From The Archives

In the Gospel of Luke, the author begins by explaining that he has followed all things pertaining to Jesus’ life closely. He writes that he has taken time to compile “an orderly account” of all that has taken place so that the reader may have certainty concerning these things.

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Amid personal affliction or worldwide pandemic, it’s important to understand our circumstances in light of God’s salvation plan. When ten lepers cried out for mercy, Jesus healed them all, but only one turned back to offer praise. He wasn’t just physically healed; his eyes were also spiritually opened to recognize Jesus. Ultimately, it’s sin, not leprosy or COVID-19, that separates us from God, spoils our lives, and spreads to our destruction, teaches Alistair Begg. Although many diseases lead to death, only Christ’s mercy assures eternal life.

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It’s commonly assumed: If you become a Christian, all your anxieties and problems will go away. As we navigate the challenges of a disease that threatens lives in our communities and even in our own families, we're reminded that suffering is part of the Christian journey. Moreover, life’s trials can be further compounded as we face persecution for the hope we have in Jesus. Alistair Begg addresses the topic of suffering and sickness in this series of messages keenly relevant to the illness that has swept across our planet. Listen to refocus your priorities and gain fresh confidence in God during the dark seasons of life.

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Learning of Abner’s peaceful release, David’s army commander, Joab, confronted the king, sent for Abner, then cruelly murdered him upon his return. Did Joab really care about the kingdom, or simply his status within it? Exploring this question, Alistair Begg notes that the ways of the servant are not always the ways of the king. When we’re tempted to believe our plans are best, Scripture reminds us that King Jesus is faithful to His plan and all comings and goings are under His sovereign hand.

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For David, Abner’s death was a cause not for celebration but for mourning. In his grief, David paid tribute to Abner and led his funeral, while Joab, having murdered Abner out of revenge, was met with a curse rather than a commendation. Joab’s experience is a warning to us, says Alistair Begg, when we’re tempted to advance God’s kingdom in a manner that is incompatible with our gentle, humble King.

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The Lord’s ways are undeniably mysterious. Even so, they are sure, and He accomplishes all He sets out to do. As King Saul’s dynasty waned, Abner, once David’s enemy, negotiated and consulted to shift his allegiance to the rising king. Behind it all, though, God continued to work out His plan through imperfect people in less-than-ideal circumstances. Alistair Begg examines 2 Samuel 3, pointing out that David’s grace toward this unsavory character prefigures the peace offered to us through Christ Jesus.

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Second Samuel 3 relates a story charged with ambition, sex, power, and politics. Arrogantly fancying himself the kingmaker, Saul’s army commander, Abner, defected to David’s expanding dynasty. Yet David’s imperfect, convoluted path to the throne wasn’t the result of human calculation or manipulation. Rather, God was accomplishing His plan despite, and even through, the messy circumstances. As Alistair Begg points out, only when God’s love is revealed and we believe in Jesus can we take our place on the right side of history.

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When will Jesus Christ return? What are the signs of the end of the world? What will the end times be like? Alistair Begg looks at passages in the Bible that speak of the end times and reminds us that God is in control even in the chaos.

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Second Samuel 2 provides an example of how the political endeavors of our world will inevitably disappoint us. When David’s nephew Asahel fell into conflict with Abner, the commander of Saul’s army, it became clear that Israel would only be united when they came under their true king. Likewise, Alistair Begg reminds us that the unity and peace our world longs for will be found not in a political system but under the kingly reign of Jesus Christ.

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In sharp contrast to the divisive tactics that often dominate politics, as David ascended to his role as God’s chosen king, he did so prayerfully and humbly. Like Jesus, he extended love to his enemies, invited them to follow him, and promised his faithfulness. Nonetheless, opposition soon followed. While placing hope in worldly power will inevitably disappoint us, Alistair Begg assures that when we come to know and trust Jesus, we will find Him to be the true leader for which we long.

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