TGC Podcast

In his message at TGC Netherlands 2023, Michael Keller talks about the influence of Jonathan Edwards and the Puritans on his father, Tim Keller, and how these influences shaped the way Tim Keller presented the gospel—particularly in the context of New York City in the 1980s—and beyond.Michael Keller identifies two key piety-based innovations that Tim Keller drew from Jonathan Edwards:Justification by faith: We are accepted by God not because of our obedience but because of God's grace. This was a response to the prevalent idea that being a Christian meant adhering to certain behaviors. Tim Keller's famous phrase, "You're accepted, and then you obey," encapsulated this perspective.The integration of intellectual understanding with experiential knowledge: Jonathan Edwards argued that simply knowing doctrinal truths intellectually was not enough—there had to be a heartfelt, experiential understanding. Tim Keller aimed to make the truth not just understandable but also experiential in his preaching, believing that if the truth about Jesus doesn't deeply affect and change a person, they haven't truly understood it.The gospel's good news remains unchanged and doesn't need reinvention. And yet, it's essential to present it in a way that resonates with the specific culture and audience. Throughout his pastoral ministry, Tim Keller did this so gracefully. The original conference video and audio content is courtesy of geloofstoerusting.nl.

At TGC Netherlands 2023, Collin Hansen examines Tim Keller's life and ministry through the concept of "rings on a tree," revealing the different influences that shaped Keller as a believer and pastor. Hansen describes how Keller held an inspiring commitment to lifelong learning and spiritual formation, even in the face of illness, and how Keller's final years were marked by a deep focus on eternity, as he searched for a deeper communion with God and prepared for his own death. Hansen also highlights how a strong sense of community, diverse mentors, and a deep love for the gospel all shaped the influential legacy of Tim Keller. 

In her message at TGC's 2022 Women's Conference, Blair Linne teaches on the importance of understanding the role of God as our Heavenly Father, especially in the context of healing from fatherlessness or difficult relationships with earthly fathers.Linne highlights these key points:The Blessing of Adoption: God's love and choice to adopt us is not based on our merit but on his grace and love. This adoption into the family of God allows us to have a rich relationship with God as our Heavenly Father.The Role of Forgiveness: Forgiveness is essential, especially in dealing with strained relationships with earthly fathers. Linne encourages her audience to pray for their parents if they should find themselves spiritually lost or emotionally broken, and to forgive with the understanding that forgiveness doesn't necessarily mean re-establishing unhealthy relationships.Writing Your Story and Praying for Parents: Linne suggests the therapeutic exercise of writing your story, including any emotions and thoughts related to your earthly father. She recommends the practice of writing letters to your earthly father or to God and advises praying for your parents, especially if they are still alive.Prioritizing Your Redeemed Family (The Church): Linne emphasizes the importance of prioritizing your church family, as they are part of your redeemed family and are essential in the healing journey. She encourages seeking support and guidance within the church community.Our relationship with God as our Heavenly Father can heal and restore the wounds caused by the absence or difficulties with earthly fathers. Knowing who we are in Christ and God's adoption of us demonstrates his deep love and commitment.Read more on this topic from Blair Linne in her book, Finding My Father: How the Gospel Heals the Pain of Fatherlessness.

In his message at TGC's 2018 West Coast Conference, Bobby Scott teaches on 2 Timothy 3:10-17 and emphasizes the importance of being a bearer of the gospel and living a life centered on the Word of God. He challenges believers to consider whether our actions and words reflect the beautiful message of grace found in the gospel of Jesus.Scott focuses on how the Word of God leads to salvation, and that perseverance in the Word is crucial, especially in the face of fear and persecution. As we draw wisdom and strength from the Bible—God-breathed and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness—we can keep ministering and stay grounded in the Word of God, as it equips us for the work of God and empowers us to face the spiritual battles in the world. 

In his message at TGC's 2018 West Coast Conference, Juan Sánchez teaches the importance of discerning false teachers and ungodly influences within the church. He discusses the challenge of discerning between those who are open to repentance and those who are hard-hearted, unrepentant, and opposing the truth. Sánchez encourages pastors to pursue righteousness and patience, cleansing themselves from dishonorable ways through faith in Christ, rather than relying on personal efforts or good works.  

In this podcast, David Platt preaches a message based in Hebrews 13:1-21, discussing the ways God directs his people. He highlights the importance of intimacy with Jesus and the mission to spread his supremacy. The expectations for Christians include showing love, honoring marriage, and holding money loosely. The importance of finding contentment in God's presence is emphasized. The podcast also explores imitating faithful leaders and focuses on fixing our eyes on Jesus, even in difficult times.

In this panel discussion from TGC's 2018 West Coast Conference, Collin Hansen, Ray Ortlund, Kevin DeYoung, and Juan Sánchez discuss the prevalence of suffering in the lives of faithful Christians, citing examples from history and encouraging listeners to embrace their own suffering as a means of deeper spiritual growth. They advise younger pastors and ministry leaders to trust in the Lord as their defender, wait for him to straighten out tough situations, and give honest answers in formal settings, while keeping quiet in informal humiliation. The panel also focuses their discussion on the importance of gentleness and self-control in ministry, particularly in response to criticism and opposition.Ultimately, to endure suffering in ministry and live faithfully to Jesus is to live in the fellowship of his sufferings. Ortlund says, “This has taken me to a deeper place with Jesus than I've ever dreamed of going.” 

In his message at TGC's 2018 West Coast Conference, Kevin DeYoung teaches from 2 Timothy 2:1–13 on what it means for Christians to be strong, not according to their own strength, but by that which has been given to them by God through Christ.When Paul writes to Timothy, he compares spiritual strength to a soldier's readiness for battle. DeYoung emphasizes the importance of understanding that suffering is a part of life as a soldier, and not to be surprised or emotionless about it. He also encourages his audience of pastors and ministry leaders to prioritize their relationship with God as a soldier would—with a single-minded devotion.DeYoung says that we need both halves of 2 Timothy 2:1 in our walk as Christians, and concludes, “We need grace and we need strength. We need grace not simply because we're all failures. And we need strength not because we're all so strong and mighty. But rather, we can be strong because of grace and by grace, we must be strong.”

In his message at TGC's 2018 West Coast Conference, Michael Horton teaches on 2 Timothy: 9–18, encouraging believers to live unashamed of the gospel, even amid suffering.Focusing on the centrality of the gospel in suffering witness according to God's power within us, Horton says the ministry of Paul and Timothy isn't merely about their personalities or abilities but about Christ's testimony. Just as Paul wasn't ashamed of the gospel because he knew he was entrusted with it and that God completes what he starts, so too can we live and minister with confidence.Horton ends his message with an encouragement: “Brothers and sisters, you are chosen, you are saved, and you are kept by this gospel. Therefore, do not be ashamed of it. Embrace it for yourself and guard it by giving it away.”

In his message at TGC's 2018 West Coast Regional Conference, Ray Ortlund emphasizes the importance of enduring faithfulness and making sacred commitments to the Lord. He draws inspiration from the book of 2 Timothy and highlights the theme of God's enduring faithfulness. Ortlund reads verses from 2 Timothy where Paul expresses gratitude to God and encourages Timothy to not be ashamed of the gospel. Ortlund urges ministry leaders to recognize their rich spiritual ancestry and find courage in their connection to God and the faith of previous generations. Ortlund also emphasizes the need for personal connection and genuine care for others, reminding listeners of the lasting legacy of faithfulness and the importance of imparting it to future generations.