Transcript

Stay with American Family Radio to study God's word this week

>> Bert Harper: The Bible. It's the word of God. Sharper than any two edged sword.

>> Alex McFarland: This sacred book is living and active.

>> Bert Harper: 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.

>> Alex McFarland: And take your Bible questions.

Bert Harper and Alex McFarland host Exploring the Word

>> Bert Harper: Welcome to Exploring the Word. Isaiah, contains so many verses that we know of and share together. And like I said yesterday, Isaiah 53 is mentioned at least 41 times, either alluded to or quoted in the NewSong Testament. I want to give one of those verses. It's 53, verse 6. All we, like sheep, have gone astray. We have turned everyone to his own way and the Lord has laid on him, Jesus, the iniquity of us all. Ah, well, this is Bert Harper and Alex McFarland and we're thrilled that you would join us today and hope you're having a good day. Hope that this Bible study will strengthen you and bless you, challenge you. let me just let you know, as Alex and I study, it challenges us because listen, the word of God is quick and powerful than any two edged, sharper than any two edged sword. And it really cuts through to our lives to see what we need to do, what we need to put away so that we can follow Christ. And we hope that helps you do that as well, Alex. What a, what a privilege and responsibility we have with exploring the Word during this hour.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

Tuesday on Exploring the Word is a day of prayer

Well, it's great to be with you, Bert Harper, and great to have everybody listening. We're going to pick it up in Isaiah 53, which, you know, Bert, I'm looking at my Bible that I've traveled with for, I don't know, 30 years. I, have done a lot, a lot of preaching from Isaiah 50, 52 to 64. and there's, there's just a lot in here. But, this is Tuesday on Exploring the Word, which in addition to looking at the scripture, it's a day of prayer. And later on in the show when we do pick up the telephones, we would love to hear your prayer request. And I know there are a lot of prayer requests and a lot of burdens on many a heart. And so we'd love to hear from you. And what we do, this is kind of like, we think one of, if not the nation's largest Bible study kind of like small group if, if 50 states of people can be a small group. But we, we really do open up our hearts with each other and we want to hear from you if you got a prayer request.

Alex: Bert, look at Isaiah 53 and what it says about Jesus

But, Bert back to Isaiah 53. And, folks, this is. This is gospel saturated here. Look at, verse six. All we, like sheep, have gone astray. Turned aside everyone to his own way. What did we do? look at these verbs. Gone, turned. But what about Jesus our Savior? The Lord laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, afflicted. He opened not his mouth. Brought as a lamb to the slaughter, as a sheep before his shearers is dumb. So he opened not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment. And who shall declare his generation. He was cut off from the land of the living for the transgression of my people. He was stricken. So, Bert, I think about the verbs attributable to us, the sinners, and the words attributed to Christ the Savior. We gone and turned. But Jesus laid oppressed, afflicted, brought, taken. I, mean, Jesus was led and he obeyed the Father. I've got to say this, and there's so much we could say about each one of these terms, but he was, It says the. The iniquity of all was laid on him. Verses. Jesus was guilted for us.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah.

>> Alex McFarland: See, he was righteous, holy, perfect, sinless. But that we might be saved, he was guilted. In other words, all of the wrath that we deserved was put on Jesus. That's how much he loves you.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Alex, go back to verse six, and I want to ask you a question. What do sheep do when they have no shepherd?

>> Alex McFarland: They scatter.

>> Bert Harper: They scatter. They go astray. They've gone astray. Sheep are not the sharpest, They're not the sharpest knife in the drawer, as they say. Sheep. Him calling a sheep, is not a compliment.

>> Alex McFarland: That's true.

