TGC Podcast

John Piper delves into the Gospel of Luke, showing how the first chapters highlight God's central role in the birth of Jesus. He explores the significance of faith, humility, and obedience, drawing insights from biblical characters like Mary, Zechariah, and Elizabeth.He teaches: The purpose and structure of Luke's gospelThe importance of confidence in faithParallelism in the first two chapters of LukeThe centrality of God in Luke's gospelJesus's unique natureThe assurance of salvation through JesusThe way of faith and humilityThe joy of the Holy SpiritThe call to receive the Holy SpiritThe final encouragement to know and experience the gospelHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

In this episode of TGC Podcast, Kendra Dahl, Andrew Wilson, and Glen Scrivener explore the incarnation's richness and the unique opportunities for evangelism during Christmas.They discuss the following:Cultural challenges and the transition from Advent to ChristmasThe richness of the incarnationChallenges of preaching the incarnationLearning from the United Kingdom's evangelism at ChristmasChristmas as a paradigm for year-round evangelismRecommended resources:Andrew Wilson, It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas (book)Glen Scrivener, The Gift (book)Glen Scrivener, “Glory to God in the Lowest” (article)SpeakLife “There’s a Dragon in My Nativity” (video)Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

Isn't it fascinating how melody, harmony, and even chord progressions in music can stir our hearts to worship God and remind us of the beauty of his character? In this episode of TGC Podcast, Brett McCracken talks with musicians Caroline Cobb, Cody Curtis, and Eric Owyoung about the unique power of Advent and Christmas music.They explore how music captures the longing, joy, and tension of the season—reflecting the celebration of Christ’s first coming and the anticipation of his return. The artists share insights on creating music for these themes, highlighting how Advent and Christmas music can deepen our worship and reflection.Mentioned on this episode:Unto Us: 25 Advent Devotions About the Messiah, Advent devotional by TGC“The Weary World Rejoices: A TGC Advent Concert”“Advent Longing / Christmas Joy” by Brett McCracken: article and Spotify playlistCaroline Cobb:Advent for Exiles: 25 Devotions to Awaken Gospel Hope in Every Longing Heart by Caroline CobbA Seed, A Sunrise album by Caroline CobbCody Curtis: Advent Songs and Christmas Songs albums by PsallosFuture of Forestry:“O Come O Come Emmanuel” and “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”“The Advent Song”“The Earth Stood Still”“What Beauty”Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

In his TGCW24 message, David Platt teaches Jesus’s final “I am” statement from John 15:1–11, which Jesus spoke to his disciples on the night he was betrayed.Jesus calls all believers to abide in him like a branch remains in its vine, drawing everything we need from him. We don’t rely on our obedience to save or sanctify us; we rely on the finished work of Jesus, depending fully on him. Because apart from him, we can do nothing. He is the true vine.Platt teaches the following:Childlike boldness and the will of GodThe metaphor of the vineJesus as the true vineExperiencing abundant life in JesusThe role of prayer and meditationThe battle for belief and trustBearing fruit for the worldHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together 

In her TGCW24 message, Ruth Chou Simons unpacks Jesus’s statement “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” from John 14:1–14.When we believe that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, we find comfort and hope, knowing that nothing in the world can shake this truth. Jesus’s claim is exclusive, and many will find it offensive. But the truth that no one can come to the Father except through Jesus is the greatest comfort for troubled hearts. Christ, the perfect offering, is the only One who could make a way to God for us.Simons teaches the following:Struggles with striving and seeking clear pathsJesus's response to the disciples' troubled heartsBelieving in Jesus and his promisesHoping in Christ and our eternal homeLooking to Jesus as the way, truth, and lifeChoosing Jesus and following his pathHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

At TGC24, Nancy Guthrie helps us understand what Jesus means when he says, “I AM the resurrection and the life” in John 11.In John 11:17-44, Jesus offers eternal hope as he boldly confronts death. Jesus gives us the hope of life in the future and access to resurrection life right now. We can rejoice knowing that if we trust in Jesus, we are no longer spiritually dead but are now united with him in the newness of life.Guthrie teaches the following:Jesus's love and the illness of LazarusJesus's delay and the purpose of sicknessMartha's struggle with Jesus's delayJesus's claim: I am the resurrection and the lifeJesus's question: do you believe this?The sign of raising LazarusConfidence in Jesus's resurrection powerJesus's role as weeping friend and divine warriorThe final victory over deathHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

