Transcript

Fire Away Friday on American Family Radio takes your Bible questions

>> Jeff Chamblee: It's Fire Away Friday on Exploring the Word.

>> Bert Harper: This is your chance to ask us.

>> Jeff Chamblee: 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.

>> Bert Harper: Exploring the word. It's Fire Away Friday on American Family Radio. Two verses is found in Colossians, chapter three, verses one and two. It says, if then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Verse 2. Set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth. So you seek and set. You seek him, and you set your mind on him. When you do that, I want to just tell you it makes a difference in your life. This is Burt Harper along with Dr. Alex McFarland, and it is Fire Away Friday where we take your phone calls, your Bible questions, and we do our best to give you a biblical answer. And so if you want to make that call right now, 880-858-9884-088858-98840. Well, Alex, we always look forward to Fireway Friday. So this is the first one in 2026, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, that's true, and it's great to be with you, Bert. Yes, I love Fireway Friday. Every day is special. But again, that number, if you've got a Bible question, it's triple 858-98-9840. Triple 858-98840. And, hey, while the calls are coming in, I just was on the phone, earlier with the Billy Graham Ministry, and I've. They, asked me to write an article, for, probably April for their magazine. I'm excited to do that and gonna be writing an article also for the Stand. But, we've got two things this summer at the Billy Graham center in Asheville, North Carolina, the COVID And if you've never been there, folks, it is fantastic. But July 17 through 19, I'll be there teaching Daniel and Revelation, largely drawing from the book that Bert Harper and I just released a couple of months ago on 100 Bible Questions and answers on prophecy and the times. And I'd love for anyone that would like to, to be there. But the other thing is July 27 through 31, very shortly thereafter, I'll be there teaching apologetics with Gary Habermas. I don't know if you know that name, but he is one of the great living theologians in the world, especially on The Resurrection. In fact, with, Brodman and Holman Publishers, he's just released a four volume set that is the ultimate, ultimate defense. The historical evidence for the resurrection of Christ, plus historical evidence proving the life of Jesus, ancient evidence for the life of Christ. And so whether it's the Daniel revelation study or whether it's a week later, myself and Gary Habermas teaching how to defend the Christian faith. And Bert, this especially is important for young people. And so the website is thecove.org and I'd love to see you this summer in western North Carolina at the Billy Graham Training Center.

>> Bert Harper: It would be such a blessing. The COVID is such a great place. just awesome. you sense the presence of the Lord when you drive up on that, property and you being there, Alex. Looking forward to it. And Lord willing, Jani and I will be joining you and Gary Habernass and be there and sharing that. Looking forward to hearing it.

>> Alex McFarland: Wonderful.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, were you ready to go to the phone lines?

>> Alex McFarland: How about we do that?

Rick asks for prayer requests for young men going into the military

>> Bert Harper: Okay. Let's first go to Zachary in Colorado. Zachary, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Hey, thank you for taking my call. It's great, great. to talk with you guys. Rick, prayer request, for you guys.

>> Bert Harper: Okay.

>> Caroline: Buddy of mine, he, he's 19, his name is Carter, and he is going to basic training, for the army starting February 3rd. he's actually going in as a first class private because he's done so much of preparation to get ready for it. And if we could pray for Carter. He's excited. He's. He knows this is what the Lord has called him m to do. But he's feeling a little nervous, which is, of course, understandable, but, he really means a lot. So I wanted to give you guys a quick call and see if we can't pray for him real quick.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Zachary. Listen, a young man in the military, thank God for young men, that do that. It really, in the last few, I would say months, m. our military has really shown themselves, strong. And thank God that other young men are joining them and being a part of that. We're excited about that. We're going to be praying for Carter, aren't we, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: We sure are. Thank you, Zach, for that call. And in fact, let me pray right now. Can I do that?

>> Bert Harper: You do that.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes, Lord, I lift up, Carter, who's going into the military, serving as he is. And Lord, I know several other young people that have volunteered. They've enlisted in various branches of the armed services to Serve God and country. And I know there are many, many believers that are faithfully serving and I know many, many veterans as well. And so for this young man Carter, and so many others, Lord, I just, I pray for safety, I pray for guidance and that they would understand. And Romans 13:1 7 really alludes to this that law enforcement and military, in a just and godly way is ordained by the Lord. And this is an honorable service. And so we pray your hand of protection and guidance. And we thank you for all such people willing to defend freedom. And I thank you for Zachary making us aware of this. And we lift it all up to you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Thank you Zachary. And we've got his name down. We're going to be praying for him. And by the way, that number, 888-589-8840, we have lines open if you would like to call your Bible question or prayer request. While we're waiting for those though, we're going to go to Tennessee and talk to Don. Don, thank you for calling.

