Transcript

Bert King: The whole second chapter is concerning false teachers

>> Alex McFarland: The Bible. It's the word of God, sharper than any two edged sword.

>> Bert Harper: 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. Welcome to Exploring the Word. The Apostle Peter was so concerned about false teachers coming in and, and just, you know, doing away with truth, trying to confuse. And mainly it was because of covetousness and lust. That's what they did and he do in Second Peter. The whole second chapter is concerning false teachers. So when you come to the end around 20 and 21 and 22, which we hopefully will get to today, possibly not, and you start reading that and everybody talks about, oh, what's it talking about? You. He's still talking about false teachers. So keep that in mind when you're reading two Peter chapter two. Well, Alex, I'm enjoying the journey we've made through First Peter and now Second Peter. And I'm reminded again, before he got into chapter two of about, False Teachers, he laid out what truth was in chapter one, especially verses 19 through 21. And so we want to know truth. If we can really know truth, do you think we might could spot the eras?

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen. Bert, it's great to be with you and great to be in Second Peter chapter two. And you know, over and over the New Testament talks about sound doctrine and especially ministers are charged with teaching the right things, true things, sound doctrine about Jesus and his atonement on the cross and his deity. And Bert, when I think about the New Testament books that really help us stay on point and be orthodox and you know, the word orthodoxy is somewhat similar to the, the word for we get like an orthopedic surgeon, the, the setting of a broken bone or the rejoining of two things that had been separated and orthodoxy and is what will rejoin us to God and his Word. And some of the great doctrinal books. I think about Romans, I think about the book of Colossians, but definitely I think about first and Second Peter. And I know Peter is kind of renowned for being a fisherman and being very bold and you know, speaking his mind. But I want to tell you, first and Second Peter, they are powerhouse books of doctrine and, and sound theology.

>> Bert Harper: They really are. And I think it shows that he had spent time with Jesus and the Holy Spirit coming down and just helping him at the day of Pentecost and after that is demonstrated in these two books. One more thing I want to say when, you read, I would say First Peter, you'll find a lot of similarities to the book of James. When you read Second Peter, you'll find a lot of information in the book of Jude. And I love to say that because this is Peter writing, but again, different, but yet a lot of similarities with the other authors that wrote other books. and if you look for something that I would say gives you confidence in the word of God and what it says is how they complement one another. It's just like the four gospels. They complement one another. They don't tell four different stories about Jesus, they tell concerning who Jesus was, but they complement one another. Complete one another help you have a fuller understanding. So this is the power of the word of God and we want to dig into it today. And it's in chapter 10. And again, when we read this, Alex, I think it's really, really important to make sure everyone understands we're still talking concerning the false teachers. Notice how many times they are used T H E Y and it goes back to who he was talking about in the beginning, chapter two, verses one and two, when it says, but there were also false teachers among the people in the past, even as there will be false teachers among you. And the whole chapter deals with that. So that really helped me, I would say this to get into Second Peter, chapter two. And have an understanding of it that, that it's still talking about these false teachers.

