Transcript

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

>> Jeff Chamblee: 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 is in the book of Isaiah with Alex McFarland

Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Bert Harper: The book of Isaiah, 66 chapters, that's something. the Bible, 66 different books. And again the first 39 of the Bible is Old Testament, the last 27 NewSong Testament. In the book of Isaiah you have the first 39 chapters looking a lot at judgment, but then at the last there's some hope mixed in with the judgment as well. Well, we're in the book of Isaiah and Alex McFarland will be joining us in a little bit. Alex is a busy, busy guy, I think most of you know that. And so, he was tied up for just a little bit. But in place of him missing the whole thing, he's going to join us and we look forward to that.

Anna: Sometimes God is working when you don't know he's working

But we're in Isaiah chapter 64. That means there's just three chapters left. And we may finish it up today because we may look at the highlights of each one of these chapters. And looking at the highlights of chapter 64, I want to go to the last verse. a lot of times if you've read it chapter or read a book, the first time, you just read it straight through. But then when you start studying and you got a little bit, sometimes a verse that you see later really helps you to understand that which comes before. I think this is the truth. In chapter 64. Listen to the 12th verse, which is the last verse in this chapter. It says in talking to the Lord, a prayer which. Will you restrain yourself because of these things, O Lord? We'll find out what these things are later. Will you keep silent and afflict us very severely? Now in some versions it says, well, hold your peace. But it really means literally keep silent. One of my favorite authors, 1M of my favorite preachers that I loved and we had him in the church here in Tupelo where I pastored. And it was just a great time. His name was Ron Dunn. Ron was a great guy, he could preach and a great, great man of faith. He wrote a book, it's called When Heaven is Silent. And it's really a strong book. If you can get it and find it. You would be blessed by reading it because sometimes the Bible is always there. But when we're waiting, waiting on the Lord, when we can't figure it out, we not getting answers that we feel like would direct us and help us. Sometimes it's that way. In the book, Ron identifies, I think, three reasons why heaven is solid. And we can look at it here. One, he's working. He's working when you don't know he's working, he's working when, you think, well, he's forgotten us. No, he has not. Let me give you some examples of that. you remember Egypt in Egypt, the Jews, the Hebrews in Egypt. man, they were having it rough. They were in difficult, dire circumstances, and they began to cry to the lord. And for 80 years, they didn't think anything was happening. But there had been a little boy born, and he was even raised in Pharaoh's home. Then, at 40 years old, he had to leave. I'm not going through the whole story because of killing someone. And they were looking for him, so he was a wanted man. So he goes and he stays in the wilderness for 40 years. Now, I majored in math in college, so I may add 40 plus 40, and that is 80. And guess what? God was working all the time, raising up Moses to bring them out. So in your life right now, you're wondering, God, why aren't you speaking? Why can't I hear from you? Well, there may be other reasons, but one of the reasons may be God is working on something that's going to be even more glorious. Another one. Do you remember when Lazarus died and his sister sent word? Jesus hurrying come, and Lazarus is at the point of death. He did not come, he delayed. He didn't get in any hurry. When he got there, they said, why didn't you come? He's already dead. He's been dead for four days. And Jesus said so that. I'm, putting it in my paraphrase so you can see a bigger miracle. And he said, roll away the stone. And he called Lazarus forth. God is working. And that's what you need to know. Between Malachi and John the Baptist, 400 years, we call it the silent years, the inter biblical period. God was working. He also is, maybe preparing, you for deeper trust, teaching you that you can trust him even when you're not seeing him direct you. When you're not seeing and hearing and feeling, he's still working. I think a good example of that is in Luke, chapter two, when Jesus was brought to the temple by Mary and Joseph and there were two people there, Anna, Simeon, they said, we've been waiting and deep. Trust that trust my eyes have seen. Now I can rest. So God is working now.

