Announcer: Welcome to Bible Answers live where you'll get honest answers to your bible questions. Let's face it, it's not always easy to understand everything you read in the Bible with 66 books and more than 700,000 words, the Bible can generate a lot of questions. If you like the answers to your bible questions, you've come to the right place. Now here's your host pastor Doug Batchelor, president and speaker of amazing facts.
Doug Batchelor: Hello listening friends, this is Doug Batchelor, would you like to hear an amazing fact? Among the first wave of English settlers that set foot on Plymouth Rock in 1629 was a Puritan named John Endicott who came to service the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, in approximately 1630 as his children looked on Endicott planted one of the first fruits tree's to be cultivated in the new world, it was a pear sapling imported from his estate across the Atlantic.
At the time, he said, “I hope the tree will love the soil of the old world, no doubt when we have gone the tree will still be alive.” The tree did outlive John Endicott and his children's children's and many generations that followed. 1763, colonists noted that the tree dubbed the Endicott pear tree was already very old and showing signs of decay but still it continued to thrive and bear fruit, in fact in 1809 the tree at such notoriety that even President John Adams received a special delivery of its pears.
After holy and fast through scorching heat, freezing, cold and multiple hurricanes which battered the region in the 19th century, the tree became a cherished fixture in the community erected a wooden fence to protect it. As early as 1852, folks were already proclaiming Endicott's pear tree as the oldest cultivated fruit tree in North America, the old tree was nearly destroyed by vandals in 1964 who chopped off the branches and cut the trunk off about six feet above the ground. Still it recovered and sprouted new branches and more fruit. Although, its pears have been described as medium in size unattractive and course textured, the trees amazing tenacity overshadows its mediocre fruit.
Today, the tree is surrounded by a chain link fence on in conspicuous plot of land hidden behind an office building on Endicott street in Danvers Massachusetts, it might be hard to believe but this original American settler is still alive today and still buried fruit after 383 years. Friends the Bible says there's many things a man can learn from a tree. Stay with us we're going to learn more as amazing facts bring see this edition of bible answers live.
Speaker 1: You’re listening to bible answers live, honest answers to your bible questions. Our phone lines are now open, if you have a Bible related question call us at 1800 God says, that's one 1 800 463 7297. Let's get to our first Bible question with Pastor Doug Batchelor and our co-host Pastors John Ross.
Doug: Now if you have a Bible question friends, just pick up the phone we have lines that are open. If you call now get the chance of getting your question on tonight's program, 800 God says that's 800 463 7297, maybe you weren't ready, got your pencil? Bible questions call this number 800 463 7297, my name is Doug Batchelor.
John Ross: My name is John Ross, good evening friends and pastor Doug as usual. Let's go ahead and start the program with a word of prayer. Dear Father in heaven we thank you that we have this opportunity to study the Bible together. We ask the Holy Spirit once again to come and guide our hearts and our minds, be with those who are listening Lord and maybe you'll come to clear in a full understanding of what the word says because you've said we shall know the truth and the truth will set us free, be with us this evening in Jesus' name, amen.
Doug: Amen.
John: Pastor Doug you opened the program by talking about a remarkable tree, no trees live for a long time but this one first planted by the early settlers that came over from Europe to the United States. I understand that it’s still living today, producing pears?
Doug: Still produces pears and I believe this because you've been to our cabin up in the hills, when we moved to that land 40 years ago, there were old fruit trees there from settlers that came during the gold rush. Those fruit trees as of last week were still there out in the field, some of the original trees. Again the pears aren't that good but they're pretty tenacious. I believe every word of it imagine that.
That could be what David was thinking of when he said in Psalm 1 if you go to the second verse speaking about a man who survives and thrives it says, “He’s the light is in the law of the Lord and in his law he meditates day and night, he will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in season whose leaf will not wither and whatever he does will prosper.”
Again the Lord says those who are faithful their days in heaven will be like the days of a tree, Isaiah 65, verse 22. David was comparing a person who listens to the law of the Lord and loves the law of the Lord, follows it, that person will be like a tree that is planted and that is fruitful. The Lord wants us to have the fruits of the spirit in our life. The determination to put the word of God before us and by his grace and spirit to obey his law helps us to have fruitful lives.
There might be people out there who are wondering you don't hear much about it these days but the truth has not changed and God still wants Christians to keep the Ten Commandments, not to be saved but because we are saved. Jesus said, “If you love me keep my commandments.” If you'd like to better understand this relationship between love the Lord and the law, we have a special offer for you tonight.
John: We have a study guide that is called Written in Stone, we'll be happy to send this to anybody who gives us a call, again the study guide is called Written in Stone and the phone number to receive this free resource is 800 835 6747, that is our resource line again the number is 800 835 6747. You can ask for the study guide called Written in Stone and we'll be happy to send that to anybody who calls and asks. Pastor Doug we also have some folks who are listening via the internet outside of North America and they can also participate in this free offer by simply going to the amazing facts website. They can actually do this Bible study for free online, they can actually study this lesson called Written in Stone, it's all about God's law, it will be a great blessing to those who study it.
Again if you have a Bible related question friends the number to call the studio this evening is 800 463 7297. First caller this evening is Shantelle listening from Salem Oregon, Shantelle welcome to the program.
