The Carson Center Podcast

In this lecture, Don Carson discusses 1 Corinthians 3, highlighting the Apostle Paul's warning against factionalism and emphasizing that Christian leaders are servants of God. The church is portrayed as God's temple, where believers are accountable for how it is treated, and Christian work will be tested by fire. Carson urges believers to value the church's eternal significance, live in unity, and honor the body of Christ with gratitude and reverence.He teaches the following:How 1 Corinthians 3 has been used to teach a unbiblical doctrinesA common evangelical interpretation of the passage divides humanity into natural, carnal, and spiritual menChristian leaders are mere servants whose only allegiance should be to GodThe foundation of the church is Jesus Christ, and leaders must build on this with materials that endureFactionalists ignore the wealth of the Christian heritage, focusing on individual leadersThe church is a functioning body animated by God's SpiritWhy the church is the only significant institution with eternal significanceWhy Christians should live with profound gratitude and love for the church

In this lecture on 1 Corinthians 2:6-16, Don Carson emphasizes that the wisdom of God, revealed through the cross, is accessible only through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit helps believers understand and proclaim the wisdom of the cross, which is foundational to spiritual growth and revival. Carson warns against elitism and stresses the importance of humility and the gospel in true spiritual understanding.He teaches the following:How the wisdom of God contrasts with worldly wisdom and the rulers of this ageThe Holy Spirit searches all things, and only the Spirit of God can understand God's thoughtsWhy the interpretation of Scripture must be grounded in the Spirit's guidanceHow the wisdom of the cross is accessible to all believersThe differences between the natural person and the spiritual personThe cross is the supreme climax of God's self-disclosure to humanityWhy the work of the Spirit is essential in both individual conversions and church revivals

In this lecture, Don Carson highlights the original scandal of the cross in the ancient world and its power to divide humanity between those perishing and those being saved. Paul’s message emphasizes that true ministry must center on Christ crucified, not human eloquence or cultural status. Carson warns against modern evangelical distractions and urges a return to the transforming power of the gospel.He teaches the following:The shocking implications of the cross and crucifixion in the first century, and how they are different todayWhy people often want to set their own criteria for what God should be likeGod has already passed judgment on the best that the world has to offer through the crossThe message of the cross is that God's wisdom and power are displayed in the moment of greatest human weaknessWhy being wise, powerful, or well-born cannot be a criterion for being a ChristianA warning against the idolatries of evangelicalism, such as the love of methods and self-promotionHow focusing too much on social and political ramifications can lead to a quiet denial of the gospelThe message of the cross is the only polarity in the human race that is of eternal consequence

In this lecture, Don Carson unpacks the rich symbolism of Revelation 21–22, highlighting the Lamb’s victorious role in bringing about the New Heaven and New Earth where God dwells fully with His people. Carson emphasizes that this final consummation, secured by Christ’s sacrifice, fulfills God’s promises and transforms all creation into a place of eternal life, healing, and glory. Carson ties this vision to the gospel, showing how it secures both judgment and blessing, and calls believers to set their hearts on eternal treasures.He teaches the following:The significance of the throne room in Revelation 4 and the scroll with seven seals in Revelation 5The Lamb's victory establishes judgment and blessing for the entire universeThe progression of covenant language from the Old Testament to the New TestamentThe beatific vision is to see God's face and experience eternal lifeThe importance of the Lamb's sacrifice in the transformation of all thingsHow the New Jerusalem represents the unity of God's people and the presence of GodThe River of Life and the Tree of Life symbolize eternal life and healing for the nationsThe importance of the gospel in securing transformation and the ultimate vision of God's glory

In this lecture, Don Carson examines Romans 3:21–26 as the theological heart of the gospel, where God's righteousness is revealed apart from the law and made available to all through faith in Jesus Christ. Carson emphasizes the necessity of understanding human sin, idolatry, and divine wrath to fully grasp the weight of Christ’s sacrifice. Carson highlights the transformative power of the gospel, which both justifies and renews believers through God's grace.

