Jeff Chamblee The Bible. It's the word of God. Sharper than any two edged sword. This sacred book is living and active and contains all that's needed for life and godliness. Stay with American Family Radio for the next hour as we study God's word and take your Bible questions. Welcome to Exploring the Word
Alex McFarland in the Bible. There's the great promise of restoration and forgiveness if we repent and turn to the Lord. Hosea depicts that very vividly and there's a message in that for us today that if we fall away, get into sin, we can turn back to God and his arms are open, he'll receive us. Well, turn to Hosea in the Old Testament, if you would. Alex and Bert here, so honored that you're listening and it's a brand new week on Exploring the Word. A great time to get into the book of Hosea. And Bert, can you believe it? It's November,
Bert Harper November number two. And it's also standard time, not savings time. That's true, man. I had an extra hour to get ready to preach in worship Sunday and.
Alex McFarland Yeah,
Bert Harper yeah, man, hour a day.
Alex McFarland Sunday morning I got in the pulpit and I was preaching and I said, it's, you know, fall back in the fall, so I have an extra hour to preach. Right.
Bert Harper Well, Alex, did you.
Alex McFarland No. At 12 noon. They wanted out at 12 noon.
Bert Harper There's something about that. But anyway, we're glad you're listening today. And let me just say on the front end, tomorrow is election day praying. And I searched some podcast, different places and had individuals, churches and them praying for the election that's coming up. And here on Exploring the Word, we want to do that as well. We'll do that later, but we want you to make sure you, you're, hopefully you're registered. Some of you have already voted like Alex and Angie. Some of us are waiting till tomorrow like Janet and myself and But go and vote and vote those biblical convictions. That's what you want to do. So we encourage you to do that. And I think that is connected with our Bible study today in Hosea, chapter six. Starting there, Alex, because as you said, it looks like in verses 1, 2 and 3 that, that Israel is turning to God. But is it words only?
Alex McFarland Well, yes, because, you know, it begins, come, let us return to the Lord, for he is torn, but he will heal us. He is stricken, but he will bind us up. bind us up. That's like putting bandages on a wound, but when it goes down there, God is asking the question, O Ephraim, what shall I do to you, O Judah? What shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, and like the early dew it goes away. Bert, have you ever heard of maybe foxhole religion or jailhouse religion, you know, just crying out to God in desperation. But the minute things get a little bit better, all of that contrition and that devotion seems to be short lived.
Bert Harper It really does. And I think it demonstrates that in verse two, after two days he'll revive us and then on the third day he'll raise us up. I think, there's some assumptions here. They're real far as what God can do. But it comes from a heart that has a heart, as you said, a heart of contrition. And you don't see that here, you just see principles laid out that God will do it, but we've got to come to the Lord. It's like the word believe. I believe that Jesus really was a real person, that he lived a perfect life and he died and rose again. Yes, I believe that, Alex. That's mental ascension to what has happened. But there must be a trust that goes along with that, that faith, that trust. Here they're just stating principles that. And so in verses starting in verse four, all the way through chapter seven, there will be six similes and metaphors. Now I'm not an English major, but I remember a little bit about similes, and metaphors. When you see the word like, that's like a simile, metaphor contrasted a little bit and gives this is it. And you're like this. And so we're going to see six of these and in each one of them you see the characteristics that Israel was having, that they really had not returned to the Lord, they had not asked him to forgive them of their deep sin. They were just stating facts and stating words. And so here it is, Alex, and you said it, O Ephraim. The first one is you're like a morning cloud. And like the morning dew, it goes away. Yes. early in the morning you get up and you see that dew. It's little, but when that sun comes out, it's gone. When you get up in the morning and you see those clouds baking, maybe there with the sun coming up, but as the heat comes in they fade away. So he is saying, what you're saying is in two days we're going to get right with you for two days and on the third day you'll bring everything and make it right. they were short lived on what they knew about God's, I say, sustaining power and forgiveness.
Alex McFarland You know, I was a young believer years and years ago, and I heard an evangelist say, I was in a revival and an evangelist was preaching, and he said, it's not how high you jump, but it's how straight you walk when you hit the ground. You ever heard that old saying?
Bert Harper I have, yes.
Alex McFarland And you think about that. consistency validates authenticity. Ponder on that, folks. Consistency validates authenticity. And look, you know, we get in a jam or whatever, we call out to God, oh, Lord, help me, help me. And he will help. And he is a faithful savior. But then the fact that we've really turned to Christ because we want to pursue Jesus and grow in righteousness, that's validated by an authentically, consistently changed life. Not just, help me, help me, help me, God. And then, go on, go on our different way. I'm going to look at verse five here in just a moment, but, Bert, I, was talking with a dear friend, one of the most godly people I know, and we were talking about, Christianity in America. And I love America. I do. I care about this nation. But I'm just going to say this, and you feel free to comment. much, much, much of church and preaching and many of the churches that are really growing, they're preaching about what God can do for you. God exists to enhance your life experience. When in reality, folks, I want to tell you, Matthew 6:33 says the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Actually, the, the life of the believer is a life where we pursue growth in righteousness. And I'm going to prove that from verse six here in a minute. But, God is not just the spare tire in the trunk of our life that we pull out on an as needed basis. And Christianity is not just, how can God aggrandize my life experience? We are to be disciples, following truth, growing in righteousness, representing God whether or not it's popular. And actually true holiness. And righteousness is probably not what a lot of people associate with what Christianity is about. Bert, you said. I'm saying, I mean, it's, hey, what can God do for me? That's not the question.
Bert Harper You're hitting it out of the park. if you don't believe that. you remember when Paul was saved on the road to Damascus? He went into the town and found out a man was there ready to baptize him. But he said, I've heard a lot of things about this man, and God spoke to him. Yeah. But I've changed him. I'm putting it in my words. But then he says, I'm going to show him how many things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Jesus said, in this world you're going to have tribulation, you're going to have difficulty. In the book of 1st and 2nd Corinthians especially much as any of the books. Paul writes to this church that had, I'm sure, had good church attendance. But he said, man, there's sin there in you in the, in Achan. When they went in and took the Jericho without losing a man. And then they went to AI and they defeated. It was defeated quickly. It's because they had sin in the camp. So Alex, I, think you're right. Can I read verse five and six and then you do your comment?
Alex McFarland Yeah, please. This is folks, this is strong.
Bert Harper It really. Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets. I have slain them by the words of my mouth. And your judgments are like light that goes forth. For I desire mercy and not sacrifice and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Alex McFarland Wow. Okay, let's talk about verse 5. Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets who Ephraim and Judah and the the backsliders, the sinners. The word hewn there H E W n in my translation that's like cut apart. Now I'm reminded of Hebrews, 4:12 says the word of God is sharper than a two edged sword dividing asunder soul and spirit. In other words, cutting in two. God's word and the prophets. These are the good prophets that proclaim the Word. Folks, if we allow it, the scripture, the word of God should cut us to the heart and bring us to repentance. And then it says, I have slain them by the words of my mouth. God says, you know, I've not, only brought under conviction, but killed you. I mean it really does mean that. You know, it means, you know, cut them and, and your judgments are like light that goes forth. God's judgment is as bright as bolts of lightning. And so Bert, it's very powerful here. God has passed assessment, past judgment, exposed them for what they were, cut them open by that sharp powerful instrument known as his Word.
Bert Harper It is. And what does God say? I don't want what you're doing. I don't want it with you doing these empty sacrificing I do not want you to go through. And the burnt offerings, going through the ritual of worship. The ritual of worship and that's where a lot of people, they get to that point. Okay, no matter if you're high church, low church, wherever you are, that ritual, it has meaning to it. And if you look, lose the meaning, it's like singing some familiar songs and you're just singing them because you remember the words and the tune. But man, we need to look at it deeply. That's one of the reasons I love what's happened in the last 20 years. People taking some of the older hymns and they're putting a bridge to it. They, put in something extra and it's made those hymns that for. And I'm speaking to Bert Harper right now, Alex, that I would sing, and I'd just sing them with rope because I knew them, but. But when I heard that little addition, that little change, it made me pay attention and look at them say, wow, this song is amazing. The same thing should happen in the word of God. Preaching the word of God, teaching the word of God. God's of grace is amazing. His love is amazing. And I dare say it, his word is amazing. Isn't
Alex McFarland is amazing. Praise the Lord. he desires mercy, not sacrifice. Verse 6. The knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. So you get the implication, Bert, Is it possible to be going through the rituals, the burnt offerings, but not really know God? I mean, that's the implication. They had the outward machinations going on and yet they did not know God.
