Truth For Life Blog

When you read the apostle Paul’s letters, it’s clear that some of his favorite metaphors and analogies for the Christian life come from the realm of athletics. For example, in Philippians, he speaks of pressing on like a runner toward the goal of knowing Christ (3:14). Near the end of his life, he describes his ministry as one in which he “fought the good fight” and “finished the race” (2 Tim. 4:7). And in 1 Corinthians 9:25–27, Paul draws a parallel—one that is worth our time and attention—between the self-control and discipline needed for both athletic competition and the Christian life.

Topics: Articles

In the years of His earthly ministry, Jesus’ primary task was to proclaim God’s word. He also came to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and work wonders, but He Himself was clear about the highest priority: “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God … for I was sent for this purpose” (Luke 4:43). At the heart of Christ’s ministry was His role as a teacher. In this, He is the model to all of us who are called to do the same. It is good—and humbling!—for us to learn from the example of Jesus so that we might assess ourselves against it.

Topics: Articles

Dear Friend,

Pastors:

I was recently asked, “Why is the Bible difficult to understand?” In responding, I referenced the part in the Westminster Confession which explains that “not all things in Scripture are equally plain in themselves or equally clear to all,” while the things which are needed to be known, believed, and observed for salvation are clear and may be understood by all. Later on, as I thought about the question, it occurred to me that I might have answered, “So that I have a job!” It is an immense privilege to labor in preaching and teaching. On behalf of the fellow pastors, I say thank you to our congregations for their prayerful encouragement. Perhaps this should be a month of appreciation for pastors’ wives. They play a huge role in keeping us from the perils of conceit or despair.

Topics: Letters From Alistair Begg

“Since my times are in your hands, I am not tossed about on the oceans of chance.”
— Alistair Begg

Topics: Weekly Wallpaper

Reconciliation has been a hot word in Christian circles in the past decade, and for good reason. From family feuds and broken marriages to social distrust and outright war, there is a deep need for reconciliation in our world. Many voices are rightly crying out for peace in all sorts of circumstances. But true and lasting reconciliation is difficult to attain, much less maintain, and the tepid ceasefires we do reach often only cement our sense that peace is fragile.

Topics: Articles

When hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, or other disasters occur, we tend to think that God has fallen asleep on the job. Why would He let something like this happen? This timeless question finds its answer in God‘s providential and loving care. This is a God who plants His footsteps in the sea, and the winds and the waves obey Him. This message was given in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, but an understanding that God has loving reasons for all such events helps us rise above the storm, setting our minds and hearts on solid ground.

Topics: From the Archives

In these days, it’s not uncommon to hear people wonder, “Is there any hope at all for our society?” As the culture appears to grow more secular, more licentious, and more antagonistic to traditional values and orthodox religion, many in the church have grown more pessimistic. Spiritual decline seems almost inevitable.

A true friend is a real treasure. To have someone in whom you can confide, someone who knows the best and worst about you without making you feel like a fool, is to have found something precious. We could all use someone like Jonathan, who strengthened David “in God” (1 Sam. 23:16). We all need someone like Timothy, who was intensely committed to the good of others (Phil. 2:20).

Topics: Articles

“When the Bible is truly taught then the voice of God is truly heard.”
— Alistair Begg

Topics: Weekly Wallpaper

History, philosophy, and theology all testify that fear and anxiety have always been a significant part of the human experience. Nevertheless, the word anxiety has a contemporary ring to it. We live in an age of anxiety; it is a part of the fabric of modern life. And it is part of the experience of many believers.

Topics: Articles