Fire Away Friday on American Family Radio features your Bible questions
>> : Its Fire Away Friday on Exploring the Word.
>> Alex McFarland: This is your chance to ask us.
>> : Your Bible question at 888-589-8840. 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, good evening, Wel. Fire Away Friday. We're going to take a break from Isaiah and go to the phone calls with your Bible questions. The number 885-8988-408885-89840. Bert Harper and I will do our best to give you an answer to any and all Bible questions. Bert, our answers, we try to be biblical, factual and practical too, really, don't we?
>> Bert Harper: We really do. And that's an area that, that I really, feel like as a pastor for as many years as was, I tried to make that real. So we'll do that on this program as well. And also Brent's ready at Facebook or, if you've got a question you want to do that, we'll let Brent contribute with that. but we're going to get to as many questions today as we can. we missed last Friday and we hated that. That was unexpected. So let's do our best to get to as many as we can. And, so people already calling in, but that number, triple 858-98-8840. We've got lines open, so make those calls.
Steve in Missouri calls Exploring the Word with a question about self defense
Alex, where did we go to first?
>> Alex McFarland: Going to Missouri. Steve in Missouri. Thank you for calling and welcome to Exploring the Word. Hi, Steve, you're on.
>> Caroline: Oh, hi. I've been listening to you guys for the last seven years since I got saved. I, I really hate it if I miss a day with you guys, but I've been searching for seven years and I know you would be able to give me an answer to this question. I have heard you say many times on the, on the radio that it's okay for us to defend ourselves, our families or others if we absolutely have to. But I can find absolutely no scripture that says that. I can find scriptures where, you know, like, Jesus gave the, told the, apostles to get a sword or. But then he kind of took that away, when Peter, actually used a sword. But the one that really, makes me wonder is in Genesis, chapter nine, five and six, it says that God is going to demand an accounting of men and animals for, taking human blood. So I've got to have a scripture. There's something in a scripture that tells me I can do this if I have to.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, let me give a short, quick answer. And Alex, go ahead and answer. But again, what God says in the Ten Commandments is thou shalt not. And I know it's translated kill, but the actual Hebrew word is murder. So that is a, lot of times they take that as an option, Steve. But it is not. But there are some things that in the scriptures. Alex, go ahead and help Steve.
>> Alex McFarland: Well, thank. Great question. And I want to be clear. I've got a couple of verses to share with you. Christian ethics, ethicists make a distinction between protection versus vengeance and self defense of one's family and oneself. Protection, that's justified vengeance. We're not to be, you know, taken personal revenge. Let me say this. Luke 22:36, where Jesus said, sell your cloak and buy a sword. And that. Jesus said that. But then, you know, Luke 11:21, it says when a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. So the precedent is there for guarding one's own house. Ah. Another that we could give is first Timothy 5, 8. really speaks about the duty to protect and provide for one's family. I'm going to recommend a book by Robertson McQuilkin. It's just the best one I've ever seen. Christian Ethics, and it's published by Tyndale Biblical Ethics. He was the president of Columbia Bible College. But Bert, you know, I really think. And thank you, Steve.
Bert says we need to teach practical ethics and morality in the church
As we go to Michigan, Walter in Michigan, Bert, I think we need to teach practical ethics and morality in the church, because these are very relevant questions, aren't they?
>> Bert Harper: They are. Let me give you my thoughts. When you preach, in a way that you go through a book like the book of First Corinthians, the book of first Timothy, even the book of Luke that you just did, you're going to get on passages that way. If you just go through. I'm going to preach this today and this tomorrow and this. And there are times when you do that according to the calendar. But preaching through books, and it doesn't have to be verse by verse, it can be section by section. But, if you do that, you're going to get on the subjects that are needed, which is Christian ethics.
>> Alex McFarland: M. Amen. Hey, Walter from Michigan, are you there? Hey, Walter. Yes, yes, yes, you're on. Thank you for holding.
Question on third temple in the red heifer. Is this now being prepared
>> Caroline: Yeah, I have a question on the third temple in the red heifer. Is this now Being prepared. And is this the temple that the Antichrist will rule from?
