S1: Hello friends. It's time for the second hour of Open
S1: Line with Doctor Michael Ray Dolnick Moody Radio's Bible Study
S1: Across America. We're talking about your questions, the ones you
S1: come up with about the Bible, God and the spiritual life.
S1: Where do you get these questions, I wonder? Sometimes I
S1: think you're at Bible studies, or maybe hear a sermon,
S1: or just some struggles you're having with your own time
S1: in the word and you wonder about something. I'm so
S1: glad that you can call. My name is Michael Ray Dolnick.
S1: I'm the academic dean and professor of Jewish Studies and
S1: Bible at Moody Bible Institute, and we are sitting around
S1: the radio kitchen table talking about your questions. So now's
S1: the time to call (877) 548-3675. Remember, if you can't call,
S1: just go to our website openline radio.org. You can click
S1: on the link that says Ask Michael a question, and
S1: Tricia will put your question into the mailbag for next week. Well,
S1: I hope you have your Bibles out ready. Second cup
S1: of coffee right there, because we're going to talk about
S1: the scriptures. We're going to speak with Gary in Georgia,
S1: listening on Wpfw. Welcome to Open Line, Gary. How can
S1: I help you today?
S2: Yes, sir. Thank you for having me. Mhm. Uh, my
S2: my question was uh, there's like a, I heard there's
S2: a third temple being built in Israel. Does that have
S2: any correlation or relation with the Jesus second coming soon.
S1: We're not there is there is no temple. There is Gary.
S1: There is no temple being built. There's a there's a
S1: group called there's a group called the Temple Mount faithful
S1: And they want to have a temple built. I happen
S1: to believe that they're not driven by spirituality. They are
S1: driven mostly by politics. They're trying to make a statement.
S1: They don't like it that Israel allows the Waqf, which
S1: is the Muslim leadership, to control the Temple Mount in
S1: terms of what's done up there at the dome of
S1: the Rock at the Al-Aqsa mosque. Uh, they they believe
S1: that Israeli sovereignty should drive those Islamic sites off the
S1: top of the Temple Mount and build a temple. But
S1: it's they're driven by politics. They're not driven. It's a
S1: very small group to it doesn't have much influence, but
S1: they're driven by politics more than they are driven by
S1: any kind of faith or spirituality. The but they have
S1: gone ahead and they've built some, uh, aspects of the
S1: temple in the sense that they have, like the Menorah.
S1: The menorah, you say in Hebrew. Uh, the the seven
S1: branched candelabrum that's described in the Tabernacle passage in Exodus. Uh,
S1: they've built one of those and they've built some things
S1: like that so that when the temple is ever rebuilt,
S1: they'll have these accoutrements of the temple that they will have. But, uh,
S1: I think the temple will be rebuilt. But what you're
S1: seeing today in Israel is not related to that. Uh,
S1: at least not at this point. So does that help
S1: Gary at this point?
S2: Yeah, at this point. Yes. Thank you so much, sir. Sure.
S2: God bless.
S1: You. Uh, God bless you. Uh, we're going to speak with, uh,
S1: Terry in Oxford, Florida, listening on keys. Hey, Terry, welcome
S1: to Open Line.
S3: Thank you. Good morning. Thank you for taking my question.
S1: Sure.
S3: My question. My question is this. In revelation six, It
S3: speaks about the souls that are under the altar that
S3: have been slain for their testimony to Christ. And then
S3: in chapter seven, it talks about, and this is my question.
S3: I'm not sure if it's the same group of people
S3: that says, these are the ones who can't come out
S3: of the great tribulation. So my question is, are the
S3: ones under the altar, those that were slain for their
S3: testimony to Christ up to the point of the tribulation?
S3: Or are they part of those that are slain during
S3: the tribulation?
S1: Okay, let's let's talk about what you're talking about in
S1: revelation six, when the fifth seal. Is that what you're
S1: talking about? It says the peoples slaughtered because of God's Word,
S1: and the testimony they had on a white robe was
S1: given to each one, each one of them. Is that
S1: who you're talking about? Yes. In revelation And six. They're
S1: the ones that cry out for justice. Avenge our blood
S1: from those who live on the earth. Right. So those
S1: are tribulation martyrs, okay? Because it's at the fifth seal.
S1: Then in revelation seven, you've got the seal of Israel.
S1: Those are the Jewish people who are sealed and protected
S1: as servants of God. We're not sure what they're going
S1: to do. It just says they're going to serve the Lord.
S1: They're they're servants of God. However, what follows very the
S1: very next thing, immediately, again, a multitude from the Great Tribulation.
