Transcript

American Family Radio takes your Bible questions next hour

>> Alex McFarland: The Bible. It's the word of God.

>> Bert Harper: Sharper than any two edged sword. This sacred book is living and active and contains all that's needed for life and godliness. Stay with American Family Radio for the.

>> Alex McFarland: Next hour as we study God's word and take your Bible questions.

Alex McFarland and Bert Harper share their prayer request on Tuesday

>> Bert Harper: Welcome to Exploring the word.

>> Alex McFarland: Isaiah, 45, 21 and 22. God's holy word says this. There is no God else beside me. A just God and a Savior. There is none beside me. Look unto me and be ye saved all the ends of the earth, For I am God, and there is none else. Isaiah 45, 22. Well, with that wonderful, wonderful scripture, we welcome you to this edition of Exploring the word. Alex McFarland here along with Bert Harper. And we're so honored that you're listening. And we're going to be in Isaiah 45, but we're also going to turn take prayers as we do on Tuesdays. So no doubt there are many prayer requests and I'll give that number, although we won't get to it in this segment, but it's 888-589-8840. That's triple 858-9840. And let's just open up and share our prayer request. And Bert, isn't it such a privilege that listeners throughout America, North America, the Western hemisphere, we can pray for each other and stand together in prayer? That's exciting, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It is exciting, Alex. And on this Tuesday, I think it is special that we can do that. this is a live program. Yesterday was a pre record. We couldn't get into the studio here in Tupelo, Mississippi without great hazards. So praise the Lord. you know the, the roads are clearer, we got electricity in more places. But yes, we are glad that we have this opportunity to share and we hope we're friends. I've heard people talk about, you know, we feel like we're family. and that's what we want to make sure today that all of you who are listening, we're family. And we're going to pray again. In the second segment we'll probably, probably start, the prayer request. But Alex, you're right. Chapter 45 matter of fact, verse 22. And I know this, I read about in his biography, Charles Spurgeon, that is the verse that he heard that drew him in to Christ. Now he, he knew, he knew the scriptures. But look at this, he says, look to me and be saved all you ends of the earth. Alex, there's no One else to look to for real salvation is there?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, this is very, I think reminiscent of, Acts 4:12, that says, regarding Jesus, there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. There is no other savior. You know, Jesus Christ is not one option among many. He is the only savior. And of course, in John 14:6, the Lord said, no one comes to the Father except through him. And so we implore you to believe on Jesus if you haven't done so already.

Bert Wash: Isaiah 45 is a fascinating chapter about God

but Isaiah 45 is a fascinating chapter. And you know, there's something interesting. Cyrus, who would be used by God, this Persian king that would help deliver the Jews from Babylonian bondage. The only gentile in the Old Testament that says he is anointed by God. Now, we know anointed means like designated, empowered, led by. Imbued with the Holy Spirit. Isn't it something, Bert, that it begins, Thus saith the Lord to his anointed. To Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden to subdue nations before him, I will loose the loins of kings to open before him the two leaved gates, the gates that shall not be shut. I will go before thee. And what's amazing is, I forget the exact number, but isn't this roughly 200 years before Cyrus existed?

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, it is, Alex. I read that, and it blows my mind. And I think we said the last time we were live. That's the reason a lot of the skeptics says this can't be Isaiah's writing. It's too much time between Isaiah and Cyrus. But there's one issue they're leaving at, and that's God. And, God can let us know things when he wants us to, before, after, or during. And this is what God does. And so here it is in this chapter. And I really do think this chapter even 46. You'll see. And I know I've mentioned it repeated again and again. When he says, I am the Lord, there's none other. Now, it'll say it in different ways. And, it says, there's no God besides me. We need to nail that down. We need to understand that in our day, when they want to say all religions are equal, no Christianity is superior. Okay? I make no bones about it. It is superior. Alex, you. You do this better than myself. But it's the only one that. That. That knows and gives us, our. Our. Where we came from, our. Our purpose in life, our. Our purpose in living and a future. I mean, this is the only Christianity is the only one that does this in such a way. And so notice what it says in nine. And I think we went over this a little bit. Woe to him who strives with his Maker. If you strive with your Maker, what are you going to do with the Redeemer? and that's why creation is so important. Creation is so important because he has made us, and again, he's made us for purpose. And that is to know him and make him known, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: It absolutely is. And, you know, woe to him that strives with his Maker. Says verse nine, and it talks about the clay, doesn't say to the potter, what are you making? And the child doesn't say to the parent, what business did you have bringing me forth? we have to humble ourselves before God. And, Bert, I believe in every life there comes a time when we realize that we're accountable to God and that we need to humble ourselves before God, ask forgiveness of our sins, and then be saved. And from that point forward, as the Holy Spirit of God leads, we do our best to follow God. the Bible calls it the new birth, being born again. Now, again, if you're listening to this, and maybe you say, well, I've tried to be a good person. That's not what'll get you to heaven. You say, well, I'm not as bad as some people. But listen, compared to Jesus, we all, all fall short. And so standing before God, Bert, God is never going to say, well, you know What? There were 50 people that lived in your neighborhood, and you weren't as bad as the rest of them. That's not how it works.

