Truth For Life - Alistair Begg: Recent Episodes
Biblical worship is far more than music or personal expression; it is God's people responding rightly to who He is and what He has done. Examining Jesus' teaching in John 4 alongside the Hundredth Psalm and the devotion of the woman at Bethany, Alistair Begg explains what it means to worship God in spirit and truth with joyful, heartfelt, and sacrificial devotion. True worship, he reminds us, is centered on God's glory, shaped by His Word, and made possible through the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit.
When the apostles Peter and John were released from custody after being arrested for proclaiming the Gospel, their fellow believers responded in prayer. Acts 4 records this prayer, which provides Christians of any era with a pattern for how to pray. In this message, Alistair Begg unpacks the early believers' prayer, demonstrating how it was communal, theological, scriptural, and purposeful—and challenges believers today to rely on prayer and the Holy Spirit as they live faithfully in a culture increasingly resistant to the Gospel.
Jesus performed many miracles, from casting out demons to healing various diseases and cleansing leprous men. So why, then, did He first tell a paralytic with an obvious need for physical healing that his sins were forgiven? Alistair Begg helps us to understand that the physical dimension of what Jesus did in people's lives was not His most significant work; rather, it was what He did at the heart level that met their greatest need—just as it does ours.
After overseeing the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls and the restoration of the people's right worship, Nehemiah returned to Susa. When he later came back to Jerusalem, what he found was distressing: The people had embraced unhelpful associations, unfulfilled commitments, unkept promises, and unholy marriages. Alistair Begg walks us through each of these issues in turn, helping us to see why they mattered, how Nehemiah confronted them, and how they are mirrored in the problems confronting today's church and its leaders.
After learning of the sorry state of Jerusalem's walls, Nehemiah responded with prayerful dependence, careful preparation, and quiet assessment before calling others to act. As Alistair Begg points out, his leadership combined trust in God's sovereignty with practical wisdom and courage in the face of opposition. Through Nehemiah's example, we're reminded that God's work advances through ordinary people who rely on Him, persevere through discouragement, and unite around a shared, God-given purpose.
While all Scripture is inspired, not all Scripture is equally inspiring. When we read the long list of names in Nehemiah 3, we might be prone to wonder at its purpose. As Alistair Begg reminds us, though, God's work requires the unified, active participation of those whose names will largely be forgotten, each contributing their part within a larger purpose. And as chapter 4 makes plain, while opposition to such work is inevitable, leaders must commit to meeting it with prayer, vigilance, and trust in God.
The opening verses of Romans 12 point to the fact that discerning God's good, pleasing, and perfect will begins with wholehearted surrender to Him. Alistair Begg explains that as believers grounded in God's mercy, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, resist conformity to the spirit of the age, and pursue inward transformation through the Holy Spirit's renewing work. The Christian life, he reminds us, is a journey of lasting obedience, built on the trust that God's purpose is to make His people increasingly like Christ.
Psalm 126, one of the Psalms of Ascent, traces the pilgrim song of God's people through three movements: going up, looking back, and keeping on. Reflecting on Israel's restoration from exile, Alistair Begg shows how joyful remembrance of God's past faithfulness fuels present perseverance and future hope. The psalm's tension between remembered blessing and ongoing need points ultimately to Christ, who satisfies the soul's deepest thirst and leads His people onward toward the new Jerusalem, where God's presence will dwell fully with His redeemed people.
The first five verses of 2 Timothy 4 encapsulate Paul's concern for the ongoing ministry of the Gospel. At this point in his letter, Paul has reminded Timothy that he must continue in the Gospel himself and that the Scriptures are divinely inspired. Now, as Alistair Begg explains, Paul turns Timothy's attention to the solemn charge, stirring challenge, and straightforward and vitally important commitment that are intrinsic to his ministry—and to the ministries of all who follow in Timothy's line.
While an approach to Christianity that treats it as a soft option may sound attractive, it's certainly not scriptural. Truly biblical discipleship is muscular, demanding, and thoughtful. The apostle Paul made this clear to Timothy as he urged him to proclaim the Gospel boldly and to suffer for it bravely. In this conference message, Alistair Begg examines the three word pictures Paul used to clarify the believer's daily need for devotion, discipline, and diligence in the Christian life.
As Christopher Ash writes, "The word of God is the driving force that shapes authentic church life." If in our churches we wish to see discipleship in the pews, we have to have discipleship in the pulpit. With this conviction in view, Alistair Begg guides us through Paul's stirring words in 2 Timothy 4:1–8, examining the charge Paul gave to his pastoral protégé, the challenge Timothy faced, and the commitment the apostle urged upon him.
According to one Barna study, the average pastor lasts only five years at a given church—often leaving just when, statistically speaking, he would be approaching his greatest period of usefulness. In a world of such short pastoral tenures, what does it look like to minister in the same place for not just years but decades? In this informal talk to pastors, Alistair Begg reflects on his forty-two years of pastoral ministry at Cleveland's Parkside Church, sharing lessons learned about both the dangers and the delights of what D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones called "the most glorious calling to which anyone can ever be called."
"What's it like to work just one day a week?" While many pastors find themselves on the receiving end of such questions, the reality is that as Gospel workers, pastors know their jobs are never really finished. As Alistair Begg notes, Paul's instructions to his protégé Timothy make clear that the church is always in need of pastors who will study God's Word diligently so they can remind their congregations of the essentials of the faith and present themselves to God as ones approved.
One of the evidences of our having been adopted into God's family is that we pray. But what are we to actually pray about, and how? In Ephesians 3, Paul reveals his prayers for the Ephesian believers, providing a pattern for prayer that both encourages and challenges believers in all times. In this message, Alistair Begg examines Paul's entreaty, the generosity upon which it's based, and the glorious end toward which the apostle prays: that God will get all the glory He deserves.
As he reached the end of Romans 8, Paul presented a triumphant closing argument, grounding Christian assurance in God's decisive action in Christ. Because God did not spare His own Son, believers can be confident that nothing essential will be withheld from them. Every charge is silenced by Christ's death, resurrection, reign, and intercession, Alistair Begg explains. Though suffering and opposition remain real, they cannot sever believers from Christ's love. In all circumstances, Christians are "more than conquerors," fully secure in God's unbreakable redeeming love in Christ Jesus.
In Mark 14, we read that as the time for Jesus' crucifixion drew near, a woman came to Him and anointed His head with an alabaster flask of precious oil. While this heartfelt act of worship provoked the disciples' disapproval, Jesus celebrated her for doing "a beautiful thing." Alistair Begg surveys the woman's action, the disciples' reaction, and Jesus' commendation, helping us to see that the only true pathway to lasting honor is to honor Christ.
Writing to the Christians of first-century Rome, the apostle Paul acknowledged that creation, believers, and even the Spirit Himself groan in hopeful anticipation of final renewal. Present suffering is real, Scripture affirms—but it is eclipsed by the promised glory to come. Alistair Begg traces the inseparable link between suffering and glory in God's redemptive purpose, reminding us that the Spirit sustains believers in weakness and that God is at work in all things for our ultimate good.
Genuine Christianity is not just a new set of beliefs or even a new pattern of behavior; it's a matter of new belonging. After declaring the glorious truth that there is "now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," the apostle Paul called his Roman readers to live "not in the flesh but in the Spirit." In this message, Alistair Begg examines the reality and results of the Spirit's presence in the life of the believer as well as the responsibility that falls to those who are in Christ.
The seventeenth-century minister Thomas Jacomb once wrote of Romans 8, "From first to last, it is high gospel." Beginning with "no condemnation" and ending with the assurance that nothing can separate us from God's love, it is one of the most magisterial and encouraging chapters in all of Scripture. In this message, Alistair Begg begins a short tour through its profound depths, helping us to grasp the solution to the predicament of sin, the necessity of being "in Christ," the relationship between freedom and the law, and the call to walk in newness of life by God's Spirit.
On the verge of the release of his new book The Man on the Middle Cross, Alistair Begg sat down with Jonathan Carswell, CEO of publisher 10ofThose, to talk about the viral sermon clip that inspired it and how he hopes it can help the church evangelize the lost. Join Alistair and Jonathan as they cover where the book's central illustration came from, why it focuses on the biblical stories it does, and Alistair's hopes for how God might use it.
The sin of jealousy is often tolerated in Christian circles—but our lenience doesn't make it any less serious. The Bible is clear: Jealousy is a grave matter. In this talk to seminary students, Alistair Begg surveys jealousy's characteristics, consequences, and cure, reminding us that, as with all sin, the key to victory lies in acknowledging our transgression before God and keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.
In a church context that held great potential for apostasy, Timothy faced the task of leading through the example of his lifestyle and work. Faithful ministry, Paul explained to him, flows from godly character—speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity—and from wholehearted devotion to Scripture, exhortation, and teaching. Alistair Begg considers Paul's guidance to Timothy, which can help today's pastors, too, as they seek to watch themselves and their doctrine closely and see themselves and their hearers saved.
Timothy, the apostle Paul's protégé, was not only to be alert to the dangers that lay before the people under his care; he was also to make sure that they understood God's truth. Alistair Begg unpacks Paul's instructions in 1 Timothy 4:6–10, which focus on the importance of ministering well, being nourished in the faith, training for godliness, and, ultimately, placing hope in "the Savior of all people."
In the concluding verse of 1 Timothy 4, Paul instructs Timothy, "Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers." What did he mean by these words? Alistair Begg begins an examination of the answer by looking at the chapter's opening verses, which outline the apostacy Paul warned about, how it would happen, by whom it would happen, and what its teaching would involve.
Peter wrote to the believers of his day to encourage them to hold to the Gospel they had received while living as "sojourners and exiles" in a pagan world. In this series, Alistair Begg walks us through 1 Peter, helping us to see that its vital message remains relevant today.
After declaring the indicatives of what was true of them in Christ, Peter laid out several imperatives for the first-century readers of his first letter to take to heart. As Alistair Begg points out, his instructions—to prepare their minds, be sober-minded, set their hope on Jesus, be holy, live in reverent fear, love earnestly, and obey the truth—remind us today of our need for grace and of the abiding truth of God's Word.
In anticipation of the release of his new book The Man on the Middle Cross, Alistair Begg sat down with Jonathan Carswell, CEO of publisher 10ofThose, for a wide-ranging conversation on the relationship between evangelism and pastoring. Listen in as the two discuss such topics as how to start evangelistic conversations, how to balance self-critique with self-forgetfulness, the use of humor in preaching, and more.
Above all things, God exalts His name and His Word. This became evident to Moses when, feeling inadequate, he questioned God's choice of him as a spokesman. In response to these doubts, God assured Moses of His presence and identified Himself as the great "I AM." In his final sermon at Parkside Church, Alistair Begg focuses on this unique encounter found in Exodus 3. God met Moses's need with assurance of His "isness" as well as His presence—spiritual realities that remain reliable and trustworthy for believers still today.
After failing in his first attempt as Israel's deliverer, Moses spent the next forty years living the routine life of a shepherd. During these "silent" years, God was preparing Moses to shepherd His people. In this study in Exodus 3, Alistair Begg walks us through God's appearance in the burning bush, His assurance of His sovereignty, and His assignment for Moses. Whether our lives seem out of control or stuck in humdrum routines, God is still in charge, and His promises remain trustworthy.
God makes all things beautiful in His time—even if His timing isn't always our ideal! When the Hebrews were enslaved and treated harshly in Egypt, one Hebrew infant was spared. Nurtured in the faith by his own mother, Moses also enjoyed the privileged life of an Egyptian prince. While little is known of Moses's first forty years, Alistair Begg explores two tragic events—and the resulting disgrace and delayed deliverance—that occurred when Moses imposed his own will instead of relying on God's providential hand.
The Bible clearly teaches that God created the universe, orchestrates all of life's events, and knows us intimately. In this sermon on Exodus 2, Alistair Begg explains how God's providence shaped the early life of Moses in particular. Before the burning bush, the plagues, and the parting of the Red Sea, Moses murdered an Egyptian and, fearing retribution from Pharaoh, fled to Midian. There, however, instead of judgment, he found God's favor. As with Moses, our lives unfold beneath the unseen hand of God, who promises to forget our sins, which He forgives in Christ.
