"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
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The Nature and Character of God
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ALL WORD FOR WORD ARTICLES
ALL WORD FOR WORD ARTICLES
Does God know the future?
Picture two rooms. In one, a theologian argues that if God knows the future, we can't have free will. In the next, a grieving mother asks, 'If God knew this would happen, why didn't He stop it?' These aren't just academic debates - they're questions that shake faith, trouble hearts, and keep people awake at night. Today, we're diving into one of Christianity's most challenging questions: Does God really know everything that will happen? And if He does... does anything we do actually matter?
What does it mean to say that God is omnipresent?
A child prays in America. A mother weeps in India. A prisoner worships in China. A student questions in Brazil. All at the exact same moment. If God is personally present with each one, is He divided? Spread thin? Partially there? Today we're exploring one of God's most mind-bending attributes - and why understanding it might completely transform how you pray, worship, and live.
If God is one, why does the Bible refer to Him in the plural?
Open your Bible to its very first chapter, and you'll find something strange. God says, 'Let US make man in OUR image.' Skip ahead to the tower of Babel: 'Let US go down.' Jump to Isaiah's vision: 'Who will go for US?' For centuries, these plurals have puzzled readers. Some call them proof of multiple gods. Others dismiss them as translation errors. Today, we're uncovering why these mysterious plurals might be one of Scripture's most fascinating revelations about who God is.
Is the Trinity biblical?
The year is 325 AD. The greatest minds of the Christian world have gathered in Nicaea to debate a single letter in a single word - whether Jesus is 'homoousios' (same essence) or 'homoiousios' (similar essence) with God the Father. Some called it linguistic hairsplitting. But they understood what many today forget: change one letter in how you describe God, and you might end up worshiping something else entirely. Today, we're exploring why the Trinity isn't just complex theology - it's the heart of who God is.
Why do Christians worship on Sunday rather than on the Sabbath day?
'Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.' It's one of the Ten Commandments - written in stone by God's own finger. Yet most Christians worship on Sunday, not Saturday. Some call this the greatest act of religious rebellion in history. Others claim it's evidence that Christianity has lost its way. Today, we're exploring how the day of worship shifted from the seventh day to the first - and why it matters more than you might think.
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.
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.
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.
Is there a difference between indwelling and infilling?
A house can have power lines connected, but still be dark inside. An engine can have fuel in the tank, but never roar to life. A Christian can have the Holy Spirit, but never experience His power. Today we're discovering why - and how to turn the lights on.
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.
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.
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.
What is sin?
What is sin, and why does it matter? In this episode of Word for Word, we explore the biblical definition of sin and how it affects every aspect of life. Sin isn't just about breaking rules—it’s about a broken relationship with God, others, and creation itself. From its origins in the Garden of Eden to its ongoing impact today, we’ll examine sin’s consequences and why human effort alone can’t fix the problem. But there is hope. Discover how the Bible explains the seriousness of sin, the justice of God, and the incredible grace found in Jesus Christ. Whether you're wrestling with guilt, seeking clarity, or simply wanting to understand sin from a biblical perspective, this episode lays out clear, foundational truths about why we need a Savior.
Stand in any Christian wedding and you'll hear Genesis quoted: 'The two shall become one flesh.' Every defense of biblical marriage faces the same challenge: If God designed marriage for one man and one woman, why did He allow His chosen leaders to practice polygamy? Critics call it hypocrisy. Skeptics call it contradiction. Today, we're discovering why what looks like biblical inconsistency actually reveals something profound about God's perfect plan.