TGC Podcast

Julius Kim delivered a message to the Bay Area Regional Chapter of TGC titled “Weakness & Witness” as part of the series “Testify: Bearing Witness to Christ in the Present Age.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 served as the text by which Kim encouraged his listeners to testify to the goodness of God even in the midst of overwhelming weakness. When we feel intimidated, overwhelmed, hopeless, powerless, paralyzed, and demoralized in the face of a culture that esteems success and shuns godliness, we are empowered by the same spirit—the spirit of the resurrected Christ—that enabled Paul to witness with power and confidence to the elite in Athens. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sam Allberry delivered a message to the Arizona Regional Chapter of TGC titled “Is God Anti-Gay?” Springboarding from his own personal struggle with homosexuality, Allberry addressed the question of sexuality and its association with sin according to Jesus’s own words. He refuted the idea that Jesus was silent on the issue of sexual ethics; in fact, he intensified the already stringent sexual ethic of the Old Testament. Jesus’s expectation for his people in marriage and sexuality—just as in all of life—is high. It requires the denial of one’s own sinful, selfish desires in order to become who we were meant to be and receive life. It is a costly proposition. And it is always worth it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andy Davis delivered a message to the Carolinas Regional Chapter of TGC titled “How the Scriptures Equip” as a part of the series “Equipped for Every Good.” Teaching from 2 Timothy 3:14-17, he argued that scripture alone is perfectly sufficient to equip believers for our journey of salvation—from unbelief to faithful, growing followers of Jesus. He then applied that truth to the responsibility pastors steward as they preach and lead their churches. Summarizing Spurgeon, he challenged them, “There should be real teaching in your sermon. The doctrine should be solid and substantial. There should be a system of truth building up in your hearers if they hear you over a length of time.” And scripture—in concert with the direct ministry of the Holy Spirit—provides all you need to wisely lead each person under your care in godliness. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason Cook delivered a message at TGC’s 2018 Carolinas Regional Conference titled “I Am Your Neighbor” as a part of their series “Equipped for Every Good.” Teaching from Luke 10, Cook addressed the nature of discipleship, particularly as it pertains to engaging culture, to the end that a disciple is one who loves God and his neighbor. Cook added the caveat that what we often consider to be love for neighbor may not actually reflect what it means to love others as ourselves. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Paul Tripp delivered a message during PasCon2018 at Bethlehem College titled “Danger of Familiarity.” Directly addressing the pastors in the room, he directed their attention toward a single danger of life in the ministry—familiarity with the gospel. The overwhelming privilege of spending a life dedicated to understanding, declaring, and ministering the gospel can have the adverse effect of numbing pastors to the splendor of God and the gospel. Knowledge and experiences that once led to worship subtly fade and actually become irritants that produce selfishness and self-worship. The danger is that, in the midst of serving God in a life of ministry, pastors often lose their awe of God—the principal shaper and motivator of pastoral ministry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The current president of the Southern Baptist Convention is J. D. Greear, pastor at The Summit Church in North Carolina. The Summit Church has sent out more than 1,400 missionaries and planted more than 40 churches. Over the past few years, Greear has watched the SBC wrestle through sex abuse scandals, COVID 19, and the contentious presidential election. He’s got a pretty good handle on where the denomination sits and where he hopes it’s going.TGC senior writer Sarah Zylstra wrote about Greear in her book with Collin Hansen, Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age. In this episode of TGC Podcast, she sits down with Greear to discuss his experience as SBC president, future hopes for the SBC and the global church, and the importance of keeping the gospel at the center of it all. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"One of the best things you can do to learn to pray is to follow the best models, and they're in Scripture." – Don CarsonDon Carson led a session for TGC’s 2018 Bay Area regional conference titled “New Power” as a part of the series “Being the Church in a Foreign Land.” All new believers, he taught, learn to pray through imitation—by hearing and practicing the prayers of the more mature believers around them. His admonition to his listeners was that believers also imitate the Pauline prayer found in Ephesians 3:14-21, specifically focusing on two petitions and the final doxology found in the prayer. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Russell Moore led a session for TGC’s 2017 Arizona regional conference titled “Discipleship and Temptation” as a part of their series “Help Me Follow Jesus.” In his message, Moore addressed four questions that arise from Genesis 3:1-13 and serve as a warning for all of those who lead others to faith in Christ, disciple them, and teach them the Word of God. The questions posed were:Who are you (are you tempted to think of yourself higher or lower than you ought)? What do you want (does it align with God’s desires)?Where are you going (do you live with an understanding of the coming judgment)?What have you done (are you allowing your sin to be exposed in order to overcome it)?