Prophecy, Revelation, & the Spiritual Battle | John Rich | EP 470

Coming up (0s)

• The text refers to a passage in the Bible where Jesus says he stands at the door and knocks, and if someone hears his voice and opens the door, he will come in and sit down with them.
• The text interprets this passage to mean that when Jesus knocks on the door of someone's heart, they should open it and invite him in.
• The text suggests that if someone rejects Jesus for too long, he will eventually turn them over to their desires and move on.

Intro (37s)

• The chapter introduces a conversation with musician John Rich, focusing on his new song "Revelation."
• The song's creation is described as a revelation, with lyrics and music appearing pre-made, a common experience for skilled musicians.
• The conversation explores the psychological and spiritual aspects of the song, including its connection to the biblical book of Revelation and its themes of spiritual awakening.
• The chapter also delves into John Rich's personal journey, including his experiences with temptation and his subsequent transformation, and how these experiences have shaped his life and career.

“Revelation”: inspiration behind the song (2m41s)

• The song "Revelation" was written in November 2023. The songwriter describes the experience as a sudden and unexpected inspiration, like a wave hitting him from behind or a hammer striking his head.
• The melody and lyrics came to him fully formed, almost like a download into his brain. He describes the experience as similar to having a song stuck in your head, but this song didn't exist before.
• The songwriter felt compelled to write down the song immediately, starting with the chorus and then writing the verses. He recorded a voice memo of the song to avoid forgetting it.
• After listening to the recording, the songwriter felt a sense of awe and wonder, questioning the origin of the song and its message. He felt like he didn't write it himself.
• The songwriter received a message, which he interpreted as a directive to produce the song to the best of his ability and share it with the world. He felt tasked with delivering this message.

Producing the song independently, listening to his conscience (6m34s)

• The speaker wrote a song titled "Revelation" in November and shot a music video for it in February. The video depicts spiritual warfare and what the speaker believes the "other side of the veil" would look like.
• The speaker did not have a record deal or publishing deal at the time, and he believed that the song would not have been released if he had been signed to a label.
• The speaker felt that he was guided by a "spiritual machine" to create and release the song. He felt that he was given the song and told to make it the best he could, then to release it.
• The song gained millions of views and received attention from media outlets like Tucker Carlson's show. The speaker believes the song's success is due to its spiritual origins.
• The speaker acknowledges that releasing a song about such a sensitive topic was unnerving, but he felt compelled to do so.

When art is secondary to commercial success (9m28s)

• The speaker discusses the process of songwriting, noting that he has written over 2,000 songs in his career. He distinguishes between two types of songwriting: writing for commercial success and writing for personal expression.
• When writing for commercial success, the speaker typically focuses on current trends in music and aims to create a song that will appeal to a wide audience. He describes this process as "sniper songwriting," where the goal is to hit a specific target defined by the market.
• The speaker contrasts this approach with the experience of writing his song "Revelation," which he describes as a song that came to him "out of nowhere" and was "downloaded" to him. He emphasizes that this song was not the result of conscious effort or a desire to create a commercially successful piece.
• The speaker suggests that the difference between these two types of songwriting lies in the degree to which the creative imagination is directed towards a specific goal. When writing for commercial success, the imagination is harnessed to achieve a particular outcome, while in the case of "Revelation," the imagination was allowed to flow freely, leading to a song that was not pre-determined or commercially driven.
• The speaker acknowledges that both types of songwriting have value, but he emphasizes that the experience of writing "Revelation" was unique and transformative, allowing his imagination to operate in a way that was not constrained by commercial considerations.

Hollywood and Music Row are owned by the same people (16m43s)

• The speaker discusses the influence of major record labels in Nashville, Tennessee, and how they are controlled by the same companies that own Hollywood.
• The speaker describes how he felt pressured by these labels to conform to their expectations and avoid controversial topics.
• The speaker explains that he eventually broke away from these contracts because he felt it was important to set a good example for his sons and maintain his integrity.
• The speaker notes that he has not had a hit song since leaving the labels but has gained a larger following through his independent work.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of freedom of speech and expression, stating that he feels more free to create and share his music without the constraints of record label contracts.

