Podcasts about The Gospel Coalition

Every story is shaping us. Movies, television, books, music, and digital media do more than entertain. They work on our imaginations, stir our affections, and quietly influence what we love, admire, fear, and desire. So how can Christian parents help their children engage culture thoughtfully without falling into either fearful rejection or uncritical consumption? Brett McCracken, author and senior editor and director of communications at The Gospel Coalition, joins Davies Owens to explore what wise media consumption looks like for Christian families. Brett shares how his own love of both the church and the arts led him to spend decades thinking about Christianity and culture, and why discernment requires going deeper than simply checking a movie rating or counting objectionable content. Together, Brett and Davies discuss how stories form us, why even seemingly wholesome entertainment can communicate unhealthy ideas, the value of watching media in community, and practical questions parents can use to spark meaningful conversations with their children. They also use Project Hail Mary as a fascinating example of how Christians can identify themes of grace, sacrifice, virtue, and truth in a story that isn't explicitly Christian. The goal isn't to consume everything, nor is it to retreat from culture. It's to become people capable of recognizing what is true, beautiful, and good while also knowing when something simply isn't worth our attention. If you're raising children in a world overflowing with stories and screens, this conversation offers a thoughtful framework for helping them become wise viewers rather than passive consumers. Special Thanks to our partners who make BaseCamp Live possible: Wisdom and EloquenceThe Herzog FoundationLife ArchitectsWisephone by TechlessZipCast Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.comDon't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.

Brian defends a well-known pastor criticized for using AI as a research tool in sermon preparation, arguing it's no different than consulting commentaries as long as it stays in its proper place in the process. He shares a powerful Christianity Today testimony from David Washington, a former Chicago gang member who found faith after a Baptist church moved into his violent neighborhood, and who now pastors a church in that same community. Brian digs into Gavin Ortlund's Gospel Coalition piece on Old Testament messianic prophecy as an underappreciated argument for the truth of Christianity, and shares a feel-good story of a Wyoming pizzeria turning a costly prank order into a donation for hospital emergency room staff. He warns against trusting algorithm-curated news as much as professional editors, encourages listeners to read across the political spectrum, and shares a Relevant Magazine piece reassuring anyone who feels "behind in life" that comparison-driven timelines are largely a myth. Drawing from Nehemiah's heartbreak-fueled calling, Brian challenges listeners to identify both what breaks their heart and where they have unique access to do something about it, and closes with Ray Ortlund's case from Ecclesiastes for "bold enjoyment" as a legitimate, even wise, Christian way of life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if your exhaustion is revealing something deeper about you? The Gospel Coalition's Brett McCracken joins Ellen Krause to offer a fresh perspective on why God created us to rest—and what our need for sleep can teach us about surrender, trust, and dependence on Him.You'll discover:Why sleep is a gift from God, not something to feel guilty aboutHow your need for rest can reveal your limits and desire for controlWhat science and Scripture teach us about dreamsHow sleep can become an act of trust and worshipWhat to do when exhaustion or sleeplessness is part of your current seasonHow our imperfect rest points us toward the perfect rest we have in ChristIf you've been running on empty or wondering, "why am I always tired?" this conversation will encourage you to see rest in a whole new way.Get your copy of Brett's new book, The Wisdom of Sleep, here!Win a free copy of Brett McCracken's new book! Enter by leaving a comment and your email address through this link.Scripture referenced:Psalm 127:1-2 | Psalm 121 | Hebrews 4:9 About Brett McCracken:BrettMcCracken.com | @bwmccracken | SubstackBrett's Bible study tools:NIV | Moleskine journal | ESV.org

Brian, a former youth pastor himself, talks with Sarah Zylstra of The Gospel Coalition about her article investigating why so many church youth pastor positions sit unfilled. Sarah traces youth ministry's evolution from the evangelistic, games-and-pizza model of the 80s and 90s through the seeker-sensitive movement, and explains why today's culture — phones, AI-mediated friendships, isolation, kids not driving, and packed extracurricular schedules — has made the job significantly harder, even as many youth pastors say the last five years have been the most rewarding of their careers. They discuss the shifting perception of youth ministry as "unserious," why some churches are restructuring the role into broader family-discipleship positions, and practical encouragement for pastors and churches trying to keep student ministry moving forward, including smaller group settings and empowering parent volunteers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian pays tribute to the passing of Dolly Parton at 80, reflecting on her decades-long marriage, her genuine kindness, and closing the hour with nine of her most striking public statements about prayer, faith, and heaven. He shares a bizarre and troubling story of four Georgia pastors publicly apologizing after sending anonymous packets falsely accusing another pastor of plagiarism, reflecting on the need for churches to hold themselves to a higher standard. Brian digs into John Piper's teaching on "the pleasure trap" — how earthly pleasures are meant to point our hearts toward God rather than become idols — and shares Alan Noble's Gospel Coalition piece arguing that a Christian's suffering, while mysterious, is never meaningless. He closes reflecting on financial anxiety and contentment after reading about a Michael Jordan jersey expected to sell for $10 million alongside rising healthcare cost anxiety among ordinary Americans, along with the surprising power of nostalgic worship music to remind us of God's faithfulness over time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The differences between an adult Sunday school class and one for kids are quite striking. A class for toddlers and preschoolers is rarely organized around the logic of a Bible passage, or even a lesson outline. Instead, lessons are structured by the classroom schedule and environment—by a basic routine and activity centers that are designed for play, music, the Bible story, and other games or crafts. How do we prepare children's lessons that are Christ-centered, biblically faithful, engaging for kids, and oriented towards the distinct ways that kids learn? This workshop will help you learn how to do just that. Jared Kennedy serves as an editor for The Gospel Coalition. He is also co-founder of Gospel-Centered Family and the author of books for children and families like Faith-Builder Catechism (New Growth Press, 2023), Keeping Your Children's Ministry on Mission (Crossway, 2022), and The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible (New Growth, 2017). He, his wife Megan, and their three daughters live in Louisville, Kentucky, where they attend Sojourn Church Midtown. Announcing Rooted Children's Ministry Curriculum: Why and How to Use 'Gospel Basics' Building a Scope and Sequence for Biblical Literacy in Children's Ministry and Parents by Tara Davis and Cameron Cole Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates.  Register for the Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville. Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Brian shares an inspiring underdog story of an Alabama high school football team snapping a 101-game losing streak with a dramatic comeback win. He digs into a New York Magazine feature on the "pay-to-play childhood" of expensive, all-consuming travel youth sports, encouraging parents to weigh their own family's priorities rather than following outside pressure either way. Brian shares a Gospel Coalition piece on grieving well — honestly, patiently, in community, with gratitude and hope — from a pastor whose wife battled advanced cancer, and Randy Alcorn's reflection on investing in relational and eternal "riches" over earthly ones, illustrated by a powerful adoption story. He digs into Tim Challies's teaching on the discipline of good listening as an act of love and ministry, reflects on the danger of "performative" Christianity in a social-media-saturated culture, and closes with a story about Mike Pence's respectful treatment of a transgender former staffer as a model of holding convictions while extending genuine compassion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian opens with heavy hearts over the tragic death of a Wisconsin high school quarterback following a football injury, reflecting on the fragility and brevity of life. He shares insights from a sermon on what actually fuels a lifestyle of service — not guilt, but gratitude for what Christ has done. Brian discusses a Christianity Today review of the late Charlie Kirk's posthumous book on Sabbath-keeping, and its surprisingly countercultural call to unplug from the "endless noise" of modern life. He digs into a deeply personal Gospel Coalition article by a pastor with terminal brain cancer wrestling with the shame that can come when prayers for healing go unanswered, and a fascinating piece on why so few pastors quit ministry despite widespread burnout. Brian closes with Matt Redman's case for "vertical" worship songs that point to God rather than ourselves, and a Charles Stanley devotional on Jesus calming the storm as a picture of overcoming fear through God's presence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