“If you and I are discipling people,” he said, “leading people to faith in Christ, and leading people in the Word of God, we must understand what it means to wrestle, not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers in the heavenly places, which means we have to understand the nature of temptation as it intersects with discipleship.”This episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast is sponsored by Lifeway, publisher of Jen Wilkin’s newest Bible study, God of Deliverance: A Study of Exodus 1–18. Learn more at lifeway.com/deliverance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s fair to say we’re coming out of a hard year. Everything we’ve done for the past 12 months has taken more effort and resulted in less productivity. Perhaps we would’ve been better prepared if we’d all read a book Alex Harris wrote with his brother Brett a dozen years ago called Do Hard Things. In it, Alex and Brett proposed that doing hard things prepares you to do even harder things. You should get up early, they said. Step out of your comfort zone. Do more than what’s required. Find a cause. Be better than your culture expects.So how did this teenage message prepare Alex for this last year as an adult carrying weighty responsibilities? In this special bonus episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast, TGC senior writer Sarah Zylstra asked Alex about his experience clerking for two U.S. Supreme Court justices and editing Harvard Law Review, his brother Josh's high-profile deconstruction of his faith, whether evangelicals invest too much import in presidential politics, and much more. You can hear more from Alex in Zylstra's new book, Gospelbound: Living with Resolute Hope in an Anxious Age.This episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast is sponsored by Lifeway, publisher of Jen Wilkin’s newest Bible study, God of Deliverance: A Study of Exodus 1–18. Learn more at lifeway.com/deliverance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Malachi Tresler led a breakout session at TGC’s 2019 Arizona Regional Conference titled, “The Impact of Revivalism on Contemporary Worship.” He taught from the thesis that revivalism has affected modern worship in two ways: pragmatism and emotionalism. Beginning with the Great Awakening in 1734, Tresler walked through a brief history of the birth of revivalism and how it shaped worship over the years, including how worship services are designed, their expected outcomes, and even our expectations for leadership in them. In response, he encouraged his listeners to remember three things in regard to worship:Worship is a goal in and of itself.We need a long view of God’s work.We must rely on the Spirit’s power for obedience. This episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast is sponsored by Lifeway, publisher of Jen Wilkin’s newest Bible study, God of Deliverance: A Study of Exodus 1–18. Learn more at lifeway.com/deliverance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ray Ortlund led a breakout session at The Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana titled, “Pastor, You and Your Church Can Get Healthy Again.” Framing the conversation according to Paul’s affirmation of the church in Colossians 2:5, he addressed the issue of church health according to one indicator that combined good order and firmness of faith. When held together in tandem, the combination of those two seemingly dichotomous glories, Ortlund posited, reveals a church that is informed, united, convicted, and steadfast, reflecting the complexity and vitality of Christ. He closed out the session with four encouragements for pastors seeking health:For your own soul’s sake, read The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson.In your public ministry, preach through whole books of the Bible, especially the books you’ve never dared to preach from.As you lead your church forward, never stop affirming your church.Spread a sense of cheerful adventure by showing your people that you are growing.This episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast is sponsored by Lifeway, publisher of Jen Wilkin’s newest Bible study, God of Deliverance: A Study of Exodus 1–18. Learn more at lifeway.com/deliverance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Gospel Coalition hosted a panel discussion at the 2018 Women’s Conference with Colleen McFadden, Jen Wilkin, Courtney Doctor, and Danielle Anderson titled “Shaping Women’s Ministry in the Local Church: A Practical Discussion.” They defined and framed women’s ministry as holistic, in order to address all the needs of each woman—heart, soul, mind, and strength. Throughout the ensuing conversation, they touched on the very practical considerations necessary for building a healthy women’s ministry in the context of the local church. Many of the necessities were not unique to women’s ministry, per se, but certainly unique in their application, including development of a vision, strong support from top-down leadership, avoiding the ministry silo, growth, development of leaders, and telling great stories among many others. This episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast is sponsored by Lifeway, publisher of Christine Hoover's new Bible study, Seek First the Kingdom: God’s Invitation to Life and Joy in the Book of Matthew. Learn more at lifeway.com/seekfirst. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David Platt delivered a message at The Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana titled “Paralysis and Forgiveness.” Expounding on the story of the paralyzed man brought to Jesus on a mat by his friends in Mark 2:1-12, Platt drew out the central theme of the book and the parable—the primacy and power of Jesus’s Word.Platt also highlighted the two urgent needs of the paralytic—physical and spiritual—and the attributes of Jesus by which he was able to minister to both. He addressed four characteristics of the paralytic man’s four friends that should be understood and mimicked by all believers. From the parable, Platt then exposited five expectations for believers in evangelism.This episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast is sponsored by Lifeway, publisher of Christine Hoover's new Bible study, Seek First the Kingdom: God’s Invitation to Life and Joy in the Book of Matthew. Learn more at lifeway.com/seekfirst. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“If it costs me my life, to deny you, you possession-loving self, you praise-loving self . . . I'll die gladly to be with Jesus forever.” – John PiperJohn Piper delivered a message at The Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference titled “Unashamed to Be Scorned with Jesus.” Expounding on Mark 8:31-38, Piper clearly laid out the gospel—that Christ suffered, was rejected, killed, and rose again, and the Father planned, prophesied, and performed it. As a response, Piper challenged listeners to five applications in evangelism.Tell unbelievers the news.Urge them to look at Jesus in the news.Warn them that to love this world—to love its possessions and to love its praise more than they love Jesus—will cost them their lives forever.Promise them in the name of Jesus that whatever must be denied in this life bears no comparison to the joy of being with Jesus for eternity.Make sure they know from the start that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom.This episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast is sponsored by Lifeway, publisher of Christine Hoover's new Bible study, Seek First the Kingdom: God’s Invitation to Life and Joy in the Book of Matthew. Throughout eight weeks, you'll reorient yourself solidly around the kingdom and the King who gives life in abundance. Learn more at lifeway.com/seekfirst Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mindy Belz taught a workshop during the The Gospel Coalition 2018 Women’s Conference titled “The Wilderness Experiences: How God’s Suffering People in Faraway Lands Can Teach Us in the West.” Recounting her own experiences as a journalist and the deep oppression she witnessed toward religious people—Christians, in particular—around the world, she addressed the systems and situations that have led to such oppression and continue to drive it now. She also offered lessons she learned from the persecuted believers that can only be learned through facing down oppression. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Gospel Coalition hosted a workshop during the 2018 Women’s Conference titled “University and Beyond: Discipling Students for a Lifetime with Christ” with Aimee Joseph, Kori Porter, Danielle Sallade, and Shar Walker. The panel discussed the importance of intentional discipleship that prepares college students to follow Christ long after their university days are behind them. They addressed key elements of discipleship, teaching versus sharing, content and context of relational discipleship, biblical literacy, glorifying Christ through their studies, apologetics, facing cultural issues with a biblical world view, and a number of other specific topics regarding best practices for leading college students into deep, lasting relationship with Christ. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kevin DeYoung delivered a message at TGC’s 2019 Southwest Clarus Conference titled “Laodicea,” drawing from Revelation 3:14-22. Closing out a series on Jesus’s words to the seven churches, DeYoung addressed the spiritual apathy of the church in Laodicea as the worst of the seven, and pointed out that the most comfortable and prosperous church of the seven was, in Jesus’s estimation, the one who had gotten things wrong the most—they were a stale, stagnant, smelly church.To those who said, “We are something,” Christ responded as a gracious warning, “You are far less than you think.” Many in the American church need to recognize that we share the same tendencies as Laodicea, therefore we need to humbly listen for similar words from Christ to our own churches. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Expounding on Mark 10:28-30, and in response to a question he received in regard to how Jesus views homosexuality, Sam Allberry spoke to how the gospel addresses people in committed homosexual relationships. First, he said, Jesus assumes people will leave things to follow him. Second, Jesus assumes the most costly things to leave will be familial and relational. But Jesus also says that however much a person might leave, it will absolutely be worth it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“The lower the depth of the suffering, the greater the resurrection.”Paul Miller delivered a message at Bethlehem College & Seminary’s PasCon 2020 titled “J-Curve: Dying and Rising with Jesus in Everyday Life.” He introduces the idea of the J-Curve—a very simple idea that the letter “J” traces the path down into Jesus's death and up into his resurrection—from Philippians 3:7-11. Miller emphasized the idea that we share in the suffering of Christ and become like him in death, making two points and asking one question in regard to that truth:It’s strange.We usually flee from suffering.Aren’t Jesus’s sufferings over? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“Hope is borrowing the joy of tomorrow, today.”Jason Cook delivered a message at The Gospel Coalition Carolinas Regional Conference called “Groaning til Glory.” From Romans 8:18-25, Cook addressed the manner in which Christians must anchor themselves through storms and suffering, building from the thesis, “Suffering exists as a divine tool to wean us off of the lower pleasures of this world and encourages us to persevere because we have hope.