Bert Harper They did not. And it continues all the way through that chapter. Listen, verse 10. I've seen a horrible thing. In the house of Israel, there is the harlotry of Ephraim, and Israel is defiled. There it is, regardless of your sacrifice, the burnt offerings, regardless. Listen, what you're offering to me is not real. It is just something that you're going through the motions. And I desire what I, ah, desire. Hear that word? Desire. Mercy and the knowledge of God. Alex, that's what God wants from you. He wants it from me. He wants to every listener, man, know God, know his truth, follow him and the knowledge of God. You will be blessed and change your life with actions and not just words and not just rituals. Well, we're going to continue on. There's some more similes and metaphors. In other words, God, you're like this and it's counted as nothing for you. So stay tuned and learn some more. Hello, I'm, Bert Harper. Did you know that this content is listener supported? Without people like you, this podcast would not exist. That's why we need you. A generous monthly gift of Any amount will sustain American Family Radio, and specifically this podcast. Please consider becoming a monthly financial partner today by visiting afr.net that's afr.net give
Dr. Jessica Peck the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He leads me by still waters till my fears are gone. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Oh, I know you are with me, my father. My father.
Bert Harper Amen. Psalm 23. I bet many of you have memorized that he does lead us by the still waters, and we praise God that he does. Chapter seven. Notice these words. The iniquity of Ephraim, the wickedness of Samaria. Then in verse three, they make the king glad with. With what? With their wickedness. And they make the princes glad is inferred with their lies. That means from top to bottom, this nation is corrupt, and the destruction is going to come upon them. Alex, when I see that. Notice verse four. They're all adulterers. that nation had gone down, down, down so far that God says, I've had enough. Mm.
Alex McFarland like an oven heated by a baker, he ceases stirring the fire after kneading the dough until it is leavened. you know, in other words, it's not gonna bake the bread, it's gonna burn it up in the day of our king. Princes have made him sick, inflamed with wine, he stretched out his hand with scoffers, they prepare their heart like an oven. While they lie in wait, their baker sleeps all night. In the morning, it burns like a flaming fire. So all these comparisons are illustrative, of the fact that they're, deep in sin, and all they're going to get is really judgment. I, mentioned a few days ago, last week, how I'd always pondered on verse eight. Ephraim has mixed himself among the peoples. Ephraim is a cake unturned. You know, Bert, it's interesting. There's kind of these, allusions, if you will, to, bread. Bread was, a staple food throughout history, still is. You know, bread is sometimes called the staff of life, and, of course, Christ salvation, the bread of life. The implication is, though, that when there is no bread or it's corrupted or it's burned up, life itself is at risk. And so it is with sin, isn't it? I mean, when sin, takes over, survival itself is in question, isn't it?
Bert Harper It is. Think of a pancake, and you're going to cook a pancake, and you pour it in there, and you leave it all on one side so that one side is so hard, and the other side is still uncooked. It's not digestible in any way. Ephraim was mixed up. They were. God makes me think about over in, the book of Revelation, about you, make me sick, you know, you neither hot nor cold, okay? You're too hot. You know, you're no good. And so Ephraim m the cake unturned and one of the saddest parts, and he doesn't even know it. You know, they're so blinded to go to 2nd Corinthians 4:4. Satan has blinded the minds of those that do not follow him and know him, even hear the gospel. And here he does not know it. Then he continues in that same verse nine, yes, gray hairs are here, and they're on him, and yet he does not know it. he's gotten weak, he's gotten feeble, he's gotten gray, and he doesn't even know it as well. So, Alex, here they are in their, agreeable ignorance. Okay, they agreed to be ignorant of what God was demanding. Am I emphasizing that too much? But the word might be willful ignorance. Willful disobedience. Isn't it?
Alex McFarland Yeah, exactly. Exactly. verse six and seven talks about their motives. Preparing their heart like an oven. While they lie in wait. Their baker sleeps all night. In the morning, it burns like a flaming fire. They are all hot like an oven and have devoured their judges. All their kings have fallen. None among them calls upon me. the world is falling down around them, but they're not really calling out to the true God. you know, it goes on. Look at verse 10. Pride. You know, there's adultery, there's drunkenness, there's, mixing with the false religions, the people, the strange people. But, it says in their pride, aliens have devoured their strength, and the pride of Israel testifies to his face. In other words, their sin, indicts them, testifies against them. Verse 10. But they do not return to the Lord their God, nor seek him for all this. Now, as we go on in chapter seven, they're going to look to strength and protection from other nations. But let me say this. In bad times, you need to turn to the Lord. In good times, you need to stay close to the Lord at all times. We need the Lord, and, we're just not seeing that here.
Bert Harper Alex, you can't help but seek Him. you know, they were wanting his blessing without wanting his presence. Okay? And when God's presence is in your life, in God's Presence is. Is. Is sensed even in a congregation. we've been at church, and yeah, there's been times where we knew God was present. We were. Two or three are gathered together in his name. He's there in the midst of them. We realize that. But sometimes there's a. A presence and a sensing of his presence so strong that, it just. It captivates us. And again, now, that's not enough. If it doesn't change your lives, you know what I mean? You can. But here they said they don't even seek Him. They don't want to seek his face or, what it says in Chronicles. Seeking his face and turning from their wicked ways. If we're going to seek his face, we're going to have to turn from our wicked ways. They were seeking his blessing and continuing to stay in their wicked ways. That's a. That's an indictment of them, isn't it?
Alex McFarland Well, it really is. And this backsliddenness is a risk for anybody that ignores the word of God. You know, every now and then, Bert, in fact, fairly frequently, I get asked about, you know, the state of various churches or denominations, and there's been, you know, the, ordination of homosexuals and those some that say Christians and Muslims worship the same God, which is false. They don't. And, and people ask me theologically, how did some churches and denominations and seminaries fall so far? And I said, well, it begins with turning away from the word of God. I was on a, discussion forum reading over the weekend, and so many people were saying, well, Christianity is anti abortion and anti choice and anti trans and this, that and the other. Well, here's the thing. The culture is anti God right now. you know, true Christians, and the people of God in the Old Testament, that they were looking for the Messiah that would come. Jesus. We look back at the Messiah that did come. Jesus. Same Jesus, same Messiah. Just two different sides of the cross. But here's my point. People of God, throughout the centuries, follow God's word. And the wisest thing any group could ever do. Individuals, couples, families, churches, denominations, ministries like this one. And we do. The wisest thing any group should do is follow what God's revealed word says. Because the Bible will never fail. The Bible is the holy word of God. chapter seven concludes.
Bert Harper Alex, before you go on, let me share this real quick. It's a cliche. You've heard it. God said it. I believe it. That settles it. Okay, well, that sounds good. But guess what? God said it. That settles it. Whether you believe it or not.
Alex McFarland Yeah. Amen.
Bert Harper Amen. That's it again. Go back. as you were talking about that.
Alex McFarland No, that's
Bert Harper true. I wanted to, That really impressed me. God said it. That just settles the whole matter.
Alex McFarland It does. I want to read verse 13 of chapter 7. Woe to them, for they have fled from me, Destruction to them, because they have transgressed against me. Though I redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me. They did not cry out to me with their heart when they wailed upon their beds. In other words, they're crying out in fear. They assembled together for grain and new wine. In other words, you know, eat and drink. They rebelled against me. Though I disciplined and strengthened their arms, yet they devised evil against me. I mean, think about this in verse 15, people trying to devise evil against God. But we've seen that in our own day. We've seen, I mean, people. If you preach truth and righteousness and Christ, the one and only Savior, which is true, people will hate you. They'll curse you. I want to just say to everybody, don't worry about it. Keep on serving Jesus now. Love people, try to get people saved. But even if people say you're narrow and you're a Bible thumper and listen, don't let the criticisms of a fallen world shake you. You won't keep. Keep on standing for Jesus.
