Hank Unplugged: Essential Christian Conversations

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and Host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, comments on Benny Hinn’s misuse of Scripture in “7 Reasons for the Rapture.”[ https://www.bennyhinn.org/podcast/7-reasons-for-the-rapture/] Hinn cites Christ’s words in John 14:3 as teaching a secret pretribulational rapture: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (KJV). In Hinn’s paradigm, the church is raptured into a safe place and then all hell breaks loose on earth—two-thirds of all Jewish people on earth die in an unfathomably brutal tribulation. Hinn also cites Paul’s great and glorious passage on resurrection in 1 Thessalonians 4 as teaching a secret pretribulational rapture. In reality, these passages do not imply, let alone clearly teach, a pretribulational rapture. There just is no biblical basis for the notion that Jesus is coming secretly to rapture the church seven years prior to His second appearing. In fact, our Lord’s own words negate the very notion: “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned” (John 5:28–29 NIV). This event does not happen at the time of an imagined secret rapture but at the time of Christ’s second appearing. Some people are not raptured at one time and others at another time. No, all of humanity will rise in resurrection simultaneously. We ought not to be inventing theology in the 21st century (or 19th century when this whole notion originated)—reading our own odd predilections into the text. Rather, we ought to draw out of the biblical text only that which is in the text. We ought to interpret the Bible in the sense in which it was intended by the original authors (who wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) and understood throughout church history. We ought not to innovate—we ought to perpetuate. For further study, see Hank Hanegraaff, The Apocalypse Code: Find Out What the Bible Really Says about the End Times and Why It Matters Today [https://www.equip.org/product/cri-resource-the-apocalypse-code-det/]

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, comments on a recent Wall Street Journal opinion article, “Are Internet Services as Good as Church?” by Paul Glader and John Semakula. The authors write about how digital worship has overtaken the Christian church, particularly among Evangelicals. Almost half of people who responded to a survey now believe that online services are as good as in-person services. Many don’t want to return to in-person worship, enjoying the opportunity to multi-task during the service or shop around for other worship experiences—dabbling in Christianity without commitment and accountability. But this constitutes a complete misunderstanding of what the Church actually is. Followers of Christ are baptized into a body—incorporated into the Body of Christ. Church is not just about holding to a corpus of intellectual precepts or listening to good TED Talks with a spiritual slant. Church, by its very nature, is a corporate, embodied experience—a sacramental experience within the Eucharistic assembly wherein we together partake of the “medicine of immortality” that transforms us. Sacraments are dispensed within—not apart from—the Body of Christ, and Christianity knows nothing of Lone Ranger experiences. (https://www.wsj.com/articles/internet-services-as-good-as-church-livestream-in-person-11634848177)

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, conveys another eloquent and convicting message from his sister Jobje, who is battling pancreatic cancer. Before her many missionary trips and travels, she would, of course, need to pack—and then unpack afterward. But now she is going on a journey that requires no packing. Jobje writes, “This time, I find myself unpacking for the greatest journey of my life—for my eternal home. In church this Sunday we sang one of the greatest hymns of our faith. ‘A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.’ One verse hit me anew: ‘Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also.’ It was a very sobering thought because that is exactly what I am doing. I’m letting my goods go even as in time I will have to let my kindred go. As I was packing my boxes for a Christian thrift store, I was struck with the thought for the first time that I would not need to pack a suitcase. I would not have to pack boxes ever again for my journey heavenward. Just me. Just me with my soul flying toward heaven at the moment of death, unencumbered by the things of this world—not even encumbered by my body. My body to be placed into the cold ground waiting the resurrection. That body can’t even accompany me on this particular journey. But this I know—that a special white robe of His righteousness will clothe me. Even my earthly name will be changed to a new one. ‘Nothing in my hand I bring’—no suitcase, no boxes—‘simply to Thy cross I cling.’ ‘Naked come to Thee for dress; helpless, I look to thee for grace.’ Yes, Lord, my Savior, the ensured ‘cloak of salvation' is all I need to adorn me in Your home. I look forward to that.”

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, considers the temptation of Eve in light of the literal principle of biblical interpretation. To read Scripture literally is to read it as literature. This means that we are to interpret the Word of God just as we interpret other forms of communication—in the most obvious and natural sense. Thus, when Moses uses the symbolism of a snake, we do violence to his intentions if we interpret him in a woodenly literal fashion. When the prophet Moses describes Satan as an ancient serpent, and the apostle John describes him as an ancient dragon, they do not tell us what Satan looks like. They teach us what Satan is like. In short, Eve was not deceived by a talking snake. Rather Moses used the symbol of a snake to communicate the wiles of the evil one who deceived Eve through mind-to-mind communication—precisely as he seeks to deceive you and me today.

