The Gospel Coalition

Sep 4, 2024 • 1h 16m

What does it mean to be a faithful and wise servant in God's kingdom? In his lecture on the Olivet Discourse, Don Carson delves into Matthew 24:45–25:46, illustrating how faithfulness and wise stewardship of our God-given talents lead to greater responsibility and joy. He contrasts this with the fate of wicked servants, who will face punishment. Carson highlights the importance of being prepared and using God's gifts wisely as we await Christ's return, living faithfully in the present. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 30, 2024 • 54 min

In this breakout session from TGC's 2023 conference, Scott Swain demonstrates how understanding the Trinity equips us to grasp the biblical themes of salvation, particularly in the context of Exodus. He argues that the Trinity is central to God's self-revelation and covenant relationship with Israel, tracing promises from Abraham through to the Exodus. Swain also highlights the presence and role of the Holy Spirit in both the Old and New Testaments, linking the first Exodus to the hope of a second, the fulfillment of salvation in Christ. Swain connects the concept of the Trinity to themes of covenant, redemption, and the mystery of marriage, illustrating how these aspects unite creation, salvation, and consummation through Christ. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 28, 2024 • 42 min

Don Carson continues his lecture on the Olivet Discourse from Matthew 24:29–44, focusing on Jesus's return as the culmination of his reign, which began with his birth and continues through his resurrection and ascension. Drawing from Daniel 7:13–14, Carson highlights the eschatological significance of Jesus's victory over Satan and the signs preceding his return. Given the suddenness and unpredictability of Christ's return, believers must remain vigilant and balanced in their understanding of the second coming. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 23, 2024 • 41 min

In this breakout session from TGC's 2023 conference, Vance Pitman shares about his call to church planting, reflecting on the New Testament church as a model for kingdom-oriented mission today. After Pitman's talk, he and a panel—Félix Cabrera, Matt Carter, Doug Logan Jr., and Tony Merida—discuss the challenges and strategies of planting churches in diverse urban contexts, with a focus on multiplying disciples and reaching 1 percent of North America with the gospel. They highlight the need for churches to reflect their communities, prioritize prayer, and equip believers for ministry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 21, 2024 • 34 min

Don Carson's lecture on the timing and nature of Jesus's second coming explores the tension between belief in an imminent return and the necessity of specific prophetic events preceding it. He critiques dispensationalist interpretations, arguing against the presence of clear signs preceding Christ's return and emphasizing biblical coherence in eschatological understanding. Carson encourages a balanced perspective on the Olivet Discourse that maintains readiness while respecting the biblical context of prophetic fulfillment. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 16, 2024 • 54 min

Trevin Wax explores the challenges of spreading the gospel in a culture of expressive individualism. His talk is followed by a discussion with Dean Inserra and Christine Hoover. The panel discusses the effects of expressive individualism on North American culture, emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel to address feelings of inadequacy and shame. They highlight the rise of personalized pseudo-religions and stress the importance of local church engagement and deep relationships in ministry. Regardless of the prevailing culture, the gospel has the power to fulfill people's deepest longings. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 14, 2024 • 37 min

Don Carson continues his teaching from the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24:1–28, expounding on the significant effects of apostasy on the church. Discernment is crucial for churches, as dangerous false prophets deceive many with both overt wickedness and subtle deception. We also need to accurately interpret biblical prophecy and respond to persecution with bold gospel preaching and holiness. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 9, 2024 • 1h 3m

Clark Fobes highlights the importance of understanding diversity and cultural context when reaching Gen Z with the gospel, noting how social media has influenced a shift from guilt-innocence to honor-shame paradigms. He encourages churches to equip parents and youth pastors to navigate these changes and to provide a sense of belonging rooted in the gospel. After Fobes's message, a panel discusses prioritizing family ministry, integrating intergenerational discipleship, supporting a variety of family structures and leveraging existing church resources. Episode Resources:  Family Discipleship Curriculum and Courses from Rooted Ministry Rooted Ministry resources   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aug 7, 2024 • 43 min

Don Carson discusses Jesus's warnings of false prophets, wars, and persecution before the end times as outlined in Matthew 24:1–28. Carson suggests Jesus's response to the disciples about the end times interweaves the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 with his return. The church should expect opposition and persecution as part of the period leading up to Jesus's return, so Carson encourages Christians to be strengthened in prayer, looking to Jesus's prophecies and teachings for guidance and hope. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 31, 2024 • 1h 6m