⁠⁠⁠This is a special and tender episode to close our month on what our spouses can and cannot carry for us, because some things, like grief, are simply too heavy for any one person to hold alone. Christa welcomes the award-winning writer and podcaster Clarissa Moll, who produces and moderates Christianity Today's flagship news podcast, The Bulletin, and who has become one of the most trusted voices on grief and hope. In 2019, Clarissa's husband Rob (type 9) died suddenly in a hiking accident at Mt. Rainier, leaving her to raise their four children as a widow, and out of that valley came her best-selling book, Beyond the Darkness: A Gentle Guide for Living with Grief and Thriving After Loss. Now a remarried widow (6-2 pairing) building a joyful blended family, Clarissa shares what it means to move through grief rather than around it, how a new marriage holds the memory of a former love, why no single person can be the whole of our healing, and where hope must take hold again after loss. No matter your loss, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Listen here! Watch on YouTube! Clarissa Moll is an award-winning writer and podcaster who helps bereaved people find flourishing after loss. Her writing (https://www.clarissamoll.com/writing) appears in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, RELEVANT, Modern Loss, Grief Digest and more. She cohosted Christianity Today's [“Surprised by Grief”](https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/surprised-by-grief/) podcast and am a frequent guest(https://www.clarissamoll.com/speaking) at events, on podcasts and radio shows. She also hangs out behind the microphone as the producer and moderator of Christianity Today's flagship news podcast, “The Bulletin.“(https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/podcasts/bulletin/) Get inside the Enneagram and Marriage Coaching and Masterclass classroom here⁠!⁠⁠ https://www.enneagramandmarriage.com/the-e-m-coaching-masterclass Use the code COACH for $250 off - or - use a payment plan!!Find more about your type, the pod, freebies, and SO much more at our website right here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EnneagramandMarriage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Take the E + M Quiz at www.QuizforCouples.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Love what you're learning on E + M? Make sure you leave us a podcast review so others can find us, too⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Christa's Best-Selling Book, The Enneagram in Marriage, here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/df8SxVx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian dives into a wild Little League World Series scandal out of Oklahoma, where a dominant regional program appears to have committed years of eligibility fraud, prompting reflection on how adults ruin youth sports for kids. He shares Michael W. Smith's caution about celebrity culture and lost reverence in modern worship music, and a study showing couples who simply walk together report stronger marriages and better conflict resolution. Brian reflects on Seth Rogan's joking fear of "dying with too much money" as a window into deeper questions of legacy and significance rooted in identity in Christ rather than accomplishment. He digs into a Relevant Magazine piece on the growing gambling epidemic among young men fueled by prediction markets like Kalshi, shares a viral clip of a Little League coach reminding a struggling pitcher that "Jesus is still Lord" whether he strikes batters out or walks them, and closes with a Gospel Coalition piece making the case for reading the book of Revelation symbolically rather than strictly literally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian reflects on a heartbreaking update in the case of a drunk driver who killed a new bride, troubled by her father's response minimizing her responsibility, and reflects on the real consequences of our choices. He wrestles with a Religion News article on political campaigns branding opposing clergy candidates as "not real pastors," arguing it's not our place to make sweeping judgments about someone's faith from a political microphone. He shares Russell Moore's piece on the disturbing rise of interest in blasphemy laws among some Christian nationalists, and why external religious conformity was never Jesus's goal. Brian digs into a fascinating study finding improv theater classes uniquely help anxious teens build empathy and collaboration skills, reflects on a Gospel Coalition piece on staying rooted in Scripture amid cultural drift, laughs through a viral list of things considered normal parenting in the 1970s that would be unthinkable today, and shares a Christianity Today piece on the importance of letting kids take healthy risks. He closes with a Charles Stanley devotional on Jesus washing his disciples' feet as the ultimate picture of humility.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Sometimes I wonder if heaven will feel a bit like an afternoon nap," writes Brett McCracken in The Wisdom of Sleep. Maybe it's because naps are signpost of something far greater that we've not yet fully experienced. Maybe it's because even the most relaxing vacation, replenishing Sabbath, and restorative night's sleep are only teasers for the perfect rest we're wired to desire. Maybe there's more to sleep and rest than we think. Maybe in his mysterious sovereignty, God designed these things to be a sacred portal of sorts, a connective tissue between heaven and earth, between death and resurrection, between the God of rest and the restless souls who can't help but be magnetically tugged toward him. In this episode of the Influence Podcast, I talk to McCracken about these "maybes," what sleep reveals about God and us. I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host. Brett McCracken is a senior editor at The Gospel Coalition, where he writes on the intersection of faith and culture. He is also author of The Wisdom of Sleep: How Rest Reveals God's Truth and Revives Weary Souls, published by Zondervan Reflective. Sponsor AdThis episode of the Influence podcast is brought to you by Gospel Publishing House, distributors of Trusted with Treasureby Assemblies of God General Secretary Brad Kesler. Just as nautical charts and lighthouses guide captains safely past hazards, this handbook on ministerial ethics will help equip you to build healthy relationships, avoid unwise behaviors, and serve with integrity and the highest ethical standards. For more information about Trusted with Treasure visit GospelPublishingHouse.com. Show Notes 00:00 — Introduction and Sponsor Ad 02:08 — How does sleep speak gospel truth? 04:01 — What does sleep reveal about our limitations? 06:01 — What do you think of secular and religious attempts to transcend our limitations? 09:05 — What do science and the Bible say about the generative powers of sleep? 12:26 — What does the Bible say about supernatural dreams? 15:15 — The need for discernment in interpreting dreams 16:16 — How do we become a restful presence for others? 19:02 — What does rest reveal about God as an "intentional designer"? 21:54 — What do you mean when you write, "God creates a distinct people through rest"? 26:56 — How does sleep reveal God as "gracious and loving," and also as "sovereign and merciful"? 31:59 — What are you reading right now that is interesting, helpful, and/or personally challenging? 33:55 — Conclusion

