Bible Answers Live

Three Angels Broadcasting Network

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Series Code: AFBA

Program Code: AFBA202507S


00:03 male announcer: It is the bestselling book in history.
00:05 No volume ever written has been more loved and quoted, and its
00:10 words, sometimes simple and sometimes mysterious, should
00:14 always be studied carefully.
00:16 It is the Bible, the Word of God.
00:20 Welcome to "Bible Answers Live," providing accurate and practical
00:24 answers to all your Bible questions.
00:28 This broadcast is a previously-recorded episode.
00:31 To receive any of the Bible resources mentioned in this
00:34 broadcast call 800-835-6747.
00:39 Once again, that's 800-835-6747.
00:44 Now, here's your host from Amazing Facts International,
00:48 Pastor Jëan Ross.
00:50 Jëan Ross: Hello, friends.
00:51 How about an amazing fact?
00:52 In the 16th century, Holland was ruled by Margaret of Austria, a
00:56 woman renowned for intelligence and political skill.
01:00 She was the daughter of emperor Maximilian I of the Holy Roman
01:03 Empire, one of Europe's most powerful rulers at the time.
01:07 As a ruler in an era filled with court intrigue, assassinations,
01:10 and power struggles, Margaret was constantly on guard against
01:14 betrayal, especially the threat of poisoning, which was a common
01:18 method of assassination in those days.
01:21 To protect herself, Margaret only drank from a beautiful
01:24 goblet made of pure rock crystal.
01:28 She believed in the widespread myth that the crystal would
01:31 reveal poison by changing color.
01:34 However, fate had a different plan.
01:37 One day as a servant handed her a drink, the goblet slipped from
01:40 his hands and shattered on the stone floor.
01:43 Although the pieces were carefully cleaned up, a tiny
01:45 unnoticed shard found its way into Margaret's slipper.
01:49 Over time, the small piece of sharp crystal embedded itself in
01:53 her foot, leading to an unfortunate infection that
01:57 caused gangrene.
01:59 Despite the best efforts of her doctors, her condition worsened
02:02 until the only hope was the amputation of her leg, and a
02:06 deal from which she never recovered.
02:09 In a strange twist of fate, the very crystal goblet that she had
02:13 trusted to keep her safe became the cause of her death.
02:17 Just as Margaret depended upon a crystal goblet for protection,
02:21 many people today put their trust in wealth, status,
02:25 man-made traditions, yet these false assurances will
02:29 ultimately fail.
02:31 The Bible warns against placing trust in material possessions or
02:35 in human wisdom.
02:37 In Proverbs chapter 14, verse 12 we read, "There is a way that
02:41 seems right to a man, but the end of it is the way of death."
02:47 You know, Pastor Alden, we're living in a society today where
02:50 people are looking at what's happening in the world around
02:52 them, and they're wondering, "Where can I put my trust?
02:55 Where can I find security?
02:56 Is it in finances?
02:58 Is it in possession?
02:59 Is it in human power?"
03:01 Well, the Bible says there's something better.
03:03 We can trust the Word of God, right, 'cause the Bible reveals
03:06 to us a Savior, and we can trust in Jesus.
03:10 Matter of fact, the Bible tells us in Psalms 118, verse 8, "It
03:15 is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man."
03:19 I think that's a pretty clear verse there, not to be putting
03:22 our confidence in any man-made tradition or human, earthly
03:27 power but put our trust in Jesus.
03:30 Friends, we do have a study guide that'll help you
03:32 understand the power of the Word of God, which is to be our
03:35 foundation, that is a free gift, and we'll offer it to anyone who
03:39 calls and asks.
03:41 How do they receive that free offer?
03:42 Alden Ho: Well, if you want this offer, the offer is called "Is
03:45 There Anything Left You Can Trust?"
03:48 And you can get it by calling 1-800-835-6747.
03:53 If you happen to be driving and you can't juggle all those
03:56 numbers, you can just hit #250 and you can ask for the offer
04:02 "Is There Anything Left You Can Trust?"
04:04 That's not a text, but that's an actual call that you're going to
04:07 be calling in.
04:08 For those who just tuned in, we have our number here if you'd
04:11 like to call for asking a question.
04:13 It's 1-800-463-7297.
04:18 Jëan: And my name is Jëan Ross.
04:20 And?
04:21 Alden: Pastor Alden Ho.
04:23 Jëan: All right, Pastor Alden.
04:24 As you can see, Pastor Doug is out of town today.
04:26 But this is a live, interactive, international Bible study.
04:29 So, friend, if you have a Bible question, it's a good time to
04:32 pick up your phone and give us a call.
04:34 We've got some Bible software programs here on our computer we
04:36 can look up different Bible answers.
04:38 We love talking about the Word of God.
04:40 We like talking about the Christian life and faith.
04:43 So give us a call this evening.
04:45 But before we go to the phone lines, we always like to start
04:47 with a word of prayer.
04:49 Alden: That's right.
04:50 Let's bow our heads.
04:51 Father in heaven, we thank You for a wonderful day.
04:53 Today we ask that You would guide and direct us as we go
04:56 through some of these calls.
04:57 Direct our thoughts and minds and lift us up closer to You.
05:01 Be with those who are calling.
05:02 Convict us of what we hear from the Bible because that is the
05:05 only thing we can trust in these days.
05:07 In Jesus's name we pray, amen.
05:10 Jëan: Amen.
05:11 All right, who's our first caller this evening?
05:13 Alden: We have Janean.
05:14 She's in North Carolina, and she actually has a very
05:17 good question.
05:18 And her question pertains to, well, can she actually
05:23 stay home?
05:24 Jëan: Janean, welcome to "Bible Answers Live."
05:25 You're on the air.
05:27 Janean: Well, my question is I'm handicapped and I haven't been
05:34 into church for a while because I have one bad leg that really
05:41 jumps, and I don't want to go to church and fall.
05:46 Will I be saved if I don't go to church?
05:51 I do watch church on the Hope Channel.
05:57 Jëan: Okay.
05:58 Well, that is a good question.
05:59 Do we have to go to church to be saved?
06:01 Well, obviously, there's situations, like you explained,
06:04 where we can't get out for sickness or handicap.
06:07 Fortunately, we can still participate in worship through
06:10 modern technology.
06:12 At Granite Bay Church, one of the church--churches--well, the
06:15 church that I pastor here, we have what we call
06:18 online members.
06:20 So folks actually tune in every week, and they watch through the
06:22 internet, and they participate as much as they can from
06:25 a distance.
06:26 So yes, there are situations where people can't actually get
06:29 out to church.
06:30 God understands.
06:31 We can still worship Him in truth.
06:33 We can still be faithful wherever we are.
06:36 If possible, it's always nice and we encourage people to visit
06:40 or at least try to get out as much as possible to participate
06:43 in a local church in your area, but obviously because of health
06:46 situations, maybe somebody is living too far away from a
06:49 church and they can't get to the church, well, then you can
06:52 participate through modern technology.
06:55 So yes, God knows the heart.
06:57 He understands the situation of each person.
06:59 And yes, don't be worried that you won't be saved.
07:02 No.
07:03 God understands and God knows.
07:05 Thank you, Janean.
07:06 Who do we have next?
07:07 Alden: We have Glenn calling from Ohio.
07:09 Glenn, he's got a question regarding two verses.
07:12 Jëan: Hi, Glenn.
