TGC Podcast

Bryan Chapell taught a message from Hebrews 12 during TGC21 titled “The Pilgrim’s Purpose in Life.” Amid a global pandemic, he sought to answer the ancient question, “If God is for us, why is all of this happening?” He reminded believers that God is greater than our senses and explanations—and we need him to be.What God is doing in us, he explained, is disciplining us as sons and daughters, teaching us how dear we are to each other and how dear the Savior is to us. When life hits hard and we find ourselves desperate for solid ground, we should be reminded of the kingdom that cannot be shaken and its glorious King. As recipients of the unshakeable kingdom, we must lift our hands, strengthen our knees, and gratefully worship in reverence and awe.

Don Carson delivered a message during TGC21 titled “Our Empathetic High Priest.” Focusing in on three passages from Hebrews chapters 4-7, he emphasized three major points as it pertains to Christ’s role as our Great High Priest:— He is able to encourage us to persevere despite our weakness, brokenness, and sin.— He is able to encourage us by anchoring our hope, in his immutable promise and oath.— He is able to encourage us by being uniquely qualified to save us completely.

Aimee Joseph led a session during TGCW21 titled “What’s Next? Discerning God’s Will.” In a sense, she said, life is a huge series of compounding choices. At any given time, we are all in one of three places: on the verge of making a choice, in the midst of a choice, or having just made a choice. From the simple and nearly meaningless to complex and deeply significant, right choices are all around us.  Aimee addressed decision-making from a biblical view using a five-part structure: —The problem of decisions —A paradigm for decisions —The process preparation for decisions —A posture for decisions —Praise Him who made us in his image as decision makers

Rebecca McLaughlin led a breakout during TGC21 titled “The Secular Creed” based loosely on her recently released book by the same title. Framing her teaching within current cultural critiques of modern evangelicalism and its history, she encourages Christians to both take the critiques seriously and avoid simply defending our tribe.She focuses on four points for consideration:- Jesus demands diversity- Jesus defines sexuality- Jesus defends women- Jesus desires repentance

Mike Horton delivered a message during TGC21 titled “The Necessity of Justification,” taking a look back at Luther’s discovery of the doctrine and the many factors that have affected its understanding, acceptance, or rejection by believers over the years. Correctly understanding and applying the doctrine of justification, Horton argued, is key to another needed reformation, though it does not stand alone. We must recognize the priority of justification, he encouraged his listeners, while also recognizing and rejoicing in the plethora of other gifts we receive in salvation.

TGC hosted a panel discussion at the 2021 Women’s Conference titled “Experiencing God in Your Affliction.” Vaneetha Rendall Risner, Emily Jensen, Jen Oshman, and Kristin Wetherell shared from personal experience regarding pain, suffering, and loss and addressed several questions regarding faith and the strength to endure, including —How has God met you at the end of your rope? —How can we prepare for suffering? —How does the Word of God minister to you in suffering? —Are there particular verses in which you regularly find comfort? —What truths ground you in times of suffering? —How do you avoid being overwhelmed by the idea of future suffering?

Melissa Kruger and Jen Wilkin led a conversation during a session at the 2021 TGC Women’s Conference titled “Gospel Parenting During the Little Years.” Each with older children now, the pair addressed questions regarding parenting their children through the younger years. From understanding accurate metrics for how difficult parenting small children should be to proactively teaching them the Bible in your home to relational vs. authoritarian leadership and choices about education, the women shared from their own experiences, both positive and negative, to encourage mothers facing similar challenges today.

In this episode of TGC’s Behind the Song, Brett McCracken interviews Phoenix-based singer/songwriter LOVKN about his story, his songwriting process, and his desire for a renaissance of artistically beautiful Christ-centered music.Raised in a creative home, Steven Lufkin was immersed in music and began attending a performing arts school in the sixth grade. From that point on, creativity and excellence were vital in his music, and he sadly found most Christian music uninspiring and inauthentic. Much of his writing explores avant garde approaches to devotional worship and is more akin to music one might hear in a coffee shop than in corporate worship. He now leads a growing worldwide community of artists for creative collaboration and music and worship tours.

In this episode of TGC’s Behind the Song, Brett McCracken interviews Tenielle Neda about her journey to faith and writing music that can influence other people’s faith. From a farm in Australia to Australian Idol to an internship at her brother’s church and a very cool job (teaser), her uncommon story has shaped the trajectory of her life and perspective on writing and performing devotional music to nourish the church. Tenielle discusses her deeply gospel-centered songs and the important role they play simply helping people remember the glorious truths of Scripture that need to be remembered.