Burt: Listening prayers is a term that's becoming increasingly popular

>> Caroline: Hello.

>> Caroline: How are y' all doing? Well man, I appreciate you guys taking my call. my question is, I'll give you a little bit of background. I meet with a men's group every week. We get together. We've been meeting together for a couple of years and typically what we do is Bible study and we'll have a book of the Bible. We'll just go chapter by chapter each week. And that's what we've been doing for a couple of years. And starting the first of the year, the guys wanted to do a Christian book that was about walking deeper in our faith, growing in our faith. And it's like, okay, that's cool. And so we kind of started into this book and and it has a chapter that we got to, or we're gonna get to. Actually I'm not, I'm kind of. Yeah, it gave me pause. It has a chapter about healing old wounds and like a four step strategy for healing old wounds. And the last part of this strategy is something called listening prayers. and I never really have heard of that before and just curious if you guys have ever heard of this practice of listening prayers as a ah, process for healing old wounds. And if that's something that you think would be biblical.

>> Bert Harper: Listening prayers, not listening in prayers, but listening prayers. I don't know that the first thing that comes to my mind, Alex, and you may have heard it, but let Me. Go ahead and say this. You know, when you do pray, the best thing to do is pray with an open Bible and listen for that nudging and sometimes clear voice of God. I know we need to be listening when we prayer, but have you heard this term and know about it?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, you know, listening prayer is kind of a term that just suddenly has cropped up more and more in the last few months. And really, prayer is us talking to God. The work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer is God speaking to us and guiding us. And, we've said this a number, and I want to say it again. The authentic leading of God, or even the voice of God. one of the things you'll know is God will never lead you to do something contrary to scripture. And, you know, John 10:14, Jesus said, I know my sheep, and my sheep hear my voice. And so Jeremiah 33, 3, call unto me, and I will answer you, and I will show you great and mighty things that you do not know. So I definitely believe God speaks to his church. I really do. and, Bert, there have been times that I felt, such a strong leading of God to do this or that. So does God speak to his church? Does God speak to individual believers? You bet. But just be careful that, whenever something is, kind of meditative or a little bit mystical, I realize people can go very deep with the Lord in the spirit. I'm not, against that at all. Just be careful and make sure that whatever you're doing, however you're praying and however you're living is in accord with scripture. Because if something is authentically of God, it will never lead you contrary to the scripture, will it, Burt?

>> Bert Harper: It will not. And this is one of the reasons you need to stay in the word of God, that you can identify Satan, appearing as an angel of light and giving bad information. We're not saying this is bad information about listening prayer. I don't know enough about it to say. But I. I know, you know, stay in the word of God. Keep, your life straight. Listen, don't let sin take root in your life. Don't give room for Satan to move in. And, you do that by staying with the word, accountability, loving the Lord. And so. Listen. Hey, Ron, you keep those men, sounds like something y' all could. When you get there, just be careful. And, I think the word of God will speak to you and draw you in and let you see the good part of it. And if there's anything false, identify it. So we'll hope that happens.

Alex: The Bible says God won't give you more than you can bear

Let's go to North Carolina. And it's Shari. Shari, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Yes, my questions about your people all the time say he won't give you more than you can bear, and that the scripture actually speaks to temptation. And sometimes we can hurt so much. I hurt when I see somebody I love hurting, or I feel like I can't bear it. But I think with him, I can. Can you just talk to me about that?

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Shari, listen. This is a little humorous, but it's the best. It's one of the best things I've ever seen. okay, there's cartoons. Growing up as a kid watching cartoons, and you would have Tweety Bird trying to fight Sylvester. That was an uneven match. But when Spike the dog was around, Tweety Bird could say, there's no problem with Sylvester. Now, it wasn't Tweety Bird. It was pike the dog. Now, again, that, you can tell my childlike thinking, Alex, but that's who we are. With Bert Harper, there ain't no hope. But with Christ in Bert Harper, there's victory, isn't there?

>> Alex McFarland: There. There is. There is. you know, this is one of those verses. 1 Corinthians 10:13. It's kind of like I've heard people say, money is the root of all evil. No, the Bible says the love of money. So first Corinthians 10:13. Let me read it. It says, no temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. And God is faithful. He will not tempted beyond that which you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. So this thing about not more than we can bear, it's really talking about that with God's help, we are able to resist any temptation to sin. Now, I've had people say to me, you know, this happened. Death of a loved one, unemployment, money, health. The Bible says God won't put on us more than we can bear. It doesn't really say that. Now, I do believe any of life's situations can be navigated with Jesus. And, you know, Watchman Nee was a Christian leader some years ago, and he said the Christian life is this. one hand on the plow, feet on the path, and one hand free to wipe away tears. may we come back and talk about this more after the break?

