Aug 7

Are Miracles Possible?

Send us Fan Mail Are Miracles Possible? Can miracles actually happen—or has modern science made belief in the supernatural impossible? Before we can ask whether the miracles of the Bible actually happened, we have to answer a more basic question: Are miracles even possible? In this episode of The Actual Answers Podcast, we examine one of the most common objections to Christianity: the claim that miracles violate the laws of nature and therefore cannot—or should not—be believed. We’ll look at what a miracle actually is, how miracles differ from anomalies, psychosomatic events, providence, and magic, and why the existence of God radically changes the question. If God created the universe from nothing, then turning water into wine, multiplying loaves, or even raising the dead is no longer a question of possibility—it becomes a question of evidence. We’ll also take on David Hume’s famous argument against miracles and ask whether his reasoning actually disproves miracles—or simply assumes from the beginning that they cannot happen. And we’ll examine the crucial distinction between rare events and regular events: does the fact that something happens only once mean there cannot be sufficient evidence that it happened? Along the way, we’ll consider objections from science and history and expose the hidden assumption behind much modern skepticism: that every event must have a natural cause. The argument is simple: If God exists, miracles are possible. If miracles are possible, the question is no longer, “Can they happen?” The question becomes, “Did they happen?” And that is where the evidence takes us next. RECOMMENDED READING C. S. Lewis, Miracles: A Preliminary Study Norman L. Geisler, Miracles and the Modern Mind: A Defense of Biblical Miracles

Aug 5

Is Atheism Just a Lack of Belief? Does Faith Mean Believing Without Evidence?

Send us Fan Mail A simple Facebook comment turned into one of the most fascinating apologetics discussions I've had in a long time. After responding to a common atheist objection, the comment section quickly filled with atheists, agnostics, and skeptics challenging nearly every point I made. Rather than spending days replying one comment at a time, I decided to step back and address the much deeper philosophical questions driving the entire conversation. In this episode, we examine five of the most common objections raised against Christianity: Is atheism really "just a lack of belief"?Is biblical faith simply belief without evidence?Can evolution explain objective morality?Who actually bears the burden of proof?Are logical fallacies being used correctly—or simply as rhetorical weapons?Along the way, we'll discuss worldview, evidence, testimony, scientism, objective morality, the cumulative case for God's existence, and why definitions matter far more than most people realize. In the second half of the episode, I respond directly to many of the actual comments left by atheists in the discussion, addressing objections about faith, evidence, morality, the Euthyphro dilemma, meaning, naturalism, the burden of proof, and more. Whether you're a Christian looking to strengthen your thinking or a skeptic wondering how Christians answer these objections, my hope is that this conversation encourages careful reasoning, honest dialogue, and a genuine pursuit of truth. Have a question or objection you'd like addressed on a future episode? 📧 questions@actualanswerspodcast.com If you enjoyed today's episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who enjoys discussing life's biggest questions. Thanks for listening to The Actual Answers Podcast.

Jul 31

Why Does God Allow Evil?

Send us Fan Mail The Problem of Evil is often presented as Christianity's greatest intellectual challenge. If God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfectly good, why does evil exist at all? In this episode of Actual Answers with Matt Hazelwood, we tackle that question head-on by walking through one of the clearest and most comprehensive biblical treatments of the problem of evil, following the framework developed by Dr. Norman Geisler. Rather than offering shallow clichés or emotional platitudes, this episode carefully examines the major philosophical and theological questions surrounding evil, including: What evil actually is (and what it is not)Where evil came fromGod's sovereignty over evilHow perfect creatures could choose evilHow evil could arise if God created everything goodWhy God doesn't immediately eliminate all evilThe problem of physical sufferingWhy evil continues to persist in the world todayThroughout the episode, we argue that the Christian worldview not only survives these difficult questions—it provides the only coherent foundation for understanding why evil exists, why we recognize it as evil, and how God has decisively defeated it through Jesus Christ while preserving genuine creaturely freedom. Whether you're wrestling with suffering yourself, responding to skeptical objections, or simply wanting to deepen your confidence in the Christian faith, this episode provides a thoughtful, biblical, and intellectually rigorous treatment of one of the most important questions anyone can ask. Recommended Resources If God, Why Evil? — Norman L. GeislerWhy Is There Evil in the World (And So Much of It)? — Greg WeltyThe Problem of Pain — C.S. Lewis

