Hank Unplugged: Essential Christian Conversations

Joe Dallas joins Hank for an emergency Hank Unplugged podcast to discuss California bill AB-2943, a bill making it illegal for Christians to provide biblically based counseling for those wanting to get help for unwanted same-sex attractions. Dallas is an ordained pastoral counselor and program director of Genesis Biblical Counseling in Tustin, California, which is a counseling ministry for men dealing with sexual addiction and other sexual/relational problems. The two discuss the dire implications this bill has on our society, whether the Sexual Revolution has led to the Censorship Revolution, and how this could lead to a state church and an underground church in America. This podcast is a must-listen dealing with a critical issue that all Christians should be concerned about. Topics discussed include: how should Christians be prepared to talk about controversial sexual issues? (3:00); California Bill AB-2943 criminalizing Christians providing biblically based counseling for those wanting help with unwanted same-sex attractions (7:45); is Bill AB-2943 unconstitutional, and does that even matter anymore? (12:25); rising levels of censorship by the state (15:45); how to respond to censorship of Christian beliefs (17:45); the need for healthy discipleship within the church to influence positive changes in society (20:30); as the state continues to censor organizations, will the church to rise to the occasion and help those wrestling with sexual problems? (25:15); the Sexual Revolution — then and now (27:00); did redefining marriage lead to redefining gender? What is next? (32:50); what will happen to society if we continue to make sexual distinctions arbitrary? (35:40); redefinition of marriage and the impact on children (41:00); a societal trend to appeal to emotion over reason (43:00); could this lead to a state church and an underground church in America? (45:50); Christians, Trump, and separating personality and policy in politics (50:30); “Impuritans” imposing totalitarian sexual views (53:15); has the Sexual Revolution led to the Censorship Revolution? (55:00); living with eternity in mind in the midst of persecution (59:00); remembering Elliot Miller (1:05:45); the three most important things for Christians to do today (1:07:25); California banning the books written by Joe Dallas (1:11:15); the powerful problem of pornography (1:14:00); a call to prayer and a call for wisdom (1:20:00).

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to actually meet C. S. Lewis? Well, watching Max McLean perform as C. S. Lewis might be the closest you come this side of heaven! McLean joins Hank on this episode of Hank Unplugged to discuss what it is like to perform as one of the most influential Christians of the twenty-first century.Topics discussed include: Max McLean’s desire to adapt the works of C. S. Lewis as an apologetic tool through performance arts (2:00); how McLean is able to bring Lewis to life on stage (6:00); “Reason is the natural order of truth; but imagination is the origin of meaning” (9:00); the power of oral tradition (10:45); memorization as a transformational discipline (14:50); challenges McLean has faced performing biblical adaptations (16:25); performing the Gospel of Mark (18:05); remembering that everyone is made in the Imago Dei as described in The Weight of Glory (19:55); C. S. Lewis Onstage: The Most Reluctant Convert on DVD (24:20); being a Christian actor and the role of Christian performing arts in NYC (25:20); the importance of properly processing our experiences (30:05); the apologetic value of performing the conversion story of C. S. Lewis in The Most Reluctant Convert (33:20); “the hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men” (37:30); theism as a significant entry point to belief in Christianity (39:10); performing as Martin Luther (44:40); is it more difficult to write or act? (48:30); spiritual warfare and performing The Screwtape Letters (49:40); literary evil, real evil, and the safest road to hell (52:20); free will and the key to understanding C. S. Lewis found in The Great Divorce (54:00); Shadowlands: the love story of C. S. Lewis and an example of how God works through pain (55:50); McLeans testimony as an adult convert to Christianity (1:02:00); McLean’s award-winning recordings of the Bible in The Listener’s Bible (1:07:00); the benefits of memorizing the Bible (1:09:25); the similarities between memorization and meditation (1:11:30); Max’s passion for live theater and where you can see him perform (1:17:30).

