Essential Virtues: Marks of the Christ-Centered Life

by Jim Berg

What are the marks of a truly mature Christian? The first chapter of 2 Peter is a refreshing well of truth on this subject. Peter lists the virtues of a Christlike believer: knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. Explore the meaning and importance of each core virtue and learn to cultivate these qualities while avoiding worldiness, rebellion, and spiritual apathy. Jim Berg's clear application and heart-searching questions encourage inner growth that results in spiritual commitment, courage, and compassion: the foundation of true biblical maturity.

Genres: Christian Living, Christian, Nonfiction, Discipleship, Counselling, Devotional, Spirituality

276 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2008

Reviews

[Ed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good biblical teaching on 2 Peter 1. I especially liked the chapter on verse memorization.

[Nathanael S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 Peter 1 describes a progression of virtues for the believer to “add to [their] faith”, and a proper understanding of the passage gives the believer a context for their spiritual walk that allows him to asses where they have been, where they are, and where they are going.
Jim Berg excels at applying the spiritual principles to the heart and then showing how that change affects your actions. It is very clear that Dr. Berg knows and loves scripture.
There are some points in the book where I disagree with the framing of a virtue (such as the idea that love is merely Godliness applied to relationships), but a discerning reader will find ample benefit in this book to justify overlooking semantical arguments. I highly suggest letting Jim Berg challenge you through this book.

[Tony Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Berg walks the Christian reader through 2 Peter Chapter 1, where specific virtues are built on top of one another to keep the born again believer in Christ from being "useless and fruitless" in the kingdom. Challenging and encouraging. Highly recommended.

[Cora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book to read, discuss, & ponder.

[Jeremy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this with my Sunday School class at church.

[Andy]

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[Emil · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most practicle book on character improvement.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book but I wish he would have stuck with the KJV.

[Tim Senter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb exposition of 2 Peter 1:1-15. Well referenced. Solid challenges.

[K.A. Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a challenging book. I wish I read more books like this. This book sets a generous table full of the basic, christ-like qualities every believer should have.