Salvation and Predestination: Gen Z’s Questions About Christianity

Episodes

How Do I Glorify God Even When My Work Seems Meaningless? — Faith & Work
2 Dec 2021· TGC Q&A
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/).
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How Should We Think Biblically About End-of-Life Care? — Faith & Work
18 Nov 2021· TGC Q&A
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).
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How Can We Include the Poor In the Conversation? — Faith & Work
11 Nov 2021· TGC Q&A
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.
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Historically, How Did Followers of Jesus Serve the Poor? — Faith & Work
4 Nov 2021· TGC Q&A
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.
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How Can Pastors Encourage Congregants in Their Work Life? — Faith and Work
28 Oct 2021· TGC Q&A
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/
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How Do I Affirm Goodness In the Workplace? — Faith and Work
21 Oct 2021· TGC Q&A
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.
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Salvation and Predestination: Gen Z’s Questions About Christianity
16 Jun 2021· TGC Q&A
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.
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The Bible’s Authority: Gen Z’s Questions About Christianity
9 Jun 2021· TGC Q&A
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).
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Social Justice and Politics: Gen Z's Questions About Christianity
2 Jun 2021· TGC Q&A
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. Perkins
For 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.
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Sexuality and Gender Identity: Gen Z's Questions About Christianity
26 May 2021· TGC Q&A
This episode of TGC Q&A with Rachel Gilson is the second in a five-week series titled, “Gen Z’s Questions About Christianity." Gilson answers four important questions about sexuality and gender identity.
She discusses:
The negative temptation of sexual desire (0:00)Loving those who identify as LGBT and remaining true to biblical beliefs (3:06)Leading with the the gospel of grace (4:11)Invite, listen, protect, and invest (5:10)Referring to a transgender person by their desired pronoun (6:23)Struggling with sexuality and maintaining faith (9:30)Confession, conviction, and comfort (10:43)God’s spirit, God’s Word, and God’s people (12:26)
Explore more from TGC on the topic of sexuality.
Rachel’s recommended resources:
Embodied: Transgender Identities, the Church, and What the Bible Has to Say by Preston SprinkleGay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry7 Myths About Singleness by Sam AllberryBorn Again This Way by Rachel Gilson
For more of Rachel Gilson’s reflections on sexuality and gender identity, check out TGC’s new book, Before You Lose Your Faith: Deconstructing Doubt in the Church, where Rachel contributed a chapter entitled, “Sex: Telling a Better Story.” Available now in the TGC Store.
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Hell and Judgment: Gen Z’s Questions About Christianity
19 May 2021· TGC Q&A
In this episode of TGC Q&A, we kick off a new five-week series titled, “Gen Z’s Questions About Christianity" with Josh Butler, who answers two questions regarding hell and judgment.
He discusses:
Reconciling God’s love with eternal judgment (0:00)A broader storyline for hell (1:24)Getting hell wrong (2:55)Reconciling heaven and earth (3:38)Getting the hell out of earth (4:37)Is hell a scare tactic? (6:45)The impact of sin (9:48) The good news of the gospel (10:40)
Explore more from TGC on the topic of hell.
For more of Josh Butler's reflections on hell, check out TGC’s new book, Before You Lose Your Faith: Deconstructing Doubt in the Church, where Josh contributed a chapter entitled, "Hell: Skeleton in God’s Closet?” Available now in the TGC Store.
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What Are the Biggest Issues the Church Will Face in This Decade?
12 May 2021· TGC Q&A
In this episode of TGC Q&A, Paul Tripp and J. D. Greear discuss the question, “What are the biggest issues the church will face in this decade?”
They discuss:
Identity (:00)Preparing to address identity in our churches (2:00)Overcoming the “media view” of Christianity (3:40)A new vocabulary based on the gospel (5:28)Reaching and engaging the culture (6:31)Every Christian and the Great Commission (7:48)Fringe culture church (8:34)
Explore more from TGC on the topic of church.
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How Do I Know if I Married the Right Person?
5 May 2021· TGC Q&A
In this episode of TGC Q&A, Jared Wilson and Afshin Ziafat discuss the question, “How do I know if I married the right person?”
They discuss:
If you’re married, you married the right person (:00)The source of the question (1:08)A theological deficiency (2:21)The goal of marriage (3:26)The grass is greener where you water it (4:53)Bathing marriage in prayer (5:43)He or she isn’t your savior (7:21)You don’t complete me (8:51)Worthwhile intentionality (9:55)
Explore more from TGC on the topic of marriage.
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How Can Christians Avoid Smartphone Addiction?
28 Apr 2021· TGC Q&A
In this episode of TGC Q&A, David Mathis and Joe Rigney answer the question, “How can Christians avoid smartphone addiction?”
They discuss:
A pastoral predicament (:00)Admitting you have a problem (1:53)Controlling impulses (4:04)Gaining larger vision (6:05)Godliness as a value (7:13)The price of phone addiction (8:39)The joy of freedom (9:22)
Explore more from TGC on the topics of technology and addiction.
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How Do I Know if I’m Saved?
21 Apr 2021· TGC Q&A
In this episode of TGC Q&A, Dave Harvey and Michael Lawrence answer the question, “How do I know if I'm saved?”
They discuss:
Where to begin (:00)How you don’t know you’re saved (1:49)Observing your own life (2:46)The Spirit’s testimony (4:27)Objective and subjective evidence (5:31)Internal and external evidence (7:07)Challenging a profession of faith when there is no fruit (9:36)
Explore more from TGC on the topic of salvation.
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What Does Paul Mean By, ‘Do Not Be Overcome By Evil, But Overcome Evil With Good’?
14 Apr 2021· TGC Q&A
In this episode of TGC Q&A, Crawford Loritts and Jason Cook answer the question, “What does Paul mean by, ‘Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good?’”
They discuss:
Taking his words at face value (:00)Confronting evil (1:51)Displaying Christ-like character (3:30)The outrage culture (4:33)Passionate disagreement in love (5:58)Living in the tension (7:08)

