When we’re standing at the gravesite, death gives little closure and leaves many questions unanswered. Despite the common claim that “dying is just a natural part of life,” people seem to avoid this unsettling subject more than ever. Yet the Bible doesn’t shy away from the reality of death. God’s Word has the answers we need to face the grave with confidence in our risen Redeemer.

A new teaching series and book are now available from Dr. Guy Waters, Facing the Last Enemy: Death and the Christian. These companion resources provide the Bible’s answers to essential questions about death, dying, and what comes after this life. For a limited time, you can save 40% when you order both resources using coupon code 40OFF at checkout.

Though the world around us may be in denial about death, God’s people have undying hope in the Savior who has overcome the grave. Facing the Last Enemy offers balm for the grieving, counsel for caretakers, and guidance to help God’s people rest in Christ’s victory as we come to life’s final battle.

Watch a Preview of the Teaching Series:

Read an Excerpt from the Book: “Our hope reminds us that death is not the final word. In the providence of God, it is one step toward the grand accomplishment and realization of God’s purpose to gather His people to Himself in Jesus Christ. This hope cannot but transform our experience of grief. We certainly grieve in view of the tremendous loss that death has brought into our lives, but we grieve in view of the blessings that are sure to come.”

In addition to being two helpful resources for personal study, the hardcover book can be beneficial for discussion groups and pastoral counseling, while the teaching series makes an excellent addition to Sunday school or support group curriculum. A study guide is also available in paperback and digital formats to expand your learning, and you can further your study online by taking the Ligonier Connect course.

Don’t miss your opportunity to save 40% on the companion teaching series and book. For a limited time, use coupon code 40OFF at checkout after adding both resources to your cart to get Facing the Last Enemy at nearly half price. This offer ends on August 31.

From Enemy to Apostle

Before being beaten and imprisoned, planting multiple churches, and authoring much of the New Testament, Paul had no equal as a Pharisee in his dedication to the law and his persecution of the early church—but God called Paul to be an Apostle. Join Dr. Guy Waters in this new 12-part teaching series as he identifies key moments in Paul's life and considers the essence of Paul's God-centered theology. Paul's inspired writings and the story of his life continue to be a precious gift to the church, used by God to encourage and equip His people in every generation.

Twelve, 23-Minute Messages:

Paul's Life Paul's Conversion and Calling The Two Ages Sin, Part 1 Sin, Part 2 Justification, Part 1 Justification, Part 2 Sanctification, Part 1 Sanctification, Part 2 Sanctification, Part 3 The Church and the Christian Life The Future

Watch the First Message Free

Purchase Options

Purchase on DVD ($43.20) Purchase on CD ($27.90) Purchase a digital copy and watch online ($19.20 complete / $2 each) Take it as an online course on Ligonier Connect Download or purchase the comprehensive study guide

Dr. Guy Waters is James M. Baird Jr. Professor of New Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi. He is author of What is the Bible? and How Jesus Runs the Church.

We all have questions about death, but to answer these questions, we need to go to Scripture. There we can find truth about death and dying, truth that we can stake our lives on. In this teaching series, Guy Waters provides sound, practical, and biblical guidance to give us a better grasp on Scripture’s testimony about death and dying, which in turn can help us—and help us help others—to face the last enemy.

When we’re standing at the gravesite, death gives little closure and leaves many questions unanswered. Despite the common claim that “dying is just a natural part of life,“ people seem to avoid this unsettling subject more than ever. Yet the Bible doesn’t shy away from the reality of death. God’s Word has the answers we need to face the grave with confidence in our risen Redeemer. In this book, Dr. Guy Waters provides the Bible’s answers to essential questions about death, dying, and what comes after this life. Here is balm for the grieving, counsel for caretakers, and guidance to help God’s people rest in Christ’s victory as we come to life’s final battle. Endorsements “In these pages, Guy Prentiss Waters takes us gently, but securely, by the hand, and leads us through twelve chapters of biblically rich, pastorally reliable, spiritually wise, and deeply sensitive teaching to help us overcome death and the fears that accompany it. Facing the Last Enemy simultaneously answers our questions and reassures us that if we can say with Paul ‘to me to live is Christ’ then we can also be confident that ‘to die is gain.’ It is a classic of its kind and deserves a place in every home.” —Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson “In short order, Dr. Waters has provided for us a theologically sound and practical book on the matter that faces us all: our death and what happens afterwards. Written with the eye of a New Testament scholar, but accessible to everyone, Facing the Last Enemy will provide invaluable help to those facing death and their next of kin. I know nothing that meets this important need as well as this book does, and I will be highly recommending it at the church at which I serve. Invaluable.” —Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas

Death is a subject that we cannot avoid forever. Banishing it from our thoughts will not stop it from intruding into our lives. Will we be ready when the time comes to face the loss of a loved one? To face our own dying day? This teaching series with Dr. Guy Waters can help Christians be well-prepared by presenting the Bible’s answers to questions about death, dying, and the life to come. Though the world around us may be in denial about death, we can face this enemy with undying hope, trusting the Savior who has overcome the grave.

