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The Carson Center Podcast

Latest episodes

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Dec 11, 2024 • 1h 3min

No Fidelity Without Remembering (Ezekiel 16 & 23)

In this lecture, Don Carson teaches mainly from Ezekiel 16, which describes Jerusalem’s spiritual adultery and compares the city to an ungrateful prostitute who turns to infidelity. Carson also points to Israel’s rebellion in forming a political alliance with Egypt. He explains that, despite the severe punishment described, God promised eventual restoration through an everlasting covenant when Jerusalem would repent and experience God's faithfulness.He teaches the following:Why Israel is compared to a “useless vine” and how it connects to the Bible’s larger metanarrativeAbsolutizing any one form of God’s love results in absurd theologyHow political alliances contributed to Israel’s downfallGod remembered Jerusalem and established an everlasting covenant with herThe new covenant would bring atonement for Jerusalem’s sinHow the metaphor of marriage and apostasy is used to illustrate the severity of Israel's rebellionThe importance of fidelity and the consequences of betrayal in both human and divine relationshipsThe imagery of marriage and atonement conveys God’s enduring love for his peopleHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together
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Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 13min

Genuine or False Prophets? (Ezekiel 13-14)

In this lecture, Don Carson contrasts false prophets, who lead others astray, with genuine prophets who speak truth grounded in God's revelation and call people to repentance. He emphasizes the importance of discernment in times of cultural decay and highlights the vitality of remaining faithfully rooted in the Scripture and committed to moral uprightness despite the pressures of a confused world.He teaches the following:Genuine prophets speak from God, while false prophets speak from imaginationFalse prophets will face divine judgment for their deceptionGenuine prophets call people to repentance and biblical knowledgeWhat’s spoken by genuine prophets aligns with revealed redemptive historyGod’s sovereignty embraces both good and evilFalse prophets are accepted by many, while genuine prophets are accepted by fewFaithfulness and discernment are necessary in a world that promotes moral relativismHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together
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Nov 27, 2024 • 58min

Does God Ever Give Up On People? (Ezekiel 10-11)

In this lecture, Don Carson focuses on Ezekiel's vision of God's glory and the departure of the divine presence from the temple in Ezekiel 10–11. He explores the prophetic denunciation of Israel’s leaders, the promise of a new covenant, and the spiritual transformation of the people. Carson highlights the ultimate fulfillment of God’s purposes as seen in Revelation, where his people dwell with him in the new heaven and earth.He teaches the following:How the departure of God’s glory is a mark of judgmentGod's promise to gather the exiles and give them an undivided heartThe new covenant's removal of the need for mediating teachersHow John’s vision in Revelation 5 reflects the fulfillment of God’s promises to EzekielGod is always in control, and his way will triumphThe final consummation of God’s promises is seen in the new heaven and earthHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together
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Nov 20, 2024 • 1h 4min

True Worship vs. Corrupt Worship (Ezekiel 8-9)

In this lecture, Don Carson discusses Ezekiel’s visions from God in Ezekiel 8–9, which convey Jerusalem’s widespread idolatry and sinfulness. He contrasts the corruptibility of false worship with the necessity of true worship, and he connects the importance of authentic worship to historical awakenings. Carson underscores that without a clear moral vision, society risks decay.He teaches the following:Ezekiel's denunciation of corrupt worship that relativized GodHow corrupt worship dulls moral vision and invites divine judgmentThe Western world's interest in worship and search for spiritualityThe idol of jealousy in Ezekiel’s vision as an example of syncretismGod’s judgment of participants of corrupt worship and his mercy on those who grieve over their sinHow Ezekiel’s vision shows the moral impetus behind the Great AwakeningHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together
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Nov 13, 2024 • 59min

When the Lord Brings Judgment (Ezekiel 4-5)

