“The man of faith has committed himself to the truth of Jesus, has assented to that truth, is no longer looking to himself or at himself but rather looking away from himself, looking to Christ.” — Alistair Begg

Without the ascension, Christ’s nativity, passion, and resurrection would have been pointless. The ascension is the defining moment that marked the end of Jesus’ personal ministry on earth and the beginning of the Great Commission. Alistair Begg walks us through the Gospel plan, the Holy Spirit’s enabling power, and the personnel God uses to accomplish His purposes. As every believer joins in His mission, Jesus continues to reign from heaven, seeking the lost through weak, fearful servants like us.

John Stott once wrote, “Forgiveness is as indispensable to the life and health of the soul as food is for the body.” Many people suffer from misery of the soul because they have withheld forgiveness or because it has been withheld from them. The words “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you” are painfully difficult to utter with sincerity. But this shouldn’t be true of God’s people! Indeed, a readiness to forgive is one of the markers that Jesus has given His church to show that it is set apart as His.

May 23, 2022

“If we have received Christ Himself in our inmost hearts, our new life will display its intimate acquaintance with Him by a walk of faith in Him.” — C.H. Spurgeon

Young men and women entering college or taking their first steps out into the working world will quickly find their faith put to the test. Contemporary influences encourage us to “live for the moment” and to “seize the day” without regard for eternal consequences. The pressure to thrive in a competitive society can lead to broken friendships and disappointments, even as it lures young adults away from devotion to Christ.

On one occasion, Jesus asked, “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth?” (Luke 12:51). Ask that question about Jesus to the average person today, and they will respond, “Well, yeah, of course!” Many people rightly understand that Jesus is a champion of love, forgiveness, and harmony. That’s why His own answer to the question is so surprising: “No, I tell you, but rather division.”

Evangelism and salvation are supremely God’s work. God created the world out of nothing; similarly, He is the one who gives us faith. And although we can imagine Him doing this with a simple “Let there be…” as in Genesis 1, that is not how He has chosen to work.

Have you ever felt hesitant to share your faith because you were afraid of how the message might be received? If so, you’ll benefit from reading the book Mere Evangelism: 10 Insights from C. S. Lewis to Help You Share Your Faith.

May 16, 2022

“He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.” Luke 1:49–50 (ESV)

My gracious Lord, I own Thy rightTo every service I can pay,And call it my supreme delightTo hear Thy dictates, and obey.