'Exploring' the mystery of Christ's return

The Bible instructs believers to be ready and watchful for the moment when Jesus returns in power and glory. However, understanding biblical prophecy can often be intimidating and confusing. That’s why God has provided pastors and teachers, such as Alex McFarland and Bert Harper, to guide believers in their study of the end times.

McFarland and Harper are co-hosts of Exploring the Word, a radio program that airs weekdays at 3 p.m. Central on American Family Radio (AFR). They are now sharing their extensive knowledge and ministry experience in a new book titled 100 Bible Questions and Answers on Prophecy and the End Times. It’s the third installment in their 100 Bible Questions and Answers series, all of which are available at resources.afa.net.

The following summarizes an extended interview about the new book. The interview was conducted by Jeff Chamblee, host of The Stand Radio, which airs on AFR Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 8 p.m. Central. (See QR codes at right.)

The Stand Radio: What prompted you to write this book?

Bert Harper: In the past three years, the number of people calling in to Exploring the Word to ask a question about prophecy has increased quite a bit.

Alex McFarland: Invariably, we hear questions about prophecy and wars and rumors of wars.

TSR: The book is 219 pages, divided into 10 sections. How did you decide which specific questions to address?

AM: Well, for 15 years, I’ve kept notebooks of all the questions asked on the show, and I go back very frequently and review them. The three broad issues that often arise concerning the end times are the rapture, the role of Israel in biblical prophecy, and the signs of the end. We started with those and eventually outlined 10 sections with 10 questions each.

TSR: Toward the end of 2025, there was a flurry of predictions that the rapture would happen on the Feast of Trumpets. These kinds of predictions create a stir. How should believers respond?

AM: Jesus Himself said no man knows, not even the angels in Heaven, but that knowledge is reserved for the Father. I say this guardedly and humbly: We look around the world, and we see the signs of the times. There are a lot of things that seem to have converged. However, I truly believe the church needs to continue focusing on the Great Commission, which is about taking the name of Jesus to every kindred, tongue, tribe, and nation, and striving to win the lost and disciple them. When He does return, it may be in our lifetime. But our job is that whenever we see the Lord, we are to be found faithful.

TSR: From a pastoral perspective, how have you seen prophecy help believers through times of crisis and fear in their personal lives?

BH: Two things come to mind. One is hope … and the other is the idea that God is in control. When you think back to Jesus’ earthly ministry, He would use the phrase, “My time has not yet come.” As He got closer to the cross, He would say, “My hour has come.” So, the hope we have is in Jesus. He’s in control. That gives great hope to those going through trials … and it’s the hope we long for you to find in the pages of our new book.