The StandFast Cast

Join Dr. George Grant as he talks about how Nathaniel Ranew improved  his life of solitude through meditaion. 

Walter Hooper, the executor of C.S. Lewis' literary estate maintained that The Aboli- tion of Man was “an all but indispensable intro- duction to the entire corpus of Lewisiana.” Lewis himself revealed that it was “almost my favorite among my books.” Indeed, he referred to it again and again in virtually all of his later works—he says That Hideous Strength is “a novelization of its essential thesis” and the first four chapters of Mere Christianity “operate in effect, as a simpli- fied version or beginners' guide to Abolition.” But, the average Evangelical reader today would be justifiably baffled by this notion: the book, despite its many pithy epigrammatic quotes, seems to be arcanely philosophical and morosely pessi- mistic.

Join Dr. Grant as he shows how  Sick Heart River turns the adventure yarn into a spiritual quest with an authority that few have ever rivalled.

Shelf Life - 7-19 - The Pastor of Kilsyth When we talk about Scotland's Reformation and journey into freedom, names like John Knox, Richard Cameron and Thomas Chalmers easily come to mind. No doubt, they were mighty men of God called and chosen to serve as men who ushered the nation into a greater place of blessing. A reality that changed the world. But have you ever wondered about the pastors who filled the pulpits of the land? The army of men whose “common place” ministries were the meat and drink of parishes of Caledonia? Join Dr. Grant as he introduces you to The Pastor of Kilsyth by Islay Burns, a behind the scenes look into the ordinary ministry of a typical servant of God in Scotland - the spiritual boots on the ground. This look into the ministry of a “common pastor” is nothing short of extraordinary.

The StandFast Cast is back with Episode 114 - Maintaining Joy! Come along with Dr. Grant and his amazing wife Karen as they explore the topic of how joy thrives when we learn to never cease amazement at the good, regular and "ordinary" provisions of God for our lives. Gifts that are so amazing, rich and full that they are the sustenance of life from God!

Join George & Karen from their snow surrounded study as they discuss the wonderful virtue of a healthy & strong mind through rich, deep and regular reading!

Join in with Dr. Grant and Ernie as they delve into a delightful topic to kick off 2022 - Stirling Bridge Book Club's January focus, Orthodoxy by G. K. Chesterton. You don't want to miss this!

Join Karen and I for an honest, open and hope-filled conversation on navigating grief during Christmas that will help encourage your heart and inspire you to connect with the Lord and covenant community so you don't walk this path alone. Christmas cheer is for real life, and has the greatest comforts and medicines for our souls!

Join Karen and I for a delightful discussion on how we plan and prepare for a productive, God-glorifying future that not only gives helpful "marching orders" for productivity but also for family, fun and slowing your year down as you fill it with purpose and stewardship and escape the "tyranny of the urgent".

Join George & Karen for this fun and enjoyable part 1 of a 4 part series as they address beautiful and meaningful realities around Christmas, tradition, holiday seasons and the coming year!

We live in challenging times. Uncertainty, fear and discouragement can overwhelm the child of God in days like these. But God's Word - and history - tell a different story. Episode 108 = Arise & Build Pt. 3 Listen in to part 3 of this 3 part series as Dr. Grant encourages us to look up, look back and work forward. To "Arise & Build", for the Lord is with us!

We live in challenging times. Uncertainty, fear and discouragement can overwhelm the child of God in days like these. But God's Word - and history - tell a different story. Episode 107 = Arise & Build Pt. 2 Listen in to part 2 of this 3 part series as Dr. Grant encourages us to look up, look back and work forward. To "Arise & Build", for the Lord is with us!

We live in challenging times. Uncertainty, fear and discouragement can overwhelm the child of God in days like these. But God's Word - and history - tell a different story. Episode 106 = Arise & Build Pt. 1 Listen in to part 1 of this 3 part series as Dr. Grant encourages us to look up, look back and work forward. To "Arise & Build", for the Lord is with us!

How can we know that our prayers are acceptable to God? Yes, it's true that the believer's prayers go through Christ and are covered with His merit and mingled with His prayers. But How can we know that the heart and mind  - the feeling and content of our praying - is a sweet savor to the Lord? When we turn the Bible into our meat and manual for praying, we pray in step with our Savior!

Join Dr. Grant and his wife Karen as they discuss how to learn from the Bible, how to read the Bible and the value it yields us as we learn to read, understand and live out the revelation of the mind and heart of the Lord to us!