If you're a believer, God is working. Keep serving him. There's a song recently that's that he's working

Here, notice why he was working. They had turned away from God. In verse five, it says, God, you're indeed angry, for we have sinned in these ways. We continue, and we need to be saved. Hallelujah. They needed to be saved. Isn't this a great prayer for revival? But we're all like unclean things. Now here's the verse that you hear. And all our righteousness are like filthy rags or filthy garments. We all fade as a leaf. And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Our iniquities have taken us away from you. And there's no one who calls on your name and who stirs himself up to take hold of you. For you have hidden your face from us and have consumed us because of our iniquities. Another thing you need to look at. When heaven is silent, examine yourself, see if you're saved. Make sure you look at your life. Is there any hidden sin in your life that you've been holding onto? And God is trying to show you that. So you will what? Turn away from it, confess it, turn away, agree with God and join him. So that's chapter 16. And again that verse is, will you keep silent when you're not getting an answer? Keep reading his word. Keep serving him. Don't stop. Keep serving him. But listen. Listen closely. You may want to hear what someone else says, but you m. Want to hear what God says. But know this. If you're a believer, God is working. He's working in your life. He's showing you a, better way. He's helping you grow. And, and that's the whole idea. Grow in the Lord. You grow while you're waiting. And in those difficult times when, you know, we know that we didn't hear about Jesus life from 12 years old unto 30 years old, again 18 years. We don't know what all was going on. We just know that he grew in favor with God in man. And the time was coming for Jesus to go forth and be baptized of John the Baptist, do his first miracle, turning the water into wine. And he introduced himself. So God is working even when you don't know he's working. There's a song recently that's that he's working when you don't know he's working. I don't know if that brings you hope, but it brings me hope. And I think you would be blessed by that. So that's chapter 64. When you move to chapter 60, five, the first part is God's answer. Notice What? He says, I was sought by those who did not ask for me. I was found by those who did not seek me. I said, here I am. Here I am to a nation that was not called by my name. Now listen to this. I have stretched out my hands all day long to, a rebellious people who walk in a way that is not good according to their own thoughts. The reason sometimes people don't know it. They're in rebellion against God. They don't want God's way, they don't want God's work in their life. They are going completely the opposite way of what God would have them to do. And that's what they're doing. Notice who walk in a way that is not good according to their own thoughts. let me give you some advice. find out what God thinks about everything. as best you can. Dig into the word of God. Look at the word of God. You say, well, God doesn't have a specific answer for my specific question. I understand you're there. I've been there as well. But if you keep reading, I want to tell you God will open your eyes to a scriptures that will help and guide you. I found that so true even coming to afr. Was. Was, I supposed to be here? This is about 15 years ago. And, and I didn't know. And I said, God, I don't want to miss you. I don't want to go in a direction that you're not leading me. And I just want to tell you I kept on praying, I kept on seeking God, reading the scriptures. And I just want to tell you one morning I woke up in reading the scriptures and I woke Jan up and I said, jan, listen to this. She said, well, okay, now we know God does speak and we can know him. He says, I've, stretched out my hand to a rebellious people don't remain rebellious. Rebellion is like a sin of witchcraft. It's going against pushing back against the direction you know, God wants you. Verse 3 of chapter 65. O people who provoke me to anger continually to my face. Man, you're just going against everything that I want. Whose sacrifices in gardens again, pagan worship and burnt incense on altars of brick. Pagan worship, sacrifices to them who sit around among the graves. Sounds like, the occult is getting involved even in there. Because they were living in a land where occultism had been and was a part of the generations. The reason that God says go into the land and wipe them out is because they're the occult. What they're doing well, I believe Alex has joined us.

Bertie and Alex go over chapter 65 of Revelation

Alex, we've gone over 64, and now we're in 65. And we're looking here. Look at verse 3a. people who provoke me to anger continually. Wow. Verse 4. Who sits among the graves and spends the night in the tomb, so eat swine's flesh. Listen, these are rebellious people. That's what he said in verse two, wasn't it, Alex? all day long to a rebellious people. That's about as rebellious you can get for a Hebrew.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Isn't that right?

>> Alex McFarland: It's good to be with you. Sorry I'm a minute late. But, you know, here's the thing. God is very patient, but his patience is not forever. Do you remember where it says in the Old Testament, my spirit will not strive with man forever? And so, whether it be the ancient Israelites or us today, when we sense that, the Lord is calling, that's why Bert, I love Revelation. Ah, 3:20. Behold, I stand at the door and knock, and if anyone will open, I will come in and sup with them. our God, from the Garden of Eden, a seeking Savior, to, Isaiah 65:2. His arms are spread out all day long to Revelation 3:20. Our God is making overtures to draw us to himself.

