In this lecture, Don Carson discusses two depictions of God in the Bible: the God who inspires worship from his people and the God who is unfathomably wise, emphasizing the expression of these themes in the Psalms and Wisdom Literature of the Old Testament. Carson delves into key Psalms to highlight the contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, the importance of repentance, and the deep emotional and spiritual truths embedded in these texts. Carson also discusses the books of Job and Eccle...
Jan 22, 2025•50 min•Ep. 34
In this lecture, Don Carson examines the biblical concept of God as the reigning King. He contrasts modern perceptions of monarchy with ancient understandings, and he traces the evolution of Israel’s desire for a king. He explores God's promise to David of an enduring dynasty, the fulfillment of this promise through Solomon, and the covenant’s ultimate fulfillment in Jesus—the eternal King. Carson also highlights the ongoing tension of God's kingdom being "already here and not yet come," with Je...
Jan 15, 2025•48 min•Ep. 33
In this lecture, Don Carson discusses God’s role as both Creator and Legislator, challenging listeners to consider the Bible's laws and their relevance in today's society amidst objections to Christian morality. He explores the importance of boundaries in truth and freedom, drawing connections between God's laws, the Mosaic Covenant, and the story of the Israelites. Carson concludes by pointing to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice that fulfills the law and reconciles humanity to God. He teaches th...
Jan 08, 2025•53 min•Ep. 32
In this lecture, Don Carson discusses God's sovereignty and covenant promises as he unpacks Abraham's story in Genesis 12. Carson critiques common misconceptions about God's relationship with humanity, demonstrating how God's covenant with Abraham points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. The lecture stresses the importance of understanding God's grace, as seen in Abraham's obedience and trust in God's promises. He teaches the following: The three common misconceptions of God’s relationship wit...
Jan 01, 2025•37 min•Ep. 31
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 2024 Declining fertility rates worldwide Big changes for the United Methodist Church and the role of the Global South The advance of assisted suicide in the UK The Cass Report and the truth...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 9 min
In this lecture, Don Carson examines Genesis 3, focusing on the Serpent's deceit and humanity's rebellion, which leads to shame, guilt, and broken fellowship with God. He discusses the curses placed on Satan, Adam, and Eve, highlighting the introduction of sin and the long-term effects on creation. Carson emphasizes the need for reconciliation with God, pointing to the promise of redemption through Jesus. He teaches the following: How Satan openly contradicted God’s Word in his temptation The im...
Dec 25, 2024•55 min•Ep. 30
In this lecture, Don Carson introduces a new series, “The God Who Is There.” He explores the creation account in Genesis, highlighting key attributes of God and humanity. Carson also emphasizes the importance of Genesis 1–2 for understanding the fall in Genesis 3, the concept of a new creation through Jesus, and the foundational differences between the biblical worldview and other religious or philosophical systems. He teaches the following: Why it’s important to understand the Bible’s organizat...
Dec 18, 2024•59 min•Ep. 29
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 compa...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 28
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 imaginat...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 27
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 o...
Nov 27, 2024•58 min•Ep. 26
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 God How corrupt worship dulls moral...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 25
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 co...
Nov 13, 2024•59 min•Ep. 24
Don Carson introduces the study of Ezekiel, focusing on chapters 1–3 and Ezekiel's calling amid visions of God’s glory and the challenges of a rebellious nation. Carson delves into how Ezekiel faithfully spoke God's words, regardless of opposition, and calls listeners to similar boldness and faithfulness in today's culture. Carson teaches the following: Ezekiel's visions that reflect God’s majesty and power Ezekiel's command to speak to Israel Ezekiel's call to speak to both the wicked and the r...
Nov 06, 2024•57 min•Ep. 23
Don Carson discusses the strengths and weaknesses of new hermeneutics, arguing that while it offers helpful insights, all Scripture carries an enduring relevance that transcends cultural shifts. He emphasizes the need for humility in biblical interpretation, the clarity of Scripture, and the role of the Holy Spirit in understanding God's Word. He teaches the following: New hermeneutics must be balanced by Scripture's transcendent relevance Scripture is clear and accessible for all believers to u...
Oct 30, 2024•46 min•Ep. 22
Don Carson addresses the challenge of biblical inerrancy and interpretation, particularly in the context of textual variants and modern pluralism. He emphasizes that while textual variations exist, they do not compromise major doctrines, and he calls for a deeper understanding of genre, grace, and cultural relevance in Scripture interpretation. He teaches the following: Why textual variants don't undermine inerrancy or key doctrines God's sovereignty shown through Scripture's preservation How Ge...
Oct 23, 2024•34 min•Ep. 21
In his lecture on Genesis 39, Don Carson examines the literary structure of the text and highlights Joseph's faithfulness in resisting temptation. Focusing on themes of faithfulness and divine blessing, and the significance of biblical parallelism, Carson compares Joseph's rise in Egypt with broader patterns of Hebrew poetry and scripture interpretation. He teaches the following: How the structure of the text highlights faithfulness and blessing Parallelism in Hebrew poetry for its significance ...
Oct 16, 2024•50 min•Ep. 20
In this lecture, Don Carson explores the role of logic in biblical study, emphasizing the multiple meanings of "logic" and the importance of avoiding exegetical fallacies. He highlights the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility, urging the development of a biblical framework for understanding these concepts rather than relying solely on systematic theology, while acknowledging the limitations of human understanding. He teaches the following: Logic, its various meanings, and ...
