>> 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.
Hosea 8: A Special Book for Revival and Unchanging Realities in Christ
Alex McFarland Hosea8 has always been kind of special to me because for one thing, the first revival meeting I ever got to preach, I felt led to preach a message out of Hosea chapter eight. And we'll get to those verses as well. But this is Exploring the Word with Alex and Bert. And it is a great day in the Lord is a fantastic day to be, alive and a child of the king. The scripture is still the infallible word of God. And we're just going to talk about the great, realities that we have. The un, unchanging, unshakable realities as those who know the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Join with us. If you've got a Bible, turn to the Old Testament book of Hosea. And we're going to continue to look at that.
Reflecting on Today's Spiritual and Cultural Realities and Insights from Hosea
And Bert, I welcome you and it's great to be with you. And hey, let's just acknowledge the, the elephant in the room. There's probably a lot of folks, myself included, that are just, reflecting on the spiritual and cultural realities of the day. And Bert, I just love you and I respect you. You're a man of God of many decades. do you have any insights and wisdom of where we are, Bert?
Bert Harper I do. I woke up this morning knowing that I we were going to be in Hosea 8 and I started reading it and, and I just want to tell you, yeah, it does describe us. but when I got to chapter 10 and I know that's ahead of time, and, he was talking and it said, concerning the nation of Israel, the northern kingdom, you've sown yourselves, sow for yourselves righteousness and reap mercy. Break up your fallow ground.
The Need for Revival and Breaking Up Fallow Ground According to Hosea
M. It's time to seek the Lord till he comes and reigns. Righteousness on you. Now, I knew we needed revival before yesterday. I knew. But guess what? It revealed how much we really do need revival. It's a spiritual need that we have. And it was revealed in the ballots of people how they voted. But guess what? God says, if you will sow righteousness, you can reap mercy. But before you do that, you got to break up the fallow ground. Because guess what? If seed lands on hard ground, it does not germinate. it Just lays there. But so we want to break up the fallow ground. And that's what Hosea 8 and 9 does before they get to 10. Because in chapter 8, verse 1, it says, set the trumpet to your mouth. Now, when you see that in the Old Testament, Greek, Hebrew writers, you're listening to them, we've got an announcement, we've got a battle, we've got something really important when you hear, hear the trumpet blow. And so he said, yes, Assyrians are coming. The Assyrians are coming.
Hope in Hosea 10 and Reflections on Vance Havner's Favorite Scripture
And, so here it is. Alex, I think we can look at, Hosea 8, 9, 10. But come to 10 and we'll have hope. We still can turn to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Alex McFarland Amen. Amen. And I want to get to Hosea 8, but you mentioned the Hosea 10, 12 that we will get to. you'll appreciate this, I think, about the breaking up of the fallow ground. I had the great privilege, great, privilege of being friends with Vance Havner's brother in law, a dear saint of God named Joe Allred. And, Vince Havner was married to a woman named Sarah Allred Havner, long since gone to be of the Lord. And you might think, gee, I don't know who these people are. Well, Vance Havner was a great, great evangelist, very prolific author. And Bert and I quote him every now and then. But his brother in law would tell me how that was just about Vance Havner's favorite scripture to preach on for revivals. Hosea 10, 12.
The Human Heart as Fallow Ground and Loyalty to Christ Amidst Societal Shifts
And the fallow ground is the ground that has laid dormant untiled now, Hosea 8. We're going to see some reasons why that ground needed to be cultivated. And really the analogy, Bert, and you feel free to add on or correct me, but it's the human heart and we need, maybe right now, folks, your heart is kind of turning and, all the blue. Tsunami. And my goodness. Pro abortionist, pro transgender, pro Muslims, anti Israel, pro socialism. I mean, the election landscape from a human perspective, I'll just say it, is as bad as it could be if you're a God fearing conservative. The election results from, you know, 18 hours ago could not be worse. So what do we do? We. Well, I think we remember who God is. The true and living God. And as much as I love America, and Lord knows I do, I love this country. I'm very, patriotic. But in any scenario, my first and foremost loyalty is to Jesus Christ.
Christian Duty to Evangelize and Personal Recommitment to Mission for Jesus
I, belong to Jesus. You belong to Jesus Fellow Christian, our job is to get people saved. We, we've got one button on our keyboard, and that is the Great Commission, and we can do that anywhere. Now, I care about our nation, but, Bert, I think, the fallow ground analogy, and in Hebrews, I'm sorry, Hosea8, we're going to talk about how it is time and the first heart to be cultivated. It's. It's yours and it's mine. I don't know about anybody else, but I know Alex McFarland can get on my knees and call out to Jesus and recommit and reaffirm that I am on mission for Jesus. And, Bert, isn't that all of us right now? And revival comes when we do that and we say, lord, I'm, yours. You, you are the Lord, I am the follower.
Recognizing the Need for Personal Prayer and Transgressing God's Covenant
And, let the spirit of God possess our heart and our life once again afresh and anew.
Bert Harper Preach it, brother. I couldn't help but think of the song. it's not my brother, it's not my sister, but it's me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. And listen. that's what needs to happen. Listen to these words. And we're going to go over this, kind of faster than usual, I think. But notice these words, because they have transgressed my covenant. That's what they've done.
Israel's Purposeful Rejection of God and the Concept of Intentional Sins
Ah, and my God, we know you, Israel has cast off the good. The enemy will pursue him. They've cast it off. They've done it purposely. This is not something they do. Oh, yeah. Ah. not think. No, they're purposely going against God. Transgression has the idea of purpose, Alex. You know, they are sins. playing basketball, you had fouls, and then you could have some intentional fouls. When you had an intentional foul, the penalty was greater. And that guy would go to the foul line and he'd get two shots. And if it was a technical foul, they'd get that, and then they would get the ball and you could be thrown out of the game.
Purposeful Transgression and the Rejection of God's Kings and Idolatry
Well, this transgress, my covenant is purposeful. It is one that they did it purpose, and they've cast off the good. That really stuck with me. One more thing, verse, 4, 5, and 6, they set up kings, but not by me. You know, they're getting their king throwing it. Without even seeking God, they just go and they do the king. Princes not acknowledging God, they do it for silver and gold. Whatever feeds their mind. Your calf is rejected, O Samaria. Now this is going back to Jeroboam Excuse me. When he set up, worship at Bethel and, Samaria. And they would go there to worship, and it was a calf. My anger is aroused against them. For Israel is even this. A workman made it.
The Danger of Making Government or Any Entity a God and Its Downfall
It is not God, but the calf of Samaria shall be broken to pieces. there's, what you have lifted up. Okay, let me just say this. And I think it can be said if you make government your God. I don't care if you're a, the nation of Israel or anyone. Look at Egypt. They had made what. How many gods did the plagues. 10 different plagues against 10 different gods. And what did God do? He brought them down. And so any nation that does that. So here it is. If government is your God, I just want to tell you, it will be broken down. Alex, am I misreading this or does it say
Alex McFarland that you're right and, you know, I think it, it reminds us how blessed it is when, a constitutional America had God honoring leaders. You know, let me just say this. You know, like, with, ah, Talarico winning in Texas, who has just been. He's made so much of the fact that he is a seminary student. And you know, it's, it's funny how the left has no room for Christianity, the Bible, or the true and living God, unless you happen to be a Marxist and suddenly, a religious candidate is okay.
The Law of God Counted Strange and the Consequences of Sowing to the Wind
But here's the thing. I think about, Talarico and all the Bible verses he quoted. you know, it reminds me of like verse 12. I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing. You know, the very same Bible that talks about, you know, God loves everybody. Well, yeah, but it also talks about God is a righteous God and a, ah, holy God. I'm going to go back to a little bit. You mentioned verse seven. They have sown to the wind and they reap a whirlwind. That. That is like America swallowed, up among the gentiles, like, a wild animal out lost in the wilderness. but religion has gone on. Verse 11. Ephraim hath made many altars to sin. Altars shall be unto him to sin.
False Altars and Religions Leading to Condemnation Versus Repentance in Christ
Now, when you think about an altar, you think, oh, that's a good thing. You make a sacrifice. But if you're making a false sacrifice and engaged in a false religion, like Islam, or atheistic Marxism, socialism, or, you know, moral relativism. Bert, there was a video, two hours ago of many women, probably 20 to 50, and they were Singing Abortion is back, baby. Celebrating. I mean, having a jump up and down celebration that because all these Democrats, they promised within the first hundred hours of the new Congress, in January they would remove all restrictions against abortion. And I think about this, I mean, the religion of, license, okay, the true altar is to come back to Calvary and, and repent and believe in Jesus and religion. All it does is pile up condemnation, whether it be some false religion, occultic religion, or moral indulgence, relativism, carnality. All it's doing is heaping up condemnation. So Bert, we've got frankly, a fantastic opportunity to help people find Jesus.
