When Pontius Pilate stood face to face with Jesus, the Roman governor’s cynicism collided with eternal purpose. As Jesus declared His mission to bear witness to the truth, Pilate scoffed with the haunting question: “What is truth?” Please open your Bible to John...

Forty days after His resurrection from the dead, Jesus ascended into heaven. Angels told witnesses to His ascension, that Jesus would one day come again from heaven to earth. Are you ready for His return, which will be with power and great glory? Reach out to Him...

Spirit-filled saints of the early Church, personally and congregationally carried out their faith with a holy boldness that could not be stopped. Remarkably, a vast majority of them (including the apostles) were considered by the religious “elite” of the day as being...

Luke, the author of Acts, gave us an eyewitness account of how the Gospel of Jesus Christ spread across the then-known world—through ordinary people like you and me. What made this possible? The power of the Holy Spirit came upon them, enabling them to do what they...

How do you stand when life doesn’t make sense? First, worship your Creator and Redeemer simply for Who He is—not for what He gives or what He takes away. Next, surrender yourself to Him without reservation, especially in times of trial and tragedy. Finally, anchor...

Life doesn’t always make sense—but how we respond when it doesn’t reveals the depth of our faith. Long before the Bible was penned, Job lived as a wealthy and godly man. In a stunning sequence of loss, Satan stripped him of his children, his fortune, and his health....

The last time someone accused you of wrongdoing, what was your reaction? Denial, argument, or defensiveness? Scripture says that, at the final judgment, the entire world will be silent before God. No excuses or arguments will remain. Have you reached the point with...

In the Bible, sin literally means missing the mark. What is that mark? Simply stated, it is perfection in thought, word, deed, and motive. Needless to say, everyone has sinned, and the wages of sin is death, which is eternal separation from God. However, there is good...

If we believe that Jesus is coming soon, then how should we be living? Whether you are a student, homemaker, employee, or employer, vocational evangelism is a key to spreading the Gospel to a lost and dying world. Please open your Bible to Second Thessalonians chapter...

Today’s passage calls us to spiritual diligence, steadfast faith, and the grace to finish well. In a world filled with distraction and disorder, Paul exhorted the Thessalonian believers to live responsibly and prayerfully. God is not calling us to wait passively on a...

Last time, we began exploring Paul’s sobering words about the events leading up to Christ’s return. Today, we will begin with a closer look at the mysterious figure Paul calls the son of perdition—a man of lawlessness destined for destruction. Please open your Bible...

Many believers hold different views about how the last days will unfold before Christ’s return. However, regardless of the timeline or interpretation, Scripture calls every believer to the same daily mission: Live a Gospel-centered, fruit-bearing, God-glorifying life!...

God is just—and all men are sinners. So how can God save sinners without compromising His justice? Because Jesus bore the full weight of eternal destruction on the cross, satisfying the Father’s righteous demand to punish all sin, all who accept this gift of salvation...

In a world obsessed with timelines and speculation, the early church faced a similar temptation—to get lost in esoteric minor details of prophecy and miss the important, indisputable truths of Christ’s return. Today’s passage reminds believers that the Second Coming...

In his closing words to the Thessalonian Christians, the Apostle Paul delivered a rapid-fire series of exhortations—calling believers to honor spiritual leadership, pursue peace, and walk in holiness as we await Christ’s return. God wants us to remember that...

God has spiritual overseers—pastors, elders, and deacons—within the Church so that the Body of Christ may function in an orderly and edifying way. In today’s passage, the Apostle Paul exhorted believers to recognize and respect those who labored among them and led...

In today’s passage, the Apostle Paul urges believers to live with spiritual alertness—putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of the hope of salvation. God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. These...

Jesus can come for His Bride, the Church, at any moment. That is why there is great personal and eternal danger in delaying the acknowledgment that Jesus Christ is God—and in repenting of your sin as you receive Him as your personal Lord and Savior. Right now is the...

In today’s passage, the Apostle Paul reminds us that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While believers may differ on the timing of the Rapture, one truth remains: Jesus will come suddenly—and we must be ready! That reality should shape how we...

Today’s passage centers on a truth that shaped the Apostles’ lives—and should shape ours: the imminent return of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians with urgency and hope, reminding them that whether believers have died or are still alive, we should all be...

