The Gospel Coalition

Apr 5, 2023 • 1h 3m

The issue of immigration is perennially divisive in American politics and also among American Christians (whose opinions about immigration are often more informed by politics than by the Bible). What are the best biblical arguments for strong borders and enforcement of immigration law on one side, or for more open borders on the other? For Christians, how does our faith inform the relationship between respecting the law and showing compassion to undocumented immigrants? These and related questions are addressed in this debate between Matthew Soerens and Darren Guerra. Soerens and Guerra share their respective arguments and engage in a discussion moderated by Jim Davis, teaching pastor at Orlando Grace Church. – Watch the full-length video debate here. – Access discussion guides for your church or small group.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apr 5, 2023 • 56 min

Christian parents are right to give significant thought to where and how they educate their children. For many, the decision involves not only faith convictions but also financial realities and other factors. Why, or why not, should Christian parents have their children attend public schools? And if not, what are the best arguments for investing in a nonpublic education option (Christian private, homeschool, private classical school, and so on)? Whatever parents decide, how might they compensate for the downsides of their choice? These and other related questions are addressed in this debate between Jen Wilkin and Jonathan Pennington. Wilkin and Pennington share their arguments and engage in a discussion moderated by Jim Davis, teaching pastor at Orlando Grace Church. – Watch the full-length video debate here .  – Access discussion guides for your church or small group.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apr 3, 2023 • 1h 15m

As a new initiative, The Gospel Coalition Canada will release a monthly podcast by Canadian pastors to resource the Canadian church. This Canadian Pastors' Forum will host discussions that to Canadian Christians. In this first episode, pastors Dwayne Cline, Paul Graham, Josh Brake, Chris Synesael, Rob Goddard, Paul Carter, and Stephen Bray come together to discuss how COVID-19 changed the church and reshaped the ministry context in Canada. They reflect on what we’ve learned, what we’ve lost, and how we’ve grown.

Mar 31, 2023 • 37 min

Kanishka Raffel preaching from Titus 1:1-4 at TGCA's 2022 National Conference

Mar 31, 2023 • 47 min

Murray Capill gives the third keynote address at TGCA's 2022 National Conference. The title of the talk is “Holiness in the Local Church”.

Mar 31, 2023 • 1h 19m

Richard Chin preaches from Titus 2:11-15 at TGCA's 2022 National Conference. The title is “Grace Fuelled Living in this Present Age.”

Mar 31, 2023 • 1h 27m

Gary Millar preaches from Titus 3:1-15 at TGCA's 2022 National Conference. The title of the talk is “Gospel Fuelled Holiness in Action.”

Mar 31, 2023 • 1h 17m

Paul Harrington speaks on “Gospel Fuelled Leadership” from Titus 1:5-16.

Mar 31, 2023 • 49 min

In 2005, Al Mohler wrote an article about the call to Christian maturity through triaging theological issues. As with prioritizing particular injuries and illnesses in a hospital, there's great need for ranking theological issues in order of importance within the church. At TGC21, Matt Smethurst moderates a panel with Al Mohler, Gavin Ortlund, and Afshin Ziafat as they discuss how to separate primary, secondary, and tertiary theological beliefs. Smethurst defines the three categories as follows: Primary doctrines are central to Christianity—things you have to agree on to be a Christian. Secondary doctrines separate churches and create denominations due to differing beliefs. These are things you must agree on in order to be church members in the same body. Last-order issues aren't definitional for any kind of confessional system, and they allow Christians to remain unified while holding their differing beliefs. Gavin Ortlund shares that love should always be the driving motivation in finding where one’s church stands on theological beliefs. He says, “When we notice we are being too sectarian and fighting too much, it is helpful to ask if this is becoming a form of self-justification.” Ortlund reminds us we're saved by grace alone, through faith in Christ alone. Recommended resource: Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage by Gavin Ortlund Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mar 24, 2023 • 41 min

“There’s no greater source of inspiration than an abiding friendship with Jesus.” –– Davy Flowers At TGCW21, Sarah Walton, Caroline Cobb, Hunter Beless, Davy Flowers, Ruth Chou Simons, and Jen Wilkin discuss what it looks like to be a creative in this age of technology. The panel discusses questions like, “How do we not seek our own glory on social media? How do we balance home life with ministry work? And, how do we serve both our local church and the global church at the same time?” Simons encourages us to think of our social media platform as the living room of our home, allowing for a more genuine engagement with our followers, as we treat them as if they were sitting on the couch in front of us. The key to success is not growing our number of followers, but instead, connecting with the ones we have and stewarding our creative platform well, while pointing the world to Jesus. Everything we need in order to create beautiful art, music, and content, stems from a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. We create for an audience of one—for his glory, alone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mar 17, 2023 • 46 min