>> Alex McFarland: Indeed, indeed. Yesterday we were, reading here about midway through chapter two. the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation. And verse 10 kind of turns a corner a little bit. those that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness. And it says in the King James, they despise government or order or the rule of law. And Bert, we're living in a very lawless time right now. presumptuous are they, self willed, not afraid to speak evil of dignities. you know, let me just say, when I'm out and about, every now and then I hear a lot of curse words. I just, you can overhear people, you know, at the store, out and about. People, you know, they, they drop profanities just without thinking about it. But Bert, something that just really grieves me. And I mean I, I go up and I, I try to be very polite and very humble, but I talk to people about this when they take the Lord's name in vain. And let me just say, according to the Bible, rebellion, a rebellious spirit is as the sin of witchcraft. And certainly the most rebellious action or sentiment of all would be to blaspheme the name of the Lord or talk evil about. About God. All right, look at verse 11, because, you know, people, false teachers, and then those that have been influenced by false teachers, that have just a spirit of lawlessness. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might than we humans, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord, but these, verse 12, as natural brute beasts made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they do not understand and shall utterly perish in their own corruption. let me say this, I'm going to throw it back to you, Bert. One thing about human beings that is a characteristic of maturity and really a mark of good character, and that is humility. And even if we don't understand something or don't know the reason why or don't necessarily agree, at least we can, be quiet and humbly, just, give deference to the other person. And I think about. I'm just going to say it about those that, that don't like President Trump. And I'll tell you one of the people that really is, if ever, there was the human personification of, of 2nd Peter 2, 12 brute beasts. In other words, just a dumb animal. I think about the actor Robert De Niro. I mean, that. That poor soul, he needs the Lord so badly. I've seen interviews with De Niro, and he just curses and curses President Trump and conservatives and that man, you know, he might have made a fortune, you know, on screen acting and pretending for a living. But, you know, I think about when, When I read about these, These fallen people that are. They don't even really comprehend how uninformed they are. And they curse, you know, verse 10 dignities or the rule of law, or the structure of order. they're cursing the moral foundation of the culture. And whether they know it or not, ultimately they. The God who is the foundation of morality, righteousness and truth. And it says that they're going to perish in their own words and destruction. And, you know, false actions are the result of false teaching and false assumptions. But, Bert, we're living in that time of rebellion and blaspheming, leaders and the structure of order. And God is a God of order. This is why, it's. And I'm not talking salvation here. I'm just talking about life and character and ethics. We should be people who play by the rules because God is a God of order. What say you, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: And Those that do not, do not listen. They do not understand. They have no credibility. So when you, when the people listen to people like De Niro or others, George Clooney, you can put a lot of people in there. A lot of the politicians, the Hollywood left. Yeah, this is where they are. Now. Why go back to verse 10 and tell you why. It gives you two reasons they do this.

Modern technology gives Dinero and others a voice that they would not have had before

They're presumptuous and self willed. Presumption had the idea that they know all. The second thing, self willed, everything is about me, so it's about them. It's not about God, it's not about country. Even, when you talk about these people that are speaking, the things they are concerning, I would. In my version it says dignitaries. And the literal translation is glories. In other words, God has his levels of authority. God is the ultimate authority. And then, he has other authorities. Part of that is government, part of that is churches. These are all different levels of authority that God has given to man. But when you're presumptuous and self willed and these false teachers were. Let me just say, Alex, I know it sounds. There's really nothing new under the sun. There have been these people, but because of the modern age in which we live, it gives Dinero and others a voice that they would not have had except in a small group that might not be shared with the whole world. But now because of what we have, which is good, it's great because of modern technology, exploring the Word is listened to all over, not just our nation, but in other countries. And so that's the blessing of modern technology. But while that is true, it also gives people like De Niro and others a voice. The other thing I want to say before we go on to verse 13 and following and it says, and we've already said, speak evil of the things they do not understand here. That is if. And what they don't understand is truth. Okay, since they are not truthful, guess what? They're going to, it's going to disguise them apart from God's holy word and apart from the Holy Spirit. It is what they do. They can't understand that which is right. So what are they going to do? They're going to discount it even to the point of blaspheming even that God. And so it always comes from the root. And that root is self willed, presumptuous, which is the what put into one word. Pride. Yeah, I want what I want. And when do I want it? Now.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, and you know, really, with wisdom comes the awareness that, there's people wiser than you. And, you know, this is a, story for you that are musical out there. there was a Hungarian musician who lived in the late 1800s named Franz Liszt. L, I S Z T. And he was, I mean, I think he had to be like one of the world's first celebrities, really. And he was such an incredible virtuoso that List composed music that people very few can even play. But he just adored Beethoven. And Beethoven had a piano, that he got in 1817, when Liszt would have been a little boy. And later Franz Liszt got, got this piano and acquired it. But they were going through a museum of Beethoven's artifacts. And at that time, Liszt was the greatest musician on the planet. Unbelievable skill. And the curator of this museum said, Liszt, you know, we know you admire Beethoven. Would you like to play Beethoven's piano? And Lis said, I'm not worthy to touch it. No, I thank you. And if anybody alive had been worthy to play Beethoven's piano, it was him. But there was some teenage boy that walked up and just started banging on it, just like, look at me, I know a C chord. Bang, bang, bang. And yet List, who truly was a musician, said, no, I'm not worthy. He was so humble, and yet he was probably a peer to Beethoven. My point is this, the farther our culture has gone from morality, humility, manners, etiquette, respect, the more we look like. Second Peter 2. These brute, blasphemous, erroneous beasts, we need to turn back to Christ.

