In this podcast titled "The Altar Call," Erroll Hulse provides a critical examination of the modern "invitation system" used in evangelism, arguing that it is both unbiblical and based on a theological misunderstanding of conversion.

Hulse structures his critique around the following key themes:

Hulse argues that the altar call system often produces "false statistics" and a large number of "decisions" that do not result in long-term church involvement.

• He cites examples of crusades where hundreds of respondents could not be found in churches six months later.
  

• He recounts his own experience counseling 26 people at a Billy Graham crusade and finding that none truly understood what had happened to them.
  

• He warns that this system creates a "harvest of hypocrites" and leads to the "carnal Christian theory," where people are told they are saved but don't have to live holy lives until a later "second decision".
  

Hulse disputes the idea that the altar call is an ancient practice, instead tracing its formalization to Charles Finney.

• He acknowledges historical accounts of people responding emotionally during revivals (such as those led by Eliezer Wheelock) but argues these were spontaneous reactions, not a manufactured system.
  

• He contrasts the modern system with the "mourners bench" of the 18th and 19th centuries, noting that the latter involved people "grappling with repentance" rather than making a quick, public decision.
  

Hulse rejects the biblical arguments often used to support the invitation system.

• He dismisses the use of Adam and Eve or Abraham as "proofs," calling such interpretations irrelevant.
  

• He points out that when Joshua told Israel to "choose," he followed it by telling them they were "unable" to serve the Lord without genuine repentance and the removal of their idols.
  

• He asserts that Jesus often discouraged superficial followers by speaking "hard truths" and requiring them to count the cost rather than seizing on moments of popularity.
  

The core of Hulse’s argument is that the invitation system treats conversion as a human-centered response rather than a divine act of creation.

• A New Creation: He defines the "New Birth" as a work of God that is not dependent on human will, "overt acts of the body," or emotional manipulation.
  

• Divine Sovereignty: He argues that God is the author of the timing of conversion and may work "unexpectedly" and outside of human techniques.
  

• Preparationism: He suggests that God often prepares a soul over time, and the "decision system" can disrupt this process by "pulling up the plants to see if they're growing".
  

Hulse concludes by urging a return to the "apostolic" method of preaching: a passionate, universal call to repentance and faith followed by baptism only when there is evidence of a "credible profession of faith". He calls on his peers to resist the "new sacramentalism" of the altar call and instead labor for the establishment of souls in Christ through the doctrines of grace.

1. Lack of Lasting Results
2. Historical Roots
3. Biblical Scrutiny
4. Misunderstanding the New Birth
Conclusion

This podcast by Erroll Hulse provides a detailed overview of the life, theology, and legacy of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, focusing on his role as a "contender for the faith". Hulse highlights that Spurgeon was not just a friendly historical figure, but a man of deep conviction who fought for the "doctrines of grace" during times of significant theological shift.

Spurgeon was born in 1834 into a family of powerful preachers. Key formative influences included:

• Puritan Literature: From age six, Spurgeon began reading 17th-century Puritan works found in his grandfather's house, which shaped his theological foundation.

• Deep Conviction: Before his conversion at age 15, he experienced years of intense conviction of sin, which Hulse describes as God laying "deep foundations" for his future work.
  

• Natural Genius: Spurgeon possessed an extraordinary memory—he could reportedly name all 5,000 members of his congregation—and showed early oratorical talent.
  

Hulse emphasizes that Spurgeon’s success was rooted in his unwavering commitment to Calvinism, or "free grace".

• Particular Baptist: Spurgeon was a "strict" and "particular" Baptist, believing in baptism before communion and the doctrine of particular redemption (that Christ died specifically for the elect).
  

• The Power of Doctrine: Hulse argues it was not merely Spurgeon's voice or eloquence that "shook London," but his preaching of man’s total ruin and God’s sovereign grace.
  

The summary divides Spurgeon’s London ministry into three phases:

1. 1855–1860: Years of explosive growth and controversy as he re-introduced Calvinism to a complacent London.
   

2. 1860–1887: A period of massive industry, including church planting and the founding of a college and orphanage.
   

3. 1887–1892 (The Downgrade Controversy): Spurgeon resigned from the Baptist Union to protest the rise of modernism and the abandonment of clear biblical doctrines. Though he "lost" this battle in his lifetime (voting was 2,000 to 7 against his position), Hulse argues that history has vindicated his warnings about the decline of the church.
   

Hulse concludes by noting that Spurgeon’s prophecies about the recovery of these truths are being fulfilled through the republication of his sermons and books. He challenges the audience, particularly young men, to:

• Study deeply rather than focusing on "trifling things".
  

• Build local churches on solid, confessional foundations like the 1689 Confession of Faith.
  