Shantelle: Hello thank you for taking my call.
John: Thanks for calling.
Shantelle: Pastor Doug first I'd like to tell you I really enjoyed your sermon yesterday.
Doug: Oh you're watching the job message?
Shantelle: Yes, so great.
Doug: Oh thank you.
Shantelle: Okay, my friend and I were talking a few days ago about thanking God for trials because they make us grow and I remember you saying once that you would pray that God show you what you would need to learn so you could advance, I've been praying this too and waiting for God to show me, it is just a matter of waiting until he shows me what I need to learn?
Doug: Well, sometimes it's a matter of waiting, a day with the Lord is like 1,000 years and when we're going through trials, I say Lord please how long? He measures things out, he promises he'll not give us anything beyond what we're able to bear. It could be that it seems to take time because he's developing character, faith, patience, in us. I don't know because it varies with every person and every circumstance but you know you keep praying and when I'm going through a trial I say Lord help me to learn whatever lesson this is. I don't want to learn this, I want to go to this class anymore I want to get it over with and you know hopefully we learn those things. Like in the story of Job he went through this tremendous trial but there's no evidence it was ever repeated in his life.
Shantelle: A particular trial or more than one, it seemed to be lasting a long time, I'm wanting to learn if there's something for me to learn.
Doug: Well, I don't want to discourage you but keep in mind that Paul prayed regarding I think it was it second printings. He prayed about the thorn that Satan was afflicting him with and he prayed three times is the Lord you know take this away and God said my strength is made perfect in weakness. Sometimes God says you're going through a trial, you're having this challenge because you will continue to be on your knees looking to me when you realize you've got this problem or whatever it is. It develops trust and faith, I don't know because I came with the Holy Spirit I don't know what, you got that verse?
John: Yes 2nd Corinthian chapter 12: 7
That’s a good one.
Doug: I don’t know if it's helping Shantelle. I actually have a study online that talks about why God allows trials. Not that I know all the reasons but there is a sermon I posted online that you can probably listen to on that. At YouTube I think it’s amazing facts at YouTube channel.
Shantelle: Okay, which one is that?
Doug: It’s why God allows trials.
Shantelle: Okay, all right also I'll just keep praying for him to show me something if there’s something I need to learn. I can move on from that.
Doug: In the meantime, just trust him day by day and just submit too and do everything you can to do the right thing. Then whatever the trials are just ask that he gives you grace. Remember Jesus that he then endorsed the ends of some things that we enjoy in life and some things we endure.
Shantelle: Yes, all right thank you very much.
Doug: Thanks for calling Shantelle.
John: Next caller is David and David is listening from Sacramento California. David welcome of the program.
David: Hi.
Doug: Hi, thanks for calling.
David: I’ve called many times before.
Doug: Yes, it’s good to hear from you again.
David: for me having a terrible struggle with eating shrimp.
Doug: You’re struggling with eating something you don't think you should eat?
David: Yes. I prayed to our heavenly father for his forgiveness in Jesus name Amen for eating all these Shrimp these restaurants I've eaten it at. I’ve promised him never to do it again and he told me in my prayer and he speak to me through my thoughts. I said, “Dave, if you ever want to eat one bite of shrimp and a red lobster restaurant or panda express or Louis' one of your favorite Chinese and other Asian food restaurant at Stockton Broadway then you will grieve away our Holy Spirit” I called the red lobster restaurant last night and asked them what kind of seafood they serve. Of course, they said one of them is--
Doug: David, can pardon me for interrupting. You’re struggling with eating shrimp right?
David: Yes, part of it.
Doug: Why do you go to a red lobster restaurant?
David: Because I love their chatter bay biscuits and the guy that answered the phone, he said, “We have scaled fish, we take the scales off."
Doug: Well, can I suggest are there other things that you enjoy eating?
David: Is it okay to eat scaled fish?
Doug: The Bible says you can eat things with fins and scales. I would just recommend that first of all you don't have to eat out every day, you can go to the market and buy food. I recommend that you just ask the Lord you overcome evil with good if you're being tempted eat things that aren’t good for you. Go to those things that are good. There are so many good things to enjoy that I'd hate to think your life's been overwhelmed by the call of shrimp. I appreciate your question and we do have a book that will offer your free copy of that deals with the subject of the health.
John: It’s called God's Free Health Plan. We’ll be happy to send that to you David or anybody who calls and asks. what does the Bible have to say about our health the number coal is 800-835-6747 that is the resource line. You’re going to ask the study guide called God's Free Health Planagain that's 800-835-6747 and ask for the study guide God's Free Health Plan. If you have a Bible question the phone number to call is 800-463-7297 that'll bring your call right here to us in the studio. Our next caller is calling from California Vacaville. Van welcome to the program.
Van: Hi.
Doug: Hi Van. Thanks for calling.
Van: How are you tonight?
Doug: Good, give me your question.
Van: Could you give me an example of an unintentional sin?
