If Jesus offered to pray on your behalf, what would you ask Him to pray for? In His High Priestly Prayer in John 17, Jesus prayed for His disciples, distinguishing them from the world, declaring them to be agents of His glory, and asking the Father to keep them in His name. Alistair Begg unpacks how over two thousand years later, that same prayer is still being answered for all those who follow Christ, in whom we are securely, eternally kept.

When the resurrected Jesus appeared to Peter, recommissioned him, and told him what the future held, the restored disciple had to confront the task before him. Initially, his attention was focused on his friend John—perhaps in empathy or concern, or perhaps in jealousy. Yet Jesus redirected Peter and echoed His initial invitation to follow Him. While Peter and John were different men with different instincts and convictions, they shared the same hope: that one day, after He had gone, Jesus would return to bring His people home.

After His resurrection, Jesus reappeared to His disciples several times. One such encounter involved a hard but necessary conversation in which Peter, who'd previously denied knowing Jesus, affirmed his love for Him. Christ then disclosed Peter's future death and restored him to the mission of "fishing" for men and shepherding God's people. Alistair Begg points out that the disciple's previous denial of Christ didn't disqualify him from ministry, because with Jesus, failure is never final.

In this practical session, Rico Tice and Richard Borgonon share resources for evangelism in a world with increasing barriers to Christianity. Despite these obstacles, currently one-third of people are open to a conversation about the faith. Two foundational convictions should inform our evangelism: that the Lord is actively at work in the lives of non-Christians, preparing them to be open to the Word, and that God's Word is powerful to save. Christians must be effectively equipped to take God's Word to nonbelievers.

Chapter 7 of Luke's Gospel records the story of a widow who encountered Jesus during the funeral procession for her son. When Jesus saw her, He spoke to her and then raised her son from the dead. In this message, Alistair Begg reminds us of Jesus' vast love and compassion, emphasizing that this picture of Jesus triumphing over death is a sign and a promise of all that awaits believers in the age to come. Only Jesus can bring the dead to life, and He invites us to come and trust in Him to save us from our sin and to restore all things.

In this Q and A session, Rico Tice, Alistair Begg, and Sinclair Ferguson respond to questions from the attendees of the Basic Conference. Listen to these men laugh and teach together as they offer a gold mine of practical wisdom. Among other topics, they discuss their individual callings to pastoral ministry, the advantages and disadvantages to denominational ties, plagiarism, corporate worship, and words of concern and advice for the upcoming generation of pastors.

"Him we proclaim." Prolific theologian and author Sinclair Ferguson challenges pastors and church leaders to take this simple statement as their "motto text," informing every element of their preaching as it did for the apostle Paul himself. In order to do so, we must preach Jesus Christ from the totality of Scripture and in concert with the wisdom of the church fathers. We must also remember that when we preach Christ, He preaches Himself, meeting every need of everyone who truly hears the message.

To "do the work of an evangelist," as Paul urged his protégé Timothy to do, is often seen as an individual project—particularly, the specific work of individual pastors. However, as Rico Tice argues, the world needs the entire church body to engage in evangelism. In this talk, he surveys tools and techniques for accomplishing this task while making clear that God is the one who opens blind eyes and transforms lives.

Relationships are a precious and weighty influence on a pastor's ministry. Even the apostle Paul could not fulfill his calling alone and felt vulnerable to the affections of those around him. In this message, Alistair Begg teaches from the end of Paul's letters to Timothy, admonishing us to value our co-laborers and be mindful of our greetings and farewells. Every pastor will benefit from loyal and useful friendships, which serve as channels of God's love and affection from one to another.

All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable. So why do preachers skip over some parts? If the Holy Spirit inspired and included genealogies, border descriptions, Levitical offerings, and narratives that offend modern sensibilities, shouldn't pastors preach them? And shouldn't preachers be able to capture and hold a congregation's attention even in such passages? In this breakout session, Hershael York, dean of the School of Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, teaches preachers how to preach these notoriously difficult texts in a manner that both reveals their purpose in God's revelation and holds a listener's interest.

Can faithful biblical interpretation without affection lead to life transformation? Theologian Sinclair Ferguson argues that it is possible for people to be correctly instructed without being well-nourished and that holy affection is a key to effective pastoral ministry. As Jesus loves and yearns for us, so a pastor ought to live as an example and expresser of Christ's love. God's truth comes with power on the wings of warm care and friendship.

In His High Priestly Prayer, recorded in John 17, Jesus prayed for Himself and all His followers—including believers today. Alistair Begg examines the eternal nature of Jesus' request for glory and the victorious report He shared as He prayed to the Father. Because of His immense love for sinners, God the Father planned the work of salvation, God the Son accomplished it on the cross, and God the Spirit applies the reality of redemption to all who believe and trust in Christ.