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. And let me cue this up. Bert and I write about this really rather extensively in our brand new book on 100 Bible Questions about prophecy in the end times. Yes, they, for a number of years the Temple Institute in Jerusalem has been, ah, working with cattle breeders around the world to find a red heifer. And they have bred red heifers that would be used in temple sacrifice. And Bert, even as we speak, and Tim Wildmon and, and I, good Lord willing, will be in Jerusalem in just a matter of weeks. the question is how are they going to rebuild that temple with a mosque in the way and somehow another, there might be an earthquake, we don't know, but there will be. and part of the Antichrist's brokerage of a false peace deal I think will include negotiating for Israel to build a third temple. However, midway through the seven year tribulation, the Antichrist will blaspheme and desecrate this temple and demand that he be worshiped as God. And that second half of the tribulation, that's when it really becomes the time of Jacob's trouble. and Bert, I'm not being flippant, but it's going to be like hell on earth, isn't it?
>> Bert Harper: It really is. And from my understanding, as they have developed the red heifer, they've already have the drawing set ready for rebuilding the temple as well. So the preparation is there. And what the Muslim community has done there in Jerusalem, not only the Dome of the Rock where that temple is, they've got little ones all around it in case they say, oh, it's not exactly where that is, it's over here. It would lead to them destroying something of a holy ground. So I cannot imagine it happened without conflict.
>> Alex McFarland: But anyway, the most, the most complicated political situation in history, I think really.
>> Bert Harper: I agree.
Bill from Georgia has a question about the Jewish Bible and King James
>> Alex McFarland: Bill in Georgia. Bill, welcome to Exploring the Word. Hello Bill. Yes, yes, you're on.
>> Caroline: Hey, Alex, this is Bill from Georgia, long time listener and contributor.
>> Alex McFarland: Thank, you.
>> Caroline: I have a question. To worship on the Sabbath at local messianic Jewish synagogue. And they use the complete Jewish Bible, which of course has the Old and NewSong Testament. What is the difference between the complete Jewish Bible and the King James that I use?
>> Bert Harper: Okay. Complete Jewish Bible. Alex, we're talking about just the Old Testament or ah, do you know about that?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, there are a number of study Bibles like this that maybe in the study notes they Talk about Jewish customs and Hebraic customs. But, you know, it's interesting, Bert. Just this morning I was Talking to about 800, students at Asheville Christian Academy, and we were going over in the, NewSong Testament the examples of the gospel that the early Christians, the earliest Christians, and I'm talking within the first, you know, several years after the crucifixion. And they were almost 100% Jewish converts. Okay. They worshiped on Sunday because that was resurrection morning. And I've got to say, one of the proofs of Jesus deity and resurrection this huge. I mean, you think about it. For centuries, the Jewish people had worshiped on Saturday, the Sabbath, and even their standing with God was at least in part contingent on this. And suddenly, all over the Middle east, they began to worship on Sunday. Why? Because that was resurrection day. And so, Bert, whenever modern, and I love messianic congregations and Messianic Jew, you know, when they want to revert back to Saturday worship, I kind of think, wow, do you all know more than the first Christians that, you know, the risen Jesus appeared to 513 different people, if you add them all up in the NewSong Testament. And so, I'm all about the history. I enjoy it. But, Bert, we are NewSong Covenant Christians. We're not Judaizers, are we?
>> Bert Harper: We are. And let me just say, when did the worship of the Sabbath occur? Right after creation. It really did. On the seventh day. And it continued in. Even to the law. And so it recognizes creation, recognizes the law. Why change it? Because of redemption, because of the rest of the story and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. And yes, the early church did. The evidence is there in the scriptures when Paul would instruct them. As you gather on the first day of the week, be sure and take those collections so I can pick them up when I come through and. And take them to Jerusalem.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Wayne in Kansas.
On whether David should build a temple, God backs away from the idea
Wayne, welcome to Exploring the Word.
>> Caroline: Thank you for taking my phone call. My question has to do with why we have two histories of the period.
>> Caroline: Of Israel's kings in the Old Testament and why they contradict each other on.
>> Caroline: On the, whether David should build a temple. In second Samuel 7, the Nathan oracle, David received the rebuke of God saying, who to ask to build me a house? And he backed away from the idea. And all the way until he dies in First Kings chapter one, he never.
>> Caroline: Brings it up again.
>> Caroline: But 140 years later, a priest wrote chronicles. That gives a whole different twist on the story. It has God basically backing away from his Rebuke and thinking it'd be nice to have a house and says, david can't build it because you obeyed me when I said to kill those people. And you have blood on your hands.