Doug: Well, when Peter denied Christ he really didn't plan on that. it was not what you would call premeditated or calculated. He planned on he said go on will forsake me, I’ll not forsake thee. He certainly was sincere because when the crowd came to arrest Jesus, Peter pulled out a sword and he was ready to fight to the death. When he was tired and hungry and cold and they started to ridicule him and he denied Christ. He didn't premeditate that he was going to do that. He got caught at a weak point. Are you thinking about the places in the Bible where it says it talks about premeditated sin or presumptuous sin?
Van: Unintentional sin Leviticus 5:15.
Doug: Yes, that's an example of course of an unintentional sin.
Van: Okay, I got it. I got it.
Doug: Even in our law today they've got a couple of different categories of murder. You got what we call premeditated murder which the penalty is much more severe than what might be manslaughter where two men get into a fight. They then go and plan on getting in a fight and in the process the fight someone is killed that would be different. If you hit someone with a car you didn’t plan it, I’d go get my car and run someone over but if it was their neglect you could be charged with manslaughter. There are varying degrees of sin in most laws including the Bible and for the sacrifices there were varying degrees of sacrifice.
Van: I was reading about the different degrees of sacrifices for the wrong reasons. Thank you very much for your answer.
Doug: Thank you, I appreciate your calling.
John: We do have the study guide that talks about the unpardonable sin called --
Doug: It's a booklet called Beyond Mercy.
John: That's what it's called. The book is called Beyond Mercy we’ll be happy to send this to anybody who calls and asks. The number again is 800-835-6747 you can ask the book called Beyond Mercy. We’ll be happy to send that to you. It’s all about what the Bible has to say about the unpardonable sin. We have Tim listening from Hartford, is it Connecticut? Tim welcome to the program.
Tim: Yes I'm from Connecticut.
Doug: thank you for calling.
Tim: My question is to get to the point one saved [unintelligible 00:16:50] not or Jesus is the author of our faith, can we lose that salvation?
Doug: Well, this is this is the big question and Christians have debated for years. Dealing with eternal security and salvation. The problem with it some of my friends I got the number of dear Baptist friends and not all Baptists believe once saved always saved. You got your free will Baptist and others. They believe that when you accept Christ and your welcome the Lord you surrender that to your saved, you can never lose that salvation is nothing you can do.
There’s people who does live totally prodigal lives. They say they never really were saved. I don't know what good the teaching of eternal salvation is if you can just always flip your answer over and say well, no they would've been saved forever if they really were saved in the first place but they never really were saved in the first place. Where does the security come from? The bottom line is if you get to the place for your so saved you don't have a choice anymore there’s something wrong because the whole purpose of being saved is that you love the Lord because you freely choose to love the Lord. You trust the Lord and that can't be forced and is always free.
On the other side you got the other extreme that if a person can lose their salvation then how can you have any assurance of peace. John talks about that we might know that we have eternal life. Paul, he said I don't count myself to be perfected but later in second Timothy and I'm trying to remember the verse that Paul says I’ve fought the good fight, I finished the race, I’ve finished my course, I’ve kept the faith and hereafter there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness. Paul was absolutely sure of his salvation.
John: That is second Timothy Chapter Four verse seven.
Doug: Yes, Paul had that security but at the same time Paul and Peter and others talk about those who had tasted the heavenly gift and received the Holy Spirit that they turn
away and they are like the pig that was washed when it was going to wallow in the mire. Jesus talks to the church I forget which church it is in Revelation and he says, “If you don't repent I'll take your candlestick out of its place” is that the church of the sateous? I’m trying to remember. It might be. Well, Laodicea gets in trouble you think about it.
Tim: Yes, Laodicea.
Doug: He's talking to churches that are composed of saved people but he says that unless they repent they lose that.
Tim: Right, the salvation?
Doug: Yes, you can look in the Bible at King Saul who was filled with the Holy Spirit and he was prophesying called by God anointed by God and he became proud and stubborn grieved way the Holy Spirit and evil spirit took possession of him and he killed himself. I don't think that Saul will be saved, he ended up going to a witch. He said be with me and against me at the same time and so the idea that Saul is consulting the witch and working with, filled with the devil and somehow he's saved and then you got bail on the prophet, God spoke through him he was once a prophet but he became greedy. Judas was an apostle but he became greedy and grieved away the Holy Spirit so Satan entered it and he went out and ends up hanging himself.So I don't expect to see Judas in the kingdom. Pastor Ross, you're going to --
John: It's the church who emphasis and read about in Revelation chapter two verse one onward, three to about five or six.
Doug: Yes. So-
Tim: And what-
Doug: Go ahead.
Tim: -quick thing would be is, to be a sole winner, I've been led to Christ and led others or a lot of them, like the pastor or whoever but it's almost about two ministries. How would you honestly lead somebody to Christ? Would you tell them? Would you warn them that how to get saved but you may lose it?
Doug: Well, no. I just tell people that it's like getting married. People get married all the time and they, many succeed and some will lose their love, they separate. When we love the Lord, the difference between marrying two people, as God says, "I will never let go of you." It's up to us to let go of Him. He says, He'll never let go of us. His love continues, all that come to me, He will not cast out. He is a loving spouse but you look at the history of God's people in the Bible, and the Lord said, "I'm your husband." but they went whoring after other Gods that's the word the Bible uses.