>> Bert Harper: We sure can.

Preborn Network of Clinics offers free ultrasounds to women in crisis

Sherri, you're asking a question that a lot of people are going through right now. Difficulty and hardship. So we want to pray with you, but also talk with you. We'll be right back after this break.

>> Jeff Chamblee: It's so easy to politicize abortion, but the reality is there's a precious life at stake. And that little life doesn't have a voice. All that little life has is a heartbeat. And it can be heard as early as five weeks on ultrasound. That's where preborn steps in. Preborn is a voice for the little ones.

>> Caroline: They do an ultrasound. And that's, when everything changed.

>> Alex McFarland: Because when I saw my baby and.

>> Caroline: Ah, when I heard her heartbeat, that was it.

>> Jeff Chamblee: PreBorn Network of Clinics offers free ultrasounds to women in crisis while showering them with God's love. This powerful combination doubles a baby's chance at life and has helped to rescue over 300,000 babies. To learn more about preborn's life saving work, call pound250 and say the keyword baby. That's pound250, baby or visit preborn.comafr all gifts are tax deductible.

Alex Martin: The temptation to give up or throw in the towel

>> Alex McFarland: One day when heaven was filled with his praises M One day when sin was as black as could be Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin. Dwelt among, men. My example is he. Welcome back to Exploring the Word, Alex. Ah, I love that song. Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin. Hey, we're talking, with, I believe it was Shari about more than we can bear. And, we're going to resume the calls, but I've quoted this many times at the beginning of the film It's a Wonderful Life, the angels are talking about George Bailey, and they summon an angel named Clarence. And they said, hey, George Bailey needs help. And he says, what is it? Is he sick? And he says, worse. He's discouraged. And, Bert, you and I were talking about more than we can bear. And I know the first Corinthians 10, 13 talks about that there's no temptation. That's too much. But if we're willing, with every temptation, there is a way of escape. But you mentioned something very insightful over the break. And if you. The temptation to give up or throw in the towel.

Circumstances bring about responses always. The temptation is there because of the circumstance

Talk about that, if you would.

>> Bert Harper: Circumstances bring about responses always. How will I respond? And the temptation is to give up. The temptation is to walk away. And so the circumstance and temptation are knitted together in those situations, even in those situations. And I feel like I'm speaking to a lot of people who are listening today right now, and you're in one of those situations. It may be you got fired. It May be that, the money is just coming up short. After Christmas, you spent more than you should have, and now all this is coming to be. The temptation is. Well, I don't care. The temptation is. It doesn't matter. The temptation is there because of the circumstance. But our God, Christ in you, the hope of glory through the power of the Holy Spirit of God, he can undergird you, strengthen you, and show you direction you need to go. A lot of times it's direction, Alex. It's not necessarily. What do I do? A direction you're to go in. And he'll give you that direction. He will guide you. one more thing. We live in a. In life, and it's a landmine. And we don't know where those land mines might be. But we have the guide, the Holy Spirit, and the word of God that will help us navigate through those difficulties. And we can trust him. And so if that's just a straight out temptation to gossip, a straight out temptation to have an addictive, substance, or if it's a temptation to give up, or the temptation to say, I'm through with it, to walk away, God will provide the way of escape. Now, that escape will always lead to Him. He will carry you. Remember those footprints in the sand?

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah.

>> Bert Harper: those footprints wasn't yours, buddy. Those were mine when I was carrying you. He will carry us, Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen. And it might just be that, the most you can do is to whimper out a. Ah. Cry, Jesus. Jesus, help me. He will. I promise you folks. I know this from not only personal experience, but scriptural promise and the testimonies of so many people. If you call out to Jesus, he will help you. He really will.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Thank you, Shari. we've worshiped, through that call, Alex. I have.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: he's God. Is that good, isn't he?

>> Alex McFarland: The Lord is so good.

Preborn week asks us to do preborn testimonies

>> Bert Harper: Where should we go? Well, let's do this real quickly because I don't want to forget. They've asked us to do the preborn testimonies. And if you've been blessed by preborn, you may have been someone that because of them, a life was saved. Or you may be someone that heard about preborn and you were able to help others. Or you may have been a person that financially was able to give. And we would love to hear how a preborn has affected your life. It can be one minute or two minutes. No more than two because, preborn week, they're one of our partners coming up the, starting the 18th of this month, we're going to partner with them about getting as much, ultrasounds available to women as we can. And that number for Your testimony is 877-876-8893. That's 877-896-8893. That's for the testimony, not for the Bible questions. So they would love to hear from you today.