>> Bert Harper: Wayne, let me just say this. We. We don't have a lot of time. Alex. I won't give it. Timing has a lot to do with when he was to do it. Alex, go ahead.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, well, you know, after the death of Solomon, there was a civil war, and we've got these two nations, and that was never God's intent. But, from 1 Chronicles 17, David wanted to build a prophet. But David was allowed to get the building materials to the job site. But it would be Solomon that would build it because David was a man of war. And, 1 Chronicles 228, God, told David, you have shed much blood and fought many wars. And, you know, also I think part of it was the murderer of Uriah, Bert. I mean, even though David was a man after God's own heart, just like Moses, I mean, there's consequences for disobedience and sin and anger. Moses got angry and struck the rock that represented Christ, and he could see the promised land, but he didn't get to go there. David, he was a man after God's own heart, but he sinned, and he was allowed to get the materials, the cedars. But it was his son, Solomon that would build that temple.
>> Bert Harper: Speaking as a dad, I don't feel sorry for David. Something even greater. I have no greater joy than my children walk in faith. That's more than my joy. And it's the second generation. Solomon did it. David was thankful.
>> : The AFR app is a powerful tool, but it does have limitations. You can't use it to change the oil in your vehicle.
>> Caroline: Vehicle.
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>> Bert Harper: Oh.
>> Alex McFarland: Lord, give me eyes to see that.
>> Caroline: What I need don't cost a thing.
>> Alex McFarland: You feel my life.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Something money can't buy is that relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Matter of fact, we studied that this past week in the book of Isaiah, and, we'll continue doing that.
Alex: Why then was no one camped out at the tomb after three days
But anyway, right now we're going to questions, but we had one that Came in on. Is it Facebook? On Facebook? Well, go ahead and give us that question, brother. This is from Jessa. Jessa, thank you so much for, leaving that message here on the, the live feed. she writes, I have heard all my life. On the third day, he rose again in fulfillment of the scriptures. Why then was no one camped out at the tomb to see if anything happened after three days? Okay, Jesus said it. Matter of fact, he started it up, and, he was coming from there in Caesarea, and that's where he began, all the way to Jerusalem. And he would share it with them three or four times. Alex, do you think they comprehended and completely believed it, or was they a little bit surprised, when they heard that Jesus had risen from the grave?
>> Alex McFarland: I think they were wonderfully surprised, you know? Okay. In the Old Testament, book of Zechariah 13, verse 7, it says, smite the shepherd, and the sheep will scatter. And twice Matthew 26 and Mark 14, Jesus predicted that his arrest would cause the disciples to abandon him. And so, you know, I think that nobody was there that first Easter morning to watch the tomb. They were heartbroken. Their friend and their master had been executed on the cross. And I think they were, and I don't use this word lightly, Bert, I think they were without hope.
>> Bert Harper: Yeah, I agree. I think that's exactly right. And, Jessa, I don't think we'd have been any different. Don't, you know, we look back. Well, we know he rose again, so I believe I'd have been there. Peter said, what? I'll never leave you. I'll never forsake you. And then, before the day was over, he was denying Christ three times. Alex, when things are not put up with us, we're pretty brave sometimes, aren't we?
>> Alex McFarland: We are. You know, I think about Hebrews chapter 11, as we go to Darrell in South Carolina, we're talking about the saints of old. It says, these believed not having yet received the promise. See, we know. We know the big story. We know the tomb is empty. But I'm amazed at how faithful they were, knowing only incrementally portions of the great big gospel story. Darrell in South Carolina, are you there?
>> Caroline: Yes, I'm here.
>> Alex McFarland: Welcome. What you got, Darrell?
>> Caroline: I want to know. In the Bible, in the beginning, when, God started creating and making the earth, it says about being dark and the earth void and water, and he was on the face of the water, was that stuff already here, or did he create that also? Because it don't specifically Say where he created that.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, great question. And this is a very debated question. How much did he speak the world into existence with all the matter that was available for him to bring out of the chaos, order. Alex, go ahead.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, I think that he spoke it into existence. Darrell. I don't think there was any pre existing material here. Genesis 1:1:2, it says the earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep. Okay. The word without form means empty and void means uninhabitable at that point. And so God spoke matter into existence. Actually, there wasn't only earth and water, but there was space, the space itself, and then of course, the earth. He by the various creation days. On, the first day he created light and like, the sun and then water, and then land and sea and plants came on the third day, the fourth day, the planets, fifth day, birds and sea creatures, the sixth day, land animals and insects, and then also on the sixth day, male and female. So, he created it all. Bert, there wasn't any pre existing stuff here. He spoke it into existence. That is a fantastic question.
