Things Unseen with Sinclair B. Ferguson

Discussions about baptism often focus on what we are baptized with—how much water and how it's to be applied. Today, Sinclair Ferguson encourages us to consider what we are baptized into—and how that affects our identity. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/baptized-a-new-identity/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Sinners were coming to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. Why did Jesus, the sinless Son of God, ask to be baptized with that same water? Today, Sinclair Ferguson considers the gospel message that this moment conveys. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/why-was-jesus-baptized/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Baptism wasn't given to us just for the experience of a moment—it's a sign that affects every day of our Christian lives. Today, Sinclair Ferguson reminds us what our baptism teaches us about Christ and what He has done for us. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-meaning-of-baptism/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

If we think of baptism primarily as a point of controversy rather than a gift from God, we need to take some time and think again. Today, Sinclair Ferguson shows that baptism is a sign that confirms the promise of the gospel. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-promise-of-baptism/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

The way to measure genuine growth in holiness is… How would you answer that question? Today on *Things Unseen*, listen as Sinclair Ferguson draws principles from two figures in church history to aid us in our pursuit of sanctification. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/principles-for-holiness/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

What happens in a person's life that causes a sinner to become a saint? Today, Sinclair Ferguson looks closely at a familiar Bible verse that gets to the heart of our spiritual transformation. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/sanctification-summarized/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Sanctification—becoming increasingly like Jesus—takes place more often in the ordinariness of life than in our moments of apparent greatness. Today, Sinclair Ferguson points to one essential indicator of our growth in grace. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/a-more-excellent-way/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Being holy isn't merely about doing the right things. Nor should we mistake being holy with being gifted. Today, Sinclair Ferguson identifies the true fruit of sanctification: nearness and likeness to Jesus Christ. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-fruit-of-sanctification/ . A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

The Bible teaches us a new vocabulary for understanding the Christian life, and one crucial word it gives to our identity is "sanctified." Today, Sinclair Ferguson explores what it means to be people who are set apart for God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/set-apart-for-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Jesus wept at the grave of Lazarus out of love for His friend and out of a holy hatred of the destruction wrought by sin. Today, Sinclair Ferguson explains how Christ's perfect anger displays His devotion to His redeemed. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-anger-of-jesus/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Scripture reveals not only the power and authority of our Lord Jesus but also His heart as our compassionate Savior. Today, Sinclair Ferguson considers the refining influence of reflecting on Christ's affections for His people. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/christ-a-man-of-feeling/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Jesus understands our weakness and draws close to us in our need. Today, Sinclair Ferguson beckons us to come near to the One who provides rest for our weary souls. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/rest-for-our-souls/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

To see whether you have a healthy, biblical view of Jesus, turn to Luke 2:52, which says He grew "in favor with God and man." Today, Sinclair Ferguson explains how this passage shows the true humanity of our incarnate Lord. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/he-grew-in-favor-with-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Since the Christian life involves an ongoing transformation of becoming more like Jesus, we need to know what Jesus is actually like. Today, Sinclair Ferguson expresses the importance of knowing our Lord personally and deeply. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-personal-jesus/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Bill never ministered to large churches or spoke at conferences. But he touched lives by remaining the same constant Christian year after year. Today, Sinclair Ferguson thanks God for one of the godliest men he has ever known. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-legacy-of-a-godly-life/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Even if their paths cross only for a season, Christians can leave a lifelong impact on one another's spiritual lives. Today, Sinclair Ferguson remembers Dennis, whom God used in his life as a first-year university student. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/a-christians-enduring-influence/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Hamish didn't set out to be a mentor. He simply took an interest in a young man and encouraged him by his love and zeal for Christ. Today, listen as Sinclair Ferguson explains what this formative friendship taught him about discipleship. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/an-older-friend-in-the-faith/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

One icy evening in the dead of winter, a stranger asked a young Sinclair Ferguson, "Are you saved, son?" Today, he describes this momentary exchange that God used as a stepping stone toward saving faith in Jesus Christ. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-man-in-black/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

When we read the obscure names that receive greetings in Paul's letters, we're reminded of the everyday Christians who have invested in our own lives. Today, Sinclair Ferguson invites us to think of these people with gratitude. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/our-hidden-helpers/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Spiritual growth isn't measured so much by the stature a Christian has attained as it is by the distance traveled and the obstacles overcome. Today, Sinclair Ferguson considers the many different ways God reshapes our lives. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/shaped-by-grace/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Sin can leave our souls misshapen in subtle ways. Yet the Great Physician offers treatment to reveal and straighten what has gone awry. Today, Sinclair Ferguson conveys the means of being reshaped into the likeness of Christ. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/solutions-for-distorted-souls/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Pride distorts our thinking, making us more willing to heed our own minds than to submit to the mind of God revealed in Scripture. Today, Sinclair Ferguson poses the remedy for sin's big-headed self-sufficiency. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-big-headed-soul/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Martin Luther described our sinful condition as being "incurvatus in se," turned in on itself. Today, Sinclair Ferguson identifies the damaging effects of living for ourselves and the transformative way that Christ reshapes us. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/turned-in-on-ourselves/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

By creating us in His image, God has specially fashioned us for fellowship with Him. But because of sin, our souls have been bent out of shape. Today, Sinclair Ferguson thinks about our need for restoration in Christ. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-shape-of-the-soul/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

The devil offered Jesus the dominion that Adam had lost. This is just what Christ came to regain, but only by the conquest of the cross. Today, Sinclair Ferguson delights in Christ's unwavering devotion to His Father's will. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/all-the-kingdoms-of-the-world/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