Larry says the Holy Spirit didn't come upon Paul until he accepted Jesus

Well, with that pass, let's go to Arkansas. Larry, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: I'm sorry, did you say Larry?

>> Bert Harper: I did, Larry. Go right ahead, brother.

>> Caroline: Okay. I was reading an Acts today, and I was reading where Philip had gone out on, his missionary journey or started preaching the gospel and east out. And he'd run to. He had a lot of success and some miracles. And he ran into a guy. I think it was Simon. I don't have a Bible in front of me. And, he was, a guy that was, obviously influential in the community and had some powers of some kind or had performed some miracles. Long story short, he accepted Jesus. And, it said that basically that until he received the Holy Spirit, some of the disciples had to lay hands on him. And I think that was because he really hadn't in his heart. But in Acts, nine, the same thing with Paul. All had accepted Jesus, but the Holy Spirit didn't come upon him until John and, I mean, Peter and, John, yeah, Laid, hands on him now. So I don't quite understand that in that. My, thought was that once you believe the Holy Spirit automatically, came into your heart. It was a part of the gift. So if you would just kind of clear me up on that.

>> Bert Harper: That's a good question, Larry. Good question. Good notice, Alex, Acts, transitional. In that period of time, the word of God, hadn't been written. The NewSong Testament, they had the Old Testament, the NewSong Testament wasn't there. And there was apostleship, authenticating that which was real. Paul writes about it in Second Corinthians about false apostles and, says they appear as angel of lights. So a lot of this is authentication of the apostleship and authority, concerning them, as well as the Holy Spirit coming upon a person, isn't it?

>> Alex McFarland: Absolutely, absolutely. And this is just one of the beautiful realities of the Christian faith that, the Holy Spirit of God convicts us, makes us aware of our sin, regenerates us upon the moment of belief, regeneration. We're made alive. The Holy Spirit indwells us. The Holy Spirit seals us. Now, I realize, as the caller very rightly says in Acts 8 and 9, in the book of Acts, there is the impartation of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. And as we've said a number of times, the Book of Acts is thrilling. I've often said I wish they would make a movie of it. I really mean that. I think that would be an action movie if the Book of Acts were turned into a film. But I don't know that all of the Book of Acts is kind of normative for the entirety of the church age. Because you get. for one thing, though, in Acts 2:38, Peter's preaching, and Peter says, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will receive the Holy Spirit. But then Paul, like in First Corinthians 12:13, he says, we are all baptized by one Spirit into one body, one spirit to drink. And Romans 8, 9 basically says, if we belong to Christ, we have the Holy Spirit, and if we have the Holy Spirit, we belong to Christ. It's kind of, you know, both. And so, I really think, given what we. And finally, let me mention Ephesians 1, 13, 14 says, having believed, you are marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Now, from the Book of Acts to the book of Ephesians and Romans. Bert, I, think we might rightly conclude that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit happens at the moment of conversion. Would you agree?

>> Bert Harper: I, agree fully. And again, doctrine from some of the events in the Book of Acts can lead you, I won't say wrongly, but give you obscurity in how the Holy Spirit operates. Alex, I hope I'm saying that correctly. the Book of Acts is a book of action. The Holy Spirit is. It is transitional. It really is, from the apostles to the church fathers and so forth. But the authentication is through God gave these men, and they were transitional. Jesus Christ to them, to the church. I, believe that. But I believe you are definitely the Holy Spirit of God comes in at the moment of salvation. Thank you, Larry. Let's go to Virginia and talk to David. David, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Oh, thank you, guys. Good to. Good to get on.

Burt: Whatever happened to Joseph when Jesus started his earthly ministry

My question is short and sweet. Mary and Joseph, you know, Jesus was born, and then they had other children and whatnot. But the last thing I've ever heard about Joseph was when they went back to the temple and Jesus said, you knew I'd be about my father's business. Whatever happened to Joseph?

>> Bert Harper: Okay, there's no doubt death occurred between then and then when Jesus started his earthly ministry. And we find out the first miracle was at Cana with turning the water into wine. Joseph was not there. Mary was there. It seemed like Jesus was in charge because he is the eldest son. Death occurred somewhere, but we don't know exactly when, Biblically, do we, Alex?

