The Republican candidate for mayor of New York believes he can save the city
>> Alex McFarland: The Republican candidate for mayor of New York believes he is the only choice residents of the Big Apple have to save the city. Here's more from AFN's Chad Groening.
>> Caroline: President Donald Trump says Democrat voters crossed.
>> Alex McFarland: The line when they selected Zoran Mandani.
>> Bert Harper: To be their nominee for mayor. The president called mondani, quote, a 100% communist lunatic. Indeed, conservative political pundits say you only have to hear his vision for the city to understand how dangerous he would be if elected.
>> Caroline: Republican mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa founded the Guardian Angels in 1979 as a.
>> Alex McFarland: Deterrent to the rising crime and fears of public safety.
>> Bert Harper: During an appearance on Hannity on the Fox News Channel, he compared Mondani to another failed mayor.
>> Alex McFarland: As goes New York, so goes America. We saw that in Chicago with socialist Mayor Johnson. Everything that he did failed. And now Mondami is going to do exactly the same thing with the help of AOC Bernie Sanders. And now there are Democrats jumping on board. Bill Clinton endorsed Mondami.
>> Bert Harper: That's right, Bill Clinton.
>> Alex McFarland: Traditional Democrat Chuck Schumer. They're all jumping on board. I'm the only one who can stop him.
>> Bert Harper: Sleeva says walking on the streets of New York is hazardous.
>> Alex McFarland: Homeless people emotionally disturbed. Garbage everywhere. The quality of life miserable. One of the outtakes of the election is people were complaining about the lack of affordable housing, the fact that the cost of living is skyrocketing, and the crime in New York City. We lock up toothpaste in a drugstore and we don't lock up criminals. People have had enough. We don't want to go back to these Democrats. Texas scorecard says state officials on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board have started asking colleges and universities to identify which of their students are illegal aliens. According to the board's commissioner, students in Texas who are illegal aliens and have been paying discounted in state tuition rates will need to start paying out of state tuition by the fall semester. See more@afn.net.
>> Bert Harper: We don't have to be like the 10 that said it can't be done. It's too big. The giants are too big.
>> Alex McFarland: We need to be like Joshua and.
>> Bert Harper: Caleb and say, you know what? There are giants. This is a massive problem when you.
>> Alex McFarland: Have a nation that is ignorant of.
>> Bert Harper: The principles that produce a free society.
>> Alex McFarland: Start where you can.
>> Bert Harper: It's the only way I know it's a little bit at a time. Join Walker Wildmon and Rick Green as they tackle today's issues from a biblical and a constitutional perspective. At the core 1pm Central, weekdays on AFR. It's Fireaway Friday. Fire Away Friday on Exploring the Word. This is your chance to ask us your Bible question at 888-589-8840.
>> Alex McFarland: That's.
>> Bert Harper: That's 888-589-8840. You can also email your question@wordfr.net or visit facebook.com exploringtheword. Exploring the word. It's Fire Away Friday on American Family Radio.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, happy Friday, America. Good afternoon, wherever you may be. Alex McFarland here along with Bert Harper. And you were listening to the American Family Radio Network. This. This is Exploring the Word. Very special day of the week. We call it Fire Away Friday. And what we do is we take your calls and questions, all questions, all the hour. So if you've ever wanted to raise your hand during a sermon, now's your chance. Here's the number, and you can get in the queue and call. It's 888-589-8840. That's 888-589-88420. And we'd love to hear your question.
>> Bert Harper: We really would.
Alex: Let church be a part of your choices that you make
And I want to read a passage of Scripture today while we're waiting on the calls. And we're looking forward to that. Hoping everybody has a great weekend worshiping the Lord. And, let church be a part of your choices that you make. But listen to this. This is one that I love. And it, says in Psalm 121, I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help. But my help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. Alex, listen. He is. We need to look unto him. We need to trust him. And, he is ready. And so I pray that today, if there's anyone out there that's just having difficulty, hard, hard times, and they do come, they're a part of life. They'd look unto the Lord. That's our prayer for them, isn't it?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, it really is. And you know, I've always loved that psalm, lifting up our eyes. Because really, every day, I mean, just waking up and being given another day, navigating, and making it through the day, we draw our strength from Jesus Christ. And let me just say to anybody listening, if you're having a hard day or a stressful day, call out to the Lord. He's with you. Jesus Christ is for you. Maybe Matthew 6, 8 is a great promise. He knows what we need even before we ask. But God, it honors God when we ask because he is our source, you know, Bert, I think we forget about that. We, you know, we get up and do our thing and have our day. But listen, if it weren't for the Lord giving us life, giving us health, keeping us going, giving us opportunity, being our provider. I mean, every, every meal we enjoy, every breath we draw really are gifts from God, aren't they?
>> Bert Harper: They really are. I want to tell this story real quick, and we'll get to Randy from Texas next. But I love this story and I've told it before, but, you know, new people listen. But there was this little girl whose parents did not go to church or Sunday school. So the neighbors asked, could I take her to Sunday school? And they said, okay, go ahead. It'll be two hours out of our day when she's not here. So she took her to Sunday school, and they learned to be thankful and even asked the blessing. So when she came back home, her mom had cooked the meal and prepared it, and they sat down and they were going to just start eating. The little girl said, I found out from Sunday school I need to be thankful for this. could I ask the blessing and thank God? And they said, go ahead. And then, you know how you can do. Lord, we thank you for the peas. We thank you for the potatoes. Thank you for the bread, the tea, the fresh tomatoes. You know, she went through it all. And when she was through, you know, the dad thought she'd teach her. He'd teach her something. Said, hon, don't you know, it was me that worked and purchased these things, and it was me that grew those tomatoes in the garden. And it was your mom that put them on the table. Don't you understand that? And the little girl said, yes. And she shout, she bowed her head and says, God, thank you for mom and Daddy. And so let's be thankful. I, Listen, there's nothing that takes the place of gratitude a. Ah, thankful heart.
