Jesus' death is the key to understanding the gospel and atonement for sin, but it's a message that's often misunderstood or downplayed in favor of self-help or human potential. True faithfulness requires embracing the cross of Christ and the reality of eternal life, which may involve suffering for Christ, but ultimately leads to a deeper allegiance to Jesus and a greater understanding of His love and sacrifice. [... more]

As the holidays approach, our schedules can fill up, but our souls can empty out if we're not careful. We can get distracted from what truly matters, like spending time with loved ones and focusing on our faith. The story of Mary and Martha reminds us that what's most important is not the perfect meal or decorations, but the time we spend with Jesus and the people around us. [... more]

Jesus' death on the cross is the source of spiritual life for the entire world, and it is through his death that his glory is seen and the Father is glorified. The gospel is a message of salvation that is for the whole world, and it is only through the cross that this is possible. [... more]

Jesus is confronted with a woman caught in adultery, brought before him by the Pharisees and scribes to test his views on capital punishment. Instead of condemning her, Jesus challenges her accusers, pointing out their own sin and hypocrisy, and ultimately offers her forgiveness and redemption. [... more]

Jesus' compassion for hungry, wandering souls is demonstrated in the Galilean context, where he multiplies resources to feed a crowd of 5,000 men, teaching them about the Kingdom of God and his role as the shepherd of Israel. [... more]

A cold heart grows complacent in service, content in self-sufficiency, and clueless in spiritual condition, leading to spiritual poverty, shame, and a lack of spiritual purity, but Jesus offers a solution, inviting the church to exchange earthly wealth for heavenly riches and to prioritize spiritual purity and sanctification. [... more]

Alistair Begg explores John's Gospel, examining the signs and miracles Jesus performed and how they frustrated Jewish leaders. He delves into the story of the man born blind, the resurrection of Lazarus, and the importance of faith and spiritual growth in understanding Jesus' message. [... more]

When faced with unexpected attacks and overwhelming odds, Jehoshaphat's decision to focus on God, seek prayer and fasting, and gather spiritual support from God's people stabilized him. He remembered God's power and promises, recalling that God is above them geographically, politically, and militarily, and that He has a history of keeping His promises. This discernment encouraged him to trust in God's ability to help in times of trouble. [... more]

Jesus performed multiple signs and miracles to substantiate his identity, purpose, and power. Many of his listeners were convinced, but religious leaders only became angrier and more frustrated. Jesus' death is the basis for spiritual life, and he is the light of the world, offering eternal life to those who believe in him. [... more]

Jesus Christ teaches that the mark of true discipleship is loving one another as He has loved us, a love that is sacrificial, steadfast, selfless, serving, saving, and shepherding. This new commandment is rooted in the love Jesus showed on the cross and is a higher standard than loving our neighbors as ourselves. [... more]

Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows and cares for each individual, offering eternal life and abundant living. He lays down his life for the sheep, demonstrating his love and intimacy with God. As believers, our security lies not in our faith or circumstances, but in the indestructibility of Jesus, who is always with us. [... more]

Bitterness begins in the heart but never stays there, spreading and spoiling relationships and lives. It steals joy, happiness, and contentment, and can lead to spiritual bankruptcy. To overcome bitterness, one must pursue peace and holiness, and depend on the grace of God to uproot the roots of bitterness. [... more]

Jesus is the door to God, and those who enter through Him will experience abundant life. He is the good shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, and those who follow Him will have eternal life. The voice of the stranger is not to be listened to, but rather the voice of the shepherd, who brings spiritual discernment and understanding. [... more]

A church that knows how to forgive will be a healthy, humble, happy, and holy church. Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling, and it's essential for unity in a church. The Bible teaches that we forgive because of the example of Christ, the experience of grace, and to exalt Christ, extinguish Satan, and expose our purpose. [... more]

Believers can recognize Jesus' voice, just as children recognize their parents' voices. Jesus' words create a distinction, exposing the hearts of those who reject him. The true shepherd's voice is recognized by his sheep, who follow him because they know his voice. God has spoken through creation, conscience, and Jesus himself, and his word is to be approached with reverence and obedience. [... more]