>> Alex McFarland: We really don't. You know, after the, interaction at the temple when Jesus was 12, we don't hear anymore. the Bible doesn't tell us. That's just one of those things that we're just not going to know till we get to heaven. But Joseph was a godly man. Remember? He took Mary to be his wife. He raised the boy, Jesus. I've often said this, Joseph was Jesus daddy, but he wasn't his father. At least not his biological father. Of course, Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, but no doubt he passed on because we don't hear any more about him. I am confident to the nth degree that we'll meet Joseph when we get to heaven. Burt, what do you think?

>> Bert Harper: I agree with you fully. Janet and I were talking about it. I just came up with some questions. You know, when you've been married over 50, 50 years, you know a lot about each other. Okay. And you try to come up. And we were talking about. Okay, I knew who her favorite Bible character was, but I said, name five of your favorite Bible characters. And Joseph in the old and Joseph in the new. They both ranked, and they do with me as well. Joseph, listen, what kind of man would God pick to let Jesus be raised in his family?

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: That. That grips my heart. I want to be that kind of man. Those out men who are listening, let's strive to be the kind of me and God would. Could use us to change the world. David. Hope that helps, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, I was talking to a fellow minister this morning, and we were talking about some current events that, played out this week, and we said we want to finish well.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: men of God, Christian men of every age, let's make that commitment. With God's help, for God's glory, we will finish well. We will not fall out, but finish strong.

>> Bert Harper: Let's hold each other accountable on that. Alex, you and me and those around us, let's walk with him. Thank you.

Douglas Burton asks for prayers for his daughter heading to South Asia

Let's go to Arkansas. Douglas, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Yes, Arkansas Right to Life Pro Life Group is having a march in, Little Rock, Arkansas. I was wondering if you could say a prayer for that.

>> Bert Harper: Okay. It's this coming Tuesday. Douglas.

>> Caroline: Yes, the 13th.

>> Bert Harper: Okay. Let me pray for that. Alex, Is that all right? Please, Father. I thank you for Douglas. I thank you for the men and women out there who are on the front lines making a difference in the issue of life. And, Father, you're the one that breathed into man, life. You did that. And who are we to, interrupt that? And, Father, I pray for this group that they'll be strong. I thank you for what God is doing in Arkansas with their governor, a godly woman leading that state. And I pray God that it would be effective. And I pray, Father, that it would be one that would demonstrate the difference in those that are marching against ice and those that are marching for life, that we're careful, we're loved, we're, We want things to be done right. And I pray it would be done, and it would be beneficial. In Jesus name, amen.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Thank you, Douglas. Let's go to Michigan and talk to Tina. Tina, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Hi, Pastor Burton.

>> Caroline: Pastor Alex.

>> Caroline: How are you today?

>> Bert Harper: Doing well. Thank you.

>> Alex McFarland: Thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Good.

>> Caroline: Thank you so much for taking my call. I, could use some prayers for my daughter who, left three weeks ago to be a missionary in South Asia. If I could get prayers for her, that would be a fantastic.

>> Bert Harper: In South Asia. Is that right?

>> Caroline: Yes.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, listen, Tina, would you mind staying online, put her on hold and get her address? M. My son Nathan and I do exploring missions. And not that we'd give her away, but that might be a connection we'd like to have, you know?

>> Caroline: That would be great.

>> Bert Harper: You bet. Alex, we got time to pray for her daughter. Tina's daughter. Go ahead, man.

>> Alex McFarland: Let's do that. Father God, in the name of Jesus, we lift up Tina's daughter, very obediently, selflessly go into the mission field. And, Lord, I pray in the name of Jesus. I pray. Protection. I pray. Guidance. I pray. Wisdom, Lord. Power. The empowerment of the Holy Spirit. I pray for open doors. I pray for receptive hearts. Lord, we pray for great, great fruit in the form of souls being saved in the name of Jesus, being known, and the kingdom of God being extended and the word of God being proclaimed. And, Lord, I thank you for this. This daughter, and Lord, I pray in Jesus name. Lord, your Holy Spirit will call forth many, many, many missionaries. We need that. And the Bible tells us, pray. Therefore the Lord of the harvest that he'll send forth laborers. Put your hand of every blessing and protection on this, your laborer, Tina's daughter. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Amen. Tina, thank you. And again, hope we got that number and we appreciate it so much. And we'll be back with more of your questions here on Fire Away Friday on Exploring the Word.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Women going through the ordeal of infertility or miscarriage experience pain and loneliness that are too much for words. The Hannah's Heart Conference, January 30th and 31st, 2026 at Hope Church in Tupelo, Mississippi can help bring hope and encouragement with biblical teaching from Jane Johnson and worship led by Phil King. For more information or to register, visit afr.net hhc2026 afr.net hhc200026 the Lord is my shepherd those are the first five words of the 23rd Psalm and they're printed on the front of the Psalm 23:1 apparel in the AFA Resource Center. Those words, along with the image of a lamb, will be a simple reminder to you and others that your trust is in the one who never fails. They're available as T shirts or sweatshirts in a variety of colors, so check out the Psalm 23:1 collection anytime at resources.aca.net as an AFR listener, you may.