Alex: If you have a Bible question, call us at 888-589-840
So anyway, with that in mind, Alex, you ready to go to the phone lines?
>> Alex McFarland: Let's do. The number is 888-589-8-840 toll free. If you have a Bible question, call us.
>> Bert Harper: Okay. Randy from Texas. Randy, thank you for calling today.
>> Caroline: Thank you for taking my call. And I want to give my gratitude to you, in your ministry, for what you do every day.
>> Bert Harper: Well, thank you, Randy. Listen, it is, it is. God has opened this door for Alex and myself, and we just thank God that we'll be faithful and true in doing it. Go ahead, brother.
>> Caroline: Yes, sir.
In the Bible, there are scriptures that seem to put wine in a bad picture
this is a subject I'm sure you've talked about before. and it's wine in the Bible. And we all know that that wine is part of the communion. It represents the blood of Christ in the cracker. But yet in the Bible, it seems there are scriptures that seem to put wine in a bad picture. But in others, it seems to be a good blessing from the Lord. And I'll give you an example, just two scriptures that are a little different. Proverbs, chapter 20, verse one. Wine is a mocker. Strong drink is raging, and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. That sounds negative to me. But then if you turn over to Psalm 104, which is a psalm that talks about God's blessings, for example, the grass to the cattle and the food for human, beings. In verse 14 and 15, I'll just read it real quick. God, he causes the grass to grow for the cattle and vegetation for man's cultivation to bring forth food from the earth. And in verse 15, and wine, which makes man's heart glad to make his face glisten more than oil. So can you explain to me, is wine good or bad? Or does it matter? Is it how people use it? Because, being brought up as a Baptist, wine was always looked upon as negative.
>> Bert Harper: Randy, thank you for your good question. I want to share with you. Let me add one to it. Paul would say to Timothy, take a little wine for your stomach sake. Alex, not everything in that day was clarified or pure. And it's that way in some countries. I know some guys that were missionaries, and, they went to some backwoods areas and some very difficult things. No water there that was, good to drink. There would be germs, bacteria all in it. And there was wine there. And so. But we know the misuse is wrong. That is a sin. the 11th Commandment is not thou shalt not drink any alcohol. But it gives dangers and it gives limits, I think. How about you, Alex?
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. And you know, the Bible, I mean, clearly, I believe that when Jesus turned water to wine at Cana of Galilee, that that was real wine. I mean, that was fermented grape juice. But, you know, it's interesting. There is the Mishnah, which are Jewish, teachings that were handed down for hundreds of years, and really kind of codified almost 2,000 years ago. The Mishnah teaches that the Jews in the wilderness would boil grape juice to prevent fermentation, or if fermentation had taken place, to sort of minimize or even, I don't know if they could boil it out of it. But at any rate, there was grape juice as a beverage that was not fermented, regardless of what means they did to achieve that. There was, you know, grape juice as a beverage not fermented, and then there was wine. But even the wine was, to be, experienced with the strongest possible warnings against the abuse. In fact, you know, Paul to Timothy talked about it in a medicinal sense, you know, And I think when Paul said, take a little wine for your stomach's sake, I think that was really almost like a medicine. Certainly not something to be abused. One thing we clearly know, and Bert, I know there have been different Christians with different convictions about this. but categorically, drunkenness is a sin and is forbidden. You know, I just think that really, for a lot of reasons, and I'm not a legalist, I'm really not a legalist, but I think it can compromise your witness for Christ. you know, I don't know. I just think it's. It's dangerous, you know, but that in Europe, I've been to Europe, and Christians over there, it's not like it is here in America. Christians freely, drink, but I don't know that alcohol abuse is quite the same as it's been here in America. I will say this. I'll throw it back to you. alcohol is a multi, multi, multi billion dollar business. But there's been a pretty. The human cost that's gone with that has been immeasurable, hasn't it?
>> Bert Harper: It has. If you've pastured as long as I have, over 50 years now, man, I've been at it and see the heartache, the damage, the death that alcohol has caused. I just want to tell you the wisest thing you can do is what Proverbs says is be wise about it. And with water that is pure medicine that we have and the joy that we can have in Jesus Christ, I don't see the purpose of it in a Christian's life. I'll just put it that way, Alex. And I am biased against it. I come to it that way. right now I can say I know the damage that it does. It is horrible. It is severe.
>> Alex McFarland: One of the very first funerals. Burt, forgive me for interjecting, but I did a funeral, 20 years ago. The local funeral home called me, and, it was, two boys in a car, and they were like 18 or 19, had graduated high school. One was headed off to college, but they wrapped a car around a tree. They were two or three times the legal limit. Drunk. And I'm telling you, that will change your perspective.
>> Bert Harper: You who are out there, that's young enough, that's never started. I wouldn't start. Those of, you that are participating lightly, I would quit.