>> Bert Harper: And this is good. Let me say one more thing that's like our order, he has made us. We are made in his image, but we're flawed because of sin. But what does happen when Jesus takes residence in our life through the Holy Spirit? He sets it in order. Now think about that with creation, Alex. You know, out of that that was spoken and made, he had it. He brought order out of it. I think it's creation's a demonstration of redemption.
>> Alex McFarland: amen. Bert, that is profound. I mean, think about it. You get saved, that's an event. But then you grow and your whole life and even your mind gets restructured.
>> Bert Harper: It does. And that's the process. Yeah.
>> Alex McFarland: And so God spoke the universe into existence, but then spent the six days of creation. And by the way, for the record, I believe it was for a lot of reasons, but I believe it was six literal 24 hour days. Morning and evening were the first day, but, and in Arkansas. And thanks for holding. Welcome to Fire Away Friday.
>> Caroline: Thank you, thank you. And thank you for taking my call. Well, can you hear me okay?
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. Thank you for being a listener.
Alex: Where is it specifically that we should support Israel
>> Caroline: Okay, well, my question is, I've had some folks at church just the last, last week ask why, where, where specifically does it say that we have to support Israel? I said, they say, you know, that they know in the Old Testament that, you know, God said he would bless those that bless you and curse those that curse you. But where, where is it specifically now that says that we should support Israel?
>> Bert Harper: Okay, thank you. Alex. That comment and that promise that God made in Genesis, if it's not true today, where did it end?
>> Alex McFarland: Well, I don't think it ever did end. Okay, Genesis 12:3, God says, I will bless them that bless thee and curse him that curses thee. And in thee all the families of the earth would be blessed. And God had told over and over that he would make this everlasting covenant with Israel. And there are a couple of places in the NewSong Testament, one of which is really Romans 3, verse 3, that you know, even though, you know, Romans 3 3, what if some did not believe, shall their unbelief make the promises of God without effect? God forbid. So God gave special blessings to the Jews. God promised basically land descendants and the Messiah to come through Israel. But I want to say, in addition to the scriptural and historical precedent, I think we also, frankly, for human rights, we should support Israel. I think because they're our longest ally, they're the only really stable democracy in the Middle East. And you know, I think for not only scriptural, spiritual, but pragmatic reasons, we, are in good stead to support the nation of Israel.
>> Bert Harper: We are. And again, that is so true. And Alex, all through, when you see God's plan for the nation of Israel, you know, you see it in the future. So this is God's plan. So we would be wise to do what? Get on board with God's plan. Not just the quote, plan and personal salvation, but God's plan for the church, God's plan for Israel. And I think that runs true in the Old Testament and the NewSong Testament.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen.
Alabama Mike calls with question about Matthew chapter 19, verse 9
And thank you for that great question. Let's go to Alabama Mike in Alabama. Mike, are you there? Hello? Mike?
>> Caroline: Yes sir, can you hear me?
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, we got you now.
>> Caroline: Yeah.
>> Caroline: Okay, thank you for taking my call. I have a question about Matthew chapter 19, verse 9. I'm using the King James version, and I have read in some commentary that the exception clause that's in that specified in that verse, was not in the original text. It was translated, you know, into the King James version. that scribe named Erasmus, inserted that. I just, I'm confused on that and I just wanted to hear your guys opinion on what you thought about that. I'll hang up and listen.
>> Bert Harper: Thank you, Mike. Alex, I've got several Bibles, and there's no note in any of them that I've noticed that takes that out of the original. How about you?