A Glorious Opportunity for Christians Amidst Disappointing Election Results
I mean, this is a glorious time to be a Christian. Little disappointing in the election. Absolutely. But let's refresh and recommit and just triple down on the fact that we are the ambassadors of Christ. Ah, good times, hard times. At all times.
Bert Harper Preach it. Amen. Verse 14, the last, verse in chapter 8. For Israel has forgotten his maker.
Founding Fathers' Vision for America and the Importance of Obedience to God
Alex, when I say that I could not help our founding fathers, all how they set it up. But Jon Adams said this, you know, is. What is this nation? Well, we've got a republic and it's a constitutional republic and it's free, but we got to keep it. it's only made for a moral and religious people. And when he said religious, it was Christian religion.
Alex McFarland Yes.
Bert Harper Not, not Islam, not others, but Christ, that what he brought to us. We're gonna come back with more and we're gonna continue in chapter nine. And he's got some warnings here, some judgments, but again, we wanna get to that. Breaking up that fallow ground. Cause we want our heart, my heart, your heart. Be right with God so he can do his work in a heart filled with love for Him. We'll be right back.
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Reflections on Disappointment and the Warnings of Judgment in Hosea Nine
It. Woke up this morning. I think Brent played on picking that phone. song played on what we were talking about. We woke up this morning a little depressed, disappointed. Thank you, Brent. Appreciate it. Man,
Alex McFarland I wish today was the day.
Bert Harper Amen. Well, we're in chapter nine of Hosea and just we want to look at some of this. This is so important. but look at verse one. Do not Rejoice, for you have played the harlot against your God. the threshing floor or the winepress shall not feed them.
Consequences of Judgment: Loss of Produce and Exile for the Northern Kingdom
The new wine shall fail in her. Listen, there's some judgment coming. The things that you thought you had, they're not going to produce. and they're going to be punished severely. Verse three is very severe. They shall not dwell in the Lord's land, but Ephraim shall return to Egypt and, and shall eat unclean things in Assyria. Now, when they talk about Egypt here, it's not talking about the literal Egypt, it's talking about what took place. You'll return to this place, out of your land. You're not going to be here anymore. Matter of fact, this Ephraim, this Israel we're talking about are, the 10 northern tribes that went along with Jeroboam after Solomon's death. And, and you know, Alex, after that happened, they never had a revival. I was hearing someone say it. If you look at the southern kingdom, Judah, you can count at least five different revivals that they had during their, existence. They'd get away from God, but then there'd be a revival. They'd discover the word of God, they'd turn to God. But the northern kingdom, not a single time do we find in their history that they would turn to God. And here it is. They are going to lose and dwell out of the land. We don't know where those ten tribes are now. God does, but we don't.
The Northern Tribes' Disappearance and Spiritual Leaders' Failure Leading to Punishment
but here it is. They're going to be overrun by Syria and, 722 B.C. they're going to be no more. And that's the warning he gives them there in chapter nine.
Alex McFarland Exactly. Let me read this a little bit. Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy as other people. For thou hast gone a whoring from thy God, thou hast loved a reward upon every corn floor. the floor and the wine press shall not feed them. And the new wine shall not fail. The new wine shall fail her. So, you know, like a threshing floor or a granary produced food. But no, it's not going to do that. They shall not dwell in the Lord's land, but Ephraim shall return to Egypt and they shall eat unclean things in Assyria. You know, Bert, to have to be so hungry as to eat, ceremonially impure foods, I mean, that would be very demoralizing for a Jewish person. But they're going to have to do that because they've wandered from The Lord, verse five asks a question. What you. What will you do in the solemn day and in the day of the feast of the Lord? Well, the word solemn means appointed day. You know, there was a weekly Shabbat, a Sabbath, then there were throughout the year feast days. But no pious Jew enslaved in a foreign land could really enjoy. I mean they went through the motions and they kept the culture and the religion going. But to have to do things for the true and living God in the land of false gods, that had to be very demoralizing.
Bert Harper It was. So guess what's happening. Look at verse seven. The days of punishment have come. The days of recompense have come. Israel knows the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is insane because of the greatness of your iniquity and great in enmity.
Revival in Churches and the Importance of Preaching Christ Alone for Salvation
Alex, the leaders, the spiritual leaders failed. And we know quite a few wokeness in churches here in our day, accepting things that God says is, is sin. It again just so horrible. the watchman of Ephraim is with my God. But the prophet is a fouler snare in his ways. Again, they're going after, but God's going to say the day of punishment and recompense has come now. Again, that was them. That's one reason I say we need revival in the churches. We need to pray and seek God and preach that salvation is in Christ and Christ alone, and that we turn to him in obedience and missional purpose, that we carry out God's work. So Alex, this is one of the reasons I said man, this is a, good for us to hear.
The Necessity of Turning to God and Sowing Righteousness to Reap Mercy
We need to turn to God. And that's what God is telling them to do. And I know referring back all the way to 10, 12 or up to it, I should say break up your fallow ground. This is the reason they, they were just. Their hearts were hardened, their lives were hardened and they were going their way. And now they're going to. They've. They've sown the wind, they're weeping the whirlwind. Mm mm,
Prophets as Snares and the Condemnation of Compromised Pulpits in the Church
Alex McFarland you know, back in verse, chapter nine, it says the watchman of Ephraim was with my God, but the prophet is a snare of a fowler in all his ways and hatred in the house of God. Now, somebody, a fowler is somebody trying to catch a bird, and a trap for a bird is a snare. Isn't it amazing in verse eight that a prophet would be a snare to the people? Bert, let me just say this about three Weeks ago, Rick Metaxas put out a little social media piece. Rick is a great friend, a prolific author, and we've worked with him for many, many years. But he, he put out a pretty hard piece that said, the American pulpit is destroying the. The American church and not helping America. And he's talking about the, you know, motivational speaker type preachers that are kind of milquetoast. And, I know there are many good pastors out there. We thank the Lord for them. And certainly Bert and I try to be faithful proclaimers. But, back to Vance Havner. Vance Havner would say, look, sometimes the job is words of comfort. Sometimes the preacher's job is words of affliction and a prophet that's a snare to the people. is that almost like a preacher that when the, the absolute soul of the nation is on the line, but just smiling, life is good, all is well.
Deep Corruption and Barrenness as Punishment for Israel's Idolatry
That. That's. That's not faithfully thundering down from Mount Sinai. The truth of a righteous God, is it.
Bert Harper It is not so. Therefore, verse nine, after they say that they are deeply corrupted. Wow. Corrupt, rotten to the core. And so you continue, though. And again, Ephraim is in The Northern Tribes. 10 Tribes refer to Ephraim because it was the largest tribe. So Hosea would refer to them as this. And you read verses 10, and following you, you find out again, the. They are barren. this is the punishment they're getting.
Worshiping False Gods and the Murder of Children: A Nation's Rejection of God
God's trying to get their attention, but they keep on going toward their false gods. They go to the calves at Bethel and Samaria. They go and they're worshiping, but they're worshiping false gods. And notice verse 11. As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird. No birth, no pregnancy and no conception. And again, just verse 13. Just as I saw Ephraim, like Tyre, planted in a pleasant place. So Ephraim will bring out his children to the murderer. Listen, God's given them that. God's given us America. What a blessing it has been. And again, we're not replacing. The church hasn't. America is not the church. But we're the salt. And the church is. But America was founded on these principles. And what has happened? Again, they've. We've been planted in a pleasant place. But what are we doing? Because of our decisions, we're murdering our children, just like you talked about. They're celebrating murder. Abortion being back.
The Value of Life and God's Judgment for Nations That Reject Him
They're celebrating murder. And, you can say what you want to. That is life. The only difference in that two year old. And that, that baby that's still in the womb is time and location, that's the only difference. And so here it is, the judgment is coming. Barrenness is part of that. They're trying to get it and be plentiful and fruitful, but their works is not producing what it needs to. Alex.
Alex McFarland Well, and you know, verse 11, their glory will fly away like a bird. they bring up their children, yet I will bereave them. There shall not be a man left. Yea, woe to, to them when I depart from them. Verse 12 of Hosea 9. Woe to any people when God departs. interest, verse 13. I say, interesting. It's really tragic. Ephraim shall bring forth his children to the murderer. Isn't that something?
Demographic Winter and the Consequences of Abortion on National Future
Bert Harper It is. That's it.