Amid trials and hardships, have you ever wondered where God was? When life's difficulties seem random and apparently pointless, it's vitally important to know what we believe about God. In this message on the opening of Exodus, Alistair Begg reminds us that even when heaven is silent, our heavenly Father is still at work behind the scenes. The same power that provided a way for Moses to become a redeemer for his people is at work in the vast array of details of our lives today.
The Joseph story is well-known, but the hit musical's "technicolor dream coat" may have more influence than many realize. The challenge of this brilliant narrative is to bring out both moral lessons and the richness of the Gospel grace it proclaims as the plot illustrates much about the Lord's redeeming patterns. The Tron Church's Willie Philip helps us think through how to preach Christ from these chapters, not just using it as a springboard to Jesus but actually mining the richness of the text—which is about far more than Joseph!
The story of our earthly pilgrimage is not a straight line—yet when our lives twist and turn and we face unanswered questions, hardship, and sorrow, there is hope for all who trust in Christ. Beginning with the transition from the end of Genesis to the opening of Exodus, Alistair Begg reminds us that God's providence underpins everything, as He is sovereign over all things, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. What was true for the Israelites is true for us today: We can trust that the unseen controller of history is working out His purposes in His way, making everything beautiful in His time.
In the moments before He died, Jesus saw His mother, Mary, standing with John and tenderly commended them to one another's care. In this Mother's Day message, Alistair Begg ponders the history and heart of Mary, reminding us that Jesus' loving and temporal provision for her in this moment is an emblem of a far greater reality—the eternal provision Christ makes for all who believe in Him. With this act of loving grace, Jesus establishes a whole new category, fashioning a family of faith that finds both forgiveness and fellowship in the work of the cross.
Most pastors have experienced a Sunday (or many!) when they aren't on the same page as the praise musicians. This disconnect can result in discontinuity between the pulpit and music ministry, frustrating both the pastor and the worship team. In this breakout, Parkside Church's Jonathan Albright considers several practical music ministry scenarios and identifies key principles that lead to unified, intentional ministry between the pastor and praise team.
Between 2020 and 2023, over 400,000 Americans died drug-related deaths, with another 560,000 succumbing to deaths related to alcohol. The statistics are just as bad in Scotland. For the past eight years, Hope for Addiction UK has been seeking to make a difference in this arena. In this breakout session, Terry McCutcheon shares what the organization has been doing and learning as it seeks to minister in a culture of addiction.
In the final section of his first epistle, the apostle Peter issued a series of challenging exhortations to the elders of the churches to which he wrote. In the concluding message of Basics 2025, Alistair Begg shows how Peter's words remain relevant to today's pastors and church leaders, reminding them of the key imperatives of Gospel ministry. The only hope we have, he reminds us—in ministry and in life—is in the God of grace, who provides support so that we won't topple, strength so that we won't collapse, and a foundation so that we won't be blown away.
In a world in which opposition to Christianity seems to be rising, what does it mean to echo the apostle Paul's stirring claim that he was "not ashamed of the gospel"? Thirdmill's Richard Platt helps us see that the answer lies in remembering the words that follow: "It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." The good news of Jesus, he reminds us, doesn't just have a strong arm; it also has a long reach. How can we be anything but eager to preach it?
In this Basics 2025 question-and-answer session, Parkside Church's Matt Ross poses attendees' questions to Alistair Begg and fellow speakers Willie Philip and Richard Pratt. How do prospective ministers discern their sense of calling? How can pastors preach the Old Testament Christologically and still remain faithful to the text? What particular dangers does the church face in our politically divisive cultural climate? Hear answers to these questions and others as you listen in on the conversation.
All Christian leaders, and especially those who minister the Word of God, must be sure that they remain firmly rooted in Christ. This is especially true when the world around us challenges the Christian faith in new ways. As Third Millennium Ministries' Richard Pratt explains, the apostle Paul experienced this in his own life—and in 1 Corinthians, he wrote how he was able to stay firmly rooted but also relevant in his changing world.
What are the plus sides of ministering in a society that seems to have moved on from Christianity? How important is cultural awareness when ministering internationally? Is American Christianity in decline—and if so, where might we be headed in the future? Join Basics 2025 conference speakers Willie Philip, Richard Pratt, and Alistair Begg as they answer these questions and more in this spirited and Gospel-affirming conversation.
Abuse is often a confounding issue for pastors and ministry leaders to navigate—and identifying abusive and oppressive behaviors in marriage can feel especially overwhelming. In this session, Fieldstone Counseling founder Jonathan Holmes discusses some core principles for caring for the abused well and understanding how abuse goes against God's intended designs and purposes for husbands and wives.
Those serving in ministry can easily lean too far toward idealism on the one hand or pragmatism on the other. In Ephesians 4, the apostle Paul strikes a perfect balance between the hope that is ours in Christ and the necessity of speaking the truth in love to a lost and wandering world. Richard Pratt of Third Millennium Ministries walks us through this vital passage, helping us understand how we can live in a manner that is worthy of our high and holy calling.
Of all the chapters in Genesis, few are as challenging to understand, much less preach, as chapter 38, which recounts a sordid series of events involving Judah and Tamar. As the Tron Church's Willie Philip helps us see, however, this passage demonstrates that while God's arm is strong, it is also long. If He can work into His wonderful story of grace and mercy even people like those in this story, then surely there can't be any darkness or misery so great as to keep Him from doing the same today.
To some extent, we all hope for a world of harmony, hope, and peace. But how is such a world supposed to come about? In this conference message, Alistair Begg explains how the church is intended to allow a fallen humanity to catch a glimpse of the eternal reality described throughout Scripture. The Gospel brings a piece of the future into the present when local churches demonstrate a unity that transcends earthly boundaries, drawing people together in and under Christ's lordship.
The Old Testament presents us with many passages that are challenging to preach—but some are especially disgraceful and disturbing. Genesis 19 is one such passage, detailing a troubling incident involving Lot and the men of Sodom, who sought to commit a wicked act against those in his house. Willie Philip from the Tron Church, Glasgow, leads us through this difficult chapter, demonstrating how even passages revealing the horror and darkness of human sin can be preached in a way that points hearers to the Gospel.
The great distinctive of Christianity is the hope it offers in a hopeless world. Through an act of perfect redemption, Jesus has dealt with our sinful predicament, and God's wrath has been satisfied. In this Communion message, Alistair Begg reminds us of the believer's security in Christ, which is fixed in the completed work at the cross. Because of Jesus, we can confidently draw near to God, holding fast to the hope found in Him and considering "how to stir up one another to love and good works."
Failing to grasp that Jesus would be raised to life, Mary found her grief matched by confusion when she saw His tomb was empty. Until He called her by name, she didn't even recognize that it was Jesus Himself who asked, "Why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" In this Easter message, Alistair Begg walks us through the historical reality and universal impact of Jesus' resurrection. Tears give way to joy once we recognize that Jesus is who He claims to be—the risen Christ.
As His death drew near, Jesus cried out from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" To many onlookers on that day, Christ's crucifixion was just a routine execution. To grasp the significance of what was happening, we need to understand the message of the cross as revealed in Scripture. In this Good Friday sermon, Alistair Begg explains how God displayed and satisfied His perfect justice at the cross and pardons those who believe in His Son. Because He was forsaken, we can be forgiven.
"What shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" Faced with a riled-up crowd and an accused Jesus, the Roman governor Pilate wrestled with this question as he determined whether to do what was right or what was popular. In this Palm Sunday sermon, Alistair Begg examines Pilate's investigation, frustration, and eventual capitulation to the Jewish leaders' false accusations and the people's demand to crucify Jesus. Every single one of us must answer for ourselves the same question that plagued Pilate. What will you do with Jesus?
When a crowd led by Judas came to the garden of Gethsemane to arrest Him, Jesus wasn't blindsided. At first glance, it may appear He was the victim, but He was actually masterfully in control, deliberately and providentially fulfilling the Father's will at just the right time. Alistair Begg walks us through the scene of Jesus' arrest in Luke 22, exploring the revealing questions He asked His betrayer, His bewildered disciples, and His religious opponents.
In 1 Corinthians 10:12, the apostle Paul warns his readers, "Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." We find one poignant example of such a fall in Paul's fellow apostle, Peter, who on the night of Jesus' arrest thrice denied even knowing his Lord and Master. Peter's denial, recorded in each of the Gospels, flashes out like a beacon in the night, a warning and reminder to the church that Jesus' death—the same death that Peter had sought to prevent!—is the very basis for our forgiveness, atonement, and joy.
In Gethsemane, Peter disobediently cut off the ear of Malchus, one of the soldiers sent to arrest Jesus. After healing him, Jesus asked Peter, "Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?" Alistair Begg considers Jesus' words. As the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, Jesus needs no protector; He is the protector—the only substitute who can take the cup of God's wrath so that all who trust in Him may drink the cup of God's blessing.
In the concluding phrase of His High Priestly Prayer in John 17, Jesus speaks of God's love, praying that the Father's love toward Him would also reside in His followers. As Alistair Begg examines this phrase, we see that the immense, unchangeable, and irreversible love of God is known fully only through Christ. Once this love finds a home in the believers' hearts, it transforms us, providing peace amid the trials of this life and security in knowing that in Christ, we are kept for all eternity.
When Jesus concluded His High Priestly Prayer saying that He had made the name of the Lord known to His followers, this wasn't an insignificant detail. God jealously guards His name, by which He declares Himself to be self-existing, self-determining, and sovereign. In this message on the final verse in John 17, Alistair Begg reminds us that reverence for God's name matters, as it is much more than a title; it is a declaration of His very character.
What is it that keeps people from knowing God? As created beings bearing the divine imprint, we are made for a relationship with God—yet because of our sin, we choose to live without reference to Him, finding our identity and security in other things. In this message on John 17, Alistair Begg examines the prayerful words of Jesus in verse 25 and their encouragement for the believer. Although the world does not know the Father, Jesus does, and through Him, we are graciously invited to meet God as Creator, Sustainer, Savior, and King.
What did Jesus desire? What was it that motivated His life, ministry, and sacrifice while on earth? We get a window into the answer in John 17:24, where Jesus explicitly prays for those whom the Father has given Him. In this selfless, specific request to God, ultimately sourced in the love of the Father for the Son, we see that Christ longs for us to be with Him and to see His glory—a glory that will give us light and life for all of eternity.
2025 marks the thirtieth anniversary of Truth For Life, the fiftieth year of Alistair Begg's ordained ministry, and his final year serving as the senior pastor at Parkside Church. In this special interview, Alistair sits down with host Bob Lepine to look back over the last three decades of radio ministry and forward to his hopes for himself and Truth For Life in the future. Listen in, celebrate God's blessings over the years, and discover what may be in store during Truth For Life's fourth decade!
As he drew his first epistle to a close, the apostle Peter turned his focus to the elders of the churches to which he wrote, urging them to lead their people with godliness. Elders and pastors are shepherds over God's flock, Alistair Begg reminds us—ones who should lead by example, cultivating humility, entrusting God with their anxieties, preparing to face adversity, and resting in the security of God's grace.
In the fourth chapter of his first epistle, in light of all that he'd written up to that point, Peter continued to unpack how the reality of Christ's sacrifice should shape the day-to-day of the Christian life. Living under the shadow of the cross, Alistair Begg explains, means thinking properly, living differently, and being prepared to face abuse, even as we keep our eyes fixed on the end and endure the path of suffering laid before us.
The believers of Peter's day, transformed by God's grace, faced inevitable accusations from the world around them. In response, Peter urged them to defend themselves not by arguing for their position but by living honorable lives. Alistair Begg walks us through the apostle's teaching on Christian conduct in the realms of submission to civil government, servants' duty to their masters, and marriage, helping us to see that the strongest missionary force in the world is not a method or a movement but a Christ-filled, grace-centered, attractive life.
