TGC Podcast

“I want to be content in the presence of God with me, no matter what the circumstances are around me.” – David PlattDavid Platt preaches a message at TGC21 based in Hebrews 13:1-21. He begins by reminding us that we have an adversary who wants to destroy our intimacy with Jesus and divert his people from his mission in the world, which is why we have the book of Hebrews.Platt gives 25 ways that God directs his people through instructions, expectations, declarations, and a benediction in the final chapter of Hebrews. Platt exhorts us to fix our eyes on the Son of God, our reward, our Savior, our Sympathizer, our Intercessor, our Great High Priest who covers over all our sins, and the Great Shepherd who oversees our soul. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this panel discussion from TGC's 2018 West Coast Conference, Collin Hansen, Ray Ortlund, Kevin DeYoung, and Juan Sánchez discuss the prevalence of suffering in the lives of faithful Christians, citing examples from history and encouraging listeners to embrace their own suffering as a means of deeper spiritual growth. They advise younger pastors and ministry leaders to trust in the Lord as their defender, wait for him to straighten out tough situations, and give honest answers in formal settings, while keeping quiet in informal humiliation. The panel also focuses their discussion on the importance of gentleness and self-control in ministry, particularly in response to criticism and opposition.Ultimately, to endure suffering in ministry and live faithfully to Jesus is to live in the fellowship of his sufferings. Ortlund says, “This has taken me to a deeper place with Jesus than I've ever dreamed of going.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his message at TGC's 2018 West Coast Conference, Kevin DeYoung teaches from 2 Timothy 2:1–13 on what it means for Christians to be strong, not according to their own strength, but by that which has been given to them by God through Christ.When Paul writes to Timothy, he compares spiritual strength to a soldier's readiness for battle. DeYoung emphasizes the importance of understanding that suffering is a part of life as a soldier, and not to be surprised or emotionless about it. He also encourages his audience of pastors and ministry leaders to prioritize their relationship with God as a soldier would—with a single-minded devotion.DeYoung says that we need both halves of 2 Timothy 2:1 in our walk as Christians, and concludes, “We need grace and we need strength. We need grace not simply because we're all failures. And we need strength not because we're all so strong and mighty. But rather, we can be strong because of grace and by grace, we must be strong.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his message at TGC's 2018 West Coast Conference, Michael Horton teaches on 2 Timothy: 9–18, encouraging believers to live unashamed of the gospel, even amid suffering.Focusing on the centrality of the gospel in suffering witness according to God's power within us, Horton says the ministry of Paul and Timothy isn't merely about their personalities or abilities but about Christ's testimony. Just as Paul wasn't ashamed of the gospel because he knew he was entrusted with it and that God completes what he starts, so too can we live and minister with confidence.Horton ends his message with an encouragement: “Brothers and sisters, you are chosen, you are saved, and you are kept by this gospel. Therefore, do not be ashamed of it. Embrace it for yourself and guard it by giving it away.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his message at TGC's 2018 West Coast Regional Conference, Ray Ortlund emphasizes the importance of enduring faithfulness and making sacred commitments to the Lord. He draws inspiration from the book of 2 Timothy and highlights the theme of God's enduring faithfulness. Ortlund reads verses from 2 Timothy where Paul expresses gratitude to God and encourages Timothy to not be ashamed of the gospel. Ortlund urges ministry leaders to recognize their rich spiritual ancestry and find courage in their connection to God and the faith of previous generations. Ortlund also emphasizes the need for personal connection and genuine care for others, reminding listeners of the lasting legacy of faithfulness and the importance of imparting it to future generations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you ready to tell someone about Jesus? How can you be prepared? Matt Smethurst, author of Before You Open Your Bible and companion book Before You Share Your Faith, outlines seven tips for becoming “evangelism ready.”“The greatest obstacle to evangelism is not unbelievers,” Smethurst says. “The greatest obstacle to evangelism is Christians who don’t share the gospel.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today’s generation of young people is more anxious, more depressed, and less Christian than ever before. What is causing this? Chris Colquitt, campus minister for Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at Northwestern University, explores how safetyism and fragility are hazards to Generation Z's mental health and spiritual health.Colquitt says the Christian gospel provides realism that challenges our fragility (“In this world you will have trouble,” John 16:33), but also hope to sustain us ("But take heart! I have overcome the world.”). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trevin Wax, general editor of The Gospel Project and author of the book, Rethink Your Self, observes that today's common wisdom says you’re free to create yourself, design yourself, and define yourself. Yet the way of Jesus, Wax argues, would have us realize we’re already created, designed, and defined. Jesus confronts a “me first” way of life with a “God first” world. The world says we should look inward; Jesus says to look upward.To learn more, check out Trevin Wax's book, Rethink Your Self: The Power of Looking Up Before Looking In. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gavin Ortlund—writer and pastor at First Baptist Church of Ojai (California)—ponders the question, why do we feel a sense of transcendence when we listen to beautiful music? Where does that feeling come from? What's the best explanation for it? Ortlund compares the naturalistic and theistic answers to these questions, ultimately concluding that music is not a distraction from reality but a window into reality—and that the theistic framework gives a much more satisfying explanation for why it moves us emotionally.For more videos like this, subscribe to Gavin Ortlund’s YouTube Channel. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeremy Treat, pastor at Reality LA in Los Angeles, observes how our longing for God does not disappear in a secular society. It just reappears in different forms: sports, politics, sexuality, and more. Treat describes how secular people today seek power, purity, and peace—traditionally sought in religion—in things like witchcraft, wellness, and mindfulness apps. Yet our deepest longings, Treat says, will not be found in any spiritual system or clean diet, but in a person: Jesus Christ. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Michael Horton explains why there is no such thing, in the new covenant, as a “Christian nation” apart from the worldwide body of Christ. “The problem with Christian nationalism is not that some Christians are taking a biblical idea too seriously,” says Horton, professor of systematic theology and apologetics at Westminster Seminary California, “but that they are confusing America with Israel under the old covenant. From a biblical perspective, it’s actually heretical. It confuses the law with the gospel.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Irwyn Ince—pastor and author of The Beautiful Community: Unity, Diversity, and the Church at Its Best—explains why beauty compels us to pursue justice. The harmony and goodness of beauty reflect God’s creation as it was meant to be. Redeemed by Christ’s death and resurrection, his followers should pursue justice because it foreshadows the coming perfection of beauty in the new creation.Check out Irwyn Ince’s book, The Beautiful Community (InterVarsity Press, 2020). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra—co-author (with Collin Hansen) of the new book Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age—discusses some of the reasons anxiety is on the rise. She explains how Christians can find peace in two seemingly contradictory ways: by thinking big, and by thinking small. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pastor and apologist, Sam Allberry, addresses the reasons Christian pastors have become less trustworthy in society, and how they might become trusted again. Pastors need to appreciate why trust has been lost, Allberry says, and they should prioritize compassion, honesty, pointing people to Jesus, and striving to become more like Jesus themselves. The more like Jesus pastors are, the more trustworthy they'll become. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Justin Giboney—co-founder and president of the AND Campaign—addresses the self-serving lies conservative and progressives tell themselves about issues like justice, identity politics, and critical race theory. Many of us would prefer to be lied to rather than confronted with a truth that complicates our preferred narrative. Yet if we are going to address the race issue faithfully, Giboney argues, “We must not only confront the lies that offend us, but also the lies that serve us.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At TGC Chicago's 2022 Regional Conference, Colin Smith moderates a panel discussion with Kevin DeYoung, H. B. Charles, and Juan Sánchez on on ways to enhance your prayer life.Kevin DeYoung defines prayer as, “a lifting of conversation in our hearts Godward.” They consider different practical ways to deepen personal prayer—like prayer cards, walking while praying, praying as a family, using devotionals, and the use of Scripture in prayer.H. B. Charles emphasizes the importance of motivation for prayer over technique and outlines three reasons why we should pray: 1) obedience, 2) effectiveness, and 3) dependence on God.The group also addresses the need to increase corporate prayer in church services, suggesting various resources like books, websites, and articles for further reading on enriching prayer and devotion. Ultimately, prayer offers us an opportunity to encounter God intimately and transform our own hearts as we commune with him. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his message at TGCW22, Michael Kruger addresses the issue of doubt in Christianity, both in individual spiritual lives and within the larger culture.Kruger critiques two ineffective approaches to doubt: doubting shaming and intellectual superficiality. He argues that doubt should be approached with the compassion of God, and not seen as a virtue or as something to be shamed. Kruger also highlights various causes of doubt, including unanswered questions, suffering, church corruption, and unrepentant sin. He offers advice on how to battle doubts in one's faith by seeking help from fellow believers, studying theology and biblical truths, and recognizing the importance of creating a safe space for doubt within the church community. Ultimately, Kruger calls on the Christian community to provide more compassion towards individuals facing doubts while providing them with a secure space to navigate their faith questions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his message from TGC Chicago's 2022 Regional Conference, Colin Smith teaches us how to pray the Lord’s prayer through five specific categories, drawing from Luke 11 when Jesus’s disciples actually requested that Jesus teach them topray, not how to pray. Smith highlights five things on which to focus while praying:God’s name should be honored in prayer. We ought to pray that God would raise up people who know him in the midst of a world that despises him.As we pray that God’s kingdom comes, we should ask that our lives be more fully submitted to Christ and that Jesus would defeat his enemies on earth.Pray for others whose needs are greater than our own—this stirs up Christlike compassion in our hearts as we fully depend on God at every step of his provision.Pray for forgiveness, not because we haven’t already been forgiven, but to restore fellowship with God. As Christians, we should want to walk as closely as possible with God.Pray to be watchful and prayerful so as to not be overwhelmed by temptation. As we more fully know the love of the Father, we will desire to earnestly seek him in prayer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