Alex McFarland sociologists talk about the fact that America, essentially m is in a state of demographic winter. Now the Muslims are having plenty of children and there are certainly children that are brought up in illegitimacy and homelessness. But the nuclear family, where there's a mother and a father and they in, in morality and fidelity, bring up children who learn morality and fidelity. The growth rate there is essentially zero. And you know, Bert, I've got the great privilege, for Dan Steiner. I'm going to Florida tomorrow and I'll be speaking. Lee Strobel and myself were speaking at the preborn, national conference. And I've got the incredible honor Friday. Ah, I'll be the closing speaker. And my subject will be what is a human being? And one of the great measurements of any nation is how they treat the innocent, the violence, vulnerable, the fragile, but how we treat children. Amen. And when I read about the children of Ephraim going before the murderer, I think about how as of, as of sanctity of Human Life Sunday two years ago, they estimate 85 million American babies have been aborted since 73. And I think about this, Bert, all of the millions and millions and millions and millions of illegals that have come here and now the Muslims and five dozen are holding office. Now, first Muslim senator, you know, it's like, here's the thing, you cannot escape the consequences of sin. And the millions of natural born American children that could have been raised in Christian homes or at least two parent homes, that they don't exist because we aborted them. Well, into that vacuum have come millions of other people. And yes, God loves them, we want them saved.
The Price of Sin and God's Casting Away of Disobedient Nations
We have no ill will for anybody. But Bert, there's just no way around it. if you sin, it comes with a price tag. And in the case of America, that price, might just very well be our very future.
Bert Harper It really is, alex. Notice verse 16 and 17. At the last of chapter 9, Ephraim is stricken. They shall bear no fruit. Yes, were they to bear children, I would kill the beloved fruit of their womb. That's what they were doing. And again, you, remember what happened in Egypt. The firstborn death angel. But look at verse 17. My God will cast them away because they did not obey him. And they shall be wanderers among the nations. Again, we're going back to the historical place here. Anytime you interpret scripture, you've got to look at grammatical historical before you start trying to apply it here. If you don't, you'll get way off track here. What's going to happen to these northern, ten northern tribes? The, they're going to be dispersed. Assyria is coming in. they're going to bring other people into the land that occupy where they were. And so that they were losing, and let me say, their identity. Okay, losing their identity. God will cast them away because they did not obey him.
Obedience Better Than Sacrifice and the History of the Divided Kingdom
Alex. Obedience. Is there anything, ah, concerning a Christian, a, church, a nation that takes the place of obedience to God's word?
Alex McFarland No, there's, nothing better. that's 1st Samuel 15:22, that obedience is better than sacrifice. It validates, you know, the old saying. I've said it many times, I ponder on it, Bert. Consistency validates authenticity. I mean, we can say, oh, I'm, I'm true blue, I'm genuine for the Lord. But, well, you know, I think about, Luke, Luke 6:46, where Jesus said, you know, why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do the things I say? So obedience is better than sacrifice. And verse 17 Hosea 9 concludes, it says, they did not listen to him. My God will cast them away because they did not hearken or listen to him. And they shall be wanderers among the nations. And the Jewish people for many centuries were, but it wasn't the divided kingdom stage. It was from the nine hundreds, for, you know, for a couple of hundred years. And then finally, the Northern Kingdomnomics, those ten tribes were conquered by the Assyrians, weren't they?
Bert Harper Were. You have Rehoboam and, and Jeroboam. It's funny how their names and, and again, Rehoboam was, was Solomon. Yeah. And he became the king. And out of that again, you can go through the lineage. And you see that there were good kings. And we said it earlier and it'd be worth your read there through the Scriptures of First and Second Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and those tell the history.
Rebellion Against God Fueled by Finance and Control: A Parallel to Politics
And then first and Second Chronicles, they cover part of it once again with a little different aspect. kind of like the COVID the same period of time, but they bring in different avenues and different things, that take place in Sid. But when you see this in Jeroboam, purposely just rebelled against God, went against God, brought the calves in again, Bethel, Samaria, set them up and said, you don't have to go to Jerusalem to worship. You can come here and worship. I think he did it for control. I think he did it for finance. So, and those two things, Alex, finance, control, a lot of that drove the politics that we had yesterday, didn't they?
Alex McFarland Power and money. Well, we're going to take your Bible questions. The number 885-898-40, 888-58-9840. Call us with your Bible questions. Or maybe you just need to need to talk. We're here for you after this break.
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Bert Harper 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 afr
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A Call for Jesus Amidst Societal Madness and Loss of Reason
Caroline Honestly, I think we just need Jesus. Have we all gone mad? Have we lost our minds? But it used to be wrong. We say that is right. Honestly, I think we just need Jesus.
Concluding Thoughts on Exploring the Word and Contact Information
Take a good long look.
Alex McFarland Amen. We just need Jesus.
Bert Harper Amen.
Alex McFarland Exploring the Word bert Harper. Alex McFarland. So honored that you're listening. By the way, the number, if you've got a Bible question, it's 888-589-8840. Triple 858-9840 and if you ever want to email us, you can email Bible questionsordfr.net or any other correspondence you might want to share with us. We always love to hear from everybody and that's just such a blessing.
Hosea Chapter Ten Preview: Revival is Possible, Even in Dark Times
Bert, as we we're going to pick it up good Lord willing in Hosea chapter 10 tomorrow. The good thing about it is revival is possible. And I think a lot of people maybe have never really been in a revival. Used to be churches always had revival meetings, didn't they?
Bert Harper Oh yes, that's where I was saved as a 12 year old boy. we had revivals in August. Now I was in a farming community and, and the reason they had it in August was, it was called, and we would use this term, the fields were laid by, that meant they had been planted, they had sprouted, they had grown. And we back then, you know, didn't have all pre emergence but we had different things that's going on and but we were freer during August and on that Tuesday night of revival, this, this guy got saved. And we're talking about a long time ago. So I've been saved 62 years and I can say, you know, the longer I serve him, the sweeter he grows. And so those of you who are listening right now, trust Jesus. this would be a great time. Yeah, it's difficult out there. It's dark. You know what? You did you ever hear the story about Cliff Young? I'm going to tell this real quick, Alex. Cliff Young, the m, ultra marathon runner. You ever heard of him?
Alex McFarland I'm not sure I have.
The Story of Cliff Young: Running Through Darkness with Jesus as Our Light
Bert Harper Okay. It was in Australia. He was an Australian rancher, farmer. And there's going to have an ultra marathon running from Sydney to Melbourne. We're talking about hundreds of miles. He showed up, he showed up in his overalls and his boots and everybody thought he was there to observe them taking off. But he went to the registration table, he registered and got his number and, and he was going to run. Everybody was kind of laughing and smirking because he didn't have any teeth because he had dentures. But when he ran they rattled so he took them out. So he didn't have any teeth and kind of mocking him and everything, but he lines up and all these great runners, they take off. You know, they're, they got their name brand suits on and their tennis, their running shoes on. He's got his old boots on and they start running and man, they get out and, and Leave Cliff behind. But guess what happens. Here's what they did. They would run, 16 hours. excuse me, 18 hours and then rest six hours. Cliff didn't know that. So guess what he did. He ran. He
Alex McFarland just kept running.
Bert Harper He kept running through the darkness. And he won the race 10 hours before the second people came in. Oh
Alex McFarland my
Bert Harper m. Goodness. He broke that record at that time. But he. And I love that illustration. So what do you do when things are dark? You keep running. Jesus is our light. We can follow him and we, we. He directs our paths. So my encouragement to everybody who is down and out, what do you do? You keep running. It may be dark out there, but Jesus is the light and we follow Him.
Alex McFarland Amen. Well, we're going to take our first call from Virginia. is this, ah, Vilma from Virginia.
A Caller's Encouragement: God is Still on the Throne and His Grace is Sufficient
Jesus is the light. Hey, if you don't mind turning the volume down on the radio and it won't kind, of feed back like that. are you there?
Caroline Yes,
Alex McFarland welcome. Thank you for calling. What you got?
Caroline What I got is a lot of discouragement from people with this result. Right,
Alex McFarland right.
Caroline My, my, my communists, maybe a lot of Republicans, they don't get out to vote. Maybe they're just discouraged for what's going on. But we need to know, like Habakkuk220 say God is still in the throne.
Alex McFarland Amen.
Caroline And like. And my call is to lift up all those skin down. We are not on the floor. We still believe that God can do mighty things.
Bert Harper Amen. Amen. And we're God
Alex McFarland believing
Bert Harper it. Yeah, we believe it. And listen, grace saves us. But Alex, the grace of God is sufficient in all. Paul, my grace is sufficient. When is it sufficient? All the time in prison, out of prison. He said, I know how to abound, but also have to know what it is to be in need. And his grace is sufficient. And it's sufficient for 2026, November 4th. His Grace is good.