Having urged the readers of his first letter to "love one another earnestly from a pure heart," Peter went on to explain what such brotherly love would entail. Alistair Begg unpacks the apostle's instructions, which clarify that fellowship demands action. In their new life together, Christians must be prepared to feed themselves on God's Word, establish themselves on the foundation of union with Christ, and stand as witnesses to God's goodness and glory before a watching world.
The initial readers of Peter's first epistle were an eclectic group, comprised of both Jews and gentiles dispersed throughout a broad geographical region and facing various trials and persecutions. Even so, they were unified by the shared reality of having been "born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." Alistair Begg examines the opening verses of 1 Peter, which describe this great salvation and the hope it offers to all who are in Christ.
We are living today between two advents: We look back on the first advent, the incarnation of Christ who came in humility to seek and save the lost; and we look forward to the second advent, when, in fulfillment of God's promises, Jesus will return in glorious triumph and majesty to execute judgment and reign forever over all. Looking to Jesus' words in Mark 13, Alistair Begg considers what Scripture reveals about Christ's return and how we are to trust God's promises and prepare for that day.
Jesus was born to die to save sinners. The baby in the manger is the creator of the universe and the same one who, within hours of His death, prayed for His disciples. He displayed His glory through perfect obedience to the Father—which culminated in His sacrificial death. Examining John 17:22–23, Alistair Begg considers the glory given to Christ. This same glory is extended to believers so that we may reflect in our words and actions a supernatural unity grounded in the Gospel and share in His love.
Christmas is a popular time of year for gift giving. Sometimes our efforts to find the ideal gift hit the mark; other times, they fall woefully short of expectations. In this Christmas Eve service, Alistair Begg reflects on how Jesus is the only truly perfect gift. He alone fulfills the deepest longings of the human heart for genuine happiness, abiding peace, and everlasting love. But like any present, salvation in Christ can only be enjoyed by those who actually accept the gift.
When the angels announced the birth of Jesus, although they were observers and participants, they could not know firsthand the joy salvation brings. In the incarnation, God the Father did something that was truly unique and unmistakable: He sent His Son, Jesus, to save from their sin all those who would trust in Him. At the center of the Christmas story is not a cradle but a cross—the emblem of the extent to which God went to show His love for us.
All who trust in Jesus are united in Him with fellow believers. Looking to Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, Alistair Begg explores the foundation and distinctiveness of Christian unity. When the Holy Spirit applies the Gospel's truth to our hearts, the resulting unity is supernatural in origin, doctrinal in substance, evangelical in expression, and pastoral in focus. Believers worldwide are called to come together rather than isolate, so that the good news of the Gospel will be attractively showcased before a watching world.
Before His earthly mission came to an end, Jesus prayed for the disciples as they were being commissioned to serve the Lord. Focusing on John 17:18, Alistair Begg considers what God the Father has done, what Jesus has done, and where believers fit into God's eternal plan. Because God loves the world, He sent Jesus to redeem those who are perishing. In turn, Jesus calls the redeemed—empowered by the Holy Spirit—to proclaim the wondrous Gospel throughout the nations.
"Jesus loves me, this I know." This simple refrain from a children's song puts words to a life-altering biblical truth. In this message rooted in John 17:19, Alistair Begg emphasizes the great love Jesus shows to His own—a love demonstrated through His consecration of Himself for suffering on the cross. That agonizing sacrifice, which Jesus willingly entered into, provides justification and, ultimately, sanctification for believers.
In His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus asked God the Father to sanctify His disciples in the truth of His word. In this study of John 17:17, Alistair Begg takes a look at how the doctrine of sanctification is defined biblically, displayed progressively, and discovered submissively. When we trust Christ as Lord and Savior, we're considered holy, set apart by and for God. Through the lifelong process of sanctification, God's Spirit works through God's Word to make believers like Jesus.
Over five hundred years ago, Christianity was buried under layers of superstition, immorality, and biblical illiteracy—yet questions about life and death, knowledge and authority, and how sinful men and women could be made right with God remained. In this Reformation Day message, Alistair Begg recounts how the church of medieval Europe came to rediscover the Gospel message found in Jesus' life and death. Through Martin Luther and others, the true significance and sufficiency of Christ's death was recovered, bringing reform to the church and the promise of salvation to all who trust in Him.
Jesus asked God the Father to keep believers from the Evil One while they remain in the world. Focusing on verse 15 of Christ's High Priestly Prayer, Alistair Begg investigates the identity and strategy of the devil, Jesus' victory over evil, and the Gospel-grounded security and resulting activity of the Lord's followers. We're engaged in a spiritual battle—and although Satan is crafty and unrelenting, Jesus has ultimately dealt with the sin and fears of all who are united in Him.
As he drew his first letter to a close, Peter focused in on the reality of suffering that his recipients would endure and the need for leaders to shepherd their flocks well. Like every caring pastor, Peter realized that the people to whom he was writing needed to know God and live in the light of His truth. In this message, Alistair Begg examines Peter's instructions to embrace humility, receive God's exaltation, and rest in God's promise to restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish His own.
Hearing and believing Christ's words radically changed His disciples—which provoked the surrounding culture's hostility. Alistair Begg explains that the unbelieving world hates biblical truth and Christlike living because they expose humanity's lostness, immorality, and need of a Savior. Ultimately, Christian conviction ignites a life of conflict, because the same grace that reconciles us to God antagonizes us to the Evil One. Yet Jesus prayed not for God to remove believers from the world but to keep us from evil as we remain in the battle.
Knowing that after His imminent arrest, His disciples would soon scatter in fear, the Son of God prayed for their spiritual preservation, unity, and joy. Unpacking verses 11–13 of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, Alistair Begg points out how God's care for His children supersedes our greatest self-concerns. Not everyone experiences God's blessings, though! The inexpressible joy of salvation can only be known by the truly penitent who rest entirely on Christ's atoning work.
If Jesus offered to pray on your behalf, what would you ask Him to pray for-- In His High Priestly Prayer in John 17, Jesus prayed for His disciples, distinguishing them from the world, declaring them to be agents of His glory, and asking the Father to keep them in His name. Alistair Begg unpacks how over two thousand years later, that same prayer is still being answered for all those who follow Christ, in whom we are securely, eternally kept.
In His High Priestly Prayer, recorded in John 17, Jesus prayed for Himself and all His followers—including believers today. Alistair Begg examines the eternal nature of Jesus' request for glory and the victorious report He shared as He prayed to the Father. Because of His immense love for sinners, God the Father planned the work of salvation, God the Son accomplished it on the cross, and God the Spirit applies the reality of redemption to all who believe and trust in Christ.
A -Live for today-- attitude is widely embraced by our contemporary culture-and it leads to endless restlessness. In sharp contrast, Scripture teaches that the past and future are also important, because God has appointed a day of judgment. To be prepared to face that day, we need to understand history through the lens of the Bible. Alistair Begg walks us through the real human predicament, God's costly intervention, and the divine promise made to those who come to His Son in repentance and faith- -You will find rest for your souls.-
After extending an invitation to His followers to come to Him to find rest, Jesus commanded them, -Take my yoke upon you,- promising them that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Examining the responsibility inherent in Jesus' call, Alistair Begg underscores that this obligation is a call to live in actual freedom. Such freedom is not the illusory kind that the world offers, with no apparent rules or boundaries, but the true liberty found in Christ alone.
Every invitation calls for a response-including Jesus' call in Matthew 11-28- -Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.- Alistair Begg walks us through Christ's gracious invitation, demonstrating how it is a timeless, personal, and universal call to all who are weary, burdened, lost, or sad. It is an offer not for the self-sufficient but for the broken and empty-handed. Yet while respite is promised, it's not automatic- we first must respond to His invitation to -come.-
In this practical session, Rico Tice and Richard Borgonon share resources for evangelism in a world with increasing barriers to Christianity. Despite these obstacles, currently one-third of people are open to a conversation about the faith. Two foundational convictions should inform our evangelism- that the Lord is actively at work in the lives of non-Christians, preparing them to be open to the Word, and that God's Word is powerful to save. Christians must be effectively equipped to take God's Word to nonbelievers.
Chapter 7 of Luke's Gospel records the story of a widow who encountered Jesus during the funeral procession for her son. When Jesus saw her, He spoke to her and then raised her son from the dead. In this message, Alistair Begg reminds us of Jesus' vast love and compassion, emphasizing that this picture of Jesus triumphing over death is a sign and a promise of all that awaits believers in the age to come. Only Jesus can bring the dead to life, and He invites us to come and trust in Him to save us from our sin and to restore all things.
-Him we proclaim.- Prolific theologian and author Sinclair Ferguson challenges pastors and church leaders to take this simple statement as their -motto text,- informing every element of their preaching as it did for the apostle Paul himself. In order to do so, we must preach Jesus Christ from the totality of Scripture and in concert with the wisdom of the church fathers. We must also remember that when we preach Christ, He preaches Himself, meeting every need of everyone who truly hears the message.
In this Q and A session, Rico Tice, Alistair Begg, and Sinclair Ferguson respond to questions from the attendees of the Basic Conference. Listen to these men laugh and teach together as they offer a gold mine of practical wisdom. Among other topics, they discuss their individual callings to pastoral ministry, the advantages and disadvantages to denominational ties, plagiarism, corporate worship, and words of concern and advice for the upcoming generation of pastors.
Relationships are a precious and weighty influence on a pastor's ministry. Even the apostle Paul could not fulfill his calling alone and felt vulnerable to the affections of those around him. In this message, Alistair Begg teaches from the end of Paul's letters to Timothy, admonishing us to value our co-laborers and be mindful of our greetings and farewells. Every pastor will benefit from loyal and useful friendships, which serve as channels of God's love and affection from one to another.
To -do the work of an evangelist,- as Paul urged his prot-g- Timothy to do, is often seen as an individual project-particularly, the specific work of individual pastors. However, as Rico Tice argues, the world needs the entire church body to engage in evangelism. In this talk, he surveys tools and techniques for accomplishing this task while making clear that God is the one who opens blind eyes and transforms lives.
Can faithful biblical interpretation without affection lead to life transformation-- Theologian Sinclair Ferguson argues that it is possible for people to be correctly instructed without being well-nourished and that holy affection is a key to effective pastoral ministry. As Jesus loves and yearns for us, so a pastor ought to live as an example and expresser of Christ's love. God's truth comes with power on the wings of warm care and friendship.
All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable. So why do preachers skip over some parts-- If the Holy Spirit inspired and included genealogies, border descriptions, Levitical offerings, and narratives that offend modern sensibilities, shouldn't pastors preach them-- And shouldn't preachers be able to capture and hold a congregation's attention even in such passages-- In this breakout session, Hershael York, dean of the School of Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, teaches preachers how to preach these notoriously difficult texts in a manner that both reveals their purpose in God's revelation and holds a listener's interest.
In a complicated world, Paul's charge to Timothy was simple- -Preach the Word.- The same charge has been laid on today's pastors and church leaders, who minister in a world that is no less complicated. As such, Alistair Begg calls upon them to do as Timothy did- to take their solemn call seriously, to face the hostilities and difficulties that stand before them, and to -do the work of an evangelist- for a culture that sorely needs the Gospel.
Derek Prime, Alistair's mentor and coauthor of 'On Being a Pastor,' has gone home to be with the Lord, but his legacy continues to impact pastors throughout the world. In this breakout session, pastors Jonathan and Andy Prime-Derek's son and grandson respectively-illustrate how Derek Prime was first a disciple of Jesus before being a pastor and consider how his way of life and faith in the Lord Jesus can be imitated for greater Gospel impact.
Paul exhorted Timothy and all ministers of the Gospel to nurture their God-given gifts, not to be ashamed of the Gospel, and to devote themselves to the life-giving Word of God. Teaching from 2 Timothy 1, theologian Sinclair Ferguson helps pastors and church leaders appreciate the pastorate's holy calling. As he walks through Paul's exhortation to Timothy and the pastoral pattern he sets forth, he unpacks key aspects of Timothy's ministry worth considering and emulating, including the humbling impact of suffering and the necessity of sincere faith.