Bert Harper Amen, brother. Now, there's two more of these metaphor similes from verse, 11 all the way through the end. And I think the very picture, Jesus used parables, you know, he had to use these. Hosea is using some word pictures. The one he uses in, verse 11 is like a silly dove without sense. A silly dove not knowing which way to go, where to turn and what to do. We have a garage, and we've had some birds to fly into those garages. And even with the garage door up, I've seen them fly into this wall, flying to that wall. And every once in a while, they'll. They, oh, they'll finally get out the right way. But here he's saying, you're like a silly dove. You don't know which way to go. You're trying to have this association with this country. You want them to deliver you. Then you go to Egypt. You want them to deliver you. You go to Assyria, and you want them to come alongside and help you win this. And you're not turning to me. You are a silly dove. The second one is in verse 16, and this one is so Picturesque, especially for those out there that are bow hunters. And you're. You're looking at it. You want that bow to be true. You want the string to be taut. You want it to have a. A. A true trajectory when it leaves that bow. Listen to this for, verse. Verse 16, they return, but not to the most High. They are like a deceitful bow. Their princes shall fall by the sword for the curses of their tongue. This shall be their derision in the land of Egypt. But a deceitful bow, it looks like it. It just, It's. It's. If you were to examine it, you'd say, okay, this is bow. But when you get it and you pull the string back for the arrow to fly in the right direction with the right, velocity going to the true target, whatever it might be, Alex, it misses the target because that bow is not true. And it says, this is what you're like. You're like a deceitful bow. You're doing all the rituals. You're doing the burnt offerings going back, if you would, into chapter six. Because six and seven, they. They. They're, you know, they're part of the one thing, these similes and metaphors. And it says you. You'. Warped. That's a, You're warped in your thinking. You're warped in your worship. And that's what he is saying to them. And, and they're going to pay the price. That's the reason he said, listen, you've waited long enough. You've waited so late that your. Your nation is being taken away from you. No more Northern Kingdomnomics, no more those 10 tribes that you can say, I'm from them. I'm from that. Now, Alex, one more thing, and I'll throw it back to you. That doesn't mean that some individuals within this. In this kingdom, did not hopefully get right with. With God. You know,
Alex McFarland of course,
Bert Harper God had a projectory for that country, that nation, but individuals in it, he's looking at them, and they can turn to God. And even in America, hey, we're. We're, you know, I was listening to a song. Is it dark out there? You know, is it difficult out there? It is. And our nation, this tomorrow, may prove what direction we're going in. It really will. It doesn't mean God's not on the throne. It does not mean that God can't save it says his ear and his eye. He still sees. He still hear. But if a nation calls on him and they're going the wrong way, if a Church calling on God, and yet they're saying, oh, yeah, we will, we will. We're accept everybody. Homosexuals, transgenders. It makes no difference. are adulterers, thieves, robbers. Listen, they. The Bible says Corinthians and such were some of you. Not that you are that, but you were that, but you've been delivered. So, Alex, that's the message God wants to deliver us from this destructive life of a nation, but also of individuals as well, doesn't he?
Alex McFarland Well, you know, I think about Spurgeon, who talked about, backsliders that were false on their knees and liars in their prayers. You know,
Bert Harper wow.
Alex McFarland That's what Spurgeon said. And so, you know, in, in chapter eight, it talks about, they have transgressed against my covenant, rebelled against my law. Israel will cry to me, my God, we know you. But they have rejected the good and the enemy will pursue him. It's kind of like, as a cross reference, Psalm 78. Let me read very briefly. In Psalm 78, it talks about, like, in 34 and following when, Israel was in trouble, and there were, there was danger. They remembered that God was their rock. Nevertheless, they flattered God with their mouth, they lied to him with their tongue, for their heart was not steadfast, nor were they faithful in his covenant. there's always a remnant. there's always some individuals. But how blessed it is when the church as a whole, the nation, the culture truly turns to God in not only need, but in obedience.
Bert Harper Amen. Pray for revival. Pray that God would call on us and would respond. 888-589-8840 is the number. If you have a question, we would like to thank our sponsors, including PreBorn. PreBorn has rescued over 400,000 babies from abortion and has seen over 100,000 commitments to Christ. Will you join PreBorn in continuing this good work supporting young moms in crisis? Save a life today. Go to preborn.com af.
Alex McFarland Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Welcome back to the program. I'm gonna give the number. If you've got a Bible question, it's 888-5898-840885-89840. We've got a few calls and we'll get to the questions. Bert, I want to mention, Saturday, October 31st, was Reformation Day, and I talked about that Sunday, how, you know, the whole wide world does benefit from one of the great moves of God, really. Since Pentecost500 nine years ago, Luther, began preaching throughout Germany Salvation by faith not works. And spread, throughout Europe. And we're riding on the ripple effect of that. So where our president, Donald Trump, named October 31, he did, an acknowledgement of Reformation Day.
Bert Harper Amen.
Alex McFarland And he said he was going to rename it Jesus Day. He did. And, to God be the glory. You know,
Bert Harper he is amazing, and I praise the Lord. Let me just say about that voting, and could I start with the prayer first so we don't get caught up? Sure.
Alex McFarland Hang on, callers. We're going to get to you. We're going to pray right now.
Bert Harper That's right. Father, I thank you that we can call upon you and, and we're praying for believers that know your word and trust your word that they would go and they would vote. Some of them have already voted, but some. Father, I pray that you'd clear the way for them to know that they need to vote and let their voice as a people of God to be heard. Because we live in a nation that starts off with a constitution. We the people. And so, Father, I pray that you would help Christians see that need. And they would go, they would look at those people who are running, who they are, who they say they are, who they are associated with, and, what agenda they're going to back. And, Father, that they would vote godly according to that, to your word, that they would follow you and be strengthened by your power and your might. We're praying for America. We're praying for that revival. Alex has been pouring that on to us for the last two or three years. God, we need a revival. We desperately do. God and our God can deliver, but we can't be like it did in Hosea, chapter six, saying, okay, if we'll do this two days, on the third day, it's going to be all right. No, God, we got to stay with you, walk with you, even through difficult times and hard times. And I pray, Father, your people who are called by your name, we will humble ourselves and pray, turn from our wicked ways. And, Father, pray that we would hear you, would hear our prayers. We're praying that in Jesus name, Amen.
Alex McFarland Amen. Bert, what a great prayer. Well, we're going to begin in Michigan, Jacob, in Michigan. we were praying for your state, Jacob, I can assure you. Hello? Are you there? Jacob?
Caroline Hi, I can hear you guys now. Thank you.
Alex McFarland Yes, sure,
Bert Harper go right ahead.
Caroline Okay. Hey, thanks a lot for taking my call. I'll try to be as concise as possible, but I just, have been having a hard time understanding how the interpretation in the Bible, especially without the footnotes, leads to faith, you know, sola fide faith without, you know, faith alone, for salvation. Because there are a lot of, a lot of passages, you know, such as, if you don't, if you don't forgive, God won't forgive you. if we go to James or maybe Hebrews, 10, I think it's 26 in that area. you know, there's clearly this persistence that has to happen, this sort of work, if you will. And, I am just having a hard time understanding it. Although I will say, and I'll wrap it up now, I understand that works are evident with a genuine faith. I just don't understand the warning passages, I suppose.
Alex McFarland Great, great question, Jacob. Very important. And, Well, Bert, I'm going to throw it to you, but I, I guess I might cue it up by talking about Ephesians 2:8 through 10. It is by grace you have been saved through faith. Not. It says not of yourselves. Some translations say not of works. It is the gift of God, lest any man should boast. Now, I believe works follow a. Ah, changed life and bearing fruit. But the salvation gift is we receive it by believing in Jesus, trusting in Jesus, faith. And Romans 4, 5. Talk about that as well. In addition to Ephesians 2, 8, 10. But Bert, what do you say?
