The Crossway Podcast

Lydia Brownback discusses some of her tips for leading an effective, engaging Bible study. She reflects on what she has learned over the years from Bible studies she's been a part of, offers advice for keeping the conversation on track and getting through the occasional awkward silence, and discusses why a Bible study leader's own passion for the text is so important for the group as a whole.

Crossway is pleased to announce the launch of our newest podcast: 30 Days in the Psalms with Kristyn Getty. Listen now: Apple Podcasts Spotify RSS You can see a full listing of all of our podcasts at crossway.org/podcasts.

Kristyn Getty discusses congregational singing, the power of music for teaching doctrine, and the foundational role of Scripture for the Christian life. She reflects on her career in the Christian music industry, explains why hymns still matter and are worth learning today, and shares how her family has been seeking to use music to serve others during this season of lockdown.

Jeff Robinson discusses the unique blessings and burdens of pastoral ministry. He reflects on the challenging seasons in ministry from his own life, seasons when he contemplated leaving the pastorate altogether, highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the life of a pastor, and he offers encouragement for the pastor who feels overwhelmed and exhausted right now.

Matthew McCullough discusses how thinking and being really honest about the reality of death can paradoxically free us to find hope and joy in God like never before. He reflects on our culture's strategies to avoid death at all costs, highlights how COVID-19 has brought our mortality to the forefront of our collective consciousness in a unique way right now, and discusses why the practice of intentionally remembering death finds support in both Scripture and church history.

In this special episode, we want to remember J. I. Packer, who went home to be with the Lord yesterday. Born in 1926, J. I. Packer is widely recognized as one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century. Sam Storms discusses Packer’s remarkable life and ministry, reflecting on how Packer came to faith, the impact that his many books have had on generations of Christians, and how he thought about his own death. Sam Storms is the author of Packer on the Christian Life: Knowing God in Christ, Walking by the Spirit. Read the full transcript.

Michael Haykin discusses what we can learn from the early church fathers today. He reflects on what we should make of the early church's allegorical reading of the Bible, the value of early Christian creeds for helping to define our faith today, and where to start if someone is interested in reading the church fathers for him or herself.

Gunner Gundersen discusses what to do when you just don't feel like going to church. He explains why that might be the most important time to lean into corporate worship with other Christians, reflects on the hard work of bringing our emotions and affections in line with what we know to be right and good for us, and he offers advice for the person who feels hurt or betrayed by the church.

Denny Burk discusses how Christians should think about transgenderism. He walks through the Bible's countercultural teaching on gender and sexuality, offers timely advice for parents who want to be proactive about helping their kids navigate these issues, and answers two critical questions many of us have when it comes to the transgender movement: how did we get here, and what's next?

Melissa Kruger discusses the importance of mentoring relationships for all Christians. She reflects on her own experiences learning life-changing lessons from older women, highlights some of the core aspects that should be in place in every mentoring relationship, and shares advice for overcoming the imposter syndrome that so many of us feel when it comes to helping others follow Christ.

Betsy Childs Howard discusses stories and the importance of moral formation for children. She talks about why stories are such a powerful tool for instilling deep, biblical truths in our kids, how the world catechizes our children everyday even in ways that might surprise us, and why intentional moral formation and an emphasis on the gospel of God's grace are not mutually exclusive.

Mark Vroegop discusses the challenge of racial reconciliation and how the biblical practice of lament offers Christians from different backgrounds a common language for productive, God-honoring conversation. He shares from his own experiences walking alongside and learning from minority culture Christians, recounted the time that God opened his eyes to his own blindness while sitting in the office of an African-American pastor, and offered a response to those who wonder if the evangelical church in America will ever make real progress on these issues.

Megan Hill discusses the importance of the local church for our lives as God's people. She reflects on the challenging season we've all been in due to COVID-19, explains why the local church is so essential for our spiritual growth as Christians, and offers three practical suggestions for cultivating deeper relationships with other church members.

Rhyne Putnam discusses how Christians should think about theological diversity and disagreement within the body of Christ. He highlights the importance of reading and assuming the best about those with whom we disagree, explains when it's appropriate to call something a gospel issue and when it's not, and suggests three questions to ask ourselves when evaluating whether or not a specific doctrinal position is worth fighting for.

Today, we're excited to announce the launch of a new podcast from Crossway created for the whole family: The Big Picture Story Bible podcast! In this full audio recording of the best-selling The Big Picture Story Bible, join author and narrator David Helm on a 26-episode journey through the whole storyline of God's Word from Genesis to Revelation. Listen now: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS

David Chapman discusses what it's like to be an archaeologist. He shares from his experiences overseeing an excavation site in the Middle East, explains how archaeology can bolster our faith and enhance our understanding of the Bible, and reflects on the most exciting archaeological discovery of his career.

Ligon Duncan discusses how Christians can face profound life-changing suffering with their faith intact. He shares stories of severe suffering from his own ministry as a pastor, reflects on God's role in our suffering and how he often uses it to draw us closer to himself, and offers encouragement from God's word to listeners currently in the midst of a season of intense pain.

