A great way to start the new year! This is the first part of a series of lectures Gary gave to a high school class last year. Beginning with foundational principles for any worldview, Gary forces the students to think about their own assumptions and why they believe what they claim to believe. Facts are important, but worldview precedes facts and interprets the facts.
Gary discusses his new project: a commentary on the book of Revelation. Christians too often fail to take the context of the first century into consideration when reading Revelation and instead interpret it based on events in their own time. But how would the original audience and readers have understood and interpreted the letter based on what they had available to them soon after Jesus' ascension in the days of the early church?
A high level of expectancy fills the early pages and events of the New Testament Gospels. Herod, the Magi, Anna, Simeon, and "all of Jerusalem"—to name but a few—were all eager and expecting God to act. Thanks in part to the prophecies in Daniel and other prophets, Jerusalem was on edge before and after Jesus' birth. As we say goodbye to 2021 and welcome 2022, Christians need to be reminded that God is always "doing something," and to keep our own high level of expectancy and hope.
Gary continues his interview with Jerry Bowyer. Many details given in the Gospels are extremely important for a proper interpretation of what Jesus said and did and why. These historical and cultural clues are often overlooked, but they add depth and context to the New Testament that modern readers can and should apply to their reading and preaching of the Gospel.
In this first part of his recent interview with author Jerry Bowyer, Gary discusses the economic and cultural arena of the first century. The Bible cannot be interpreted properly without a clear understanding of the times and customs of the people and places described in the text. As an example, Jerry helps add clarity to Jesus' words to the rich young ruler.
Too much time and money, we hear, are spent on the public side of Christmas — the hustle and bustle of shopping, the lavish decorations, and the often insincere displays of seasonal piety. Meanwhile, the true spirit of Christmas gets left behind. Some even argue that all public displays of Christmas are inappropriate. Read the article on the American Vision website .
Gary answers a listener question about theological resources and courses to help a young pastor. Not everyone can attend or will benefit from seminary. Reading and teaching the Bible doesn't require a seminary education, although it is certainly helpful. Many books and courses are available today to help all people get a better understanding and a more comprehensive knowledge of the entire message of Scripture.
Christians continue to fall for the "neutrality" idea, by allowing leftists to set the terms of political debate and practice. Political commentator David French recently wrote articles that seem tactical on the surface, but reveal the deep problem of trying to play "nice" in political and policy discussions. Gary responds to these articles on today's episode.
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...
