TGC Podcast

In his message at TGC's 2009 National Conference, Tim Keller introduces gospel ministry through the lens of 2 Timothy, highlighting the critical but often implicit task of confronting idols. Drawing from Acts 19 and Paul's example, Keller shows how gospel preaching challenges both personal and cultural idols—ranging from money and family to truth and morality—by disrupting the systems built around them. He emphasizes that only the gospel has the power to expose, confront, and ultimately destroy these idols, urging pastors and ministry leaders to apply its truth for genuine transformation.

In his keynote message from TGC25, David Platt unpacks Ephesians 6:10–20, urging believers to recognize the reality and intensity of spiritual warfare and highlighting how Satan attacks our emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. He exhorts the church to stand firm by putting on the full armor of God—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word, and prayer—and emphasizes that our strength comes not from ourselves but from Christ's resurrection power at work in us.Platt closes with a call to pray fervently for others, worship boldly, and press forward in gospel mission, grounded in spiritual intimacy with Jesus.

In this keynote message from TGC25, Alistair Begg unpacks Ephesians 3:1–13, showing how Paul's suffering and calling reveal the mystery of Christ—that the church is God's new, unified, multicultural people. Begg contrasts the world's longing for peace with God's eternal plan to unite all things in Christ, making the church a powerful display of his wisdom. Begg urges listeners to reject isolation and individualism and instead embrace the beauty of the gospel, the church's purpose, and the hope of glory through Christ.

In this keynote message from TGC25, John Piper walks through Ephesians 1:3–14, unfolding its sweeping vision of God's purpose to unite all things in Christ and to display the glory of his grace. Piper emphasizes that salvation is entirely the work of God—free, unconditional, and accomplished through Christ—calling believers to marvel at grace that was planned before creation. Piper urges listeners to seek Spirit-given insight and affection for God's grace, making heartfelt praise the central aim of their lives.

In this breakout session from TGCW24, Kristen Wetherell, Elizabeth Woodson, Raechel Myers, and Amanda Bible Williams explore the joys and challenges of studying the Bible, sharing practical strategies and resources to help listeners engage more deeply with Scripture. Emphasizing the importance of community, consistency, and grace, the panel encourages listeners to trust God's work through his Word even when it feels difficult or dry.

In this breakout session from TGCW24, Michael Kruger makes a compelling case for the essential role of women in ministry—not as optional or merely permitted, but as vital by God's design. Drawing from theological, biblical, and historical perspectives, he highlights women's significant contributions throughout Scripture and early Christianity, urging the church to embrace both spiritual fathers and mothers and encouraging women to step into their ministry callings. 

In this keynote address from TGC's 2007 inaugural conference, Crawford Loritts explores the urgency of passing faith from one generation to the next, ensuring a deep passion for God's character and the truth of Scripture.Reflecting on Psalm 78, he highlights the power of mentorship, the importance of balancing cultural engagement with divine truth, and the lasting influence of a strong spiritual legacy. Loritts challenges ministers to faithfulness in their personal obedience, doctrinal precision, and ministry practices so they can pass on the torch to future generations.

In this keynote address from TGC's 2007 inaugural conference, John Piper explores the triumph of the gospel in the new heavens and new earth, emphasizing God's faithfulness and preaching's transformative power. Reflecting on his journey from academia to pastoral ministry, he highlights the role of suffering in deepening our awareness of sin and our hope of a redeemed creation.Ultimately, Piper reminds us that the greatest gift of the gospel isn't just a renewed world but the everlasting joy of knowing and enjoying God himself.

In this keynote address from TGC's 2007 inaugural conference, TGC's cofounder Tim Keller unpacks the essence of gospel-centered ministry, drawing from 1 Peter 1–2 to highlight its historical, doxological, Christocentric, cultural, and transformational nature.He stresses the importance of preaching, warns against shallow faith and legalism, and encourages a balanced approach to cultural engagement that embodies both truth and love. Keller concludes by showcasing the gospel's enduring relevance and its creative and transforming power.

In this keynote address from TGC's inaugural conference in 2007, TGC cofounder Don Carson answers the question "What is the gospel?" He unpacks the gospel as a comprehensive, Christ-centered truth that's theological, biblical, apostolic, historical, personal, universal, eschatological, and proclaimed. It's a truth that ultimately transforms us.Carson defines TGC's foundation as he points to the richness of the gospel as one unified message, drawing from the entirety of Scripture and the apostles' witness.