A group of about 50 Franklin, TN businessmen and women, educators, local magistrates, and law enforcement officers asked Dr. Grant to address the current cultural climate in our nation. From a Biblical worldview perspective, what should we be doing? How should we be thinking? By looking back at the history of both revolutions and reformations, Dr. Grant plots a pathway forward. You can think of these two lectures— one shared in this episode and one in the previous— as a preview of the kinds of issues he will take up on his new radio program and podcast “Resistance and Reformation” on the Fight, Laugh, Feast Network.

A group of about 50 Franklin, TN businessmen and women, educators, local magistrates, and law enforcement officers asked Dr. Grant to address the current cultural climate in our nation. From a Biblical worldview perspective, what should we be doing? How should we be thinking? By looking back at the history of both revolutions and reformations, Dr. Grant plots a pathway forward. You can think of these two lectures— one shared in this episode and the next in episode #103— as a preview of the kinds of issues he will take up on his new radio program and podcast “Resistance and Reformation” on the Fight, Laugh, Feast Network.

On this episode of the StandfastCast George and Karen discuss the new edition of George's book, “Killer Angel: A Biography of Planned Parenthood's Margaret Sanger.” In the process they trace the ideas of radical progressives prior to World War I right up to the advocates of Intersectionality and Cultural Marxism today. https://www.GeorgeGrant.net/SF101  

On this episode of the StandfastCast George and Karen discuss why they remain optimistic about the pro-life cause—despite all appearances to the contrary. They remain optimistic—not because of any trend in politics or culture, but because of the Gospel. https://www.GeorgeGrant.net/SF100 

On this episode of the StandfastCast George and Karen tell the story of how they became involved in the pro-life movement. From the earliest days of the Roe v. Wade case in Dallas to the establishment of one of the nation's first crisis pregnancy centers their personal story has been profoundly shaped by the Gospel's declaration of the sanctity of life. https://www.GeorgeGrant.net/SF99 

Life always seems to throw us curve balls…  If 2020 taught us nothing else, it taught us that. So, how do we make plans, create goals, and live intentionally when there is so much uncertainty around us.   In this conversation, George and Karen discuss what works best for them. https://www.GeorgeGrant.net/SF98

In this podcast George and Karen discuss the way they plan for, prepare for, and organize for effectual prayer through the course of the year.   They describe the different ways they have learned to create a sustainable approach uniquely suited to their needs. Learn more at https://www.GeorgeGrant.net/SF97

This week we talk with Jim Blazevich of NavLife. Years ago, Jim learned (the hard way) that his wife wouldn't know what to do if he passed. Sure, he had life insurance the other “precautions” and measures we typically put in place, but there were still so many questions… Who could fix the cars? How would the business run? Could she login to his computer and access the things she needed to know? Although many of us don't like thinking about such things, they're necessary. The death rate is, well… 100%. Sooner or later, we all “tap out.” Though we can't decide what happens WHEN we go or even HOW we go, we can make some decisions which affect what happens to the people we love the most AFTER we go… NavLife is a program that empowers you NOW to equip the people who matter the most to know what to do LATER. In this episode, we talk all about those awkward, yet necessary questions… … and we provide you with a tool to set everything in place. Listen in at www.GeorgeGrant.net/blog/SF96 ++++++ Grab the tools you need at www.MyNavLife.com , using the code STANDFAST at checkout.

Tis the season to… sponsor an angel child, send a shoe box of gifts, volunteer at a soup kitchen, gift blankets and jackets and hats… That is, it's the season for charity. Christmas is a time when we typically thing about people in need. We fill up the red kettles as The Salvation Army bell ringers welcome us to the shopping malls, and more… But need knows no season. And rather than giving hand-outs (which we actually SHOULD do), we're called to do more. Biblical compassion digs deeper and goes farther than charity. Biblical compassion drives at the root causes of the need. Rather than addresses the surface issues, true compassion drives at the systems creating those needs in the first place. Compassion calls us to look at oppression. And to really evaluate our place. In this talk we discuss a few things you can do… It starts with living with your eyes wide open, walking with an awareness as to what's happening around you and allowing the Spirit to speak. And it continues as you connect with people in relationship. Whereas “charity” happens as a “one off” AND can happen in a disconnected way, Biblical compassion can't. And, finally, it requires time. It's a long-term commitment to walking with people in relationship, which is one of the true currencies of the Kingdom. +++ Listen at www.GerogeGrant.net/blog/SF95