07:13 Welcome to "Bible Answers Live."
07:15 Glenn: Good evening and thank you for taking my call, pastors.
07:19 And my two Scriptures is Isaiah chapter 60, all of it, and the
07:25 Old Testament Scriptures, Zechariah chapter 8.
07:29 They both start with
07:31 an accolade to Jerusalem, and they end up
07:33 talking about a massive movement of Gentiles to Jerusalem.
07:38 My question is, is it possible that these two events could be
07:45 the same prophetically?
07:47 Jëan: Okay. Yes, there is a connection.
07:49 There is a theme that we see in the Old Testament, and then it's
07:51 also paralleled in the New Testament.
07:53 And that is in the Old Testament you have Israel representing the
07:56 people of God, and then you have the Gentiles, those who have not
08:00 made decision for the truth.
08:02 They don't know the truth.
08:03 And the purpose of God raising up Israel was to proclaim
08:07 the truth.
08:08 They were the recipients of his law and they were to be a light
08:10 unto the Gentiles, to shine forth the gospel of truth.
08:14 And there was a remnant, as we know, that did receive Jesus as
08:18 the Messiah and they came out of--well, they were literal
08:22 Jews, but they became part of spiritual Israel or the church,
08:27 and the gospel then goes to the Gentiles.
08:30 So these passages of Scripture in particular that you talking
08:32 about in Isaiah chapter 60, we don't have time to read through
08:34 the whole chapter, and also Zechariah 8, it speaks of the
08:37 Gentiles coming to Jerusalem, the ancient historical city of
08:42 Jerusalem which existed in the time of Jesus.
08:45 The temple, of course, in Jerusalem was destroyed in
08:47 70 AD.
08:49 And, of course, Jerusalem today is a type of the new Jerusalem
08:52 that we read about.
08:53 And the new Jerusalem is symbolic in two senses.
08:56 One, it represents the people of God or represents the church and
08:59 its people responding to the preaching of the gospel and they
09:02 coming and being a part of God's spiritual Jerusalem, God's
09:06 spiritual temple.
09:08 But there is a new Jerusalem that the Bible speaks of.
09:11 And when the earth is made new, in Revelation chapter 21 it
09:14 talks about the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven.
09:16 It speaks of all the nations gathering and coming into the
09:19 new Jerusalem, coming to worship God.
09:22 So it's got a prophetic application as well.
09:25 It's got the symbolic meaning, meaning the new Jerusalem or
09:27 the--Jerusalem the church, and then it has this prophetic
09:31 fulfillment that happens at the end of time when all things are
09:34 made new.
09:36 Alden: Pastor Jëan, don't we have a pocketbook on that?
09:37 That's "Spiritual Israel."
09:39 Jëan: We do.
09:40 That is a great read that I think deals with a number of
09:42 these passages of Scripture that people have.
09:44 And how do they get that book?
09:45 Alden: So if you'd like to get that book called "Spiritual
09:47 Israel" you can call the number 1-800-835-6747 and ask for that
09:52 book "Spiritual Israel."
09:54 And speaking of Jerusalem, Andrew's here with--from Kansas
09:59 and he's got a question about city or country living.
10:02 Jëan: Hi, Andrew.
10:03 Welcome to "Bible Answers Live."
10:05 Andrew: Hello.
10:06 Yeah, my question is, where do we find in the Bible that we're
10:11 supposed to head out to--head out of the cities in--at--you
10:15 know, at the end times?
10:17 Jëan: Okay.
10:18 Well, you know, the Bible does make it clear that in the end
10:20 time God's people are going to face persecution.
10:23 First of all, you're not going to be able to buy and sell.
10:26 God does promise to be with these people and He will direct.
10:30 Cities are probably one of the first things that are going to
10:32 face judgment.
10:33 Even now when there's political unrest, it usually centers in
10:36 the cities, especially as we reach the end of time.
10:39 And there's an increase of strife, judgments are coming.
10:43 Eventually you read in Revelation, talks about the
10:45 seven last plagues falling upon cities and upon entire nations.
10:50 You want to be in the country.
10:52 And throughout history when God's people face persecution,
10:56 they would often flee from the cities to a more remote area.
11:00 During the 1,260 years of papal supremacy you had groups like
11:04 the Waldensians who found safety in the mountains of
11:07 Northern Italy.
11:09 Jesus said when they persecute you in one city, then flee to
11:12 the next.
11:13 And so as we near the end of time, I think God's going to be
11:16 leading, and we want to start removing ourselves especially
11:20 from these big, dense cities.
11:22 Even now I don't think you want to be in Downtown L.A.
11:26 or San Francisco or New York City and try and raise a family.
11:30 There is so much crime and conflict and issues that are
11:33 taking place in our cities.
11:34 Now, there's still a work to do.
11:36 We got to reach people in the city.
11:37 And so some are called to preach and teach, share the gospel even
11:41 in large cities, but it's pretty clear from Scripture that as we
11:44 near the end, the safest place is going to be in the more rural
11:48 country type areas.
11:50 Alden: You know, my mind goes to the verse that Jesus was talking
11:53 about in Matthew 24, verse 15.
11:56 "Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation spoken
11:58 of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place," and
12:02 then verse 16 is the key, "then let those who are in Judea flee
12:05 to the mountains."
12:07 And we have a pocketbook on that too that's called
12:10 "The Abomination of Desolation."
12:12 Jëan: Okay.
12:13 So there are some prophetic signs that the Bible gives us.
12:15 Alden: There is.
12:16 Jëan: And in particular, the abomination of desolation.
12:17 Now, that is a historical application, refers to the
12:20 destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD by the Romans.
12:23 But like many of these symbols, it also has a future prophetic
12:27 application even to our time.
12:29 So you want to get that, friends.
12:30 It's called "The Abomination of Desolation."
12:33 One of the Amazing Facts' pocketbooks, and it's free.
12:36 As they say, the price is right.
12:38 What do you have to do to get the book?
12:39 Alden: And it's on the screen right now.
12:41 If you call 1-800-835-6747, ask for "The Abomination of
12:46 Desolation," and we'll be glad to send that to you.
12:49 We have Lena in Florida, first-time caller, and she's got
12:53 a question here regarding her faith and how she--how you
12:58 live today.
12:59 Jëan: Hi, Lena.
13:00 Welcome to "Bible Answers Live."
13:02 You're on the air.
13:03 Lena: Thank you.
13:04 My husband and I had seven children.
13:06 He's since passed in 2021.
13:10 And my children are faced daily with the burden of the economy,
13:18 the way it is and everything, and I worry that I--when they
13:23 talk to me and I fall short of giving them, like, a
13:30 Christian answer.
13:32 And I watched the Doug Batchelor program on the Holy
13:37 Spirit today.
13:39 And I don't want to lose my chance with having
13:48 possibly the Holy Spirit come to me.
13:52 I feel like I'm just hanging on by the grace of God, but I want
13:56 to be faithful and talk to my children, but I don't know how
14:02 to do without turning back to sin.
14:06 You know, I'm not saying anything bad, but--
14:09 Jëan: Yeah, so basically
14:11 you're asking, how can we live a Christian life and
14:12 be a witness to our family even in the midst of a very
14:16 sinful world?
14:18 Well, first of all, you want to begin by making sure that your
14:21 heart is right with God, and you do that by coming before Him
14:25 with a spirit of repentance.
