The Carson Center Podcast

In this lecture, Don Carson exposites John 3, explaining how spiritual birth is a transformative power from God that brings moral and spiritual change. Carson emphasizes the connection between this imagery, Jesus's death, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Carson also explores the need for reconciliation to God, moral transformation, and the reversal of sin’s effects. New birth is not a result of human effort but a life-changing process enabled by the Holy Spirit.He teaches the following:How the desire to challenge God and usurp his authority leads to social evils and strifeRebellion against God results in death, but God's mercy leads to a new humanity through AbrahamGod showed the need for sacrifice under the Old Covenant, promising a Redeemer from the Davidic lineJesus's revelation is grounded in his identity as God's own self-expressionThe new birth is grounded in Jesus's death, which provides the means for eternal life

In this lecture, Don Carson explores the biblical theme of the incarnation, explaining the Old Testament’s anticipation of God's visitation which culminates in the New Testament. Carson shows how Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises, embodying both judgment and mercy. And he highlights the significance of John's Gospel, emphasizing Jesus as God's self-expression and agent in creation, connecting these themes to the New Covenant.He teaches the following:God’s declared promises of forgiveness, transformation, and an eternal Davidic KingThe linguistic significance of Jesus’s name, and its connection to the theme of salvationThe historical interpretation of John 1:1–18, and its relation to the creation accountThe role of John the Baptist as a witness to the true LightHow the Old Testament law prepared the way for Jesus’s arrivalWhy Jesus’s sacrifice is the most profound display of God’s glory

In this lecture, Don Carson discusses two depictions of God in the Bible: the God who inspires worship from his people and the God who is unfathomably wise, emphasizing the expression of these themes in the Psalms and Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament. Carson delves into key Psalms to highlight the contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, the importance of repentance, and the deep emotional and spiritual truths embedded in these texts. Carson also discusses the books of Job and Ecclesiastes, illustrating humanity’s search for wisdom and ultimately pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of wisdom and righteousness.He teaches the following:Two depictions of God in the Bible, and how these themes reflect literary genres in the Old TestamentThe linguistic meaning and historical significance of key phrases and metaphors in Psalm 1How Job’s story reveals the limits of human understandingThe Book of Ecclesiastes teaches that true wisdom is attained by fearing GodThe Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament points to ultimate wisdom that is found in Jesus

Discover the fascinating journey of God as the reigning King throughout biblical history. Explore the contrasts between ancient and modern monarchy perceptions while tracing Israel’s desire for a king. Unpack the significance of God's promise to David and its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. Delve into the complexities of leadership in the Davidic dynasty and the ongoing struggles of faithfulness. Encounter the triumphant sovereignty of Christ, who defeats death and reigns eternally, inspiring spiritual renewal.

In this enlightening discussion, D. A. Carson, co-founder of The Gospel Coalition and a distinguished New Testament professor, delves into God's dual role as Creator and Legislator. He emphasizes the importance of divine laws in establishing societal boundaries and argues that truth is non-negotiable, even in a post-modern world. Carson connects the Ten Commandments to God’s redemptive plan through Jesus, highlighting the significance of the sacrificial system and the dangers of idolatry faced by the Israelites. His insights reveal the enduring relevance of biblical principles today.

In this discussion, D. A. Carson, a prominent New Testament professor and co-founder of The Gospel Coalition, delves into the covenant promises exemplified in Abraham's narrative from Genesis 12. He highlights three misconceptions about God’s relationship with humanity and emphasizes that God’s sovereignty doesn't rely on human worship. Carson further elaborates on how Abraham's obedience foreshadows Christ's ultimate sacrifice, showcasing God’s unyielding grace and the profound cultural implications of faith and divine promises.

Join Collin Hansen and Melissa Kruger for their annual discussion as they look back on the top theology stories of 2024. They also share their favorite books from 2024, updates on personal projects, and what they're each looking forward to in life and ministry in 2025. They discuss: The rise in Bible sales in 2024Declining fertility rates worldwideBig changes for the United Methodist Church and the role of the Global SouthThe advance of assisted suicide in the UKThe Cass Report and the truth about transgender treatmentsEncouraging signs among Gen ZTrump’s election victory and a GOP shiftAnticipating the 2025 Gospelbound seasonBook highlights from 2024Personal projects and updatesDon Carson’s legacy and an important update about his life and ministryMentioned on this episode:"My Top 10 Theology Stories of 2024" by Collin Hansen (article)Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

D. A. Carson, a renowned New Testament professor and co-founder of The Gospel Coalition, delves into the profound narrative of Genesis 3. He explores the deceit of the Serpent and humanity's rebellion, highlighting the immediate shame and guilt that ensue. Carson examines the long-term consequences of sin and the spiritual alienation it causes. He emphasizes the promise of redemption through Jesus, illustrating how this biblical account points to reconciliation with God, offering hope for humanity amidst the struggle with rebellion.

Don Carson is a renowned New Testament professor and co-founder of The Gospel Coalition, known for his insightful biblical teachings. In this discussion, he delves into the creation narrative in Genesis 1-2, revealing God's attributes and humanity's role as bearers of His image. Carson highlights how understanding Genesis is vital for grasping the fall and the concept of new creation through Jesus. He also contrasts biblical worldviews with secular perspectives, emphasizing the significance of God as the Creator in shaping human responsibility.

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