When studying the Bible, context is crucial. In John 14, Jesus promised His disciples that they would do -greater works- than He and that if they would -ask me anything in my name, I will do it.- Alistair Begg provides incisive perspective into the context of Jesus' words, reminding us that the greatest work of God is the redemption of His people. When we pray according to God's purposes and promises, we can be assured that God will answer our prayers for His glory.
Jesus' claims are exclusive- salvation is found in Him alone. At the same time, He extends salvation to all who believe in Him and points out that those who follow Him will do the works that He did, and -greater than these.- What did Jesus mean by this phrase-- In this study in John 14, Alistair Begg explores the relationship between Christ's miraculous works of redemption and regeneration and the ongoing work of believers. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we're called to point others to the love and grace of the one true Savior.
All the world's major religions teach that there is some sort of life beyond this one. What, if anything, is behind the mysterious curtain we call death-- In this Easter message, Alistair Begg reminds us that the whole of Christianity hinges on two facts- that Jesus Christ was delivered over to death as a substitute for sins and that He was raised to life to justify all who believe in Him. By trusting in Christ and His work on the cross, we can have life-even after death-allowing us to stand before God clothed in the righteousness of Jesus.
Although Peter declared that he would lay down his life for Jesus, when he was questioned by a servant girl, he denied Him three times. Rather than view Peter's actions with judgment, Alistair Begg explains that Peter's failure serves as a warning to all believers. The seeds of every sin are latent in our own hearts-and, like Peter, if we trust in our own strength, we will fall. The life of faith cannot be built on our promises to Christ but must be fixed on the promises He makes to us.
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus issued a new commandment, telling His disciples to love one another just as He had loved them. Commitment to loving like Jesus-perfectly, ceaselessly, and sacrificially-is to be the distinguishing feature of every Christian community. Alistair Begg explains that this challenge, which is the great opportunity for every generation, is only possible after Christ takes up residence in our lives, empowering us to love freely and generously, demonstrating with our actions how He has worked for us, in us, and through us.
After washing His disciples' feet at the Passover supper, Jesus, in yet another generous expression of love, prepared them for what was to come and announced that one of them would betray Him. As we consider this intimate scene in John's Gospel, Alistair Begg teaches that it contains both warning and encouragement for believers. Followers of Christ must resist temptation in all its forms and trust in the Lord, even as we recognize that the God who sovereignly overruled Judas' betrayal can be trusted in our present circumstances.
With the public ministry of Jesus now at an end, John's Gospel records that during the Passover supper, Christ rose and washed His disciples' feet. With full knowledge of all that was about to transpire in the days to come, Jesus demonstrated His humility and love toward His followers. As Alistair Begg explains, His foot washing serves as both an illustration of what would take place at the cross-the King laying down His life for His people-and an example of how believers should live in humble service to one another.
After reporting the animosity exhibited toward Jesus by the chief priests and Pharisees, John's Gospel records the curiosity of the Greeks, who, at the Passover, sought Him out to speak with Him. In this setting, Jesus spoke of how a grain of wheat must die to bear fruit. Explaining the pivotal moment marked by the arrival and interest of the gentiles, Alistair Begg reminds us that although the disciples wished Jesus not to die, His death is the key to life.
The Gospel of John is a highly concentrated look at Jesus' life, during which He performed many signs and miracles. Frustrated by these signs and in concern for themselves, the chief priests and Pharisees rejected Jesus and planned to put Him to death. Discussing key events in the first half of John's narrative, Alistair Begg emphasizes the evangelistic purpose of the biblical record, written so that we may believe and have life in Him. Only Jesus has the authority to defeat death, as His death and resurrection are the source of our spiritual life.
Jesus proclaimed Himself the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep by name. In this study from John's Gospel, Alistair Begg teaches that when it comes to gaining access to God and heaven, there's only one Door, one Shepherd, and one flock. Ultimate security lies not in the walls of our enclosure or in the strength of our faith but in our proximity to Jesus, the indestructible Shepherd in whom we place our trust. Believers will know His voice and enjoy abundant life.
How are Christians to walk the fine line between affirming and reviling those whose actions declare them to be God's enemies-- That is the question Alistair Begg seeks to answer as he addresses the controversy surrounding the counsel he gave to a grandmother in the summer of 2023. Turning to Luke 15, Alistair reminds us that the inclination toward pharisaism is alive and well within all our hearts. It is something we always must guard against-especially as we press on toward purity and holiness in the midst of an aimless and confused generation.
When Jesus said, -Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber,- He was using a familiar picture. Explaining both the context and the content of Jesus' statement, Alistair Begg reminds us that this metaphor is depicts God, who, in Christ, is the ultimate Shepherd, seeking and providing for His people. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus offers the only way of salvation. If we're in Christ, we will know His voice and follow Him.
As conversations with Jesus in the temple grew more heated, His listeners wrestled with what to believe about Him and demanded to know who He was claiming to be. Jesus replied to them, -Before Abraham was, I am,- revealing that He is God the Son from all eternity. Alistair Begg examines Jesus' words, underscoring their foundational and theological significance. Jesus is the eternal Christ, master of time, and ruler of the ages. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever-and because of who He is, He has power and authority to save all who believe in Him.
What does it mean to -never see death--- Alistair Begg teaches that while death is sin's penalty and each of us will confront the reality of physical death, if we're in Christ, death no longer has the power to condemn us and separate us from God. As the sinless Savior, Jesus was the only one qualified to pay the penalty for sin, and in Him death is destroyed. Those who trust in Jesus have hope for eternity with Him.
As Jesus preached in the temple, He made a bold and extravagant promise, telling His listeners, -If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.- Incredulous at His claim, the people opposed Him. Alistair Begg explains that the words of Jesus always demand a response, for they are the very words of God. Jesus offers a freedom that only He can provide-one that ultimately frees us from the unnatural intrusion of pain, decay, and death itself. By trusting in Him, the one who has conquered sin and death, we will not perish but have eternal life.
When Jesus gave instruction to aspiring disciples, He delivered the true but difficult news that -everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.- Not understanding how they could be enslaved, His listeners questioned Him. Alistair Begg addresses this provocative statement from Jesus, explaining that apart from Christ, we are all bound to sin. Counter to contemporary thinking, the problem is within us- we sin because we are sinners. Only Jesus, who gave up His own freedom to secure our own, sets us free from sin's reign and allows us to live in a way that pleases God, our Maker.
As Jesus taught in the temple, many believed and were curious about Him but still rested in their religious pedigree, blind to their spiritual need. Alistair Begg reminds us that although Jesus' words about enslavement recalled the Jews' history as slaves in Egypt, we, too, are in bondage to sin, unable to set ourselves free. True disciples of Christ will have more than a passing curiosity about Jesus, acknowledging that their greatest need is for Him and abiding faithfully in His word.
Are you in awe of God-- With the old year drawing to a close and the new year set to commence, Alistair Begg reflects on the past twelve months of Bible study at Parkside Church, underscoring the importance of thinking Christianly in an ever-changing world. The apostle Paul proclaimed the wonders of God to be unfathomable. With this truth in mind, rather than accommodating the surrounding culture's focus on self, we're encouraged to give all glory to God alone.
In the opening verse of the Gospel of John, we encounter the beginning of the Christmas story. Even before time itself began, God had a plan and purpose to provide a Savior to a rebellious world. In this Christmas Eve message, Alistair Begg reminds us that Jesus, as the eternal Son of God, stepped into time not ultimately to live but to die. Because of Christ, we can know a love like no other-a love that seeks in order to save, allowing us to know and share the greatest story the world has ever known.
While Luke wasn't an apostle, he determined to provide an orderly account of Jesus' life based on true, historical facts, not poetical speculation. His Gospel includes unique details, like Zechariah's experience as priest and father to John the Baptist-the one who would prepare the way for the long-awaited Messiah. Alistair Begg walks us through Zechariah's prophecy in Luke 1, focusing on the source, reality, and purpose of God's promised salvation. Because of His mercy, light shines into darkened hearts, sins are forgiven, and true peace can be enjoyed.
A multitude often gathered to hear Jesus preach. Some enjoyed the miracles and being part of the crowd. They were attracted to what Jesus could give them-but soon they opposed what His teaching demanded and deserted Him. Turning to the end of John 6, Alistair Begg explores the crowd's reaction, Christ's explanation for it, and the apostle Peter's subsequent declaration. At some point, everyone who hears Jesus' teaching comes to such a crossroad- we either decide to continue in life without Him, or we believe Him, submit to Him, and find eternal life.
Who sits on the throne of your life-- Is it yourself or your Savior-- In this short Christmas concert message, Alistair Begg reminds us that when Jesus stepped down into time, He came to seek and save us from our natural state of sinful rebellion. Through His supernatural birth, death, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus offers to sit on the throne of our lives-a true Christmas miracle. Our prayer today can be as the song says- -Oh, come to my heart, Lord Jesus. There is room in my heart for You.-
Jesus proclaimed that we must eat and drink of Him to have eternal life. But how could that possibly be-- Addressing this often misunderstood and misapplied passage of Scripture, Alistair Begg explains that Jesus used physical descriptions to explain spiritual truths. Spiritual hunger-that deep-seated desire to make sense of existence-is universal. Only when we're united with Christ do we find the true food and drink that satisfies our deepest longings. All Jesus requires is that we know our need of Him and place our trust in His provision.
What does it mean to be -in Christ--- Paul addressed this question in his letter to the church in Colossae, reminding them of Jesus' transformative work while urging them to cultivate a heart of thankfulness. In this Thanksgiving message, Alistair Begg underscores the direct correlation between a transformed heart and a life that is lived out under the Lord Jesus. For the believer, such a life is characterized by an identity grounded in Christ, a unity marked by His love, and activity done in His name.
Jesus' declaration that He was -the bread of life- stirred both anger and opposition in the Jewish people. Confident in what they already knew about Him, they grumbled, with some not hearing, some hearing and doubting, and others hearing and disputing. Alistair Begg reminds us that we often have the same responses to Jesus today. Left to our sinful selves, we do not choose to believe in Him. Instead, our resistant hearts must be drawn by the Father, allowing us to see Jesus for who He is-the Living Bread who has come down from heaven to give His life for the world.
In seasons of doubt or discouragement, how do we know our faith is secure-- In John 6, Jesus spoke of the vast wonder of saving faith, declaring Himself to be -the bread of life.- Whoever comes to Him and believes in Him, He said, will not hunger or thirst, nor will they ever be cast out. Examining these remarkable and reassuring words, Alistair Begg reminds us that our salvation is grounded in the will of God, given by the Father, and redeemed and kept for all eternity by the Son.
After Jesus miraculously fed thousands, the crowds revealed their hearts by the questions they asked. They focused on their physical needs rather than Christ's spiritual provision, sought to earn salvation rather than receive it, and hoped for more miracles in order to be convinced of Jesus' deity. In this study from John 6, Alistair Begg examines the needful warning, remarkable declaration, and gracious invitation Jesus offered in response. Only when we're properly focused on eternity will we recognize Him as the true King and Bread of Life.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus performed numerous signs, including feeding thousands of people by miraculously multiplying five loaves and two fish. Many who witnessed this miracle were fascinated, followed Christ, and yet remained unchanged, because they were more focused on the miracle than on what it signified. Others took offense at His words and walked away. As Alistair Begg explains, however, signs like this help us understand who Jesus is-the very Bread of Life Himself, God incarnate-and what He's done so that by believing we will have eternal life.
When Jesus walked on water, His disciples reacted in fear and disbelief, even despite having just witnessed Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand. Echoing words from the Old Testament, Jesus displays to His followers proof of His deity. Alistair Begg emphasizes how true security only comes from Christ and warns us that proximity to Christ is not the same as being in a personal relationship with Him. When we repent of our sins and trust Jesus for forgiveness, we will know a Savior who not only commands the seas but also rescues us from the storm.