>> Bert Harper: And, And so here it is. That's what we are. We desperately in need of a shepherd. What does the shepherd do? The shepherd laid down his life for his sheep. He comes between the lion and the bear that David talked about. that's what a good shepherd does. And our good shepherd, Jesus Christ, because we've gone astray, he did all of this for us. As you said those words that you talked about, he laid down his life. he opened not his mouth. I mean, he did all this for us, and, And we've turned every one to his own way. The Bible says there's way that seems right to a man, but the ends thereof are the ways of death. Regardless of what I would think or you would think or anyone would think, what would be the way I would do it, no Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. And so, Alex, when I read this and see these words, you can't help but look to see what, who we are and who Jesus is and how desperate we are for him.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes. Verse eight says, and this is again, you know, centuries before the birth of Christ. But it's really prefiguring and foretelling Passion Week, if you will. He was taken from prison and from judgment. In other words, recourse, and judgment was not allowed him. Yeah, he was led from, you know, a prison cell to ah, Pilate and Caiaphas and ultimately to Calvary. But in other words, judgment and a fair trial and recourse was, was not given him. You know, Bert, at Easter time, very often when you and I, and I'm sure we'll do it, you know, a couple of months from now, but we go through the, the, the Passion Week and we go through the seven unfair unlawful trials of Jesus, you know, and remember, his, Really the mockery of all these accusations took place into the wee hours of the morning whereby Jewish law, somebody was not to be tried, after sundown, but he was taken from judgment.

Who shall declare his generation? In other words, how many could count

Who shall declare his generation? In other words, how, how many could count, or could it even be counted, the number of people that would be redeemed. And the answer is no. Who shall? And Bert, a generation is not just an era of time or you know, 75 years, but really it's a race of people, in the case of Christ the Savior, the church, the redeemed, and you know, it says he returns with 10,000 times 10,000. Bert, isn't that kind of a euphemism for the innumerable body of believers, the born again blood washed band that he redeemed. That is just beyond counting.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Multitudes times multitudes.

Alex: Jesus was in control during the Passion Week, Bert says

One more thing that I'm going backward just not to make a lot of comment on, but it's just so important to me that it says, in verse seven, as a sheep before his shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. Pilate and Herod both were astonished that Jesus didn't come up and say and defend everything he was saying. And yes, Jesus was in control. This is the whole idea. As you were talking about the Passion Week, you was talking about the trials. Pilate and Herod thought they were in control, but right the opposite. The person that they were supposedly trying was in control. He's the one that was bringing about. He chose the day in which he would come in the triumphant entry into Jerusalem. He chose the day before the Passover so that there'd be thousands of more there in Jerusalem than there would be any other time of the year. And so when you see this, and you see what, all Jesus did Here in Isaiah 53, as you said yesterday, 750 years before this happened, God wrote about it happening, and Jesus was in control. And let me just say, he still is. I know things are weird out there, you know, kidnappings, and so many things that have happened, but Jesus is in control. And, does that mean that everything he's doing, he's moving us around like pawns? No, that's not how he operates. But nothing catches him by surprise. And when I say in control, it's ultimately going to the end in which he has planned, Alex. And I, don't know if that gives you. That gives me great confidence, strength, and hope, knowing that when things are unraveling around us, he's still in control.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. And, you know, there's so much we need to cover, but this is worth kind of doing a deep dive. God is not only the. The Creator and the Savior and the Sovereign. God is an artist. This is a beautiful story. And I mean, it's a true story, because, you know, it says, like a lamb, verse seven, a lamb to the slaughter. Well, in John 1:36, it says, Jesus is the Lamb of God. And by the way, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, these are the NewSong Testament. So this Old Testament, Isaiah passage, 7 1/2 to 800 years before the birth of Christ. Now, it says, as a sheep before his shearers is silent. So he opened not his mouth. Okay, Matthew 27:12. The chief priests and elders accused him. Jesus answered, not one word. And the governor marveled greatly. Mark 15:5. Jesus made no reply. And Pilate was amazed. Luke 23:9. Herod plied him with many questions, but Jesus gave no answer. And so, just as it was prophesied, and, you know, the human nature is if we're accused, falsely accused, you know, we defend ourselves. But, Bert, I think it's very convicting Christ, they all knew it. They knew he was innocent. They knew he loved people, he healed people, he taught the truth. And. And they were calling for his execution. He didn't answer a bit. And, even his silence before his false accusers was proof of his identity because it was prophesied. And there's even more in here, in Isaiah 53. Bert, I got to tell you something. You know, when I was in graduate school. The man that preached my ordination, the Great Harold Wilmington. H.L. wilmington. Wilmington's guide to the Bible. Well, for a few years, he, you know, he was at Liberty University 40 years, but he was sent, over to Jerusalem. And he actually was a faculty member at the Hebrew University in Israel. And he told this story that he was over there and he was highly respected among the rabbis and scholars because, you know, to be a gentile Christian, American. Dr. Wilmington. Oh, my goodness. His knowledge was extensive. So one day he was with the dean and some faculty members and he said, guys, I gotta ask you something. And, you know, I'm a Christian. You all are Orthodox Jews. He said, please hear me. What do you do with Isaiah 53? And there was a silence. I've heard him tell the story a time. He said, find. The dean moved with emotion, but he said, what do we do with it? We ignore it. And I think about that, folks. You can't ignore, because if you try to ignore Jesus, you've rejected Jesus.

