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...

Today’s passage likens wisdom to honey: It is sweet to the soul and rewarding. Those who find godly wisdom have a future filled with a hope that will not be cut off. Scripture encourages us to diligently seek godly wisdom, emphasizing its value and the promise it...

Today’s passage emphasizes the value of godly wisdom, understanding, and righteousness over material wealth and worldly power. Solomon encouraged his children to have integrity, to work hard, and to act justly. Ultimately, God is the final judge that rewards everyone...

Today’s passage advises against envying sinners and excessive eating, drinking, or the pursuit of earthly pleasures. These behaviors lead to poverty, and can result in one’s heart straying from the Lord. Immorality and drunkenness can lead to strange visions,...

Disciplince, self-control, and honesty are hallmarks of a godly life. As parents and grandparents, we should make a serious effort to instill these virtures into subsequent generations, even if it means lovingly using the rod of correction. Please open your Bible to...

Today’s passage offers guidance on living a life of wisdom and integrity, with emphasis the on self-control and respect for parents. God’s inspired words warn us about wealth’s deceptive allure and the dangers of envy, gluttony, and alcohol abuse. We should embrace...

Today’s passage emphasizes the value of integrity, the importance of guiding and disciplining children, and the blessings of righteousness. It warns us not to oppress the poor and encourages us to listen to the wisdom of the wise. The passage concludes with a warning...

Today’s passage offers guidance on raising children, advocating for the early establishment of a righteous path that, if followed, endures a lifetime. These verses collectively emphasize the lasting impact of a good upbringing, the virtues of patience and fairness,...

  Today’s passage speaks of the high value of a good reputation that is born of godly character, and God blesses righteous living. However, no matter how good a person is, they must seek refuge in Christ Jesus, because, without His imputed righteousness, no one...

Today’s passage highlights the moral imperative of caring for the needy. It warns that those who ignore the cries of the poor will themselves be unheard in their time of need. Solomon also reminded us that human power is insignificant compared with divine judgment,...

Today’s passage reveals God’s sovereignty over human affairs, including the hearts of rulers. While a person might think that their actions seem right, it is God that judges their intentions, and He determines their consequences. Ultimately, true wisdom and victory...

Today’s passage emphasizes the importance of living with integrity and wisdom, and warns us to stay away from dishonesty and laziness. God wants us to have respect for authority, whether that authority is our parents or our government. However, God’s authority trumps...

Today’s passage offers wisdom from Solomon on leading a life of integrity, with an emphasis on honesty, hard work, and the fear of the Lord. He also counsels us to avoid fleeting pleasures such as those associated with inebriation. However, it is only faith in the...

Today’s passage contains more Spirit-inspired wisdom from Solomon. For example, God’s sovereign plans will always eclipse human designs. From the rise and fall of nations to the intricate details of our lives, God’s unwavering purpose prevails, and He is inviting you...

Today’s passage teaches us the value of godly character which is marked by integrity, patience, discipline, and a forgiving heart. In contrast, there are harsh consequences for folly or godlessness. We will also see that the benefits of wealth are fleeting, but...

Today’s passage contrasts the attitudes and outcomes of the wicked and the righteous in various aspects of life, such as management of finances, speech, friendship, and justice. The wicked rely on their own resources, express their folly, isolate themselves, and face...

Today’s passage emphasizes the power of the word, and the importance of wise speech in shaping life and relationships. Solomon contrasted the folly of isolation with the value of true companionship, and underscored the need for humility and discernment. Fools do not...

Today’s passage emphasizes wisdom, discipline, and understanding in human behavior. Solomon warned against folly and the consequences of evil actions, while highlighting the value of a calm spirit and a discerning heart. He also underscored the importance of godly...

Today’s passage contrasts the peace found in simple living with the strife that can accompany wealth, and it underscores the folly of repaying kindness with evil. This is not to be confused with God refining His children through trials. Such trials teach us the value...

Today’s passage reveals secrets of living a wise and honorable life in a world full of challenges and temptations. God is in control of everything, and we should trust Him and follow His ways. The Lord wants us to be humble, honest, prudent, and self-controlled. We...

Today’s passage teaches us about God’s sovereignty, the value of wisdom, the importance of humility, and the consequences of pride. While people can make their own plans, it is ultimately God that directs their steps and determines their outcomes. Therefore, we should...

Today’s passage invites us to discover godly wisdom that leads to life and joy. God loves us and disciplines us for our good. Therefore, we should humble ourselves and fear Him. We should use our words to bless and not to curse. We should seek and give wise counsel,...

Today’s passage contrasts the broad and narrow ways of which Jesus spoke in His Sermon on the Mount. However, we will be hearing about Solomon’s wise words that contrasted the ways of the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, and the gentle and the...

Today’s passage contrasts the consequences of wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness, and generosity and oppression. Those that fear the Lord will act prudently, and they will be kind to the poor. Such people will find life, security, and honor. However, those...

Today’s passage invites us to reflect on the choices we make and the paths we take in life. Scripture encourages us to seek wisdom, integrity, truth, and reverence for God, as these are the sources of lasting happiness and fulfillment. We should avoid folly,...

Scripture tells us that there are only two paths that a person can follow. A wise person will choose the path that leads to God and eternal life. However, many people, even some that mean well, are on a different path that leads to death. Do you know which path that...

A person’s attitude toward God’s word is a matter of life and death. Despising the word of the Lord is like pushing a self-destruct button. However, God will abundantly reward those that trust in His word and obey His commandments to love God and to love our neighbor....

Today’s passage reminds us of the power of words: not only the words that we say, but also the words to which we listen. Therefore, we should be careful about what we say, and also use care in choosing what we hear. Listening to God’s word and obeying His commandments...

Today’s passage contrasts outcomes for the righteous and the wicked, the diligent and the lazy, the wise and the foolish. It teaches that those who work hard, speak truthfully, listen to advice, and care for others will have abundant life and favor from the Lord....

Today’s passage provides godly wisdom about discipline, righteousness, honesty, diligence, and friendship. As seen before, the Lord blesses those who follow His ways and that live with integrity. However, He will condemn those who do evil and lie. Accordingly, the...

Today’s passage reveals the power of righteousness and the downfall of wickedness in different aspects of life. We should avoid the risks of being surety for a stranger. Neither should we be ruthless, deceitful, perverse, or greedy. Instead, we shoud be merciful,...

Today’s passage reveals how to live a blessed and joyful life. God loves those who are honest, humble, generous, and faithful; He will reward such people with His favor and protection. In contrast, God hates those who are wicked, proud, greedy, and dishonest; He will...

Many passages in Proverbs contrast righteousness and wickedness. Today’s passage emphasizes the value of wisdom, integrity, diligence, and love, and warns against the pitfalls of folly, violence, laziness, and hatred. Please open your Bible to Proverbs ten, and listen...

Today’s passage reminds us that the starting point for all true wisdom is the fear of the Lord. It has been said that, because Christians know God and His word, they can see more on their knees than others can see on their tiptoes. That is why the Apostles gave a high...

The way in which a man receives rebuke is an index of his character. Wicked people will turn on you and assault you verbally and sometimes even physically. However, a just man will be greatful, because he realizes that godly correction makes him even wiser. Please...

Today’s passage contrasts wisdom and folly. Wisdom invites the simple to come and eat of her bread and drink of her wine, promising life to whomever listens. In contrast, folly is like a loud and seductive woman who calls to passersby, inviting them to eat stolen...

Fearing the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Today’s passage lists many benefits of godly wisdom, including sound judgment, length of days, enduring riches coupled with honor and righteousness, and godly character that is worth more than gold or silver. Moreover,...