The Advent season offers unique opportunities for family and personal discipleship. So how can we prepare well? In this episode, The Gospel Coalition staff Kendra Dahl, Melissa Kruger, Jared Kennedy, and Bill Kynes share their experiences navigating the Christmas season as individuals, as families, and within church communities. They suggest resources, reflect on memorable traditions, and consider opportunities for outreach, connection, and celebration.Recommended Resources:Unto Us: 25 Advent Devotions About the MessiahJared Kennedy, “Why Advent Is a Time to Build on Family Traditions”Melissa Kruger, “Celebrating Advent: Looking Back and Looking Forward”Jared Kennedy, “Countdown to Christmas with These 6 Resources for Advent”Jared Kennedy, “The Good News That Jesus Came for You”GoodKind Advent BlocksHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together 

At TGCW24, Courtney Doctor teaches on Jesus’s statement, “I AM the Good Shepherd” from John 10:11-18. A good shepherd cares for, protects, and provides for his sheep.Throughout scripture, we're compared to the sheep who go astray or get lost. We need continual care and vigilant protection, and Christ offers us that and so much more. He's a shepherd who seeks out the one lost sheep and rejoices at its discovery! He leads us, guides us, and restores our souls.Doctor teaches the following: The role of shepherds in the biblical narrativeJesus as the Good ShepherdSurprise 1: seeking unexpected sheepSurprise 2: leading on unexpected pathsSurprise 3: dying an unexpected deathThe Lamb is worshiped as the shepherd in Revelation 7Know the Good Shepherd and follow him foreverHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

At TGCW24, Vanessa Hawkins invites us to consider Jesus’s third I AM statement, "I AM the door" from John 10:1-10.There are times when we rely more on what Jesus gives us access to rather than resting in the truth that he himself is our access. Jesus is not merely our passage to eternal life with God—he is always more and better than we can imagine. As we turn to Jesus and learn from him, we will more clearly recognize his voice. As we read, study, and obey the Word of God, his voice will become easier and easier to follow.Hawkins teaches the following: The positive impact of a father’s relationshipAdam and Eve’s relationship with God and separation as a result of sinThe promise of a Savior and the closing of a doorThose who do not enter the sheepfold by the door are thieves and robbersA real threat: the enemy's attempts to steal, kill, and destroyWhat are the spiritual thieves and robbers in our lives?Jesus's promise of abundant life and what it truly means for usWalking in obedience and embracing the invitation from JesusThe power of death defeated and the hope of resurrectionEnter through the Door and walk into the Father's presence with bold accessHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

At TGCW24, Jen Wilkin shares Jesus’s second I AM statement, “I AM the Light of the World" from John 8:12-30. We all have first-hand experience of the darkness and brokenness that exists in our world. Jesus, the light that shines in the darkness, offers the “light of life” to anyone who follows him. Jesus’ message confronts the darkness in our hearts and in our world and offers us great hope in all of it.Wilkin teaches the following:The symbolism of light in ScriptureJesus' use of light as a metaphorThe Feast of Tabernacles and its significanceThe manifest presence of God in the Old TestamentThe role of light in the New TestamentThe challenge of lesser lightsThe role of the church in carrying the lightThe collective impact of believers' lightHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

At TGCW24, Melissa Kruger teaches on Jesus’s declaration in John 6, “I AM the Bread of Life.”The day before the events in this passage, Jesus fed a large crowd by miraculously multiplying bread and fish. But Jesus has something greater than their physical needs in mind—he wants to meet their spiritual needs. He extends an invitation to be satisfied and sustained in him, telling his listeners then and now that he is “the living bread that came down from heaven.” Jesus is the Bread of Life who offers good news for spiritually hungry people.Kruger teaches the following:The persistent problem: seeking satisfaction in the wrong placesThe surprising solution: Jesus as the Bread of LifeThe difficult decision: believing in Jesus and seeking him dailyThe call to invite others to the feastHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

In this special episode of TGC Podcast, Collin Hansen, Jen Wilkin, Kori Porter, and Michael Kruger discuss the vital partnership between men and women in ministry, and the historical and biblical importance of women's contributions to the church. They advocate for visible female leadership, the value of gender-specific spaces for discipleship, and creative ways to foster healthy male-female collaboration in church life and ministry. They discuss:Historical perspectives on women in ministryHealthy family structures and a complementarian viewEmbodied church mothers and the influence of virtual spaces Gender-specific spaces and their valueChallenges and solutions in shepherding women Positive examples of men and women working together