>> Bert Harper: Exactly.

>> Alex McFarland: Alex, you must deal with the gospel.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Amen.

You can listen to AFR wherever you go with the AFR app

One last thing. 30 seconds before the break. Last phrase in verse 8. For the transgressions of my people, he was stricken. God, in his love he sent Jesus Christ to become our, ransom and praise God. It's available to you today to trust Jesus as Lord and Savior. We're hoping those of you that are listening have or will do that even today. The AFR app is a powerful tool, but it does have limitations.

>> Alex McFarland: You can't use it to change the.

>> Bert Harper: Oil in your vehicle or get rid of carpet stains.

>> Alex McFarland: It won't walk the dog, won't pick.

>> Bert Harper: 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.

>> Alex McFarland: Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus just to take him at his word. just to rest upon his promise. Just to know that so saith the Lord.

Bert Harper says trusting God's Word was enough when he was pastoring

Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Bert and Alex here. Bert, I love that song. I've always loved.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Jesus, Jesus, how I've trust Him. How I've proved him. Or, and, or, meaning you can trust him, can't you?

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Just trust him at his word and, amen. Now, I, I, I'm glad you're an apologist and I preached. I'm not a, quote, an apologist. But pretty preaching. As pastoring as I did, I would defend and try to help people understand all of that. But for Bert Harper, it was enough. When I found out who Jesus was, my Savior, the Lord, when I recognized him as Creator, when I recognized him as sovereign and knew that, His Word was enough, Alex, to be honest. And, if God said it, that settles it. Somebody said, God said it, I believe it, that settles it. And someone said, well, it settles whether you believe it or not.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: but we want you to believe His Word. And, that's why we do explore in the Word that the Word of God is sent forth, and it will not return void, but it will go forth and accomplish all that he set it forth to do.

Alex Blum: Isaiah 53 speaks about Jesus' death and burial

So, Alex, what a treat it is just to get into the Word, especially chapters like Isaiah 53.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, exactly, exactly. And, you know, there's a lot going on here. I mean, you know, Christ has been called the suffering servant. you know, he would be despised and rejected. He would die a painful vicarious death, meaning in our place, the vicar. The word vicar is a Latin word. It means substitute. Christ was our substitute. He would be silent before his accusers. And we talked about that in the previous segment. Then there's even beginning at verse nine and following about his death and burial and, his resurrection even, and the fact that he would justify multitudes. It's all in here, verse 9 of Isaiah 53. And he made his grave with the wicked and with the rich in his death, because he had done no violence. Neither was there any deceit for found in his mouth. So, Bert, was Joseph of Arimathea, who was, at one time, kind of a secret believer, but he got bold. But he was a very well to do follower of Christ. That gave, Jesus, a rich man's burial, didn't he?

>> Bert Harper: He really did. Along with somebody we meet back in John chapter three called Nicodemus. Nicodemus, a sermon, a study. Follow Nicodemus from his meeting Jesus till, I would say the death of the cross. We find him coming to Jesus at night, and then we find him speaking up. Are you going to pass judgment on this man without hearing him? He'd say that. And then he, along with Joseph of Arimathea, would come and get Jesus off the cross and take him to Joseph's tomb. And that was newly cut out. it's new. No man had ever laid there before. It says. And so what a story this is when you follow, Joseph secret disciple. I understand at the beginning. But, he couldn't stay secret, could he?