14:26 The Bible says if we confess our sins, 1 John 1:9, He's faithful
14:30 and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from all
14:33 our unrighteousness.
14:34 So we need to believe that if we come to God and we say, "Lord,
14:37 please forgive me," that He will.
14:39 Then we also need to ask for the Holy Spirit.
14:41 And Jesus says, "How much more your heavenly Father is willing
14:45 to give the Holy Spirit to those that ask Him."
14:47 So we need to ask and say, "Lord, I can't live the
14:50 Christian life without the help of the Holy Spirit."
14:53 Don't wait for some kind of feeling because the Bible says
14:56 we are to walk by faith, not by sight.
14:59 So that means that we claim the promises of God, we believe that
15:02 God is doing a work within us.
15:03 Even though we might not feel it right then and there, we are
15:07 trusting that God is in control.
15:09 You know, there's an interesting picture that you see in
15:11 Scripture where it describes God as the potter and we are
15:17 the clay.
15:18 And the one who molds the clay is the potter.
15:21 And so when we give our hearts to Jesus, we need to trust that
15:25 He is molding our characters, He is transforming us.
15:28 Sometimes we can't even see it, but we are to trust that He will
15:31 finish the work that He has started.
15:34 Don't get discouraged though, Leanne, if you stumble and fall.
15:38 And God is on your side.
15:39 He wants to save you.
15:41 Just come back to Him and say, "Lord, please forgive me."
15:43 Claim the promises.
15:44 What can we do to influence those around us, especially
15:47 our children?
15:48 Well, first of all, we can be an example.
15:50 So we can have a life of faith, trusting in the Lord, holding on
15:54 to Him.
15:55 We can speak or share with others, with our family, our
15:59 faith, as the opportunities open up.
16:02 I mean, if they don't want to hear, you can't push it on them,
16:05 but you can also pray.
16:06 So you can live a life, you can share where you can, and you can
16:12 pray for them, asking that the Lord would guide in their hearts
16:15 and lives and bring them to a point of realizing their need
16:18 of Jesus.
16:20 So those are the things we want to do.
16:22 And, you know, living the Christian life is the work of
16:25 a lifetime.
16:26 You know, we step forward and we stumble.
16:28 We just got to get right back up and say, "Lord, please forgive
16:30 me," and press on, trusting in the Lord.
16:34 Sometimes Christians are living a life, their Christian life,
16:36 and they're so filled with fear and anxiety and worried, "Well,
16:39 am I saved?
16:41 Am I doing the right thing?"
16:42 Just commit your heart to Jesus and trust in Him, right, and
16:45 then be faithful each and every day.
16:47 You know, we do have a book.
16:49 It's talking about life in the spirit.
16:51 Talks about the Holy Spirit, you know, how we can have assurance
16:53 in our Christian experience.
16:55 Actually we have a book called "Assurance:" as well,
16:57 "Justification Made Simple."
16:58 So "Life in the Spirit" and the book "Assurance: Justification
17:02 Made Simple."
17:04 Both of them are excellent reads filled with wonderful
17:07 Bible promises.
17:08 And, Leanne, you would be blessed to read that.
17:10 Just call and ask.
17:12 And for anyone, you can call and ask for those two books, "Life
17:14 in the Spirits--in the Spirit" and "Assurance: Justification
17:18 Made Simple."
17:20 Alden: You know, the other thing I was thinking of too is that
17:23 children are actually watching mom.
17:26 And so if you display your faith and you have morning worships
17:30 with your children, that's very important for them to be able to
17:34 see that you actually practice what you profess to believe and
17:37 what you're trying to talk about.
17:38 And that's very needed for their own faith as well.
17:43 Jëan: Yeah, they want to see faith in action, right--
17:45 Alden: Exactly.
17:46 Jëan: As a witness.
17:48 Well, thank you, Leanne, for your question.
17:49 Good question.
17:50 Who do we have next?
17:52 Alden: We have Anna from Oregon, and she's got a question
17:54 regarding justification and salvation.
17:56 Welcome, Anna.
17:57 Jëan: Hi, Anna.
17:58 You're on the air.
18:00 Anna: Hi. Evening, pastors.
18:02 So I've heard a bunch of different pastors and preachers
18:05 talk about justification, I guess sanctification,
18:09 and salvation.
18:10 I don't know if those are the same thing, but I was wondering
18:14 if you could maybe clear it up for me.
18:17 Jëan: Absolutely.
18:18 So there are three terms that is often used with reference
18:21 to salvation.
18:22 So salvation would be the big umbrella, salvation or
18:24 redemption, and it's divided up into three parts.
18:27 The first is what we call justification, the second is
18:30 sanctification, and the third is glorification.
18:34 Now, each of them have a different function, a
18:36 different work.
18:37 So justification occurs when we come to Jesus and we confess our
18:40 sins, just like 1 John 1, verse 9, the verse I just quoted.
18:43 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.
18:47 The famous passage in Scripture, John 3:16 says if we believe in
18:51 Jesus, that's justification.
18:53 That's where God accepts us just as if we have never sinned.
18:57 We are clothed with Christ's robe of righteousness.
19:00 All of our sins are cleansed and the righteous of Jesus is
19:05 accredited to our account.
19:06 So we are justified.
19:08 Another way of thinking of justification is freedom from
19:11 the penalty of sin.
19:13 The Bible says the wages of sin is death, but if we receive
19:16 Jesus, and He is our substitute, our sacrifice, we are freed from
19:21 the penalty of sin, which is death, and we can have hope and
19:24 we can trust in a glorious future of eternal life.
19:28 But in addition to justification, there is
19:30 something the Bible refers to as sanctification.
19:32 When you receive Jesus as your personal Savior, the Holy Spirit
19:35 now begins to work within your heart and within your life.
19:39 The things you once loved you don't love so much anymore and
19:43 the things you weren't interested in, the spiritual
19:45 things, suddenly there is a growing desire to learn more.
19:48 You want to know more about Jesus.
19:50 And the sins that before you probably didn't think too much
19:54 about, but now when you sin you feel bad and you say, "Lord,
19:58 please forgive me."
19:59 And that's evidence that the Holy Spirit is working upon your
20:01 heart, and the Holy Spirit is beginning to do a work of
20:04 transformation or changing us from the inside out.
20:07 So sanctification is freedom from the power of sin.
20:10 Justification, freedom from the penalty, and then sanctification
20:14 is freedom from the power of sin in our lives and in the world
20:17 even today.
20:18 But we are still living in a sin-polluted environment.
20:22 There is pain, and suffering, and sorrow, and death in this
20:25 world today.
20:26 And so the ultimate reward for the redeemed is when all things
20:28 are made new.
20:30 That is freedom from the penalty or the presence, I should say,
20:33 the presence of sin, and that's glorification.
20:36 That happens when Jesus comes the second time.
20:39 These mortal bodies put on immortality, and one day Jesus
20:42 will make all things new, a new heavens and a new earth as we
20:45 read about in Revelation chapter 21.
20:47 So justification is the freedom of the penalty of sin,
20:50 sanctification is freedom from the power of sin, and
20:53 glorification is freedom from the presence of sin.
20:57 So that's an easy way to think of it.
20:59 We do have a book called "Justification--" Or "Assurance:
21:02 Justification Made Simple."
21:05 We also have another book that I just thought of right now.
21:07 It's called "Three Steps to Heaven."
21:09 It talks about justification, sanctification, glorification.
21:12 You might want to call and ask for that.