Christ’s return is at hand. This does not mean that we should drop everything and wait on a hilltop. As a testimony to others, we are called to love others more and more, work with our own hands, and study to show ourselves to be approved, because Jesus wants us to...

Sanctification touches every corner of daily life. As we consider what it truly means to walk in step with the God who dwells within us, we must realize that rejecting this call is not a rejection of man—it is a rejection of God, Who gives us His Holy Spirit....

In a world that constantly blurs the lines of holiness and love, today’s passage cuts through the fog with clarity and urgency. God’s call to walk in a way that pleases Him is not just a suggestion—it is a command! Sanctification through sexual purity, brotherly love,...

In today’s passage, Paul shifted his focus from concern to intercession. He prayed that the Thessalonian believers would grow in love and be established in holiness before God. What sets the child of God apart from the world is not superiority, but a calling to walk...

After expressing his deep concern for the Thessalonian believers, Paul reminded them that trials and afflictions should not be a surprise—they are part of the Christian journey. In fact, he had warned them in advance that suffering would come. But rather than...

When the apostle Paul was forced to leave Thessalonica under pressure after only a few weeks, his heart remained with the young believers he had to leave behind. Though separated by distance, he was deeply concerned for their spiritual well-being. In his first letter...

The Thessalonians endured fierce persecution for their faith in Jesus, but their eternal hope in Christ gave them the strength to stand firm with joy. That same hope should stir our hearts today—not only to persevere in trials, but to boldly share the Gospel with...

Paul was deeply moved that the Thessalonians received his message not as mere human words, but as the very word of God. That faith had a powerful, transforming effect—giving them strength to endure persecution with unwavering joy. Paul cherished them deeply, calling...

Just as a mother helps her young child to feel secure, the cross provides believers with security and comfort. Like a father, the cross challenges us, for Jesus told us to take up our crosses and follow Him. In other words, just as a mother provides security and a...

To the Apostle Paul, the Thessalonian Christians were more than just another church: He regarded them as his spiritual children. As such, he explained how he and his team nurtured them like a mother with a nursing child. However, in a fatherly way, they also...

In Paul’s day, the church at Thessalonica had a powerful witness that spread the Gospel to the entire province of Achaia in Macedonia. Even more astonishing, these young believers stood firm and spread the Gospel despite facing intense persecution. Our world is...

Paul, Silas, and Timothy wrote a letter to the church in Thessalonica, expressing gratitude for their faith, love, and steadfast hope in Jesus Christ. Paul commended the Thessalonians for their exemplary faith: Shortly after their conversion, these former idolaters...

Paul’s closing remarks to Christians at Colossae contained three key elements: companionship, specificity, and a personal touch. Part one concerned companionship in which Tychicus came to Colossae to update the brethren on how Paul was doing. Please open your Bible to...

Did you know that Paul’s final words to the Colossians were filled with personal messages? These weren’t just formal goodbyes—they were words of encouragement, gratitude, and unity. His specific and personal words helped to knit them together in Christ. By...

Though he was incarcerated for proclaiming the Gospel, Paul requested prayer for an open door and for boldness to speak the truth. An open door from God does not always mean smooth sailing or absence of opposition. Rather than keep quiet, which would have made life...

Today’s passage is an exhortation from the Apostle Paul that encourages believers to continue praying, to continue walking, and to continue proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, even in the face of opposition. In other words, today’s teaching concerns the ordinary...

A healthy marriage requires mutual love and godly submission. God wants husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the Church. This requires personal sacrifice and submission to God as his ultimate authority, because stubborness and selfishness are like cancer to a...

Enduring relationships are becoming increasingly rare in today’s world. A key foundational element required to build or repair a marriage or family is personal commitment to Jesus and submission to His word. Today’s message explains God’s design for a healthy marriage...

Whatever we say and do should be in harmony with us setting our affections on things above. If our minds are set on things above, then it should be reflected in what we say and do every moment of every day. Our Christian life is always on display; whether we like it...

Having told his readers things that needed to be put off once they became new creatures in Christ (such as anger, covetousness, and fornication), Paul then admonished the people of Colosse to put on several things like mercy, humility, and agape love. Please open your...

The Lord wants born-again believers to mortify earthly behaviors such as immorality, greed, and anger, which are contrary to His will. Paul urged Christians to embrace the life of a new creature in Christ that reflects His image. Paul also emphasized the unity and...