Samuel calls from Pennsylvania with question about broken relationships
Because here's what you do, and I know we're spending a lot of time on this because I think it's a dangerous issue. What you do under stress is turn to that which is familiar. You want the safety. You want it. And I've seen it, I've seen it dozens of times that men and women that had broken off because of their past, they hadn't completely dealt with it when the. Things got rough. There's a tendency to go back to it in alcohol and drugs, especially alcohol is one of those. Randy, I know we spent a lot of time on that, but, maybe it's helped some people make up their mind to say, I'm going to be wise. I'm going to be wise and trust the Lord. Thank you, brother. Let's go to Pennsylvania and talk to Samuel. Samuel, thank you for calling.
>> Caroline: Shalom to you, everybody. Yes, both of you are incredible in what the Lord has done through your life and personal testimony. I wish I am in your area to attend your services, but I am here anyway. Question is, we all know we are saved by grace, by the blood of Jesus. Amen.
>> Bert Harper: Yes.
>> Caroline: What is my question? And I have given to many rabbis and to Catholic priests and to pastors, and I don't have a, solution. Excuse me, I don't have an answer that can satisfy. Question is, what Ananias, Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin and the Pharisees did after the third day when our Lord resurrect by the. By the power of the Holy Ghost and 500 other witnesses resurrected to what they did, what Pilate did in comparison to what the cowards see of him trying to free Jesus. But then, oh, wait a minute. If you free Jesus, then you are not a friend of Caesar, etc. Etc. He was, turning into two sides. And, I believe Pilate was, believing in his heart.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, Samuel, thank you. I think we got that. Alex, you got enough. And we'll hold the answer on the other side of the break. You're listening to Exploring the Word here on the American Family Radio Network. Bert and Alex with you today on Fire Away Friday. And if you want to get in the queue, that number is 888-589-8840. We'll be right back.
Tomorrow Clubs help kids and teens in forsaken places follow Jesus through discipleship
Wherever the gospel goes, lives are changed. Lives like Sonya's. When Sonia came to a Tomorrow Club, she had little reason to hope for a better future. As Armenian refugees living in a remote community in the Republic of Georgia, life was still desperately hard for Sonya and her family. The recent death of her baby brother had made things even worse, and her mother had fallen into a deep depression. At the club, Sonia heard the Gospel and her faith began to grow as she attended weekly club meetings. Soon a small church grew out of the Tomorrow Club, and Sonya prayed her mother would come to the church. Sonja's prayers were answered. Her mother came, surrendered her life to Christ, recovered from her depression, was baptized, and now leads the Tomorrow Club, where her daughter found partnering with local churches, Tomorrow Clubs help kids and teens in forsaken places learn to follow Jesus through long term discipleship. To learn more about how Tomorrow Clubs are reaching young hearts and minds For.
>> Alex McFarland: Christ, visit TomorrowClubs.org that's TomorrowClubs.org all gifts are tax deductible.
Dr. Tony Evans says there's a fashion every Christian ought to be making
Dr. Tony Evans says there's a fashion.
>> Bert Harper: Statement every Christian ought to be making.
>> Alex McFarland: He'll tell us what it is today. And as we spend two minutes with.
>> Bert Harper: Tony, you can know what football team a player, is playing for by the uniform he's wearing, the clothes he has on. You can know what branch of service a person is serving in in the United States military by the clothing they wear. Army, Navy, Marines. You can tell by the clothing what they are associated with the team or the branch of service. Clothing identifies you. We have too many naked Christians. They're walking around spiritually nude because they don't have the kingdom uniform on. They're not visibly, publicly, clearly, but unapologetically identifying with Jesus Christ. And if you can't be known as a follower of of Christ, let's get this straight. Not a believer in God. Okay, that's not what he's talking about. He's talking about a follower of Jesus the Christ. Then you're not identified with his kingdom rule, which means he is not going to share with you his kingdom power. The job of the Holy Spirit is to take heaven and bring it to earth and empower you with it so that God's resident in you, on you, upon you, becomes visible through you.
>> Caroline: Learn how having the power and presence.
>> Bert Harper: Of God on the inside changes you on the outside. Check out Tony's book, the Power of the Holy Spirit's Names, available online@tonyevans.org then join us next time for two minutes with Tony.
Alex: It's all because of mercy. It's not because I'm worthy
However, as it is written, what no.
>> Alex McFarland: Eye has seen, what no ear has heard and what no human mind has.
>> Bert Harper: Conceived, the things that God has prepared for those who love him. First Corinthians 2.
>> Caroline: 9.
>> Bert Harper: American Family Radio.
>> Alex McFarland: I know the only reason I can stand here unashamed name. It's not because I'm worthy. It's all because of mercy. There's no way that I could earn it. Praise God, my debt is paid. It's not because I'm worthy. It's all because of mercy.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. We get that one. Go ahead, Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. God's mercy.
Samuel asks question about Sanhedrin who crucified Jesus
Welcome back to the program. It's exploring the word, the numbers. Triple 858-98-8840. And we've got a caller on the line. Hey, could we restate that question from right before the commercial, please?
>> Bert Harper: Go ahead, Samuel. Samuel, go ahead with your question. Yeah, yeah.
