It's Fire Away Friday For June 19, 2026

Fire Away Friday is your chance to ask us your Bible question

>> Alex McFarland: America's 250th birthday. It's a great excuse to have some extra cake and ice cream, but we can help your celebration go well beyond that.

>> Bert Harper: Show your patriotism with America 250 apparel

>> Alex McFarland: that will become a memento of this special year. We also have special episodes on AFA Stream to help underscore that America is a Christian nation and help you find God in the Constitution. Find all of this and more in one place. Afa.net topics250 it's Fireaway Friday on exploring the Word. This is your chance to ask us your Bible question at 888-589-8840. That's 888-589-8840. You can also email your [email protected] or visit facebook.com exploringtheword.

>> Bert Harper: It's Fire Away Friday on American Family Radio. Yes, it look forward to Friday. Different reasons. Yeah, the weekend's coming, but one of the reasons is we get to talk to a lot of listeners. So make that call with your question, Triple 858-98840. And we, got lines that are open and people already calling. But Alex, before we go any further, I just want to give a shout out. today at AFA, there were around 75 young people from the 9th grade through the 12th grade, and they're on tour here in Mississipp where our headquarters are found. And it's the Mississippi Baptist Allstate Youth Choir. And, it was during, at 10 o' clock they were here. I was on trivia and couldn't listen. But then they recorded it and I got to watch it. And I want to tell you, I worship the Lord as these young men and young women was praising God. And, listen, I really believe God is working in the next. This generation that's come up, we call them, you know, Z and the next generation. I don't know if they got a name yet or not, but whatever it is, I believe God's working, Alex, and I'm excited about what God is doing.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, amen. God is at work and this is, very exciting. And you remember how Ecclesiastes, 12 says, Remember your creator in the days of thy youth. Bert, isn't it a blessing to see a young person, whether it be, you know, middle school or high school, but a young person respond to Jesus, build their life on God and his word. And like you say, these young people singing, using their talents for God's glory, a few things are as gratifying as that.

>> Bert Harper: I agree with You. And I'm telling you, may God's. May God continue to work and use them. And, we're praying that God would just use all your youth camps this summer to train up these, this generation and pastors and youth ministers, listen, when you're preaching, share the truth of God's word in a way that they understand. Don't, don't, you know, make it soft, don't make it easy, but share what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. And I think this generation will latch onto it and say, hey, this is for me and ready to follow Christ. Well, Alex, I know we got callers, man. They've called in early today. Are you ready to go to the phone lines?

>> Caroline: Yeah.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes, this is Fire Away Friday. The number, if you have a Bible question, it's 888-589-8840. Triple 858-98840. And we're going to just take as many Bible questions as we can all afternoon long. We're going to go to Kansas right now. Ruth in Kansas. Ruth. That's a good Bible name. Welcome to the program.

>> Caroline: Thank you very much. And I want to tell Alex I enjoyed him this morning when he was on, Trivia, Friday.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, that might have been Bird, actually.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, that. That's the wrong guy. I was, I was on Trivia Friday.

>> Caroline: I'm sorry. I know that.

>> Bert Harper: Well, listen, I'm so 87. I'm so much younger than my look, my age. you could mistake that.

>> Caroline: No, that's what it is.

>> Bert Harper: Hey, everybody in the studio is laughing and mount. Mocking me, Ruth. But thank you for coming. I enjoy being on Trivia Friday.

>> Caroline: When they asked me, I knew several questions, but I just didn't call in today.

Alex, I'm studying the psalms and I'm having trouble

Today my question is, I'm studying the psalms and I'm having trouble trying to get things together in my head and knowing the different authors and who's saying what. What do I do?

>> Bert Harper: Alex, do some of, the Bible have above right before you start reading where they came from there in the Psalms.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, Psalms I love. Really, the hymn book of the Old Testament, if you will. The word Psalm, P S A L, M M S. When I was a kid, I didn't know if it was palms, but it's Psalms. it was a book of worship. Now, most of the Psalms were written by David. Some you'll, you'll see like Asaph and the different. if, if it's an author other than King David, you know, it'll generally say that you know, there's, to the chief musician on an instrument of gaff, a psalm of the sons of Korah. That's Psalm 84. But, Bert, I think one of the keys is to understand the purpose the. The psalms. I think the fundamental purpose is worship, really. And then many psalms talk about the attributes of God. And then some psalms are specific really to Israel, about their, comings and goings and the promises of God. I do think in every single one of the Psalms, there's meat and substance for the heart of a believer, don't you?