>> Bert Harper: He really is. And he's doing that today. That's not just what he did. That's what he does and what he is doing. And notice these Hebrews, that he's talking to, to the Remnant, talking about theirs in the past, who say, keep to yourself. We're kind of special. We don't need to affiliate with everybody. Do not come near me, for I'm holier than you. In other words, the Hebrew is saying, I'm holier than all the other people. And since we're God, I'm saying this to themselves, what they're saying, since we're, you know, who we are. we got an inside track. We've got it made. for I am holier than you. These are smoke in my nostrils. A fire that burns all the day. Doesn't sound like God's pleased with that kind of thinking, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, we've heard the term Phariseeism, you know, to be a Pharisee, you know, I'm okay because I'm super religious or favored or anything like that. Even as saved, born again, forgiven people. Bert, I think we have to keep a humility about us, don't you?

>> Bert Harper: Humility? God hates pride. Yeah. They say, is any sin greater than any other sin? Well, all Sin is rebellion against God. But some sin seems to offend God in such a great way. And I can tell you, pride does. Humility, listen, real humility is knowing who God is, knowing who we are and responding to him. We don't go away saying, oh, I'm so humble. That's not humility.

>> Alex McFarland: I'm very proud of my humility.

>> Bert Harper: That's right. But we trust the Lord. Well, this is Bertie and Alex, and we're glad Alex could join us. He was in a little late. And, if, you've just joined us, we hope you're having a great day, but we're going to continue in chapter 65, and we may get into chapter 66 and finish this book even today.

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>> Dr. Jessica Peck: Praising for friends and family, for the very air we breath, for having everything we need. Won't somebody come praise the Lord with me?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah.

>> Dr. Jessica Peck: Can I get a hallelujah? Someone say amen?

>> Alex McFarland: Welcome back to exploring the Word. I'm sitting, sitting here wanting to listen to all that song. Can we get a hallelujah and somebody say Amen? You bet. Welcome back. And hey, Brent Austin, thanks for the great return. Music.

Bert: We've gone over most of Isaiah, but not as complete

we are in Isaiah 65, and our couple of months with the prophet Isaiah, is coming to a close, isn't it, Bert? But, it's been great.

>> Bert Harper: It has been. And, you know, we had a goal and we didn't meet that goal. It took us longer than we anticipated because it was. I'll just say we've gone over most of Isaiah, but not as complete. one time. Other time, we went over what we would call the great highlights of Isaiah. Although all of it's good. And, so this has been awesome and finishing up here if we get it too, today. Listen, is strong too. Listen to verse 17 of chapter 65, Alex, and respond. For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth. The former shall not be remember or come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create. For behold, I create Jerusalem as A rejoicing, and her people a joy. I will rejoice in Jerusalem and joy in my people. The voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, nor the voice of crying. Now we've heard God pulling away from them because of sin. In chapter 59, he had already said, and I refer back to it again, my hand's not shortened, My ear's not deaf. But you, because of your iniquities, have separated me from you. But here, God says, no, listen, there's going to be a glorious consummation. I'm going to make it right. And I love what it talks about. Joy. Joy. What joy is going to be flooding our lives in the future? It's going to be a great day, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Hey, I want to point out a couple of, verses, by the way. You know, there's a reprimand for being, you know, thinking. it says, those who say, keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am holier than thou. I mean, can you imagine saying to God, you know, God, I'm okay. You don't go convict somebody else. Cause I'm okay. these are smoke in my nostrils. A fire that burns all day. Charles Spurgeon preached on this one time about self righteousness. And, he called that sermon the heap of smoking rubbish. That's pretty good, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It is. Hey, let me say this. We recommend people. If you can get any sermon by Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Get it, read it. You'll be blessed. Go ahead, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, in verse seven there, this is really precious. In verse seven. let me read. Ah, verse seven in the King James of Isaiah 65, by the way, says your iniquities and the iniquities of your fathers together, who burn incense on the mountains and have blasphemed me on the hills. Therefore I will measure their former work into their bosom. In other words, the sins they've committed. and by the way, the idea of iniquities being measured, God keeps score. God keeps an account. All right, Now, God loves us. His grace is immeasurable. If we come to Jesus, all is forgiven. But if we're not saved, do you know Ecclesiastes 12:14 says, Every idle word we've ever said will, be brought up in the judgment. And I guess, Bert, the idea that he can measure our iniquities, he remembers all of the loose talk, the idle words, the thoughts, intents, motives of our heart. I have to say that's terrifying.