It's like marriage. You don't stop getting married because some marriages fail, so when I lead someone to Christ, I say, "Hey, here's what you do to stay close to Christ." Talk about the devotional life, are you feeding your soul? Are you reading his word? Are you sharing your faith. If you do these things, you'll grow. Jesus talks about the seeds. Some seed falls in the rocky ground, it springs up.
When it starts to get hot, it dries up and then you got some seed that's springs up in the thorny ground. It does fine but it does not bear fruit because of the thorns end up zapping it, so there's people that, they come to the Lord and they're sincere but then the world distracts them.
Tim: Right. I do agree. The last one was the only one saved. Some have five and some have four.
Doug: Yes, I'm talking about the different kinds of soil. Yes, that's right. Now we have a book that talks about can a saved man be lost? You would really enjoy that, Tim, we'll send you your free copy.
John: The number to call is 800-8356747. You can ask for the book, Can a Saved Man Choose to be Lost? Again, 800-8356747. Tim, give us a call or anybody wanting to learn more about the subject and ask for the book, Can a Saved Man Choose to be Lost? Our next caller is Francis listening from Baltimore. Francis, welcome to the program.
Francis: Hey, Pastor Bachelor. You know, I always have a hard time keeping straight when I'm listening. Whether I'm listening to Bible Answers Live or The Bachelor. Comparatively few dim-witted women on their show, that's how I tell the difference. Anyway, I got a question. Actually, I got a two-part question for the both of you gentlemen. One specific to verses in either the Old or New Testament, the other is more generalized about Christianity in toto.
The specific one is, do you know of any verses Old or New Testament, probably new, probably Revelation that might reference life on other planets. Secondly, how do you suppose, once we establish that life on other planets exist whether by radio waves probably or perhaps by visitation? Who knows, but once we establish that it exists. What do you suppose will be the reaction? I fear that it'll be the biggest challenge to Christianity since Charles Martel repelled the Moors in the Muslims back in 8th century? What do you guys think?
Doug: All right. First question, does the Bible teach that there's life outside of our planet? The answer is resoundingly, yes. On an elementary level, we know from the Bible, it says, there are myriads of ministry in spirits called angels, cherubims, seraphim. But beyond that, I think there are other unfallen worlds and let me give you a couple of verses real quick and one is Colossians, Pastor Ross, I'm going to use the one in Hebrews. I'll start with Hebrews chapter one verse one, God who had different times and in different ways spoke in time past to the fathers as in his last day, spoken us to us by his son, who he has appointed heir of all things.
Here it is, "Through whom He also made the worlds" Then you can read in the Revelation, which says all the creatures in heaven and the creatures on earth and that we're praising the Lord and Colossians, it talks about God who made all things. It speaks of unfallen worlds and things that are happening here on earth. Paul says, it's a feeder to the universe. We're a spectacle to the cosmos and so, it gives the picture there are others watching, yes.
John: First going to chapter four verse nine. I think it's the verse where we refer to our world is sort of a spectacle to the angels and to men.
Doug: Yes. I mean, I think in the Greek, it's a similar word to stage or theater that they use, so and then, Jesus said, "If you confess my name here on earth, I will confess your name before my Father and the angels in heaven. So I believe, there are unfallen worlds. In fact, if you're interested Francis, I've got a sermon on Youtube, it's called, Is there a Life on Other Planets? It's very simple. Doug Batchelor, Is there a Life on Other Planets?
I go through it the Bible says about that. I don't believe their fallen and that Jesus died for their sins. I think this is the only world that went astray like that parable Jesus tells of a man with a 100 sheep and one goes astray, he leaves the 99 safe in the fold. He goes looking for that one lost sheep. This world is lost. It's a sick that need a physician. I don't know if that helps a little bit but I don't really have a lesson but we can encourage you to take a listen to that video, Is there a Life on Other Planets?
John: Okay, our next call is Lenora listening from Northern Carolina, it looks like North Carolina. Lenora, welcome to the program.
Lenora: Thank you for taking my call. Good evening, Pastor Batchelor and Pastor Ross.
Doug: Good evening.
John: Hi.
Lenora: I have a question. I've heard you preach before, I heard you say that certain sins got [unintelligible 00:26:46]. I want to refer it to how the patriots have more than one wives.
Doug: Yes.
Lenora: I just want to understand why, first of all, I guess I need to understand what exactly the [unintelligible 00:26:58] means and why didn't God make it plain to those who are having more than one wives?
Doug: All right. Let's give you the verse because I always worry a little bit when someone says, "I've heard you say." I want to make sure I'm giving references for these things. The verse is Acts 17:30. It says, "Truly, the times of ignorance, God winked at" I'm thinking like the New King James, it says, these times of ignorance God overlooked, same principle. But now, He commands men everywhere to repent because they know.
Sin is knowing to do good and not doing it. As one of the definitions for sin. They grew up, they live in a culture back then that was a lot of war, a lot of men were decimated and there were a lot more women available to men and so, to help support the women, sometimes the men took multiple wives. It doesn't mean it was God's original plan, it's just recording what actually happened and God winked at it. You are listening to Bible Answers Live.
Announcer: Stay tuned. Bible Answers Live will return in a moment. [music playing] Amazing Facts began in 1965 with a God-inspired concept.
Joe Crews: Hello, this is Joe Crews. The Amazing Facts broadcast. Facts which affects you.