The first Thanksgiving happened over a year after the passengers who traveled aboard the Mayflower made it to the New World. Interestingly enough, the group learned quickly that the affairs of everyday life— things such as laundry and meal preparation— were the most pressing. Whereas we often search for God amidst the serene and secluded, they found Him amidst the mundane and normal… One hundred and two of them disembarked the ship, but over 50 of them died over the next two winters. It was hardly a strong start to a new civilization, nothing like the list of things for which we might be thankful. The group learned quickly that they couldn't “instantly” build the new civilization of which they dreamt. Rather, they had to consume themselves with simply doing “the next right thing.” Over time, the built a city on a hill, which would become well-known throughout the world (in their time) and across the pages of history (in our own.). New immigrants reinforced their ranks. Learned skills increased their adaptivity. Grace abounded… At one point, when the new experiment was still in doubt, the rations became small— so meager that each person was allowed merely 5 kernels of corn per day. That's how close they came to starvation. In this episode of the Standfast-cast we discuss where you go— and how you get there— when there's nowhere to go but up, when you've hit rock bottom yet can Hardley see any way out. Listen at www.GeorgeGrant.net/blog/SF94 or on your fav podcast provider.

In this episode of the Standfast Cast we continue our conversation from the previous week and discuss WHY the Pilgrims came to the New World in the first place. By the year 1619, after almost a century of tumult and tribulation, two ships received permission to head to the Americas. One turned back early, as it was taking water and was destined to sink otherwise. The other, the Mayflower, made the trek. John Robinson, the pastor who stayed behind in the “old world,” sent his congregants with some advice as to how to live under God and with each other. He encourage them… 1. Don't forget daily repentance... stay current with God.... Cornerstone of your society is individuals walking before God 2. Don't be quick to take offense... 3. Don't be quick to give offense.. 4. Make sure you don't so pursue your private interests in the new world that you do so to the determinant of the common good. 5. Free elections. Choose people among you who are full of wisdom... let them lead... and then give them due obedience and respondent. Providentially, the group who made the voyage cross The Atlantic paused before heading ashore on November 11, 1620. They took Robinson's counseling and created a covenant before heading to their new home. They called it… the Mayflower Compact. Listen to their story at www.GeorgeGrant.net/blog/SF93 or on your fav podcast provider.

There's a lot happening in our current political climate— too many unknowns to list. But, we have much to be thankful for, even as the votes and elections are sorted. In fact, this is the month when we lean towards the Thanksgiving holiday every year. Maybe you remember making pilgrim hats and Indian vests from construction paper and grocery bags back in elementary school. That's the grandest narrative we attach to Thanksgiving, that first celebration by the Pilgrims in the New World. But that event didn't just happen overnight. In this podcast we trace the story of the first Thanksgiving back 100 years leading up to that first meal. And, you'll learn that most of it has to do with religious freedom!

This year we look— as we do every four years— at a “historical election.” Let's be honest about it. The last one was historical. As was the one before that. And the one before that. And, yes, even the one before that… In fact, they're all “historical.” But what matters more than a “historical” election are the things you and I do every single day to govern ourselves. It's not that the elections don't matter, it's just that, well… our private lives— and what we do with them— matter more. We tend to flip things upside down. We assume that the government is the most important area of authority. And then we presume that our churches might provide a close “second.” But… When we look at the Scripture, we see something radically different. The first arena of authority God created was the family. And, individuals make up that family. That means the things which you and I do each day— not every four years— have exponentially more power than what happens in Washington. In fact, you could argue that what happens there is really a reflection of what happens here…

In this episode of the Standfast-cast, George talks with Andy and Ernie, showing them how so much information that we know "believe" and "share" about Christopher Columbus is totally.... get this... wrong. In fact, most people don't know that Columbus left what we now know as Spain with a mission-motivation.  And, he didn't do many of the things which the "left" now ascribes to him (nor do people who topple statues, rename cities, and rewrite history even bother to research).  In this episode, we ask the question, "Hey, have we jumped to the wrong conclusions about this historical figure?" The answer(s) might just surprise you...

One of the obstacles voters face as they head to the polls in 2020 is the paucity of good and practical information about the issues and the candidates. Of course, with 24-hour cable news, a myriad of social media platforms, internet news sites, magazines, and newspaper, you'd think we'd be drowning in good information.  Not so.   Alas, there has rarely been a time in history when the media has been a fractious, polarized, and biased as it is today.   In this edition of the StandfastCast George takes a look at this phenomenon and why it has become so exasperating—and believe it or not, it has very little to do with Trump!

We're in a season unlike any other. And, regardless of where you stand politically, there are a few things we can do to make sure we “get Covid right.” That is, regardless of what we think about the politics, the efficacy of masks (or the need for them), the test numbers & case numbers & other metrics… … there is some Biblical wisdom we're given on how to move forward. In this episode of the Standfast-cast, we bump the surface of that discussion…   ++++ Note: George & Karen discussed this topic also in episode #69, “Lessons from the Coronavirus” (May 21, 2020 release date: https://www.GeorgeGrant.net/blog/SF69

Many of us would love to read the great books.

