Bible Answer Man Podcast with Hank Hanegraaff

Hank shares his thoughts on the legacy of the English Bible, which had its genesis in the writings of Oxford theologian John Wycliffe. His translation from the 1380's remained the only English Bible until the invention of moveable type in the 16th century. He held that the Bible was the sole authority for faith and practice. So his writings were condemned as heresy. Perhaps no single person made a greater contribution to the legacy of the English Bible than William Tyndale. Like Wycliffe, Tyndale purposed to make the Bible available to the commoner and was martyred for translating the Bible into the English language. As his body was ablaze he cried out, "Oh Lord, open the eyes of England's king!" His prayer found an answer, ironically, in King Henry VIII, who authorized an English translation to be chained to every church pulpit in the land. At the Christian Research Institute, one of our core values is to not only get people into the Bible, but that they would become conversant with art and science of biblical interpretation. Hank also answers the following questions: Was the manger that Jesus was born in a cave? Was the feeding trough not wooden? Who is the "us" referring to in Genesis chapter 1? Can you explain Genesis 8:21; why does God say He will never curse the ground again? I'm having a hard time finding a church and right now I'm attending a Church of Christ. Can you help me? Is there any indication in the Bible that angels sing? How do I reconcile the New Testament teaching that marriage is between one man and one woman, and the Old Testament accounts of polygamy? I have a friend who asked: why can't all religions be true? My wife said that if God knows the future then we are nothing more than robots; could you clarify this for me? Where does the Roman Catholic Church get the idea that Peter was the first Pope? Where's the biblical evidence for this?

Hank welcomes actor, director, producer and nationally syndicated radio host, Carl Amari to discuss The Word of God Audio Bible New Testament. The Word of God is a dramatic audio theater presentation featuring internationally-renowned actors, an original music score, and wonderful sound effects. Hank and Carl give listeners a taste of what they'll hear with this brilliantly-recorded, artistically-rich production and how edifying it can be to listen to the Scriptures. Hank also answers the following questions: What is your opinion of the book You All May Prophesy by Steve Thompson? My church is using this material. How should we practice the Sabbath command to rest? What are your thoughts on the movie Mary's Land? Is it possible that Mary could actually appear to people?

Hank tackles the question: Is artificial intelligence taking over? As a result of many popular science fiction movies about artificial intelligence, the CHRISTIAN RESEARCH JOURNAL has produced an article addressing this concern titled, "Who's Afraid of HAL?" The fear of AI taking over is not just the stuff of sci-fi nightmares, but is also shared by icons such as Stephen Hawking and Bill Gates. They need not fear however, because there is an essential difference between human minds and machines. The mind has metaphysical properties to which the machine can never attain. The subjective texture of your conscious mental experiences is different than anything that is simply physical. A machine can never produce a mind; therefore, computers will never become conscious, independent, and dangerous. Hank also answers the following questions: I have the book A Meaningful World by Benjamin Wiker and Jonathan Witt. Can other religions generate this kind of literature? I'm struggling with the salvation of my children. They've prayed the Sinners Prayer, but I don't see a lot of fruit. Does the Holy Spirit draw everyone? Are we doing church correctly in the way we spend our money with regard to church buildings and staff? What is your opinion of the Mandela Effect? Is there any validity to it at all? Is it necessary to confess every sin to someone? I'm in a mega church that keeps growing, but I don't feel like the people are getting fed. What is your opinion of mega churches? I have a friend who is an atheist; how can I give her hard proof for the existence of God?

Hank highlights a few articles in the current edition of the CHRISTIAN RESEARCH JOURNAL including an article titled, "The Unending Bending of Gender." According to the article, 1.4 million Americans now identify as transgender. And while Facebook offers over 70 gender categories, Paul Mchugh, Professor of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine says that almost 80% of prepubescent children who struggle with their gender grow out of it if left alone. Therefore, these medical interventions come very close to child abuse. Instead, what is needed is wise parenting. Despite icons like the NBA, common sense tells us that biology determines gender and biological males should not be showering or using the same bathroom as females. Hank also answers the following questions: Are Oneness Pentecostals so far from orthodoxy that it is dangerous to have any fellowship with them? Is it true that God only gives us the amount of money He can trust us with? Are RFID chips the mark of the beast? If Jesus was in the tomb for three days and three nights, wouldn't that mean He died on a Wednesday? Since Roman Catholics have extra books in their Bible, do Protestants consider them to be heretical? Who is the identity of the naked youth in Mark chapter 14? How can I know whether or not the Devil is working or if I did something myself? My family members are converting from Christianity to other religions because they believe the Bible promotes inhumane behavior. How can I refute this claim?