During a panel discussion led by Collin Hansen at TGCW22, Jackie Hill Perry, Preston Perry, Melissa Kruger, and Michael Kruger discuss what it looks like to have healthy, godly marriages. Both couples emphasize the need for respect, listening, authenticity, and confession. The panel also talks about the importance of focusing on the positive aspects of your spouse and being for your spouse in every situation, never trying simply to win an argument.Hansen asks questions like “How do you protect your marriage?” and “What does it mean to honor your spouse’s family?” The couples talk about the importance of pursuing healthy friendships, having fun together, and praying for one another daily. They say marriage is a reflection of the individual's relationship with God and that as you both look to Christ together, more unity in marriage inevitably follows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“God is so faithful. He says, ‘If you bring me your sin, if you uncover it before me, I will cover it. I will do the very thing that you're trying to do in your own strength and power. I will cover it in the blood of my Son.’” — Juan SánchezIn his message at TGC Chicago's 2022 regional conference, Juan Sánchez uses Nehemiah’s example of prayer to illustrate how we should earnestly seek the Lord. He emphasizes that believers must be people of action and that a crucial first step always involves prayer.Sánchez highlights how Nehemiah rooted his prayers in God’s character, acknowledged his own sins, recalled God’s promises, and then presented his requests before the throne of grace. Regularly confessing our sins is essential to remaining in good communion with God. May we run to God in prayer, allowing him to cleanse and cover us. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In her message at TGCW22, Lydia Brownback addresses the topic of contentment and points to where we can find true fulfillment for the things in our life that just don't feel quite right.When there is discontentment in our lives, there are usually two avenues we typically take to deal with it: take it to the Lord or avoid it with busyness or another handy escape. Brownback uses Psalm 73 to teach about Asaph's journey from discontentment to contentment through his response to disappointment. In Psalm 73:25, Asaph declares, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.”When it comes to responding to discontentment and disappointing circumstances, Brownback says, “Our responses to disappointment are a window into our heart.” Those responses often show us whether we are following Christ for who he is or merely for what he can give us.The antidote to wrong thinking about God, which is the root of discontentment, is to develop a right perspective on God and trust him with the guidance of our lives. Ultimately, true contentment is God's will for us no matter our circumstances, and in Christ, contentment is always possible. Like Asaph in Psalm 73, may we draw near to the Lord with trust and declare that there is nothing on earth that we desire besides him. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his message at TGC Chicago's 2022 Regional Conference, Kevin DeYoung expounds on John 17, teaching us how to pray like Christ through his high priestly prayer.DeYoung summarizes Jesus’s prayer in three sections: Jesus prays for himself to be glorified, his disciples to be sanctified, and his church to be unified. Jesus also prays for the safekeeping of his disciples, knowing they'll sin and fail. In this way, we must also pray for protection and safekeeping from the temptation to sin and drift from God.Jesus’s prayer illustrates the story of a God who gives good gifts. DeYoung says, “This is a prayer, start to finish, replete with God, the Trinitarian Giver of gifts. The Father gifts the Son, to give the disciples and the church eternal life and the words of life, that they might participate as a gift in this life of glory.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

