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Series Code: AFBA
Program Code: AFBA022133S
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00:00 (upbeat music)
00:03 - [Commentator] It is the best-selling book in history. 00:05 No volume ever written has been more loved and quoted, 00:09 and its words sometimes simple and sometimes mysterious, 00:13 should always be studied carefully. 00:16 It is the Bible, the Word of God. 00:20 Welcome to Bible Answers Live. 00:22 Providing accurate and practical answers 00:25 to all your Bible questions. 00:28 This broadcast is a previously recorded episode. 00:31 To receive any of the Bible resources 00:33 mentioned in this broadcast, call 800-835-6747. 00:39 Once again, that's 800-835-6747. 00:45 Now here's your host from Amazing Facts International, 00:48 Pastor Doug Batchelor. 00:50 - Hello friends. 00:51 Would you like to hear an amazing fact? 00:54 The Welwitschia is one of the strangest plants 00:57 in all of the world. 00:58 Firstly, because they're unusually ugly, 01:00 of course, that might be a matter of opinion. 01:02 They got two large strap like leaves that continuously grow 01:06 from a short woody unbranched stem along the ground. 01:09 Over time the ends of the leaves die 01:12 and dry forming a twisted and frayed bundle 01:15 at the base of the plant, like a big rat's nest. 01:17 They're also interesting because they live a very long time. 01:21 Carbon-14 dating of the largest plants have shown 01:24 that several individuals are at least 1,500 years old. 01:29 Some are believed to be as much as 2,000 years old 01:32 making them the oldest plants in the world. 01:35 Even though they've got a shallow taproot, 01:37 these incredible plants survive 01:39 and thrive in the deserts of Namibia 01:42 where temperatures can easily reach 130 degrees. 01:46 How do they do it? 01:48 During the night and morning, 01:49 they absorb any moisture in the air. 01:52 That's a good lesson for all of us to make the most 01:54 of what little we have (laughs) to get through fiery trials. 01:57 - Absolutely, I mean, when you look at the pictures, 01:59 you don't think, well, it's not much to look at, 02:01 but it's a fascinating plant. 02:02 For one, it lives a very long time, more than 1,500, 02:06 almost 2,000 years. 02:08 Of course, redwood trees are known 02:10 to also live for a very long time, but here is a- 02:12 - A plant. - Almost just like a bush. 02:14 Yeah, like a plant. 02:15 Something else interesting about the plant I was looking at, 02:17 it releases a red pigment when it's very hot in its leaves 02:21 and the leaves actually turn reddish, 02:23 which helps to reflect the radiation of the sun. 02:26 And when it's cooler in the desert areas, 02:29 then it releases more chlorophyl 02:31 and the leaves turn very bright or deep green, 02:34 which helps to absorb energy, so- 02:37 - And I'm guessing that they must taste awful 02:39 or some camel would've eaten them for 1,500 years- 02:41 - (mumbles) some animal animal would eat it, but- 02:43 - It must smell or taste terrible. 02:44 - (mumbles) leave them alone. 02:45 (laughs) 02:46 So here we have a plant 02:48 that's able to endure incredible hardships. 02:50 It patiently waits until the moisture comes 02:52 and it's able to just thrive 02:54 under these very difficult conditions. 02:56 It reminds me of some Christians who are able to thrive 02:59 even though they're going through some difficult trials. 03:01 - Yeah, when I lived up in the mountains, 03:03 I lived in the Desert Mountains for several years, 03:05 and, well, about a year and a half, 03:07 and they have barrel cactus up there. 03:10 And during the dry season, they shrivel and they get skinny, 03:12 they got pleats in them. 03:14 And then if you have a rain in the desert, 03:16 a day or two or a few hours of rain, you'll see them, 03:19 they soak up every drop of water, 03:20 and they literally, they swell up, 03:22 and they slowly then use that water to survive. 03:26 So that's what a Christian needs to do as long as we can, 03:29 we need to soak up the living water, the Word of God, 03:33 and store our minds with truth 03:36 to get us through the times of trouble. 03:38 The reason that Noah survived the flood 03:40 is because he stored it with food and resources, 03:43 he couldn't drink the salt water to get him 03:46 and the other animals through that storm. 03:48 And, friends, now is the time for us to be storing up 03:51 the truth of God's Word and the living water of God's Spirit 03:55 to get us through the fiery trials that come. 03:59 There's a verse in the Bible, Pastor Ross, 04:00 it's in 1 Peter 4:12-13. 04:04 "Beloved, do not think it strange 04:06 concerning the fiery trial that is to try you, 04:09 as though some strange thing has happened to you, 04:11 but rejoice to the extent 04:13 that you partake of Christ's sufferings, 04:15 that when His glory is revealed, 04:17 you may also be glad with exceeding joy." 04:20 God promises He can get us through those fiery trials, 04:23 and those trials actually shape and prepare us. 04:25 - Mm-hmm, absolutely. 04:26 We have a book that gives encouragement, 04:29 some biblical principles 04:30 of how we can endure trials and difficulties. 04:32 The Bible tells us everyone who chooses 04:33 to live a godly life- - Hmm. 04:35 - Will experience difficulties and trials. 04:37 So how we're to react when these things happen? 04:40 The book is called, "When The Brook Dries Up", 04:43 that's "Why Do Christians Suffer?" 04:44 And I think it'll be an encouragement for anyone 04:47 going through some difficulties. 04:49 Just call and ask, 04:50 we'll be happy to send this to anyone for free. 04:51 The number to call is 800-835-6747. 04:55 And again, just ask for the book, it's called, 04:57 "When The Brook Dried Up." 04:59 And I think it's referring to the story there, 05:01 Pastor Doug, of Elijah when he was riding... 05:04 Or during the three and a half year drought in Israel 05:07 when God provided water and food at the brook, 05:10 but then the brook dried up. - Yeah. 05:12 - And yet God had another plan for where he was to go. 05:14 - Yeah, He always, if that happens, 05:17 He will supply another way, and He did. 05:19 - Absolutely. 05:20 Again, we wanna welcome those 05:21 who are joining us on the various outlets, 05:22 those joining us on Amazing Facts TV, we are live, 05:25 and we are welcoming your questions. 05:28 Also those listening on radio, 05:29 both in various local stations and on satellite radio, 05:33 on Facebook, Pastor Doug Batchelor Facebook page 05:35 as well as the Amazing Facts Facebook page. 05:38 So, again, welcome, 05:39 thank you for being a part of the program. 05:41 If you have a- - (mumbles) a Doug Batchelor 05:42 now a YouTube page too. 05:43 - Oh, and the YouTube page. - That's right. 05:44 Yeah. - We're also on YouTube. 05:45 If you have a Bible related question, 05:47 the phone lines are now open, 05:49 so this is a good time to pick up your phone 05:50 and give us a call, the number is 800-463-7297. 05:57 Again, the number is 800-463-7297 06:01 with your Bible question. 06:02 If you don't get through right away, stay on the phone, 06:04 and one of our phone operators 06:06 will answer the call as soon as they can. 06:09 Well, Pastor Doug, before we go to the phone lines, 06:11 we always like to start with a word of prayer, 06:13 so let's do that. 06:14 Dear Father, once again, thank You for this opportunity 06:16 that we have to be able to open up Your Word 06:18 and study together. 06:19 And, Lord, it's Your Book, 06:21 so we ask for the Holy Spirit to come and guide us, 06:23 lead us all into a clear and a full understanding 06:25 of Bible truth found in the Scriptures. 06:28 Be with those who are listening wherever they might be, 06:30 and we ask this in Jesus' name. 06:32 Amen. - Amen. 06:34 - We're gonna go to our first caller this evening, 06:36 we have Risen in Los Angeles, California. 06:39 Risen, welcome to the program. 06:42 - [Risen] Hi, (mumbles) praise Jesus. 06:44 Thank you, Pastor Doug. - Yes. 06:45 - [Risen] Thank you, Pastor Ross. 06:48 It's been a year or so since I spoke with you, 06:52 but I don't wanna go around the bush, 06:55 I wanna go direct to my question 06:56 because I know you have a lot of people 07:00 who want to ask questions. - Sure. 07:03 - [Risen] I have a question about jewelry. 07:07 - Mm-hmm. 07:08 - [Risen] I heard your message about jewelry, 07:11 and you said that jewelry cause people to have pride. 