Hello, friends, this is Michael Ray Dolnick. I'm so glad to be with you. What does it mean? That the Lord Jesus is the firstborn of all creation? You know, people have asked me these questions. They're wondering if Jesus is fully God and fully man. We're going to talk about that in just a moment. So stay with us. So glad you're joining me. The name of this program is Open Line. My name is Michael Ray Zelnick. I'm the professor of Jewish studies and Bible at Moody Bible Institute and also academic dean there. So glad that I get to serve at Moody and also to serve here, talking with you about your questions about the Bible, God, and the spiritual life. I'm so glad to be with you. If you have a phone, a question, you can phone us right now. The phone number is (877) 548-3675. That's (877) 548-3675. Uh, you can ask any question you want about the Bible, God, or the spiritual life, and I'll do my best to answer it. Uh, Karen Hendren sitting in for Tricia McMillan today. So glad that she's here with me. Ryan McConaughey is handling all things technical and Gabby is back answering phones. Glad she's doing that. Now go get yourself a cup of coffee. Open your Bible. We're going to study the scriptures about Jesus being supreme over all creation. I answer questions not just on open line, but I go on a couple of local stations, 3 or 4 local stations every week, and I was answering questions on Chris Fabry Live this past week. And I've noticed that there's a number of questions that come up about whether or not Jesus is fully God. And even in the mailbag questions this week, there was a question about Colossians 115. And there it says that the Lord Jesus is the firstborn of all creation. And they said, how could he be fully God if he is part of the creation, if he is created, not the creator? And so the question in Colossians 115 B, which calls the Lord Jesus the firstborn of all creation, is, what does that mean? Before even discussing what this phrase means, we need to observe the context first. Paul is clearly stating in the context that Jesus is fully God. The very same verse just mentions. Colossians 115 begins by saying that the Lord Jesus is the image of the invisible God. The word image means exact representation. The Lord Jesus knew he was the exact representation of God. This is demonstrated by what he told Philip the disciple. He who has seen me has seen the father. The rest of the section in Colossians describes the Lord Jesus with attributes of deity. Think about this. He's the creator and sustainer of all things. Verses 16 and 17. He existed before all, before all creation. Verse 17. Demonstrating his eternal nature. Not only is he the head of the Lord's universal church, but he has supremacy. Verse 18 says over everyone and every thing. Above all, God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him. Verse 19 says, the word translated fullness means completeness. Paul is saying that deity, fully complete deity, is permanently resident in the Lord Jesus. The whole paragraph paragraph is clearly stating that the Lord Jesus is fully God and he is not a created being. In the next chapter in Colossians chapter two, we see another clear statement about the full deity of the Lord Jesus. It says, for in him all the fullness of deity is filled. Uh, dwells in bodily form. That's Colossians two nine. That sentence is filled with several important truths. First, the phrase fullness of deity uses the strongest words possible to say that Jesus is completely God. Second, the word dwells can be translated, translated lives, and it's in the present tense. This means that Didi didn't come to reside in the Lord Jesus temporarily, but it is in him. It is who he is permanently. The deity of the Lord Jesus did not come upon him at the incarnation and leave at the crucifixion, as some have taught, he existed in eternity past, and he will exist into the forever future. He is the eternal God the Son, the deity of the Son of God, lives in bodily form, indicating that he is fully human. In Colossae, the false teachers were denying the full deity of Jesus, presenting him as merely an important angel. They said his body wasn't real, only appeared to be so. In Colossians two nine, Paul sharply repudiates both of those false ideas and establishes that the Lord Jesus is fully God and fully man, the eternal God-Man. Okay, so now what does it mean that he is the firstborn of all creation? First of all, the word firstborn can mean yeah, it can mean first in order of birth. Like my brother was the firstborn in my family. But it can have a figurative sense as well. It means preeminence, superior supremacy, and rank. That's how the words used in Psalm 89, verse 27, when it describes the future Davidic king, the messianic king, as my firstborn, the highest king of over all the earth. Second, the phrase of all creation should really be translated as in the CSB. He is the preeminent one or the firstborn one overall creation not of all creation, but over all creation. The entire verse is saying that the Lord Jesus, the exact representation of God, is supreme. He is preeminent over all creation. So what does that mean for you and me? It means that the Lord Jesus is fully God. It doesn't mean that we have to doubt that he is fully God or wonder how it works. You know, I'm not sure that anyone can explain how it is that he can be fully God and fully man. The personal union. But it's true. And we have to accept what the scriptures say. Secondly, because he is supreme over all creation, that means he's supreme over us. He is our Lord and we must indeed follow him. We need to adopt a daily commitment to worship the Lord Jesus, our exalted and supreme Lord, over all the earth. Well, I'm so glad that you have joined me today. I'm glad for everyone that's calling again. The number (877) 548-3675. Uh, we're going to go right to the phones right now and talk to Marie in Georgia. Welcome to Open Line, Marie. How can I help you?

Hello, friends, this is Michael Ray Dolnick. I'm so glad to be with you. What does it mean? That the Lord Jesus is the firstborn of all creation? You know, people have asked me these questions. They're wondering if Jesus is fully God and fully man. We're going to talk about that in just a moment. So stay with us. So glad you're joining me. The name of this program is Open Line. My name is Michael Ray Zelnick. I'm the professor of Jewish studies and Bible at Moody Bible Institute and also academic dean there. So glad that I get to serve at Moody and also to serve here, talking with you about your questions about the Bible, God, and the spiritual life. I'm so glad to be with you. If you have a phone, a question, you can phone us right now. The phone number is (877) 548-3675. That's (877) 548-3675. Uh, you can ask any question you want about the Bible, God, or the spiritual life, and I'll do my best to answer it. Uh, Karen Hendren sitting in for Tricia McMillan today. So glad that she's here with me. Ryan McConaughey is handling all things technical and Gabby is back answering phones. Glad she's doing that. Now go get yourself a cup of coffee. Open your Bible. We're going to study the scriptures about Jesus being supreme over all creation. I answer questions not just on open line, but I go on a couple of local stations, 3 or 4 local stations every week, and I was answering questions on Chris Fabry Live this past week. And I've noticed that there's a number of questions that come up about whether or not Jesus is fully God. And even in the mailbag questions this week, there was a question about Colossians 115. And there it says that the Lord Jesus is the firstborn of all creation. And they said, how could he be fully God if he is part of the creation, if he is created, not the creator? And so the question in Colossians 115 B, which calls the Lord Jesus the firstborn of all creation, is, what does that mean? Before even discussing what this phrase means, we need to observe the context first. Paul is clearly stating in the context that Jesus is fully God. The very same verse just mentions. Colossians 115 begins by saying that the Lord Jesus is the image of the invisible God. The word image means exact representation. The Lord Jesus knew he was the exact representation of God. This is demonstrated by what he told Philip the disciple. He who has seen me has seen the father. The rest of the section in Colossians describes the Lord Jesus with attributes of deity. Think about this. He's the creator and sustainer of all things. Verses 16 and 17. He existed before all, before all creation. Verse 17. Demonstrating his eternal nature. Not only is he the head of the Lord's universal church, but he has supremacy. Verse 18 says over everyone and every thing. Above all, God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him. Verse 19 says, the word translated fullness means completeness. Paul is saying that deity, fully complete deity, is permanently resident in the Lord Jesus. The whole paragraph paragraph is clearly stating that the Lord Jesus is fully God and he is not a created being. In the next chapter in Colossians chapter two, we see another clear statement about the full deity of the Lord Jesus. It says, for in him all the fullness of deity is filled. Uh, dwells in bodily form. That's Colossians two nine. That sentence is filled with several important truths. First, the phrase fullness of deity uses the strongest words possible to say that Jesus is completely God. Second, the word dwells can be translated, translated lives, and it's in the present tense. This means that Didi didn't come to reside in the Lord Jesus temporarily, but it is in him. It is who he is permanently. The deity of the Lord Jesus did not come upon him at the incarnation and leave at the crucifixion, as some have taught, he existed in eternity past, and he will exist into the forever future. He is the eternal God the Son, the deity of the Son of God, lives in bodily form, indicating that he is fully human. In Colossae, the false teachers were denying the full deity of Jesus, presenting him as merely an important angel. They said his body wasn't real, only appeared to be so. In Colossians two nine, Paul sharply repudiates both of those false ideas and establishes that the Lord Jesus is fully God and fully man, the eternal God-Man. Okay, so now what does it mean that he is the firstborn of all creation? First of all, the word firstborn can mean yeah, it can mean first in order of birth. Like my brother was the firstborn in my family. But it can have a figurative sense as well. It means preeminence, superior supremacy, and rank. That's how the words used in Psalm 89, verse 27, when it describes the future Davidic king, the messianic king, as my firstborn, the highest king of over all the earth. Second, the phrase of all creation should really be translated as in the CSB. He is the preeminent one or the firstborn one overall creation not of all creation, but over all creation. The entire verse is saying that the Lord Jesus, the exact representation of God, is supreme. He is preeminent over all creation. So what does that mean for you and me? It means that the Lord Jesus is fully God. It doesn't mean that we have to doubt that he is fully God or wonder how it works. You know, I'm not sure that anyone can explain how it is that he can be fully God and fully man. The personal union. But it's true. And we have to accept what the scriptures say. Secondly, because he is supreme over all creation, that means he's supreme over us. He is our Lord and we must indeed follow him. We need to adopt a daily commitment to worship the Lord Jesus, our exalted and supreme Lord, over all the earth. Well, I'm so glad that you have joined me today. I'm glad for everyone that's calling again. The number (877) 548-3675. Uh, we're going to go right to the phones right now and talk to Marie in Georgia. Welcome to Open Line, Marie. How can I help you?

