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.

This sermon outlines ten compelling reasons for every believer to engage in personal evangelism, grounding the call in the Great Commission passages found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts. It emphasizes that evangelism is not merely a corporate duty of the church but an individual responsibility that flows from a genuine love for God and obedience to His commands. The message argues that sharing the gospel is an act of compassion and a fulfillment of the royal law, distinguishing it from mere religious duty by highlighting the constraining love of Christ as the primary motivator. It further teaches that evangelism provides spiritual stability and protection for the believer, serving as a key component of the armor of God. Finally, the sermon urges the audience to view soul-winning as a wise pursuit and a debt owed to the lost, reminding them that their eternal reward and the salvation of others depend on their faithful witness.

NOTHING'S MORE IMPORTANT THAN JESUS. When Jesus Has First Place, Everything Else Finds Its Proper Place Colossians 1:15–18 KJV Life constantly competes for our attention through work, possessions, schedules, entertainment, relationships, worries, and ambitions. Yet Paul declares that Jesus Christ is to have "the preeminence." I want to challenge every believer to examine whether Christ merely has a place in their lives or truly has first place. The message develops three truths: I. Nothing Is More Important Than Knowing Jesus II. Nothing Is More Important Than Putting Jesus First III. When Jesus Becomes Most Important, Everything Else Finds Its Proper Place "If Jesus is the most important Person in my life, does the way I live prove it?" A gospel-centered message calling the lost to Christ and believers back to a life where Jesus has first place in all things. And I think Colossians 1:18 is exactly the right anchor: "that in all things he might have the preeminence.

This sermon examines the voyage of Paul to Rome in Acts 27, emphasizing that God's sovereign providence governs all circumstances, including storms and apparent hindrances. The text argues that even when human resources are exhausted and hope seems lost, God remains in control, using trials to teach reliance and patience rather than allowing the enemy to thwart His will. Paul's confidence in the angelic promise serves as a model for believers to anchor their hope in Christ's faithfulness rather than in their own abilities or favorable conditions. The message encourages Christians to view adversity not as a deviation from God's plan, but as a means by which He reveals His glory and strengthens the faith of His people. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a steadfast trust in God's character, asserting that He works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

We see that Jesus, when he comes to meet Zacchaeus, is not concerned with either his shortness or the fact that he was a tax gatherer. Instead let us think about how Jesus approaches Zacchaeus. So, what has happened? Zacchaeus can't see Jesus. He wants to see him. He's curious. He's seeking Jesus out. He's interested. He comes and he can't see Jesus, so he goes ahead of the crowd, goes farther up on the parade road, and climbs this tree. He wants to see Jesus, and he's curious. He's fascinated. And Jesus comes up and doesn't say, well, you're a short man, or, oh, you're a tax collector. He says, Zacchaeus. What does that mean? It means He knows exactly who He is. Jesus knows all these things about Him. He can see not only into His life, He can see into His heart. He can understand that Zacchaeus is something. while Zacchaeus brings him to his house. He obeys the command of the Lord.

The sermon emphasizes the spiritual warfare believers engage in through the mighty weapon of prayer, urging them to prioritize intercession for the salvation of others. It highlights God's desire for all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, contrasting this divine reality with the illusions promoted by Satan. Pastor Jennings introduces the acronym FRAN to categorize those in one's circle of influence—friends, relatives, associates, and neighbors—who need specific spiritual attention. A practical framework called the five C's is provided to guide prayers for conviction, clarity, circumstances, Christian companions, and protection for the unsaved. The message concludes with a call to action for believers to write down names and persistently pray, trusting in God's will and power to bring about salvation.

Luke 15:11-32

Before doing something, ask yourself these questions: 1. Will it please Christ? 2. Will it hurt my testimony with the lost or cause a stumbling block to another believer? 3. Is it harmful to my body? 4. Will this act solidify or divide the body of Christ?