>> Alex McFarland: No. And by the way, this is recorded in all four Gospels. Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19. let me just read Matthew's recognition. When the evening was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus disciple. He went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus. In other words, asked for it. And Pilate commanded the body to be delivered to Joseph. And they took the body of Jesus, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulcher and departed. So it was in a graveyard. Now. We'll be there, Tim Wildmon and I, next month. And there is, ah, what's called Gordon's Calvary and the Garden Tomb. And Bert, when I was there a decade ago, I bought a book, of, the General back in the 1800s that measured and measured. And I bought this book that was kind of expensive. I mean, I think I paid about $80 for this particular book that had all of the, drawings and even a few very, very old photographs when they first discovered the Garden Tomb. And, it sure does seem compelling. I think it's authentic. I really do. But, Isaiah prophesied this that Jesus would be buried. he had done no violence. But I want to get to verse 10 because,

>> Bert Harper: Let me say this. This one, the first time I read it. Oh, no. But as I come into understanding, it is something of the heart of God, isn't it, Alex? Now, go ahead, brother. I just want to set that up.

>> Alex McFarland: well, let me read this. And Bert, I want you to comment. Okay. Christ has gone through all this, this horrific rejection. Pulled his beard out by the roots, his visage marred more than any man. Blasphemed, beaten, crucified. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him. He hath put him to grief. When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin. He shall see his seed. He shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied. That's God the Father seeing the. Not only Calvary's cross, but I think going. Let's go back to the garden of Gethsemane and Hemotidrosis. Jesus sweated drops of blood, and he was beaten and whipped, crucified. And this is the satisfaction and payment of sin by his Knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many, for he shall bear their iniquities.

Bert: God the Father would have his son sacrifice himself for something greater

Okay, now, Bert, I've got to ask you. It pleased the Father to bruise him. And please explain.

>> Bert Harper: Okay. For something greater, God the Father would have his son sacrifice himself. And that is beyond. I mean, those of us who are parents, think of that, you know, it pleased him. The word is crushed. And, either way, it's good. And again, I'm reminded of what Jesus did in the garden. You've already mentioned it. Not my will, but your will. It was the will of the Father. It pleased the Father for his son, Jesus, to carry out his will, his pleasure. Yes. Jesus said, if there be any other way, let this cup, the cup of suffering, pass from me. We don't hear an answer. Just like, Jesus was silent before, you know, Pilate and Herod. God was silent when Jesus said those words. But we get the way, we get the answer by his silence. It would be, son, there is no other way. This is the only way that my justice is, and my mercy, my grace can be enacted. The only way. So no wonder Jesus said, I am the way, Alex. No other way. If there could have been another way, guess what? God the Father would have chosen it. But no, there was no other way. So it pleased him that his son would do what he sent him to do.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, I think about this. Okay, Lucifer fell from heaven. That's Isaiah 14. He was cast out. Lucifer became Satan. Okay, Satan could not kill God, though he tried. He could not overthrow heaven, though he tried. So for all these years, from Adam and Eve to the, the violence of this present moment, Satan has tried to harm the image bearers and debase and dehumanize the. The ones made in God's image. And yet, and this is the power and the wisdom of God, Bert. I wish I could do this justice. So God took on human form. Born in the Bethlehem manger, God the Son grew up perfect in every way, proved himself to be the Messiah, and was crucified. And so here's the thing. When Jesus expired on Calvary's Cross at 3pm in the afternoon, said, it is finished. And he was dead, maybe for one moment in insane, delusional glee, Satan thought, I've done it. Oh, my goodness, I've killed God. that's wrong, of course. And then Jesus resurrected. I mean, it just magnifies and amplifies the power, the wisdom, the sovereignty of God. The devil couldn't kill God. And even, those that had fallen, the human race can Be redeemed. And verse 12 is. I've always thought this is like the. The understatement of the ages. Therefore, I will divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong. And he hath poured out his soul unto death. He was numbered with the transgressors. He bare the sin of many and made intercession for the transgress.

Alex McFarlane: God the Father gives Jesus equality with the great

Bert, let's talk about the first clause. God the Father gives Jesus, you know, equality seating, with the great. In other words, the name above every name. Don't you think that's, like, the way it's rendered in the English is an understatement? Is Jesus great? Well, he's the greatest of all.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. He is the greatest.

>> Alex McFarland: The name of all names.