>> Caroline: The Sanhedrin, the people who crucified the Lord, all the drama that was there, what they did. Do we have any explanation from Josephus, Erasmus, Flavius or Eusebius or anything like that? Because after the resurrection, 500 were resurrected with the Lord. Pilate knew what's happening. So any reaction from them or anything that is written.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, I got. I think we got it, Alex. Let me make this, and I'll throw it to you. Alex. A lot of times, Samuel, people make willful choices when the evidence is there. But desiring not to face it, they believe the lie and they chose the evidence of the resurrection is real. They knew it, but they did not want to. It's usually for a reason, Alex. And most of the time, it has something to do with power or money. Go ahead, Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, and like the caller mentioned, there were up to 500 eyewitnesses after the resurrection. Paul records this in First Corinthians, chapter 15. The caller said, what would they have done? Okay, so you've got to understand, the Sanhedrin was this council of 70 men. They were scholars. You know, literally, what the name means is the sitting S I T T I n g. So the Sanhedrin were people that sat around and thought up, you know, the operations of the temple. But they were, you've got to understand, in Jewish life, I mean, they were so authoritative and they wielded a lot of influence. But, you know, Bert, in the Book of Acts, you know, they were, debating. They said, what are we going to do? The whole world has gone after this man, Jesus. And wouldn't, that be great if the whole world did follow Jesus? And do you remember what Gamaliel said? That, Hey, look, we better back off, because if Jesus is the Savior, we're fighting against God, but if the, you know, if, if he wasn't, it'll fizzle out, so let's just leave it alone. And somebody said, hey, are you following him as well? But the Sanhedrin and the religious authorities that call for the crucifixion of Jesus, I mean, their authority was severely compromised and, and even so, to this day. And by the way, you know, 40 years later, of course, Rome would ransack Jerusalem, and In March of 70 A.D. israel ceased to exist. But, I think they made a decision that sealed their doom and irrelevancy.
>> Bert Harper: Ultimately, Bert, I do, too. And it was willful. it was not based upon what they observed and saw and heard. It was based upon a willful choice against that. And let me just urge. Don't you do that concerning Christ. turn to him. Turn to him quickly. Thank you, Samuel. And keep listening, brother. Let's go to Mississippi. Jerry. Thank you for calling.
>> Caroline: Thank you, sir. Pleasure to speak with y' all. Thank you so much.
>> Bert Harper: Yes, sir. Thank you.
>> Caroline: I have for you, I have, Dr. Jeremiah, King James, Bible, study Bible, enjoying it immensely. But I need a really good study God. I need. I need a. An education, if you will. Do you have any suggestions?
>> Bert Harper: Is this for the whole Bible or sections of it or parts of it, or subject?
>> Caroline: All the above.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, let me. Alex, you got any off the top of your head?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, let me say this. And first of all, I commend you for desiring to study the Bible and to know God's Word. I mean, if there's anything that Bert and I stand for, it's integrating God's Word into our life. And, I'm glad you've got one of the David Jeremiah study Bibles. I love study Bibles. I really do. And I love to recommend them. And I, I own quite a few study Bibles. There's one. and you could. The. The beautiful thing, some of these resources that we recommend, you can find them on ebay or somewhere for just really inexpensively. But Liberty University put out a study Bible. In fact, I've got one right here. I'm going to tell you a little publishing secret. The Liberty Annotated Study Bible. Hundreds and hundreds of notes. It's really good. But if you look at Thomas Nelson, this is identically the same as one called the Believer's Study Bible. Really great. Then let me recommend a book, and it's called To Understand the Bible, look for Jesus. Now, this was written by Norman Geisler. G E I S L E R Just a really great scholar. He's in heaven now, Bert, just a, basic how you see Jesus in every chapter on every page. To understand the Bible, look for Jesus. You could probably find that book very inexpensively almost anywhere. And one more thing that I'm going to throw out there, and this is kind of, off the beaten track, but it's phenomenal.
Jerry: I think there are some resources that might help pastors. And again, you're not going to spend a ton of money
Henry, Morris. Bert, did you ever hear of Dr. Henry Morris?
>> Bert Harper: Oh, yes, yes, yes.
>> Alex McFarland: He was a creationist, a highly, highly educated man and a great scholar. he did something called the Defender's Study Bible. And it came out, I don't know, 20 years ago. And it's an apologetics Bible. And yes, there are hundreds and hundreds of notes explaining the verses, but there are many appendices and there are these very short chapters about, like, biblical worldview and defending the faith and how archaeology proves the Bible. And again, you're not going to spend a ton of money. I don't know. I bet you could go online and find it. But Dr. Henry Morris, the Defenders Study Bible. those are just some resources that I think you'll. You'll be stronger in the word than probably most pastors.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, Jerry, let me recommend something. Just study guides. And one, you can go to lifeway.com lifeway.com lifeways, one word. And there's an area there for Bible studies, and there's some called Bible Studies for Life. And you can go through that and you can scroll down and find out maybe the area you want to start with that has age groups. And I'm looking at it right now, and you, can look at that, and I think you could find something that might help you and aid you, in addition to the Bible study Bibles. The study Bibles. But they're great. so anyway, I hope that helps, Jerry. Thank you, man. And keep digging in the word.
Karen believes once you become a Christian, your name is written
Let's go to Arkansas. Karen, thank you for calling. Hi. I sure enjoy your program.
>> Alex McFarland: Since I've moved here a year and a half ago, I've enjoyed your program.
>> Bert Harper: you are so knowledgeable.
>> Alex McFarland: Somebody, said on the radio the other day about, well, it said, I've always believed once you become a Christian, your name is written in the book of life. And they, said something about it.
>> Bert Harper: Being written in ages. But now what is that?
>> Alex McFarland: What are they talking about?