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Danté Upshaw led a workshop with the Bay Area Chapter of The Gospel Coalition called “Race in the New Community.” Speaking of the new community created by God through Christ—his church—and sharing from his own experiences and Scripture, he opened a conversation around the necessity of handling race in a gospel-centered manner. Speaking from Ephesians 3, Upshaw encouraged a grace-filled approach to dealing with our divided history and experiencing the mystery of the gospel together. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“True revival is not preached up. It's prayed down."From the prayer recorded in Acts 4:23-31, H. B. Charles examined the manner through which the church experiences spiritual breakthrough and revival—when believers pray with confidence in the sovereignty of God. He detailed what moved the church to pray, what the church prayed, and what happened when the church prayed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"The new birth is the power that God is going to use to regenerate the world." – Tim KellerAt The Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference in Indianapolis, Tim Keller delivered a message titled “You Must Be Born Again.” From John 3, Keller answers five questions in regard to the new birth Jesus commended unto Nicodemus:Who is it for?Where is it from?What does it do?How does it come?How can you tell?Keller focuses on the main principles of being born again: we must give up ourself to find our true self, lose our life to truly find it, and submit to Christ with every fiber of our being in order to find eternal life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"One of the things that is most striking about the gospel is that at its heart, it is a gospel of surprises."Don Carson delivered a message titled “Lazarus” at The Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference in Indianapolis. Walking through Scripture, specifically the story of Lazarus, Carson addressed the surprise of the gospel, laying out four unexpected ways in which Jesus acted for our good and for the glory of God, culminating in the greatest surprise of all—his death and resurrection. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

During The Gospel Coalition’s 2018 Women’s Conference, Noël Piper, Latoya McCutcheon, Lauren Hansen, and Megan Hill participated in a panel discussion titled “Co-Laboring in the Gospel: A Conversation for Pastors’ and Elders’ Wives.” Through the conversation, they encouraged and challenged ministry wives, knowing that the role in which they walk is both difficult and a deep, lasting blessing. They discussed the struggles and joys, sacrifices and rewards, and the importance of finding security, strength, and direction in God’s Word. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trevin Wax gave a message at TGC's 2017 National Conference, encouraging us to pursue faithfulness and remember the gospel, even in the midst of a culturally anxious and troubled age. Though many things have changed since originally delivered, the heart of Wax's message remains the same. “Yes, we are surrounded, but not by cultural challenges and the gospel’s enemies. We are surrounded by the large cloud of witnesses. We are not alone.” — Trevin WaxView this episode on TGC's website, originally released on January 4, 2019. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“As long as God is continuing to reconcile men to himself, he's going to be continuing to reconcile men and women to one another.” — Kristie AnyabwileDuring The Gospel Coalition’s 2018 Women’s Conference, Kristie Anyabwile, Courtney Doctor, Elicia Horton, Irene Sun, and Shar Walker participated in a panel discussion titled “The Gospel and Racial Reconciliation.” They addressed a number of sensitive, yet incredibly important, topics, from why conversations about racial reconciliation are still necessary to biblical passages that deal with division to how Christians should engage in these ongoing conversations and resources that are helpful for racially-tense discussions.This episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast is brought to you by Operation Christmas Child. You can build a shoebox online and OCC will pack for you based on your selections. These shoeboxes are delivered into hard-to-reach areas in and effort to share the gospel. To start building, visit Samaritanspurse.org/occ. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

During The Gospel Coalition’s 2018 Women’s Conference, Elicia Horton, Quina Aragon, and Janette…Ikz delivered separate spoken word pieces in a workshop titled “True and Beautiful Words for Weak and Weary Pilgrims.” The three artists later discussed their stories, how they became involved in poetry, and how the gospel shapes their craft and fuels their mission.This episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast is brought to you by Operation Christmas Child. You can build a shoebox online and OCC will pack for you based on your selections. These shoeboxes are delivered into hard-to-reach areas in and effort to share the gospel. To start building, visit Samaritanspurse.org/occ. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Disclaimer: This breakout session was recorded before the 2019 global pandemic. Please follow your church body's guidelines when gathering in person for church services. Jared Wilson delivered a message in a breakout at The Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference titled “The Gospel Driven Church,” sharing principles that can be found in his book by the same name. In the session, Wilson addressed the gospel recovery movement of the last decade or so, expressing delight in the desire of churches and leaders to set aside the attractional model of church in favor of a more biblically sound one. Wilson warned, however, that even those who have bought into a gospel driven focus must be careful that it not become simply nomenclature attached to the same old practices. He then delved into four practices of gospel driven churches and encouraged leaders to “continually slough off the baggage of doctrinal add-ons and distractions, cutting out the ever-rising innovations, theological and otherwise. Let us keep contending, keep trusting, keep returning to the ancient marker of the cross.”This episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast is brought to you by Operation Christmas Child. You can build a shoebox online and OCC will pack for you based on your selections. These shoeboxes are delivered into hard-to-reach areas in and effort to share the gospel. To start building, visit Samaritanspurse.org/occ. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David Wells is one of the most influential theologians you’ve never heard of, helping to spark the Reformed resurgence 30 years ago. But if you’d met him as a child—a nonChristian growing up in Africa during the days of British colonialism—you never would’ve guessed the moves God would lead him through. Send us your feedback on today's episode (and tell us if you'd like to hear more interviews like this one) at [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ligon Duncan delivered a message from Mark 7:24-30 at the Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference titled “A Pagan Woman Who Understands Grace.” In his message, Duncan addressed what the passage teaches about Jesus’s mission and what the Syrophoenician woman’s response teaches about his person.The response of the disciples and even Jesus’s own words in response to the woman pleading with him for mercy are shocking, to say the least. Yet, after further review, the interchange reveals a pagan woman who understood grace in a way that even Jesus’s own followers did not and offers us the opportunity to do the same. This episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast is brought to you by Operation Christmas Child. You can build a shoebox online and OCC will pack for you based on your selections. These shoeboxes are delivered into hard-to-reach areas in and effort to share the gospel. To start building, visit Samaritanspurse.org/occ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Al Mohler delivered a message in a breakout session at TGC’s 2019 National Conference titled “Why Younger Generations Should Invest in Institutions.” Culture in general, he argued, is moving toward an anti-institutional future as generations who do not value institutions grow older. They prefer movements to shape their identity rather than institutions. But institutions are the control centers of societies, culture is produced by institutions, and there is no civilization without institutions. Movements that do not eventually institutionalize fade away, as they lack the lasting stewardship necessary to survive. Christianity is no different. A walk through the scriptures reveals that Israel and the church are defined in institutional terms, and we must embrace those institutional realities in order to preserve and build our great faith.This episode of TGC Podcast is brought to you by Operation Christmas Child. National Collection Week is November 16th through 23rd. Visit SamaritansPurse.org/occ to learn how gift-filled shoeboxes will result in evangelism and discipleship for millions of children this year. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John Onwuchekwa delivered a message in a breakout session at TGC’s 2019 National Conference titled “How Praying Together Shapes the Church.” Prayer both teaches and displays dependance on God in the most practical manner possible in the life of a believer. Utilizing the story of Christ’s interaction with his disciples and with the Father through prayer in Gethsemane, Onwuchekwa delineated Jesus’s prayerfulness as a regular practice and his desire to invite the disciples into his weakness—his full dependance on God. Facing the greatest adversity he would ever encounter, Jesus showed his followers the necessary way of preparation. Onwuchekwa encouraged the church to prioritize the practice of prayer so that we might also be strengthened for the adversity ahead.This episode of The Gospel Coalition podcast is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of The Christmas We Didn't Expect by David Mathis. 25 daily reflections for Advent will help you to adore Jesus—the one who came to save us and make our futures certain. Learn more at thegoodbook.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"What captivates your heart moves you to act."Glen Scrivener delivered a message in a workshop at the Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference titled “How to Captivate the Imagination in Evangelism.” He discussed the role of the heart—and its imaginations—in shaping the decisive outcome of a person’s life, including the decision to respond to an evangelistic invitation. Scrivener discussed the biblical underpinnings of the idea and offered examples of creative evangelism, such as storytelling, with this idea at its core.This episode of The Gospel Coalition podcast is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of The Christmas We Didn't Expect by David Mathis. 25 daily reflections for Advent will help you to adore Jesus—the one who came to save us and make our futures certain. Learn more at thegoodbook.