Jonathan Leeman discusses his argument that multiservice and multisite models run counter to the pattern for the local church we see in the New Testament. He explores the irony of discussing church gatherings in the midst of a quarantine, lays out his biblical and practical reasons for believing this, explains how we define the Greek word for church ekklēsia is so important in this conversation, and reflects on pushback received from other pastors, such as the objection that it could harm our church's evangelism.

Dane Ortlund discusses his answer to a question we've all wrestled with at some point: does God actually like me? He highlights what Scripture says about God's disposition towards us as redeemed sinners. He explains what Jesus meant when he said that he is "gentle and lowly in heart." He explores what it means that Christ is continually interceding for us before the Father in Heaven, and why that truth should be the source of so much comfort and hope for us as Christians.

Nancy Guthrie discusses some of the less well-loved characters of Scripture like tax collectors, scribes, Pharisees, and even Judas Iscariot, Jesus's betrayer. She also highlights what we can learn from Jesus's scandalous family tree, and why it's good news for sinners like us.

In this special episode, we're sharing a full audio recording of Coronavirus and Christ—a brand-new book written and read by John Piper.On January 11, 2020, a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) reportedly claimed its first victim in the Hubei province of China. By March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization had declared a global pandemic. In the midst of this fear and uncertainty, it is natural to wonder what God is doing. In this audiobook read by the author, John Piper invites readers around the world to stand on the solid Rock, who is Jesus Christ, in whom our souls can be sustained by the sovereign God who ordains, governs, and reigns over all things to accomplish his wise and good purposes for those who trust in him. What is God doing through the coronavirus? Piper offers six biblical answers to that question, showing us that God is at work in this moment in history. Learn more about Coronavirus and Christ and download the full ebook for free at crossway.org/coronavirus.

In this episode, Gavin Ortlund discusses what to do when you disagree with another Christian on some point of doctrine. He shares his thoughts on the pros and cons of having theological debates on social media, highlights the importance of theological humility when engaging with people who think differently, and explains why the metaphor of triage can be helpful when thinking about the relative importance of different doctrines. Gavin Ortlund is the author of Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage. Read the full transcript. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show!

The Gentle and Lowly podcast is a 14-day audio devotional exploring the heart of Christ for sinners and sufferers. Join Dane Ortlund each day for a brief Scripture reading as well as a devotional meditation on a different aspect of the heart of Christ, as he helps you discover afresh not just what Jesus has done for you but how he feels about you as his beloved. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts RSS Learn more at crossway.org/GentleandLowlyPodcast.

Collin Hansen discusses the idea of blindspots—problems with our lives, priorities, and even theology that we don't even know are there. He explains our tendency as Christians to separate ourselves into one of three camps, highlights how technology and our politically charged culture fuel division in the church, and reflects on what it would look like to wake up to our own blindspots and to lovingly engage with those with whom we disagree.

Phil Ryken discusses the literary qualities of Scripture. He makes the case for focusing not just on what the biblical writers said, but also on how they said it, which contributes to the meaning of the text. He also explains why this literary approach to the Bible has largely been neglected by evangelicals, what it really means to read the Bible literally, and how all of this relates to the plain meaning of the words of Scripture.

Bob Cutillo discusses the current coronavirus pandemic. He explains what's currently happening in the US and around the world, offers a broader perspective on how we should think about this virus in light of history and our Christian faith, and offers godly, practical advice to all Christians as we seek to trust God and love others well in these uncertain times.

Tim Patrick explores how to plan a sermon series. He highlights his own process for conceptualizing, scheduling, and studying for a new series, shares his thoughts on determining an ideal length for a series, and offers advice related to staying on track and in sync when multiple preachers are involved.

Matthew Harmon discusses eight simple questions to ask when studying the Bible, questions that help us get at the true meaning of Scripture, and how to apply it to our lives today. He explains why all Christians, not just those with a seminary degree, can study the Bible deeply for themselves. He highlights what Jesus himself teaches us about how to rightly read Scripture, and explores how to move from understanding to application without making the Bible all about us.

Jen Oshman discusses what it looks like to pursue real fulfillment in God, rather than in self. She explains what's wrong with the self-obsessed, individualistic culture that dominates our world today, breaking down the massive popularity of books, podcasts, and conferences that say that what we really need is to believe in ourselves. She also discusses what the evangelical church can learn from the MeToo era and shares the key lessons she hopes her own daughters take from her as they transition to adulthood.

Sam Storms discusses what the Bible teaches about tithing. He explores the word's Old Testament background, examines whether or not Christians are obligated to give 10% of their income today, offers advice related to living generously, speaks to the sensitive issues of pastor's salaries, and reflects on how giving to support missions, the poor, and other charities fits into this conversation.

Jen Wilkin discusses our God-given limits as created beings. She reflects on why the common refrain that we should look inside ourselves for meaning and purpose is so misguided, how our personal stories and family past impact our view of God, and why embracing our limits in the presence of a limitless God is the only path to true peace.

Christopher Ash discusses how to navigate conflict in marriage. He reflects on some of the struggles that he and his wife have wrestled with over their three decades of marriage, shares biblical wisdom for working through disagreements related to money, sex, and kids, and offers practical advice for couples who feel like conflict has become the norm in their marriage.