>> Bert Harper: the standard is different, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: The measuring stick is the Lord Jesus Christ. And that's why the Bible says we all, all humans have sinned. We've known the right and we've done the wrong. But here's how gracious God is if we admit our sin and we put our faith in Jesus. Now, what do we mean by that? Well, not just that Jesus was a good man. He is the God man, God incarnate. And he died on that cross of Calvary for you and me. And to everybody listening, Jesus died for you because he loves you. And if you'll say, lord, I accept what you did as the payment for my sin, and I receive you as my forgiver and leader. Dear Jesus, save my soul. Wash me clean, fill me with your spirit. And from this day forward, with your help, I will follow you. Bert, when we make that choice, to put Our trust in Jesus according to the Bible. Not Alex's opinion, although I certainly believe it. Or, Bert. But according to God's word, if you put your faith in Jesus, you will be saved. Bert. That is. It's the good news. It's great news, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Hallelujah.

Alex: Verse 22 is picture of Jesus Christ and God together

And I think, I'm going to skip Forward to verse 22, because, it just ties in so well with what you were saying. And there's no other God besides me. Now listen to this. A just God and a Savior. What a combination, Alex. A just God. He knows he is holy. He knows all. There's nothing hidden from Him. There's nothing you can hide from Him. the darkness is the same as light. he sees undercover anything you try to hide. So why shouldn't we confess our sin? M. Because he knows it already, and we go to him confessing it. But he's also a savior. He is the Savior. But that combination, holiness and grace. Only Jesus Christ could combine those with who he was, who he is, and what he did. The perfect sacrifice on the cross. So, Alex, when you come to this verse and it says, there's no other God besides me. Now, that has said that before about creation. He has said that about what he was doing. But here he says it concerning our redemption. A, just God and a Savior. There's none besides me. He is the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by Him. So what you were saying here. No doubt verse 22 is a picture of Jesus Christ, the just God and the Savior. Only he fills those roles, isn't He?

>> Alex McFarland: Absolutely. Absolutely. And, I've got to ask HM a question. I don't mean to go back, but, like, verse 13 talks about how God raised up Cyrus in righteousness. And I will direct his ways. God's going to direct Cyrus. He will build my city and let go my captives. Not for price nor reward, saith the Lord of hosts. And, Egypt and Ethiopia and the Sabians were. Will come and bow before Cyrus, but also Israel. And they will say in verse 14, surely God is in thee. Okay, here's my question, Bert. Do you think we'll see Cyrus in heaven?

>> Bert Harper: Alex? I don't know. He and Nebuchadnezzar are two men that. Okay, I hope we do. I'll just put it there.

>> Alex McFarland: And I love Nebuchadnezzar.

>> Bert Harper: I do, too. But those two men who had ungodly ways and ungodly kingdom. Okay, let's put it that Way. And did God pull them out and use them? Yes, he did. Did he do it for salvation? if I had to say which way, I'd say yes. It's hard for me to believe and understand that God could use them in such a way without some, relationship. Now, again, how strong is that relationship? that's questionable. But I hope to see them in heaven, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, I hope so, too. And you know, it talks about, Israel, verse 17. Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation. You shall not be ashamed nor confounded. I love this little clause at the end of verse 17. World without end. Now, when we sing, world without end. Amen. Amen. God's promises. And yes, the Abrahamic covenant is an everlasting covenant. And we've talked about this, especially when we've taught through both Genesis and Romans, that God called Abraham made of him a great nation. Through the nation of Israel sent the Messiah in Jesus and in Abraham. All the families of the earth have been blessed. And that land, the land of Israel, belongs to the seed of Abraham. It's an everlasting covenant. And one day, the Jews alive in that land will believe in Jesus. Messiah. that's part of the everlasting covenant.

Each Tuesday is a prayer day here on Exploring the Word

>> Bert Harper: Alex, could we get. We have just a minute. And we're going to have a special guest in the second session segment. We want you to be ready. But verse 23, the last two lines, I think this would be worthy of us covering before we go out. That. That to me, every knee shall bow and every tongue shall take an oath. Seems like Paul picked up on that, did he not?

