Transcript

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

>> Bert Harper: 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.

Bert Harper: We're saved by grace the only way

Welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Alex McFarland: You know, sometimes people ask, what are we going to do in heaven? Ephesians 2:7 says regarding being in the presence of God in heaven, that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. in the ages to come, Bert, in the original language it means into the eons, for eons of time. I think maybe that's why Amazing Grace has that verse. When We've been there 10,000 years bring bright shining as the sun. We've no less days to sing God's praise than when we first begun. Well, Turn to Ephesians 2 if you're at a place where you can get a copy of God's Word. And you can join us here, Bert Harper and myself on this edition of Exploring the Word as we continue in the NewSong Testament book of Ephesians. It's good to do, isn't it, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: Oh, ah, listen, Ephesians is. I was studying today and a friend that works here walked in and they saw how marked up and highlighted and underlined Ephesians is. And they said, I don't believe this is your first time to study Ephesians and it is not. And you study it again and again and you see new things that God just shows you. sometimes it's because experiences we've had and all of a sudden that comes out, sometimes the Holy Spirit just enlightens you because what you had read. So here in Ephesians chapter two, after he gets through talking about for by grace you have been saved. Okay, there in verse 11, he says, therefore remember what you once were. Okay, I just, I was listening to some music and one of them that I just heard recently. We will remember. We will remember the works of your hands. And listen, Alex, when you come to Ephesians chapter two and you see that we're saved by grace the only way. And then you come to verse 11, it says, therefore remember that you once Gentiles in the flesh who were called uncircumcision by what is called the circumcision made by hands, flesh by hands, that at that time you were without Christ. And you can skip down to verse 13 and all of a sudden it says, but, but now in Christ Jesus, you're alive. Alex. That's. Listen, that's who we are. We were lost in our sin. We were far away from God. I don't care. Like me, saved as a 12 year old boy early on in my life. Yeah, but far away from Christ. And Christ would save me. that's the grace of God. And it's talked about here in chapter two that we're saved by grace. And then in chapter three, verses 11 through 18, it tells how it works in our lives. So it's a. The grace of God. It is amazing. I agree.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Caroline: Amen.

Alex : Do you sometimes equate Ephesians with Colossians

>> Alex McFarland: M. Hey, let me ask you this. Do you sometimes equate the book of Ephesians, with the book of Colossians?

>> Bert Harper: They are very, listen, all of them, especially three Romans. And some of you know what it talks about in Ephesians and then in Colossians. Well, I think it's going back to, I mean it's all about Christ and who he is and what he's done, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Exactly. And let me say this. You know, when Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he, did a lot of writing. The Holy Spirit moved on. Paul, he did a lot of writing. This is somewhere around 61 or 62 AD. many scholars believe Colossians was written for first. And what's interesting to me, as I've been studying these, okay, Ephesians definitely talks a lot about the body of Christ and the riches of redemption, salvation by grace. Colossians talks about the head of the body, who is Jesus. So Colossians, ah, probably written first. Jesus is the head, Ephesians, the believers are the body. Very important stuff. And of course this letter. And I know we're in chapter two, but for those just maybe tuning in, we have so many first time listeners just every week. But in the city of Ephesus, it was a very pagan city and there was this temple of Diana, just a pagan demonic deity really. And so I think it's, it's very understandable that Paul would in great, great detail explain what salvation is. Because the believers in Ephesus, they were ministering to a very, very lost population group, an unsaved city, this pagan Ephesus. So it's, it's good that salvation is so intricately explained. And boy, it's good for our day too, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It really is. We're living in a day like the Ephesians were. Now most of these were Gentiles. And he, he really gets on this in chapter two through 22. that it's Gentiles and the Jews had failed, you know, in their mission of letting God be observed and seen in their lives. So the Gentiles could see the light. L I G H T But, it come across as a lie, L I E Because their walk and their talk were completely different concerning others. And, so here it is in this passage of scripture that we're looking at today. I think Paul drills in on this reconciliation between the Jew and the Gentile between and then. And we'll get there. I'm just giving a preview of the rest of the chapter. He digs in on the sinners and their reconciliation to God. Now, guess who we know. The Jews and Gentiles. Two divisions. But let me just share with you. Guess what? Both of those, divisions fit into the one sinners.

