Heavy Lifting with Uncle Gary

Chapter 17 of Paradise Restored is about how to understand the signs of symbols of the book of Revelation. David Chilton also addresses the need for understanding the Old Testament, as well as the ethical dimension of Bible prophecy. Listen in as Gary discusses this and much more.

In Chapter 15 of Paradise Restored, David Chilton discusses the biblical term "the day of the Lord" and what is left to happen eschatologically. Was all biblical prophecy fulfilled in AD 70, or is there more to transpire? What about the Second Coming? Listen to today's episode to learn more.

Chapter 14 of Paradise Restored is called "The Restoration of Israel" and deals with Romans 11 and God's future plans for Israelites and genetic Jews. All Israel will be saved, but this does not mean that every Jew will be saved. Listen now to learn more about this very important topic.

In Chapter 13 of Paradise Restored, David Chilton discusses the biblical understanding of the "last days" and proves, from the Bible itself, that these days have already come and gone. Peter, Paul, the book of Hebrews, and many other New Testament writings make it clear that the "last days" were fulfilled in the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

In Chapter 12 of Paradise Restored, David Chilton discusses "antichrist" and what the Bible actually says about this topic. Contrary to much modern belief, the Bible doesn't teach that there is a single shadowy figure known as "The Antichrist" that will take over the world in an apocalyptic future known only to science fiction. Listen to this episode to learn more what the Bible actually does say about "antichrist."

Cosmic and universal language is all over the Bible, especially the Old Testament. Language that most commentators, even futurists, recognize as referring to events in Israel's history thousands of years ago, is suddenly given strange Planet Earth-destroying interpretations when encountered in the New Testament. In this episode, Gary discusses Chapter 11 of David Chilton's Paradise Restored.

After a discussion about Earth Day and biblical stewardship of the earth and natural resources, Gary discusses Chapter 10 of Paradise Restored, which is "The Great Tribulation." Too often, modern readers of the Bible interpret the Bible as if it was written directly to them, but David Chilton makes the point that the Bible—and eschatology in particular—must be interpreted in the terms of the original audience.

In Chapter 9 of Paradise Restored, David Chilton discusses the historic ending of the Old Covenant era with the destruction of the temple in AD 70. God sent prophets to Israel over and over again, culminating in the sending of His Son, Jesus. When the chief priests and Pharisees demanded Jesus’ execution they filled up the measure of God’s wrath and guaranteed the end of their manmade kingdom.

In Chapter 8 of Paradise Restored, David Chilton discusses what it means that Christ is King and ruling in His Kingdom. Like a stone that becomes a mountain and like a seed that becomes a tree, Jesus' Kingdom is growing and increasing day-by-day. Jesus is seated on His throne and is ruling at the Father's right hand right now. With His atoning Death and subsequent Resurrection, Jesus has bound the strong man (Satan) and is plundering his house. It's Kind of a Funny Story article here: https://americanvision.org/posts/it-s-kind-of-a-funny-story/

In Chapter 7 of Paradise Restored, David Chilton discusses the fiery Glory Cloud that led Israel through the desert during the Exodus. The cloud was a theophany of the Holy God Himself and has important and significant attributes that we should recognize when we read the rest of the Bible. It was both a Guide and a Protection for the wandering Israelites… and for us today.

In Chapters 5 and 6 of Paradise Restored, David Chilton discusses the importance, and the biblical theology, of animals, trees, and land. Modern Christianity often has a worldview that more closely resembles Gnosticism, being skeptical of property and physical blessings. But everything God creates and gives to His people are a lesson about how to live and take dominion in God’s world.

The Garden of Eden was located on a mountain. Moses received and gave the law on a mountain. Jesus, the new Moses, gave His law from a mountain. Mountains and minerals are very important in the Bible. David Chilton discusses both of these in Chapter 4 of Paradise Restored.