At TGCW22, Julius Kim delivered a powerful message on how King David’s sacrificial love toward Mephibosheth points us to the sacrificial love of God through Christ. As Kim teaches on 2 Samuel 9, he explains that King David’s love for Mephibosheth mimics Christ’s love for us. Kim draws out four key acts in this passage: David’s pursuit to show kindness Mephibosheth’s plight David’s promise to do no harm Mephibosheth’s peace when being accepted by David Just as David calls Mephibosheth by name, promises not to kill him, and restores his land, we see that Christ has also done the same for us. Although our plight left us stuck in sin with no hope, Jesus calls us by name and welcomes us into his royal family. Life is received, land is restored, and a table is reserved for us always. Kim considers this passage an invitation to dine with the true King at his table for all eternity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mar 10, 2023 • 45 min

“When current fear comes and it is looming large in your life, then what we need to do is . . . remember what God has done, remember his past faithfulness. . . . Let his past faithfulness cultivate current faith in us in the present.” –– Courtney Doctor In her keynote message at TGCW22, Courtney Doctor teaches from 1 Samuel 17 about the true champion in the story of David and Goliath. Doctor says the battle between David and Goliath is actually about the King who has won the battle for us—King Jesus, in whom is our salvation and victory over sin and death. She teaches on three things about David that helped him win the battle and, if applied to our own lives, will help us in our own battle against sin: 1. Realize God’s greatness. David realized that coming in the name of the living God was more powerful than all the armor or weapons Goliath had. 2. Remember God’s faithfulness. Recalling all the times God saved him from danger in the past gave David faith in the present. 3. Represent God’s people. Those who were in David’s army won because he won. The same is true if we're in Christ—because he has won, we also receive the victory even though we didn't earn it. Doctor closes with this reminder: “We are running after our Champion [Jesus] into a battle that has already been decided, so fix your eyes on the King of Glory, realize his greatness, remember his faithfulness, and keep running after him.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mar 3, 2023 • 55 min

“[God’s Word] did a much deeper work in Rahab than merely making her afraid. . . . While the hearts of all of the rest of the people in Jericho melted into fear, Rahab's heart melted into faith.” –– Nancy Guthrie In her keynote message at TGCW22, Nancy Guthrie teaches on the faith of Rahab and the encouragement it provides for us to risk everything for God. There's a thread of protection from God’s judgment throughout the Old Testament for those who believe his promises are true. In the book of Joshua, Rahab—a prostitute and outsider—understands the most foolish thing a person can do is set themselves against the living God, ignoring what he's promised. Instead of remaining faithful to the people in her context, Rahab risks everything to join the people of God. Rahab is welcomed because of her faith and is ultimately saved from destruction. This teaches us salvation comes to those who risk everything on the Word of God being true, and salvation comes to those who rest completely in the mercy of God. Guthrie concludes with an exhortation and says, “Do not presume upon the mercy of God; take hold of it. Risk everything on the promises of God being true and that they are for you, no matter who you are or what you’ve done.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 24, 2023 • 44 min

“Christ was conformed to the image of the serpent that we might be conformed to the image of Christ.” — Jen Wilkin In her talk at TGCW22, Jen Wilkin teaches about the significance of the serpent on the pole as referenced in Numbers 21. In this Old Testament passage, Wilkin explains, the serpents point back to Egypt and the severity of the punishment from God in the 10 plagues. It's a reminder to the people of Israel at the time not to harden their hearts in disobedience. The Israelites repent, and God provides a way of healing. Moses then holds up a bronze serpent on a pole (foreshadowing and representing Christ on the cross) and God’s people have a chance to look and live. “It is the same for us today,” says Wilkin. “All that is required of us for salvation is to look on Christ and believe.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 17, 2023 • 43 min

“Everything you need has been purchased by the blood of Jesus . . . for your enjoyment now, in the midst of the wilderness, and your enjoyment, forever.” – John Piper In his keynote message at TGCW22, John Piper describes four scenes in the wilderness of Exodus 17 that are brimming with implications for our own lives: God brought his people to a waterless place in the wilderness on purpose. God commands the movement of our lives—we do not go into the wilderness by accident. The Israelites did not trust that God's purposes were for saving and instead, they actually despised God. For those who do not trust God and despise him, his patience will run out. God answers the people with water and more importantly, with his life-giving presence. What people need more than water is God’s presence, even today. Moses memorializes the failure of the Israelites. God intends for this failure to be seen in light of the gift—God himself. “In your wilderness,” Piper says, “don’t be like them. Do not harden your hearts. Trust him.” Piper closes by referencing how God passed over the sins of the people in the Old Testament by punishing those sins through the cross of Christ 1,400 years later. Piper says, “Every undeserved blessing you will ever taste now and forever is owing to the death of Jesus.” Though may not understand all the reasons why God chooses to bring us into a waterless encampment, we can trust his character, his saving power, and his good purposes. When we find ourselves in the wilderness, may we thirst for more than water—finding all we need in Jesus, himself. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 10, 2023 • 43 min