>> Alex McFarland: Exactly.

>> Bert Harper: You catch what I'm saying?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, well said. Well said. Because really, all of humanity, I mean, we talk about east and west, male and female, you know, Oriental, Occidental, there's really only two kind of people, those that have Jesus and those that need Jesus.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: You know, and you might even be listening right now, Alex and Bert here, and we're talking about the book of Ephesians. And I want to ask everyone listening, if you were to die, do you know for sure that you're ready to meet God? And you say, well, I hope so. Not quite sure you can be ready today. I mean, even this minute, you can simply call out to Jesus. He will hear this prayer and say, lord, I admit that I'm a sinner and I'm sorry, and I ask your forgiveness. And Lord Jesus, I believe you died for me and you went to that cross for me. And you know, that realization that is the greatest revelation you'll ever experience is to realize that Jesus gave his life for you. And if you've never done this, or if you're just unsure, then right now say, lord, I believe in you. Please save my soul and help me to follow you from this day forward. And by the way, Bert, we haven't given this number in a while. There is a number if you need spiritual help or you want to make sure that you're saved, or you just need to talk to somebody about where you are with God. bert, is it one 800? Need him.

>> Bert Harper: That is. And I think you can get 888 or 800 either way. Need him and they will help you. They will talk with you and share with you the good news of Jesus Christ, what a ministry that is. Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

In Ephesians, AH2, verse 11 says uncircumcision

Let me read some of these verses. In Ephesians, AH2, verse 11 says, Wherefore, remember that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh who are called uncircumcision by that which is called the circumcision in the flesh made by hands. Okay, Gentiles. And that's the uncircumcision. You see, the Jewish males were circumcised, and that was part of the sign that they were a, ah, participant in the Abrahamic covenant. And we're going to come to that word here in a minute. Verse 12. That at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise. We'll come back to that, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus, you who are sometimes far off are made nigh. Brought, in other words, brought near, brought to God by the blood of Christ.

Bert says salvation is really a covenant or contract with God

Bert, let's talk for just a minute about the covenants of promise in verse 12. Or the agreements, because that's really one of the great, reassurances you should have is that salvation is really a covenant or contract with God. And I don't mean to put it in some cold business like terminology, but here's the thing where you stand with God and your security in Christ. It's not based on emotions, although we're definitely emotive creatures, but it's based on God's word. And God and his word cannot lie. That's very reassuring, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It really is. And this covenant is not between two equals. amen. M. This covenant is made from the authority of the throne. Just keep that he's on the throne to those that are just wayward and outward from him. But he makes this covenant to bring us. And later on we'll find out that we're jo. He brings us in to be joint heirs with Christ. What a covenant. We're.

>> Bert Harper: And you go back to what it said. He brought us out of the horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set our feet on a rock. He took, our. He took us out of the location and the place of lostness, the location of darkness, of no hope, to a place that we have standing with the King of kings and the Lord of Lords. and that's the kind of covenant, is that it is. Alex, one more thing I would say about that. Notice what they're without in verse 12. It's used two times. But let's look at this. These Gentiles who The circumcision called uncircumcised. And they said it with that kind of, anguish and, bitterness, really. They're without Christ, they're without hope, and they're without God in this world. That's what they were. Without. Without. Without. But because of this covenant that you just shared with us, he's brought us to the point of heirs with Christ Jesus. We've gone from without to with. That's quite a transaction in a covenant, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, it really is. It really is. And, I know we're coming up on a break here. I've got to unpack a word for just a minute. This is so. And it's the word that's translated circumcision. Now, you know that's a medical procedure that's done to a male baby. people know that. But really, that, word in the English translated circumcision is a combination of a, prefix P, E, R, I, peri, which means upon and tome to me. Now, have you ever heard of a big book called a tome? You know, let's say you got a big old thick encyclopedia. That's not just a book, it's a tome. T O, M, E. So circumcision means upon the tome. And you say now, what does that mean? Well, it's a collection of statements and conditions and promises. And so the Bible talks about having a circumcised heart. Now, the males in ancient Israel were circumcised. They were part of the promise to Abraham. The land, the savior that would come. Jesus is that savior that would come. Now you can have a circumcised heart. What does that mean? You put your faith in Jesus and upon the tome. You're right with God. What does that mean? This book I'm holding in my hand, full of the promises that whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. That you believe in Jesus and you are ready to meet God. Bert, great and precious promises, aren't they?

