Transcript

American Family Radio takes your Bible questions live on American Family Radio

>>  : The Bible. It's the word of God. Sharper than any two edged sword. This sacred book is living and active and contains all that's needed for life and godliness. Stay with American Family Radio for the next hour as we study God's word and take your Bible questions.

Exploring the Word picks up Isaiah 47 with special guest Dylan Burroughs

Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Alex McFarland: For I am God and there was no one else like me. That's Isaiah 46, 9. And we'll pick up today Isaiah 47. But we welcome you to explore the Word. Very special show today, Alex McFarland here. And along with us is our frequent collaborator, Dylan Burroughs. And we're going to get into Isaiah 47, but first we have another very special guest, but, to begin, Dylan Burroughs.

Exploring the Word welcomes Alex to talk about Isaiah 46 and 47

Thank you for being with us today and welcome back to Exploring the Word.

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, of course. Great to be with you as always, Alex. I know that this is an important time for a lot of people there in the area where, the radio network is located. And we're so glad to have with us to share a little bit today. But our prayers are with you. Know that we are thinking of you and God is with you and we hope to encourage you in any way we can as we talk today about God's word and especially Isaiah 46 and into 47, as you mentioned. Alex, so great to be with you again.

There are still 95,000 homes without power in northeast Mississippi following winter storm

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know folks, as everybody is aware, we had a huge winter storm over the weekend and they're actually predicting more. In the, Carolinas where I live, they're talking about between 6 to 18 inches. But in Mississippi especially, they were hard hit with ice. And to tell us about the relief work going on, our longtime friend Steve Tyber of Eight Days of Hope. Oxford and Columbus, so many areas people have been without power. Steve, are you there? Can you hear me?

>> Steve Tybor: Yes, sir. Good afternoon. Thanks for having me on.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, thank you for being with us. And I want to talk about what you're doing right now, but I remember, oh my goodness, at least a decade ago when there had been a really bad tornado in Mississippi. And I had the privilege of being on the ground helping clean up tree limbs and everything with you and eight Days of Hope. But for those that may be unaware, tell the listeners about the vital work you do. Steve.

>> Steve Tybor: Yeah, thank you. And thanks for being one of 63,000 volunteers who've traveled with us over the last 20 years. We just celebrated our 20th year anniversary. We started after Hurricane Katrina. It was meant to help one family rebuild their house. we now have four arms of the ministry, we now have helped 12,000 families rebuild their homes. We have a mass feeding arm. We have an arm that builds, homes and campuses for women and children who've been rescued from trafficking. but right now, our focus this day, this week, this month is right here in northeast Mississippi. Of course, winter storm fern create havoc from Maine to Texas. But as of this minute, five days after the storm landed, there's still 95,000 people or 95,000 homes that don't have power in northeast Mississippi. And some roads are still impassable. Even some major roads like I55 I think just opened up back up about 30 minutes ago. But right now we have four different feeding stations. All the information's on our website. If you live in northeast Mississippi or you have a loved one or maybe your kids. I had a call today. My son's going to Ole Miss. Can you help me out? so if you know someone in the northeast Mississippi area that needs help, if they need food, it's. All the sites are on our website. And then of course we just announced a major deployment with our rapid response arm where we're going to bring in heavy equipment, feeding equipment, chainsaws, bucket trucks, Bobcats, and we just deployed that to Oxford, Mississippi, which we'll be at for at least two weeks, but probably much longer than that. So a lot of work to be done. A lot of people need to see hope. And that's what God's called us to do. And so if you want to volunteer, it's free. We provide food and lodging and all the information on eight Days of Hope comma website.

>> Alex McFarland: Steve. Oh, thank you so much. And did you, did you say 95,000 people without electricity?

>> Steve Tybor: I miss focused. 95,000 homes. So of course most homes have more than one person. So, you know, there's no quick fix here, guys. Lafayette county, Pontotoc, I mean there's plenty of counties that are being affected right now, by the lack of power. now. Is it getting better? Absolutely. But I was talking to, ah, an official today. I don't think he wants to go on record. But long story short, he said, steve, I think Oxford's going to be out of power for at least two more full weeks. And so that's so disheartening. But again, we've been delivering warm meals. We'll be making tens of thousands of meals to provide, again, nourishment, proteins, salads, of course, always a little dessert, you know, fruit, some protein bars. So we're doing all we can right now at these four different sites.

>> Alex McFarland: God bless you. God bless you.