Alex McFarland Amen. The caller mentioned, verse 20 of Habakkuk chapter 2. But the Lord is in his holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before him. Praise God, sister. You are a blessing. I think we all needed to hear that. And God is in control.
A Call for Prayer and Support for Those Facing Hardship and Brokenness
The number. If you've got a question or comment for exploring the word, it's triple 858-98-8840. We're gonna go to Steve. Steve, are you there?
Caroline Yes,
Alex McFarland yes,
Caroline I'd like to remain anonymous, but, going through a hard time. I'm someone who is very successful and it's Built a nice life for myself despite being autistic and adhd. And I'm kind of a prominent person. But I have an issue, and I'm broken. My spirit is broken. And I've asked God for healing, and I've got nothing in return. And I don't have no faith, and I don't know what to do.
Alex McFarland Well, listen, my friend, first of all, Bert and I were very humbled that you would call. And, has there been that time when you've trusted Christ to be saved? I mean, your soul is saved. You've put your faith in Jesus, I hope. Is that right? Amen. Amen. I want to encourage you, and I'm going to throw it to Bert. brother, God loves you very, very much, and God is with you. And in life, you know, there are physical and all sorts of circumstances that, can take away our joy, doesn't take away our salvation. But, you know, whatever you're going through, first of all, the Lord is with you, and the Lord is for you, and the Lord understands what you're going through. I do want to encourage you, and I'm glad that you, like you say, you've built a nice life and the Lord's provided for you. all of life is stewardship for the Christian. And I want to encourage you to find a Christian therapist. there are many you could call focus on the family. 1-800-A- Family. in my home state, there's associates, ah, in Christian Counseling, which is a great ministry started by Gary Chapman, and they know counselors all over the country. But, there's nothing wrong with going to a counselor to talk and get feedback. And so, in the spirit of Christian stewardship, I want you to believe that God has a better day for you, because he does. But I want to encourage you to get some counseling because, Bert, isn't it true we can be in the thick of it and we think there's no hope. But there is always hope, isn't there, Bert?
Bert Harper There is, Steve. You're alive, you're breathing. And you are. You're Difficult circumstances, depressed anxiety has. It sounds like it has flooded you. It may be over one issue or it may be over all that you're feeling. But Alex is right. Get help if you've got a dear friend. don't try to hide, if you can trust them don't try to hide what all is going on. We, need one another. there's that old. It's a secular song, but I love it. Lean on Me when you're weary, and there's a lot of times we need to lean on one another. There was this one guy that was trying to get to Jesus. He couldn't, but he had four friends, and they brought him to Jesus. And, so we're telling you and encouraging you, we're going to pray. And Steve, right now, you've got a whole group of people all over the United States and other places in the world, and they're going to join us in praying for you. Get that. Was it 800? A family that's focused on the family. Yeah. That's a great ministry. Steve, is it all right if I pray, Alex?
Alex McFarland Yes, please,
Prayer for Steve: Seeking God's Help and Healing Through Counseling
Bert Harper Father. We're praying for Steve right now. We can hear that brokenness, and we can hear the anxiety and the heartache that he is going through. He's overcome a lot of things that he said already. Although he had these issues, difficulties, Father, he has worked and you've provided, and, Father, you'll provide for him now. And I pray, God, that you would open up his mind to being able to get the help that he needs, open up his heart that he would seek you. And, Father, there's sometimes when we praise you and we pray, and yet that weight is still on us. And I pray he would find that person that could strengthen him and help him and that he could depend on. And I'm praying this and believing this. In Jesus name, Amen.
Understanding 'Bless God': Worship and Praise in the Christian Vernacular
Alex McFarland Amen. Amen. We're. Steve, we're lifting you up, brother. Well, we're going to go to Missouri, also, Steve, Stephen, Missouri, Are you there?
Caroline Yes, I am. And thank you so much for taking my call. my question is this. I have read a lot of Charles Spurgeon stuff, but I have never had a time when I couldn't agree with what he said. And he says we should bless God. But I remember reading, Melchizedek blessing Abraham, and the study note said, the lesser cannot, bless the greater. And I'm just a worthless piece of dirt. A sinful, worthless piece of dirt compared to God. So how can I bless God?
The Meaning of 'Bless God' and its Application in Christian Worship
I'm confused.
Alex McFarland let me weigh in on this, and, Bert, I'll throw it to you. you don't hear that phrase as much as you used to. I know when I was growing up, my grandmother and some of the older people would say, bless God. And I really. I think, in our vernacular, and certainly probably the way Spurgeon would have used it 100 years ago, was really worship. You know, when we bless God, the way they use that term, I believe, was, praise God. I'm acknowledging the goodness of God, the nature of God. So, Bert, I really think it was kind of a term of worship as I understood it. You know, let us exalt his name together.
Bert Harper Yeah, I do. I had friends when I was. I hadn't even thought about that in a long time, Steve, because I had several friends, and they were older than me when I was younger. Yes. A long time ago. And. And they would say, well, bless God. And I thought the same thing Steve did. And I started asking them, and they said, well, we're just praising the Lord. Bless God. And we want God to receive glory and honor. And I. I think you're right on. And so could they improve the vernacular? I think they could, yes. You know, but I don't think it's something that you should. It doesn't have to make you say, I can't listen to anything else they say. I don't think it's that at all. So, Steve. Thank you, Alex. Before we go to another caller, Brent, did you say we have, something that's come in on Facebook?
Prayer for Jeff: Overcoming Spiritual Attack and Returning to God
Yeah. I've got a prayer request from Jeff. He's, asking for prayer because he is under attack. He's fallen back into his old ways, he says. Okay, Alex, would you pray for Jeff real quickly?
Alex McFarland Yes, yes. Let's, pray together, folks. Father, in the name of Jesus, we lift up Jeff and Lord, I pray that you would put a hedge of protection around him. And Lord, he says he's under spiritual attack, and there's mention of falling back into some old ways. Lord, deliver him by your Holy Spirit. Call him. Call him to repentance, which means to turn. To turn to Christ. And, Father, any yoke or bondage or any foothold that the devil has in his life, let that be broken. In Jesus name, bring him back to the place of peace and obedience, the solid ground of discipleship, not the miry clay of sin and the flesh. We lift Jeff up to you, and we thank you for how you're going to work, and you are working in his life. We lift him up to you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Bert Harper Amen.
Changing Familiar Habits: Replacing Old Temptations with New Christian Community
Let me say one thing, and I know we got Mark on the line, but let me say what you want to do. Jeff, I hope you're listening. Change the familiar. Okay, I had this guy, he. He hung out at the bars. He did all that. And, he was new Christian, is struggling, and I said, change your familiar. Make make church and home your familiar. That when you are under attack, you go to the new familiar, not the old familiar. Don't go back to that bar. Don't go to that way. Come to that newness that Jesus Christ has opened up. It really helped him. I hope it'll help you, Jeff.
Alex McFarland That's a good word, Bert.
Prayer for Mark's Son and a Plea for Revival and God's Way in America
Mark in Texas. Mark, rather quickly, if you don't mind, because time is ticking away, but. Well, yeah,
Caroline yeah. yes, Dr. Alex, I just want to ask for prayer for my son as he starts his nursing program this January.
Alex McFarland Amen. Starting what program?
Bert Harper A nursing. Nursing program. Amen.
Alex McFarland That is great.
Bert Harper Hey, you got. You gotta. You know that, program, don't you, Alex?
Alex McFarland I remember when my dear wife was in nursing school. That's. That's great. And, Bert, as we kind of wrap up here, pray for Mark's son and. And the country, would you?
Bert Harper Father, thank you for Mark calling. Thank you for him loving his son. Man. We need more dads that love their children enough to pray for them and ask others. And I'm praying for his son to. As he starts this new program, that you would give him success and, Father, that you would use him. And we're praying for America, God, we need revival. We need to turn to you. And I pray that the pulpits would do and reign the word of God in righteousness to revolution. Righteousness of God. And Father, that we would turn to you, believing you, understanding that you have something better when we go your way and not our way.
Encouragement and Strength to Run Through Darkness Until Jesus Returns
So, God, thank you again for this program. I hope it's been a blessing and an encouragement those who have listened today, because we're standing in the need of encouragement right now. But give us strength as we run through the darkness. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
Alex McFarland Amen. Amen. Thank you for listening to Exploring the Word. Tell somebody about the program if you would, but most of all, tell everybody about Jesus.
Abraham Hamilton III The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
>> 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.