>> Bert Harper: They are, and they're yours only in Christ. And they come nowhere else. You can't find them, you can't earn them. But in Christ Jesus, they're there when you receive him as Lord. We'll be back with more right after this break. 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. 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.

There are enough colors to paint the whole picture, not enough words

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

>> Alex McFarland: I wish I could tell you.

>> Caroline: Wish I could describe it, but I can contain it. Can't keep it to myself.

>> Alex McFarland: There are enough colors to paint the

>> Caroline: whole picture, not enough words to end. Never say what I found wonderful and

>> Alex McFarland: beautiful and glorious and holy.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. That is the Lord Jesus Christ, who he is. And there's a hymn called the Love of God. And, it talks about, you know, if the. If the sky was the scroll and every stalk was a pin, the oceans would run dry. Talking about the love of God. That's who God is. Poetry, beautiful songs. Thank you.

Tuesday is the day of prayer here at Exploring the Word

But today is the day of prayer here on AFR at Exploring the Word. about half a year ago now, close to half a year, we've been doing this every Tuesday, it's a day of prayer, where we put a priority on that. Yeah, we will take prayers any day, but on Tuesdays, we've marked it down as a day of prayer where we kind of make that priority. So if you've got a prayer request, you can get ready to call it in. And, we're. The phone lines are not open, but let me give you that number so you can, you know, put it in later. 8885-8988-4088-8589-8840. If you got a Bible question, we'll get that in as well. And, Brent, he. He looks at Facebook and he passes those prayer requests on. If you don't want to talk on the phone, but you're more secure in sharing it on Facebook, we will receive that as well.

The Ten Commandment Project is asking young people to make a speech

Well, Alex, there's something else going on coming up in the month of June especially, and that is the Ten Commandment Project here.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Did. Have. Did you memorize the Ten Commandments as a youth or as a young person?

>> Alex McFarland: We did. I was at Buffalo Presbyterian Church, which is nearly 300 years old now, but when I was a kid in vacation Bible school one time, we were given, the joy of memorizing God's Ten Commandments. And you know what? I got to tell you, Bert, Maybe I was 9 or 10 years old, but it really. I thought about that and thought about that and didn't. you know where the second commandment says, you shall not make any graven Images. And I used to ponder that, you know, and, not to take God's name in vain, which is the third commandment. And so there is folks, we, we know the power of the Ten Commandments on people's mind and heart. And, Pastor Joseph Parker, who's just a beloved part of the AFA ministry, he thought this up. I think he and his wife thought it up really. And, what the Ten Commandments, speech project is asking young people to make a speech and then record themselves. It doesn't have to be too long, three to five minutes, and use your cell phone and video the child making, a speech about the Ten Commandments. Now here's the theme. This year is Exodus 20, verse 4. You shall not make for yourself any graven image. And so you can email this and, go to the AFA website, afa, as in American Family  association, and just Google the Ten Commandments Speech Challenge and you'll find it. And there's all the info about where to email that in. And it needs to be done, between June 1st and June 30th. And you know, write and record, send in the video of the young person giving a speech about that commandment. And every youth who participates will get a free Ten Commandments T shirt. I mean, and that's cool. What a great witnessing tool that would be. And then, another way to, be involved is to have a child recite the Ten Commandments out loud, by memory. And then, you know, mom and dad make sure that you send in the youth T shirt size and a mailing address. But the Ten Commandment Speech Challenge, I think this is a wonderful thing in the lives of young people and to, attune their heart and their conscience to God.