The final chapter of James encourages us with the admonition to “be patient.” That is, “wait.” He refers us to several Old Testament heroes— including Job and Elijah— who were examples of actively enduring while patiently waiting. And he offers us this hope: we actively wait together. That is, we're not alone. We walk in community. We offer hope. We offer healing. We restore and “snatch from the fire” those who might lose their way.

Whereas we tend to think that trouble comes from “out there,” James tells us to do something shocking: take a look in the mirror. In chapter 4, he outlines what worldliness look like, as well as what Godliness looks like. And, as James tends to be, he's pretty “cut and dry” in his assessments. Furthermore, he calls us to humility, to realizing that the blessings we experience in this world don't come to us because we're “so bless-able.” Rather, they come our way because God is so good and kind. This, then, encourages us to draw near to Him, to flee temptation, and to bestow the same grace on others that has been freely gifted to us… … even if it is all a bit counter-cultural.

In chapter 3, James takes us from “invisible faith” (James 2) to “visible wisdom.” Turns out, wisdom is seen by her fruits… … and the “chief fruit” of wisdom is the words we say (and, of course, the ones we don't say that we mutter under our breathe). Furthermore, James defines what the wisdom of God looks like— that is, he shows us the relational results of the wisdom of God. And, once you see it (or the opposite), you instantly know it.

In James 2 we discuss one of the most controversial passages in the New Testament: “Faith without works is dead” (2:26). What does James mean by this? We discover that true Biblical faith moves beyond objective facts to experiential reality. And, it turns out that BOTH of these are important.

This talk kicks off a 5-part series on the book of James. Join us as we walk through this 5-chapter powerhouse of a book, using the Keystones approach as our guide. In James 1, we learn about trials, trouble, and tribulation… … and we discover that James says we should “chalk it all up” to joy. That is, he doesn't say that trials ARE joyful, but that they produce something worth joy— they mature us and create something in us that can't be acquired any other way.

George reads a lot. And a lot of what he reads is very different from what most people read. Among his most enduring influences is the great Italian academic semioticist Umberto Eco (1932-2016). On this episode of the StandfastCast podcast, Karen asks George about why it is that this rather arcane and difficult writer and thinker, and his rather arcane and difficult novels and essays, inspire him so much and remain on his short list of go-to resources.

In 1819, when he was at the height of his influence and effectiveness, Thomas Chalmers preached a sermon on growing in Christ and resistance to temptation and sin.  It has been heralded as a classic ever since. The sermon has been particularly influential in George's life, helping him understand how the Gospel changes everything. With a new edition of the sermon published by Standfast Books, George and Karen sat down to talk about the sermon and its powerful effect on them in this Standfast conversation.

Brent Hebert introduces this talk… He says he had the pleasure of meeting George Grant 2 or 3 years ago at the For God & Truth Conference in Trinity, Alabama. Brent adds, “It has been said that if you want to know the heart and love of a pastor, take a glimpse at his library and the books he reads. One glimpse at George's library, it is easy to tell that he loves theology, history and politics….” Then— “Second to Thomas Chalmers, George's favorite author would be that of G.K. Chesterton.” G.K. Chesterton was an early 20th century English writer, philosopher and theologian and perhaps the most quotable writer. In today's podcast, George takes a look at “Things Worth Doing” and Chesterton's sense of wonder. (This talk was first delivered at R.C. Sproul's 2002 Ligonier Ministries conference.)

Tim Yarbrough introduces this “throwback” talk in which George discusses how God uses covenantal succession through people… even the unexpected people. Turns out, the Lord only has imperfect people to use. That means, we're all— by His grace— qualified. (This talk comes from George's 2009 lecture at the ACCS— Association of Christian and Classical Schools— conference.)

Perry Coghlan introduces another talk by George in this “throwback” lecture. (Perry also introduced the first talk in the series, SF73.) He offers a warning on this one, though… He says you might NOT want to listen to it. He offers four reasons why— #1- if you don't appreciate brutal honesty, don't listen. #2- if you don't want to learn through tough situations, don't listen. #3- if you don't want to dive deep… that is, you want a happy-clappy talk, then don't listen. #4- if you don't want to learn about saints in the past endured hard things… definitely don't listen. That said, he suggests three reasons why you might WANT to take the time to pay close attention to what George says over the next hour— Reason #1- if you want to learn how saints in the past endured— and changed culture… Reason #2- if you want to see how to create a generational legacy… Reason #3- if you want to see how your daily choices matter now… … you owe it to yourself to pause and pay attention. (This talk comes from George's 2004 lecture at the ACCS— Association of Christian and Classical Schools— conference.)

