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Series Code: AFBA
Program Code: AFBA022134S
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00:03 - [Announcer] It is the best selling book in history.
00:05 No volume ever written has been more loved and quoted. 00:09 And it's words, sometimes simple and sometimes mysterious, 00:13 should always be studied carefully. 00:16 It is the Bible, the Word of God. 00:19 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. 00:44 Now, here's your host 00:45 from Amazing Facts International 00:48 Pastor Jëan Ross. 00:50 - Hello friends, this is Pastor Jëan Ross. 00:51 Pastor Doug is out this evening, 00:53 but how about an amazing fact? 00:55 At the entrance to the Greyfriars Cemetery 00:58 in Edinburgh, Scotland is a statue 01:00 of a Skye Terrier named Bobby. 01:02 This little terrier was a familiar site in the 1850s 01:05 as he trotted beside his master policeman Auld Jock 01:09 on the nightly rounds. 01:11 Then in 1858, his master Jock suddenly died 01:14 of tuberculosis and was buried in the Greyfriars Cemetery. 01:18 Much to the surprise of the residents of Edinburgh, 01:21 Bobby refused to leave Jock's grave. 01:24 Cemetery workers repeatedly shooed him away, 01:27 but he kept returning to the spot 01:29 where his master was buried. 01:31 Stormy weather, freezing nights, the ground keepers, 01:35 well-meaning locals and even Jock's family all tried to 01:39 entice him away from his self-appointed post, 01:42 but without success. 01:44 Month after month and year after year, 01:46 he sat guarding his master's grave. 01:50 Bobby would only leave his post 01:51 for a few minutes at one o'clock in the afternoon 01:54 following the firing of the cannon in Edinburgh's castle, 01:58 he would cross the cobblestone street to a pub 02:00 were he was fed table scraps 02:02 and then returned to his faithful watch. 02:05 Crowds came to the cemetery just to see this amazing dog. 02:10 For 14 years he kept watch at his master's grave 02:14 until he died on the 14th of January, 1872 at the age of 16, 02:20 a long life for a Skye Terrier. 02:22 He was duly buried next to his master 02:25 and these words were written on his grave marker, 02:27 "Greyfriars Bobby let his loyalty 02:31 and devotion be a lesson to us all." 02:34 Well, you know, friends, 02:35 Bobby's faithfulness to his earthly master 02:37 is a reminder to us to be faithful to 02:40 our heavenly Master, Jesus. 02:43 We wanna welcome all of those who are joining us 02:45 to Bible Answers Live. 02:47 This is a live, interactive international Bible study. 02:50 So if you have a Bible related question, 02:52 we would love to hear from you this evening. 02:54 The phone number to call with your Bible question is 02:57 800-463-7297 and that will get you on the air 03:03 and we'll be happy to hear from you this evening. 03:05 And joining me is Pastor Carlos Muñoz, 03:07 who is helping with the phones. 03:09 Pastor Carlos, welcome to Bible Answers Live. 03:11 - De nada. 03:12 - [Pastor Jëan] I'm glad you're here. 03:13 - It's a pleasure to be here. 03:14 - Okay, well we started the program 03:17 by talking about a little dog 03:18 who was proven to be very faithful to his master. 03:21 I've actually been to Scotland, to Edinburgh, 03:23 and we've driven past the cemetery and sure enough, 03:26 there's this little statue of the dog known as Bobby. 03:29 Bobby, the faithful watchdog. 03:31 Apparently, he would growl at people 03:33 if they came to close to his master's grave. 03:35 But for 14 years he sat guard, 03:38 talk about faithfulness. 03:39 You know, I read this one prayer 03:43 that was actually prayed by a pet owner 03:45 that said, Lord, let me become the person 03:47 my dog already thinks I am. 03:49 - Amen. 03:50 - You know, dogs do have a faithfulness 03:52 that really is an illustration of what we need to have. 03:55 We need to be faithful Christians. 03:57 I'm reminded of something that Jesus said, 03:59 and we find this in Matthew chapter 24. 04:01 Speaking of end time events, Jesus said, 04:04 "For nation will rise against nation, 04:06 and kingdom against kingdom. 04:08 And there will be famines and pestilences." 04:10 Well, of course we know that's true today. 04:12 "And earthquakes in various places." 04:14 And verse eight, Matthew 24, verse eight. 04:16 "And this is the beginning of sorrows." 04:18 Jesus said, "And you will be delivered up to tribulation 04:21 and kill you, and you'll be hated 04:23 by all nations for My namesake." 04:26 And verse 10 says, 04:27 "And then many will be offended and will betray one another 04:29 and will hate one another. 04:31 Many false prophets will arise and deceive many. 04:33 And because lawlessness will abound, 04:35 the love of many will grow cold." 04:37 But here's the point I want to emphasize verse 13, 04:39 "But he that end endures to the end," Jesus said, 04:43 "Will be saved." 04:44 To be a Christian in these last days requires endurance, 04:48 - Amen. 04:49 - Perseverance. 04:50 I'm also reminded of another verse that we find in 04:52 Revelation, chapter 14, verse 12, talking about the remnant, 04:56 those who are living at the end of time. 04:58 And it says, "Here is the patience of the Saints. 05:00 Here are those who keep the commandments of God, 05:02 and the faith of Jesus." 05:03 So God's people in the last days will have loyalty, 05:06 they will have endurance and perseverance. 05:08 Now, we do have a free offer that talks about the importance 05:11 of perseverance and being faithful in the Christian life. 05:15 It is a book written by Pastor Doug Batchelor. 05:18 It's entitled, Assurance Justification Made Simple. 05:22 How can we have that perseverance? 05:24 Well, we need to accept everything 05:26 that Jesus has done for us 05:27 and everything Jesus wants to do in us 05:29 and through us. 05:31 And our free book, it's all about that. 05:33 And we'd be happy to send that to anyone in North America 05:36 who would call and ask. 05:37 So, Pastor Carlos, 05:39 who does the person call if they wanna get the book? 05:42 - If they wanna get the book, 05:43 they have to call 1 800-835-6747 for the free offer. 05:50 - And again, just ask for the book written by Pastor Doug. 05:52 It's called Assurance, Justification Made Simple. 05:56 And once again, if you have a Bible related question, 05:58 the number to call here into the studio is 800-463-7297. 06:05 If you don't get in right away, just stay on the phone. 06:06 I'm sure one of our call screeners 06:08 will be able to take your call. 06:10 So again, that number is 800-463-7297. 06:15 And Pastor Carlos, 06:17 do we have anyone waiting online at the moment? 06:18 - We have a number of people waiting. 06:20 Before we do that, let's have a word of prayer. 06:21 - Thank you. 06:23 - Father, we thank You again for the blessing 06:24 and the opportunity to come together 06:25 and spend time in Your Word with the callers 06:28 so that we can grow the faith 06:30 to persevere until the end too. 06:31 And so as we collaborate and spend time, 06:35 we just ask that Your Spirit guide us 06:36 and we ask us in Jesus name. Amen. 06:38 - [Pastor Jëan] Amen. 06:39 - Yes, so we have our first caller is Greg 06:42 calling us from Michigan. 06:44 Greg, good evening, you're on the air. 06:46 - [Greg] My question is what empirical evidence exists 06:52 to establish the date of the stoning of Steven in 34 A.D.? 06:57 I know it fits perfectly into the prophecy of Daniel, 07:01 but I've seen conflicting dates 07:03 on the internet of 34 and 36. 07:07 - Okay, well that's a good question. 07:08 I think part of the confusion that some people might have 07:11 is because of the A.D., B.C. dating method, 07:14 and of course people know that B.C. stands for before Christ 07:17 and then A.D., Anno Domini, 07:19 it's actually Latin means in the year of our Lord. 07:22 And the A.D., B.C. dating system was not actually 07:25 established until a number of years after Christ. 07:28 So several, actually, I think a hundred, 07:31 200 years after Christ, maybe even a little later, 07:34 they began to date things that way 07:36 and they kind of went back. 07:37 They weren't exactly accurate 07:39 with the date of Christ's birth. 