>> Bert Harper: No wonder he's going to wipe away our tears. Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: I'm just saying. Now, I know all of y' all are righteous folks. I'm a sinner. And the idea of God knowing so much, it brought me and brings me to my knees to say, lord, please have mercy on me. I've got to tell you, the holiness of God and the iniquity of them and the Fathers together, I mean, it really, as Spurgeon would say, should drive us to the cross. But, in verse eight and following, Bert, how does your, translation, read verse eight and nine?

>> Bert Harper: As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one says, do not destroy it, for a blessing is in it. So will I do for my servant's sake, that I may not destroy them all. I will bring forth descendants from Jacob and from Judah an heir of my mountains, and my elect shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. I love that. from Judah, an heir of my mountains. Bert, I looked that up and it's great. I mean, the mountains of Jerusalem and, the land of Israel is a mountainous land. Very much so, actually. The mountains of Moriah, Mount Hermon, Mount Carmel. But the wording there really means from deep within my heart. Isn't that something? From the heart of God is the inheritance prepared for those that he knows will choose him and love him? I mean, there are people that, the Bible says God knew us before we were in our mother's womb. Isn't that something?

>> Bert Harper: It is amazing.

>> Alex McFarland: And he's. Even though there's judgment for sin, many will reject, many will believe. But God, he's raising up from Jacob and the line of Israel and of course, Christ the Savior to you and me today that believe, an inheritance that he's prepared from deep within his heart of immeasurable love.

>> Bert Harper: Alex.

God of truth and grace are themes of our July summit

Moving on, notice the terms in verse 16. I could not help it, got my attention. I underlined it so that he who blesses himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth, and he who swears in the earth shall swear by the God of truth. Because the former troubles are forgotten and because they're hidden from my eyes and that my is capitalized. But God of truth again, and matter of fact, that's one of the themes of activating July. If you want to go to register and be a part of activating July 16th, 17th and 18th, you can go to afa.netsummit and the. And I, we're not spending a lot of time, but It's a good illustration. I waited for it to do this illustration. It says the name of the. Of our summit this year is, roots to fruit. But then here it is, grounded in truth, growing in grace. This is the amazing part of God. Alex, you already said it, that he knows everything about us. When you said, I will measure their works, I keep up. I keep that account. And. And yet he says this God of truth are forgotten because they're hidden from my eyes. The blood of Jesus Christ covers them. When you know him doesn't mean we go out and sin deliberately. If you're done that, something's wrong in that relationship. Either it's not real, it's fake, or you in deep sin. But, Alex, God of truth. God of truth and grace. He's an, amazing God, isn't he?

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen.

Bert: It reminds me of Revelation, chapter 21

17 through. the end of the chapter in 25 is really Bert. It reminds me of Revelation, chapter 21. The new heavens and the new earth, just majestic. I create a new heaven and new earth. The former things will not be remembered. I mean, it absolutely sounds like John's writings in Revelation 21 and 22. I got to say this. And then we'll go to chapter 66.

>> Bert Harper: Well, let me read 24 and 25 before you do say that. And let me read that. Go ahead.