Jul 28

Does God Exist? (Part 2: The Moral Argument)

Send us Fan Mail Does God Exist? Part 2 — The Moral ArgumentIf objective moral values and duties really exist, where did they come from? Is morality simply a matter of personal opinion, cultural preference, or evolutionary instinct—or does it point beyond ourselves to God? In Part 2 of our series on God's existence, we examine one of the most compelling arguments for theism: the Moral Argument. We explore why every moral law requires a moral lawgiver, why objective morality is something we all live as though it exists, and why our moral experience makes far more sense in a world created by God than in a purely material universe. Along the way, we'll consider everyday evidence for objective morality, discuss why our conscience matters, and explain why concepts like justice, human rights, and moral obligation cannot exist without an objective standard. We also respond to some of the most common objections, including: Can atheists be moral?Is morality arbitrary because God commands it?Do moral values "just exist"?Is human flourishing enough to explain morality?This episode continues our "12 Points That Show Christianity Is True" series, focusing on the second line of evidence that supports the existence of God: the Moral Argument. Recommended Reading: I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist — Chapter 7On Guard by William Lane Craig — "Can We Be Good Without God?"

Jul 22

Does God Exist? (Part 1: The Kalam Cosmological Argument)

Send us Fan Mail Does God exist? Before discussing the Bible, miracles, or the resurrection of Jesus, we must first answer the foundational question: Is there a God at all? In Part 1 of our series on God's existence, we examine one of the most influential arguments in the history of philosophy—the Kalam Cosmological Argument. Popularized by philosopher Dr. William Lane Craig, this argument contends that because the universe began to exist, it must have a cause beyond itself. In this lesson, we discuss: Why God's existence matters for truth, morality, meaning, and purpose.The major worldviews regarding God's existence (theism, deism, pantheism, panentheism, atheism, and more).The three simple premises of the Kalam Cosmological Argument.Why something cannot come from nothing (ex nihilo, nihil fit).Scientific and philosophical evidence that the universe had a beginning.Common objections such as "Who made God?" and the fallacy of composition.What we can logically know about the First Cause—including why it must be timeless, spaceless, immaterial, powerful, intelligent, personal, and supernatural.Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or simply curious about life's biggest questions, this episode provides a clear, accessible introduction to one of Christianity's strongest philosophical arguments. Recommended Reading: I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist by Norman Geisler & Frank Turek (Chapter 3)On Guard by William Lane Craig (Chapter 4)Reasonable Faith by William Lane Craig (pp. 111–156)Join us as we seek actual answers to life's most important questions through Scripture, philosophy, and evidence.

Jul 9

Are All Sins Equal?

Send us Fan Mail Many people have heard the phrase, "All sins are equal in God's eyes." But is that actually what the Bible teaches? In this episode of Actual Answers, Matt Hazelwood examines one of the most common misconceptions in Christianity. While James 2:10 teaches that every sin makes us guilty before a holy God, the rest of Scripture reveals that not all sins are equally serious or receive the same judgment. We'll look at what Jesus Himself taught about "greater sin," why greater knowledge brings greater accountability, how final judgment differs in severity, and why these truths are perfectly consistent with the gospel. Whether you've wondered about this question yourself or have been challenged by someone else, this episode will help you understand the biblical answer with clarity and confidence. In this episode, you'll discover: What James 2:10 actually means.Why every sin makes us guilty before God.How Jesus taught that some sins are greater than others.Why Scripture teaches different degrees of punishment.How to reconcile these truths without contradiction.Scripture Referenced: James 2:10John 19:11Luke 12:47–48Matthew 11:20–241 John 5:16–17If you have a question you'd like answered on a future episode, email us at questions@actualanswerspodcast.com. If this episode helped you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who is seeking biblical answers to life's toughest questions. Actual Answers with Matt Hazelwood — Defending the Christian faith with truth, reason, and Scripture.

Jul 9

Can All Religions Be True?