07:40 Jesus was actually born somewhere around four B.C.. 07:45 So, then that would make His baptism 27 A.D., 07:49 His death 31 A.D., 07:51 and then the stoning of Stephen would be 34 A.D.. 07:54 Now, the reason we know 34 A.D. is a solid date 07:57 is because we know the baptism of Jesus. 07:59 We know that's a solid date. 08:00 We also know that Christ ministered 08:02 for three and a half years in person 08:05 and then He was crucified. 08:06 Of course, He rose from the dead. 08:08 And then you have another three and a half years 08:09 when the apostles primarily focused 08:11 their missionary activity on the Jews. 08:14 And then the stoning of Stephen 08:16 was sort of the end of that three and a half time period 08:20 committed to reaching the Jews. 08:22 Of course, Saul is converted that same year 08:26 and he becomes Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles. 08:30 And so, we know that was sort of the close 08:32 of that probationary time period that God 08:34 had given to the Jews to come to repentance. 08:37 So, that's probably part of the confusion 08:39 why you see different dates. 08:40 But you know, if you look at a good commentary, 08:43 it'll make it quite clear that four B.C. 08:46 was right around four or three B.C. 08:49 is the birth of Jesus. 08:50 His baptism is 27, 08:52 His death 31, stoning of Stephen, 34. 08:55 - [Greg] I understand you know, before B.C. 09:00 and all that. The question I have is 09:03 what establishes for sure that stoning of was 34 09:09 and not 36? 09:11 Do we have other historical evidence to correspond with it? 09:15 - Okay, well we got internal evidence 09:17 from the Bible that gives us the year when Christ was born, 09:21 where we have the decree by Caesar Augustus 09:25 that all the world should be taxed. 09:28 And that of course brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. 09:31 The Bible says, you know, Caesar Augustus made that decree. 09:34 And we also know from outside biblical accounts that that 09:39 decree did go into effect by Caesar Augustus in four B.C. 09:42 or thereabout, four B.C. or three B.C.. 09:45 So that's the external evidence. 09:46 Then once you got that date, 09:48 then of course you just simply do the math 09:50 and follow it through. 09:51 Jesus was 30 at His baptism, 09:53 He died three and a half years later. 09:56 Steven was stoned three and a half years after that. 09:58 - [Greg] Okay. 09:59 - All right. Well thanks for your call. 10:01 Good question. I appreciate it. 10:02 - All right, next question. 10:03 We have Anthony from my home state of New York. 10:06 Anthony, good evening, you're on the air. 10:08 - [Anthony] Good evening pastors. 10:09 Thank you for taking my call. 10:10 - You're welcome. 10:12 - My question is what commandment or which commandment 10:17 did Adam and Eve break? 10:18 I was thinking, is it thou shall not covet? 10:21 Is it 'have no other gods before Me', 10:23 because they wanted to be like God? 10:26 - Okay, I think it was more than one. 10:28 So, let's just kind of go through the list. 10:29 So, it begins with, you know, 10:31 we have Eve looking at the tree 10:33 and it says that she saw the tree. 10:35 It was a beautiful, it was desires to make one wise. 10:39 So, definitely the 10th commandment 10:40 that says thou shall not covet. 10:42 That's where it started. 10:43 And in reality, almost all sin begins 10:46 with the breaking of the 10th commandment, 10:48 which is covetousness or selfishness. 10:51 And then of course she took something 10:52 that didn't belong to her. 10:53 God said, you can have all of the fruit 10:54 of the trees of the garden, 10:56 but you're not supposed to eat the tree 10:57 in the midst of the garden. 10:58 And of course she took and ate it, 11:00 so that would break the commandment that says, 11:01 Thou shall not steal. 11:03 She desired, she chose a god above God. 11:06 So yes, she broke the first commandment. 11:08 She did choose a different god above God. 11:11 And then of course she gave it to her husband, 11:14 and the result of which was death. 11:16 And in one sense, Adam and Eve 11:18 could have also broken the commandment that says, 11:20 Thou shall not kill, 11:21 cuz God made it clear that the day, 11:23 either of you shall surely die. 11:24 So, when you look at what happened in the Garden of Eden, 11:28 it wasn't just one commandment that was broken. 11:30 It's sort of a chain reaction. 11:33 And I think definitely the 10th 11:35 would be one of the most obvious 11:36 and the one that says, Thou that shall not steal. 11:38 And then of course, Thou shall have no other gods before Me. 11:42 - [Anthony] Fantastic. Thank you very much. 11:43 - All right. Great question. 11:45 Thanks for your call. 11:46 - All right, next we have Ricardo from Fresno, California. 11:48 He's also asking about Genesis. 11:51 Ricardo, good evening, you're on the air. 11:53 - [Ricardo] Good evening, pastors. 11:55 So, my question is in regards to Genesis three, 11:58 and so I'm just gonna read, it says, 12:02 Genesis three verse one, it says, 12:03 "The serpent was more subtle 12:05 than the beasts of the field." 12:07 So, then as I go down to 14, 12:10 so, my question is really is did the serpent have a choice 12:15 as being a medium? 12:16 Because when I read verse 14, 12:21 well the curse starts with the ringleader. 12:24 And so, and it says verse 14, it says, 12:27 "The Lord God had said to the serpent, 12:30 because thou has done this." 12:32 And as I read further down, 12:35 he speaks to the serpent almost well, 12:38 in the same order he spoke to Adam and Eve. 12:41 So, which gives me an understanding 12:43 that the serpent had an opportunity 12:47 to be the medium or not, is my question. 12:50 - Okay, 12:51 - [Ricardo] Medium of the Devil. 12:52 - Sure. 12:53 So, in other words, 12:54 did the snake have a choice in the matter? 12:57 - [Ricardo] Yes. 12:59 - No, I don't believe the snake had a choice. 13:00 You know, the animal didn't have the ability to choose. 13:03 The Devil did impersonate the serpent, 13:06 or maybe he possessed the serpent. 13:07 We do know that evil spirits 13:09 or demons are able to possess animals. 13:12 And the reason we know that, 13:14 you remember the story where there were two demoniacs 13:17 and Jesus cast the evil spirits out of them, 13:20 and they went into the pigs, 13:22 and the pigs went and drowned in the Sea of Galilee. 13:25 So it is possible for animals 13:26 to be possessed by evil spirits. 13:28 So, the Devil possessed the snake. 13:31 And apparently serpents back then 13:33 must have been dazzling creatures. 13:34 It must have been beautiful. 13:36 Quite possibly they even had the ability to fly 13:39 because you know, after Adam and Eve's sin, 13:42 the curse that came upon the serpent is 13:44 from now on you're gonna go about on your belly. 13:47 So, Bible scholars do think that it's possible 13:49 that snakes might have even had wings prior to that. 13:52 But unfortunately, 13:54 yes, because the Devil used a serpent from then on, 13:57 a serpent becomes a symbol of rebellion, a symbol of Satan. 14:01 And in verse 14, where God is speaking to the serpent, 14:05 of course the serpent here is a symbol of the Devil. 14:08 And whenever somebody sees the snake 14:11 they are to remember what rebellion has done. 14:15 So no, unfortunately the snake didn't have a choice 14:17 in the matter, 14:19 but he does become a symbol of the Devil and sin. 14:23 Does that help, Ricardo? 14:23 - [Ricardo] Thank you. 14:25 Yeah, it sure does. 14:26 It does help a lot. 14:27 And I appreciate you guys' ministry and God bless. 14:28 - All right. Thanks for your call. 14:29 - Amen. Thank you very much. 14:31 Next we have Jordan from Tennessee. 14:34 Jordan, you are on the air. 14:35 - [Jordan] Yes. I had a question about Psalms 116. 14:40 I've read it in different versions. 14:42 I still can't understand what that part is saying. 14:46 - [Pastor Jëan] You mentioned Psalms 116. 14:50 - [Jordan] Yes. 14:51 - [Pastor Jëan] Was there a particular verse. 14:53 - [Jordan] Three through, say seven. 14:58 - Okay, well let's look at a few of them. 14:59 I know that we have folks who are driving, 15:01 and they might not have the Bible there near to them, 15:03 but let me read a few verses. 