The Gary DeMar Podcast

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 51 Gary answers a commenter who claims that 2 Thessalonians 2 refers to the need for a rebuilt (third) temple in our future. Regular listeners will immediately recognize the lack of first century context in the claim (when a rebuilt temple was actually standing) and basically requires all of the elements of the first century to be reinstituted and remade.

Gary responds to an interview clip from a state representative from Texas named James Talarico, who claims abortion is compatible with the Bible. Gary has discussed statements from Talarico before regarding the Ten Commandments. He is attending seminary and studying to be a pastor, but his ignorance of biblical topics is truly astounding.

Gary discusses the newest book project for American Vision. The Great Debate: Does God Exist? is at the printers and is an expanded and explained transcript of the historic 1985 debate between Dr. Gordon Stein and Dr. Greg Bahnsen. This debate is a classic of presuppositional apologetics and still stands as the ultimate example of showing that God's existence (and immaterial things :) is not only logical, it is absolutely essential.

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 50 Gary discusses a short video clip by John MacArthur regarding the chronology of the book of Revelation. Once again, textual time indicators are ignored in favor of pushing all the events of the book into the near (always near) future. But how can we read a book that uses words like "soon," "shortly," "quickly" and claim that it wasn't near in time for Christians that came before us?

Gary answers a question that we get often: "If so much of the New Testament is fulfilled, now what do we do?" It's a bit of a confounding question because people are essentially saying Jesus accomplishing all that He said He would isn't good enough. We live in a whole new world, one that isn't bound to the death and futility of the sacrificial system and the types and shadows of the Old Covenant.

Gary discusses the recent controversy with Chip and Joanna Gaines' new show and homosexuality. The Gaines are Christians and made the decision to have a homosexual couple on their show "Back to the Frontier" and have been receiving backlash online for it. Chip Gaines even went so far to defend the decision and chided Christians for their unwillingness to "learn."

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 49 Gary responds to a challenge issued to him on Facebook about the great tribulation and the "end times." The challenge-writer is convinced that we are living in the last days now, based on Israel becoming a nation again in 1948, and all of the modern "signs" of the times confirming Jesus warnings from the Olivet Discourse.

Gary revisits a topic he discussed a few months back about churches and pastors making political endorsements. It has long been believed that churches cannot even mention politics or candidates due to the threat of losing their tax-exempt status. The IRS has finally come out with a statement making the matter very clear. What excuse will churches use now?

Gary responds to a video clip of Bart Ehrman about various laws from Leviticus. Ehrman tries to equate same-sex relationships with wearing clothes of mixed fabrics because they happen to be stated near each other. His tactics are typical in the non-Christian bubble of atheists and skeptics. Gary shows how his "argument" doesn't actually hold water.

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 48 Gary deals with recent claims of what or who the "antichrist" is and how 666 fits in. As usual, most of these claims fail to take the first century timetable into consideration, which makes them (of course) apply everything to their own day and things they are reading or hearing on the internet.

Gary discusses a few "contradictions" commonly pointed out by critics. These textual "issues" seem to be difficult on the surface, but a bit of deeper reading makes it obvious that these "problems" with the Biblical text are not really problems at all. Christians must read in order to understand, and recognize that differences in how things are reported in the Bible are theologically significant and add depth and layers to the text as a whole.

Gary comments on several news items, including a real head-scratcher where some liberals want to say babies in the womb are citizens, despite the fact that they will argue in other situations that the "fetus" is not actually a human baby. Apparently the mother's intention is what creates or negates the humanity of what's in her womb.

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 47 Gary responds to a recent video by end-times speculator Jonathan Cahn about how we are "watching prophecy unfold before our eyes." This parlor trick is very old and has been used thousands of times by many other end-times alarmists. Listeners must be aware that none of this is new, and the current news cycle does not determine what the Bible means or how we do exegesis.

Gary answers email questions that he has received recently about Romans 11 and what "all Israel" being saved means. The most influential and popular view is Dispensationalism and its understanding of this passage is to split it off and push it far into the future. This doesn't work exegetically or contextually, where Paul is talking about his own present day.

Gary answers a listener question about the parenthetical statement in the Gospels about "letting the reader understand." Other similar instances are also found in other areas of the NT. Were these something that was said originally, or were they added by the author as a clue to how to interpret the context? 

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 46 Gary discusses how to read 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? 

Gary discusses a few "things in the news" and gives his unique spin on them. He mentions that in addition to the usual nonsense happening, there are also signs that things are slowly changing. The support for Pride Week is at an all-time low, and many businesses are shutting down funding for this and other DEI initiatives.

Gary discusses Islam, the Gospel, and the recent "interview" of Ted Cruz by Tucker Carlson. Cruz supports Israel because he says "the Bible commands it." But is this true? Do Christians have a scriptural obligation to support Israel (financially, politically, and militarily) regardless of their reasons for going to war with the countries around them?