>> Bert Harper: Okay, let me share this and I'll throw it to Alex. Alex, you've got some different record keepings in the Bible, the Book of Life, the Lamb's Book of Life. Are they different or is it just they leave off the lambs and all of it is the Book of Life. What do you recognize in that?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, the Bible is a little bit, vague on this and some have wondered if everybody's name is in the Lamb's Book of Life. But it gets, blotted out as they reach the age of accountability and sin. And then you come back to Jesus and, your name is put back in the Lamb's Book of Life. I don't know exactly. I know one of the very famous scriptures about this is in Revelation, chapter 22, and it says, you know, that the books were opened and whosoever was not found in the Lamb's Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. And so the. I'll put it this way, and this is, I can guarantee how you can know that your name is in the Lamb's Book of Life by praying and put it, putting your faith in Jesus, you know, Amen. what do you believe about this? It says that the books were opened and men were rewarded or punished according to their deeds. And whosoever was not found in the Lamb's Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. So, how God keeps all of his records. I'm not saying that I completely know, but here's the thing. you can guarantee that your name is in the book of salvation or the Lamb's Book of Life by putting your faith in Jesus.
>> Bert Harper: He knows those who are his. That's the bottom line. Karen, God knows those who are his. He knows our heart. He knows our heart better than we do. And once we come to know Jesus Christ and we do follow him, we, we are saying we're yours. Alex, I've been looking for the Word and I still think the Word is surrender. You can say it any way you want. What did I do as a 12 year old boy? Yeah, I trusted Jesus. I asked him to forgive my sin. But what I did, I surrendered to Him. And I said, lord, I am yours. you know, you died for me. So if you'll surrender your life to him. And after that, the Bible says you've been bought with a price. The price has been paid for you. Walk with him. And Alex, knowing Jesus Christ, you're in the Book of Life, that matters. The Lamb's Book of Life and whether it was all written and the ones that didn't trust him were written out and yours remained. Make sure. Yours is in the book of life. Karen, thank you so much. Appreciate it. Glad you moved. Let me say this Karen, glad you moved to Arkansas so you could get a radio station. Go ahead Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Probably the definitive passage on this would be Revelation 20:12 through 15. Revelation 20:12 through 15. I would encourage people to read that.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, thank you again, Karen. Let's go to Oklahoma. Tyrone, thank you for calling.
>> Caroline: Yes, thank you for taking my call.
There's a church that I know of that seems to be preaching false doctrine
I did have a question and like the Bible is seem to be revealed so much when you, any situation that comes up. If you look at in that standpoint, it seems like it's nothing new under the sun. But however I left a. There's a church that I know of that seems to be preaching false doctrine. And also when I confronted the, the person involved, they, I was looking for a biblical, you know, ah, reply but instead I was giving a. Shown a paperback written by some rabbi based on a certain fact. And that didn't line up with the Bible issue whatsoever. And I decided to leave on good terms. I just left it up to the Holy Spirit. But after I left there nobody seemed to know anything but they just was in lock agreement with everything that was said. And so I got tired of being you know, criticized when I was just you know, saying that that didn't jive with them. So I just left there. But I've been wondering should I. And when people ask why I left, I just don't give a reason. But I just wondering am I just leaving those that there in. In harm's way that still remain in the congregation?
>> Bert Harper: Tyrone, thank you for calling. I just want to tell you sounds like you're a Christian gentleman, I'll put it that way Alex, but let me go. Let me give you a big thing, taken place in the last few years and that's the United Methodist Church and thousands of those churches that had invested themselves in the ministry of, of a great ministry in the past found them wavering biblically and just they had that way and they tried and tried to correct it. They could not and thousands have left. Alex, there is a time to leave. Tyrone I think you do leave as a Christian. But sometimes Alex, if it's false, false doctrine and people ask you, I believe you need to give a reason for the answer that is in you. I think that is one of the things. Go ahead Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, you know, there is a time theologically to you know, walk away, dust your feet off and walk away. And there are preferential Things, you know, the color of the carpet or things like that that we're just not going to lose any sleep over. But if it's, Jesus, the one and only savior, Christ, the son of God, who died on the cross, rose from the dead, shed his blood to wash our sin away. And I would say this, Bert, because the Bible is God's word. what the Bible says about creation, what the Bible says about morals, marriage, the human race, gender, and yeah, even, you know, our fidelity to the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. Genesis 12 talks about standing with Israel, but then even Romans 1:16 talks about that the gospel is to go to the Jewish nation. I've had preachers say that, well, the Jews are saved because they're Jewish. No, the Bible says that all people to go to heaven, we must be born again. So, Bert, I think that's one of the blessings that you and I have tried to. And, ah, we give God the glory, but we've tried to set out what are the theological non negotiables and what are areas where we can give grace and give space. And I don't think we should ever be cruel or rude to anybody. But there are times that I've had to say to some, even one time friends, you know, I have to stand where the Bible stands. God's word says this. There's no savior but Jesus. Marriage is between a man and a woman. love you, brother. You're in my prayers. But, the Bible is God's word, not you and I with our opinions.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. It is. Tyrone. we hope you've found a great church that preaches the word, stands on the word, that's missional, and has that fellowship that is so important to be with Christ. Hey, we got the last segment coming up. We've got people that's called in. We can't wait to get to their questions. Don't go away. As we discuss more about what God says. President Trump made it clear the government.
>> Alex McFarland: Will not go along with the woke agenda.
>> Bert Harper: Sadly, the gender radicals have intensified their.
>> Alex McFarland: Attacks on our families.
>> Bert Harper: Would you sign the petition urging President.
>> Alex McFarland: Trump to stand strong in his resolution.
>> Bert Harper: To stop the LGBTQ agenda in the government and in America. And please consider a gift to keep AFA action in the fight. To thank you for that gift gift, we'll send you the DVD in his image. Visit afaaction.net today.
