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As 1 Thessalonians continues, the Apostle Paul addresses believers' questions about the Judgement Day of the Lord. Rather than charting dates and developing pet theories, the key is knowing who we are in Christ - allowing our identity as "children of light" to influence our actions and the way we live. Continue Reading 

As 1 Thessalonians continues, the Apostle Paul addresses believers' questions about the Judgement Day of the Lord. Rather than charting dates and developing pet theories, the key is knowing who we are in Christ - allowing our identity as "children of light" to influence our actions and the way we live. Continue Reading 

When Abram’s nephew Lot was distracted and easily influenced by his surroundings, he fell captive in battle. As Alistair Begg explores Abram’s strategic pursuit and rescue, he reiterates Christ’s call to rescue the perishing of our world. Because Christians are set apart for God’s purposes, we must not allow our hearts to be ... Continue Reading 

What qualifies advice as being “sound?” What establishes an advisor as “trustworthy?” Drawing on teachings from the Apostle Paul, Alistair Begg suggests there is a great responsibility and privilege in offering advice that goes beyond this life. When we are in the position to meet and influence others where time and eternity intersect, we must be prepared ... Continue Reading 

Despite Joseph’s forgiveness years earlier, his brothers reverted to old fears of revenge after their father Jacob’s death. In the same way, when our hearts condemn us, we may be tempted to doubt that Christ’s forgiveness was real. Our feelings can deceive us; however, as Alistair Begg assures us, a solid grasp of the ... Continue Reading 

Although Scripture provides moral absolutes for human behavior and denounces sexual immorality, Christians should imitate Christ by showing compassion toward those suffering from AIDS. Jesus taught that when we care for marginalized and outcast members of society, it is as if we are caring for Jesus Himself. Alistair Begg reminds us of the hope we have in ... Continue Reading 

The work of a pastor can be challenging. As he seeks to lead his congregation, many situations may arise within the church that can distract him from his primary task of preaching the Word. To help us, Alistair Begg draws our attention to the counsel that the apostle Paul extended to Timothy regarding ministry responsibilities. Paul encouraged ... Continue Reading 

In a world that embraces moral and cultural relativism, how are Christians supposed to live? Daniel modeled faithfulness in an alien culture—but it’s God who is the true hero of his story, teaches Alistair Begg. The same God who protected Daniel in the lions’ den moves throughout the world today, working out His plan for ... Continue Reading 

In a world that embraces moral and cultural relativism, how are Christians supposed to live? Daniel modeled faithfulness in an alien culture—but it’s God who is the true hero of his story, teaches Alistair Begg. The same God who protected Daniel in the lions’ den moves throughout the world today, working out His plan for ... Continue Reading 

Christians know that prayer is essential, but we often struggle with knowing how to pray best. As Paul instructed the Ephesians in wielding the spiritual weapon of prayer, he both exemplified and explained how to pray, when to pray, and what to pray for. Walking us through Paul’s imperatives on prayer, Alistair Begg helps us understand ... Continue Reading 

Christians know that prayer is essential, but we often struggle with knowing how to pray best. As Paul instructed the Ephesians in wielding the spiritual weapon of prayer, he both exemplified and explained how to pray, when to pray, and what to pray for. Walking us through Paul’s imperatives on prayer, Alistair Begg helps us understand ... Continue Reading 

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As we gather for the tenth year, both pastors and lay leaders come together to have their minds stirred, their wills urged toward obedience, and their affections renewed toward God's Word. Each of our speakers will consider our primary responsibility of preaching in light of these topics. of preaching in light of these topics. Continue Reading 

Countless people are desperately groping for meaning as they go through life, becoming ever more dissatisfied, lonely, and restless. How does one find hope and meaning in today’s world? Alistair Begg teaches that true satisfaction can be found only in Jesus Christ. He is a friend to the friendless, peace for the weary, and a Savior ... Continue Reading 

After correcting the Corinthian Christians and reflecting on the Gospel, Paul left them with a final exhortation grounded in Christ’s resurrection. Alistair Begg reminds us that since our victory is certain, we must stay strong and steady, resting in the Gospel to keep from wandering or collapsing. Being involved in the work of the Lord, we ... Continue Reading 

After correcting the Corinthian Christians and reflecting on the Gospel, Paul left them with a final exhortation grounded in Christ’s resurrection. Alistair Begg reminds us that since our victory is certain, we must stay strong and steady, resting in the Gospel to keep from wandering or collapsing. Being involved in the work of the Lord, we ... Continue Reading 