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. And this is in Philippians chapter 2. That before Jesus, Messiah, King, Savior and God, every knee will bow. But will it be in a state of salvation or in a state of condemnation? The ball's in your court, folks. Put your faith in Jesus.

>> Bert Harper: It is. We're going to be back again. We got a special guest. You don't want to go away. You want to hear what he has to say?

>> Alex McFarland: It's so easy to politicize abortion, but the reality is there's a precious life at stake. And that little life doesn't have a voice. All that little life has is a heartbeat. And it can be heard as early.

>> Caroline: As five weeks on ultrasound.

>> Alex McFarland: That's where preborn steps in. Preborn is a voice for the little ones.

>> Caroline: They do an ultrasound.

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

>> Caroline: Because when I saw my baby and.

>> Alex McFarland: Ah, when I heard her heartbeat, that was it. PreBorn Network of clinics offers free ultrasounds to women in crisis while showering them with God's love. This powerful combination doubles a baby's chance at life and has helped to rescue over 300,000 babies. To learn more about preborn's life saving work, call pound250 and say the keyword baby. That's pound250, baby. Or visit preborn.com afr all gifts are tax deductible. Don't stop praying don't stop calling on Jesus name Keep on pounding on heaven's door Let your knees wear out the.

>> Caroline: Floor don't stop believing Amen.

>> Bert Harper: That song means that we're going to take prayer requests. Each Tuesday is a prayer day here on Exploring the Word. We started that last year and, we've continued it even this year and it has become part of our scheduled programming. And if you have a prayer request, the number you can call. We want to hear it. We're starting a segment early for the prayer request. Cause of the conditions we're in. We feel like there's a lot of things to pray for. Is 8885-8988-4088-8589-8840. Richard will get your request and we'll call on you and we want you to share it.

Alex: Fred Jackson is an expert on Canada and Canada's cold front

But Alex, we've got a special guest with us today, and I do think it's appropriate. Brent brought this up, that we've had this Canadian cold front move in and we've got Fred Jackson, the news department director here. He's an expert on Canada and Canada's cold front. So we've asked him to come in and give us an update. Fred.

>> Fred Jackson: Hey, guys.

>> Bert Harper: Welcome, guys.

>> Fred Jackson: I tried. I tried.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah.

>> Alex McFarland: I think Fred is an expert on a lot of things, really. I know I speak for millions of listeners when I say how much I benefit from listening to his content.

>> Bert Harper: We do. And we want to give a little, short biography. You were raised on the. I say the eastern side of Canada.

>> Fred Jackson: That is correct.

>> Bert Harper: But you moved all the way to the west side in your vocation, am I right?

>> Fred Jackson: Well, there's. Yeah, there's an old song that says, I've been everywhere, man.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, Yeah.

>> Fred Jackson: I lived brought up in Nova Scotia, moved here from British Columbia, but I lived in a lot of places in between.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, well, we're. We're thankful that God brought you here to afr. How many years ago now do you know?

>> Fred Jackson: We're coming up on 29 years.

>> Bert Harper: That's what I was thinking.

>> Fred Jackson: Oh, my.

>> Bert Harper: Oh, man. Fred, we're Glad to have you. The reason we've asked Fred to be with us, we this is part of our prayer time. He's and praise time because we got some good news in this about people responding and even your home church we want to hear about it. But we've asked Fred to give us kind of an update about what's going on and different locations that we can pray. So if you want to be a prayer warrior, get your pen and paper, write down these and pray for the people who are in those people in those areas. And I'll add one thing to it for you. Start Fred. Pray for the linemen and the utility workers as they are, you know, connecting the wires. We know some tragedies has already happened and we've heard about those and so our youngest son's alignment. So we were deeply praying and Friday, matter of fact during our devotion time we always have prayer requests. Fred, you're the one that brought up be praying for our alignment and I appreciated that about you brother.

>> Fred Jackson: Absolutely.