>> Alex McFarland: Afaaction.net when you face a decision and you're not sure which option most honors God, how do you determine what you should do. Thankfully, the Bible gives clear principles to help you navigate the gray areas of life. Learn what those principles are. As John MacArthur continues to make a, a plea for discernment. That's the title of his study on the next Grace to you.
Tomorrow Clubs provide Christ centered discipleship for children and teens in underserved countries
>> Bert Harper: In the darkest corners of the world, hunger, abuse, lack of clean water and shelter are everyday realities. Tomorrow Clubs is a ministry motivated by the Great Commission to bring God's love.
>> Alex McFarland: And the hope of the Gospel to these forsaken places.
>> Bert Harper: Here's an update from a team leader. One of the greatest impacts Tomorrow Clubs have had is in raising a whole generation of Christ followers. More than half a million children have learned to follow Jesus in their Tomorrow Club and tens of thousands have gone on to become leaders in their churches and communities. A great many of the leaders serving at Tomorrow Clubs today came to faith in a Tomorrow Club and this new generation of Christ followers has brought revolution, revival to dying churches and transformation to communities. Tomorrow Clubs provide Christ centered discipleship for children and teens in underserved countries.
>> Alex McFarland: To learn more about how you can.
>> Bert Harper: Partner with Tomorrow Clubs to reach the world For Christ, visit TomorrowClubs.org that's TomorrowClubs.org all gifts are tax deductible. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to Him.
President Trump says he is not interested in regime change in Iran
My name is Abraham Hamilton III and this is the Hamilton Minute on Air.
>> Alex McFarland: Force One en route to the NATO.
>> Bert Harper: Summit in the Netherlands, President Trump plainly stated that he is not interested in regime change in Iran. Concerning the matter, he said, I don't want it. I'd like to see everything calmed down as quickly as possible. Regime change takes chaos and ideally we don't want to see so much chaos. So we'll see how it goes. President Trump's opposition to regime change Comments follow his announcement of a resumed ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Listen each weekday from 5 to 6pm Central for the Hamilton Corner with Abraham Hamilton III, public policy analyst for the American Family Associ.
Bert Carland: God is good all the time
Lately I've been wrestling with everything Cause.
>> Alex McFarland: Everything seems hard Been caught up in.
>> Bert Harper: The worry and anxiety keeps tearing me apart but I've been down and out before and every time I cry out to the Lord he meets me in my knee I've seen it I.
>> Alex McFarland: Believe.
>> Bert Harper: God is good all the time.
>> Alex McFarland: God is good all the time what a great song. that God is good all the time hey, we're going to resume phone calls. The number is Triple 858-98840. Bert, let me remind everybody, please be in prayer. We've been having a great speaker series all summer long in Myrtle Beach. We just had Gary Chapman not long ago. But coming up, I know this is a ways off, but we have Charlie Kirk August 21, and if you happen to be in the Myrtle beach area, just a great place to vacation. It's becoming a great place to get some biblical worldview training. My website is alexmcfarland.com conversations and also, Bert, I'm going to be over the weekend tweeting out some pictures. We had our youth camp in Georgia this week. Kids getting saved, kids getting grounded in God's word. that's what it's all about, isn't it, Bert? To know Christ, to pass the gospel on to upcoming generations, and our nation to be changed by people following the Lord. And so I hope you're a part of that, everybody.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. I'll be preaching at Ozark Baptist Church, where I'm interim pastor. And, it starts at 11:00 close to Marietta, Mississippi, here in Northeast Mississippi. Love for you to be there. If you're looking for a church home, we'd love to see you there. Let's go to the phone lines and go to Virginia. Joy, thank you for calling.
>> Caroline: Oh, good. Thank you all so much for taking my call.
Alex: Joy, there are some great church history books out there
mine's a little. I think this is Ask for the Book day. I have a nephew who was raised Mormon. I've been working with all of my family who's not Christian, and I truly believe he's become a Christian. And he's just devouring, you know, books and Bibles, and he actually bought one with a Greek and, and, Hebrew translation because he wanted to see word for word. He was getting the right thing. Well, now he's going through classes in the Catholic Church, and so he's talking about things for church history. For example, the Catholics didn't add books to the Bible, what I would call the Apocrypha, but in the Council of Trent was taking it out. Well, I've never really studied church history, so I was looking for a book that gave me a background on that so I could have conversations with him.
>> Bert Harper: Thank you, Joy. Great. Alex, in college and seminary, besides the Bible teaching classes that I had from my professors, my second favorite was church history. I love history, and I, had great and great stuff. So there's some church history books out there. Have you got some you'd recommend to Joy?
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, let. Let me recommend a couple of books and Bert and I, we kind of have this, understanding. We never recommend a book that we ourselves have not read at least once. So when we come across really good resources, we enjoy recommending those. And so what you've got here, ma' am, there's not only church history, but there's also some of the theological history that's important. That being said, I'm going to recommend an author. And this is InterVarsity. IVP is on the spine. InterVarsity Press. Dr. Rick Cornish. C O R N I S H. I've recommended these to so many people. Okay. Well, one is called the Five Minute Church Historian. The Five Minute Church Historian. Super good. And in about 225 pages he goes over like all sorts of, happenings in the history of the church that are very significant from Christ's resurrection, Pentecost through the early Church era, the councils up through, through the Middle Ages, the Protestant Reformation. So. Dr. Rick Cornish, the Five Minute Church historian. But there's another one that goes with it called the Five Minute Theologian. And, and it's written in very simple language. Super duper easy to read. The Five Minute Theologian, Bert. He talks about throughout church history some of the theological struggles up to the present day. Like how do we know Jesus is the Son of God? what about the church? What about Israel? What about things like the canon of scripture? And even in the more modern era in the 1800s, was the birth of Christian, similar to Christianity but actually heretical, like the Jehovah's Witness, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the LDS that deny one or more core doctrines. So, there's so many I could name. you'll probably find these online. Very, very economical. Dr. Rick Cornish, the five minute church historian. And I would also recommend the five minute theologian.