21:14 And what's the number?
21:15 Alden: You can call 1-800-835-6747 and ask for
21:19 those books.
21:20 You know, one of the things I was thinking about when it comes
21:22 to this is many religions believe that when you accept
21:27 Christ, you're saved at that moment and you just jump from
21:30 justification to waiting for the Lord to return, glorification,
21:34 but they miss that long road in the middle, which actually Jesus
21:39 talked about in Matthew 25 with the virgins.
21:41 Jëan: That's right.
21:43 Well, you know, when we receive Jesus we're not immediately
21:44 transported to heaven.
21:45 We still have to live in a world of sin.
21:47 Our characters don't change overnight.
21:50 That sinful inclination is still there even after we
21:53 receive Jesus.
21:55 And we want to live a victorious life.
21:56 We need to gain victory.
21:58 And so that's sanctification that begins to work within us.
22:00 All right, thank you.
22:02 Who do we have next?
22:03 Alden: We have Anthony in New York.
22:04 Anthony is asking a question about marriage here.
22:07 Jëan: Hi, Anthony.
22:08 Welcome to "Bible Answers Live." You're on the air.
22:10 Anthony: Yes. Hello.
22:11 Good evening, pastors.
22:12 My question is a very sensitive topic, but I think it's very
22:16 important, especially in this day in which we're living.
22:19 I know that God hates divorce and, you know, I--but I do see
22:24 in Matthew chapter 19, starting in verse 8 where it talks
22:30 about--well, yeah, around that area where it talks about Moses
22:35 allowing divorce because of the hardness of our hearts.
22:41 And--but the Bible--God does make it very clear that it's
22:44 only as a matter of adultery that He condones divorce
22:48 and separation.
22:49 So my question is specifically though as it pertains to abuse,
22:53 physical, emotional, verbal abuse, things like that.
22:58 What does the Bible have to say about how God wants us to handle
23:03 abuse in a marital relationship?
23:06 Jëan: Okay.
23:07 Anthony: Especially when there's children involved.
23:08 Jëan: Yes, that's a good question.
23:10 Of course, we live in a world of sin, and sin affects every area
23:12 of our lives, including relationships.
23:14 And it's especially difficult when in a marriage you have a
23:17 believer and somebody who's not a believer or maybe you have
23:21 different conflicts of personalities and people are
23:25 facing abuse.
23:26 First of all, if somebody is in a situation where they're facing
23:29 physical abuse, you probably want to remove yourself from
23:32 that situation.
23:34 Of course, there is verbal abuse that somebody can give you and
23:38 so on and so forth.
23:39 That doesn't necessarily mean that you get divorced
23:41 right away.
23:43 There are situations where separation might be needed,
23:46 where you need to take a break and maybe you do need to seek
23:49 some counseling and speak to the pastor if it's two believers.
23:53 And you want to find a Christian counselor to kind of help you in
23:56 that situation.
23:57 The divorce is not the first option.
24:00 There are other options.
24:01 First, separation.
24:02 You want to make sure that you're safe and you want to make
24:04 sure your children are safe, especially if it's a very
24:07 physically abusive situation, and they are suffering.
24:09 So we want to be aware of that.
24:12 And then maybe seek the guidance of a trusted Christian counselor
24:17 or a pastor and pray for guidance.
24:19 Say, "Lord, what would be the right steps?"
24:21 You don't want to rush to divorce, but you do want to make
24:24 sure that you are in a safe environment first, and then
24:28 begin to dialogue and discuss.
24:30 Ultimately, you know, God is able to change the heart if two
24:33 people are willing.
24:34 I've seen miracles in my ministry in counseling many
24:36 people, many couples.
24:38 And if there is a willingness and a humbling of the heart, God
24:42 can transform somebody's life.
24:44 It's amazing what can happen.
24:47 But that's where you need to kind of pray for guidance and
24:50 seek some counsel and some guidance from some
24:53 Christian counselor.
24:54 So yeah, that is a difficult situation, but there is hope.
24:57 Alden: Also if you go to--if you actually attend church, Anthony,
25:01 maybe talk to the pastor and get some counseling with the pastor,
25:05 not just you but also with your wife too.
25:07 But we have a pocketbook on this called "The Bible on Marriage,
25:11 Divorce, and Remarriage."
25:13 And you can get that book if you call 1-800-835-6747.
25:18 And thank you for the call, Anthony.
25:19 Jëan: That is a great resource, just to add.
25:21 That's a fairly newer book, "Marriage, Divorce, and
25:23 Remarriage," and it gives all the Scriptures there and gives
25:26 the additional details.
25:27 Thank you, Anthony.
25:29 Who do we have next?
25:30 Alden: We have Ryan in New Mexico and he's got a question
25:32 in regards to the name Yahweh.
25:34 Jëan: Hi, Ryan.
25:35 Welcome to "Bible Answers Live."
25:36 Ryan: How are you doing tonight, guys?
25:38 Jëan: We're doing great. Thanks for calling.
25:40 Ryan: Well, my question is, is Jesus Yahweh?
25:43 And when I say Yahweh I'm talking about, you know, they
25:47 changed the name over 6,000 times, you know, out of
25:51 tradition, out of man-made tradition to the LORD, all
25:55 capitals, or GOD, all capitals, but the original said Yahweh.
25:59 And I'm just wondering, is Jesus Yahweh?
26:02 Jëan: Okay. Well, a good question.
26:04 Well, first of all, about the word Yahweh, we're not exactly
26:07 sure of the pronunciation, and here's why.
26:09 In the Hebrew Old Testament when it came to the name of God, they
26:12 didn't put down the vowels.
26:15 They had the consonants, but the vowels, it was such a sacred
26:18 name that they didn't spell it out fully.
26:22 So the best we could tell, it's possibly connected to Yahweh,
26:26 would be a good--at least a best understanding that we have
26:30 of that.
26:31 Is the name Yahweh referring to Jesus?
26:33 I think it is, and here's why.
26:35 When Moses appeared--well, God appeared to Moses at the burning
26:38 bush, and Moses said, "Well, what's Your name?"
26:41 God said, "I Am that I Am."
26:43 And that's sort of this name given of God.
26:47 Jesus in the New Testament refers to Himself and says,
26:51 "I Am."
26:52 Refers to Himself as before Moses was, before Abraham,
26:54 "I Am."
26:55 So that name is associated with Jesus.
26:59 Lord, Yahweh, Jehovah, there's different pronunciations of
27:03 that, but it's a name referring to God.
27:05 And in the Old Testament, yes, Jesus used that name as well.
27:09 So I think that's pretty clear from Scripture.
27:12 Well, friends, you hear the music in the background.
27:13 It's not the end of the program.
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28:57 Well, friends, this is why Amazing Facts has recently
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29:56 I mean, I was having a great time on the outside, but inside
30:00 I knew something was dying, something was wrong.
30:03 male: I got down on my knees and I prayed to God and I said,
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31:19 Now, let's rejoin our hosts for more "Bible Answers Live."
31:25 Jëan: Hello, friends.
31:27 Welcome back.
31:28 This is "Bible Answers Live," a live, interactive, international
31:31 Bible study.
31:32 Pastor Doug is out of town this evening, but my name is
31:34 Jëan Ross.
31:36 And joining me is Pastor Alden. Yes.
31:39 Thank you, Pastor Alden.
31:41 It's been a while since last you were here, but we are glad you
31:42 are here.