>> Bert Harper: I really do. And remember over Paul said to the Ephesians and Colossians that they are to speak to one another when they come together with spiritual songs in one of Psalms and, some of the greatest music. I remember it the first time, and it was a college choir, Christian college, singing some of the psalms, you know, just straight out of the Scriptures. And I said, wow. And, I can imagine how this was used, with the Hebrews, as they would sing the. These songs in their language. But, it's powerful. So, Ruth, I think you can look at it and see now, God's the ultimate author. But when you see and pinpoint it's a Psalm of David or one of his choir directors of one, it may be unnamed. it still speaks to our hearts, and it's a heart of worship.

>> Alex McFarland: And let me just say this. And, Ruth, thanks for calling. Few songs have ever been written as good an application of the Psalms as the song Thy Word by Amy Grant many years ago. That, and the song is based on Psalm 119, verse 105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. And there's other, verses just lifted straight out of there. But maybe you. I'm sure you haven't heard it in a long time, folks. Go back and listen to Thy Word by Amy Grant, and you'll hear much of Psalm 119 put to music. Go to Louisiana and Jan. Jan in Louisiana. Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Thank you so much for taking my call. I so appreciate you and I, am so blessed by American Family association and all the ministries through it, and including Exploring the Word. And I pray for y' all every day. And, thank you. Well, thank you. Thank you so much. God bless you.

Jan Brewer: Can you explain to me Calvinism and is it biblical

can you please explain to me Calvinism and is it biblical? And I'll hang up and listen. Thank you so much.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, let me give you a short answer. And Alex and I work better. I give A short. And he fills it in. But listen, the sovereignty of God is real. The knowledge of God is real, Jan, but in no way does it keep from man being accountable and responsible. And Dr. Adrian Rogers saw double election, as sometimes it is called, would be fatalism and not biblical predestination. Alex, take it away from there.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, God bless you. And let me say this. in the aftermath of The Protestant Reformation, 500 years ago, actually it was October 31, 1517, that most point to that as the start date, as the Gospel was rediscovered throughout Europe, really beginning with Martin Luther in Germany and then, you know, people like Jon Knox in Scotland and Minnow Simons in the Netherlands, and yes, Jon Calvin in Geneva, Switzerland. All right, the gospel was rediscovered. We put our faith in Jesus. But then men, well intentioned, but with varying degrees of accuracy, they begin to try to systematize, you know, how do we understand, the role of God's Holy Spirit in salvation? And Luther wrote a pamphlet called on the Bondage of the Will. Now we have fallen into sin. Does that mean that we can't make any moral decisions? And so one of the doctrines of Calvinism, is the doctrine of total depravity, meaning that we, couldn't choose Jesus because we're so fallen that we're totally depraved. let me just say this, I want to say this gently. And Bert, if I speak out of school here, you feel free to disagree. I grew up Presbyterian, second oldest church in North Carolina. All my growing up life, I really was under Calvinist teaching. And even as a kid, before I really came to Christ at age 21, I kind of raised my eyebrow at a lot of what I heard growing up, that some people are elected to go to hell just to show God sovereign power with no recourse whatsoever. And I remember thinking, well, you know, God is a God of love. And, why would God make a subset of the human race merely to throw them into hell? And I'm probably overstating a little bit. I want to be clear. Anybody that believes in Jesus is saved and is a Christian. So for the Calvinistic Presbyterian, Reformed, brethren and sister, we're family and I love you. I really do believe. Another problem that I, even as a teenager, Bert had a little problem with was the idea of limited atonement, that Jesus only died for the elect and he didn't die for everyone. And over and over, you know, you get verses where Jesus, the son of man, laid down his life for the sins of the whole world. So I don't want to burn any bridges, and I don't want to unnecessarily pick a fight. the best place to start, if you really want to do a deep dive, would be the book by Dr. Norman Geisler, chosen but Free. And, Bert, I'm going to say this. I'm going to throw it to you. Spurgeon said it, D.L. moody said it. Billy Graham said it. C.S. lewis said it. The Bible clearly does teach the sovereignty of God, but it also teaches the responsibility of man.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. And, for the Calvinists out there, I love you, we're family. But I. I believe that humans have free will. When the Bible says, whosoever will may come, I truly believe Christ's words. Whosoever will, may come.