>> Bert Harper: And they're deceived, but they're Deception will lead to corruption. We'll be back with more. We're living in a time when truth is under attack. Lies are easy to tell, easy to spread, and easy to believe. But truth, truth is costly. And nowhere is the cost greater than for mothers in crisis. When a woman is told abortion is her only options, silence and lie surround her. But when she walks into a preborn Network clinic, she's met with compassion, support, and the truth about the life growing inside her. That moment of truth happens through a free ultrasound, and it's a game changer. When a mother sees her baby and hears that heartbeat, it literally doubles the chance she'll choose life. PreBorn Network clinics are on the front lines, meeting women in their darkest hours, loving them, helping them choose life, and sharing truth. Friend, this is not a time to be silent. It's time for courage, for truth, for life. Just $28 provides one ultrasound, and the Opportunity for a mother to see her baby to help her choose truth and life. Donate today. Call £250 and say baby. That's £250, baby. Or give online at PreBorn AFR. That's preborn.com afr welcome back to Exploring.

>> Alex McFarland: The Word on American Family Radio. I will remember you're all I need. You are my healer, my remedy.

Tuesday is the day we maximize on prayer requests

Welcome back to Exploring the word. Alex McFarland, Burke Harper. And you may know, if you're a frequent listener, that Tuesdays, we take prayer requests. Now in the third segment after this, you're welcome to call in with Bible questions. But Tuesday is the day we kind of maximize on prayer. We pray for one another, and, we get some testimonies. People call in and they'll say, hey, two weeks ago I had a prayer request and, the Lord really came through for me. And so we love to hear all that. I'm going to go ahead and give the number, even though we're going to, teach through this segment. But we'll get to you in the third segment. But if you want to get in the queue and call in, the number is 888-589-8840. Triple 858-98840. And we would love to hear from you with, what's on your mind and what's on your heart in the prayer requests coming up. And, hey, by the way, Alex.

>> Bert Harper: We'Ll also take praises. I just wanted to throw that in. Go ahead, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know what? listen, this morning I was on the phone with Living Hope Church in Somerset, Pennsylvania. I'm going to be there this weekend. I get up there Friday, but Saturday and Sunday, all day Saturday, we have got a great event. We're going to be doing some biblical worldview teaching parenting. and we're going to go through the curriculum that I did with the American Family Film Division a couple of years ago on the 21 toughest questions your kids will ask about God and how do we impart a biblical worldview to our children? And so, if you. The pastor was telling me already that they have people calling and there are several that say they're going to drive. And I was talking to Pastor Roy from Living Hope. But if you are near, this is not far from Pittsburgh, Somerset, Pennsylvania. I'll be there Saturday the 25th, Sunday the 26th. And full information is at my own website, which is alexmcfarland.com Amen, Alex.

>> Bert Harper: We'll be praying for that, that it goes well. Praise, the Lord, for these churches that have you. And, let me just recommend Alex. he is no matter what, evangelism, the apologists, the equipping, and, matter of fact, you're going to be with us at the fishbowl retreat next week up in Pickwick Landon State Park. We've got pastors and w coming from different places, and Alex and I will be together to share. We're looking forward to that. But, we do. We'll be praying for Alex as you make your way to Somerset, Pennsylvania. Go ahead, man.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen.