>> Alex McFarland: verse 20. No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, nor an old man who has not fulfilled his days. For the child shall die 100 years old. But the sinner, being 100, shall be accursed. In other words, in this new heaven and new earth, there's going to be life. you're just a hundred a century. Oh, you're just an infant, you know.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Because there will be no more curse, no more death. The old things are passed away, folks. This world that we put so much stock in, it's a grain of sand next to this big mountain that's going to be heaven in eternity.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, verse 24, 25, then 66. It says, it shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer. Hallelujah. Now listen to that. He, had been saying, I haven't been answering you. Heaven is silent. But now I shall come to pass that, behold, they call, I will answer. And while they are still speaking, I will hear. Now, verse 25. And again, that goes along with what you just said concerning this new heaven, new earth. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together. The lion shall eat straw like the ox, and dust shall be the serpent's food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountains, says the Lord. And that says the Lord is saying, it's kind of the Lord is saying this. You can count on it. When he puts that last, there's something that really gets my attention. You know, if he says it before. Yeah, it gets my attention. But when he says it's last, he said, wait and see. This is exactly what's going to happen, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Praise God. Praise God. Well, in Isaiah 66 it begins, and there's really a distinction between truth, true worship and false worship. And there's a condemnation of those that are idolaters and God, all those false sacrifices and just, burning incense to idols and things like that. and he says their soul delights in their abominations. He says he's going to judge that and false religion. and Bert, I've been writing and teaching on some of the, the false religions, the non Christian religions. What's interesting is whether it be Islam, Jehovah's Witness, the cults, the people that crafted these non Christian religions, they knew deeply about the true gospel and rejected it. And God says they delighted in their abominations. And there's judgment for that.

Alex: The book of Isaiah is a grand education in salvation itself

But finally the chapter closes out with what's called, the vindication of Zion. Zion, that you know God is going to be glorified. You know there is judgment, but Zion, rejoice, Jerusalem, be glad. All you who love her, rejoice for Joy. In verse 10, about all who love her, rejoice. I think that even goes back to, like Isaiah 49. And the, non Jews who do get redemption.

>> Bert Harper: I agree, because look at verse 12. Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. And then look over in verse 19, I will set a sign among them. And those among them who escape, I will send to the nations, to Tarshish to pull, to load, who draw the bow in Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands afar, who have not heard my fame nor seen my glory. And they shall declare my glory among who out the Gentiles. Hallelujah. I know I bring it up, but I can't help it. What a missional, book. Isaiah is reaching out to the nations. That's who he is. One more thing and I'll turn it back to you. And that's verse one and two. Heaven is my throne, earth is my footstool. And the latter part of verse two says, but on this one will I look on him. Who is poor and a contrite spirit who trembles at my word. Amazing. In Acts, chapter seven, that's where Stephen quotes the heaven is my throne, the earth is my footstool. 48 and 50. And then in chapter 17 and 24, when Paul is before the Athenians speaking, he uses that there. So I love this too. How the Old Testament, the people in the NewSong Testament, Paul, Peter, John, all of them, what did they do? They fed themselves on the Old Testament. And, and dare I say the book of Isaiah was one of the books they listened to and watched the most.

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, my goodness. Well, the book of Isaiah is a grand education in not only the great story of God and Israel, but salvation itself. And it closes out. I'm so glad you read those verses about drawing, the bow in the far off Coastlands. Verse, 22, and following, the new heavens and new earth remain before me, so shall your descendants remain. And it shall come to pass from one new moon to another, one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Hallelujah and go forth. And it talks about the corpses of the transgressors. Now listen to this in Matthew, chapter nine. And what's really amazing, Bert, is, even skeptics, critical scholars, except that Mark is authentic. Now, I believe the whole Bible is authentic, but those that kind of pick and choose. So even the skeptics that reject much of the NewSong Testament, they accept Mark. Well, it says this. All these lost people, their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched. There shall be an abhorrence to all flesh that Isaiah, 66:24 is quoted by Jesus about those that are lost, where the worm does not die and the fire is not quenched. Christ was quoting Isaiah as God's given truth, which it is. Mark, which even the critics accept, reiterate this thing about heaven is glorious, but hell is real too. Salvation is possible. How beautiful and wonderful it will be. And folks, you can be a part of this. I realize this is writing from seven and a half centuries before the birth of Christ, but this new heaven and new earth, this universe of righteousness and joy, this victory of salvation, condemnation of Satan and his followers, it's real. Now, whose side are you on, folks? Have you come to Jesus? He's calling you even now. And all it takes to be right with Christ is a prayer and your faith in him.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, what a way to end. Now, some we say 24. I would hate to end it that way. No, it ends with this choice, this Contrast, heaven, verse 23. Okay. Hell, verse 24. Honestly, when you see them described, all flesh shall come to worship before me. Where's that going to? It's going to happen in heaven and we're going to have a glorious time. This place where the worm does not die that you mentioned, Jesus mentioned, where the fire is not quenched, an everlasting punishment. So today, as Alex has said, it's like we put before you heaven or hell. Heaven is through Jesus Christ and Christ alone. By coming to him, by faith, in obedience to him and says, lord, I'm surrender, I'm yours or hell, rejecting him, going your way and doing your thing. Come to Christ today. Don't delay. Do it now. We're going to take our phone calls. That number, 885-89-8840.