>> Alex McFarland: no, I'm looking at this as well. I'm reading about this now. Let me say this. There are of the NewSong Testament, thousands and thousands of, NewSong Testament manuscripts. And there are. And folks, don't panic. I assure you this is nothing to really worry about. But there are sometimes what are called variant readings, where maybe there's a misspelled word or even at times a missing word. But if you've got hundreds and sometimes thousands of manuscripts, we, can know what the original said. In fact, manuscript attestation, is one of the most exacting disciplines. And so I believe that when we have a good English translation, like the King James or the Holman Christian standard, there are so many good English translations, but the Bible we have is every bit as inspired as the originals, you know, from which it came. Now, that being the case, I'm looking it up here in the Greek. Bert, Matthew 19:9. Let me pull this up here, and I'm going to see if it's because I think that it's in there. I've never seen, you know, maybe Erasmus, corrected a, copy.
>> Bert Harper: while you're doing that, guess what. Let me read Matthew 5:32. Okay? But I say to you, this is in red letters, Jesus, Sermon on the Mount. Whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery. If it's in that place, it's there as well.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. And it is the word, except, me, epi. Porneia. By the way, sexual immorality is the word porneia, from which we get pornography. I'm looking at, a copy of the Greek NewSong Testament, and it's in there. So, Mike, I think Matthew 19:9 is legitimate, scripture. It appears to be.
Alabama pastor says church has replaced Israel in covenant, which is wrong
Let's go to Mississippi Carol. In Mississippi Carol. thank you for holding. Welcome to Exploring the Word.
>> Caroline: Hey, Bert. Hey, Alex. Thank y' all so much for taking my call. Please bear with me. I'm so burdened by what I want to ask you all about it. Piggybacks. On Anne's, question earlier, my pastor, he says that the church replaced Israel in the covenant and that that covenant is no longer in effect, that the, Jews in Israel today are not the same as biblical Jews. He has even said that he would caution church members from even having anything pro Israel in their house. I was not raised believing in replacement theology, and I. Alex, I believe I read somewhere that you had given a quote that you didn't believe that replacement theology was something to necessarily break fellowship over. But I'm very concerned about this coming from the pulpit. I'm very concerned about my teenage children hearing this, especially in light of the culture and the antisemitism. You can tell I'm burned by it.
>> Bert Harper: You are, Carol. Yes, Carol, thank you for that. Carol. Give Alex time to respond. Let me say one thing. Replacement. The only thing that I know. And Alex, you can correct me if you want to, the. The only thing that you have for replacement is the missionology. In other words, Israel. They were pointed out to be a representative of God. And when you see the sojourners that would come into Israel, they would see their lifestyle and know they were different because of the relationship with God here with the church. And it's Jews and, Gentiles making up the church. Our effort is missional, that they'll see our good works and glorify the Father. But that doesn't mean Israel is written off at having no other part of God's plan for them, is it?
>> Alex McFarland: That's true. And I would bet. And, Carol, thank you for calling. And may the Lord bless you. And your heart for the Lord and your heart for your children is just, admirable. But I would bet that your pastor probably, has graduated from seminary within 20 years or less. I'm going to tell you why. About 22, 23 years ago, and, Bert, I saw this. I was working for James Dobbs, and I was going to the book conventions, and there became a great movement about 21, 22 years ago to teach that the church has replaced Israel. and that's a position that I disagree with. I'm not saying these people aren't saved, but they're just. This is wrong. And I'll explain why. first of all, the new covenant, that we are saved by Jesus and we have a new heart, a living heart, we're born again. the new covenant is true, but so is the Abrahamic covenant. And by the way, like for instance in Genesis 17:7, where God says, abraham, I've made with you an everlasting covenant. Bert, if God says something is everlasting, then it's still everlasting. So there are many verses, Genesis 17, 1st Chronicles 16, Psalm 105 verses 8 through 10, that say God's covenant with Abraham and the nation of Israel is forever, and it's an unconditional covenant. Did the Pharisees condemn Jesus? They did but that didn't break the everlasting covenant. Paul says that. But I'm going to say one more thing. I was on NPR Radio with the National Jewish Federation. Every Jew on the planet is descended from Raechel, Sarah, Rebecca, or Leah. The Jews of today are the descendants of the biblical Jews, no question about it.
>> Bert Harper: And that means God has a plan for them right now, just like he has a plan for your life, trusting him and following Jesus.
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Only about eight states recognize common law marriage, eventually
Welcome back to Exploring the Word. We're gonna go back to the phones. I do want to say, I hope you'll be in church on Sunday. Everybody hope you. You'll be in the house of God. Bert, are you in a pulpit this upcoming Sunday?