Derek Prime, Alistair's mentor and coauthor of 'On Being a Pastor,' has gone home to be with the Lord, but his legacy continues to impact pastors throughout the world. In this breakout session, pastors Jonathan and Andy Prime—Derek's son and grandson respectively—illustrate how Derek Prime was first a disciple of Jesus before being a pastor and consider how his way of life and faith in the Lord Jesus can be imitated for greater Gospel impact.

Paul exhorted Timothy and all ministers of the Gospel to nurture their God-given gifts, not to be ashamed of the Gospel, and to devote themselves to the life-giving Word of God. Teaching from 2 Timothy 1, theologian Sinclair Ferguson helps pastors and church leaders appreciate the pastorate's holy calling. As he walks through Paul's exhortation to Timothy and the pastoral pattern he sets forth, he unpacks key aspects of Timothy's ministry worth considering and emulating, including the humbling impact of suffering and the necessity of sincere faith.

In a complicated world, Paul's charge to Timothy was simple: "Preach the Word." The same charge has been laid on today's pastors and church leaders, who minister in a world that is no less complicated. As such, Alistair Begg calls upon them to do as Timothy did: to take their solemn call seriously, to face the hostilities and difficulties that stand before them, and to "do the work of an evangelist" for a culture that sorely needs the Gospel.

Since Jesus' disciples didn't yet grasp the reality of His upcoming death and resurrection, they struggled to understand what He meant when He said, "A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me." In answer to their confusion, Jesus prepared them for His departure by comparing the cross to the agony and joy of childbirth. Alistair Begg walks us through Jesus' declaration, illustration, and explanation, clarifying how, like the apostles, we, too, can be assured and rejoice.

When studying the Bible, context is crucial. In John 14, Jesus promised His disciples that they would do "greater works" than He and that if they would "ask me anything in my name, I will do it." Alistair Begg provides incisive perspective into the context of Jesus' words, reminding us that the greatest work of God is the redemption of His people. When we pray according to God's purposes and promises, we can be assured that God will answer our prayers for His glory.

Jesus' claims are exclusive; salvation is found in Him alone. At the same time, He extends salvation to all who believe in Him and points out that those who follow Him will do the works that He did, and "greater than these." What did Jesus mean by this phrase? In this study in John 14, Alistair Begg explores the relationship between Christ's miraculous works of redemption and regeneration and the ongoing work of believers. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we're called to point others to the love and grace of the one true Savior.

All the world's major religions teach that there is some sort of life beyond this one. What, if anything, is behind the mysterious curtain we call death? In this Easter message, Alistair Begg reminds us that the whole of Christianity hinges on two facts: that Jesus Christ was delivered over to death as a substitute for sins and that He was raised to life to justify all who believe in Him. By trusting in Christ and His work on the cross, we can have life—even after death—allowing us to stand before God clothed in the righteousness of Jesus.

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus issued a new commandment, telling His disciples to love one another just as He had loved them. Commitment to loving like Jesus—perfectly, ceaselessly, and sacrificially—is to be the distinguishing feature of every Christian community. Alistair Begg explains that this challenge, which is the great opportunity for every generation, is only possible after Christ takes up residence in our lives, empowering us to love freely and generously, demonstrating with our actions how He has worked for us, in us, and through us.

Although Peter declared that he would lay down his life for Jesus, when he was questioned by a servant girl, he denied Him three times. Rather than view Peter's actions with judgment, Alistair Begg explains that Peter's failure serves as a warning to all believers. The seeds of every sin are latent in our own hearts—and, like Peter, if we trust in our own strength, we will fall. The life of faith cannot be built on our promises to Christ but must be fixed on the promises He makes to us.

After washing His disciples' feet at the Passover supper, Jesus, in yet another generous expression of love, prepared them for what was to come and announced that one of them would betray Him. As we consider this intimate scene in John's Gospel, Alistair Begg teaches that it contains both warning and encouragement for believers. Followers of Christ must resist temptation in all its forms and trust in the Lord, even as we recognize that the God who sovereignly overruled Judas' betrayal can be trusted in our present circumstances.

When "the hour had come" for the fulfillment of Jesus' earthly ministry, He turned to God the Father in prayer. Alistair Begg explores this pivotal historical moment by taking a closer look at what Jesus asked, the work He was assigned to do, and the way He assured believers of the nature of eternal life. While the world may view the cross of Christ as an emblem of defeat, Scripture reveals how it's at Calvary that God's ultimate power, love, mercy—and glory—were displayed.

With the public ministry of Jesus now at an end, John's Gospel records that during the Passover supper, Christ rose and washed His disciples' feet. With full knowledge of all that was about to transpire in the days to come, Jesus demonstrated His humility and love toward His followers. As Alistair Begg explains, His foot washing serves as both an illustration of what would take place at the cross—the King laying down His life for His people—and an example of how believers should live in humble service to one another.