31:44 You know, we were just talking to a caller, the previous caller
31:45 before the break, about the names of God, and he asked
31:48 specifically about Yahweh and Jehovah that we find.
31:51 We have a book.
31:53 Alden: It's called "The Name of God."
31:54 And you can get that book if you call 1-800-835-6747 and ask for
31:59 that book "The Name of God."
32:02 We have David from Virginia.
32:05 He's got a question about the Sabbath.
32:07 Jëan: Hi, David.
32:08 Welcome to "Bible Answers Live."
32:09 You're on the air.
32:11 David: Hello, pastors.
32:12 Happy to be here.
32:13 Jëan: Yeah, thanks for calling.
32:15 David: So my question is--so I'm 18 and my grandfather is a
32:20 Southern Baptist pastor.
32:22 And me and my family, my--with my dad, you know, we started
32:25 keeping the Sabbath.
32:26 And I'd like to know what would be the best way to share with
32:31 him about the Sabbath.
32:32 You know, it's solemnity that we are to still keep it even after,
32:37 you know, Jesus, you know, was resurrected.
32:40 Jëan: Yes, yes.
32:42 Good question.
32:43 Yes, how do we share the truth specifically about the Sabbath?
32:45 And so you talking about sharing the truth with others who are
32:48 Christians, who are already members of a church.
32:52 Well, there's several things.
32:54 First of all, you want to be the best example that you can be.
32:56 So, first of all, by keeping the Sabbath, you setting an example,
33:00 that often will raise questions, where someone will ask and say,
33:04 "Well, that's a little odd.
33:05 You know, why are you keeping the Sabbath?
33:07 I thought that was done away with."
33:08 And that does give you an opportunity to share, as you
33:11 faithfully keep the Sabbath.
33:12 If the person is open to learning more, you can maybe
33:15 share with them some resources.
33:17 And Amazing Facts has some wonderful resources.
33:20 There is a website that Amazing Facts has
33:22 called sabbathtruth.com.
33:24 Just sabbathtruth.com.
33:27 It's got all the Scriptures there.
33:28 It's got some wonderful resources.
33:30 It's got some video content.
33:31 You can even share a YouTube video if your grandfather is
33:35 open to watching something on that.
33:37 There is a lot of excellent information on that subject of
33:40 the Sabbath.
33:42 And, you know, there are many Christians from different
33:44 denominations that are beginning to discover the truths of
33:47 the Sabbath.
33:48 It--as if there's a revival of folks realizing, "Well, the Ten
33:52 Commandments are still ten, not nine.
33:54 So why do we ignore the fourth commandment?
33:57 How does that apply to our life?"
33:58 So by your own example you want to do the best you can, when
34:02 opportunity arises you want to be able to give a passage of
34:05 Scripture to help support the truth, and then if they willing,
34:10 share resources, whether that is a piece of literature or maybe
34:14 directing to a video that they can watch that'll give
34:17 more information.
34:18 So blessings, David, in your work of sharing our Bible truth.
34:22 Alden: David, I would encourage you, call in to the number
34:25 1-800-835-6747 and ask for the book "Why God Said Remember."
34:32 There's a reason why He said remember, because He knew we
34:36 would forget.
34:37 Jëan: That's right.
34:38 And that's a great resource.
34:40 Alden: All right, we have Carol in California.
34:41 She's got a question regarding good and evil.
34:43 Carol, you there?
34:44 Carol: Yes, I'm here.
34:45 Good evening, pastors.
34:47 Thank you for taking my call. Hello.
34:50 Jëan: Welcome.
34:51 Yeah, thanks for calling.
34:52 Carol: Yes.
34:54 I have been struggling about this and I just want to have a
34:56 better understanding between good and evil.
35:00 Where do we draw the line between good and evil, or in
35:05 other words, what is the determining factor between good
35:11 and evil?
35:12 Jëan: So good question.
35:14 Often we face choices and we trying to decide, "Well, what's
35:17 the right path?
35:18 What's the right decision for me to make in this case?"
35:20 The first thing you want to do is look at the principle.
35:23 So does that principle line up with Scripture?
35:27 If the principle conflicts with one of the commandments, if it
35:31 is a principle that contradicts the Scriptures, well, then the
35:34 answer is pretty clear.
35:35 You know, the Bible says, "To the law and to the testimony,"
35:38 this is Isaiah, "if they speak not according to this, there is
35:41 no light in them."
35:42 So any teaching, any idea, any decision that needs to be made,
35:47 it needs to first of all be in harmony with Scripture, but
35:50 there are many decisions that are in harmony with the
35:52 principles of Scripture and we still not quite sure which way
35:55 to go.
35:56 The second step is then to seek Christian counsel.
35:59 So if there are Christians maybe in your church or family, it's
36:03 wise to say, "You know, here's the situation I'm facing.
36:06 What do you think?
36:07 What guidance can you give me?"
36:09 And be open to listen to different thoughts that people
36:11 might have.
36:13 Of course, make it a matter of prayer and pray and say, "Lord,
36:16 I want to do what's right.
36:18 I don't want to fall into the trap of making a bad decision,
36:20 so please guide."
36:22 And then pray that He would open and close doors according to
36:25 His providence.
36:26 So God is able to close doors, He's able to open doors, He's
36:29 able to guide us.
36:31 And then trust His leading.
36:32 So those would be the principles you want to follow.
36:34 You want to make sure the principles are correct, lined up
36:37 with Scripture.
36:39 Seek the guidance of godly people.
36:42 Pray.
36:44 Make it a matter of prayer, and then pray that God would open
36:46 and close doors according to His will.
36:49 So those are the steps you want to follow.
36:50 We do have a book.
36:52 It's called "Determining the Will of God" and it outlines
36:55 these principles and gives more details on that.
36:58 Alden: Wonderful.
36:59 You can get that, Carol, if you call 1-800-835-6747 and ask for
37:03 that book.
37:05 We also have now Mary also in California.
37:07 She's got a question about Matthew 21.
37:09 Mary.
37:11 Mary: Yes.
37:12 What does it mean to be broken on the rock, was Christ?
37:15 Jëan: Okay.
37:16 Yes, let me read the verse.
37:17 I think you're referring to Matthew 21, verse 44.
37:21 And you know what?
37:22 Maybe I will just read the verse.
37:26 Let me start in verse 42 for those who might be driving and
37:28 get the context of the question.
37:30 "Jesus said to them, 'Have you never read the Scriptures: "The
37:33 stone which the builders rejected has become the
37:35 chief cornerstone.
37:36 This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes."
37:40 Therefore I say unto you, the kingdom of God will be taken
37:42 from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.'"
37:45 And He's talking to the religious leaders here.
37:47 "And whoever falls upon this stone will be broken; but on
37:51 whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder."
37:54 This is a great prophecy.
37:56 But let me just back up a little bit.
37:58 Jesus talks about the stone that the builders rejected has become
38:01 the chief cornerstone.
38:03 There's a little story connected with this.
38:04 In the building of the temple, in Solomon's temple, you
38:07 remember the story in Scripture, all of the stones that were used
38:10 in the construction of Solomon's temple were actually--they were
38:14 quarried off-site.
38:16 So they got the dimensions and they dug the stone or carved out
38:19 the stone.
38:21 And they had it made so it would fit perfect, so it could just
38:23 slide it into place when it actually came to the
38:25 construction of the temple.