In this lecture, Don Carson examines Ezekiel's prophetic vision from God as recorded in Ezekiel 4–5. The prophet's actions symbolize Jerusalem's impending judgment because of their sin, and Carson highlights the inevitability of God's wrath and the need for repentance. He points to the seriousness of God's judgment in the Old Testament and the ultimate display of God's justice and mercy in the New Testament, particularly through the cross.He teaches the following:Ezekiel’s prophetic actions convey the severity of God’s coming judgmentGod’s wrath is a necessary consequence of the people's wickednessWhy we must understand repentanceHow Ezekiel 4–5 fits into the context of the Bible’s metanarrativeThe problem of humanity’s sin requires a divine solutionThe cross is the ultimate expression of God’s justice and mercyHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together
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Nov 6, 2024 • 57min

How to Be a Prophet in Declining Times (Ezekiel 1–3)

D. A. Carson, co-founder of The Gospel Coalition and an esteemed New Testament professor, discusses the powerful themes of Ezekiel's visions and the prophet's unwavering duty amidst societal decline. He emphasizes the courage required to deliver God's messages, even when faced with resistance. Carson draws parallels between historic moral declines and today's challenges, advocating for a robust engagement with Scripture. The conversation highlights the essential role of prophetic leadership, empathy, and commitment to the Gospel in a biblically illiterate culture.
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Oct 30, 2024 • 46min

Limits of Leadership: Boundaries of Biblical Hermeneutics

 Don Carson discusses the strengths and weaknesses of new hermeneutics, arguing that while it offers helpful insights, all Scripture carries an enduring relevance that transcends cultural shifts. He emphasizes the need for humility in biblical interpretation, the clarity of Scripture, and the role of the Holy Spirit in understanding God's Word. He teaches the following:New hermeneutics must be balanced by Scripture's transcendent relevanceScripture is clear and accessible for all believers to understand and obeyGod's revelation is complete under the New CovenantUnderstanding Scripture requires both intellectual effort and the Holy Spirit's guidanceHow to evaluate command, sharing, and servant models of leadershipHumility and a teachable spirit are essential when interpreting God's WordHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together
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Oct 23, 2024 • 34min

Interpret the Scriptures in a Pluralistic Age

Don Carson addresses the challenge of biblical inerrancy and interpretation, particularly in the context of textual variants and modern pluralism. He emphasizes that while textual variations exist, they do not compromise major doctrines, and he calls for a deeper understanding of genre, grace, and cultural relevance in Scripture interpretation.He teaches the following:Why textual variants don't undermine inerrancy or key doctrinesGod's sovereignty shown through Scripture's preservationHow Genesis 1-3 combines history and symbolismCommon grace should not be twisted to oppose God's truthParables like the Good Samaritan should be modernized carefullyPluralism rejects objective truth, complicating evangelismBiblical interpretation must account for cultural relevance
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Oct 16, 2024 • 50min

The Role of Structure, Style, Context, and Culture in Understanding Scripture

In his lecture on Genesis 39, Don Carson examines the literary structure of the text and highlights Joseph's faithfulness in resisting temptation. Focusing on themes of faithfulness and divine blessing, and the significance of biblical parallelism, Carson compares Joseph's rise in Egypt with broader patterns of Hebrew poetry and scripture interpretation.He teaches the following:How the structure of the text highlights faithfulness and blessingParallelism in Hebrew poetry for its significance for understanding biblical textsThe importance of understanding biblical literary genreApplying wisdom literature in a pluralistic societyHow to interpret apocalyptic texts in light of their genreThe subjective nature of biblical interpretation and its implications for objective truthBiblical interpretation and cultural humilityHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together
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Oct 9, 2024 • 36min

Understand the Relationship Between Systematic Theology and Biblical Theology

In this lecture, Don Carson explores the role of logic in biblical study, emphasizing the multiple meanings of "logic" and the importance of avoiding exegetical fallacies. He highlights the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility, urging the development of a biblical framework for understanding these concepts rather than relying solely on systematic theology, while acknowledging the limitations of human understanding.He teaches the following: Logic, its various meanings, and its application in biblical studyBiblical interpretation and God's sovereigntyGod's sovereignty and human responsibilityLimitations of understanding God's nature and sovereigntyUnderstanding biblical theology and its application in evangelismStructure and interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount

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