Bert: Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death

Well, in verse 13 of 2 Peter, chapter 2, you know, before the break, we were talking about people that are fallen. And here's the thing. The nature that you have and that you feed is the nature that will have dominance. Now, we're born sinners. We need salvation. When you accept Jesus, your sins are forgiven. And like Paul writes about in Romans, you know, for the rest of your life, you're going to have to decide, are you going to walk in the spirit or yield to the temptations of the flesh. But these false teachers and their followers, these lost sinners that need Jesus, but that, they're not regenerate, they're not born again yet the only nature they've got is the flesh. And if you feed the flesh, you're going to be more fleshly. Vance Havner said this, and he was a great evangelist. Bert and I reference him, pretty frequently. But Vance Havner said, beloved, there is coming a day when what you are is what you will be forever. And, and I remember this bird is probably 35 years ago. I was listening to Vance Havner on the radio, and he was saying, look, if you're a born again believer, one day you're going to be with Jesus in a glorified state, a fixed state of glorification and joy and holiness and just bliss forever. But he said, if you leave this world unregenerate, said Vance Havner, then what you are is what you'll be forever. And so let me read verse 13. These shall receive the reward of unrighteousness as they that count it pleasure to riot in the daytime spots are they and blemishes sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you. All right. The reward of unrighteousness. Because, see, let me read 14 and, then I'll comment. Having eyes full of adultery that cannot cease from sin, beguiling or deceiving, misleading, unstable souls and heart they have exercised with covetous practices, cursed children which have forsaken the right way and are gone astray following the way of Balaam, the son of Bosaw, who loved the wages of unrighteousness. Okay, Bert, you know, Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death. folks, you're going to get, a paycheck at the end of your life. I mean, just like you work a job, you get a wage, well, you live a life. The wages of sin is death. Now, the reward of being born again and knowing Jesus is heaven and righteousness. But bert, imagine verse 13, the reward of unrighteousness and, separation from God. Hell, but for eternity to reap the harvest of the sin you've sown. it's frightening to even think about, isn't it, Bert?

>> Bert Harper: It really is. And again, notice what it says. The. It's wages. In other words, you, you, you're getting what you deserved. wages. If you live to the flesh, you will of the flesh reap corruption. If you live to the spirit, you shall of, the spirit reap everlasting life. So there will be what you are, is what you said, Vancehavener. You know it's going to be that way in eternity. Notice what it is. They count it. Pleasure. And the word is carouse. There, you heard that word carousing in the daytime. Now, guess when happen. No, at nighttime, when the real, you know, the demonic evil comes out. And, and here, no, they're so proud and they're so arrogant. Why? Because they're presumptuous and self willed in the daytime. And so this carousing, notice what it says in the last part of verse 13. This shows you these false teachers, you remember what it says. They come in secretly. Now here it is while they feast with you. Now this is probably talking about the love feast that they would have before they would celebrate the Lord's supper and what they would do. In those times, you had different people. The church was different than any other, grouping or anybody sharing. Because usually they would group. The poor stayed with the poor, the rich with the rich, the powerful with the powerful. But at the church, guess what? No. You had those that were m masters and those that were slaves. You had those that were rich and those that were poor. And a lot of times the poor didn't have a lot to eat. And so during this sharing time of the feast, that meant tho those wealthy people had enough to share with others and they'd do it gladly. These people would act like they were there and they were feasting with them. In other words, kind of like the wheat and the tares that Jesus referred to. yeah, Satan has his tares among the people where they meet, and they do not cease from, sin, but they beguile unstable souls. Now, here's what they're looking. We're talking about false teachers. They're looking for those that are unstable, those that are not grounded. They may be new in the faith. They may be of people that haven't grown like they should. They pray on, That's the word. Beguile. They trick them. They prey upon them, and they do it with lasciviousness and covetousness. Now, what does that mean? Lasciviousness has the idea of getting something physical from them, and it can be sexual. And the idea of the other covetousness is getting something from them. finances. And so they're. What are they doing? They're feeding their own appetite. Now, what is their appetite? It's nothing more than covetousness and lust. And they feed upon that. But here it is. They're going to get it later. Alex, they. It may look like they're living the life right now, but there's going to be a time when they're going to stand before God and, you know, listen, it's. That's the day you want to look for. That's what you're living for. The day that anybody stands before God. And the worst thing then these people going to hell is their false teachers. And they're trying to get people to follow them to go, and they're leading them not to truth, but the untruth without Jesus Christ.

Alex Bird: Verse 15 says people have forsaken the right way

>> Alex McFarland: M. Somber things to think about. Verse, 15 says that they have, quote, forsaken the right way. And I looked up the word there, and it's, the straight way or the true way. It's literally the word for truth. And remember, Jesus said that he is the way and the truth. And, you know, you've heard the old phrase, you know, about somebody ain't living right. Well, no, they're not. If they have forsaken, truth and morals and God and salvation and righteousness, they've forsaken the right way, gone astray. And it lists Balaam, and Balaam was a false God. You remember, even back in the Old Testament, they would. They would make sacrifices to Balaam.

>> Bert Harper: Now, Alex, in this. In this, the prophet, not the God.

>> Alex McFarland: well, yes, that was a false teacher, Balaam. That's true.

>> Bert Harper: He's the son of Beor yeah, B.