Recognizing the constraints and breaking free for the right reasons (23m0s)

• The speaker discusses the constraints he faced as a songwriter when he was writing commercially successful music. He felt that he was compromising his artistic integrity and setting a bad example for his sons by writing music that was superficial and focused on financial success.
• The speaker realized that his songwriting had become superficial and that he was not setting a good example for his sons. He felt that it was more important to have integrity and be true to himself than to chase financial success.
• The speaker describes how breaking free from the constraints of the music industry allowed him to be more creative and authentic in his songwriting. He believes that being attacked for his views is a sign that he is speaking truth and that he is not afraid to pursue his own path, even if it means facing criticism.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of pursuing happiness and living authentically, even if it means sacrificing financial success. He believes that true happiness comes from following God's will and being willing to pursue the path that He lays out.

Be hot or cold, not lukewarm (28m23s)

• The speaker discusses the internal conflict they experienced when they realized they were being hypocritical. They were criticizing certain behaviors and actions in the public eye while simultaneously engaging in those same behaviors in their personal life.
• The speaker references a biblical passage from the Book of Revelation, which states that it is better to be hot or cold than lukewarm. This passage suggests that it is better to be fully committed to a belief or action, rather than being ambivalent or indecisive.
• The speaker felt that their hypocrisy was setting a bad example for their sons and that they were being dishonest with themselves. This realization led them to make a significant change in their life, leaving behind a career that they had been involved in for 25 years. They felt that it was necessary to be true to their values and to live a life that was consistent with their beliefs.

Short-term sacrifice for long-term freedom (31m16s)

• The text discusses the concept of "short-term sacrifice for long-term freedom" in the context of personal and creative expression.
• It suggests that individuals often face a choice between pursuing immediate success and conforming to external pressures, or choosing a path that aligns with their conscience, even if it means potential short-term setbacks.
• The text uses the analogy of a Tennessee Walking Horse, which is initially burdened with weights but gains freedom and impressive movement once they are removed, to illustrate how individuals can experience a similar liberation when they break free from constraints and embrace their true selves.
• The text emphasizes the importance of truth and freedom, suggesting that living authentically and speaking one's truth can lead to greater creative expression and a more genuine connection with one's audience.

Leonard Cohen and Johnny Cash: inspiring awe (38m4s)

• The speaker discusses a song that they find reminiscent of two other songs: "Democracy" by Leonard Cohen and "When the Man Comes Around" by Johnny Cash.
• The speaker describes both "Democracy" and "When the Man Comes Around" as revelatory songs that inspire awe.
• The speaker explains that the physical reaction of having one's hair stand on end is a biological response to awe, similar to a cat puffing up in the presence of a threat.

Required submission to the lie, fear as a proper motivator (39m49s)

• The speaker believes that people are becoming aware of the lies they have been told throughout their lives. This awareness has led to a shift in how the speaker interacts with their audience, as they are now seen as someone who speaks truth.
• The speaker emphasizes that they have nothing to gain from speaking the truth, as it often leads to negative consequences, such as online harassment. However, they are motivated by their fear of God, which outweighs their fear of the world.
• The speaker draws a parallel between the fear of God and the fear of living in a totalitarian state. They argue that the fear of being consumed by lies and deception is a greater fear than the fear of death. This fear motivates them to speak the truth, even when it is difficult.

Preaching when it is unpopular (47m9s)

• The speaker discusses the importance of speaking the truth, even when it is unpopular.
• The speaker's father, a preacher, faced significant ridicule while preaching on the streets.
• The speaker's father believed that people who needed to hear the message were not likely to attend traditional church services.
• The speaker draws a parallel between Jesus's ministry and the need to speak truth boldly, even when facing opposition.
• The speaker emphasizes that speaking truth and facing persecution requires a surrender to Jesus Christ.
• The speaker believes that true salvation involves yielding one's will and becoming a servant to Jesus Christ.

Distinguishing between your own will and the will of God, imperfect by design (51m7s)

• Distinguishing between one's own will and the will of God is a complex process. Humans are inherently imperfect and incapable of discerning truth on their own.
• The only way to discern truth is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate truth, and by yielding to him and surrendering one's will, one can receive guidance and discern truth from lies.
• Perfection is not attainable by humans. We are born into sin, and anything less than absolute perfection is considered sin in the eyes of God. The only way to navigate this imperfection and achieve salvation is through accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

What John prays for (56m44s)

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in seeking guidance and discernment from the Holy Spirit. He explains that asking for the Holy Spirit's help is crucial in navigating life's decisions and understanding the right path.
• The speaker highlights the concept of discernment, which he describes as the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, and emphasizes its importance in making wise choices. He notes that relying solely on one's own judgment can lead to wrong decisions.
• The speaker uses the analogy of repentance to illustrate the process of surrendering control to God. He compares it to inviting Jesus into the driver's seat of one's life, allowing Him to guide and direct the path. He also differentiates between belief and faith, explaining that while belief acknowledges the existence of Jesus, faith involves complete trust and reliance on Him.