After we become believers, our lives should reflect our new identities in Christ, whether we are in public, at worship, or in private. This means being dedicated enough to care deeply, speak honestly, and live differently—even about such divisive matters as homosexuality. Reflecting on Peter’s words about our new life as God’s “people,” Alistair ... Continue Reading 

Fooling others about our spiritual condition is relatively easy if we know how to speak and act so we appear to be faithful. The same was true for Judas Iscariot. Though he appeared to love the Lord, his actions revealed he had not experienced an internal work of grace. In this message from John 13, Alistair Begg ... Continue Reading 

What is your legacy? As Christians, we must be intentional about reminding the generations to come of God's provision in the past and his promise for the future. In this study from the life of Joseph, we see an example of steady obedience and trust in the faithfulness of God and a legacy of confidence that ... Continue Reading 

What is your legacy? As Christians, we must be intentional about reminding the generations to come of God's provision in the past and his promise for the future. In this study from the life of Joseph, we see an example of steady obedience and trust in the faithfulness of God and a legacy of confidence that ... Continue Reading 

Our hearts’ natural tendency is to be anxious and fearful. We often believe or act as if a situation’s outcome depends solely on us. In contrast, Alistair Begg helps us understand that our willingness to not take matters into our own hands is an expression of humility. As we cast our anxieties on God and remember ... Continue Reading 

Our hearts’ natural tendency is to be anxious and fearful. We often believe or act as if a situation’s outcome depends solely on us. In contrast, Alistair Begg helps us understand that our willingness to not take matters into our own hands is an expression of humility. As we cast our anxieties on God and remember ... Continue Reading 

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians in an attempt to address what amounted to spiritual espionage in the developing Church with regard to Christian freedom. Alistair Begg helps us to understand the question of orthodoxy, matter of urgency, and picture of unity conveyed in the letter. When we join hands not at the expense of truth ... Continue Reading 

In Philippians 2, Paul points us to humility as the foundational attribute needed for harmonious relationships. As Alistair Begg explains, Paul turns our gaze to the Lord Jesus Christ instead of giving us principles for how to develop a humble heart. He encourages us to consider Jesus’ attitude as the very example to replicate in our relationships ... Continue Reading 

Scripture often uses the words “amazement” or “wonder” to describe the crowd’s reaction to Jesus’ teaching. Now, as then, those who hear His words tend to react strongly in one of two ways: either they are drawn to Him or they turn away from Him. In this message from John 7, Alistair Begg encourages us to ... Continue Reading 

When Paul visited Ephesus, he caused an upheaval, but the end result was the founding of a church that was vital and dynamic despite being confronted with hardship and wickedness. In the letter to the Church in Ephesus in Revelation 2, God gives words of commendation, condemnation, and consecration through the elderly Apostle John. Alistair Begg teaches ... Continue Reading 

God, the Creator of all, gives us life and sustains us. The world tells us to use this gift to live life to the fullest and to seek our best life now. Instead of encouraging us in this pursuit, Alistair Begg challenges us to remember that life is short, death is real, and judgement is coming. In ... Continue Reading 

In writing to the Corinthian church, Paul taught that everyone who is called to Christ is also called to serve. All ministry is the Lord’s work: God assigns the tasks and uniquely gifts a variety of individuals to work together to fulfill His plan, for His glory. Noting that great opposition often accompanies effective ministry, Alistair ... Continue Reading 

Alistair examines the message of the cross as outlined in 1 Corinthians 1: 18. He details the distinction between those who are perishing and those who are saved, then urges us to determine whether we are truly trusting in Christ for our salvation. Continue Reading 

Alistair examines the message of the cross as outlined in 1 Corinthians 1: 18. He details the distinction between those who are perishing and those who are saved, then urges us to determine whether we are truly trusting in Christ for our salvation. Continue Reading 

Hebrews 13 teaches that we are to live thankfully in a manner that pleases God—but we can’t do so alone. Our lifestyles are shaped not by our own knowledge, but through the transforming power of experience and example. If we wish to please God, Alistair Begg teaches, we must from the family of God itself ... Continue Reading 

The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most challenging passages in the Bible. Understood correctly, it will make even the most well-meaning, gracious person despair of their ability to fulfill God’s commands. In this message, Alistair Begg points to the heart transformation that must precede the radical difference from the world that Jesus preached ... Continue Reading 

If we want to follow Christ faithfully, we must be prepared to face animosity and persecution. Such hatred, Alistair Begg explains, shouldn’t be provoked by obnoxious behavior on our part, which rightfully causes people to recoil. Instead, it arises in response to our allegiance to Christ. The Beatitudes assure us that while some will see believers ... Continue Reading 