“We need to remember the reality of God and that there is nothing too hard for him. All of us have something in our life where this truth needs to be applied.” — Jackie Hill Perry In Genesis 22, when Abraham is asked to sacrifice his only son, he obeys immediately. In her message at TGC's 2022 Women's Conference, Jackie Hill Perry explained how Abraham's obedience was directly tied to his unwavering faith in God—for whom nothing is too hard. When Abraham thought about the sacrifice he had to make in the future, he remembered the resurrection (of his body and Sarah's) in the past. If God could do a miracle then, he could do a miracle now. Abraham’s faith is proved by his willingness to sacrifice his son and is affirmed by God, who then provides a ram as a substitutionary sacrifice. This provision saves Isaac from death, separation, and destruction. The ram foreshadows Christ, who is not only our substitution for sin but also the Son of God who returned from the dead to glorify the Father. Perry calls us to remember who God is and what he has done when we're tested and tried. And just like Abraham, may we come to the other side of our trials refined with a faith that's affirmed by God. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 3, 2023 • 42 min

“We deserved the flood . . . we are given the ark, and his name is Jesus.” –– Melissa Kruger In her keynote message at TGCW22, Melissa Kruger uses the story of Noah and the flood to illustrate God's unchanging character and grace. She points out three key takeaways: God is just, therefore salvation is needed. God is gracious, therefore salvation is provided. God is powerful, therefore salvation is effective. Kruger says that the main point of the flood was that God, in his mercy, remembered Noah, pointing to our very real salvation in Christ—the true Ark. She challenges us to be sure we are “in the Ark” and to warn others of the coming storm of judgment, beckoning them to the Ark with urgency. With joy, we tell those in a discontent and disgruntled world that God is just, gracious, and powerful. Kruger ends with the encouragement that when we doubt, we can remember, “It’s not about you. It’s about the soundness of your Ark.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 27, 2023 • 51 min

“Accomplishing the Great Commission will not be easy, but we’ve been commanded by God to take the gospel to all people groups.” — David Platt In his message at TGC's 2021 National Conference, David Platt urges local church leaders and pastors to prioritize the 3 billion unreached people across the globe. He reminds these leaders that God has commanded their obedience in the Great Commission for the sake of his global glory. Platt gives 10 ways church leaders and pastors can shepherd their people to obey this command: 1. Preach the unfading Word of God in view of the unreached world. 2. Call people to a supreme love of Jesus and radical identification with him, for missions is the overflow of that. 3. Reorient local discipleship around the global purpose of God. 4. Train and empower people to make biblical disciples and multiply biblical churches without dependence on performances, programs, and professionals. 5. Lead the church to pray and fast for that which can only be accomplished by the Spirit. 6. Send missionaries to the unreached from your local church. 7. Promote multiple avenues for people to go to the unreached (on short-, mid-, and long-term trips). 8. Give wisely, generously, and sacrificially from the local church to missions. 9. Prioritize urgent spiritual needs in the world, while providing for physical needs. 10. Prepare people to suffer and die and shepherd them amid suffering and death as they make disciples among all the nations. Platt ends with an exhortation that we're not living for this world—we have an enduring city to come. Platt says when our eyes are fixed on eternity and on Christ, whatever the Lord calls us to do for the sake of his name makes sense. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 6, 2023 • 45 min

At TGC's 2021 National Conference, Trevin Wax taught on the importance of being a multi-directional leader and how to have a heightened awareness of problems your flock may encounter. Wax defines multi-directional leadership as “a manner of leadership grounded in the unshakable conviction that all the truth revealed in Scripture must be deployed for the good of God’s people.” The pursuit of this type of leadership can be difficult as it requires dexterity and vision to protect the flock from all sides. Wax warns against being a one-directional leader who fights alone and allows the culture to set the agenda for what's addressed to the flock, and he says healthy leadership is about “speaking the right word in the right moment to the right people.” Wax gives four ways pastors and church leaders can apply a sensitivity to being multi-directional: 1. Delight in Scripture. 2. Listen carefully to people who sound various alarms, and discern if they're valid. 3. Know yourself and the dangers to which you're susceptible. 4. Know your people and their tendencies and leanings. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dec 21, 2022 • 37 min

All of us long for love. We long to be accepted. We long to belong. We also long to love. We express love in a variety of ways; sometimes through physical touch; sometimes through words of affirmation. This time of year we often show love by giving gifts. God lovingly offers kindness to everyone. The rain falls and the sun shines on our neighbours yard as well as ours. He grants everyone joy and pleasure. Jesus demonstrated His love through service and sacrifice. His love for us is shown supremely on the cross offering a forgiving and redemptive love for those who believe. His love justifies His children, granting them His presence now and forever. This is advent love.