Truth For Life - Alistair Begg

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.