The Christian Manifesto

John Woodhouse

Here is a book to be read slowly—and more than once. This is not because it is difficult to understand (it isn’t), but because it is so important and good. Alistair Begg casts a brilliant light on the remarkable life into which Jesus calls his people. How does the life of a Christian actually show the reality of their salvation? How does it show their delight in values that are contrary to those of the world? Readers will find real answers. More than that, they will find themselves rejoicing in the privilege of being among those Jesus described as 'blessed.'

Tim Chester

Alistair Begg brings the message of Jesus into our world, clarifying its meaning and relevance without blunting any of its challenge. But Begg also sets that challenge in the bigger context of Christ’s message of grace. As a result, the challenge becomes an invitation—an invitation to a happy life.

“A great devotional!”

Very well thought out. I appreciate the citied scriptures throughout and the scripture at the bottom for further study. One thing that would be helpful is a bookmark that tells you what the 3 symbols mean, I forget then have to go back To the beginning of the book to remember what they mean.

“Truth for Life Volume Two”

I was given this book in 2022, asked for Volume One in 2023, and bought Vol 2 for a friend in 2024. I am re-reading Volume Two again now in 2025. That is how beneficial I feel these devotions are. Very easy to read too. Thank you

“Quality book and quality service”

I love Alistair's books. Quality man of God, quality, solid biblical teaching. Stayed the course!
This devotional no exception. Had his Vol 2 last year so wanted to get Vol 1 this year. Not disappointed.
And my confidence in Alastair has not wained despite current controversy, as I know the man's heart and stand on moral issues - much of current public criticism is unbalanced and out of context. Read his book Christian Manifesto to capture something of this man's heart.

“This really is "truth for life"!”

I chose this as a Christmas present and am enjoying it very much. It gives you a truth to get your teeth into and mull over during the day. I love the cross-references which link passages in a way that I might not have thought of and the extra passage to read also throws more light on the topic under discussion. I'm not convinced it would work for a new Christian or someone who doesn't know the Bible very well and so may not understand the context of the verse or verses being explained and applied or the cross-references. But if you're reasonably familiar with the Bible and want to deepen your understanding, this book is really good.

“A must read for all Christians.”

This was by far one of my most favorite books that I’ve read this year. It was equally encouraging and convincing with the repeated refrain of the gospel woven throughout each chapter. Alistair uses the words of our risen Lord to remind Christians of the life they have been called to as followers of Jesus. We are not meant to be “normal” by the standard set in society, but rather to pursue a Christ-like response in all that we do. The gift of salvation that we have been given through the shed blood of Jesus should be evident in our daily lives. This counter-culture life is also counter-intuitive to our sinful nature. Alistair reminds us that we too were once enemies of God and that it’s only because of His mercy and love that we can be reconciled to Him. While being justified, we’re still sinners and our “natural” response is not always, or even often, in line with how God instructs us to live.

This is a rather short book and Alistair does a fantastic job at cramming so much gospel truth in every page. Honestly, each of these chapters could’ve been twice as long and I would’ve joyfully read each one. Alistair is always such a wise and gracious theologian and this book is no different. He makes the Bible plain - not in a boring way, but in an easily understood and compassionately encouraging way.

I typically share some of my favorite quotes from books, but I’ve noted nearly every paragraph of this book because it’s just that good. The way Alistair has taken familiar Scripture and brought it to light in a new way, reminding the Christian of the amazing privilege of being in God’s Kingdom while also exhorting them to live out that faith, has made this a must-read book in my opinion.

“Insightful”

The Christian Manifesto by Alistair Begg is a short but concisely fleshed out book on the power behind the sermon on the Plain.

“The Sermon on the Plain, then, is Jesus’ invitation to you to experience life at its very best. It is his description of what life in His kingdom-a kingdom where all that is wrong is being made right- looks like as we live in this world.”

He also touches on a few misquoted verses from the sermon, effectively breaking down the context and meaning of each.

“You will hear the phrase ‘Do not judge’ trotted out by the most unlikely people at the most unlikely times and used in the most unlikely ways. So, again, we need to understand exactly what Jesus is, and is not saying here”.

As someone who is admittedly a bit unfamiliar with the phrase “ The Sermon of the Plain,” I was pleasantly appreciative of this little book which shed some much needed insight on the true meanings behind Jesus’ words.

I recommend for all believers.

“Impossible to read without a magnifying glass”

Well, I’d love to leave a great review, but for some unknown reason the publishers decided to use the teeniest font size they could find. It’s impossible to read without a magnifying glass! Why on earth would you do that - is it trendy to use a tiny font size or something?! So dreadfully disappointed in wasting my money on something I can’t even read (even with glasses!) :(

“Excellent service and wonderful quality books”

Parcel packed very well, delivered on time, all books are of excellent quality.
Bought for a gift, loved by the recipient.

“An invitation to live a counter-cultural life in Christ”

{Full review posted here: https://www.amberthiessen.com/post/the-christian-manifesto-by-alistair-begg-book-review}

The mass of tulip bulbs in my garden bucket are all brown, covered in dirt. You can't tell from these what color the flower will bloom. Who we are in Christ will be reflected by how we bloom, the ways we give and love and serve.

In the hustle and bustle of our days, a pause is beneficial, to stop and consider how our being influences our doing.

"When Jesus challenges us not just to say, “Lord, Lord” but to mean it and to live it, it is this Jesus, full of compassion and power, who is issuing that challenge. When Jesus calls us to be different—to embrace upside-down values, to pursue a different kind of love, to be marked by integrity, and to live a life of obedience—it is this Jesus who is calling us."

We will spend our life learning and striving for this life. One where good works flow from a good heart.

The author writes this book to invite you to the best possible life. It’s not a gimmick. It’s a personal and relational life outlined for us in Jesus’ sermon on the plain, found in Luke 6:20-49.

Each chapter takes us through a segment of Jesus’ sermon on the plain in Luke 6. He provides us with the context of the passage, helps us understand the teaching, and unpacks how we can take these truths into our lives today.

This journey through Luke 6 is an invitation to live a counter-cultural life in Christ. If you’ve felt the Lord leading you to a new lifestyle or have been searching for how to be a light in this darkness, this resource will help you understand and show you the difference we, as his disciples, can be.

*A big thanks to the Good Book Company for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review!