15:05 Psalm 116, verse three says, 15:07 "The pains of deaths surrounded me and the pangs 15:10 of Sheol, or other words the graves, laid hold of me; 15:14 I found trouble and sorrow. 15:16 Then I called upon the name of the Lord: 15:17 'O Lord, I implore you deliver my soul!' 15:20 Gracious is the Lord. And righteous; yes, 15:23 our God is merciful. 15:24 The Lord preserves the simple and was brought low. 15:29 He saved me. 15:31 Return to your rest O my soul, 15:33 for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you." 15:37 And so the question is, 15:38 what is David speaking about here in this verse? 15:43 - [Jordan] Yeah. 15:44 - Okay. Well, of course, 15:45 remember David was being hunted by Saul 15:47 for a number of years prior to him actually becoming king. 15:50 And David had a number of close calls 15:53 where God preserved his life. 15:55 For a while there he was living in the wilderness, 15:57 he was living in a cave. 15:58 He had to escape to the area controlled by the Philistines. 16:02 And he had to learn through experiences 16:04 to become very dependent upon God. 16:06 And he saw God protect him on many occasions. 16:09 And this Psalm is a Psalm of thanksgiving 16:11 for God's deliverance of David. 16:14 And it's of course applicable to believers as well, 16:17 but it's a Psalm of praise, 16:20 thanking God for His deliverance. 16:21 So in essence, David is saying, 16:23 I came very close to death, 16:25 where he says, the pains of death surrounded me. 16:28 It's as if the grave laid hold of him, 16:30 but God delivered him from that. 16:32 There were times when it seemed as though David was doomed, 16:35 and then the last minute God sort of opened up the way 16:38 and he found a way of escape, 16:40 or he was rescued on many occasions. 16:43 So, that's really what the Psalm is about. 16:45 It's a Psalm of praise for the deliverance 16:47 and the mercy of God. 16:49 - [Jordan] Oh, all right. 16:49 Well thank you. 16:50 - Okay, great. 16:51 Thanks for calling. 16:52 - All right, thank you very much. 16:53 - Next. 16:54 - We have another caller down that same line, 16:56 the same topic. It says Billy from Texas. 16:58 Billy, good evening, you're on the air. 17:00 - [Billy] Hi. 17:02 I just was trying to ask about, I think it's Luke 16, 17:07 around 24, yeah, 24. 17:09 - [Pastor Jëan] Rich man and Lazarus. 17:11 - [Billy] Yeah. If we're not going to heaven 17:16 or hell until the rapture, 17:17 then I don't see where this scripture, just, 17:20 that's where my question is. 17:22 - Okay. Great question. 17:23 Thanks for asking that. 17:25 For those who might be listening 17:26 and you're not, once again, you're not familiar 17:28 with Luke chapter 16, verse 19. 17:30 We find an interesting parable. 17:32 It's the parable there about the hitting 17:34 of that is the rich man and Lazarus. 17:36 And so, Jesus told this parable about a certain rich man 17:39 who was living very well, 17:41 and there was a beggar named Lazarus 17:43 that was lying at his gate. 17:45 And the rich man didn't provide anything 17:47 to help the poor man. 17:49 But over time the rich man died and Lazarus died. 17:53 And then in the parable, 17:54 Lazarus goes to a place of paradise, 17:57 referred to here as Abraham's bosom. 17:59 We'll talk about that in just a minute. 18:01 Whereas the rich man goes to a place of torment or hell, 18:05 and then the rich man who's in hell looks up to Lazarus, 18:08 who is in Abraham's bosom, and says, you know, 18:11 it's so hot down here, 18:13 can you just put a little drop of water on my tongue? 18:16 And the message comes back, no, there's a great gulf fixed. 18:19 We can't do that. 18:20 But then the rich man calls back up again and says, 18:23 you know, I have these other brothers, I have five brothers, 18:26 and I don't want them to come to this place of torment. 18:30 So, I beg of you, send someone to my father's house, 18:33 send Lazarus to my father's house so that he can warn them. 18:37 Then the message comes back, well, 18:38 they have Moses and the prophets let them hear them. 18:42 And then he said, no, father Abraham, 18:44 but if one goes from the dead, they will repent, verse 31. 18:48 But he said, if they do not hear Moses in the prophets, 18:50 neither will they be persuaded 18:52 though one rise from the dead. 18:54 Now, this parable is not a description 18:57 of what happens when a person dies. 18:59 The Bible makes it clear that when a person dies, 19:02 his next conscious thought is the second coming of Christ 19:05 and the glorious resurrection if they're believer. 19:08 But Jesus is making it very important point. 19:10 Notice this is the only parable, pastor Carlos, 19:12 where somebody in the parable is actually named. 19:15 Here we have a parable with a name 19:17 and this person's name is Lazarus, and Lazarus dies. 19:21 And the question is asked, well, 19:23 they will believe if Lazarus is resurrected. 19:26 Well, the reality is that shortly 19:28 after this parable was told, 19:30 somebody whose name was Lazarus did die. 19:34 And three days later Jesus did resurrect him, 19:36 and still the religious leaders refused to acknowledge Jesus 19:40 as the Messiah. 19:42 So, this was really a parable 19:43 pointing out their unbelief and their stubbornness 19:46 to acknowledge the fact that Jesus was the Messiah. 19:49 It was also part of the Greek mythology. 19:53 The Greeks had this belief 19:54 that kind of filtered a little way 19:56 even into Judaism at the time, 19:58 that there was this place of torment 20:00 and this place of paradise. 20:02 And immediately when a person died, 20:03 they went to one place or the other. 20:05 And Jesus used that common belief to illustrate a truth. 20:09 And the truth is, 20:11 even if somebody is resurrected from the dead, 20:13 in that case, Lazarus, 20:15 that's not gonna be enough to convince somebody 20:17 if they turn away from the Word of God. 20:20 That's really what the parable's all about. 20:21 - [Billy] So, it's just a comparison kind of a parable, 20:24 just, okay. 20:26 - Yeah, it's to make the point. 20:27 And again, the point is quite clear there 20:29 that it's talking about somebody by the name of Lazarus 20:32 who was resurrected from the dead 20:34 and the religious leaders 20:35 still refused to acknowledge Jesus. 20:36 - Yeah, I think it also points to, 20:38 at the end it says the save, 20:40 they're looking at the lost, that context. 20:43 And I think it's also making reference to the millennium, 20:45 when right before the fire comes to consume, 20:49 those inside of the city 20:50 are looking at those on the outside. 20:52 And those on the outside are looking at the inside. 20:53 So I think it also ties in a little bit of. 20:55 - That's right. 20:56 And every destiny is set, right. 20:57 - Yeah. 20:58 - There's no changing sides. 21:00 You know, we do have a lesson, 21:01 some people do have a question about this 21:02 and the subject of what happens when a person dies. 21:05 We do have a study guide that's simply called, 21:07 Are the Dead Really Dead? 21:09 And it explores this Bible truth and many others 21:11 and actually deals with this passage of scripture. 21:14 We'll be happy to send that study guide 21:15 to anyone who calls and asks. 21:17 The number to call for that is (800) 835-6747. 21:20 And again, you can just ask for the study guide. 21:23 It's called, Are the Dead Really Dead? 21:24 And we have a magazine that you can get through Amazing Fact 21:27 called deathtruth.com, that also deals with the subject. 21:32 Who do we have next? 21:33 - All right, next we have Hannah 21:35 calling from Abilene, Texas. 21:39 Hello Hannah, you are on the air. 21:42 - [Hannah] Okay. My question comes from first Timothy, 21:45 it is 5:23, where it says, 21:48 "No longer drink water, 21:50 but use a little wine for your stomach's sake 21:52 and your frequent infirmities." 21:55 And I know we're not supposed to drink alcohol, 21:57 and I'm just wondering if I'm misunderstanding that. 22:00 - [Pastor Jëan] Okay, good question. 22:01 Yes, there are situations, not as you know, today 22:05 it's a little different. 