Hank shares his thoughts on the topic of abortion in light of Lena Dunham's recent comments. Despite the fact that many seem to be suffering from "abortion fatigue," there's an abortion war being waged. President Barack Obama said, "Planned Parenthood is not going anywhere, it's not going anywhere today, it's not going anywhere tomorrow." And last week the Obama administration issued a final rule to bar states from withholding federal funds from Planned Parenthood affiliates. Actress and writer, Lena Dunham was reported to have said that she hasn't had an abortion, but she wished she had. In other words, she wishes she was involved in the painful killing of an innocent human being. Although Obama and Dunham may use clever code words in order to dull human sensibilities and cast pro-life advocates as social extremists, the horror of abortion remains. This is the world in which we live. We can either curse the darkness or build a lighthouse in the midst of the gathering storm. Hank also answers the following questions: Is it okay for Christians to listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir? Can you clarify why Christians and Jews don't worship the same God? Is it biblical for someone to study under a mentor before becoming a pastor? Can you take the Mark of the Beast and still be saved? Why didn't God completely erase all sin, evil, and Satan at the cross?

Hank shares his thoughts on the topic of abortion in light of Lena Dunham's recent comments. Despite the fact that many seem to be suffering from "abortion fatigue," there's an abortion war being waged. President Barack Obama said, "Planned Parenthood is not going anywhere, it's not going anywhere today, it's not going anywhere tomorrow." And last week the Obama administration issued a final rule to bar states from withholding federal funds from Planned Parenthood affiliates. Actress and writer, Lena Dunham was reported to have said that she hasn't had an abortion, but she wished she had. In other words, she wishes she was involved in the painful killing of an innocent human being. Although Obama and Dunham may use clever code words in order to dull human sensibilities and cast pro-life advocates as social extremists, the horror of abortion remains. This is the world in which we live. We can either curse the darkness or build a lighthouse in the midst of the gathering storm. Hank also answers the following questions: Is it okay for Christians to listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir? Can you clarify why Christians and Jews don't worship the same God? Is it biblical for someone to study under a mentor before becoming a pastor? Can you take the Mark of the Beast and still be saved? Why didn't God completely erase all sin, evil, and Satan at the cross?

Hank welcomes back Dr. Paul Copan to continue discussing his book, Is God a Moral Monster as well as a book he coauthored with Matthew Flannagan titled, Did God Really Command Genocide? Dr. Copan explains the historical and biblical context surrounding God's command to destroy the Canaanites and dispels the perceived similarities between this and Islamic jihad. He also refutes the mistaken notion that there is some difference in God's character between the Old and New Testaments, and addresses the justified use of force in light of Jesus' charge to turn the other cheek. Hank also answers the following questions: Can you explain what Jesus meant when He said not to cast your pearls before swine and give what is holy to the dogs? Do Christians still have the gift of prophecy? How do I distinguish between God, the loving Father, and God the judge?

Hank is joined by Dr. Paul Copan to discuss his book, Is God a Moral Monster? Making Sense of the Old Testament God. Many people today raise objections to the Bible because they read it anachronistically. Dr. Copan sheds light on some of the prevalent misconceptions regarding the nature of God and unpacks some of the complexities of Old Testament law and how to contextualize difficult passages.

Hank answers the following questions: Can you help me understand Jesus' reference to Psalm 82 in John chapter 10? Have you heard the argument claiming that since Jews worshipped multiple gods in the Old Testament, Christianity is a farce and there isn't one true God? An atheist asked me: why pray? If prayer changes God's mind, He is not sovereign, and if it doesn't change God's mind, He is superfluous. How should I respond? What is keeping the world from knowing the truth? It seems that Christians are being shamed or silenced when they speak out about Islam; do you have any advice on how to speak reasonably about Islam? Will the Antichrist be Jewish? What are your thoughts on Ray Boltz and his song, I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb? Is it appropriate to listen to his music now? What happens to our spirit when we die?