07:17 I wore jewelry, Pastor Doug, in... 07:24 - Did we lose you? 07:25 Are you there? (Risen mumbles) 07:26 All right, go ahead. 07:27 Just so you wear jewelry, 07:28 are you wondering if it's wrong to wear jewelry? 07:31 - [Risen] I wore jewelry in moderately, okay? 07:34 - [Doug] Uh-huh. 07:36 - [Risen] And jewelry goes around my wrist, 07:39 reminds me of heaven 07:41 that I'm gonna be walking in the street of gold. 07:44 It doesn't give me pride at all. 07:47 - Well, you do want me to give you the Bible reasons? 07:51 Yeah, do you want me to give you the Bible reasons 07:54 for what I said? - Sir, 07:57 I'm not done with my question yet, 07:59 if you can finish me up. - Okay. 08:04 - [Risen] In the Bible, there are references about jewelry, 08:07 like the prodigal son, 08:09 the father gave his son a ring when he came back to him. 08:14 - Mm-hmm. - And also in Psalms, 08:19 with David, it's full of jewelry there too. 08:23 So I don't know what's wrong with jewelry 08:26 when it comes to moderation. 08:32 So go ahead, Pastor Doug. 08:35 - All right, thank you, Risen. 08:36 Yeah, no, I appreciate it. 08:38 And a matter of fact, I could even add to your argument. 08:41 It tells us in Ezekiel 08:43 about how God adorned His bride with jewelry. 08:47 And so I'm not denying 08:48 that people in the Bible wear jewelry. 08:49 And let me make it very clear 08:51 in case anyone out there misunderstands. 08:53 There's gonna be a lot of people 08:54 in heaven that wore jewelry. 08:56 So, yeah, I don't know, 08:58 I've answered that question many times, 08:59 so I don't know which answer you heard, 09:01 sometimes it focuses on a different aspect of it. 09:03 But I was saying that there are 09:06 a number of Scriptures in the Bible 09:08 that talk about jewelry being connected with pride. 09:12 And one of them is in Isaiah chapter, 09:15 I think it's Isaiah chapter 3, it says, 09:16 the daughters of Jerusalem are proud, 09:19 and they go walking and mincing as they go, 09:21 and it describes all their jewelry in detail. 09:26 And then you can even read about Lucifer, 09:28 it talks about all the precious stones that covered Lucifer. 09:32 When the children of Israel went out of Egypt, 09:35 jewelry was money in Bible times 09:37 because they had no paper money, 09:38 and so they used to trade with jewelry. 09:40 When Eliezer wanted to give a dowry to Rebekah, 09:45 it says he gave her a bracelet, 09:47 it tells how much it weighed because it was money. 09:50 The children of Israel ended up making a golden calf 09:52 out of their jewelry and worshiping it. 09:55 And so many Christians through history have believed 09:59 that because of statements where Paul says, 10:01 let the adorning not be the outward adorning, 10:03 the wearing of gold and putting on apparel. 10:05 And Paul talks about not with gold or pearls 10:08 or precious adornment, but with modesty. 10:13 And so, people, they're wondering, 10:15 well, if I just wear a little bit modestly, how's that? 10:20 I take the position that, how much is too much? 10:24 So, by the way, I have a book written by the same title, 10:27 and you may have read that, 10:28 it's called, "Jewelry: How Much Is Too Much?" 10:31 And the reason is that sometimes by your example, 10:34 some people, they're concerned about their appearance, 10:39 they have low self-esteem, 10:40 and they put on a lot of jewelry, 10:45 and it can be a stumbling block for somebody, 10:47 so to avoid having anyone else stumble. 10:50 And let's face it, a lot of people wear a lot of bling, 10:54 and they spend a lot of money. 10:55 So, if something is gonna make your brother stumble, 10:58 don't do it. 10:59 Paul says, "If eating meat's gonna make my brother stumble," 11:01 he's talking about eating meat offered to idols, 11:03 he said, "I won't eat it." 11:04 "I don't wanna do anything to make my brother stumble." 11:07 There will be people in heaven that drink alcohol. 11:09 I don't drink any alcohol 11:10 because some people will get addicted, 11:12 and it's a bad witness, 11:13 I also think there's good health reasons. 11:16 So I think the reason is, 11:19 for Christian modesty, a few years ago... 11:22 I'll say one more thing on that. 11:24 A few years ago, 11:25 a number of televangelists got into trouble, 11:27 they fell morally, and it became very public. 11:30 But the same televangelist, 11:32 they were always parading their Rolexes 11:34 and talking about their Bentley cars 11:36 and their wives were always dressed in 11:38 very flamboyant attire, lots of jewels. 11:40 And the world was making fun of them, 11:43 and they said, you're begging for all the money 11:45 from these poor people, and look at how you're bedecked. 11:49 So I've always taken the position that, 11:51 I think if a Christian's gonna make a mistake, 11:53 make a mistake on the side of modesty. 11:56 God is not gonna say to me when I stand before Him 11:59 in the judgment, "Doug, I can't let you in." 12:01 "Why not, Lord?" 12:02 "You didn't wear enough jewelry." 12:03 So I know some people out there think, 12:05 "Boy, you're kind of radical", but maybe. 12:09 - Well, God knows the human heart better than we do. 12:11 - Yeah. - And if God asked us 12:12 not to do something, ultimately it's for our own good. 12:15 We find an example in the Bible, in Exodus chapter 33, 12:18 before the children of Israel 12:19 were to enter into the Promised Land, 12:21 one of the things that God told them to do is 12:23 remove all of your jewelry. 12:24 He knew that that would be a stumbling block for them. 12:27 And, of course, like you say, 12:28 we wanna set a good example for those around us. 12:30 So, Risen, I'd encourage you to call and ask for that book, 12:33 it's called, "Jewelry: How Much Is Too Much?" 12:36 And that's for anyone wanting to know, 12:37 what does the Bible say about this topic? 12:39 The number to call is 800-835-6747. 12:43 And again, just ask for the book, 12:45 it's called, "Jewelry: How Much Is Too Much?" 12:48 We've got Mark listening in Tokyo, Japan. 12:50 That's where the Olympic Games were. 12:52 Mark, welcome to the program. 12:55 - [Mark] Yes, hello, Pastor Doug, 12:58 and Pastor Jean. - Yeah. 13:00 - I'm in actually Mitaka, Tokyo, 13:04 we're right next to the park where the bike races began, 13:09 and- - Oh, the Olympics? 13:11 - [Mark] Yeah, all the way through 13:13 around Mount Fuji to the Koku area. 13:18 And, boy, I don't know, 13:20 I don't know how they didn't keel over in the heat, 13:22 but they made it, so that's good. 13:26 - Yeah, that's good. 13:27 Well, I'm glad you got a front row seat there. 13:30 (Mark laughs) 13:31 - [Mark] Actually my question is, 13:35 I think it's a very simple one, 13:36 but yet I get so much opposition in this question, 13:41 and in this particular Bible verse, 13:43 and it's Ecclesiastes 9:5. 13:46 "For the living know that they will die; 13:49 but the dead know nothing, 13:51 and they have no more reward, 13:54 for the memory of them is forgotten." 13:56 And what I'm having so much opposition is, 13:59 is the very last verse of, 14:01 "For the memory of them is forgotten." 14:04 My version is the memory of the person that is deceased, 14:08 that is dead, that is now sleeping, 14:10 their memory is wiped out and gone, 14:13 but I'm getting people saying, 14:15 it's the memory of people that are alive that knew them. 14:19 And I'm thinking, well, my parents died many years ago, 14:23 and I still remember them. 14:24 So I'm not, somehow or other, 14:28 I need clarification on this particular, 14:30 which what it mean. 14:32 - What is forgotten when it says, 14:34 "The memory of them is forgotten"? 14:36 I'm looking at the Young's Literal Translation here, 14:38 and it words it for, "The living know they'll die, 14:40 but the dead know not anything, 14:43 and there is no more to them a reward 14:45 for their remembrance has been forgotten." 14:48 And I think if you go by this, Solomon is saying, 14:51 it could be taken one of two ways. 14:52 Solomon, I think here is saying that over time, 14:57 people do forget about the living, 15:01 but I think it also could be said 15:02 that that person's memories, 15:05 they're not thinking anything when they're dead. 15:10 So it doesn't mean they're not gonna be resurrected 15:12 to have any memories, but it just means 15:14 that they're not remembering anything when they're dead. 15:16 So there's kind of two ways you can look at that verse, 15:18 but either way fits with good theology. 15:22 - And, of course, the memory of those who are forgotten, 15:24 it's talking in general terms. 