The Carson Center Podcast

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

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

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

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

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