Hank takes a deep dive into some of the crucial questions CRI frequently receives and that are vital to believers in our culture. He begins with a question on how raising a large family impacts the perceived population crisis, how this affects global warming, and whether or not global warming is really a serious problem in light of the available data. Using his GAY acronym, Hank also addresses difficult LGBT issues facing the church today, as well as the ABCs of marriage redefinition.

Hank takes a special, in-depth look at a Biblical theology of giving-a teaching that is often neglected in the church today. Hank addresses the problem of individual debt, as well as the enormous debt we face as a nation. He also explains a Biblical view of stewardship and Christian Capitalism, and the difference between tithing and free will giving.

Hank welcomes founder and president of The Truth Network, Stu Epperson Jr. to discuss his new book, First Words of Jesus: From the Cradle to the Cross. Hank and Stu talk about the significance of the Jesus' first words as a twelve-year-old boy and why they are central to His life and ministry. During this season, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we must remember that this baby born in a lowly manger was God incarnate and destined to die on a cross for the sins of His people. Hank answers the following questions: What is the best answer to give an evolutionist that the flood account is historical? Can you help me understand John the Baptist being referred to as Elijah in Matthew chapter 11? I have some dear Roman Catholic friends who almost deify Mary, but how should we understand her role? In Ephesians 2:1, what does it mean when it says we are dead in trespasses and sins? Does this mean that we can't respond to the gospel? How should Christians view alcohol?

On today's special edition of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, the Christian Research Institute presents The Magi, the Monster, and the Messiah, a message delivered by Hank Hanegraaff at Life Fellowship, in Davidson, North Carolina. In this message, Hank unpacks the mystery of the magi, the wicked motives of the monster Herod, and the majesty of the long awaited Messiah.

Hank reminds listeners that 25 years ago on Christmas Day, the Soviet Union disappeared without even a civil war. This underscores the reality that all civilization is essentially fragile. Hank also comments on an article in the City Journal by Theodore Dalrymple called Like a Candle In Berlin, which reflects on the curious habits of the spiritual but not religious. Every terrorist attack is immediately followed by a public exhibition of lighted candles despite the fact that most of the people who light these candles are proud of their lack of belief. As Christians, however, we use earthly candles to point to spiritual realities. Just as candles emit a sweet smelling savor so our souls must emit the aroma of divine grace. Likewise, as the light illumines darkness so the light of Christ within must dissolve darkness and banish dread and fear. And the wax that melts is symbolic of our hearts melting for the lost and searching. As Jesus said, "let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Hank answers the following questions: Which parts of the Old Testament apply to us today, and which parts don't? Why are fallen angels called sons of God in Genesis chapter 6? How can I explain to Muslims that Jesus is the Son of God? When was Jesus born? How do you define dispensationalism? Is Matthew 16:14 an indirect reference to reincarnation?

Hank shares his thoughts on the topic of abortion in light of Lena Dunham's recent comments. Despite the fact that many seem to be suffering from "abortion fatigue," there's an abortion war being waged. President Barack Obama said, "Planned Parenthood is not going anywhere, it's not going anywhere today, it's not going anywhere tomorrow." And last week the Obama administration issued a final rule to bar states from withholding federal funds from Planned Parenthood affiliates. Actress and writer, Lena Dunham was reported to have said that she hasn't had an abortion, but she wished she had. In other words, she wishes she was involved in the painful killing of an innocent human being. Although Obama and Dunham may use clever code words in order to dull human sensibilities and cast pro-life advocates as social extremists, the horror of abortion remains. This is the world in which we live. We can either curse the darkness or build a lighthouse in the midst of the gathering storm. Hank answers the following questions: Is it okay for Christians to listen to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir? Can you clarify why Christians and Jews don't worship the same God? Is it biblical for someone to study under a mentor before becoming a pastor? Shouldn't we always be able to understand tongues? If the penalty for sin is eternal separation from God, and Christ took that punishment, why isn't He eternally separated from the Father? Do you know anything about stories that are similar to the Biblical stories, but supposedly predate the Bible?