22:06 We do get fresh drinking water, 22:09 but as far back as the Middle Ages in England 22:12 and throughout Europe, the water wasn't fresh. 22:17 And of course, the way they farmed, 22:19 there was a lot of runoff into the streams and the rivers. 22:22 It was somewhat difficult at times to get fresh water 22:25 and you could get various bacterial diseases 22:28 from just drinking river water. 22:31 What's been referred to here is apparently Timothy 22:34 was struggling with some type of stomach ailment 22:37 because it says frequent infirmities. 22:39 And the point being made is that this was a, 22:42 if you like, a prescription that was given to Timothy 22:46 saying this will help your stomach condition, 22:49 this is not a endorsement to drink alcohol, 22:52 it was for medical use only. 22:55 And of course we do know that alcohol 22:57 does have certain medicinal uses. 22:59 We use alcohol today to help clean wounds 23:03 and to help with infection. 23:04 And that was really the situation 23:06 that was being addressed there. 23:07 It was not saying, you know, 23:08 Timothy drink alcohol on a regular basis 23:11 cuz the Bible tells us that wine is a marker, 23:13 strong drink is raging, 23:14 whoever is deceived, thereby is not wise. 23:18 So, this was for a specific health situation. 23:21 - [Hannah] Okay, cool. 23:23 - All right. 23:24 - [Hannah] Thank you very much. 23:25 - All right, you're welcome. 23:26 Thanks for calling. 23:27 - Thank you. 23:28 - You know, pastor Carlos, 23:29 we do have a book talking about alcohol. 23:30 It's called, Alcohol and the Christian 23:32 and deals with the subject. 23:34 And we'll send it to anyone who calls and asks. 23:36 The number is 800-835-6747 and just ask for the book. 23:41 It's called Alcohol and the Christian, 23:42 we'll be happy to send it to you. 23:44 That is, if you're in North America. 23:45 Now, if you're outside of North America, 23:47 we're not gonna be able to send you the book, 23:48 but you can go to the Amazing Facts website, 23:51 just amazingfacts.org, 23:52 and you'll be able to read the book 23:54 for free, right there online. 23:56 - Amen. 23:57 - Who do we have next? 23:58 - Next we have Jeff from Montana. 24:00 Good evening, Jeff. 24:01 Welcome to Bible Answers Live. 24:02 - [Jeff] I was reading the Parable 24:05 of the Unforgiving Servant in Matthew 18, 24:08 and in verse 34 from the New King James version, 24:11 it reads, 24:12 "And the master was angry, 24:14 and delivered him to the torturers 24:15 until he should pay all that was due him." 24:19 And I recognize the way that's written. 24:22 It's a dangling participle in the sense that, 24:25 is it the unforgiving servant that's supposed 24:27 to repay the master what he owed the master? 24:31 Or is he being the unforgiving servant, 24:35 supposed to pay what was due him of his fellow servant? 24:39 And I know the latter sentiment 24:41 might not make as much sense, 24:42 but I was looking at the Greek word used for pay 24:46 and it's (Greek word), 24:47 which can mean to give away or give up or restore or yield. 24:54 And so I was thinking about what unforgiveness does to us 24:56 as we are the ones that are tortured by unforgiveness, 25:01 unless we give up or yield through forgiveness, 25:03 what we might think is owed us. 25:06 And so I wanted to get your take on that. 25:08 - Yeah, absolutely. 25:09 I think you bring up a very good point. 25:11 People that refuse to forgive others 25:13 and of course we're talking about situation 25:16 or experiences that might be very difficult, 25:18 but a person who holds onto anger 25:22 and hatred towards another, 25:24 it might be a family member 25:25 and they hate their family member for years and years. 25:28 The reality is that it's actually eating them up 25:31 from the inside. 25:33 But if the person can get to the point with God's help 25:35 of letting that go, of saying, you know, I forgive them, 25:39 and placing the person in God's hands 25:41 and trusting in God's dealings, 25:44 there is a sense of peace and a joy that comes. 25:48 So, in one sense, yes, those who refuse to forgive, 25:51 they bring it upon themselves, their own torture. 25:55 And ultimately for those who have hurt others, 25:58 there is a day of reckoning. 25:59 The Bible makes it clear that there is a judgment 26:02 and people will give an account 26:03 of the things that they have done, 26:05 especially in hurting others. 26:07 Revelation talks about Jesus, in Revelation chapter 22, 26:10 Jesus says, behold, 26:11 I come quickly and My reward is with Me 26:14 to give to every man according to his deed. 26:15 So, there is a reward for the righteous, 26:18 but there's also results for the wicked 26:21 based upon what they have done to hurt other people. 26:24 But the importance of forgiving each other, of course, 26:27 that's a commandment that Jesus gave. 26:29 He says, how can your Father in heaven forgive you 26:31 if you refuse to forgive your fellow man? 26:34 We're not saying it's always easy to forgive, 26:36 but by God's grace, 26:37 one is to ask for that and seek that forgiveness. 26:40 You know, when we understand how much God has forgiven us, 26:43 it makes it a little easier for us 26:44 to be able to forgive our fellow man. 26:46 And that's why we need to receive that forgiveness. 26:49 Friends, we're taking a short break. 26:50 We'll come back with more Bible questions. 26:52 (inspiring music) 26:56 - [Announcer] Stay tuned. 26:57 Bible Answers Live will return shortly. 27:03 (rain falling) 27:09 (door creaking) 27:10 (thunder crashing) 27:11 (spooky music) 27:13 - [Announcer] Throughout recorded history. 27:15 Tales of ghosts and spirits can be found in folklore 27:19 in nearly every country and culture. 27:24 Egyptians built pyramids to help guide the spirits 27:26 of their leaders. 27:27 Rome sanctioned holidays to honor 27:30 and appease the spirits of their dead. 27:32 Even the Bible tells of a king that used a witch 27:36 to contact the spirit of a deceased prophet. 27:38 Today, ancient folklore of spirits 27:41 and apparitions have gone from mere superstitions 27:44 to mainstream entertainment and reality. 27:48 Scientific organizations investigate stories of hauntings 27:51 and sightings trying to prove once 27:54 and for all the existence of ghosts. 27:59 Even with all the new found technology 28:01 and centuries of stories all over the world, 28:05 there is still no clear cut answer. 28:08 (thunder crashing) 28:10 So how do we know what's true? 28:14 Why do these stories persist? 28:17 Does it even matter? 28:21 We invite you to look inside and find out for yourself. 28:27 Visit GhostTruth.com. 28:33 - [Announcer] Jerusalem, the city of peace 28:35 has been a place of unending conflict for centuries. 28:38 (crowd yelling) 28:39 Many now believe that Jerusalem 28:40 will soon take center stage again. 28:42 But what does the Bible say? 28:44 The fall and rise of Jerusalem presents the vital history 28:48 you need to know about Jerusalem 28:49 and its role in end time Bible prophecy. 28:52 This amazing facts edition of the classic volume, 28:55 The Great Controversy is the perfect sharing book. 28:58 Get your copy at afbookstore.com. 29:03 (intense music) 29:18 (inspiring music) 29:21 - [Announcer] You are listening to Bible Answers Live, 29:23 where every question answered 29:25 provides a clearer picture of God 29:27 and His plan to save you. 29:29 So what are you waiting for? 29:31 Get practical answers about the good book 29:33 for a better life today. 29:38 This broadcast is a previously recorded episode. 29:41 If you'd like answers to your Bible related questions 29:43 on the air, please call us next Sunday 29:46 between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM Pacific Time. 29:50 To receive any of the Bible resources mentioned 29:52 in this evening's program, call 800-835-6747. 29:58 Once again, that's 800-835-6747. 30:04 Now, let's rejoin our hosts for more Bible answers live. 30:09 - Hello friends, welcome back to Bible Answers Live. 30:12 We are just delighted that you're joining us. 30:13 Wanna welcome those who are listening on radio 30:16 across the country and also those who are joining us 30:17 on the internet around the world. 