Oct 09, 2024•36 min•Ep. 19
Don Carson teaches on the complexities of interpreting 1 Timothy 2:12, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful, context-driven approach to gender roles in the church. He looks to other passages to challenge narrow interpretations of Scripture, urging believers to consider the broader biblical and linguistic context to faithfully understand God’s design and Scripture's meaning. He teaches the following: Applying biblical interpretation principles to understand gender roles Using biblical language a...
Oct 02, 2024•41 min•Ep. 18
Don Carson explores spiritual rebirth through Jesus's conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, emphasizing the distinction between natural and spiritual birth and God's essential role in salvation. He teaches the following: Spiritual birth and its relationship to natural birth The importance of connecting expository preaching with broader biblical truth Modeling good Bible study and application, rather than just teaching it Understanding the semantic range of words in different languages The evolu...
Sep 25, 2024•39 min•Ep. 17
Don Carson focuses on Jesus's message to the church in Laodicea and the parable of the 10 virgins in order to illustrate the importance of understanding biblical texts within their historical and cultural context. Carson teaches: How Jesus uses Laodicea's economic symbols to critique spiritual lukewarmness How the contextual reading of Scripture is an essential precursor to careful biblical exegesis The symbolism behind Jesus’s foot-washing and what it means for us today...
Sep 18, 2024•37 min•Ep. 16
Every Christian wants to know how to read their Bible well. Don Carson provides foundational principles for rightly handling God's Word and addresses challenges that may arise in biblical interpretation. He teaches: Principles of biblical interpretation that emphasize understanding cultural context The importance of using the whole Bible to interpret difficult passages The role of the original languages in understanding the Scriptures How prayer shapes our study of the Bible How to handle diffic...
Sep 11, 2024•46 min•Ep. 15
What does it mean to be a faithful and wise servant in God's kingdom? In his lecture on the Olivet Discourse, Don Carson delves into Matthew 24:45–25:46, illustrating how faithfulness and wise stewardship of our God-given talents lead to greater responsibility and joy. He contrasts this with the fate of wicked servants, who will face punishment. Carson highlights the importance of being prepared and using God's gifts wisely as we await Christ's return, living faithfully in the present.
Sep 04, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 14
Don Carson continues his lecture on the Olivet Discourse from Matthew 24:29–44, focusing on Jesus's return as the culmination of his reign, which began with his birth and continues through his resurrection and ascension. Drawing from Daniel 7:13–14, Carson highlights the eschatological significance of Jesus's victory over Satan and the signs preceding his return. Given the suddenness and unpredictability of Christ's return, believers must remain vigilant and balanced in their understanding of th...
Aug 28, 2024•42 min•Ep. 13
Don Carson's lecture on the timing and nature of Jesus's second coming explores the tension between belief in an imminent return and the necessity of specific prophetic events preceding it. He critiques dispensationalist interpretations, arguing against the presence of clear signs preceding Christ's return and emphasizing biblical coherence in eschatological understanding. Carson encourages a balanced perspective on the Olivet Discourse that maintains readiness while respecting the biblical cont...
Aug 21, 2024•34 min•Ep. 12
Don Carson continues his teaching from the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24:1–28, expounding on the significant effects of apostasy on the church. Discernment is crucial for churches, as dangerous false prophets deceive many with both overt wickedness and subtle deception. We also need to accurately interpret biblical prophecy and respond to persecution with bold gospel preaching and holiness.
Aug 14, 2024•37 min•Ep. 11
Don Carson discusses Jesus's warnings of false prophets, wars, and persecution before the end times as outlined in Matthew 24:1–28. Carson suggests Jesus's response to the disciples about the end times interweaves the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 with his return. The church should expect opposition and persecution as part of the period leading up to Jesus's return, so Carson encourages Christians to be strengthened in prayer, looking to Jesus's prophecies and teachings for guidance and hope....
Aug 07, 2024•43 min•Ep. 10
Don Carson expounds on 1 John 5:4–21 and our assurance of salvation through faith in Christ. Carson addresses interpretations of John’s writings, particularly the symbolism of water and blood, which affirm Jesus's baptism, death, and divine nature. Emphasizing the importance of grounding our assurance in God's promises, Carson encourages believers to deepen their understanding of Jesus's identity and the transformative power of faith in him alone.
Jul 31, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 9
Don Carson teaches on 1 John 4:1–5:4, exploring the themes of truth and love and the importance of spiritual discernment. He encourages Christians to display God's character and nature through loving others and obeying God's commands, and he cautions us to distinguish between genuine spirituality and deceptive spiritual experiences. First John 4:1–3 is a crucial truth test, warning against false prophets and demonstrating the importance of acknowledging Christ's humanity.
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 8
Don Carson teaches on 1 John 2:28–3:24, which centers on Christlike love, obedience, and transformation. Carson reflects on the depth of God's love and the joy of being called a child of God, arguing we must imitate Christ as we live out this new identity. Carson teaches on the nature of sin, the significance of personal holiness, and the hope of Christ's return, urging Christians to purify themselves as Christ is pure.
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 7
Don Carson teaches on the importance of obedience to God and his Word as a true demonstration of knowing him, as emphasized in 1 John 2:3–27. Central to the Christian life is having and displaying a genuine love for others, which Carson highlights as a key indicator of living in the light of Christ. He contrasts those who merely talk about faith with those who act on it and discusses the dangers of worldliness versus godliness. Carson also explores the cultural differences in expressing faith th...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 6