Jesus stands at the crossroads between the broad way that leads to destruction and the narrow path that leads to eternal life. In this study of John 5-25, Alistair Begg examines Jesus' announcement of two critical, life-transforming hours- one in the present, when the spiritually dead are made alive in Christ, and another in the future, when Christ returns and the physically dead will be resurrected to either eternal life or eternal judgment. All who hear and believe Jesus' words are invited to trust Him and be saved.
With words alone, Jesus healed a helpless man who'd been paralyzed for thirty-eight years. Instead of rejoicing over the miracle, though, the Jews focused on broken Sabbath rules and traditions and sought to persecute, and ultimately kill, Christ. Alistair Begg explains how Jesus' words can either radically transform a person's life or inflame hard-hearted opposition, because they so clearly declare His deity. Yet Jesus still invites all who hear Him to believe and enjoy eternal life. Will you listen and be saved--
In the early part of John's Gospel, Jesus has a conversation with Nicodemus, a Jewish leader who questions Jesus' authority. Jesus answers him, making it clear that being -born again- is necessary in order to see the kingdom of God. Alistair Begg reminds us that the new birth of which Jesus spoke is essential and supernatural-a miraculous and mysterious work of Almighty God that brings about a complete change of heart and gives the believer a new family, a new identity, and a new mentality.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus makes pronouncements that begin with the word -Truly--but only in the Gospel of John does He use the word in repetition. Alistair Begg reminds us that Jesus' -Truly, truly- declarations must be understood in view of the overarching purpose of John's Gospel and in the context of the preceding verses. John's account of Jesus, which begins with eternity past, gives heaven-sent evidence so that we may believe He truly is the Son of Man, the one who invites us to -come and see- and to trust Him for eternal life.
In this interview about his book The Christian Manifesto, Alistair Begg considers the challenge presented to us in Jesus' Sermon on the Plain and its relevance two thousand years later. The Lord's teachings on forgiveness, possessions, obedience, and more speak to and make demands on believers from every background. But as we remember the compassionate character of our Lord and put our trust in Him, we can learn to live the life He's called us to with perseverance and humility.
Jude closed his letter to Christ's followers with a doxology praising the splendor and sovereignty of the one true and timeless God. Wrapping up a study in Jude, Alistair Begg explains why our knowledge of God shapes the way we worship Him and directs how and why we share the Gospel with others. Like Jude, those who have experienced God's mercy and salvation should be driven to humbly declare His glory to a predominantly lost and self-focused world.
Can knowing the God of the Bible help us tackle life's issues or fix our problems-- The closing verse of Jude's letter returns his readers to where he began, focusing on the greatness of -the only God, our Savior,- who has dominion and authority over all things. Far from being impractical or irrelevant, as this and every worldly culture is prone to think, Alistair Begg reminds us that knowing God through Christ provides the only framework, focus, and foundation for living an abundant life.
Against the dark and dangerous backdrop that Jude depicts in the earlier portion of his letter, just how will believers make it safely to the Christian life's finish line-- Jude's concluding verses answer this question, assuring readers of God's faithful work in their lives. Alistair Begg reminds us that God's great work-namely, His preservation of, presentation of, and jubilation over His people-is at the very heart of the life of faith. We are kept for God by the work of Christ, and He is our eternal joy and lasting treasure.
With so much opposition to a biblical worldview surrounding us, how do we navigate the time in which we live with grace, kindness, mercy, and sensibility-- In this message, Alistair Begg provides four words that frame our discussions about the Christian faith- the -good,- the -bad,- the -new,- and the -perfect.- Beginning with the creation account in Genesis, we can understand how we came to be, what happened when sin entered the world, and why God has chosen to renew all things-including His children-in Christ.
At the Lord's Supper, believers are invited to eat and drink as we remember and give thanks for Jesus, who has set us free. But what does it mean to be free in Christ-- Alistair Begg examines two short verses in Galatians 4 that summarize Christ's work and remind us of the immense privilege of knowing God. We are free because Christ has fulfilled the law as our representative and assumed the penalty for our sin on the cross. As adopted sons and daughters, our freedom, confidence, and security are in Him alone.
In the closing portion of his letter, Jude reminded his readers of the scoffers who would come, encouraging believers to deal mercifully with -those who doubt.- Explaining Jude's exhortation, Alistair Begg addresses how we should care for these three types of doubters- with the first group, kindly and patiently bearing with them- with the second, pursuing them wholeheartedly to save them from imminent danger- and with the third, proceeding cautiously to avoid being pulled into sin ourselves. In all scenarios, we are reminded that the answer and hope for each group is at the cross of Christ.
God's providence is a difficult doctrine to grapple with amid suffering. Speaking at Parkside's Cancer Support Dinner, Alistair Begg reminds us that like Naomi, who acknowledged God's providence alongside her bitter pain, we ought to be honest about our circumstances without feeling that we have given up on God by doing so. God was working in the particulars of Naomi's life as well as in the broad strokes of history to accomplish His will. At the end of her story, and of ours, is the promise of a Savior.
In every generation, the church will encounter those who oppose the things of God. Jude therefore urged believers to contend for the faith and to keep themselves -in the love of God.- Alistair Begg reminds us that this -keeping- is not mysterious or isolated- rather, it is an exhortation to the regular assembly of worship, where we hear from God's Word and cultivate relationships with other believers. It is a call to steadfast prayer and hopeful anticipation of Christ's return, trusting that the one who loves us and brings us into His family keeps us, even as we keep ourselves.
-Did God really say that--- Such challenges to God's word began in the garden of Eden and continue to this day. In his letter to the early church, Jude identified telltale signs of false teachers who distort the truth, cause division, and lead others astray. Walking us through Jude's warnings, Alistair Begg explains that life and peace are only truly enjoyed when we experience Christ's forgiveness. God's indwelling Spirit enables believers to understand and obey the living, unchanging Word of God-and to recognize its counterfeits.
Just as a golfer wants his ball on the fairway, so we should want to keep on the path to eternal life. In this special graduation message, Alistair Begg expounds on the oft-cited verses of Proverbs 3-5-6, reminding us all-young and old-of God's greatness and cautioning that putting our confidence in Him is an all-or-nothing deal. When we trust Him with all of our ways and all of our hearts, we can be sure that He will make our paths straight according to His good and perfect will.
Throughout the Old Testament, we find an unfolding picture of God Almighty as the divine warrior appearing from heaven to establish justice and righteousness on earth. Jude's letter, explains Alistair Begg, reminds us that this anticipation finds its fulfillment in the Lord Jesus. He who came to earth, died in our place, rose from the grave, and ascended to heaven will one day return as promised, judge the whole world, and save those who have believed in and received Him with open and empty hands.
In verses 11-13 of his epistle, Jude used three Old Testament examples and six stark word pictures to warn his readers about those who distort the Gospel through false teaching and ungodly living. These -certain people,- he explained, are untethered and fruitless, and their path is one of destruction and ultimate separation from God. Alistair Begg urges us to heed Jude's warning, acknowledge the danger, and keep the faith by trusting in Christ, our eternal fixed point and the only one who can save us, shepherd us, and preserve us.
In his epistle, Jude sounded a wakeup call to a sleeping church. The real danger, Alistair Begg explains, is not the world outside the fold of God's people but individuals inside it who pervert God's love and grace into sensuality and license. Jude couldn't sit idly by as the flock was destroyed, and so he boldly responded, urging them to awaken and contend for the faith. The Gospel calls sinners to come as we are-but never to stay that way.
The faithful pastor spends countless hours in his study preparing to feed the flock week by week. But what about preparing the man behind the message-- Listen and learn as Basics guest speaker Colin Smith speaks to the necessity and practicality of the pastor readying himself for the ministry of the Word.
After Christ's crucifixion, His disciples hid in fear, disappointment, and confusion-until Jesus appeared speaking peace, establishing their purpose, and promising the power they would need to fulfill their mission. In this Resurrection Sunday sermon, Alistair Begg explores the significance of Jesus' message for the church, the world, and each of us. The Gospel, he reminds us, demands a decision- we can either do our best to bear our own burdens, or we can trust Jesus as King, Lord, and Savior.
On the night of His betrayal, Jesus entered the field of conflict with the Evil One in a familiar setting- a garden. But unlike the garden of Eden, which was tarnished by Adam's disobedience, Gethsemane highlights the obedience and majesty of Christ, who did not cower before the trial He faced. In this Good Friday message, Alistair Begg reflects on the security Jesus provided to His followers that night, in spite of Peter's futile attempt to intervene. He drank from the cup of wrath so that we can enjoy the cup of blessing.
The Bible is clear- if anyone rejects Christ's invitation for salvation, destruction is their end. This was powerfully demonstrated when Jesus, knowing the devastation that awaited Jerusalem, wept over the wayward city. Preaching on this often overlooked scene from the Passion Week narrative, Alistair Begg reminds us that Jesus still is grieved when sinners refuse His mercy and leave themselves without hope, peace, joy, or forgiveness. Will we weep with Him-and then carry the amazing news of His love to the world--
Ever since the church began, false prophets have infiltrated congregations, leading others astray by denying Christ's power and abusing God's grace as an opportunity for immorality. In his epistle, Jude made sure his readers would be able to recognize -these people- by issuing three charges against them- they pollute the flesh, they reject authority, and they slander God's truth. Noting the relevance of Jude's warnings today, Alistair Begg teaches that while only God can pronounce judgment, He is also a merciful God who forgives those who trust in Jesus.
In verses 5-7 of his epistle, Jude issues a stern warning about disregarding God's established boundaries. Men, women, and even angels throughout Scripture learned that rebellion against God-whether through unbelief, disobedience, or immorality-was met with His necessary and righteous judgment. How, then, do we learn from such examples and keep ourselves in the love of God-- In this message, Alistair Begg encourages believers to heed the Bible's warnings and trust in God's promises, the very means He has chosen to bring us safely to glory.
The relativism of our age would have us think that we can believe whatever we want and do whatever feels good. In contrast, Jude, writing nearly twenty centuries ago, appealed to believers to contend for the faith and to beware of those who were distorting the Gospel by exchanging its freedom for license. Alistair Begg reminds us that Jude's appeal, while unpopular, is just as critical today. Genuine Christians must stand firm for -the faith,- neither adding to it nor subtracting from it and trusting that true freedom is found in Christ alone.
The book of Jude is a brief letter written by one of Jesus' half brothers to urge the early church to keep the faith and to warn them about false teachers. But before broaching those subjects, Jude begins by establishing several truths that are vital for God's people everywhere to understand. Alistair Begg introduces a study in Jude by looking at these opening verses, which remind us that as believers, we are called, beloved, and kept by God and recipients of His unending mercy, peace, and love.
In the closing verses of Psalm 139, David zealously prayed for the destruction of the wicked-then submitted himself to divine scrutiny as well. Like David, Christians should hate evil and long for its eradication, explains Alistair Begg. Vengeance, however, isn't our responsibility. God alone judges righteously. Only when we understand His holiness and purity will we realize how lost and sinful we truly are, trust Jesus, and be saved by grace from God's wrath.
In the closing verses of Psalm 139, David zealously prayed for the destruction of the wicked-then submitted himself to divine scrutiny as well. Like David, Christians should hate evil and long for its eradication, explains Alistair Begg. Vengeance, however, isn't our responsibility. God alone judges righteously. Only when we understand His holiness and purity will we realize how lost and sinful we truly are, trust Jesus, and be saved by grace from God's wrath.
Where were we before we were born, and where will we go after we die-- In Psalm 139, David provides the answer to these questions, proclaiming that we are the result of God's creative handiwork, -fearfully and wonderfully made.- Not only this, but God has also designed us with purpose and has determined our days. Noting David's response to these truths, Alistair Begg exhorts us to remember that the almighty God of design and determination is worthy of our praise, gratitude, and trust.
