Apologetics on SermonAudio

Every biblical counselor assumes their approach comes straight from Scripture alone, but what if the underlying architecture came from an apologist rather than a counselor? In this third episode of our MarsCast series on biblical counseling, Dr. Jared Poulton joins Jared and Dr. Alan Strange to reveal the hidden intellectual DNA of the biblical counseling movement: how Cornelius Van Til's presuppositional apologetics (covenantal knowledge, the antithesis, the rejection of "brute facts") became the theological scaffolding Jay Adams built his entire system on. But it's not a simple story of inheritance. Dr. Strange raises a pointed challenge about what gets lost when the antithesis is applied to counseling without its necessary counterweight, common grace, right down to what that means for how Christians assess the insights of secular psychology. If you've ever wondered why biblical counselors are so skeptical of Freud, CBT, or trauma therapy, this episode traces that instinct straight back to its source.

Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 09/16/2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues! You can also email questions to Matt using: [email protected], Put "Radio Show Question" in the Subject line! Answers will be discussed in a future show. Topics Include: What Happens to a Christian After They Die? What About The Ethiopian Bible?/ Things God Permits/ Matt Discusses Some of The Heresies of The Eastern Orthodox Church/ Was The Canon Created at The Council of Nicea?/ A Quote That Converts?/ What Did it Mean That Ham Uncovered His Father?/ 1 Peter 2—Jesus, The Living Stone/ September 16, 2026

John Owen's Works, Volume 3 (Pneumatologia), provides a foundational, Spirit-centered defense of Christian theology that spans the Holy Spirit's distinct personhood, His work in Christ, regeneration, sanctification, and eternal election. Driven by a desire to defend the Spirit's deity against rationalist attacks while rescuing His internal ministry from both formal neglect and fanatical claims, Owen demonstrates that redemption applied by the Spirit is as essential as redemption accomplished by Christ. Through key insights—such as total depravity's darkening of the unregenerate mind (prefiguring presuppositional apologetics over Common Sense realism), the Spirit-wrought use of the means of grace in an awakened sinner without falling into preparationism, the absolute necessity of ongoing actual grace alongside habitual grace for every holy act, and a matured view of mortification—Owen roots all Christian growth in sovereign grace. By grounding these doctrines in both the election of believers unto holiness and the real-world conversion of Augustine, Owen establishes that true Christian living is an unceasing, Spirit-empowered work from initiation to final perseverance.

Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 09/15/2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues! You can also email questions to Matt using: [email protected], Put "Radio Show Question" in the Subject line! Answers will be discussed in a future show. Topics Include: A New Article Release on carm.org/Eastern Orthodox Doctrine/ The Ethiopian Church's Doctrine of Christ's Deity/Matt Discusses How we Can Understand the Two Natures of Christ/What Does James 2:24 Really Say?/ Matt Discusses The Rise of EO and RC, and Why Protestant Churches are Failing in Their Mission/The End Results/ A Caller Asks About a Quote From Joseph Smith/Opposers of The Preaching of The Gospel/ September 15, 2026

In this episode of Contending for the Word, Dave Jenkins explains Romans 12:1–2 and the biblical necessity of a renewed mind. In a culture filled with competing voices, false teaching, emotionalism, and worldly philosophies, believers are called not to be conformed to this age but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds through God's Word. Dave considers the relationship between doctrine and godliness, the role of the local church in spiritual maturity, and the sufficiency of Scripture to guard Christians from deception and conform them to Christ. For more from Contending for the Word, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-podcast/

Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 09/14/2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues! You can also email questions to Matt using: [email protected], Put "Radio Show Question" in the Subject line! Answers will be discussed in a future show. Topics Include: Why Was Jesus Killed by The Crucifixion Method?/ Matt Discusses His Recent Speaking Engagement/Dealing With Those That Oppose The Gospel/ A Caller Has a Relative in The Hebrew Roots Movement/ September 14, 2026

This episode defines catechesis as the deliberate and systematic instruction of the Christian faith, arguing that it is essential for spiritual maturity and the continuity of the covenant community. It grounds this practice in the Great Commission, emphasizing that Jesus commands the church to make disciples through teaching, not merely conversion. The message highlights that without intentional biblical formation, believers are vulnerable to cultural influences and doctrinal instability, as illustrated by the contrast between children tossed by winds of doctrine and mature Christians grounded in truth. The episode outlines a generational purpose for faith, where believers receive, guard, and hand on the deposit of truth to the next generation. Ultimately, it calls for a shift from accidental theological assembly to a structured pursuit of knowing, living, and passing on the faith.

This sermon examines Paul's address to the Athenian philosophers on Mars Hill, highlighting his strategic approach to sharing the gospel with a religious but pagan audience. The preacher emphasizes how Paul built bridges rather than walls by identifying a point of contact in their altar to an unknown God, thereby opening a dialogue for truth. Key theological themes include the nature of God as Creator, Sovereign Lord, Transcendent being, Self-sufficient source, and Life-giver, contrasting these truths with modern spiritualities and ancient polytheism. The message encourages believers to share the gospel with tact, love, and wisdom, adapting their communication to their audience's context without compromising biblical truth. Ultimately, the sermon calls Christians to gratitude for salvation and to actively engage in evangelism by respectfully presenting the true God to those who do not know Him.

This sermon explores how Christians can endure suffering without fear by anchoring their lives in the right fear of God, a firm hope in resurrection, and a gentle witness. Drawing from 1 Peter 3, the preacher explains that believers should expect hardship but remain unafraid because Christ has already faced the ultimate trial. The message emphasizes that honoring Christ in the heart produces a hope that sustains believers through loss and persecution. It further argues that apologetics is less about philosophical debate and more about living with a clear conscience and godly character. Ultimately, the sermon encourages the congregation to follow Jesus' example of self-sacrifice, finding courage in the assurance of eternal life.