The study of the grand narrative of Scripture isn't just an intellectual exercise; it's a transformative one. In this roundtable discussion, Kendra Dahl sits down with biblical theology experts Ben Gladd, Courtney Doctor, and Elizabeth Woodson to discuss how a Christ-centered understanding of Scripture illuminates our study of theology and our lives as Christians.They discuss:How discovering biblical theology impacted their livesHow the storyline of Scripture underpins theological categoriesThe importance of recognizing allusions to the Old Testament throughout the New TestamentRecommended resources for further study of the Bible's overarching narrativeMentioned on the Show:From Garden to Glory: How Understanding God's Story Changes Yours, Courtney DoctorFrom Beginning to Forever: A Study of the Grand Narrative of Scripture, Elizabeth WoodsonThe Story Retold: A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament, G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. GladdFrom Adam to Israel: A Biblical Theology of the People of God, Benjamin L. GladdDictionary of the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, G. K. Beale, Benjamin L. Gladd, Andrew David NaselliEven Better Than Eden: Nine Ways the Bible's Story Changes Everything about Your Story, Nancy GuthrieFar as the Curse Is Found: The Covenant Story of Redemption, Michael D. Williams

In this breakout session from TGC's 2023 National Conference, a panel featuring Vincent Bacote, Steve DeWitt, John Dickson, and Phil Ryken considers how race, sex, politics, and social media are tearing evangelical communities apart. They reflect on what pastors, teachers, and other Christian leaders can do to restore true Christian fellowship and empower effective gospel witness that is faithful to Scripture and relevant to culture.They discuss:Challenges in the evangelical churchThe church's reputation and loyaltyWhat it means to live in a post-Christian societyThe need for pastoral resilienceThe term "evangelical" and its usefulness in the broader worldEducational decisions for Christian familiesPolitical emphasis in the church and the need for discernment

We live in a world increasingly marked by accusation and anger, and our churches are called to be places where the love of Christ is not just a theological tenet but a felt reality. In this session from TGC's 2023 National Conference, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss how, with God’s help, our churches can be marked by honesty, safety, and renewal.They discuss: The need for gospel cultureThe role of love in gospel credibility"You're Not Crazy" book and its purposeHonesty and honoring in gospel cultureThe beauty and blessing of human relationships in gospel cultureA vision for gospel culture in churchesListen to the You're Not Crazy podcast from The Gospel Coalition.

The allure of worldly comforts can lead us away from our true security. In this breakout session from TGC23, Dr. G. K. Beale expounds on Revelation 18, illustrating the importance of obeying God's command to leave behind earthly comfort and security. Pointing out how Babylon in Revelation represents the world's sin and self-reliance, Beale urges believers to detach from the fleeting materialism of "Babylon" and place their trust solely in Christ. By identifying with Christ’s death and resurrection, believers can escape judgment and anticipate the final resurrection into the new creation with hope, to the glory of God. 

In this breakout session from TGC's 2023 conference, Scott Swain demonstrates how understanding the Trinity equips us to grasp the biblical themes of salvation, particularly in the context of Exodus. He argues that the Trinity is central to God's self-revelation and covenant relationship with Israel, tracing promises from Abraham through to the Exodus. Swain also highlights the presence and role of the Holy Spirit in both the Old and New Testaments, linking the first Exodus to the hope of a second, the fulfillment of salvation in Christ. Swain connects the concept of the Trinity to themes of covenant, redemption, and the mystery of marriage, illustrating how these aspects unite creation, salvation, and consummation through Christ.

In this breakout session from TGC's 2023 conference, Vance Pitman shares about his call to church planting, reflecting on the New Testament church as a model for kingdom-oriented mission today.After Pitman's talk, he and a panel—Félix Cabrera, Matt Carter, Doug Logan Jr., and Tony Merida—discuss the challenges and strategies of planting churches in diverse urban contexts, with a focus on multiplying disciples and reaching 1 percent of North America with the gospel. They highlight the need for churches to reflect their communities, prioritize prayer, and equip believers for ministry.

Trevin Wax explores the challenges of spreading the gospel in a culture of expressive individualism.His talk is followed by a discussion with Dean Inserra and Christine Hoover. The panel discusses the effects of expressive individualism on North American culture, emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel to address feelings of inadequacy and shame. They highlight the rise of personalized pseudo-religions and stress the importance of local church engagement and deep relationships in ministry. Regardless of the prevailing culture, the gospel has the power to fulfill people's deepest longings.

Clark Fobes highlights the importance of understanding diversity and cultural context when reaching Gen Z with the gospel, noting how social media has influenced a shift from guilt-innocence to honor-shame paradigms. He encourages churches to equip parents and youth pastors to navigate these changes and to provide a sense of belonging rooted in the gospel.After Fobes's message, a panel discusses prioritizing family ministry, integrating intergenerational discipleship, supporting a variety of family structures and leveraging existing church resources.Episode Resources: Family Discipleship Curriculum and Courses from Rooted MinistryRooted Ministry resources