Priority Talk

Is legalized gambling really a way to lower taxes and improve a state’s finances—or does it simply shift the costs onto taxpayers and communities?

On this edition of Priority Talk, Greg Davis takes an in-depth look at the push to legalize commercialized gambling in Alabama, including lotteries, casinos, and sports betting. He examines what he calls “predatory gambling,” explains the difference between social gambling and commercialized gambling, and explores the claim that gambling produces substantial new revenue for states.

Greg also looks at examples from states that have already embraced gambling, including New Jersey, and discusses research concerning gambling addiction, state revenues, bankruptcy, domestic violence, and the broader social costs associated with expanded gambling access.

The central question: If the gambling industry profits while communities absorb the consequences, who ultimately pays the bill?

Greg also encourages Alabama listeners to understand where candidates for state legislature stand on gambling as the issue continues to emerge in Alabama politics.

In this installment of “America’s 250: How the Scriptures Shaped America,” Greg Davis travels back to July 5, 1863—the Sunday after the Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg—to tell the remarkable story of what has been called Abraham Lincoln’s “forgotten prayer.”

Drawing from an eyewitness account by Brigadier General James F. Rusling, Greg recounts Lincoln’s visit with wounded General Daniel E. Sickles and Lincoln’s private explanation of why he was not fearful during the crisis at Gettysburg. Lincoln described going to his room, getting on his knees, and asking Almighty God for victory, telling God that the country and the war belonged to Him.

The key Scripture is Colossians 4:12: “He is always wrestling in prayer for you.” Greg explores the biblical idea of wrestling in prayer—intense, heartfelt prayer in which we bring our burdens before God—and connects it with Lincoln’s own description of being driven to his knees because he had nowhere else to turn.

From Gettysburg to Psalm 55 and 1 Peter 5, this episode highlights the powerful role that Scripture, prayer, and dependence upon God played in the story of America.

On this two-hour edition of Priority Talk, Greg Davis is joined in studio by Tom Littleton and Dr. Stan Cook for an extensive conversation about the growing presence of Islam in America and what Christians should understand about it.

The discussion examines the growth of mosques and Muslim communities in the United States, immigration and assimilation, Sharia law, the rise of Muslim political influence, and the debate surrounding interfaith dialogue. The conversation also addresses the responsibility of Christians to distinguish between Islam as a religious system and individual Muslims who may be searching for truth.

Greg, Tom, and Stan discuss how Christians should respond—with discernment toward the challenges posed by competing belief systems, but also with compassion for individuals who need to hear the Gospel. They explore why the church must be better equipped to understand Islam, engage Muslims with biblical truth, and remain centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ.

The program also touches on recent controversial news stories, the dangers of spiritual leadership without accountability, and lessons Christians can learn about recognizing false teaching and protecting the church.

A wide-ranging and provocative discussion about Islam, religious liberty, immigration, Christianity, evangelism, and the importance of standing firmly on biblical truth.

Greg Davis welcomes Dr. Stan Cook back to Priority Talk for a wide-ranging conversation that connects the Bible, Israel, archaeology, prophecy and the Jewish calendar.

Dr. Cook shares fascinating updates from archaeological discoveries in the City of David, including newly uncovered structures, ancient coins and timber believed to be connected to Jerusalem's biblical history. The conversation also explores Jeremiah's imprisonment in the cistern and how God can sometimes use difficult circumstances to preserve us for something greater.

The discussion then turns to Iran, the country's economic crisis and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Dr. Cook offers his perspective on Iran's leadership, military strategy and what he believes could bring the conflict to an end.

The second half of the program focuses heavily on the biblical significance of the Jewish feasts. Dr. Cook walks through Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Pentecost, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles—and explains how he believes the spring feasts were fulfilled by Jesus and how the remaining fall feasts point toward future prophetic events.

He also discusses the biblical roles of Enoch and Elijah, the Tribulation, the Antichrist, the development of global communication and commerce, and why he believes modern technology may have made certain biblical prophecies possible in ways previous generations could not have imagined.

A fascinating conversation about Israel, Bible prophecy, the Jewish feasts, archaeology and God's ultimate plan for history.

Greg Davis visits with Stephanie Smith of the Alabama Policy Institute to discuss the growing debate over education and parental rights in Alabama. They examine Doug Jones’ stated opposition to the Choose Act, the popularity and expansion of school choice, and concerns surrounding taxpayer-funded training at the Alabama State Department of Education’s Mega Conference.

Smith also explains API’s award-winning efforts to help churches, community organizations, and others establish micro-schools and expand educational opportunities as the Choose Act moves toward universal eligibility. The conversation covers parental authority, DEI and LGBTQ-related training, accountability within Alabama’s education system, and why school choice gives families more options and leverage.

Plus, Stephanie shares details about API’s upcoming September 24 fundraising dinner featuring Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon.

Greg looks ahead to the November 3 election and makes the case for Christians to take seriously their responsibility to vote. He discusses Alabama’s recent low voter turnout and previews a new nonpartisan voter reminder being developed by ALCAP and Priority Talk to help churches encourage their members to participate in the election.

Greg also turns his attention to the Alabama governor’s race, including the decision by Tommy Tuberville not to debate Doug Jones. He examines Jones’s record and public statements on abortion during his time in the U.S. Senate and his criticism of Alabama’s 2019 Human Life Protection Act, contrasting that record with Tuberville’s pro-life position.

With Election Day approaching, Greg argues that Christians should be informed, engaged and willing to vote for candidates who most closely reflect their values—even though, as he puts it, “Jesus is not on the ballot.”

Greg outlines Seven current

Religious Liberty cases that are headed towards the U.S .Supreme Court

What factors make someone more likely to attend a house of worship every week? Greg Davis explains a Household Pulse Survey data examining religious attendance among 18- to 45-year-olds, with a particular focus on education and parental status.

The statistics show a striking difference between adults without children and those with children, as well as between different levels of educational attainment. Greg considers what may be driving those numbers—from work schedules and life circumstances to marriage, children, and the tendency for parents to become more connected to church once they have kids.

But the conversation also raises an important challenge for the church: Are we unintentionally marginalizing people who are less educated, single, or without children? Greg discusses listener feedback and emphasizes the biblical calling for churches to be places for everyone, not simply those who fit traditional measures of success.

He also considers the lasting impact of COVID-19 on church attendance and the generation of young people who may have become disconnected from church during those years and never returned.

In this segment of Priority Talk, Greg addresses a controversial sermon recently delivered at First Church United Methodist in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. He play and respond to audio clips from Associate Pastor Katie Gilbert, who argues that the Bible contains contradictions and historical inaccuracies, controversially comparing scripture to "Aesop's Fables."

Join us as we push back against these claims, defending the authority, inerrancy, and historical validity of God's Word. We examine how progressive missional priorities like "diversity and justice" are replacing traditional teachings, discuss the importance of biblical hermeneutics, and explore how these theological shifts are impacting the modern church.

Greg and listeners remember Dolly Parton.