15:26 There are certain individuals, I mean, our family members, 15:28 our parents that we would remember, 15:30 but even if you think back four or five generations, 15:34 even in your own family, do you remember- 15:36 - Unless you're in a history book. 15:38 - Yeah, your ancestry. - It's very few. 15:40 - So I think it's talking in general terms. 15:42 The reality is that when a person dies, 15:44 their own memory ceases in death, 15:47 but over time their contribution to this life 15:51 is also forgotten unless... 15:53 It's interesting, unless they played a role 15:55 in helping to lead others to Christ, 15:57 and then that gets perpetuated. 15:59 - Right. - So we can. 16:00 I have a memory, and that is in sharing Christ with others. 16:03 Does that help, Mark? 16:06 - [Mark] Yeah, so what you're saying is really, 16:09 it's kind of a dual answer. 16:11 It's really the dead, for the person that is now sleeping, 16:15 his memory is now forgotten, 16:16 and then the people over time and forget about them, 16:21 and what they- - Mm-hmm. 16:22 - [Mark] What their actions and what they've done on earth. 16:24 - Yeah, Solomon, you look at the... 16:27 What do you call it, the context of everything 16:29 he's saying in chapter 9, he is saying, 16:31 the important thing is life. 16:34 He says, "To all the living there is hope, 16:36 for a living dog is better than a dead lion." 16:40 And he says, several times he talks about, 16:42 as the man dies, so dies the beast. 16:45 He's saying, if you're making your treasure down here, 16:47 it's really a waste because this life is temporary. 16:49 That's what he's really saying. 16:50 He concludes the whole book by saying, 16:52 what's the conclusion? 16:53 Fear God and keep His commandments 16:55 for this is the whole duty of man, 16:57 for God will bring every work into judgment 16:58 with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil. 17:00 So he's basically saying, don't live for this life alone, 17:04 think about the life that will last 17:06 because you're gonna die, and this life will be over. 17:10 So, but if you fear God and keep His commandments, 17:12 there is a judgment, and obviously there's a judgment, 17:14 there's a reward. 17:16 So that's how he concludes the whole book. 17:18 - All right, well, thank you for your call, Mark. 17:19 We do have a study guide, it's called, 17:20 "Are the Dead Really Dead?" 17:22 And it talks about the subject of, 17:23 what happens when a person dies. 17:25 And we'll be happy to send this to anyone in North America, 17:27 the number to call is 800-835-6747, 17:31 and you can ask for the study guide, 17:32 it's called, "Are the Dead Really Dead?" 17:34 We also have a website, it's called deathtruth.com. 17:37 And, of course, you can access this website 17:39 anywhere around the world, 17:40 and it's filled with all kinds of 17:42 wonderful Bible verses, sermons, study material. 17:46 So if you wanna learn more about the subject, 17:47 take a look at deathtruth.com. 17:50 Next caller we have is Robert, and he's listening from... 17:53 Let's see, Robert is in Washington. 17:56 Robert, welcome to the program. 17:59 - [Robert] Yes, hello. 18:00 Thank you for taking my call. 18:01 - Sure. 18:03 - [Robert] Okay, yeah, I have a question 18:06 about Isaiah 65:23. 18:08 - [Doug] Yeah. 18:09 - [Robert] And it's, "They shall not labor in vain, 18:12 nor bring forth for trouble; 18:13 for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, 18:15 and their offspring with them." 18:18 Okay, I had always understood this to be talking 18:22 about the survivors of the seven-year tribulation period, 18:26 and this is talking about the 1,000 year kingdom, 18:30 and those are the children born without trouble. 18:34 What is your take on that? 18:37 - All right, great question. 18:39 Keep in mind, Isaiah has prophesied 18:41 before the Jews were attacked by the Babylonians. 18:45 He lived quite awhile before that, 18:46 but he's foretelling a time 18:48 when they would go through a great trouble, 18:50 but there would be another period of peace 18:53 when they would come back 18:54 and their descendants would be blessed. 18:55 And that was during the time of Ezra-Nehemiah 18:58 got watched over them and... 18:59 But it's really a bigger picture of talking about heaven. 19:03 And you can read here, if you go back to verse 17, 19:10 "For behold I create new heavens and a new earth; 19:12 and the former will not be remembered nor come into mind." 19:15 And so he begins to talk about just, 19:17 there'll be no more weeping in Jerusalem, 19:20 my people will be at joy. 19:23 It's like Jesus said, 19:24 there's no more pain or suffering or sorrow, 19:26 in Revelation 21 and 22. 19:29 So it says, they'll not plant and another eat, 19:31 they'll not build and another inhabit. 19:32 They used to plant their vineyards and then they, 19:34 like in the story of Gideon, the Midianites came 19:36 and took all their produce, 19:38 or they'd chase them out, 19:39 they'd move into their houses. 19:41 And he said, "You will long enjoy the fruit of your hands." 19:44 Now I don't think it's saying, there's gonna be new births, 19:46 it says you and your offspring, 19:47 meaning you and your children will enjoy 19:51 the benefits of this eternal, peaceful kingdom, 19:54 but I think that's after the millennium. 19:55 - Yeah, if you look on a few more verses, verse 25 says, 19:58 "The wolf shall lay down with the lamb 20:00 and they will feed together." 20:01 So that's clearly talking about the earth made new 20:04 at the end of the 1,000 years. 20:06 It's also interesting, specifically Pastor Doug, 23, 20:09 it talks about, "You shall not bring forth 20:11 children for trouble, 20:13 and your descendants will be blessed to the Lord, 20:15 your offspring with them." 20:17 So the family unit will still be intact in heaven. 20:20 Now it doesn't mean that you're gonna be giving birth 20:22 to children in heaven. 20:24 The children that you have here 20:26 that perhaps will be alive when Jesus comes 20:29 or have died and are resurrected, 20:31 the children will grow up in heaven, 20:32 but the family unit will still be blessed. 20:34 - Yeah. - And there won't be any 20:35 fear for the future. 20:37 - Yeah, and it's actually the, 20:38 it's the antithesis of what Jesus said 20:40 on the way to the cross. 20:41 He told the daughters of Jerusalem- 20:42 - Hmm. - "Don't weep for Me, 20:43 but weep for you and your children." 20:45 - Mm-hmm. 20:46 - Because a great trial was coming. 20:48 Here He says, "Your children will be safe." 20:49 - Right. - It doesn't mean 20:50 they'll be procreating, 20:51 it just means that- - Right. 20:53 - Your children will be safe in the new kingdom, 20:54 they'll have peace. 20:55 - All right, well thanks for your call, Robert. 20:57 Hope that helps. 20:58 We got Hosen or Josen. 21:00 Josey, I think it is, in Washington. 21:03 Josue, welcome to the program. 21:07 - Hello, Pastor Doug. - Hi, welcome. 21:10 - Now how do say your name? 21:12 - [Josue] You say it Josue. 21:14 - Josue, okay - Josue, okay. 21:15 - Thank you. - Thanks. 21:17 - [Josue] Yep. 21:18 My question is on 1 Samuel 28. 21:22 - Okay. - And my question is how, 21:25 when I explain to a new believer 21:28 that because in that chapter, 21:32 Saul wanted to get to Samuel, but he wasn't alive. 21:36 And so how would I explain to a new believer 21:39 that Samuel wasn't alive, but the Bible says he was. 21:42 For example, in verse 15, 21:45 he says, "And Samuel said to Saul." 21:47 How would I explain to someone like that? 21:50 - Yeah, well, I think that for one thing, the context is, 21:53 does a witch have the power to resurrect a believer? 21:59 Does the devil have the power to resurrect a believer? 22:01 And I think the unspoken answer is, 22:03 well, and that would really be bizarre. 22:06 I think it's seeing this apparition that looked like Samuel. 22:09 So for the means of telling the story, they gotta say, 22:11 what do you call this apparition? 22:13 It claims to be Samuel. 22:16 And there's another place that Pastor Ross, 22:17 I think is going to right now in Chronicles 22:20 where it explains what Saul did. 22:21 And it's says, Saul actually died, 22:24 not just because of his pride in his rebellion, 22:26 but because he went to a medium, 22:29 and he was consulting evil spirits. 22:31 The Bible says, "Do not go to a necromancer, 22:33 somebody who speaks to the dead." 22:35 Paul said that people when they worship idols, 22:39 they don't realize they're worshiping devils. 22:41 And the Bible talks about Satan as devils 22:44 that work miracles. 22:46 Satan himself can be transformed into an angel of light. 22:50 Satan can bring down fire from heaven and create illusions. 22:54 And so there's just a lot of Scriptures 22:56 that explain that there are evil spirits 22:59 that can masquerade this way. 23:01 Do you have that, Pastor Ross? 23:03 - I'm just looking for a passage 23:04 that I found the one in 1 Psalm, 23:06 which is the one we're talking about. 23:07 Let me see if- - Yeah. 23:08 - I can pull it up here. 23:09 I'm familiar with that verse. 23:11 - So yeah, it- - You gotta get 23:13 the wording just right. - Yeah, it talks about how he- 23:15 - Yeah, here it is, 1 Chronicles 10:13. 23:18 That's the one, it says- - Go ahead. 23:21 - It says, "So Saul died for his transgression 23:23 which he committed against the Lord, 23:24 even against the Word of the Lord, which he kept not, 23:27 and also for asking counsel of one 23:29 that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it." 23:32 So there we, it says- - It's not Lord, 23:33 it's not Samuel, it's a familiar spirit. 23:35 - Yeah, that's right. - And that's what they used 23:36 for demons and (laughs) fallen angels. 23:39 Does that help a little bit, Josue? 23:42 - [Josue] Yes, it does. 23:44 - All righty, thanks so much for your question. 23:45 We do have a lesson on the Witch of Endor, 23:49 and it's in the historical series of the landmark series. 23:53 - Mm-hmm. 23:54 - And it's called, I think the Witch of Endor. 23:56 - If you'd like to learn more about that, 23:57 I think in this case, go to the Amazing Facts website. 24:00 You can actually read- - Yeah. 24:01 - The lesson for free online. - Mm-hmm. 24:02 - And it's called "The Witch of Endor", 24:04 it's part of the historical set of lessons 24:06 or the landmark set of lessons. 24:07 - Right. - They're in both of those. 24:08 Next caller that we have is John, 24:10 and he is listening in Florida. 24:11 John, welcome to the program. 24:14 - [John] Hi pastors, how are you doing? 24:16 - Doing really well, thank you. 24:19 - [John] Well, I'm calling on behalf of my wife. 24:22 We've been studying, 24:26 and I'm not as knowledgeable obviously as you guys, 24:29 and she's wondering why Seventh-Day Adventists 24:34 keep Catholic holidays? 24:37 - [Doug] Such as? 24:39 - [John] Easter primarily, but Christmas, 24:41 and I guess these were based on pagan holidays, 24:45 and her coming from Orthodox, 24:46 they follow different days obviously 24:49 than they do here in America. 24:51 - All right, well, let's jump in here, first of all. 24:53 Yeah, Seventh-Day Adventist, when you say, keep them, 24:56 we don't, we don't, (laughs) 24:58 we don't have a special mass on Christmas or Easter. 25:02 We meet, in other words, if Easter is on Wednesday, 25:07 I don't know any churches that say, let's get together on... 25:09 Well, Easter is always on Sunday, isn't it? (laughs) 25:12 I don't know any churches that get together on Sunday- 25:14 - [Jean] Yeah. 25:15 - Yeah, Christmas on Wednesday, 25:16 we don't all flock to the church 25:17 and have a mass or anything like that. 25:20 So we certainly don't. 25:21 And whether or not, it's one denomination or another, 25:24 we wanna know what the Bible says, right? 25:26 That's the main thing, Jean. - (mumbles) exactly. 25:29 - So I don't know, you wanna jump in, Pastor Ross? 25:30 - Yeah, I think it's important 25:31 for us to understand a little bit. 25:33 I mean, we're quite open and honest, 25:35 we don't believe Jesus was born December 20... 25:37 What is it? 25:38 The 25th of December. 25:39 We don't believe Jesus (Doug laughs) 25:40 was born December 25, 25:41 and I think there's some good biblical reasons for that. 25:43 We know the history a little bit about that. 25:46 And, of course, Easter, to peg it to one particular weekend, 25:52 it still moves in the calendar, 25:53 so even Easter is not exactly the time. 25:56 - Yeah. - I mean if you go 25:57 by the days, they'll move throughout the week, 26:00 and they pick a Sunday and they say, 26:01 well, this is the day. - Yeah, may not land 26:02 on a Passover. - It doesn't always land- 26:03 - Yeah. - On a Sunday. 26:05 But I think there's nothing wrong in celebrating 26:07 or remembering the resurrection of Jesus. 26:10 That's an important event. - Sure. 26:11 - And also remembering the death of Jesus, 26:13 but to keep that day as a holy day, 26:16 as somehow being a sacred day, 26:18 I think that's the issue, that's the concern. 26:21 - Yeah, there's no Bible 26:22 command to do that. - Exactly. 26:23 - But it is a scriptural event. 26:25 - Mm-hmm. 26:26 - So if you wanna remember the Thursday 26:29 when Jesus had the last supper. 26:31 Well, I guess you can, 26:32 no one else celebrates it, 26:33 but I think we ought to preach on everything Jesus did, 26:37 but yeah, there's no command 26:42 that we're supposed to celebrate His birth on that day. 26:44 - One of the things we try to do Pastor Doug, 26:45 talking about that around Easter time, 26:47 we try to do a communion service. 26:49 Some are connected around that time of the year. 26:51 Now, of course, we don't always get it on the day, 26:53 doesn't have to be on the exact day, 26:55 but it's kind of neat when the rest of the world 26:56 is talking about the death, burial, 26:58 and resurrection of Jesus for us to recognize 27:00 that through the institution 27:02 that Christ Himself established- 27:04 - That's not as sin to give somebody a present 27:06 on the 23rd of December, huh? - Yeah. 27:09 (Doug laughs) You could do that. 27:10 - If people are giving presents 27:12 in remembrance of God's gift, 27:14 that's probably as good the time as any. 27:16 - Well, we do have a book, it's called... 27:17 What is it called? 27:18 "Feast Days and Sabbaths." 27:20 No, wait. 27:21 There's another one. - "Baptized Paganism." 27:22 - That's the one I'm thinking, 27:23 (laughs) I was looking for here, 27:25 that actually deals with some of this, 27:26 and we'll be happy to send that out to anyone 27:28 who calls and asks. 27:29 Just ask for the book called "Baptized Paganism", 27:31 and the number for that is 800-835-6747. 27:36 - All right, friends, don't go far, 27:37 we're just taking our midterm break, 27:39 and we'll be back in a few moments with more Bible answers. 27:43 (upbeat music) 27:46 - [Commentator] Stay tuned, 27:47 Bible Answers Live will return shortly. 27:50 (upbeat music) 27:53 - [Speaker] Did you know Amazing Facts 27:55 has a free Bible school 27:56 that you can do from the comfort of your own home? 27:59 It includes 27 beautifully illustrated study lessons 28:02 to aid in your study of God's Word. 28:04 Sign up today for this free Bible study course 28:07 by calling 1-844-215-7000. 28:10 That's 1-844-215-7000. 28:14 (upbeat music) 28:17 - [Commentator] For thousands of years, 28:19 man has worshiped God on the seventh day of the week. 28:22 Now each week millions of people worship on the first day. 28:27 What happened? 28:28 Why did God create a day of rest? 28:30 Does it really matter what day we worship? 28:33 Who is behind this great shift? 28:35 Discover the truth behind God's law, and how it was changed. 28:38 Visit SabbathTruth.com. 28:43 (upbeat music) 28:46 - [Commentator] You're listening to Bible Answers Live 28:48 where every question answered provides a clearer picture 28:52 of God and His plan to save you. 28:54 So what are you waiting for? 28:56 Get practical answers about the 'Good Book' 28:58 for a better life today. 29:00 (upbeat music) 29:03 This broadcast is a previously recorded episode. 29:06 If you'd like answers 29:07 to your Bible related questions on the air, 29:09 please call us next Sunday 29:11 between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Pacific Time. 29:15 To receive any of the Bible resources 29:17 mentioned in this evening's program, 29:19 call 800-835-6747. 29:23 Once again, that's 800-835-6747 29:29 Now let's rejoin our hosts for more Bible Answers Live. 29:34 - Hello, friends, we're just so thankful 29:36 that you're joining us for Bible Answers Live, 29:38 and we're very thankful now that we're on TV, 29:40 we're on AFTV, 29:41 that you can not only see on the Galaxy 19 satellite. 29:45 I think you just go to aftv.org and watch it streaming. 29:49 They can see it on YouTube, Facebook, 29:52 Doug Batchelor Facebook, Amazing Facts Facebook, 29:54 and we're gonna continue to expand the stations 29:56 that will not only play it on radio, 29:58 but be playing it on television. 30:00 I'm Doug Batchelor. 