>> Bert Harper: King of kings, Lord of lords. That is who he is. And yes, understatement is there. And when I see this whole passage and what it all says, I can't help but notice that he is talking about his soul. An offering for sin. Alex. The ransom, the redeemed, what he paid for us. And again, verse, 11. And again. This builds up to what you said about his portion. By his knowledge, my righteous servant shall justify many. Jesus knowing. You remember, 12 years old, I must be about my father's business. No surprise after 12 years old. Now, before that, I think he was growing in knowledge and acquiring. Because he became man. He wasn't laying in the manger saying, okay, I got to act like a baby. No, he was a baby. It is. The incarnation is beyond, complete understanding. Beyond mine. I'll put it that way, Alex. But I know he did it. But by his knowledge, my righteous servant. Notice that he uses the servant term again. And that's what he started out in chapter 52, verse 13, that started this servant song, this suffering servant. And it says, my righteous shall do what? Justify. And in place of, many. Alex, I want to read it this way. By his knowledge, my righteous servant shall justify me. Even me. have you ever heard someone say, if you'd been the only person that had ever received Christ as savior, he still would have died on the cross? I believe that his love is that great. But here we've been talking about generations, from generation to generation, thousands knowing him. And here in this one. By his knowledge, my righteous servant shall justify many because of the portion that his equality. But yet humbleness to die on the cross. You get what I'm saying?

>> Alex McFarland: Exactly.

>> Bert Harper: Those are combined, aren't they?

>> Alex McFarland: That's true. That's true. And I mean, who shall declare his generation and the portion. The way the English renders verse 12, a portion with the great. And really what that is meaning is a great number of the human race. How many humans have ever lived? Maybe 70 billion. There's over 8 billion right now. And a huge, huge, huge percentage of the human race has and do believe in Jesus. And, Dr. Norm Geisler used to give a message on why he believed there would be many more in heaven than hell. but Jesus died and purchased with his own blood the redeemed, which is the church. And it's, you know, beyond number. And there's a little bit of a wordplay here. Jesus was numbered with the transgressors, bore the sin of many, and the number of his church is just beyond counting. and he made intercession for the transgressors. I'm really glad that Jesus made intercession for this transgressor.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Alex McFarlane. Yeah. Bert Harper as well. Go back to the middle of verse 12. This is an important word, and I hope those of you who are listening will underline it, because he poured out his soul unto death. Now, Alex is the one saying. What does it not say? It doesn't say spilled. Alex. There's a big difference in pouring and spilling. Pouring is purposeful spilling.

>> Alex McFarland: A choice.

>> Bert Harper: It is a choice. He poured out his soul unto death. Jesus willingly became that sacrifice.

>> Caroline: That.

>> Bert Harper: That was the only one that could. That was needed. when I see that word, it just grips me that he made this willful choice, knowing what was coming to him. And for him, he poured out his soul unto death.

>> Alex McFarland: Matthew M 27:50 says he yielded up his spirit. Ah, you know, here's the thing. Jesus wasn't executed, really. I know they nailed him to the cross, but he willingly yielded up his spirit. Like verse 12 says, he poured out his, soul unto death. His life wasn't taken from him. He yielded it up, and the debt was paid. And let me say, as we transition, be all right if we kind of segue into 54?

Blue Mountain Christian University offers a fully online RN to BSN degree

>> Bert Harper: Well, we got 30 seconds.

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, okay. Well, then let's hold that thought. I want to give the number. It's 888-589-8840. Folks, here's the telephone number, 888-589-8840. We want to hear your prayer request. Today we're gonna pray together. It's a great day to be united by the Holy Spirit on this radio program today on the American Family Radio Network.

>> Bert Harper: Again, that number 8-8858-98840. it's day of prayer. We would love to hear from you.

>> Caroline: Blue Mountain Christian University offers a fully online RN to BSN degree for registered nurses. This cohort based program is designed for working nurses and can be completed in as little as one year or part.

>> Alex McFarland: Time over two years.

>> Caroline: RN to BSN students are admitted each fall and coursework is delivered online with instruction grounded in a Christian worldview. Learn more about the RN to BSN.

>> Alex McFarland: Online degree at bmc Edu.

Because of listeners like you, preborn helped to rescue over 67,000 babies

When God allows something difficult in your life, you could look at it as his gift to you.

>> Caroline: Here's Nancy DeMoss Walgamuth.