Steve Wellman says there are still many places with power out in Mississippi

Dylan, how about where you are there in Chattanooga? Dylan, how was the, the severity of the weather there?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, like many places across the south, there was quite a bit of damage, but in our area was mostly in the higher elevations, Signal Mountain especially. It had a lot of those downed trees you saw way down by the weight of ice and a lot of crashes on the curvy roads. more than here though is if you go toward Nashville. There are still many places with power out like he's talking about there in Mississippi where people have gone several days now without even having the ability to turn on their lights or use their regular items, in their home. So it's a serious situation for a lot of people. So our prayers go out to you also want, to encourage you to check out snow Steve and his organization's website and anything we can do to encourage the work they're doing and help get people the help they need. Certainly, want to do that. And thank you so much for all you're doing to help in that area.

>> Steve Tybor: Well, we sure do appreciate it. We love one of our, you know, we have 20 national partners that pretty much cover all of our fixed costs and have been walking this journey with us for many years. And our first partner ever was American Family Radio, American Family Association. So thank you to the late Don Wildmon, Tim, the whole family, the whole staff, both of you. again, if you're listening today and you want to help, it's free. We provide food and lodging. You just have to get here. If you can get to Tupelo, Mississippi area or Oxford, Mississippi, we'll have a warm bed for you, we'll feed you really good and you're going to make some lifelong friends. So again, all the information is on the website 8daysofhope.com Steve, for those that.

>> Alex McFarland: Are maybe around the country and they can't feasibly come to Mississippi or any of the sites. And obviously we can all pray, but what else, what else can you do, can people do in terms of contributing or lifting up eight days of hope?

>> Steve Tybor: Yeah. Thank you. Like I said, we have 20 national partners and they sow into the ministry of eight days of every year. They cover all of our fixed costs. So anything donated for this winter storm fern 100% is passed through. Nothing's left to, you know, pay utility bill or buy a shiny truck or buy my plane ticket, you know, come to a disaster. One, Hundred percent is passed through. You, can give online at eight Days of Hope Calm. It's easy, it's really safe, and it's fast. you can also text the word give. Just text the word give to 863-738-6373. Text the word give. And you can give, through your phone as well. But our commitment, and I know the Wellman family know this. They've been walking with this journey with us for 20 years. every dollar, ah, raised during this time will be spent in northeast Mississippi helping these families out.

>> Alex McFarland: Wow. are there other places on the ground that, your staff and volunteers are deployed right now, Steve?

>> Steve Tybor: Yes, sir. we have a, heavy division of our rapid response arm, that has gone to different communities here. not far from our headquarters in Tupelo. Ah, we've been feeding people up in, Batesville, Ah, we've been feeding people up in Corinth, NewSong, Albany, Mississippi. Blue Mountain, Mississippi. Again, we have food in Oxford and we really think maybe starting Monday, from Monday on, the majority of the feeding will be done in Oxford. Because, again, Oxford, this is going to be a huge challenge. I think maybe you guys saw. But Ole Miss today, which is the college on, site, University of Mississippi, they've canceled classes to at least February 8th. So, this is a marathon. It's not in a sprint. All the information is on the website 8days of hope.com or follow us on Facebook as well.

Eight Days of Hope ministered in North Carolina during Hurricane Helene

>> Alex McFarland: Well, Steve, I want to personally thank you my. My home state of North Carolina, in western North Carolina. People may have forgotten, but in the fall of 24, there was Hurricane Helene and just devastating flooding. And eight days of hope was helping there, along with Samaritan's Purse and other great organizations. But I want to thank you and eight Days of Hope for the times that you've ministered to the folks in my home state of North Carolina.

>> Steve Tybor: Yeah, it was an honor to be there. And to your point, if you're listening today, find a ministry that you believe in and serve with them. it will change your life forever.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Again. Give the website, please, Steve.

>> Steve Tybor: Sure. Eight Days of Hope comma Follow us on Facebook or Instagram. Again, pray, volunteer, donate. Volunteering is open up right now on our website. It's free. We provide food and lodging.

>> Alex McFarland: God bless you. Thank you. We'll keep you in prayer. We look forward to hearing from you again.

>> Steve Tybor: Well, Dylan, thank you, guys. God bless you.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

Alex and Dylan ask you to pray for those affected by winter storms

Thank, you, Dylan, I'm going to ask you to pray because folks, you know, the Bible says that God is very near to those that are in trouble, those of a broken heart. And I mean, this thing of people being without power. It is bitterly cold. And, Dylan, if you would, as we begin, we'll get into Isaiah 47 calls and questions, but would you, just commit this and the welfare of our nation, would you lift it up in prayer? Dylan?