Over 500,000 homes and businesses still without power across southern United States

Well gentlemen, we're sitting in a nice warm studio right now, but There are over 500,000 homes and businesses mostly across the southern tier of the United States right now that are going into their third, maybe fourth night without power. so a, lot of people are suffering and this, this is going to stay around for a while. If you thought the temperatures were going to moderate a little bit and they did, where we're sitting in Mississippi right now, moderated a little bit. But we're going back down into the 20s tonight, some people into the teens again. So it's going to be another rough night for Those more than 500,000 that are still without power. So we want to remember them. guys, I just put this story on our website, afn.net, afn.net the death toll now around 42. And I've got to tell you about a very tragic story in Bonham, Texas. It's up near the Oklahoma border and a moment tried desperately to save the lives of her little six, eight and nine year old boys, her sons, they went out to play, they got on a pond, they fell through the ice. She tried desperately to save them, but she could not. So yes, six years old, eight year old and nine year old boys, brothers. So please be remembering this family, their mother's name. It's in this story on AFN, Cheyenne Hangman. Hangman. And so please remember Ms. Hangman. I cannot imagine for a moment, besides all the difficulties she may be facing because of weather now, she's lost three, little boys, her son six and eight and nine years old. And there are other stories too. There are, as I say, the Death toll is 42 in NewSong York City. the estimate there is about 10 people who are homeless, who lost their lives. They're out in the cold. And so, in the midst of all of this, and I know we have people listening right now who've lost power, but you're still alive. There are families that are really suffering. So, there's much to talk about. we've probably seen on the network. Oxford, Mississippi, very badly hit. I've said to people it looks like a war zone in Oxford. It's the home of University of Mississippi, Ole Miss, and classes there aren't going to be able to resume until at least next week. And guys, we also have a Christian university nearby here in our home base in Tupelo. And, Blue Mountain University, it is in one of those zones that was hard hit. they don't have heat right now. But Bert, you were mentioning some of the good news stories coming out of this. my home church here in Tupelo First Baptist is, taking in about 30 of the young men from that university. I'm speculating at this point they may be foreign students at the university. They didn't have a place to go, so our church will be taking care of them. the call always goes out at times like this if you know, need folks, a family may be close by to you, or you're hearing about stories like this. see what you can do, what your church can do, to help these dear folks going through a very tough time.

>> Bert Harper: Fred. Thank you, Alex. it has been difficult down here. North of Tupelo has been very severe. And then west of Tupelo, now we got it, but not as bad as our neighbors have. And, Oxford. It looks like a war zone, doesn't it, Fred? I mean, you see the pictures, it's just devastating. Blue Mountain was without gas. They were without electricity and they were without water at places. And there had to be a lot of people go in to get them because a lot of times they had to cut their way into these places to get to them so they could get them out in four wheel drive. So this is prayer time. And Alex, we, we've asked Fred to come in so that he's done that. You going to say anything to Fred for? We're going to let him go and get back at it. We Just wanted him to update so we could add these to our prayer list. Go ahead, sure.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, Fred, I want to commend you and your staff. AFN.net is just one of the greatest news pages anywhere and the coverage is so good and so accurate and I. We are praying for all of these things that, that you've raised and mourn, especially the, the mother in Texas whose three sons drowned in an icy pond. But I just want to say thank you and your staff for providing this world class, news site.

>> Fred Jackson: It's our honor, guys.

>> Bert Harper: Thank you, Fred. Matter of fact, we're going to pray before you go about this list because we're going to add to the list. Father, I want to thank you for Fred and all those guys in the news department, ah, that do their work and share and Father, I pray that you'd bless them and Father, they've been on target even through the difficulties here and thank you for that. But we're praying for this mom there in Texas. God, I cannot imagine her heart being broken. I pray, God, that you would make yourself known to her if she does not know you. And with the confidence that I have in knowing the word of God. These three young boys, if she knows Christ, I believe with all my heart she'll see them again. Probably, because of their age and being ready to be in that area, that they're safe, they're not necessarily saved, but safe in your hands. And I trust you with that. We pray for Oxford. We pray for the others all around us and other places. We're praying for the linemen, the utility workers, the first responders that put their lives out there, trying to help us while they could be in danger. And I pray God that you would strengthen them. the 500,000 without power, I pray it be restored soon. Father, again, we thank you for, churches like First Baptist Church here in Tupelo and I know other churches, North Oxford Church there in Oxford, Mississippi, that are making themselves available to minister to them in the name of the Lord Jesus. And we pray this would be a time for us as we as believers to shine and let Jesus Christ be seen and observed in our good deeds and Jesus name I pray. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Fred, again, thank you, brother. Go ahead, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, we appreciate, Fred, Bert, I appreciate that powerful prayer. and we are certainly praying for the people of Mississippi and appreciate everybody. Bert. I've had literally dozens of texts and emails from people asking about, you know, North Carolina. We didn't get it. We've got it. And not Much is melting, I'll tell you that. But, we didn't get it nearly as badly as Mississippi and our dear friends around, Blue Mountain College, Blue Mountain Christian University. And, I was going to be at Calvary Church in Macon tomorrow night with my dear friend Bill Ross and all their great staff. And we're going to have to postpone that because I wasn't able to travel. But, the number is 888,589-8840. Triple 858-98-8402 is usually our day of prayer.

