go right ahead. This is a longtime listener, Maryann, and she says Samuel appears to a medium and tells Saul that Saul and his three sons will be with me this time tomorrow. My daughter wants to know if that means Samuel is already in heaven or just deceased. Okay, Alex, seems like we've talked about this once or twice before about this, and, it is an unusual circumstance. And the medium, when you call it up like that, it is not of God. But God can even intervene. Like I was talking about the BCE and the cell. sometimes God intervenes in places that shocks people, too, and lets us have some insight, doesn't he?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. This is a very sad chapter in the life of Israel there in 1st Samuel 28. Saul did something that is unthinkably disobedient for any Jewish person, and certainly the king of Israel, to go see a witch. I mean, my goodness. and it was just very much out of God's will. and so, you know, for one thing, God had been just unequivocally clear about his prohibitions against mediums, sorcerers, soothsayers, witches. And part of it is because Satan is a deceiver, you know, and so Samuel was out of God's will to go. I'm sorry, Saul was out of God's will to try and go inquire. you know, the Philistines were going to fight. And, what was the other part of the question Bert about? Or Brent read that, if you would, about his daughters?

>> Bert Harper: she says that her daughter wants to know if that means Samuel is already in heaven or just deceased.

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, great question. Now, Bert, you feel free to disagree, with this. This is one of the most disputed questions. Did she really summon up Samuel? Because Prophet Samuel, see It says, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. So he had died. Now, was it a, fraud.

>> Caroline: Ah.

>> Alex McFarland: Or, you know, a fake thing? Or did Samuel really get to come and condemn Saul? The thing about it, the witch of Endor seems, startled, because in verse 12, it says she cried out at the top of her lungs, and she says, why have you deceived me? You are Saul. She was like, if I had known you were the king of Israel, I wouldn't have even had this seance. I truly think. And, Bert, you feel free to disagree. and this is what many commentaries would say. God supernaturally, not only to really convict and condemn Saul's actions, but even this imposter of a medium, Samuel actually went, was allowed. He had died. He had gone to heaven. But, he appears. it says, I see a ghostly figure, an old man wearing a robe. Saul knew it was Samuel. He bowed down and prostrated himself to the ground. Verse 14. And, Samuel, among other things, is almost humorous in, 1st Samuel 28:15, he says, why have you disturbed me? You know, by. By bringing me up? So, I know this is very unusual, never to be repeated again, but I actually think it was Samuel.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, I think it is. Because when you see the details in it and how it was, I do as well. And, again, it's God intervening, even in those times when. Yeah, it was not good. It was not right. But God demonstrates his power. and I think that witch of Endor. I didn't mean to do all this.

>> Caroline: She was.

>> Alex McFarland: I mean, here's the thing. Both Saul and she were pretty much terrified because she was just going through one of her magic tricks that was probably a hoax. The next day. And this is verse 21 of 1 Samuel 28. The very next day, Saul and his sons die in battle.

>> Bert Harper: I do,

>> Alex McFarland: It's quite sad, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It is. It really is. man, that was great. Brent. Thank you for doing our Facebook and all that. Do. Thank you for those that ask those questions.

Alex: Steve says while he was selling cars, he got saved

Well, let's go to Mississipp and talk to Steve. Steve, thank you for holding. Thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: I appreciate both you gentlemen very much. and, Alex, I wanted to say thank you for that story about being a car salesman. That meant a lot to me.

>> Bert Harper: In other words, I just got to intervene. You mean there's some honest used car dealers, huh? Is that. Is that.

>> Alex McFarland: I didn't say that.

>> Bert Harper: Hey, y' all, set it up. I couldn't resist it. I'm sorry, guys. Go ahead, Alex. You know I'm joking. Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: But you know what? hey, when we have time, I got to tell you about, how God worked in my life during. I just wanted to be around all those Dodge automobiles. It was the Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge dealer. And, anyway, it was while I was selling cars, going to college, during that season of my life that I got saved.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Amen. Hey, Steve. Excuse me.

>> Alex McFarland: What's going, brother?

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, go ahead, man.

Alex: I have some questions about end time prophecies. I called you about three weeks ago

>> Caroline: Anyway, I have a few. I called you about three weeks ago with some end time prophets or end time scriptures. And this is something that is hazy in my mind. We have the Rapture right around the corner. We have the Tribulation right around the corner. And then we have the, Battle of Armageddon where Jesus, and please stop me if I've overstepped my knowledge. Battle of Armageddon where Jesus is involved. And then we have the NewSong Jerusalem on this earth for a thousand years, where Jesus is reigning as king. Questions. Are there other people on the earth at that time in America, in, in, in Africa, wherever? Where is Satan at this particular time during the millennium? And what happens after that thousand year reign of Christ?