In Chapter 3 of Paradise Restored, David Chilton writes: “Salvation restores man to his original calling and purpose, and guarantees that man’s original mandate—to exercise dominion under God over the whole earth—will be fulfilled.” Conversion is the first step in the process, not the process itself. Biblical salvation is for the whole man and the whole earth through the process of discipleship; it’s not just about making converts. Get the book here: https://store.americanvision.org/products/paradise-restored-a-biblical-theology-of-dominion

Interpreting the Bible properly requires a familiarity with the entire canon of Scripture, both the Old and New Testaments. Nowhere does biblical interpretation get more fantastic (and weird) than in the area of Bible prophecy. In this episode, Gary continues talking about David Chilton’s book, Paradise Restored, and how it points us in the right direction of interpreting the Bible on its own terms. Get the book here: https://store.americanvision.org/products/paradise-restored-a-biblical-theology-of-dominion

Part One of David Chilton’s book Paradise Restored is titled “The Hope.” Gary discusses what true biblical hope looks like, as well as how singing the Psalms fits into an eschatology of victory. Christianity’s sure hope is rooted in the promises of God and the progression of the Gospel as it makes its way from the Garden to the City. Get the book here: https://store.americanvision.org/products/paradise-restored-a-biblical-theology-of-dominion

The parable of the vineyard owner that Jesus tells to the Pharisees and the chief priests is recorded in all three synoptic Gospels. The parable is both a condemnation of these leaders of Israel as well as a short summary of Old Testament history. It is essentially biblical history in 60 seconds.

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 2022 and welcome 2023, Christians need to be reminded that God is always "doing something," and to keep our own high level of expectancy and hope.

The incarnation is proof that God listens to His people. The incarnation is proof that God is with us. The incarnation is proof that God follows through on His promises. The incarnation IS the consolation and redemption of Israel. Jesus is King NOW; He has the victory NOW. And if you are in Christ, it means that you have a present and victorious King NOW. Read the article here: https://americanvision.org/posts/waiting-for-a-savior/

One from the archives. Many people get bent out of shape when they see ‘Xmas’ or ‘X-Mas.’ They think it’s a way of removing Jesus Christ from Christmas. Every year you see the signs and the bumper stickers saying, "Put Christ back into Christmas" as a response to this substitution of the letter X for the name of Christ. Nothing could be further from the truth. Read Gary's article here: https://americanvision.org/posts/does-xmas-take-christ-out-of-christmas/

The Bible tells ONE story through its 66 books. Scripture is analogous to itself, that is, the Bible is entirely consistent within itself. There are no contradictions. So the best interpreter of the Scripture is the Scripture itself. The New Testament is the best commentary on the Old Testament, and the Old helps us to better understand the New. Interpreting the Bible takes work, but we must read Scripture in light of other Scripture.

Gary discusses several Old Testament passages and how they fit with New Testament prophecies. All biblical language must be interpreted in light of how it's used elsewhere in the Bible. Context, time, and previous usage must be taken into consideration to properly discern what the Bible is saying. The basic principles of hermeneutics should always direct how we read and understand the prophetic passages of the Bible.

Part Two. When it comes to Bible prophecy, we are often playing on a chessboard that’s been set up by a group of competitors and with pieces that can move only in terms of their rules. This means that before there can be a discussion of any type of millennialism, there must be an evaluation of passages that seemingly discount each one. The prophetic board must be swept clean before any of the so-called millennial positions can be discussed. Get the free outline here: https://store.americanvision.org/products/clearing-the-prophetic-chessboard-study-notes

What is government? Is it synonymous with politics? Gary discusses historical and biblical definitions and examples of what it means to be "under authority." Every human is under God's Government whether they realize it—or like it—or not. None of us are truly free.

At a recent conference in Texas, Gary gave biblical encouragement from 2 Timothy 3. This chapter is often used to prove that we're living in the last days, and a confirmation of the victory of evil over God's kingdom here on earth. This is the exact opposite of what Paul is teaching in this chapter and it's very instructive and important for us to understand the real meaning and context of this passage.

When it comes to Bible prophecy, we are often playing on a chessboard that’s been set up by a group of competitors and with pieces that can move only in terms of their rules. This means that before there can be a discussion of any type of millennialism, there must be an evaluation of passages that seemingly discount each one. The prophetic board must be swept clean before any of the so-called millennial positions can be discussed. Get the free outline here: https://store.americanvision.org/products/clearing-the-prophetic-chessboard-study-notes

Gary discusses popular misunderstandings (and blatant misrepresentations) of the First Amendment. The phrase "a wall of separation between Church and State" exists nowhere in the Amendment, or anywhere else in the U.S. Constitution for that matter. This (imaginary) belief causes many ridiculous statements to be made by liberals in every occupation from politicians to actors. Read Gary's two-part article here: https://americanvision.org/posts/boston-legal-defended-teaching-creationism-or-did-it/

Arguing with atheists can be intimidating. But by pushing them to be consistent with their underlying presuppositions, philosophical atheists must become moral atheists. The goal is to protect and defend their worldview and its moral consequences no matter where it takes them. The Christian apologist's task is to point out the implications.

