The word translated “overcome” (nikao, G3528) derives from the word “victory” (nike, G3529). It means “to conquer, to get the victory, to prevail.”1 Therefore, overcomers are victorious. But how and over what? Prior to the cross, knowing He would ultimately...
George T. Ferrier
Who were the wise men?
Since the Bible says they came from the east (v. 1), the wise men (magi in the original; G3097) were likely from Persia or southern Arabia, both of which lay east of Israel.1 That they used the term “King of the Jews” for Jesus would suggest that they were Gentiles...
What does it mean that an overseer must be “the husband of one wife?” (1 Tim. 3:2)
The phrase “the husband of one wife” (also in Titus 1:6) does not likely have polygamy in mind because in New Testament times it is debateable how widespread the practice was in Roman and Jewish culture. A Roman citizen by law could only have one spouse at a time....
How Can I Know God’s Will?
Believers look to the Lord for wisdom and guidance because we know that His will is best, leading to a fruitful, joyful, and abundant life (John 10:10). Psalms 25:14 says “the secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him.” Therefore, we must spend daily time in His...
The Face of Jesus
The believer continually has the blessed opportunity to gaze upon Christ in God’s Word, the glories of our Lord progressively transforming us into His likeness (2 Cor. 3:18). Let us look into the face of our Lord Jesus from a few selected passages. He is the Son...
What Did Jesus Mean When He Said “It Is Finished?”
One of Christ’s seven sayings from the cross, this sentence is one word in the original Greek (tetelestai) meaning “to complete, it is done.” So, the question is, “what was completed?” In those days, the word was stamped on tax receipts to indicate “paid in full.” The...
How Can I Know the Truth?
Throughout history people have searched for truth: about heaven; hell; and eternal life. Be encouraged that the Lord wants everyone to know the truth. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is…not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” It is...
Does Hebrews 10:26-27 teach that we can lose our salvation?
Verses 26-31 reads: “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has...
Who was Melchizedek?
Melchizedek is a unique Old Testament dignitary who suddenly appears on the scene: greeting, blessing, and fellowshipping with Abraham after the patriarch rescued his nephew Lot. The Bible introduces him as the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, meaning he...
The Assurances of His Peace
The apostle John wrote in his first epistle, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13, NASB). The believer has peace with God, eternal security independent...