Send us Fan Mail Can all religions be true? Is it arrogant to claim that Christianity alone is true? What if someone is sincere but believes something different? These are some of the most common objections Christians face today, and they all hinge on one foundational question: can opposite truth claims both be true? In this episode, we examine one of the most basic—but often overlooked—principles of rational thought: the Law of Non-Contradiction. This self-evident law states that opposite ideas cannot both be true at the same time and in the same sense. Without it, reason, science, history, and even everyday conversation become impossible. We'll look at why truth must correspond to reality, why falsehood is the opposite of truth, and why religious pluralism ultimately collapses under the weight of contradictory claims. If one religion teaches there is one God while another teaches many gods, both cannot be true. If Jesus is God, as Christianity teaches, and not God, as other religions claim, both views cannot simultaneously correspond to reality. The episode also addresses several common objections: "Isn't this view too narrow?""What about sincere people in other religions?""What about those who have never heard the Gospel?""Don't all religions worship the same God?"Along the way, we ground the discussion in both sound philosophy and biblical teaching, showing that Christianity does not ask people to abandon reason but instead provides the only worldview capable of making sense of truth itself. Whether you're a believer wanting to defend your faith or a skeptic honestly wrestling with truth, this episode lays an essential philosophical foundation for evaluating every worldview—including Christianity. Key Scriptures: Romans 1:18–23, Proverbs 14:12, James 2:19, John 14:6, John 8:24, John 3:18, Acts 4:12, 1 Timothy 2:5, Romans 3:10–23. Recommended Reading: I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist, Chapter 2Norman Geisler, The Big Book of Christian Apologetics ("Pluralism, Religious," "Logic," and "First Principles")Norman Geisler, Christian Apologetics (2nd ed.), Chapter 8

Jul 2

Is Truth About Reality Knowable?

Send us Fan Mail Does truth actually exist? Can we know it? Or is everything just a matter of perspective? Before anyone can meaningfully ask whether Christianity is true, we must first answer a more foundational question: What is truth? This episode lays the philosophical foundation for the Christian faith by exploring the nature of truth itself. If truth does not exist, cannot be known, or is merely relative, then every worldview—including Christianity—collapses. But if truth exists and can be known, then we have a firm foundation for discovering what is actually true about God, reality, and ourselves. In this episode, you'll discover: Does truth exist? Why every attempt to deny truth ultimately affirms it.What is truth? Why truth is best understood as that which corresponds to reality.Can truth be known? Why genuine knowledge of reality is possible.Is truth absolute? Why contradictory truth claims cannot all be true at the same time and in the same sense.How should Christians answer objections to truth? Practical responses to some of the most common challenges raised against objective truth.The episode also examines and answers the major worldviews that challenge objective truth, including: Denialism — "Truth doesn't exist."Agnosticism — "Truth cannot be known."Skepticism — "We should doubt all truth claims."Postmodernism — "There is no objective truth."Relativism — "All truth is relative."Perspectivism — "Truth depends upon one's perspective."Drawing from Scripture, philosophy, and careful logic, this episode demonstrates that these competing worldviews ultimately undermine themselves, while the biblical view of truth remains intellectually coherent and practically unavoidable. If Christianity is true, then truth must first exist, be knowable, and be absolute. This episode begins building that foundation. Key Scriptures: 1 Peter 3:15; Jude 3; Titus 1:9; 1 Corinthians 10:5; Proverbs 26:4–5; Deuteronomy 18:22; Genesis 42:16; Acts 24; 2 Timothy 2:13. Recommended Resources Geisler, Norman L., and Frank Turek. I Don't Have Enough Faith to Be an Atheist. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2004. Chapter 1.Geisler, Norman L. The Big Book of Christian Apologetics. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2012. See "Truth, Nature of" (p. 56), "Hume, David" (p. 251), and "Kant, Immanuel" (p. 291).Geisler, Norman L., and Ronald M. Brooks. When Skeptics Ask. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1990. Chapter 12.Geisler, Norman L. Christian Apologetics. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1976. Chapters 1–7.Questions or topic suggestions? Email: questions@actualanswerspodcast.com Christianity doesn't fear questions—it provides actual answers.

Jun 25

Did Jesus Really Exist?