Brian reflects on feeling politically homeless amid the rise of the Democratic Socialist movement and the MAGA movement pulling both parties toward the extremes, grounding his hope in Christ rather than any political tribe. He digs into pastor Josh Howerton's conversation on the Sean Ryan Show about the hard, practical steps of biblical forgiveness — including Howerton's own painful experience with leaked personal details from his church. Brian talks about what defines us apart from external metrics like job titles or church attendance numbers, pointing to identity as beloved children of God. He shares a Gospel Coalition piece on finding God's glory in birdwatching, calls out "clown Christianity" — the exhausting habit of painting over inner brokenness with a happy face — and pushes back on the viral "dump them" culture of cutting off relationships at the first sign of conflict. He also shares Randy Alcorn's reminder that every job, not just full-time ministry, is a platform to glorify God, illustrated by the story of insurance entrepreneur Art DeMoss. Brian closes with a rich meditation on "awe" as the fuel of faith and the antidote to spiritual apathy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian opens reflecting on what to do when life doesn't unfold the way we hoped — leaning on God's unchanging faithfulness even amid disappointment and regret. He wades into WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham's comments on biological males in women's sports and the swift cultural backlash she received, lamenting the loss of civil disagreement in public discourse. A study claiming "true love" requires a six-figure salary gets pushback from Brian, who shares his own experience marrying young and broke. He shares a moving Gospel Coalition piece on the recently uncovered story of Charles Spurgeon's father's imprisonment for debt, and how God used that family failure to shape one of history's greatest preachers. Brian also digs into a fascinating trend piece on young adults ditching smartphones for "dumb phones" to reclaim their mental health and attention, a Relevant Magazine interview with Louis Giglio on how our earthly fathers shape our view of God, a simple "Bible before phone" spiritual discipline from Tyndale House, Tim Chalis on tasting heaven, and closes with a Charles Stanley devotional on the power of praise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Important Links: Dad Tired Annual RetreatHost A Dad Tired Conference at your churchJoin the FREE Family Leadership ProgramShop the Dad Tired store for best-selling gearWhat if sleep isn't wasted time, weakness, or something to squeeze in after everything else is done? What if it is actually one of God's most practical invitations to trust Him?In this episode, Jerrad sits down with Brett McCracken, senior editor and director of communications at The Gospel Coalition and author of The Wisdom of Sleep: How Rest Reveals God's Truth and Revives Weary Souls.Together, they explore why God designed us to spend nearly a third of our lives asleep, how sleep reminds us that we are the creation—not the Creator—and why closing our eyes each night can become an act of surrender.A Prayer Before SleepFather,As I close my eyes tonight, I remember that I am not God.I have limits.You have none.I need rest.You neither slumber nor sleep.There are things I did not finish, problems I could not solve, and people I cannot protect on my own. I release them all into Your hands.Forgive me for believing that everything depends on me.Thank You for the gift of sleep; a grace I receive, not something I earn. As I lie down, remind me that Christ has finished the work I could never finish.Protect my home.Watch over my family.Quiet my mind.Restore my body and soul.As sleep resembles death, remind me that I have died with Christ. And if You wake me in the morning, let the rising sun remind me that I have also been raised with Him into new life.Tonight, I surrender control.You are awake, so I can sleep. You are sovereign, so I can rest. You are faithful, so I do not have to be afraid.Into Your hands I place this night.Amen.

This week on Conversations That Matter, Jon Harris examines the biggest stories shaping America, the church, and the wider world.Topics include:• The controversy surrounding The Odyssey and what it says about Western civilization. • Trump's response to the escalating conflict with Iran. • Claims about a U.S.-Israel military "merger" and why they are misleading. • The White House defending Christian athletes. • Jen Hatmaker's rejection of the doctrine of hell. • Michelle Leslie's critique of Jen Wilkin. • Steve Lawson, Justin Peters, and biblical discernment. • The Paige Patterson lawsuit update. • An extended analysis of the Rick Appleton case and what it could mean for conservative Presbyterianism.Join us each weekend as we review the biggest national, international, and evangelical stories from a distinctly Christian perspective.00:00 Introduction00:30 The Odyssey controversy and Western civilization03:30 The Federalist vs. Gospel Coalition on The Odyssey06:00 Data centers, AI, and conservative priorities09:40 Trump's Iran strategy and Middle East update13:10 Martin Skold interview preview15:00 Tucker Carlson and the U.S.-Israel military claim18:00 White House defends Christian WNBA player19:00 Jen Hatmaker rejects hell20:30 Michelle Leslie on Jen Wilkin23:00 Steve Lawson, Justin Peters, and James 127:30 Paige Patterson lawsuit resolved29:00 Rick Appleton case explained39:00 Social media, biblical patriarchy, and Presbyterian controversySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We're continuing our summer series with an episode about the state of the church, highlighting favorite conversations from The Bulletin archive. Daniel Silliman, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper discuss trends in Americans' religiosity and spirituality from a 2025 Pew survey. Then, Beth Moore joins the show to talk about the importance of Sunday School for adults, and why small groups may not be meeting the same needs. Finally, church planter and author of the book The Reason for Church Brad Edwards sits down with Mike to talk about why he encouraged his congregation to briefly stop inviting others to church, the danger of viewing church as a vehicle for Christian self-actualization, and why physical participation in the gospel narrative is vital. REFERENCED IN THE SHOW: The Hartford Institute for Religion Research's report on congregational health since the pandemic. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Daniel Silliman is a journalist and a historian. He is the news editor for Christianity Today, the author of a religious biography of Richard Nixon, and a teacher of humanities at Milligan University. Beth Moore is a dynamic teacher whose conferences take her across the globe. She has written numerous best-selling books and Bible studies. She is also the founder and visionary of Living Proof Ministries, based in Houston. Brad Edwards is the lead pastor and church planter of The Table Church in Lafayette, Colorado. He is a regular contributor to Mere Orthodoxy and The Gospel Coalition, and he cohosts the podcast PostEverything. He is Christianity Today's 2025 Book of the Year winner for his book The Reason for Church. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly news analysis podcast from Christianity Today, with editor-at-large Russell Moore. Each episode offers commentary on current events and headlining news with a roundtable of premier guests, and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Host: Alexa Copeland Associate Producer: Alexa Copeland Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian opens reflecting on an upcoming family vacation and the bittersweet reality that change is the only constant, then turns to a Christianity Today piece on First Church in Charlestown — a 400-year-old congregation now down to two members — as a warning about what happens when a church drifts from the gospel. He talks candidly about feeling overwhelmed by life's decisions, leaning on 49ers linebacker Fred Warner's return from a gruesome injury to make the case for living fully in the present since nothing is guaranteed but Christ. Brian also touches on Gen Z's budget-friendly approach to dating, a bizarre AI deepfake video of former NYC mayor Eric Adams, and pushes back on podcaster Jennifer Welch's viral criticism of Christian homeschooling, encouraging listeners to choose what's best for their own family without shame. He closes with a rich double feature: John Stonestreet on how churches can unintentionally shrink the gospel into something private and small, and a Gospel Coalition piece on how God's best work is "cross-shaped" — using unlikely, ordinary people (fishermen, tax collectors, a table-busser named Stephen) to change the world, and using suffering as the soil for resurrection life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IntroductionAbraham struggled to trust God's promises even after receiving a vision and an explicit word from God. The Lord assured Abraham that he is Abraham's shield (Genesis 15:1). The Lord will protect him and defend him. Peter also doubted the path to glory through the suffering of the cross. The thought of a distant God protecting a people who seem so far away just seems absurd. Christians today may wonder whether God has abandoned his people. We face trials, and we might wonder if God is really in the midst of them. This becomes even more apparent when Peter addresses us as exiles. If we are in exile, we would think that God is even more removed from us. Peter, who struggled to believe Christ would protect him, assures the church that the Triune God has neither forgotten nor forsaken His people. Rather, He is actively guarding them until they receive the inheritance He has prepared for them. The Triune GodPeter tells us that the Father has chosen us. It is his foreknowledge. Why does he know? It is because he has decided it (1 Peter 1:1). Our exile status is intentional. The Son has redeemed us through his blood. The Holy Spirit is sanctifying us to conform to Christ. (1 Peter 1:2) Peter writes to believers living in exile. We are outside the promised land. We have to see that exile does not mean abandonment. The Father elects/chooses His children, the Son continues to reign as Lord and Redeemer, and the Spirit remains present, sanctifying and preserving God's people. The Lord refines his people through the painful trials. The trials are like gold passing through the flame. These trials are not signs of God's absence. No, the trials are used to burn away the impurities of our faith, conforming us to be more faithful children of God. The Triune God is personally guarding us as he protected and guarded his people in foreign lands. We are currently in exile on a Christian pilgrimage to the promised land, being guarded by God. It is true that we are reminded of our creaturely status when we contemplate the doctrine of the Trinity. We know that our God is beyond our full comprehension. However, we can know and do know our God. We know that he is actively working on our behalf. Our Certain ApplicationYes, we are in exile. We are away from the promised land. However, our Lord works to protect us. The Heidelberg Catechism reminds us that the Holy Spirit has been given to me. We might think of someone more spiritual having the Spirit. However, the Holy Spirit is given to me. I am a temple of the Holy Spirit by God's grace. The Holy Spirit will be with us from this age to the age to come. We might not think that this is very important. However, Peter assures us that God is giving us double protection. The inheritance that Christ has won for us is being guarded in heaven. We are continually and actively being guarded by God to receive that inheritance. The assurance of this is that no Babylonian or Assyrian can take our inhertiance like we saw with Israel in the past. Yes, we will face trials in this age. We will get some bumps and bruises along the way, but the Lord will be the shield and defender, guaranteeing that we will receive what he has set apart for us. This means that as the Holy Spirit is given to us by Christ, we will be protected. It means that as the Father has chosen us, we will receive his chosen inheritance. This is not because it is grounded in us, but by our God working in history. Conclusion Peter knows the struggle of the Christian life. He too wanted glory now. He did not understand Christ's mission to gain heaven through the cross. In fact, Peter denied Christ three times when Christ was heading to the cross. Peter did not understand the suffering to glory. Peter had an awkward breakfast with the Lord, where the Lord asked him three times if Peter loved him and charged Peter to care for his people after Peter's three answers. Peter knows the grace of Christ. Peter was assured that he would persevere until the end. It is not because Peter is so competent, but because the Lord is that faithful. Let us take Peter's testimony seriously. Let us hear his inspired words to encourage us in this life. Our God is not distant. We might not fully understand the doctrine of the Trinity, but we know that our God guards our inheritance and he actively guards us. We will receive what he has set out for us. Christ has earned it. The Father has chosen us. The Spirit applies Christ's distinct blessings. As we face trials in this age, let us be confident that the Lord is refining us to be the people he has called us to be. He is shepherding us in the midst of it. We will dwell with him in our inheritance he secured for us. Let us live out the days he has numbered for us in the confidence of his protection and faithfulness. I did a series on “Sojourning Under the Sun.” You can read a short summary of exile on the Gospel Coalition's website.