30:20 Again, if you have a Bible related question, 30:22 all you have to do is call the number. 30:25 It's (800) 463-7297 with your Bible question. 30:30 We have a number of folks waiting to get their questions 30:32 on the air, so if you don't get through right away, 30:35 just stay on the phone 30:36 and one of our answerers will get to you. 30:39 Well, Pastor Carlos, who do we have next? 30:42 - Next we have Henry calling from the Bronx, New York. 30:45 Henry, welcome. 30:46 You are on the air. 30:48 - [Henry] Was Cleopatra born before the Passover or after? 30:53 - [Pastor Jëan] Okay. Yeah, 30:54 let me give you the answer to that. 30:56 Cleopatra was born a long time after the Passover. 30:59 Of course, the Passover 31:00 was the children of Israel leaving Egypt. 31:03 Cleopatra wasn't born until around 51 B.C. 31:08 She was actually the daughter of Ptolemy the sixth, 31:13 I believe. 31:14 And he was one of those Greek rulers 31:17 that was taking control of the area of Egypt and the like. 31:20 So Cleopatra was born in 51, around 51 B.C. 31:25 so you know, less than 50 years before Christ. 31:28 Thanks Henry. Who do we have next? 31:30 - Next we have a question from Barbara in Orlando, Florida. 31:36 Barbara, welcome to the program. 31:39 - [Barbara] Hi. Hello, you guys. 31:42 My question is on Revelation chapter 21. 31:47 Revelation chapter 21 talks about we will be 31:50 with God for like a thousand years 31:53 and Satan will be locked up for a thousand years. 31:56 So I'm wondering where are like, the rest of the world, 32:00 like, the people that believe in God, 32:01 like, where are they gonna be? 32:02 Will they be dead? 32:04 Like, where exactly they gonna be? 32:06 What's gonna happen to them? 32:07 - [Pastor Jëan] Okay. 32:08 - [Barbara] Like, 32:09 - [Pastor Jëan] Yes. 32:10 Good question. All right, 32:11 let me give you a quick background to Revelation 20, 32:14 and then we can talk about the millennium. 32:16 Revelation 19 ends with a picture 32:19 of the second coming of Jesus. 32:20 Jesus described, 32:22 remember Revelation is a symbolic book. 32:23 And Jesus is described as coming on a white horse 32:26 with the armies of heaven. 32:27 That would be the angels. 32:28 He's not literally coming on a horse, 32:30 but a conqueror would often ride into battle 32:35 on a horse to bring deliverance to someone 32:38 or to gain victory over someone. 32:40 And so here in Revelation 19, 32:42 Jesus is pictured is coming on a white horse. 32:44 It's a symbol of the second coming of Christ. 32:47 When Jesus comes, 32:49 the wicked will turn to the rocks on the mountains. 32:52 This is Revelation chapter six, the last verse, 32:54 the last couple verses, revelation six, 32:57 "The wicked will turn to the rocks and the mountains 32:59 and they will say, fall on us 33:01 and hide us from the face of Him 33:02 that sits upon the throne from the wrath of the Lamb. 33:05 For the great day of His wrath come 33:07 and who shall be able to stand?" 33:10 The Bible also tells us in Second Thessalonians 33:12 that when the Lord comes, 33:14 when the second coming takes place, 33:16 the wicked are destroyed 33:17 with the brightness of Christ coming. 33:20 So, these two groups, when Jesus comes, 33:22 there are the wicked who are alive. 33:24 They're destroyed with the brightness of Christ coming. 33:27 Then you have the righteous who are alive 33:29 at the time of Christ coming, and they are translated, 33:32 they are transformed, they receive their glorified bodies, 33:35 and they are called up to meet Jesus in the air. 33:38 And you have a third group, 33:39 which are the resurrected righteous ones. 33:42 They're also resurrected at the second coming, 33:45 and they are called up to meet Jesus in the air. 33:47 Then the righteous will go back to heaven 33:50 for a thousand years. 33:51 And Revelation talks about this 1000 year period 33:54 known as the millennium. 33:55 So what's happening on earth during the thousand years, 33:57 while all the wicked are dead, 33:59 the Devil and his angels are here on the earth. 34:01 And that's what it talks about in Revelation chapter 20, 34:04 where it talks about the Devil is bound by this chain 34:06 and he's placed in this bottomless pit. 34:09 It's not talking about some deep cave. 34:12 You can't restrain a spirit being with a chain, 34:16 but it's a chain of circumstances. 34:18 The Devil is here on the earth. 34:19 He has nobody to tempt. 34:20 He can't go anywhere. 34:21 God won't let him leave the earth. 34:23 So, for a thousand years, the Devil and his angels are here. 34:26 All the righteous are in heaven. 34:27 The wicked are dead. 34:28 Then at the end of the 1000 years, known as the millennium, 34:31 you read about in Revelation chapter 21, 34:34 it talks about the new Jerusalem 34:36 coming down from God out of heaven. 34:38 And the new Jerusalem comes to the earth 34:40 with all of the saved. 34:42 It's at that time that Jesus sets His foot 34:44 on the Mount of Olives 34:45 and it opens up and it forms a great valley. 34:47 And the new Jerusalem comes to rest, 34:50 and then all of the wicked are resurrected. 34:52 So, the righteous are inside the new Jerusalem, 34:54 the wicked are outside the new Jerusalem, 34:57 and we have what we call the great white throne judgment. 35:00 And at the end of that great white throne judgment, 35:03 according to Revelation chapter 20, it says, 35:05 the wicked surround the beloved city. 35:07 They surround the new Jerusalem, 35:09 they try to attack the new Jerusalem, 35:11 but then fire comes down and devours them. 35:14 And the fire that destroys the wicked destroys the Devil 35:16 and his angels and purifies the earth. 35:19 And then God creates a new heavens 35:21 and a new earth wherein dwells righteousness. 35:24 So that's just a quick synopsis of events 35:26 that are to take place from the second coming of Christ 35:29 to the third coming of Christ that happens at the end 35:32 of the 1000 year period. 35:35 - [Barbara] So at that time, will they be judged 35:37 like the wicked people? 35:39 - Yes. 35:40 Now, of course the decision is already made 35:42 as to who's saved and lost the time of the second coming. 35:46 So, when Jesus comes the righteous, 35:48 they're gonna be taken to heaven, 35:49 the wicked, they're gonna be destroyed 35:50 with the brightness of Christ coming. 35:52 But during the 1000 years where the saints live 35:55 and rain with Christ for a thousand years, 35:58 they will be participating, that is the saved, 36:01 they'll be participating or validating, you might say, 36:06 the judgements that God has already made. 36:08 The Bible tells us, maybe Carlos, you can look it up, 36:10 that the righteous will even judge the angels. 36:13 - Yes. 36:14 - So during that 1000 year time period, 36:16 there is a judgment that occurs. 36:18 And yeah, the righteous will even have some part to play 36:21 in the judgment of the angels, 36:22 let alone the judgment of the wicked. 36:25 But at the end of that thousand years, 36:27 the wicked are resurrected 36:28 where they get a chance to actually see the evidence, 36:31 and they could ask the question, 36:32 why am I not in the city? 36:34 God's gonna make it very clear. 36:36 And at the end of that judgment, the Bible says, 36:38 every knee shall bow, 36:39 every tongue will confess even the Devil that Jesus is Lord. 36:43 But it's not a confession outta guilt or sorrow for sin, 36:46 it's just an acknowledgement of the evidence. 36:48 Because no sooner do they say that, 36:50 then they try to destroy the new Jerusalem. 36:54 - Yeah. That verses is first Corinthians chapter six, 36:55 verse three. 36:56 - First Corinthians chapter six, first three 36:57 that says, well, do you have a there? 36:59 Can you read it for us? 37:01 - Well, I have it in Spanish, but I can 37:03 - [Pastor Jëan] Oh yeah, in Spanish. Yes. 37:04 - But it says, We not know 37:05 that we shall also judge the angels. 37:07 How much more than shall we judge the things of this life? 37:10 - All right. Very good translation They Pastor Carlos. 37:12 (laughing) 37:13 - Does that help Barbara? 37:15 - [Barbara] Yes. Thank you very much. 37:17 - All right. You're welcome. 37:18 Thanks, for the call. 37:18 - Thank you. 37:20 - You know, we do have a study guide 37:21 that talks about the 1000 year period. 