From The Archives

God’s Word—the “Sword of the Spirit”—is necessary not only when we come to faith in Christ, but also as we continue in the Christian life and contend for the faith. Alistair Begg describes the vital role that the Bible plays in the perseverance of all believers, enabling us to respond to Satan’s accusations, hope in times of discouragement, and stay steady in times of doubt. The Sword of the Spirit is suited for the hand of every Christian without distinction, and it is with unashamed confidence in this Word that we make it our aim to persuade others of the hope that we have.

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Christ has provided us with armor that is sufficient to withstand all of the devil’s accusations, and the helmet of salvation performs the vital function of protecting our minds. In sharp contrast to mindless faith, Alistair Begg stresses the importance of engaging our minds from a Christian perspective and thinking properly about salvation. Not earned or deserved, justification is God’s gift for all who believe. By understanding Scripture and trusting unreservedly in the finished work of Christ, we render Satan’s insinuations powerless.

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In order to protect our minds with the helmet of salvation and deflect the blows of the enemy, Christians must think properly about the benefits that Christ has obtained for us. Alistair Begg examines Christ’s work on our behalf, explaining that we have peace with God, access to grace, and a certain, confident hope as the ground for our assurance. With this great salvation in view, Christians can rest confidently in the truth, and we must plead with others to look to Christ and be saved.

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Because the evil one desires to undermine the spiritual stability of all who follow Christ, Paul exhorted the believers in Ephesus to take up the shield of faith. The darts that Satan aims at Christians are subtle, varied, and deadly, so Alistair Begg urges us to follow Paul’s instruction by trusting in the Gospel personally, consistently, and corporately. The enemy is fierce and relentless, but Christ has triumphed and His victory is ours.

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Since a church will not progress beyond its leadership, appointing elders is a vital task that requires a clear understanding of Christian doctrine. As shepherds of the flock, elders work together to assure that God’s Word is taught, God’s Son is honored, and God’s people are edified. Alistair Begg explains that biblical eldership is pastoral, plural, spiritual, and accountable: diverse in giftedness and function, elders are accountable to God as they share the privileges and responsibilities of leadership.

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Just as no soldier would enter battle without shoes, so Paul reminds those in the army of God to put on the Gospel of peace as shoes for our feet. Jesus Christ is our peace, and only on Him will we stand securely. Alistair Begg demonstrates how these “Gospel shoes” give us stability to remain firm in the faith, mobility to go and proclaim Christ, and adaptability to the needs of others for the sake of Christ.

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Before engaging in battle, a wise warrior dons appropriate armor, including the breastplate that shields vital organs. But battle armor is only for those who have enlisted in the cause. Alistair Begg urges us to consider whether we are soldiers of the cross, entrusting ourselves entirely to Christ on the basis of His finished work. The righteousness that guards our hearts is not earned through our performance, but imputed to us by grace through faith in Jesus. When buffeted by Satan’s arrows of doubt, fear, and disappointment, we can resist by continuing to trust the Gospel, confident that our standing before God has been secured.

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Recognizing that union with Christ brings conflict with the devil, Paul urged his readers to put on the armor of God. In this message, we focus on the belt of truth, which secures all that might impede our readiness for battle. As the evil one schemes to raise doubts about God and His Word, Alistair Begg reminds us that the Gospel is our ultimate armor. Confident in Christ’s victory at the cross, we can stand firm against Satan’s attacks.

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Defeated but not yet destroyed, Satan is still working to spoil the relationships and the righteousness of God’s children. Writing to the Ephesians, Paul gave two imperatives for Christians as we engage in conflict against the devil: be strong and stand fast. Alistair Begg helps listeners understand that our strength comes from the grace of God through the promises of the Gospel. Resting in the knowledge of Christ’s victory over Satan, we can stand firm in the faith God has given us as we face the attacks of the enemy.

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At the end of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul called his readers to arms against the devil. This conclusion isn’t an afterthought, but the logical consequence of God’s purposes worked out among His people. Alistair Begg addresses the reality that Satan is a personal and powerful being who, though defeated, continues to act with his agents to oppose God. When men and women are united to Christ, they become Satan’s enemies and the objects of his opposition to God’s plan to unite all things together in Christ Jesus.

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