>> Bert Harper: Amen, Alex. And so we hope that you'll participate and be a part of this. It's a blessing. And, so I hope that happens.

Bert: Ephesians 2:14 says Jesus himself is our peace

Alex, again, in verses 11 through verse 22 of chapter 2, I want to share with you the words of verse 11, the first words of verse 11, the first words, that we find in verse 13, and the first words we find in verse 19. Now listen to this. In verse 11 says, remember that you once were Gentiles in the flesh, okay? At time you were without Christ. Verse 13. But now things have changed, but now. And now verse 19, it even moves further along and it says, now, therefore you're no longer strangers and foreigners. You can see, I'm using the word progress that Paul is bringing in into this relationship. It started over here in chapter two, when it says, you're saved by grace. And then they are to remember who they were. They were Gentiles that were lost without God. And then Jesus Christ came and made himself known. He was far away, but made near to them. And then it goes through the issue of them being rose, reconciled, and it moves on in to. They're no longer foreigners or strangers, but they're fellow citizens. So what, this is about versus I say that to bring it in. Then we'll go back to verse 13. This is about the relationship that we have with God. It not only brings us into relationship with God, but it also brings us into relationship with others, even sometimes when there was a great distance between those two parties. But in Christ, he breaks down that wall of petition and brings us to himself, but it also brings us in as fellow citizens, doesn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: It does. It does. This is beautiful. verse 14 of Ephesians 2. For he, Jesus, he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us and the Word there. Middle wall of partition, the barrier. Now, what is the barrier between us and God? Our sin, but also, the fall, the curse, you know, if you're back. In Genesis 3:22,24, Adam and Eve are ejected from the garden. And it says, that the Lord God sent them forth from out of the Garden of Eden. Verse 24, Adam and Eve are out of the garden, and God put, a cherubim, which is a type of angel, and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of the tree of life. And so, Bert, there's no way to get past that barrier except through Jesus Christ. many of you know, I've got a very dear friend and mentor, Gary Habermas, and I've heard him say this many times in all of the world's belief systems, the pantheon of world religions, do this, don't do that, make a journey, pay alms, bathe in the River Ganges. There is one belief system, and one only, where the founder said, what you do with me will determine where you spend eternity. I mean, a lot of people have said, you know, do this or else. But Jesus predicated salvation on having a relationship with himself, you know. And so when it says in verse 14, he is our peace, it doesn't say, the things we do are our peace with God. Although we should. We should live godly. We should do godly things. But, Bert, I just think this is just monumental. How? Ephesians 2:14 says, Jesus himself. He is our peace with God.

>> Bert Harper: That really caught my attention again. He Himself, in other words, he's the one that said it. I am the way. You know, they say Jesus, he didn't ever claim no. He said, I'm the way. I'm the truth. I'm the life. No one can come to the Father but through Me. I'm the only way. Here he says, he Himself is our peace. So what they were without. In verse 12, they were without Christ, they were without hope, they were without God. But now in Christ Jesus, we were afar off, has been brought near. And He Himself is our peace. And again, as he's broken down that barrier, having abolished in his flesh the enmity, that's that disagreement, that's that, hardship between two separation. The law of commandments contained in ordinances so as to create. And here it is again in himself, one new man from the two. now listen. I, think this offended both Jews and Gentiles that had not been born. Again, the Jews would say, man, no, I'm better than those Gentiles. And the Gentiles would look at the Jews and say, man, we don't act like we're hypocrites and do something else. But in Christ Jesus, he brings in himself one new man from two, thus making peace. Alex, now, what was that? Go back and look at the first part of verse 15. Enmity, the enmity that was between them has now been made peaceable through Christ Jesus. And you said it well. Through what he has done for all of us. And that was kind of settled in Acts chapter 15, when, the church that was still Jewish there in Jerusalem, they could hardly buy that the Gentile world could come to. To be in this relationship with God through Christ Jesus without first becoming Jews, you know.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: But, they settled it. Peter had already experienced Acts chapter 10, where he had seen the Gentile world, knowing Christ the way you, Christ. And so this middle wall or petition, this barrier that was broken down between God and man, when he breaks that down for the Jew or the Gentile, according to this, we become one.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. That's.