Call to support life saving ministry of Preborn with a voicemail

>> Jeff Chamblee: Be familiar with the ministry of PreBorn. PreBorn has saved 38,000 babies, lives and more than 4,000 mothers have made commitments to Christ in the past year. Now we'd like to hear your preborn story. If you or a loved one has had an interaction with PreBorn, call in and tell us your story. The number is 877-876-8893. Maybe you'd just like to express support for the life saving Ministry of PreBorn. Again, that number is 877-876-8893. Preborn has been saving lives as and changing lives through the miracle of ultrasound. And this is another way you can support this vital pro life ministry. Just call and leave us a voicemail of one or two minutes and tell us what PreBorn has meant to you. The number again is 877-876-8893. Thank you for helping us promote the life saving ministry of PreBorn.

>> Bert Harper: Exploring the Word on American Family Radio Connect with Alex and Bert on the.

>> Jeff Chamblee: Exploring the Word Facebook Facebook page, facebook.com exploringtheword or email wordfr.net.

>> Caroline: Love that never fails. Everything else will fade away but what will remain.

>> Caroline: Oh yeah.

>> Caroline: Amen.

>> Bert Harper: I love that song. It's Alex.

The 11 books in the Old Testament will take you through events chronologically

every once in a while people ask us questions on Facebook or email. This came in from Keely and want him to know and I do this and I've done this quite a few times. The 11 books in the Old Testament, that will take you through the events chronologically. and there's 11 of them. All the others are something that took place during this time. The prophets, the Psalms and all of that. Here's the 11 and those of you that want to write them down, I'll give them twice so you can get it. The last. Some of it's really easy, of course. Genesis, Exodus, numbers, Joshua, judges, 1st and 2nd Samuel, 1st and 2nd kings, Ezra and Nehemiah. Those 11 books chronologically will take you through, ah, the Old Testament. And again, let me give it one more time. Genesis, Exodus, numbers, Joshua, judges, 1st and 2nd Samuel, 1st and 2nd kings, Ezra and Nehemiah. Now what happens? The prophets are all preaching during that period of time. The story of Ruth is during the period of, of Judges. And so you have in those 11 books. When I found that out, I did a pro. We did it. It's called Walk through the Bible and we did that. And that was one of the most eye opening things when we. I did not figure that out. That was told me and then I read it and I said they are right. So we hope that helps. So if you want to read that, we're saying read through the Bible, which is great. But if you wanted to read a historical documentation, all that took place in the Old Testament, you could read those 11 books and you would cover it.

>> Alex McFarland: That is wonderful, Bert, thank you for sharing that.

Alex: Terra Lisa. Am I pronouncing your name correctly

Well, we're going to continue in Arkansas. Terra Lisa. Am I pronouncing your name correctly? Is it Terra Lisa?

>> Caroline: It is. Alex.

>> Alex McFarland: What a pretty name. Well, thank you for calling.

>> Caroline: Yes.

Rose: One Bible that we should strictly avoid is called the New World Translation

you mentioned a while back about a version of the Bible that we should strictly stay away from. And I mean it was like your number one and it's been a couple few years ago. Can you.

>> Alex McFarland: I do, you know, one that I would say definitely avoid is called the NewSong World Translation. Frankly, I kind of hate to even give the name out because I don't want to give it any pr. But the NewSong World Translation is very often and it's been through a number of changes, but it circulated by the Jehovah's Witnesses and I've looked at it, and you know, for one thing it just terribly, leaves out and twists and distorts verses that show that Christ is the son of God, that Jesus is deity, because they falsely teach that Jesus is not God incarnate. So the NewSong World Translation, and by the way, it is not published by any reputable Christian publisher. It's published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. And let me just say, anything that says Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, be careful. in fact, more than be careful, just toss it in the trash.

