Top Theology Stories of 2023 with Collin Hansen and Melissa Kruger

Join Collin Hansen and Melissa Kruger for their annual recap discussion on the biggest stories affecting the church around the world in the last year. This conversation was originally featured on TGC's Gospelbound podcast.

In this episode of TGC Q&A, the final installment of our six-week series on faith and work, Greg Phelan answers the question, “How do I glorify God even when my work seems meaningless?” He discusses: • The danger: self-justification (:36) • Looking big (1:28) • Thinking small (3:15) • Remembering the promise (4:30) • How we can glorify God (6:40) Explore more from TGC on the topic of Faith and Work (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/course/faith-and-work/).

In this episode of TGC Q&A, the fifth in our six-week series on faith and work, Bill Davis answers the question, “How should we think biblically about end-of-life care?” He discusses: • Why end-of-life care (00:32) • End-of-life and medical ethics committees (3:05) • Advocating for others in end-of-life (9:35)• Two things to know when advocating for others (13:23) • Life and the question of infinite value (15:21) • Biblical advanced directives (17:27) • Choosing a shorter life for gospel purposes (19:29) • How Jesus would have you use all you have now (22:49) • Why these conversations are difficult (25:02) • Ways to help think through the difficult conversations (27:57) • Being practically faithful to the end (32:28) Explore more from TGC on the topic of End-of-Life Issues (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/?s=End-of-Life).

In this episode of TGC Q&A, the fourth in our six-week series on faith and work, Robby Holt and Brian Fikkert answer the question, “How can we include the poor in the conversation?” They discuss: • Connecting the conversation (:43) • Biblical foundations (1:48) • Economics (3:10) • Creation: work as part of God’s design (4:14) • Image bearing (7:12) • Positive view of culture (9:28) • Fall: the impact on relationships (11:58) • Broken people create broken cultures (14:50) • Redemption: inviting the poor (17:29) • The communal basis for flourishing (25:23) • Realizing we are part of the problem (28:41) Explore more from TGC on the topic of Serving the Poor.  

In this episode of TGC Q&A, our third in a six-week series on faith and work, Amy Sherman answers the question, “How did followers of Jesus serve the poor?”She discusses:• Imitating Jesus (:32) • Formalizing the process (1:58) • John Calvin and the Reformation influence (2:47) • John Wesley and the Methodist tradition (4:04) • The influence of Octavia Hill (5:00) • Maggie Walker’s bank (7:08) • Explore more from TGC on the topic of Serving the Poor.

In this episode of TGC Q&A, our second in a six-week series on faith and work, Matt Rusten discusses four ways pastors can encourage congregants in their work life. He discusses:How pastors and congregants can connect over work (:47)In the corporate worship gathering (2:31)In pastoral practices (3:58)In discipleship and spiritual formation (5:01)In outreach or mission (6:12) Explore more from TGC on the topic of Faith and Work. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/topics/faith-and-work/

In this episode of TGC Q&A, we begin a six-week series titled “Faith & Work” with Missy Wallace, who answers several questions regarding the affirmation of goodness in the workplace.She discusses:The Gospel changes everything including how we think about work (0:46)The kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven (3:21)Our own brokenness and sanctification (6:23)Creational goodness and the theology of work (10:31)Final encouragement—The good work that comes out of everyone is the image of God in them (15:50)Explore more from TGC on the topic of Faith and Work.

In this episode of TGC Q&A, we conclude the five-week series, “Gen Z’s Questions About Christianity” with Josh Butler, who answers two questions regarding predestination and salvation.He discusses:Shifting from a mechanical vision to a romantic vision of predestination and election (0:00)A paradigm shift from the country club to war-zone medics (3:45)We are elected to a redemptive community (6:40)How do I know I'm saved? (8:20)Final encouragement—keep asking questions (11:15)Explore more from TGC on the topic of election.

In this episode of TGC Q&A, Michael Kruger addresses five questions from the Gen Z audience on biblical authority and the inerrancy of Scripture.He addresses:Reasons why the Bible is trustworthy (0:00)The meaning of the Bible's inerrancy (3:27)The Bible does not contradict itself (5:15)Do parts of Old Testament law still apply today? (6:25)The canon of Scripture and how certain books were chosen (9:05)Relevancy and reliability of these ancient writings (12:55)Encouragement for those who still have questions (16:05)Explore more from TGC on the Bible.Read Michael Kruger's newest book, Surviving Religion 101: Letters to a Christian Student on Keeping the Faith in College (Crossway).   

In this episode of TGC Q&A, we continue in our series, "Gen Z's Questions About Christianity," where Thaddeus Williams answers four challenging questions on social justice and politics.He addresses:Defining and avoiding "The Newman Effect" (0:00)Giving others the benefit of the doubt (4:10)John Perkins and his approach to racial justice (5:30)Similarities and differences between social and biblical justice (7:50)Is critical race theory (CRT) biblical? (14:30)Engaging politics without siding with a political party (23:50)Thinking critically, submitting to Christ's authority (29:30)Explore more from TGC on the topics of justice and politics.Recommended reading: Confronting Injustice without Compromising Truth: 12 Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice by Thaddeus WilliamsWelcoming Justice: God's Movement Toward Beloved Community (Resources for Reconciliation) by John M. PerkinsFor more of Thaddeus Williams’ reflections on social justice and politics, check out TGC’s new book, Before You Lose Your Faith: Deconstructing Doubt in the Church, where Thaddeus contributed a chapter entitled, “Social Justice: Breakup or Breakthrough?” Available now in the TGC Store.