In this lecture, Don Carson examines John 3:1-21 to discuss the complexity of the gospel, emphasizing its transformative nature. Carson critiques the view that the gospel is merely a gateway to discipleship and highlights the importance of being born again. Carson explains that new birth involves supernatural transformation, grounded in God's love and action.He teaches the following:The gospel is good news about what God has done in Christ's cross and resurrectionThe historical context of the Reformation and The Great AwakeningNicodemus’s significance as a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish councilThe new birth is a miraculous, supernatural transformation, not just a change of mindWhy Jesus could speak authoritatively about the new birthHow Jesus’s crucifixion parallels the bronze snake in Numbers 21Why Jesus's unique revelatory claim is central to understanding the gospel

Don Carson explores the theme of waiting, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for Jesus’s return. Through examining Matthew 24 and 25, Carson teaches that true believers are marked by faithful service and transformed lives. Carson stresses that such service reflects genuine faith and leads to eternal reward.He teaches the following:The importance of being prepared and faithful in waiting for Jesus's returnThe parable of the talents symbolizes the relationship between believers and ChristMatthew 25 displays the natural outflow of a transformed lifeThe importance of caring for fellow believers as an expression of love for ChristThose who serve others are identified with Christ, and their actions are seen as acts of service to HimTrue transformation involves a change in relationships and prioritiesThose who are transformed by the gospel will be rewarded for their actionsThe transformation of believers is a sign of true faith and commitment to Christ

In this lecture, Don Carson contrasts cultural visions of the end of the world with a Christian focus on spiritual readiness. Through examining three parables in Matthew, Carson urges believers to stay alert and serve faithfully as they wait for Christ’s return. Carson encourages believers to think strategically, live responsibly, and train the next generation.He teaches the following:Why the Western society avoids discussing mortalityThe importance of being ready at any time for Jesus's returnWhat the story of Noah reveals about the suddenness and unexpectedness of judgmentThe need for readiness and the consequences of being unpreparedWhy Christians should think strategically about their long-term responsibilitiesThe importance of training the next generation and planning for the future

In this lecture, Don Carson discusses John 11, focusing on Jesus's delayed response to Lazarus's illness and subsequent death. Carson highlights the irony in this account, illustrating how Jesus's actions reveal his sovereignty over death and his role as the resurrection and the life, ultimately pointing to his future sacrifice. Carson reflects on the broader implications of Jesus's death and resurrection, underscoring the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation.He teaches the following:Why understanding Jesus's claim as the resurrection and the life requires seeing it in the context of unfolding ironyHow Jesus demonstrated his love by delaying his response to Lazarus's deathThe narrative framework highlights Jesus's love for Martha, Mary, and LazarusThe mixed responses to Jesus's actions from the Jewish audienceThe fulfillment of Caiaphas's prophecy reveals that Jesus's death is also for the scattered children of GodJesus's resurrection power has an ongoing impact, both in individual lives and in future resurrection on the last day

In this lecture, Don Carson discusses John 10:1–21, emphasizing Jesus as the Good Shepherd who knows, nurtures, and lays down his life for his sheep. He contrasts Jesus with thieves, showing that, unlike them, Jesus sacrifices for his sheep and leads them with authority and care. Carson reflects on the practical implications of this metaphor for believers and church leaders, urging them to understand and follow Jesus's example.He teaches the following:The historical context of shepherding in the first-century Middle EastHow the metaphor of the shepherd is used to describe Jesus's relationship with his followersHow John 10 connects to Old Testament themes of shepherds and their roles, particularly Isaiah 56 and Jeremiah 23How the metaphor of the gate describes Jesus's role in leading and nurturing believersHow the metaphor of the shepherd illustrates the pastoral care that church leaders should provideThe key points of Jesus's relationship with his people: knowledge, nurturing, sacrifice, and transformation