S1: After this I looked and there was a vast multitude
S1: from every nation, tribe, people and language. They're obviously not
S1: the 144,000 Israelites who are sealed, but people from every nation,
S1: tribe and tongue, innumerable standing before the throne and before
S1: the lamb. They were robed in white and palm branches
S1: were in their hands. They cried out. Salvation belongs to
S1: our God. So these are a multitude from the tribulation period.
S1: Who are these people robed in white? They are the
S1: ones coming out of the great tribulation. Verse 13 and
S1: 14 says, so it seems to me that in chapter
S1: six it mentions that there are people in the tribulation.
S1: In chapter seven it describes them again as the fruit
S1: of the servants of God. So that kind of clues
S1: us in as to who those 144,000 are. There are
S1: like 144,000 Jewish Billy Graham's preaching the gospel during the tribulation.
S1: They're going to win many people from every tribe, nation, tongue, uh,
S1: and they will. Then many of them will be martyred
S1: and go to be with the Lord during the tribulation.
S1: And that's who they are. So both passages, simply put,
S1: are tribulation martyrs. Okay. Okay.
S3: I was wondering because every time I see the phrase
S3: after these things, I read that to mean that this
S3: thing has happened and now this thing is happening.
S1: Mhm. So which one wasn't sure. Well and I'm sorry when,
S1: when you see after these things where do you see
S1: that in chapter seven verse nine.
S3: Actually in a lot of revelation it'll.
S1: Say yeah I know but but it's in, it's in
S1: verse nine it says chapter seven, verse nine. After this
S1: I looked so after he sees the sealing of the 144,000, he, uh,
S1: he looks and he sees the vast multitude of, of martyrs.
S1: But that doesn't mean it's after chapter six. Chapter six
S1: is sort of a summary of the judgments of the
S1: first half of the tribulation. Okay, so it's after he sees.
S1: It it's after he sees the sealing of the 144,000
S1: that he sees the tribulation martyrs.
S3: Okay. So so the ones in, in chapter six are
S3: part of those.
S1: That are referenced.
S3: In chapter seven.
S1: Yes. Same thing. Okay. Okay.
S3: Okay. Thank you so much.
S1: Hey. Good question. Thanks for calling. Really appreciate it. Uh,
S1: we're going to speak with, uh, Linda listening in Pennsylvania,
S1: I guess, online. Welcome to Open Line. Linda. How can
S1: I help you today?
S4: Well, Michael, I believe I was transitioning from the car
S4: to the house, and you were talking a lot about
S4: my question right now, but the question I'm asking is
S4: who exactly is going to be in the millennium? And
S4: and is it going to be the people that have
S4: survived the tribulation? And I also know that those souls
S4: that are under the altar, the martyrs, are to come
S4: alive and and return and help judge during the millennium. Uh,
S4: who else is going to be in the millennium? Because
S4: I've heard a preacher say that we're all coming back
S4: and we are all going to be in the kingdom.
S1: Well, let me ask you this, Linda. Uh, have you
S1: trusted in Jesus ever? Is he your Lord and savior?
S4: Absolutely.
S1: I thought so. Hey, you're going to be in the millennium.
S1: How cool is that? Because the Bible says that, uh,
S1: you and I, if we will either be raptured with
S1: the resurrection or at the rapture, we will be translated
S1: into the presence of God, and then we will be in, uh,
S1: in heaven awaiting the marriage supper of the lamb. And
S1: then in revelation 19, after the marriage supper of the lamb,
S1: we will descend with the Lord when he comes to
S1: deliver Israel at the end of the tribulation. And then
S1: he sets up the kingdom. And guess who came with him?
S1: We did. So who will be in the kingdom in
S1: the millennium? It will be anyone that's a follower of Jesus.
S1: From from, uh, the church era. Anyone of the Old
S1: Testament saints who are going to be resurrected to enter
S1: into the kingdom, uh, the messianic kingdom, the Millennial Kingdom
S1: at the end of the tribulation. It talks about that
S1: in Daniel 12. So all the resurrected believers of the
S1: Old Testament, all the resurrected believers from the church age,
S1: and then also there will be people who are not
S1: yet resurrected, the people who are the sheep of Matthew 25,
S1: the the Gentile nations who didn't, uh, persecute the Lord's
S1: brothers Israel during the tribulation. Because of their faith they
S1: will enter, not yet having been immortalized, uh, resurrected. And
S1: also the Jewish believers, Jewish people who have believed during
S1: the tribulation and put their trust in Jesus but have
S1: not yet died. Those who are delivered, they will also
S1: enter the kingdom, the Millennial Kingdom at that time. Uh,
S1: and they will. Those are the ones that will marry
S1: and reproduce and such in the millennium. Okay.