>> Alex McFarland: If our way is perverse before God, what m a mercy it is when God sets out to oppose us in that way. God's way of getting your attention. On the next Revive our hearts with Nancy DeMoss Walgamuth.

>> Bert Harper: 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 don't stop praying.

>> Alex McFarland: Don't stop calling on Jesus name Keep on pounding on heaven's door. Let your knees well out the floor. Don't stop believing.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Don't stop believing. Keep on praying. don't give up. His answer may be no. Okay. And some of God's greatest answers for Burt Harper has been no. you know, will Jesus you're asking if you ask for bread, will he give you a stone? And some of my prayer requests, Alex would have been stones if he had answered them. Okay. Does that sound possible to reasonable you?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, exactly. I'm thankful that we ask. But God knows what we really need.

>> Bert Harper: I think we entrust him more we can our own selves. That's Bert Harper for sure.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

Jason from Iowa calls in to talk about exploring the word

Well, are you ready to go to the telephone?

>> Bert Harper: I'm ready. What we go to first?

>> Alex McFarland: We're going to start in that beautiful place called Iowa. And James. Jason. I'm sorry. Jason from Iowa. Welcome to exploring the word. Hello Jason.

>> Caroline: Yes.

>> Alex McFarland: Hey, welcome. You're on brother.

>> Caroline: Oh, thank you. This first time I've called in so I listen to you guys program every day and I really appreciate it.

>> Alex McFarland: Thank you for listening. Thank you for calling.

Samson believes there will be fewer people in heaven than in hell

>> Caroline: Well, I just had a question Alex, about what you just said earlier about gentleman who believed there'd be more people in heaven than in hell. And I know in The NewSong Testament, I think it's in Mark. He talks about the narrow way. And I always understood that as being there'd be fewer people that find the narrow way. So there'd be fewer people in heaven than there would be in hell. What is your take on that?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, on the one hand, yeah, it does talk about, like, Matthew 7, 13, and 14. Enter by the narrow gate, for wide is the way that leads to destruction. Narrow is the gate, and few there be that find. It says Matthew 7. Norman Geisler, who was a great defender of the faith, he, he based partly on Isaiah that Jesus had this, uncountable generations, and that he would return with 10,000 times 10,000, norm. Also, Dr. Geisler, I knew him very well. He talked about the fact, and he had some statistics, Bert, on how many babies miscarried and were stillborn all throughout history. And Dr. Geisler said this, and I believe it for sure, that, babies and children that you know, are prior to the age of accountability, that they are under God's grace and they go to heaven. And, he would make the argument that because grace is stronger than sin and God's love is more powerful than darkness, that there would be more in heaven. I'll say this. We just don't know. I'll tell you what we do know, though. We know how people can be born again. And the surest way to contribute to the population of heaven is to proclaim the saving gospel, such that people have an opportunity to respond. That's what you and I are about, isn't it, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: It really is. And let me say this just to just add to what Alex said. I don't necessarily know. it'd say to me unknown, because it says many go in there at. It would have to be because the children and the babies that have died and gone to heaven for them to be more seemingly in the scripture. But the older a person gets without receiving Christ as Savior, the greater likelihood that they will not. Now, that doesn't mean we don't try. That doesn't mean we don't pray. Because I've baptized people that got saved in their 70s, right at 80. And I've seen. I've heard of them in their 90s being born again. So you never give up. But let me just share with you. I think you need to, those of you who are listening, if you've never received Christ as your Savior, you need to do it today. You really do. You don't know what tomorrow is going to bring you don't know your heart. Once you say no, the harder your heart gets. So, join the multitude and the generations multitude who are following Christ and join us in heaven. That's my admonition, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Good word. Thank you. Jason from Iowa. how about Arkansas? Sampson from Arkansas. Samson, are you there? Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Bert Harper: Oh.

>> Alex McFarland: Hello.

>> Caroline: Hello. This is Samson.

>> Alex McFarland: You're on.

>> Caroline: All right.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah.

>> Caroline: Alex, right before the break, you, made the comment about Jesus's, sacrifice on the cross.

>> Alex McFarland: Mm,

>> Caroline: And I was going to share. I heard a sermon one time talking about the day that Holden was out of a job. And it was, it was a sermon about the two Roman soldiers. One was named hold, them and one was named Nail them. And when Jesus come up, come, up to the cross, hold him. Was out of a job and nail him. Didn't know what to do.