Well, I have a question regarding the Day of Atonement. Exactly what is it? I mean, I know the Hebrew people. They had to go once a year to atone for their sins at the temple.

Well, I have a question regarding the Day of Atonement. Exactly what is it? I mean, I know the Hebrew people. They had to go once a year to atone for their sins at the temple.

Mhm.

Mhm.

But Jesus paid that he was the one and only sacrifice the final one. So why do Messianic Jews? Should celebrate the Day of Atonement?

But Jesus paid that he was the one and only sacrifice the final one. So why do Messianic Jews? Should celebrate the Day of Atonement?

Well, they don't celebrate a day praying for atonement. They have a day of celebrating atonement. Don't you think that that's okay? To celebrate the fact that we can be assured of forgiveness of sin?

Well, they don't celebrate a day praying for atonement. They have a day of celebrating atonement. Don't you think that that's okay? To celebrate the fact that we can be assured of forgiveness of sin?

Okay, that's true, but I have a friend who said that the Day of Atonement is for the atoning for your unknown sins.

Okay, that's true, but I have a friend who said that the Day of Atonement is for the atoning for your unknown sins.

You're confusing what Messianic Jews do and what traditional Jewish people do. Uh, traditional Jewish people use the Day of Atonement. They fast, they pray, they repent. Uh, that's what today they do on the Day of Atonement, hoping to atone for their sins. And at the end of the day, they don't know if their sins were forgiven. What Messianic Jews do. And we gather on the Day of Atonement. First of all, we may fast, but it's only fasting. So we're fasting and praying for people who don't know the Lord Jesus to come to know him. We're praying for them. That's what the fasting is for. It's not fasting for atonement for their own sins. It's praying. You've heard of fasting and praying, have you not? Uh, Marie?

You're confusing what Messianic Jews do and what traditional Jewish people do. Uh, traditional Jewish people use the Day of Atonement. They fast, they pray, they repent. Uh, that's what today they do on the Day of Atonement, hoping to atone for their sins. And at the end of the day, they don't know if their sins were forgiven. What Messianic Jews do. And we gather on the Day of Atonement. First of all, we may fast, but it's only fasting. So we're fasting and praying for people who don't know the Lord Jesus to come to know him. We're praying for them. That's what the fasting is for. It's not fasting for atonement for their own sins. It's praying. You've heard of fasting and praying, have you not? Uh, Marie?

Yes.

Yes.

Yeah. So they fast many, many Messianic Jews fast and pray for Jewish people to come to know Jesus. Uh, secondly, the services on the Day of Atonement, uh, Messianic Day of Atonement services proclaims the Lord Jesus as the final sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice of God becoming man, taking the becoming the the atonement offering. Just like the book of Hebrews teaches that the blood of bulls and goats did not take away sin, but only the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus can take away sin, and it calls upon people to put their trust in him to experience forgiveness. So it's an evangelistic service, not just a day when Jewish believers pray for their fellow Jewish people to come to know the Lord, but also when they proclaim the need to come to know the Lord Jesus. And then there's also an aspect while the Day of Atonement in traditional synagogues, very, very somber and serious day, uh, there's a celebratory element in a messianic Jewish Day of Atonement service because we are celebrating that forgiveness is assured. If we trust in Jesus, we know all our sins past, present, and future are forgiven. And so there's a celebratory aspect of it. That's what a Day of Atonement service is, and a messianic service. I think you have to be careful not to confuse a traditional Jewish Day of Atonement service with a messianic Jewish service, which recognizes the fulfillment in Jesus. Does that help at all, Marie? Yeah.

Yeah. So they fast many, many Messianic Jews fast and pray for Jewish people to come to know Jesus. Uh, secondly, the services on the Day of Atonement, uh, Messianic Day of Atonement services proclaims the Lord Jesus as the final sacrifice, the ultimate sacrifice of God becoming man, taking the becoming the the atonement offering. Just like the book of Hebrews teaches that the blood of bulls and goats did not take away sin, but only the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus can take away sin, and it calls upon people to put their trust in him to experience forgiveness. So it's an evangelistic service, not just a day when Jewish believers pray for their fellow Jewish people to come to know the Lord, but also when they proclaim the need to come to know the Lord Jesus. And then there's also an aspect while the Day of Atonement in traditional synagogues, very, very somber and serious day, uh, there's a celebratory element in a messianic Jewish Day of Atonement service because we are celebrating that forgiveness is assured. If we trust in Jesus, we know all our sins past, present, and future are forgiven. And so there's a celebratory aspect of it. That's what a Day of Atonement service is, and a messianic service. I think you have to be careful not to confuse a traditional Jewish Day of Atonement service with a messianic Jewish service, which recognizes the fulfillment in Jesus. Does that help at all, Marie? Yeah.

Absolutely. That makes it plainer. And I can understand that. Yeah. And so that's why I was confused with what I heard before. It just didn't make sense.

Absolutely. That makes it plainer. And I can understand that. Yeah. And so that's why I was confused with what I heard before. It just didn't make sense.