Can we hide from God-- The Bible contains many examples of people trying to do just that. In Psalm 139, however, David ponders this question and rightly understands that since God is everywhere, there is no place we can flee from His presence, nor should we wish to. Alistair Begg reminds us that although by nature each one of us hides from God, the Lord still lovingly seeks us, guides us with His hand, and comforts us with the remarkable truth that because of Christ, He is Immanuel, -God with us--everywhere-
The Christian life can be a winding path marked by seasons of doubt, despair, and weakness. Peter's first letter, written to dispersed believers in what is now Turkey, encouraged readers to stand firm in God's grace. In this message, Alistair Begg examines the concluding verses of chapter 5, acknowledging that while believers will surely experience suffering in this life, it is God Himself who promises to meet us in our need, restore our brokenness, strengthen us in our weakness, and keep us safe and secure in Him.
The first six verses of Psalm 139 convey the staggering truth that the Lord knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows what we do, where we go, what we think, what we say, all that we long for, and all that we need. Alistair Begg reminds us that there's no safer place to put our trust than in Almighty God, who doesn't love from a distance but searches us and knows us, sending His Son to lay down His life for us in order that we may also know Him.
Parents generally put considerable thought into choosing their children's names. Not so with Mary and Joseph's firstborn- Instead, an angelic messenger declared they would have a son and name Him Jesus, -for he will save his people from their sins.- In a special Christmas message, Alistair Begg explains how Christ's birth fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy of the long-awaited Immanuel, -God with us.- Jesus promises to save all who come to Him in repentance and faith. Have you trusted Him as your Savior--
The transition from one year into another gives us an opportunity to reflect on what we believe, to consider why it matters, and to think Christianly about all of life. From selected Bible passages, Alistair Begg considers three -But God-- statements, examining the doctrine of providence in Joseph's life, the doctrine of judgment in the parable of the rich fool, and the hope of salvation offered in Romans 5. All who hear God's voice are called not to delay but to trust today in Christ, who seeks us out in our brokenness and gives us new life in Him.
Christmastime provides a great opportunity to reflect on what the Bible says about the birth of Emmanuel, -God with us.- In this Christmas concert message, however, Alistair Begg challenges us to consider the reason Jesus came, in His own words. The book of Mark records that before healing a paralytic man, Jesus gave him some life-changing news- his sins were forgiven. This same grace, regarded as outrageous by the Pharisees at the time, is extended to all who cry out to Him in their need. He came to grant forgiveness-
The beautiful world that God created is broken by sin that legislation and education can't fix. In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul taught that when people refuse to acknowledge the Lord's reign, He gives them over to their own debased minds. Standards disappear, society crumbles, and moral chaos and wickedness ensue. Cautioning against the inclination to judge and admonish others, Alistair Begg encourages us instead to confess our self-righteousness, recall what we were like apart from Christ, and lovingly proclaim the news of God's salvation.
The apostle Paul taught that a society's moral collapse is evidence of God's wrath. Walking us through Paul's teaching on immorality in the opening chapter of Romans, Alistair Begg points out that the same issues that faced the early church-including sexual sin-still abound today. Rather than adapting to the world's standards, however, the church is called to uphold the Bible's authority with kindness and compassion, because all of us are sinners in need of God's saving grace.
When Jesus accepted an invitation to dine with a Pharisee, it quickly became a meal few would forget- An uninvited, despised woman created a stir when she intruded upon the scene and offered an extravagant demonstration of devotion to Christ. Walking us through the extraordinary event, the various reactions, and Jesus' intervention, Alistair Begg explains that love, not morality, is the measure of forgiveness. Only when we humbly acknowledge our sin and our need for a Savior do we discover true and lasting peace.
Why is there so much chaos and suffering around us-- How did God's perfectly created world come to be so broken down-- Like Adam and Eve, we turn our backs on God whenever we exchange His truth for the devil's lies. Yet while God has given the unrepentant over to their idols, He has also provided an escape from judgment through Christ. Alistair Begg urges that instead of becoming calloused to sin, Christians are to imitate Jesus, shining the light of the Gospel into a dark, bewildering world.
The apostle Paul urgently warned others about the Lord's wrath and preached the Gospel of salvation. In his letter to the Romans, in particular, he was clear that all are sinners, with no exceptions, no excuses, and no escape from judgment except through faith in Jesus. Noting that Paul's explanation of our predicament remains relevant today, Alistair Begg explains that the sobering reality of God's wrath is matched by the wonder of His provision. Our Creator doesn't hide from us, nor does He change. Rather, He seeks us and offers peace in a chaotic world.
The wrath of God is an uncomfortable topic that many prefer to avoid. Yet it is only when we understand God's righteous judgment against sin that we can truly face our predicament as sinners and see our dire need for a Savior. Alistair Begg explains that the cross of Christ is all that stands between us and God's wrath-and therefore, the salvation God provides is the need of every person in the entire world.
In a culture increasingly interested in therapy over theology, the Bible alone is able to make us wise for salvation. In this Reformation Sunday message, Alistair Begg highlights the Gospel's power to reveal God's righteous character and activity. If believers are to boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus to a world that would shame us into silence, we must be convinced of this truth- the Gospel alone is the power of God to save men and women from eternal condemnation.
What does it mean to love one's neighbor-- Luke 10 records how Jesus answered this question with a story about a Samaritan who helped a robbed and injured man. Alistair Begg reminds us that while the unexpected and sacrificial actions of the Samaritan are not presented as the way to life, they are nevertheless, for those who trust in Christ, evidence that we have truly been born again. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can believers truly love our neighbor as ourselves.
When Jesus issued the Great Commandment-to love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul and to love your neighbor as yourself-He wasn't reducing the Ten Commandments to two. Rather, He was teaching that all of God's law hangs on those two concerns. Alistair Begg walks us through the role of the law in the believer's life, explaining that when the Holy Spirit fills our hearts with God's love, then we'll follow His rules-not to receive rewards or avoid penalties but because we love Him.
Before His ascension, Jesus established one of the church's main priorities, which is to share the Gospel so that people will be converted, be baptized, grow in faith, and tell others the good news of salvation. Unfortunately, some churches have replaced this call to mission with a comfortable -maintenance- approach. Challenging all Christians to embrace Jesus' Great Commission, Alistair Begg takes a closer look at the claim that only Christ can make, the command that only Christ can give, and the comfort that only Christ can provide.
With the royal succession plan settled, the aged King David issued a commandment to his son Solomon, directing him to act on unfinished matters of the kingdom-with kindness for some and with justice for others. Was David's decree simply a matter of personal vengeance-- Or did God's anointed king bear the responsibility to administer justice-- Alistair Begg considers how the Bible's answer points forward to the fixed day when Jesus, as King, will judge the world with fairness and finality.
God promised that a king from David's line would reign eternally- and so, facing imminent death, David established his son Solomon as his successor. Aware of his own failings but confident in the Lord's promises, David advised Solomon to walk in God's ways. The Lord's faithfulness doesn't depend on our obedience, teaches Alistair Begg-but the enjoyment of His blessings does. Any success, whether great or small, always comes by God's grace alone
In the midst of chaos and confusion that just doesn't seem to end, how do we stay strong in the faith- The answer, teaches Alistair Begg, is to steadily focus on the one who is unchanging. According to Hebrews 13-8, Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This simple fact gives us confidence to face uncertainties about the future with the assurance that He will never leave us. Are you trusting in Him as your Savior, Shepherd, Friend-
Following Jewish custom, Mary and Joseph took the twelve-year-old Jesus to the Feast of the Passover in Jerusalem. When they started home, they assumed Jesus was with their relatives-but Jesus had actually stayed behind in His Father's house. As Alistair Begg explains, Jesus' understanding of the Old Testament and of His own messiahship governed His decision. This glimpse into Jesus' boyhood underscores His full divinity and humanity as the Son of God and Son of Man who came to bear our sins.
In the eighth century BC, as Israel faced oppression, humiliation, and apparent abandonment by God, the prophet Micah foretold the coming of one who would bring victory, security, and peace. Two thousand years after Christ's birth, our circumstances aren't much different- for many, life is still marked by unfulfilled longings, deep-seated dreads, and the fear, ultimately, of death. As Alistair Begg reminds us, such fears cannot be met from within ourselves. We must look away from ourselves to Christ, who died in our place to give us an eternal hope.
After a prolonged period of silence, God's word came to His people through a devout Jewish man named Simeon. In accordance with the law, Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord. When Simeon beheld Jesus, he took Him in his arms and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, declared that he could die in peace because his eyes had seen God's salvation. As Alistair Begg explains, our only hope for peace with God is to receive the deliverance He provides.
Jesus' birth is no myth- it's the wondrous, supernatural entry of the eternal God into a specific time and place in history. Examining Luke chapter 2, Alistair Begg notes that the angel's message to the shepherds was the very word of God, compelling them to go and see all that had happened just as the angel said. God's Word does not demand blind faith but encourages us to consider and declare the historical reality of the baby in a manger-a baby born to be the Savior of the world.
Following Absalom's death, King David returned to Jerusalem-but his homecoming was not marked by joyous celebration. Instead, all the men of Israel withdrew their allegiance to David to follow Sheba the Benjaminite. As Alistair Begg explains, while David used his military might to crush Sheba's rebellion, he could not establish an enduring kingdom. Only Jesus will reign forever in perfect righteousness when He returns to usher in His kingdom.
Sin always has consequences. Few people knew that better than David, whose once robust kingdom declined into a shadow of its former self, marked by instability and injustice. Focusing on the final verses of 2 Samuel 20, Alistair Begg draws a line between David's sin with Bathsheba and the ultimate failure of his dynasty. But as we consider David's failure, we also turn our eyes to the one perfect King, Jesus, who promises to restore what sin destroys.
As King David returned to his kingdom after Absalom's defeat, tragedy overshadowed triumph. His grief over the death of his enemy-son impacted those around him- foolish arguments erupted between the tribes of Judah and Israel, and lives changed as people scrambled to align themselves with the victor. Shimei sought clemency, Mephibosheth declared his loyalty, and Barzillai faced his mortality while recognizing God's providential purpose. Alistair Begg compares and contrasts David's fragile, divided kingdom to God's kingdom, which will be perfect and united when Jesus, the true King, returns.
King David's son Absalom was also his enemy. So should love have set aside justice- Should justice have prevailed at love's expense- David strategized to defeat his enemies while preserving his son's life-yet the message of victory was accompanied by the announcement of Absalom's death, and the king was consumed with guilt-laden grief. Examining God's providential role in tragedy as well victory, Alistair Begg points us to the one place where perfect love and perfect justice meet- at the cross of Christ.
The Reformation marked a pivotal event in church history-namely, a return to the apostolic Gospel. In this Reformation Day message, Alistair Begg examines the good news of salvation as proclaimed in Romans 3- that a right standing with God is not something that we are called to produce but something which God has chosen to provide to us as a gift by faith in Jesus. Only the cross of Calvary can bring undeserving sinners into a living relationship with a holy God.
After rebelling against his father, King David, Absalom sought counsel from David's former servant, Ahithophel. A traitor to the crown, Ahithophel entreated Absalom to grant him permission to kill David himself. But the Lord had ordained to defeat Ahithophel's counsel by causing Absalom to seek secondary advice. This interplay between the sovereignty of God and human responsibility, notes Alistair Begg, is the divine fulcrum upon which life hinges, showing us that God is at work in everything to bring about His good purposes.
God's providence is often fulfilled in unexpected ways and with seemingly insignificant people. Looking to 2 Samuel 17, Alistair Begg explains how the actions of two spies and a quick-thinking woman at a well helped save David's kingdom. Strange as it may seem, God used their bravery as well as their deception-and even the suicide of the defector Ahithophel-to fulfill His plan for King David. As believers in Christ, we can rest on the promise that nothing, not even our sin, can thwart God's purposes for those He loves.
God uses all things for His glory-even as He used Absalom's insurrection against His anointed king, David. In this sermon from 2 Samuel 16, Alistair Begg explains how Hushai the Archite, David's loyal friend and spy, and Ahithophel, a traitor to the king, both acted under God's sovereign hand. A thousand years later, Jesus would face a similar betrayal, and in His death, God's ultimate plan-our redemption-would be fulfilled.