Much of what we know about theology-about justification, adoption, sanctification, and glorification-comes directly from the writings of the Apostle Paul. If we removed Paul‘s writings from Scripture, our understanding of these truths would be greatly impoverished. Paul‘s inspired writings and the story of his life continue to be a precious gift to the church. Dr. Guy Prentiss Waters leads us on a doctrinally enriching and spiritually edifying journey from Paul‘s life, conversion, and call to key themes in his theology. Endorsements “The Life and Theology of Paul is a very useful introductory treatment of the major contours of Paul’s theology. While conversant with contemporary scholarship, the author does an excellent job focusing on what is most essential and in distilling complex interpretive issues. Warmly recommended!” —Dr. Andreas J. Köstenberger “If you are looking for a concise, clear, and faithful summary of Paul’s theology, Guy Waters’ work is the perfect fit. Waters faithfully exposits some of the main themes in Paul’s thought and also includes practical lessons for believers and churches today. A very helpful resource for students, pastors, and those who are looking for a brief textbook on Paul’s theology.” —Dr. Thomas R. Schreiner

Before being beaten and imprisoned, planting multiple churches, and authoring much of the New Testament, Paul had no equal as a Pharisee in his dedication to the law and his persecution of the early church-but God called Paul to be an Apostle. Join Dr. Guy Waters in this twelve-part series as he identifies key moments in Paul's life and considers the essence of Paul's God-centered theology. Paul's inspired writings and the story of his life continue to be a precious gift to the church, used by God to encourage and equip His people in every generation.

Before being beaten and imprisoned, planting multiple churches, and authoring much of the New Testament, Paul had no equal as a Pharisee in his dedication to the law and his persecution of the early church—but God called Paul to be an Apostle. Join Dr. Guy Waters in this twelve-part series as he identifies key moments in Paul's life and considers the essence of Paul’s God-centered theology. Paul's inspired writings and the story of his life continue to be a precious gift to the church, used by God to encourage and equip His people in every generation.

Death is a subject that we cannot avoid forever. Banishing it from our thoughts will not stop it from intruding into our lives. Will we be ready when the time comes to face the loss of a loved one? To face our own dying day? This teaching series with Dr. Guy Waters can help Christians be well-prepared by presenting the Bible’s answers to questions about death, dying, and the life to come. Though the world around us may be in denial about death, we can face this enemy with undying hope, trusting the Savior who has overcome the grave.

Before being beaten and imprisoned, planting multiple churches, and authoring much of the New Testament, Paul had no equal as a Pharisee in his dedication to the law and his persecution of the early church-but God called Paul to be an Apostle. Join Dr. Guy Waters in this twelve-part series as he identifies key moments in Paul's life and considers the essence of Paul's God-centered theology. Paul's inspired writings and the story of his life continue to be a precious gift to the church, used by God to encourage and equip His people in every generation.

A defining feature of new life in Christ is a longing for God’s Word. We read in 1 Peter 2:2, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” God has graciously revealed Himself to humankind through His written Word, and it is through this written Word that we come to know the living Word—the Lord Jesus Christ.

While Christian books and Bible studies abound, not all resources are created equal. Therefore, Ligonier strives to produce theologically trustworthy resources within the Reformed tradition to edify God’s people, that they may extol His holiness and live with eternity in mind.

Toward that end, Ligonier’s resources can be used in a Bible study context in a variety of ways:

Books for Bible Studies

Ligonier has published hundreds of books covering a number of biblical and theological topics. Whether your group wants to study a particular book of the Bible or a topic related to Christian living, our vast library can help instruct and encourage you as your group presses on together toward spiritual maturity.