Yeah. Well, now it makes sense. I think it makes a whole boatload of sense. And, you know, one of the things that I discovered when I led a messianic congregation that more than any we had many, many Jewish seekers come to our Day of Atonement services, our Yom Kippur services. And if ever there was going to be a day when I would proclaim the good news as simply and clearly as I could, it would be that day. And that was the day when more Jewish people came to know the Lord than almost any day that I could recall that and Passover. So, uh, that is a very meaningful day for me, and it remains a meaningful day for me, uh, to celebrate atonement in the Lord Jesus. Well, thank you, Mary, for your call. We're going to come back in a moment with more of your questions. The phone number (877) 548-3675. My name is Michael Radonich. This program is called Open Line. Stay with us. We're coming right back with more of your questions about the Bible, God and the spiritual life. Welcome back to Open Line. My name is Michael Riedel. I'm so glad to be with you once again answering your questions about the Bible, God, and the spiritual life. You know, when I was a young person coming to Moody, I was really confused by the book of acts. It was it was a a book that I was like, oh, there's some unusual things going on in here, and I'm not sure I understand it. And I was actually surprised that the book was taught at Moody Bible Institute, and it actually became the favorite course I took the whole time that I was at Moody. I took a course in the book of acts, and it was just wonderful to see the power of God working through the the church, expanding the impact of the gospel throughout the world. I love that book. My wife was laughing with me. She said, when when we first got married, my Bible automatically opened to the book of acts. It would just fall open to it. And one of the things that really helped me as a moody student, when I grew to love the The Book of Acts, was a commentary that Moody offered. And it's available still. It's the Book of Acts, the everyday Bible Commentary in the Book of Acts by Doctor Charles Ryrie. I found that book to be really, really helpful, simple, easy to read, and explains a lot of the issues in the book of acts, and it's still available. That's why I've chosen it as our current resource. And you can get a copy of the Everyday Bible Commentary on Acts by Doctor Charles Ryrie, who later became I went to Dallas Seminary. I went there partially because I wanted to study with this professor, Doctor Charles Roderick. He made everything so simple and easy to understand and, uh, that is exactly what I want for you. Uh, with a gift of any size, what we want to do is say thank you by sending you a copy of the Everyday Bible Commentary on the Book of Acts by Doctor Charles Ryrie. If you'd like to give a gift and receive this resource, the phone number is (888) 644-7122. That's (888) 644-7122 or go to Open Line Radio. Org. And remember when you give, make sure to ask for the everyday Bible commentary on acts by Doctor Charles Ryrie. We're going to talk to Andre in Clinton, New York listening on the app. Clinton, New York I love that area. That's in the Adirondacks, isn't it, Andre?

Yeah. Well, now it makes sense. I think it makes a whole boatload of sense. And, you know, one of the things that I discovered when I led a messianic congregation that more than any we had many, many Jewish seekers come to our Day of Atonement services, our Yom Kippur services. And if ever there was going to be a day when I would proclaim the good news as simply and clearly as I could, it would be that day. And that was the day when more Jewish people came to know the Lord than almost any day that I could recall that and Passover. So, uh, that is a very meaningful day for me, and it remains a meaningful day for me, uh, to celebrate atonement in the Lord Jesus. Well, thank you, Mary, for your call. We're going to come back in a moment with more of your questions. The phone number (877) 548-3675. My name is Michael Radonich. This program is called Open Line. Stay with us. We're coming right back with more of your questions about the Bible, God and the spiritual life. Welcome back to Open Line. My name is Michael Riedel. I'm so glad to be with you once again answering your questions about the Bible, God, and the spiritual life. You know, when I was a young person coming to Moody, I was really confused by the book of acts. It was it was a a book that I was like, oh, there's some unusual things going on in here, and I'm not sure I understand it. And I was actually surprised that the book was taught at Moody Bible Institute, and it actually became the favorite course I took the whole time that I was at Moody. I took a course in the book of acts, and it was just wonderful to see the power of God working through the the church, expanding the impact of the gospel throughout the world. I love that book. My wife was laughing with me. She said, when when we first got married, my Bible automatically opened to the book of acts. It would just fall open to it. And one of the things that really helped me as a moody student, when I grew to love the The Book of Acts, was a commentary that Moody offered. And it's available still. It's the Book of Acts, the everyday Bible Commentary in the Book of Acts by Doctor Charles Ryrie. I found that book to be really, really helpful, simple, easy to read, and explains a lot of the issues in the book of acts, and it's still available. That's why I've chosen it as our current resource. And you can get a copy of the Everyday Bible Commentary on Acts by Doctor Charles Ryrie, who later became I went to Dallas Seminary. I went there partially because I wanted to study with this professor, Doctor Charles Roderick. He made everything so simple and easy to understand and, uh, that is exactly what I want for you. Uh, with a gift of any size, what we want to do is say thank you by sending you a copy of the Everyday Bible Commentary on the Book of Acts by Doctor Charles Ryrie. If you'd like to give a gift and receive this resource, the phone number is (888) 644-7122. That's (888) 644-7122 or go to Open Line Radio. Org. And remember when you give, make sure to ask for the everyday Bible commentary on acts by Doctor Charles Ryrie. We're going to talk to Andre in Clinton, New York listening on the app. Clinton, New York I love that area. That's in the Adirondacks, isn't it, Andre?

Yes, sure is it? Sure is. Yeah.

Yes, sure is it? Sure is. Yeah.

Uh, how far is that from Clintonville or Keysville? Is it not too far from Keysville?

Uh, how far is that from Clintonville or Keysville? Is it not too far from Keysville?

Not far at all. I'm closer to Utica and Rome.

Not far at all. I'm closer to Utica and Rome.

Oh, see, I know where that is. Okay, good. Well, uh, um, thank you for calling. How can I help you today?

Oh, see, I know where that is. Okay, good. Well, uh, um, thank you for calling. How can I help you today?

Yes, I was reading this, uh, first Corinthians, uh, chapter six, verse three, and I came across an interesting scripture that I just need clarity on. And it reads, do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life? Mhm. Judging angels.

Yes, I was reading this, uh, first Corinthians, uh, chapter six, verse three, and I came across an interesting scripture that I just need clarity on. And it reads, do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life? Mhm. Judging angels.

You want to know what that means? What. That's. What's that referring to. Yeah.

You want to know what that means? What. That's. What's that referring to. Yeah.

Yeah. Yes.

Yeah. Yes.

Well, uh, first of all, let's put it in context. The issue is, should Christians go to the secular courts to resolve disputes between themselves? And the answer that Paul gives is no, that, uh, you should only go, you know, you should go to the church and let the church do it. And one of his rationale explanations is like we are fully capable as a church, of judging disputes we don't need to go to the civil government to deal with that. Uh, and that's a really important, uh, lesson to learn. And one of the arguments that Paul uses is that Christians will be real believers will be involved in judging angels. I think he's referring to the judgment of the fallen angels. Uh, that there's going to be a judgment of fallen angels, and they're going to be cast into the lake of fire, ultimately. Remember, the lake of fire was created for the devil and his angels. It says in the book of Romans, chapter 16, verse 20, where it talks about the local congregation or the congregation there. Uh, the I think it's actually referring to the universal congregation, but specifically something that was true of the Roman Church. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. So he's talking to the the church in Rome. And basically as a reflection of these, he says soon. And the return of the Lord would be soon when the Lord returns after the kingdom, there's going to be a judgment of fallen angels, and they will be. The church will crush Satan under their feet, just as the Lord Jesus in Genesis 315 is predicted, would crush the enemy under his feet. And so there's some aspect of when that judgment happens that we will be involved in doing it. If you want to ask me how, Andre, I don't know. But there's going to be fellow followers of Jesus, you and I, among them, uh, who will crush Satan, who will be judging those fallen angels and they will be cast into the lake of fire. But let's not lose sight of the big point. If that's how God relies on us to make judgments, then why are we going to civil courts when we have a dispute? What we need to do is work it out within the church. That's that's what we need to do. Does that help?

Well, uh, first of all, let's put it in context. The issue is, should Christians go to the secular courts to resolve disputes between themselves? And the answer that Paul gives is no, that, uh, you should only go, you know, you should go to the church and let the church do it. And one of his rationale explanations is like we are fully capable as a church, of judging disputes we don't need to go to the civil government to deal with that. Uh, and that's a really important, uh, lesson to learn. And one of the arguments that Paul uses is that Christians will be real believers will be involved in judging angels. I think he's referring to the judgment of the fallen angels. Uh, that there's going to be a judgment of fallen angels, and they're going to be cast into the lake of fire, ultimately. Remember, the lake of fire was created for the devil and his angels. It says in the book of Romans, chapter 16, verse 20, where it talks about the local congregation or the congregation there. Uh, the I think it's actually referring to the universal congregation, but specifically something that was true of the Roman Church. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. So he's talking to the the church in Rome. And basically as a reflection of these, he says soon. And the return of the Lord would be soon when the Lord returns after the kingdom, there's going to be a judgment of fallen angels, and they will be. The church will crush Satan under their feet, just as the Lord Jesus in Genesis 315 is predicted, would crush the enemy under his feet. And so there's some aspect of when that judgment happens that we will be involved in doing it. If you want to ask me how, Andre, I don't know. But there's going to be fellow followers of Jesus, you and I, among them, uh, who will crush Satan, who will be judging those fallen angels and they will be cast into the lake of fire. But let's not lose sight of the big point. If that's how God relies on us to make judgments, then why are we going to civil courts when we have a dispute? What we need to do is work it out within the church. That's that's what we need to do. Does that help?