Bert Harper You are saved by grace through faith? I would say that with all my heart. Jacob, when you turn to the book of James, you say faith without works is dead. Okay? Faith. That faith is real. But if that is not what God is working out in your life, that faith is dead in the book of James. I'll just set it this way real quickly. There's a demonic faith. Even the demons believe, who Jesus is, what he's done. They even believe that. In other words, you have all the information. But I believe a lot of people that say they're saved. All they've done is believe the information without entrusting their life to them. Then you had the dead faith. Faith without works is what? Dead standing alone. And then. But there's the real faith. Notice what it says in James 1:27. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and keep well and self unspotted from the world. That's real faith. That's pure and undefiled. In other words, if this is not happening in an individual's life on an ongoing basis, it doesn't mean we mess. Don't mess up from time to time because we need to ask for forgiveness. It doesn't mean we don't get off track from time to time. But God's word does not teach a lifestyle complete going your way without turning to the Lord. So, I hope that helps. Jacob. I understand what you're saying, but that scripture that Alex read. Faith. You're saved by grace through faith that not of yourself. It is a gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. I hope that helps, Jacob.
Alex McFarland Yeah, I'll say this. We'll go to the next call. CS Lewis made the comparison. Like, he said, which blade in a pair of scissors is the most important? And he said, well, they work together, or you don't have scissors. You know, takes two blades, and it's that way. It's faith. But then authentic faith results in a changed life and works and fruit follow. Let's go to Louisiana. Jerry in Louisiana. Thank you for holding. Welcome to Exploring the Word.
Caroline Yeah, it's. Ah. All. Good afternoon.
Caroline do you hear me? You got me?
Alex McFarland Yes, sir. Yeah, you sound great.
Caroline All right. All right. yeah, y' all got a message, from. It's. It's. It's just, Sorry. Ten two. Excruciating. I have a hard time with that. A wise person, hard goes to the right, but a fool's heart to the left. And Grandma said, you can't straddle that fence. You have to get off on the right side or the left side. So our voters need to know they need to get off on that right side and vote. Amen,
Alex McFarland Jerry. Amen. That's Ecclesiastes 10, verse 2. God bless you. Bert, you want to talk about this a little bit?
Bert Harper Well, there's always a separation. The wheat and the tares, the sheep and the goats, and, it will be revealed. But I agree with you, Jerry. The right side is, going toward the Lord. it's like he's the north. It's kind of the direction. You know what I mean? He's the North Star. And so you follow God's direction. Alex, go ahead.
Alex McFarland Amen. Knowing what is truth. Following. And here's the thing. We all have a conscience, and the Holy Spirit is always working to reveal what's true. I think the Ecclesiastes 10:2. I do think it's fortuitous that it says, a wise person goes to the right, the fool goes to the left. And, we could apply that politically. But it is foolish to go against what you know is true. And to fight what is clearly false. And the left right now, the political left, they're advocating for things that are false, destructive, and in most cases, immoral. And that's why we need to get out and vote for the right. Let's go to Texas. Demetrius in Texas. Demetrius, welcome. Can you hear us?
Caroline Yeah, I can hear you guys. Well, how are you guys doing?
Alex McFarland Blessed. Thank you for calling.
Caroline So, I just want to thank you guys. a couple weeks ago, you guys prayed for me about being able to get in back into ministry and whatnot. after doing 25 years in prison, I'm actually going back to the prison I was released from and able to speak to the men in there, as I once did before.
Bert Harper Amen. Praise the.
Alex McFarland Praise God.
Bert Harper Amen. Demetrius, can we pray for you real quick, brother, and give God thanks?
Caroline Absolutely.
Bert Harper Alex, would that be all right? Would you pray?
Alex McFarland Yes. Let's pray. Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank you for Demetrius. Oh, Lord, you're such a good savior. And not only do you, forgive us and save our soul, like Joel2.25, you restore the years, the locust has eaten. Here's this man ministering the gospel in the place where he once had paid his debt to society and served time. Bless him. Keep your, hands of protection around him. Continue to grow him, guide him, use him. And, Lord, I know there are people listening, and maybe they wonder, does God still have anything for me? Lord, you are the God of a second, third, fourth, hundredth chance, maybe even right now, some people are going to turn back to you and say, lord, cleanse me and fill me and use me like you've done with Demetrius. Lord, we praise you, and we just pray for the restoration in so many lives like you've done in his. We give you the glory. In Christ's name I pray. Amen. M.
Bert Harper Amen. Hallelujah, Demetrius, hallelujah.
Alex McFarland Amen. Thank you
Caroline guys so much. The guys love you guys program, and they're so much.
Alex McFarland Thank you. To God be the glory.
Bert Harper We love them too. We do. Thank God for the prisoners.
Alex McFarland one of the most beautiful places, Iowa. this is Deb in Iowa. Deb, welcome. I've been up there to preach in a number of places. you live in a very special part of our country.
Caroline Oh, wow. Thank you. Yes. Burton. Alex, I thank you for your ministry. I love your program. I'm, of the opinion that if you. You can't be a Democrat and a Christian, both, considering the Democratic party policies are sinful and sometimes anti God, Godless. I wish the, churches would deal with that and speak out about it more. Do you guys agree, do you think? I feel like I'm, you know, they're not saying, my, the churches that I go to didn't even remind, us to vote, which I thought, oh, my goodness, they're not in being involved with the culture and, you know, trying to steer people in the right direction because they don't address, you know, that topic.
Alex McFarland let me, say this, and Bert, I'm gonna let you jump in. Yeah. I've said that in, in a few pulpits, that if you're a born again believer, I really don't see how you rationally could be a claim to be a follower of Jesus and his Word and vote Democrat. and I've had people, if you say that, and I think it needs to be said, just know that when you say it, there are going to be some people that get really ill with you. But I've asked people, I've said, look, you know, the killing of babies, the same sex marriage, transgenderism, the lawlessness, standing against Israel and for Muslims. I mean, in what universe could you claim to be a follower of Jesus and advocate for things that the word of God soundly, clearly, unequivocally condemns? and Bert, I think we, I'll say this, I'll throw it to you. We've got to remember, if we become a Christian, then we are not in the driver's seat of life anymore. God is in the driver's seat. And so as a disciple, I have to follow God's word. And so much of where the culture is right now is contrary to God's word. So, I'm going to say this, I'm only speaking for Alex McFarland, but if you're a, truly born again Christian and you vote, vote, you cast your vote for the enemies of God, you're in sin.
Bert Harper Okay? There's a lot of scripture to back that up. If you don't believe it, read Leviticus, chapter 20. Now, I know that's in the Old Testament, but when you affirm evil, you're participating in it. Okay, that's just enough said. But yesterday I preached about, you know, Psalm 11:3, if the foundations be destroyed, what do the righteous do? And I combine that with Jon 10:10, Satan the enemy has come to kill, steal and what? Destroy. And Satan is out to destroy the foundations of a country. Not that we were perfect, but the foundations were set that we could correct the things that that was wrong, like slavery, voting in different ways and so many things, child labor laws. And who was on the front lines making those changes, Alex?
Alex McFarland Christians. William Wilberforce
Bert Harper really were. And so we're thanking God. So we need to be on the front lines saying, yes, there is danger in socialism, there's the danger of Sharia law. And those and what they're doing, the combination of those are they're coming against us because they have a common enemy. And it is Bible, thought, biblical worldview. It's anti socialism. It is anti, Islam, it's anti sin. So develop that worldview and vote. Right. Go ahead, Alex.
Alex McFarland Well, this has been exploring the Word. We're going to, continue on tomorrow, good Lord willing. And read on in Hosea 7, if you would. And following. But folks, pray. Pray for our nation. And I'm praying in the name of Jesus that the Republicans would retain both houses of Congress. Talarico would lose. Come on, Bible belt Texans, get out there and vote. And, our nation needs Jesus. That's my prayer.
Bert Harper Get out and vote and vote early. And then spend the day praying God, have your way. And as Alex said, pray that these Republicans on the right side would carry the day. That's our prayer. In Jesus name, amen. Ah.