Brian opens with a reflection on Prince George's thirteenth birthday to unpack how quickly we label people — by politics, by past mistakes, by tribe — and makes the case that Christians are called to trade every label for one: child of God. From there he turns to a Russell Moore piece on C.S. Lewis, unpacking Aslan's line to Edmund in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe — "there is no need to talk to him about what is past" — as a picture of how Christ receives us after failure. Brian also shares a middle-age TV-and-brain-health study, his own decision to step back from social media before vacation, a Tim Chalis story about a boy's first taste of an orange as a metaphor for tasting heaven, and a look at overcrowding at Yosemite this summer. He closes with reflections on prioritizing date nights in marriage, a Wall Street Journal piece on adults cutting off their parents, a Gospel Coalition piece on finding hope amid "doomerism," and a classic Tim Keller clip on faith being filled with thinking rather than opposed to it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to love your country?  Is that nationalism?  And isn't nationalism—you know—bad?  And how should our allegiance and love of country be weighed against our duties and affections to family and faith?   Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis is joined by John Wilsey to discuss his latest book, God and Country: Upholding Faith, History, and National Identity, the origins of nationalism and how it differs from patriotism, the link between history and love of ones country, the battles between the Romantics and Rationalists, and that great public servant, the freak show John Quincy Adams.   About John Wilsey From the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary   Dr. John Wilsey is Professor of Church History and Philosophy and Chair of the Department of Church History and Historical Theology.   Prior to coming to Southern, Wilsey taught elementary, middle, and high school students in history and Bible for eleven years in North Carolina and Virginia. He also has served Southern Baptist churches, as an associate pastor in Charlottesville, Virginia for eight years and interim pastor for three years in Spring, Texas. Between 2011 and 2017, he taught history and philosophy at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, with most of his teaching load in a fully accredited baccalaureate program in a maximum-security unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.   Dr. Wilsey's primary areas of teaching at Southern Seminary and Boyce College are in modern church history, history of Western thought, and American history. He supervises PhD dissertations in the areas of American church history and history of philosophy.   In addition to his work at Southern Seminary and Boyce College, Wilsey has held several fellowships, including with the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville as non-resident fellow (2023-2024); the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty as Affiliate Scholar (2016-2020); the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal as Wilbur Fellow (2023); and the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions in the Politics Department at Princeton University as William E. Simon Fellow in Religion and Public Life (2017-2018). He currently holds fellowships at the Center for Religion, Culture, and Democracy as Senior Fellow, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention as Research Fellow, and the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as Research Fellow.   Wilsey's academic works have been reviewed in outlets such as National Review, Publisher's Weekly, Journal of Church and State, Fides et Historia, Providence, Church History, Reading Religion, Catholic Books Review, Reviews in American History, Anxious Bench, Claremont Review of Books, First Things, The American Conservative, Christianity Today, and The Federalist. He has appeared on podcasts and programs hosted by the Acton Institute, New Books Network, Current, Thinking in Public, Law and Liberty, the City of Man Podcast, Christ Over All, the Museum of the Bible, the Family Research Council, BBC Radio Wales, 9Marks, the McConnell Center, the Commonwealth Policy Center, and Ben Franklin's World.   Wilsey has produced peer-reviewed pieces in the journal Religions and in academic books published by Palgrave and Routledge. He has contributed other chapters to books published by Crossway and B&H Academic as well as long-form articles to Modern Age: A Conservative Review and Fides et Historia. He has served as manuscript reviewer for American Political Thought, Religions, InterVarsity Press, and New York University Press. He has also served as book review editor for H-AmRel of the H-Net: Humanities and Social Sciences Online network and The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology.   Wilsey has served on the Ciceronian Society Advisory Board, the Kern Foundation Advisory Council, the Board of Directors of the Society for Values in Higher Education, the Scholar's Council for the Center for the Electoral College, the Southern Baptist Historical Library and Archives Advisory Board, and the Annual Meeting Proposal Review Board for Church History as well as the Membership Committee of the Evangelical Theological Society.   In 2020, Wilsey was named Tutor of the Year in Boyce College's Augustine Honors Collegium. He has addressed students, faculty, and public audiences as an invited lecturer at Princeton University, Princeton Theological Seminary, the University of Notre Dame, the University of Louisville, the Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg, Waynesburg University, Calvin University, St. Francis University, Hannibal-LaGrange University, Charleston Southern University, Grand Valley State University, the College of Biblical Studies, Houston Baptist University, Northwest Nazarene University, the University of Wyoming, Samford University, Spring Arbor University, Ave Maria University, the Philos Project, the Religious Freedom Institute, the Russell Kirk Center, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, and the Kentucky Historical Association.   Over the years, Wilsey has remained active with academic societies, reading papers at meetings of the Evangelical Theological Society, the Conference on Faith and History, the Society of Historians of American Foreign Relations, the Christian Scholars' Conference, the Society for Values in Higher Education, the Society for US Intellectual History, the African American Intellectual History Society, the Ciceronian Society, the Association for the Scientific Study of Religion, and the Center for Christian Study in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society, the Ciceronian Society, the Society of Historians of American Foreign Relations, the Philadelphia Society, and the James Madison Society.   Wilsey is a columnist for World Opinions, and his other public writings have appeared in outlets such as Law and Liberty, Current, Modern Reformation, Acton's Commentary, Christianity Today, Providence, Public Discourse, 9Marks Journal, The Gospel Coalition, Aeon, History News Network, The American Conservative, The Imaginative Conservative, Anxious Bench, Religion and Liberty, and Religion in American History. He has reviewed numerous books for outlets such as Themelios, Southeastern Theological Review, Public Discourse, Fides et Historia, Westminster Theological Journal, Trinity Journal, The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology, Journal of Church and State, Evangelical Quarterly, Journal of Markets and Morality, Religion and Liberty, Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, H-Diplo, Ad Fontes, and The London Lyceum.   Wilsey is married to Mandy, his wife of twenty-seven years, and they have two children. He is an elder at Kenwood Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky.  