After reporting the animosity exhibited toward Jesus by the chief priests and Pharisees, John's Gospel records the curiosity of the Greeks, who, at the Passover, sought Him out to speak with Him. In this setting, Jesus spoke of how a grain of wheat must die to bear fruit. Explaining the pivotal moment marked by the arrival and interest of the gentiles, Alistair Begg reminds us that although the disciples wished Jesus not to die, His death is the key to life.

The Gospel of John is a highly concentrated look at Jesus' life, during which He performed many signs and miracles. Frustrated by these signs and in concern for themselves, the chief priests and Pharisees rejected Jesus and planned to put Him to death. Discussing key events in the first half of John's narrative, Alistair Begg emphasizes the evangelistic purpose of the biblical record, written so that we may believe and have life in Him. Only Jesus has the authority to defeat death, as His death and resurrection are the source of our spiritual life.

Jesus proclaimed Himself the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep by name. In this study from John's Gospel, Alistair Begg teaches that when it comes to gaining access to God and heaven, there's only one Door, one Shepherd, and one flock. Ultimate security lies not in the walls of our enclosure or in the strength of our faith but in our proximity to Jesus, the indestructible Shepherd in whom we place our trust. Believers will know His voice and enjoy abundant life.

When Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber," He was using a familiar picture. Explaining both the context and the content of Jesus' statement, Alistair Begg reminds us that this metaphor is depicts God, who, in Christ, is the ultimate Shepherd, seeking and providing for His people. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus offers the only way of salvation. If we're in Christ, we will know His voice and follow Him.

How are Christians to walk the fine line between affirming and reviling those whose actions declare them to be God's enemies? That is the question Alistair Begg seeks to answer as he addresses the controversy surrounding the counsel he gave to a grandmother in the summer of 2023. Turning to Luke 15, Alistair reminds us that the inclination toward pharisaism is alive and well within all our hearts. It is something we always must guard against—especially as we press on toward purity and holiness in the midst of an aimless and confused generation.

As conversations with Jesus in the temple grew more heated, His listeners wrestled with what to believe about Him and demanded to know who He was claiming to be. Jesus replied to them, "Before Abraham was, I am," revealing that He is God the Son from all eternity. Alistair Begg examines Jesus' words, underscoring their foundational and theological significance. Jesus is the eternal Christ, master of time, and ruler of the ages. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever—and because of who He is, He has power and authority to save all who believe in Him.

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.

As Jesus preached in the temple, He made a bold and extravagant promise, telling His listeners, "If anyone keeps my word, he will never see death." Incredulous at His claim, the people opposed Him. Alistair Begg explains that the words of Jesus always demand a response, for they are the very words of God. Jesus offers a freedom that only He can provide—one that ultimately frees us from the unnatural intrusion of pain, decay, and death itself. By trusting in Him, the one who has conquered sin and death, we will not perish but have eternal life.

As Jesus taught in the temple, many believed and were curious about Him but still rested in their religious pedigree, blind to their spiritual need. Alistair Begg reminds us that although Jesus' words about enslavement recalled the Jews' history as slaves in Egypt, we, too, are in bondage to sin, unable to set ourselves free. True disciples of Christ will have more than a passing curiosity about Jesus, acknowledging that their greatest need is for Him and abiding faithfully in His word.

A "Live for today!" attitude is widely embraced by our contemporary culture—and it leads to endless restlessness. In sharp contrast, Scripture teaches that the past and future are also important, because God has appointed a day of judgment. To be prepared to face that day, we need to understand history through the lens of the Bible. Alistair Begg walks us through the real human predicament, God's costly intervention, and the divine promise made to those who come to His Son in repentance and faith: "You will find rest for your souls."

Why are we, as saved sinners, given the privilege of feasting at the Communion table before a holy God? Because He has provided an atonement for our rebellion! Alistair Begg traces man's search for a substitutionary sacrifice throughout Scripture, starting with Isaac, who asks his father, "Where is the lamb?" The ultimate answer, of course, comes centuries later, when John the Baptist introduces Jesus as the unblemished Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. By becoming sin for us on the cross, Christ Jesus provides perfect redemption—and perfect communion—for all who believe.

By nature, men and women act self-reliant, often burdened by the futility of trying to make sense of their existence or attempting to please God through self-effort. Jesus invites all sinners to come and find rest in Him. While His call is universal, it's also very personal. Those who accept His invitation are expected to learn from Him. Encouraging us to become Christ's pupils, Alistair Begg considers who Jesus is, what He does for believers, and what He's like as a teacher.

After extending an invitation to His followers to come to Him to find rest, Jesus commanded them, "Take my yoke upon you," promising them that His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Examining the responsibility inherent in Jesus' call, Alistair Begg underscores that this obligation is a call to live in actual freedom. Such freedom is not the illusory kind that the world offers, with no apparent rules or boundaries, but the true liberty found in Christ alone.