>> Bert Harper: I am. I'll be at Ozark Baptist Church. if you're looking for it on the map, it's close to Marietta, Mississippi. And, I'll be there. It starts at 11 o'. Clock. I'd love to see anybody there that's in northeast Mississippi and meet you. How about you, Alex?
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. Right near Greensboro, North Carolina. I'll be at Mount Pleasant Church on Alamance Church Road. And, Hey, we got. I just thought about this. We've got a breakfast tomorrow, too. From 7 to 9. It's open to the public. A big country breakfast with bacon and eggs and sausage gravy. And all the. The proceeds go to missions, but wow. So, okay, wherever you may be in the world, be in church on Sunday. But Maggie, in Mississippi Maggie, are you there?
>> Caroline: Yes.
>> Caroline: Yeah, welcome.
>> Caroline: Hello.
>> Alex McFarland: Yes.
>> Caroline: Thank you, thank you.
>> Caroline: did you want me to go ahead and tell you?
>> Alex McFarland: Sure. yes.
>> Caroline: Okay.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah.
>> Caroline: yeah, I was just wondering what you. I respect Yalls insight and your knowledge of the Bible very, very much. And I was just wondering if you knew, the word says anything about, about common law marriage. In other words, in the event of two people living together and committed to each other, loving each other, but don't have the legal paperwork to back it up.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, Maggie, this comes up quite often and it came up a lot, in my area, Alex, when they started talking about, quote, so called same sex marriage. And they were talking about if our government gets a skewed, view of natural, I'd say natural and biblical marriage, is there a time to pull out? And the church established that. But as long as a government is promoting marriage and it is between a man and woman, they need to have the legal documentation in every way. But go ahead, Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. Common, law marriage is a term that, speaks about, you know, if a couple has been together, you know, a long, long time, cohabitating, you know, living under the same roof, does it become a legally binding marriage? And you know, Bert, as far as I know right now, only about eight states recognize common law marriage, eventually. do you know, one of the great gifts God ever gave the human race is marriage and family. And the Bible doesn't really speak about common law marriage. but, you know, over and over the Bible talks about, you know, for this cause shall a man. Like Genesis chapter 2:24. A man will leave his father and mother and cleave or be united to his wife. let me just say to everybody listening, listen, make it, right in the eyes of God and man. And I realize marriage is a huge commitment. I've, been very blessed to, be the husband of one wife for 36 years, Bert.
>> Bert Harper: Well, that's a long time. It's nearly close to 52. But. Hey, let me share this. Okay?
>> Alex McFarland: You and Jen have been married 50.
>> Bert Harper: We'll be in June. Yeah.
>> Alex McFarland: Man, what a testimony.
>> Bert Harper: I married her. Well, I won't go at that. Okay, But Adam and Eve. Okay, think about this. The first marriage, God was the best man. God was. Gave the bride away and he presided over the ceremony. And God was all in it. And it was something. He brought the bride to the groom. And it was, I would call it a ceremony, legal ceremony. and so I believe in that as long as, it can handle. You know, we've talked about it. Where does it. You know, corrupting it does not take away God's design. Regardless of what government or man may do, we go by God's design. There should be a ceremony. And if, in legality, do it that way, if possible. Alex, you catch how I'm saying that?
>> Alex McFarland: And let me say the marriage commitment, it protects both. I mean, I think we could probably give 100 reasons why biblical marriage should be upheld. but God forgives and God restores. But I think we need to be champions for family, really.
>> Bert Harper: Amen.
Eva in North Carolina started supporting Israel when she was 16 years old
>> Alex McFarland: Let's go to Eva in North Carolina. Eva, welcome.
>> Caroline: This is my second time calling and listening to you for many, many, many years.
>> Alex McFarland: Thank you.
>> Caroline: And I want to let you know that the Lord moved on my heart when I was 16 years old. When I was with my grandmother. She raised me till I got married. And, I would be praying in my bedroom upstairs three times a day at 16, 15, 14 on up. Anyway, I, knew, that gospel was supposed to be supported because they have to pay to preach and all that, you know. So the Lord put on my heart many, many years ago to support Israel. And I have been, never in my whole life, 79 years. I am. I'll, be 27. I'll be 80 in July. Never in my life have I ever been so blessed when I started supporting Israel until now.
>> Bert Harper: Amen.
>> Caroline: I cannot believe it. If people would only do exactly what God said. Bless my people, Israel, and I will bless you. Or bless Jerusalem. It's the way I read it in the Bible. But he means Israel, and I believe he means all over the world. For there is so much more. As I say that we want peace, but they want more.
>> Bert Harper: Okay, God bless you. That is 64 years. Okay. She's turning 80. She started at 16. For 64 years, she's done that and been blessed. Alex, sounds like a life well blessed, doesn't it?
>> Alex McFarland: Eva, I think you've been very, very much led by the Lord. Blessings. Iowa is where Connie is. Connie in Iowa? Are you there?
>> Caroline: I'm here. Hi, Bert and Alex. Nice to, talk to you.
>> Alex McFarland: Nice to have you.
Alex: There is no verse 21 in Matthew 17:21
What's your question?
>> Caroline: I have a question about, book Matthew, chapter 17. there is no verse 21. It's skipped, which I would just like you guys to accept.
>> Alex McFarland: Matthew 17:21, about, this kind goeth not out, but by prayer and fasting.
>> Bert Harper: Yeah, that's verse 21.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. And that's like mark 9, 26. by the way, Bert, it's in my Bible. What do you have?
>> Bert Harper: I have an asterisk bite. And that means that there was one of the manuscripts omits that it's the same answer that you gave, earlier when we were talking about it. there are some manuscripts that. Yes. That was either deleted that they found. And this is what helps. It helps me. I'm in the new King James. And the Bible that I use, is the open Bible. It's a great Bible and it gives those instances where one manuscript may not have had it. But what happens with the new the King James? And you know, I love, gives you what was and what King James has. But there are some that did not have that. That would be the answer. But it is verified everywhere else. Fasting and praying, Alex, it goes along together that some, some hey, labor. You remember that prayer because of their persistent prayer. And so sometimes it's persistence that pays off in praying and fasting.
>> Alex McFarland: Amen. Amen.
If Jesus rose, then the gospel is true, Alex says
And by the way, as we cue up, Kari in Mississippi, a really, really great book is called When Critics Ask, is written by a man named Norman Geisler. G E I S L E R and let me just say this. If Jesus rose, then the gospel is true. Now there's all these questions. Did Judas hang himself or fall down a hill? what about the ending of Mark 16? And I think there are good, compelling answers to all these questions. but if Jesus rose and even there are non believing scholars that admit the only explanation in light of all the known evidence is that Christ rose, the gospel is true. I believe you can trust your Bible. It's a long conversation. But remember folks, the tomb is empty and Christ is risen.
>> Bert Harper: Well, let me make this comment real quick about, Judas. He hung himself, the rope broke and then he rolled down the hill. Alex.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, exactly.
>> Bert Harper: Go ahead.
>> Alex McFarland: That's really what traditions is. Kari in Mississippi.
Alex and Carrie discuss healing through anointing with oil
>> Caroline: Hey, good evening, guys.
>> Alex McFarland: Howdy.
>> Caroline: so I was just. We were on the subject of, me and my pastor on the subject of healing through anointing and anointing with oil. And we've had a lot of people like leave our church lately for their own reasons or whatever. But and he replied, I'm not with all that old stuff. And it just kind of threw me for a loop. And I'm like, you know, it's in the Bible. It's, you know. And I talked to a buddy of mine at work about it. He's like, you know, it's true. You know, it's in the Bible. And it's not the oil that does anything. It's your faith, you know, when God. And so I was just wondering, is that, like, bad of my pastor to say that, or is that, like.
>> Alex McFarland: I don't know.
>> Caroline: I just wanted y' all's take on it.
>> Bert Harper: Okay. Thank you, Kari. Alex, let me say this. I have anointed oil on individuals when they requested it. On the book of James, it talks about if they request it, we do it. I believe the oil has two significance. One is healing. You know, he anoints my head with oil. The reason they did that for the sheep was medicinal. It was, and I believe that. But it's also representative of the Holy Spirit in our lives, too. So I don't think it's magical. I really don't, But I. Hey, Somebody requested to. I found no fault with it at all. You have your thoughts, Alex? go ahead.
