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 “m...

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 b...

On November 3, 2020, Tim and Aileen Challies received the shocking news that their twenty-year-old son Nick had died. Tim, an author and blogger, began to process his loss through writing, which eventually led to the book ‘Seasons of Sorrow.’ During this launch event, Tim reads a brief excerpt fr...

King David called for a census that he imagined would bring pleasure, but instead, it brought pain and God’s wrath. Seeking to intervene on behalf of his people, David built an altar, offered sacrifices, and asked that he alone would bear the punishment. While much remains unexplained in this pas...

Alistair Begg considers these words, explaining how the mighty apostle was strengthened and encouraged by the individual giftings of fellow believers. As we survey the men and women whose lives intersected with Paul’s ministry, we find warnings to heed, examples to follow, and a poignant reminder...

Every relationship has its last goodbye. In the closing verses of 2 Timothy, Paul sent his final greetings to several people who encouraged him during his ministry. Alistair Begg briefly examines Paul’s words to Priscilla, Aquila, Onesiphorus, and a handful of others, explaining how these men and...

Yet they were not a chronicle of personal achievements; rather, he prophesied concerning God’s promise to one day send a King who would rule humanity in perfect justice and righteousness. As Alistair Begg explains, God’s preservation of David’s kingdom stands as historical testimony to His coven...

As 2 Samuel comes to a close, David provides the reader with a list of his mighty men, whose deeds were recorded for all eternity in the preceding chapters. As Alistair Begg explains, this record now serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and forgiveness. Further, the account of David’s imper...

God promised that through King David, He would save Israel from the Philistines. Second Samuel 21 recounts four incidents when an older, battle-weary David relied on his mighty warriors to strike down the Philistine giants. Alistair Begg compares and contrasts David’s reign as described in these ...

Prompted by prolonged famine, King David sought the Lord for an explanation. Once he received it, though, he sought human counsel for the cure. The result was heartbreaking devastation, particularly for one family. Alistair Begg explains that while the world we live in is beautiful, it can also b...

What is the right response to terrible suffering in the world? While hardship causes some to blame God, it can also turn hearts toward Him. In this message, biblical scholar John Woodhouse teaches about the catastrophic siege of Samaria and how God worked in unseen ways to fulfill His promises an...

In this panel discussion, Alistair Begg, Tony Merida, and John Woodhouse discuss a range of issues related to pastoral ministry. After discussing the qualities of a good pastor and the value of seminary education and adequate preparation, they move on to consider the challenges of pastoring, such...

The devil is untroubled by moral improvement plans or people becoming more religious. What Satan does not want is Christ being preached. Tony Merida reminds us of the importance of proclaiming Jesus by unpacking the priority, purpose, and power of Christ-centered preaching, which was exemplified ...

Preaching from Old Testament narratives can be a daunting task. It is all too easy to miss Christ and the Gospel in the details of the narrative or, conversely, to leave the narrative in the name of focusing on Christ. In this conference session, biblical scholar John Woodhouse lays out a strateg...

With an eye on preaching Old Testament narrative, John Woodhouse examines the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5. A prominent man suffering leprosy, Namaan visited God’s prophet in Israel, Elisha, laden with treasure to purchase healing—and was instead humbled when Elisha instructed him simply to wash ...

While pastors have the ministry of preaching the Gospel, men can talk about the cross in ways that empty it of its power. In this message, Alistair Begg explains how the apostle Paul embraced his weakness as a vehicle for the Gospel and encourages pastors to pray for the gift of studied simplicit...

Pastoral ministry remains challenging and demanding work. Pastors, like all people, need wisdom, encouragement, and reminders of what is important. In a room full of fellow pastors and church leaders, Alistair Begg offers all of this and more, addressing such topics as physical health, Christ-cen...

It’s no secret that some parts of the Old Testament can be confusing or even tedious. Careful studying of these passages, however, can produce real insight to guide us today. Biblical scholar John Woodhouse illustrates this principle using the story of Ahaziah, who made the same mistake so many i...

Pastors and church leaders have always faced conflict and criticism. How do we maintain our integrity in the face of these challenges? Pastor and author Tony Merida points to the apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, as a model to follow—one marked by the pursuit of holiness, love for o...

As with all Christians, pastors and elders will experience suffering. Indeed, shepherds of God’s flock face particular challenges and griefs. In this session, Alistair Begg exhorts church leaders to shoulder their responsibilities with hope of eternal rewards. It will not be in this world that pa...

God the Father has unmeasured love for His people. The supreme manifestation of this love is displayed at the cross of Christ. In that provision, teaches Alistair Begg, the Father arranged for our atonement, and the Son willingly laid down His life. And still today, the Spirit opens the eyes of o...

In the days after Christ’s crucifixion, His disciples hid behind locked doors, broken, confused, and convinced that Jesus’ death was the end of the story. But the grave could not hold Him! Jesus appeared in His resurrected body, showing the disciples His hands and His side and speaking peace into...

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 confid...