>> Bert Harper: That's powerful. That's a powerful relationship that God has gotten for us, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: Oh, it is. It is so powerful and so precious. Let, Let me read these verses, and then we'll comment. If, you're just tuning in, we're, in Ephesians chapter two, on this day of prayer, if you want to call in with Prayer requests in the third segment, we'd love to hear your prayer requests, but verse 16. And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby, and came and preached peace to you which were afar, off, and to them that were nigh. In other words, those that were far from God and those that were nearer, they were religious, but lost, they. They got the gospel message. For through him, Jesus, we both have access by one spirit unto the Father. Now, therefore, you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God. Hallelujah. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone in whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.

The relationship with Jesus Christ changes everything concerning reconciliation and relationships

You know, Bert, in the Bible, there's a lot of words that are used about being right with God. Saved, converted, redeemed, born again. But I love, like in verse 16, the word reconciled. Yes, reconcile to God through Jesus. I mean, what could be better than that, really? I mean, and I'll say this, I'll throw it back to you. Nothing else matters like this, folks. I mean, you could have everything. Fame, position, achievements, you know, wealth. Nothing wrong with those things if. If that's what life brings to you. But if you don't have Jesus, you don't have anything. In fact, there in, verse 12, no hope, without hope, without God. But if you have Jesus, you have everything that life and eternity are about.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, when you see that reconciled, and you see how many times the word one is used, he brings these together, former enemies, you know, but they're reconciled. That which was enmity, that which would separate them, God brings together. Now translate that to what Jesus said about the world. Knowing He's. He uses two things really quickly that come across. One is that they'll see our good works and glorify the Father. They also will, know this. They will know you're my disciples because you love one another. Okay? These people who were once enemies against one another, they've been brought together as one in Christ. That speaks loudly, that shouts out this relationship that changes everything. The relationship with Jesus Christ changes everything concerning reconciliation and relationships. In order to have this relationship, the first R has got to take place, and that's reconciliation. So once we have reconciliation with Christ and that barrier is broken down, guess what other barriers begin to break down. Those barriers that would separate us from Being a witness. Those that. That separation that would cause our light not to shine. But they'll know we're disciples because we love one another. They'll also know that we love Christ because they see our good works and they glorify the Father. Alex. And it all starts from this reconciliation, doesn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: It really does. It really does. And, hey, you know, I love this. In verse 20, it says that, you know, by being a believer, and by proclaiming this gospel that we have built, and we are built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. Now we know what a foundation is like. The foundation, that's the solid thing on which a building stands. And in the Greek, it's the word theme. T H E M e theme. You know, Remember the old hymn, I love to tell the story? It will be my theme in glory. Hey, what Paul said. I'm determined to know nothing but Christ and him crucified. That's the foundation. That's the theme. That's the good news story, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: It is. And it makes you think of Psalm 118, verse 22. The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. Jesus Christ is that cornerstone. We build our lives on him. And then it stands sure that phone number 885-898-8840. Triple 858-9840. It's a day of prayer. We would love to hear from you today. Right now, the voices in our culture are loud. But truth is often silent. And today, preborn needs you to help speak that truth. Women facing unplanned pregnancies are often pressured to act quickly before they have time to pause, breathe, or hear the truth about life, dignity and hope. But I refuse to be silent, and I'm asking you to join me. At preborn Network clinics, a woman is welcomed with compassion and given a free ultrasound. She sees the life growing inside her, often for the first time. And in that sacred moment, fear gives way to clarity. And she's offered something the abortion industry will never provide. The hope of Jesus Christ. This April, our goal is to have 11,000 gospel conversations in preborn Network clinics, trusting God to bring the increase as we remain faithful to speak. You can help make that possible by sponsoring ultrasounds. Just $28 provides one ultrasound. $140 sponsors five ultrasounds for mothers in crisis. Every dollar helps save babies and share the good news of Jesus Christ. To donate, dial £250 and say the keyword baby. That's 250, baby. Or visit preborn.com host that's preborn.com host.