37:22 It's called A Thousand Years of Peace. 37:24 And if you'd like to learn more about that, 37:26 we'll be happy to send it to you. 37:28 The number to call is (800) 835-6747. 37:32 And you can ask for the study guide. 37:33 It's called A Thousand Years of Peace. 37:35 Who do we have next? 37:36 - Next we have Malaura from Wyoming. 37:40 Welcome to the Bible Answers Live. 37:43 - [Malaura] In the last year, 37:44 I have made a lifestyle change and I have become vegan, 37:49 and I have added exercise, and I have added, 37:52 I have been studying my Bible every day for, gosh, 37:58 at least 18 months now. 37:59 I have done everything that everybody has suggested I do, 38:04 but I still suffer continually with depression. 38:10 Some days, it is just all I can do to get out of bed. 38:12 I don't know what I'm doing wrong, 38:15 I really don't. 38:16 So, if you could just tell me, please? 38:20 I've lost over 70 pounds. 38:21 I mean, I, you know, I've worked really hard. 38:25 - Yes. And you know, Malaura, I can understand, 38:30 I've worked with folks and had church members, 38:32 and even folks close to me 38:34 that have struggled with depression. 38:36 And, you know, depression is one of those things that 38:38 when you're feeling depressed, 38:40 it's easy to blame yourself and say, you know, 38:42 I must be a bad person. 38:43 There must be something that I'm doing wrong. 38:45 I think we need to recognize that depression, 38:47 there's a number of causes. 38:49 One could be, somebody goes through a dramatic experience. 38:52 It could be the result of a loss of a family member. 38:55 It could just be a genetic disposition. 38:57 It could be a chemical imbalance. 38:59 There are many different reasons for depression. 39:01 One could be spiritual, but that's not always the case. 39:04 We even have examples in the Bible 39:06 of faithful men and woman who suffered depression. 39:10 You read some of the Psalms where David was very depressed, 39:13 and he says, oh, I wish I could die. 39:15 Job went through a terrible time of depression as a result 39:18 of the trials that came to him. 39:19 So, just because a person is facing 39:21 or experiencing depression, 39:22 it doesn't mean that God doesn't love them 39:25 or that they're a great sinner, 39:26 or they have turned away from God. 39:29 But I think we live in a world where there is sin, 39:32 and some of the consequences of sin that we do have 39:34 is suffering and pain and sorrow, which can be depression. 39:38 So, the first thing I want to tell you is 39:40 don't be reluctant. 39:42 Do everything you're doing, 39:43 which sounds like you are. 39:44 You're spending time in prayer, 39:46 you're reading your Bible, you're living healthfully, 39:49 you're eating well, you're trying to get your exercise. 39:51 But don't be reluctant to search a for 39:54 and find medical help as well. 39:57 There are things that can be done 40:00 to help a person through difficult bouts of depression. 40:04 Some people just have mild depression. 40:06 Others might go into very severe depression, 40:08 and they need some medical help to get them back, 40:12 whether that's a medication 40:14 or maybe some type of a treatment. 40:16 So, I would encourage you to explore all of those options. 40:19 But despite the depression, 40:20 the good news is God loves you and he's able to help you. 40:23 Never give up, keep praying, keep seeking for help, 40:26 and then utilize all the resources 40:29 that God has made available to us. 40:32 And realize that depression is an illness 40:34 just like any other illness, it can be, 40:37 and it can have real physical results. 40:41 So, take advantage of any medical help that you can get 40:44 to try and relieve that depression 40:46 and keep it a burden of prayer. 40:48 As I know it's a difficult thing to go through. 40:51 You know, Pastor Carlos, it's, 40:53 I think part of the reason we have those examples 40:55 in the Bible of people who have suffered depression 40:57 is to help us, 40:59 because everybody goes through some time of difficulty, 41:00 some more than others. 41:02 And there could be family relations, 41:03 could be genetic for some folks, 41:06 but just because we're depressed 41:07 it doesn't mean God loves us less 41:08 or that we're a great sinner 41:10 because some very Godly men and woman 41:12 in the Bible suffer depression. 41:14 I think of Elijah, the great man of God, 41:16 the prophet of God after Mount Carmel. 41:18 He got so depressed, 41:19 he said, Lord, just let me die. 41:21 So, yes, but of course, 41:22 God sustained him and brought him through. 41:24 So, keep holding onto God. 41:25 Keep trusting him. 41:27 Do everything you can. 41:28 Look for medical help where needed. 41:30 But ultimately God is the great physician. 41:33 I'll hold onto him and keep trusting him. 41:35 - I just want to tell Malaura 41:36 that I used to suffer from depression too. 41:38 And there's one Bible verse that really helped me a lot. 41:41 It's Isaiah 26:3, says, 41:43 "You will keep him in perfect peace, 41:45 whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. 41:48 Trust in the Lord forever for the Yah, 41:50 The Lord, is everlasting strength. 41:51 So, take these Bible promises 41:53 and write 'em around the house, around your room. 41:55 And every time you feel depressed, 41:57 every time you feel like you don't wanna continue 41:59 or you feel overwhelmed, 42:01 look at those promises and hold on to them. 42:03 Pray to God. 42:04 - [Pastor Jëan] Absolutely. 42:05 - And ask him for victory over that. 42:08 And we know that the Lord wants 42:10 to give us a complete victory. 42:11 - That's right. 42:12 And never give up. Keep trust in the Lord. 42:14 Remember, the promise is that when Jesus comes, 42:16 these mortal bodies will receive immortality. 42:19 And we won't be struggling 42:20 with the same things that we have here 42:21 in these mortal bodies that we have now. 42:24 - Amen. 42:25 - So, we'll keep you in prayer, Malaura. 42:27 Who do we have next? 42:29 - Next, we have Lisa from Oklahoma. 42:30 Good evening, Lisa, you're on the air. 42:33 - [Lisa] Hi. 42:34 So, my question is, 42:37 looking at Abraham's example 42:41 of when God told him to take his son 42:43 and to sacrifice his son. 42:46 How did he know that that was God's voice 42:51 and that it wasn't a deception? 42:53 Cuz I mean, something like that is crazy. 42:56 And if something like that happened now, 42:57 he'd be put in jail for it. 42:58 But I mean, you know what I'm saying? 43:01 He had to have some reassurance 43:03 that this was something that was from God 43:06 and not, 43:07 - Yes. 43:08 - [Lisa] His crazy mind or. 43:09 - Yes, absolutely. 43:10 Well, several things. 43:11 First of all, he is, 43:13 remember this test didn't come to Abraham until he was, 43:15 you know, 120 years old. 43:18 So he had walked with the Lord for many years 43:21 and God spoke to him even to leave his home 43:24 and go to the Promised Land. 43:25 And there were many occasions 43:27 where God communicated with Abraham directly. 43:30 Abraham had a very special relationship with God. 43:33 So, when God told Abraham to take his son Isaac, 43:36 and to offer him as a sacrifice, 43:37 it was not just a impression that he had, 43:40 it wasn't just a thought that flashed into his mind. 43:43 It was very evident that this was God speaking to him. 43:47 It was clear, Abraham knew. 43:50 And I'm sure when Abraham received this message from God, 43:53 that he was to sacrifice his son, 43:55 I'm sure Abraham spent earnest hours in prayer. 43:58 You can only imagine how Abraham must have prayed 44:01 and prayed and said, Lord, please, are you sure? 44:04 Is this really what you want me to do? 44:07 And he trusted God to know that if he was misled, 44:10 God would reveal that to him. 44:13 And so until God would direct him elsewhere, 44:16 he was gonna be faithful and keep following 44:19 what God had told him to do. 44:21 And of course, throughout that whole experience, 44:22 he still believed that Isaac was to be resurrected. 