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Alex, let me ask this. Is NewSong Jerusalem coming down for the thousand years or is that after the thousand years?

>> Alex McFarland: That's after.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, that's, that's the answer. Go ahead, Alex, you take it away.

>> Alex McFarland: Great question. And, let me humbly say, Bert and I go into extreme detail in this, in our brand new book that's just. It's only been out a couple of months, but 100 Bible questions and answers on prophecy in the end times. I give God the glory, but everywhere I go, people come up and they pretty much rave about this book. And we praise God for it. It's available everywhere, the AFA store and every bookstore. and we go into this. So, I definitely believe in the literal thousand year millennium, the peace on earth, Christ is physically present, reigning and ruling from Jerusalem. now Satan is bound for a thousand years. But here's the thing. the people born during the millennial reign of Christ still need to get saved. Because you know, human beings, they have a sin nature. They need to be born again. Now what's really, I think indicative of the fallenness of the human heart is the people during the millennial reign have had more revelation than any other group in history Christ had lived. The Bible was true 20 centuries of the Great Commission. Then there was the Rapture and the Tribulation, the Battle of Armageddon. And now it's peace on earth, it's Eden restored. now new heavens and new Earth haven't come about yet. I mean, the new heavens, that's in Revelation 21. But for a thousand years, Satan is bound. And so there might be, the flesh, but really the world and the devil are held at bay. And at the end of this thousand year millennium, when Satan is briefly loosed, still some turn against Jesus and follow the devil. I mean, it's very sad, but after that momentary uprising is quickly extinguished, and this is Revelation 19. Then Revelation 21. The new heavens, the new Jerusalem comes down out of heaven like a bride adorned for her husband, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. And Bert, I know that it's a lot to take in, but I would just encourage people to read and ponder over it. And, I got to be honest, I think it's pretty amazing the amount of detail God has shown us.

>> Bert Harper: He has. He's given us a lot of detail. He hasn't answered every one of the questions we may have, but he has given everything we need to know. Okay. And, and we know those things, and it's. It's clear. There are those that say, no, those. That's just, spiritual. It's not. But, it seems literal to me when we look at that Scriptures. And Steve, we hope that helps. Brother, thank you for calling. And guess, what? We're going to stay in Mississippi and talk to Roy. Roy, thank you for calling. Go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Thank you, gentlemen. I appreciate what y' all do. y' all show helped me get more and more in God's way. And I pray he blesses y' all tremendously.

Roy: I have a question about Psalm 91. Is that in reference to the Rapture

But I've got a question about Psalm 91. in verse eight, it says, only with thine eyes shall thou see the reward of the wicked. Is that in reference to the Rapture?

>> Bert Harper: Okay. When you look at the whole body of, of Psalm 91 and our friend, Pastor Joseph Parker, man, he puts this out the prayer, making it a prayer. We even send out the prayers in Psalm 91. It is so powerful and so good. Let me read, if I could, verse seven and then verse eight. Alex, I could read the whole thing, but verse seven, A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look and see the reward of the wicked. In the context that it is, I don't see it necessarily a future event, but it looks as me, Alex, as you Walk with the Lord and you see how God works. He'll take care of you, and you will see, what happens to the wicked. But we also see what we receive. Do you see it in that context?

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Bert, do you remember, if I'm pronouncing this right, there was a great author some years ago, Herbert Lockyer.

>> Bert Harper: Oh, yeah, Herbert Lockyer. Yes. I got his books, man, a bunch of them.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, he would do a lot of books, like all the women of the Bible or all the prophets of the Bible. Well, he did a book called Famous Last Words of Saints and Sinners as very interesting. I mean, you've got believers, and on their deathbed, it was always something just so blessed and glorious, you know, I'm, entering the presence of my Lord, you know. But then there were atheists and different ones who would die. They would leave this world screaming. I mean, some of it, if you read the last words of, like, Nietzsche and Voltaire and some of the famous atheists, I mean, it's very frightening. Here's my point. In Psalm 91, verse 8, only with your eyes. Well, let me go back. a thousand falls on one side. 10,000 falls on the other side. But it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look and see the reward of the wicked. And let me just say, this child of God, when you see the end result of the wicked, the unbelieving, be thankful that you're saved. And if you're listening and you've never made your commitment to Christ, you think about things. I've done some funerals of people that I know were lost, and it is a horribly sad thing to do. I've been at the bedside of many dying saints. And it's. It's sad when anybody passes, but it's a beautiful thing. You look at the end of the wicked and you say to yourself, I don't want that. I don't want that. Then turn to Jesus. Bert, don't you think this is kind of what it's reminding me?

