Timothy Keller Podcast

A lot of us are cast down because we don't expect the attacks on our peace and joy that are inevitable. Much of the depression we experience is depression over our depression. We're sad that we're sad. We're surprised that we're surprised. We're upset that we're upset. Part of being upset is the anger, the guilt, and the frustration we experience as we say, "It's not supposed to be like this!" The Bible takes a positive but realistic view toward facing and overcoming the very real adversaries to inner peace.

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus howled this agonized cry at his execution. How could any good come from such a seemingly horrible end? Timothy Keller ponders the depths of what is surely most horrible, yet most wonderful question ever asked.

Many people today believe that Jesus never claimed to be God. They think Jesus was merely a wise teacher whose followers later deified him. Yet, key passages such as Philippians 2 demonstrate that from the very beginning of Christianity, Jesus was worshiped as God. In our lives, we can only see Jesus’ love for us once we realize that he is God. Jesus left the perfect love of the Trinity in order to serve us. He then sends His disciples out into the world, to follow in his footsteps, to serve and sacrificially love others.

Justification is not merely an abstract theological concept. It is the sense of approval and belonging that every person desires. Justification is more than having our sins forgiven. Justification means that in God’s eyes, we are given Jesus’ perfect record. We are treated as if we had lived the perfect life that Jesus lived. We are given the love that Jesus deserved. We have the same access to the Father that Jesus did. The good news is that all of this comes not from our doing anything, but simply by faith.

Christian peace is not the absence of troubles. It is a peace that is unshakeable even in the midst of troubles. During difficult times, Christians are called to remember the living God who works out all things for good for those who love Him. If we set our heart on anything besides God, we can lose our peace. But if our greatest love is the unchanging God, then our peace can never be taken from us.

Without hope, it is all but impossible face life and endure suffering. But hope must be grounded in something real and lasting. True hope enables us to navigate both sorrow and joy. In Jesus Christ, we have a living hope grounded and sustained in an ever-living savior.

The Bible presents a more attractive and comprehensive view of sexuality than is generally understood. The headings explored in this sermon include the integrity of sex, the challenge of lust and the future of love.

In Romans 12, Paul looks at the Gospel and then exhorts us as to how we should live in the light of what Christ has done. He urges us to give up control over our lives and become “living sacrifices” for God. Unfortunately, the problem with a living sacrifice is that it keeps moving off the altar. Unless we stare deeply at Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, we will never trust God enough to become the living sacrifices that he calls us to be.

No book in all of literature addresses the questions of suffering and evil with the spiritual wisdom of the book of Job. In this sermon, Timothy Keller demonstrates how the Christian approach to suffering differs from both cynical and moralistic viewpoints. Christians are called to hold onto the mystery and stay in a relationship with a God we cannot control—but whose goodness we cannot doubt when we truly grasp the Gospel.

Modern people are uncomfortable with the existence of evil, let alone the existence of the Devil. Yet, the Bible teaches that we cannot fully understand the world we live in unless we realize that there are supernatural agents of evil. But it is not enough to believe in the Devil; a Christian must study his methods. Satan practices evil subtly. He tempts and accuses people rather than overthrowing their will. Temptation is when the Devil asks us to ignore the holiness of God. Accusation is when he blinds us to the love and grace of God.

Justification is not merely an abstract theological concept. Rather, it is the sense of approval and belonging that every person desires. Justification is not only that we have our sins forgiven, but that in God’s eyes we are given Jesus’ perfect record. We are treated as if we had lived the perfect life that Jesus lived. We are given the love that Jesus deserved. We have the same access to the Father that Jesus did. The best news is that all of this comes not from us doing anything at all, but simply by faith.

The Ascension of Jesus Christ “takes what Jesus was and did on Earth, and releases it into the universe and into (our) lives with all of its healing power.” In this sermon, Timothy Keller shows us the power, the nature and the meaning of the Ascension, and what difference it makes for our lives.

We naturally have a love/hate relationship with kings. For thousands of years, myths and legends have centered on the return of a noble king who will rule the people justly. Yet, submitting to a king means that we have to subordinate our own will to the king—and no one yearns for that.

In the conclusion to the sermon on the mount, Jesus challenges everyone. He challenges those who don’t attend church by telling them that not all roads lead to God. He challenges those inside the church by telling them that not everyone who calls him “Lord, Lord” will be saved.

What is the connection between faith and work? The Bible affirms the goodness of creation and therefore the goodness of work. In this sermon, we see how even 1st century slaves found dignity in their work through the Gospel. Yet, the Gospel provides us not only with the motivation to work but with the ability to rest—because the ultimate work is not dependent upon us, but has already been performed by Jesus.