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>> Bert Harper: They do an ultrasound. And that's when everything changed. Because when I saw my baby and, when I heard her heartbeat, that was it.

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>> Dr. Jessica Peck: Just because I'm a believer doesn't mean I don't forget Then my heart is a deceiver there's doubts in my head But I belong to a redeemer who's not finished with me yet. I could break it all and he'd make it all new. That's the gospel truth.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. So that's what you want to follow?

If you have a Bible question or comment, we'd love to hear from you

Remember today we talked about the God of truth and that's why the Bible is your go to book. I just want to tell you. Well, Alex, you ready for questions?

>> Alex McFarland: Let's do it. Hey, folks, that phone number is 8885-8988-4088-5889-8840. If you've got a Bible question or comment or even a prayer request, we'd love to hear from you today.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, well, let's Go to Texas and talk to Chip. Chip, thank you for calling. Chip, are you there?

>> Caroline: Yes, sir, I'm here.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, go right ahead, brother. We're ready for your question, man.

>> Caroline: All right, thanks, Bert.

One question that puzzles me about God is why did he need animal sacrifices

so something that's been puzzling me ever since I was a little kid and I was given Bible stories for, you know, children. and I've never really, been given, correct. Or what I felt was an applausable answer for was, you're not gonna have to bear with me, but I talk fast. So, there was a Star Trek movie that came out in the late, 80s, early 90s, where the Starship Enterprise went on this galaxy, foreign planet, and they found this godlike entity, and this God entity came out and demanded that they give them the starship Enterprise because he needed it. And Captain Kirk said, wait a second, if you're God, why do you need our starship? You can move mountains, you can develop anything, you can create anything. You created the stars, you created planets, you created everything. Why do you need our starship? And he gave us a mumbo jumbo. And then Captain Kirk finally realized that this doesn't line up. And they got out of there, and warp speed, and the entity became very, very angry. This entity came out of this planet, looked like Zeus. It looked like something that we expect God to look like, became very angry, but they realized that this was not God because he's, he's asking something that is not realistic. So fast forward to, God, sometimes, in my opinion, seems to ask things of humans that don't seem really relevant. Because he's God. He can have anything. So whenever he asked Abraham to, sacrifice Isaac, it was unnecessary because he knew every hair on Abraham's head, as he knows every hair on our head. So if he knows every hair on our head, he knows our devotion, then why would he ever, ever, ever have asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac? Then, you know, an angel came down and gave them a ram that was sacrificed. Why does God need sacrifices? Why does God need animals to be sacrificed? Because to me, in my opinion, and I am, believe me, guys, I'm a born again Christian, I faithfully, devoted to God and he's the only reason I'm walking today. But this is the one thing that has always puzzled me as to if God truly, you know, he. He knows us. He knows our devotion. He doesn't need animal sacrifices. He doesn't need sacrifices. He knows every hair on our head, knows our heart. He knows our thoughts.