>> Bert Harper: Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem. How many times I would have taken you under my wings as a mother hen would take her little ones, but you would not. I really believe they work together. So, listen, let's be brothers and sisters on this. I agree, Alex.

We have a question from Jesse from Texas. We may have to answer it

Well, we haven't got a lot of time, but we got enough to, get Jesse from Texas with your question. Jesse, thank you for calling. We may have to answer it and carry you through to the next segment. Go ahead, brother. Or is it a sister? I better watch with Jesse. Jesse can be either way. Did I get it right? Are your brother.

>> Caroline: Yes, sir.

>> Bert Harper: okay. Go ahead, Jesse.

>> Caroline: Yeah, I listen to y' all every day. I really appreciate the station.

>> Alex McFarland: Thank you.

Bert Harper and Alex answer your questions from Ezekiel 37

>> Caroline: my question is Ezekiel. My question is Ezekiel 37 and verse 21, where it says, thus says the Lord God, behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathens, whether they be gone, and will gather them on every side and bring them into their own land. My question is this. It's been puzzling me. There were people. Does the people be in the land before Christ come back, or does we come back and put them in the land?

>> Bert Harper: Okay. Hey, Alex, I saw you were supposed to go to Jesse, and I did it. I got ahead of myself. Is it all right to, talk to Jesse on the other side and answer that?

>> Alex McFarland: Yes. This is a fantastic question. It really is about not only the dispersion, but the regathering in the land. So this is exploring the word. Bert Harper and Alex so honored your listing. We're going to get to as many questions as possible. We've got a brief break, so stay with us. And, we're back after this.

>> 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 holy,

>> Alex McFarland: holy, holy is there Lord God Almighty who has appears and years to come. With all creation and sing praise to the the King of Kings. You are my everything and I will adore you.

Bert says one sign that nation of Israel is regathering is imminent

Welcome back to Exploring the Word. we're going to resume our Bible questions. We're going to answer a question from Jesse here in a minute, but I want to give the number. If you've got a Bible question, we would love to hear from you. It's 888-589-8840. And, we've got some other just exciting announcements. but before the break, Jesse asked about Ezekiel 3721 and. All right, one of the signs, I believe that, that we are very likely near the end of history is the nation of Israel being regathered. Okay. One of the signs of, Jesus said that, when he said Jerusalem, you know, you who stone the prophets, your house is left desolate. And March of 70 A.D. indeed, the House was desolate because Rome pretty much laid waste to Jerusalem. And for 19 centuries, the Jewish people were scattered all around the world. Now, Ezekiel 37:21 says, God will take the children of Israel from among the nations wherever they have gone, and will gather them from every side, bring them into their own land, and I will make them one nation in the land on the mountains of Israel. That hit the pause button. I believe the, the regathering, the wheels began to turn in the late 1800s after World War I. Chaim Weitzman, a chemist, was knighted. Winston Churchill, Lord Balfour, Harry Truman. Many leaders, and I believe they were moved by God, began to get the idea of a reborn state of Israel. But in verse 22 of Ezekiel 37, so that was May 14, 1948, the nation of Israel was reborn. I'm very proud. Or I, thank God. That really. About 12 minutes into 12 minutes into the life of the newborn state of Israel, President Harry Truman said the United States recognizes the sovereign nation of Israel. Now in the middle of verse 22, and one king shall be king over them all, and they shall no longer be two nations, nor shall they be divided into two kingdoms again. That hasn't happened yet because the king has not come back. now there's a few other verses. Ezekiel, 36, 24, God promises to gather all the Jews from all nations Isaiah 11:12 says that the exiles of Israel will be gathered from the four corners of the earth. So to the caller's question, Bert, it's in process. We're 78 years into the life of Israel, and Christ hasn't come back yet. I personally think it's going to be very soon. So the regathering is in process. The redemption that all Jews alive at that time will believe. That hasn't happened yet. But the number of born again messianic Jews I believe is growing like every day.