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 45 Gary answers a very often-asked question these days about Israel's role in the biblical "end times." It will come as no surprise to any regular listener, but Gary explains why modern-day Israel does not have any prophetic significance, including their current "wars and rumors of wars."

Gary discusses two recent writings: one a book by Andrew Klavan and the other an article in World Magazine. Both deal with the question often asked by Dr. Gary North: "What is the proper response?" The Bible has the answers to today's moral dilemmas, but too often people believe that modern issues require modern solutions. The Bible deals with human life as it is, not in an idealized way. For this reason, its "ancient" answers are exactly what we need.

Gary responds to comments from critics on Facebook to his recent article about Acts 24:15 and the Greek word mello. The point of the debate is getting somewhat lost, but Gary shows (again) that some of the original Three Questions letter signers teach the very same thing that Gary is saying about Acts 24:15 and mello (about to be). 

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 44 Gary discusses Bible prophecy and timing. Making predictions about the future is easy if the events are hundreds or thousands of years in the future. There is no way to verify the veracity of the "prophet," which means there's no way to enforce Deuteronomy 13 & 18 and the test of the prophet. The NT is very clear that the events it is speaking about are "soon" to take place.

Gary discusses a recent interview with entrepreneur Peter Thiel about particular views he has about Christianity. Thiel claims to be a Christian, but has some contradictory views to the Bible, as well as some strange ideas about eschatology. While the Bible can inform modern ideas and cultural movements, it is primarily relating real events, not high-level philosophies.

Gary responds to a critic accusing him of nefarious Bible study tactics, including "cherry picking" select commentaries and tools. While "cherry-picking" does indeed sound bad and something one should never do, the question must be asked: How else would you do it? If we cannot select sources that help bolster our own views or reveal the weakness of opposing views for fear of being a "cherry-picker," how then should we do scholarship?  

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 43 Gary responds to a recent article that presents a tired old argument that a rebuilt temple in Jerusalem is going to happen soon. The Bible speaks about Jesus being the fulfillment of all the requirements of the OT, not remaking everything, which would be an abomination to the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Gary discusses a recent article responding to one of his articles about the Greek word mello. Luke, the author of Acts, uses this word often throughout his history of the Apostles and the Early Church. Most places it's used it means "about to be," but there's some dispute about what it means in several places, especially in Paul's trials near the end of the book.

Gary comments on several recent news items, hoping to bring a bit of sanity (and biblical worldview) to the cultural craziness. The Catholic Church, SPLC, Charlie Kirk, transgenderism, and track and field all get a bit of analysis from Gary. He even closes the episode with a bit of health advice. It has something for everyone!

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 42 Gary concludes his response to John Piper's book, Come, Lord Jesus. Time statements, context, and other books of the Bible help us to understand what words and phrases in the Bible actually mean. We also need to be careful that we are interpreting biblical words in light of how an ancient audience would understand it, not how a 21st century audience does.

Gary responds to a listener from Australia that wonders about how certain Greek words are translated in the new Legacy Standard Bible. Presuppositions, especially eschatological ones, are powerful and affect how translators interpret Greek words, which in turn influences their translation efforts.

Gary discusses the inconsistent application of religion and politics between the two American political parties. Churches and pastors MUST be involved not only in biblical studies, but in the application of such studies, including in politics. All biblical worldview issues have real-world application, which is the actual reason for teaching the biblical issues in the first place.

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 41 Gary continues his review of John Piper's book, Come, Lord Jesus. Pastor Piper discusses the actual language used by Jesus in the NT, but still argues that Jesus' words didn't actually mean what they appear to mean. Jesus promised He would come before that generation in the first century died, but Pastor Piper disagrees.

Gary discusses the newest media darling, Steven Hasan, and his BITE model of determining "cult" behavior. Far from being useful, Hasan's model could be used to define nearly any group as a "cult." Businesses, clubs, schools, churches, and even families could be defined as "cults" according to Hasan's methodology, and now even the FBI has jumped on board. 

Gary discusses recent discussions he's had with people regarding eschatology and creedal authority. It seems that every theological topic of debate can be settled with Bible verses, except eschatology and especially ones about the "Three Questions." The arguments that most of Gary's critics make are circular and based on certain assumptions that aren't actually biblical. 

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 40 Gary begins reviewing John Piper's book, Come Lord Jesus. Most Christians haven't even thought about what it means that Jesus "comes," and definitely not in the context of many references to God "coming" in the Old Testament. This is very important and necessary to defining the entire "end time" framework. 

Gary brings some "Memes of the Week" to discuss the current "outrage" from leftist opportunists. Some are claiming to be "offended" by a meme that shows Trump in popish attire. It is typical of these people to suddenly get religious when it suits their agenda, however much their claims are contradicted by what they say and do elsewhere.