Announcer: These radio broadcasts will begin with an amazing fact from Science, Nature or History, followed by a Bible message that touch the hearts of listeners from every walk of life. The program was an instant success and the ministry soon began expanding to include Bible Lessons, In 1986, Amazing Facts added the medium of television to its growing out reach efforts offering so many Evangelistic messages for viewers around the world. In 1994, Pastor Doug Batchelor assumed leadership of the ministry. Adding the Bible Answer Live call-in radio program and new Ministry TV programs began airing on multiple networks around the world. For 50 years, the driving vision of Amazing Facts has been the bold proclamation of the everlasting Gospel, with the team of evangelists circling the globe and thousands of men and women being trained to the Amazing Facts center of evangelism program, AFCOE. The ministry is helping God's church see a rich harvest of souls. Amazing Facts, God's message, our mission.
Announcer: Every Bible question you answered moves you one step closer to the fullness of God's will for you life. What are you waiting for? Get the answers you need for a fuller, richer, more confident- life. You’re listening to Bible Answers Live. We still have a few phone lines open, if you have a Bible related question, call us at 1-800-GOD-SAYS. That’s 1-800-463-7297. Now, let’s join Pastors Doug Batchelor and John Ross for more Bible Answers Live.
Doug: We are back and this is Bible Answers Live. If you’re tuning in along the way a live international, interactive Bible study. We’re going to go to the phones in just a moment. We do have a few lines open so free phone calls, you still have time, 800-463-7297, 800-GOD-SAYS, 463-7297. I’m still Doug Batchelor.
John: I’m still John Ross and Pastor Doug, we're ready to go to our phone lines. Our next call is Angela and she is listening from New York, New York. Angela, welcome to the program.
Angela: Hi, this is Angela calling from Long Island, New York. In the Old Testament, it talks about eat this, don’t eat that and restrictions on eating. Then in the New Testament, I’m not really sure of any Scriptures that are related in reference to that. How come today Christians don’t have to follow those types of rules where you don’t really see Christians doing that?
Doug: Well, I think we should follow, I do. I have for 35, 40 years. But first of all, I’ve been a vegetarian but Bible does not require that but I gave up eating pork and never of the foods that are identified as unclean. I used to go out spearfishing. I’d spear lobster and things. God basically says don’t eat scavengers, pigs and dogs and buzzards and skunks are on the list of unclean foods. 90% of the foods that God says on Leviticus were unclean people don’t eat.
Most people don’t eat rats. The Bible actually condemns people that did eat rats back in Bible times. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. In the New Testament, in Acts Chapter 10, Peter has a vision where all these unclean creatures get dropped from heaven held on a big sheet and God says, “Arise and eat.” Peter says, “Not so Lord, I have never eaten anything common or unclean” Peter says in his whole life he had never eaten anything unclean.
Later he explains a meaning of that vision really had nothing to do with animals, it had to do with taking the Gospel to the Gentiles because the Jews used to say the Gentiles were unclean dogs. God, Jesus wanted them to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles so in the New Testament, it also says, I think it’s Acts, is it 20:15 or Acts 15:20? You’re not to eat blood.
Certainly the health laws are repeated in the New Testament and when he says, “Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit whoever defiles that temple him will God destroy.” Paul is pointing back to when Daniel in Chapter 1 would not defile himself with the Babylonian food or wine that was unclean. I still think Christians need to eat responsibly and the funny thing is -- Are you still there, Angela?
Angela: Yes, I’m here.
Doug: Yes, the modern Science now supports these Bible guidelines more than ever before. In other words, we’ve got so much Science to back it up now that of the different meats that people eat, one of the most dangerous, pork is a nitrate-ridden, sodium-filled substance. That’s just some of the words of doctors. They warn you to cook it well so you won’t get Trichina larvae.
It’s very clear that you can get shellfish poisoning that can actually be fatal. I think one of our Presidents, I forgot which one it was, died from contaminated shellfish. These things that are scavengers, God did not want us eating. Now, you know you’re not supposed to eat dogs but nobody in America does. There are parts of the world that they do.
John: You know the verse you’re talking about is Acts chapter 15 verse 20 where in the New Testament, it says that people were to abstain from eating things of out of our idols and then also from blood.
Doug: Yes, and it says things strangled that means even clean animals that were not killed so the blood was drained out because that was considered unclean. It’s not a Jewish law. Some people say, “That’s the Jewish law” but when Noah went on the ark and everyone listening, now, hear this you are all related to Noah.
Angela: [unintelligible 00:34:53] my second question.
Doug: Yes, if it’s related, that'd be good. Go ahead.
Angela: Well—
Doug: Get close to your phone.
Angela: It’s not real specific, it would be about, what does the Bible say about health, wealth and prosperity in regards to diseases?
Doug: In other words, if you’ve got, if you got faith should you be healthy and wealthy? Is that what you’re asking?
Angela: Yes.