Forsaken and opposed by those closest to him, including his traitorous son Absalom, King David sought refuge in the wilderness. But evil pursued him. David was deceived by a trusted servant and then cursed by Shimei, a relative of Saul. As Alistair Begg explains, David understood Shimei's cursing in light of Nathan's prophecy that God would discipline David for his sin-though He would also never remove His steadfast love and mercy. God does not offer grace begrudgingly. Rather, it is freely given to all who come to Him in repentance and faith.
After some measure of reconciliation with King David, Absalom began to build his public image. For four years he sowed a spirit of discontent among the Israelites and offered himself as their hope for resolution. Absalom's persona fed his political objective-namely, to usurp David's throne. In response to his son's rebellion, David fled Jerusalem-a decision, notes Alistair Begg, made not out of fear but in the wisdom and knowledge that no manmade plot can overturn God's steadfast love and faithfulness toward His people.
Intervening on behalf of David's kingdom, Joab conspired with a wise woman to resolve the conflict between the king and his son Absalom. When David acquiesced, Absalom returned to Jerusalem unpunished, unforgiven, and unashamed-and the saga of alienation and disruption within David's family and kingdom continued. Reminding us that sin always ends in tears, Alistair Begg directs our gaze forward to the cross, where, with open arms, King Jesus graciously welcomes believers out of the chaos and shambles of rebellious lives.
In the latter part of his reign, David became easily manipulated, and sin's corrosive effects continued to erode his kingdom. Two years after Amnon violated Tamar, her brother Absalom took matters into his own hands by vengefully killing him. Examining the tragic events of 2 Samuel 13, Alistair Begg reminds us that just like David's sons, we're all sinners, and judgment and vengeance belong to God alone. Jesus is the only King who can truly set things right. In Him, mercy and justice are perfectly executed.
Sin wreaks havoc in human lives. In 2 Samuel 13, we see the ripple effects of King David's sin extending to the next generation of his lineage. Consumed with lust, David's son Amnon schemed to have his way with Tamar, his half sister. Alistair Begg looks at the lessons we learn from this disastrous event that devastated many lives. Although David let down his family and kingdom, his story points forward to a perfect kingdom full of sinful people whose lives have been wiped clean by Jesus.
The Christian father has a special, God-given role within his family to lead his wife and children. This responsibility, explains Alistair Begg, involves not provoking one's children but instead reflecting the unmerited love and grace that our heavenly Father displays to us in Jesus. With the help of the Holy Spirit, Christian fathers can lead and discipline with grace in order that the beauty of the Gospel may captivate their children and be shown to a watching world.
God created men and women to flourish within the family structure. As those who are in Christ, we are called to live in a way that is pleasing to Him-and part of God's design for family life, explains Alistair Begg, is parents' responsibility to instruct their children in the Word of God and to accompany this teaching with discipline motivated by love. When children respond in obedience, the Christian family adorns the Gospel before a watching world.
The lordship of Christ should be on display in a Christian marriage. But how can spouses live this out- Expounding on the husband's leadership role in a godly marriage, Alistair Begg explains how a bridegroom should love his bride sacrificially, exclusively, and gently. This kind of selfless love is critical for a healthy marriage. Not only that, but it is also an example to a watching world of Christ's perfect love for His own bride, the church.
Marriage is not a cultural invention. Rather, it is a union between one man and one woman, as God designed from creation. But sin disrupted God's plan, causing us to rebel against the marriage roles that He established for our good. As Alistair Begg explains, only Jesus can reverse the effects of the fall, restoring relationships so that our lives reflect what is fitting in the Lord and proclaim the Gospel's transforming power to a lost and broken world.
We can only understand the Christian family within the context of the church family-and that begins by understanding the church itself. The local church is the community in which our identity as followers of the King is best expressed. Alistair Begg helps us understand the church's role and importance by pointing us to the biblical context of Colossians 3, our present cultural setting, and the Gospel solution for our lonely and fractured world.
The ripple effects of sin-even forgiven sin-often extend far beyond the original offense. Examining the consequences of David's transgression with Bathsheba, Alistair Begg explains that the king's story illustrates what happens when we resist God's rule in our quest for moral autonomy. Thankfully, though, no one is beyond the reach of God's amazing grace and love. By confessing our sin, we can rejoice in God's provision of a Savior and confidently proceed with our lives in light of His mercy.
The account of David's repentance in 2 Samuel 12 is complemented by Psalm 51, where the king recognizes that sin is a matter not of what he has done but of who he fundamentally is. Alistair Begg reminds us that repentance like David's is evidence of God's grace at work in our heart. Through Christ, we can come to the Lord humbly yet confidently, trusting in His compassion and knowing that He who has provided reconciliation in His Son has also justly and mercifully dealt with our sins.
Externally, King David's attempt to cover up Uriah's murder appeared successful-but the Lord saw it and was displeased. In His mercy, God sent His servant Nathan to confront the king. Exposed by God's word, David confessed his sin and received the Lord's pardon. While the consequences of the king's sin would still be devastating for his family and dynasty, Alistair Begg reminds us that the same scandalous grace God gave David is on offer to us through Christ, who died for us.
Paul wrote to the early church in Philippi to help them get their spiritual bearings amid a crooked and twisted generation. Today's world is similarly warped, seeking to dethrone God in favor of selfish pursuits and nebulous beliefs. Reminding us of our true identity in Christ, Alistair Begg warns believers not to be passive. Instead, we are to stand firm in one Spirit, strive side by side for the faith of the Gospel, and shine in the midst of the world's darkness.
While the Lord promised to establish David's throne forever, the kingdom was not safe in the king's hands. After committing adultery with Bathsheba, David callously planned the death of her husband, Uriah. His heart had grown increasingly hardened by sin's deceit. Did God's promises come to a crashing halt at the king's moral collapse- Not for a moment- Alistair Begg reminds us that the fulfillment of the Lord's designs lies not in the goodness of men and women but in the goodness of God Himself.
Hiding sin is always a futile exercise. King David knew this-yet when he allowed his lust for Bathsheba to triumph over obedience to God's laws, he still attempted to conceal his wrongdoing. Twice David tried to use Bathsheba's husband Uriah to cover his sin, and twice he failed. As Alistair Begg explains, David's actions reveal our own propensity for deception and should cause us to tremble at the approach of sin and commit afresh to trusting in God's promises.
Is it possible to erase a lifetime of usefulness in one moment of weakness- That seemed to have been the case with David. He lived an exemplary life that pointed forward to Jesus-until his sordid affair with Bathsheba. As Alistair Begg recounts the defining moment of the king's moral collapse, he points out dangers to avoid and warnings to heed. Yet as we seek to deal with temptation in its infancy, we must also trust that God overcomes sin and shame, never abandons His people, and never loses control of His purposes.
Without the ascension, Christ's nativity, passion, and resurrection would have been pointless. The ascension is the defining moment that marked the end of Jesus' personal ministry on earth and the beginning of the Great Commission. Alistair Begg walks us through the Gospel plan, the Holy Spirit's enabling power, and the personnel God uses to accomplish His purposes. As every believer joins in His mission, Jesus continues to reign from heaven, seeking the lost through weak, fearful servants like us.
After the Ammonite king's death, David sent servants to offer condolences to the king's son and successor. His kindness was rejected, however, and his men were sent back in shame and humiliation. Joab, the army commander who was sent to deal with the enemies, exhorted his men to be courageous yet confident in God's sovereign care. Alistair Begg shows how this passage points us to King Jesus, who covers our shame and whom we can trust to do what is good and right.
Although the Syrians and Ammonites fled from battle before Joab and his mighty host, the Syrian army gathered again to defeat David. With all of Israel at his command, however, David destroyed them. Alistair Begg explains how the battle against David's kingship, although historical, also points us to the eternal consequences of rejecting a far greater King. Before He comes in judgment, Jesus patiently bids us to come to Him now in faith, to lay down our arms, and to find refuge in His saving kindness.
With Israel's kingdom secured, David enjoyed a time of grateful reflection. Recalling his promises to Jonathan and Saul, he sought their remaining heir-Jonathan's crippled son, Mephibosheth. Land, servants, and honor were restored, and Mephibosheth was welcomed like a son to the king's table. Alistair Begg explains how David's expression of God's covenant loving-kindness foreshadowed Christ, who seeks us in our frailty and welcomes us into His kingdom. Like Mephibosheth, our response to such undeserved, amazing grace should be humble astonishment.
During his reign, King David administered justice to his people and chose faithful personnel to help with this task. But even David's reign was not perfect. As Alistair Begg explains, the king's rule was the result of promises God had made to David-promises that would find their fulfillment in Jesus, the ascended King. Our hope today remains grounded in the reality of Christ's return to reign in righteousness over His people.
During his reign, King David struck down his enemies according to God's purposes, which were to enact judgment against those who opposed His rule and to preserve a people for Himself. Examining David's military victories in 2 Samuel 8, Alistair Begg encourages us to see the king's actions as a foreshadow of the future ultimate victory of the Lord Jesus Christ. To this day, we wait in eager expectation for Christ's return, when He will subdue every foe-even death-beneath His feet.
Life is short, and death is the inescapable reality for us all. Our souls will not cease to exist after death- rather, we will stand in judgment before God. As Alistair Begg explains, Christ's death and resurrection are incomparable works that reconcile repentant sinners to God. A risen Lord is the indispensable foundation of our faith. Thanks be to God, who grants us victory through Christ-
Romans 4-25 tells us that Jesus -was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.- Do we truly understand what that means- In this Good Friday message, Alistair Begg looks at how Christ was betrayed, denied, mocked, crucified, and buried to atone for our sins and reconcile us to God. Believers are spared from God's wrath not by our deeds but by Jesus' blood and merit alone. Credited with His righteousness, we can rest in full assurance that Christ will never fail us.
Jesus' humble yet triumphant entry into Jerusalem fulfilled Old Testament prophecy and openly declared His messiahship. Examining the various reactions to the Lord's arrival, Alistair Begg challenges us to consider our personal response to Christ. Is He a prophet who reinforces our hopes or the King who rules in our hearts- In today's morally, socially, and politically conflicted world, genuine peace, freedom, and fulfillment can only be found when we submit to Jesus, the one true King.
David's prayers were fueled by the Lord's promises. Confident that God would do all that He said He would, David courageously prayed for God's people, word, and blessing. Alistair Begg explains how God's purpose to redeem a people for Himself and establish an everlasting kingdom would ultimately be fulfilled through David's descendant, Jesus, and the missionary work of His church. Like David, we can hold tight to God's promises even when they don't seem to align with our experiences.
God promised to establish His kingdom forever through David's seed. In response, David humbly sat before the Lord to offer a prayer marked by exclamation, observation, explanation, and declaration. By faith, he acknowledged that all mankind would be blessed, not because of his own importance or abilities but because of God's greatness. Alistair Begg points out that hearing God's word enables us to see life and history from a new perspective and to confidently stand on His promises.
God's message was clear- instead of David building the Lord's house, the Lord would build David's kingdom. David needed to remember God's purpose for him and recall His past protection and faithful presence. As Alistair Begg points out, correct interpretation of passages such as 2 Samuel 7 requires diligent, Spirit-illumined study. Only when we put in the hard work of handling God's Word with care will we realize that His promise to David was about far more than just his house.
When King David desired to build a new house for the ark of the covenant, the Lord spoke to the prophet Nathan and gave him a promise to share with the king. Through David's offspring, Israel would be given a name, a place, peace, and rest. Alistair Begg unpacks this important passage of Scripture, emphasizing how it both looks back at the covenant God made with Abraham and looks forward to its eternal fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
With his kingdom established and enjoying a time of peace, David proposed to build a better dwelling place for the ark of God. Initially, Nathan the prophet affirmed the king's plan-yet his well-meaning support failed to consider the Lord's perspective. God is sovereign- He cannot be contained and doesn't need man's agendas. As Alistair Begg points out, this key passage unlocks Scripture's whole story line. By God's hand and for His glory, David's dynasty, and ultimately Christ's eternal kingdom, would be established.