>> Alex McFarland: O S O R and you know, we read that also in the book of. Did we do Exodus before?

>> Bert Harper: Yeah, we did Exodus. And this is Balaam, that, you know, when he is bought off, he is a prophet, a gentile, and the king Balak wants him to come and curse the children.

>> Alex McFarland: I remember that.

>> Bert Harper: Now. This is a story. And he, he knew truth. But what. Guess what? His truth could be changed because what he loved the wages of unrighteousness. Again, there's that covetousness, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes. and there's, you know, the story that we spent a fair amount of time on. He was rebuked for his iniquity. The dumb ass, speaking with a man's voice, forbade the madness of the prophet that, you know, a, donkey corrected the false teaching of this prophet for hire. But here's my point. All false teaching, all error is really of the one who is called the father of lies because Satan wants to mislead people. Bert, you know, it's always struck me whenever we've witnessed to people that are involved in these, these cults and these false religions that, they just, they don't give the way of salvation, but they teach things that are just preposterous anyway. And it's almost like some people, I know people can be misled and people are vulnerable, but it's almost like some people are more anxious to hear that which is false than they are to hear that which is true.

>> Bert Harper: Well, go back to the Athens. They wanted always to hear something new. It did not matter what it was. I was wanting to hear something new. And there's people like that. Oh, this is new. And there's people that study the Bible, and, oh, this is different. And, you know, I've had folks, but, hey, brother Bird, let me show you something. And, you know, I said, okay, wait a minute, let me show you this scripture. So you, you, after you find the treasure, you dig in, into the treasure. And, yes, there's mercies new every morning, but here you stay with the truth. And that truth always start with Jesus Christ, Alex, you know? Yes. And then after what Jesus did, how, what Jesus said, how he lived, then you judge everything from that. He is the one that you judge it from. Even how to interpret scripture. It comes from the Holy Spirit, as Jesus said, I'm going to send the comforter, and he will lead you to all truth.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, you know, it's interesting to me that people have itching ears, and it's not that they want to Hear the things they need to be told, but the things they want to hear very often. And that's why folks, if you're desiring truth and you're desiring Jesus, you need to respond to that. Because it's not the world, the flesh, or the devil, but it's the spirit of God. I think in and of ourselves, we don't naturally desire repentance and, you know, humility before God and truth because we're very self, self willed, apart from the regenerative power of the Holy Spirit. But, you know, just as, as Balaam, it was back in the Book of Numbers that we did. Balaam, you know, he gave all these good prophecies. He was getting paid to prophesy evil against Israel. And the king of Moab would get infuriated because Balaam would prophesy good things. But the. Just like that, verse 17. These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest, to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever and ever. You know, if you have a will, you would assume it would have water. But if you have a minister, quote unquote, you would think that they could do ministry. But there's nothing. Just as a false teacher is vacuous and empty. Like a well would, be empty, or clouds. You think it's going to rain, but there's no rain. There's no substance in the, any teacher or ministry that denies the pure gospel of the Son of God that they really have nothing to offer.

>> Bert Harper: They do not. This whales is unique. I looked it up and wanted to see, and it's more like the word springs. When you dig a well, whether it has water in it or not, it's still a well. Now, it may be a dry well, and that's good. But these, if it's. If I'm. The Greek word, had the idea of springs. And it's the same word that Jesus talked to the woman of Samaria. Be water springing up to you, you know, and it's like that.

False doctrine gives false hope, false relief, Alex says

And if you have something that's a spring and the waters know it, not in it, it's no longer a spring. And here it is. These are just false teachers. They give false hope, false relief. Hear that, Alex? What does water do? It quenches the thirst. It gives you a relief. There is no relief in false doctrine. There is you. You may see it. No, no. There may be a temporary. Ha, but no. And then clouds without. No, it may be wind, it may see sight, but there's nothing in it. That's going to refresh. So, listen, you want to make sure Jesus Christ is lord of your life in teaching in every way. Your prayer request at 888-589-8840. If we lose this cultural war, we're going to have a hedonistic, humanistic society.

>> Alex McFarland: Discover the story of the culture warrior Don Wildmon and how he went head.

>> Bert Harper: To head with Hollywood playboy, the homosexual.

>> Alex McFarland: Agenda, and the Disney empire.

>> Bert Harper: The movement Don started paved the way.

