Forum & Pulpit is where Austin W. Duncan takes notable events and public conversations and holds them up to Scripture. Each post names what happened, asks how we as believers in Christ should think and live in light of it, and ends with a simple prayer. The goal isn’t partisanship or hot takes—just clear biblical reflection, pastoral guidance, and practical steps so we can love our neighbors and follow Jesus in the public square.
ALL ARTICLES
ALL ARTICLES
Parents, Pluralism, and Public Schools: Reading Mahmoud v. Taylor
In 'Shav: Name Power', Pastor Austin W. Duncan examines the third commandment from Exodus 20:7, exploring the deep meaning of God's name. Drawing from linguistic, historical, and biblical contexts, the sermon illustrates how God's name embodies His character, authority, and invitation to relationship. Austin warns against both obvious and subtle misuses of God's name, from casual exclamations to manipulative prayer practices. He challenges listeners to move beyond mere avoidance of misuse to actively hallowing God's name in daily life. The message emphasizes how our treatment of God's name reflects our relationship with Him, culminating in the ultimate revelation of God's name in Jesus Christ. Balancing scholarly insight with practical application, this sermon invites believers to a deeper reverence for and intimacy with the God who has graciously revealed His name to us.
After the Vote: Unity, Truth, and Prayer for Our Leaders
After the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the certification, and inauguration that followed, the church’s task is not to relive the campaign but to practice steady discipleship in public: pray for leaders by name, tell the truth with sources, serve neighbors across party lines, and keep Scripture (not social feeds) setting the tempo. Drawing from Romans 13, 1 Peter 2, Jeremiah 29, Jesus’ “render to Caesar,” and the witness of Daniel and Paul, we have a practical path: honor without halos, critique without contempt; facts before forwards; knees before keyboards; people over parties; endurance over outrage. It offers concrete ways congregations can pray, speak, teach civics basics, resist dehumanizing rhetoric, and link political energy to everyday mercy.
After the Opening “Supper”: How Should We Respond?
In 'Shav: Name Power', Pastor Austin W. Duncan examines the third commandment from Exodus 20:7, exploring the deep meaning of God's name. Drawing from linguistic, historical, and biblical contexts, the sermon illustrates how God's name embodies His character, authority, and invitation to relationship. Austin warns against both obvious and subtle misuses of God's name, from casual exclamations to manipulative prayer practices. He challenges listeners to move beyond mere avoidance of misuse to actively hallowing God's name in daily life. The message emphasizes how our treatment of God's name reflects our relationship with Him, culminating in the ultimate revelation of God's name in Jesus Christ. Balancing scholarly insight with practical application, this sermon invites believers to a deeper reverence for and intimacy with the God who has graciously revealed His name to us.
October 7th and the War: Truth, Mercy, and Enemies
In 'Shav: Name Power', Pastor Austin W. Duncan examines the third commandment from Exodus 20:7, exploring the deep meaning of God's name. Drawing from linguistic, historical, and biblical contexts, the sermon illustrates how God's name embodies His character, authority, and invitation to relationship. Austin warns against both obvious and subtle misuses of God's name, from casual exclamations to manipulative prayer practices. He challenges listeners to move beyond mere avoidance of misuse to actively hallowing God's name in daily life. The message emphasizes how our treatment of God's name reflects our relationship with Him, culminating in the ultimate revelation of God's name in Jesus Christ. Balancing scholarly insight with practical application, this sermon invites believers to a deeper reverence for and intimacy with the God who has graciously revealed His name to us.