>> Bert Harper: I believe it is. It is. I do not see it a direct reference toward that, but the principle is there. We will see what brings about. You sow to the flesh. You love the flesh, reap corruption. You sow to the spirit, and of the spirit, you will reap life. And honestly, you're going to, you know, you see that their end is not good. And, we know that God's word says it. Thank you for that call, Roy. Let's go to Ohio and talk to Tim. Tim, go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Hey, fellas, on the Psalm 91, we actually read that with our team every day of the school year.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. It is powerful. Listen, those 16 verses, and I'll

>> Caroline: tell you what, guy, it's kind of weird, but sometimes there's things that happen in a game, and you just look around and the coaches will say Psalm 91. All right, so now my question. I'm sorry, I just had to add that.

>> Bert Harper: That's good.

>> Caroline: I'm standing here with one of my players. He had a question on the transfiguration. When Christ is talking about Elijah and how Elijah would come before him. And the disciples understood that meant Elijah was John the Baptist. Can you clear that up for us?

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Alex, don't have a lot of time. And, Tim, if we don't get it answered, through the break. Stay with us. Go ahead, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, this is in Matthew 17, on the mount of transfiguration. So Peter, James, and John are up there, and, they see Moses and Elijah. And, you know, this is about a week after Jesus had told his disciples that he would suffer and die and rise again. And they said, we know first Elijah must come. And really he did. Now, let's talk more about this after this break. May we do that?

>> Bert Harper: let's do. Tim, hold on. Can you hold on, man? Okay, we're gonna say you can. And, keep that, player there by you as well. And we'll be back right after these brief break.

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>> Alex McFarland: 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 unique in the song that it sings.

What's the relationship between Elijah and John the Baptist

Welcome back to Exploring the Word Alex and Bert. And we are talking to Tim, a, coach from Ohio, I think. And, I want to give time for this question. And am I correct you've got a student there that's got the question? Is that right, sir?

>> Caroline: Yeah, I'm standing here with Elijah, actually.

>> Bert Harper: Elijah.

>> Caroline: Elijah, explain.

>> Alex McFarland: Wow, that's awesome.

>> Bert Harper: Way to go. Hey, your other. Your other students. Not John, is it?

>> Alex McFarland: No, put him on for a second, if you don't mind.

>> Caroline: Yeah, I can go get a Peter and James if you want me to. Okay.

>> Bert Harper: Way to go, Tim.

>> Caroline: All right, here's. Here's Eli. Okay, so in the transfiguration, when they're up on the mount, the mountain, they were, there was Jesus, Moses and Elijah. Mm Now it says something about how Elijah would come first. Yeah, Elijah would come first. What's the relationship between Elijah and John the Baptist?

>> Bert Harper: They were, let me say they were prophetic. they were kind of rugged. they had a lot of similarities. And, the one like Elijah would come. Wouldn't that be right, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, really. and this is great. And no doubt the Peter, James and John remembered this their whole life because. And think about this, folks. And by the way, young man, it's a privilege to speak with you. Thank you for this great question. You know, John 1:14, in the Gospel of John, which would be written some years later, John said, we have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only. And I think in that John 1:14, he was talking about his memories of the transfiguration. Okay, let me lay this out. John the Baptist is really very pictorial of Elijah acting as the forerunner. Because, Luke 1:17 says John would come in the spirit and power of Elijah, a similar prophetic calling, similar boldness, similar authority. Elijah would turn the hearts of the people back to God. So did John the Baptist. They were very much, similar in appearance. Because if you read in like two Kings, chapter one, and compare that with Matthew three, verse four. Okay. John's appearance, wherein, you know, this covering of hair and a leather belt. Rugged, living in the wilderness, confronting the authorities, that m. John and Elijah were the same. But one, one thing, let me just say this. Malachi 4:5 says that Elijah well, Malachi 4, verse 5 says Elijah the prophet would return before the great and awesome day of the Lord. And Jesus directly pointed to John as the fulfillment of that in Matthew 11 and Matthew 17. But there's one more thing and I'll throw it back to Bert. I think Elijah's got one more assignment on planet Earth and it's going to be during the seven year Tribulation, where he'll be in Jerusalem, Moses and Elijah. So in a way, and this is fascinating, I think the Matthew 17, man of transfiguration. I know it was 20 centuries ago, but that would not be the last time Moses and Elijah would set foot on planet Earth during the Tribulation. They will again.