>> Alex McFarland: Absolutely. Well, you know, in Exodus chapter 30, there's really this recipe for anointing oil. you can look up Exodus 30, and it was used to consecrate, the temple and the priests. And in James 5:14, you know, it says, if anybody is sick, let them call the elders of the church. Let them pray. Anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith shall save the sick. So, you know, it's in the Old and NewSong Testaments. And, you know, speaking of prayer, folks, I mentioned Eileen Habermas, the wife of Gary Habermas, just a dear colleague. she's not doing well, and she has pancreatic, cancer. And, folks, please pray for Eileen Habermas and, Kari. Thank you.
Bert says he thinks the Bible is complete from a literary standpoint
Let's go to Texas. Diana in Texas. Diana, welcome.
>> Caroline: Hello.
>> Alex McFarland: Hey.
>> Caroline: Hello.
>> Alex McFarland: Yep, you're on. Hi.
>> Caroline: I was just calling because, I believe the accuracy of the Bible, but in its authenticity and.
>> Caroline: How do you say that?
>> Caroline: but I was just wondering what makes it complete? Like, why aren't there anything that people from today could contribute to the Bible, if that makes any sense.
>> Bert Harper: Oh, it does. let me share with you two. Two passages, Alex, you and you completed, if you would. When John wrote his. Okay. He. It was the last gospel that was written. So you have Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. And John. Makes it plain. Many more things I could have written concerning all the things that Jesus did. But if I did, I suppose that all the books in the world could not contain it. But these have been written that you may believe and you may know. And so that's kind of the end of the four Gospels. And then you come to the book of Revelation. You have close to the same thought. Not to add to, not to take away. And God's, you know, I think it was complete, Diana. You don't need any more, scriptures to do so. Alex, take it away.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. You know, in Revelation 22:19, well, 18 and 19, it says that we are not to add to or take away. And, you know, I will tell you, the book of Revelation, it was written about 95 A.D. john was really the last living apostle. Revelation is a fitting, perfect conclusion to the Bible because you've got all of the heroes and villains are dealt with, all of the plot lines reconnect and resolve. I mean, honestly, Bert, the book of Revelation is such a perfect, I'm talking from a literary standpoint. The battle of Armageddon is vanquished. Satan is consigned to the lake of fire. the new heaven and new earth come down. So shall we ever be with the Lord. I mean, it really is miraculous how a thorough, perfect book that is to complete the canon of scripture.
>> Bert Harper: Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: And by 120, 125 Christian leaders were saying, okay, all these NewSong Testament books, were they written by an apostle? Do they focus on Jesus? Do they harmonize with the rest of Scripture? Did they have the power to change lives? And so the canon we have is the canon God gave. And while there are things that are inspiring, there is no more writing that is inspired of God. But let's go. it'll have to be the last call today. Charles in Georgia, quickly, if you don't mind.
Alex: I think Esther is absolutely canonical
Charles.
>> Caroline: Yes, last Sunday I taught on Esther, and one of the commentaries I had, which was what? The Moody Bible commentary, indicated that they didn't really know the author of it. And there was some degree, of, whether some scholars felt like the Bible ought to be in the book or not. And I had one person in my class, he says, no, we shouldn't be studying it. And he was kind of very strong about it. What is your opinion on that, Alex?
>> Bert Harper: Don't have a lot of time. Take it away, Ben.
>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, I think Esther is absolutely canonical. And I mean, it's actually a very redemptive book. And there's a lot of, I guess you might call spiritual warfare in the book of Esther. So, that's one of the. There have been a couple. Song of Solomon, Esther, and in the NewSong Testament, really the book of James. But, no, I think it's absolutely canonical and it would have been an ancient Jewish scribe that wrote it although I think much of it came from Mordecai.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Alex, let me ask this Would the Jews had a day recognizing that, you know, the Jews even recognized what God had done through Esther and I think it completes a lot of the story, you know.
>> Alex McFarland: Absolutely. They do honor her. And like Mordecai said to Esther, to every one of us, Esther, you were born for such a time as this.
>> Bert Harper: Amen. Well Alex, it's good to be with you today on Fireway Friday and we were able to call talk to 15 different people. Amen.
>> Alex McFarland: Really. Amen. And we're thankful for each and every one of you folks. God bless you. Be in church on Sunday and we hope to see you next week. The views and opinions expressed in this.
>> Caroline: Broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of.
>> Alex McFarland: The American Family association or American Family Radio.