Hosea 8: A Special Book for Revival and Unchanging Realities in Christ
Alex McFarland Hosea8 has always been kind of special to me because for one thing, the first revival meeting I ever got to preach, I felt led to preach a message out of Hosea chapter eight. And we'll get to those verses as well. But this is Exploring the Word with Alex and Bert. And it is a great day in the Lord is a fantastic day to be, alive and a child of the king. The scripture is still the infallible word of God. And we're just going to talk about the great, realities that we have. The un, unchanging, unshakable realities as those who know the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Join with us. If you've got a Bible, turn to the Old Testament book of Hosea. And we're going to continue to look at that.
Reflecting on Today's Spiritual and Cultural Realities and Insights from Hosea
And Bert, I welcome you and it's great to be with you. And hey, let's just acknowledge the, the elephant in the room. There's probably a lot of folks, myself included, that are just, reflecting on the spiritual and cultural realities of the day. And Bert, I just love you and I respect you. You're a man of God of many decades. do you have any insights and wisdom of where we are, Bert?
Bert Harper I do. I woke up this morning knowing that I we were going to be in Hosea 8 and I started reading it and, and I just want to tell you, yeah, it does describe us. but when I got to chapter 10 and I know that's ahead of time, and, he was talking and it said, concerning the nation of Israel, the northern kingdom, you've sown yourselves, sow for yourselves righteousness and reap mercy. Break up your fallow ground.
The Need for Revival and Breaking Up Fallow Ground According to Hosea
M. It's time to seek the Lord till he comes and reigns. Righteousness on you. Now, I knew we needed revival before yesterday. I knew. But guess what? It revealed how much we really do need revival. It's a spiritual need that we have. And it was revealed in the ballots of people how they voted. But guess what? God says, if you will sow righteousness, you can reap mercy. But before you do that, you got to break up the fallow ground. Because guess what? If seed lands on hard ground, it does not germinate. it Just lays there. But so we want to break up the fallow ground. And that's what Hosea 8 and 9 does before they get to 10. Because in chapter 8, verse 1, it says, set the trumpet to your mouth. Now, when you see that in the Old Testament, Greek, Hebrew writers, you're listening to them, we've got an announcement, we've got a battle, we've got something really important when you hear, hear the trumpet blow. And so he said, yes, Assyrians are coming. The Assyrians are coming.
Hope in Hosea 10 and Reflections on Vance Havner's Favorite Scripture
And, so here it is. Alex, I think we can look at, Hosea 8, 9, 10. But come to 10 and we'll have hope. We still can turn to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Alex McFarland Amen. Amen. And I want to get to Hosea 8, but you mentioned the Hosea 10, 12 that we will get to. you'll appreciate this, I think, about the breaking up of the fallow ground. I had the great privilege, great, privilege of being friends with Vance Havner's brother in law, a dear saint of God named Joe Allred. And, Vince Havner was married to a woman named Sarah Allred Havner, long since gone to be of the Lord. And you might think, gee, I don't know who these people are. Well, Vance Havner was a great, great evangelist, very prolific author. And Bert and I quote him every now and then. But his brother in law would tell me how that was just about Vance Havner's favorite scripture to preach on for revivals. Hosea 10, 12.
The Human Heart as Fallow Ground and Loyalty to Christ Amidst Societal Shifts
And the fallow ground is the ground that has laid dormant untiled now, Hosea 8. We're going to see some reasons why that ground needed to be cultivated. And really the analogy, Bert, and you feel free to add on or correct me, but it's the human heart and we need, maybe right now, folks, your heart is kind of turning and, all the blue. Tsunami. And my goodness. Pro abortionist, pro transgender, pro Muslims, anti Israel, pro socialism. I mean, the election landscape from a human perspective, I'll just say it, is as bad as it could be if you're a God fearing conservative. The election results from, you know, 18 hours ago could not be worse. So what do we do? We. Well, I think we remember who God is. The true and living God. And as much as I love America, and Lord knows I do, I love this country. I'm very, patriotic. But in any scenario, my first and foremost loyalty is to Jesus Christ.
Christian Duty to Evangelize and Personal Recommitment to Mission for Jesus
I, belong to Jesus. You belong to Jesus Fellow Christian, our job is to get people saved. We, we've got one button on our keyboard, and that is the Great Commission, and we can do that anywhere. Now, I care about our nation, but, Bert, I think, the fallow ground analogy, and in Hebrews, I'm sorry, Hosea8, we're going to talk about how it is time and the first heart to be cultivated. It's. It's yours and it's mine. I don't know about anybody else, but I know Alex McFarland can get on my knees and call out to Jesus and recommit and reaffirm that I am on mission for Jesus. And, Bert, isn't that all of us right now? And revival comes when we do that and we say, lord, I'm, yours. You, you are the Lord, I am the follower.
Recognizing the Need for Personal Prayer and Transgressing God's Covenant
And, let the spirit of God possess our heart and our life once again afresh and anew.
Bert Harper Preach it, brother. I couldn't help but think of the song. it's not my brother, it's not my sister, but it's me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer. And listen. that's what needs to happen. Listen to these words. And we're going to go over this, kind of faster than usual, I think. But notice these words, because they have transgressed my covenant. That's what they've done.
Israel's Purposeful Rejection of God and the Concept of Intentional Sins
Ah, and my God, we know you, Israel has cast off the good. The enemy will pursue him. They've cast it off. They've done it purposely. This is not something they do. Oh, yeah. Ah. not think. No, they're purposely going against God. Transgression has the idea of purpose, Alex. You know, they are sins. playing basketball, you had fouls, and then you could have some intentional fouls. When you had an intentional foul, the penalty was greater. And that guy would go to the foul line and he'd get two shots. And if it was a technical foul, they'd get that, and then they would get the ball and you could be thrown out of the game.
Purposeful Transgression and the Rejection of God's Kings and Idolatry
Well, this transgress, my covenant is purposeful. It is one that they did it purpose, and they've cast off the good. That really stuck with me. One more thing, verse, 4, 5, and 6, they set up kings, but not by me. You know, they're getting their king throwing it. Without even seeking God, they just go and they do the king. Princes not acknowledging God, they do it for silver and gold. Whatever feeds their mind. Your calf is rejected, O Samaria. Now this is going back to Jeroboam Excuse me. When he set up, worship at Bethel and, Samaria. And they would go there to worship, and it was a calf. My anger is aroused against them. For Israel is even this. A workman made it.
The Danger of Making Government or Any Entity a God and Its Downfall
It is not God, but the calf of Samaria shall be broken to pieces. there's, what you have lifted up. Okay, let me just say this. And I think it can be said if you make government your God. I don't care if you're a, the nation of Israel or anyone. Look at Egypt. They had made what. How many gods did the plagues. 10 different plagues against 10 different gods. And what did God do? He brought them down. And so any nation that does that. So here it is. If government is your God, I just want to tell you, it will be broken down. Alex, am I misreading this or does it say
Alex McFarland that you're right and, you know, I think it, it reminds us how blessed it is when, a constitutional America had God honoring leaders. You know, let me just say this. You know, like, with, ah, Talarico winning in Texas, who has just been. He's made so much of the fact that he is a seminary student. And you know, it's, it's funny how the left has no room for Christianity, the Bible, or the true and living God, unless you happen to be a Marxist and suddenly, a religious candidate is okay.
The Law of God Counted Strange and the Consequences of Sowing to the Wind
But here's the thing. I think about, Talarico and all the Bible verses he quoted. you know, it reminds me of like verse 12. I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing. You know, the very same Bible that talks about, you know, God loves everybody. Well, yeah, but it also talks about God is a righteous God and a, ah, holy God. I'm going to go back to a little bit. You mentioned verse seven. They have sown to the wind and they reap a whirlwind. That. That is like America swallowed, up among the gentiles, like, a wild animal out lost in the wilderness. but religion has gone on. Verse 11. Ephraim hath made many altars to sin. Altars shall be unto him to sin.
False Altars and Religions Leading to Condemnation Versus Repentance in Christ
Now, when you think about an altar, you think, oh, that's a good thing. You make a sacrifice. But if you're making a false sacrifice and engaged in a false religion, like Islam, or atheistic Marxism, socialism, or, you know, moral relativism. Bert, there was a video, two hours ago of many women, probably 20 to 50, and they were Singing Abortion is back, baby. Celebrating. I mean, having a jump up and down celebration that because all these Democrats, they promised within the first hundred hours of the new Congress, in January they would remove all restrictions against abortion. And I think about this, I mean, the religion of, license, okay, the true altar is to come back to Calvary and, and repent and believe in Jesus and religion. All it does is pile up condemnation, whether it be some false religion, occultic religion, or moral indulgence, relativism, carnality. All it's doing is heaping up condemnation. So Bert, we've got frankly, a fantastic opportunity to help people find Jesus.
A Glorious Opportunity for Christians Amidst Disappointing Election Results
I mean, this is a glorious time to be a Christian. Little disappointing in the election. Absolutely. But let's refresh and recommit and just triple down on the fact that we are the ambassadors of Christ. Ah, good times, hard times. At all times.