Recommended Books:

Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul Everyone’s a Theologian by R.C. Sproul R.C. Sproul’s Expositional Commentaries

Teaching Series for Bible Studies

For those interested in a video-based study, Ligonier’s teaching series provide an excellent opportunity for Bible study groups to gather around God’s Word together. Each series, available in online streaming and DVD formats, consists of brief messages delivered by a gifted teacher. Many series have an accompanying study guide with questions for personal reflection and group discussion. With hundreds of teaching series to choose from, you can work through different series based on your group’s needs and desires.

Recommended Teaching Series:

The Holiness of God with R.C. Sproul The Basics of the Christian Life with Sinclair Ferguson Learning to Love the Psalms with W. Robert Godfrey

Ligonier Connect for Bible Studies

Ligonier Connect is an online learning platform featuring many of our teaching series with additional elements to take your study further. Each course on Ligonier Connect includes the teaching series messages as well as an embedded study guide and interactive questions within the Connect platform. Additionally, you can create an online group on Connect, which enables you to send messages and have virtual discussions within the platform regarding what you’re learning.

Recommended Ligonier Connect Courses:

What Did Jesus Do?: Understanding the Work of Christ with R.C. Sproul Blessed Hope: The Book of Revelation with W. Robert Godfrey Facing the Last Enemy: Death and the Christian with Guy Waters No Other Gospel: Paul’s Letter to the Galatians with Derek Thomas

Ligonier Connect and Digital Flexibility

Traditional Bible studies typically only deliver and discuss content during the Bible study meeting itself. This puts a high priority on the in-person meeting. With the advent of the internet and the Ligonier Connect learning platform for Christian discipleship, content delivery and discussion can still occur during your Bible study meeting itself, but additional options are available for study outside of the meeting. This provides a group with

Death is a reality that every Christian will face until the Lord Jesus returns, yet we do not grieve as those without hope (1 Thess. 4:13). This evening, we’re streaming a recent conversation on the subject of death with Drs. Burk Parsons and Guy Waters. Watch tonight at 7:30 p.m. ET as they discuss how Christians can face their own mortality and the loss of loved ones with confidence in the Savior who has overcome the grave.

You can view the stream below, as well as on Facebook, X, and YouTube. We encourage you to share this stream with others who may benefit from the discussion.

Here’s an excerpt from Covenant Dynamics, Guy Waters' contribution to the October issue of Tabletalk:

Covenant is not a word that we use often in the West. But it is a word that can show up in surprising places. Some of us live in “covenant communities”—neighborhoods where each resident agrees to abide by a written set of standards designed to make people’s homes and yards look neat and presentable. Or perhaps you have been to a wedding recently and heard the word covenant used during the ceremony. In both of these examples, covenant is not tossed around casually. Investment in a home and in the lifelong union of a husband and a wife are weighty matters that deeply affect people’s lives. In an age not known for its seriousness or thoughtfulness, covenant manages to carry the sense of something important and abiding.

Continue reading Covenant Dynamics, or begin receiving Tabletalk magazine by signing up for a free 3-month trial.

For a limited time, the new TabletalkMagazine.com allows everyone to browse and read the growing library of back issues, including this month’s issue.

Here's an excerpt from Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide, Guy Waters' contribution to the October issue of Tabletalk:

This year, many people are celebrating the five-hundredth anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. But not everyone is. Some have raised severe criticisms against the Reformers and their work. The Reformers, they allege, replaced the authority of the church with the authority of the autonomous individual. Moreover, the doctrine of justification by faith alone, these critics claim, cut the nerve of morality and, effectively, baptized licentious living. Martin Luther and John Calvin, they continue, opened Pandora’s box, releasing two forces that not only rent the church but also went on to define the modern age: radical individualism and antinomianism. Understood on these terms, the Reformation is cause for lamentation, not celebration.

Continue reading Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide, or begin receiving Tabletalk magazine by signing up for a free 3 month trial.

For a limited time, the new TabletalkMagazine.com allows everyone to browse and read the growing library of back issues, including this month's issue.

We are pleased to announce the release of The Legacy of Luther, edited by Drs. R.C. Sproul and Stephen Nichols. This title is available now from Reformation Trust in the Ligonier store.

He was one of the most influential men of his day. In him, we find the example of one who stood upon the convictions of God’s Word. The result was the Protestant Reformation. The movement that began with his posting of the Ninety-Five Theses reshaped Europe, redirected Christian history, and recovered the truth of the gospel. Five hundred years later, what is Luther’s legacy? In The Legacy of Luther, Drs. R.C. Sproul and Stephen J. Nichols lead a team of thirteen scholars and pastors as they survey his life, thought, and legacy. Also included are a foreword from John MacArthur and the complete text of the Ninety-Five Theses. Meet Martin Luther, the audacious Reformer, whose passion for God’s Word set the world ablaze.