S4: So there will be more, uh, immortal and mortal people
S4: in the millennium.
S1: Bingo. You got it, Linda. That's exactly right.
S4: Right. And then. And then when we transitioned that. And Peter,
S4: the earth has to, you know, say for fire and
S4: and then and melt, everything will melt. And then the
S4: new heaven and the new earth. How does that happen?
S4: Where are we in between? There.
S1: You know what? I, the earth will be destroyed. We're
S1: going to be with the Lord. Uh, I'm not sure
S1: what you're asking. I mean, it doesn't say we're going
S1: anywhere else. We're going to be with the Lord, and
S1: then we enter into the new creation. Uh, the material,
S1: new creation, the new heavens and the new earth. And
S1: we'll be with the Lord. It says in revelation 22,
S1: his servants will serve him. That's you and me will
S1: still be there. Okay, uh, this earth is destroyed, but
S1: there's a new heavens and new earth, and we get
S1: to be part of that? Yeah. Okay.
S4: That's it. How do we transition to that?
S1: You know what? I'm going to I'm going to save
S1: that one for the Lord. I don't he didn't give
S1: us the details on it. Okay. Apparently we'll be able
S1: to do it. Uh, I don't know how the transition happens. Uh,
S1: you know, this is, uh, you know, that's a curiosity.
S1: I don't think that, uh, that we have to worry
S1: about it. The Lord knows what he's doing. Okay.
S4: Okay. Thank you very much.
S1: Okay. Thank you. Linda, thanks for the call. We're going
S1: to take a break here. When we come back, we're
S1: going to talk about your questions about the Bible, God
S1: and the spiritual life. In fact, Estelle's got a question
S1: about the Mark of the beast. So we're in end
S1: end times discussion apparently now, so I'm glad to answer
S1: that as best I can. Uh, my name is Michael
S1: Ray Dolnick. This program is called Open Line. It's on
S1: the Moody on Moody Radio. We're going to be right
S1: back with more in just a bit, so don't go away.
S1: Welcome back to Open Line. So glad to be with you.
S1: I'm so grateful for all of you who give to
S1: Open Line, not just listen, but actually give. Uh, we
S1: just appreciate it so much. And just so you know, uh,
S1: we have a new resource that will be our way
S1: of saying thank you when it comes to your gift, we,
S1: you know, we love to send you a gift. When
S1: you give a gift, we love. We love to send
S1: you something back to say thanks. And what we're sending
S1: this time is a Bible study resource. That is an
S1: excerpt from the Moody Bible Commentary. A lot of you
S1: have seen the Moody Bible Commentary. It's a big fat book,
S1: million and a half Words. But what we've done is
S1: we've pulled out Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, some of
S1: the most timeless wisdom that we could find in Scripture.
S1: And we've taken those commentaries, put them in a book,
S1: and that's what we want to send you. An excerpt
S1: from the Moody Bible Commentary on Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. Uh,
S1: this is a really helpful little commentary. If you're preparing
S1: a Bible lesson or leading a home group discussion, or
S1: just in your quiet time, you want to have a
S1: deeper understanding of the passage as you're reading the scriptures. Uh,
S1: whatever it is, uh, feel free to pick up, uh, this,
S1: this little commentary. Uh, and, uh, all you have to
S1: do is when you give your gift, uh, make sure
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S1: to give your gift, is by calling (888) 644-7122 or going
S1: to open line radio.org. And we thank you so much
S1: for your generosity. Uh, we're going to talk to Estelle
S1: in Schaumburg, listening on Wmbi. Welcome to Open Line, Estelle.
S1: How can I help you?
S5: Thank you, Doctor Rydell. Uh, I had two questions, but
S5: I chose. Wait, wait.
S1: One. Do you remember Bobby Rydell? Yeah, well, people used
S1: to ask me all the time if he changed his
S1: name from Rydell, but it's not he. We're not related
S1: at all. So. And Rydell High was not named for
S1: me or my family, so just saying. But go ahead. Uh,
S1: what's your. How can I help you?
S5: Okay. My question, uh, is if you accept the mark
S5: of the beast, can you, in revelations repent and be saved?
S5: Because a lot of people are saying that once you
S5: do that, there's no coming back. That would negate no
S5: sin that cannot be forgiven. Or how is it?
