Truth For Life with Alistair Begg Sermons

Throughout the Old Testament, we find an unfolding picture of God Almighty as the divine warrior appearing from heaven to establish justice and righteousness on earth. Jude’s letter, explains Alistair Begg, reminds us that this anticipation finds its fulfillment in the Lord Jesus. He who came to earth, died in our place, rose from the grave, and ascended to heaven will one day return as promised, judge the whole world, and save those who have believed in and received Him with open and empty hands.

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.

In the early part of John’s Gospel, Jesus has a conversation with Nicodemus, a Jewish leader who questions Jesus’ authority. Jesus answers him, making it clear that being “born again” is necessary in order to see the kingdom of God. Alistair Begg reminds us that the new birth of which Jesus spoke is essential and supernatural—a miraculous and mysterious work of Almighty God that brings about a complete change of heart and gives the believer a new family, a new identity, and a new mentality.

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.

In the closing portion of his letter, Jude reminded his readers of the scoffers who would come, encouraging believers to deal mercifully with “those who doubt.” Explaining Jude’s exhortation, Alistair Begg addresses how we should care for these three types of doubters: with the first group, kindly and patiently bearing with them; with the second, pursuing them wholeheartedly to save them from imminent danger; and with the third, proceeding cautiously to avoid being pulled into sin ourselves. In all scenarios, we are reminded that the answer and hope for each group is at the cross of Christ.