>> Bert Harper: Let me recommend something, and it's really not a church history book. I had those and they were, man technical and I loved them in school. But anything that you can read about Peter Marshall, like From Sea to Shining Sea, about the church in America and how it affected it'll be good too. Joy. It's probably not going to answer a lot of those questions, but after you get those and you want something to see how God has involved himself in our lives, those are good as well. Thank you, Joy. And we pray for you to keep on ministering to your family. That's awesome.
Eric says he had an out of body experience while praying
Let's go to Texas and talk to Eric. Eric, thank you for calling.
>> Caroline: Yes, I had a comment. I've been walking with Lord for 44 years.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen.
>> Caroline: And in about my second or third year, I really got a hunger for the word. And you know, I mean I've got a thousand books probably and I just really wanted to eat it up. Well, one day I went in and laid down and I wasn't asleep. I think I was just in between. And all of a sudden I had an experience. And in my mind's eye, my soul came up out of my body. And when it did, I had this feeling of intense pleasure. It's like it was a whole body experience where every cell became alive to God. and it was very, humbling. I didn't talk about it for years because I didn't know what it was. But as I learned about the Latin, enrapture and the Greek catching away, I realized that the Greek talks about the act of catching away. And the Latin describes the feeling of being caught up.
>> Bert Harper: Well, you know Alex, one thing about Paul, you know, he was caught up in the third heaven and he says this. Whether in this body I do not know. spirit, I do not know. Only God knows. There are some things that can happen to us experientially. Okay, I know I, I know there's a time in my life when I said, okay God, I, I gotta know. I did wasn't doubting my salvation, but I was wanting to have all of God, God there was. I didn't want to miss out. And I said, God, whatever you have for me, this is what I want. I did my best say Lord, I'm yours. And I want to just tell you God's Holy Spirit just filled me. And that it's a feeling of ecstasy that I had. But I remember getting up from it, just praising God. Next thing I knew I was out there witnessing to people about God's grace. Any, let me say this Alex, and I want you to follow up anything that experiential like that. Okay. That you have that and I understand the Latin and the Greek. It should be followed, by a life choice of sharing your life with others. Alex, go ahead, take it away.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, you know, our encounters with the Holy Spirit and getting before God or you know, because we all, you know, Martin Luther, the great reformer, said that every day of our life is lived coram deo. In other words, in the presence of God, with whom we have to do, we have experiences. I've had just amazing experiences, feeling the joy of the Lord and just thinking about how good God is. But you want to make sure that anything you know, harmonizes with scripture. you know, what you described about kind of almost like an out of body experience. Charles Spurgeon was a great Baptist preacher in the 19th century, and he talked about, that he had an experience. He was praying and he felt the presence of God and he kind of almost left his body and he felt like he was in the presence of God, not even on earth anymore. And he said it was so intense. And he said it, he wanted to shout with joy and weep all in one. And he said, I'll never forget these words. He said I had to pray and ask God that he would stay his hand because in the presence of Christ, it was so intense. He said he just didn't think he could even live, you know. Now maybe Spurgeon got a little glimpse of heaven. Maybe you did. The only caution, the only caution I would give is make sure that any subjective experience, lines up, squares up with the objective word of God.
>> Bert Harper: Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: I love Joy. Burt. The other. About three weeks ago, we had finished our Montana camp, and we had about four dozen kids get saved. And it's four in the morning, and I'm driving to the, Rapid City, South Dakota airport. And I was out there. Didn't meet a car for three hours, and the sun was coming up. And I was just praising God for the beauty of his creation and, that the Goodmans came on the radio. What a beautiful day for the Lord to come again. I was weeping with joy. I was like, lord, you are so good. You're so good.
>> Bert Harper: Yeah.
>> Alex McFarland: but, hey, feelings are part of our Christian experience. But let's just make sure that those emotions and feelings always line up with what God's clear, objective word says.
>> Bert Harper: And that's why you want to spend time in the word spent. Because those experiential feelings do not take the place of being grounded in the word of God. Alex, when those line up, listen, you're ready to do great things for God. I really believe that with all my heart. Certainly did the Apostle Paul. And I would say Spurgeon as well. Let's go to Alabama. Justin, thank you for calling.
Alex, as a born again Christian, no Christian should do something illegal
Hey, guys.
>> Caroline: So, Alex, not too long ago at the conference with my, with my daughters, anyways, I was just calling to, kind of just spin off of, one of the first callers comments about the wine. And I was just going to comment that, you know, I would, I would throw marijuana in there too. You know, even though marijuana is not listed in the Bible. You know, I tried to Carry on and carry on m with the marijuana and try to justify it for so long, but really all I was doing is just hanging on to my own desires and you know, with, with like, you know, I've been to prison three times, you know, I used to be an IV user, you know, and I just hanged on, got rid of all those things, you know, and just hung on to the marijuana. Excuse me, I'm breathing hard. I've just been painting outside and like.
>> Bert Harper: I know it's hot here.
>> Caroline: guys.