>> Bert Harper: We got you. I'm not cutting you off. Because you're going off track. You're on track, but we're going to answer that. Let me give you two things. And Alex, okay. He doesn't need those animal sacrifices anymore. They were pictures. Most of us need some pictures. We need something to see. Words. what is it? A picture is worth a thousand words. And the sacrifices of those animals, the death was a picture of Jesus Christ. That's that one. And also about offering up Isaac. Let me see. The Book of Hebrews answers that and says Abraham was able to do that and believe that because he knew God could raise him up. Take it away, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: great. I want to thank you, sir, for a fantastic question. And let me, There's a lot of scripture that I could share. But, Bert, Christian scholars that are the philosophically inclined, like C.S. lewis or the late Norm Geisler or, J.P. moreland, they talk about what is the best of all possible worlds. what if there was a world where no bad things happened? What if there was a world where if a bad thing was going to happen, it would not happen? You know, like on 9 11, those terrorists were going to fly a plane into the World Trade Center. Why didn't God get in that cockpit and forcibly land the plane? Well, let's remember what God was doing. God made this world with us to legitimately have a relationship with him. And so, like William lane Craig and Dr. Geisler and Josh McDowell and Gary Habermas, these are Christian scholars. They would say, what we have with us is really the only possible world. Now, we are on our way to the best possible world, which is heaven. But this is the best way to the best possible world. Now, what am I saying here? To have a relationship, there had to be free will and Abraham. And, frankly, I think the greatest example of trusting faith in world history is Abraham. Sometimes they call Abraham the father of faith. Romans 4 says Abraham trusted God. That most precious thing they had was Isaac.

Bert says Abraham used his free will to trust God

And why. I know it sounds maybe a little hard for our hearts to get around, but God said, look, I gave you Abraham. You were an old man. Your wife was past childbearing years. you and your wife Sarah, you were barren. And Abraham reasoned, he said, you know what God promised a son? An everlasting kingdom. If God could give my son, he could raise him up again. And Abraham was going to obey. And, there was in the thicket on Mount Moriah, a thorn crowned lamb. And that wouldn't be the last time there'd be on those mountains a thorn crowned Lamb. So, Bert, to have a relationship, there has to be free will. And Abraham used his free will to trust God. So should we, I know it's complex, it's deep. Bert. Frankly, I think it's beautiful.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Chip, listen, there's a lot of people who have wrestled with those questions. Here's what I know the bottom line when I question and I can't figure it out, I trust him. I, think the Bible proves that what I've seen God do proves that we can trust him. And I think when we get to heaven, either some of those difficulties and hardship of I. But that's the bottom line. Hopefully we'll have an answer or the. We don't have the questions anymore, but we can trust him. Thank you, brother. And keep, keep listening. Keep growing in the Lord.

Mary has prayer requests for some family and friends who are having health issues

Let's go to Tennessee. Mary, thank you for calling today.

>> William: Thank you for taking my call.

>> Bert Harper: Go right ahead.

>> William: I had a question about the chapters we were discussing today in Isaiah as far as if that referred to the millennium. And I also have prayer requests for some family and friends who are having some serious health concerns.

>> Bert Harper: Well, go ahead with your prayer request and then we'll do that and get to your question. What's your prayer request?

>> William: Now I've got some family members that are dealing with some serious health issues. one had a stroke, the other one's in the hospital. and the other one's having just some major family challenges as well. And also myself included in that I'm having some health concerns as well. So there's a bunch of us that are going through.

>> Bert Harper: Father, we pray for Mary, pray for her family members and asking you to just help them where they are more than anything. Father, make yourself known to them. May they turn to you and trust you. And God, we ask that you would be glorified in that. In Jesus name. Alex, go ahead with that thousand year reign. Is that what it's talking about here in Isaiah?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, I really think Isaiah 60, 66

>> Bert Harper: is a lot of information. There is this.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, I mean really, Isaiah 65, 17 and following. I mean clearly now there is this heaven on earth and there is this momentary satanic rebellion right near the end of the millennium. And so I mean we could all this ruling and reigning and the whole wide world believes we might just say, well, that must be heaven and I know we'll be in the presence of God. I really think, to be as precise as possible, I think the latter chapters of Isaiah are talking about the millennium, at the end of which comes NewSong heaven and new earth. So to really get. I think if I could say the 67th chapter of Isaiah should, be Revelation 22.

>> Bert Harper: I got you.

>> Alex McFarland: You see what I'm saying?

>> Bert Harper: I do, I do. Hey, Mary, thank you for calling. Thank you for listening and being, a questioner concerning this.

Diana calls from Texas with questions about doctrine of election

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

>> Caroline: How are you doing?

>> Bert Harper: Well, thank you.