Walking in holiness is an ongoing process of repentance and sanctification. Holiness is choosing to put on the new man in Christ and leave the old life behind. If we are truly raised with Jesus Christ, then it will be evident in our lives, our attitudes, and our...

When Jesus died on the cross, He blotted out our bill of debt that we owed because of our sins. That means that Christ not only paid our sin debt in full, He literally erased any record that our sin debt ever even existed! What a great and merciful God we serve!...

In Paul’s day, Judaizers tried to convince Gentile Christians that they needed to be circumcised to be saved. In other words, as many cults erroneously teach today, Christ’s work is insufficient in and of itself to save you. The gospel that saves is not faith in Jesus...

The Apostle Paul wanted the Christians at Colosse to be rooted and built up in Christ. We should be careful to also note that, besides having sound doctrine, he also wanted them to abound with thanksgiving, because thanklessness for what God has provided will hinder...

Secular and worldly philosophies comprise the efforts of fallen men to determine, apart from the Scriptures, the ultimate causes in the earth and the universe. They seek to answer questions like, how did the universe come about? Why was I born? What is my purpose in...

Paul was a man that had a shepherd’s heart. He was driven by the love of Christ, as well as a God-given concern for the spiritual welfare of the saints in Colossae, Laodicea and for those who had never met him. Paul prayed that these believers would be knit together...

Striving for Christian maturity doesn’t mean endlessly working to make ourselves better. On the cross, Christ bore all our wicked immaturity so that, through faith, we might be clothed in His perfect maturity. True Christian maturity, then, is about learning to enjoy...

Have you ever wondered what it means to truly grow in your faith? Every believer is called to strive for Christian maturity—a life marked by knowledge of God’s will, fruitfulness, overflowing joy in Him, and an unwavering fixation on Christ above all else. But here is...

Christians have overcome the devil by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Christians have been delivered from Satan’s domain. The key verbs are in the past tense, because it is a fact that your salvation has already been accomplished, if you have...

Today’s section of Scripture gives us a glimpse into the prayer life of Paul and Timothy. These Spirit-inspired passages provide us some wonderful things that we can be praying for one another. Whenever we pray for another person, we are making a divine deposit into...

Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians while he was imprisoned in Rome waiting for his trial before Caesar. He wrote this epistle to combat heretical teachings that had crept into the church, many of which persist in the church today. Please open your Bible to...

Jesus is coming back for His Bride. This event, sometimes called the Rapture, is a certain future event, but no one knows when it will happen. Are you excited about this? More importantly, are you ready for Jesus to return? Please open your Bible to Second Peter...

When the day of the Lord does come, it will be unexpected like a thief in the night. A mighty conflagration will dissolve the heavens and the earth with all its works. In anticipation of such things, Peter wanted Christians to focus on holy conduct and godliness,...

At the end of the Day of the Lord, God will pour out His wrath on the earth and consume it with fire. Many, even Christians, scoff at this idea, because God has delayed His final reckoning for so long. However, God has deferred His judgment to establish His mercy,...

In his final epistle to Christians, Peter reminded them of the promise of the Lord’s return and the importance of living holy lives in anticipation of that day. He addressed the skepticism of scoffers who question the promise of Christ’s return, emphasizing that His...

False teachers often resemble Balaam, whom the king of Midian hired to curse Israel. They falsely pose as spokesmen for God, and they often induce others to sin. Moreover, like Balaam, false teachers attempt to use their ministries as a means of self-enrichment. To...

The Old Testament contains examples of God judging men and angels for falling away from Him. God wanted His judgments on fallen angels, antediluvian people, and the residents of Sodom and Gomorrah to discourage others from living ungodly lifestyles. Fortunately,...

False teachers tend to be greedy. Many have chosen the ministry as a lucrative profession, seeking to build a large following so that they could become wealthy. Camouflaging heretical teachings and corrupt morals by lifting words of Scripture out of context, they...

After Peter wrote of prophets of the Old Testament that spoke and wrote as the Holy Spirit moved them, he then began to discuss false prophets and false teachers that had already begun to plague the Church. These masters of deception use biblical terms and orthodox...

What Peter, James, and John saw on the Mount of Transfiguration did not set aside the prophecies of the Old Testament, rather, it confirmed them. All Scripture originated with God, not man. As such, the word of the prophets, inspired by the Holy Spirit, is sure and...

When Peter wrote his second epistle, he knew that his death was near. This gave him added impetus to care for the spiritual needs of God’s people with his remaining time. He described his imminent death as laying aside his earthly tent. Since we do not know when Jesus...

For a fruitful Christian life, saving faith must be supplemented with holiness. Peter described seven elements of holiness that must simultaneously accompany one’s faith. We now rejoin Pastor Ray Viola’s message on Second Peter chapter one, verses five through eleven,...

Walking in the grace of God, and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit is not a passive endeavor, nor is it easy. Though God has given us everything that we need for godly living, it requires diligence on our part to cultivate it. Please open your Bible to Second...

True Christians should have a desire to spend time with Jesus, reading His word, praying, and fellowshipping with other believers. As we do, we should begin to take on His characteristics. As Peter wrote, we should become partakers of His divine nature. Please open...

Peter opened his second general epistle by first stating that he was a bondservant of Jesus Christ before mentioning his apostleship. He humbly recognized that he was first and foremost a servant by choice and an Apostle by divine appointment. We too must recognize...

God does not like it when leaders within His Church misrepresent Him, especially when they do it for personal gain. Sound doctrine and spiritual discernment are vital defenses against these charlatans. Most of a Christian’s rewards are yet future and eternal. Jesus...

God does not like it when leaders within His Church misrepresent Him, especially when they do it for personal gain. Sound doctrine and spiritual discernment are vital defenses against these charlatans. Most of a Christian’s rewards are yet future and eternal. Jesus...

Scripture tells us not to be ashamed of the Gospel. Whenever we are persecuted for sharing the Gospel or a biblical truth, we are not doing anything wrong. However, we should take care not do anything that dishonors or misrepresents the name of the Lord. We should be...

Why would a person that loves Jesus and seeks to live a life that pleases Him, be reproached or even suffer for His Name’s sake? The answer is simple. The world does not want to hear the Master’s message: The Gospel narrows the idea that all roads lead to heaven down...

Our cultural attitudes find the idea of living for someone else to be repulsive. However, in reality, all of us are servants to something in a motivational sense. That is, whatever it may be, something motivates everyone to live, and they are servants of that thing....

Peter admonished his readers to no longer walk in the old ways, which often included drinking, sexual immorality, and idolatry. Though the blood of Jesus protects us from the wrath of God’s judgment, we will have to stand before Jesus one day and make an account of...

Today’s passage teaches some important things about Christ’s sacrifical death. Jesus’ death on the cross was unrepeatable. Jesus’ death on the cross was substitutionary, and His death on the cross was reconciling. That is, Jesus died once for our sins, in our place,...

Jesus’ death on the cross was a sacrificial death. He died for sins, but not His own, for He never sinned. He was the only perfect man and the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. As Isaiah wrote: He was wounded for our transgressions . . . bruised for our iniquities and...

Submission in a Christian marriage is all about you and your relationship to God. Any relational conflicts or disturbances in a Christian marriage usually stem from disobedience to the lordship of Jesus Christ, because every time Christians are called to submit to...

In today’s society we see nearly everyone fighting for their own rights. This makes submission an unpopular idea, because society views it from a horizontal perspective rather than a vertical one. Ultimately, every time Christians are called to submit, we are really...

                              Submission is not an act of worship to the person in authority. We are worshiping and honoring God when we submit to His appointed leaders, whether they are in our...

Peter exhorted us to live lives of separation from carnal lusts and worldly systems. For example, we should not behave as worldly people that give more honor to the rich, beautiful, or educated than those who were endowed with less. However, we are oblidged to submit...

Jesus is the Stone that saves some and causes others to stumble. To the Christian, He is the Precious Cornerstone of our faith, but to the world, Jesus is not precious at all. One cannot use popular opinion to judge something’s value. The world was wrong about Jesus...

In Peter’s first letter to the scattered, persecuted followers of Jesus, he reminded them of who they were in Christ to encourage and refocus them. Back in the 60's, the hippies were constantly trying to “find themselves.” Many sought the “help” of psychedelic drugs...