That helps me a lot.

That helps me a lot.

Thank you. Yeah, yeah. And just remember, you got to buy your black robe. You got to get, uh, the the gavel and be ready to to judge angels. Okay. Andre.

Thank you. Yeah, yeah. And just remember, you got to buy your black robe. You got to get, uh, the the gavel and be ready to to judge angels. Okay. Andre.

Okay, I got you. Appreciate you.

Okay, I got you. Appreciate you.

Thank you. Yeah. Thanks for your call. Appreciate it. Uh, we're going to talk to Teresa, listening in Evanston, Illinois. Right in my neighborhood, not far from me, where I live. Uh, listening on Wmbi. Welcome to Open Line. Theresa. How can we help you?

Thank you. Yeah. Thanks for your call. Appreciate it. Uh, we're going to talk to Teresa, listening in Evanston, Illinois. Right in my neighborhood, not far from me, where I live. Uh, listening on Wmbi. Welcome to Open Line. Theresa. How can we help you?

Uh, good morning, Doctor Radonich. Thank you so much for always answering our questions.

Uh, good morning, Doctor Radonich. Thank you so much for always answering our questions.

My pleasure. I love doing it.

My pleasure. I love doing it.

Uh, well, my question this morning is, uh, about how often should our church be partaking of the Lord's Supper. My sister and I were talking to a very dear friend, and we didn't realize the particular denomination that he attends. They have the Lord's Supper every Sunday, and so my sister and I were looking in the scriptures, and we were a little bit convicted that it seems like we should be, since the very first church met together first day of the week. And to break bread.

Uh, well, my question this morning is, uh, about how often should our church be partaking of the Lord's Supper. My sister and I were talking to a very dear friend, and we didn't realize the particular denomination that he attends. They have the Lord's Supper every Sunday, and so my sister and I were looking in the scriptures, and we were a little bit convicted that it seems like we should be, since the very first church met together first day of the week. And to break bread.

Where are you?

Where are you?

Where are you getting that from?

Where are you getting that from?

Um. Acts 27.

Um. Acts 27.

Acts 727.

Acts 727.

Verse seven.

Verse seven.

Yeah. Acts 20. Verse seven. Well, uh, should we do it on Saturday nights?

Yeah. Acts 20. Verse seven. Well, uh, should we do it on Saturday nights?

Oh, that's right, I was going to say if I wasn't taking too much time. No. We next looked through some different commentaries and there are so many different um, um, it.

Oh, that's right, I was going to say if I wasn't taking too much time. No. We next looked through some different commentaries and there are so many different um, um, it.

Says it.

Says it.

Says there.

Says there.

Saturday night one. Yeah.

Saturday night one. Yeah.

And it says on the first day of the week we assembled to break bread. Actually, the phrase to break bread doesn't refer to communion. It's a even today when we talk about breaking bread with someone, what are we talking about?

And it says on the first day of the week we assembled to break bread. Actually, the phrase to break bread doesn't refer to communion. It's a even today when we talk about breaking bread with someone, what are we talking about?

Yes. Just like eating. Yeah, eating a meal.

Yes. Just like eating. Yeah, eating a meal.

And this was a the first day of the week, but it says there were many lanterns present. Uh eutychus. Fell asleep because Paul talked so long, and he. He died, and Paul raises him from the dead. It's nighttime. So likely this is Saturday night. It could have been a special, uh, service because Paul was saying farewell to the leaders of, uh, the elders, and he was going back, and he met with them. And this is, uh, on the first day that we assembled to break bread, and Paul spoke to them. He was about to depart the next day. So it was a farewell message, and there were many lamps in the room upstairs where we where we assembled. And it's getting later and later Eutychus falls asleep. So, uh, probably Saturday night special farewell service for Paul. And they're eating together, much like we would do if we're going to have a party to say goodbye to someone, have a meal. That's probably what this is talking about. Not even talking about the Lord's Supper, not even talking about communion. And other people want to use acts 242, uh, because it talks about the fellowship that believers had. Uh, in acts 242, this This is what it says. Uh, I'm turning to it right now. And they were they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. Uh, if you look at the actual Greek structure of it, uh, they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship. Those were the two things that were devoted to. And then there are two aspects of fellowship. One is breaking bread and the other is praying together. That's what they were, the two aspects of their fellowship. I think it means that they were devoting themselves to fellowship, and the Lord's teaching and the fellowship involved eating together and praying together. It doesn't refer to the Lord's Supper. It doesn't refer to communion. So you can relax. It's okay. Now, there are some traditions that see a mystical presence of the Lord Jesus in the Lord's Supper. I'm not talking about transubstantiation. They see some sort of spiritual presence, and they think they need that, that it's a means of grace. I am not one of those. I think that it is a memorial meal. It's an important memorial meal. We do this in remembrance of him. I don't think that there is a spiritual presence. When the Lord Jesus said, this is my body and this is the new covenant in my blood, he wasn't saying that he is mystically present, and it was a Passover meal when he said that. And there are all these symbolic foods. The matzo is the bread of affliction. The horseradish is the bitterness that we endured in slavery, the salt water of the tears when the disciples heard him say, this is my body. And he held up the matzo, they thought, oh, this is a symbol of his body. When they heard him say, this is the new covenant in my blood. And he held up the cup. He didn't. They didn't think he was mystically present in the cup. They understood, just as everything else on that table, that this is a symbol of the new covenant in my blood. And so they are symbols and symbols are significant. They are meaningful. And I think that we should, as the Lord leads the leadership of your local congregation, we should celebrate the Lord's Supper as frequently or appropriately as they think appropriate. Uh, right. Some would say every week, some would say every day. Some congregations say once a month. I know some congregations that do it as it fits with the message. It just depends. Okay. Teresa. Mhm.

And this was a the first day of the week, but it says there were many lanterns present. Uh eutychus. Fell asleep because Paul talked so long, and he. He died, and Paul raises him from the dead. It's nighttime. So likely this is Saturday night. It could have been a special, uh, service because Paul was saying farewell to the leaders of, uh, the elders, and he was going back, and he met with them. And this is, uh, on the first day that we assembled to break bread, and Paul spoke to them. He was about to depart the next day. So it was a farewell message, and there were many lamps in the room upstairs where we where we assembled. And it's getting later and later Eutychus falls asleep. So, uh, probably Saturday night special farewell service for Paul. And they're eating together, much like we would do if we're going to have a party to say goodbye to someone, have a meal. That's probably what this is talking about. Not even talking about the Lord's Supper, not even talking about communion. And other people want to use acts 242, uh, because it talks about the fellowship that believers had. Uh, in acts 242, this This is what it says. Uh, I'm turning to it right now. And they were they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to the prayers. Uh, if you look at the actual Greek structure of it, uh, they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship. Those were the two things that were devoted to. And then there are two aspects of fellowship. One is breaking bread and the other is praying together. That's what they were, the two aspects of their fellowship. I think it means that they were devoting themselves to fellowship, and the Lord's teaching and the fellowship involved eating together and praying together. It doesn't refer to the Lord's Supper. It doesn't refer to communion. So you can relax. It's okay. Now, there are some traditions that see a mystical presence of the Lord Jesus in the Lord's Supper. I'm not talking about transubstantiation. They see some sort of spiritual presence, and they think they need that, that it's a means of grace. I am not one of those. I think that it is a memorial meal. It's an important memorial meal. We do this in remembrance of him. I don't think that there is a spiritual presence. When the Lord Jesus said, this is my body and this is the new covenant in my blood, he wasn't saying that he is mystically present, and it was a Passover meal when he said that. And there are all these symbolic foods. The matzo is the bread of affliction. The horseradish is the bitterness that we endured in slavery, the salt water of the tears when the disciples heard him say, this is my body. And he held up the matzo, they thought, oh, this is a symbol of his body. When they heard him say, this is the new covenant in my blood. And he held up the cup. He didn't. They didn't think he was mystically present in the cup. They understood, just as everything else on that table, that this is a symbol of the new covenant in my blood. And so they are symbols and symbols are significant. They are meaningful. And I think that we should, as the Lord leads the leadership of your local congregation, we should celebrate the Lord's Supper as frequently or appropriately as they think appropriate. Uh, right. Some would say every week, some would say every day. Some congregations say once a month. I know some congregations that do it as it fits with the message. It just depends. Okay. Teresa. Mhm.