The Legacy of Luther by Stephen Nichols

"I love Martin Luther because he embodied the struggle of every Christian to have peace with God."

—R.C. Sproul Founder and Chairman Ligonier Ministries

Buy it for $19.00 $15.20 from ReformationTrust.com

Contributors:

Joel Beeke David B. Calhoun Aaron Denlinger Sinclair Ferguson W. Robert Godfrey Michael Horton Stephen Lawson Sean Michael Lucas Scott Manetsch Stephen Nichols R.C. Sproul Derek Thomas Gene Edward Veith Guy Waters Terry Yount

Buy it for $19.00 $15.20 from ReformationTrust.com

R.C. Sproul

Dr. R.C. Sproul is founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries, and chancellor of Reformation Bible College. He is the author of more than one hundred books, including Defending Your Faith.

Stephen Nichols

Dr. Stephen J. Nichols is president of Reformation Bible College, chief academic officer for Ligonier Ministries, and a Ligonier teaching fellow. He is author of The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World. He is on Twitter @DrSteveNichols.

Ligonier Academy of Biblical and Theological Studies is accepting applications from qualified candidates for admission to the Doctor of Ministry degree program. Our inaugural courses were held in July 2009. We have now graduated two classes, May 2013 and May 2014, and the response of our first students has been overwhelmingly positive. We are very pleased to announce the following upcoming classes.

2015 Winter Course Schedule

January 19-23 > Issues in Biblical Studies (Trajectories from Eden to Sinai and Beyond) with Dr. T. Desmond Alexander January 26-30 > Missions and Evangelism with Dr. Julius J. Kim

The Program

The Ligonier Academy Doctor of Ministry program is a professional degree for ordained men serving in pastorates, mission fields, and other full-time ministries who desire to reach new levels of reflection on and competence in the practice of ministry. While the program will combine practical and theological courses, it will place a strong emphasis on the application of theology to ministry. The strength of the D.Min. program at Ligonier Academy is found in its faculty and coursework.

The Faculty

The faculty of the Ligonier Academy D.Min. program consists of some of the most well-respected Reformed pastors and scholars in the United States, including supporters and council members of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. In addition to Dr. R.C. Sproul, our distinguished visiting faculty includes:

T. Desmond Alexander D.A. Carson Sinclair B. Ferguson W. Robert Godfrey Michael S. Horton Julius J. Kim Steven J. Lawson Derek W. H. Thomas Carl R. Trueman Guy Waters

For Program and Application Information:** **

Website: www.ligonier.org/academy/doctor-of-ministry/ Phone: 1-888-722-1517 E-mail: admissions@ligonier.org

For many of us, the whole concept of justification is as mystifying as a foreign language, but yet Christians down the ages have fought to defend it – seeing it quite rightly as a vital element of how we are saved. But justification is not a relic of the past - it has direct relevance to us as Christians today. We often struggle with the thought of justification because of human pride; “I can’t be that bad.” and so justification is often undermined, wrongly presented or just plain ignored. Scripture though, is brutally clear: we have a real problem – the prospect of our lives marred by wrong-doing being laid out before an almighty God who is pure and will not forever let wrong go unpunished. We can’t earn our way out of our predicament – as this is just “rubbish” according to the apostle Paul. We need something else, someone who can take the hit we so richly deserve – leaving us to be declared innocent instead. This little book will help you grasp a truth that when understood correctly is explosive, transformational and utterly liberating.

There is no book better than the Bible. It is God’s own word. He breathed it into existence. He does wonderful things in and by it. But there is hardly a book more assailed, mocked, and assaulted than the Bible. New Testament Professor Guy Prentiss Waters delves into the doctrine of Scripture. Addressing the revelation, inspiration, inerrancy, sufficiency and perspicuity of the Bible, he also engages with what some other prominent theologians had to say on the subject.

“When he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’” —1 Corinthians 11:24The Lord’s Supper is more than a church tradition or a complex doctrinal controversy—it has practical importance to our daily lives. When Jesus instituted the Supper, it was meant to strengthen the faith of his followers by reminding them of his promises. God has always made promises to his people through covenants, and along with them given signs and meals to point to and confirm his blessings. Looking at the unity of the covenants throughout the Bible, this book will help Christians recover the practical importance of the Lord’s Supper as both a sign and a meal of the new covenant blessings God has bestowed on believers in Christ.