Ernie Yarbrough introduces talk #3 in our throwback series… In Dr. George Grant's lecture entitled “Theology of Wonder - Integrating the Humanities,” our modern view of a fragmented education that serves primarily utilitarian purposes is confronted with a beautiful and covenantal pattern of education that connects all of life with meaning, purpose and unity. Dr. Grant reminds us that God's pattern and plan for creation is the basis for all our learning and cultural endeavors — a diverse and rich platform to display His glory and show us His love and holiness. We are tempted in today's world to view architecture, agriculture, math, science, biology and the study of space— just to name a few— as largely separate spheres of study. Dr. Grant shows us that when we embrace a biblical worldview, we are confronted in every field study with a theology of wonder as we employ Humanities & Moral Philosophy (the old names for history) to discover the glory of God in the historical and academic accomplishments of mankind. This “fuller” approach not only gives us a glimpse into the wonder of His works, but it unifies all of our studies in the pursuit of biblical wisdom. After all, there's nothing that doesn't exist under the authority of Christ, right? (This talk comes from George's 2008 lecture at the ACCS— Association of Christian and Classical Schools— conference.)

Every presidential election is important, but the 2020 election may well define the trajectory of American politics and culture for a generation or more. And, chief among the issues that will dominate the campaigns of both major political parties as well as the media's coverage will be the importance of the Electoral College. On this episode of the StandfastCast podcast, Karen and George discuss the whole concept of constitutional “checks and balances” and why the provisions of federalism are the firm foundations of our freedoms.

Jacob Frank introduces this talk by Dr. Grant from over TWENTY YEARS AGO! Jacob meant George just a few years ago (and was in school when this talk was first delivered). Further, in Jacob's words, “I was in awe not just by what he was teaching, but by his passion!” In this talk, George discusses things we were “robbed” of— the things we didn't learn. Turns out, when memory (or memorials) are lacking, people are prone to even more forgetfulness. And, we lose the lessons of the past. Lest we despair, though, there is hope. We can access truth and move forward. Furthermore, looking at the past isn't simply about living in the past— or conjuring up nostalgia. Rather, it's about looking back in order to live forward. (This 20-plus year-old talk comes from George's 1999 lecture at the ACCS— Association of Christian and Classical Schools— conference.)

Perry Coghlan has been a friend of George Grant's for about 35 years— in various capacities (George has been Perry's pastor, now, for over a decade). Here, Perry introduces George's talk about the importance of worldview— a lecture in which he discusses why our perception of reality actually matters. You see, ideas have consequences. Every day we practically “live out” what we really believe. Looking at the example of Abraham Kuyper in Holland, George takes us on a journey and demonstrates that Jesus is Lord over all things… When that truth drives deep into our soul, it truly overflows into everything we do. (This talk comes from George's 2007 lecture at the ACCS— Association of Christian and Classical Schools— conference.)

Quick on the heels of the Coronavirus pandemic that shuttered much of our nation this spring, America's fractious racial divide spilled onto city streets following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. For weeks protests, looting, violence erupted across the land and all too many of our neighbors have been shaken with fear and plunged into despair. In times like these, how should we then live? What should we think? How should we FEEL? And who should we believe…? George and Karen take up that vital question in this episode of the Standfast podcast.   Listen in at https://www.GeorgeGrant.net/blog/SF72 or your favorite podcast provider.

On this edition of the StandfastCast George and Karen discuss marriage. They recorded the day before they celebrated their 45th anniversary—which afforded them the opportunity to look back and recall some of the most important lessons about marriage that they've learned through the years. Not surprisingly, those lessons practically all revolve around applying and realizing Gospel basics. More at https://www.GeorgeGrant.net/blog/SF71 

From the very beginning (Genesis 2:8), mankind has been at home in a garden. In all the intervening years, many of us have found solace from the wearying effects of this poor fallen world among the flowers and herbs, trees and vines, vegetables and fruits— despite the intrusions of weeds, tares, and thorns.  Gardening has been rather artlessly defined as little more than growing and caring for plants as an enjoyable leisure activity, to produce food, or to create beautiful landscapes with pleasantly arranged flowers, shrubs, and trees. To be sure, for some, gardening is a form of exercise, a way to save money on food, or a way to ensure that fruits and vegetables are free from pesticides or other chemicals. But it has also always been more than that. On this episode of the Standfast podcast, Karen and George explore a bit of that as “something more.” Learn more at https://www.GeorgeGrant.net/blog/SF70