From The Archives

What is Christmas really about? For some, it may be about decorating the Christmas tree, spending time with family and friends, and exchanging gifts. For those in Christ, though, Christmas’s meaning rests solely in celebrating the birth of Christ. In these sermons, Alistair Begg reminds us that behind the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, God has given us the greatest gift of all: His Son, Jesus Christ.

Topics: From the Archives

Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Lord’s temple acknowledged that no earthly dwelling could hold the God of creation. The wonder of the incarnation, Alistair Begg explains, is that an uncontainable God took on flesh and became Immanuel, “God with us.” God's plan has always been a person, not a place. Jesus’ glory outshone that of the temple, and His death enables us to draw near to God. Though ascended to heaven, Christ still dwells among His Church, a new temple of “living stones” unified by the work of the Holy Spirit.

Topics: From the Archives

Approaching Christmas as just a sugary holiday “for the kids” leaves us without an answer to our greatest need—reconciliation with God. Alistair Begg encourages us to instead view Christ’s birth in light of His historical, victorious work on the cross. At the heart of the incarnation is a profound mystery: in the fullness of time, God took on flesh to give His life as a ransom for many. Only a cross-centered Christmas will satisfy our heart’s deepest longings.

Topics: From the Archives

Closing his letter to the Ephesians similarly to how he opened it, Paul blessed his readers with the peace, love, and grace of God. Alistair Begg considers each of these elements in turn, pointing out that only God’s grace and love provide a lasting solution to man’s restlessness. When we faithfully believe and trust in Jesus, God’s unwarranted favor triumphs over our brokenness. As a result, we—like Paul—are given a new view of ourselves, others, and God.

Topics: From the Archives

Just when it seemed Philip’s preaching was becoming useful, God sent him to the desert. Philip obeyed—and as a result, he met an Ethiopian eunuch with pressing questions about Jesus. If we believe that God directs our steps, will we view every situation as an opportunity to share the Gospel? Challenging us to make the most of our circumstances, Alistair Begg instructs us on the prerequisites for sharing Christ: an inquiring mind, a prepared heart, and a ready answer.

Topics: From the Archives

Although Paul’s background and accomplishments were impressive, none of that mattered to him by the time he wrote to the Ephesians. In his letter’s closing, we glimpse a humble, tenderhearted servant who turned the spotlight on Tychicus, an unsung hero who delivered Paul’s letters and encouraged the church. United by the Gospel, these men direct our gaze to Jesus, teaches Alistair Begg. Their example reminds us that it is faithfulness, not our list of successes, that matters in God’s kingdom.

Topics: From the Archives

In our attempt to keep God’s law, we are prone to develop our own rules, regulations, and traditions aimed at earning His favor. When we begin to regard such beliefs as the standard to which other people must subscribe, we may eventually lose sight of the Gospel itself. In this selection of sermons, Alistair Begg reminds us that legalism is not the same as pursuing righteousness, and we should be careful not to lead others astray.

Topics: From the Archives

Throughout his sermons and letters, the Apostle Paul attested to prayer’s power and importance not only by exhortation and example, but also by requesting it for himself. As he reached the end of his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul’s specific prayer requests as an ambassador for Christ in chains affirmed his desire to freely proclaim the Gospel with confidence and clarity. When our conviction rests solely in the power of Christ’s name, we stand ready to boldly declare the message and mystery of the Gospel to a dying world.

Topics: From the Archives

It’s hard to imagine a more effective minister than Paul­–yet even he was no superhero. While we may assume that the spiritually mature need less prayer, Paul exemplified the exact opposite, earnestly requesting prayer for both the words and the boldness to preach the Gospel. Demonstrating how Paul’s humble acknowledgement of his vulnerability made him aware of his need for prayer, Alistair Begg spurs us on to pray for the preaching of God’s Word.

Topics: From the Archives

Christians know that prayer is essential, but we often struggle with knowing how to pray best. As Paul instructed the Ephesians in wielding the spiritual weapon of prayer, he both exemplified and explained how to pray, when to pray, and what to pray for. Walking us through Paul’s imperatives on prayer, Alistair Begg helps us understand what it means to pray continually, varyingly, and perseveringly for all our brothers and sisters in Christ with God-centered perspective and trust.

Topics: From the Archives