Doug: Yes, well, there’re some churches that teach that. Certainly there are benefits to living an obedient life but God doesn’t promise that if you’re Godly, you’ll never get sick and you’ll never experience financial reverse. Job was a perfect upright man, he got very sick and lost all his possessions so, good and evil Jesus said, “God sends rain and sunshine to everybody”
The idea that if you just follow these set rules that you’re never going to get sick and you’ll always be healthy, wealthy and wise, that actually came from Ben Franklin who said, early to be and early to rise. The Bible doesn’t teach that. Generally, there are blessings that follow faith and obedience. You will be definitely more blessed. That’s Deuteronomy 28 but it doesn’t mean you’ll never experience any hardships or persecution because Paul says, “All that lived Godly will experience persecution.” Anyway, well, hope that helps a little bit and appreciate your calling in Angela. Give us another call some time but we’re going to try to get a couple more calls in.
John: We have Vivian listening from Seattle, Washington. Vivian, you’re on the air. Vivian, you there?
Doug: I hear her coming.
John: Vivian, Washington, Seattle Washington. Alright, we might have to come back.
Doug: Vivian can you hear us? You might have your phone muted and you don’t know why we can’t hear you? You there, Vivian? Vivian, one more time, go in.
Vivian: Yes, here I am.
Doug: Okay, I knew you were out there somewhere and your question?
Vivian: I told that girl I want to know Jesus said He can identify with us in all sin but if he’s had a sinless nature, I want to know what will He say to me if I ask Him, “How can you identify with me when You can even sin if you wanted to?”
Doug: Well, actually the Bible actually says that Jesus and, Pastor Ross will find listening, it’s in Hebrews. He was tempted in all points as we are yet without sin so Jesus can definitely identify with your being tempted but now, when He was on the cross He took our sin.
Vivian: Right.
Doug: So He experienced the guilt and the shame, the separation that we feel, the isolation when we’re overcome with our guilt.
Vivian: Yes but that was then, that was a then at that point in time but I'm talking about when He was walking around on earth and all that, when He didn’t go garden, that didn't tempt him like he like He did,how can He identify with me if He had a sinless nature.
Doug: Alright, do you believe that God knows everything?
Vivian: Yes.
Doug: Okay, then does God know exactly how you feel?
Vivian: Yes.
Doug: So He knows exactly how you feel even when you’re tempted by sin and how you fall with that nature.
Vivian: Oh so that’s what you think that word “identification” comes in, He’s just a God of knowing all things.
Doug: He is all knowing and so he knows exactly. Sometimes politicians say, “I know how you feel.” They don’t but God does know how we feel. He knows how we feel better than we do.
Vivian: Okay, regardless of the feeling but forget the feeling, what I’m saying was action on the behavior. Can God know?
Doug: Well, Jesus never sin.
Vivian: Right, He never sins, right, I believe that but He knows. You’re saying that passage meant that He knows the anguish and the anxiety I may be going to emotionally, psychologically of wanting to do wrong and He knows that and you said He knows that because He knows me. He knows everything.
Doug: Right, yes, that’s exactly right.
Vivian: You’re saying that. Is that what you’re saying?
Doug: Yes.
Vivian: Okay.
Doug: He is all-knowing. So, He knows just how you feel.
Vivian: Okay. Thank you.
Doug: Alright, thank you very much. Good question, Vivian.
Vivian: Okay, bye.
Doug: Appreciate it.
John: We have Dina listening from Loma Linda in Southern California. Dina, welcome to the program.
Dina: Thank you.
Doug: Thanks for calling and your question.
Dina: The question is regarding a thousand years when the people the Holy City just ends and Satan is there with a [unintelligible 00:09:46]. The question is, what is the purpose of time for Satan to persuade and what is the purpose of persuading the people. Should they already know --
Doug: They already know they are lost.
Dina: What's going on that they are lost or something and why would they say need to persuade them.
Doug: So friends, Dina is talking about Revelation chapter 20 where it tells us there's two resurrections and the wicked,they are not raised until the end of the 1000 years at which time Satan tries to rally them into a great army to attack the city of God. There is also a referenced in Ezekiel 37 or 38 and also in Zachariah. How could the devil persuade the wicked that are resurrected that there is any hope after that time?
The devil is still going to be a glorified being. He tells everybody that that city is mine and the character in there took it by force and we can take it. The wicked that are raised out number the ones in the city just like the lost out number the saved. Ezekiel says they cover the earth like a cloud. Satan says "We can take it." They are going to rally to try to attack the city of God and take it by force, then the Lord comes and they are all judged and a the great white throne judgement and ultimately fire comes down from God out of heaven and devours them and that's all according to Revelation 20.
This is also one reason this is happening Dina is there're going to be people that are saved, they're going to have loved once outside the city that are lost. They are going to see that God has no choice but to destroy them because even when they are raised they're still ready to listen to the devil instead of listening to God, he has no choice. It demonstrates that even the fallen angels.
The good angels used to know them, the fallen angels used to be good angels just like the devil used to be a good angel. Before Satan is cast into that lake of fire the angels see that God has no choice that Lucifer even after a thousand years to think about his behavior still is ready to disobey. I appreciate that we do have a lesson on that subject Nina and we'll send you a free copy of The Thousands Years of Peace.
John: That's right just give us a call on our resource phone number, the number is 800 835 6747 you can answer the study guide called A Thousand Years of Peace. Again 800 835 6747. If you have a Bible question the phone line here to the studio is 800 4637297. Our next caller is Jim, Jim is listening from Texas. Jim welcome to the program.