>> Bert Harper: They've got more to do. And so God has them there. And he has. It's an amazing. Tim, keep that coaching up, keep those, those students, those athletes. Praise the Lord. Thank you. You've blessed our day by calling. Thank you. Let's go to Georgia and talk to Jamie. Jamie, thank you for your, calling and your question. Yeah, go right ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: Be safe.

Jamie has a question concerning Azazel, the wilderness and what Jesus was doing

>> Caroline: Alright, so I have a question concerning Azazel, the wilderness and what Jesus was actually doing in the wilderness.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, the wilderness in the Bible is a little bit different than the wilderness in the United States. Now Alex, I'm just going to run this by real quick. I grew up in the 50s and 60s when Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone, man, you had TV programs and movies. These guys in the wilderness they tamed was here in the United States, Tennessee, Kentucky, rugged. And when I would read about the wilderness in the scriptures, I thought, man, that was something quite a bit different in their wilderness and our wilderness, wasn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, it was because their wilderness out there in the Bible areas is kind of like the desert arid.

>> Bert Harper: It is, you bet.

>> Alex McFarland: Now what's, Azale or Azel, I'm not sure how to say it. It's referenced in at least three biblical places. Zachariah, Leviticus and First Chronicles. When Jesus went into the wilderness, I was tempted of the devil. 40 days, you know, and he fasted and he prayed and you know, this was very early as he was beginning his ministry. And when he came back, he was empowered and stronger. and by the way, I think it's, it's healthy for we Christians to have periods of fasting and prayer before the Lord. But, but let me say this. If the wilderness into which Christ went for 40 days is the same wilderness as you know, mentioned in like Zachariah this is an area I've read maybe southeast of Jerusalem. Very fascinating. Okay, think about it. This was the area where in the scapegoat, that they would lay hands on a goat and impart the sins of the people to the scapegoat. And it means to go away. They would send him into Azale, the wilderness. It means the goat that departs. here's the other thing, though, by the way. The wilderness of Azaw is. Was traditionally, in Jewish thought, was a habitation of demons. Now, here's the thing, and I'll throw it back to you, Bert. Jesus is our scapegoat. The iniquity of us all was put on him. And so if indeed it is Azale, where Christ went for 40 days, I think that's very appropriate because he would be our scapegoat, really. And the other thing is, I mean, think about this. The power of the Son of God to be hungry and thirsty, to fast 40 days and pray. He went straight into demon territory. And yet, by the word of God, Satan was rebuked. By the word of God, Christ came back victorious, empowered and ready to fulfill his ministry, which would include the resurrection from the dead.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Alex, think about that. The wilderness. And then at Caesarea Philippi, where it would say, the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church. Both of those were in enemy territory. That gates of hell was a hole where, you know, was the demons come and go out of hell, and then the wilderness. Jesus Christ overcoming every enemy that would come against us. Hallelujah. What a savior. Thank you, Jamie. Let's go to Mary in Mississippi. Mary, go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Yes. Thank you.

Could you please define for me what is the bride of Christ and is it limited

Could you please define for me what is the bride of Christ, and is it limited to a certain number?

>> Bert Harper: Okay. The bride of Christ. it is those who have placed their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. the church has several names, and a lot of it has to do, Alex, with when, the teaching is going on. The bride of Christ is the one that Christ would come and receive, just like a bride would, be. And the groom would come and get them from their home and take them to their new home. that's what Christ is going to do for us one day, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: Absolutely. So the bride of Christ, as Johnny Cash said, the saints of all the ages who believed in him will rise. I, don't think it's limited to a certain number. I think it's whosoever will may come. Now, because the number of humans is not infinite. yes, the bride, though it will be billions and billions of believers, it will be a finite number, and God knows what that number is. Let me say what it won't be. It won't be only 144,000. The Jehovah's Witnesses are wrong. But, let me just read like one scripture. Second Corinthians 11:2. it talks about being betrothed to one husband, that is Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:24. The church submits to Christ as wives submit to their husbands. So the bride of Christ is the body of believers. And what's so wonderful? Not only Christ and the church, but even heaven and its inhabitants. Because Revelation 21:2 says, the Holy city, the new Jerusalem, comes down out of heaven, prepared as a bride for her husband. So the bride of Christ are all who have a relationship with the bridegroom.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. And those in the Old Testament, they look forward to this perfect sacrifice. Only Jesus and, what. What a day. Aren't the names, that are used in the images for the church, the body of Christ, a, building built up with a foundation is. I mean, you can see it in how God loves those of us who have come to know him as Savior. There's beauty, there's strength, there's abilities. Alex, the body, the church, is so significant that when we put all these, titles and names, you see one, that is functioning, but more than anything else. And you said that relationship with Jesus, that's. It isn't.