38:26 There was a very important cornerstone that would bear a
38:29 lot of weight and it was sent from the quarry to the actual
38:32 building site where they were going to build the temple.
38:35 And at first people didn't quite know what the stone was for.
38:38 It didn't seem to fit in anything that they were working
38:40 on at the moment.
38:41 So they kind of just set it off to the side.
38:43 It was a bit of a stumbling stone.
38:44 It was kind of in the way.
38:46 But when it came time to put in a cornerstone, this chief
38:49 cornerstone, they were looking around for the right stone that
38:53 had extra strength and the right angle and the cut, and it was
38:56 that stumbling stone, but it fit just perfectly.
39:00 And that kind of became the chief cornerstone, and it's a
39:03 symbol of Christ.
39:04 The church is to be built on Jesus the chief cornerstone.
39:08 And so that's what Christ is referring to there.
39:10 But then in verse 44, more specifically on your question,
39:13 Jesus said, "Whoever falls upon this stone will be broken; but
39:16 on whom it falls, it'll grind him to powder."
39:19 The stone there is a reference to Christ.
39:22 If we fall upon Jesus and we confess our sins and we humble
39:25 our hearts, yes, we will be broken, but we will be healed,
39:29 we'll be made whole, we'll be restored, but if we reject and
39:33 we rebel against Christ, it talks about a stone falling upon
39:37 us and grinding us to powder.
39:38 Now, that imagery comes from Daniel chapter 2. In Daniel
39:42 chapter 2, Nebuchadnezzar has a dream and he sees this image
39:45 with all these different metals, and then a stone comes and
39:48 strikes the image upon its feet and grinds the metals to powder,
39:52 and the wind blows it away, and the stone grows and becomes a
39:55 great mountain that fills the whole earth.
39:57 That stone striking the image represents the second coming
40:00 of Christ.
40:01 So when Jesus says: whoever the stone falls upon it'll grind him
40:06 to powder, that is a reference to Daniel chapter 2 and it's a
40:09 reference to judgment that is coming upon those who reject,
40:13 those who refuse to humble their hearts and come to Jesus
40:16 for salvation.
40:18 It's a great study.
40:19 There's a lot more we can say about it, but that's sort of
40:22 caps, I think, these key questions.
40:24 Alden: Don't we have the magazine
40:25 "Daniel and Revelation?"
40:26 Jëan: We do have a--that's right.
40:28 We have a magazine that talks about Daniel chapter 2 and the
40:30 stone cutter without hands.
40:32 Alden: Right.
40:33 And that's called the "Daniel and Revelation" magazine.
40:35 You can get that magazine if you call 1-800-867-8--sorry.
40:40 835-6747.
40:42 Chris has got a question about taxes in Texas.
40:45 Jëan: Okay. Hey, Chris.
40:48 Welcome to "Bible Answers Live."
40:49 Chris: Thank you.
40:51 So my question refers to taxes and tithes.
40:52 Jëan: Okay.
40:53 Chris: Should I be adding the tithe receipt that I get from my
40:56 church to that?
40:57 And then when I get my tax return, do I pay a tithe on my
41:00 actual tax return as well?
41:02 Jëan: Okay.
41:03 Well, a good question.
41:05 The receipt that you get from your church--your donations to
41:08 the church is actually tax-deductible, and that's why
41:11 you get a receipt that comes from the church.
41:13 There are laws in the United States.
41:15 It's not in all countries, but the United States does have
41:18 certain laws that any charitable donation which includes to a
41:23 church is tax-deductible.
41:25 So you can remove from your taxes that portion.
41:30 Do you pay taxes on your tax returns if funds come back
41:34 to you?
41:35 Typically not because usually you pay tax--you pay your tithe
41:38 at the beginning of your income.
41:42 When you receive your paycheck you want to pay your tax
41:44 right--I mean, you want to pay your tithe.
41:46 You want to pay your tithe right away.
41:48 Usually your employee will withhold taxes.
41:50 So usually if you paying on the gross on everything, you've
41:54 already technically paid tithe on your taxes, and then the
41:58 return has already been taxed.
42:00 If you don't pay on your taxes, then yes, you'd want to pay
42:04 a tax--tax.
42:06 You want to pay a tithe, excuse me, on your tax return.
42:09 So hopefully that helps, Chris. Yes.
42:12 Alden: It's a good thing you didn't talk about Texas too
42:13 because Texas and taxes would be--
42:16 Jëan: Yeah, that would be fun.
42:17 Do you pay taxes in Texas?
42:19 Do you pay state tax?
42:21 I know some states you don't have to.
42:22 Alden: No state income tax.
42:23 Jëan: Okay.
42:25 Alden: That was the blessing about being there.
42:26 Jëan: Yeah, all right.
42:27 Alden: But yeah.
42:29 Jëan: That's not the case in California.
42:30 Alden: Not the case.
42:31 There's taxes on everything, even the air you breathe.
42:33 Jëan: That's right.
42:34 Alden: Phyllis.
42:35 We have Phyllis, first-time caller.
42:37 Phyllis in Arizona.
42:38 Are you there, Phyllis?
42:39 Thanks for calling.
42:41 Phyllis: Yes, I am. Thank you.
42:44 My question tonight is in the Gospel of John 14 chapter, 3.
42:49 Jesus said, "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will
42:54 come again and receive you unto Me--un--receive you unto Myself;
42:58 that where I Am, there ye may be also."
43:02 My question, just curiosity, why did Jesus say if?
43:08 When I say if, well, then I might do something and I
43:12 might not.
43:14 But Jesus said if.
43:15 Jëan: Okay. Good question.
43:18 The if in the verse applies to the previous statement.
43:21 For example, if you read in verse 1, He says, "Let not your
43:23 hearts be troubled.
43:25 You believe in God, believe also in Me.
43:27 In My Father's house there are many mansions.
43:29 If it were not so, I would have told you.
43:31 I go to prepare a place for you."
43:32 In other words, Jesus is saying to His disciples, "If you
43:35 believe in the Father, then you need to believe that I'm going
43:39 to go and prepare a place for you.
43:41 If you don't believe in the Father, well, I'm not going to
43:45 prepare a place for you."
43:46 Remember the preparation of the place in heaven is for
43:48 the saved.
43:50 It's for those who believe in Jesus, those who believe in God
43:53 or believe in the Father.
43:54 So if we believe in God, we have the promise that He will prepare
43:59 a place for us.
44:00 If we don't believe in God, then there is no place prepared for
44:04 us in heaven.
44:05 Does that help, Phyllis?
44:07 Phyllis: Yes.
44:08 I absolutely believe what the Bible says, but I guess it was
44:13 just out of curiosity.
44:14 I wonder why He said if.
44:16 Yeah.
44:17 Jëan: The if is for those who believe.
44:19 If they don't believe, they won't have a place.
44:21 If they do believe, they will have a place.
44:22 Phyllis: Okay, okay.
44:25 And also if you have information on why we shouldn't eat pork.
44:31 Jëan: Okay.
44:33 Well, we--
44:34 Phyllis: Because I have several people that, "No, I
44:36 don't eat pork," and they wonder why.
44:39 Jëan: They wonder why.
44:40 All right, good question.
44:41 Well, we do have some material.
44:43 It's called "God's Free Health Plan."
44:44 It's one of our Amazing Facts' study guides.
44:47 We also have a book, I think, that's entitled, at least it
44:50 was, "Death in the Kitchen."