Send us Fan Mail Did Jesus of Nazareth actually exist, or is He simply a legendary figure invented by early Christians? In this episode of Actual Answers, we examine the historical evidence using the same standards historians apply to every figure from the ancient world. We explore the testimony of Jewish and Roman historians, the earliest Christian documents, the remarkable creed preserved in 1 Corinthians 15, and the conclusions of modern scholars—including agnostics and atheists. The question isn't whether Jesus existed—that is one of the least disputed facts in ancient history. The real question is what His existence means. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you understand why the historical case for Jesus is far stronger than many realize. Topics Covered: Why virtually all historians agree Jesus existedNon-Christian historical sources (Josephus, Tacitus, Pliny, and others)Why the New Testament should be treated as historical evidenceThe earliest Christian creed in 1 Corinthians 15What modern skeptical scholars say about Jesus' existenceWhy the real question isn't whether Jesus existed, but who He wasRecommended ResourcesBooks Bart D. Ehrman — Did Jesus Exist? The Historical Argument for Jesus of NazarethF. F. Bruce — The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable?Craig L. Blomberg — The Historical Reliability of the GospelsRichard Bauckham — Jesus and the EyewitnessesGary R. Habermas & Michael R. Licona — The Case for the Resurrection of JesusWayne Grudem — Systematic Theology (for the person and work of Christ)Ancient Sources Discussed Josephus — Antiquities of the JewsTacitus — AnnalsPliny the Younger — LettersSuetonius — The Twelve CaesarsLucian of Samosata — The Death of PeregrineMara bar Serapion — Letter to His SonScripture Luke 1:1–41 Corinthians 15:3–8John 20:30–31

Jun 24

What Is The Unforgivable Sin?

Send us Fan Mail Few teachings of Jesus have produced more fear, confusion, and speculation than "blasphemy against the Holy Spirit." Is it suicide? Murder? Adultery? Denying Christ? A particular phrase spoken in anger? Or is it something a Christian can accidentally commit? In this episode, we go directly to the biblical text and carefully examine what Jesus actually said, what the Pharisees were doing, and why this sin is uniquely described as unforgivable. Along the way, we'll explore the major views Christians have held throughout church history and consider the relationship between blasphemy, hardness of heart, repentance, and the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. Most importantly, we'll answer the question that troubles so many consciences: How do I know if I've committed it? Christianity doesn't fear questions—it provides actual answers. Join us as we seek one from Scripture. Recommended Reading: Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Zondervan Academic). See especially Chapter 24, "The Doctrine of Man," for his discussion of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit and the unforgivable sin on pages 637–639.

Jun 18

Who Made God?

Send us Fan Mail Who made God? It's one of the most common objections raised against Christianity—and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Matt Hazelwood addresses the question directly and explains why it contains a hidden assumption that Christians have never believed. Is God a created being? If not, what does it mean for God to be eternal, self-existent, and uncreated? And why is asking "Who made God?" similar to asking "Who is the bachelor married to?" or "Where is the square circle?" In this episode, you'll learn: Why the question "Who made God?" misunderstands the Christian definition of GodThe difference between a difficult question and a self-contradictory oneWhat the Bible teaches about God's eternal natureWhy a created God would not be God at allHow to answer this objection clearly, simply, and biblicallyWhether you're a skeptic, a believer wrestling with the question yourself, or someone looking to better defend the Christian faith, this episode will help you think more clearly about one of the oldest questions in theology. Key Scriptures: Exodus 3:14Psalm 90:2Recommended Resources: Who Made God? And Answers To Over 100 Tough Questions of Faith, Ravi Zacharias and Norman Geisler, 23–24.

Jun 16

Why Do Christians Need Apologetics?

Send us Fan Mail What is apologetics, and why does it matter? In this inaugural episode of Actual Answers, Matt Hazelwood introduces the biblical discipline of Christian apologetics and explains why every believer should care about defending the faith. What does the Bible teach about giving reasons for Christianity? How do we respond to objections from atheism, scientism, relativism, naturalism, and other competing worldviews? And what role does apologetics play in evangelism? Drawing from Scripture, theology, logic, and real-world examples, this episode explores how apologetics defends the faith, destroys arguments raised against the knowledge of God, and equips Christians to engage a skeptical culture with truth, gentleness, and confidence. Whether you're a believer seeking answers, a skeptic asking questions, or a Christian wanting to strengthen your witness, this episode lays the foundation for everything that follows. Because truth matters, questions matter, and Christianity has actual answers.

The Actual Answers Podcast with Matt Hazelwood

Episodes

Are Miracles Possible?

Is Atheism Just a Lack of Belief? Does Faith Mean Believing Without Evidence?

Why Does God Allow Evil?

Does God Exist? (Part 2: The Moral Argument)

Does God Exist? (Part 1: The Kalam Cosmological Argument)

Are All Sins Equal?

Can All Religions Be True?

Is Truth About Reality Knowable?

Did Jesus Really Exist?

What Is The Unforgivable Sin?

Who Made God?

Why Do Christians Need Apologetics?

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