S1: Yeah. Says, uh. Well, the Mark of the beast. Uh,
S1: when it talks about getting the mark of the beast,
S1: it says that those people are, uh, destined. I'm trying
S1: to find the passage where it says that they are
S1: destined for eternal separation from God. Uh. Uh, I found
S1: the very first passage. Uh, they'll be given a mark
S1: on his right hand or on his forehead, uh, so
S1: that no one can buy or sell unless he has
S1: the mark of the beast. I think it's in revelation. Uh,
S1: further on where it talks about that, they, uh, they can't. Well,
S1: not that they can't be saved, but they won't be saved. Uh,
S1: where is that verse? Uh, Here I am turning pages.
S1: I should, uh. Well, here's what I. Oh, here it is,
S1: I found it. Revelation 14. Uh, if anyone worships the
S1: beast and his image and receives a mark on his
S1: forehead or on his hand, he will also drink the
S1: wine of God's wrath, which is mixed full strength. In
S1: the cup of his anger, he will be, uh, tormented
S1: with fire and sulfur in the sight of the holy angels,
S1: and in the sight of the lamb, and the smoke
S1: of their torment will go up forever and ever. There
S1: is no rest day or night for those who worship
S1: the beast and his image, or anyone who receives the
S1: mark of his name. That's revelation 14, verses nine through 11.
S1: Now why do I bring that up? Because that's where
S1: people say that no one can be saved, because it
S1: says that they are destined for eternal separation from God
S1: if they've accepted the mark of the beast. Now, I
S1: said this once on the radio and got a lot
S1: of people mad at me, so I'm going to just
S1: say it again because I actually think, I don't know
S1: if anyone will repent of taking the mark of the beast,
S1: but this to me, as I read that I think
S1: this is saying, if anyone worships the beast and his
S1: image and receives a mark on his forehead or on
S1: his hand and doesn't repent. And doesn't turn to Jesus
S1: for forgiveness, he will also drink of the wine of
S1: God's wrath. I don't think that between verses nine and ten,
S1: we can leave out the idea that a person could
S1: turn to Jesus even during the tribulation, even with the
S1: mark of the beast. I think the grace of God
S1: is great and he can forgive someone who has done that.
S1: I think what this verse is saying is, if they
S1: take the mark of the beast and never repent, they
S1: will be forever separated from God. That's how I understand it,
S1: because I really believe that whatever sin we have become
S1: involved in, uh, we can repent and the Lord can
S1: forgive us. We can turn in faith to Jesus and
S1: turn away from that which we were, uh, trusting in
S1: before and be experience forgiveness. Now, here's the issue. I
S1: think that sometimes people become so hardened in their sin
S1: that they won't ever turn to Jesus. And I'm wondering, too,
S1: when I read this verse, is this talking about people
S1: who are so hardened when they take the the mark
S1: of the beast that they won't repent? But I don't
S1: know that. Uh, so at this point, what I'll say is,
S1: it seems to me this is saying those who take
S1: the mark of the beast and don't repent will be
S1: forever separated from God. And if they can repent, I
S1: know it's God that will bring them to him. So.
S1: But that's how I understand it. Okay, Estelle.
S5: Me there for repentance. Yeah. And yeah, they can, but not.
S5: Well I.
S1: Don't know.
S5: I don't.
S1: I don't, I don't know if they've been so hardened
S1: that they won't repent I don't know. So I'm going
S1: to just leave that with God okay.
S5: No I'm saying past that they can. People are saying
S5: that there's no room in there.
S1: I, I think what I, what I'm trying to say
S1: is they, they are separated from God unless they repent.
S1: I don't know if they can repent. Okay. I don't
S1: know if they can because they may be so hardened. However,
S1: I'm going to leave that with God. You know, God
S1: can open their hearts, I think, um, I just don't know. Okay, okay.
S5: All right. Okay, I get that. Yeah.
S1: Yeah. Great. Thank you. I appreciate your call. Uh, we're
S1: going to talk with Charles in Michigan. Welcome to Open Line. Charles.
S1: How can I help you today? Yeah.
S6: Good. You just. Michael.
S1: Yeah. It's Michael. How can I help you? Charles?
S6: Yes, Michael. I just want to make sure I understand. Hey.
S1: Charles, can can you do me a favor? Turn off
S1: whatever you're listening to?
S6: Yes. I have a question regarding predestination.
S1: Okay, turn off your radio, though. Okay?
S6: Okay.
S1: Okay. I want to go ahead with your question.
S6: Predestination. If I make a statement and see if I'm correct.
S1: No, don't don't make a statement. Don't don't don't don't. Charles,
S1: just ask me a question, okay?
S6: Okay. Um, God doesn't send people to hell. He still
S6: gives them that choice. But God knows who's going to be.
S6: Accept him and be in heaven. Am I correct with that?