The Bible shows how the Lord kept his promises to ordinary, everyday, faithless, godless sinners who didn't deserve it, revealing a message of justification by faith alone, which has been God's method of salvation for sinners from the beginning, as seen in the story of Abraham and the unfolding redemptive plan of God, which centers on the promises made to Abraham and finds its fullest expression in Christ, who is the fulfillment of all the promises of the Old Testament and the heart of the gospel. [... more]

The Bible teaches that salvation is not achieved through outward signs such as baptism or circumcision, but rather through a genuine inward transformation. Christians must be careful not to pretend to be more righteous than they actually are, as this can lead to hypocrisy and damage the reputation of Christianity. The law of God is meant to reveal our sin and our need for a Savior, and it is only through the gospel that we can be saved. [... more]

Paul exhorts the Thessalonian church to grow in love, strive for quietness, mind their own business, and work with their own hands, emphasizing the importance of self-sacrificial love and practical duties in living a life pleasing to God. [... more]

A dramatic story of demonic possession and spiritual transformation serves as a powerful reminder of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. The story highlights the struggle between sin and salvation, the importance of faith and obedience, and the need for evangelism and discipleship. It also emphasizes the mercy and redemption offered by Jesus, and the call to Christian living and witness. Ultimately, the story encourages personal transformation and a deeper understanding of the gospel. [... more]

Losing joy is a common experience for many Christians, but it's not a sign of a lost salvation. Sin, selfishness, sorrow, satanic oppression, separation from God, strain from service, and stagnation can all contribute to a loss of joy. However, through repentance, confession of sin, coming to God humbly, and continuing in faith, joy can be restored. [... more]

Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd and sheepfold to describe his role as the good shepherd, who brings sight to the blind and freedom to those who are captives, but is rejected by those who refuse to listen and follow him. [... more]

Counting trials as joy is a biblical command that allows God's people to experience the sweet fruit of maturity. Through perseverance, we can develop patience and trust in God, leading to a deeper understanding of His ways and a stronger faith. This process is not automatic, but rather requires time and effort, as seen in the story of the Scottish discus player who trained under a great burden to achieve great things. By shaking off the dirt and stepping up, we can find joy in the midst of trials and trust God to help us through the difficult times. [... more]

Jesus teaches that he is the fulfillment of Abraham's hopes and visions, and that he is the eternal Christ who shares the everlasting life of the Father and the Spirit. He claims to be the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that he is the changeless Lord who towers over history. [... more]

Jesus knows we will fail, but he prays for our faith not to fail. He reassures us that when we mess up, he is not surprised and that there is always forgiveness available. Through the story of Peter's failure and restoration, we learn about the importance of Jesus' private meetings with us, personal mercy, and powerful grace, ultimately leading to the fellowship of restoration. [... more]

We must be born again to see the kingdom of God, and only God can overcome unbelief. The problem is not a lack of information, but a lack of transformation. We are spiritually blind and need to be regenerated to understand and believe the simple message about Jesus Christ. [... more]

The Reformation's third pillar, Sola Gratia, emphasizes that salvation is by grace alone, not through human cooperation or works. This concept is rooted in the Bible's teaching that God's grace is a person, Jesus Christ, who redeems us from our sins. The Reformers rejected the medieval view of salvation as a combination of God's grace and human effort, instead affirming that God's demerited favor is the sole cause of our salvation. This understanding of grace is seen in the lives of biblical figures such as Abraham and Adam, who received God's unilateral covenant promise despite their sinfulness. Ultimately, the purpose of God's grace is to bring glory to Himself, as He saves sinners through Jesus Christ and attributes all glory to Him alone. [... more]