Okay. Oh thank you so much. Yeah. Wow. It's really unbelievable how you can like, like, talking for myself. Can take things out of context or not really understand the full meaning. So thank you so much. Oh, it's my pleasure.

Okay. Oh thank you so much. Yeah. Wow. It's really unbelievable how you can like, like, talking for myself. Can take things out of context or not really understand the full meaning. So thank you so much. Oh, it's my pleasure.

So glad that that you called. I really, really do appreciate it. Uh, well, we're going to talk with, uh, Marilyn in Seville, Ohio, listening on the Moody Radio app. So glad you're listening on the app. Mary, how can I help you today?

So glad that that you called. I really, really do appreciate it. Uh, well, we're going to talk with, uh, Marilyn in Seville, Ohio, listening on the Moody Radio app. So glad you're listening on the app. Mary, how can I help you today?

Hello. Thank you for taking my call. Um, I wondered how the Jews get rid of their sins today without having sacrifices.

Hello. Thank you for taking my call. Um, I wondered how the Jews get rid of their sins today without having sacrifices.

Well, there's only one way that anyone Jewish or Gentile can, uh, get rid of sin is. That's by trusting in the Messiah, Jesus. But according to traditional Judaism, after the destruction of the temple, Judaism was restructured and as it was restructured, uh, they they came up with three aspects of atonement. Uh, in the restructuring of the rabbi who developed this was Yochanan Ben Zakai. And they are, uh, prayer, repentance and deeds of righteousness. And so if we pray, if we repent, if we practice deeds of righteousness and have more deeds of righteousness than we have sin. Uh, we have our sins forgiven. Interesting that the rabbinic writings have a very famous statement that at the end of his life, that very rabbi who came up with that sentence was terrified about dying, and he told his disciples that he's standing. He will be standing before the Lord, before the judge, and he does not know if he would be able to enter into eternal life, which just shows the the danger of relying on works. When will we have enough works? We never will have enough works. We need to trust on the one work, the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus who took our sin. That's what our proclamation is. Thanks for your call, Marilyn. We're going to come back with the mailbag in just a moment. So stay with us. This is open line with Michael Redlick. Well, here comes Karen Hendren with the Febc mailbag. I'm so grateful for the Far Eastern Broadcasting Company partnering with Moody Radio to help bring you Open Line. You can get a much deeper perspective on how the gospel is advancing throughout the world, through media and through people following up through the weekly podcast called Until All Have Heard. If you'd like to hear that the best way to get is just go to the febc. Org website and click on that podcast. I think you're going to really, really appreciate it. And Karen, you are a regular producer. You're backing up Tricia today. Yes I am. People who listen to Open Line, they've heard you before, but, uh, tell us about which programs you produce.

Well, there's only one way that anyone Jewish or Gentile can, uh, get rid of sin is. That's by trusting in the Messiah, Jesus. But according to traditional Judaism, after the destruction of the temple, Judaism was restructured and as it was restructured, uh, they they came up with three aspects of atonement. Uh, in the restructuring of the rabbi who developed this was Yochanan Ben Zakai. And they are, uh, prayer, repentance and deeds of righteousness. And so if we pray, if we repent, if we practice deeds of righteousness and have more deeds of righteousness than we have sin. Uh, we have our sins forgiven. Interesting that the rabbinic writings have a very famous statement that at the end of his life, that very rabbi who came up with that sentence was terrified about dying, and he told his disciples that he's standing. He will be standing before the Lord, before the judge, and he does not know if he would be able to enter into eternal life, which just shows the the danger of relying on works. When will we have enough works? We never will have enough works. We need to trust on the one work, the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus who took our sin. That's what our proclamation is. Thanks for your call, Marilyn. We're going to come back with the mailbag in just a moment. So stay with us. This is open line with Michael Redlick. Well, here comes Karen Hendren with the Febc mailbag. I'm so grateful for the Far Eastern Broadcasting Company partnering with Moody Radio to help bring you Open Line. You can get a much deeper perspective on how the gospel is advancing throughout the world, through media and through people following up through the weekly podcast called Until All Have Heard. If you'd like to hear that the best way to get is just go to the febc. Org website and click on that podcast. I think you're going to really, really appreciate it. And Karen, you are a regular producer. You're backing up Tricia today. Yes I am. People who listen to Open Line, they've heard you before, but, uh, tell us about which programs you produce.

Well, I, I'm here sort of for the whole span on Saturday mornings because I start off, uh, producing for Trillia Newbell and living by Faith. And then when your show ends, I'm back in the producer chair for Ed Stetzer live.

Well, I, I'm here sort of for the whole span on Saturday mornings because I start off, uh, producing for Trillia Newbell and living by Faith. And then when your show ends, I'm back in the producer chair for Ed Stetzer live.

Oh, there we go. So? So I'm glad, but this is a long morning for you to stick through. Uh, four hours straight of radio. Yes, it is, and it's even harder. Those middle two hours trying to keep control of what's going on in this studio. I know it's tough for you, but.

Oh, there we go. So? So I'm glad, but this is a long morning for you to stick through. Uh, four hours straight of radio. Yes, it is, and it's even harder. Those middle two hours trying to keep control of what's going on in this studio. I know it's tough for you, but.

Yeah, but it's it's always a joy.

Yeah, but it's it's always a joy.

It's always a joy. I'm really glad you're here. So let's let's look at some of these questions. Tricia, put the mail back together. Thank you. Tricia. Glad Tricia is getting some time off this July. Yes, but she was back on Chris Avery, by the way, this week. Uh, and I was glad for that. But now she's she bailed on me today. She's I don't know, she's having fun doing something. Yeah.

It's always a joy. I'm really glad you're here. So let's let's look at some of these questions. Tricia, put the mail back together. Thank you. Tricia. Glad Tricia is getting some time off this July. Yes, but she was back on Chris Avery, by the way, this week. Uh, and I was glad for that. But now she's she bailed on me today. She's I don't know, she's having fun doing something. Yeah.

She's she's taken a little bit but we're swapping because I've. When I'm done filling in for her, she's going to be filling in for me because then I'm then I'm getting my R&R.

She's she's taken a little bit but we're swapping because I've. When I'm done filling in for her, she's going to be filling in for me because then I'm then I'm getting my R&R.

Okay. That's good. Yeah.

Okay. That's good. Yeah.

That's good. Um, anyway, well, diving in here, uh, we've got, uh, Judith from Ohio. She listens in on Wcff and she wrote in, and she wants to know about Matthew 1818 and you know, it references, whatever I loose on earth is loosed in heaven. And she wants to know what could I possibly loose on earth to be loosed in heaven?

That's good. Um, anyway, well, diving in here, uh, we've got, uh, Judith from Ohio. She listens in on Wcff and she wrote in, and she wants to know about Matthew 1818 and you know, it references, whatever I loose on earth is loosed in heaven. And she wants to know what could I possibly loose on earth to be loosed in heaven?