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike Cosper delivered a message during a workshop at the Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference titled “Made in the Image of God for the Good of the World.” During the session, he discussed the image of God and many of the characteristics of our Creator people are meant to reflect. Cosper then detailed three ways that reflecting the image of God is meant to bring about good in the world around us. This episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast is brought to you by Crossway, publisher of 'Weep with Me: How Lament Opens a Door for Racial Reconciliation' by Mark Vroegop. Discover the meaning of Romans 12:15 that calls us to “weep with those who weep” as Mark seeks to bridge the canyon of misunderstanding, insensitivity, and hurt through the biblical practice of lament. Each chapter closes with a prayer of lament from a Christian leader, such as Trillia Newbell, Thabiti Anyabwile, Jarvis Williams, Danny Akin, and more. For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/TGC. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kristie Anyabwile delivered a message during a workshop at TGC’s 2018 Women’s Conference titled “Living as Titus 2 Women in a Romans 1 World.” Utilizing these two passages of Scripture, Anyabwile presents the problem and offers a solution—that we are living in a state of emergency and we need older and younger women who will actively invest in one another, respectively. The solution, she argues, would not only build the strength of believers to stand against sin, but also serve as a platform for Christian women to participate in the Great Commission, drawing others in need of Christ through the representation and declaration of the gospel. This episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast is brought to you by Crossway, publisher of 'Weep with Me: How Lament Opens a Door for Racial Reconciliation' by Mark Vroegop. Discover the meaning of Romans 12:15 that calls us to “weep with those who weep” as Mark seeks to bridge the canyon of misunderstanding, insensitivity, and hurt through the biblical practice of lament. Each chapter closes with a prayer of lament from a Christian leader, such as Trillia Newbell, Thabiti Anyabwile, Jarvis Williams, Danny Akin, and more. For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/TGC. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this bonus episode, Collin Hansen and David Platt discuss the upcoming election, and what Christians should consider before voting—trusting in Jesus, no matter the outcome. To listen to the full conversation, check out Gospelbound on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Show Notes: Elections have consequences, but not nearly as much as we probably think. That's what Collin Hansen concluded after reading David Platt's new book, Before You Vote: Seven Questions Every Christian Should Ask, published by Radical. Here's a sober dose of biblical reality from Platt in the book: "Even if we lose every freedom and protection we have as followers of Jesus in the United States, and even if our government were to become a completely totalitarian regime, we could still live in abundant life as long as we didn't look to political leaders, platforms or policies for our ultimate security and satisfaction."It's not exactly the way you run fundraising and get out the vote operations in today's American politics, but Platt's book includes lots of counter-cultural advice, saturated with biblical references on humility, freedom, and duty, along with David's characteristic perspective informed by the global church. Platt serves as lead pastor of McLean Bible Church in Northern Virginia, a congregation where employment for many depends on the outcome of the November elections. David joins Collin on Gospelbound to discuss voting, abortion, and President Trump's visit to McLean Bible Church. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Danny Akin delivered a message in The Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Pre-Conference titled “Little Global Hearts: How to Give Kids a Vision for the World.” Akin began with the eye-opening truth that, in 2019, still half of the world’s population was unreached with the gospel. Reaching them with the Good News will require believers who are raised up to be passionate about the Great Commission. Akin addressed a common question for many Christian parents, “How do we embed Great Commission DNA into our children?” by laying out ten practical principles for instilling into them a lifelong passion for Christ and the lost. This episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast is brought to you by Crossway, publisher of 'Weep with Me: How Lament Opens a Door for Racial Reconciliation' by Mark Vroegop. Discover the meaning of Romans 12:15 that calls us to “weep with those who weep” as Mark seeks to bridge the canyon of misunderstanding, insensitivity, and hurt through the biblical practice of lament. Each chapter closes with a prayer of lament from a Christian leader, such as Trillia Newbell, Thabiti Anyabwile, Jarvis Williams, Danny Akin, and more. For 30% off this book and all other books and Bibles at Crossway, sign up for a free Crossway+ account at crossway.org/TGC. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our team at The Gospel Coalition is excited to welcome As In Heaven into our podcast network. As In Heaven, hosted by Jim Davis and Michael Aitcheson, features conversations on race and justice with more than two-dozen ministry leaders. These discussions aim to help listeners process racial justice in a biblical, historical, and relational way.We pray that our spheres of influence would be places that look more like God’s kingdom—where love reigns, humanity flourishes, and Christ is glorified.As in Heaven: A Conversation on Race and Justice is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dan Doriani delivered a message in a breakout session at The Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference titled “Only Be Strong and Courageous: Why Every Pastor Needs a Tender Heart and a Tough Hide.” The workshop explored the unique challenges faced by pastors, including five separate types of criticism. Doriani presented a composite of leaders in Scripture who are both “strong and courageous” and willing to “weep with those who weep,” Christ himself as the greatest example of one who was tough and enduring but also deeply loved those he shepherded. He also offered comfort from Scripture for hurting pastors dealing with these inevitable issues. This episode of The Gospel Coalition podcast is brought to you by Crossway, publisher of 'Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church ' by bestselling author, Paul David Tripp. Drawing from decades of ministry experience, Tripp offers 12 gospel principles to help churches battle the issue lurking behind every pastoral failure—a lack of a strong leadership community. Sign up for a free Crossway+ account by Thursday, October 15, and enjoy 40 percent of this book at crossway.org/PaulTripp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Parenting is much more than controlling the behavior of your children. Parenting is actually about heart exposure and heart change. We know only Jesus Christ can create the kind of lasting change in the human heart that will transform behavior. In this workshop, Paul Tripp (author of Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family) speaks on how to let the gospel shape what you say and do with the children who have been entrusted to your care.View this episode on TGC's website, originally released on May 26, 2017. Find more from TGC on this topic:Parenting with a Big Gospel PictureThe Down-to-Earth Gospel for ParentingHow to Raise Changing Children in a Changing CultureHow God Grows Us Through Parenting (video)Engaging Children’s Hearts So They Live for the Glory of God (audio) This episode of The Gospel Coalition podcast is brought to you by Crossway, publisher of 'Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church ' by bestselling author, Paul David Tripp. Drawing from decades of ministry experience, Tripp offers 12 gospel principles to help churches battle the issue lurking behind every pastoral failure—a lack of a strong leadership community. Sign up for a free Crossway+ account by Thursday, October 15, and enjoy 40 percent of this book at crossway.org/PaulTripp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rico Tice delivered a message in a breakout session at The Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference titled “Honest Evangelism: How to Talk About Jesus Even When It’s Tough.” The workshop explored the issues that make talking about Jesus difficult, such as doing the hard work of pursuing the lost and overcoming the fact that Christians are simply weird in the eyes of those around us. Tice also addressed four common responses Christians share in Britain to tougher settings for sharing the gospel that likely correspond with other Western settings, as well. And he encourages the church to develop soft hearts and tough skin around the simple idea that people without Christ spend eternity separated from God in a very real Hell. This episode of The Gospel Coalition podcast is brought to you by Crossway, publisher of 'Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church ' by bestselling author, Paul David Tripp. Drawing from decades of ministry experience, Tripp offers 12 gospel principles to help churches battle the issue lurking behind every pastoral failure—a lack of a strong leadership community. Sign up for a free Crossway+ account by Thursday, October 15, and enjoy 40 percent of this book at crossway.org/PaulTripp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kathleen Nielson delivered a breakout message at The Gospel Coalition’s 2019 National Conference titled “Judging Deborah: Letting the Narrative and Poetry Speak.” In her message, she laid out six basic questions to ask when studying Old Testament narrative utilizing Judges 4-5 as an example text. Narrative and poetic texts can be easily misunderstood, so Nielson encouraged the audience to relish Deborah’s story and allow her to speak from the text. Kathleen pointed out that, like all of Scripture, the text is meant to point others to the greatness of the Lord through both Deborah’s story and her song. The six questions offered a framework for understanding a narrative text and mining it for every ounce of God-glorifying truth that may possibly be uncovered. This episode of The Gospel Coalition podcast is brought to you by Crossway, publisher of 'Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church ' by bestselling author, Paul David Tripp. Drawing from decades of ministry experience, Tripp offers 12 gospel principles to help churches battle the issue lurking behind every pastoral failure—a lack of a strong leadership community. Sign up for a free Crossway+ account by Thursday, October 15, and enjoy 40 percent of this book at crossway.org/PaulTripp. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Gospel Coalition hosted a workshop titled “Embracing the Beauty of Diversity” with Jackie Hill Perry, Jamie Ivey, and Ithohan Omolere at the 2018 Woman’s Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. The panel addressed the necessity and importance of diversity for Christians, beginning with God as the author of diversity and leading into how that should directly affect the lives of believers. They discussed what it means to celebrate diversity on an individual level, within families and friendships, and within the church. This episode of The Gospel Coalition podcast is sponsored by Austin Stone Worship. Austin Stone Worship's new album, WITHIN, is an honest, worship-filled overflow of broken sinners experiencing the relentless pursuit of a holy and loving God. As you listen, we pray your heart is stirred to love and worship Jesus. Listen to WITHIN on all streaming services, and find album resources at austinstoneworship.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Gospel Coalition hosted a breakout panel titled “The Priority of Scripture in Our Doctrine of God” with John Currie, David Garner, Jonny Gibson, and Scott Oliphint at the 2019 National Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. The panel described the role of the Bible in our understanding of the Doctrine of God as formative, doxological, and pastoral. Scripture informs us from the very beginning of who God is, drives us to respond to God in unfettered worship, and equips God’s people for the work of ministry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"God's sovereignty means that my son's death is not meaningless; it's not an accident. God is in control of all things, and that means that his death is meaningful."From Psalm 130 and his own personal experience of tragedy and loss, Cameron Cole addressed the process of continuing to trust in Jesus through deep, lasting pain and suffering. He emphasized the importance of a rich, biblical theology to prepare believers to suffer with great hope. This episode of The Gospel Coalition Podcast is brought to you by Rooted Reservoir, an online resource by Rooted Ministry. Rooted Reservoir offers youth ministry curriculum, training videos, teaching illustrations, and an online community, to help youth ministers disciple students toward lifelong faith in Jesus Christ. Sign up by Wednesday, September 30, and save $20 with code TGC at RootedMinistry.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eden Chen spoke at The Gospel Coalition’s first west coast conference in Fullerton, California, October of 2018, on the topic of faith and work. He focused on three practical topics for church leaders seeking to engage their people on the subject—calling, excellence, and evangelism.Chen addressed the role of the church in developing each of those aspects of engaging faith in the workplace and how Christians can utilize the workspace as an incredible opportunity for both excellence and evangelism. This episode of The Gospel Coalition podcast is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of 'Wherever You Go, I Want You To Know,' a new beautifully illustrated kids book by Melissa Kruger, where she helps parents say to their children, “whatever you do, wherever you start, I pray you love Jesus, with all of your heart.” Learn more at thegoodbook.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"A transition in the heart most often leads to a transition and change in life."Noël Piper and her daughter, Talitha, teamed up to lead a workshop session at The Gospel Coalition’s 2018 Women’s Conference titled, “God’s Grace in Life’s Transitions.” Life, it often seems, is a constant stream of transitions—changes in our situations that can be major stressors in our lives. From moving to a new city to a job or school change to relationship changes or the death of a loved one, we face consistent change, and we must decide how we will allow ourselves to be shaped by it.Noël and Talitha encourage us to learn about God and ourselves through each of the transitions he brings about in our lives and to carefully recognize how God works through those pivotal moments. This episode of The Gospel Coalition podcast is sponsored by The Good Book Company, publisher of 'Wherever You Go, I Want You To Know,' a new beautifully illustrated kids book by Melissa Kruger, where she helps parents say to their children, “whatever you do, wherever you start, I pray you love Jesus, with all of your heart.” Learn more at thegoodbook.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Gospel Coalition hosted a breakout panel titled, “Faithful Endurance: The Joy of Shepherding People for a Lifetime” with H. B. Charles, Dave Harvey, Richard Phillips, Jeff Robinson, and Juan Sanchez at the 2019 National Conference to address the present trend of short stays in pastoral roles within churches.Knowing that the average length of tenure for an evangelical pastor is slightly less than three years, it is no surprise that instability plagues our churches, which is neither healthy for the congregation nor the pastor. The panel discussed the value of faithful pastors who dedicate their lives to single congregations for decades at a time and the formative process through which faithfulness to a single congregation builds godly character into pastors and their churches. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"What if every anxiety was an opportunity for you to look at the cross and remember that Jesus' sacrifice covered this circumstance? Do not be afraid."Laura Powell led a workshop during The Gospel Coalition’s 2018 Women’s Conference titled, “Journey with John Flavel Toward Fearlessness.” Fear is a common emotion that drives each one of us in one way or another on a daily basis.In her message, Powell defined the types of fear people face and referenced the writings of Puritan preacher John Flavel along the way to bring context and clarity. Powell’s message reminded her listeners—and reminds us today—that the fear of the Lord is good, that sin caused our fears to be fallen, and that our fears are redeemed by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.