The writer of Psalm 1 is clear: the righteous will prosper and the wicked will perish. Since only Jesus has been truly righteous, what does that mean for everyone else? Alistair Begg helps us understand this righteousness is a blessing found in Christ, not an achievement earned on our own. When the truth of this grace captivates ... Continue Reading 

The writer of Psalm 1 is clear: the righteous will prosper and the wicked will perish. Since only Jesus has been truly righteous, what does that mean for everyone else? Alistair Begg helps us understand this righteousness is a blessing found in Christ, not an achievement earned on our own. When the truth of this grace captivates ... Continue Reading 

Does it sound unusual to hear someone exclaim that they love the Bible? According to the pattern recorded in Psalm 119, this should be the response of every Christian to the Word of God. Alistair Begg explains that the Bible comes from God to His people, not only for our instruction, but to communicate His love to ... Continue Reading 

Does it sound unusual to hear someone exclaim that they love the Bible? According to the pattern recorded in Psalm 119, this should be the response of every Christian to the Word of God. Alistair Begg explains that the Bible comes from God to His people, not only for our instruction, but to communicate His love to ... Continue Reading 

Psalm 119 repeatedly exclaims a great love for God’s law. Alistair Begg explores the psalmist’s reason for this love and reminds us that meditating on God’s Word provides wisdom and prevents wandering—a successful strategy for godly living. As we walk in the light of God’s instruction, our lives declare—even to our ... Continue Reading 

Psalm 119 repeatedly exclaims a great love for God’s law. Alistair Begg explores the psalmist’s reason for this love and reminds us that meditating on God’s Word provides wisdom and prevents wandering—a successful strategy for godly living. As we walk in the light of God’s instruction, our lives declare—even to our ... Continue Reading 

God's Word is essential for the Christian Life from beginning to end. Alistair Begg teaches that the Word of God gives life to dead souls, provides wisdom appropriate to our weakness, and spurs us on to purity. In it, we discover warnings to be heeded and promises to be trusted as we look to Jesus, who ... Continue Reading 

God's Word is essential for the Christian Life from beginning to end. Alistair Begg teaches that the Word of God gives life to dead souls, provides wisdom appropriate to our weakness, and spurs us on to purity. In it, we discover warnings to be heeded and promises to be trusted as we look to Jesus, who ... Continue Reading 

The beauty of the Gospel rests in its simplicity: Christ, in His death, completed everything in relationship to sin and Satan. Because of His atonement, our Christian lives are a process of becoming what we already are­—namely, His children. In this sermon from Hebrews, Alistair Begg notes that while Satan delights in reminding us of sin ... Continue Reading 

Happiness is not dependent upon favorable circumstances. In this sermon, Alistair Begg challenges us to see happiness as an outflow of sin forgiven and the promise of eternal life. We can be happy in our trials when we see them as God’s purpose accomplished in our life. Continue Reading 

Wise coaches don’t take anything for granted; instead, they know that it is critical for their teams to understand the basics. Similarly, Jesus focused his attention on teaching his disciples the key themes of his ministry. In this Easter Sunday message, Alistair Begg unpacks the lesson of undeserved forgiveness and the good news of new life ... Continue Reading 

Wise coaches don’t take anything for granted; instead, they know that it is critical for their teams to understand the basics. Similarly, Jesus focused his attention on teaching his disciples the key themes of his ministry. In this Easter Sunday message, Alistair Begg unpacks the lesson of undeserved forgiveness and the good news of new life ... Continue Reading 

In every decision, Paul considered the degree to which it helped him win the lost for Christ. He was prepared to adjust his habits, change his preferences, and modify his lifestyle to see others come to faith. Alistair Begg warns against becoming too cozy in our isolated Christian circles. We must extend beyond our comfort zones and ... Continue Reading 

Many of us are held captive by our fear of death. In contrast, when Jacob knew his demise was imminent, he saw it as God’s signal to make adequate preparations. Alistair Begg encourages us to follow Jacob’s example and plan our funerals now so we can ease the burden for our loved ones and leave ... Continue Reading 

Ever since the serpent tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, humanity has been seduced by illusions of immortality. Stripping away these deceptions, the Bible reveals how we can face death with confidence and be victorious over it. Christians need not fear death, teaches Alistair Begg. Our assurance lies not in the hope of a prolonged life ... Continue Reading 

In Christ, we have been forgiven an incalculable debt—but pride can interfere with our willingness to both seek and offer forgiveness. With Joseph and Jesus as illustrations, Alistair Begg investigates a series of biblical truths that are crucial to understanding the nature of genuine forgiveness. For God’s glory, and out of gratitude for all that ... Continue Reading 