Do you give with a joyful heart? According to today’s guest Dr. Andrew Geleris, “An utterly breathtaking divergence has developed between the joy of giving that God intends his people to experience and the way many Christians view giving as an unpleasant but necessary obligation of church membership.” Simply put, for many of us money has an unhealthy hold on our hearts. This conversation will challenge you to make a change in your life and view your finances from an eternal perspective. The Lord spoke more frequently and forcefully about almsgiving than he did about prayer, yet most Church leaders are reluctant to discuss money simply because it is often uncomfortable. “Dr. Andrew Geleris is passionate about challenging the Church to develop disciples with a biblical “theology of money” that promotes a Godly view on giving with all your heart that will leave Christians “refreshed—indeed, delighted—by recognizing the unfathomably great blessing God hopes to pour out on us through generosity.” “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2.9). To be involved in our Giving Tuesday partnership please click here.https://www.equip.org/product/giving-tuesday-hup/Topics discussed include: The relationship between money and salvation (5:00); how generous giving transforms our souls (8:20); The Parable of the Farmer (12:50); the relationship between repentance and finances (16:10); what almsgiving actually means and why it is so important (21:50); should we tithe? (24:30); the dangers of the prosperity gospel and the commodification of Christ (28:30); what can we learn from Mary washing the feet of Jesus? (34:45); what are whole burnt offerings and what is the equivalent today? (36:25); the “ovarian lottery” and God’s providence (41:20); how the parable of the soils inspired Alan Barnhart to create a financial finish line (44:45); what we can learn from St. Basil the Great about giving (53:05); what is sacrificial giving? (53:30); misconceptions about what tithing is for (57:55); how should we tithe? (1:00:45); we don’t truly own anything, in the grave “kings and beggars dwell together” (1:03:30); is there a problem with receiving public recognition for giving? (1:04:40); the spiritual growth we experience through giving (1:09:25); should we tithe on our gross or net income? (1:11:30); scriptural examples of giving (1:12:30); should we give to panhandlers? (1:14:30); are Christians fundraising the right way? (1:16:10); God’s financial priority is the care of the poor (1:19:15); the powerful lesson of the widow who gave all she had [Mark 12:41-44] (1:21:00); the rewards for almsgiving according to scripture (1:23:50); giving is more beneficial spiritually than financially (1:26:00). Listen to Hank’s podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent.Archived episodes are on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below.You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, reads from a public letter written by Christian florist Barronelle Stutzman. Her courageous nine-year legal battle for religious liberty has ended in a settlement. Willing to stand on her convictions, she is a tremendous example of Christ-honoring perseverance.

