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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ALL WORD FOR WORD ARTICLES

ALL WORD FOR WORD ARTICLES

Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan

Who made God?

'But who made God?' The question usually comes with a smirk, as if five-year-olds and philosophers had finally stumped Christianity. Some call it the ultimate gotcha question. Richard Dawkins claims it's the end of intelligent design. Today, we're discovering why this supposed stumbling block is actually a stepping stone to understanding something profound about the nature of existence - and why the answer points to an even bigger truth about God.

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Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan

How many explanations are there for the existence of our universe?

Imagine walking into your kitchen to find a chocolate cake. There are only four possible explanations: someone baked it, it appeared from nothing, it's always been there, or there are infinite kitchens with infinite possibilities. These same four options face us when we look at our universe. Today, we're examining why three of these explanations crumble under scrutiny, leaving us with one extraordinary conclusion.

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Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan

Can chance account for the universe?

A Las Vegas casino makes millions betting on chance. Roll the dice enough times, and probabilities even out. Play enough hands, and the house always wins. But here's what's fascinating: the same mathematicians who calculate casino odds have looked at the probability of our universe existing by chance. Their conclusion? The odds are so astronomical that betting on chance requires more faith than believing in God. Today, we're discovering why the house of chance loses when betting against design.

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Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan

Is there evidence for life after death?

A neuroscientist insists consciousness is just brain chemistry. A grieving widow holds her husband's last letter. A philosopher argues for the soul's immortality. A skeptic dismisses near-death experiences. Everyone has an opinion about life after death - but here's what's fascinating: the strongest evidence doesn't come from modern science or ancient philosophy. It comes from an empty tomb in first-century Jerusalem, and the historical ripple effect that changed the world.

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Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan

How do we know that the Bible is divine rather than human in origin?

66 books. 40 authors. 3 continents. 1,500 years. Shepherds, kings, fishermen, tax collectors, doctors, scholars - all telling the same unfolding story without a single contradiction. No ancient book comes close to the Bible's manuscript evidence. No religious text matches its historical accuracy. No human book predicts the future with perfect precision. Today, we're discovering why the Bible's unique fingerprints point to an Author far beyond human capability.

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Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan

What are the most significant apologetic issues?

'I just can't believe anymore.' These four words have launched thousands of late-night conversations between parents and children, pastors and congregants, friends and colleagues. But here's what's fascinating: while each crisis feels unique, almost every loss of faith traces back to one of four fundamental questions. Today, we're discovering what they are - and why Christians have confidently answered them for 2,000 years.

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Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan

Can a person be argued into the kingdom of God?

Two men hear the exact same defense of Christianity. One walks away transformed, ready to give his life to Christ. The other? Completely unmoved. Some Christians respond to this by saying 'Just keep arguing until they believe!' Others insist 'Never argue, only share your testimony!' But both miss something crucial about how God actually draws people to Himself. Today, we're uncovering what's really happening when someone comes to faith - and why conversion is a mystery that's bigger than any argument, yet often involves careful reasoning.

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Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan

Is apologetics really necessary?

'Christianity is just a crutch for weak people.' 'The Bible is full of myths.' 'Science has disproven God.' Every day, Christians face these challenges. Some stay silent. Others retreat. Some say 'you just have to believe.' Five words that have probably shut down more spiritual conversations than any others in history. It's the answer many Christians give to hard questions. But is it the answer Jesus gave? The apostles gave? When Thomas doubted, Jesus offered evidence. When Greeks questioned, Paul gave reasons. When Jews struggled, Peter pointed to prophecy. The early church knew something we often forget: answering questions doesn't weaken faith - it strengthens it. Today, we're discovering why God never asks for blind faith - and why that changes everything about defending what we believe.

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Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan Basic Apologetics Austin W. Duncan

What is apologetics?

1967. A brilliant young professor sits in his hospital bed, dying of cancer. His atheist friend visits, hoping to talk him out of his 'foolish' Christian faith. Two hours later, the atheist leaves the room shaken - not by his friend's condition, but by his friend's unshakeable confidence in Christ. That professor was Francis Schaeffer, and he demonstrated something vital: defending your faith isn't just about winning arguments - it's about showing that Christianity has real answers to life's hardest questions.

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