>> Alex McFarland: I hear you. I hear you, brother. Wow.

>> Bert Harper: Well, when you were sharing that too, Samson and Alex, I was thinking about that phrase and they've even made a song. It's Friday, but Sunday is coming. You know, talking, about Satan, thinking that, okay, I've finally accomplished this. It's Friday, but Sunday is coming. Jesus overcoming sin and death. hey, by the way, we've got phone call, phone lines that are open. If you have a prayer request today, we'd love to hear it. Triple 858-98-8840. Sampson, thank you for that, brother. yes, he was out of a job. Praise the Lord. Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Hey, by the way, we, have lines open. If you call in, you will get through. It's 888, 589, 8840 with a Bible question or a prayer request. Either one is fine.

Bert asks for prayer for upcoming trip to Israel and Greece

But we go to Virginia. Susan in Virginia. Thank you for holding. Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Alex McFarland: Thank you. my prayer request is that, they would find out and, resolve some pain I'm having, when I'm walking and I have left. Well, I guess a month from today, I get on the plane with.

>> Alex McFarland: To go to Israel and then to Greece. This has been on my bucket list for a while and I keep having roadblocks like the health issue or whatever. so I went to the doctor today and he going to refer me to, a foot specialist and he said he thinks I'll be fine, but I would appreciate prayer because I've, waited a long time to get to Israel and finally I get to go after roadblocks and would like to Be able to walk.

>> Alex McFarland: So. So you'll be on our Israel trip in March, right?

>> Alex McFarland: Right. I'm going.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, I don't know. I guess there's only 18 of us in my section on Lufthansa because we're going on a different plane or something. Anyway, so I have everything planned out and paid for, and it's like, no, Lord, not now.

>> Alex McFarland: I hear you. I hear you. Well, we sure will be lifting you up. And, it's interesting, ironic, earlier today, we had a lady with some leg pains and leg issues that, was asking for prayer. So, Bert, would you pray for Susan and the others?

>> Bert Harper: I will, Father. I thank you for Susan. I thank you for her love for you. And this bucket list item, Father. What? It is awesome. It is a good one. I'm praying, God, that you would help her with the pain that's in her foot, in her leg. And I pray that the referral that is made for her would bring about some relief from that pain and she could make this trip that. That she has looked forward to. And Father, as Alex said, others that are dealing with pain, dealing with issues, I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that you would touch their body and you can do it the way you want. We don't put demands on you. Who are we? But we are making the request and we're asking you to bring it about for your good, for their good and your glory, Father, in Jesus name, amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Thank you very much.

Raja converted from Hinduism to Christianity through Jesus Christ

We're going to go to Louisiana. Is it, Raja or Raja in Louisiana? You there?

>> Caroline: Yes, I'm here.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. How do you pronounce your name?

>> Caroline: Raja. R, A, J, A Raja.

>> Alex McFarland: We're honored to have you. What you got?

>> Caroline: I was born and raised in Hindu religion, but the good Lord opened my eyes through his word and saved me. So my prayer, I just want to have a closer relation. I want to be used of the Lord. Because I know a lot of Hindus are dying and don't know where they're going. I just want the Lord.

>> Alex McFarland: Yoga.

>> Caroline: That's my prayer.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Hallelujah.

>> Alex McFarland: So, Raja, we give God the glory you can came from Hinduism to Christianity. Praise God.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. I think we have a voice of praise on that one, Alex. In praying for Roger to be strong, he knows other Hindus that needs to be brought to Jesus Christ. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: let me pray.

>> Bert Harper: Please do, Father.

>> Alex McFarland: God, we rejoice with Roger. He has put his faith in you. Jesus, bless this man, our brother in Christ. And Lord, I pray for all Those that are, believers of Hinduism and for the continent of India and so much of the world is under Hinduism. Father, open their eyes in the name of Jesus. By the power of your holy spirit, Lord, bring them to the knowledge of the one true savior who is Jesus. Just like you've saved Raja. Bless this man. Keep your hand upon his life. Help him grow. Fill him with your spirit, and use him in a mighty, mighty way. And I know you are, Lord. We give you the glory for his salvation. And all of us and, Lord, we just rejoice in you. In Christ's name I pray. Amen. Bert, you know, the spirit of God is moving.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. He is. And just to be in the middle of it's amazing.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

James in Alabama asks for prayers for his friend who needs salvation

Martina, in Mississippi. Martina, are you there?