God reveals Himself to us through the things He has made. Lad Allen, founder of Illustra Media, believes in the power of preaching without words, and that the observation of the universe is one of the most powerful ways God reveals Himself to us. Illustra Media has made internationally acclaimed documentary films exploring the case for intelligent design in the universe for more than 20 years. On this edition of Hank Unplugged, Hank and Lad discuss past productions of Illustra Media in addition to their shared excitement about the power of digital media to share the gospel through ventures such as Allen’s new John 10:10 Project. Topics discussed include: how Illustra Media has been able to produce internationally acclaimed documentary films making a scientific case for intelligent design in the universe (3:00); the power of a supportive spouse (5:20); the unique way that travelling can teach us (7:00); evoking a sense of wonder and general revelation through creation (8:30); metamorphosis as an example of intelligent design (10:55); having healthy relationships with people we disagree with (13:35); how advances in animation allow us to unveil and magnify complex scientific ideas in ways otherwise impossible (16:30); the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly as an analogy for our resurrection in Christ (20:30); Bill Nye propagating Carl Sagan's materialist worldview that we are insignificant and alone in the universe (24:45); the vision of The John 10:10 Project (29:30); the power of digital media to share the gospel (33:20); working with Joni Eareckson Tada (43:30); a preview of upcoming short films by The John 10:10 Project (46:15); demonstrating the evidence of a designer by investigating God’s creation (51:00); Hank shares a personal testimony of God’s providence (53:25); investigating Messianic prophecy as a powerful apologetic tool (1:05:30); King of Creation: Meditation on God’s Wisdom and Works (1:09:40); the importance of reflecting the glory of God in all that we do and working for an audience of one (1:12:15); the best year of Hank’s life is the year he was diagnosed with cancer (1:58:30); how Illustra Media is able to produce monumental projects out of a spare bedroom (1:16:00).

The Resurrection is the quintessence of Christianity, and Dr. Gary Habermas has dedicated his life to the study and defense of the reality of the Resurrection. After all, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” Listen in as Hank and Dr. Habermas discuss the seminal event in human history as well as Dr. Habermas turning the tables and investigating Hank’s testimony and battle with cancer. This is an episode of Hank Unplugged unlike any other! (This conversation was so good and went so long that we had to break it up into two episodes. This is Part 2.) Topics discussed include: a miracle in Hank’s life and the place of miracles in Christianity (58:45); addressing rewards in heaven (1:03:50); world religions, the reliability of Scripture, and the radical uniqueness of Jesus (1:06:05); tolerance, evidence, and the view that all religions lead to God (1:09:50); Christianity is rooted in history and evidence (1:13:55); the Resurrection as the basis for believing that miracles really do happen (1:22:00); the beauty of how Christian evidence corresponds to reality (1:24:50); why aren’t Christians doing a better job of evangelism? (1:28:00); learning from suffering, Hank discovering the reality of the Christian life and how truth matters, but life matters more (1:36:20); how Hank’s cancer has brought the Hanegraaff family closer together and closer to Christ (1:42:25); how suffering through cancer has taught Hank to feel greater empathy for others (1:46:45); Hank sharing his testimony in his first autobiographical book about discovering the authentic Christian life, called Truth Matters, Life Matters More (1:51:25); as Habermas watched his wife die of cancer, he thought, “Where would you be right now if it weren’t for the resurrection of Jesus?” (1:53:50); the best year of Hank’s life is the year he was diagnosed with cancer (1:58:30); and Habermas on writing a magnum opus on the Resurrection (1:59:35).