Ajith Fernando discusses the critical importance of personal discipling relationships for every Christian. He shares why he thinks there's a discipleship crisis in the church today, even among pastors and church leaders, how to think about the value of structured discipleship programs, and common mistakes to avoid when entering into a discipleship relationship.

Tim Chester discusses the Lord's Supper, explaining why he thinks many evangelical churches undervalue communion, the significance of the fact that Jesus gave us the physical elements of bread and wine, and what it means when we say that Christ is present in our celebration of the Lord's supper.

Ian Smith discusses what the New Heavens and New Earth will be like when Jesus returns. He considers the popularity of heaven tourism books and what they tell us about common cultural assumptions, what the Bible says about our resurrected bodies, and what we'll actually be doing in the new earth for all eternity.

Ed Welch discusses the human need for relationship, both with God and with other people. He reflects on the epidemic of loneliness in our world today, what the Bible teaches us about our identity as priests unto God, and offers advice for the person who feels God is distant or even frustrated with them.

In this episode, Jim Hamilton discusses what to do when you hate your job. He offers encouragement for those frustrated in their work, reflects on God's original intention for work at creation, and explains the difference between a job and a vocation. Jim Hamilton is the author of Work and Our Labor in the Lord.Read the full transcript. If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show!

David Mathis discusses how anyone can make Bible reading a habit in 2020. He reflects on the pros and cons of New Year's resolutions, shares why he prefers the term habits of grace rather than spiritual disciplines, and offers practical advice on making a plan to read the Bible every day.

Andreas Köstenberger explores how to distinguish fact from fiction when it comes to the Christmas story. He shares his thoughts on the real date of Jesus's birth, talks about what was really going on with the wise men and the star, and digs into some of the key Old Testament prophecies and allusions related to the coming of Israel's Messiah, and how Jesus fulfilled every one of them.

Nancy Guthrie discusses dealing with grief over the holidays. She reflects on her own experiences of great loss and suffering, shares what God has taught her about his healing grace in her own life, and offers advice to family members and friends eager to love those struggling with deep sadness this holiday season.

Thomas Schreiner discusses the book of Revelation. He reflects on the best way to approach the book when studying it for the first time, explains what the mark of the beast is really all about, and offers words of counsel and encouragement for pastors hesitant to preach through Revelation in their churches.

Don Whitney discusses how to help your family not lose sight of God and the gospel during the holidays. He explains why it's worth it to prioritize family worship with your loved ones (whether or not you have kids), shares practical steps for actually doing it even when the kids are little and won't sit still, and offers advice and encouragement for single moms or women whose husbands aren't Christians

John Piper discusses the case for complementarianism. He shares about how his own upbringing—and the example of his parents—influenced his views on marriage, what a husband's leadership practically looks like day-in and day-out, and how we should think about complementarianism in the MeToo era.

Derek Thomas discusses John Calvin's enduring legacy. He reflects on the importance of predestination and election in John Calvin's theology as a whole, describes what it would have been like to have Calvin as your pastor, and explains what really happened when Michael Servetus was put to death in the town where Calvin ministered.

Graham Cole discusses what the Bible really teaches us about angels. He talks about the different kinds of angels mentioned in Scripture, whether or not every person has a guardian angel, the nature of demon possession today, and what we know about the when, why, and how of Satan's fall.

Gavin Ortlund explores whether or not Protestant Evangelicals are out of touch with church history. He discusses the rich legacy of Christian thinking that evangelicals have as their own heritage, the dangers of ignoring church history as if it doesn't matter and has no bearing on our lives today, and how to appreciate and learn from other Christians in the past without letting go of our own doctrinal convictions.

Michael Reeves discusses what the Protestant Reformation was really all about, and whether or not it's still relevant today. He reflects on the relationship between Protestants and Roman Catholics, explains what Martin Luther was trying to accomplish when he posted his 95 theses, and responds to the idea that the Reformation is responsible for widespread disunity among Christians today.

Fred Sanders discusses what it really means to say that God is a Trinity—three persons in one God. He explains why the doctrine of the Trinity is essential to the gospel even if it seems abstract or confusing, highlights why all analogies and metaphors are of limited value when thinking about the Godhead, and responds to the charge that the idea of three-in-one when it comes to the Trinity is inherently illogical or irrational.

John Onwuchekwa discusses what it means to have a real relationship with God through prayer. He shares about the day he received a phone call letting him know that his older brother had just died unexpectedly, and the impact that news had on his prayer life, ultimately leading him into a new level of honesty and deeper intimacy with God. He also talks about what we should do when we feel guilty about our prayer lives, and why prayer is intensely practical even when it feels like we're being unproductive while praying.

Joe Rigney explores the legacy of one of the most beloved Christian thinkers and writers of the 20th century—C. S. Lewis. He discusses how Lewis managed to so brilliantly capture the complexities of the human heart in his writings, what he thought about The Lord of the Rings written by his good friend, J. R. R. Tolkien, and what he might say to the American church if he were alive today.