30:01 - My name is Jean Ross. 30:02 Again, we wanna welcome all of those who are joining us. 30:04 We have a number of folks waiting online, 30:06 so we're gonna go straight to the phone lines, 30:07 Pastor Doug, and- - Should we tell people 30:09 that at the end we're gonna take a bonus question? 30:10 - Oh, that's right. 30:11 Yes, I nearly forgot about that. 30:13 So for those of you who are listening on radio, 30:16 we are gonna have a short break 30:18 right at the end of our program, 30:19 but don't go away because we're gonna come back 30:20 with a very interesting Bible question. 30:23 Now there might be some who are listening on satellite radio 30:26 and you might lose just that last question, 30:28 but for those who are listening social media, 30:30 Amazing Facts TV, and other radio stations, 30:32 you'll probably be able to join us for that bonus question. 30:35 So standby for that, it'll be at the end of the program. 30:37 - So what if someone do 30:39 if they want to send us an email question? 30:41 - If you wanna send us an email question 30:42 to get on that bonus question every week, 30:44 all you'll need to do is send an email to 30:46 BALquestions@amazingfacts.org. 30:50 You see the lower third there on the screen, 30:53 BALquestions@amazingfacts.org, 30:56 and we'll try to answer as many of those 30:58 bonus questions as possible. 30:59 - All right. - Very good, thank you. 31:01 We've got Ms. Roe listening from Virginia. 31:04 Ms. Roe, welcome to the program. 31:07 - My question is, I want to know if Jesus is abiding in me? 31:10 It's been three years since I've studied the Bible 31:12 and I want him to abide in me, 31:14 but I'm, the nature of my heart I feel, 31:16 and I love Jesus, but I think I love myself more. 31:20 I should just serve myself more 31:22 than I should just serve Him. 31:24 I have some improvements in some areas, 31:25 but I feel like I don't do those things with my efforts. 31:28 I mean, I do those things with my efforts 31:31 rather than depending on Him. - Hmm. 31:32 - [Roe] It's hard to obey Him, 31:34 and often fail to do so. 31:35 I pray and enjoy studying His Words, 31:37 and I desire to know Him, not as knowledge, 31:40 but with my heart, I want to really know Him, 31:42 but I know that I don't love with the love of Jesus. 31:44 When I ask others, I'm told that the fact I want Him 31:47 providing me is exactly the proof that He does, 31:50 But I also don't want to assume and be confident about it, 31:54 well, if in fact I don't let Him yet. 31:57 So what do you think? 31:58 - Yeah, great question. 32:01 You are not alone, there's a lot of people out there, 32:03 they want to love Jesus more. 32:06 If someone came to Christ and they said, 32:07 "Lord, what's the greatest commandment?" 32:08 Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, 32:12 mind, soul, and strength, 32:13 and love your neighbor as yourself." 32:15 Loving God with all is a full-time job. 32:18 And so for the Christian, 32:21 you always want to be feasting on the Word looking to Jesus, 32:25 talking to Jesus, and it's an ongoing discipline 32:27 because in this life, 32:30 we're weak, the devil is constantly trying to distract us 32:33 and derail us. 32:35 And God's very loving and patience, 32:36 so don't get discouraged, 32:37 but you wanna grow as a Christian. 32:39 And so, your devotional life, 32:42 the three most important things you can do 32:43 to grow spiritually is read the Word, 32:47 pray, and share your faith. 32:50 Do something to try to help others. 32:51 Love the Lord and love your neighbor. 32:54 So yeah, go ahead. 32:56 - We go to book, Pastor Doug, 32:57 it's called, "Three Steps to Heaven." 32:58 And I think it emphasizes those very three things 33:00 that you're talking about, the importance of prayer, 33:01 Bible study, sharing our faith. 33:03 And it's an ongoing spirit, 33:04 the Apostle Paul, this champion of faith, 33:08 and you just look at the things that he did, 33:09 he is a prophet inspired by the Spirit. 33:12 And yet he said, "I have not obtained." 33:14 He said, "I die daily." 33:15 So it is an ongoing daily experience 33:18 where we have to surrender ourselves to Christ. 33:19 And we might not be where we wanna be, 33:22 but we should by God's grace not be where we started out, 33:25 there should be spiritual growth in preparation. 33:27 - The Christian life, as Paul says, it's a fight. 33:29 - Mm-hmm. - It's a race, 33:30 it's a wrestling match, and- - Mm-hmm. 33:33 - But it's still a lot better to be a Christian 33:35 than to be lost in the world and be a slave of the devil. 33:37 - Hmm, absolutely. 33:38 - So there's some struggles, but feast on the Word. 33:41 - And don't give up. 33:42 Every Christian has those- - Yeah. 33:44 - Mountaintop experiences where you sense 33:45 the presence of God and you're filled with joy, 33:48 and it's just wonderful, 33:49 but you also have those moments 33:51 where you don't feel that close to God. 33:54 It's at those times that you need to exercise faith 33:56 and believe His Word that He said He'd never leave us 33:58 nor forsake us- - Yep. 33:59 - And hold onto His promises. - Absolutely. 34:01 So hope that helps a little bit, Roe. 34:03 Get that book, "Three Steps to Heaven", 34:04 it's free, just request it, we'll send it to you. 34:06 - The number to call is 800-835-6747. 34:10 You can ask for the book, it's called, 34:11 "Three Steps to Heaven." 34:13 We'll be happy to send that to anyone who calls and asks. 34:16 We've got Gill listening from New York. 34:17 Gill, welcome to the program. 34:20 - Hi, good evening. - Evening. 34:22 And your question? - Yeah, hi. 34:24 Jean Ross, I remember talking to you off the air, 34:26 and Doug Batchelor, I remember you praying for me 34:27 off the air years ago too. 34:29 I'm also blind, visually impaired, so bear with me. 34:33 In 1 John 2:15, it says, 34:34 "Love not the world, nor anything in the world. 34:37 If anyone loves the world, 34:39 the love of the Father is not in him." 34:40 Now how do you balance that with John 3:16, 34:42 "For God so loved the world 34:44 that He gave His only begotten Son 34:46 that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, 34:48 but have everlasting life"? 34:50 And then I have another verse in question with that. 34:52 - All right, well, as far as loving not the world, 34:56 and then God says, "God so loved the world." 35:00 When the Bible tells us, 35:01 you look at the context of how something is being used. 35:04 When the Bible tells us to love not the world, 35:07 it's talking about worldliness. 35:09 And then is it James that says, 35:10 "If any man loves the world, 35:11 the love of the Father is not in him"? 35:14 God wants us to love lost people that are in the world, 35:17 and God so loved the lost people in the world. 35:20 Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. 35:23 It's not talking about the sin in the world 35:25 because that world is gonna pass away and the lust thereof. 35:28 So he's defining what about the world is gonna pass away. 35:31 The sin and the lusts of the world will pass away, 35:33 but he that does the will of God will abide forever. 35:36 Again, that's John chapter, 1 John 2:15-17. 35:40 - And the famous verse, John 3:16, 35:42 "For God so I love the world", 35:44 it's talking about the people in the world. 35:45 It's not talking about- - Yeah. 35:47 - The rocks, He loves people, He came to save people. 35:49 - Yeah. - And we ought to have 35:51 that same love for people. 35:52 - Yeah. - But there's a difference 35:53 between loving people 35:54 and loving the evil things in the world. 35:55 - The worldliness. - That's right. 35:57 - Which is different, yeah. - There is a difference. 35:59 - So you had another second part of the question- 36:02 - Yeah. - Gill? 36:04 - Yeah, Matthew 5:44 kind of maybe 36:07 answers your question a little bit. 36:08 It says, "But I tell you, love your enemies 36:10 and pray for those that persecute you, 36:11 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." 36:13 But then in James 4, it says, 36:15 "Friendship with the world is enmity towards God." 36:18 - Yeah. 36:19 Well, yeah, you caught it. 36:20 So we kind of touched on that verse. 36:24 The Lord wants us to love everybody 36:26 for the purpose of saving them. 36:27 It doesn't mean we love evil, 36:29 and we certainly don't endorse bad behavior, 36:32 but yeah, matter of fact, one place God said to... 36:36 Was it King Jehoshaphat? 