Enlightenment influences in early American history were tempered by an understanding that the world was created, as Benjamin Franklin believed, and the ability to reason was inherent in being created in the image of God. Ethics reflect God’s moral attributes such as love, goodness, and kindness. Without God, none of these attributes are rationally possible.

Gary compares Scripture with Scripture and notices that the word "antichrist" does not appear in the book of Revelation. Defining the infamous end-time bad guy known as "The Antichrist" cannot be done by looking at the last book of the Bible. John writes in his first two general epistles (1 John and 2 John) about antichrist and that many antichrists were already at work in the early church in the first century. Get Gary's book, Last Days Madness here: https://store.americanvision.org/products/last-days-madness

Gary teaches the four major views of the book of Revelation and how each interprets the final book of the Bible. Assumptions about what "the end" will look like inform all of the views, but the real question should be: Which one is the most faithful to the entire teaching of the Bible?

Two important interpretive keys to understanding the Bible (and everything else) are the intended audience and timing indicators. Any piece of writing can be taken out of context, but Christians take the Bible out of context to their own detriment. Who the books were written to (and why) and what timeframe the author has in mind are often disregarded, especially when it comes to "end times" events and the book of Revelation. Gary shows how to take notice of these two hermeneutical keys.

Gary finishes his quick overview of the book of Revelation, going through chapters 13-22. The Bible is its own best interpreter and helps us make sense of the strange and often confusing language of this final book. The vast majority of the imagery from John's Apocalypse should remind us of prior events in biblical history and we must have a firm grasp of the Old Testament in order to make sense of Revelation.

Gary continues going through the book of Revelation and comparing it to Matthew. He discusses the idea of taking the Bible "literally" and what it literally means to interpret the Bible literally. Reading the book of Revelation as the apocalyptic literature that it is, means reading the final book of the Bible in light of the 65 that come before, especially the Old Testament prophetic books.

Gary discusses the Gospel of Matthew and compares it to the book of Revelation. The Olivet Discourse (Mt. 24-25) is a continuation of what Jesus began teaching in Matthew chapter 10. The events revealed in John's Revelation are the same events, fulfilled in the first century. Audience relevance, time texts, and many other context indicators make it clear that the Bible is not speaking about events thousands of years in the future, but about the same time frame as when they were orginally given, leading up to the destruction of the temple and the city (Jerusalem) in AD 70.

Gary continues his worldview talk focusing on the importance of Eschatology, or a view of the "end times." Most Christians, at least in America, believe in a particular eschatology that teaches escapism and defeatism here on the Earth. Gary points out problems with this view by simply reading and commenting through the Gospel of Matthew.

Gary discusses the importance of worldview and how it influences all of our thinking and doing. Christians built much of the world and technology that we enjoy today and it was because of their worldview. Every worldview also has an eschatology that informs what tomorrow holds. A pessimistic worldview, such as what is proclaimed by many Bible prophecy writers, does not promote advancement. Much of the modern church is in retreat and this is a direct result of their worldview and especially their eschatology.

Gary responds to a statement from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen about how overturning abortion would be bad for the economy. Liberals are in full-scale panic-mode and using every resource and argument they can to combat public perception about abortion "rights." Political rhetoric (i.e., lying) is being floated in every direction by every government office to give the impression that those who oppose abortion are "out of touch."

If the leak from the Supreme Court is to be believed, it appears that the Court could be getting ready to overturn Roe v Wade. What does this mean and how should Christians respond? One amazing side-effect is that pro-infanticide groups and individuals are now speaking what they truly believe about abortion and what it actually is. They are revealing for all to hear that they know it's not a "choice," it's a murder.

Gary discusses the various responses to the announcement that Elon Musk is the new owner of Twitter. Christians of all sorts are giving their opinions and the uber-pious are quick to point that Jesus is still the Savior, not Musk. Christians are so accustomed to playing the victim that every situation, even ones that could be beneficial, are viewed as defeats. Gary has had enough of it...

Gary discusses the history of a recently re-issued book called House Divided: The break-up of Dispensational Theology. This book is a response to many other works and is written by Greg Bahnsen and Kenneth Gentry. House Divided is necessary reading for all Christians, because it lays out in great detail the Reformed and Postmillennial approaches to the Scriptures using lots and lots of Bible passages. It is a theological tour de force and it's available in print once again.

