Spirits on SermonAudio

Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 08/25/2026) 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: Matt Announces an Upcoming Islam Conference/ What is Free Masonry?/ The Gifts of The Spirit?/Pentecostalism and Speaking in Tongues/ A Caller Asks Matt About Previous Occult Experiences/ What is Wrong with Alcoholics Anonymous?/ Why Aren't Roman Catholics out Doing Street Evangelism?/ Are We Supposed to Tithe?/ Are Christians Forgiven for Future Sins?/ August 25, 2026

Faith-Filled Trademarks This message from 1 Thessalonians 1 centers on the truth that when God genuinely saves a person, His saving work leaves recognizable trademarks upon that life. These marks do not earn salvation; they reveal that Jesus has taken possession of a person and that the Holy Spirit is producing a new direction, allegiance, purpose, and hope. Paul points to the Thessalonian believers as an example or imprint of what gospel transformation looks like. The gospel did not come to them as words only, but "in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance." Paul, Silas, and their companions preached Christ, opened the Scriptures, and demonstrated through their own lives that they were fully persuaded of the gospel they proclaimed. The Spirit then worked in the hearers, convincing them of their need and bringing Christ to light so that they could receive the message by faith. One of the first trademarks was that they gladly received the Word. They welcomed what God revealed without placing restrictions upon Him. Their circumstances were difficult—they received the Word "in much affliction"—yet the Holy Spirit supplied joy. Genuine faith does not mean the absence of trouble; it means that Jesus becomes more precious than the trouble is powerful. The great evidence of their conversion is found in the statement that they "turned to God from idols." Their first movement was toward God. Seeing the worth of Christ exposed the worthlessness of what they had previously worshiped. Biblical repentance and faith therefore belong together: faith turns to Christ, and in turning to Christ we necessarily turn away from whatever competes with Him. Zacchaeus illustrate

We may safely conclude that Satan does not know the thoughts of man as God does. But still, as Satan is a spirit, he has a freer and more frequent intercourse with the human mind than many are aware of. I look at the mind as the spring, and thoughts as the streams issuing from it. Satan cannot exactly see or discern the spring head, nor perhaps all the streams. A good man may have many thoughts which Satan cannot be very privy to. I think that in the exercise of faith, love, hope, etc., thoughts must be employed as the mind is enlightened by the Holy Spirit.

The devotional presents a clear warning against the study of false religions and spiritual systems, grounded in biblical principles from Joshua and David, who both forbade engagement with the worship and names of foreign gods. Drawing from personal experience and real-life testimonies, the message emphasizes that exposure to false teachings—even for the purpose of comparison or understanding—can erode spiritual sensitivity and lead to spiritual compromise. The preacher advocates for a focused devotion to Scripture, asserting that deep familiarity with God's truth equips believers to recognize and resist falsehood through the Holy Spirit's guidance. Rather than relying on cultural or superstitious practices, such as ritual anointing or ancestral customs, the sermon calls for a reliance on divine authority, prayer, and the cleansing power of Christ to overcome spiritual oppression. Ultimately, the central message is that truth, not error, must be the foundation of a believer's life, and spiritual discernment comes not from studying deception, but from abiding in God's Word.

We look at David's last words as a prophet.

Many men begin with passion, but the Christian life is not merely about beginning well. It is about enduring faithfully to the end. In this concluding episode of the Warriors of Grace courage series, Dave Jenkins examines Hebrews 12:1–3 and explains how Christian men are called to lay aside every weight, resist spiritual complacency, fix their eyes on Jesus, and run with endurance. Biblical courage is Spirit-enabled perseverance that continues trusting Christ and obeying Him through every season and stage of life. Jesus is not merely our example of endurance. He is our Savior, supplying weary men with the grace and strength necessary to persevere and finish faithfully. For more from Warriors of Grace, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/warriors-of-grace-podcast/

What hope can Job have in the midst of his pain in this world? Job 13:20–14:22 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these thirty-one verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the believer's hope is in God Himself, Who makes us new, forgives our sins, and desires us as the work of His hands. The devotional explores Job's desperate plea for God to reveal his sins and cease terrifying him, highlighting the brevity and misery of human life compared to the regenerative power found in Christ. Job's hope is the believer's assurance of fellowship with God through Jesus. Pastor emphasizes that while humans cannot cleanse themselves from sin, God offers forgiveness as the ultimate refuge. Believers are encouraged to maintain their hope in God's kindness and salvation regardless of earthly circumstances. The message concludes by urging his family to live and die with faith in Christ's covering of their iniquities.

The sermon examines Ezekiel 18 to dismantle the excuse that individuals suffer for the sins of their ancestors, establishing that every soul is personally accountable to God. It highlights the theological truth that righteousness cannot be inherited and guilt cannot be transferred, emphasizing that each person stands alone before divine judgment. The passage reveals God's desire for repentance rather than condemnation, promising a new heart and spirit through the New Covenant. This Old Testament command finds its fulfillment in the New Birth described by Jesus, offering hope beyond human effort. The message concludes with an urgent call to cease blaming others and to actively pursue a life of continuous repentance and faith in Christ.

Listen-in to the recent Monday This Day in Prayer and in The Word Podcast, "What Did God Give Us?"