>> Caroline: Yes, I am. How are you guys today? Praise the Lord.

>> Alex McFarland: We're glad to hear from you.

>> Caroline: Yes. I kind of fell off the bed, right. I got discouraged, and I'm asking God to give me another chance to have the fear of the Lord in my heart and to serve him and love him m the way that I supposed to, without distractions, because it's so much stuff to distract you, overseeing your own desires and pleasure.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Caroline: But there's no excuse, because I happen to know that God has been good to me, and I want to be found in that number. So can y' all please pray for me for the fear of the Lord and to love God and to be consistent in my walk every day?

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Martina. Amen. Alex, can I pray real quick for Martina?

>> Alex McFarland: Sister, I just want to say I feel in my spirit the Lord loves you very much.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: And your heart is very honoring to God. Bert, would you pray for me?

>> Bert Harper: I will, Father. Thank you for Martina calling. And we're praying as she said. Father, she would be used of you. She would be. You would speak peace to her, that she would understand that it is you, the great giver of life, not only just physical life, but this abundant spiritual life. I pray she would experience this abundant life as she continues to follow you, serve you. That she would grow on track in her discipleship, that she would stay in your word and find areas of serving others. And, Father, I pray that, people, Martina's tribe would increase, that you would make more of us wanting to please you. God, in Jesus name, amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. over there in Georgia, it's John. John, are you there?

>> Caroline: Yeah, I'm here.

>> Alex McFarland: Hey, welcome. What you got, brother?

>> Caroline: Well, I got a friend that I grew up with, went to school with. And we. We weren't saved together, most of our lives. But I've been saved, and I'd like to get him saved, but he's like, you know, it's hard for me to talk to him because, you know, we grew up and we weren't saving. And, you know, we now that you. You get saved and then, you know, try to talk to him about this and that, you know, why he needs to be saved. But it just. He just won't. Won't listen. And so I'm, praying that either somebody besides me that could. Could convince him, yeah, he needs to be saved. really a challenge.

>> Alex McFarland: Let me chime in here, brother. I've, very often I've prayed these prayers. I've said, lord, keep them alive physically till they could be born spiritually. And then I'll pray, lord, please put somebody in their path that will. That will sow the seeds and reach them. And I know God hears that prayer. You know, John 15 and 16, when we pray according to his will in Jesus name, and certainly it is God's will that your friend get saved. And, you be encouraged. Your prayers and your witness are availing much. I know that. I tell you I'm going to try to go quickly to Alabama. James in Alabama. Welcome, to exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Well, thank you for taking my call. I really enjoy the program and I appreciate all the hard work and effort that you and Bert put into everything and just appreciate your ministry.

>> Bert Harper: Thank you, James.

>> Caroline: The reason I was. The reason I was calling is primarily, my wife and I, we were planning on retiring maybe in a couple of years, and long story short, we've been given more to the Lord's work through different means, but she's had some medical setbacks here recently, and she had to have surgery. and it's basically, it's going to put her on disability. Her arm, she's had not only carpal tunnel, but there's bone collapsing issues, there's ligament issues, and she's not healing like she needs to. So it looks like she's going to go on disability. The long story short, we're going to have to restructure everything. You know, financially, we're in good shape in a lot of ways, but, you know, we're not where we wanted to be at this point.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, James, forgive me. The music is coming in, but we hear you, James's wife. by the way, folks, we've got Kathleen, who, there's a grandpa with gangrene in his foot. He's going to have to have some toes removed. There's also a man named Craig and ah, another named Myshel. Bert, we need to lift all these names up before the Lord. And folks, I trust that you will please pray for these things.

>> Bert Harper: God work in their hearts, bring them to you, especially that friend, and help them. And we ask this in the mighty name, the great physician's name, Jesus Christ. We pray and we believe in Jesus name again. Amen. Thank you for listening, Alex. We'll be back tomorrow. And we'll be in Isaiah 54. All of you, read ahead.

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