S1: I'm not sure what you're asking. That's why you should
S1: ask a question.
S6: Okay. My question is, some people think that predestination means
S6: that God has predestined people to be go to heaven
S6: or go or not go to heaven, and that they
S6: don't have a choice. Okay.
S1: Now, I understand your question. Now I understand your question.
S1: Here's the deal. Some people believe in a double predestination. Uh,
S1: the double predestination is that God predestined some for heaven
S1: and some for hell. That's why it's double. Do you
S1: understand what I mean? One predestination is for heaven. One
S1: predestination for hell. Uh, however, I believe that there's a
S1: self destination. We sin and we we, we are all sinners,
S1: every one of us sins. And the result is that
S1: we destine ourselves for separation from God. And then God
S1: chooses some. He predestines some for to be a vessel
S1: of mercy, and we are forgiven. I think it's interesting.
S1: In Romans nine it says, uh, where it talks about
S1: the vessels of wrath and the vessels of mercy. Uh, uh,
S1: it says here that, uh, he it says, what if
S1: he did this to make known the riches of his
S1: glory on vessels or objects of mercy that he prepared
S1: beforehand for glory? So who prepared them beforehand for glory?
S1: That was God himself. However, uh, when it talks about
S1: those who, uh, are, uh, who are not who don't
S1: know the Lord. Uh, it says something different in verse
S1: 22 of Romans nine. What if God, desiring to display
S1: his wrath and to make his power known, endured with
S1: much patience? Objects of wrath prepared for destruction? Well, it
S1: doesn't say who prepared them for destruction. Uh, in fact,
S1: some people think it's a middle voice there. Well, it
S1: is a middle voice, but they think it has a
S1: sense of prepared themselves for destruction. But, uh, it may
S1: have that. Or it may just be that it means
S1: that it's a passive voice. It doesn't say who prepared
S1: them for destruction. I believe our own sinfulness prepares us
S1: all for destruction. But God, in his mercy, Predestines prepares
S1: some for to receive his mercy. And that's what predestination is.
S1: God knows beforehand whom he predestines to show mercy to.
S1: We're still humanly responsible to believe. I don't know how
S1: that really works itself out, but that's what the Bible teaches.
S1: Hope that helps, Charles. We'll be back in just a
S1: bit with the mailbag. The Febc mailbag. So don't go away.
S1: Tricia McMillan is dragging it in right now. Welcome back.
S1: I just want to say we have some great partners
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S1: Another great partnership, I think, for many years now is
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S1: I'm glad she's going to bring the the mail bag in. Yeah. And, uh,
S1: by the way, Tricia, let's tell everyone. When I said
S1: when you first started, I said, I want you to
S1: ask the questions on the air. And you said, well,
S1: I don't want to be on the air. And here
S1: I am now.
S7: Yeah.
S1: Are you kidding? You're in charge now. You can take
S1: over the program and answer the questions. That'd be great.
S1: But that's another great partnership. I just appreciate God so
S1: much for giving that. And there's other partners too. There's
S1: the kitchen table partners, whom I value so much. They listen, uh,
S1: they they're regular. Uh, I was really grateful. A woman
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S1: is call (888) 644-7122 or go to open line radio.org. Okay. Tricia. Uh,
S1: what what else have we got here?
S7: Well, our first question is from Facebook. It came in
S7: from Lori, and she said, folks use second Chronicles 714
S7: a lot, which says, hold on here. I've got it
S7: in my Bible. And my people who are called by
S7: my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face
S7: and turn from their wicked ways. Then I will hear
S7: from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
S7: So that is second Chronicles 714. People use that a lot,
S7: especially as the election grows closer. Is this scripture being
S7: taken out of context when they use it? For any
S7: group of followers of Jesus who pray and seek him,
S7: that he will heal their land, and more specifically, the
S7: American church.
S1: Yeah, that verse is not usually used for the American
S1: church at first. It's usually used for the American government. Okay.
S1: American nation. Uh, people misapply it that way. When you
S1: look at this. It says when I shut up the
S1: heavens so that there is no rain. That's verse 13.