At TGCW22, Irwyn Ince explores the characteristics of love described in 1 Corinthians 13 and explains how to abide in that kind of love.Ince discusses the importance of love in relationships, specifically within the body of Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of God's love, which changes self-centered individuals into self-sacrificial lovers of God and neighbor. He proposes that love is not based on likeness or attraction, but instead, true love overcomes divisions and reconciles those who may have nothing in common, except for Christ.The hope for Christians is the full expression and experience of the love of God in and through Christ, which endures forever. There is a day coming, Ince urges, when all doubts will be gone, and we will see love, face-to-face, in the person of Christ. Until then, focusing on Jesus and abiding in his love is how we endure life on this side of eternity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his message at TGC Chicago's 2022 Regional Conference, H. B. Charles explains what happens in David’s heart during his prayer of confession in Psalm 51. Through this psalm, we learn that confession and repentance can lead us to joy as we follow David’s example.First, David prays, “Forgive me,” which is essential to moving forward in our relationship with God once we’ve sinned against him. He prays based on God’s character—knowing God is full of abundant mercy. This confession allows David to take full responsibility for his sin and frees us to do the same when we've sinned.Second, David prays for a “clean heart,” asking God to change him. This is a divine miracle of spiritual transformation, which is impossible without prayer and trust in the Holy Spirit's power.Last, David asks to be used for God's glory. Grace and the power of forgiveness should be what motivates us to evangelism and care for others.“The prayer of confession is intricately tied to the prayer of intercession,” says Charles. Closing with this challenge, he says, “Godliness is characterized by joy, but joy and sin cannot coexist.” If we've lost our joy, let us confess our sins and run to God in repentance and belief in the gospel of Jesus that saves us. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this TGCW22 session, Rebecca McLaughlin teaches on how the apostle Peter offers hope to those feeling hopeless in today's world, by reminding us of our living hope—Jesus Christ.McLaughlin explains that hope in Christ always runs to Jesus, breeds holiness, requires ransom, and springs eternal. She emphasizes the importance of setting our hope fully on the grace that will come at the revelation of Jesus, not on earthly things like careers, marriage, or children.By fixing our eyes on Jesus and hoping in him alone, we can live an increasingly obedient life. McLaughlin reminds us that without Jesus, all life is meaningless. In Christ, we have hope and a purpose. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his message at TGC19, Trip Lee teaches on the importance of having faith in God during difficult times of suffering. Lee uses two stories from Matthew 8 that display the healing power of Jesus—the healing of the man with leprosy and the healing of the centurion’s servant—to show what true faith looks like.Lee says that by studying the Word and remembering God's faithfulness, we nourish and strengthen our faith. He says that real faith isn’t demanding that God heals but instead trusting him to act according to his goodness and sovereignty. Lee emphasizes that healing isn't always a one-to-one comparison and that we should approach God with humility and trust, acknowledging his power is never in question, no matter the outcome.Ultimately, Lee encourages us to bring our brokenness to the One who is both able and willing to heal, and to trust and rest in Jesus's kindness, power, goodness, and saving work until the end, when all things are made perfect. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“Setting our eyes on the object of our faith is the only way we will endure.” — Trillia NewbellAt TGCW22, Trillia Newbell emphasizes the importance of abiding faith in the life of a Christian. Faith is the foundation of the Christian life, and it is through faith that we can walk with Christ and obey him. Newbell distinguishes between saving faith (saved by grace through faith) and enduring faith (remaining in Christ), and encourages us to abide in Jesus by trusting, praying, obeying, and resting in him.Newbell also discusses the definition of faith and the importance of studying the lives of those in the Hall of Fame of Faith, as detailed in Hebrews 11. Ultimately, faith is required to believe in the truth and reliability of the Bible, trust in God's salvation through faith, and maintain a relationship with Jesus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this TGC17 breakout session, Kevin DeYoung discusses the significance of accurate Bible interpretation, addressing the issue of pervasive interpretive pluralism within Christianity. DeYoung emphasizes the sufficiency and clarity of Scripture as well as the importance of interpreting Scripture alongside the creeds, confessions, and traditions of the church.DeYoung also highlights the need for understanding church history to combat pervasive interpretive pluralism. He encourages Christians to study and become convinced in their own minds of Scripture. Ultimately, DeYoung wants to equip people with confidence in God's Word as a result of accurate Bible interpretation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As Christians consider how to heal racial wounds and pursue racial justice, one debated question is how reconciliation and justice are related. Must justice be served first, before talk of reconciliation can even be taken seriously? Or is reconciliation the groundwork that makes the collective pursuit of justice possible? Should evangelicals stop talking about the need for “racial reconciliation” unless they're actively addressing racial injustice? Or is the theological value of reconciliation—and forming meaningful relationships across racial lines—what will ultimately empower diverse communities to address injustice together? These and other related questions are addressed in this debate between Darryl Williamson and George Yancey. Williamson and Yancey 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.