Well, that's that's kind of a funny, uh, funny thing to say, I think. Uh, if you look at Matthew 18, you know, the Matthew 18 principle, if you have a grievance with someone, what do you do? You go to your brother or sister, you work it out, or you bring a witness that doesn't work. Then you bring it to the church. Well, I don't think you bring it to the whole church. You bring it to the elders, right of of a local congregation. And, uh, and then it says if he pays no attention to them, tell the church, you know, there we go. And then it says, uh, but if he, uh, uh, I'm going to read you the whole verse, but but if he doesn't pay attention even to the church, then it says, let him be like an unbeliever and a tax collector to you. Well, what is that referring to? It's referring to the elders determining to follow through. If this person has some sort of sin that he won't deal with, they're going to exercise church discipline and put him them outside like a tax gatherer, like someone outside the community of faith. And then he says, I assure you, whatever you referring to, the elders of that congregation. Yeah, bind on earth is already bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed in heaven. So this is a congregational discipline situation. Binding and loosing is actually Greek words that are translated here of a rabbinic terminology of making legal judgments. Okay. What the rabbis would often do, what the Pharisees would be known for doing, is binding and loosing it, meaning permitting, not permitting.

Well, that's that's kind of a funny, uh, funny thing to say, I think. Uh, if you look at Matthew 18, you know, the Matthew 18 principle, if you have a grievance with someone, what do you do? You go to your brother or sister, you work it out, or you bring a witness that doesn't work. Then you bring it to the church. Well, I don't think you bring it to the whole church. You bring it to the elders, right of of a local congregation. And, uh, and then it says if he pays no attention to them, tell the church, you know, there we go. And then it says, uh, but if he, uh, uh, I'm going to read you the whole verse, but but if he doesn't pay attention even to the church, then it says, let him be like an unbeliever and a tax collector to you. Well, what is that referring to? It's referring to the elders determining to follow through. If this person has some sort of sin that he won't deal with, they're going to exercise church discipline and put him them outside like a tax gatherer, like someone outside the community of faith. And then he says, I assure you, whatever you referring to, the elders of that congregation. Yeah, bind on earth is already bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed in heaven. So this is a congregational discipline situation. Binding and loosing is actually Greek words that are translated here of a rabbinic terminology of making legal judgments. Okay. What the rabbis would often do, what the Pharisees would be known for doing, is binding and loosing it, meaning permitting, not permitting.

Okay, so these are basically legal terms. Yeah. Okay.

Okay, so these are basically legal terms. Yeah. Okay.

And so if they make a judgment, um, uh, that this person is going to be cast out, whatever they, or they make a judgment. No, he's he's okay. Right, right. They bind and loose. If they make a a judgment like that, whatever they decide, heaven, God in heaven affirms. Wow, they are gods, that's what. And that's something that came up. We were talking earlier this week on Chris Fabry Live that judges on Earth represent the judge of all the earth. And and this is really what it's saying is that God respects the authority.

And so if they make a judgment, um, uh, that this person is going to be cast out, whatever they, or they make a judgment. No, he's he's okay. Right, right. They bind and loose. If they make a a judgment like that, whatever they decide, heaven, God in heaven affirms. Wow, they are gods, that's what. And that's something that came up. We were talking earlier this week on Chris Fabry Live that judges on Earth represent the judge of all the earth. And and this is really what it's saying is that God respects the authority.

Of the judges. The judges are on earth and working according to his purposes and his principles.

Of the judges. The judges are on earth and working according to his purposes and his principles.

Yeah, that's what this is saying. So it's not like we're arbitrarily doing this. This is the elders of a congregation making a determination. Whatever they bind, it's bound in heaven. Whatever is loosed is loosed in heaven, whatever legal determinations or judgments they make, whatever determinations they make, uh, God honors that. Wow.

Yeah, that's what this is saying. So it's not like we're arbitrarily doing this. This is the elders of a congregation making a determination. Whatever they bind, it's bound in heaven. Whatever is loosed is loosed in heaven, whatever legal determinations or judgments they make, whatever determinations they make, uh, God honors that. Wow.

I never really thought about it to that extent. So that's that's very interesting.

I never really thought about it to that extent. So that's that's very interesting.

Church discipline is not people acting arbitrarily. That's why they have to act according to the will of God. Because because God is, is going to affirm their, their work.

Church discipline is not people acting arbitrarily. That's why they have to act according to the will of God. Because because God is, is going to affirm their, their work.

Okay. All right. Well, that's that's very sobering.

Okay. All right. Well, that's that's very sobering.

Yeah. It is. Yeah. That's why it's why I should be taking you know, people throw out Matthew 18 processes like it's nothing. No. This is a very serious, uh, serious issue. Okay.

Yeah. It is. Yeah. That's why it's why I should be taking you know, people throw out Matthew 18 processes like it's nothing. No. This is a very serious, uh, serious issue. Okay.

All right. Well, thank you, I appreciate that. And thank you, Judith.

All right. Well, thank you, I appreciate that. And thank you, Judith.

Um, and by the way, I think, uh, let's go on just because I think it's interesting, uh, it says, uh, for I assure you, if two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for it, it will be done for you by my father in heaven. For where 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name, I am there among them. How often is that used for prayer? This is not about really prayer. It's about congregational discipline that's affirmed when the 2 or 3 elders make this decision and they bind or loose, it's the father is there with them. Wow. And and affirming it. Uh, they're they're gathered together in my name. I am there, my father in heaven, and I am there with them. So that's. This is talking about congregational discipline. So it's. But most people don't think, though. It's just they think it's prayer meeting, holding hands. And everyone's saying singing Kumbaya together. Yeah.

Um, and by the way, I think, uh, let's go on just because I think it's interesting, uh, it says, uh, for I assure you, if two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for it, it will be done for you by my father in heaven. For where 2 or 3 are gathered together in my name, I am there among them. How often is that used for prayer? This is not about really prayer. It's about congregational discipline that's affirmed when the 2 or 3 elders make this decision and they bind or loose, it's the father is there with them. Wow. And and affirming it. Uh, they're they're gathered together in my name. I am there, my father in heaven, and I am there with them. So that's. This is talking about congregational discipline. So it's. But most people don't think, though. It's just they think it's prayer meeting, holding hands. And everyone's saying singing Kumbaya together. Yeah.

No, because that's the only reference. That's the only context I've ever really thought of that. Yeah.

No, because that's the only reference. That's the only context I've ever really thought of that. Yeah.

So it's about congregational discipline. Yeah.

So it's about congregational discipline. Yeah.

Okay. Well, um, moving on. Uh, Jeff in Illinois, who listens in on Wmbi, has a question about what happens if someone survives, um, something catastrophic or someone dies and someone else survives. Does that mean that God didn't want the one who died to live? I mean, what what does that mean?

Okay. Well, um, moving on. Uh, Jeff in Illinois, who listens in on Wmbi, has a question about what happens if someone survives, um, something catastrophic or someone dies and someone else survives. Does that mean that God didn't want the one who died to live? I mean, what what does that mean?

Mhm. Yeah. It's one of the great mysteries that we have. Why is it that someone can die in a circumstance and another doesn't, can.

Mhm. Yeah. It's one of the great mysteries that we have. Why is it that someone can die in a circumstance and another doesn't, can.

Survive, right.

Survive, right.

Yeah. In acts 12 James is beheaded by Herod. Right. Herod Agrippa and Peter is released from prison when Herod arrests him and he was going to kill him. Why is it that James, one of the disciples, dies? Why is it that Peter lives? Why is Peter a better guy? Does God like him better? No. That's obviously the sovereign nature of God. Uh, I think that that's what we need to remember. Uh, many years ago, I was preaching a sermon, um, sort of about this, and, uh. Something that had happened in the news was that a couple had gone to bed in Iowa. I was living in New York when I preached the sermon. So you can just imagine this. They had a farm. They had lots of acreage around them with crops. Right. They had a little farmhouse. You kind of if you've driven through the Midwest, you know, this isolated little house. Yes. Right. And, uh, then, uh, a little plane dropped out of the sky, small jet engine failure, single engine, and landed not just in their field, but it went through on the house in their bedroom where they were sleeping. Oh my goodness. And and they, they died like that. And it's, I mean, the odds of that happening right.