>> Bert Harper: Bert, I agree with you. Let me give you an example. Say this, all right? And do it quickly. Jon the Baptist was born before Christ. He was the forerunner. He started preaching. There's one coming after me again. God used the and does preparation before the event. You catch what I'm saying?

>> Alex McFarland: Yes.

>> Bert Harper: And I believe them gathered up and started in 48 is preparation for what is to occur. that's just a thought.

AFA has a Ten Commandments project that's going on

So anyway, hey Alex, before we go to the next caller, and it's going to be Dee in Kansas, by the way. So d. Hang on. We have a Ten Commandments project that's going on. Pastor Joseph Parker heads that up each year. I was talking to him yesterday and he's really excited about it, but he wants more people involved. So if you're a youth between 7 and 17, a ah, child or a youth, you can participate by learning, memorizing the Ten Commandments and get a Ten Commandment T shirt. You can be a part of a community that does outreach and you can get ahold of [email protected] jparkerfa.net and he will help you do that, make an outreach part. But one of the things that they do and do it so well is the Ten Commandments Project speech challenge. Alex, it's just three to five minutes, not much longer than that. And write the speech. You can get adults to help you. And you give that speech, you can put it on a cell phone and send it to Joseph and he will want to look at that and be a part of this great, great ministry of teaching the Ten Commandments. And the Ten Commandments are, they're great. And so be a part of that June 30, that means coming up next week and a little bit the next. And you need to do this and do it quickly, don't you?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, you got about 11 days. And the speech topic, should be on the second commandment quote, you shall not make any graven image. And so, parents and leaders, this Would be a fun thing to do to involve children in ages 7 to 17 and video A, ah, three to five minute speech. Now, everybody will get a Ten Commandments T shirt and a bookmark and a free shipping coupon to use in the, AFA Resource Center. But, you can email Joseph Parker or call. And you can call Joseph at AFA 662-844-5036, extension 381. I'm gonna give that number again. 662-844-50360, extension 381 or go to afr.net 10commands. And, I look forward to seeing these, these young people give, a. Give a video, talk about what God's word and the Ten Commandments mean to them.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: So, Kansas, where I just was about two months ago, D in Kansas. Welcome to the program.

>> Caroline: Thank you. I appreciate you. And I've been listening for at least five years every day while I work here on in the background.

>> Alex McFarland: Thank you.

Bert: Noah drank wine after the flood and became uncovered

>> Caroline: our Bible study this morning where we're starting over, reading through the Bible and we got to Genesis 9, 21 through 28. And, what exactly did Noah's youngest son, do to him when, When Noah woke up?

>> Bert Harper: Okay, thank you. The specifics are not necessarily there, but it was disrespectful, it was dishonoring. And it had to do with, all the things of morality, a choice. And Alex, we don't know what that exact was, but we know God knows it all and he thought it was very severe and it shouldn't have ever happened, should it?

>> Alex McFarland: That's true. And you know, it says in verse 21 that, Noah, I mean, Noah was a preacher of righteousness, by the way. And yet after the heroic building of the ark and this, the salvation through the flood, things went a little bad. By the way, a lesson in that, after a great spiritual victory, you know, be, be careful and watch yourself. Noah plants a vineyard. He drank of the wine and was drunk. And verse 21 says that he became uncovered. And so, I mean, Bert, I, I don't know any other way to say it, but he was passed out drunk and he was exposed. And so Ham, the father of Canaan, verse 22, saw, the nakedness of his fathers and told his two brothers outside it was dishonoring. Some commentaries wonder if it was something very immoral, but at the very least it was dishonoring to this man of God. And, it's a very sad moment in the life of Noah and otherwise Exemplary patriarch.