36:38 "Why will you be friends of those who are enemies of me?" 36:40 (laughs) He was making the league and supporting Ahab. 36:43 So we're not to love worldliness, 36:45 but yeah, Jesus died for all sinners. 36:48 - We've got Barrington listening from New York. 36:50 Barrington, welcome to the program. 36:53 - [Barrington] Good evening, Pastors. 36:54 - Evening. 36:56 - [Barrington] My question is this, 37:01 there's baptismal formula in Matthew 28. 37:05 - Yes. - Why the disciples 37:06 didn't follow that baptismal formula 37:09 when they were baptizing in Acts, the book of Acts? 37:13 - Yeah, well, you're correct 37:14 that there's no record of the disciple saying, 37:18 we baptize you in the name of the Father, 37:20 Son and Holy Spirit. 37:21 I don't think that we should assume that they never did. 37:25 So in Acts, I believe it says three, 37:28 at least three different ways. 37:29 It says baptize in the name of the Lord, 37:31 baptize in the name of the Lord, 37:33 baptize in the name of Jesus. 37:36 And so the exact wording is different in almost every case. 37:40 I think two of them are the same in Acts. 37:43 So I wouldn't get hung up on the wording. 37:45 When Christ said, "Baptize in the name of the Father, 37:47 Son and Holy Spirit", 37:49 and then in Peter it says, 37:51 "To be baptized in the name of the Lord", 37:53 and it says, "Baptize in the name of Jesus Christ" 37:57 in Acts 2:38. 38:00 So are you thinking that it must be uttered a certain way 38:05 or you're just wondering 38:06 why there's different terms that are used? 38:07 - [Barrington] Yeah, because Jesus says in Matthew 20, 38:11 all authority is given to Him in heaven and in earth. 38:15 So why not baptize in His name? 38:18 - Well, I think that the disciples did baptize 38:21 in the name of Jesus. 38:22 Well, in our church we try and cover all the bases. 38:25 (laughs) We say, "I baptize in the name of the Father, 38:28 His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit", 38:31 but yeah. 38:34 - I also think in Acts, there's a clear distinction be made. 38:36 You're right, we ought to baptize in the name of the Father, 38:38 Son, and Holy Spirit. 38:39 And I think that's very clear in Matthew chapter 28. 38:42 It's not saying that the disciples never prayed that way 38:45 or baptized, I should say that way, 38:46 but I think the point that obviously was in contention 38:49 at the time of the early Christian Church was Jesus 38:53 and His position as the Son of God, 38:56 as the Savior of the world. 38:57 Most of the Jews accepted the fact that God is, 39:00 God the Father is God, 39:02 but it was the Jesus' question 39:04 that raised a lot of dispute. 39:05 So I think we have it mentioned in Acts 10:48, 39:09 Luke is just making it very clear 39:10 that these were people being baptized into Christianity, 39:13 into Christ. - Yeah. 39:15 - And that was the point that was being emphasized. 39:16 - Yeah, I just looked it up real quick. 39:20 It says, baptized in Acts 2:38 in the name of Jesus Christ; 39:24 Acts 8:16, baptized in the name of the Lord; 39:27 Acts 10:48, the name of the Lord; 39:29 Acts 19:5, the name of the Lord Jesus. 39:31 So the wording is a little different, 39:33 but I think that the idea is, 39:36 are you being baptized into the name of the God of the Bible 39:41 and the Messiah Jesus? 39:42 As Pastor Ross was saying. 39:43 So let me just give you an analogy real quick. 39:48 That's not something we should get hung up on 39:50 because baptism is very much like marriage, 39:52 it's a public covenant that you're following Jesus. 39:55 And Pastor Ross and I are pastors, 39:57 we are ordained, we do weddings. 40:00 And when we do a wedding, 40:01 the important thing of that wedding covenant 40:03 is that the two individuals getting married know 40:06 who they're making the covenant to. 40:08 Some weddings I might say, "Bill, do you take Sally?" 40:11 It's a little informal. 40:13 Other weddings I might say, 40:14 "Do you, William Randolph Hearst..." 40:18 No, not him, but anyway. (Jean laughs) 40:19 Now he's gonna marry Patina James, or whatever, 40:23 just the whole name, and it's very formal. 40:26 Either way you do that wedding. 40:28 When they say, "I do", and they're witnesses, 40:29 and they sign that document, they're married. 40:32 So the wording in the ceremony 40:35 is never emphasized in the Bible 40:37 as that is supposed to be the important thing. 40:39 They all knew they were getting baptized 40:41 in the name of Jesus Christ, 40:44 and the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, 40:46 the God of the Bible. 40:48 - You know we have a book- - We do. 40:49 - Called, "Baptism: Is It Really Necessary?" 40:51 - I've actually, pardon me. 40:52 - Oh, we have another. 40:53 - I've got a book called, 40:54 "The Name of the Lord." - "The Name of the Lord." 40:56 There you go. - "The Name of the Lord" talks 40:57 about baptism and what name do we get baptized in. 40:58 - That might even be a better book. 41:00 I mean, both are available. 41:01 You can ask, "The Name of the Lord", 41:03 or the book, "Baptism: Is It Really Necessary?" 41:05 For those who aren't baptized, 41:07 we wanna encourage you to prayerfully consider this, 41:09 it's an important step. 41:10 And you might wanna call and ask for that book, 41:12 and then also ask for the book 41:13 that's called, "The Name of God." 41:15 The number to call is 800-835-6747. 41:18 And, again, just ask for those free books. 41:20 If you're outside of North America, 41:22 you can still read it by simply going 41:24 to the Amazing Facts website, just AmazingFacts.org. 41:28 Next caller that we have is James 41:29 listening from New Orleans. 41:31 James, welcome to the program. 41:35 - Maybe you're muted, James, you there? 41:36 - Well, good evening, Pastors. - Evening. 41:38 - [James] I'm here, can you hear me? 41:41 - You're popping in and out a little bit. 41:43 So yeah, state your question, 41:45 and we'll do our best to answer it. 41:49 - [James] Thank you, sir. 41:51 My question is, is there any opportunity 41:54 to be saved after the rapture? 41:57 - Is there an opportunity to be saved 41:58 after the rapture? - (mumbles) opportunity 41:59 to be saved? 42:00 - Okay, we're gonna bring your volume down, 42:02 your phone, your cell is having a problem. 42:06 If you look in 2 Peter chapter 3, 42:09 it talks about the day of the Lord coming 42:11 as a thief in the night, 42:13 in which the heavens pass away with a great noise, 42:15 and the elements melt with fervent heat. 42:18 The day of the Lord is when Jesus comes back. 42:21 You can read in 1 Thessalonians chapter 4, 42:25 "The Lord will descend from heaven with a shout, 42:27 the voice of the archangel, 42:29 the trump of God, and the dead in Christ will be caught up." 42:31 That's the rapture, we get caught up. 42:33 What happens at that time? 42:36 Thessalonian says, "The wicked are destroyed 42:37 by the brightness of His coming." 42:39 And so, no, I don't believe there's any chance, 42:42 once the Lord comes and people are caught up, 42:45 we're of the opinion that the tribulation happens before- 42:48 - Mm-hmm. - They're raptured up, 42:49 not after. 42:51 - So you go through what we call the tribulation, 42:52 and the Bible speaks about the seven last plagues 42:54 being poured out. 42:55 God's people are protected during that time, 42:57 just like the children of Israel were protected 42:58 when the 10 plagues came upon Egypt, 43:01 then they were delivered after the plagues. 43:03 So God's people are protected during those 43:04 seven last plagues. 43:05 But then when Jesus comes, 43:07 the righteous are caught up to meet the Lord in the air, 43:10 the wicked are destroyed at the brightness of His coming, 43:12 as 2 Thessalonians tells us. 43:14 We also need to remember that just before Jesus comes, 43:17 there is a universal death decree, 43:19 according to Revelation chapter 13 43:21 passed against God's faithful people. 43:24 So Jesus comes to the deliverance of His people 43:27 and the wicked are then destroyed 43:29 with the brightness of His coming. 43:30 - Yeah, it's not just the Jews as some of- 43:31 - That's right. - My friends believe. 43:33 - Yes. - It's talking 43:35 about any believers. 43:36 - Pastor Doug, I think this is important, 43:38 this is an important Bible truth for people to understand. 43:40 I've actually heard people talking about this, 43:42 and he wasn't a believer but she was. 43:45 And his argument was, 43:46 well, I'll wait until suddenly she disappears, 43:48 and then I'll know that what she says is real, 43:51 and I'll get my act together and I'll seek after God. 43:53 - Right, repent during the seven years. 