>> Caroline: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: We call his name.

On Tuesdays we take prayer requests; you're welcome to bring them

Welcome back to Explore the Word. Hey, the number is 888-589-8840. That's 888-589-8840. We've got some Bible questions coming in. We always like to, get your Bible questions, but we also, on Tuesdays we take prayer requests and we do do a fair amount of praying on air. And you know, Bert, one thing, we're either in a crisis or leaving a crisis. And one of the reasons that we need to walk close to Jesus is, you know, any of us could be one phone call away from a situation. And so folks, that's why prayer is so vital and there's power. When believers pray together, we lift each other up. it's called intercession. We pray for each other. So if you want to bring a prayer request to the table today, you're welcome to do that as well. 888-589-8840. And Bert, last week we took, a lot of questions on Thursday of last week. Haven't we gotten some fantastic questions from listeners here lately?

>> Bert Harper: We all three. Brent commented on it as well. And we, last week with some of the most interesting questions, I think. And about three or four of them are new for us. And we've been doing this close to 15 years. So, when we get a new question, we. Oh, oh boy. And it's not that we're putting a challenge out there to go new questions. We take all questions, but it was exciting. So I'm ready to do it today. Are you?

>> Alex McFarland: Absolutely, Absolutely.

Wayne Strong: I'm going through Ephesians and salvation by grace

We're going to start out in Oklahoma. Just one of my favorite places. Oklahoma, this is Wayne. Wayne, thanks for holding and welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Thank you for taking my question. You are going through Ephesians and salvation by grace. And there's a lot of controversy on Christian chat rooms about whether grace is irresistible, unmerited favor, or whether Strong's defined it correctly as divine influence in the heart. And assuming that Paul only taught one salvation, I'm looking at his, the salvation he taught in Romans 1:1 through 2:16 and that, where he described Holy Spirit revelation on everybody and those who don't obey it or without excuse, because what can be known of God has been understood by them. And then when he gets to the Roman, to the saved person in Romans 2:12, 16, he says he had the law written in his heart and his conscience guiding him, and he'll be Declared righteous on judgment day, as my gospel declares. And when I couple that with the apparent fact that Paul never mentioned the virgin birth of Jesus, this is getting pretty deep. why don't I cut it off there and let you address what I put on the table?

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Wayne, Alex, go right ahead.

Bert Strong says humans can resist God's overtures

>> Alex McFarland: Well, yeah, let's talk about the first part of the question about, the grace of God. you know, I think Strong's concordance is right, that it's the divine influence of the Holy Spirit. You know, one of the debates about theology that goes back centuries is whether, the grace of God, is it irresistible Grace. And listen, thank God for His grace. not that we desired God, but that he calls out to us. Salvation is presented, and it's not the world, the flesh or the devil. no, no. Man in and of himself really desires God. And even now, folks, if you're thinking about the state of your soul, that's God's mercy and grace working on you. But Bert, I think that clearly humans can resist God's overtures. You remember Jesus said, Jerusalem, Jerusalem. How often would I have gathered you to myself as mother hen gathers, you know, her chicks under her wings. But you would not. So, let me say, folks, it's dangerous. It's not only wrong to resist the calling of the Holy Spirit, it's dangerous, isn't it? Because if we're even desiring God, it's because in his love and mercy and grace, he's calling out to us.