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, of course, Alex. let's pray together. Father, thank you so much for this day and this opportunity to talk with Steve and the work they are doing to help minister to the many people across our nation right now who are struggling in the aftermath of winter storms. Lord, we do pray for those who are on the front lines who are hurting. We pray for those on the front lines who are helping. We do ask that your spirit would go before and show the love of Christ to every person in every place, and even through this difficult time, lead people to closer to you. Father, we lift our time up to you now, and we pray for our nation as we seek to honor you through exploring the Word in Jesus name. Amen.

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

Dylan: Isaiah 46 reminds us of the futility of idols

Well, we are in Isaiah 47 and yesterday, Bert Harper and I. Bert's traveling today. and Dylan, thank you for making time to be with us. But in Isaiah 46, there was just the futility of idols. And then again, as so often, often is the, case like in Isaiah 45, where God reminds Israel but us as well. I am the Lord and there is none else. I am God, there is no other. Isaiah 46, 9, I am God. There is no one like me. Declaring the end from the beginning, the ancient times, the things which have not been done, by the way we mentioned in Isaiah 46 yesterday, Isaiah 46, 10, My purpose will be established. Isaiah 46, 11, God says, this I have planned, Surely I will do it. one thing that I think is a great comfort, especially in this transient, ever changing world, the word of God is forever. The plans, the purposes. You know, scholars, talk about God's sovereign counsel. His will will be done. Dylan, that's a great encouragement and a reassurance, isn't is?

>> Alex McFarland: And Isaiah 46 is such a strong reminder, I think, of that phrase, and maybe you've heard it before, that says God carries you, you carry idols. And that's the difference when we look at the gods of this world versus God caring for us. You know, we may carry our idols around, whether they are the idols of old or whether they are the idols of today, of wealth or career or pleasure. But God is the one who carries us through of life, and he's the one that we must trust in. And this passage does such a good job of reminding us that God is the one who's unchanging, that he is the one who is almighty, that he is the one who is sovereign, that he is the one who is faithful. And that, as you mentioned, his purposes will prevail. So, you know, just like Jonah when he fought against God, God, ultimately got his way in Jonah's life. And God has a way of doing that in our own lives as well, doesn't he, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: He really does. He really does. And in chapter 47, we got into it a little bit yesterday, but, there are really warnings against, you know, I don't mean to make a contrived alliteration, but really sensuality, security and secularism and sorcery. From eight and following. come now and hear this, you sensual one who dwells securely. we've got a break coming up. But whether it's immorality or whether it's just self assurance and self reliance, or whether it's just, the elimination of God, secularism or sorcery and spells like verse 12, those are wrong, those are vain and empty. The true and living God, though, stands with his arms open. We've got a brief break. We're going to come back more of Isaiah after this.

>>  : 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.

>> Alex McFarland: 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.

Alex McFarland: Salvation is only through the true and living God

Just go to your app store or visit afr.net listen to AFR wherever you go with the AFR app.

>> Alex McFarland: M.