>> Bert Harper: Justin, your testimony is clear. And listen, God gives warnings, Alex, and we need to heed those warnings and anything like that, that, it's replacing something that you need. And I'm going to use this illustration. My wife, years ago at the church where I pastored here in Tupelo, Mississippi for 28 years, we did something, I told you about it before. We did a, maybe a Christmas program. Yeah. And anyway, my wife and I were talking about what can we do with Otis? Because you got to have Otis if you're going to be in Mayberry. And Jan came up with my, this line. And Barney says, oh, Otis, you just don't seem the same anymore. And here's Otis's reply. He said, you're right, Barney, I don't seem the same. Because since I've given up the spirits, plural, alcohol for the spirit, the spirit of God, I don't need it anymore.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen.
>> Bert Harper: And listen, the joy of the Lord is our strength. And so marijuana, I, know they're trying to use it for medicinal purposes. And if they could restrict it and like I call restricted only for that, I think, well, there's probably a purpose for it. But I know marijuana now, the plants a lot more powerful than it used to be back even in the hippie days.
>> Alex McFarland: Alex, listen, I want to say I appreciate the caller calling in. I appreciate your honesty. you know, marijuana is still on the federal level an illegal drug, and it's been called a gateway drug because it leads to other things. And, let me just say this. I thank God, you know, even when I was in college and I went to UNC Greensboro and there were drugs all around. And I never, never, never ever had a part of that. Because even before I was saved, I just watched all the people that did that kind of stuff. Their lives were just unraveling. And so we got to remember as born again Christians especially, that we are stewards. That's why, you know, in First Corinthians 6, verse 12, the apostle Paul said everything is permissible. But not everything is expedient. Therefore, I will let nothing rule over me. And I'll just say this too, Bert. I was reading this morning an article about, vaping and how that a day of vaping contains enough lead as 19 packs of cigarettes. And I just want to say, as a born again Christian, pray about the stewardship of your body.
>> Bert Harper: Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: You know, and certainly no Christian should do something illegal like marijuana. And despite these dispensaries and these, you know, by the way, suddenly as medical marijuana was legalized, the whole wide world all of a sudden has glaucoma. It seems like it is, Hey, stay clean for Jesus. That's what I'm trying to say, folks. Stay clean. Hang on to your dreams. Stay clean for Jesus.
>> Bert Harper: Thank you, Justin. We're going to go to Arkansas. Jw, I noticed you have a personal testimony. Got about a, 30 seconds. Go ahead, man.
>> Caroline: okay, you've done everything that I.
>> Bert Harper: Ever wanted to do, but here's what I got. The man that wanted to know the Bible, he needs to listen to Yalls program every day.
>> Caroline: y' all are going to quote strippers scriptures that go and cover everything.
>> Bert Harper: But he also needs to read the Word.
>> Caroline: And the only thing that's true about the Word is it's the truth.
>> Bert Harper: I'm gonna leave you with one last thing. I got two seconds ago.
>> Caroline: They may have found the tooth. Didn't find a body.
>> Bert Harper: Jw, thank you. Way to wait to end fire away Friday. Great time testimony. And we do say Alex and I are going to do everything we can. We're going to stick to the word, aren't we, Alex?
>> Alex McFarland: We are, we are. And folks, hey, let me encourage you. Pray for this nation. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Be in church on Sunday. Be in the house of God on Sunday. Thank you for listening to Exploring the Word. If you would tell somebody about the American Family Radio Network. But most of all, tell everybody about Jesus Christ. Blessings to you.
>> Caroline: The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
>> Bert Harper: Faith, family, Freedom. American Family Radio. If God could speak, what would he say?
>> Alex McFarland: The Bible subjects itself to historical verification. He says, we saw this. We go to the Bible wanting to hear what the living God has to say to us.
>> Bert Harper: When God speaks, what does he say? The God who speaks? Visit stream.aca.net this is American Family Radio, a listener supporting ministry of the American Family Association.
>> Alex McFarland: For American Family News, I'm Robert Thornton.
Attorney General Pam Bondi applauds Supreme Court ruling on nationwide injunctions
Several rulings today from the Supreme Court Attorney General Pam Bondi applauds the Supreme Court ruling on nationwide injunctions.
>> Bert Harper: No longer will we have rogue judges striking down President Trump's, policies across the entire nation.
>> Caroline: No longer.
>> Alex McFarland: Today, in the 6, 3 opinion, Justice.
>> Bert Harper: Barrett correctly holds that the district court lacks authority to enter nationwide or universal injunctions.
>> Alex McFarland: While nationwide injunctions have been an issue for Trump this year, they were also an issue for his policies during his first term in office. The Supreme Court has upheld a Texas law on age verification for porn sites. Trey Dellinger of AFA Action applauds the decision.
>> Caroline: The ruling was an excellent ruling. It was an enormous win for everyone that is concerned about the impact of Internet pornography on kids and on our culture more broadly. The court held that historically, the First Amendment has not protected this kind of content, and, certainly has not protected this kind of content, for kids. The laws have always allowed, states to protect kids from this kind of content.
>> Alex McFarland: AFA was joined by legislators from 15 states in asking the court to rule for Texas.
>> Caroline: And the arguments that the court decided that turned the case closely tracked the arguments we made in our amicus brief. So we're thankful to the legislators that really brought prominence to those arguments. This is an enormous win for kids and enormous defeat for the pornography industry.
>> Alex McFarland: The ruling was 6 to 3. Pro Life supporters are celebrating a victory at the Supreme Court. Here's AFN's Bronson Woodruff. Kaitlin Connors is the political director for Susan B. Anthony Pro Life America.
>> Bert Harper: She said in an interview with afn.
>> Alex McFarland: Thursday's ruling is a major.
