Most pastors would say that they aspire to be good pastors—that is, good at the task to which they’ve been set, not merely average (much less rotten!). Thankfully, the Scriptures don’t leave us without guidance as to what being a “good pastor” means. When Paul wrote his first letter to Timothy, he told him, “If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 4:6). By “these things,” Paul probably meant all the instructions he had written to Timothy so far. We can benefit, though, from paying special attention to what he says in the immediate conte ..read more

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17 Click below to download your image: Apple Devices: iPads iPhones Other Devices: Android Phones Amazon Fire Microsoft Surface Social Media Facebook Banner Facebook Post Twitter Post Instagram Post Desktop Computer Large Small ..read more

Pastoral ministry is, in many minds, synonymous with pulpit ministry. Yet pastors, as their name suggests, are not only preachers but shepherds. They are “those who will have to give an account” (Heb. 13:17), working as under-shepherds to the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:2, 4), the one to whom the sheep belong. They have been charged with caring for the flock. Far from the old saw about working for an hour on a Sunday morning, the pastor’s duty, as the Westminster Directory for Public Worship says so well, is not only to teach the people committed to his charge in public, but privately; and par ..read more

Whether you’re a seasoned Bible study leader or new to the role, leading a group in studying God’s Word can be both challenging and encouraging. Sowable Word: Helping Ordinary People Learn to Lead Bible Studies is a terrific step-by-step guidebook that’ll show you how to lead a Scripture-based study group with confidence. This book lays out everything you’ll need in a way that’s simple and straightforward. You’ll learn how to plan your group’s discussion and how to create discussion outlines that keep everyone focused on the text without straying off on tangents. You’ll also learn how to obs ..read more

“To enjoy peace, our unbelieving thoughts must be stilled, and we must learn that the Lord reigns.” —C.H. Spurgeon Click below to download your image: Apple Devices: iPads iPhones Other Devices: Android Phones Amazon Fire Microsoft Surface Social Media Facebook Banner Facebook Post Twitter Post Instagram Post Desktop Computer Large Small ..read more

Millions of people across the United States of America celebrate the notion of freedom each Independence Day. But what is true freedom? In this Fourth of July weekend sermon, Alistair Begg continues his miniseries on Matthew 11:28–30. After recently considering Jesus’ remarkable invitation—“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”—Alistair reminds us, “The same one who gave the invitation is the one who presents the obligation” of taking Christ’s yoke upon us. With freedom fresh on your mind, take a moment to meditate on the great truths of biblical freedom ..read more

Come, my soul, thy suit prepare; Jesus loves to answer prayer. He Himself has bid thee pray, Therefore will not say thee nay. Thou art coming to a King; Large petitions with thee bring, For His grace and pow’r are such, None can ever ask too much. With my burden I begin: “Lord, remove this load of sin! Let Thy blood, for sinners spilt, Set my conscience free from guilt. “Lord, I come to Thee for rest; Take possession of my breast. There Thy blood-bought right maintain And without a rival reign.” “While I am a pilgrim here, Let Thy love my spirit cheer; As my Guide, my Guard, my Friend, Lead ..read more

As pastors, we acknowledge the importance of evangelism in the Christian life. Sharing the good news was one of the last directives that our Lord gave His disciples (Matt. 18:18–20), and the early church’s rapid growth largely was due to the believers’ obedience to this command. Given its central role in the New Testament, evangelism should be a key feature in our lives—including in our preaching. But how much evangelistic preaching is actually being done today? Before we try to answer this question, we should reflect on our own ministry contexts. Do our preaching plans feature sermons that a ..read more

“Even in the face of circumstances that appear to be prevailing against us, we may trust God entirely.” —Alistair Begg Click below to download your image: Apple Devices: iPads iPhones Other Devices: Android Phones Amazon Fire Microsoft Surface Social Media Facebook Banner Facebook Post Twitter Post Instagram Post Desktop Computer Large Small ..read more

A story is told of a prisoner who had been locked away for decades. One morning, the warden came to his cell and told him his sentence was complete. The warden opened the door and allowed the prisoner to walk free. The prisoner walked out of the cell, crossed the block, and, seeing another cell open, ran in and slammed the door behind him. That is an absurd picture, but it illustrates the danger that Paul warns against in Galatians 5:1: “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Christ did not set us free so that we might put our ..read more