Explore more from TGC:
How Should Christians Respond to a Culture of Outrage?
Fruit of the Spirit
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How Should We Respond to the Paradoxes of Christianity?
7 Apr 2021· TGC Q&A
In this episode of TGC Q&A, Jackie Hill Perry and Jen Pollock Michel discuss the question, “How should we respond to the paradoxes of Christianity?” They address:
Is everything a paradox? (:00)Is God good? (1:23)And what about suffering? (2:12)Responding to paradox (2:50)Our desire for control (3:58)Jesus’s response (5:21)
Explore more from TGC on this topic:
Why Christians Need More ParadoxThe Liberating Paradox of Weakness
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Should I Forgive Those Who Are Unrepentant?
31 Mar 2021· TGC Q&A
In this episode of TGC Q&A, Tim Challies and Tony Merida discuss the question, “Should I forgive those who are unrepentant?” They address:
Defining forgiveness (:00)Becoming a peacemaker (1:21)The forgiveness of God (3:42)Acknowledging consequences (5:02)
Explore more from TGC on the topic of forgiveness.
This episode of TGC Q&A is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Providence, by bestselling author, John Piper. Sign up for a free Crossway+ account by Friday, April 30 to receive 40% off this book at crossway.org/TGC.
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If Hell Is Real, How Do Christians Justify Anything Except Evangelism?
24 Mar 2021· TGC Q&A
In this episode of TGC Q&A, Jared Wilson and Afshin Ziafat discuss the question, “If Hell is real, how do Christians justify anything except evangelism?” They address:
Urgency and necessity (:00)Making disciples (2:08)Moral mandates to multi-faceted ministry (2:55)Pre-evangelism (3:58)Making much of Christ in all things (5:17)
Explore more from TGC on the topic of evangelism.
This episode of TGC Q&A is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Providence, by bestselling author, John Piper. Sign up for a free Crossway+ account by Friday, April 30 to receive 40% off this book at crossway.org/TGC.
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How Do I Find Peace When Unsaved Loved Ones Die?
17 Mar 2021· TGC Q&A
In this episode of TGC Q&A, John Piper and Trip Lee discuss the question, “How do I find peace when unsaved loved ones die?” They address:
Understanding the faith of the listener (:00)The radical prioritization of following Jesus (1:22)Our current capacity for dealing with death (1:56)“Sorrowful, but always rejoicing” (4:08)Becoming acquainted with the goodness of God (6:10)Anguishing over the lost (7:35)Rolling your burdens onto God (8:50)
Explore more from TGC on the topic of death.
This episode of TGC Q&A is sponsored by Crossway, publisher of Providence, by bestselling author, John Piper. Sign up for a free Crossway+ account by Friday, April 30 to receive 40% off this book at crossway.org/TGC.
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Episodes

How Do I Glorify God Even When My Work Seems Meaningless? — Faith & Work

How Should We Think Biblically About End-of-Life Care? — Faith & Work

How Can We Include the Poor In the Conversation? — Faith & Work

Historically, How Did Followers of Jesus Serve the Poor? — Faith & Work

How Can Pastors Encourage Congregants in Their Work Life? — Faith and Work

How Do I Affirm Goodness In the Workplace? — Faith and Work

The Bible’s Authority: Gen Z’s Questions About Christianity

Social Justice and Politics: Gen Z's Questions About Christianity

Sexuality and Gender Identity: Gen Z's Questions About Christianity

Hell and Judgment: Gen Z’s Questions About Christianity

What Are the Biggest Issues the Church Will Face in This Decade?

How Do I Know if I Married the Right Person?

How Can Christians Avoid Smartphone Addiction?

How Do I Know if I’m Saved?

What Does Paul Mean By, ‘Do Not Be Overcome By Evil, But Overcome Evil With Good’?

How Should We Respond to the Paradoxes of Christianity?

Should I Forgive Those Who Are Unrepentant?

If Hell Is Real, How Do Christians Justify Anything Except Evangelism?

How Do I Find Peace When Unsaved Loved Ones Die?