>> Bert Harper: Toss it. That's exactly right.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah. and also, they have a magazine, I don't know if they still publish it, a magazine called Awake, exclamation point. Awake. because the Jehovah's Witness, they're one of the false religions that came out of the late, 1800s, but also about 20 years ago, there was one. Now, listen carefully, folks. There's the niv, NewSong International Version, which I generally like. But then there was one called the Table, the T as in Testament. And it was one of the ones that began to be gender neutral, and they were dropping, like God the Father. Well, God has revealed himself as God the Father. And so, you know, in English translations, Bert, here in recent years. And do you know any others, though, that are wonderful?

>> Bert Harper: Those are the two that I know for sure. just do this real quick, Alex. There's those that are close to word for word as best they can, and they can be kind of the word I heard when I was in college and seminary was wooden. In other words, it's kind of difficult. it doesn't smooth. And then there's those that are more. You know, they translated more than the thought, but they put words in there to make it smoother. And, let me just say the esv, the King James, the NewSong King James, NewSong, American Standard. And there's others, the Living Translation man, there's some good ones out there, and I thank God for them.

>> Alex McFarland: Well, and I want to say be careful, too. And again, I'm not going to give the name because I don't want to give any pr. But God forbid, there have even been a couple of Bibles in the last few years that are quote, unquote, gay Bibles, promoting what God calls, abominable, abhorrent. And so let me. Rather than take up too much, let me tell you something that we really believe in. Obviously, the King James Bible, the new King James, published by Thomas Nelson. Very good. The NLT, NewSong Living Translation, which was popularized by Josh McDowell, and he's completely trustworthy. Then there's the ESV, the English Standard. That's also a good one. Bert and I have really. In fact, this is 12, 13 years ago, we endorsed the Holman Christian Standard Bible, which I still, I think, Bert, what name did they call that by? Hcsb. But then they started calling it the Holman Bible or something like that.

>> Bert Harper: I cannot remember the reason. I remember it. Holman Southern Baptist. The Holman study Bible. It was hardcore Southern Baptist. Do you remember that? Did you remember that?

>> Alex McFarland: I actually had a friend, Dr. Ken Hemphill, former president of Southwestern Seminary. A, friend of mine was on the translation committee. And that's a really good one.

>> Bert Harper: It is good. It is good. Thank you. Yeah, thank you.

>> Alex McFarland: And we love it when people are in the word of God. Thank you, Tera. Lisa. Well, I'll, tell you what. Let's try to go to Rosemarie in Mississippi. Rosemary, are you there?

>> Caroline: I am, yes.

>> Alex McFarland: Thanks for holding.

>> Bert Harper: Go right ahead. Rosemary, you're on. You're on the radio.

>> Caroline: Thank you. have, prayed silent prayers off and on for a long time, many years. I heard a pastor yesterday that said, if we praise a person that prays silent prayers, God does not hear. And I was just flabbergasted, and I wanted to know the answer to that.

>> Bert Harper: Okay, Rosemary, keep stay online, and we'll get to your second question.

Rosemary: I believe God hears our silent prayers

Oh, you had a question about baptism. We're not talking about praying as you pray silently, Alex. As I understood, that was a little bit different than, you know, silent prayer. You know, like we're praying, with our heart and our mind and not verbalizing it. Is it different than that?

>> Alex McFarland: I believe God absolutely does hear our silent prayers.

>> Bert Harper: You better believe it. Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: let me give you a verse. Proverbs 15:26 says, the Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him. So God even knows our thoughts. And Hebrews 4:12 says that God judges the thoughts and intents of the heart. So, Billy Graham. Somebody asked Billy Graham that, you know, does God hear our silent prayers? And Billy Graham, who is, kind of a hero to me, he said, absolutely. So, sure, sometimes we pray out loud, but many times, in fact, all day long, we're kind of in our heart communing with the Lord. And, yes, Jesus hears those silent prayers, doesn't he?

>> Bert Harper: Really does. And I just want to tell you some of my silent prayers has been more effectual. Effectual, Fervent prayer, you know, than my verbal prayer. So. Marie, Rosemary, do you have a question about baptism?

>> Caroline: And thank you for answering my question. I appreciate it so much. I was baptized as a young girl. Our church did not have a baptismal pool, and. And it took place at a sandy beach, area off the Pearl River. I went to church in Byron, Mississippi, at that time. We did not get a certificate of baptism that day, and it's been bothering me.

>> Bert Harper: okay, we're going to take it from there. Rosemarie. Listen, Alex, have you ever done a baptism in a. In a pond or pool or river or ocean?

