TGC Podcast

Join Don Carson and Sandy Willson as they reflect on their relationship with Tim Keller, including their in-depth discussions about theology, evangelism, and cultural apologetics. They discuss the work of The Gospel Coalition and the challenges and growth it has faced in recent years. Finally, they end by discussing the current state and future trends of various social and cultural issues in the United States, expressing optimism about the future of the church, and emphasizing the importance of focusing on God's greatness and his leading for the benefit of the whole church.

In his message at TGC Netherlands 2023, Collin Hansen discusses Tim Keller's insights into cultural apologetics and mission in a post-Christian era, focusing on the background of Keller's book Making Sense of God. Keller, influenced by thinkers like James Davison Hunter, Charles Taylor, Alistair McIntyre, Philip Rieff, and Robert Bellah, critiques the Enlightenment and its inability to provide meaning and justice in the absence of Christian resources. Hansen outlines seven steps inspired by Keller's approach, including challenging prevailing social assumptions, integrating multidimensional faith, and demonstrating Christian community. Hansen's messages emphasizes the urgent need for apologetics in a cross-pressured, secular age. Original conference media courtesy of: https://www.geloofstoerusting.nl/

In his message at TGC Netherlands 2023, James Eglinton delves into Tim Keller's evolving relationship with Neo-Calvinism. He recommends Central Church by Tim Keller as the primary source for understanding Keller's mature theological voice and biblical basis for his ministry. Eglinton's sermon discusses the evolution of Keller's thinking, showcasing a shift from a distant association with Neo-Calvinism to Keller explicitly identifying as a Neo-Calvinist in later years. Eglinton suggests that a careful examination of both explicit and implicit engagements with Neo-Calvinist thought in Center Church is essential to understanding Keller's theological journey. Original conference media courtesy of: https://www.geloofstoerusting.nl/

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: 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:The Role of Forgiveness:Writing Your Story and Praying for Parents:Prioritizing Your Redeemed Family (The Church):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.

“I want to be content in the presence of God with me, no matter what the circumstances are around me.” – David Platt David Platt preaches a message at TGC21 based in Hebrews 13:1-21. He begins by reminding us that we have an adversary who wants to destroy our intimacy with Jesus and divert his people from his mission in the world, which is why we have the book of Hebrews. Platt gives 25 ways that God directs his people through instructions, expectations, declarations, and a benediction in the final chapter of Hebrews. Platt exhorts us to fix our eyes on the Son of God, our reward, our Savior, our Sympathizer, our Intercessor, our Great High Priest who covers over all our sins, and the Great Shepherd who oversees our soul.

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.

Are you ready to tell someone about Jesus? How can you be prepared? Matt Smethurst, author of Before You Open Your Bible and companion book Before You Share Your Faith, outlines seven tips for becoming “evangelism ready.” “The greatest obstacle to evangelism is not unbelievers,” Smethurst says. “The greatest obstacle to evangelism is Christians who don’t share the gospel.”

Today’s generation of young people is more anxious, more depressed, and less Christian than ever before. What is causing this? Chris Colquitt, campus minister for Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at Northwestern University, explores how safetyism and fragility are hazards to Generation Z's mental health and spiritual health. Colquitt says the Christian gospel provides realism that challenges our fragility (“In this world you will have trouble,” John 16:33), but also hope to sustain us ("But take heart! I have overcome the world.”).

Trevin Wax, general editor of The Gospel Project and author of the book, Rethink Your Self, observes that today's common wisdom says you’re free to create yourself, design yourself, and define yourself. Yet the way of Jesus, Wax argues, would have us realize we’re already created, designed, and defined. Jesus confronts a “me first” way of life with a “God first” world. The world says we should look inward; Jesus says to look upward. To learn more, check out Trevin Wax's book, Rethink Your Self: The Power of Looking Up Before Looking In.

Gavin Ortlund—writer and pastor at First Baptist Church of Ojai (California)—ponders the question, why do we feel a sense of transcendence when we listen to beautiful music? Where does that feeling come from? What's the best explanation for it? Ortlund compares the naturalistic and theistic answers to these questions, ultimately concluding that music is not a distraction from reality but a window into reality—and that the theistic framework gives a much more satisfying explanation for why it moves us emotionally. For more videos like this, subscribe to Gavin Ortlund’s YouTube Channel.

Jeremy Treat, pastor at Reality LA in Los Angeles, observes how our longing for God does not disappear in a secular society. It just reappears in different forms: sports, politics, sexuality, and more. Treat describes how secular people today seek power, purity, and peace—traditionally sought in religion—in things like witchcraft, wellness, and mindfulness apps. Yet our deepest longings, Treat says, will not be found in any spiritual system or clean diet, but in a person: Jesus Christ.

Michael Horton explains why there is no such thing, in the new covenant, as a “Christian nation” apart from the worldwide body of Christ. “The problem with Christian nationalism is not that some Christians are taking a biblical idea too seriously,” says Horton, professor of systematic theology and apologetics at Westminster Seminary California, “but that they are confusing America with Israel under the old covenant. From a biblical perspective, it’s actually heretical. It confuses the law with the gospel.”

Irwyn Ince—pastor and author of The Beautiful Community: Unity, Diversity, and the Church at Its Best—explains why beauty compels us to pursue justice. The harmony and goodness of beauty reflect God’s creation as it was meant to be. Redeemed by Christ’s death and resurrection, his followers should pursue justice because it foreshadows the coming perfection of beauty in the new creation. Check out Irwyn Ince’s book, The Beautiful Community (InterVarsity Press, 2020).