• Look to Christ for salvation, moving past self-sufficiency to total reliance on Him.

This episode features Lady Elizabeth Catherwood offering a warm, deeply personal portrait of her father, Dr. Martyn Lloyd‑Jones, through the lens of his lifelong reading habits. Blending family memories, humorous anecdotes, and spiritual insight, she reveals how books shaped his ministry, his thinking, and his character. From his love of theology and biography to his disciplined approach to reading and his remarkable memory, the talk paints an intimate picture of a man whose mind and soul were continually nourished by the written word. It’s a rich, affectionate reflection on a towering Christian figure—told by someone who knew him best.

In this urgent and searching message on Matthew 7:13–14, Albert N. Martin confronts the listener with life’s most unavoidable question: what must a person know, become, and do to be ready for death, judgment, and eternity? With clarity and solemn weight, Martin unfolds Jesus’ teaching on the narrow gate, the hard way, and the life to come. He exposes the dangers of indifference, self‑righteousness, and self‑will, and explains why true conversion is both necessary and deeply costly. A gripping, earnest call to examine oneself in light of Christ’s own words.

In this second lecture on Old Testament prophecy, Edward J. Young explores the unique relationship between Moses and the prophets, showing how the entire prophetic institution stands under Moses and ultimately points forward to Christ. Drawing from Hebrews 3 and Numbers 12, Young explains why Moses occupies a singular place in God’s redemptive economy, how true prophets differ from him, and why the Mosaic era serves as a witness to the greater age inaugurated by Christ. Blending careful exegesis with pastoral insight, this episode offers a rich foundation for understanding biblical prophecy, typology, and the unity of Scripture.

In this thoughtful and foundational message, Edward J. Young explores the true nature and divine origin of the Old Testament prophet. Drawing deeply from Deuteronomy 18, he explains why Israel’s prophets were unique in human history, how God Himself established the prophetic office, and why prophecy cannot be understood apart from its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Young contrasts the revelation of God with the superstitious practices of the ancient world, shows how true prophecy is authenticated, and highlights the continuity of God’s redemptive plan through the prophetic witness. A rich, careful, and reverent study for anyone seeking to understand biblical prophecy and its Christ‑centered purpose.

In this rich and deeply practical sermon, Major Ian Thomas explores the heart of the Christian life: Christ living His life in and through the believer. Drawing from Ephesians, Philippians, and the story of Israel in Exodus 17, Thomas unpacks the meaning of spiritual resurrection, the indwelling life of Christ, and the daily posture of faith that allows His power to be expressed in us. With clarity, warmth, and vivid illustration, he shows how Christianity is not self‑effort but Christ’s life appropriated moment by moment. This episode invites listeners to rediscover the simplicity, depth, and transforming reality of “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

In this powerful sermon from 1 Corinthians 15, Paul Thompson calls listeners to retain a risen, living gospel. With clarity and urgency, he unfolds the centrality of Christ’s physical resurrection—its historical proof, its theological necessity, and its life‑transforming implications. Thompson exposes the dangers of drifting from this core truth, confronts subtle forms of unbelief, and urges believers to persevere in a gospel that rebukes, restores, and renews. Rich with Scripture, pastoral warmth, and practical application, this episode invites you to rediscover the hope, power, and reality of the risen Christ.

Recorded at Smithfield Baptist Church – 29 December 1996

More messages by Merv Topp can be found HERE

In this deeply reflective sermon, Merv Topp explores the foundational Christian question: Who is Jesus? Drawing from Psalm 24 and Romans 1, he illustrates the critical importance of understanding both the full deity and true humanity of Christ. Using vivid analogies—like the collapse of Melbourne’s West Gate Bridge—he warns of the spiritual consequences when these truths are denied.

Topp walks listeners through biblical affirmations of Jesus as both God and man, referencing key scriptures and historical creeds to show how the Church has wrestled with and affirmed this mystery for centuries. He emphasizes that salvation hinges on this dual nature, and that Christ’s compassion, emotional depth, and suffering make Him uniquely able to intercede for humanity.

This message is both theological and pastoral, offering comfort to those facing trials and urging listeners to personally respond to Christ’s call. Whether you're new to the faith or seeking deeper understanding, this episode invites you to consider the eternal significance of Jesus’ identity.

Part of a Series on Preaching click HERE for the complete series

This message by Graeme Goldsworthy is titled “Jesus, the fulfillment of all promise and prophecy,” showing how Old Testament texts should be preached as part of God’s redemptive history leading to Christ, rather than merely as moral examples.

The speaker contrasts “what God has done for us” in the finished, objective work of Christ (justification) with “what God does in us” by the Holy Spirit (sanctification), warning that focusing only on exemplary, “what to do” preaching turns the Old Testament into legalism and undermines the gospel.