Humility and grace go hand in hand. The more we understand God’s grace, the more humble we should become. Alistair Begg reminds us that living a humble life involves serving others, regularly asking God for forgiveness, and remembering our utter dependence on Him. A life marked by humility thinks so much of God that there is ... Continue Reading 

A familiar belief, even within churches, suggests that we are basically good and will be saved by God. In contrast, the Bible teaches that we are condemned sinners in need of a savior. We must understand the depth of our sinfulness before we can grasp the desperation of our need. Recognizing this, Alistair Begg walks us through ... Continue Reading 

We hold common expectations about infant growth and development, and the same should be true when it comes to our faith. Paul confronted the Corinthians regarding their spiritual infancy and urged them to weed out persistent sin and live lives that reflected deepening faith. Alistair Begg reminds us that spiritual maturity is not a consequence of the ... Continue Reading 

Psalm 90:12 offers simple and vital instruction for the New Year: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” As Alistair Begg clarifies, this verse doesn’t promise to help us accurately forecast the length of our lives. Instead, it tasks us with seeing our actions in the scope of ... Continue Reading 

The life of a Christian should be marked by a passion for purity. How are we to maintain a fervor for purity throughout our lives? In this message, Alistair Begg points out that cherishing God’s Word and living with eternity in view are the bookends of behavior that will help us achieve this. When we live ... Continue Reading 

While life’s humbling events remind us of the gravity of our sin, its encouraging ones reveal the immensity of God’s grace. We see examples of both as Alistair Begg traces Jacob’s journey from Canaan to Egypt to reunite with his long-lost son, Joseph. Although he was eager to see his child, Jacob first sought ... Continue Reading 

Believers have sung the Psalms for millennia, keeping devotional truths close to their hearts and tongues. Psalms 120, 121, and 122 were sung by Israelites journeying to Jerusalem for feasts—though they can serve as a refrain for Christians on our pilgrimage to heaven as well. Alistair Begg explores the realistic feelings of the psalmist: isolation, distress ... Continue Reading 

It is common for people to encourage one another with the saying, “believe in yourself,” but examples from Scripture show these to be empty words. Peter stated his belief that he was incapable of denying Christ and soon learned the bitter truth of what was really in his heart. Despite Peter’s betrayal, Jesus still loved him ... Continue Reading 

It is commonly held that one of the main messages of the Bible, and certainly of Jesus’ ministry, is love of our neighbors. However, on Jesus’ last night with the disciples, the words “love one another” took on a new dimension. In this message from John 13, Alistair Begg encourages us to learn the marks of Christ ... Continue Reading 

We all desire to be liked, but Alistair Begg explains that if we are seeking approval from the world, we are seeking it from the wrong place. Followers of Jesus Christ are called to live a radically different lifestyle from the world’s lifestyle. Therefore, living for Christ and seeking the world’s approval will never go ... Continue Reading 

Why did Jesus tell His disciples that He came to bring division on earth? And why do we find passages like Luke 12 so challenging to understand? Alistair Begg helps us comprehend our environment’s hostility to exclusive truth, noting that when Jesus transforms our lives, it often appears upside down, even to those closest to us ... Continue Reading 

The contrast between the attitude of James and John and that of Jesus, as recorded in Mark 10, could not be more striking. The disciples showed an attitude of selfish ambition that desired status and honor, while Jesus displayed a humble attitude of service. Alistair Begg teaches us that it will take a decisive, costly sacrifice - a ... Continue Reading 

The contrast between the attitude of James and John and that of Jesus, as recorded in Mark 10, could not be more striking. The disciples showed an attitude of selfish ambition that desired status and honor, while Jesus displayed a humble attitude of service. Alistair Begg teaches us that it will take a decisive, costly sacrifice - a ... Continue Reading 

In 2 Corinthians, Paul set forth requirements to foster the growth of the Church. Had his instruction ended there, we would despair, knowing we could never reach God’s standards in our own strength. In this message, Alistair Begg directs our attention to the resources we have been given for the achievement of God’s design for ... Continue Reading 

What is it that raises friendship between believers to the level of fellowship? We may have many people in our lives we can call “friend,” but still find we rarely experience the fellowship Paul spoke of in 2 Corinthians. In this message, Alistair Begg explains how vital fellowship is for our growth as believers. As we grow ... Continue Reading 

Throughout our lives, love – or the lack of it – affects our ability to thrive. Knowing we are loved gives us confidence; the opposite can be crippling. In this message, Alistair Begg explains the nature of God’s love, describing what sets it apart from even the best of human affection. Though human love certainly impacts our growth ... Continue Reading 