We're tempted to take the doctrine of the Trinity for granted. But there is scarcely any belief unaffected when we get the Trinity wrong. So argue Don Carson, John Piper, and Tim Keller in this classic discussion recorded at a meeting of The Gospel Coalition's Council.  Pull the thread of the Trinity and the universe unravels. Without the Trinity, grace and glory disappear. So does church unity. And we lose a powerful opportunity to share with unbelievers how the Trinity distinguishes the gospel as the source of love for the world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Canadian wildfire smoke is blanketing Chicago and stretching all the way to New York, and Brian From turns the haze into a parable: the decisions we make set off domino effects that ripple far beyond us, affecting people we love and people we'll never meet. Then a personal update — his son's summer baseball team won their league championship in what turned out to be the last game before he heads to college, and his daughter returns tomorrow from five weeks of intensive Arabic study in Washington DC before a nine-month Fulbright scholarship in the fall. Life is moving. Last night's ESPYs honored a Michigan missionary who pitched in Major League Baseball — a story about what happens when fame and faith intersect in unexpected ways. A meditation on contentment drawn from Philippians 4 and a Gospel Coalition piece on the abundant life. And a closing sermon preview from Brian's role as campus pastor at Compass Church's Hinsdale location, centered on one of the most obscure and haunting figures in the New Testament: Demas. He's mentioned twice as part of Paul's team — and then disappears, described in 2 Timothy 4 as having "loved the present world" and deserted Paul entirely. Brian's challenge: the goal of the Christian life is not to start well. It's to finish well. Don't be Demas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we are pleased to share an audio essay written and read by Megan Hill entitled "10 Things You Should Know about Corporate Prayer." Megan Hill serves as the managing editor for The Gospel Coalition. She is also the author of several books, including 'Praying Together: The Priority and Privilege of Prayer in Our Homes, Communities, and Churches' from Crossway. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the essay here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Complete this survey for a free audiobook by Kevin DeYoung!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show!

Senator Lindsey Graham died over the weekend from what appears to be a tear in his aorta — and Brian From opens not with politics but with perspective. Graham was on the phone with President Trump Saturday night, had just returned from NATO and a meeting with Zelensky, and was at the very center of world events right up until his final moments. Brian uses that as a launching point into the book of Ecclesiastes: meaningless, meaningless, all of it meaningless. Not as a cynical verdict on life, but as a wake-up call to invest in what actually lasts. Then a surprising and personal segment — Brian shares that he's been serving as campus pastor of the Hinsdale location of Compass Church for the past nine months, working through a series on scripture memory and the importance of the local church. A Gospel Coalition piece on Nashville as one of America's hardest mission fields not because of hostility but because of comfort and consumer Christianity. A call to make evangelism a natural part of everyday life rather than a program. And a closing piece from Relevant Magazine that lands like a gut punch for anyone in a waiting season: what if you're missing your life while you're waiting for it? Life doesn't begin when you get married, land the dream job, or reach the next milestone. As Elizabeth Elliot said, the secret is Christ in me — not me in a different set of circumstances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this interview, Spencer Dalke talks with senior editor Brett McCracken of The Gospel Coalition about what sleep reveals about God, humanity, and the gospel. Brett McCracken explores why God intentionally designed humans to spend a third of their lives sleeping, arguing that our need for rest highlights our limits and invites us to trust in God's sovereignty. The conversation moves beyond practical advice to a deeper theological reflection, showing how sleep functions as a daily act of surrender, a reminder of our mortality, and even a rehearsal of death and resurrection. Brett McCracken also discusses the connection between sleep and discipleship—how rest helps us love others well, steward our bodies, and resist a culture of constant productivity. From the science of sleep to the spiritual significance of dreams, the episode offers a rich vision of rest as both a gift of grace and a pathway to worship, encouraging listeners to embrace their need for rest as part of God's good design.  “The Keeper of your life doesn't sleep, so you can rest easy in the sovereignty of God.”  “[Life] doesn't hinge on me always being productive. God is the one who ultimately accomplishes his mission, and it doesn't depend on me, so I can sleep.”   Featured work: The Wisdom of Sleep: How Rest Reveals God's Truth and Revives Weary Souls  Connect with Brett McCracken at BrettMcCracken.com and TheGospelCoalition.org.  For more faith-filled, Gospel-centered content, download the Pilgrim Radio app today on Google Play and Apple, or stream at PilgrimRadio.com. 