Yeah. In acts 12 James is beheaded by Herod. Right. Herod Agrippa and Peter is released from prison when Herod arrests him and he was going to kill him. Why is it that James, one of the disciples, dies? Why is it that Peter lives? Why is Peter a better guy? Does God like him better? No. That's obviously the sovereign nature of God. Uh, I think that that's what we need to remember. Uh, many years ago, I was preaching a sermon, um, sort of about this, and, uh. Something that had happened in the news was that a couple had gone to bed in Iowa. I was living in New York when I preached the sermon. So you can just imagine this. They had a farm. They had lots of acreage around them with crops. Right. They had a little farmhouse. You kind of if you've driven through the Midwest, you know, this isolated little house. Yes. Right. And, uh, then, uh, a little plane dropped out of the sky, small jet engine failure, single engine, and landed not just in their field, but it went through on the house in their bedroom where they were sleeping. Oh my goodness. And and they, they died like that. And it's, I mean, the odds of that happening right.

In the, in this void this expanse of nothing or fields. Yeah.

In the, in this void this expanse of nothing or fields. Yeah.

And the very same week there was a major airliner that went down, a jet that went down, and everyone on the plane perished. I'm scaring all the people that are going to fly today. But, uh, that one, uh, everyone died and one baby, an infant, was thrown from the plane. And when they were going through the rubble, there was a perfectly healthy unscratched unharmed infant, the only survivor out of many, many people who perished that day and wasn't even injured. Wow. How does that happen? It's the sovereign hand of God. Now, I the minute someone says to us we understand how God makes these determinations, I think it's not possible. You know, a Ephesians 111 says he does everything according to the counsel of his will, and the Bible teaches us clearly. I started thinking about this, uh, this morning when I saw this was going to be one of the questions. I started thinking about this, and there's some verses that are really important about this. In acts 1728 it says, for in him we live and move and exist, as even some of these Greek poets have said. But I remember, uh, uh, about 20 years ago, I had a blood clot. Um, uh, a multiple blood clots that went to my lungs and that that should kill you, right? Uh, I remember the morning after I was in the hospital, the doctor said to me, do you know how serious this was? I said, well, you said I wasn't going to die anymore when I came in last night, right, right. And and that's when you went home and it kind of scared me. But he said 99 out of 100 people would have died. Uh, God alone kept you alive. That's what he said to me. Yeah. And I said, well, not only when these things happen, but every day but every day.

And the very same week there was a major airliner that went down, a jet that went down, and everyone on the plane perished. I'm scaring all the people that are going to fly today. But, uh, that one, uh, everyone died and one baby, an infant, was thrown from the plane. And when they were going through the rubble, there was a perfectly healthy unscratched unharmed infant, the only survivor out of many, many people who perished that day and wasn't even injured. Wow. How does that happen? It's the sovereign hand of God. Now, I the minute someone says to us we understand how God makes these determinations, I think it's not possible. You know, a Ephesians 111 says he does everything according to the counsel of his will, and the Bible teaches us clearly. I started thinking about this, uh, this morning when I saw this was going to be one of the questions. I started thinking about this, and there's some verses that are really important about this. In acts 1728 it says, for in him we live and move and exist, as even some of these Greek poets have said. But I remember, uh, uh, about 20 years ago, I had a blood clot. Um, uh, a multiple blood clots that went to my lungs and that that should kill you, right? Uh, I remember the morning after I was in the hospital, the doctor said to me, do you know how serious this was? I said, well, you said I wasn't going to die anymore when I came in last night, right, right. And and that's when you went home and it kind of scared me. But he said 99 out of 100 people would have died. Uh, God alone kept you alive. That's what he said to me. Yeah. And I said, well, not only when these things happen, but every day but every day.

As you wake up and you take your breath, the first breath of the morning that you're conscious of, right.

As you wake up and you take your breath, the first breath of the morning that you're conscious of, right.

In him we live and move and have our being. It's every day I can't determine that. Psalm 139 verse 16 says that God has determined our days. He knows exactly what they are. Deuteronomy 3229 says that that God is the one that gives. Uh. uh. Uh, some people don't like this, but here's what I would say. It says, uh, he's the one that gives life and and brings death, right? That's that's God. He's sovereign. Uh, job 14 five is a verse that that my wife often thinks of when this comes up. Uh, let's see if I'm turning pages. You can hear me. Job 14 five. Since man's days are determined and the number of his months depends on you and you, God. And since you have set limits, he cannot pass. Uh. Cannot pass. God determines our days. Right? And now, what I would say from this is I don't know why some live, some die. I don't know why, but everyone is going to die, right? God determines how. How many days. But everyone's going to die. So we need to be ready to live for him every day. So, uh, so that death isn't something that's going to frighten us, put our trust in Jesus, live for him every day. And remember this. There's a sovereign God over our life and breath our everything about us. He's taken care of us. He's a good God. Even if someone dies earlier than we would think is the appropriate time. God knows he's in charge.

In him we live and move and have our being. It's every day I can't determine that. Psalm 139 verse 16 says that God has determined our days. He knows exactly what they are. Deuteronomy 3229 says that that God is the one that gives. Uh. uh. Uh, some people don't like this, but here's what I would say. It says, uh, he's the one that gives life and and brings death, right? That's that's God. He's sovereign. Uh, job 14 five is a verse that that my wife often thinks of when this comes up. Uh, let's see if I'm turning pages. You can hear me. Job 14 five. Since man's days are determined and the number of his months depends on you and you, God. And since you have set limits, he cannot pass. Uh. Cannot pass. God determines our days. Right? And now, what I would say from this is I don't know why some live, some die. I don't know why, but everyone is going to die, right? God determines how. How many days. But everyone's going to die. So we need to be ready to live for him every day. So, uh, so that death isn't something that's going to frighten us, put our trust in Jesus, live for him every day. And remember this. There's a sovereign God over our life and breath our everything about us. He's taken care of us. He's a good God. Even if someone dies earlier than we would think is the appropriate time. God knows he's in charge.

And you said something. This was months ago. Um, about sort of about this. And. But you were you were talking about how, uh, God gives us work to do. And so, you know, I mean, not that any of us know our days, but as long as we're doing the work, we have a purpose, you know, to be here. And so I, I that that really rang true to me and I've, I've taken that thought very seriously.

And you said something. This was months ago. Um, about sort of about this. And. But you were you were talking about how, uh, God gives us work to do. And so, you know, I mean, not that any of us know our days, but as long as we're doing the work, we have a purpose, you know, to be here. And so I, I that that really rang true to me and I've, I've taken that thought very seriously.

There's a good God who's given us life and breath and being, and he wants us to use every breath to serve him. That's what it is. And he's a good God. And when he takes us, it'll be exactly the right time, even though it may not look that way to others. God knows, uh, he knows what the right time is. He knows when what the right time was for James. He knows the right time for Peter. Yes, that's how it is. Anyway, thanks for bringing those questions. Yeah. Thank you. That was Karen Hedren. My name is Michael Ray Zelnick. We're talking about your questions about the Bible. If you want to email a question, all you have to do is go to Openline radio.org and click on Ask Michael a question. We'll be right back with more of your calls in just a moment. Stay with us. This is Openline. And I'm back. I'm so glad to be with you today. I'm glad to be with you every time we get together around the word. It's so much fun and I feel like there's a real partnership, a real Bible study feel with this audience. And, you know, I just heard we're on about 280 stations and we all get together on Saturday mornings. And it's it's so much fun. And, and one of, one of our very favorite people just walked into the booth. I'm looking up Gabby, who's answering phones today. Uh, I'm so glad to see her. It's a real team. And Karen, even though she's not our regular producer, she's part of the team. And every one of you listening, part of the team. So grateful for it. And one of the really special, uh, ways that you can be part of the team is to become a kitchen table partner. Uh, kitchen table partners are people who give monthly so we can be on the air weekly. And I so appreciate our kitchen table partners. One of the things I do is every other week I send out a Bible study moment about an 8 or 10 minute, 5 to 10 minute, I guess I should say audio Bible study. Click on it in your email. Get to listen to it. In the midst of a series that I've done right now on the covenants of the Bible, I had a discussion with my wife, Eva, and we recorded them. And that's what the Bible study moments are about right now. But it's so we're so appreciative of those of you who you know, you might want to give a gift occasionally when you hear a resource that we're offering. But if you say no, it's because of my commitment to this program and to helping people learn the word that that you give on a monthly basis, you still get the resource, but this way. Uh, it's a commitment to being a partner on the program, and we so appreciate it. If you'd consider it, all you have to do is go to our website, openline radio org or call (888) 644-7122. I do have to mention one other thing. This war in uh, with war in Israel, with the war of Israel, with Hamas and uh, that attack that prompted all sorts of questions about Bible prophecy. And, you know, people get caught up all the time about internet speculation and doomsday prognostications. And the real place to find out about the future is in the word of God. And that's why Chosen People Ministries, one of our partners, is offering this terrific, Moody Publishers book. It's called What Does the Bible Say About the Future? 30 Questions on Bible Prophecy, Israel and the End Times. And it was written by Doctor Charlie Dyer, former Provost at Moody, current host of The Land and the book. This is a great, insightful book about prophecy and it can be yours for free. All you have to do is go to Openline radio.org. Scroll down, click on the link that says a free gift from Chosen People Ministries. And when you click on that, a page will come up. You can sign up for your very own copy of What Does the Bible Say about the Future? And we're going to speak with Lori in Chicago listening on Wmbi. Welcome to Open Line, Lori. How can I help you today?