The development of John’s faith: “I felt abandoned” (1h2m46s)

• The speaker discusses his experience with faith and how it developed alongside his career in the music industry.
• He describes a period of time where he felt successful but was living a lifestyle that conflicted with his faith.
• The speaker recounts a specific moment where he felt abandoned by God, comparing it to the story of the prodigal son. He describes this feeling as a sense of being unprotected and alone, like God had left the room.
• He attributes this feeling to his actions and choices, acknowledging that he had been living a life that was not aligned with his faith.
• The speaker states that this experience led him to realize the need to change his life and pursue a path that was more in line with his beliefs.
• He mentions that this realization occurred when he was in his late 30s, after many years of being on the road and pursuing a career in music.

Human righteousness is as filthy rags in the sight of God (1h6m23s)

• The text discusses the concept of human righteousness in the context of Christian faith. It argues that human attempts at being "good" are insufficient in the eyes of God.
• The text cites the Bible verse stating that all human righteousness is "as filthy rags" in God's sight, implying that no human can achieve true righteousness on their own.
• The text emphasizes that the only true source of goodness is Jesus Christ, and that accepting him as the way, truth, and life is essential for salvation.
• The text criticizes churches that avoid preaching the "hard parts" of the Bible, which may challenge people's comfortable beliefs and encourage them to truly surrender their lives to Christ.
• The text suggests that many people are afraid to fully commit to Christ because they fear losing control of their lives and facing the consequences of their actions.
• The text acknowledges that some people have experienced trauma and abuse, which may make them hesitant to trust anyone, including God.

John quotes Jordan, where the narrative and objective world touch (1h10m40s)

• The text discusses the concept of the "narrative world" and the "objective world" and how they sometimes intersect.
• The speaker quotes Jordan Peterson, who suggests that the figure of Christ represents a union of the actual person and a myth.
• Peterson believes that the intersection of these two worlds is a real phenomenon, citing personal experiences of synchronicity.
• The speaker expresses surprise at Peterson's statement that he finds the idea of Christ's reality "terrifying," suggesting that the speaker believes it should be a source of comfort and hope.

What terrifies Jordan about the potential reality of the biblical Jesus (1h13m18s)

• The speaker discusses the potential reality of the biblical Jesus and how it relates to the concept of adventure.
• The speaker uses the story of Abraham as an example, highlighting how God calls Abraham out of his comfort zone into a life of adventure, encountering various challenges and hardships.
• The speaker suggests that the deepest religious injunction is to embrace this kind of catastrophic adventure, which can be terrifying but ultimately leads to a greater payoff than staying in a comfortable, hedonistic state.

The flaming sword (1h16m1s)

• The text describes a flaming sword that God places at the entrance to the Garden of Eden, preventing humans from returning.
• This sword is described as burning and cutting away everything that is not worthy of entering the kingdom of heaven.
• The text suggests that while this process is necessary, it is also terrifying. The greater terror, however, is the possibility of rejecting God's truth during life and facing eternal separation from him after death.

Belief is a way of living, not a series of affirmative statements (1h17m40s)

• Belief is not simply a set of statements about what one believes to be true.
• Belief is a way of living.
• If one truly believes that Jesus is the creator and holds the keys to life and death, then they would turn their life over to him.

Holy terror and the truth of the Bible (1h18m30s)

• The conversation centers around the nature of faith and the importance of personal conviction. It is suggested that true faith involves a complete surrender to a higher power, akin to a driver relinquishing control to a passenger.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the reality of death and the subsequent judgment that follows. He asserts that every individual will face this judgment, regardless of their beliefs.
• The speaker advocates for a direct, personal relationship with God, rejecting the notion that intermediaries like priests or preachers are necessary. He argues that individuals can directly connect with God and receive guidance without the need for religious institutions.
• The speaker highlights the potential for individuals with significant influence, such as intellectuals or public figures, to become powerful agents for God's message. He suggests that such individuals, when fully committed to their faith, can have a profound impact on the world.
• The conversation concludes with a discussion about the importance of sharing one's faith, but doing so with humility and sincerity, avoiding the pitfalls of religious hypocrisy.