The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American
Jeff Chamblee The Bible. It's the word of God. Sharper than any two edged sword. This sacred book is living and active and contains all that's needed for life and godliness. Stay with American Family Radio for the next hour as we study God's word and take your Bible questions. Welcome to Exploring the Word
Alex McFarland in the Bible. There's the great promise of restoration and forgiveness if we repent and turn to the Lord. Hosea depicts that very vividly and there's a message in that for us today that if we fall away, get into sin, we can turn back to God and his arms are open, he'll receive us. Well, turn to Hosea in the Old Testament, if you would. Alex and Bert here, so honored that you're listening and it's a brand new week on Exploring the Word. A great time to get into the book of Hosea. And Bert, can you believe it? It's November,
Bert Harper November number two. And it's also standard time, not savings time. That's true, man. I had an extra hour to get ready to preach in worship Sunday and.
Alex McFarland Yeah,
Bert Harper yeah, man, hour a day.
Alex McFarland Sunday morning I got in the pulpit and I was preaching and I said, it's, you know, fall back in the fall, so I have an extra hour to preach. Right.
Bert Harper Well, Alex, did you.
Alex McFarland No. At 12 noon. They wanted out at 12 noon.
Bert Harper There's something about that. But anyway, we're glad you're listening today. And let me just say on the front end, tomorrow is election day praying. And I searched some podcast, different places and had individuals, churches and them praying for the election that's coming up. And here on Exploring the Word, we want to do that as well. We'll do that later, but we want you to make sure you, you're, hopefully you're registered. Some of you have already voted like Alex and Angie. Some of us are waiting till tomorrow like Janet and myself and But go and vote and vote those biblical convictions. That's what you want to do. So we encourage you to do that. And I think that is connected with our Bible study today in Hosea, chapter six. Starting there, Alex, because as you said, it looks like in verses 1, 2 and 3 that, that Israel is turning to God. But is it words only?
Alex McFarland Well, yes, because, you know, it begins, come, let us return to the Lord, for he is torn, but he will heal us. He is stricken, but he will bind us up. bind us up. That's like putting bandages on a wound, but when it goes down there, God is asking the question, O Ephraim, what shall I do to you, O Judah? What shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, and like the early dew it goes away. Bert, have you ever heard of maybe foxhole religion or jailhouse religion, you know, just crying out to God in desperation. But the minute things get a little bit better, all of that contrition and that devotion seems to be short lived.
Bert Harper It really does. And I think it demonstrates that in verse two, after two days he'll revive us and then on the third day he'll raise us up. I think, there's some assumptions here. They're real far as what God can do. But it comes from a heart that has a heart, as you said, a heart of contrition. And you don't see that here, you just see principles laid out that God will do it, but we've got to come to the Lord. It's like the word believe. I believe that Jesus really was a real person, that he lived a perfect life and he died and rose again. Yes, I believe that, Alex. That's mental ascension to what has happened. But there must be a trust that goes along with that, that faith, that trust. Here they're just stating principles that. And so in verses starting in verse four, all the way through chapter seven, there will be six similes and metaphors. Now I'm not an English major, but I remember a little bit about similes, and metaphors. When you see the word like, that's like a simile, metaphor contrasted a little bit and gives this is it. And you're like this. And so we're going to see six of these and in each one of them you see the characteristics that Israel was having, that they really had not returned to the Lord, they had not asked him to forgive them of their deep sin. They were just stating facts and stating words. And so here it is, Alex, and you said it, O Ephraim. The first one is you're like a morning cloud. And like the morning dew, it goes away. Yes. early in the morning you get up and you see that dew. It's little, but when that sun comes out, it's gone. When you get up in the morning and you see those clouds baking, maybe there with the sun coming up, but as the heat comes in they fade away. So he is saying, what you're saying is in two days we're going to get right with you for two days and on the third day you'll bring everything and make it right. they were short lived on what they knew about God's, I say, sustaining power and forgiveness.
Alex McFarland You know, I was a young believer years and years ago, and I heard an evangelist say, I was in a revival and an evangelist was preaching, and he said, it's not how high you jump, but it's how straight you walk when you hit the ground. You ever heard that old saying?
Bert Harper I have, yes.
Alex McFarland And you think about that. consistency validates authenticity. Ponder on that, folks. Consistency validates authenticity. And look, you know, we get in a jam or whatever, we call out to God, oh, Lord, help me, help me. And he will help. And he is a faithful savior. But then the fact that we've really turned to Christ because we want to pursue Jesus and grow in righteousness, that's validated by an authentically, consistently changed life. Not just, help me, help me, help me, God. And then, go on, go on our different way. I'm going to look at verse five here in just a moment, but, Bert, I, was talking with a dear friend, one of the most godly people I know, and we were talking about, Christianity in America. And I love America. I do. I care about this nation. But I'm just going to say this, and you feel free to comment. much, much, much of church and preaching and many of the churches that are really growing, they're preaching about what God can do for you. God exists to enhance your life experience. When in reality, folks, I want to tell you, Matthew 6:33 says the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Actually, the, the life of the believer is a life where we pursue growth in righteousness. And I'm going to prove that from verse six here in a minute. But, God is not just the spare tire in the trunk of our life that we pull out on an as needed basis. And Christianity is not just, how can God aggrandize my life experience? We are to be disciples, following truth, growing in righteousness, representing God whether or not it's popular. And actually true holiness. And righteousness is probably not what a lot of people associate with what Christianity is about. Bert, you said. I'm saying, I mean, it's, hey, what can God do for me? That's not the question.
Bert Harper You're hitting it out of the park. if you don't believe that. you remember when Paul was saved on the road to Damascus? He went into the town and found out a man was there ready to baptize him. But he said, I've heard a lot of things about this man, and God spoke to him. Yeah. But I've changed him. I'm putting it in my words. But then he says, I'm going to show him how many things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Jesus said, in this world you're going to have tribulation, you're going to have difficulty. In the book of 1st and 2nd Corinthians especially much as any of the books. Paul writes to this church that had, I'm sure, had good church attendance. But he said, man, there's sin there in you in the, in Achan. When they went in and took the Jericho without losing a man. And then they went to AI and they defeated. It was defeated quickly. It's because they had sin in the camp. So Alex, I, think you're right. Can I read verse five and six and then you do your comment?
Alex McFarland Yeah, please. This is folks, this is strong.
Bert Harper It really. Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets. I have slain them by the words of my mouth. And your judgments are like light that goes forth. For I desire mercy and not sacrifice and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Alex McFarland Wow. Okay, let's talk about verse 5. Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets who Ephraim and Judah and the the backsliders, the sinners. The word hewn there H E W n in my translation that's like cut apart. Now I'm reminded of Hebrews, 4:12 says the word of God is sharper than a two edged sword dividing asunder soul and spirit. In other words, cutting in two. God's word and the prophets. These are the good prophets that proclaim the Word. Folks, if we allow it, the scripture, the word of God should cut us to the heart and bring us to repentance. And then it says, I have slain them by the words of my mouth. God says, you know, I've not, only brought under conviction, but killed you. I mean it really does mean that. You know, it means, you know, cut them and, and your judgments are like light that goes forth. God's judgment is as bright as bolts of lightning. And so Bert, it's very powerful here. God has passed assessment, past judgment, exposed them for what they were, cut them open by that sharp powerful instrument known as his Word.
Bert Harper It is. And what does God say? I don't want what you're doing. I don't want it with you doing these empty sacrificing I do not want you to go through. And the burnt offerings, going through the ritual of worship. The ritual of worship and that's where a lot of people, they get to that point. Okay, no matter if you're high church, low church, wherever you are, that ritual, it has meaning to it. And if you look, lose the meaning, it's like singing some familiar songs and you're just singing them because you remember the words and the tune. But man, we need to look at it deeply. That's one of the reasons I love what's happened in the last 20 years. People taking some of the older hymns and they're putting a bridge to it. They, put in something extra and it's made those hymns that for. And I'm speaking to Bert Harper right now, Alex, that I would sing, and I'd just sing them with rope because I knew them, but. But when I heard that little addition, that little change, it made me pay attention and look at them say, wow, this song is amazing. The same thing should happen in the word of God. Preaching the word of God, teaching the word of God. God's of grace is amazing. His love is amazing. And I dare say it, his word is amazing. Isn't
Alex McFarland is amazing. Praise the Lord. he desires mercy, not sacrifice. Verse 6. The knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. So you get the implication, Bert, Is it possible to be going through the rituals, the burnt offerings, but not really know God? I mean, that's the implication. They had the outward machinations going on and yet they did not know God.