44:25 He believed that even if he did sacrifice his son, 44:27 he would be resurrected from the dead 44:30 because he claimed the promise of God. 44:32 So, it wasn't presumption on Abraham's part 44:35 because he was always looking for a different way 44:37 that God might direct. 44:39 But he was saying, Lord, until you direct me otherwise, 44:41 I'm going to faithfully follow your instruction. 44:44 And I think in, Pastor Carlos, in the same way, 44:47 if God is asking us to do something and we are sincere 44:49 and we seek to know God's will, 44:51 we can trust that if we are being misled 44:54 and we are wanting to do what's right, 44:55 God will reveal that to us. 44:57 He'll make it clear to us and say, no, no, no, 44:59 that's not what I want you to do. 45:00 You're going down the wrong path. 45:01 - Amen. 45:03 - He'll make that very clear. 45:03 And that's kind of what Abraham, 45:05 I think, was looking for in that situation as well. 45:07 - Amen. 45:08 - Does that help Lisa? 45:10 - [Lisa] Yeah. Yeah, that makes sense. 45:13 - All right, very good. 45:14 Well, thanks for your call. 45:16 All right. Who do we have next? 45:18 - Next we have Ali calling from Newark, New Jersey. 45:21 Good evening, Ali, you are on the air. 45:23 - [Ali] Hey, pastor Ross. 45:24 Hey, pastor Carlos. 45:26 - Hello. 45:27 - [Ali] Thanks for taking my call. 45:28 My, can you hear me? 45:29 - Yeah, we can hear you. 45:31 - [Ali] Okay. Okay. Okay. 45:32 My question is, 45:34 how can we walk in a close fellowship with God and Jesus 45:38 like Enoch, Abraham and Noah 45:41 and all the other men of faith did, 45:43 and what does that look like on a day-to-day basis? 45:49 - Okay, good question. 45:51 Yes, practically, I think it begins in the morning. 45:53 You know, the very moment you awake in the morning, 45:56 the first thing to do 45:57 is to start your day by communing with God. 46:00 One of the things I do, 46:02 the first thought that comes to my head 46:03 when I wake up in the morning 46:05 is I want to thank the Lord for another day of life, 46:07 but I want to surrender my life to him. 46:09 And I say, Lord, today my life is your life. 46:12 I want to do those things that you want me to do. 46:15 I surrender my heart, I surrender my mind, 46:17 I surrender my entire being. 46:19 And then we need to spend time communing with God, 46:21 spend time in his words, spend time in prayer. 46:25 And then throughout the day we want to keep that open 46:27 communion with God, 46:29 that connection, where we don't just think of God 46:31 in the morning and maybe for a little bit in the evening 46:34 before we go to bed, 46:35 but throughout the day we are communing with God. 46:37 And that's what it means to walk with God. 46:38 It means to communicate with God, 46:40 to commune with God throughout the day. 46:42 You know, sometimes the Holy Spirit 46:44 will even convict us and say, man, 46:45 you're getting so busy on all these other things 46:47 that you haven't actually, you haven't communicated with me, 46:50 you haven't prayed, you haven't thought of me. 46:54 But if we're earnestly seeking to know God 46:57 and to be in harmony with him, 46:59 God will guide us into a deeper experience. 47:01 This doesn't happen overnight. 47:03 Remember Enoch was 300 plus years before he was translated, 47:06 Noah lived a long age. 47:08 Abraham was a faithful follower of God. 47:09 And so we can grow, 47:10 we can develop this closer union with God. 47:14 And that's the goal as a Christian 47:15 is to come as close to God as we can. 47:18 And I think also Pastor Carlos, 47:19 just recognizing the presence of God. 47:21 Sometimes we forget that God is here. 47:23 Jesus said, I'll never leave you nor forsake you, 47:24 the Holy Spirit is with us 47:26 and recognizing that, that God knows us, 47:28 He's concerned about us. 47:30 He wants to guide us in the big things in life 47:32 and the little things in life. 47:33 And recognizing that God is with us. 47:36 - Amen. 47:37 - All right, Ali, thanks for your call. 47:38 Hope that helps. 47:40 Who do we have next? 47:41 - Next we have Bobby from College Place, Washington. 47:44 - [Bobby] My question is regarding Genesis two, seven, 47:50 where it talks about 47:53 God breathing into man's nostrils 47:56 and man becoming a living soul. 47:59 But then sometimes people tell me, no, that's not right, 48:03 kind of thing. 48:04 And they refer me to First Thessalonians 5:23, 48:08 where it talks about your whole spirit, 48:12 soul and body being preserved. 48:16 So, is there some kind of contradiction there? 48:19 - Well, the word soul in the Bible 48:23 is used in different ways. 48:25 When you're reading in Genesis and it says, 48:26 God breathed into Adam the breath of life, 48:28 and Adam became a living soul. 48:30 Other translations, new King James is a living being. 48:33 So the word soul can refer to a living being an individual. 48:40 But there is also that essence of consciousness 48:42 that we have, our character, our personality, 48:45 sometimes in scripture that's referred to as spirit 48:49 or soul, sort of the inner part, our thoughts, our feelings. 48:55 And it's used interchangeably, 48:56 just like the word spirit 48:58 and breath is used interchangeably in scripture. 49:01 We even have examples of animal life 49:03 referred to in the Bible as every living soul 49:07 that was in the sea died. 49:08 And it's talking about the fish, 49:10 or every soul in the land date during the time of the flood. 49:13 So, the word soul has different meanings. 49:15 So yes, it does mean, just like the word spirit, 49:17 it can mean our entire being. 49:21 It talks about so many souls that may be perished 49:24 or so many souls that we need to battle 49:27 or so many souls in a nation or an army. 49:29 But the word soul can also refer to a person's consciousness 49:33 or their character or personality. 49:35 So, you gotta look at the context of the verse. 49:38 - [Bobby] Okay. 49:39 - But again, we're not saying that the soul is immortal. 49:42 And I guess that's the point of dispute 49:44 that some people have. 49:45 Some people believe that the soul cannot die. 49:48 Now, that's not biblical. 49:49 The Bible makes it clear that Adam became a living soul 49:52 when you had the breath of life combined with the body. 49:56 That's when we have a living being. 49:58 So the Bible doesn't speak of an immortal soul. 50:00 - [Bobby] And once the the breath goes bye-bye, 50:02 then there is no longer a soul. 50:04 - Correct. Yep. 50:05 At least in that sense of being a living being. 50:09 - All right. Well thank you. 50:10 - Thank you, Bobby. 50:11 Appreciate your call. 50:12 I think we have time for a few more call Pastor Carlos. 50:15 - We do. 50:16 - Who do we have next? 50:17 - All right, let's go with Samuel from New York City. 50:18 Samuel, you're on the air. 50:20 - [Samuel] Hey. Hello, Pastor Carlos. 50:22 Hello Pastor Ross. How you doing? 50:24 - Hello. 50:25 - Doing well. 50:26 - [Samuel] So, before I ask my question, 50:28 I just wanna fill you in on a little bit of background. 50:30 I'm just asking this question because a few years ago 50:34 I just got betrayed by the person that I love, 50:37 and just after that I just got a to a turning point 50:39 where I just, I was a Christian, 50:42 I was going to church and doing all the rituals, 50:45 but I kind of didn't notice God, 50:47 like, I didn't talk about God or read the Bible 50:50 or really pray. 50:52 But after that, I just got to a turning point. 50:53 I just turned myself in 50:55 and just think about him on a daily basis. 50:58 And now I'm reading the Bible from beginning to end, 51:01 I'm kind of going through it. 51:03 But recently, ever since I got to that turning point, 51:07 I just been falling through this just a single scene 51:11 where the person that I love 51:13 that just keeps falling on lots of scene 51:15 where I just keep falling. 51:17 I just keep falling onto my knees begging for forgiveness. 51:21 But the thing is just, I keep just doing it, 51:23 doing it and doing it. 51:24 And of course I got the memory of that person on Hebrew 10 51:29 that says, if we willingly keep sinning, 51:32 then there's no forgiveness for sin. 51:35 And of course, I know the interpretation of that verse, 51:38 which is if somebody goes out of the way 51:41 in just a full, living in full out sin, 51:44 I know the interpretation, 51:45 but I also know that it is better to be married 51:48 than burn with passion. 