We're living through a teen mental illness epidemic, as adolescents self-report record levels of sadness, loneliness, and anxiety. And teens growing up in Christian homes aren't immune to this epidemic.In this breakout session from TGCW24, Betsy Childs Howard interviews Sandi Taylor, a mental health counselor who specializes in working with adolescents and their parents. They discuss the causes of anxiety, the role social media plays in teen mental health, and the difference the gospel can make in the lives of teens—and their parents.

All Christians are called to bless, but do we know what that call means and how it informs the way we relate to our family and neighbors? In this breakout session at TGCW24, Tina Boesch considers the relational, future-oriented, and outward-focused nature of blessing, tracing it from Genesis to Numbers 6 and Jesus‘s teachings. From blessings in the home and church to extending them to our communities—and even our enemies—Boesch encourages listeners with practical steps to embrace and share God's blessing in everyday life.

Amy Gannett joins Joanna Kimbrel to discuss the doctrine of union with Christ and its profound impact on the Christian life. They explore how salvation is not just a legal status but a deep, spiritual connection to Christ through the Holy Spirit. Amy explains how this union transforms prayer, evangelism, identity, and the believer's daily struggle against sin. The conversation also highlights how union with Christ provides strength in suffering and assurance of God's presence. 

In this breakout session at TGCW24, Sarah Zylstra hosts a roundtable discussion with Sarah Kuswadi, Gail Curry, Carol de Rossi, and Shamsia Borhani Rafee, highlighting the spiritual landscapes of Australia, Ireland, Latin America, and Afghanistan. Each panelist shares the challenges present in her context while reflecting on ministry highlights and the encouraging ways she sees God at work in the world.They discuss the following:Australia's spiritual contextGospel movement in AustraliaThe spiritual context of IrelandEncouragements in IrelandChallenges and opportunities in IrelandLatin America's spiritual contextThe revival of the gospel in Latin AmericaPractical ministry strategies in Latin AmericaThe spiritual context of AfghanistanMinistry to Afghan refugees in the U.S.

In this breakout session from TGCW24, Jen Oshman explores the deep-rooted human desire for security, whether through material wealth, productivity, or influence. She unpacks Jesus's parable of the rich fool in Luke 12, emphasizing the dangers of self-centered accumulation and misplaced trust in earthly possessions. She encourages listeners to seek true security in God by living generously, trusting Christ, and prioritizing eternal riches over temporary gain.She teaches the following:The pursuit of security and materialismAn introduction to Luke 12The rich fool's self-centered decisionThe Lord's rebuke and true foolishnessLiving for eternity and practical applications

In this episode, Soojin Park, Anna Meade Harris, and Lydia Brownback share their personal experiences, from widowhood to lifelong singleness, addressing the challenges and misconceptions that single individuals often face in the church. The conversation explores how the church can better support and integrate singles. And they offer encouragement and practical insights on embracing singleness with faith and purpose, reminding listeners that singleness is not a secondary calling but a meaningful and valuable part of God's plan.

A recent Barna study showed that the ages of 18 to 25 are when many professing Christians will leave the church, especially as they transition to college life.In this breakout session from TGCW24, Michael Kruger shares insights from his book Surviving Religion 101, exploring how parents can equip their children intellectually and spiritually to go through college and beyond with their faith intact. Kruger shares three key principles for parents—wise exposure, purposeful dialogue, and embracing doubts—along with four ideas for teens, including viewing challenges as growth opportunities and valuing community.

Many today claim Christianity is toxic, bigoted, patriarchal, Western, imperialist, and repressive. However, the biblical teaching that every human being is made in God's image is the foundation for our regard for human dignity and freedom.In this breakout session from TGCW24, Sharon James explores the profound ways Christians have influenced the world for the better in areas such as justice, philanthropy, health care, education, and the dignity of women.She discusses the following:The story of Sarah MartinThe influence of Christianity on human rights and freedomJustice and the rule of lawProtection of life and the sanctity of human dignityRelief of human need and philanthropyEducation and women's empowermentThe dignity of women and Christian ethicsThe role of Christianity in modern society