President of Christian ministry thanks you both for your encouragement and support

Can I, can I take one of our first calls?

>> Bert Harper: Let's go. Where to first?

>> Alex McFarland: Mike in Virginia. Mike in Virginia, are you there? Hello? Mike?

>> Caroline: Yes.

>> Fred Jackson: Yes, sir.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes. welcome to exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Well, gentlemen, I want to tell you I appreciate you both, so very much. you know, I am the, president of a Christian ministry in, Richmond, Virginia. and you know, every day after, after we finish our school. I'm listening, to you guys. So, you know, it's been very special encouragement to me as a, you know, as a, as a leader of our ministry and just, want to say thank you very much.

>> Bert Harper: Thank you, Mike.

>> Caroline: What you guys both do.

>> Bert Harper: Thank you, Mike. Thank you, brother.

Alex: I have a prayer request for Christian ministry in Virginia

>> Caroline: Well, my prayer request for you guys, you know, our ministry, I founded this program, this ministry back in 2007. We are, we are an athletic Christian ministry specifically focused on basketball. But, we have a school, and we've been very successful in two ways with preaching the word, and encouraging our kids in their growth with their relationship with God, but also helping kids earn college scholarships. And, and so, but this year has been very challenging because our giving has been down extremely. I mean, it's just been almost non existent. we've only received a quarter of the normal giving that we receive. And it's really put our budget in a spin, because you know, what we do with, with things, we try to help kids that can't afford, you know, to do this or that and, and take good care of them and you know, and so anyway, I'm not prayer guys. you know, just please, you know, if we can help find some supporters to overcome our deficit, which is about $30,000 and you know, that would be a very significant help to us.

>> Bert Harper: Mike, thank you for that. Listen, we, are partners with people and when we know of a Christian ministry that's making much of Jesus telling people and helping people, Alex, we want to pray for them, don't we, we really do.

>> Alex McFarland: I want to pray right now. Could I do that?

>> Bert Harper: You do that, Father.

>> Alex McFarland: God, we, we lift up Mike, and the ministry there in Virginia, Lord, they're doing a good work in their using athletics. And I know that is one of the great ways to reach especially young people. and so, Lord, please help them, give them wisdom. And I want to pray, yes, for support and funding, but encouragement, help them to not be, you know, discouraged. this, is just part of the journey. And, we know from walking by faith for many years, I know that we, abase and we abound. Paul said, I've learned whatever state I'm in therein to be content. Help them, bless them, open the windows of heaven, provide what they need to continue evangelizing and discipling as they do educating. Bless this brother and Lord, even right now, lift his spirits and remind him that you are their source. And Lord, you always come through. You do. And we lift it up in Jesus name and for his glory. Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

Next we go to James in Texas with a prayer request for his wife

Where to next, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: Okay, next we are going to go to Texas. And let me close a pop up. You know, it's funny, these little things pop up. Now we go to James in Texas. James, are you there?

>> Caroline: Yes, sir.

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome. you're on, brother.

>> Caroline: Yes, I just, I just wanted to, just, just, just thank y' all for everything that y' all do and, and. And standing in the gap for all these prayers that are going up. And, my prayer, is for my wife, Sophia. she's been. She's been diagnosed for the third time with breast, cancer. And I'm just believing on a miracle of the Lord that he's going to bring her through this once again. And, and I'm just standing and praying and believing, and I just want. Wanted to join. I listen to y' all every day on the work. I'm driving around the plant site throughout the day, and I have y' all stationed on all day, you know, every day. And, and, and I heard that y' all were doing this on. On Tuesdays. And, so I got on the line right away and I just wanted to just bring that to you.

>> Alex McFarland: James, thank you. First of all, thank you for listening. And, listen, we. Our heart goes out to you, and I know you're concerned about your wife. And Bert, we are going to pray for. Did he say his wife's name was Sophia?

>> Bert Harper: Sophia, yes. Sophia.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Bert. I know. We're coming up on a break, folks. The number is 885-898-8840. We've got some big prayer requests, but, Bert, would you pray for Sophia right now?

>> Bert Harper: Father, I thank you for a husband like James that loves his wife. And I pray for Sophia, Father, that you would touch her life, that you would, bring about healing the way you would do it, however you might do it. Father, I pray that. That in that you would be glorified. And, Father, we trust you. Regardless of the outcome, our trust is in you. like Peter said, to whom else are we going to go to? And like Shadrach Meshach, Abednego said, nevertheless, we are not going to bow down to a false God. We are going to worship our own God. So, Father, for James and Sophia, I pray for the victory in their hearts, in their lives, and then I pray for the victory in their health. We're praying this and believing this in Jesus name. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

You can listen to American Family Radio on the AFR app

Well, this is Exploring the Word on the American Family Radio Network. we've got a brief break, but we'll be back. Stay tuned. More of Exploring the Word after this. The AFR app is a powerful tool.