44:52 It's kind of got an intriguing title.
44:54 Talks about food.
44:55 Now, of course, you know, pork is probably one of the most
44:58 unhealthy meats that one could eat.
45:00 The Bible in the Old Testament and also in the New Testament
45:02 refers to unclean foods, and pork would fall into
45:06 that category.
45:08 Pigs are unclean.
45:09 And the biblical principle for a clean meat or an unclean meat
45:14 has to do with whether the animal has cloven hooves,
45:17 divided hooves, and chews the cud.
45:20 So a cow or a sheep, they have divided hooves, they chew the
45:23 cud, but a pig does not chew the cud, even though it might have a
45:27 cloven hoove.
45:28 Camels chew the cud, but they don't have a hoove, so
45:31 they're unclean.
45:32 And then there are also principles applying to the fish
45:34 as well.
45:36 But call and ask for that study guide.
45:37 It's called "God's Free Health Plan."
45:38 It'll put all the verses there and provide some
45:41 additional information.
45:42 Alden: And that whole scenario of what you can eat and can't
45:45 eat is found in Leviticus 11, in case you haven't
45:48 read that before.
45:50 You can always get them to refer to that.
45:52 So thank you for your call, Phyllis.
45:54 Paul in South Dakota has a good question regarding Bible study
45:58 and becoming a member, but yet living a certain way.
46:02 Jëan: Hey, Paul.
46:03 Welcome to "Bible Answers Live."
46:04 Paul: Yes. Thank you, brothers.
46:07 God bless you.
46:08 So my scenario that I've thought in my mind is if a man and a
46:12 woman are living together and they decide they want Bible
46:17 studies, and they come to your church or contact you somehow,
46:22 and you set up, you know, a time for them to study with, and
46:27 during the course of the studies you find out that they're not
46:29 married and that they're in an intimate relationship.
46:34 Would they be able to be baptized at the end of
46:37 the studies?
46:38 Jëan: Okay. Well, that's a good question.
46:41 That's a real-life situation that I have faced in my
46:42 ministry, and I'm sure Pastor Alden has faced that too.
46:46 If we meet with someone or a couple and we do Bible studies
46:49 with them, during the Bible study it becomes pretty clear
46:52 what God's ideal is, and God's ideal is for marriage.
46:56 So if two people are living together and they're not
46:58 married, well, then they need to get married.
47:00 So there have been times in the work that I've been doing where
47:04 I have married, you know, a man and a woman and baptized them.
47:08 Married them one day and baptized them a week later.
47:11 So we want to make sure that we do everything we can before we
47:15 are baptized to set our lives in water.
47:18 Doesn't mean we perfect, but the clear principles of faith we
47:22 want to embrace, we want to be faithful.
47:24 And so it's important for a person to first work that out
47:27 before they are baptized.
47:30 And that's usually the path that we follow.
47:32 Alden: And we have lesson number five in our Bible study guide
47:36 called "Keys For a Happy Marriage," and that would be
47:38 very helpful to pass on to them as you're studying with them
47:42 as well.
47:43 And let's see.
47:45 We have Rachel in Arizona talking about the Ark of
47:48 the Covenant.
47:50 Rachel, are you there?
47:51 Rachel: Thank you.
47:52 So my question is, does Bible Scripture disclose the location
47:56 of the Ark of the Covenant?
47:59 Jëan: Okay.
48:00 It doesn't clearly tell us where the ark is.
48:03 It would kind of be nice if it did 'cause we could go find it,
48:06 but it's--from just the historical account, the Ark of
48:10 the Covenant was removed from the temple in Jerusalem most
48:14 likely by Jeremiah the prophet before the Babylonian captivity.
48:18 And that occurred around 600 BC, 600 years Before Christ.
48:22 So Jeremiah knew that the Babylonians were coming,
48:25 Nebuchadnezzar was coming.
48:27 He knew that the city would eventually fall.
48:29 He prophesized about that event.
48:32 He was in Jerusalem during that time period and when Jerusalem
48:35 actually did fall.
48:36 So it's quite possible that Jeremiah and some of the other
48:39 priests, knowing that the city was going to fall, they hid the
48:43 Ark of the Covenant in one of the many caves around Jerusalem.
48:48 And it's still there today.
48:50 Now, after the 7 years of Babylonian captivity when the
48:53 Jews came back from Babylon and they started to rebuild the
48:55 temple, it was a time of instability, there was political
49:00 unrest by the nations around them, and they didn't feel, at
49:04 least at first, to bring the temple back--or bring the ark
49:07 back into the temple.
49:09 It could very well be that some who hid it at that point had
49:11 forgotten where it was, they didn't know where it was.
49:14 But after the Babylonian captivity, the Ark of the
49:17 Covenant never made it back in the temple.
49:19 Even in the time of Christ the Ark of the Covenant was not in
49:22 the most holy place of the temple.
49:25 And it's still hidden somewhere today.
49:27 And hopefully they will find it before the end of time, before
49:30 Jesus comes.
49:32 It would be kind of neat to see the Ark of the Covenant.
49:34 That will be the biggest archaeological discovery of all.
49:37 Alden: We're told that it could be discovered, right?
49:38 Jëan: It seems that way, yeah.
49:40 The Bible seems--not a clear statement, but it seems to
49:43 indicate that yeah, there's a possibility that the law will
49:45 be revealed.
49:47 Alden: Hollywood's made a lot of movies on that too.
49:48 Jëan: I know.
49:50 It's a big thing.
49:51 Alden: But God has--
49:52 Jëan: So it's not in Ethiopia, in case you've
49:54 heard people say that.
49:55 No.
49:57 It is somewhere in the vicinity of Jerusalem, hidden in one of
49:59 those caves.
50:01 Alden: We have Aaron in California, and he's got a
50:04 really good question.
50:05 Aaron, you're there?
50:06 Aaron: Yes. Can you hear me?
50:09 Jëan: Yeah.
50:10 Welcome to the program, and your question.
50:12 Aaron: Yes.
50:13 So my question is, to make it pretty quick, when Lucifer was
50:15 in heaven, right, he did certain things that to--that literally
50:21 went against God, and God literally bore along
50:24 with Lucifer.
50:25 Why was it that when Lucifer sinned that he didn't need a
50:29 Savior in comparison to when Adam sinned?
50:33 If Adam had went to Jesus and said, "God, I'm sorry," that
50:38 wouldn't be enough because his character was mauled or, you
50:41 know, diminished.
50:43 All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, right?
50:45 So why didn't Lucifer--why would it be that Lucifer would have
50:50 just gotten a free pass back into heaven if he sincerely
50:53 repented while he was there, but Adam needed a Savior?
50:57 Jëan: All right. Good question.
50:59 Now, Revelation chapter 12 talks about a war in heaven.
51:01 So we know that Lucifer, one of the covering cherubs, began to
51:04 covet God's possession.
51:06 I'm sure there were conversations that took place,
51:08 some very important conversations in heaven where
51:11 God the Father set forth the proper possession of His
51:14 Son Jesus.
51:16 And, you know, Jesus is the Creator.
51:19 He is worthy of worship.
51:21 And I'm sure the angels spoke to Lucifer and there was this
51:24 pleading going on for a period of time, but at some point
51:27 Lucifer hardened his heart and he passed the point of
51:30 no return.
