In this lecture, Don Carson examines John 3:1-21 to discuss the complexity of the gospel, emphasizing its transformative nature. Carson critiques the view that the gospel is merely a gateway to discipleship and highlights the importance of being born again. Carson explains that new birth involves supernatural transformation, grounded in God's love and action.He teaches the following:The gospel is good news about what God has done in Christ's cross and resurrectionThe historical context of the Reformation and The Great AwakeningNicodemus’s significance as a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish councilThe new birth is a miraculous, supernatural transformation, not just a change of mindWhy Jesus could speak authoritatively about the new birthHow Jesus’s crucifixion parallels the bronze snake in Numbers 21Why Jesus's unique revelatory claim is central to understanding the gospel
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1:11:31
Be Faithful in Waiting (Matthew 24:36–25:46)
Don Carson explores the theme of waiting, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for Jesus’s return. Through examining Matthew 24 and 25, Carson teaches that true believers are marked by faithful service and transformed lives. Carson stresses that such service reflects genuine faith and leads to eternal reward.He teaches the following:The importance of being prepared and faithful in waiting for Jesus's returnThe parable of the talents symbolizes the relationship between believers and ChristMatthew 25 displays the natural outflow of a transformed lifeThe importance of caring for fellow believers as an expression of love for ChristThose who serve others are identified with Christ, and their actions are seen as acts of service to HimTrue transformation involves a change in relationships and prioritiesThose who are transformed by the gospel will be rewarded for their actionsThe transformation of believers is a sign of true faith and commitment to Christ
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42:35
Be Vigilant in Waiting (Matthew 24:36–25:46)
In this lecture, Don Carson contrasts cultural visions of the end of the world with a Christian focus on spiritual readiness. Through examining three parables in Matthew, Carson urges believers to stay alert and serve faithfully as they wait for Christ’s return. Carson encourages believers to think strategically, live responsibly, and train the next generation.He teaches the following:Why the Western society avoids discussing mortalityThe importance of being ready at any time for Jesus's returnWhat the story of Noah reveals about the suddenness and unexpectedness of judgmentThe need for readiness and the consequences of being unpreparedWhy Christians should think strategically about their long-term responsibilitiesThe importance of training the next generation and planning for the future
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42:45
Pictures of Jesus: The Resurrection and the Life (John 11:1–53)
In this lecture, Don Carson discusses John 11, focusing on Jesus's delayed response to Lazarus's illness and subsequent death. Carson highlights the irony in this account, illustrating how Jesus's actions reveal his sovereignty over death and his role as the resurrection and the life, ultimately pointing to his future sacrifice. Carson reflects on the broader implications of Jesus's death and resurrection, underscoring the fulfillment of God's plan for salvation.He teaches the following:Why understanding Jesus's claim as the resurrection and the life requires seeing it in the context of unfolding ironyHow Jesus demonstrated his love by delaying his response to Lazarus's deathThe narrative framework highlights Jesus's love for Martha, Mary, and LazarusThe mixed responses to Jesus's actions from the Jewish audienceThe fulfillment of Caiaphas's prophecy reveals that Jesus's death is also for the scattered children of GodJesus's resurrection power has an ongoing impact, both in individual lives and in future resurrection on the last day
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1:02:49
Pictures of Jesus: The Shepherd of God (John 10:1–21)
In this lecture, Don Carson discusses John 10:1–21, emphasizing Jesus as the Good Shepherd who knows, nurtures, and lays down his life for his sheep. He contrasts Jesus with thieves, showing that, unlike them, Jesus sacrifices for his sheep and leads them with authority and care. Carson reflects on the practical implications of this metaphor for believers and church leaders, urging them to understand and follow Jesus's example.He teaches the following:The historical context of shepherding in the first-century Middle EastHow the metaphor of the shepherd is used to describe Jesus's relationship with his followersHow John 10 connects to Old Testament themes of shepherds and their roles, particularly Isaiah 56 and Jeremiah 23How the metaphor of the gate describes Jesus's role in leading and nurturing believersHow the metaphor of the shepherd illustrates the pastoral care that church leaders should provideThe key points of Jesus's relationship with his people: knowledge, nurturing, sacrifice, and transformation
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.
New Zealand