>> Bert Harper: But it does have limitations.

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

>> Alex McFarland: Oil in your vehicle or get rid of carpets 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.

>> Bert Harper: Visit afr.net Listen to AFR.

>> Alex McFarland: wherever you go with the AFR app. Don't stop praying. Don't stop calling on Jesus name. Keep on pounding on heaven's door. Let your knees wear out the floor.

>> Caroline: Don't stop believing.

>> Alex McFarland: Cause mountains move with just a little faith.

>> Caroline: And your father's heard every single word you're saying. So don't stop praying.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. We don't stop praying.

Brent Austin: We urge people to pray together on Tuesdays

Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Alex and Bert. Brent Austin here. Hey, I want to read a verse. And we're going to continue with prayer requests. Part of the reason that we do this. And on Tuesdays, we urge people to pray together. In Matthew 18, 19 and 20, Jesus said this again, I say to you that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them. Of my Father, which is in heaven, for where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them. So, Bert, this thing of praying together and agreeing together in prayer. Prayer, praying in Jesus name, bringing our petitions, our requests, our burdens. this is biblical, isn't it? That we agree together in prayer?

>> Bert Harper: It really is. And agree with God. you know, that's the whole idea. And that's the reason sometimes, we don't know exactly. And I'm so glad the Holy Spirit knows what we need before we even pray. And he brings those petitions for us as well. So it is. I know I use the word compounded a lot, but it makes those prayers compounded when two or three are gathered together, agreeing, when the Holy Spirit is bringing those up to the Father. So we're thankful for that.

Gary Habermas' wife Eileen has pancreatic cancer

Well, Alex, I know you've got a special prayer request for a very, very good friend of yours.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. I'm going to ask everybody to please pray. last night we got a phone call from Gary Habermas. you've heard me mention his name many times. Gary Habermas, his wife Eileen, has got a, cancerous mass on her pancreas. And please, if you would, he asked, he said, use our names, please. Spread the word. Just a few days ago, after some pain, and they went and did some tests. Eileen Habermas has, cancerous, ah, mass on her pancreas. And they're trying to figure out the severity of it in the course of treatment. As you all know, I'm sure, pancreatic cancer is bad news. Now, let me tell you, Gary Habermas has really been one of my mentors. We have been friends since 1989. He was my professor in graduate school at Liberty University. And let me just say this. Gary Habermas was very, very responsible for Lee Strobel getting saved. Strobel wrote the Case for Christ, which sold 10 million copies. Gary Habermas is truly one of God's champions. He really is. And, Bert, when I was in seminary, this is 32 years ago, his young wife Debbie, got cancer and died. Stomach cancer. And of course, he valiantly represented the Lord and their children, who were small children at that time. He raised them up, and eventually he got remarried to a very godly woman, Eileen. And, Bert, I know, none of us, you know, God is no respecter of persons. But last, night, we talked for an hour, we prayed together, and it's kind of like facing now perhaps what he faced more than 30 years ago. to lose a second wife to cancer would be very tragic. And I know these people, they will be champions for the gospel. but if you would, folks, I'm asking you with all my heart, please pray that God would do a miracle in the life of Eileen Habermas.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, let me lead us in this prayer, please. Father, I thank you for friendships, friendships like Gary and Alex have, that have bound them together in your name, in your love. And then for the wives, Eileen that is there as her husband's, you know, half father, her help, his helpmate. I pray, God, that you'd touch her. I pray for healing. And as we ask you, Father, for this, we trust you. We do. I know they'll go through all the things that we have discovered that helps and works. But, Father, you are the great physician. We trust you help Gary during this time, help him to balance his life, ministry. But also, Father, more important really is his ministry to his wife. And I pray that you'd give him the victory. In Jesus name. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Thank you, Bert. Thank you so much. I appreciate that. And everybody else as well.