The Resurrection is the quintessence of Christianity, and Dr. Gary Habermas has dedicated his life to the study and defense of the reality of the Resurrection. After all, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” Human history — and your future — is forever changed by what happened on the third day, so listen in as Hank and Dr. Habermas discuss the seminal event in human history. (This conversation was so good and went so long that we had to break it up into two episodes. This is part one.) Topics discussed include: how studying the Resurrection led Dr. Habermas into apologetics (3:40); with the Resurrection of Jesus we have everything, without the Resurrection of Jesus, we have nothing (7:25); comparing Christianity to other world religions (8:40); perspectives on the supernatural in academic circles (11:35); the Resurrection, Jesus Seminar, and the Pre-Pauline Creed (15:15); the overwhelming factual evidence for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (19:20); Islamic denial of the crucifixion of Christ (21:45); addressing the evidence for an empty tomb after the resurrection of Christ (27:50); witnesses to the resurrected Christ and the martyrdom that ensued (30:35); the faith and martyrdom of early church fathers such as Polycarp and Irenaeus (36:40); the power of the gospel to change the culture unlike any other religion (39:30); the sorrow Habermas felt when he lost his wife to cancer and the hope he felt knowing that she was in heaven (41:55); the peace that the resurrection of Christ provides Hank in the midst of his battle with cancer (47:30); the hope we can find in the Bible (51:00); and materialism, mystery, and the argument from joy by C. S. Lewis (55:15).

Black Hebrew Israelites is one of the most searched terms on equip.org and something that you’ve probably been exposed to, whether you realize it or not. Vocab Malone joins Hank on this episode of the Hank Unplugged podcast to discuss Black Hebrew Israelites, urban apologetics, and being equipped with essential Christian doctrine. We hope you enjoy the energy, information, and insights from Vocab Malone as much as we did! Topics discussed include: background on urban apologetics (2:00); Israel United in Christ—IUIC (3:20); Kendrick Lamar, DAMN, and the Black Hebrew Israelite movement (4:25); Vocab Malone’s background in Christian hip hop and urban apologetics (5:30); the interest in Black Hebrew Israelism and some variations (10:00); background on the Black Hebrew Israelite movement (14:30); false eschatological interpretations and arguments and the need to be equipped for apologetics (19:25); why Black Hebrew Israelite beliefs might be appealing to some (22:15); how Black Hebrew Israelite beliefs are disseminated through YouTube (26:30); the belief that God is a racist (30:45); Black Hebrew Israelites borrowing from “Satan’s greatest hits” (33:45); Black Hebrew Israelite One West Camp and the belief in polygyny, one man with many women (37:30); Fake Hebrew (39:30); the impact of bad theology on music and culture (41:10); changing attitudes about Black Hebrew Israelites (45:20); Black Hebrew Israelism as a theodicy (46:10); Vocab Malone’s desire to reflect the glory of God through his work and practice (48:05); the importance of knowing your audience when practicing apologetics (49:45); Vocab’s conviction to minister to Muslims (56:00); Barack Obama vs. Black Hebrew Israelites (59:00); violence in urban apologetics (1:04:00); First Arabic Baptist Church (1:07:00); the need to become equipped with essential Christian doctrine (1:09:00); and how seeing Hank speak in Phoenix led to Vocab going to seminary (1:17:45).

Rankin Wilbourne, Senior pastor of Pacific Crossroads Church and author of 'Union with Christ,' discusses the pivotal yet often overlooked concept of union with Christ. He explores his transition from banking to ministry, the necessity of unity among Christians, and the deeper implications of salvation. Wilbourne addresses the balance of grace and discipleship, the significance of biblical metaphors, and how suffering can foster spiritual growth. He urges listeners to redefine their communion with God as a central ambition in their lives.