Bert Harper Preach it. Amen. Verse 14, the last, verse in chapter 8. For Israel has forgotten his maker.
Founding Fathers' Vision for America and the Importance of Obedience to God
Alex, when I say that I could not help our founding fathers, all how they set it up. But Jon Adams said this, you know, is. What is this nation? Well, we've got a republic and it's a constitutional republic and it's free, but we got to keep it. it's only made for a moral and religious people. And when he said religious, it was Christian religion.
Alex McFarland Yes.
Bert Harper Not, not Islam, not others, but Christ, that what he brought to us. We're gonna come back with more and we're gonna continue in chapter nine. And he's got some warnings here, some judgments, but again, we wanna get to that. Breaking up that fallow ground. Cause we want our heart, my heart, your heart. Be right with God so he can do his work in a heart filled with love for Him. We'll be right back.
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Reflections on Disappointment and the Warnings of Judgment in Hosea Nine
It. Woke up this morning. I think Brent played on picking that phone. song played on what we were talking about. We woke up this morning a little depressed, disappointed. Thank you, Brent. Appreciate it. Man,
Alex McFarland I wish today was the day.
Bert Harper Amen. Well, we're in chapter nine of Hosea and just we want to look at some of this. This is so important. but look at verse one. Do not Rejoice, for you have played the harlot against your God. the threshing floor or the winepress shall not feed them.
Consequences of Judgment: Loss of Produce and Exile for the Northern Kingdom
The new wine shall fail in her. Listen, there's some judgment coming. The things that you thought you had, they're not going to produce. and they're going to be punished severely. Verse three is very severe. They shall not dwell in the Lord's land, but Ephraim shall return to Egypt and, and shall eat unclean things in Assyria. Now, when they talk about Egypt here, it's not talking about the literal Egypt, it's talking about what took place. You'll return to this place, out of your land. You're not going to be here anymore. Matter of fact, this Ephraim, this Israel we're talking about are, the 10 northern tribes that went along with Jeroboam after Solomon's death. And, and you know, Alex, after that happened, they never had a revival. I was hearing someone say it. If you look at the southern kingdom, Judah, you can count at least five different revivals that they had during their, existence. They'd get away from God, but then there'd be a revival. They'd discover the word of God, they'd turn to God. But the northern kingdom, not a single time do we find in their history that they would turn to God. And here it is. They are going to lose and dwell out of the land. We don't know where those ten tribes are now. God does, but we don't.
The Northern Tribes' Disappearance and Spiritual Leaders' Failure Leading to Punishment
but here it is. They're going to be overrun by Syria and, 722 B.C. they're going to be no more. And that's the warning he gives them there in chapter nine.
Alex McFarland Exactly. Let me read this a little bit. Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy as other people. For thou hast gone a whoring from thy God, thou hast loved a reward upon every corn floor. the floor and the wine press shall not feed them. And the new wine shall not fail. The new wine shall fail her. So, you know, like a threshing floor or a granary produced food. But no, it's not going to do that. They shall not dwell in the Lord's land, but Ephraim shall return to Egypt and they shall eat unclean things in Assyria. You know, Bert, to have to be so hungry as to eat, ceremonially impure foods, I mean, that would be very demoralizing for a Jewish person. But they're going to have to do that because they've wandered from The Lord, verse five asks a question. What you. What will you do in the solemn day and in the day of the feast of the Lord? Well, the word solemn means appointed day. You know, there was a weekly Shabbat, a Sabbath, then there were throughout the year feast days. But no pious Jew enslaved in a foreign land could really enjoy. I mean they went through the motions and they kept the culture and the religion going. But to have to do things for the true and living God in the land of false gods, that had to be very demoralizing.
Bert Harper It was. So guess what's happening. Look at verse seven. The days of punishment have come. The days of recompense have come. Israel knows the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is insane because of the greatness of your iniquity and great in enmity.
Revival in Churches and the Importance of Preaching Christ Alone for Salvation
Alex, the leaders, the spiritual leaders failed. And we know quite a few wokeness in churches here in our day, accepting things that God says is, is sin. It again just so horrible. the watchman of Ephraim is with my God. But the prophet is a fouler snare in his ways. Again, they're going after, but God's going to say the day of punishment and recompense has come now. Again, that was them. That's one reason I say we need revival in the churches. We need to pray and seek God and preach that salvation is in Christ and Christ alone, and that we turn to him in obedience and missional purpose, that we carry out God's work. So Alex, this is one of the reasons I said man, this is a, good for us to hear.
The Necessity of Turning to God and Sowing Righteousness to Reap Mercy
We need to turn to God. And that's what God is telling them to do. And I know referring back all the way to 10, 12 or up to it, I should say break up your fallow ground. This is the reason they, they were just. Their hearts were hardened, their lives were hardened and they were going their way. And now they're going to. They've. They've sown the wind, they're weeping the whirlwind. Mm mm,
Prophets as Snares and the Condemnation of Compromised Pulpits in the Church
Alex McFarland you know, back in verse, chapter nine, it says the watchman of Ephraim was with my God, but the prophet is a snare of a fowler in all his ways and hatred in the house of God. Now, somebody, a fowler is somebody trying to catch a bird, and a trap for a bird is a snare. Isn't it amazing in verse eight that a prophet would be a snare to the people? Bert, let me just say this about three Weeks ago, Rick Metaxas put out a little social media piece. Rick is a great friend, a prolific author, and we've worked with him for many, many years. But he, he put out a pretty hard piece that said, the American pulpit is destroying the. The American church and not helping America. And he's talking about the, you know, motivational speaker type preachers that are kind of milquetoast. And, I know there are many good pastors out there. We thank the Lord for them. And certainly Bert and I try to be faithful proclaimers. But, back to Vance Havner. Vance Havner would say, look, sometimes the job is words of comfort. Sometimes the preacher's job is words of affliction and a prophet that's a snare to the people. is that almost like a preacher that when the, the absolute soul of the nation is on the line, but just smiling, life is good, all is well.
Deep Corruption and Barrenness as Punishment for Israel's Idolatry
That. That's. That's not faithfully thundering down from Mount Sinai. The truth of a righteous God, is it.
Bert Harper It is not so. Therefore, verse nine, after they say that they are deeply corrupted. Wow. Corrupt, rotten to the core. And so you continue, though. And again, Ephraim is in The Northern Tribes. 10 Tribes refer to Ephraim because it was the largest tribe. So Hosea would refer to them as this. And you read verses 10, and following you, you find out again, the. They are barren. this is the punishment they're getting.
Worshiping False Gods and the Murder of Children: A Nation's Rejection of God
God's trying to get their attention, but they keep on going toward their false gods. They go to the calves at Bethel and Samaria. They go and they're worshiping, but they're worshiping false gods. And notice verse 11. As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird. No birth, no pregnancy and no conception. And again, just verse 13. Just as I saw Ephraim, like Tyre, planted in a pleasant place. So Ephraim will bring out his children to the murderer. Listen, God's given them that. God's given us America. What a blessing it has been. And again, we're not replacing. The church hasn't. America is not the church. But we're the salt. And the church is. But America was founded on these principles. And what has happened? Again, they've. We've been planted in a pleasant place. But what are we doing? Because of our decisions, we're murdering our children, just like you talked about. They're celebrating murder. Abortion being back.
The Value of Life and God's Judgment for Nations That Reject Him
They're celebrating murder. And, you can say what you want to. That is life. The only difference in that two year old. And that, that baby that's still in the womb is time and location, that's the only difference. And so here it is, the judgment is coming. Barrenness is part of that. They're trying to get it and be plentiful and fruitful, but their works is not producing what it needs to. Alex.
Alex McFarland Well, and you know, verse 11, their glory will fly away like a bird. they bring up their children, yet I will bereave them. There shall not be a man left. Yea, woe to, to them when I depart from them. Verse 12 of Hosea 9. Woe to any people when God departs. interest, verse 13. I say, interesting. It's really tragic. Ephraim shall bring forth his children to the murderer. Isn't that something?
Demographic Winter and the Consequences of Abortion on National Future
Bert Harper It is. That's it.