Alex: Eight Days of Hope needs your prayers after devastating winter

>> Bert Harper: We're going to go, Alex, before you go, we're going to get one more in that we need to pray for, and then we're going to get these four and pray for all them together. But we're praying for eight Days of Hope. That ministry was birthed out of afr Don Wildmon helping Steve Tyber get it started, and now it covers the United States. But, we want to pray for eight Days of Hope and the volunteers that's helping them and also volunteers that out there cutting limbs, putting, you know, tarp on roofs and praying for theirs. But, we got this and I've asked, Brent to give us a little bit of information concerning Eight Days of Hope. Brent, go right ahead. Right. they're going to be deploying their rapid response team to Oxford, Mississippi starting this Friday. They will be there as of right now. They're going to be there through February 14th. Their headquarters are going to be at North Oxford Baptist church. From the 30th to the 14th. They're going to be cleaning up debris, removing dangerous, trees, all that kind of stuff. they would appreciate your prayers. They would also appreciate donations. I'm sure they're good friends of ours. We've partnered with them for a long time. Long time. They're headquartered in my hometown of Pontotoc. And, they do a lot of great things. I know you've got some places you mentioned that are going to be feeding. Matter of fact, they have a rapid feeding team and they're in four different places. Pray for them because they share the good news of Christ with people who are hurting in NewSong Albany, Miss. Mississippi, at Hillcrest Baptist Church, a great church there, here in Tupelo. And again, First Baptist Church, the one Fred was talking about, housing 30 students from Blue Mountain Christian University. They're also doing that of, feeding, through Eight Days of Hope. And then in Alcorn county, that's Corinth area there, Wheeler Grove Baptist Church, a great. These are awesome, great churches. Been there, know them, and pray for them. And then in Blue Mountain, they're at the fire department, they're feeding all these. So be praying for them and their volunteers. Alex, we wanted to get that in because Eight Days of Hope is such a great ministry.

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, fantastic. We love those people. They do great work. And also we're praying for their safety too, as they, you know, the ice has brought down trees and power lines and things like that.

Jeremy has a serious prayer request for some extended family members in Indiana

So, folks, do keep that in prayer, if you would, in Indiana. Jeremy, Jeremy, are you there?

>> Caroline: Hello?

>> Alex McFarland: Yes, welcome. Jeremy, you're on.

>> Caroline: Oh, hey.

>> Alex McFarland: Hey.

>> Caroline: I just want to thank you guys for everything you do. I've been a listener for a couple years, and, I draw a lot of encouragement and hope and faith from just listening to you guys. But, I have a pretty serious prayer request for some extended family members of mine. Early in the hours this morning, their house was burnt in Cutler, Indiana. And, they got out safe. They got majority of their animals out safe. I think one kind of lingered back and they wasn't sure if it was going to make it or not. But, they really need some help. They need some comfort and some support. and the only way I know to do that best is to bring them before God and just lift them up.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Jeremy, we're going to listen. A house fire, burning. It is hard, especially during this time. They got to find another place when it's so difficult and hard. The family there in Indiana, home burn, pray. Praise God that they're out safely. Do that as well.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. We're going to pray, Raymond in West Virginia. Raymond, welcome, to Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Thank you. Thank you for your,

>> Alex McFarland: The.

The prayer request I have is for an acquaintance I've met at

>> Caroline: The prayer request I have is for an acquaintance I've met at. Where I make deliveries. I make deliveries in a tractor trailer. Sometimes repeat customers, sometimes it's new customers. One customer in particular, very nice lady. Her name is Marie. And I've, talked to her at several of my deliveries. And she had told me last fall that she had lost her daughter. Didn't tell me anything of the circumstances. I didn't dig into the circumstances to. To. I didn't want to upset or anything. And the last time I talked to her about a week ago, she really opened up to me and told me about her daughter passing away. Her husband has a broken hip. Her son suffers migraine headaches. She said her marriage has been bad. most of her married. The time she's been married, and. And I, asked her if I could pray with her there, and she said, please do so. I prayed with her there at the moment, but she's been very heavy on my heart that she needs continued prayers for her situation.

>> Alex McFarland: And what's her first name?

>> Caroline: Her name. Her first name is Marie.

>> Alex McFarland: Marie Raymond. Thank you very much. We are going to pray for Marie, and remember, Jeremy in Indiana and, the family there, and Marie there in West Virginia. Thank you for sharing that. I'm going to get one more call, but I want to try to get everybody in. and then we are going to have another moment of prayer.

Has Franklin Graham condemned the filth coming up during the Super Bowl

But Kenny in Oklahoma. Kenny, are you there?

>> Bert Harper: Welcome.

>> Caroline: Yes, sir. Alex and Burt. Good to speak to my friends again. real quickly. I am acquainted with a man who had. He had cancer. He had pancreas cancer. He was on hospice. I think he would tell you that he had about one week left. They kept praying, and God healed him. If I'm not mistaken. God healed him immediately, and he's been going strong for several years now. Praise God and Jesus Christ. Can I ask you gentlemen a question? Right quickly.