Gary responds to an article written by a Vanderbilt professor that uses outdated information to make her argument. The professor quotes from Dr. Bruce Waltke in a 1968 Christianity Today article about abortion (Dr. Waltke has since changed his view) to dismiss Christians opposed to climate change. If it sounds ridiculous and confusing, it's because it is. But it's the state of modern "scholarship." Download Gary's written response here: https://americanvision.org/images/uploads/abortion-biblical-law-and-the-civil-magistrate_final.pdf

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 39 Rick Welch takes over the Gary DeMar Podcast and interviews Kirk Cameron. Kirk has been very active lately in helping to promote American history, family values, and an optimistic world-and-life-view. Formerly known as a teen actor and "the Left Behind Guy," Kirk details some of the influences that have helped inform and guide his current work.

Gary comments on a recent speech by Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker. The governor uses inflammatory rhetoric to disparage (and warn it seems) Republicans about potential reprisals if they continue on their current path. He also refers to those who support President Trump as "quislings" that will not be tolerated.

Gary has been around long enough that what he has written 30 years ago is now current again. Christian Reconstructionism was a movement that bothered a lot of people in the 1980s and 90s and today the boogeyman is Christian Nationalism. The arguments against both are nearly the same, even though Reconstruction and Nationalism aren't the same. What they actually have in common is bad and unbiblical critiques by authors who should know better. Read the article Gary is responding to here: https://www.christianpost.com/voices/the-rise-of-coerced-cultural-christianity-a-disturbing-trend.html

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 38 Gary sits down with his friend Robert Cruickshank at the recent Berean Bible Conference. The two answer a listener question about Revelation 20, which is a very difficult chapter. However, as Gary points out, nearly every eschatological "system" assumes this chapter says much more than it actually does. Gary and Bob try to keep it real and biblical. 

Back for a third time, Gary highlights a few of his favorite "Memes of the Week." He discusses track and field, transgenderism, abortion, atheism, presuppositionalism, and much more. There's always much to learn when Gary is selecting the memes.

Gary compares the two approaches to funding between Hillsdale College and Harvard. Despite having an enormous endowment of billions of dollars, Harvard still takes a large amount of tax money every year. Hillsdale takes none, not even indirectly. The school saw the trap of federal money from early on. So many colleges in the country are dependent on government money yet still have high tuition and less control over their product.

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 37 Gary discusses common misunderstandings of Bible prophecy based on over-literal interpretations and misreadings of the Old Testament. The New Testament is the best commentary on the OT, but the OT also helps us better understand the NT. We can't selectively claim that certain parts of the OT are still future just because we don't like the fulfillment.

After discussing an issue that caused his Facebook page to be eliminated, Gary discusses the craziness coming from leftist Democrats about Jesus and immigration. One thing that you can always count on around Easter is that both sides of the political divide will attempt to make Jesus fit their own narrative and claim His support of their agenda.

Christianity is a future-oriented worldview. Who inherits what we leave behind? How does our view of the future affect our attitude towards the future? God is the Author of the past, the present, and the future. He owns everything, including time. Does it matter if we live fearfully or hopefully? Very much so, as Gary points out in this important talk from several years ago

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 36 Gary discusses the fact that ALL Christians are preterists, at least to some degree. If you believe the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is a historical fact—you are a preterist. Even unbelievers cannot deny that these events—whether they believe they happened or not—have changed the course of world history. In other words, Jesus Christ has changed the world forever, according to the Scriptures.

Gary concludes his response to a recent video discussion about his eschatological views. The host references a book that refers to the creeds and confessions as "guardrails" that keep biblical exegesis within the "bounds" of orthodoxy. In reality, they are elevating the creeds (at least the ones they recognize as authoritative) above what the Bible actually says. 

Many religious cults claim to believe the Bible and biblical inerrancy. A recent video discussion that included Sam Frost and Andrew Sandlin raised the question about how Gary would answer cults using only the Bible. Their claim seems to be that creeds and confessions are necessary to defend a proper biblical interpretation, but Gary disagrees. 

Bible Prophecy Under the Microscope-Episode 35 Gary gives an overview of the book of Revelation and helps readers to put the confusing book into perspective. Context is important and the timing of the events mentioned in the last book of the Bible must be taken into consideration. Internal clues about when it was written also need to be factored in.

It's now official! Gary brings back his segment "Memes of the Week" making it a regular feature of the podcast (or least one that has recurred). Meme creators find interesting ways to communicate complicated topics in (often) humorous ways. Gary highlights a few of his most recent favorites.

Gary responds to recent criticism that resurrects the "Three Question Controversy" from 2023 and accuses Gary of promoting "full preterism." While the tactics of the accusers remain the same, the exegetical proof that Gary has been demanding (not just pointing to a creed) remains missing. The critics do not even agree among themselves and continually hide behind creedal statements, yet refuse to interact with the biblical time statements.