Alex McFarland sociologists talk about the fact that America, essentially m is in a state of demographic winter. Now the Muslims are having plenty of children and there are certainly children that are brought up in illegitimacy and homelessness. But the nuclear family, where there's a mother and a father and they in, in morality and fidelity, bring up children who learn morality and fidelity. The growth rate there is essentially zero. And you know, Bert, I've got the great privilege, for Dan Steiner. I'm going to Florida tomorrow and I'll be speaking. Lee Strobel and myself were speaking at the preborn, national conference. And I've got the incredible honor Friday. Ah, I'll be the closing speaker. And my subject will be what is a human being? And one of the great measurements of any nation is how they treat the innocent, the violence, vulnerable, the fragile, but how we treat children. Amen. And when I read about the children of Ephraim going before the murderer, I think about how as of, as of sanctity of Human Life Sunday two years ago, they estimate 85 million American babies have been aborted since 73. And I think about this, Bert, all of the millions and millions and millions and millions of illegals that have come here and now the Muslims and five dozen are holding office. Now, first Muslim senator, you know, it's like, here's the thing, you cannot escape the consequences of sin. And the millions of natural born American children that could have been raised in Christian homes or at least two parent homes, that they don't exist because we aborted them. Well, into that vacuum have come millions of other people. And yes, God loves them, we want them saved.
The Price of Sin and God's Casting Away of Disobedient Nations
We have no ill will for anybody. But Bert, there's just no way around it. if you sin, it comes with a price tag. And in the case of America, that price, might just very well be our very future.
Bert Harper It really is, alex. Notice verse 16 and 17. At the last of chapter 9, Ephraim is stricken. They shall bear no fruit. Yes, were they to bear children, I would kill the beloved fruit of their womb. That's what they were doing. And again, you, remember what happened in Egypt. The firstborn death angel. But look at verse 17. My God will cast them away because they did not obey him. And they shall be wanderers among the nations. Again, we're going back to the historical place here. Anytime you interpret scripture, you've got to look at grammatical historical before you start trying to apply it here. If you don't, you'll get way off track here. What's going to happen to these northern, ten northern tribes? The, they're going to be dispersed. Assyria is coming in. they're going to bring other people into the land that occupy where they were. And so that they were losing, and let me say, their identity. Okay, losing their identity. God will cast them away because they did not obey him.
Obedience Better Than Sacrifice and the History of the Divided Kingdom
Alex. Obedience. Is there anything, ah, concerning a Christian, a, church, a nation that takes the place of obedience to God's word?
Alex McFarland No, there's, nothing better. that's 1st Samuel 15:22, that obedience is better than sacrifice. It validates, you know, the old saying. I've said it many times, I ponder on it, Bert. Consistency validates authenticity. I mean, we can say, oh, I'm, I'm true blue, I'm genuine for the Lord. But, well, you know, I think about, Luke, Luke 6:46, where Jesus said, you know, why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do the things I say? So obedience is better than sacrifice. And verse 17 Hosea 9 concludes, it says, they did not listen to him. My God will cast them away because they did not hearken or listen to him. And they shall be wanderers among the nations. And the Jewish people for many centuries were, but it wasn't the divided kingdom stage. It was from the nine hundreds, for, you know, for a couple of hundred years. And then finally, the Northern Kingdomnomics, those ten tribes were conquered by the Assyrians, weren't they?
Bert Harper Were. You have Rehoboam and, and Jeroboam. It's funny how their names and, and again, Rehoboam was, was Solomon. Yeah. And he became the king. And out of that again, you can go through the lineage. And you see that there were good kings. And we said it earlier and it'd be worth your read there through the Scriptures of First and Second Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and those tell the history.
Rebellion Against God Fueled by Finance and Control: A Parallel to Politics
And then first and Second Chronicles, they cover part of it once again with a little different aspect. kind of like the COVID the same period of time, but they bring in different avenues and different things, that take place in Sid. But when you see this in Jeroboam, purposely just rebelled against God, went against God, brought the calves in again, Bethel, Samaria, set them up and said, you don't have to go to Jerusalem to worship. You can come here and worship. I think he did it for control. I think he did it for finance. So, and those two things, Alex, finance, control, a lot of that drove the politics that we had yesterday, didn't they?
Alex McFarland Power and money. Well, we're going to take your Bible questions. The number 885-898-40, 888-58-9840. Call us with your Bible questions. Or maybe you just need to need to talk. We're here for you after this break.
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Bert Harper 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 afr
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A Call for Jesus Amidst Societal Madness and Loss of Reason
Caroline Honestly, I think we just need Jesus. Have we all gone mad? Have we lost our minds? But it used to be wrong. We say that is right. Honestly, I think we just need Jesus.
Concluding Thoughts on Exploring the Word and Contact Information
Take a good long look.
Alex McFarland Amen. We just need Jesus.
Bert Harper Amen.
Alex McFarland Exploring the Word bert Harper. Alex McFarland. So honored that you're listening. By the way, the number, if you've got a Bible question, it's 888-589-8840. Triple 858-9840 and if you ever want to email us, you can email Bible questionsordfr.net or any other correspondence you might want to share with us. We always love to hear from everybody and that's just such a blessing.
Hosea Chapter Ten Preview: Revival is Possible, Even in Dark Times
Bert, as we we're going to pick it up good Lord willing in Hosea chapter 10 tomorrow. The good thing about it is revival is possible. And I think a lot of people maybe have never really been in a revival. Used to be churches always had revival meetings, didn't they?
Bert Harper Oh yes, that's where I was saved as a 12 year old boy. we had revivals in August. Now I was in a farming community and, and the reason they had it in August was, it was called, and we would use this term, the fields were laid by, that meant they had been planted, they had sprouted, they had grown. And we back then, you know, didn't have all pre emergence but we had different things that's going on and but we were freer during August and on that Tuesday night of revival, this, this guy got saved. And we're talking about a long time ago. So I've been saved 62 years and I can say, you know, the longer I serve him, the sweeter he grows. And so those of you who are listening right now, trust Jesus. this would be a great time. Yeah, it's difficult out there. It's dark. You know what? You did you ever hear the story about Cliff Young? I'm going to tell this real quick, Alex. Cliff Young, the m, ultra marathon runner. You ever heard of him?
Alex McFarland I'm not sure I have.
The Story of Cliff Young: Running Through Darkness with Jesus as Our Light
Bert Harper Okay. It was in Australia. He was an Australian rancher, farmer. And there's going to have an ultra marathon running from Sydney to Melbourne. We're talking about hundreds of miles. He showed up, he showed up in his overalls and his boots and everybody thought he was there to observe them taking off. But he went to the registration table, he registered and got his number and, and he was going to run. Everybody was kind of laughing and smirking because he didn't have any teeth because he had dentures. But when he ran they rattled so he took them out. So he didn't have any teeth and kind of mocking him and everything, but he lines up and all these great runners, they take off. You know, they're, they got their name brand suits on and their tennis, their running shoes on. He's got his old boots on and they start running and man, they get out and, and Leave Cliff behind. But guess what happens. Here's what they did. They would run, 16 hours. excuse me, 18 hours and then rest six hours. Cliff didn't know that. So guess what he did. He ran. He
Alex McFarland just kept running.
Bert Harper He kept running through the darkness. And he won the race 10 hours before the second people came in. Oh
Alex McFarland my
Bert Harper m. Goodness. He broke that record at that time. But he. And I love that illustration. So what do you do when things are dark? You keep running. Jesus is our light. We can follow him and we, we. He directs our paths. So my encouragement to everybody who is down and out, what do you do? You keep running. It may be dark out there, but Jesus is the light and we follow Him.
Alex McFarland Amen. Well, we're going to take our first call from Virginia. is this, ah, Vilma from Virginia.
A Caller's Encouragement: God is Still on the Throne and His Grace is Sufficient
Jesus is the light. Hey, if you don't mind turning the volume down on the radio and it won't kind, of feed back like that. are you there?
Caroline Yes,
Alex McFarland welcome. Thank you for calling. What you got?
Caroline What I got is a lot of discouragement from people with this result. Right,
Alex McFarland right.
Caroline My, my, my communists, maybe a lot of Republicans, they don't get out to vote. Maybe they're just discouraged for what's going on. But we need to know, like Habakkuk220 say God is still in the throne.
Alex McFarland Amen.
Caroline And like. And my call is to lift up all those skin down. We are not on the floor. We still believe that God can do mighty things.
Bert Harper Amen. Amen. And we're God
Alex McFarland believing
Bert Harper it. Yeah, we believe it. And listen, grace saves us. But Alex, the grace of God is sufficient in all. Paul, my grace is sufficient. When is it sufficient? All the time in prison, out of prison. He said, I know how to abound, but also have to know what it is to be in need. And his grace is sufficient. And it's sufficient for 2026, November 4th. His Grace is good.
Alex McFarland Amen. The caller mentioned, verse 20 of Habakkuk chapter 2. But the Lord is in his holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before him. Praise God, sister. You are a blessing. I think we all needed to hear that. And God is in control.
A Call for Prayer and Support for Those Facing Hardship and Brokenness
The number. If you've got a question or comment for exploring the word, it's triple 858-98-8840. We're gonna go to Steve. Steve, are you there?