S1: Or command the locust to devour the land or send
S1: pestilence among my people. That's talking about what God did
S1: for Israel. Uh, what he promised in Leviticus 26 about
S1: what he would do with Israel, uh, what he promised
S1: in Deuteronomy 28 through 30, what he would do with
S1: Israel if they disobeyed, uh, there would be consequences. But
S1: then he says, if my people who are called by
S1: my name. That's talking about my people Israel, and pray
S1: and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,
S1: then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive
S1: their sin and heal their land. The land of Israel,
S1: that's what it's talking about. And so we can't take
S1: those promises that God made to national Israel and say
S1: that applies to the United States somehow, as if we
S1: are the people of Israel. But what we can say
S1: is there's a principle there of God restoring and forgiving,
S1: and the way he will do that is in the
S1: American church, which I think sometimes has lost its degree
S1: of desire for holiness, of there's compromise about doctrine. There's
S1: sadness to me when I look at sometimes at the
S1: state of our congregations in many places, not always, but
S1: in many places. And so, uh, what will God do
S1: when people in the church, uh, it's not talking about
S1: withholding rain or sending locusts, but it's saying, what will
S1: God do? Uh, well, if we turn to him and
S1: seek him, he will restore the church. And maybe, just maybe,
S1: the church will then have a greater impact. And we
S1: even see revival wherever we are when we do that.
S1: So that's what I think that verse is talking about.
S7: Okay. All right. Thank you for that question, Lori. Next
S7: question is from Carrie who listens to WNBA, WNBA and says,
S7: what does it mean to be born again? A neighbor
S7: asked me this and I tried to explain it, but
S7: I don't think I was very clear.
S1: So that I remember once a woman trusted the Lord
S1: with me in a congregation during a service, I gave
S1: an invitation. She responded, I was talking with her afterwards.
S1: And this is, oh, a long time ago, probably 30,
S1: 34 years ago, she said to me, but I'm not
S1: going to become one of those born agains. I said, okay.
S1: And then I just went over with her, uh, some
S1: passages about security. Then about six months later, she was
S1: in my congregation. I was her pastor. She came to
S1: me and she said, you know, I've been working. I've
S1: been making my way through the gospel since I accepted Jesus.
S1: I said, oh, that's great. She said, I've been born again.
S1: And you didn't tell me. I said, well, yeah. I
S1: didn't think she meant sociologically. She didn't like what she
S1: had heard about people who are born again. So I
S1: decided not to tell her about that. Uh, it said, uh,
S1: it's in John three. Uh, when when the Lord Jesus
S1: talks to Nicodemus. Uh, unless you unless someone is born again,
S1: he cannot see the kingdom of God. But how can
S1: anyone be born when he is old? Can he enter
S1: his mother's womb a second time and be born? I
S1: think Nicodemus was being a little facetious there. Jesus answered,
S1: I assure you, unless someone is born of water and
S1: the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Whatever
S1: is born of the flesh is flesh. Whatever is born
S1: of the spirit is spirit. Uh, now, I think we don't.
S1: We have another question about what does it mean? We do. Uh,
S1: so I'm going to answer both those questions. What does
S1: it mean to be born of water and born of spirit?
S1: Some people think that born of water means, uh, to
S1: be baptized? I don't think so. Look at the context.
S1: It's talking about being born again. Right? Mhm. Uh, and
S1: then he says to be born of water and the spirit,
S1: and then he defines it by saying that which is
S1: born of the flesh is flesh. Whatever is born of
S1: the spirit is spirit. So what does it mean? It
S1: means to be born of water means to be born
S1: in the flesh. Why? Because when a person is born,
S1: what happens? Uh, to the mom, the amniotic fluid breaks,
S1: the water breaks. Mhm. That's. So it's referring there to
S1: physical birth. Uh, it's one thing. One, one birth is
S1: physical birth. But the second birth to be born again.
S1: The new birth is to be born of the spirit. Uh,
S1: when the the Holy Spirit empowers us to trust in Jesus,
S1: opens our hearts to believe. And we have a spiritual
S1: rebirth that's to be born again. Uh, so to be
S1: born again of the spirit. Uh, that which is flesh
S1: is flesh. That's what it means to be born of water.
S1: We are all. Every person that's alive is born of water.
S1: We are born physically. But those of us who trust
S1: in Jesus, we are born of the spirit. It's a
S1: new birth. That's why second Corinthians 517 says that we
S1: are new creatures in the Messiah, uh, completely transformed and
S1: given new life. That's what that's talking about.
S7: Okay, so how how does that happen? How does that happen?
S7: How does someone born of the spirit.
S1: Yeah, the the new birth. Here's here's the key. We
S1: have to recognize that we all do things wrong. Every
S1: one of us. And that separates us from God. But
S1: Jesus died for our sins and was raised again so
S1: that he could take the punishment that we deserved, and
S1: then was raised again, proving that he did and that
S1: he's God. All we have to do is trust in him.
S1: And if you're listening and think, I have only been
S1: born once, it's time to be born again. It's time
S1: to be born of the spirit. It's time to put
S1: your trust in Jesus. I really want to encourage you.