Christian philosopher Paul Gould joins Hank on this edition of the Hank Unplugged podcast to discuss the role of philosophy for Christians in the world today. This conversation is wide ranging and offers clear answers to complex philosophical questions concerning how Christians should live their lives. Topics discussed include: why should Christians care about philosophy? (5:00); the role philosophy should play in our spiritual formation (9:15); the intellectual brilliance of Jesus that so many often overlook (11:00); the importance of being intentionally countercultural with our kids in the information age (15:40); how can we break down barriers to independent thought? (23:00); the need for intellectual virtue and the potential danger of arrogance in the apologetics community (26:00); anti-intellectualism and The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind (30:00); the need for Christians to recapture a sacramental view of the world in order to argue effectively Christianity as a public truth claim (32:15); a simple way to explain complex words in philosophy (35:45); Gould’s definition of philosophy and how he arrived at his conclusion (38:25); understanding Jesus as He truly is (44:45); dealing with historical and biblical illiteracy today (47:00); making an argument for the existence of God (49:45); intentionally asking ourselves the question, “Where is God’s fingerprint in your life today?” (53:15); the moral argument for the existence of God (57:00); learning from crisis moments in our lives (58:05); the perfect blend of reason and romance in Christianity (1:03:25); practical steps we all can take to grow philosophically (1:07:05); breaking the bonds technology can have on us (1:09:05); re-establishing the Christian voice (1:12:00); how philosophy trains us for death (1:15:25).

From being a classically trained concert pianist, Miss America contestant, and now the Chief Religion Correspondent for the Fox News Channel, Lauren Green seems to have done it all. Yet what she cares about most of all is communicating the gospel through what she’s discovered and encouraging others to foster a deeper relationship with God. Lauren Green joins Hank on the Hank Unplugged podcast to discuss what she’s discovered, her new book Lighthouse Faith, and what’s up next. Topics discussed include: the role music plays in our world (1:30); the power of hymns to glorify God (8:00); links between mathematics and music (11:30); the significance of overtones (17:30); why did Green make music a key aspect of Lighthouse Faith? (23:45); Green’s role as chief religion correspondent for Fox News (29:25); why does the media tend to be hostile toward Christianity? (33:00); the absurdity of atheist clergy Sweden and other European issues (38:00); spiritual brokenness bringing us closer to God (43:00); The Great Commission to spread the gospel (52:30); a moment of renewal in Ethiopia (58:30); how sickness and suffering can bring us closer to God (1:02:30); aesthetic practices such as Lent and the importance of developing disciplines (1:12:00); lessons learned from the vineyard (1:20:00); and finding union with God through worship (1:24:00).

Lee Strobel has been a longtime guest on the Bible Answer Man broadcast, and he now joins Hank for the first time on the Hank Unplugged podcast. Strobel is a former investigative journalist for The Chicago Tribune, and his best-selling books such as The Case for Christ (now a major motion picture) have reached millions of people and had an enormous impact on the body of Christ. Topics discussed include: the lasting impact of Lee Strobel’s book The Case for Christ (2:30); The Case for Christ movie (6:00); Strobel’s transformation from an angry, drunk atheist to a mild-mannered, God-fearing Christian (8:30); how Strobel uses his award-winning journalistic research and writing skills to provide cogent answers for Christianity (11:00); an honest admission from Strobel on facing dark trials in his life and how prayer helped him to empty his ego and bring him closer to God (15:45); remembering that God’s grace is sufficient in all circumstances (20:30); Nabeel Quereshi as an example of how God can use miracles to reach us (21:45); how should we respond when God doesn’t answer our prayers in the midst of suffering? (23:30); making The Case for a Creator (28:30); learning to trust God for provision and purpose in our lives (31:00); Strobel’s existential awakening in the morgue (record room) of The Chicago Tribune (40:00); the state of journalism today (44:30); are universities today censoring the free exchange of ideas? (49:00); the need for discernment in the age of the internet (50:30); the problems with consensus science (53:15); the importance of equipping young people with a solid apologetic for their faith in Christ (55:30); misinformation in the internet age (1:01:15); the importance of apologetics resources like the Christian Research Journal (1:05:20); dealing with unfair criticisms and attacks online (1:06:30); Strobel’s favorite book that he has written (1:13:00); writing The Case for Miracles and a renewed belief in the supernatural (1:15:10); and advice on how to survive a spiritual mismatch in marriage (1:21:15).