Gary answers an interesting question that was submitted to another podcast. The question is tied to Jesus' words in Matthew 24 about "this generation" and the Pharisees as "brood of vipers" in Matthew 23. This question, which Gary had never heard before, caused a lot of discussion on the show and revealed that far from questioning the timestamp of Matthew 24:34, it actually confirms it even more.
Gary discusses political theory and history with his pastor, Dr. David Hall. Dr. Hall wrote an important book called Savior or Servant? that Gary believes to be an important and little-known contribution to the important topic of the Christian's response to governmental overreach and tyranny. Listen to this short but powerful interview with Dr. Hall that helps introduce his book. Get Savior or Servant? here: https://store.americanvision.org/products/savior-or-servant...
Like many in Israel at the time of Jesus’ birth, Christians today are looking for a political savior to rescue them and break the chains of tyranny. Christian leaders tell people to look up and ahead to Jesus’ second coming and rejoice that their “redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). But was this the response of Simeon and Anna? Were they rejoicing in what God would do millennia in the future, or were they rejoicing about what God was doing then? Read the article mentioned in this episode a...
Is it ever right to disobey authority? Should Christians always do what the state or magistrate say we must do? Biblical examples of individuals and groups disobeying tyrants are many. What are we to learn from these? The final chapter of Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths deals with this topic and discusses the Christian's response to civil and ecclesiastical tyranny and demands to obey. Get Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths here: https://store.americanvision.org/products/myths-lies-and-half-truths...
In this concluding part of his interview with Pastor Evan McClanahan, Gary discusses what applying God's Law looks like today. Jesus said that everything written in the Old Testament points to Him, but does this mean that all those laws are now null and void? Does God's Law still inform our ethics and morality? If so, how? If not, what does? Get Greg Bahnsen's introduction to God's Law here: https://store.americanvision.org/products/by-this-standard-the-authority-of-gods-law-today...
In part one of a two-part interview, Gary discusses theonomy and God's Law with Pastor Evan McClanahan at First Lutheran in Houston. Theonomy remains a difficult but necessary topic for Christians and churches to discuss and apply. Many believe that the Old Testament is no longer relevant and should not be used to inform laws today. Is this correct?
Hebrews 1:2 says "in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son." But the question must be asked (and answered), "the last days of what?" In Chapter 14 of Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths , Gary answers this question making it clear that the last days of Hebrews 1 are past days, and not a two-thousand year time period that continues until the present.
Gary answers a listener question about the Bible and masculinity. Are Christian men to be domineering and forceful, or kind and gentle? Gary discusses many experiences that he had in his own life and various influences that informed the man he is today. Along the way he recommends the book of Proverbs, conversations, and lots of patience and honesty. He also discusses the show "Say Yes to the Dress" and teaches what a Rolodex is. Listen now to learn much more about what it means to be a real man...
Gary responds to a video where a pastor claims you must "rightly divide the Bible," based on 2 Timothy 2:15. By this he means that you must rightly divide the "people" of God into Jew and Gentile and understand New Testament passages in light of "the Church age." The Bible never speaks of a "Church age" but this does not prevent many from claiming that it must be there all the same. They claim it is inferred and is the "key" to correctly interpreting Jesus' prophetic words in the Olivet Discours...
Is this world controlled by God or the Devil? Is God's Kingdom a current reality, or does it need to wait? In Chapter 13 of Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths , Gary discusses the present reality of God's Kingdom. The previous podcast on the Landowner parable can be found here: https://garydemar.libsyn.com/the-parable-of-the-landowner...
Gary responds to a critic of his article " All Christians are Preterists ." A preterist interpretation of prophecy puts its fulfillment in the past. All Christians believe in fulfilled prophecy. This makes them preterists to some degree. What separated unbelieving Jews from believing Jews in the first century was the issue of fulfilled prophecy. Was Jesus the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures that predicted a coming redeemer? Jews who rejected Jesus as the promised Messiah believed He was not...
In this interview with Darren Doane, Gary discusses the historical conditions and motivations behind The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States . Interestingly, the political climate in 1864 was not much different from our own in 2021. Christians and non-Christians alike need to be reminded of the impact of God's Word and the Church on society and culture in every generation. Get the book here: https://store.americanvision.org/products/christian-life-and-char...
In Chapter 12 of Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths , Gary discusses the objection that God's Kingdom is not "of this world." Similar to first-century Jews, modern Christians reject that God's Kingdom is actually here and now because of what they see around them. They have a particular idea of what God's Kingdom will look like and anything that doesn't meet that definition is thrown out. Get the book here: https://store.americanvision.org/products/myths-lies-and-half-truths...
Some Christian leaders teach that we are to obey the civil magistrate in everything. But there are many examples in both the Old and New Testament of civil disobedience. History also is filled with Christians disobeying wicked edicts of the government. The U.S. Constitution even makes provisions for it. How and when we should disobey is difficult and must be thought through. Thankfully these biblical and historical examples point the way forward in times of tyranny and political overreach. Get c...