Jesus' claims about his identity and his relationship with God are met with skepticism and accusations from the Jews, who struggle to understand his declaration of being the light of the world and the truth. Jesus responds calmly and boldly, explaining that he is not seeking his own glory, but rather the glory of his Father, who honors him. The Jews continue to question Jesus' identity, but he remains steadfast in his claims, emphasizing the importance of faith and the consequences of unbelief. [... more]

The Bible talks about heart, it's not talking about the organ that the cardiologist looks at when something doesn't seem in rhythm. It's talking about your mind, your intellectual center, your emotions, your emotional center, your will, your volitional center. It's talking about where your morality takes place, where your mind thinks, where you feel. It's talking about the place where God works. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth and believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. [... more]

Death is not terminal, and the soul continues to exist after the body dies. The Bible teaches that there are two ways to die: in one's sins or in the Lord. Christians believe that their souls will be reunited with their bodies in the resurrection, while the souls of the wicked will be cast into hell. The unknownness of death is a challenge, but relying solely on God's word provides security and hope for eternal life. [... more]

Jacob's wrestling match with God in Genesis 32 is a powerful reminder of the importance of facing our fears and conflicts head-on, and of surrendering to God's will. As Jacob refuses to let God go, he is transformed and receives a new name, Israel, symbolizing his newfound faith and spirituality. This story serves as a call to revival, encouraging believers to seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, and to let go of their own desires and wills in order to receive God's blessing and guidance. [... more]

The Bible teaches that death is not terminal, but rather a transition to eternity. Jesus' death and resurrection offer salvation from sin and eternal life, but unbelief in Christ leads to death in one's sins. The consequences of unbelief are eternal, and the Bible warns of the importance of faith in Christ for eternal life. [... more]

The book of James emphasizes the importance of Christianity impacting one's conversation, compassion, and character. James warns that external religious activity is worthless if it does not lead to spiritual maturity, and that true Christianity involves demonstrating parental care and compassion, particularly towards orphans and widows. [... more]

The Bible's underlying message is the good news that God justifies the ungodly by grace through faith alone, a message that has been consistent from the beginning of the story of redemption, starting with Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:15, and unfolding through the promises made to Abraham, with Jesus being the fulfillment of all God's promises. [... more]

God's judgment is according to truth, and those who practice evil will be condemned. Hypocrisy is a threat to anyone who dares to stand in a pulpit and correct sinners when every preacher is himself a sinner. The goodness of God leads to repentance, but those who despise his goodness will be judged according to their deeds. Every single sin we ever commit is exposed to God's perfect judgment, and we will be judged according to our works, both good and bad. [... more]

Paul's exhortation to the Thessalonians emphasizes the importance of living a holy life, avoiding sexual immorality, and being sanctified to please God. He warns that immorality cheats brothers and sisters, God will avenge immorality, and it's a direct offense against God. The model church walks with God by being sanctified, growing towards God, and away from sin, ultimately embracing a holy life to be like Jesus Christ. [... more]

A demon-possessed man's dramatic transformation by Jesus Christ serves as an illustration of the human condition, where people are ruled by dark and sinister forces outside of Christ, and the only way to be set free is through the pain of transformation by Christ's power and grace. [... more]

The problem of worry is not the issue, but rather our perspective on it. God's provision is not just for the lesser things, but also for the greater. He knows what we need before we ask and distinguishes between needs and wants, promising to meet our essential needs. [... more]

Jesus' bold proclamation that those who keep his word will never see death is a message of hope for believers, but it's met with skepticism and even hostility from those who don't understand the nature of death and the promise of eternal life. Alastair Begg explores the biblical understanding of death and its connection to sin, and how Jesus' words offer a way out of spiritual death and into eternal life. [... more]

David, the king, faces criticism from those closest to him, including his own son Absalom, and writes Psalm 62 to guide believers on how to handle criticism, relying on God's position, protection, and persuasion, and finding refuge in His sovereignty, power, and shelter. [... more]

The Bible teaches that sin and self-centeredness lead to bondage and enslavement, but Jesus Christ offers true freedom through salvation. This freedom is not about doing what we please, but about doing what pleases God, and it is only possible through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. [... more]