Caroline Yes,
Alex McFarland yes,
Caroline I'd like to remain anonymous, but, going through a hard time. I'm someone who is very successful and it's Built a nice life for myself despite being autistic and adhd. And I'm kind of a prominent person. But I have an issue, and I'm broken. My spirit is broken. And I've asked God for healing, and I've got nothing in return. And I don't have no faith, and I don't know what to do.
Alex McFarland Well, listen, my friend, first of all, Bert and I were very humbled that you would call. And, has there been that time when you've trusted Christ to be saved? I mean, your soul is saved. You've put your faith in Jesus, I hope. Is that right? Amen. Amen. I want to encourage you, and I'm going to throw it to Bert. brother, God loves you very, very much, and God is with you. And in life, you know, there are physical and all sorts of circumstances that, can take away our joy, doesn't take away our salvation. But, you know, whatever you're going through, first of all, the Lord is with you, and the Lord is for you, and the Lord understands what you're going through. I do want to encourage you, and I'm glad that you, like you say, you've built a nice life and the Lord's provided for you. all of life is stewardship for the Christian. And I want to encourage you to find a Christian therapist. there are many you could call focus on the family. 1-800-A- Family. in my home state, there's associates, ah, in Christian Counseling, which is a great ministry started by Gary Chapman, and they know counselors all over the country. But, there's nothing wrong with going to a counselor to talk and get feedback. And so, in the spirit of Christian stewardship, I want you to believe that God has a better day for you, because he does. But I want to encourage you to get some counseling because, Bert, isn't it true we can be in the thick of it and we think there's no hope. But there is always hope, isn't there, Bert?
Bert Harper There is, Steve. You're alive, you're breathing. And you are. You're Difficult circumstances, depressed anxiety has. It sounds like it has flooded you. It may be over one issue or it may be over all that you're feeling. But Alex is right. Get help if you've got a dear friend. don't try to hide, if you can trust them don't try to hide what all is going on. We, need one another. there's that old. It's a secular song, but I love it. Lean on Me when you're weary, and there's a lot of times we need to lean on one another. There was this one guy that was trying to get to Jesus. He couldn't, but he had four friends, and they brought him to Jesus. And, so we're telling you and encouraging you, we're going to pray. And Steve, right now, you've got a whole group of people all over the United States and other places in the world, and they're going to join us in praying for you. Get that. Was it 800? A family that's focused on the family. Yeah. That's a great ministry. Steve, is it all right if I pray, Alex?
Alex McFarland Yes, please,
Prayer for Steve: Seeking God's Help and Healing Through Counseling
Bert Harper Father. We're praying for Steve right now. We can hear that brokenness, and we can hear the anxiety and the heartache that he is going through. He's overcome a lot of things that he said already. Although he had these issues, difficulties, Father, he has worked and you've provided, and, Father, you'll provide for him now. And I pray, God, that you would open up his mind to being able to get the help that he needs, open up his heart that he would seek you. And, Father, there's sometimes when we praise you and we pray, and yet that weight is still on us. And I pray he would find that person that could strengthen him and help him and that he could depend on. And I'm praying this and believing this. In Jesus name, Amen.
Understanding 'Bless God': Worship and Praise in the Christian Vernacular
Alex McFarland Amen. Amen. We're. Steve, we're lifting you up, brother. Well, we're going to go to Missouri, also, Steve, Stephen, Missouri, Are you there?
Caroline Yes, I am. And thank you so much for taking my call. my question is this. I have read a lot of Charles Spurgeon stuff, but I have never had a time when I couldn't agree with what he said. And he says we should bless God. But I remember reading, Melchizedek blessing Abraham, and the study note said, the lesser cannot, bless the greater. And I'm just a worthless piece of dirt. A sinful, worthless piece of dirt compared to God. So how can I bless God?
The Meaning of 'Bless God' and its Application in Christian Worship
I'm confused.
Alex McFarland let me weigh in on this, and, Bert, I'll throw it to you. you don't hear that phrase as much as you used to. I know when I was growing up, my grandmother and some of the older people would say, bless God. And I really. I think, in our vernacular, and certainly probably the way Spurgeon would have used it 100 years ago, was really worship. You know, when we bless God, the way they use that term, I believe, was, praise God. I'm acknowledging the goodness of God, the nature of God. So, Bert, I really think it was kind of a term of worship as I understood it. You know, let us exalt his name together.
Bert Harper Yeah, I do. I had friends when I was. I hadn't even thought about that in a long time, Steve, because I had several friends, and they were older than me when I was younger. Yes. A long time ago. And. And they would say, well, bless God. And I thought the same thing Steve did. And I started asking them, and they said, well, we're just praising the Lord. Bless God. And we want God to receive glory and honor. And I. I think you're right on. And so could they improve the vernacular? I think they could, yes. You know, but I don't think it's something that you should. It doesn't have to make you say, I can't listen to anything else they say. I don't think it's that at all. So, Steve. Thank you, Alex. Before we go to another caller, Brent, did you say we have, something that's come in on Facebook?
Prayer for Jeff: Overcoming Spiritual Attack and Returning to God
Yeah. I've got a prayer request from Jeff. He's, asking for prayer because he is under attack. He's fallen back into his old ways, he says. Okay, Alex, would you pray for Jeff real quickly?
Alex McFarland Yes, yes. Let's, pray together, folks. Father, in the name of Jesus, we lift up Jeff and Lord, I pray that you would put a hedge of protection around him. And Lord, he says he's under spiritual attack, and there's mention of falling back into some old ways. Lord, deliver him by your Holy Spirit. Call him. Call him to repentance, which means to turn. To turn to Christ. And, Father, any yoke or bondage or any foothold that the devil has in his life, let that be broken. In Jesus name, bring him back to the place of peace and obedience, the solid ground of discipleship, not the miry clay of sin and the flesh. We lift Jeff up to you, and we thank you for how you're going to work, and you are working in his life. We lift him up to you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Bert Harper Amen.
Changing Familiar Habits: Replacing Old Temptations with New Christian Community
Let me say one thing, and I know we got Mark on the line, but let me say what you want to do. Jeff, I hope you're listening. Change the familiar. Okay, I had this guy, he. He hung out at the bars. He did all that. And, he was new Christian, is struggling, and I said, change your familiar. Make make church and home your familiar. That when you are under attack, you go to the new familiar, not the old familiar. Don't go back to that bar. Don't go to that way. Come to that newness that Jesus Christ has opened up. It really helped him. I hope it'll help you, Jeff.
Alex McFarland That's a good word, Bert.
Prayer for Mark's Son and a Plea for Revival and God's Way in America
Mark in Texas. Mark, rather quickly, if you don't mind, because time is ticking away, but. Well, yeah,
Caroline yeah. yes, Dr. Alex, I just want to ask for prayer for my son as he starts his nursing program this January.
Alex McFarland Amen. Starting what program?
Bert Harper A nursing. Nursing program. Amen.
Alex McFarland That is great.
Bert Harper Hey, you got. You gotta. You know that, program, don't you, Alex?
Alex McFarland I remember when my dear wife was in nursing school. That's. That's great. And, Bert, as we kind of wrap up here, pray for Mark's son and. And the country, would you?
Bert Harper Father, thank you for Mark calling. Thank you for him loving his son. Man. We need more dads that love their children enough to pray for them and ask others. And I'm praying for his son to. As he starts this new program, that you would give him success and, Father, that you would use him. And we're praying for America, God, we need revival. We need to turn to you. And I pray that the pulpits would do and reign the word of God in righteousness to revolution. Righteousness of God. And Father, that we would turn to you, believing you, understanding that you have something better when we go your way and not our way.
Encouragement and Strength to Run Through Darkness Until Jesus Returns
So, God, thank you again for this program. I hope it's been a blessing and an encouragement those who have listened today, because we're standing in the need of encouragement right now. But give us strength as we run through the darkness. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.
Alex McFarland Amen. Amen. Thank you for listening to Exploring the Word. Tell somebody about the program if you would, but most of all, tell everybody about Jesus.
Abraham Hamilton III The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
In a moment of political disappointment and cultural uncertainty, Alex McFarland and Bert Harper turn to Hosea 8-9 for biblical perspective, and look ahead to the call of Hosea 10:12, “Break up your fallow ground.” They discuss Israel’s warning against abandoning God, the consequences of misplaced worship and disobedience, and why personal and spiritual renewal begins with the heart.
The hosts also take listener calls on finding hope through discouragement, seeking help in a difficult season, what it means to “bless God,” and praying for loved ones. Through it all, they offer a steady encouragement: remain faithful, seek the Lord, and keep following Jesus even when the way ahead feels dark.
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