Bert Harper They did not. And it continues all the way through that chapter. Listen, verse 10. I've seen a horrible thing. In the house of Israel, there is the harlotry of Ephraim, and Israel is defiled. There it is, regardless of your sacrifice, the burnt offerings, regardless. Listen, what you're offering to me is not real. It is just something that you're going through the motions. And I desire what I, ah, desire. Hear that word? Desire. Mercy and the knowledge of God. Alex, that's what God wants from you. He wants it from me. He wants to every listener, man, know God, know his truth, follow him and the knowledge of God. You will be blessed and change your life with actions and not just words and not just rituals. Well, we're going to continue on. There's some more similes and metaphors. In other words, God, you're like this and it's counted as nothing for you. So stay tuned and learn some more. Hello, I'm, Bert Harper. Did you know that this content is listener supported? Without people like you, this podcast would not exist. That's why we need you. A generous monthly gift of Any amount will sustain American Family Radio, and specifically this podcast. Please consider becoming a monthly financial partner today by visiting afr.net that's afr.net give
Dr. Jessica Peck the Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He leads me by still waters till my fears are gone. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Oh, I know you are with me, my father. My father.
Bert Harper Amen. Psalm 23. I bet many of you have memorized that he does lead us by the still waters, and we praise God that he does. Chapter seven. Notice these words. The iniquity of Ephraim, the wickedness of Samaria. Then in verse three, they make the king glad with. With what? With their wickedness. And they make the princes glad is inferred with their lies. That means from top to bottom, this nation is corrupt, and the destruction is going to come upon them. Alex, when I see that. Notice verse four. They're all adulterers. that nation had gone down, down, down so far that God says, I've had enough. Mm.
Alex McFarland like an oven heated by a baker, he ceases stirring the fire after kneading the dough until it is leavened. you know, in other words, it's not gonna bake the bread, it's gonna burn it up in the day of our king. Princes have made him sick, inflamed with wine, he stretched out his hand with scoffers, they prepare their heart like an oven. While they lie in wait, their baker sleeps all night. In the morning, it burns like a flaming fire. So all these comparisons are illustrative, of the fact that they're, deep in sin, and all they're going to get is really judgment. I, mentioned a few days ago, last week, how I'd always pondered on verse eight. Ephraim has mixed himself among the peoples. Ephraim is a cake unturned. You know, Bert, it's interesting. There's kind of these, allusions, if you will, to, bread. Bread was, a staple food throughout history, still is. You know, bread is sometimes called the staff of life, and, of course, Christ salvation, the bread of life. The implication is, though, that when there is no bread or it's corrupted or it's burned up, life itself is at risk. And so it is with sin, isn't it? I mean, when sin, takes over, survival itself is in question, isn't it?
Bert Harper It is. Think of a pancake, and you're going to cook a pancake, and you pour it in there, and you leave it all on one side so that one side is so hard, and the other side is still uncooked. It's not digestible in any way. Ephraim was mixed up. They were. God makes me think about over in, the book of Revelation, about you, make me sick, you know, you neither hot nor cold, okay? You're too hot. You know, you're no good. And so Ephraim m the cake unturned and one of the saddest parts, and he doesn't even know it. You know, they're so blinded to go to 2nd Corinthians 4:4. Satan has blinded the minds of those that do not follow him and know him, even hear the gospel. And here he does not know it. Then he continues in that same verse nine, yes, gray hairs are here, and they're on him, and yet he does not know it. he's gotten weak, he's gotten feeble, he's gotten gray, and he doesn't even know it as well. So, Alex, here they are in their, agreeable ignorance. Okay, they agreed to be ignorant of what God was demanding. Am I emphasizing that too much? But the word might be willful ignorance. Willful disobedience. Isn't it?
Alex McFarland Yeah, exactly. Exactly. verse six and seven talks about their motives. Preparing their heart like an oven. While they lie in wait. Their baker sleeps all night. In the morning, it burns like a flaming fire. They are all hot like an oven and have devoured their judges. All their kings have fallen. None among them calls upon me. the world is falling down around them, but they're not really calling out to the true God. you know, it goes on. Look at verse 10. Pride. You know, there's adultery, there's drunkenness, there's, mixing with the false religions, the people, the strange people. But, it says in their pride, aliens have devoured their strength, and the pride of Israel testifies to his face. In other words, their sin, indicts them, testifies against them. Verse 10. But they do not return to the Lord their God, nor seek him for all this. Now, as we go on in chapter seven, they're going to look to strength and protection from other nations. But let me say this. In bad times, you need to turn to the Lord. In good times, you need to stay close to the Lord at all times. We need the Lord, and, we're just not seeing that here.
Bert Harper Alex, you can't help but seek Him. you know, they were wanting his blessing without wanting his presence. Okay? And when God's presence is in your life, in God's Presence is. Is. Is sensed even in a congregation. we've been at church, and yeah, there's been times where we knew God was present. We were. Two or three are gathered together in his name. He's there in the midst of them. We realize that. But sometimes there's a. A presence and a sensing of his presence so strong that, it just. It captivates us. And again, now, that's not enough. If it doesn't change your lives, you know what I mean? You can. But here they said they don't even seek Him. They don't want to seek his face or, what it says in Chronicles. Seeking his face and turning from their wicked ways. If we're going to seek his face, we're going to have to turn from our wicked ways. They were seeking his blessing and continuing to stay in their wicked ways. That's a. That's an indictment of them, isn't it?
Alex McFarland Well, it really is. And this backsliddenness is a risk for anybody that ignores the word of God. You know, every now and then, Bert, in fact, fairly frequently, I get asked about, you know, the state of various churches or denominations, and there's been, you know, the, ordination of homosexuals and those some that say Christians and Muslims worship the same God, which is false. They don't. And, and people ask me theologically, how did some churches and denominations and seminaries fall so far? And I said, well, it begins with turning away from the word of God. I was on a, discussion forum reading over the weekend, and so many people were saying, well, Christianity is anti abortion and anti choice and anti trans and this, that and the other. Well, here's the thing. The culture is anti God right now. you know, true Christians, and the people of God in the Old Testament, that they were looking for the Messiah that would come. Jesus. We look back at the Messiah that did come. Jesus. Same Jesus, same Messiah. Just two different sides of the cross. But here's my point. People of God, throughout the centuries, follow God's word. And the wisest thing any group could ever do. Individuals, couples, families, churches, denominations, ministries like this one. And we do. The wisest thing any group should do is follow what God's revealed word says. Because the Bible will never fail. The Bible is the holy word of God. chapter seven concludes.
Bert Harper Alex, before you go on, let me share this real quick. It's a cliche. You've heard it. God said it. I believe it. That settles it. Okay, well, that sounds good. But guess what? God said it. That settles it. Whether you believe it or not.
Alex McFarland Yeah. Amen.
Bert Harper Amen. That's it again. Go back. as you were talking about that.
Alex McFarland No, that's
Bert Harper true. I wanted to, That really impressed me. God said it. That just settles the whole matter.
Alex McFarland It does. I want to read verse 13 of chapter 7. Woe to them, for they have fled from me, Destruction to them, because they have transgressed against me. Though I redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me. They did not cry out to me with their heart when they wailed upon their beds. In other words, they're crying out in fear. They assembled together for grain and new wine. In other words, you know, eat and drink. They rebelled against me. Though I disciplined and strengthened their arms, yet they devised evil against me. I mean, think about this in verse 15, people trying to devise evil against God. But we've seen that in our own day. We've seen, I mean, people. If you preach truth and righteousness and Christ, the one and only Savior, which is true, people will hate you. They'll curse you. I want to just say to everybody, don't worry about it. Keep on serving Jesus now. Love people, try to get people saved. But even if people say you're narrow and you're a Bible thumper and listen, don't let the criticisms of a fallen world shake you. You won't keep. Keep on standing for Jesus.