Today, on Karl and Crew, we wrapped up our weekly theme, "Living Free," focusing on being living dangerously Free. Dr. Sam Storms joined us to explore how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live boldly for Christ. Looking at Acts 4, we discussed what it means to be filled with the Spirit, trust God’s sovereignty, and find the courage to proclaim the gospel faithfully. Dr. Storms is the founder and president of Enjoying God Ministries and serves on the Council of the Gospel Coalition. The Director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Daniel Darling, also joined us to discuss Christian patriotism, civic responsibility, and how believers can love their country without turning politics or national identity into an idol.He wrote, “In Defense of Christian Patriotism.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Gospel Message - Karl [ 00:49 ]Dr. Sam Storms [ 26:46 ]Daniel Darling [ 41:19 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we wrapped up our weekly theme, "Living Free," focusing on being living dangerously Free. Dr. Sam Storms joined us to explore how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live boldly for Christ. Looking at Acts 4, we discussed what it means to be filled with the Spirit, trust God’s sovereignty, and find the courage to proclaim the gospel faithfully. Dr. Storms is the founder and president of Enjoying God Ministries and serves on the Council of the Gospel Coalition. The Director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Daniel Darling, also joined us to discuss Christian patriotism, civic responsibility, and how believers can love their country without turning politics or national identity into an idol.He wrote, “In Defense of Christian Patriotism.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Gospel Message - Karl [ 00:49 ]Dr. Sam Storms [ 26:46 ]Daniel Darling [ 41:19 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we wrapped up our weekly theme, "Living Free," focusing on being living dangerously Free. Dr. Sam Storms joined us to explore how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live boldly for Christ. Looking at Acts 4, we discussed what it means to be filled with the Spirit, trust God’s sovereignty, and find the courage to proclaim the gospel faithfully. Dr. Storms is the founder and president of Enjoying God Ministries and serves on the Council of the Gospel Coalition. The Director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Daniel Darling, also joined us to discuss Christian patriotism, civic responsibility, and how believers can love their country without turning politics or national identity into an idol.He wrote, “In Defense of Christian Patriotism.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Gospel Message - Karl [ 00:49 ]Dr. Sam Storms [ 26:46 ]Daniel Darling [ 41:19 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we wrapped up our weekly theme, "Living Free," focusing on being living dangerously Free. Dr. Sam Storms joined us to explore how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live boldly for Christ. Looking at Acts 4, we discussed what it means to be filled with the Spirit, trust God’s sovereignty, and find the courage to proclaim the gospel faithfully. Dr. Storms is the founder and president of Enjoying God Ministries and serves on the Council of the Gospel Coalition. The Director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Daniel Darling, also joined us to discuss Christian patriotism, civic responsibility, and how believers can love their country without turning politics or national identity into an idol.He wrote, “In Defense of Christian Patriotism.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Gospel Message - Karl [ 00:49 ]Dr. Sam Storms [ 26:46 ]Daniel Darling [ 41:19 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we wrapped up our weekly theme, "Living Free," focusing on being living dangerously Free. Dr. Sam Storms joined us to explore how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live boldly for Christ. Looking at Acts 4, we discussed what it means to be filled with the Spirit, trust God’s sovereignty, and find the courage to proclaim the gospel faithfully. Dr. Storms is the founder and president of Enjoying God Ministries and serves on the Council of the Gospel Coalition. The Director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Daniel Darling, also joined us to discuss Christian patriotism, civic responsibility, and how believers can love their country without turning politics or national identity into an idol.He wrote, “In Defense of Christian Patriotism.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Gospel Message - Karl [ 00:49 ]Dr. Sam Storms [ 26:46 ]Daniel Darling [ 41:19 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we wrapped up our weekly theme, "Living Free," focusing on being living dangerously Free. Dr. Sam Storms joined us to explore how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live boldly for Christ. Looking at Acts 4, we discussed what it means to be filled with the Spirit, trust God’s sovereignty, and find the courage to proclaim the gospel faithfully. Dr. Storms is the founder and president of Enjoying God Ministries and serves on the Council of the Gospel Coalition. The Director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Daniel Darling, also joined us to discuss Christian patriotism, civic responsibility, and how believers can love their country without turning politics or national identity into an idol.He wrote, “In Defense of Christian Patriotism.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Gospel Message - Karl [ 00:49 ]Dr. Sam Storms [ 26:46 ]Daniel Darling [ 41:19 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, on Karl and Crew, we wrapped up our weekly theme, "Living Free," focusing on being living dangerously Free. Dr. Sam Storms joined us to explore how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to live boldly for Christ. Looking at Acts 4, we discussed what it means to be filled with the Spirit, trust God’s sovereignty, and find the courage to proclaim the gospel faithfully. Dr. Storms is the founder and president of Enjoying God Ministries and serves on the Council of the Gospel Coalition. The Director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Daniel Darling, also joined us to discuss Christian patriotism, civic responsibility, and how believers can love their country without turning politics or national identity into an idol.He wrote, “In Defense of Christian Patriotism.” You can hear the highlights of today’s program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps:Gospel Message - Karl [ 00:49 ]Dr. Sam Storms [ 26:46 ]Daniel Darling [ 41:19 ]Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US goes down four to one to Belgium, ending another World Cup run in the round of sixteen — the same place they've been stuck for five straight tournaments. Brian From turns the disappointment into a question about barriers: do you accept them, or do you keep pushing? A disturbing story out of Maine where a Senate candidate facing serious assault allegations is being debated not on the grounds of character but on electability — and Brian names the problem plainly: character must matter, regardless of which party's candidate it is. A rich meditation on Luke 5 and the four friends who tore a hole in a roof to lower their paralyzed friend right in front of Jesus — and what it means to have people in your life who will carry your mat when you can't get there yourself. Brian Johnson, the world's most famous biohacker spending a million dollars a year trying to live forever, has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease — a reminder that no amount of money or discipline outsmarts mortality. A four-year-old girl caught on tape naming her future husband at a pretend wedding, and it turned out to be her real one 25 years later. Unexpected car and sump pump bills arrive simultaneously, and Brian gets honest about anxiety and finances. And C.S. Lewis via Jen Oshman at the Gospel Coalition: aim at happiness and you'll miss it; aim at heaven and you'll get earth thrown in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back from a wet Fourth of July weekend — Brian From opens by reflecting on what unexpected circumstances (a flooded basement, a broken sump pump, a car with no airflow) reveal about how poorly we handle the loss of control, and where our theology has to meet us in those moments. Then a genuinely surprising Gospel Coalition piece arguing that Nashville — the buckle of the Bible Belt — may actually be a harder mission field than secular London: not because of hostility, but because of comfort. When the question isn't whether God exists but what the church will do for you, and when churches line up like thirty-one flavors on a single street, something gets lost. Two uplifting weekend stories: a Phoenix police officer who rented a movie theater for a hundred middle schoolers and asked only that they pay it forward someday, and John Krasinski's moving account of how his mother's three-year deadline — and last-minute extension — put him on the path to booking The Office. A challenging Tim Challies piece on why small sins may actually reveal our rebellious hearts more clearly than big ones. Brian preaches on the story of John Mark — the disciple who deserted Paul, was written off, and ended up being called "useful" decades later — as a picture of how God redeems failures. Science inches closer to a cancer "kill switch." Americans of all ages are spending measurably less time socializing. And a closing meditation on rest — why God himself rested not from weariness but to set a pattern, and why Christians who feel guilty resting may be missing one of God's best gifts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can having a hobby help you connect more to the heart of God? In this episode, Barb is joined by author Brianna Lambert to talk about her book Created to Play and how our hobbies can become meaningful expressions of worship. They explore why play is often misunderstood in Christian culture, how it forms us spiritually, and the unique roles we step into through our hobbies—from creator and curator to restorer and connector. Brianna also invites us to see play not as a distraction from purpose, but as a pathway to delight, community, and deeper connection with God. If you've ever felt guilty for enjoying your hobbies or wondered how they fit into your faith, this conversation will give you a whole new perspective on joy, rest, and worship.   RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE Connect with Brianna on Instagram Created to Play: How Taking Hobbies Seriously Grows Us Spiritually Visit Brianna's Website   ABOUT OUR SPECIAL GUEST Brianna Lambert is a writer and author from a rural community outside Indianapolis. Her articles and essays have appeared in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Common Good, Mere Orthodoxy, and elsewhere. Brianna also serves on staff at Gospel-Centered Discipleship and writes for the women's ministry at her local church. You might find her backpacking, camping, waterskiing, or starting a brand-new hobby with her husband and three children.  