>> Caroline: Okay. I was just curious, about. Okay, so I came to know Christ several years ago, and I'm in recovery right now. And, anyway. Okay, so, I'm just now back into my faith because I went back out after I went to rehab. And, I've been praying for not to be influenced by false doctrine. And I listen to AFR every day. And, I just. I've heard of the doctrine of election. And it. And then I hear people talk against it. And from my own experience, I feel like I'm leaning toward believing that. But I just wanted to know what yalls opinions were on that.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Diana, with time frame and election. Alex, go ahead. And if I have anything to add, I will.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. this is a subject where equally good godly Christians sometimes have different opinions.

Bert says God knows who will accept Christ and who won't

All right. Election. the question is, does God know who will believe and who won't? God does, because God knows all things. And the Bible talks about. We are, In Romans, chapter 8, predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ. In other words, I believe that God knows who will accept Christ. And for those that don't, do accept Christ. It's a given. it's like this is not a great illustration, but a reservation in a hotel, that you're going to be glorified, you're going to be secure in Christ. So election is based on God's foreknowledge about who will receive him. Now, there's a term called decretal theology. is election based on our response or God's decree? I don't believe that it is decreed for anybody to go to hell because over and over and over it says, whosoever will may come. So, Bert, I think that heaven is possible for every human being, but it's only actual for those that accept Christ. And God knows he does.

>> Bert Harper: Diana, listen, you stay with God, you trust him, you've been saved. And we praise God for your going through this recovery. And now I know you're striving and keep it up, the accountability, all of that that you're doing, staying in his word. Do not get Real distracted by things that. Okay, that don't completely. You can. I want to say it just like I told Chip. You can trust the Lord. You really can. So you stay with him. God loves you, and God's got a plan for you. And, his purpose is for you to glorify him. So you're doing it now by your recovery. And I know part of that is helping others. And I pray that you'll be a blessing to others as you follow him. Thank you.

Bertram: Can my life be affected by generational sin

Diana, we want to go to Kentucky and talk to Charles. Charles, go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Hey, gentlemen. I love the show. I wish it were two hours. I'm gonna make a, either a statement or a question, and then I'll hang up and let you guys, see what you want. I'm curious about generational sin. Can my life be affected by generational sin? Hang up and listen to you guys.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, I've. I've got two or three sermons on this area. Let me just say this. If you were to go to the doctor, they're going to ask you to fill out a form about your. Your history, family history, and your family history. The word is effects. Yes, there is that. Sins that, one generation, it affects the next generation. Is it automatically passed down? No, it is not. But if it's come from two or three generations, and I was even asked about this yesterday, if you're one of those that's on the third generation of alcohol, third generation of divorce. Break the chain, break the cycle, trust the Lord. But generational sin, Alex, one generation does affect the other one, doesn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: It really does, Bert. That's a great illustration about your family history, you know, and, I had to go get a physical not too long ago, and they were asking, did anyone in your family have this, this, this or this? You know, but, the verse that a lot of people, you know, ruminate over, Deuteronomy 5, 9. God is telling Israel not to bow down to idols. Do not bow down, nor serve the idols. For I, the Lord thy God, am a jealous God. Now, listening to this, Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of them that hate me. Now, what does that mean, family history? We invariably. We're a product, to a degree, of the family line we come from. But, no, I really don't believe in the concept of generational sin, Bertram. I've known people that came from abusive families. I've known people where the family members were incarcerated. I've counsel families where perhaps somebody did drugs or something like that. And there are, you know, negative, circumstances. But our sin and our relationship with God is us. We have to make that choice. And let me say, even if you come from the worst background imaginable, it's a new day. It's a clean slate. It's a fresh start. And you are not bound by your past, but Christ. The present with Jesus, and the future with Jesus.

>> Bert Harper: Hallelujah. What a savior. Lexie, we're not able to get to you. Lyle, we'd love to.

Lexi asks for prayer for a friend with throat cancer tomorrow

Tomorrow's faraway Friday, but Lexie's asking for a prayer request for a friend with throat cancer. We don't know her name, but God does, so. God, I pray you would help that friend. Thank you for Lexie and her desire to pray for her. We ask you to meet them, help them in Jesus name. Amen. Alex, Like I said, tomorrow is fire away Friday. We want you to tell people about this program exploring the word. But more importantly, 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.