In this episode, Kendra Dahl, Rebecca McLaughlin, Jen Oshman, and Wendy Alsup consider the Bible's teaching about women through a Jesus-centered understanding of Scripture. They observe Christianity's historical and cultural influences and encourage women to stay engaged with the Scriptures, seek truth in community, and persevere in the good work God has called them to.They discuss the following:Personal experience and why it's essential to study the ScripturesThe misuse and misapplication of ScriptureThe importance of a Jesus-centered hermeneuticWhy we need historical and cultural perspectivesEncouragement for women who have a negative view of the BibleRecommended resources:Is the Bible Good for Women? by Wendy AlsupConfronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlinJesus Through the Eyes of Women by Rebecca McLaughlinCultural Counterfeits by Jen OshmanIt's Good to Be a Girl by Jen Oshman 

Jesus told his disciples it'd be to their advantage that he was going away because, if he didn't, the Helper wouldn't come to them. Then in Acts, we read about the Holy Spirit's descent on believers. So what advantage does the Holy Spirit bring?In this breakout session from TGCW24, Nancy Guthrie considers how our experience of the Holy Spirit today differs from that of Old Testament saints. She also unpacks the advantages of the Spirit's indwelling and what the Spirit-empowered life looks like.She discusses the following:The biblical imagery of wind and fireA survey of the Holy Spirit in the BibleLonging for guidanceLonging for powerLonging for more of ChristLonging for spiritual fruitLonging for glory

In this special episode, Ligon Duncan sits down with Mark Vroegop, the new president of The Gospel Coalition, to discuss his journey of faith, pastoral ministry, and vision for TGC's future. Hear Mark's testimony, the personal trials that shaped him, and the passion driving his commitment to serve pastors, churches, and believers around the world.Mark shares his thoughts on:TGC's role in supporting the local churchChallenges and opportunities facing the church todayThe importance of cultural apologeticsHis vision for TGC's next chapterHow he hopes TGC will continue building on the gospel-centered legacy of Tim Keller and Don CarsonLearn more about Mark at https://tgc.org/president

We're currently living through the largest and fastest religious shift in U.S. history, with 40 million people having left houses of worship, mainly in the last 25 years.In this breakout session from TGCW24, Jim Davis and Michael Graham, authors of The Great Dechurching, unpack four types of people who've left evangelical churches, why they left, and why more than half of them are willing to return.They discuss the following:Why we need data on dechurchingKey findings from The Great Dechurching's studyThe timeline and causes of dechurchingFour profiles of dechurched individualsMyths and misconceptions about dechurchingPractical steps for engaging the dechurched

Joanna Kimbrel, Amy Gannett, Gretchen Saffles, and Trillia Newbell reflect on their practice of spiritual disciplines, offering encouragement and practical suggestions for various seasons of life. They discuss the value of community in cultivating accountability, the need to start small and build consistency, and the abundant grace for those who find themselves in seasons of struggle. They also address common misconceptions about spiritual disciplines, stressing the joy of receiving these practices as a means of grace.They discuss:Defining spiritual disciplinesPracticing spiritual disciplines in different seasonsOvercoming lies about spiritual disciplinesEncouragement for different life seasonsRecommended ResourcesWord before World: 100 Devotions to Put Jesus First by Gretchen Saffles52 Weeks in the Word: A Companion for Reading through the Bible in a Year by Trillia NewbellFix Your Eyes: How Our Study of God Shapes Our Worship of Him by Amy Gannett

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 2024Declining fertility rates worldwideBig changes for the United Methodist Church and the role of the Global SouthThe advance of assisted suicide in the UKThe Cass Report and the truth about transgender treatmentsEncouraging signs among Gen ZTrump's election victory and a GOP shiftAnticipating the 2025 Gospelbound seasonBook highlights from 2024Personal projects and updatesDon Carson's legacy and an important update about his life and ministryMentioned on this episode:"My Top 10 Theology Stories of 2024" by Collin Hansen (article)Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

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' 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 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 feast

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 his journey of discovering his calling to expand God's kingdom through church planting, emphasizing the importance of kingdom-focused mission work over traditional church growth. The panelists, including Félix Cabrera, Matt Carter, Doug Logan, and Tony Merida, discuss the challenges and strategies of planting churches in diverse urban contexts, with a focus on multiplying disciples and reaching 1% of North America with the gospel. They highlight the need for churches to reflect their communities, prioritize prayer, and equip believers for ministry.