>> Bert Harper: Yes, go quickly. Can you.

>> Alex McFarland: Has.

>> Caroline: Has Franklin Graham, or more importantly, American Family Radio, condemned the. The filth and the perversion that's coming up during the Super Bowl?

>> Bert Harper: We. I know this. It has been, We haven't put out an alert that we can do sometimes. But yes, the million moms have. They have made it alerted. They've let their people know. And yes, we have done so. Kenny.

>> Alex McFarland: And. And you're. I agree. You're right. It is. It is, perverse what passes, for quote, unquote, entertainment.

>> Bert Harper: But I understand during that time, you can turn it off, and there's some things that you can watch on an app, and. And it's good, solid stuff that's going on during that period of time. I understand that as well. So you don't have to watch that. Okay. you still condemn it, but one of the greatest things is turn it off, pray against it. And if there's something better to support, support that.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Is that.

Alex: I'm requesting prayer for my two daughters with dementia

Kenny, you wanted to say how we need to pray for our. For our culture. Right.

>> Caroline: Yes, sir. We really do.

>> Bert Harper: We'll do it, man.

>> Alex McFarland: we will do that. go to Daphne in North Carolina or, Delphine. I'm sorry. You know, Bert, the Bible talks about in Romans 3:18, about a culture where, quote, there is no fear of God before their eyes. We need the Holy Spirit to give a fear of God and a humility before God. But. Do I have your name correct? Delphine.

>> Caroline: Yes, Delphine.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, welcome.

>> Caroline: Thank you. Requesting prayers for mine older sister of 15 and my third older sister, both of them dimension. And also requesting prayer for my two daughters.

>> Alex McFarland: Okay, Amen.

>> Bert Harper: We'll do it. Daphne. God knows what they need, especially those, dementia. When you have to deal with that in a family, it is heartbreaking, difficult. And so we're going to be praying for that. Two sisters. That's difficult, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. amen. Thank you for sharing that, Bert.

We've had a lot on the table, a house fire, the culture

We've had a lot on the table, a house fire, the culture, the health issues. Before we take another call. And I know time just runs away. I wish we had another three hours, but would you pray right now?

>> Bert Harper: I will, I will. Now we'll get to Brianne. We should be able to get to you. Brianne, don't go away. Father, I thank you that we can call upon you. God, again, I'm repeating myself. I don't know where else to go. Just like Peter said, we have nowhere else to go. When we hear about all this going on in the world, we come to you, Father, that you would intervene in so many of these places and things. And, Father, we are praying for that home in Indiana. I remember right. Their home was burned and the family safe. But, Father, it's difficult. That's something that I've seen many times, Pastor, in these many years, as I did. And I pray, God, that you would help this family, strengthen them. Thank you for Jeremy concerned about them. And then, Father, I pray for Marie. I thank you for Raymond, that he would establish that relationship long enough that she would open up and tell him about her daughter death and the cause. And then the need in her own marriage with her husband, physical ailment, her son. Father, I pray that you administer there as only you can. And then, Father, for Kenny's prayer concerning our culture, concerning. And I pray, God, that there'd be millions of people that would turn the halftime off and make it known that they're turning it off and watching something else during the super bowl and help our culture. May we turn to you. we've seen it in here, that we studied it In Isaiah, we need to turn to you. There's no God like you. You're just. And you're a savior, but you are just. And father, for Daphne and her two sisters and her two daughters, God, I pray you would help them in Jesus name, Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Bert, thank you for that wonderful prayer. Thank you. Delphine.

My son tried to commit suicide last week; luckily he's okay

We're going to go to, Brianne in Virginia. Brianne, we're almost out of time, so if you could go quickly, please. Yes, absolutely.

>> Caroline: Thank you so much for taking my call. so my son, last week, he's 16 years old and he, tried to commit suicide. Suicide. And, luckily he's okay and thank God. But he,

>> Alex McFarland: I think a lot of it that.

>> Caroline: Is going on is he.

>> Alex McFarland: He thinks he might be gay.

>> Caroline: And he knows that you know that.

>> Alex McFarland: Brian, forgive me. We're going to have to jump in here. Father, this young person. In Jesus name. In Jesus name.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Amen. Brianne, we're praying those of you write Brianne and pray for her son that his identity would be sure who God's made him to be. And pray that he would identify with him, God as creator and redeemer. We're praying that. Thank you for listening to Exploring the Word.

>> Alex McFarland: The views and opinions expressed in this.

>> Bert Harper: Broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of.

>> Alex McFarland: The American Family association or American Family Radio.