The pace of change in the digital age is staggering. Every year sees the emergence of new platforms, apps, and technologies that each bring possibilities, problems, and power to reshape culture. What should the church’s posture be toward new technologies?Should churches be early adopters, seeking to leverage new technologies missionally and ecclesially, rather than being a few steps behind? Or should the church take a more cautious approach—not necessarily antitechnology but at least hesitant about adopting technologies before we’ve been able to properly consider their potential downsides? Whether we’re talking about online church, internet evangelism, apologetics on TikTok, or some future hypothetical (virtual church gatherings in the metaverse?), should churches err on the side of front-footed entrepreneurial embrace or “wait and see” skepticism?These and other related questions are addressed in this debate between Patrick Miller and Jay Kim. Miller and Kim 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.

Few Christians would deny that “creation care” is a good thing or that stewardship of God's creation is a biblical mandate. But many Christians differ on the public policy implications of environmental stewardship. Is creation care something Christians should only practice in their private sphere of activities (e.g., recycling, not littering, and so on), or is it an issue requiring larger political action (e.g., regulations to curb emissions, government incentives for clean energy development, and so on)? Should addressing climate change be a public policy priority for Christians? Why or why not?These and related questions are addressed in this debate between Brian Mattson and Jake Meador. Mattson and Meador 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.

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.

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.

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.

“There’s no greater source of inspiration than an abiding friendship with Jesus.” –– Davy FlowersAt 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.

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 kindnessMephibosheth’s plightDavid’s promise to do no harmMephibosheth’s peace when being accepted by DavidJust 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.

“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 DoctorIn 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.

“[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 GuthrieIn 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.

“Christ was conformed to the image of the serpent that we might be conformed to the image of Christ.” — Jen WilkinIn 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.

“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 PiperIn 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.

“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 PerryIn 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.

“We deserved the flood . . . we are given the ark, and his name is Jesus.” –– Melissa KrugerIn 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.

“Accomplishing the Great Commission will not be easy, but we’ve been commanded by God to take the gospel to all people groups.” — David PlattIn 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.