Seemingly no topic is off limits when it comes to Anne Kennedy—a prolific author who has compiled a comprehensive catalogue of the cultural issues facing our world today through her contributions to the Christian Research Journal. She joins Hank Hanegraaff to discuss the topics of several of her articles in a wide-ranging conversation that touches on gaslighting, Black Lives Matter, modern attacks on womanhood, cancel culture and much more.Topics discussed include: On leaving the Episcopal church (2:45); growing up in West Africa as a missionary kid (6:30); making the decision to homeschool (10:40); the Revoice 2021 Conference (13:05); is manifesting The Secret 2.0? (16:45); the value of reading and New Year’s Resolutions (19:15); different views on time in different cultures (25:05); the rising influence of African Traditional religion in the West (28:00); the appeal of the prosperity gospel in Africa (30:30); the dangerous religious beliefs behind the Black Lives Matter organization (32:45); a proper Christian perspective on animals (34:40); what is gaslighting? (39:05); twisting the truth and why gaslighting is essentially lying (42:15); the changing meanings of words today (45:00); defending the patriarchy (48:05); a proper Christian understanding of wellness and self-care (52:15); The Making of Biblical Womanhood, the subjugation of women and Beth Allison Barr (54:45); the modern attack on womanhood (1:01:30); what is cancel culture? (1:03:30); the unique opportunity that cancel culture presents for evangelism (1:07:15); should we call out false teachers by name? (1:11:00); virtue has become less important than fame (1:13:10); what Brene Brown gets wrong about shame (1:14:30); why Anne Kennedy believes that Jen Hatmaker and Rachel Held Evans are two of the most significant apostasies of our time (1:20:35).To make sure to always be able to read Anne Kennedy’s print and online-exclusive articles, please subscribe to the print Journal here and early access to online-exclusives is included. https://www.equip.org/product/crj-subscription/https://www.equip.org/early-access-to-online-exclusive-articles-faqs/Please see below the articles discussed:African Traditional Religion, Black Lives Matter, and Prosperity Gospel https://www.equip.org/article/african-traditional-religion-black-lives-matter-and-prosperity-gospel/Meditation Upon the Death of a Pet https://www.equip.org/article/meditation-upon-the-death-of-a-pet/For Our Lamps are Going Out: Gaslighting in the Age of Social Media https://www.equip.org/article/for-our-lamps-are-going-out-gaslighting-in-the-age-of-social-media/There is No Health In Us: Wellness and Self-care in the Age of COVID-19 https://www.equip.org/article/there-is-no-health-in-us-wellness-and-self-care-in-the-age-of-covid-19/Be Free! The Making of Biblical Womanhood A Summary Critique of The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Beth Allison Barr https://www.equip.org/article/be-free-the-making-of-biblical-womanhood-a-summary-critique-review-of-the-making-of-biblical-womanhood-how-the-subjugation-of-women-became-gospel-truth-by-beth-allison-barr/Naming Names: Why It’s OK (and Necessary) to Call Out False Teachers and Fugitives from Church Justice by Name https://www.equip.org/article/naming-names-why-its-ok-and-necessary-to-call-out-false-teachers-and-fugitives-from-church-justice-by-name/Why Do I Call Myself Good? A Look at Virtue Signaling https://www.equip.org/article/why-do-i-call-myself-good-a-look-at-virtue-signaling/But What If It Is Me? The Work and Worldview of Brené Brown https://www.equip.org/article/but-what-if-it-is-me-the-work-and-worldview-of-brene-brown/The Unhindered Leadership of Jen Hatmaker https://www.equip.org/article/the-unhindered-leadership-of-jen-hatmaker/The Theological Mess in the Moxie of Jen Hatmaker https://www.equip.org/article/the-theological-mess-in-the-moxie-of-jen-hatmaker/Have You Considered Trying Harder: The Theology of Rachel Hollis https://www.equip.org/article/have-you-considered-trying-harder-the-theology-of-rachel-hollis/The Theological Legacy of Rachel Held Evans https://www.equip.org/article/the-theological-legacy-of-rachel-held-evans/ Listen to Hank’s podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent.Archived episodes are on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below.You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and Host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, honors our nation’s Veterans—all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Thank you for your sacrificial service. In The Dying Citizen, Victor Davis Hanson writes of a troubling poll concerning the lack of understanding many have about what it means to be a citizen of the United States. Hanson reminds us that citizenship is not indestructible—“the more it includes everyone, the less it can protect anyone.” He warns that we are becoming a nation of residents as opposed to citizens, and as a result we are losing enthusiasm for those who have preserved our freedom. Thank you to all who have served to protect the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, recently spoke with the Most Reverend Metropolitan Kallistos (Ware) of Diokleia. Hank asked this remarkable servant of Christ to speak to the significance of the church—as the sphere within which union with God is accomplished. His Eminence explained that “to be a Christian does involve personal experience but not isolated experience—to belong to the community of the faith….Not ‘I’ but ‘we.’” Indeed, says Metropolitan Kallistos, “We do not come to our Savior Christ alone, isolated. But we come as brothers and sisters, sharing together in the experience of faith.” Moreover, “this sharing in faith is expressed through outward actions. Christianity is not just a theory—it is a way of life. And in that way of life we have certain actions which we call sacraments. And above all there are the two sacraments of Holy Baptism, which happens only once,” and “Holy Communion, the sharing in the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist,” which is celebrated Sunday by Sunday. “At Baptism, the new Christian is buried and raised with Christ; at the Eucharist the members of Christ’s Body the church receive His Body….The Eucharist, by uniting the members of the church to Christ, at the same time unites them to one another: ‘We, who are many, are one bread, one body; for we all partake of the one bread’ (1 Corinthians 10:17). The Eucharist creates the unity of the church.” St. Ignatius christened the Eucharist our “medicine of immortality and the antidote against death, enabling us to live forever in Jesus Christ.” It is within the church that divine life penetrates the fabric of our humanity. The future life is infused into the present one and is blended with it so that our humanity may be transformed into the glorified humanity of the New Adam, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.Listen to Hank’s podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent.Archived episodes are on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below.You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on.

Hank Hanegraaff, president of the Christian Research Institute and host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast, recently spoke with the Most Reverend Metropolitan Kallistos (Ware) of Diokleia. In this brief episode, Hank asked his Eminence to share about his love for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. “What matters is not salvation as an idea, but the Savior. Christianity is not about ‘what.’ It is about ‘Who’—our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Indeed, says Metropolitan Kallistos, “salvation is not just a theory, a philosophical doctrine…or a moral code. Salvation is the Savior.’”Listen to Hank’s podcast and follow Hank off the grid where he is joined by some of the brightest minds discussing topics you care about. Get equipped to be a cultural change agent.Archived episodes are on our Website and available at the additional channels listed below.You can help spread the word about Hank Unplugged by giving us a rating and review from the other channels we are listed on