Jim: Hi. Thanks for taking my call. My question has to do with which Jews are saved? Adam and Eve obviously we should see them in heaven correct. There was Abraham's bosom is it only the lineage of Abraham before Abraham or after Abraham until Jesus comes. Then after Jesus comes obviously it has to be only Jews that believe that Jesus is Lord because that's the new covenant, so out of all time which Jews are saved during each period.
Doug: All right the phase by Abraham's bosom is found one time in Luke chapter 16 verse 19 I think. That is a parable that Jesus tells. Nobody is saved by virtue of being Jewish. I say this many have heard me say it but I'll repeat it just so you'll understand that I come from a Jewish family. I'm a Christianbut my family was Jewish. No one is saved by their DNA. God is no respecter of persons the Bible says.
There are people in ancient Israel that were related to Abraham that are saved and many that are lost. There are people today that are Christians they say they're Christians but they don't know Jesus and He'll say I never knew you depart from me you who are canequity and Jesus said to the Jewish leaders that were rejecting Him. They didn't all reject Him but many did. He said "You are not children of Abraham you are of your father the devil." Obviously those Jews are not saved. Paul says it's the ones who are of faith Jew and Gentile. He said if you are Christs then you are Abraham's seed. The ones who have faith they're both they can be literal and spiritual Jews. Does that make any sense Jim?
Jim: Yes with the faith part so before Jesus came and to be saved now we have to believe in Jesus but they didn't have Jesus before that so obviously after Jesus came it comes by faith. Then before like before Abraham and after Abraham.
Doug: They were saved by faith back then. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord Noah was not saved by his works. Abraham, it says Abraham believed God and they counted it to him for righteousness he was saved by belief. The spies that did not believe that God could take them into the promised land died in the wilderness but Caleb and Joshua believed. It's always been faith. Now the big difference is in the old testament they were saved by faith looking forward to the cross in new testament time is now we are saved by faith looking back to the cross but we are all saved by the cross. You there?
Jim: Okay. The only thing I'm a little confused about is the phrase Abraham's bosom, what does that mean then?
Doug: Well in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus that Jesus shares in the gospel of Luke and again Pastor Ross I think that's Luke 16, I think it start with verse 19. Jesus is telling a very interesting parable where He uses opposites and He says that there was a rich man that feasted and there is a poor beggar and the beggar wanted the crumbs that fell from the rich mans table.
The rich man dies and he goes to Hades, Hades was the place of torment in the gentile religion. The beggar dies. He goes to Abraham's bosom, Abraham's bosom was an analogy of the place of salvation in the Hebrew religion. Jesus is using this incredible paradoxes. They are just opposites and He's saying don't think because you're a child of Abraham that you are automatically saved.
John the baptist says that God can raise up children of Abraham from the stones. Jesus said that it's those that hunger and thirst for righteousness. Lazarus was hungry he represented the Gentiles hungry for righteousness, he's in Abraham's bosom. The rich man was like the Jewish nation that had all of the advantages of the scripture and they are feasting on it but they are not sharing it with their hungry Gentile neighbors.
He said you may find yourself in Hades in the rich and the poor beggars in Abraham's bosom. It's a symbol, it's a parable, it's only mentioned once in all of the scripture only in the gospel of Luke in that one parable, you got to be careful not to build a doctrine on that, that there is this place called Abraham's bosom, it's a parable.
Jim: Okay thank you very much.
Doug: Thanks Jim. If everybody saved automatically goes to Abraham's bosom, Abraham has got a very big bosom. If he got millions of people all certainly going to Nasarinian bosom so it's a figure of speech.
John: Our next caller is Joe and Joe is listening from Farbvoe Virginia. Joe welcome to the program.
Doug: Joe you are on the air.
Joe: Hello.
Doug: Hi Joe? We know sometimes people they have to wait and they listen and they get it muted. You there?
Joe: I'm here.
Doug: Your question? How we doing?
Joe: I'm sorry for I put the phone down for a second that's why I didn't hear you call my name.
Speaker 1: I don't blame you, I listen to the program sometimes and I put the phone down too. But it's okay and your question?
Joe: [unintelligible 00:48:38] Christ says the first will be last and last will be first and the physical Jews they should be the last nation to accept Christ because they rejected Christ. They were the first to be offered His salvation. Anyway in Zachariah 14, it seems to me that the Jews there are the physical Jews and that the scene is a physical Israel, a physical Jerusalem and Christ is standing at the Mount of Olive. It's got to be the second coming of Christ and it's got to be him coming to save the Jews, they convert. When they see him it says in chapter 12 that they cry, they weep like over an only son. Do you agree with that?
Doug: Wait you talking about in Isaiah 12 you mentioned Isaiah 14 a minute ago and she is talking about when it says they're weeping?
Joe: No Zachariah 14 did I say Isaiah.
[cross talk]
Speaker 1: I meant you said you are collect you said Zachariah 14 and then I think you said Zachariah 12.
Joe: Zachariah 12 is where they. they look upon him whom they pierced and then it's a Jews that pierced him so to speak. It should be the physical Jews that are realizing their part in the crucifixion and they're crying, out of remorse. Would you accept that?