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome back to Exploring the word. Alex McFarland here, along with our friend and colleague Dylan Burroughs. We're in the Old Testament book of Isaiah, and you know, in verse 12, you know, it's almost like God is challenging them. He says, stand fast now in your spills and in your many sorceries with which you have labored from your youth. Perhaps you'll be able to profit. Perhaps you may cause trembling. You are wearied with your many counsels. Let now the astrologers, those who prophesy by the stars, those who predict by the new moons, stand up and save you from what will come upon you? Dylan, this is almost kind of humorous. I mean, it's sad, but it's. You know, God is saying, look, sorcery. And, astrologers, they can't save. They. They don't give truth. You may have gone through these incantations till you're weary, verse, 13, but verse 14, they're like stubble. You know, the bottom line, there's the true and living God. There's his written revelation. Salvation is only through the true and living God, not through empty paganism or religion, is it?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you're right, Alex. And sometimes people don't realize that the Bible does have aspects of satire and humor mixed in, like you mentioned in verses 12 and 13, where it's mocking the magic and the sorcery that they relied upon outside of following the Lord. And you see this in other places of Scripture. I think especially of Elijah in First Kings, where the prophets are calling down, trying to get, you know, fire to come on their altar. And eventually Elijah says, maybe you should yell louder. Maybe he can't hear you or he's asleep. And so there are those times where God does some type of mocking or satire to those who oppose him, or God's people do. And it's a good reminder in some ways that, you know, when you mess with other spiritual sources, you're. You're working with something where there is a dark power. I don't want to deny that there are spiritual forces of evil, because there are. But they have no comparison to the power of the Lord. And that's what we see in this chapter, is this contrast and showing that when you rely on both your human strength or other sources of spiritual strength, that you are ultimately going to fail in your attempts, no matter how hard you try.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. and it goes on. Chapter 47 concludes. You know, they're like stubble. Fire burns them. Verse 14. They cannot deliver themselves from the power of the flame. God's judgment. There will be no coal to warm by, nor a fire to sit before. empty religion, occultism, paganism, rituals. It's empty, and there's no power in it. In this life, however, there is judgment in eternity. So have those become to you with whom you have labored, who have trafficked with you from your youth. Each has wandered in his own way. There is none to save you. It's very sad. Chapter 48. and, you know, just reading it, this is such an example of how the word of God is just very straightforward. Hear this. O, house of Jacob, who were named Israel, who came forth from the loins of Judah who swear by the name of the Lord. And by the way, in verse 1 of Isaiah 48, L O R D IS IS ALL CAPS. When you see that in your Bible Lord all capitalized, that that means almighty God, the true and living God, and the God of Israel, but not in truth nor in righteousness, for they call themselves after the holy city and lean on the God of Israel. The Lord of hosts is his name. God is really calling out their stubbornness. And Dylan, let me say one of the wisest things that anybody could do. Certainly Israel was called to it. I think the church of every generation is called to it. Every Christian is called to it to be humble before God and to follow what his word says and what the Holy Spirit leads us to do. you know, the Bible warns against man striving against his Maker. What's sad is I think sometimes the church strives against the Lord sometimes. Do you feel that?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, sure. I mean, that's what you see even in the NewSong Testament. It hints at a time where people will gather around them, teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. And that happened in Old Testament times as well, when they would talk about priests and prophets who would do whatever the people wanted, if they would pay them, or they would listen to those who would tell them the message they wanted to hear. And we see that in today's churches, too. And it's always disturbing when you see someone say, oh, look at that church. Look how fast they're growing. Look how big they are. And the person fails to look at what's under the hood and see whether the theology is accurate or not, whether it's a biblical message or not. you know, a church is just like a human body. It could be big and strong, or it could be big and unhealthy. And you have to evaluate the teachings of any ministry, any minister, any church leader, and find out whether they're really proclaiming a message of truth or else you're going to be deceived. And that's something that's been, you know, an aspect of God's people from the time we see here in Isaiah. And it's something we see prevalent in our culture even still today.

>> Alex McFarland: Verse 3 says, I, God is speaking here. I declared the former things long ago, and they went forth from my mouth, and I proclaimed them. Suddenly I acted and they came to pass. Verse 4, very telling. Because I know that you are obstinate and your neck is an iron sinew, and your forehead is Bronze. See, an iron neck. Imagine like somebody's neck rather than the spine and muscles and the ability to bow one's head humbly before God. Imagine if somebody had a neck of rebar that they couldn't and wouldn't humble themselves before God.

Dylan: There are so many issues Christians face today. Morals, marriage, gender, human sexuality

Dylan, I mentioned this last week. I saw this meme the other day. I thought it was funny. I've got to repeat it. It said the one thing God left out of the Bible. Your opinion. And I think we need to hear that in this generation because, you know, there are churches, denominations, even individual Christians. And I mean, just there are so many issues. Morals, marriage, gender, human sexuality, homosexuality versus heterosexuality. Jesus, the one and only savior. even things like living righteously as a disciple and church attendance and honoring the Lord with our substance. You know, I believe if you're a disciple, you know, we're supposed to be a tither and more. Well, very often people, they get that stubborn neck and it's, you know, my way rather than the way God's word clearly leads.

Dylan says when there's an authentic Holy Spirit revival, there is a yielding

Dylan, I was on the phone yesterday with a pastor who invited me to preach. And, that's a great honor. I'm, deeply honored to preach all over America. But he asked me, he said, could you tell our people some of the pathways to revival? And I said, absolutely. I've seen some incredible moves of God's Holy Spirit. So this pastor, we're talking about revival and. And he said, if you had to sum it up, you know, in one or two things, I said, well, one of the things that God will bless is when the church and individual Christians, again, we recognize the authority of God's Word, the Bible, scripture. God's word is, ah, as they said, the rule for faith and practice. And I believe that's one of the things the spirit of the Lord will bless. Ah, whether you look at like, the Protestant Reformation 500 years ago, or some of the Great Awakenings, like in colonial America, or even like the Jesus movement, 55 years ago there was Billy Graham in the 50s and 60s, and then there was this incredible movement that came out of the west coast with people like Chuck Smith and Greg Lori, and Josh McDowell. But, Dylan, when there's an authentic Holy Spirit revival, there is a real yielding to the word of God, the authority of Scripture. Am I. Am I right?