S1: If you've never put your trust in Jesus, now is
S1: the day. Today is the day. Don't miss the opportunity
S1: to trust in Jesus, to be forgiven and have a
S1: forever relationship with him and abundant life today. That's the
S1: great news of being born again. Don't understand it sociologically.
S1: Oh yeah, I've heard about those born agains. Like that
S1: friend said to me all those years ago. No, take
S1: it for what Jesus meant to experience a new birth
S1: with God, to become his child forever and ever. What
S1: a great, great opportunity. So so.
S7: So do they need to do anything? Well, I should
S7: say too, on our website. Um, if you.
S1: Go, they don't have to. No one has to do anything.
S1: It's not a deed, okay? It's a trust. You trust
S1: when you sit in a chair, you trust that the
S1: chair is going to hold you, right? You don't look
S1: at it and check out the legs or anything like that.
S1: You trust it? Well, that's what we have to trust.
S1: That believing. Trusting in Jesus. It says a good way
S1: of thinking of it is receive him. Receive him into
S1: our lives. Uh, the reason I say that's a good
S1: way of looking at it. It says as many as
S1: received him in John one. As many as received him.
S1: To them he gave the right to become children of God,
S1: even those who believed on his name and all he
S1: is so believing that he died for us and rose again.
S1: Trust that. And that's all. Uh, and there is a
S1: place where you can see this kind of laid out, uh,
S1: near our website. Right. Isn't that what you're going to
S1: refer to right now?
S7: It was. Yeah. If you go to Open Line radio.org
S7: on the top right corner, there are some words that
S7: say Know Christ and you can click on that. Um,
S7: and it takes you to a website, our website that
S7: says how to know Christ. And it kind of walks
S7: through this. What does knowing Jesus mean? There's a video,
S7: a short video from doctor Mark Jobe, who's the president
S7: of Moody Bible Institute, and then goes over, if you
S7: are a visual person and you want to read the verses,
S7: they're linked and they're written out on this website. Um,
S7: some of what Michael was just talking about. Yeah. And
S7: then there's a list if you want to request, uh,
S7: let us know and request, um, some free resources from us.
S8: Yep.
S1: Uh, I'm going to we're going to go to break now. Yeah.
S1: But listen, don't don't wait. Put your trust in him.
S1: Just tell him I know I've done things wrong. I
S1: believe Jesus died for those wrong things and was raised again.
S1: And I trust in him. Don't miss the opportunity. Take
S1: it now. We're going to be back with more of
S1: your questions in just a bit. That was Tricia McMillan,
S1: and I'm Michael Radonich. We'll be right back. Welcome back
S1: to Open Line. I want to remind everyone that we've
S1: got the summit opposing anti-Semitism coming up next Saturday. We
S1: have a special program with some interviews of people participating
S1: in the program for next Saturday. Please be sure to
S1: join us if you can. November 9th. The best way
S1: to find out about it to join us here at
S1: Moody is go to Open Line radio.org. There's a link there. Uh,
S1: click on that and you can find all about that
S1: very important, uh, one day conference that we're doing at
S1: Moody Bible Institute. Next Saturday, November 9th, we're going to
S1: speak with Celeste in Naples, Florida, listening on Spotify. Welcome
S1: to Open Line. Celeste, how can I help you today?
S9: Good morning.
S10: Good morning. How are you?
S1: We're great. Go ahead. We're sort of in in the
S1: rapid fire question time. So just go ahead with your question.
S10: Um, I as I mature and I start to go
S10: to many funerals and I'm planning for my funeral, I'd
S10: like to know what the Bible says about cremation because
S10: I'm thinking about doing that.
S1: Okay. A lot of people are interested in cremation now
S1: because it is a cheaper way of of dealing with death,
S1: in a sense, physical death. Uh, on the one hand,
S1: there's nothing in the Bible that says, no, you can't. Uh,
S1: so I don't think there's any problem. I think God
S1: can raise us up from ashes. He doesn't need us
S1: to decompose only, uh, so that's that's, uh, God can
S1: resurrect us. On the other hand, in the Bible, there's
S1: never been a case where someone was cremated that it
S1: wasn't to emphasize sort of disapproval by God. It was
S1: never the normal way of dealing with it. But that's
S1: just an example in the Bible. So I personally prefer burial,
S1: but that's because the Bible never really, uh, uses, uh,
S1: cremation as a means of affirming someone's life. I want
S1: to honor the body. It was a holy vessel, uh,
S1: that that carried the eternal spirit. That's how I understand it.
S1: Hope that helps, Celeste. Thank you. Uh, we're going to
S1: speak to John in the lightning round now. John, just
S1: go ahead with your question, okay?