The Southern Baptist Convention just passed a constitutional amendment restricting women in ministry — and the implications reach far beyond the SBC. In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and co-host Ashish Varma sit down with Dr. Beth Allison Barr, historian, Baylor professor, and author of The Making of Biblical Womanhoodand Becoming the Pastor's Wife, to break down what happened, why it matters, and where evangelical Christianity may be heading. Beth traces the amendment's path from 2022 to its overwhelming passage in 2025, explains why Al Mohler's role was decisive, and unpacks the striking inconsistency at the heart of the SBC's position: the same ecclesiology used to avoid accountability for sexual abuse was set aside the moment women's roles came to a vote. We also go deeper into the historical forces behind this moment, from the fundamentalist-modernist controversy to decades of seminary curriculum that have shaped an entire generation of Christians who have never encountered a different reading of scripture. If you've wondered how complementarianism moves toward biblical patriarchy, Beth explains exactly how that progression works and why it isn't accidental. The conversation also takes up the coordination problem: the SBC has Desiring God, the Gospel Coalition, and institutional momentum built over decades. Those committed to keeping these conversations open and honest largely do not. That gap matters, and we name it directly. Topics covered: SBC constitutional amendment, women in ministry, complementarianism vs. egalitarianism, Al Mohler, biblical womanhood, evangelical polarization, church history, Beth Allison Barr Check out Beth's Substack at bethallisonbarr.substack.com, and her books: The Making of Biblical Womanhood and Becoming the Pastor's Wife. Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.

Today, we are pleased to share an audio essay written and read by Brett McCracken entitled "7 Good Reasons to Leave a Church." Brett McCracken is a senior editor for The Gospel Coalition and the author of 'Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community' from Crossway. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the essay here.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Complete this survey for a free audiobook by Kevin DeYoung!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show!

In this episode, Emily Jensen shares about how we can worship God with our words, our works, and our whys. Emily Jensen is a podcaster and the cofounder and served as content director for Risen Motherhood. She is also the author of 'Worship', which is part of Crossway's Disciplines of Devotional series published in partnership with The Gospel Coalition. ❖ Listen to “Singing Is for Everyone and Every Day" with Kristyn Getty:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ | ⁠Spotify ⁠| ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show.

Christians love their neighbors as themselves. One way is by valuing the vulnerable, which means Christians value life from womb to tomb. Join us as we consider the first of 5 defining characteristics of the early church that made them distinct and definable.The sermon today is titled "Valuing The Vulnerable." This sermon is the first installment in our sub-series "How Will They Know Us" and the ninth in our larger series "First Things First." The Scripture reading is from John 13:35 (ESV). Originally preached at the West Side Church of Christ (Searcy, AR) on June 28, 2026. All lessons fit under 6 broad categories: Begin, Instill, Discover, Grow, Learn, and Serve. This sermon is filed under LEARN: Introduction to Theology.Click here if you would like to watch the sermon or read a transcript.Podcast Notes (resources used or referenced):Michael Gorman, "Ahead to our Past: Abortion and Christian Texts," in On Moral Medicine.Tim Keller, "5 Features That Made The Early Church Unique," Gospel Coalition.Richard Hays, The Moral Vision of the New Testament.Larry Hurtado, "Why On Earth Did Anyone Become A Christian In The First Three Centuries?" Marquette Lecture in Theology, 2016.Brad East, "Why Christians Oppose Euthanasia," Christianity Today.Stanley Hauerwas, "Try Some Courage," The Table Podcast.Louise Perry, "We Are Repaganizing," First Things.I'd love to connect with you!Watch sermons and find transcripts at nathanguy.com.Follow along each Sunday through YouTube livestream and find a study guide on the sermon notes page.Follow me @nathanpguy (facebook/instagram/twitter)Subscribe to my email newsletter on substack.