>> Bert Harper: Again, let me make one comment, and I've heard this more than one. After the flood, the whole atmosphere of the earth changed. It really, really did. And, I've heard several people say, well, yeah, he drank wine, but probably because of the atmosphere and what all had happened, the possibility of him drinking like he did before the flood and after the flood would cause some kind of difference in his response. It was wrong. He shouldn't. I mean, drunkenness is condemned, but, So, hey, it was bad, but it made me wonder, Noah, this man of righteousness, preaching it. but you're exactly right. When the victory has been come to you, be careful. it's a high pinnacle to fall off of, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: Yes. And, regardless of the nature of the disrespect, we're to be respectful for people, respectful to people. And not. Not mock, our elders, even in a moment of compromise. But thank you, Dee.

Alex: Why are Christians justifying drinking wine when the Bible condemns drunkenness

Let's go to, Deborah in North Carolina. Deborah, welcome to the program.

>> Caroline: Yes, Alex, I'm getting a lot of phone calls of people wanting to justify, drinking wine. they were saying that they, you know, they understand the Bible says you do not drink it in excess. They said they drank the wine, but it's not in excess, so they're justifying it. Do we have any type of scripture that say we shouldn't drink it at all? and I'm just trying to figure out why are Christians justifying drinking wine? I mean, is it really that important that you would. If God said, don't do it with an X, excess, access, whatever, small. What it. I don't know. I. I really don't really. Like, are you. Somebody needs to help me with it.

>> Bert Harper: Well, thank you. We'll do our best. Alex, the Bible does condemn drunkenness. The book of Proverbs gives warning of even using it. You know, is that the balance you hear?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, yeah. And, you know, for one thing, the Bible tells us in First Corinthians 8:13, not to cause somebody to stumble. And everybody's got to search this out for themselves. I mean, for one thing, I want to say this. I do believe that, when Jesus turned water to wine, and when the Bible talks about wine and strong drink, it really was alcohol, not just grape juice. Right. But the principle is that we are to be controlled by the Holy Spirit and not to let some other thing control us. And obviously, alcohol, they. They say it's a depressant, but I just know that, it compromises our judgment. It compromises Our abilities. And, not to be flippant, but we're not to be controlled by distilled spirits, but by the Holy Spirit.

>> Bert Harper: Preach it, brother. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: You know, and, the other thing, though, Bert, let me say this. And I've counseled a lot of people and a lot of men. Whenever you've got to, craft endless amounts of sentences to try to legitimize something in your mind or justify, chances are your conscience isn't clear about it. And so, I think everybody in their own heart has to settle. if you're under conviction about something, then you know, to you it is sin. Right? And, Bert, when we're under conviction, the answer is not to justify, but to repent.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Let me just. I want to give a testimony. I've seen alcohol, the damage it's done in lives, pastoring as many years as I have, I just want to see. I seen alcohol do more damage. And every alcoholic started with one drink. I know that. Heard that before. But, Alex, I haven't regretted one second not being a part of alcohol, being a part of my life. I just want to share that. I think it's wise. The book of Proverbs says it's a wise person and you said it best. Why in the world would you need the spirits when you have the Holy Spirit?

>> Caroline: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: he's much. He gives joy and peace without the side effects. Brother.

>> Alex McFarland: There's an old book. I'm going to say this, David Wilkerson, he's long since gone to heaven. He was the, He wrote the Cross and the Switchblade, where he led Nikki Cruz to Christ. He started Teen Challenge, which is probably the most effective drug, detox place in America. But, David Wilkerson wrote a book, I just thought about it probably 30 years ago, called Sippin Saints. S I P P I N Sip in Saints. And, basically it was an admonition about drinking. And, anyway, that might be a good book to, to look into to get biblical clarity on that. Let's go to, Charlene in Mississippi.

Charlene calls with a question on Greek grammar

Charlene, welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: I thank you very much. I have a question on Greek grammar. Now, Jon 1:1 says, in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. I completely believe that. But I have friends who are called Bible students who believe that the translation should be the Word was a God. Based on Acts 12:22, where the people thought Herod was a God, and Acts 28:6, where the barbarians thought that Paul was a God. Can you please explain the difference in Greek grammar about putting an indefinite article in one place as opposed to another?

>> Bert Harper: Well, the definite article. Notice what it says. The word. The word was with God. And, again, the beginning was the word, the definite article, and the word was God. Alex. in the beginning with God. Go ahead, brother. It's in there.