In this first of two talks given in LaGrange, GA, Gary discusses what the Bible has to say about tyranny. There is a lot of talk today about civil disobedience, but a Christian must be searching the Scriptures for the proper response. Romans 13, 1 Peter 2, Acts, and many other passages in the Bible give us much information and help us to think this difficult topic through completely. Get Gary's book, Restoring the Foundation of Civilization here: https://store.americanvision.org/products/restori...
It is often stated that there is a "wall of separation between church and state" in this country. The problem is that this phrase does not appear in the U.S. Constitution, despite many claiming that it does. The First Amendment is a limitation on Congress, not on any and all interaction between religion and politics. In Chapter 11 of Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths , Gary discusses this misunderstanding, as well as where the concept of a wall of separation actually originated. Get Myths, Lies, and ...
Abortion remains a plague in the United States (and across the world). The church has such an open opportunity for helping and ministering to young women in the middle of a crisis. Ignoring it because of the political ramifications is sin, and the church needs to get involved. Gary interviews Pat Page—a long-time warrior in the pro-life movement in Georgia—about what individuals and local churches can (and must) begin doing today to help.
Gary discusses a video that seeks to reinterpret the Greek word used for "generation" in Matthew 24. This tactic has been used by Bible commentators, pastors, and authors for years to avoid the plain meaning of the Olivet Discourse. The events described were fulfilled in the first century and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, they are not for our day or our future. Get Wars and Rumors of Wars here: https://store.americanvision.org/products/wars-and-rumors-of-wars...
In Chapter 10 of Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths , Gary discusses heavenly and earthly citizenship. Christians will sometimes object to getting involved in the "affairs of the world" because the Christian’s true home is in heaven. Earthly responsibility is misdirected, they claim, because we're just "exiles" here. This is both illogical and unbiblical. Get the book here: Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths...
Change takes time and people are generally impatient. It is easy to get frustrated and discouraged by what we see happening around us, but Christians need to have a long-term vision. The Church has existed for 2000 years, Israel for 2000 years before that, and the patriarchs 2000 before that. We have the time; now we need the vision. In this second part of Gary's interview with Dr. Gary North, they discuss the division of labor and how Christians need to be focusing on niche specialties, rather ...
Gary interviews Dr. Gary North about the current state of politics and culture and where we go from here. The fragmentation of messaging and medium thanks to the internet has decentralized news and information. Alternative ideas and activities are not reported on the nightly news, but are still happening despite the mainstream media blackout. Check out Dr. North's extensive website here: https://www.garynorth.com/
Everyone has a religion—both the rabid atheist and the spiritual hippy have this in common. Similarly, every political movement begins first with a religious commitment. In Chapter 9 of Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths , Gary discusses the myth that religion and politics don't mix. Saying they don't is to misunderstand both topics. Religion and politics ALWAYS mix. Read Arthur Leff's article here: https://images.americanvision.org/Unspeakable Ethics Unnatural Law.pdf...
In this bonus episode of the podcast, Gary discusses the Atlanta Braves, the World Series, and Voter ID laws. Major League Baseball moved the All-Star Game away from Atlanta in July because of the state's voting laws. But now, MLB can't avoid Georgia because of the Braves' postseason success.
In Acts 16:18, we read that Paul became "greatly annoyed." It's time for the Church to become greatly annoyed and begin doing something about the nonsense they see around them. Pushback is happening in some places and at some times, but there needs to be much more. If you're not annoyed yet, you're not paying attention.
Pushback is beginning against the "cancel culture" and Southwest Airlines, Netflix, and the NFL are right in the middle of it. In the upside-down world of today's politics and culture, there are celebrities and groups getting shouted down for "unapproved" facts and beliefs. These attempts to shut down freedom of speech are not going unnoticed.
Christians will often object to getting involved in politics because it's a "dirty business." Yes it is, which is exactly why Christians need to be involved. Dirt (sin) is a fact of life in a fallen world, but leaving it accumulate by ignoring it is not the biblical solution. In Chapter 8 of Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths , Gary discusses this and much more about Christians and dirty jobs.
Political liberals are more than willing to use every means necessary to get their message out, even breaking tax laws. Conservatives and Christians seldom have this boldness. In fact, many Christians don't even see the reason to be involved. The Apostle Paul would not agree.
Gary finishes his conversation with Rev. Mickey Schneider about his fifty-year pulpit ministry. Pastor Schneider reveals more of the connections he had with major figures in 20th century Reformed Theology. The church grows through the individual connections and relationships made over the years. Christians should always take the opportunity to meet new people and learn new things from other Christians. You never know where it may lead...
In Chapter 7 of Myths, Lies, and Half-Truths , Gary discusses the claim that the Church should not be involved in social and cultural issues. The Bible is God's Word and we live in God's World, so we should certainly expect that His Word should be applicable to His world. Throughout history, the Church has been a powerful agent for change in the world; that belief needs to be taught once again.
Gary continues his discussion with Rev. Mickey Schneider about the history and major figures involved in Reformed Theology and Southern Presbyterianism over the last half century. Pastor Schneider makes the point that all of us have feet of clay and none of us "has it all figured out." We should learn and change, learn and change some more, keeping all the good that we have learned while discarding the bad. This is how we grow in our faith and understanding.