>> Bert Harper: The grace of God has appeared to all men. Okay? Now, those that respond responded to that grace. Those that do not, written in their minds and hearts, they reject. do they fully understand? No, I don't believe they fully understood it. But the Bible talks about again in Ephesians 2. 8. For by grace you have been saved through faith that not of yourselves. It is a gift of God, not of works, lest any should boast. Now, Alex, when you combine that with Romans 1 and Romans 2, they both fall under this because that grace has been demonstrated. it has been shown, it has appeared to all men. Again, they reject it. And the first time you reject it, you know, very few folks, I've had a few people say, yes, I responded to God the first time that he drew me to Himself. I did not. Okay, Even as a 12 year old boy, I, had delayed, delayed and delayed. But I believe Romans 1 and 2 both fit under what he said in Ephesians 2. The grace of God, it is, it is unmerited because we don't deserve it. It is God's riches at Christ's expense, and it is divine influence of the Holy Spirit. I don't see a contradiction in any of those, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: That's right. You know the great thinker C.S. lewis, they were asking, you know, Lewis one time, what, about it, is it, you know, God's, sovereign, choice and action completely, or does human free will play any role? And Lewis said, well, it's like asking which. Which pair of the blade of scissors is the most. Which blade in a pair of scissors is most important? well, they're both equally operative. You know, which bank of the river is the most important. And, Lewis said this, and I think it's true. And for one thing, I don't think a finite, fallen human mind can fully unpack this. But, God acts, and our response does not undermine or diminish his sovereign power. And his overtures to us, do not diminish our human responsibility.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: They were both there, weren't they?

>> Bert Harper: Yeah. If you believe the Bible, you'll have both of those running parallel or like, two scissors. It's like prayer and Bible study. Charles Haddon Spurgeon said they asked him which one was most important. Bible reading, a prayer. And he said, that's like asking for what's more important, breathing in or breathing out. And so, it is. Hey, Wayne.

>> Alex McFarland: Thank you, Lee in Texas. Lee, thank you for holding and welcome to this edition of Exploring the Word.

>> Caroline: Yes, thank you. I pray that y' all are having a good day.

Mark in Ohio asks one question for whoever shall come. Hi, Mark

my. At first, I was going to, you know, just ask one question for whoever shall come. you know, we'll be saved. Well, until I, understood that unless you're called, you're not going to come. So. And then I, was hearing that everybody is called. Well, I. I don't believe that. I believe that just. He calls certain people and who. Whoever comes, you know, will be saved.

>> Bert Harper: Whosoever shall call upon name of the Lord, Alex. And you got to read the context in that verse that stands alone, don't you?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, you mean like in Romans 10:13? But, I will say this. Like Titus 2:11 says, the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. And Psalm 19, regarding the knowledge of God, it says that the heavens and earth bear witness to the glory of God. And it says, the law of the Lord is perfect. And it says there's no speech nor language where this is not heard. one final thing. I'll Throw it to you. And by the way, the good godly people have pondered on this, disagreed over this. But the Bible, it says that he is long suffering, not willing that any should perish. I really do think Jesus died for the whole wide world, the totality of the human race. Whosoever will may come. And yes, the call from God has gone out to, well, Titus 2:11. To all people. Now, not everybody is saved, and not everybody, not everybody goes to heaven. Not everybody wants to go to heaven. But. But I do think that Christ's death, and resurrection makes it possible that whosoever will may come.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Thank you, Lee.

>> Alex McFarland: Thanks. Go to Ohio. Mark in Ohio. Welcome to Exploring the Word. Hi, Good afternoon.

>> Caroline: Thank you.

>> Alex McFarland: welcome.

>> Caroline: And I, just wanted to ask, a prayer request, for my family. I'm the father of eight. my wife and I both, currently do, gig work like, ah, food delivery and grocery deliveries. And so sometimes it's kind of hard. we have two vehicles, but one

>> Alex McFarland: is out of commission and, the

>> Caroline: other one is limping along and it's just, not a good time right now to be making big purchases, especially with economy the way that it is.

>> Bert Harper: Okay.

>> Alex McFarland: Wow.

>> Bert Harper: We're going to pray for that car, for it to have new life. Been there, done that. Janet and I did not have eight, eight children, but we had enough that we was wondering how in the world we were going to make it with a car that we were driving. And I've seen God do it again and again. He made those, the sandals the Israelites were wearing. Man, they lasted, 40 years. Alex. It's pretty good. So he can make that car. And we're going to pray for that.