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, of course. That has to be the foundation of any move of God, is to have a, respect and a trembling for his word. Even we talk about the fear of the Lord. And that's the beginning of wisdom, the Proverbs tell us. But so many times we try to do things, things in our own strength, and God is just kind of our sidekick to help us out along the way. And we get that so wrong when the. The focus of true revival is really to put God in the driver's seat, and that we bow down before him and that we seek his face, we seek his wisdom rather than our own ways. And there's so many things throughout the church's history that bear witness to this. And I love some of the quotes like you mentioned from revivals of the past. And you think of people like Jonathan Edwards who are focused on, you know, being sinners in the hands of an angry God. And even though sometimes people might think that goes too far at times, that idea of trembling before God, to having a respect and a reverence before the Lord is so often missing in our church. It's so often missing in our individual lives. And when we view God properly, that's when we begin to see a change of heart, a change of life that will influence how we live and how those around us live in our churches and our ministries.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, in Isaiah 48, like verse five, you know, God really warns about, you know, saying that, my idol has done this or that thing. My graven image and my molten image have commanded them. And, you know, it's. It's not funny, but it kind of makes me smile. in verse 8 of Isaiah 48, you have not heard, you have not known. Even from long ago, your ear has not been open, because I knew that you would deal very treacherously. And you have been called a rebel from birth. That's. You, know, that's kind of laying it on the table. really, Dylan, I gotta tell you this. And you and I have been friends for a long time, and I do a lot of traveling, and I love old hymns, but, oh, my goodness, so many times I've been in churches and they'll be singing like m. Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved someone like me. But that's not how the original word went. It said, amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. And I was in a church and they were doing, alas, and did my Savior bleed and did my sovereign die? Would he devote that sacred head for someone such as I? And I got up in the pulpit and I said, hey, it's great to be here. Thanks for having me. but the original lyrics, it said, alas, and did my savior bleed and did my sovereign die? Would he devote that sacred head for such a worm as I now to humble ourselves like those old songs said, like the scripture says, and said, lord, I am wretched. God have mercy on me. I'm a worm. Lord, I've sinned. I knew the right, I did the wrong. why do you think it's such a kind of a. For modern man, it's like a bitter pill to swallow to admit that apart from Jesus, we're just. We're fallen sinners.

>> Alex McFarland: It's so interesting because you're right. We live in a culture today where people don't want to, have this idea that they're viewing themselves too lowly. But we do see that at times in Scripture. Psalm 22 is where we get that idea of someone referring to themselves as a worm and not a man. And you think of the apostle Paul. Even though he talked about how he was set apart and he was apostle, he also called himself the worst of sinners or the chief of sinners. That when he had a proper view of himself, he saw that what God can do in him and through him. But he also saw that apart from me, you can do nothing. And that's a clear scriptural teaching that I think we get out of balance a lot of times in our society today is that we have this focus that, you're okay, everything's all right. And we don't want to take that time to call ourselves out for the sinfulness in our hearts and sometimes for our dependence on the Lord to intervene in our lives. So there certainly is an important aspect of revival. To go back and look at ourselves the way that you. That God has made us in contrast with him. Not just the creation of God, but as someone completely dependent on the Lord to save us, to forgive us, to redeem us, and to empower us to live for him every moment of every day.

>> Alex McFarland: Indeed, indeed. Isaiah, Ah 48, 10 and 11. God talks about, being refined in the furnace of affliction. And that's how God works. I mean, look, if we go through hard, hard times, really, it doesn't mean God has abandoned us. It really is in love. God acts redemptively to try to call us back to Himself. And he says, for my own sake, will I act? How can my name be profane? My glory I will not share with another. God acts redemptively in our lives if we allow it. And the thing about God's truth, black and white, you know, inflexible, tough as nails. Because we're talking about eternity. We're talking about the souls of people. And you know, Dylan, I've had people, you know, on the road talking, they'd say, oh, you know, why is it so narrow? Why, why are Christians so rigid? Well, we're talking about heaven and hell here. we're talking about eternity. And I will say this, folks, the Bible is clear. There is no way to go to heaven except through Jesus Christ. A relationship with Jesus Christ. And, God is eternal. God is the one true creator, redeemer, Savior. And when he says, my glory I will not give to another, I mean that, that's because no other entity, even the most accomplished, famous, wealthy human, we don't worship them as God. Certainly not angels. Angels are not to be worshiped as God. we don't harness the power of, you know, the supernatural. The Bible is incredibly vehement that we are to turn away from darkness, paranormal, you know, fortune telling, sorcery, all of that are, lies of the devil. God is so insistent that we turn to Christ.