We're continuing our summer series with a recap of the week's top headlines and relevant conversation from The Bulletin archive. The Supreme Court is releasing a number of decisions prior to their summer break. One decision that is forthcoming is President Trump's executive order restricting birthright citizenship. We re-air a conversation between Russell Moore, Clarissa Moll, and executive director for the Catholic Legal Immigration Network to discuss birthright citizenship from a Catholic and Protestant perspective. Then, in a rare show of agreement, Congress passes a bill with broad bipartisan support to encourage housing construction and affordability. David Bahnsen and Mike Cosper speak about why housing is so expensive. Lastly, it's summer camp season! Megan Fowler, Russell Moore, and Clarissa Moll discuss the pros and the woes of summer camp. GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: Join the conversation at our Substack. Find us on YouTube. Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Anna Gallagher is the executive director of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, where she leads nationwide efforts to provide expert legal training and advocacy support to migrants and refugees. David Bahnsen is the managing partner and chief investment officer of The Bahnsen Group, a wealth management firm based in Newport Beach, California. Bahnsen has been named as one of Forbes' Top 250 Advisors, Financial Times' Top 300 Advisors in America, and Barron's America's Top 1200 Advisors. The communication in this episode is provided for informational purposes only and expresses views of David Bahnsen, an investment adviser. This does not constitute investment advice. Megan Fowler is a religion reporter at Christianity Today. She is also an associate editor at byFaith magazine, and her writing has appeared in The Gospel Coalition and Common Good. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly news analysis podcast from Christianity Today, with editor-at-large Russell Moore. Each episode offers commentary on current events and headlining news with a roundtable of premier guests, and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Host: Alexa Copeland Associate Producer: Alexa Copeland Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As America's 250th birthday approaches, Brian From tackles a genuinely tricky question for pastors: how patriotic should a Sunday worship service actually be? Drawing on Russell Moore's guidance, Brian makes the case for a middle path — genuine thanksgiving for the blessings of being American, without confusing love of country with love of God or turning the worship service into a flag-waving rally. From there, a thoughtful look at the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, with fears of up to 100,000 casualties, and what it means to live with urgency in a world where life can change in an instant. A reflection on essentials versus non-essentials in the faith — and the danger of turning secondary theological debates into faith-dividing issues. A candid, vulnerable moment where Brian admits his own struggle with envy and jealousy watching other people's vacations on social media, and why thankfulness is the real antidote. A Gospel Coalition piece reframing Christian identity around belonging rather than imitation — you're not just trying to be like Jesus, you belong to him. And a closing word from David Jeremiah on conquering worry by verbalizing it, remembering God's care, and bringing it to him in prayer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Judge not, lest ye be judged" might be the most misapplied verse in scripture. Brian From walks through Rachel Gilson's piece at the Gospel Coalition unpacking what Jesus actually meant in Matthew 7 — it's not a prohibition on moral discernment, but a call to humble self-examination before correcting others, with love as the motive, not arrogance. Then a sobering reflection on the consequences of sin, prompted by reports that a sports journalist lost an $800,000 job after an affair with a married NFL coach came to light — a reminder that sin entangles even when it's never publicly exposed. Four years after the Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade, Brian clarifies a common misunderstanding: abortion wasn't eliminated, it was returned to the states, and the pro-life cause remains fundamentally grassroots. A genuinely helpful piece from Relevant Magazine on feeling spiritually stuck even when you're doing everything "right" — and why dryness isn't a sign of failure but often where real growth quietly happens. A new study links anxiety and depression in young people to difficulty recalling positive memories, with real implications for parents about prioritizing shared experiences. And a closing reflection from Randy Alcorn on choosing daily to trust God's sovereignty — even when life is genuinely hard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Father's Day moments from the US Open stick with Brian From — a 17-year-old amateur inviting his dad to caddy the final hole, and Wyndham Clark's father surprising him with a red-eye flight after the win. From there, a beautiful walk through John 21 and the restoration of Peter: how Jesus doesn't just forgive Peter's three denials but fully reinstates him with the same calling, three times — and how the church Peter goes on to lead in Acts doesn't happen without that moment on the beach. A genuinely practical conversation about raising resilient kids in an age of helicopter and snowplow parenting, built around the idea that struggle, not comfort, is what makes children strong — and a hopeful Gospel Coalition report showing that parents, not churches or youth groups, remain the single biggest predictor of whether kids keep the faith into adulthood. Reflections on reading through 2 Samuel and the life of David, and why the Bible's major figures almost never had it easy — a corrective to the idea that faithfulness should produce ease. Trust in the federal government hits an all-time low, and Brian asks the uncomfortable parallel question about trust in pastors and the church. Plus the true story behind the movie The Roof Man, and a closing devotion on doing everything — work, parenting, service — as unto the Lord.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The top ten grossing movies of 2025 include four sequels, two reboots, and two live-action remakes. The only film with a genuinely original premise is Sinners. Brian From turns that observation into a deeper question: why is an entire generation — raised online, drowning in new content — desperately reaching backward toward Polaroid cameras, record players, VHS tapes, and music from eras they never lived? Kyle Burks at the Gospel Coalition says Gen Z is drunk on nostalgia, and Brian argues it's not just Gen Z. That longing for something simpler, something that lasts, something you can hold onto — it's not ultimately a longing for the past. It's a longing for the eternal. Then: celebrating as a spiritual discipline — why moving on too quickly to the next thing robs us of joy, and what Brian learned hosting his son's graduation party. The Knicks win their first championship in 53 years. A pastor's thread of ordinary life-change stories from his congregation that reads like a modern Acts 8. GLP-1 drugs and Christians — less a right-or-wrong question and more an identity question. And a top-ten list of 2000s worship songs that will immediately transport you back to every lock-in you ever attended.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steven Spielberg has made five movies about aliens, and his newest — Disclosure Day — might be his most theologically provocative yet. Adam Holtz from Plugged In joins Brian From to break down a film where Emily Blunt plays a TV reporter chosen by extraterrestrials as their mouthpiece, a government whistleblower is on the run, and two nuns grapple with what alien contact would mean for their faith. Spielberg has been openly asking the question: if it were proven that aliens exist and the government has known, what would that do to your belief system? Adam also flags an interesting Gospel Coalition piece arguing the whole film tracks the Exodus narrative — Moses, Aaron, Pharaoh, parting of the Red Sea — which makes sense given Spielberg's Jewish faith. Then a quick look at Among Us, the popular video game now turned into an animated murder mystery on Paramount Plus starring Elijah Wood. Full reviews at pluggedin.com. Also: Adam and Brian discover they've officially become their parents, and somehow their small group conversations are now mostly about what hurts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this main stage message from the 2025 Rooted Conference, Liz Edrington walks through Acts 10:10–20, 27–28, and 34–36 to show how God works to deepen unity among His people. She highlights how we often prefer what is familiar, while Christ is leading us toward His Kingdom. Through this passage, Liz reveals a pattern of how God deepens our relationship with Him in order to unify us with others, calling the Church to embrace His redemptive vision. Liz Edrington serves as the Associate Director of Care for McLean Presbyterian Church. She received her M.A. in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida, and she's taught as an adjunct professor in the psychology department at Covenant College. She is an emeritus member of the Rooted steering committee, and she's the author of Anxiety: Finding the Better Story (P&R Publishing, 2023), which won The Gospel Coalition 2023 Book Award for Bible Study & Devotional Literature. Pickled things delight her, as does her snuggle beast, Bella the Dog. Unity and the Gospel: Two Safeguards to Teach Our Students by Taylor Mendoza Mediating in a Divided World and a Divided Home by Clark Fobes Luke & Acts: A ROOTED YEARLONG CURRICULUM  Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates  Register for Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

On this episode of Raising Fatherless Kids, Lori welcomes Mark Vroegop, president of The Gospel Coalition and author of Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy, and Waiting Isn't a Waste. Together, they have a meaningful conversation about grief, suffering, and the biblical practice of lament.After walking through the heartbreaking loss of a stillborn daughter, Mark began to study what Scripture teaches about crying out to God in pain while continuing to trust Him. In this episode, he explains what lament is, why it matters for grieving mothers and fatherless children, and how the Psalms give us language for sorrow, questions, and hope.If you are navigating grief, unanswered questions, or helping your children process loss, this conversation will remind you that God welcomes your tears, hears your prayers, and can be trusted even in the middle of deep pain.Key TakeawaysUnderstanding Lament: A prayer in pain that leads to trustTeaching children to bring their grief to GodTrusting God when life does not make senseFinding hope in the middle of sorrowResources MentionedDark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark VroegopDark Clouds, Deep Mercy Devotional Journal by Mark VroegopWaiting Isn't a Waste by Mark VroegopThe Moon Is Always Round by Jonathan GibsonScripture Referenced:Psalm 13, Psalm 55, Psalm 77, Lamentations chapter 3ConnectTo connect with Perspective Ministries and learn more about resources for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children, visit Perspective Ministries.

In this special episode of the Rooted Parent podcast, Anna sports down with mother of two Sharonda Cooper to discuss her new devotional study, Wisdom for Parenting. The wisdom principles they discuss are applicable to parents at every stage of the parenting journey.  Sharonda Cooper serves as a content coordinator of women's initiatives at the Gospel Coalition. She holds two engineering degrees from MIT and is pursuing an MDiv in apologetics and philosophy from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. An author and contributor to several books, Sharonda and her family live in Texas. Rooted Recommends: Wisdom For Parenting Be Thou My Vision: God's Wisdom, Presence, and Provision in Parenting by Christina Fox Parenting Out of the Wisdom of Scripture Parenting on the Precipice by Phil Cotnoir Wisdom for Parenting by Sharonda Cooper   Follow us @therootedministry! Subscribe to the Rooted Parent Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted by Anna Meade Harris, author of God's Grace for Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single-Parent Families and the Churches That Seek to Love Them Well, and Cameron Cole, author of Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change Your Life on Earth and Therefore I Have Hope: 12 Truths That Comfort, Sustain, and Redeem in Tragedy.

In this episode, Winfree Brisley talks about the armor of God and why it is so important that we find our strength in the Lord. Winfree Brisley serves as an editor for the Gospel Coalition. She is also the editor of 'Strong in the Lord: A 30-Day Devotional on the Armor of God' from Crossway. ❖ Listen to “How the Psalms Act as a Model for Prayer, Lament, and Praise" with Winfree Brisley and Sharonda Cooper:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show.