51:50 - So, 51:51 - [Samuel] But my question really is 51:53 that let's say I just died tomorrow, 51:55 but I just recognize God has taught of him, 51:58 and I read the Bible and I pray, 52:01 I just keep falling to this single sin. 52:03 Do you think God will deny me the entrance to the Kingdom? 52:06 - Okay, so the question then, 52:08 if I'm understanding correctly Samuel, 52:10 is what do we do if we're a believer 52:12 and we find ourselves struggling with a particular sin 52:15 and we keep stumbling over and over again? 52:17 Does this verse in Hebrews 10:26 apply? 52:20 Which says, "For if we sin willfully 52:22 after we receive a knowledge of the truth, 52:23 there is no longer a sacrifice for sins? 52:27 Well, you know, if that was the criteria, 52:28 I think all of us would be in trouble 52:30 because I don't know of one Christian 52:31 that has not stumbled over the same sin multiple times, 52:34 whether it be gossip or whether it be overeating 52:37 or whatever it might be. 52:39 The good news is that God is able to save, 52:42 he's able to save to the uttermost. 52:43 This verse is talking about an open, 52:45 high-handed rebellion against God. 52:49 That's when a person gets to the point 52:51 where they don't ask for forgiveness, 52:53 where they begin to make excuses for sin, 52:55 excusing sin in their life, 52:57 or saying that it's not really sin 52:59 or that it doesn't matter. 53:01 That's a dangerous thing. 53:02 But if we recognize that what we are doing 53:05 or what we have done is wrong 53:06 and it's a violation of God's commandments, 53:08 and we sincerely ask for forgiveness, 53:11 the Bible promises us that if we confess our sin, 53:13 he's faithful and just to forgive us 53:15 and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 53:18 We also need to recognize that not only does God want to 53:20 forgive us, but he wants to empower us. 53:22 He wants to enable us to live a victorious Christian life. 53:26 How do we gain the victory over sin? 53:29 We have to claim the promises found in the Bible. 53:32 That's how Jesus overcame sin 53:33 and that's the example that he has set for us. 53:36 Jesus said, man shall not live by bread alone, 53:38 but by every word that precedes out of the mouth of God. 53:42 When we face temptation, 53:43 the thing we must do right away, 53:45 before that temptation becomes overwhelming, 53:48 we need to turn to the Lord, 53:50 pray right then and there and say, Lord, please help me. 53:53 Give me the victory. 53:54 Just like Peter, 53:55 when he began to sink in the water 53:57 and all he could do is was lift up his hand 53:58 and say, Lord, save me. 54:00 Sometimes that's all we can do is say, 54:01 Lord, please save me. 54:03 And then start quoting promises from the Bible. 54:07 You know, I don't know of anyone 54:08 that's able to sin while they're quoting Bible promises 54:12 and they're on their knees praying, asking for deliverance. 54:15 God will provide that strength. 54:16 It's when we don't take advantage 54:18 of the power that God wants to give us, 54:20 that we stumble and fall into sin. 54:22 You know, we have a book, 54:23 it's called Tips for Resisting Temptation, 54:25 and gives a step-by-step guide on how we can live a 54:28 victorious Christian life. 54:29 How we can overcome those besetting sins, 54:32 whatever they might be, 54:33 in each person, it's a little different. 54:35 If you'd like to receive that book for anyone wanting to 54:38 live a victorious Christian life, 54:39 the number to call is (800) 835-6747, 54:43 and you can just ask for the book. 54:45 It's called, Tips for Resisting Temptation. 54:47 We'll be happy to send that to anyone here in North America. 54:50 If you're outside of North America, 54:51 you can read the book for free 54:53 by going to the Amazing Facts website. 54:56 Now, for those who are listening on the radio, 54:58 some of you will be tuning off, those on satellite. 55:00 But for those who are listening online 55:02 or at Amazing Facts TV, stay tuned. 55:04 We have a special bonus question that is coming right up. 55:08 (inspirational music) 55:10 - [Announcer] Thank you for listening to today's broadcast. 55:13 We hope you understand your Bible even better than before. 55:16 Bible Answers Live is produced 55:18 by Amazing Facts International, 55:21 a faith-based ministry located in Granite Bay, California. 55:26 - Hello friends. 55:27 Welcome back to our special bonus feature 55:29 of Bible Answers Live, something new that'll we're doing. 55:32 In the next few minutes, 55:33 we are gonna be taking some of the questions 55:34 that folks have emailed to us. 55:37 If you have a Bible question 55:38 that you'd like to have us answer on the air 55:41 that you'd like to email, instead of calling in, 55:43 we have an email address and Pastor Carlos, 55:45 you've got it right there. 55:46 What's that email address? 55:47 - It's BALquestions@amazingfacts.org. 55:51 B A L, as in Bible Answers Live. 55:54 BALquestions@amazingfacts.org. 56:00 - All right, excellent. 56:00 So if you have a Bible question, 56:01 be sure to email that to us 56:03 if that's gonna be better than calling in. 56:05 Well, Pastor Carlos, who do we have for tonight? 56:07 - We have two questions here. 56:09 The first one is from Derek Brown. 56:11 Is everybody called to be a minister 56:12 or to go into ministry? 56:14 - [Pastor Jëan] Is everyone called to be a minister? 56:15 No, not everyone is called to be a minister 56:17 because we know that there are different gifts 56:19 of the spirit. 56:20 So God has given some to be teachers and preachers 56:23 and evangelists, some administrative skills, 56:26 some to be helpers and helping with different areas 56:29 or caring for others. 56:30 Some have the gift of languages, 56:32 so each person has a different gift. 56:34 But are we all to be sharers of the love of Christ? 56:38 Absolutely. 56:39 So in one sense, we're all to be missionaries, 56:41 not all ministers, meaning that we're pastors, 56:44 but we should all be looking 56:45 for opportunities to share the love of Jesus, 56:47 and especially with those 56:48 who have never experienced the love of Christ 56:50 or who are not Christians. 56:51 Now, there might be a family member, a neighbor, 56:53 maybe a colleague. 56:54 So yes, all of us have a part to do 56:56 in trying to share the good news of salvation with others. 56:59 - Amen. 57:01 The next question is from James from Massachusetts. 57:03 He says, I heard in heaven 57:04 we will still grow every million years, 57:07 and my question is, will we ever get old in heaven. 57:12 - Oh, will we ever get old in heaven? 57:13 Well, there is probably an age, a perfect age, 57:16 whatever that might be that we think of here on earth. 57:19 I don't know, maybe it's 30, 57:21 - 27. 57:22 - 40, 27, whatever it might be that perfect age. 57:24 For those who are under that perfect age, 57:26 whatever that might be, 57:28 there will be some growth in heaven, 57:29 but we ultimately will be what God is purpose for us to be 57:33 throughout all eternity. 57:34 We know in heaven children will grow up, 57:36 cuz the Bible does speak of children being in heaven. 57:39 But they will grow up and eventually, 57:42 it's kind of a sad thought, 57:44 even though they won't be sadness in heaven. 57:45 But the children will grow up 57:47 and you won't get old in the sense of what old is here. 57:52 Of course, we have all eternity 57:53 to get to know Christ even more 57:55 and those who are saved and be in the earth made new. 57:59 So, thank you friends for your calls 58:01 and the emails that you sent. 58:02 Again, we wanna remind you that Bible Answers Live 58:05 is on the air because of your support. 58:08 So, thank you for your faith, for giving to Amazing Facts 58:11 to help keep Bible Answers on the air. 58:13 We look forward to meeting with you again next week. 58:15 Until then, God bless. 58:17 (inspirational music) 58:19 - [Announcer] Bible Answers, Live, 58:20 honest and accurate answers to your Bible questions. |
Revised 2023-02-09