There's a good God who's given us life and breath and being, and he wants us to use every breath to serve him. That's what it is. And he's a good God. And when he takes us, it'll be exactly the right time, even though it may not look that way to others. God knows, uh, he knows what the right time is. He knows when what the right time was for James. He knows the right time for Peter. Yes, that's how it is. Anyway, thanks for bringing those questions. Yeah. Thank you. That was Karen Hedren. My name is Michael Ray Zelnick. We're talking about your questions about the Bible. If you want to email a question, all you have to do is go to Openline radio.org and click on Ask Michael a question. We'll be right back with more of your calls in just a moment. Stay with us. This is Openline. And I'm back. I'm so glad to be with you today. I'm glad to be with you every time we get together around the word. It's so much fun and I feel like there's a real partnership, a real Bible study feel with this audience. And, you know, I just heard we're on about 280 stations and we all get together on Saturday mornings. And it's it's so much fun. And, and one of, one of our very favorite people just walked into the booth. I'm looking up Gabby, who's answering phones today. Uh, I'm so glad to see her. It's a real team. And Karen, even though she's not our regular producer, she's part of the team. And every one of you listening, part of the team. So grateful for it. And one of the really special, uh, ways that you can be part of the team is to become a kitchen table partner. Uh, kitchen table partners are people who give monthly so we can be on the air weekly. And I so appreciate our kitchen table partners. One of the things I do is every other week I send out a Bible study moment about an 8 or 10 minute, 5 to 10 minute, I guess I should say audio Bible study. Click on it in your email. Get to listen to it. In the midst of a series that I've done right now on the covenants of the Bible, I had a discussion with my wife, Eva, and we recorded them. And that's what the Bible study moments are about right now. But it's so we're so appreciative of those of you who you know, you might want to give a gift occasionally when you hear a resource that we're offering. But if you say no, it's because of my commitment to this program and to helping people learn the word that that you give on a monthly basis, you still get the resource, but this way. Uh, it's a commitment to being a partner on the program, and we so appreciate it. If you'd consider it, all you have to do is go to our website, openline radio org or call (888) 644-7122. I do have to mention one other thing. This war in uh, with war in Israel, with the war of Israel, with Hamas and uh, that attack that prompted all sorts of questions about Bible prophecy. And, you know, people get caught up all the time about internet speculation and doomsday prognostications. And the real place to find out about the future is in the word of God. And that's why Chosen People Ministries, one of our partners, is offering this terrific, Moody Publishers book. It's called What Does the Bible Say About the Future? 30 Questions on Bible Prophecy, Israel and the End Times. And it was written by Doctor Charlie Dyer, former Provost at Moody, current host of The Land and the book. This is a great, insightful book about prophecy and it can be yours for free. All you have to do is go to Openline radio.org. Scroll down, click on the link that says a free gift from Chosen People Ministries. And when you click on that, a page will come up. You can sign up for your very own copy of What Does the Bible Say about the Future? And we're going to speak with Lori in Chicago listening on Wmbi. Welcome to Open Line, Lori. How can I help you today?

Good morning Michael.

Good morning Michael.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Um, Mike Burrows was sitting in for you and had to be last year, and I asked him the same question I'm going to ask you now, and I'm going to tell you what he just said.

Um, Mike Burrows was sitting in for you and had to be last year, and I asked him the same question I'm going to ask you now, and I'm going to tell you what he just said.

You know.

You know.

We're in our last segment, Lori. So just go ask your question, okay?

We're in our last segment, Lori. So just go ask your question, okay?

Okay. Okay.

Okay. Okay.

Okay.

Okay.

Now just just ask a question, okay?

Now just just ask a question, okay?

Rapture and all of us believers are gone. Then the tribulation then there'll be the millennium. Mhm. And I'm wondering who is going to witness to the people in the millennium, because there will be so many people and so many generations. And like Barbara said, that we'll be called upon to come down and rule over cities.

Rapture and all of us believers are gone. Then the tribulation then there'll be the millennium. Mhm. And I'm wondering who is going to witness to the people in the millennium, because there will be so many people and so many generations. And like Barbara said, that we'll be called upon to come down and rule over cities.

But, you know, okay. So, Lori, Lori.

But, you know, okay. So, Lori, Lori.

I think your question is, who's going to share the gospel to people who are if the church is gone, uh, who will share the gospel, uh, with those who remain during the tribulation period? Because they're going to be people who will come to know the Lord during the tribulation period. I think it's fairly simple. One of the things that we need to do today is keep on sharing the gospel, because should the rapture happen, there will be people who will remember what it is that we have said, particularly among Jewish people. And then there will be 144,000 people, Jewish people who will come to know the Lord and they will spread the gospel in the tribulation. So first of all, people will come to know the Lord through our testimony today, our witness today. Second or right before the the rapture. Secondly, I'm expecting the rapture any moment now. That's why I say today, uh, the the second way is the Bibles will be left. There will be people who will pick up a Bible and read the Bible. And I know many people who have come to know the Lord just from reading the scriptures. And so that's another way. Also, there'll be gospel booklets and all sorts of books that will remain, that people will pick up and read, and there will be people and videos and people will come to know the Lord, maybe from watching a YouTube video, who knows? But there there are all sorts of ways that people will come to the Lord. And, uh, and afterwards they will. Then the 144,000 Jewish people will preach the gospel. It says, then every tribe and tongue and nation will come to hear it. There's going to be a tremendous revival that will take place in the tribulation tribulation period. We always think of it as only bad, but many, many people will come to know the Lord probably be the greatest revival time in the history of the church. And so, uh, don't despair. God is, even with the church raptured and removed, the gospel will be proclaimed and people will come to know the Lord. And I think it's why it's so important. I think that when we talk with Jewish people today, uh, we can consider it a prophetic ministry, because what might happen is, if the rapture happens now, then there are many Jewish people who will come to know the Lord, and they will be part of that 144,000 who will be the great proclaimers of the gospel during the tribulation period? So, uh, there's that's great news. That's they're still going to be people saved in the tribulation. Well, that's the first hour. The second hour of Open Line is coming up in just a bit, so don't go away. Uh, remember, keep in touch with us during the break by going to our website, Open Line Radio. Org. It's got all sorts of links you're looking for current resource, how to become a kitchen table partner, how to get the free gift from Chosen People Ministries. You can find it all there. Stay with us. Check out the program. If your station doesn't carry Open Line, you can always listen online or with the Moody Radio app and catch the second hour that way. Stay with us. We're coming right back. Open line with Doctor Michael Reidel. Nick is a production of Moody Radio, a ministry of Moody Bible Institute. Be right back, so don't go away.