>> Alex McFarland: For Christians to boldly stand for truth.

>> Bert Harper: And righteousness in a hostile culture. Watch Culture Warrior today for free. Visit CultureWarrior Movie from the morning to.

>> Alex McFarland: The evening I could sing your praise all, day from the prison to the garden. You're the God who's breaking chains when I look back.

Alex and Bert welcome back Exploring the Word. If you've got a Bible question

Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Alex and Bert, so honored that you're listening the number, and we would love.

>> Bert Harper: To hear from you.

>> Alex McFarland: If you've got a Bible question, a prayer request, or a praise, the number is 888-589-8840. And Bert, I praise the Lord for this radio show. We give God the glory that we get to do this every day. And, I'll start it off with a praise to God for our, our privilege of doing exploring the word.

>> Bert Harper: And I'll second that and say thanks the Lord for listeners and especially the callers. we. We couldn't have a second segment without the callers. Or third segment, I should say.

First caller of the day has a praise and a prayer request

So let's go to the first caller of the day, and it's from Iowa. It's Montana. Now, let. Make sure. I want to make this sure that I know it's a prayer request, but let me have a little, levity here. It's not Iowa from Montana, but it's Montana from Iowa, right?

>> Caroline: Correct.

>> Bert Harper: Okay. Montana. you'll have to excuse my sense of humor. I try to hold it.

>> Caroline: Okay.

>> Bert Harper: Okay. I know you have a prayer request. How could we pray for you?

>> Caroline: Yes, I have both a praise and a prayer request that go hand in hand. two weeks ago, on October 9th, I got engaged.

>> Bert Harper: Well, congratulations.

>> Alex McFarland: Congratulations.

>> Caroline: Thank you. And, when my fiance got down on one knee, since it was 10, 9, he read the verse to me. Mark 10, verse 9. So it's just very special to us. So I wanted to ask all of the listeners to pray for our marriage.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Can we have his name or you want to keep it to yourself?

>> Caroline: No, that's okay. His name is Alex.

>> Bert Harper: Oh, wow. Somebody else.

>> Alex McFarland: I want to read this. Did you say he read Mark 10, verse 9.

>> Caroline: Yes.

>> Alex McFarland: It says, that what therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. Oh, wow. I would say even in your engagement, you guys are off to a really good start. This is so wonderful. This is. We rejoice with you. And, Pastor Burr, would you. Would you pray? And when is the day? When are you guys getting married?

>> Caroline: It's not set yet, but we're thinking next summer.

>> Alex McFarland: Okay, wonderful, wonderful. Well, we want to cover this in prayer. And, Bert, would you lead us?

>> Bert Harper: And we're inviting all of those of you here, you can pray along as well. Father, I thank you for Montana. Thank you for her heart. It just comes across as someone seeking you and loving you. And I pray for Alex, and I thank you that he would. He would know the scriptures enough that. And relate it to that date and then the scripture. And as Alex said, thank you for that startup. And, Father, we're praying that you would help them in their marriage. May they serve one another, Father. May they seek your will, and may, you bring those things that they have in agreement together, but those things that are different than each other, let them understand that their strengths, honestly, because they complete one another, and one of them's weaknesses is possible. Another one's strength. Let them understand that and realize that. And, Father, may you guide them and may you bless their marriage as they serve one another. May they serve you in Jesus name. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Montana, thank you.

Prayers sought for Katie and Beth as they care for their elderly father

What a. What a prayer request to start off, and we do appreciate that so much. Let's go to Georgia and talk to Katy. Katy, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Hey, thank you for taking my call. I, wanted to ask for prayer from this huge prayer group for wisdom for my sister Beth and me as we seek to make wise decisions as we care for our Father. We live in three separate cities, and Daddy is 81 now, and we just want to make sure that we're doing what God would have us do, to care for him in the best way and not neglect him or have him any situations that would not be the best. So I would just ask if y' all would help us. Pray for us, do the right thing for our daddy.

>> Bert Harper: Katy, thank you. As a father, with children, you have touched my heart because, you know, it's. It turned. If we live long enough, it turns that way. Thank you for your desire that you and Beth. Alex, would you mind praying for Katy and Beth?