S9: Hey.
S11: Good morning. My question is, what is the role and
S11: activities of the Holy Spirit in eternity?
S1: The Bible really doesn't talk about it. So it's really
S1: hard for me to say what, you know, when we
S1: talk about the new heavens and new earth, it doesn't
S1: talk about what the Holy Spirit's role will be. I'm
S1: sure he will have one, But it's not revealed. And
S1: so I'm just going to wait and see. Okay, John.
S11: Well, maybe I'll cancel next Sunday's Sunday school class then.
S11: Just have a party.
S12: I think. Hey, listen.
S1: I don't think we party enough. That's what I think.
S1: That's what I think.
S12: Okay. Well. Thank you. Thanks.
S1: Yeah. Thanks for your call, John. Appreciate it. We're going
S1: to speak with Don listening in Florida and R'n'B. Welcome
S1: to Open Line. Don. How can I help you today?
S13: Oh, Doctor Rydell, we're having an issue with Ephesians 289.
S13: For by grace are you saved through faith? Well, some
S13: people are saying, well, it's not just faith, it's faith
S13: plus repentance. How would I respond to that?
S12: Well.
S1: Uh, repentance is, uh, in one there's one word that's used, uh,
S1: for repentance. Uh, that means change your mind. And so,
S1: for example, in Acts three. When Jesus talks. When Peter
S1: talks to a Jewish crowd, he tells them that Jesus
S1: is both Lord and Messiah and and they rejected him.
S1: But they should repent, change their mind. In other words,
S1: stop trusting in what they were trusting in and start
S1: trusting in Jesus. Change their mind about Jesus. So that's
S1: what it is. And uh, in a sense, repentance and
S1: faith are two sides of the same coin. On the
S1: one hand, uh, it's turning away from what we used
S1: to trust and turning to the one we do trust.
S1: That's what the role of repentance and faith is. Uh,
S1: so it's two sides of the same coin. It's turning
S1: away and turning to. That's another word that's used for
S1: repentance is turn. And I, I think that one of
S1: the best passages that teach about that turn from and
S1: turn to uh, which is what repentance and faith is,
S1: is in first Thessalonians chapter one, when Paul commends the Thessalonians,
S1: he says, uh, for they themselves report that's the Macedonians
S1: and AK in every place. Therefore we don't need to
S1: say anything, for they themselves report what kind of reception
S1: we had from you, the Thessalonians, how you turned to
S1: God from idols to serve the living and true God,
S1: and wait for his son from heaven. What did they do?
S1: They turned away from idols, and they turned to service
S1: to God, to trust in God and follow the true God.
S1: They trusted in Jesus, uh, whom he raised from the dead,
S1: Jesus who rescues us from the coming wrath. So on
S1: the one hand, uh, repentance is turning away from that,
S1: that old life and turning to a new life. Uh, okay, Susie,
S1: thanks for your call. Don. Susie. You're up. Ask your
S1: question really fast. Okay.
S14: Doctor Melnick, thank you very much. In the new heaven
S14: and the new earth, are the Christians kept in heaven
S14: and the Gentiles in heaven and the Israelites on earth?
S1: I don't think that's true. I think the new heaven
S1: and the new earth is just another way of saying
S1: it's a new creation, that there's going to be a
S1: new creation, not a heaven where some people go and
S1: an earth where other people go. It's an entire new creation.
S1: Think about how the Bible begins. In the beginning, God
S1: created what the heavens and the earth and then what
S1: he's going to do. Revelation 21 and 22. He's going
S1: to make a new heavens and a new earth. A
S1: new creation. And whether we're Jewish or Gentile, we'll all
S1: get to be part of that new creation. It says
S1: at that time his servants will serve him and TJ,
S1: just so you know. Uh, uh, thanks for your call, Susie. TJ,
S1: I know you want to know about a Bible study
S1: about Exodus. James Hoffmeier produced Israel in Exodus. You can
S1: find that book. Uh, well, that's the program for the week.
S1: Thanks for listening, everyone. Especially thanks. If you called or
S1: wrote in, you make this program possible thanks to the
S1: Open Line team today, Tricia McMillan, Omar Mendoza, Tahira and Tiara,
S1: both of them. Keep in touch with us by going
S1: to our website. You can see everything you're looking for
S1: right there at Open Line radio.org, even the link to
S1: the upcoming summit opposing anti-Semitism. Keep reading the Bible. We'll
S1: talk about it next week. Open line with Doctor Michael
S1: Wright is a production of Moody Radio, a ministry of
S1: Moody Bible Institute. See you next Saturday.