Why is it so important that elders be men who know, teach, and live the truth? Paul explained that godly leadership is a matter of spiritual life or death for the church. Elders must teach God’s Word clearly so that the people under their care may be sound in faith and able to confront counterfeits in ... Continue Reading 

Why is it so important that elders be men who know, teach, and live the truth? Paul explained that godly leadership is a matter of spiritual life or death for the church. Elders must teach God’s Word clearly so that the people under their care may be sound in faith and able to confront counterfeits in ... Continue Reading 

Parents often swaddle their babies in order to calm them because when an infant cannot physically fight against sleep, it comes more easily. A similar principle holds true for those who experience the deep restlessness that characterizes a life apart from Christ. In this message from Matthew 11, Alistair Begg encourages us to respond to Jesus’ invitation ... Continue Reading 

From a young age, we expect and even demand what we believe is fair. In contrast, Jesus embraced the ultimate miscarriage of justice – his conviction and execution – to accomplish our redemption. As Alistair Begg shows in this message from John chapter 18, Christ's response in the face of utter lawlessness is instructive for us when we ... Continue Reading 

Where should a Christian turn for the strength to participate in advancing God’s Kingdom today? Alistair Begg explores a familiar verse from the prophet Zechariah to show that only God’s Spirit can empower us to fulfill His purposes. As believers turn toward God and away from earthly concerns, we must be willing to be countercultural ... Continue Reading 

Where should a Christian turn for the strength to participate in advancing God’s Kingdom today? Alistair Begg explores a familiar verse from the prophet Zechariah to show that only God’s Spirit can empower us to fulfill His purposes. As believers turn toward God and away from earthly concerns, we must be willing to be countercultural ... Continue Reading 

When we’re satisfied with ourselves and lazy in our spiritual condition, it’s time for a wake-up call. Paul lovingly confronted the Corinthian believers about their preoccupation with status, reputation, and popularity while they ignored serious issues of moral laxity. Alistair Begg warns that this kind of smugness can quickly lead to the demise of an ... Continue Reading 

Ephesians 5 contains instructions for wives and husbands, but it applies to every Christian, married or single. In this sermon, Alistair Begg explains that the love commanded of husbands denotes self-sacrifice rather than self-interest, providing a safeguard against both tyranny and abdication. By walking in obedience to God’s Word, Christians and Christian marriages will be a ... Continue Reading 

Ephesians 5 contains instructions for wives and husbands, but it applies to every Christian, married or single. In this sermon, Alistair Begg explains that the love commanded of husbands denotes self-sacrifice rather than self-interest, providing a safeguard against both tyranny and abdication. By walking in obedience to God’s Word, Christians and Christian marriages will be a ... Continue Reading 

What does it mean to love as Christ loved? In Ephesians 5:25-27, Paul called husbands to the self-sacrificing devotion demonstrated by Jesus as the bridegroom to the Church. While we love in response to loveliness, Alistair Begg points out that Jesus loved in order to make us lovely. Restraining selfish ambition for the personal growth and ... Continue Reading 

What does it mean to love as Christ loved? In Ephesians 5:25-27, Paul called husbands to the self-sacrificing devotion demonstrated by Jesus as the bridegroom to the Church. While we love in response to loveliness, Alistair Begg points out that Jesus loved in order to make us lovely. Restraining selfish ambition for the personal growth and ... Continue Reading 

Men and women are equal in dignity as image-bearers and co-heirs with Christ, but different in function. Alistair Begg considers the place of submission in marriage, noting that God has given wives a clear command to submit to their husbands. Like every area of life, the marriage relationship is tainted by the consequences of sin, but Christ ... Continue Reading 

Men and women are equal in dignity as image-bearers and co-heirs with Christ, but different in function. Alistair Begg considers the place of submission in marriage, noting that God has given wives a clear command to submit to their husbands. Like every area of life, the marriage relationship is tainted by the consequences of sin, but Christ ... Continue Reading 

Baptism, part of the Great Commission, is one of the two sacraments ordained by Christ. As we confess our need for forgiveness, we recognize that God has already provided everything our souls require through the sacrificial gift of His Son. In a careful consideration of why baptism is necessary and what it means, Alistair Begg explores this ... Continue Reading 

Baptism, part of the Great Commission, is one of the two sacraments ordained by Christ. As we confess our need for forgiveness, we recognize that God has already provided everything our souls require through the sacrificial gift of His Son. In a careful consideration of why baptism is necessary and what it means, Alistair Begg explores this ... Continue Reading