Once we know what is right, the next challenge is doing it consistently. That is why Peter says to “add…to knowledge self-control” (2 Pet. 1:6). Self-control is the ability to govern oneself—to master desires, impulses and appetites rather than be mastered by them. The Greek word carries the idea of “holding oneself in,” having power over one’s passions. It is strength that…

The Bible shows in many ways the truth affirmed by Paul when he said, “For whatever things were written before were written for out learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scripture might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). He uses the word “before” to call our attention to the Old Testament scriptures, for it was almost three decades before there…

Comparing the translations is sometimes of great value in understanding the force of what God’s message involves. An illustration of this is to compare the two ways John 3:36 is brought into our language. The King James Version and the New King James version renders the words of Jesus in this way. “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and…

Faith gives us conviction, and moral courage gives us the determination to do what is right. But without knowledge, we would not know what is right. That is why Peter says to “add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge” (2 Pet. 1:5). Knowledge, in this context, is not merely information—it is understanding God’s will. The Greek suggests a seeking, an inquiry,…

As soon as I was old enough to date, my father took me aside and gave me advice that I never forgot. He said, “Only date someone you think you could marry.” I’m sure many of us have heard something similar from their parents. And it’s no wonder because following this simple rule will set you up for great success in your…

If you have been paying attention to the news over the last few years, you have probably heard a good amount of talk about the “end times prophecies.” With the situation that has been happening in the middle east, especially in Gaza, many in the media have been pointing to verses ripped out of context in order to support their idea of…

Faith is the foundation of the Christian life—but faith alone is not enough. Peter instructs believers to “add to your faith virtue” (2 Pet. 1:5). This word “virtue” carries the idea of moral excellence, strength of character and the courage to do what is right. If faith is our conviction in God, then moral courage is the determination to act on that…

The sovereign nature of God makes the entire heavens and earth subject to Him. Paul alludes to this in his message to the Athenians. “He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings” (Acts 17:26). He is sovereign and He…