Tom is asking for prayer for his son who is interviewing for youth pastor job

But while we're doing it, Brent, I understand we have some prayer requests. So we'll, after these two, we'll pray these at the same time. Yes, I've got two. First of all, Thom is asking for prayer for his son. His son is interviewing online with a church for their youth pastor position at 7 o' clock Eastern Time this evening. Okay. That's Thom's son. Okay.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes.

>> Bert Harper: And this one is from Rose. She says, please pray for my daughter. She is demanding that I call her they them. and I've told her that I love her dearly, but I cannot do this because I can't be untrue to the Lord because he made her a woman. And this is a spiritual battle. She is saved but being led away.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Okay. Alex. Yeah. Pray for Mark and his family and his car. And, pray for Thom, his son being interviewed by church tonight. And then Rose daughter being, I would say, fooled and just blinded by Satan's lies. Could.

>> Alex McFarland: Let's pray. And folks, let's join and agree together in prayer. Dear Lord Jesus, what a privilege to pray and thank you that you're so faithful. And Lord, you're so good to us. And Lord, you tell us in Hebrews to come boldly, so we do. first of all, I pray for Mark's family. Lord, I rejoice this family that you're building. And Lord, I pray for he and his wife and their eight children. Please provide every need, food, clothing, shelter, transportation. I pray for his vehicle that his, his car problems would get resolved. And Lord, maybe you'll just reach in there and make that. That engine and transmission go longer than it otherwise would have. And Lord, I know you do care about all things. And that would include Mark's transportation, which we lift up to you. I pray for Thom's son tonight at 7:00pm Eastern that the interview would go well. And Lord, if it's your will that Thom's son become this youth pastor at this particular church, Lord, just open that door. And finally, Lord, in the name of Jesus, Lord, we cry out to you for the Holy Spirit to intervene on Rose's daughter's life. Transgenderism is demonic. It's false. Bless Rose. Give her the composure and the confidence to, interact with. And Lord, I pray her daughter would honor her mother and not get angry and burn bridges. But Lord, this they them, mindset. This is wrong. This is not of you. By the Holy Spirit of God, in Jesus name, we ask that this be taken away and give all of the young people, people of all ages, a clear mind. Help them to understand their identity should be in you, Jesus, for all these things and more, Lord, we lift it up. In your name, Jesus. Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

Marcy in Texas wants prayers for her niece and father

>> Alex McFarland: Okay, let's go to, Marcy in Texas. Marcy, thank you for holding. Welcome.

>> Caroline: Yes, I was wanting prayers for my niece in Texas. She has three kids at 11, 9 and 4. They're going to be 5, 10, and 12 pretty soon. And, they don't go to church. And he's Catholic. Her husband's Catholic. She was raised Protestant. Neither one of them see the, importance of taking their kids to the church. And, vacation Bible school's coming up. And I just pray that somehow they will, connect that way with somebody in their family or neighborhood to take them to vacation Bible school, maybe start going to church.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen Bert, would you press this situation, please?

>> Bert Harper: Father, I thank you for Marcy calling concerning her niece. Man, what a great thing it is to have a godly aunt that loves you and loves your children. And I'm praying for her niece, father. And these 11 year old, this 9 year old, soon to be 5 year old I'm praying for vacation Bible school. Father, I pray there where they live, wherever it is they live, that a believer, strong church would come in and just encourage them, help them, love them. Father, I'm, I'm a product of a church that reached out to my family and to welcome us and to share with us all that God has done. Wake us up to those people out there who are hurting and need our, our encouragement, our welcome. And Father, do this work in Marcy's niece's life. Right now we're praying this in Jesus name. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. I know. glory to God. We had callers online that we did not get to. I'm sorry, please call back tomorrow those questions. We will do our utmost to try to get every call in tomorrow, but, read on to Ephesians 3 because, good Lord willing, that's where we'll be tomorrow, isn't it, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: It is. And thank you for listening. Tell someone about exploring the word, but more importantly, tell them about Jesus.

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