2011 Year in Review: A Letter from Alistair Begg

Dear Friends,

"You accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God."

The Apostle Paul commended the believers in Thessalonica because of the manner in which they received the word of God. In light of this, it is interesting that Luke records the fact that the Jews in Berea were more noble than those in Thessalonica: "They received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."

Judging by the letters we receive, there seems to be a Berean flavor about our listeners. For this we are immensely grateful. It is vitally important to us that you are increasingly rooted in the truth of God's Word. I recently came across a quote from John Newton in which he directs his 18th century congregation on how to listen to the Word preached:

"I account it my honor and happiness that I preach to a free people who have the Bible in their hands. To your Bibles I appeal. I entreat, I charge you to receive nothing upon my word any farther than I prove it from the Word of God and bring every preacher and every sermon that you hear to the same standard."

It is such an encouragement to realize that you are operating on that basis. Although as a ministry we have chosen from the outset not to try and answer all of your questions (referring you instead to your local church), we do see them and recognize your desire not simply to be hearers of the Word but to be doers also.

As a result of your diligence in these things, the Word of God is spreading, and not least of all to the coming generation. A special thank you to Godly grandparents for your faithfulness in prayer for your offspring and for introducing them to the Truth For Life mobile app, even though in some cases you may be uncertain as to what an app is and does!

We have a report for you which summarizes the health of Truth For Life that you can download by clicking here. I hope you are encouraged by these details and that it will quicken your resolve to help us by your year-end giving. We have a renewed sense that the steady, faithful, unspectacular sowing of the Word of God is bearing fruit beyond our expectations. We continue to ask God for wisdom as we look ahead, and we know that you join us in this prayer.

I trust and pray that you will enjoy a very happy Thanksgiving. Do remember to read your Bible at least three times for every time you watch the news. Remind yourself daily that the Lord God omnipotent reigns!  It may not always seem so, but it is so.

Cecil Frances Alexander wrote hymns for children to help them understand the greatness and goodness of God. Her harvest hymn has not been bettered:

"All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well."

Sing it with your children and rejoice in God's goodness!

As ever,
Alistair