A person going through hard times is vulnerable to Satan’s lies. Too many times, people just throw up their hands in frustration, and say, “What’s the use?” Then they try to comfort their flesh, rather than feeding their spirit. Instead, mature Christians should...

Peter viewed suffering Christians as people in a battle. Suffering is a weapon that can be wielded for good or evil, depending on who holds the sword. In the enemy’s hands, it is a heat-seeking missile sent to destroy us: Suffering seeks to disorient us so that we...

Scripture tells us that the ways of this world, many of which seem right to carnally-minded men, end in destruction. However, you can have living hope in Jesus Christ, because He rose from the dead. If you abide in Christ in this life, your eternal destiny is certain...

Peter wrote two general epistles to Jewish believers that were dispersed throughout the known world. He reminded his scattered brethren that it is God’s sovereign power that keeps them, even in times of persecution. In truth, the only way that the devil can get a...

The Proverbs conclude with a description of a virtuous woman. However, many aspects of her character would be desirable for anyone: man, woman, married or single, and even children. We should all consider what her example teaches us all about living one’s life in fear...

Todays’ passage contains the wise teachings of King Lemuel’s mother. She advised him to avoid the pitfalls of excessive drinking and loose behavior. His mother encouraged him to stand for justice and to use his power to protect those who could not protect themselves....

Agur prayed that God would keep falsehood and lies far from him, and to give him neither poverty nor riches, but only his daily bread. This reflects a desire for honesty and contentment, avoiding the temptations that come with both extreme wealth and extreme poverty....

Human wisdom is very limited. Today’s passage teaches us to humbly pursue knowledge of God and understanding of His divine wisdom. Like the human author of today’s passage, we must recognize that, without the Holy Spirit’s illumination, we could have no real knowledge...

All people in God’s creation are equal in His eyes. For example, both the poor and the oppressor receive their sight from the Lord. This is the basis of fair judgment, and there are consequences for neglecting justice, especially when the rich and powerful abuse or...

Today’s passage emphasizes the consequences of stubbornness and the importance of accepting correction. It also highlights the impact of righteous and wicked leadership on society: People rejoice under just rulers but suffer under corrupt ones. Just rulers have godly...

God gives joy and blessings to those that live by His precepts. It is wise to trust the Lord. Those who fear God and do not harden their heart toward Him will find happiness and mercy. This is not the case for wicked people. Therefore, it is sometimes appropriate to...

Today’s passage emphasizes the importance of living with integrity and understanding. Solomon contrasted the outcomes of those who follow the law and live righteously with those who engage in wickedness and deceit. Those who walk in wisdom and fear the Lord will find...

Today’s passage presents timeless wisdom on leading a life of righteousness, integrity, and wisdom. It reminds us that we will thrive if we strive for righteousness and justice, trust in the Lord, and live with god-inspired wisdom and integrity. Those who choose a...

As iron sharpens iron, today’s passage emphasizes the value of mutual improvement through fellowship with other Christians. Also, diligent stewardship is a key to financial health, but material wealth cannot fully satisfy. True worth is found in godly character, which...

Today’s passage provides practical and moral guidance, emphasizing the importance of humility, genuine friendship, and diligent work. Solomon cautioned against boasting about the future, and he highlighted the value of honest rebuke over flattery. He also underscored...

Today’s passage provides practical and moral guidance, emphasizing the importance of humility, genuine friendship, and diligent work. Solomon cautioned against boasting about the future, and he highlighted the value of honest rebuke over flattery. He also underscored...

Today’s passage warns against meddling in the disputes of others, comparing it to grabbing a stray dog by the ears. Gossip is also dangerous, as it fuels quarrels just like wood fuels a fire—don’t allow yourself to become a fuel source! Additionally, be on the alert...

Today’s passage emphasizes the power of patience and gentle speech in persuading others and resolving conflicts. Moreover, we should practice moderation in all things, and never give a false testimony. The end of today’s passage emphasizes the importance of...

Today’s passage offers wisdom on humility and conflict resolution. Solomon advised against self-promotion, and he encouraged his children to resolve disputes privately to maintain respect and trust. He also used metaphors to highlight the importance of moderation and...

Today’s passage offers timeless wisdom on leadership, humility, and self-control. We should seek truth and justice, while being humble in the presence of authority, and we should be prudent when resolving disputes. Everyone needs the guidance of God’s Spirit so that...