>> Alex McFarland: It is, it is. But I want to say what it doesn't mean. a definite article. All right. Lagos. Kai ho Logos. Oh, it reads, in the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and God was the word. So what it's making a distinction is the reason it's in the Greek, the ton T O n. It's T H e in English, theon and then theos. It's making a distinction between the father and the son. in no way, is this definite oracle meaning, there's multiple gods. The God, or in no way is it meaning that the logos, the son, is not full deity. The reason it's in there. And we'll talk more about this after the break. Perhaps it's m to distinguish between God the Father and God the Son.

>> Bert Harper: Jon 1:1 and verse 14 says it loud and the word became flesh and dwelt among us. We're going to come back with more of that, but we've got other people who have called with their questions. We want to get to them as well. Here on, Exploring the Word.

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>> Caroline: It was like the beginning of my healing journey.

>> Alex McFarland: They do an ultrasound and that's when everything changed.

>> Caroline: Because when I saw my baby and

>> Alex McFarland: when I heard her heartbeat, that was it.

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>> Alex McFarland: From beginning to the end, all my

>> Caroline: life is in yours.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. We're going to cut it off there. All my life is in your hands. I hope you know that. I hope you've trusted Jesus Christ as savior and know him if you don't. We're praying that you could go to Triple eight and need him. They will help you. And, bless you, Alex.

There's a distinction between God the Father and God the Son

We were answering Charlene Concerning Jon 1:1. You were in the middle of answering that. Continue, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, there's a distinction between God the Father and God the Son. And Charlene, you had another verse that you were asking about from the book of Acts. What was that, sister?

>> Caroline: Herod presented himself so royally. The people thought that Herod was a God. And the barons thought, in Acts 28:6, Paul was a God, that he did not die from the snake bite. And I want to make it clear to my friends that Jon 1:1 is correctly interpreted. And there is some distinction in Greek grammar between a God and a. Ah, God the Son.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. okay. In the Roman Empire, I mean, they were polytheistic, many gods. And. Yeah, when, Paul. You know, it's funny. They, Paul was building a fire. This is in Acts 28. It's almost kind of humorous. And a snake comes out of the firewood and bites him. And they said, this man is a sinner. The gods. Little G. The. The gods have allowed him to get snake bit. And so Paul shakes the snake into the bonfire and he doesn't die. And they say, look, he survived a snake bite. He must be a God. And I have an idea that the Apostle Paul might have thought, look, no, it's neither one. But I'm going to tell you who God is. So, in the Jon 1:1 and Charlene, I appreciate you calling. it is correctly understood as God, the eternal, one God. But the second member of the Trinity, God the Son, incarnated himself the Logos, the Word of God. And that's why, in a few places, the Bible refers to Christ as the Word. He's the living word. Scripture is the written word. One God, and he's manifested himself to the human race. Thank you very much.

Alex Mcfarland answers a question from Karen in Texas

Let's go to Karen in Texas. Karen, welcome to the program.

>> Bert Harper: Karen, make sure your radio is off. Go ahead, Karen, if you can.

>> Caroline: Hello, guys. How are y' all today?

>> Bert Harper: Doing well. Go right ahead. Glad to have you on the program.

>> Caroline: My radio is off.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, well, we heard. Go ahead with your question. We're good now. We can hear you.

>> Caroline: yeah. Okay, good. Alex, I'm from Abilene, Texas, and I hear you're coming here.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, I'm going To be there in July in San Angelo and. And I believe I'll be in Abilene too. if you go to my website, Alex mcfarland.com and look at the calendar. There's the dates and places and all the specifics. Love to meet everybody while we're out there in Texas. Karen, what's your question?

>> Bert Harper: Okay, we're sorry, Karen.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, we appreciate that. Where to?

>> Alex McFarland: Arkansas. With Doug. Doug, are you there?

>> Caroline: Yes, sir. Yeah, what you got, brother man, I'm a question. This is not a gotcha or nothing like that in person. Thessalonians or 16:17, the rapture verse. Okay, how does that agree with the notion that all men shall die and face the judgment of God?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, yes, he, Hebrews 9:27. It's appointed unto man once to die, and after this, the judgment, you know, but they're going to be some believers that, they get translated into their. Their glorified body. You know, it says this, and by the way, this is first, Thessalonians 4:13. And following, that God will bring with him those who have passed. Then we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are, asleep or those who have died. So, you know, the dead in Christ will rise first. We who are alive and remain, just like Enoch and Elijah. there's going to be some people that, get to go to God's presence, without having to experience physical death.