43:54 - Well, it's gonna be too late, right? 43:56 - Yeah. (laughs) - I mean when Jesus comes, 43:57 there's no second chance. 43:58 So it's a good point to bring up, James, 44:00 something that I think we need to study out. 44:02 We do have a book on the topic, 44:04 it's called "Anything But Secret." 44:06 It's talking about the second coming of Christ, 44:08 and we'll be happy to send it to anyone who calls and asks. 44:11 The number again is 800-835-6747, 44:14 and you can ask for the book, 44:16 it's called "Anything But Secret." 44:17 And, of course, you can read it outside of North America 44:20 just by simply going to the website. 44:22 Of course, if you're in North America, 44:23 you can read it too at the website. 44:25 We've got Derek listening in Minnesota. 44:27 Derek, welcome to the program. 44:29 - [Derek] Oh, hi, thanks for taking my call. 44:31 I had a question, and it's sort of like, 44:33 you know how the first angel message 44:35 mirrors the Sabbath commandment? 44:38 I noticed in Genesis in the New King James version, 44:40 Genesis 6 or 3:16, 44:43 and then in Genesis 4:7. 44:45 Like the 3:16, it talks about like Eve 44:48 and the desire will be for the husband 44:50 and he'll rule over you. 44:51 And then when you go to Genesis 4:7, it says like, 44:54 sin lies on the door, and it'll be your desire, 44:58 and then it'll rule over it, or something like that. 45:00 It's weird how it's like the language is kind of mirrored 45:03 in both of those verses, 45:04 and I didn't understand it. 45:06 Is there some like symbolism there? 45:10 - That's a good point. 45:11 Of course, one is a statement 45:14 where God is talking about the consequences of sin 45:19 in Genesis chapter 3. 45:21 With Cain, He's saying 45:23 that sin wants to have the mastery of you, 45:25 but you should rule over, you should subdue it, 45:27 don't resist it. 45:29 And he would not resist his pride, 45:31 in that sin he ultimately killed his brother. 45:34 But is there a connection between those two? 45:37 I can't spot one right now. 45:39 Sure, I mean, the verse is, the wording's similar, but... 45:41 - The wording is similar, but I think 45:42 that probably the idea in my understanding is 45:45 when it says, sin lies at the door, 45:47 and it's desire is for you, but you shall rule over it, 45:49 it's kind of referencing that carnal nature, 45:51 that sinful nature that we've inherited- 45:54 - [Doug] Sin shall not have dominion over you. 45:56 - Yeah, we've inherited from Adam and Eve, 45:59 and our parents all the way down, 46:01 but the Bible tells us that by God's grace 46:04 we are to rule over it. 46:05 In other words, it's not to rule us. 46:06 - [Doug] Right. - So it's not a sin 46:07 to be tempted, but by God's grace 46:09 we are to resist that temptation, 46:11 we have to rule over that temptation. 46:13 - [Doug] Mm-hmm. 46:14 - And that's what we find in this verse. 46:16 - Yeah. 46:17 Well, thank you, Derek. 46:18 We've got a lot of calls lined up, 46:19 we're gonna try and get a few more in. 46:20 - We've got Sherman. 46:21 Oh, Sherwin, I should say, listening from Canada. 46:23 Sherwin, welcome to the program. 46:26 - [Sherwin] Hi, good evening, Pastor Ross and Pastor Doug. 46:28 - Evening. 46:30 - [Sherwin] Hi, my question is about 46:34 the justification and sanctification. 46:36 So I've always believed that justification 46:39 and sanctification is sort of a linear process, 46:42 but now I'm thinking, so every time I sin, 46:45 really I get justified if I ask for forgiveness, 46:48 and then so on and so forth. 46:51 So it's looking like it's more recursive 46:55 or it's in a cycle rather than it's linear, 46:59 and then eventually glorification comes. 47:01 So my confusion is, 47:03 is the justification and sanctification process, 47:06 is it linear or more of a recursive? 47:10 - All right, I think I understand what you're saying. 47:13 Let me give you another way to look at it. 47:15 When Jesus died, he provided justification 47:18 for all that believe, 47:20 and I'm looking at three verses in Romans 47:21 that talk about that: Romans 4:25, 47:24 Romans 5:16, Romans 5:18 47:27 talks about resulting in justification of life. 47:30 Think of justification as that through the blood of Christ, 47:33 He filled an ocean that will wash away sin. 47:38 He does that once, 47:40 we may need to jump in that ocean several times, 47:44 and have that justification renewed, 47:47 but He was justified once in, 47:49 and in another He provided this justification for those 47:52 who will take advantage of His offer 47:57 when He died on the cross, and He died for the sins 47:59 and He poured His blood out, 48:00 and it was adequate for the whole world at that point. 48:03 But you and I often have to renew our justifications 48:07 where Paul said, "I die daily." 48:08 Dying daily is not just sanctification, 48:11 dying daily is asking for, I wanna be resurrected new life, 48:14 and have a refreshed justification. 48:18 - [Jean] We have a book that you wrote, Pastor Doug, 48:20 it's called "Assurance: Justification Made Simple", 48:22 and deals with this very subject. 48:23 - [Doug] That's right. 48:25 - [Jean] And I think anyone would be encouraged 48:26 by reading this. 48:27 The number to call is 800-835-6747. 48:30 And again, you can ask for the book written by Pastor Doug, 48:32 it's called "Assurance: Justification Made Simple." 48:35 - [Doug] And, Sherwin, in Canada can read that online. 48:37 - That's right. (Doug mumbles) 48:38 And we can send it to Canada. 48:39 Anyone in North America. - That's right. 48:40 - So yep, you can read online, 48:41 or if you're in North America we can send it to you. 48:44 We've got David listening in Hawaii. 48:46 David, welcome to the program. 48:49 - [David] Hey, Pastor, thanks for having me. 48:51 - [Doug] Yeah, 48:52 - [David] My question is in regards to the 2,300 days 48:55 in Daniel chapter 8. 48:58 Specifically how does it tie to the Day of Atonement: 49:00 The context in Daniel chapter 8 49:03 is that the sanctuary is being cleansed 49:04 because the little horn has desecrated, 49:07 but the context of the Day of Atonement 49:10 is that it is being cleansed 49:11 because of the sins of the repentant. 49:13 Also the word "cleanse" is not the same Hebrew word 49:17 in Daniel 8:14 49:18 as it is when it's referring to the Day of Atonement. 49:21 And lastly, why is the day/year principal applied 49:25 when it says evenings and mornings, 49:27 and we don't apply that to other prophecies 49:29 like Jesus' prophecy about being buried three evenings 49:32 and mornings for in the creation account. 49:35 - Okay, you got several questions there. 49:37 Hopefully we'll try and cover some of that. 49:39 Can I start with your last one though? 49:42 The last one you're talking about, 49:43 why do we apply the day for the year? 49:46 Either way you do it. 49:48 If in Daniel chapter 8, 49:49 it's talking about the ultimate cleansing of God's people, 49:52 which occurred on the Day of Atonement. 49:55 The Day of Atonement happened once a year, 49:58 so if you say that this is 2,300 years or days rather, 50:03 and you apply the day for the year principal, 50:05 well, then it's 2,300 years. 50:08 If you say, well, it's 2,300 days of atonement, 50:12 and the Day of Atonement comes once a year, 50:14 it's still 2,300 years 50:16 because you're talking 2,300 days of atonement 50:18 that come once a year. 50:19 So I think it's real easy to support 50:21 that this is speaking of a year. 50:24 The other thing is, Jesus, He did used the day and the year. 50:27 Christ after John the Baptist was arrested, 50:30 Jesus told His friends, 50:32 I think this is Luke chapter... 50:34 Let me see, there's a Luke chapter 13, I forget. 50:37 He said, if you type in the word "fox" you'll find it. 50:40 Jesus said, "Go tell that fox that I teach 50:42 and do cures and cast out devils today, and tomorrow, 50:47 and the third day I'll be perfected." 50:50 - That's Luke 13:32. - Thank you. 50:52 Yeah, so it wasn't, Jesus did not teach three more, 50:55 this is six months into His ministry, 50:56 He did not teach three more days, 50:58 He taught three more years, but He was making a prophecy. 51:01 So the only way Daniel 8 works 51:03 is if you do apply the day for the year, 51:06 and the context of it is 51:07 the ultimate cleansing of God's people. 