Bert Harper Amen, brother. Now, there's two more of these metaphor similes from verse, 11 all the way through the end. And I think the very picture, Jesus used parables, you know, he had to use these. Hosea is using some word pictures. The one he uses in, verse 11 is like a silly dove without sense. A silly dove not knowing which way to go, where to turn and what to do. We have a garage, and we've had some birds to fly into those garages. And even with the garage door up, I've seen them fly into this wall, flying to that wall. And every once in a while, they'll. They, oh, they'll finally get out the right way. But here he's saying, you're like a silly dove. You don't know which way to go. You're trying to have this association with this country. You want them to deliver you. Then you go to Egypt. You want them to deliver you. You go to Assyria, and you want them to come alongside and help you win this. And you're not turning to me. You are a silly dove. The second one is in verse 16, and this one is so Picturesque, especially for those out there that are bow hunters. And you're. You're looking at it. You want that bow to be true. You want the string to be taut. You want it to have a. A. A true trajectory when it leaves that bow. Listen to this for, verse. Verse 16, they return, but not to the most High. They are like a deceitful bow. Their princes shall fall by the sword for the curses of their tongue. This shall be their derision in the land of Egypt. But a deceitful bow, it looks like it. It just, It's. It's. If you were to examine it, you'd say, okay, this is bow. But when you get it and you pull the string back for the arrow to fly in the right direction with the right, velocity going to the true target, whatever it might be, Alex, it misses the target because that bow is not true. And it says, this is what you're like. You're like a deceitful bow. You're doing all the rituals. You're doing the burnt offerings going back, if you would, into chapter six. Because six and seven, they. They. They're, you know, they're part of the one thing, these similes and metaphors. And it says you. You'. Warped. That's a, You're warped in your thinking. You're warped in your worship. And that's what he is saying to them. And, and they're going to pay the price. That's the reason he said, listen, you've waited long enough. You've waited so late that your. Your nation is being taken away from you. No more Northern Kingdomnomics, no more those 10 tribes that you can say, I'm from them. I'm from that. Now, Alex, one more thing, and I'll throw it back to you. That doesn't mean that some individuals within this. In this kingdom, did not hopefully get right with. With God. You know,
Alex McFarland of course,
Bert Harper God had a projectory for that country, that nation, but individuals in it, he's looking at them, and they can turn to God. And even in America, hey, we're. We're, you know, I was listening to a song. Is it dark out there? You know, is it difficult out there? It is. And our nation, this tomorrow, may prove what direction we're going in. It really will. It doesn't mean God's not on the throne. It does not mean that God can't save it says his ear and his eye. He still sees. He still hear. But if a nation calls on him and they're going the wrong way, if a Church calling on God, and yet they're saying, oh, yeah, we will, we will. We're accept everybody. Homosexuals, transgenders. It makes no difference. are adulterers, thieves, robbers. Listen, they. The Bible says Corinthians and such were some of you. Not that you are that, but you were that, but you've been delivered. So, Alex, that's the message God wants to deliver us from this destructive life of a nation, but also of individuals as well, doesn't he?
Alex McFarland Well, you know, I think about Spurgeon, who talked about, backsliders that were false on their knees and liars in their prayers. You know,
Bert Harper wow.
Alex McFarland That's what Spurgeon said. And so, you know, in, in chapter eight, it talks about, they have transgressed against my covenant, rebelled against my law. Israel will cry to me, my God, we know you. But they have rejected the good and the enemy will pursue him. It's kind of like, as a cross reference, Psalm 78. Let me read very briefly. In Psalm 78, it talks about, like, in 34 and following when, Israel was in trouble, and there were, there was danger. They remembered that God was their rock. Nevertheless, they flattered God with their mouth, they lied to him with their tongue, for their heart was not steadfast, nor were they faithful in his covenant. there's always a remnant. there's always some individuals. But how blessed it is when the church as a whole, the nation, the culture truly turns to God in not only need, but in obedience.
Bert Harper Amen. Pray for revival. Pray that God would call on us and would respond. 888-589-8840 is the number. If you have a question, we would like to thank our sponsors, including PreBorn. PreBorn has rescued over 400,000 babies from abortion and has seen over 100,000 commitments to Christ. Will you join PreBorn in continuing this good work supporting young moms in crisis? Save a life today. Go to preborn.com af.
Alex McFarland Welcome back to Exploring the Word. Welcome back to the program. I'm gonna give the number. If you've got a Bible question, it's 888-5898-840885-89840. We've got a few calls and we'll get to the questions. Bert, I want to mention, Saturday, October 31st, was Reformation Day, and I talked about that Sunday, how, you know, the whole wide world does benefit from one of the great moves of God, really. Since Pentecost500 nine years ago, Luther, began preaching throughout Germany Salvation by faith not works. And spread, throughout Europe. And we're riding on the ripple effect of that. So where our president, Donald Trump, named October 31, he did, an acknowledgement of Reformation Day.
Bert Harper Amen.
Alex McFarland And he said he was going to rename it Jesus Day. He did. And, to God be the glory. You know,
Bert Harper he is amazing, and I praise the Lord. Let me just say about that voting, and could I start with the prayer first so we don't get caught up? Sure.
Alex McFarland Hang on, callers. We're going to get to you. We're going to pray right now.
Bert Harper That's right. Father, I thank you that we can call upon you and, and we're praying for believers that know your word and trust your word that they would go and they would vote. Some of them have already voted, but some. Father, I pray that you'd clear the way for them to know that they need to vote and let their voice as a people of God to be heard. Because we live in a nation that starts off with a constitution. We the people. And so, Father, I pray that you would help Christians see that need. And they would go, they would look at those people who are running, who they are, who they say they are, who they are associated with, and, what agenda they're going to back. And, Father, that they would vote godly according to that, to your word, that they would follow you and be strengthened by your power and your might. We're praying for America. We're praying for that revival. Alex has been pouring that on to us for the last two or three years. God, we need a revival. We desperately do. God and our God can deliver, but we can't be like it did in Hosea, chapter six, saying, okay, if we'll do this two days, on the third day, it's going to be all right. No, God, we got to stay with you, walk with you, even through difficult times and hard times. And I pray, Father, your people who are called by your name, we will humble ourselves and pray, turn from our wicked ways. And, Father, pray that we would hear you, would hear our prayers. We're praying that in Jesus name, Amen.
Alex McFarland Amen. Bert, what a great prayer. Well, we're going to begin in Michigan, Jacob, in Michigan. we were praying for your state, Jacob, I can assure you. Hello? Are you there? Jacob?
Caroline Hi, I can hear you guys now. Thank you.
Alex McFarland Yes, sure,
Bert Harper go right ahead.
Caroline Okay. Hey, thanks a lot for taking my call. I'll try to be as concise as possible, but I just, have been having a hard time understanding how the interpretation in the Bible, especially without the footnotes, leads to faith, you know, sola fide faith without, you know, faith alone, for salvation. Because there are a lot of, a lot of passages, you know, such as, if you don't, if you don't forgive, God won't forgive you. if we go to James or maybe Hebrews, 10, I think it's 26 in that area. you know, there's clearly this persistence that has to happen, this sort of work, if you will. And, I am just having a hard time understanding it. Although I will say, and I'll wrap it up now, I understand that works are evident with a genuine faith. I just don't understand the warning passages, I suppose.
Alex McFarland Great, great question, Jacob. Very important. And, Well, Bert, I'm going to throw it to you, but I, I guess I might cue it up by talking about Ephesians 2:8 through 10. It is by grace you have been saved through faith. Not. It says not of yourselves. Some translations say not of works. It is the gift of God, lest any man should boast. Now, I believe works follow a. Ah, changed life and bearing fruit. But the salvation gift is we receive it by believing in Jesus, trusting in Jesus, faith. And Romans 4, 5. Talk about that as well. In addition to Ephesians 2, 8, 10. But Bert, what do you say?
Bert Harper You are saved by grace through faith? I would say that with all my heart. Jacob, when you turn to the book of James, you say faith without works is dead. Okay? Faith. That faith is real. But if that is not what God is working out in your life, that faith is dead in the book of James. I'll just set it this way real quickly. There's a demonic faith. Even the demons believe, who Jesus is, what he's done. They even believe that. In other words, you have all the information. But I believe a lot of people that say they're saved. All they've done is believe the information without entrusting their life to them. Then you had the dead faith. Faith without works is what? Dead standing alone. And then. But there's the real faith. Notice what it says in James 1:27. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and keep well and self unspotted from the world. That's real faith. That's pure and undefiled. In other words, if this is not happening in an individual's life on an ongoing basis, it doesn't mean we mess. Don't mess up from time to time because we need to ask for forgiveness. It doesn't mean we don't get off track from time to time. But God's word does not teach a lifestyle complete going your way without turning to the Lord. So, I hope that helps. Jacob. I understand what you're saying, but that scripture that Alex read. Faith. You're saved by grace through faith that not of yourself. It is a gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. I hope that helps, Jacob.
