The Carson Center Podcast

5.0 (1)
CHRISTIANITY
UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

3 SEPT

Unveiling the Divine Majesty in Revelation

In this lecture, Don Carson examines Revelation 5 to underscore Christ's unparalleled worthiness to open the scroll, symbolizing God's sovereign plan for redemption and judgment. Carson emphasizes that only the Lamb—Jesus Christ—can enact God's purposes, highlighting His central role in the cosmic narrative. Carson calls believers to respond with worship and adoration, recognizing Christ's supremacy and victory over evil. He teaches the following: Why Jesus alone is worthy to open the scroll, signifying His unique authorityChrist’s worthiness to open the scroll signifies His final triumph over sin, evil, and deathHow the scroll represents God's sovereign purposes for judgment and redemptionHow the Lamb symbolizes complete power and knowledgeJesus has established universal dominion, making believers a kingdom and priests to serve GodChrist's redemption is not limited to one group, but extends to all peoples, nations, and tonguesThe significance of angelic praise of the Lamb, acknowledging His eternal worthHow Christ bridges the gap between God and humanity, fulfilling God's redemptive purposes

49 min
27 AUG

He Who Sits on the Throne: Unveiling God’s Sovereignty (Revelation 4)

In this lecture, Don Carson delves into Revelation 4, presenting a vivid portrayal of God's throne room. Carson emphasizes the holiness and sovereignty of God, highlighting the worship of celestial beings. Carson underscores the significance of this vision for believers, offering encouragement to remain steadfast and hopeful amidst trials, as it reaffirms God's ultimate authority and divine purpose. He teaches the following: How God's throne in Heaven symbolizes His supreme authorityHow a rainbow encircling the throne symbolizes God's covenant and mercyThe twenty-four elders surrounding the throne represent the redeemed people of GodAll things were created by God's will and exist for His pleasureThe repeated proclamation of "Holy, holy, holy" underscores God's absolute purity and separatenessRevelation 4 emphasizes that God reigns over all creation, despite the world’s perspectiveHow Revelation 4 reminds believers to remain faithful amidst trialsVivid descriptions in Revelation highlight the transcendence and mystery of God's nature

48 min
20 AUG

The Function and Usefulness of Apocalyptic Preaching

In this lecture, Don Carson explores the distinctive role of apocalyptic literature in biblical theology. Carson highlights how its vivid imagery and symbolism convey transcendent truths about God, moral absolutes, and the ultimate fulfillment of biblical themes. Carson underscores the genre's effectiveness in evangelism, teaching believers to anticipate Christ's return, and revealing the cosmic dimensions of spiritual conflict. He teaches the following: How apocalyptic literature employs vivid imagery to convey transcendent truthsHow Revelation draws upon earlier scriptures, weaving them into a comprehensive vision of God's ultimate purposesWhy the phrase "I will be their God, and they will be my people" reaches its fulfillment in RevelationApocalyptic literature provides a cosmic perspective on spiritual conflictHow this genre highlights the sovereignty of God over all eventsHow the symbolic language of apocalyptic literature invites deeper reflectionWhy preaching apocalyptic texts requires careful exegesisApocalyptic texts remind the church of its eschatological hope and the promise of Christ's return

50 min
13 AUG

Unveiling the Heart of Apocalyptic Preaching

In this lecture, Don Carson teaches that Jesus Christ must remain the central focus in interpretations of the Book of Revelation. Carson critiques various scholarly approaches that often marginalize Christ, urging that all aspects of Revelation are inseparable from His death and resurrection. Carson underscores that Revelation presents a grand vision of Christ's mediatorial kingship and priesthood, culminating in the New Heaven and New Earth. He teaches the following: Why Revelation should be read with Jesus at its center, as both the agent and substance of God's revelationHow Revelation highlights Jesus's fulfillment of Old Testament themesHow Revelation 1:12–16 draws from Daniel's vision of the "Ancient of Days”Descriptions of Jesus's authority in Revelation are rooted in the initial vision of His gloryJesus's death and resurrection empower Him to open the seals, unfolding God's purposesJesus’s authority brings both judgment and salvation–signified by trumpet judgments and the final judgmentIn the new creation, God will have eternal presence with His people