>> Alex McFarland: Let's pray, Father. God, we thank you that, you give us family and our parents raise us, and then very often, we return the favor when our parents are elderly. And I just pray for these siblings that they will have wisdom and Lord, that they will realize this is such a ministry, this is a God honoring thing to look after our parents and it requires, resilience and strength emotionally, financially, spiritually. So give them the measure of your strength and anointing that they're going to need help, things to go well. I pray there'd be no, you know, family kind of static or anything, but even though it's, it's hard in ways and it grieves us when we see our parents, you know, age and go downhill. But Lord, this is, this is great ministry. And so, Lord, just as Montana was getting engaged and we were praying for that and this care of the, the dad, we're praying for that. Father, I pray your Holy Spirit would give just a restoration of the American family. And Lord, that we. The Bible tells us marriage is honorable and, and it is good when brethren dwell in unity and sisters and family members. So spirit of the living God, bless and grow the American family and especially this, family. Now with the issues of elderly parents, and many are dealing with that, we commit them all to you. In Christ's name I pray. Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Thank you, Alex. Katy, thank you for calling.

Dana is asking for prayer for her brother Craig who has stage four cancer

Okay, Brent, I understand we had a prayer request coming in. We've got, three actually. Dannah is asking for prayer for her brother Craig. He has stage four cancer. And also Parker Humber, whose organs are shutting down. And then we have Alexis. She is wanting prayer for an 18 year old CO, worker named Jamiah. Jamiah is pregnant and really wanting an abortion. Alexis is trying to convince her otherwise. Okay, man. Craig, Parker and Jeremiah, we want to be praying for them. Alex, Artif, I'd lead us in this prayer, please. Father, we're just coming to you. Thank you for these. That would get, on Facebook or whatever to let us know that they're listening and they are desiring prayers. And so we're praying for Dannah, concerning her brother Craig and Father, we're asking for victory. We pray for Parker and Father, some things happening there that is so difficult and hard physically, and I'm sure it happened, it, it affects you emotionally, spiritually. So I'm praying, God, that you would intervene, do your work. And Father, for Jamiah, who is contemplating taking the life of that child that's inside her womb, I pray God that you would give Alexis everything she needs to be that friend that shares. I'll walk this with You, I'll find you help. And I pray that Jeremiah would see the need for life. And we, we come. Father, just asking it right now, all over America and possibly even in other countries, there's people praying for Jeremiah right now. That she would see what, you could see that that child is precious in your eyes. And the only difference in that child being born and where that child is is time and location. So Father, I pray that you would, she would have the victory in life. In Jesus name. Amen. Amen. M. Amen. Thank you. Thank you, Brent.

We need to continue praying for those affected by the government shutdown

>> Alex McFarland: So much to pray about, isn't it?

>> Bert Harper: Oh, listen, and we realize that on, you know, on Tuesday. So let's keep on. Let's go to North Carolina and it's Deborah. Deborah, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Yes, this is Deborah, North Carolina, a friend of mine, Mary, she's in a lot of pain. He's has ah, she's back pain. She went and got three shots and then she said the pain, the shots worked a little bit, but the pain is in the groin area and went down through the leg. So we could really pray for Mary. She's in a lot of pain.

>> Bert Harper: And that's Mary, right? Mary, yes. Okay, Alex, you lift up a prayer for Mary.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes, absolutely Father. We pray for Mary. She's in pain. Lord, touch her physically, help this pain to go away. Let her get the proper medical care. But not only that, touch her spiritually. And I thank you for carrying people everywhere that we stand. We've got each other's back because we're lifting each other up in prayer, especially Mary there. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Kathleen has let us know that we need to continue praying for those people involved in the government shutdown. the pain is beginning to catch up with some of those workers and that are valuable workers and so we want to pray for that. So thank you Kathleen. Go ahead, Alex.

U.S. citizen under investigation in India for allegedly sharing gospel

>> Alex McFarland: folks might have seen it in the news today. A 58 year old US citizen remains under investigation in India following, accusation that he did, he broke the law, by sharing the gospel in India. it's a man named James Watson. And here's the thing. is it Modi or Modi?

>> Bert Harper: Modi.