Alex McFarland Yeah, I'll say this. We'll go to the next call. CS Lewis made the comparison. Like, he said, which blade in a pair of scissors is the most important? And he said, well, they work together, or you don't have scissors. You know, takes two blades, and it's that way. It's faith. But then authentic faith results in a changed life and works and fruit follow. Let's go to Louisiana. Jerry in Louisiana. Thank you for holding. Welcome to Exploring the Word.
Caroline Yeah, it's. Ah. All. Good afternoon.
Caroline do you hear me? You got me?
Alex McFarland Yes, sir. Yeah, you sound great.
Caroline All right. All right. yeah, y' all got a message, from. It's. It's. It's just, Sorry. Ten two. Excruciating. I have a hard time with that. A wise person, hard goes to the right, but a fool's heart to the left. And Grandma said, you can't straddle that fence. You have to get off on the right side or the left side. So our voters need to know they need to get off on that right side and vote. Amen,
Alex McFarland Jerry. Amen. That's Ecclesiastes 10, verse 2. God bless you. Bert, you want to talk about this a little bit?
Bert Harper Well, there's always a separation. The wheat and the tares, the sheep and the goats, and, it will be revealed. But I agree with you, Jerry. The right side is, going toward the Lord. it's like he's the north. It's kind of the direction. You know what I mean? He's the North Star. And so you follow God's direction. Alex, go ahead.
Alex McFarland Amen. Knowing what is truth. Following. And here's the thing. We all have a conscience, and the Holy Spirit is always working to reveal what's true. I think the Ecclesiastes 10:2. I do think it's fortuitous that it says, a wise person goes to the right, the fool goes to the left. And, we could apply that politically. But it is foolish to go against what you know is true. And to fight what is clearly false. And the left right now, the political left, they're advocating for things that are false, destructive, and in most cases, immoral. And that's why we need to get out and vote for the right. Let's go to Texas. Demetrius in Texas. Demetrius, welcome. Can you hear us?
Caroline Yeah, I can hear you guys. Well, how are you guys doing?
Alex McFarland Blessed. Thank you for calling.
Caroline So, I just want to thank you guys. a couple weeks ago, you guys prayed for me about being able to get in back into ministry and whatnot. after doing 25 years in prison, I'm actually going back to the prison I was released from and able to speak to the men in there, as I once did before.
Bert Harper Amen. Praise the.
Alex McFarland Praise God.
Bert Harper Amen. Demetrius, can we pray for you real quick, brother, and give God thanks?
Caroline Absolutely.
Bert Harper Alex, would that be all right? Would you pray?
Alex McFarland Yes. Let's pray. Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank you for Demetrius. Oh, Lord, you're such a good savior. And not only do you, forgive us and save our soul, like Joel2.25, you restore the years, the locust has eaten. Here's this man ministering the gospel in the place where he once had paid his debt to society and served time. Bless him. Keep your, hands of protection around him. Continue to grow him, guide him, use him. And, Lord, I know there are people listening, and maybe they wonder, does God still have anything for me? Lord, you are the God of a second, third, fourth, hundredth chance, maybe even right now, some people are going to turn back to you and say, lord, cleanse me and fill me and use me like you've done with Demetrius. Lord, we praise you, and we just pray for the restoration in so many lives like you've done in his. We give you the glory. In Christ's name I pray. Amen. M.
Bert Harper Amen. Hallelujah, Demetrius, hallelujah.
Alex McFarland Amen. Thank you
Caroline guys so much. The guys love you guys program, and they're so much.
Alex McFarland Thank you. To God be the glory.
Bert Harper We love them too. We do. Thank God for the prisoners.
Alex McFarland one of the most beautiful places, Iowa. this is Deb in Iowa. Deb, welcome. I've been up there to preach in a number of places. you live in a very special part of our country.
Caroline Oh, wow. Thank you. Yes. Burton. Alex, I thank you for your ministry. I love your program. I'm, of the opinion that if you. You can't be a Democrat and a Christian, both, considering the Democratic party policies are sinful and sometimes anti God, Godless. I wish the, churches would deal with that and speak out about it more. Do you guys agree, do you think? I feel like I'm, you know, they're not saying, my, the churches that I go to didn't even remind, us to vote, which I thought, oh, my goodness, they're not in being involved with the culture and, you know, trying to steer people in the right direction because they don't address, you know, that topic.
Alex McFarland let me, say this, and Bert, I'm gonna let you jump in. Yeah. I've said that in, in a few pulpits, that if you're a born again believer, I really don't see how you rationally could be a claim to be a follower of Jesus and his Word and vote Democrat. and I've had people, if you say that, and I think it needs to be said, just know that when you say it, there are going to be some people that get really ill with you. But I've asked people, I've said, look, you know, the killing of babies, the same sex marriage, transgenderism, the lawlessness, standing against Israel and for Muslims. I mean, in what universe could you claim to be a follower of Jesus and advocate for things that the word of God soundly, clearly, unequivocally condemns? and Bert, I think we, I'll say this, I'll throw it to you. We've got to remember, if we become a Christian, then we are not in the driver's seat of life anymore. God is in the driver's seat. And so as a disciple, I have to follow God's word. And so much of where the culture is right now is contrary to God's word. So, I'm going to say this, I'm only speaking for Alex McFarland, but if you're a, truly born again Christian and you vote, vote, you cast your vote for the enemies of God, you're in sin.
Bert Harper Okay? There's a lot of scripture to back that up. If you don't believe it, read Leviticus, chapter 20. Now, I know that's in the Old Testament, but when you affirm evil, you're participating in it. Okay, that's just enough said. But yesterday I preached about, you know, Psalm 11:3, if the foundations be destroyed, what do the righteous do? And I combine that with Jon 10:10, Satan the enemy has come to kill, steal and what? Destroy. And Satan is out to destroy the foundations of a country. Not that we were perfect, but the foundations were set that we could correct the things that that was wrong, like slavery, voting in different ways and so many things, child labor laws. And who was on the front lines making those changes, Alex?
Alex McFarland Christians. William Wilberforce
Bert Harper really were. And so we're thanking God. So we need to be on the front lines saying, yes, there is danger in socialism, there's the danger of Sharia law. And those and what they're doing, the combination of those are they're coming against us because they have a common enemy. And it is Bible, thought, biblical worldview. It's anti socialism. It is anti, Islam, it's anti sin. So develop that worldview and vote. Right. Go ahead, Alex.
Alex McFarland Well, this has been exploring the Word. We're going to, continue on tomorrow, good Lord willing. And read on in Hosea 7, if you would. And following. But folks, pray. Pray for our nation. And I'm praying in the name of Jesus that the Republicans would retain both houses of Congress. Talarico would lose. Come on, Bible belt Texans, get out there and vote. And, our nation needs Jesus. That's my prayer.
Bert Harper Get out and vote and vote early. And then spend the day praying God, have your way. And as Alex said, pray that these Republicans on the right side would carry the day. That's our prayer. In Jesus name, amen. Ah.
The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American
In this episode of Exploring the Word, Alex and Bert study Hosea 6–8 and examine the difference between merely saying the right words and genuinely returning to God. Through Hosea’s vivid images, a morning cloud that quickly vanishes, an unturned cake, a senseless dove, and a crooked bow, they explore Israel’s fleeting repentance, spiritual complacency, and refusal to seek the Lord wholeheartedly.
The conversation considers what God desires beyond religious routines: mercy, obedience, and a real knowledge of him. Alex and Bert connect Hosea’s warnings to the challenge of living out an authentic faith, discussing how good works follow genuine trust in Christ without earning salvation. They also take listener calls on faith and works, share a story of ministry and restoration after prison, and pray for the United States and its people.
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