Every invitation calls for a response—including Jesus' call in Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Alistair Begg walks us through Christ's gracious invitation, demonstrating how it is a timeless, personal, and universal call to all who are weary, burdened, lost, or sad. It is an offer not for the self-sufficient but for the broken and empty-handed. Yet while respite is promised, it's not automatic; we first must respond to His invitation to "come."

Prayer had a high priority in Jesus' life. After teaching His disciples and preparing them for His departure, He prayed for Himself, for His disciples, and for all believers for all time. Beginning a study of John 17, Alistair Begg walks us through Christ's straightforward yet deeply profound High Priestly Prayer. In an overview of this sacred passage, we get a taste of the mystery, security, sanctity, unity, and glory that Jesus prayed for—and that Alistair will explore in depth as this study unfolds.

What did Jesus desire? What was it that motivated His life, ministry, and sacrifice while on earth? We get a window into the answer in John 17:24, where Jesus explicitly prays for those whom the Father has given Him. In this selfless, specific request to God, ultimately sourced in the love of the Father for the Son, we see that Christ longs for us to be with Him and to see His glory—a glory that will give us light and life for all of eternity.

We are living today between two advents: We look back on the first advent, the incarnation of Christ who came in humility to seek and save the lost; and we look forward to the second advent, when, in fulfillment of God's promises, Jesus will return in glorious triumph and majesty to execute judgment and reign forever over all. Looking to Jesus' words in Mark 13, Alistair Begg considers what Scripture reveals about Christ's return and how we are to trust God's promises and prepare for that day.

Jesus asked God the Father to keep believers from the Evil One while they remain in the world. Focusing on verse 15 of Christ's High Priestly Prayer, Alistair Begg investigates the identity and strategy of the devil, Jesus' victory over evil, and the Gospel-grounded security and resulting activity of the Lord's followers. We're engaged in a spiritual battle—and although Satan is crafty and unrelenting, Jesus has ultimately dealt with the sin and fears of all who are united in Him.

Hearing and believing Christ's words radically changed His disciples—which provoked the surrounding culture's hostility. Alistair Begg explains that the unbelieving world hates biblical truth and Christlike living because they expose humanity's lostness, immorality, and need of a Savior. Ultimately, Christian conviction ignites a life of conflict, because the same grace that reconciles us to God antagonizes us to the Evil One. Yet Jesus prayed not for God to remove believers from the world but to keep us from evil as we remain in the battle.

Knowing that after His imminent arrest, His disciples would soon scatter in fear, the Son of God prayed for their spiritual preservation, unity, and joy. Unpacking verses 11–13 of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, Alistair Begg points out how God's care for His children supersedes our greatest self-concerns. Not everyone experiences God's blessings, though! The inexpressible joy of salvation can only be known by the truly penitent who rest entirely on Christ's atoning work.

Jesus was born to die to save sinners. The baby in the manger is the creator of the universe and the same one who, within hours of His death, prayed for His disciples. He displayed His glory through perfect obedience to the Father—which culminated in His sacrificial death. Examining John 17:22–23, Alistair Begg considers the glory given to Christ. This same glory is extended to believers so that we may reflect in our words and actions a supernatural unity grounded in the Gospel and share in His love.

Christmas is a popular time of year for gift giving. Sometimes our efforts to find the ideal gift hit the mark; other times, they fall woefully short of expectations. In this Christmas Eve service, Alistair Begg reflects on how Jesus is the only truly perfect gift. He alone fulfills the deepest longings of the human heart for genuine happiness, abiding peace, and everlasting love. But like any present, salvation in Christ can only be enjoyed by those who actually accept the gift.

All who trust in Jesus are united in Him with fellow believers. Looking to Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, Alistair Begg explores the foundation and distinctiveness of Christian unity. When the Holy Spirit applies the Gospel's truth to our hearts, the resulting unity is supernatural in origin, doctrinal in substance, evangelical in expression, and pastoral in focus. Believers worldwide are called to come together rather than isolate, so that the good news of the Gospel will be attractively showcased before a watching world.

When the angels announced the birth of Jesus, although they were observers and participants, they could not know firsthand the joy salvation brings. In the incarnation, God the Father did something that was truly unique and unmistakable: He sent His Son, Jesus, to save from their sin all those who would trust in Him. At the center of the Christmas story is not a cradle but a cross—the emblem of the extent to which God went to show His love for us.

"Jesus loves me, this I know." This simple refrain from a children's song puts words to a life-altering biblical truth. In this message rooted in John 17:19, Alistair Begg emphasizes the great love Jesus shows to His own—a love demonstrated through His consecration of Himself for suffering on the cross. That agonizing sacrifice, which Jesus willingly entered into, provides justification and, ultimately, sanctification for believers.