>> Alex McFarland: Modi, yeah. In India has really escalated persecution against the church. And this U.S. citizen who, his whereabouts are unknown as of October 11th. he went to the church. I've got a very dear friend in North Carolina. Daryl Davis was at Bailey Baptist, this is east of Raleigh. And this man was a member of that church for like 10 years and I know they emphasize evangelism. So apparently he was in India talking to somebody about Jesus and he's been arrested. And Bert, you. There's persecution that seems to be escalating around the world against Christians is China, Nigeria and India. So if we could just remember to pray for this individual and the church at large all around the world.

>> Bert Harper: Father, we're praying for this individual there in China, in India, excuse me, that has possibly been arrested. We don't know, they don't know where he is. But God, you know. And I pray God that you would speak peace to him even in the midst of suffering. This is what we talked about in first Peter, the suffering that ah, was taking place then, suffering at different places in the world that has been since then. And that is really going on now. So we pray and for those believers in India and those that are working, I pray God that you would just do a work in Modi's life to confront him with truth and that he would turn away from this persecution. We praying for the believers in Nigeria, we're praying God that you would do that work in their life. And China, we've had those pastors of the home churches arrested. And again it's taken place, it's fresh, it's new. Father, comfort them, strengthen them. And may we as brothers and sisters in Christ, may we lift them up in Jesus name. Amen. Thank you Alex, so much.

Martina calls with question about how to witness to young children

And next let's go to. Yeah, to Chris in Texas. Chris, go right ahead.

>> Caroline: Yes sir. I just had a question about my friend. He has two young girls and I'm real close with him but he hasn't taken the church. And I was just wondering if you could give me. I don't have kids. I was just wondering if you could give me any starting point on how to witness to a nine year old child. Because I don't, I mean, should I have no idea how to start that?

>> Bert Harper: Alex, don't you have some books that help with those children that might help, help Chris to give it to his friend?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. If you would go to my website which is Alex McFarland.com, there's a tab what does God Say? you'll find it on there. And the full title is what does God say about my Relationship with Him. Now that's written at a seventh grade reading level and it's very simple explanation of the gospel. But I just think John 3:16 is hard to beat for God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son that whoever believes in him would not perish, but would have everlasting life. And Bert, I've often used the illustration about when maybe we do something wrong and our parent says, you know, don't cross that street alone. If you go out in that dangerous street, I'm going to have to punish you. And the child does it. Well, imagine, you know, getting forgiven. Not only does the parent rescue you from danger, but you get forgiven of the guilt. I mean, there. I think with, children and childhood, there's a lot of opportunities for illustration. you know, Bert, I've got to say this. Well, we have calls waiting, don't we?

>> Bert Harper: We do, but.

>> Alex McFarland: Okay.

>> Bert Harper: Just two children as well. Sure it does. Let's stay. Let's go to Mississippi. Martina, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Praise the Lord. How y' all doing today? I thank y' all for taking my call.

>> Alex McFarland: God bless you.

Martina has a question about repentance and faith

>> Caroline: I have a question. I've called him before, and I really enjoy listening, you guys. And I heard, Alex. I keep getting her names mixed up sometimes, my father, about the gospel and repentance. And I was trying to get the understanding. They go hand in hand, right. Because I know Jesus said, to repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. But when you were talking to somebody called you, I didn't, I don't know if you kind of like. I didn't get a clear understanding of what you were telling them. And I was trying to get a clear understanding because I learned to say what the word of God says. People try to back you into a corner.

>> Caroline: And try to make you back. Panel and face stuff.

>> Bert Harper: Alex, can you do. Martino, Time is running out. Give Alex time to respond real quickly. Martina, thank you for calling.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, let me tell you what repentance is not. It's not, I've got to get my life cleaned up and get straight, and then someday I'll come to Jesus. You don't get well before you go to the doctor. But biblically, the word repentance means to change your mind and agree with God. You know, Lord, you're right. I am a sinner. And Lord, I need to put my faith in you. And Bert, it's almost like to turn from sin to Jesus. repentance, turning to Christ and faith, they really kind of go hand in hand, don't they?

>> Bert Harper: They really do. And turn to Jesus. Turn ye, turn ye. That's the Bible. Turn to God. And in that way, if you turn to God, you're turning your back on the other. And so do that we couldn't get to. Alicia. Alisha, Hope, you're listening. We're praying for you and your son. We didn't get you your request, but we see it and we're praying for her. Thank you for listening to Exploring the Word. We'll be back tomorrow with more of, two. Peter.

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

>> Bert Harper: Broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio. M.