Don Carson expounds on 1 John 5:4–21 and our assurance of salvation through faith in Christ. Carson addresses interpretations of John’s writings, particularly the symbolism of water and blood, which affirm Jesus's baptism, death, and divine nature. Emphasizing the importance of grounding our assurance in God's promises, Carson encourages believers to deepen their understanding of Jesus's identity and the transformative power of faith in him alone. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 24, 2024 • 1h 5m

Don Carson teaches on 1 John 4:1–5:4, exploring the themes of truth and love and the importance of spiritual discernment. He encourages Christians to display God's character and nature through loving others and obeying God's commands, and he cautions us to distinguish between genuine spirituality and deceptive spiritual experiences. First John 4:1–3 is a crucial truth test, warning against false prophets and demonstrating the importance of acknowledging Christ's humanity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 19, 2024 • 49 min

While Scripture calls Christian leaders to be gentle, kind shepherds, there continue to be cases of pastors who dominate their flocks with a heavy hand. How should we understand this issue of “spiritual abuse”? How big of a problem is it? In this breakout session at TGC23, Mike Kruger explores the definition of spiritual abuse, how it’s often misunderstood, and what steps churches can take to address it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 17, 2024 • 1h 3m

Don Carson teaches on 1 John 2:28–3:24, which centers on Christlike love, obedience, and transformation. Carson reflects on the depth of God's love and the joy of being called a child of God, arguing we must imitate Christ as we live out this new identity. Carson teaches on the nature of sin, the significance of personal holiness, and the hope of Christ's return, urging Christians to purify themselves as Christ is pure. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 12, 2024 • 51 min

Unity matters. Christ prayed his church would be marked by it. Yet disunity among Christians abounds, and it’s not always civil in tone. With the Bible’s clear admonitions about foolish controversies and quarreling, how can we know when a fight is worth having? Jen Wilkin offers a framework for diagnosing how to pick your battles and how to conduct yourself when a battle is worth the fight. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 10, 2024 • 1h 6m

Don Carson teaches on the importance of obedience to God and his Word as a true demonstration of knowing him, as emphasized in 1 John 2:3–27. Central to the Christian life is having and displaying a genuine love for others, which Carson highlights as a key indicator of living in the light of Christ. He contrasts those who merely talk about faith with those who act on it and discusses the dangers of worldliness versus godliness. Carson also explores the cultural differences in expressing faith through his observations of diverse groups at Cambridge. He addresses the concept of antichrists and the end times in 1 John 2, urging believers to persevere in their faith and remember their hope in Christ. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 5, 2024 • 55 min

A strong theological foundation plays a vital role in encouraging and sustaining hope. In this breakout session from TGC's 2023 conference, Ligon Duncan, Nancy Guthrie, Leigh Swanson, and Melissa Kruger provide practical advice and encouragement for pastors, elders, women’s ministry leaders, and others who desire to start and sustain biblically faithful and theologically rich women’s ministries in their congregations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jul 3, 2024 • 1h

In this lecture on 1 John, Don Carson calls Christians to maintain gospel centrality, cautioning against an excessive focus on peripheral issues. He explores the details of John's letter, emphasizing our need for salvation through Christ, walking in the light of his righteousness, and demonstrating genuine love for others as evidence of true faith. Carson also teaches on confession, repentance, and how we’re forgiven and reconciled to God through Christ's sacrifice. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jun 28, 2024 • 46 min

The year 1776 remade the world. In one extraordinary year, a combination of books, ships, machines, inventions, paintings, and declarations created a new cultural landscape that we could characterize as WEIRDER: Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic, Ex-Christian, and Romantic. In this breakout session from TGC23, Andrew Wilson teaches how these different transformations came together to shape our world—how the church of 1776 responded and what we can learn from them. Read Andrew Wilson's book, Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West .  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jun 26, 2024 • 50 min

Don Carson teaches on James 1:12–25, reminding believers to persevere amid suffering and temptation, looking to God's promises, goodness, and sovereignty to anchor them. Though trials can become temptations to sin, God doesn't tempt his people; he tests them to strengthen their faith and obedience. Carson highlights the importance of abiding in God's Word for spiritual growth and freedom, and he encourages Christians to count trials as joy because they lead to deeper spiritual maturity and faith in Christ. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jun 21, 2024 • 40 min

Rebecca McLaughlin expands on five key points for how to give a memorable address, including using metaphors and sharing stories to engage your audience. She joins Melissa Kruger, Jen Wilkin, Courtney Doctor, and Elizabeth Woodson to discuss their journeys into Bible teaching. The women highlight the importance of preparation and how to use gifts in the church. They encourage humility and integrating apologetics in women's ministry to address contemporary issues. Watch the Q&A that follows the panel discussion! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.