51:10 - And, of course, we only apply the day for a year principal 51:12 when we're talking about Bible prophecy, 51:14 and clearly Daniel is a prophetic book, 51:16 there's a lot of imagery that's used. 51:18 You wouldn't apply this prophecy 51:19 talking about the six days of creation 51:21 because that just wouldn't make sense. 51:23 (Doug mumbles) So instead of talking 51:24 about six days, try and make it 6,000. 51:27 It doesn't work because, for example, 51:29 you have vegetation created before you have the sun. 51:32 So, I mean, that's clearly six days, 51:34 and, of course, then the seventh day God rested, 51:37 and He blessed, and He set it apart. 51:38 - Can I make a suggestion? 51:40 I wanna try and get one more call, 51:41 Pastor Ross. - Yeah. 51:42 - David, we have a magazine that we just came out with, 51:45 that's called "Divine Design" 51:47 and it goes into Daniel chapter 8 in great detail. 51:50 You've asked some great questions, 51:52 we need 25 minutes to answer your questions, 51:54 or more than that. 51:55 So please look at the magazine, 51:57 and I think it covers all of your questions, 52:00 and that will let us take one more caller. 52:02 - Okay, absolutely. 52:03 Let's see, we've got Jaylin listening in Atlanta, Georgia. 52:07 Jaylin, welcome to the program. 52:09 - [Jaylin] Hey, how are you guys doing today? 52:11 - Good, thank you for calling. 52:12 And your question tonight? - Yes, sir. 52:15 Yes, sir, I'm gonna make it quick. 52:17 So it's on tithe. 52:19 Can you hear me well? - We can. 52:22 - [Jaylin] All right, beautiful, beautiful. 52:23 So I've been doing a... 52:24 I actually saw a video about tithe, 52:27 and I heard you speaking, Pastor Doug, about it. 52:32 So I just did some research just on it 52:36 because there's a lot of controversy on it. 52:37 And when I did my research, however, 52:40 I pinpoint tithe, it just mean produce grain. 52:44 Let me see, 52:45 livestock, oil, wine. 52:50 And the only time I see tithe mentioned with money, however, 52:56 is when I see it says in Deuteronomy. 52:57 It says, if the journey be too long, 52:59 you should sell your tithe coming from agriculture 53:03 that they have produced. - Right? 53:04 - And you can use the money 53:06 and go to where the Lord, that God put in. 53:08 You can buy wine, strong drink, 53:10 but that's a whole another subject, 53:12 but any who, you can... 53:14 That's the only connection I see with tithes with money, 53:16 and it was for the Levites, they were priests 53:19 and they worked in the temple. - All right, so 53:20 I wanna wrap it up and then they... 53:21 Maybe we're gonna run out of time, so I've got to- 53:24 - Oh, yes, sir. - Let me- 53:26 - [Jaylin] Oh, I'm sorry. 53:27 I was gonna say... 53:29 Yes sir, my question was, how does pastors receive tithes 53:35 if they were for the Levites, 53:36 and pastors don't come from the tribe of Levite and whatnot? 53:38 And it was never money. 53:40 - Let me answer that as quickly as I can. 53:43 You are right, it was an agricultural society, 53:46 many of the people the way they would pay 53:47 tithe on their increase, 53:49 and there's a lot of verses on that. 53:51 You can read, Malachiases bring 53:52 all the tithe into my storehouse, 53:54 they'd bring their grain and so forth. 53:56 Clearly by the time of Christ, they were giving money. 53:59 You've got the widow that gave her two mites 54:01 when she came to the temple, and the priests would, 54:03 they'd cast their gold into the temple. 54:06 The Levites said that you could pay money, 54:09 they had temple shekel, 54:10 and even Deuteronomy talks about that 54:13 that people would pay. 54:15 The main idea was to support the priests, 54:17 so that they could continue to minister 54:19 to the people through the year. 54:21 And so they were to bring tithes, 54:23 whether it was the grain or the sheep or the agriculture, 54:25 or you could trade that in for money. 54:28 The thing was, they were to be supported of the increase. 54:31 We've got a lesson on that called, "In God We Trust." 54:34 We'll send you a free copy. 54:36 - [Jean] And the number to call for that is 800-835-6747. 54:39 Again, you can ask for the study guide, 54:41 it's called, "In God We Trust." 54:43 It's a pretty exhaustive study on the subject of tithing, 54:46 and what is the responsibility for a Christian. 54:48 So call and we'll be happy to send that to you. 54:50 - Amen. 54:52 Well, friends, this is about the fastest hour in the week. 54:53 It seems like we just build a momentum, 54:56 and the hour is gone. 54:58 We are coming back in just a moment 55:00 with another bonus Bible question, 55:02 but we've gotta sign-off with our friends 55:04 who are listening on satellite radio right now. 55:06 Otherwise stay tuned, we're coming back 55:08 with some internet Bible questions in just a moment. 55:12 (upbeat music) 55:15 - [Commentator] Thank you for listening 55:16 to today's broadcast. 55:17 We hope you understand your Bible even better than before. 55:21 Bible Answers Live is produced 55:23 by Amazing Facts International, 55:25 a faith-based ministry located in Granite Bay, California. 55:29 (upbeat music) 55:31 - Hello friends, welcome back 55:32 for our Bible Answers Live bonus question. 55:35 Now, again, if you have a Bible question, 55:38 and you'd like to send it to us, you can email us 55:40 by simply emailing your Bible question to 55:43 BALquestions@amazingfacts.org. 55:47 And we'll try to take as many of those 55:49 in this segment of the program. 55:51 Here we go, Pastor Doug, first question for tonight. 55:53 Are aliens real? 55:56 - Well, angels could be accused of being aliens. 55:58 And so, does God have life on other planet? 56:01 I believe yes. 56:03 Do angels visit our world? 56:04 Yes. 56:05 And we know they're good angels, 56:06 evil angels have been cast down to earth, 56:08 according to Revelation 12. 56:10 I don't think UFOs and ET are coming, 56:12 but I need to let our studio know... 56:14 Oh, he is doing okay. 56:15 I wanted to see how much time I've left on the clock. 56:17 (laughs) But no, the people that says, 56:20 I had a UFO, or I was captured by aliens, 56:22 and they did experiments on me, 56:23 I'm very dubious that that happened. 56:25 - Mm-hmm. 56:26 Okay, next question that we have, 56:27 we're gonna try and get to many as we can. 56:28 Do I have to go to church to be saved? 56:32 - Well, I think there'll be people in heaven 56:34 that didn't go to church 56:35 because the thief on the cross 56:37 was saved in the final hours of his life. 56:40 There are people who maybe are sick, 56:41 and they can't physically go to church, 56:43 or they're so far removed from a church they can't attend, 56:46 and that will not be an obstacle to their salvation. 56:49 But if a person loves the Lord, 56:51 and if Jesus said that church is His body, 56:53 and we learn to love the Lord by loving each other, 56:56 and if the church is the medium 56:58 through which God communicates the gospel with the world, 57:01 why would not a Christian want to go to church? 57:04 And so I'd wonder about, 57:05 if a person is committed to following the Bible. 57:08 He said in... 57:09 Especially after Covid, everyone's wondering, 57:11 do I have to go to church to be saved? 57:13 Friends, we need to start getting back into the habit, 57:16 as you know, your local laws allow. 57:19 Do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. 57:22 And the Sabbath was called a holy convocation, 57:25 there's something that happens. 57:26 Jesus said, when you come together in My name. 57:29 We need to come together in the name of the Lord. 57:31 - And we can even sense it in our congregation, 57:33 in our experience, Pastor Doug, 57:35 when folks have been separated from each other 57:36 for an extended length of time. 57:38 Even though they might be watching online, 57:41 you begin to, I don't wanna say grow cold, 57:43 but your spiritual fervency can begin to diminish 57:48 if you're not inspired by others who believe the same thing, 57:51 who wanna worship God, where you sing together, 57:53 where you pray together. 57:54 It's needful for a Christian, we can't live by ourself. 57:57 - Yeah, I think it's real important to come together. 57:59 Friends, we wanna remind you this program exists entirely 58:02 because people like you believe in what's happening here. 58:06 We are 100% supported by supporters, 58:09 and so thank you so much. 58:10 You can just go to amazingfacts.org and donate, 58:14 keep us on the line. 58:15 God bless, we'll study next week. 58:17 (upbeat music) 58:18 - [Commentator] Bible Answers Live, 58:20 honest and accurate answers to your Bible questions. 58:24 (upbeat music) |
Revised 2023-02-01