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>> Steve Tybor: And that's when everything changed.

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Dylan Burrows and Bert McFarland host American Family Radio

now back to the Bible study with Alex and Bert. You're listening to Exploring the Word on American Family Radio.

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome back to Exploring the Word. This is Dylan Burrows and for Bert today. And I'm here with Alex McFarland. We've been having a pleasure going through Isaiah, chapters 46 through part of 48, but now we want to transition to taking some of your calls. I always love this part. It's probably my favorite part. Alex, to hear from the listeners, what they're thinking, what they're going through, how we can help and to really build that friendship and a relationship, to minister to one another. So. So if you haven't already called in, please do so. But we want to go to the phones. And Alex, I think you have the information on the first caller there. So I'll let you jump in and bring us in as we start talking about God's Word and hear from some of those who are calling in today. Ah.

>> Alex McFarland: All right. Yeah, Dylan, we're going to start in Texas. Randy in Texas. Thanks for calling Exploring the Word. Okay. Randy, you there?

>> Caroline: Yes, sir.

>> Steve Tybor: Yes, sir.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. Yeah.

>> Caroline: Thank you for taking my call. Appreciate your ministry.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah.

Judaism does not accept the tri unity of God, Dylan says

>> Caroline: In reading the Old Testament, I've always understood that Israel always worshiped, the one true God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But my question is, since it's my understanding, correct me if I'm wrong, Jesus, Judaism does not accept the tri unity of God. They only accept the one person, God, the Father. So you can't say that. Or can you, that Judaism worships the same God as Christians who do accept the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. makeup of God.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. this is a great question, and let me preface this by saying that, you know, we love the Jewish people and we're very, very pro Israel. But at the same time, it's like, Paul said, my heart's desire and prayer is that all of Israel would be saved. And, to your question, Randy and Dylan, you can help me elaborate on this. I think there's a limit to what the Jewish people received as God's revelation. On the one hand, like Deuteronomy 6:1:4, which is called the Shema, the great, Jewish declaration of monotheism. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one. But over. And this is not just NewSong Testament, but Old Testament, too, we see there is one God. Yes, one God, however, eternally existent as Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Ah, and by the way, on our Facebook page, on the Exploring the Word Facebook page, There's a fairly lengthy article that I wrote, and I just updated it last week on the Trinity. It's called Bible Facts about the Trinity. And Brent Austin, our wonderful producer, he put the new version up on the Facebook page. I would encourage you, if you would like us on Facebook. But there's this article about the Trinity. But, Dylan, as the revelation of God, clearly you've got the spirit of the Lord. You've got the captain of the Lord's hosts, which. And Old Testament appearances of Jesus and one God. But Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, there came a point where the Sanhedrin, the Pharisees, even though God had fully revealed himself, and of course, the most vivid Jesus was physically there in person, and yet they rejected Messiah Jesus. There was a limit to how much of God's revelation of himself they would receive. am I saying that correctly, Dylan?

>> Alex McFarland: Right. And it's certainly an interesting perspective because there are sometimes Jewish people who come to faith in Jesus and then they have to reconcile with those teachings that they have been raised with. Where you talked about Deuteronomy, chapter 6, the Lord our God is one. Well, how does that work? When Jesus says he is the way, the truth and the life, how do we deal with the Holy Spirit? And, from a Jewish perspective, they would say that the Trinity was made up later by Christians. But as Christians, we would look the Scriptures and say, no, the Scriptures show that there's Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three and one. we've clarified that in various councils and creeds over the generations. But Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is a key teaching in Christianity the Jews reject. So it is one fundamental difference between Jewish teachings and Christian teachings. Unless someone, of course, is a Jewish person who's come to faith in Jesus. And so, it's one of those areas when you're talking with the Jewish person and sharing your faith, you have to tread carefully, but also be very clear that we believe that Jesus is more than just a good teacher, that he is the Messiah, the way, the truth, and the life, as John 14:6 says.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. And again, I would encourage you, Randy. Thank you for the question. go to the Facebook page for Exploring the Word, if you would, and look at the article we've posted called Bible Facts about the Trinity. also in Texas. Let's stay in Texas and we'll hear from Harold. Harold, are you there?

