Word for Word with Austin W. Duncan

"Word for Word" with Austin W. Duncan is a weekly podcast that tackles the most pressing questions about Christianity, faith, and spiritual life. Each episode provides clear, Scripture-based answers to fundamental questions that both believers and seekers ask, from "What must I do to be saved?" to "Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?" Through careful biblical teaching and practical application, Austin explores topics across Basic Christian Thought, Spiritual Growth, Apologetics, World Religions, Biblical Interpretation, and Contemporary Issues. Each episode breaks down complex theological concepts into understandable explanations, using visual elements and modern examples to illuminate ancient truths. Drawing from his passion for biblical teaching, Austin guides listeners through challenging spiritual concepts with clarity and warmth. Whether you're new to Christianity, a long-time believer, or simply curious about faith, "Word for Word" offers thoughtful, accessible answers to help you understand and grow in your spiritual journey.

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Basic Christian Thought & Spiritual Growth

Austin W. Duncan Austin W. Duncan

Does God Repent?

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.

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Austin W. Duncan Austin W. Duncan

Does God know the future?

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.

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Austin W. Duncan Austin W. Duncan

What does it mean to say that God is omnipresent?

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.

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Austin W. Duncan Austin W. Duncan

If God is one, why does the Bible refer to Him in the plural?

Why does the Bible say “Let us make man” if God is one? That’s not a typo—it’s a thread worth pulling. This episode digs into those plural moments and shows how they aren’t mistakes, but clues pointing to something deeper at the heart of who God is.

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The Nature and Character of God Austin W. Duncan The Nature and Character of God Austin W. Duncan

Is the Trinity biblical?

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.

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Austin W. Duncan Austin W. Duncan

Why do Christians worship on Sunday rather than on the Sabbath day?

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.

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Holidays Austin W. Duncan Holidays Austin W. Duncan

How should Christians respond to Halloween?

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.

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Holidays Austin W. Duncan Holidays Austin W. Duncan

Should Christians celebrate Christmas?

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.

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Spiritual Gifts Austin W. Duncan Spiritual Gifts Austin W. Duncan

Is speaking in tongues the evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit?

You can't be filled with the Spirit - you've never spoken in tongues.' 'Speaking in tongues died out centuries ago.' 'Unless you speak in tongues, you're missing out on God's power.' Three churches. Three completely different messages. All claiming to be biblical. All affecting real people, real faith, real lives. Today, we're opening Scripture to discover what it actually says about tongues and the Holy Spirit - and the answer brings both clarity and freedom to one of Christianity's most confusing controversies.

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Must Christians attend church?

In this episode of Word for Word, we examine whether gathering with other believers is essential or if faith can thrive independently. With online sermons, worship playlists, and Christian content readily available, many question if physical church attendance is necessary anymore. But what does the Bible say? Whether you’ve stepped away from church, are wrestling with doubts, or want to deepen your understanding, this episode offers biblical insight into why church matters and how it strengthens faith.

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Can Christians Lose Their Salvation?

Can Christians lose their salvation? In this episode of Word for Word, we explore one of the most debated topics in Christianity: the security of salvation. Many believers wrestle with the fear of falling away—wondering if their faith is strong enough or if they could do something to lose God’s grace. But what does the Bible actually say? By examining passages like John 10:28-29 and Philippians 1:6, we uncover the truth about God's role in salvation, Christ’s finished work on the cross, and the Holy Spirit’s seal of assurance. Whether you’ve struggled with doubt or want a deeper understanding of what it means to be secure in Christ, this episode provides clarity, encouragement, and biblical confidence in God's promise to keep those who are truly His.

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How can I be certain I haven't committed the unforgivable sin?

Have I committed the unforgivable sin? In this episode of Word for Word, we explore one of the most anxiety-inducing questions Christians wrestle with: Can someone go too far for God’s forgiveness? Many believers live in fear that they’ve done something beyond God’s grace, but what does the Bible actually say? By examining Jesus’ warning in Matthew 12, we uncover the historical and biblical context behind the “blasphemy against the Holy Spirit” and what it truly means. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by guilt, questioned your salvation, or worried that God has turned away from you, this episode provides clarity and reassurance. Discover the difference between conviction and condemnation, and find peace in the truth of God’s forgiveness.

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