>> Alex McFarland: Well, I got to tell y' all this, I've been helping out in near, Greensboro, North Carolina. Mount Pleasant Church. It's a church right beside the Kimesville at K I M E S Kimesville. A 200 year old lake. There's a big rock dam. And, my grandmother was baptized there in 1904. And about a year ago, it was still warm weather in the coast lake this river comes. And, I baptized 31 new believers out in the 200-year-old. Cool. And, I give God the glory. We're going to do a baptismal service again as soon as it warms up, which will probably be a long time, but anyway. Yeah. How about you, Bert? Have you done something?

>> Bert Harper: I have, and I want to tell you outside? I've done this outside, seen it done at, like, a public park. And honestly, it's more real than just inside the church in the bed restaurant. Because you are declaring the lordship of Jesus Christ in your life for the whole world to see. You catch what I'm saying?

>> Alex McFarland: I know.

>> Bert Harper: And, so, yes, it's a beautiful thing, Rose. Don't let that not having a certificate. Don't let not being baptized church bother you, man. You follow the Lord in believers baptism. Keep on trucking. Rosemarie, thank you for that and we appreciate you.

Jack in Alabama has a question about the second coming of Christ

>> Alex McFarland: Let's go to Alabama. Jack in Alabama, welcome to Exploring the Word.

>> Bert Harper: Hello.

>> Alex McFarland: Yes, you're on.

>> Caroline: I have a question about the second coming of Christ. it's saying that he comes on a white horse and, all the saints also on white horses. Is that, just symbolism, or are those supposed to be real horses? But in another verse, it says that Jesus descends on the, Mount of Olives, the same way that he ascended. So, I'm kind of confused on that. what is your explanation of that?

>> Bert Harper: Thank you, Jack. Alex, you know, the question comes up, are there animals in heaven? The big issue is our pets there. I don't bring that up. You and I, we have fun with that, not knowing for sure. But we know animals are there, and some of them are horses.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, equestrian. That's riding horses. And folks, the Bible says that he does return on a white horse. Revelation 19:11. And so, you know, the rapture, we are caught up together with Christ in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. But, yeah, he. And it says followed behind him are 10,000 times 10,000, Bert, I think, just as he entered on Palm Sunday on a donkey, lowly, a man of peace. But he will most certainly come on a white horse, a stallion, representing purity, representing authority, I think, representing kingship. and so, yes, he's coming at the Battle of Armageddon, and, we'll be riding with him. And, that's why you might never have ridden a horse down here, but you will one day. I believe it.

>> Bert Harper: I do, too. Amen. I'm going to enjoy that ride. I'll put it that way, brother.

>> Alex McFarland: Amen.

Alex and Bert wish someone would make a movie of the Book of Acts

Let's go to Iowa. Patty in Iowa. Thank you for holding, and welcome to Fire Away Friday.

>> Caroline: Hi, Alex and Bert. I'm the one that talked to Alex at the, Cedar Falls Bible Conference. Hello.

>> Alex McFarland: I remember you, and you prayed for our show and everything. Thank you so much.

>> Caroline: I just wanted to tell you that you were asking about wishing someone make a movie of the Book of Acts. And I was telling the call screener that I've seen, I think, at least two different, films that are out. One was a TV serial, I believe, from years ago that you can get. But I was telling him I get, a catalog in the mail. It's, called Vision Video.

>> Alex McFarland: Yeah, I'm familiar with him.

>> Bert Harper: Yeah.

>> Caroline: It's a ministry of Christian History institute, so they took over Christian History magazine, too. So you can sometimes get, old, if there are still any left, issues of the magazine. But this, catalog is wonderful. It has, sections on, everything from missions, which Bert would particularly enjoy. And it goes way back to people like William Carey, documentaries and covers, and then right up to modern times and the move of God in Iran and other places. And then it covers American history and both Christian and regular. Has a. Also a large, fairly large section on Amen.

>> Bert Harper: Now that. Alex, did you get what that is.

>> Alex McFarland: She was telling us? I remember Vision Videos.

>> Bert Harper: Okay.

>> Alex McFarland: I thought that. Patty in Iowa. Thank you very much. Yes, I was there at the Cedar Falls Bible Conference last summer. Matt Reisner is the director of that. And that is a fantastic. It's been going on for every summer for over 100 years.

>> Bert Harper: Amen.

>> Alex McFarland: And, it's really an American treasure. And the great people there in Iowa that I meet each time I get.

>> Bert Harper: To go speak there, remember those believers in Iran, Iran 51, at least, have been killed. We're not all believers, but now we're praying God do something in Iran with that government and with those believers that's come to know Christ. may God give them strength and courage. Alex. During this time and folks do pray.

>> Alex McFarland: For revival in America. We need the Holy Spirit to cover this land. Hey, be in church on Sunday, and we'll hear you again Monday. Blessings to you. The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.