51:32 There probably was a period of time where maybe he wasn't fully
51:37 rebellious, maybe he was questioning things and had he
51:40 repented of that he could have been reinstated in heaven.
51:44 Of course, in the case of Adam and Eve it's different.
51:48 When they sinned, Jesus stepped in as a substitute for them.
51:53 Lucifer rebelled in the full light of the glory of God,
51:57 whereas Adam and Eve didn't have that same understanding, that
52:01 same exposure to God's glory as Lucifer did in heaven.
52:04 We don't know how long Lucifer was in heaven before the
52:06 rebellion took place.
52:08 But God being a God of love, said, "I have a plan of
52:11 redemption to save mankind."
52:13 So how long would that door of opportunity have remained open
52:17 in heaven for Lucifer to say, "I'm sorry?"
52:19 The Bible doesn't say, but very clearly now he has passed
52:23 that point.
52:24 There is no sacrifice for Lucifer and for the
52:27 fallen angels.
52:29 Alden: You know, I was thinking too about this, because Adam, if
52:32 you read Ephesians 6, talks about he is blood and he is
52:36 flesh, where Lucifer is spiritual being.
52:40 Totally different separation from that.
52:43 Jëan: Good question.
52:44 Thank you, Aaron. Who do we have next?
52:47 Alden: We have Gus in Idaho, and Gus has got a question
52:48 regarding Matthew.
52:50 Gus: Thank you. I enjoy your guys' program.
52:52 I listen every Sunday. I'm a truck driver.
52:55 And I finally got through after I don't know how many
52:56 attempts, but--
52:58 Jëan: Thanks for being persistent.
52:59 Gus: It must be the Lord's will.
53:00 It must be the Lord's will because I've been carrying this
53:02 burden that I don't know, it's just been--it's been tearing
53:04 me apart.
53:06 So my question is in Matthew 19:9 when the Pharisees are
53:10 trying to trap Jesus in regards to the question of marriage
53:14 and divorce.
53:15 And I know that you had another caller, I believe, earlier touch
53:18 on that, but not in detail like I want to.
53:22 But--and I'm not--I don't want to bash anybody, but there's
53:27 another Bible answer program that's a couple of slots ahead
53:33 of you guys on Sirius 131 FM.
53:36 And I called in I think a week ago to ask a different question.
53:39 And anyway to make a long story short, this gentleman reached
53:43 back out to me to do a Bible study, and we did.
53:45 And he was asking about my marriage, and I told him--well,
53:49 he asked me if it was my first marriage and my wife's first
53:51 marriage, and I told him no, it was my first marriage and my
53:54 wife's second marriage.
53:56 And he asked why my wife had divorced, and I explained to him
54:00 that her ex-husband was a heavy drug user and didn't want to
54:04 seek help, and my wife did everything she possibly could to
54:09 save the marriage, but it was not savable.
54:12 But anyway, me and my wife have been married for 25 years.
54:14 We have three beautiful daughters.
54:17 This particular gentleman told me that our marriage is an
54:20 adulterous marriage and not valid in the eyes of God, and
54:24 therefore I'm living in adultery with my wife, and I must divorce
54:28 her in order to enter into the kingdom of God.
54:31 Jëan: Well, first of all, Gus, yeah, thank you for calling.
54:33 And probably the verse he's referring to is if somebody puts
54:37 away a wife and there's no biblical grounds for that, and
54:41 she marries another, the person who marries her is guilty of
54:44 committing adultery.
54:46 However, there are exceptions to the rule.
54:48 And in the case of somebody who wasn't living a Christian life,
54:52 and then, you know, they get a divorce, and then they come to
54:55 the Lord and they repent and they ask for forgiveness, our
54:58 past sins are all forgiven.
55:00 We are free to start fresh and trust in the Lord to open the
55:04 way and lead.
55:05 It's pretty evident that, you know, you've been married for a
55:07 long time.
55:09 You're both committed.
55:11 You can ask for God's blessing upon your marriage and you can
55:13 trust that He does.
55:15 You want to do everything you can to safeguard your marriage
55:16 and protect your marriage, but you can't go back and change
55:20 the past.
55:21 And the last thing you want to do is divorce her because she's
55:24 not going to be able to go back to her first husband anyway.
55:27 So I think you just put it behind you, you pray and ask
55:29 God, "If we've done something wrong, please forgive us," and
55:33 live up to all the light that you have in the Scriptures.
55:36 You know, the book that we offered a little earlier you
55:38 might enjoy reading.
55:39 It's called "Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage."
55:42 And we'll be happy to send it to anyone who calls and asks.
55:46 We also have another study guide called "Keys to a Happy
55:49 Marriage" for those who are married and they want to make
55:51 sure that they living up to everything that God purposes for
55:54 marriage and that you want your marriage to be blessed.
55:57 There are some biblical principles, and it's called
55:59 "Keys to a Happy Marriage."
56:01 We'll be happy to send that to anyone who calls and asks.
56:04 The number is just simply 800-835-6747, and as for that
56:11 study guide, it's called "Keys for a Happy Marriage."
56:13 And you will be blessed by reading it.
56:16 Well, you know, Pastor Alden, I'm looking at the clock.
56:17 We don't have time to take another caller just yet.
56:20 We are going to take some of your email questions in just a
56:23 moment, but before we get to that, friends, if you're
56:25 listening and you want to learn more, just visit our website.
56:28 It's AmazingFacts.org.
56:30 It is packed with all kinds of great resources.
56:33 And the free offers that we mentioned on the program, you
56:36 can read them online at the Amazing Facts website.
56:39 We want to encourage you to go ahead and take a look at it.
56:42 Pastor Alden, what are our email questions this evening?
56:45 Alden: I want to tell Gus also that he can call--because he's
56:48 driving, you call #250 and you can ask for those books while
56:52 you're driving--
56:53 Jëan: That's right.
56:54 Alden: So you don't have to type all that in.
56:56 We've got a few email questions here.
56:57 James is asking, when does Satan's impersonation or
57:01 impersonation of Christ's return occur in relationship to the
57:04 close of probation?
57:06 Would it be for the purpose of everyone's destiny to be fixed
57:10 by that time?
57:12 So is it after or before?
57:13 Jëan: Good question.
57:14 All right, so the Bible says that in the last days, Jesus
57:16 said in Matthew 24, there'll be false Christs and false
57:19 prophets, and they'll deceive, if possible, even the
57:21 very elect.
57:23 So Jesus warns His people.
57:25 Will there be a caliphate of an impersonation by the devil of
57:29 the second coming of Christ?
57:31 Yes, we believe there will be.
57:33 It kind of takes place in twofold, you might say.
57:35 There is going to be some deception before probation
57:38 closes and false Christs, plural, will appear, but there
57:42 is also going to be this masterful, great impersonation
57:46 that takes place.
57:47 It actually happens after probation closes during
57:49 the plagues.
57:50 And the purpose of that impersonation isn't to deceive
57:52 the righteous at that point, it is to try and gather the whole
57:56 world to finally pass a death decree upon God's people.
58:00 The good news is that that death decree is never carried out
58:03 because Jesus comes to their rescue.
58:05 Well, friends, that's it for today.
58:07 Until next week, God bless.
58:11 announcer: Thank you for listening to today's broadcast.
58:14 We hope you understand your Bible even better than before.
58:18 "Bible Answers Live" is produced by Amazing Facts International,
58:22 a faith-based ministry located in Granite Bay, California.
58:28 ♪♪♪


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