Doug: Yes. That's verse 10, "I'll pour upon the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and supplication. They'll look on me, whom they have pierced, yes they will mourn for him as one mourns for his only son and grieve for him as one grieves for his firstborn". Now, I don't think that that's talking just about Jews, but it's certainly talking about believers because if we believe in Christ, we become Abraham's seed.
Joe: What I'm talking about [unintelligible 00:50:48] He appears over to Jerusalem. Some people try to say that it's not talking about physical Jerusalem. But apparently, you do accept that it's talking about a literal, physical Jews that had not accepted Christ and that has saved.
Doug: No. Yes, what happened at Pentecost, when Peter preached at Pentecost and the Jews listening said their hearts were grieved, they were pierced, they were convicted. They said, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" There was a great revival when the Jewish nation realized what had happened to the Messiah. You're right that that's a literal Jerusalem that that happened in.
Joe: I'm talking about the one in Zachariah 14, which is in the future and my point is that the armies that are invading Israel is the whole world. In another passage, in Ezekiel, it's Russia is leading the nation. It seems to me that it was quite second coming. In 2 Thessalonians, it says the purpose of it is to destroy the anti-Christ, and then in Ezekiel, he destroys the invasion of Israel led by Gog [unintelligible 00:52:02] It seems that he's talking about destroying the aurora of Russia and therefore he should be the anti-Christ.
Doug: Well, I am not a [crosstalk]
Joe: Do you understand the logic there?
Doug: Yes, I think I know where you're coming from. I would have to respectfully disagree. I think that when you get to Zachariah 14, at this point Zachariah 12, the Gospel is now going to the Gentiles and that's when Paul, he said, "Look, you can become a spiritual Jew by accepting the Messiah". I don't think that it's talking about Gog and Magog is Russia. Gog and Magog, I believe, are the wicked of all ages that are raised. It speaks about them in Ezekiel 37-38, "They're the wicked of all ages that are raised to attack the City of God". That's the New Jerusalem. It's very clear in Revelation 20. It's talking about the New Jerusalem. The New Jerusalem is going to come down from God out of heaven. That's not the Old Jerusalem that's under attack. I think Zachariah 14 and Revelation 20 are talking about the same attack.
Now, we do have a study about that city. I think, first of all, you would enjoy the lesson that we offer, Joe, about the millennium called A Thousand Years of Peace. In addition, we've got a study that talks about this incredible city in space. You'd enjoy that too. Listening friends, we're going to have a break. We've got another amazing fact that's on its way. You're going to really enjoy this one and so don't go very far. If we didn't get your question tonight, we are going to be doing more Bible questions coming up in coming programs. But stay tuned for these important announcements and another amazing fact that I think you're going to enjoy.
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Announcer: Friends, are you afraid of heights? If so, you might want to look away right now. One of the most famous attractions in the San Francisco Bay area is the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. While this world-famous bridge was named as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, few people know the story of the brave men who were involved in its construction and also known as the Half Way to Hell Club.
Designed by a group of visionary engineers, at 4,200 feet from end to end, the Golden Gate Bridge was, at one time, the longest suspension bridge in the world. During its construction from 1933 to 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge had one of the best safety construction records of any project during that time. Keep in mind, they would factor in and calculate that one man would die for every million dollars that was spent so the budget of $35 million. They knew that loss of life would be unacceptable.
This is why the chief engineer, Joseph B. Strauss, was absolutely adamant about using the most rigorous safety precautions that had ever been used in bridge building. He had a local manufacturer safety equipment design special head gear that he insisted be worn on every job. This became the prototype for the modern hard hat worn for the first time ever. But the safety precautions went even further. Strauss provided a special hand and face cream to protect their skin from the cold, biting wind and glare-free goggles to protect their eyes.
In addition, they also ate a special diet to help ward off dizziness when they were working at those epic heights. But the most conspicuous safety precaution was a gigantic net that was suspended from end to end under the entire construction area of the Golden Gate Bridge. In fact, during construction, this net saved the lives of 19 men who later became known as the Half Way to Hell Club.
Now, you need to keep in mind, these were some of the most dangerous construction conditions you can imagine. The wind was constantly blowing. They were walking around on iron that sometimes had ice from the freezing fog. In places, they were over 700 feet above the icy waters. Yet the men, coming from all walks of life, were willing to take these risks because it was during the great depression and they would get paid up to $11 a day, which was a fortune back then.
One of the other benefits of the net was they discovered that the men were much more courageous even though they were walking high on those slippery surfaces because they knew there was a mechanism to protect them if they should fall. This gave them the confidence and the courage to press on and get the bridge built in record time.
You know friends, as Christians, we have a great work to do. The Bible tells us that we get to participate with Jesus in building a bridge that connects heaven and earth. There are dangers along the way. The devil would like to paralyze us with fear that we might fall or make a mistake. But we know that Jesus has provided a safety net for us and we don't have to be afraid. We can press on with confidence because it promises in the Book of Jude 24, He is able to keep us from falling. But sometimes, we make mistakes. Still, don't be discouraged friends. If you read in 1 John 2:1, the Bible says, "If we fall, if we sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ." Let's press on together and build that bridge with Christ.
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