Peter concludes this list of Christian graces with the highest and most comprehensive quality: “add…to brotherly kindness love” (2 Pet. 1:7). This is the pinnacle of spiritual growth. The word used here is agape—a love that seeks the highest good of others. It goes beyond affection for fellow Christians and extends to all people, including enemies (Matt. 5:44). It is the fullest…

The apostles knew that Jesus had to be the Messiah because they had seen and heard what He had said and done. Yet, they had a wrong view about the coming King and His kingdom. They were preaching that the kingdom was coming but had no comprehension of its nature. This is so vividly seen in the event found in Matthew chapter…

I love hymns. Don’t you? I love that God chose to ask us to worship Him in song. I love that He accepts singing, not only because it pleases Him, but that it benefits us. In Colossians 3:16, Paul says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and…

As spiritual growth continues, Peter turns our focus outward: “add…to godliness brotherly kindness” (2 Pet. 1:7). Up to this point, the qualities have emphasized personal development and devotion to God. Now the emphasis shifts to how we treat others—especially fellow Christians. “Brotherly kindness” is the Greek word philadelphia, meaning “love of the brethren.” It describes the affection, care and concern that Christians…

As promised, this is a continuation of last week’s article which laid the background of how I can teach my little child about God. We said, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was a book entitled, ‘Seven Steps to Raising Godly Children,’ that would give us all answers with easy rules to just follow?” As the article continued, it said, “There is…

Last week, I wrote an article called, “What Do You Miss On Sunday Nights?” The article was written to encourage those who usually skip Sunday evening worship to consider coming back at night. We first noted that the Biblical mandate to gather together is not fulfilled by only attending Sunday mornings. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells that we should assemble together as often as…

As we grow in faith, discipline and endurance, Peter next instructs us to “add…to perseverance godliness” (2 Pet. 1:6). Godliness refers to a life that is centered on God—a reverent, devoted way of living that seeks to please Him in all things. The word carries the idea of a “God-ward attitude,” where one’s conduct flows from a deep respect for and devotion…

What parent is there who has not thought about how to shape the spiritual life of a child to be spiritual? When we first hold that child, how can we not see just how precious they are? It is far more than any physical beauty that we see, and how can we ever forget deeper thoughts? They are so pure, so innocent…