“When we say that we should sing the Word, we mean that our singing ought to be biblical.” – Ligon DuncanIn the book of Hebrews, we are exhorted to offer acceptable worship to God, but what does that practically look like? Ligon Duncan not only answers the “what” of acceptable worship, but also the “how.”Worship is defined as “glorifying and enjoying God forever,” which is done in two ways:Gathering to worship with the body of Christ.Worshipping God in all of life, with everything we have.These two elements of worship work together, ensuring that we are not hypocrites with our hearts far from God as we enter the assembly of worship, and encouraging us, while in the assembly, to also worship in private.Most importantly, Duncan reminds us that acceptable worship is worship according to the Scriptures—it is filled by the Word and framed by the Word. Not only do we read God’s Word, but we pray it, preach it, and sing it. And we do it all with a heart of gratitude. This is what acceptable worship means. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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.

In his message at TGC's 2021 National Conference, John Yates teaches on the successes of The Great Awakening of the 1700s to1800s and what this historical revival can show us.Yates explains five things that made the ministry and revival of the early awakeners so effective:1. Their message always started with man’s lostness and inability to live up to the standard of God. It always ended with the atonement of Christ and a call to new birth and true faith that brings assurance of salvation.2. Their delivery was filled with a great sense of duty and responsibility to bring others to Christ.3. Their community was set up from the beginning to have small groups with high commitment where honesty and accountability for Christian living were the focus.4. Their emotions, flowing from their devotion to Christ, had a place, and the awakeners used them in their music and writings.5. Their leaders were well trained and educated.Yates closes with encouragement and urges us to pray for revival now as we rely on the Holy Spirit to move. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A few years ago, Jen Wilkin coined the term “celebratory failurism” to describe an acceptance of the thought that Christians will never be able to fully obey because of total depravity. Wilkin pushes back on that idea, and she and Mike Kruger discuss why there seems to be a misunderstanding on total depravity, legalism, and obedience to the law. They discuss the struggle between antinomianism (lawlessness) and pharisaical tendencies (lawfulness) and find that the relationship between law and grace is: obedience that pleases God has right motive combined with right action. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“We can’t love Christ and love his word and ignore the gospel imperative to love each other.” — Courtney DoctorIn our polarized world, Christians should be constantly demonstrating a better way toward unity. In this panel discussion at TGC21 (moderated by Vanessa Hawkins), Courtney Doctor, Suzanne Bates, Ruth Chou Simons, and Dennae Pierre discuss the barriers to gospel-centered racial unity and practical ways we can move forward.Some of these barriers to racial unity can include: fear of people who are different from us, lack of awareness of others’ experiences, and the cost of investing time into these hard conversations. In foolishness and pride, we might see these as simple problems that need to be fixed. In humility and grace, we can listen to and learn from each other’s complex experiences.If we are going to build a diverse church, we must be intentional. The panel discusses that reading books on ethnic and racial diversity, attending an ethnic church different from your own, and creating local spaces to have hard conversations, are some practical ways forward with Christ at the center. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“Go online for a purpose, go for a reason. Stay online only as long as you need to, and then go offline.” — Brett McCrackenIn his message at TGC21, Brett McCracken addresses an issue of today's generation of quick information—how to develop wisdom in the midst of all that is being thrown at us, online. He shares three things that are making us sick:We have too much informationWe receive it too quicklyThe information is too focused on the individual (self)As an antidote to these problems, McCracken forms a “wisdom pyramid” which is similar to the food pyramid. In each level of the pyramid, he describes how much time we should be spending in relation to the other levels. For example, most of our time should be spent in the Bible, which is the foundation of the pyramid, and the least amount of time should be spent on social media and the internet, which is the top of the pyramid. Like a healthy diet, The Wisdom Pyramid is a guide to lead us into better spiritual and physical health. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Along with his other brothers and sisters, James started out as an unbeliever—though he was a half-sibling of Jesus—until Christ's resurrection. Nancy Guthrie takes us through verses from the Gospels, the Book of Acts, and historical writings to show us James's journey as the leader of the church in Jerusalem, a pastor, peacemaker, doer of the Word, and a man who remained steadfast under trial. In all this, we learn the significance of why James refers to himself as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.