>> Alex McFarland: Is. You know, it's funny how things stick in your mind. Listen to this, folks. Many are old enough to remember, in 1981, there was the wedding of Charles and Diana. Right. Do you remember that book?

>> Bert Harper: I do.

>> Alex McFarland: And it was a big deal. And for months and months, the news coverage, you know, was leading up to this. And, you know, I wished. I wish it had worked for him. I really do. that was a very sad thing, but I'll never forget headlines around the world. It said this. It said, there's to be a wedding in London, and the world is invited. Several years later, I got saved. And I was thinking about that. folks, let me tell you the real headline. There's to be a wedding. And the world is invited. And the bridegroom says, whosoever will may come.

>> Caroline: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: And Jesus's arms are open. You've been given a wedding invitation. And the way you are as vp, you put your faith in Jesus.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Good, Alex. Great, Great analogy. Appreciate that. Mary.

Bert Malik: Jesse reminds us that forgiveness is central to God's kingdom

Let's go to Texas and talk to Jesse. Jesse, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: thank you for taking my call, Bert Malik. I listen to you all the time. I love your program. Last week, a gentleman called, and he was talking about his, family devotional time where he was teaching his children out of the book of Daniel and Revelation, and then he was studying Kings by himself. And y' all told him that was great, which, it is good to have family teaching like that. But he also stated that he used continually his wife's sin as a teaching to his children. Shouldn't y' all have told him that.

>> Alex McFarland: That.

>> Caroline: That Jesus taught, that forgiveness is central to God's kingdom. And once. Aren't we supposed to believe that once we're forgiven of our sins, aren't we supposed to get forgiven? And if somebody continually brings up your sin, how are you going to feel like you've been forgiven?

>> Bert Harper: Jesse, thank you for that. I thought I may not have. And if I did, I may not have made it clear because I can do that. I thought I told him that was not the thing to do. I, didn't use the word forgiveness, but I do remember that. And, Jesse, I think you got truth there. Alex, go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, I vaguely remember that. And you know, First Corinthians 13:5 says, Love keeps no record of wrongs. And so, yeah, I thought we intimated that to him, that really, that was not healthy to keep bringing that up and not only, what an unhealthy thing for the kids, but to nurse that wound. so I'm glad you reminded us of that. I kind of thought we did. But lest we were not as clear, as we could have been, we'll say it again, that, you know, here's the deal. If the dear Lord Jesus has forgiven us, who are we to hold a grudge against anybody?

>> Bert Harper: You know, let me say something about 70 times 7. Let me.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, that's unlimited.

>> Bert Harper: Unlimited. Jesse, thank you for that. And if we didn't, we. We didn't make it clear. And. But I appreciate you calling to help us. Yes. Forgiveness is right. Thank you, brother.

Let's go to Texas. Iris, thank you for calling. Hi, guys

Let's go to Texas. And it's Iris. Iris, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Hi, guys. That was a great word. One that we can all live by every single day. Right?

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

Alex Carland: I think the angel of the Lord may have been pre-Christ

>> Caroline: But, my question is, as I'm reading through the Bible again, in the time of Judges, when, When, Samson's parents versus dad, and then his dad and mom saw the angel of the Lord, when it's not capitalized, and when. And sometimes you see it capitalized the A for angel and sometimes you don't. But does it mean, is it the pre Karna. Pre incarnate Christ. I have heard that it is. What's your comment, Alex?

>> Bert Harper: Sometimes it is, the word angel is transliteration of the word messenger. And sometimes we let angel throw us off a little bit. But Jesus is, you know what it says in Hebrews, has spoken to us in these last days. But he did have appearance. There was his appearance in the Old Testament several times.

>> Alex McFarland: This is fascinating. In Judges, chapter 13 it says the angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah's wife who was barren, and she would have a son named Samson. And what's amazing, I do think this is a pre incarnate appearance of Christ because Manoah, asked the angel's name and the angel said it was too wonderful or literally incomprehensible. that might have been a theophany, a pre Bethlehem appearance of Christ actually.

>> Bert Harper: Amen Irish. Thank you for calling Alex. We've had a great week in numbers and especially a great fire away Friday, haven't we?

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Hey, tomorrow night in wichita, Kansas at 6:30. I'm m going to be at a point public center doing a Q and A at my website, alexmcfarland.com. look on the calendar. And if you're in Wichita, Kansas, come

>> Bert Harper: out and see us tomorrow night and you'll be blessed. Meet Alex, hear him and I want to just tell you God can use him and I pray he will this weekend. Thank you for listening to Exploring the Word.

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