>> Bert Harper: But, still we will be before the judgment, seat of Christ as believers. It's where we'll receive rewards, and hopefully we will receive those rewards. And the others, they're going to go to the Great White Throne judgment. Now. Their, what would you say? Their destiny is already set because they rejected Jesus Christ did not receive him. But it no ways does away with us being before him in judgment. But it's a different judgment, isn't it, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: It really is. And let me say, this is one of those that, Augustine would have said this. Bible challenges, yes. Verified contradictions, No. I looked up this word in Hebrews 9:27, which famously said, it is appointed unto man once to die. And the word there, that in the English is translated wants to die. It does mean, It can mean, and I'm not going to try to pronounce it, anofavane. it can mean to die. The. The. Luke 16, the poor man died. But it at its base means it is appointed to all men to be mortal. Well, even Though some are raptured, all we humans are mortals. We age, we die. There's going to be some people alive at the sound of that trumpet. So, in the Hebrew, I don't think the rapture and the translation of the people in First Thessalonians 4 necessarily refutes the universal human mortality predicted by Hebrews 9:27. You see what I'm saying, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: I do. And Doug, good question and I agree it's not a gotcha question. That's something that should be understood. Thank you brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Very good question. Scott in Oklahoma. Scott in Oklahoma. Good.

>> Caroline: I'm doing, I'm doing good for you guys too.

A lot of people assumed that knowledge of God evolved after Charles Darwin

I do have a question about Abraham. I've been kind of reading and looking into all different types of sources of information and stuff, but a lot of just archaeological and they all definitely, the Bible backs up all archaeology. But I had a question. I, I have been reading that since Abraham was a Shemite and he probably came from the Amorite group, that the they, they did have a pantheon of gods, but the God El Elyon was like, was the number it was. He was the creator God and they called him Bell Seydu. And people have been trying to see where the word El, Shaddai comes from. And one guy, it, they think it comes actually from the Amorite word of Bale Seidou, which means the God of the mountain or the God of the Creator, the God that created all the gods, the super God pretty much that. That's who Abraham worshiped because he hadn't revealed himself except to Noah. and that Noah helped raise Abraham partially. That the, the God El Elyon, the creator God was the one he worshiped and God honored that and therefore blessed Abraham. What's yalls take on that?

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Alex, you got that there's language, you know, you know, using similar language. A lot of times it carries over language. We were talking about this in the break angle. English, language has an origin from somewhere, right?

>> Alex McFarland: So yeah, it really does. You know it's interesting is that there was a German historian named Philip Schaff. Bert, did you ever hear that?

>> Bert Harper: Yes, I have.

>> Alex McFarland: And what, what's interesting is now in the aftermath of Charles Darwin, a lot of people assumed that knowledge of God evolved. I disagree. And people said oh well originally people were polytheistic and, and Israel evolved up to monotheism. One God. Philip Schaff and others document it was the exact opposite.

>> Bert Harper: Right.

