The Carson Center Podcast

Don Carson introduces the study of Ezekiel, focusing on chapters 1–3 and Ezekiel's calling amid visions of God’s glory and the challenges of a rebellious nation. Carson delves into how Ezekiel faithfully spoke God's words, regardless of opposition, and calls listeners to similar boldness and faithfulness in today's culture. Carson teaches the following: Ezekiel's visions that reflect God’s majesty...

 Don Carson discusses the strengths and weaknesses of new hermeneutics, arguing that while it offers helpful insights, all Scripture carries an enduring relevance that transcends cultural shifts. He emphasizes the need for humility in biblical interpretation, the clarity of Scripture, and the role of the Holy Spirit in understanding God's Word.   He teaches the following: New hermeneutics must be...

Don Carson addresses the challenge of biblical inerrancy and interpretation, particularly in the context of textual variants and modern pluralism. He emphasizes that while textual variations exist, they do not compromise major doctrines, and he calls for a deeper understanding of genre, grace, and cultural relevance in Scripture interpretation. He teaches the following: Why textual variants don't...

In his lecture on Genesis 39, Don Carson examines the literary structure of the text and highlights Joseph's faithfulness in resisting temptation. Focusing on themes of faithfulness and divine blessing, and the significance of biblical parallelism, Carson compares Joseph's rise in Egypt with broader patterns of Hebrew poetry and scripture interpretation. He teaches the following: How the structure...

In this lecture, Don Carson explores the role of logic in biblical study, emphasizing the multiple meanings of "logic" and the importance of avoiding exegetical fallacies. He highlights the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility, urging the development of a biblical framework for understanding these concepts rather than relying solely on systematic theology, while acknowledging...

Don Carson teaches on the complexities of interpreting 1 Timothy 2:12, emphasizing the need for a thoughtful, context-driven approach to gender roles in the church. He looks to other passages to challenge narrow interpretations of Scripture, urging believers to consider the broader biblical and linguistic context to faithfully understand God’s design and Scripture's meaning. He teaches the followi...

Don Carson explores spiritual rebirth through Jesus's conversation with Nicodemus in John 3, emphasizing the distinction between natural and spiritual birth and God's essential role in salvation. He teaches the following: Spiritual birth and its relationship to natural birth The importance of connecting expository preaching with broader biblical truth Modeling good Bible study and application, rat...

Don Carson focuses on Jesus's message to the church in Laodicea and the parable of the 10 virgins in order to illustrate the importance of understanding biblical texts within their historical and cultural context. Carson teaches: How Jesus uses Laodicea's economic symbols to critique spiritual lukewarmness How the contextual reading of Scripture is an essential precursor to careful biblical exeges...

Every Christian wants to know how to read their Bible well. Don Carson provides foundational principles for rightly handling God's Word and addresses challenges that may arise in biblical interpretation. He teaches: Principles of biblical interpretation that emphasize understanding cultural context The importance of using the whole Bible to interpret difficult passages The role of the original lan...

What does it mean to be a faithful and wise servant in God's kingdom? In his lecture on the Olivet Discourse, Don Carson delves into Matthew 24:45–25:46, illustrating how faithfulness and wise stewardship of our God-given talents lead to greater responsibility and joy. He contrasts this with the fate of wicked servants, who will face punishment. Carson highlights the importance of being prepared a...

Don Carson continues his lecture on the Olivet Discourse from Matthew 24:29–44, focusing on Jesus's return as the culmination of his reign, which began with his birth and continues through his resurrection and ascension. Drawing from Daniel 7:13–14, Carson highlights the eschatological significance of Jesus's victory over Satan and the signs preceding his return. Given the suddenness and unpredict...

Don Carson's lecture on the timing and nature of Jesus's second coming explores the tension between belief in an imminent return and the necessity of specific prophetic events preceding it. He critiques dispensationalist interpretations, arguing against the presence of clear signs preceding Christ's return and emphasizing biblical coherence in eschatological understanding. Carson encourages a bala...

Don Carson continues his teaching from the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24:1–28, expounding on the significant effects of apostasy on the church. Discernment is crucial for churches, as dangerous false prophets deceive many with both overt wickedness and subtle deception. We also need to accurately interpret biblical prophecy and respond to persecution with bold gospel preaching and holiness. Hoste...

Don Carson discusses Jesus's warnings of false prophets, wars, and persecution before the end times as outlined in Matthew 24:1–28. Carson suggests Jesus's response to the disciples about the end times interweaves the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 with his return. The church should expect opposition and persecution as part of the period leading up to Jesus's return, so Carson encourages Christians to...

Don Carson expounds on 1 John 5:4–21 and our assurance of salvation through faith in Christ. Carson addresses interpretations of John’s writings, particularly the symbolism of water and blood, which affirm Jesus's baptism, death, and divine nature. Emphasizing the importance of grounding our assurance in God's promises, Carson encourages believers to deepen their understanding of Jesus's identity...

Don Carson teaches on 1 John 4:1–5:4, exploring the themes of truth and love and the importance of spiritual discernment. He encourages Christians to display God's character and nature through loving others and obeying God's commands, and he cautions us to distinguish between genuine spirituality and deceptive spiritual experiences. First John 4:1–3 is a crucial truth test, warning against false p...

Don Carson teaches on 1 John 2:28–3:24, which centers on Christlike love, obedience, and transformation. Carson reflects on the depth of God's love and the joy of being called a child of God, arguing we must imitate Christ as we live out this new identity. Carson teaches on the nature of sin, the significance of personal holiness, and the hope of Christ's return, urging Christians to purify themse...

Don Carson teaches on the importance of obedience to God and his Word as a true demonstration of knowing him, as emphasized in 1 John 2:3–27. Central to the Christian life is having and displaying a genuine love for others, which Carson highlights as a key indicator of living in the light of Christ. He contrasts those who merely talk about faith with those who act on it and discusses the dangers o...

In this lecture on 1 John, Don Carson calls Christians to maintain gospel centrality, cautioning against an excessive focus on peripheral issues. He explores the details of John's letter, emphasizing our need for salvation through Christ, walking in the light of his righteousness, and demonstrating genuine love for others as evidence of true faith. Carson also teaches on confession, repentance, an...

Don Carson teaches on James 1:12–25, reminding believers to persevere amid suffering and temptation, looking to God's promises, goodness, and sovereignty to anchor them. Though trials can become temptations to sin, God doesn't tempt his people; he tests them to strengthen their faith and obedience. Carson highlights the importance of abiding in God's Word for spiritual growth and freedom, and he e...

Focusing on God's providence in our suffering, Don Carson explains that suffering can be divine discipline but is not always directly related to personal sin, as shown in John 9:1–7 and 1 Corinthians 11:29. God's strength is perfected in human weakness, illustrated by Paul's experience with the thorn in his flesh. Carson delves into the theological concepts of propitiation and expiation, explainin...

Don Carson reflects on Job's righteousness and the mystery of suffering, encouraging his audience to trust in God's sovereignty and justice in the face of trials. He discusses Job's initial silent suffering, his eventual repentance, and the theological debates surrounding God's goodness amid suffering. Carson concludes by highlighting the biblical tension between God's sovereignty and human respon...

Don Carson outlines six theological pillars for a biblical understanding of suffering. Looking into the philosophical problem of suffering, he references David Hume's skepticism about God's goodness in light of pervasive hardship, and he challenges his audience to consider how to reconcile the existence of a loving, omnipotent God with the reality of suffering. A faith that remains steadfast despi...