Unity, Leadership, and the Eternal Church (1 Corinthians 3)
In this lecture, Don Carson discusses 1 Corinthians 3, highlighting the Apostle Paul's warning against factionalism and emphasizing that Christian leaders are servants of God. The church is portrayed as God's temple, where believers are accountable for how it is treated, and Christian work will be tested by fire. Carson urges believers to value the church's eternal significance, live in unity, and honor the body of Christ with gratitude and reverence.He teaches the following:How 1 Corinthians 3 has been used to teach a unbiblical doctrinesA common evangelical interpretation of the passage divides humanity into natural, carnal, and spiritual menChristian leaders are mere servants whose only allegiance should be to GodThe foundation of the church is Jesus Christ, and leaders must build on this with materials that endureFactionalists ignore the wealth of the Christian heritage, focusing on individual leadersThe church is a functioning body animated by God's SpiritWhy the church is the only significant institution with eternal significanceWhy Christians should live with profound gratitude and love for the church
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54:14
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54:14
The Wisdom of the Cross (1 Corinthians 2:6-16)
In this lecture on 1 Corinthians 2:6-16, Don Carson emphasizes that the wisdom of God, revealed through the cross, is accessible only through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit helps believers understand and proclaim the wisdom of the cross, which is foundational to spiritual growth and revival. Carson warns against elitism and stresses the importance of humility and the gospel in true spiritual understanding.He teaches the following:How the wisdom of God contrasts with worldly wisdom and the rulers of this ageThe Holy Spirit searches all things, and only the Spirit of God can understand God's thoughtsWhy the interpretation of Scripture must be grounded in the Spirit's guidanceHow the wisdom of the cross is accessible to all believersThe differences between the natural person and the spiritual personThe cross is the supreme climax of God's self-disclosure to humanityWhy the work of the Spirit is essential in both individual conversions and church revivals
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50:06
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50:06
The Power of the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)
In this lecture, Don Carson highlights the original scandal of the cross in the ancient world and its power to divide humanity between those perishing and those being saved. Paul’s message emphasizes that true ministry must center on Christ crucified, not human eloquence or cultural status. Carson warns against modern evangelical distractions and urges a return to the transforming power of the gospel.He teaches the following:The shocking implications of the cross and crucifixion in the first century, and how they are different todayWhy people often want to set their own criteria for what God should be likeGod has already passed judgment on the best that the world has to offer through the crossThe message of the cross is that God's wisdom and power are displayed in the moment of greatest human weaknessWhy being wise, powerful, or well-born cannot be a criterion for being a ChristianA warning against the idolatries of evangelicalism, such as the love of methods and self-promotionHow focusing too much on social and political ramifications can lead to a quiet denial of the gospelThe message of the cross is the only polarity in the human race that is of eternal consequence
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44:28
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44:28
The Lamb, the New Jerusalem, and the Glory to Come (Revelation 21–22)
In this lecture, Don Carson unpacks the rich symbolism of Revelation 21–22, highlighting the Lamb’s victorious role in bringing about the New Heaven and New Earth where God dwells fully with His people. Carson emphasizes that this final consummation, secured by Christ’s sacrifice, fulfills God’s promises and transforms all creation into a place of eternal life, healing, and glory. Carson ties this vision to the gospel, showing how it secures both judgment and blessing, and calls believers to set their hearts on eternal treasures.He teaches the following:The significance of the throne room in Revelation 4 and the scroll with seven seals in Revelation 5The Lamb's victory establishes judgment and blessing for the entire universeThe progression of covenant language from the Old Testament to the New TestamentThe beatific vision is to see God's face and experience eternal lifeThe importance of the Lamb's sacrifice in the transformation of all thingsHow the New Jerusalem represents the unity of God's people and the presence of GodThe River of Life and the Tree of Life symbolize eternal life and healing for the nationsThe importance of the gospel in securing transformation and the ultimate vision of God's glory
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58:05
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58:05
God's Righteousness Revealed in Christ (Romans 3:21–26)
In this lecture, Don Carson examines Romans 3:21–26 as the theological heart of the gospel, where God's righteousness is revealed apart from the law and made available to all through faith in Jesus Christ. Carson emphasizes the necessity of understanding human sin, idolatry, and divine wrath to fully grasp the weight of Christ’s sacrifice. Carson highlights the transformative power of the gospel, which both justifies and renews believers through God's grace.
The Carson Center Podcast provides listeners weekly access to curated sermons and lectures from The Carson Center. This season features lectures from TGC's co-founder and the Center's namesake, D. A. Carson. Each lecture contains rich biblical and theological insights gleaned from Carson's fifty years of faithful service as a New Testament professor and theologian.
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