45 min
6 AUG

The Power and Purpose of Apocalyptic Preaching

In this lecture, Don Carson discusses the unique nature of apocalyptic literature, emphasizing its distinct historical context and symbolic language. Carson argues that apocalyptic texts like Revelation can be engaging and evangelistically effective. Carson discusses the importance of understanding these texts within their original setting and literary genre to grasp their full theological significance. He teaches the following: Why apocalyptic literature is often perceived as an "alien genre"The Book of Revelation serves as a primary example of apocalyptic literature, offering a narrative framework with divine revelationsHow Revelation presents a cosmic perspective on spiritual realitiesWhy apocalyptic literature employs vivid imagery to convey profound truthsHow Revelation blends apocalyptic and prophetic styles, urging repentance amidst impending judgmentUnderstanding apocalyptic literature requires immersion in its historical and cultural contextHow engaging with Revelation can enhance preaching, offering rich theological insights and eschatological hopeWhy this genre's symbolism invites imaginative engagement in preaching

59 min
31 JUL

Gospel Hope and Action in the Waiting (2 Thessalonians 3)

In this lecture, Don Carson examines 2 Thessalonians 3, offering practical guidance for Christians living between Christ's first and second comings. Carson emphasizes the importance of prioritizing gospel advancement through prayer and cultivating peace amidst a turbulent world. Carson teaches that waiting for the end times involves active obedience, communal responsibility, and reliance on God's faithfulness. He teaches the following: Why believers should distance themselves from those who are idleHow Paul emphasized the importance of personal responsibilityBelievers should live counter culturally, challenging societal norms that contradict biblical teachingsThe necessity of peace with God through ChristBelievers are called to live out the gospel, demonstrating love, perseverance, and responsibilityThe importance of communal responsibility and discipline in maintaining the integrity of the Christian communityWhy believers should live in anticipation of Christ's return, allowing hope to shape their daily lives and actions

40 min
23 JUL

Awaiting Christ’s Return with Readiness and Faith (2 Thessalonians 2)

In this lecture, Don Carson examines 2 Thessalonians 2, offering biblical insight into how Christians should anticipate Christ’s return. Carson emphasizes the importance of being steadfast in faith. Carson discusses the necessity of understanding prophetic events, and he urges believers to stand firm in the truth as they await the fulfillment of God's promises. He teaches the following: Christ’s return is imminent, urging believers to live in constant readinessWhy believers should prepare for a potentially extended period before Christ's returnChristians should acknowledge God's sovereign election and the blessings already received through the gospelWhy believers must remain anchored in truth and God’s eternal promisesWhy we must reject teachings that promise immediate wealth and healthBelievers should not succumb to a defeatist mindset that sees the world as beyond redemptionWhy we should avoid making definitive claims about the timing of Christ's returnChristians should allow the anticipation of Christ’s return to shape daily life, priorities, and actions

44 min
16 JUL

Christ Revealed in Glory (2 Thessalonians 1)

In this lecture, Don Carson explores 2 Thessalonians 1, highlighting the centrality of Christ in the believer's life. Carson unpacks how the Thessalonians' faith and love amid persecution reveal God's righteous judgment and the gospel's transforming power. Carson emphasizes perseverance, the hope of Christ's return, and the vital role of prayer in glorifying Christ and sustaining faith. He teaches the following: God is just, and His justice will be ultimately revealed at Christ's returnJesus Christ’s return will bring judgment upon those who do not know GodChrist's return will result in the glorification of believers, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel in their livesHow Paul’s prayer reflects the importance of divine empowerment in the Christian lifeThe gospel is exclusive in its claim of Christ as the only way to salvation, but it is inclusive in its reachHow the gospel enables believers to persevere in faith, hope, and love amidst suffering and opposition.The return of Christ is the ultimate hope for believers, bringing justice, relief, and the fulfillment of God's promisesWhy believers are called to live in anticipation of Christ’s return

36 min

See All (67)

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.