After a three-month stopover at the house of Obed-edom, the ark of God finally arrived in Jerusalem. This momentous national occasion was marked by rejoicing, sacrificing, dancing, and shouting, with King David himself leading the procession, leaping before the Lord. When he returned home, though, he met his wife Michal's disapproval for his undignified actions. His explanation- -It was before the Lord.- Alistair Begg challenges us to consider whether we, too, are willing to worship selflessly, exuberantly, and unashamedly in the Lord's presence.
David's triumphant procession to return the ark of God to Jerusalem halted suddenly when Uzzah was struck down for touching the holy object. While the Lord's judgment may seem harsh, Alistair Begg reminds us that the ark represented the presence and glory of our holy God. His warnings are made clear in Scripture, not to frighten us away but to draw us to Him in reverential awe. Do we treat His presence with the godly fear it deserves-
In tumultuous times, we can either seek out a god of our own fashioning or cling to the only true and living God. Turning to a poem from Isaiah, Alistair Begg examines the prophet's description of God as our Creator, Counselor, Controller, and Comforter, worthy of our trust and worship. From the perspective of the one who created and sustains the heavens and the earth, our circumstances are not out of control. He will uphold us as He has promised in His Word.
-Behold your God-- On the heels of the announcement of Jerusalem's impending doom and exile, Isaiah's exhortation was startling. How could God's people find comfort after such a calamitous prediction- As Alistair Begg points out, to truly appreciate the Lord's assurance of salvation, we must first understand the reality of His judgment. Although life is frail and brief, God's provision in Christ is eternal and infallible. Even after thousands of years and significant world changes, proclaiming God's Word remains every Christian's mission.
The message of comfort and joy that accompanied Christ's birth is a message every believer is called to share. But what is the basis for the comfort we proclaim- As Alistair Begg explains, God will not leave us in our sinful rebellion. Rather, He speaks tenderly to us, pursuing and transforming all who are prepared to acknowledge their need of Him. God's great glory is revealed as He overcomes every obstacle to redeem a people for Himself.
While festive holiday displays illuminate the bleak, winter nights, they're dim in comparison to Christ, the Light of the World whom darkness cannot overcome. In this special Christmas Eve message, Alistair Begg introduces us to five witnesses from biblical to contemporary times who were completely transformed after encountering Jesus. Men and women, young and old from all walks of life can discover everlasting light and life by turning from the world's dark temptations to follow Christ.
At Christmastime, Advent calendars serve as a tangible reminder of expectation slowly moving toward fulfillment. Likewise, the Old Testament records how the failures and weaknesses of Israel's earthly kings created a sense of longing in God's people-a need for a perfect King to come. Jesus' birth was not an isolated event but the fulfillment of God's promise to establish His throne and His kingdom forever, teaches Alistair Begg. In Jesus we find our long-expected, perfect King.
Determined to crush David's kingdom in its infancy, the Philistines took their stand against God's anointed king. Rather than trust his own insight, David went down to the stronghold and inquired of the Lord. In response, God commanded David into battle and promised to deliver the enemy into his hands. The Lord is a mighty Warrior-King committed to showing Himself strong for His people, explains Alistair Begg. No rulers or powers can ultimately harm those who take refuge in Him.
The story of David's ascent to the throne is the record of one chosen by God to fulfill the role of king. During David's reign, all the tribes of Israel were united by their allegiance to God's anointed on the basis of his majesty. The nation identified itself with the shepherd king and drew its strength from his military victories. But David's kingdom didn't last forever. As Alistair Begg explains, Jesus alone offers lasting victory over sin and death for those who acknowledge Him as King.
When David finally became the new king of Israel, he fulfilled God's purposes by driving the Jebusites from Jerusalem and establishing the city of Zion as his own. Alistair Begg emphasizes that from the outset of his reign, David's significance came from his dedication and service to God's people. In this way, David foreshadowed the future Christ, who will one day create a new Jerusalem, a heavenly city in which He will rule and reign eternally as God's perfect King.
Amid personal affliction or worldwide pandemic, it's important to understand our circumstances in light of God's salvation plan. When ten lepers cried out for mercy, Jesus healed them all, but only one turned back to offer praise. He wasn't just physically healed- his eyes were also spiritually opened to recognize Jesus. Ultimately, it's sin, not leprosy or COVID-19, that separates us from God, spoils our lives, and spreads to our destruction, teaches Alistair Begg. Although many diseases lead to death, only Christ's mercy assures eternal life.
After cruelly murdering Ish-bosheth, Rechab and Baanah brought his head to David, claiming they'd done the Lord's will and hoping to gain the king's favor. Instead, David had the brothers put to death. The evil actions of wicked people are not the work of God, Alistair Begg clarifies-though He can surely use them to advance His purposes. As we wrestle with this great mystery, we do so knowing that God's final judgment is certain.
After Abner's death, Saul's kingdom continued to disintegrate. Ish-bosheth was assassinated by his own captains, Rechab and Baanah, and a profound sense of fear and uncertainty overshadowed all of Israel. Yet wickedness and dismay are not unique to the Old Testament, teaches Alistair Begg. Sin defiles the human heart, and merely cleaning ourselves up or -getting a little religion- can't fix it. We need heart transplants. Even in the chaos, though, God remains sovereign. By receiving His mercy, we discover salvation.
For David, Abner's death was a cause not for celebration but for mourning. In his grief, David paid tribute to Abner and led his funeral, while Joab, having murdered Abner out of revenge, was met with a curse rather than a commendation. Joab's experience is a warning to us, says Alistair Begg, when we're tempted to advance God's kingdom in a manner that is incompatible with our gentle, humble King.
Learning of Abner's peaceful release, David's army commander, Joab, confronted the king, sent for Abner, then cruelly murdered him upon his return. Did Joab really care about the kingdom, or simply his status within it- Exploring this question, Alistair Begg notes that the ways of the servant are not always the ways of the king. When we're tempted to believe our plans are best, Scripture reminds us that King Jesus is faithful to His plan and all comings and goings are under His sovereign hand.
The Lord's ways are undeniably mysterious. Even so, they are sure, and He accomplishes all He sets out to do. As King Saul's dynasty waned, Abner, once David's enemy, negotiated and consulted to shift his allegiance to the rising king. Behind it all, though, God continued to work out His plan through imperfect people in less-than-ideal circumstances. Alistair Begg examines 2 Samuel 3, pointing out that David's grace toward this unsavory character prefigures the peace offered to us through Christ Jesus.
Second Samuel 3 relates a story charged with ambition, sex, power, and politics. Arrogantly fancying himself the kingmaker, Saul's army commander, Abner, defected to David's expanding dynasty. Yet David's imperfect, convoluted path to the throne wasn't the result of human calculation or manipulation. Rather, God was accomplishing His plan despite, and even through, the messy circumstances. As Alistair Begg points out, only when God's love is revealed and we believe in Jesus can we take our place on the right side of history.
Second Samuel 2 provides an example of how the political endeavors of our world will inevitably disappoint us. When David's nephew Asahel fell into conflict with Abner, the commander of Saul's army, it became clear that Israel would only be united when they came under their true king. Likewise, Alistair Begg reminds us that the unity and peace our world longs for will be found not in a political system but under the kingly reign of Jesus Christ.
In sharp contrast to the divisive tactics that often dominate politics, as David ascended to his role as God's chosen king, he did so prayerfully and humbly. Like Jesus, he extended love to his enemies, invited them to follow him, and promised his faithfulness. Nonetheless, opposition soon followed. While placing hope in worldly power will inevitably disappoint us, Alistair Begg assures that when we come to know and trust Jesus, we will find Him to be the true leader for which we long.
David's lament over the deaths of Saul and Jonathan invited Israel to feel their grief and provided direction for their sorrow. As Alistair Begg explains, David buried Saul's past offenses, choosing instead to focus on the good that had been lost. His poem highlighted the bravery Saul and Jonathan displayed, the unity they enjoyed, and the prosperity Saul created. At the same time, his deep anguish over Jonathan's death points us to Jesus as the friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Following Saul and Jonathan's death, David cried out for silence in the streets and for a curse to descend on the mountain where the mighty of Israel had fallen. Although David's lament was personal, he led all of Israel in mourning the nation's calamity. As Alistair Begg explains, his sorrowful grief was a biblical response to death. When we take time to mourn, we show a watching world that death is indeed the last great enemy, even as we look forward to the return of Christ, who alone conquered death.
David learned of Saul's death from a young man who inserted himself into the story of the king's defeat. His grave miscalculation quickly became apparent, however, as David questioned him. Instead of celebrating, David and his men mourned-and instead of receiving commendation, the young man was executed. He had failed to reckon with the anointed king's character, explains Alistair Begg. To enjoy the rewards of God's kingdom, we must, like David, fear, love, and obey the Lord's Anointed.
Saul's defeat and death paved the way for David's reign-which also eventually crumbled. So why should we spend time considering Israel's Old Testament kings in the first place- Alistair Begg pauses to answer this question at the outset of a new study in 2 Samuel. Since David's story points forward to Christ, it's an essential part of the whole Bible, which in turn contains the great story at the very center of world history- that of Christ and His eternal kingship.
King Saul, who began his reign with great promise and potential, was brutally and disgracefully defeated by the Philistines. His tragic story is a warning to all of us, cautions Alistair Begg. The Bible teaches that death is not the end of existence- therefore, placing hope in human power is folly. Confronted by political chaos, social disintegration, and our own mortality, we are reminded that our hope and refuge is Jesus, the only King who triumphed over death and hell.
David hit rock bottom when he and his army returned to Ziklag to find their home destroyed and their families taken captive. After David sought the Lord, though, he and his men defeated the enemy, rescued their loved ones, and recovered everything that had been taken. Alistair Begg examines how a -chance- encounter with an Egyptian servant led to David's triumph, which he graciously shared, foreshadowing the eternal victory only King Jesus is able to secure.
David's deceptive activity among the Philistines created a dilemma when he was conscripted to join the army assembled against Israel. But God did not abandon him to his sin. As Alistair Begg explains, David's unforeseen deliverance by way of the Philistine commanders reveals the depths of God's mercy and the mystery of His purposes. While David had been saved many times before, he ultimately needed to be saved from himself-and so do we.
As the Philistines gathered their forces, King Saul was alone and desperate. Afraid for his life, he inquired of the Lord, but after years of ignoring God's word, Saul received no answer. He then disguised himself and consulted a medium, only for an apparition of Samuel to tell him of his impending death. As Alistair Begg explains, Saul's hopeless situation reflects our natural condition apart from Christ. If we hear God's voice today, we must not harden our hearts.
After sparing Saul's life a second time, David allowed fear to overturn his confidence in God's protection. Rather than seeking refuge in the Lord, he escaped into enemy territory and out of Saul's reach. His success was short-lived, however, as his lies to Achish, king of Gath, soon led to trouble. As Alistair Begg notes, David's duplicitous activity reminds us that all men are fallible. We must keep our gaze fixed on Jesus, the one true King, in whom there is no deceit.
After Saul yet again moved against him, David infiltrated the king's camp and found him sleeping and helpless. But David was a man of conviction, not convenience- instead of slaying his enemy, he spared Saul's life for a second time. As Alistair Begg reminds us, though, David's faithfulness would eventually crumble in the face of temptation. Only Jesus fulfills all righteousness, which He imparts to all who place their trust in Him.
After protecting men in the wilderness that were not his own, David sent word to their master, Nabal, asking for provisions. Nabal, however, spurned David's kindness and repaid evil for good. While David planned to avenge himself through bloodshed, God's unseen hand was at work to prevent him from sinning. As Alistair Begg explains, the timely intervention of Nabal's wife, Abigail, illustrates God's restraining grace. Like David, we can rejoice and bless God for His providential grace in our lives.
Life may seem like a series of disconnected events, but behind the scenes, God is always working out His plan. When David made a reasonable request of a wealthy man named Nabal, he received a dismissive, selfish response. Enraged, David prepared to avenge himself, but the Lord intervened by means of a timely report from an unnamed young man. Examining God's sovereign care through this incident's characters and circumstances, Alistair Begg assures us that believers remain safe in the Father's arms.