>> Steve Tybor: Hey. I'm, here.

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome. what's your question today, sir?

Dylan Burroughs says there's Christian birth and Christian growth

>> Steve Tybor: Well, my daughter asked me, what does it mean to grow up according to the Bible.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, great question, great question. before I dive in on this spiritual growth, Dylan Burroughs, I know you have published and written extensively on this. Dylan, is there's Christian birth when we, we put our faith in Jesus and get saved, but then there's Christian growth. what's implied by that, Dylan?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, it's a good distinction and a good discussion. I think it's very clear when you look at the Great Commission in Matthew 28 that Jesus tells his followers to go and make disciples of all nations. And that's more than simply saying that you believe in Jesus. It's more than simply walking an aisle or signing some form. This is a lifelong commitment. And that's what we're talking about when we say somebody living their, their life according to the scriptures. They're seeking to bring every aspect of their life in line with God's teaching. So we start off as an, as a baby believer, right? We accept Jesus as our savior. But then each day we're seeking to grow. And that's one thing that is addressed all throughout the NewSong Testament, especially where the Apostle Paul is talking about, growing to maturity and, you know, getting beyond just milk and being able to get into the meat of the teachings of the Word. So to, shortly answer your question, to live as a Christian according to God's Word, as someone who not only believes in Christ, but also is seeking to live out the teachings of Christ through regularly studying it and applying it to their own lives. I think that's a good short summary. Alex, what would you add to that?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, and by the way, I want to give the number. If you've got a Bible question, call in. It's 8885-8988-4088-8885-89840. We'll take any and all Bible questions and we're going to go to Jerome here in a second.

Jerome says a newborn Christian needs encouragement and nurture

But first of all, here I wanted to mention 1st Peter 2. 2 and when I was a brand new believer at age 21, this verse really meant a lot to me. 1st Peter 2:2, it says, as a newborn babe, desire the sincere milk of the Word that you may grow thereby. Okay. If, if the milk of God's Word helps us grow, then the absence of God's Word, you know, we're not going to grow as we could or should. You know, there's, you know, nothing as precious as an infant, a newborn baby. But the doctor doesn't deliver the baby. And the, the doctor and the parents say, well, Have a nice life. Goodbye. No, the baby is born, it's alive. But that little baby needs nurturing before it's able to walk on its own two feet and feed itself. And Dylan, I think a newborn Christian of any age is much like that, that there needs to be encouragement and nurture. So to your question, Hiro, how do you grow? Well, for one thing, every day you're talking to the Lord in prayer, reading the Bible, and that's God talking to you. But then you're in church and you need the encouragement of fellow Christians and the modeling, you know, an infant. There's this whole saying children, children live what they learn. Well, they see grown ups and they emulate and they much of what a child in, in early childhood development and pre adolescence, they learn from the environment around them. And that's why I think it's important for a newborn believer to be in the environment of dynamic Christians and they learn. Dylan. I learned from the people around me. Many of them are in heaven now, but Milton Ferguson, Mark Sink, they're long since gone to heaven. But these were some of the men that helped disciple me. And their investment in my life is, is present to this day. And I'm sure you had those that mentored and discipled you, didn't you, Dylan?

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, amen. Yes. So whether it's someone in your own family or whether it's someone in your church or another person along the way, those, those individuals who pour into your life in that way and help you grow spiritually are some of the most influential people, in your life. And I would just encourage you to receive, that kind of teaching, if you need it, from a friend or family member, and also to be that kind of person. We're told to make disciples, as I mentioned, which includes us being active and helping the next generation to come closer to God through their daily life as well. So great discussion, great question, Appreciate you calling in about that.

>> Alex McFarland: That we're gonna stay in Texas. Jerome, Jerome from Texas, you're on Exploring the Word.

>> Alex McFarland: Hello?

>> Alex McFarland: Yes, sir. Welcome.

>> Alex McFarland: Hi.

>> Caroline: Is this for Jerome?

>> Alex McFarland: Yes.

>> Caroline: Oh, hi. Alex, McFarland I know very well, and Mr. M. Minister Dylan, who I'm not as familiar with. I just wanted to know. I really don't have a question so much, but, but a beautiful thing happened out of a horror, a horrible thing here in Texas yesterday, and I'm pretty sure you may be familiar, that there was an execution of a gentleman, a man named, Can I Say his name.

>> Alex McFarland: sure.