>> Alex McFarland: Paul, the Apostle Paul says that originally all men knew God but they. And this is in Romans 1:19. but they suppressed the truth in their unrighteousness, neither gave God glory nor were thankful. Now, here's the thing. Whether it be, and there was an ancient Mesopotamian, Mesopotamian word for God, Bill. B, E, L, meaning lord or master. and in Babylon, they called him Bel. they think that Shaddai and Seydou was kind of a universal, name for, lord or mountain, as in the sense of this huge presence. But here's the thing. All men originally were monotheistic, but, and I think the Tower of Babel was a part of this. They digressed, and the Babylonians ended up being very polytheistic, many gods. And I'm gonna say this, and I'm gonna throw it back to you, Bert, but C.S. lewis documented how people, humans, in their ideas and imagination, had this hierarchy of gods, that there was a God and a more powerful God and more powerful still, in reality, the way God has revealed himself, the true and living God. There's one God. God has no peer. There's no God. God has no, counterpart. I mean, there's the Creator and everything else. Angels, demons, humans, animals. Everything else is creation. And so that's why we so desperately must draw our knowledge of God through his revelation of himself, which is the Bible.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. I would say this, Scott, when you see, God revealing himself, and. And this is what Jesus did. He came. And it goes with the previous question about Jesus, the Word, many, many other infallible proofs. Jesus presented himself that he was the God, the God, the God man sent from God. And I would say that same thing. When you start reading from Genesis forward, you sign in place of evolution, you see the devolution, as I would say it, the downward spiral of man. And, yes, Abraham, he came out of that. And, he believed God. And listen, I believed there was one God before I trusted Jesus Christ as my savior, Alex. But because of that, he became real to me. And I think God revealed himself to Abraham. God became real to Abraham, and he would follow him. Thank you, Scott.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Betty in Virginia. Betty, welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Thank you. Good to hear from you.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, thank you for calling.

Is there anything in the Bible that says your tithing should go to local church

>> Caroline: my question has to do with tithing. Is there anything in the Bible that says your tithing should go to your local church? All of it? Or can you, spread it out over missionaries and. And people, that are against abortion and that sort of thing?

>> Bert Harper: Storehouse tithe. And Alex, does it mean specifically the church you're a member of. That's the question. It really.

>> Alex McFarland: A lot of people understand it that way. Based on Malachi 3, verse 10, bring all the tithes into the storehouse. I'm going to just say this, and Bert, you can disagree in general. Angie and I have always given our tithe to the church where we are a member and, where we are fed. And there's tithes and there's offerings. But, you know, I think everybody has to decide it for themselves that, I mean, there. There have been times when I knew that, you know, the church we're a member of, they. There really wasn't any need. And in fact, they had money in the bank. And I have given my tithe to missionaries and good Christian work that I knew about, and maybe send some to AFA and maybe send some to Billy Graham. in general, there's the principle of giving where you're fed. But, you know, and there have been programs and things, but when I knew that our church was all in the black and actually sitting on cash reserves, I would send it elsewhere. But that might not be right. Bert, wait.

>> Bert Harper: Daddy, I agree with Alex. There's freedom in that. I think you need to support your local church, but I think there's some freedom in looking and seeing where God would direct you elsewhere.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. let's, We're going to get another call in, Betty. Bless you. and William in Ohio. William, welcome to the program.

>> Caroline: Thanks for having me. I appreciate your ministry.

William Bennett: Why do some people believe and are saved; others reject it

Another question might sound a little strange, but it's kind of blunt or simple. But why do some people believe and are saved? And why do others not believe and are not saved?

>> Bert Harper: William, let me take you to the cross. Jesus was between two thieves. They saw the same things, they heard the same things. One believed and the other did not. Alex, I don't. Some people. I can't believe. They would not believe, but they don't.

>> Alex McFarland: I know, I know. Peter Kreeft is great Christian apologist, and somebody asked him, why do some people, go to hell if God is good? And Peter Kreeft said, why do some people go to hell if humans are rational? I don't know. Over and over, I think we read about the call of God, the word of God that goes out to the whole human race. Psalm 19 talks about this and why some people, reject it. That's why, folks, the minute. The minute you feel the Holy Spirit drawing you to Jesus, don't procrastinate or resist it. Respond to the voice of God who in his grace is calling out to

>> Bert Harper: you to be saved and right where you are right now. Call on him. Call on him. He will save you. Alex. Be in church Sunday. I'll be preaching at Ozark Baptist Church in Marietta. You're going to be busy with a conference, right? 10 seconds.

>> Alex McFarland: Tomorrow night, North Myrtle beach, the Greg Rolls Theatre, 7pm it's revive us.

>> Bert Harper: Well, thank you for listening to exploring the word on here on the American Family Radio Network. Tell someone about this program, but more important, tell them about Jesus.

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

>> Caroline: broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of

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

>> Bert Harper: PreBorn's whole mission is to rescue babies from abortion and lead their families to Christ. Last year PreBorn's network of clinics saw 8,900 mothers come to Christ. Please join us in this life saving mission. To donate, go to preborn.com afr.

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