Gary discusses a recent book by Jerry Bowyer as well as a talk given by Carl Trueman on 2 Kings 2. Jerry's book and Carl's sermon are both thick in details that most Bible readers miss or overlook. The details are not just adding color to the story; often they ARE the story. We need to get more familiar with these details—including geography, economics, occupations, etc.—and with the culture and traditions of the time. These two examples are how the Bible must be interpreted in order to better understand the larger story of Scripture.

Gary discusses the infamous (and waning) Oscar slap and how it perfectly describes and defines the lack of worldview coherence in today's modern world. Every action—even a slap across Chris Rock's smirking face—begins in the mind and every thought stems from a foundational belief about reality and how the world works (or doesn't). Read the article by Jerry Bowyer here: https://wng.org/opinions/the-tongue-is-a-fire-1648641696

Did you do your homework reading from last week? Gary introduces next week's show (spoiler alert: Oscar slap) and then continues discussing the "free speech" event held at Yale Law School earlier this month. Two lawyers gathered to discuss freedom of speech and the "common ground" that can exist between left and right activists, but both were shouted down by law students. So much for blind justice.

Gary discusses the dual topics of theonomy and reconstruction. American Vision has gotten a lot of flack over the years for its stance and teaching on the subject of Old Testament law and its New Testament applicability. While there are certainly varying ideas and beliefs regarding the enduring aspects of God's Law, everyone must ultimately admit that if the standard isn't the entire Bible, what is it? If not God's Law, then what? Read the "homework" article here: https://freebeacon.com/campus/hundreds-of-yale-law-students-disrupt-bipartisan-free-speech-event/ Get Christianity and Civilization here: https://store.americanvision.org/products/the-complete-christianity-and-civilization

There is no neutrality. There is no common ground between the Christian and the atheist. Gary responds to an audio clip from Yuval Noah Harari regarding the aims of "humanistic education." Harari admits that personal feelings are the highest authority in a humanistic world that has "outgrown" such antiquated ideas as a Creator God. Without an outside authority, all views are equally valid and your own personal feelings are the gauge of what is right and wrong.

An individual named Paul Williams says he rejected Christianity because he realized that Jesus, Paul, and many others expected the “end of the world” to happen in their lifetimes. Gary responds to this mistaken assumption and Williams’ flimsy excuse for leaving the faith. Anyone with internet access can easily find the answer to what Jesus says in Matthew 10:23, 16:27, 28, Matthew 24, Paul, James, and John. I and many others down through the centuries have been able to find the answer to this seeming “mistake.”

Prophecy writers have been using Ezekiel 38 and 39 for centuries to make claims about what was going to happen in their day. The Gog and Magog prophecy describes an ancient battle fought with ancient weapons. It’s obvious that Ezekiel is describing a battle that was in Israel’s near future about 2500 years ago. The most likely fulfillment are the events surrounding the book of Esther. Gary lays all of this out on this episode of Heavy Lifting.

Grape juice will not burst old wineskins. Putting new wine in old wineskins will burst the wineskins. The New Covenant is new wine designed to burst old wineskins. Is it coincidental that Jesus’ first miracle was making a whole lot of new wine (John 2:1–12)? The New Covenant bursts the old wineskins of the power structures of the day. Jesus was relentless in doing this. The book of Acts is a history of burst wineskins. Many Christians today are afraid of new wine theology because it often bursts their traditional and unbiblical passive and pietist theology.

Modern readers of the Bible consistently make the mistake of attributing events spoken of in the New Testament as being in our future. Fanciful interpretations of judgments promised to first-century Israel are the result of misunderstanding the biblical timing. What are reported in Scripture as eschatological events for first-century Israel are instead teleported thousands of years into the future, losing both context and historicity. Gary discusses the Bible and Israel's eschatology on today's episode.

More cancel culture and racism coming from the Left. Gary discusses the Biden administration's recent announcement about a Supreme Court nominee, the NFL's race dilemma, and the never-ending Joe Rogan "controversy." Free speech and alternative viewpoints are becoming less-and-less welcome in the public marketplace of ideas. Social agendas are now the primary factor running the show and directing the media narrative.

Gary discusses an upcoming speaking event where he plans to give three talks. Theology influences worldview, and worldview influences culture. The Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks, and the Romans are all gone, but the beliefs that influenced them still exist to some degree. Christianity breaks through all these world kingdoms and presents a new reality: a new way to see the world.