>> Caroline: Charles Victor Thompson was executed at 6:50, p.m. yesterday. And, it's kind of a rough thing. I hope there aren't any children around, but he murdered his ex girlfriend, her and her boyfriend. But the way he finished his life, I think it is an example of how much Jesus loves us no matter what. And I think some people may need to hear that. He not only asked for forgiveness from the family, and if I may read it, he says, I'm sorry for what I did. I'm sorry for what happened. And I want to tell all of y' all I love you and that. Keep Jesus in your life. Keep Jesus first. And he said. And that was his final words. Now, of course, the. The son of the mother that was murdered, rightfully so, is harboring anger, and he's offering resentment, and. And the son said he's in hell. Well, Alex, I disagree with that because to me, by the man's last words, it sounds like to me, he may have given his life to Jesus Christ. And I just want everybody to know because I've done some things I'm horribly, horribly, dissatisfied with and embarrassed by. But the Lord forgave my sin. And this lets me know that even this man who's a murderer, I mean, he's confessing Jesus Christ. Now. We have to open up our hearts to understand God's love is not like our love. You know, we want to see that man dead. We want to see him go to hell. That's not happening. He. He repented, in my opinion. I don't know for sure, but it sounds like he.

>> Alex McFarland: It.

>> Caroline: And I believe he's in heaven and we'll see him one day.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, well, you know, in, Luke 23:42, there was a thief on the cross who said, Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. And. And I think about in Matthew 14:30, when the apostle Peter was, sinking, and he just simply said three words, Lord, save me. And I know, I don't. I don't minimize the pain that a bereaved family might have, but, yeah, the good news is if that man, even moments before execution, put his faith in Jesus and said, dear Lord, save me, wash my sins away, then. Then he is saved. And, the forgiveness of Jesus, the grace of Jesus is. Is much more than the human mind can comprehend. Thank you for that. I'm going to go to John in Alabama. John, thanks for holding. We, want to get as many calls as we can. So, what is your Question for this edition of Exploring the Word. Hey, John, tune your radio down, if you don't mind, my friend, so it doesn't feed back.

>> Caroline: Hello?

>> Alex McFarland: Yes. You're on, John.

>> Steve Tybor: Okay.

In the Old Testament, God would address Israel sometimes as Jacob or Israel

>> Caroline: Hey, I was, wondering about, in the Old Testament, God, God, would address Israel sometimes as oh, Jacob or oh, Israel. Now, was that determining by how they lived? Like, I know most of the time they was, like, doing their own things. When he addressed them as old Jacob then, because they was, like, almost, living a simple life, or was that just something he did?

>> Alex McFarland: let's talk about that, Dylan. Jacob Job was a son of Isaac, but he was also known as Israel. And, Dylan wasn't the. The name, kind of used interchangeably, almost, wasn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, it's good that you brought that up, because it is in Isaiah just a few chapters before, we, talked about the passage today, back in chapter 43 and 44, God, refers to the people of Israel as O Jacob and O Israel. So he's talking to the Jewish people. Jewish people. When he's making those references. The people descended from Jacob, the people descended from Israel. So that's the reference there. And of course, we look at those same principles for our own lives as well, that we know that God has redeemed us. He's called us by name, but there's a specific sense in which the Lord called Israel to be his chosen people. And that's what it's referring to in Isaiah and other places of the Old Testament. So I think that would be the short summary to it. But it certainly has a lot of application and relevance sense for us as God's people today as well.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, it's interesting that, it's almost like whenever he would call, the nation of Israel, oh, Jacob, it was almost like, not very complimentary because the name Jacob meant supplanter or.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, he was a deceiver.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes, he'll grabber. We'll elaborate that on that.

Dylan Burroughs: Tomorrow is fire away Friday

Hey, I want to get to, Iana. Well, Iyana in Indiana. I am so sorry. I beg your forgiveness. Please call in tomorrow. We're just about out of time. Tomorrow is fire away Friday. All questions, all the hour. Dylan Burroughs and I will be here again tomorrow. Bert is traveling. Dylan, thank you. And, I look forward to tomorrow, don't you?

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, it's a pleasure being with you. Look forward to it. Join us again tomorrow.

>> Alex McFarland: Folks. This is exploring the Word on the American Flag Family radio network. We thank you for listening. Do pray for the power to come back on all the people in the cold, if you would pray for peace in Minneapolis and throughout our nation. And thank you for listening to afr. Tell somebody about exploring the Word, but most of all, tell everybody about Jesus. The views and opinions expressed in this.

>> Steve Tybor: Broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of.

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