By tempting Jesus to jump off the temple, Satan was inviting Him to win followers by parading the miraculous power of God. Today, Sinclair Ferguson explains why Christ really came: to save sinners by suffering in their place. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-pinnacle-of-the-temple/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Whereas Adam rejected God's warning and ate from the tree, Jesus lived not by bread alone but by every word proceeding from the mouth of God. Today, Sinclair Ferguson unpacks the meaning of Christ's first wilderness temptation. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/not-by-bread-alone/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Jesus' wilderness temptation isn't recorded in Scripture primarily to help us fight temptation—it marks the beginning of Christ's victory over Satan. Today, Sinclair Ferguson invites us to take courage in our conquering King. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/christs-victory-in-the-wilderness/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Jesus knows what it is like to be tempted. But how could the Son of God really be tempted? Today, Sinclair Ferguson expresses the consolation we find in Christ's true humanity and the hope that His complete sinlessness brings. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/he-was-tempted-as-we-are/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Few chapters in the Bible so vividly depict the glory of the gospel in the humiliation and exaltation of Christ as Isaiah 53. Today, Sinclair Ferguson opens this passage to reflect with wonder on the Suffering Servant. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-gospel-according-to-isaiah/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Day by day, Jesus attentively submitted to His Father's Word. This obedience led in one direction: to the cross. Today on Things Unseen, listen as Sinclair Ferguson turns to a prophecy that reveals Christ's submission to death and defeat of the grave. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-saviors-open-ear/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

The prophet Isaiah described the Messiah as One who would be forsaken so that people from every nation could be accepted before God. Today, Sinclair Ferguson marvels at Christ, whose alienation has accomplished our welcome. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/a-light-for-the-nations/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

In our weakness, we are as bruised reeds and dimly burning wicks. But Jesus, in His mercy, mends His people and fans them into life. Today, Sinclair Ferguson examines a tenderhearted picture of Christ from the book of Isaiah. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/a-bruised-reed-he-will-not-break/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Many people are interested in finding Christ in the Old Testament, but often we miss the most important element of this approach to Scripture. Today, Sinclair Ferguson shows how Jesus Himself related to the Old Testament. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/meeting-christ-in-the-old-testament/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Greater than all of Scripture's pictures describing the church is the biblical reality itself: we are the family of God. Today, Sinclair Ferguson unfolds the blessings Christians enjoy as adopted brothers and sisters in Christ. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-family-of-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

As living stones, Christians are being built up together to display the glory of the Lord in their fellowship. Today, Sinclair Ferguson examines the Bible's depiction of the church as the temple of God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-temple-of-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Scripture describes the church as a bride preparing to appear in unblemished splendor before her loving Bridegroom. Today, Sinclair Ferguson shows how this image helps us be patient with one another's progress in sanctification. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-bride-of-christ/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

When sheep hear the familiar sound of their shepherd's voice, they draw nearer to him and to one another. Today, listen as Sinclair Ferguson reflects on the beautiful pastoral imagery of the church as the flock of God. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-flock-of-god/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Why does the New Testament describe the church as the body of Christ? Today, Sinclair Ferguson conveys the significance of seeing Jesus as our Head and Christians as members of one another. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-body-of-christ/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

A pastor's love for his people isn't so much worked up as it is sent down. Today, Sinclair Ferguson takes us to a pulpit in South Carolina, beloved for the people who surrounded it, to consider the love God gives to His church. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/a-marble-pulpit-in-south-carolina/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

"Home" may be a word that brings joy or sorrow. Today, Sinclair Ferguson thinks on several homes in his life and reminds Christians where our home most truly lies: with the family of God in the fellowship of the church. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/home/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

It was one of the hardest decisions of a young Scotsman's life to go and teach at an American seminary. But there, God blessed him with friends. Today, Sinclair Ferguson reflects on the cherished gift of friendship. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/a-seminary-in-philadelphia/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

In a university bedroom, an 18-year-old Sinclair Ferguson was prompted to study the books of the Bible and the great Christian classics. Today, he imparts lessons from this experience to encourage a new generation of readers. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/room-c37/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Some locations mark our lives forever because of what God did for us there. Today, Sinclair Ferguson takes a mental visit to the pulpit he sat under when he came to faith in Jesus Christ—a pulpit from which he later preached. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/a-little-pulpit-in-scotland/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Through all the hardships of his life, God brought Joseph to the right place at the right time and made him the right man for the task at hand. Today, Sinclair Ferguson discusses the transformative glory of divine providence. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-glory-of-gods-providence/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

All of God's people have a role to play in the good purposes of His providence. Today, listen as Sinclair Ferguson examines the way that God used Joseph to achieve reconciliation with his brothers. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/instruments-of-gods-providence/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

While the doctrine of providence does not relieve us from going through hard times, it reassures us that God knows what He is doing. Today, Sinclair Ferguson considers the perspective that the Lord's sovereignty offers us. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/the-mystery-of-providence/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

The story of Joseph is filled with jealousy, deception, and sorrow. Yet in the end, Joseph says, "God meant it for good" (Gen. 50:20). Today, Sinclair Ferguson begins to examine this case study in God's surprising providence. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/god-meant-it-for-good/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

In painful circumstances, we sometimes ask, "Why is this happening to me?" Today, Sinclair Ferguson reflects on the comfort of God's providence and His promise to work all things together for the good of His people. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/things-unseen-with-sinclair-ferguson/all-things-work-together/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts