Exactly what is sin? To be honest, today it is difficult to know anymore. Just a few decades ago most Christians and even non-Christians would likely mention the “seven deadly sins”: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth. wrath, envy, and pride. However, today, these are common around the world. We have gay pride, racial pride, personal pride... Continue Reading →
BIBLICAL WORD OF THE DAY: Ark of the Covenant: (Heb. aron berit; Gr. kibōtos diathēkē)
Ark of the Covenant: (Heb. aron berit; Gr. kibōtos diathēkē) The original chest made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, the cover being of solid gold with two cherubs facing each other, which the Israelites kept in the Most Holy of the tabernacle and later in the Most Holy of the temple that Solomon... Continue Reading →
BIBLICAL WORD OF THE DAY: Areopagus: (Gr. Areios Pagos)
Areopagus: (Gr. Areios Pagos) It literally means ‘hill of mars.’ It is the location of an Athens court, where the apostle Paul explained his beliefs to the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers of Athens, which is traditionally associated with a rocky hill not far below the Acropolis, overlooked the Agora (i.e., marketplace) in Athens, Greece. –... Continue Reading →
BIBLICAL WORD OF THE DAY: Archangel: (Gr. archangelos)
Archangel: (Gr. archangelos) Michael is the only spirit named as an archangel in the Bible. Nevertheless, some Bible scholars believe that ‘it is possible that there are other’ archangels. However, the prefix “arch,” meaning “chief” or “principal,” indicates that there is only one archangel, the chief angel. Yes, Gabriel is very powerful, but no Scripture... Continue Reading →
BIBLICAL WORD OF THE DAY: Aramaic: (Heb. arāmî)
Aramaic: (Heb. arāmî) It is a Semitic language similar to Phoenician and Hebrew, using the same alphabet. It was the language of the Arameans, who were present in northwestern Mesopotamia, with their kingdoms being mentioned in the Bible account at the same time as the development of the nation of Israel. Aramaic would become the... Continue Reading →
BIBLICAL WORD OF THE DAY: Aram; Aramaeans: (Heb. arǎmmî)
Aram; Aramaeans: (Heb. arǎmmî) These were the descendants of Shem’s son Aram, who mainly lived in various regions N of Israel, running from the Lebanon Mountains across to Mesopotamia and from the Taurus Mountains in the north down to Damascus. The Aramaeans hardly ever formed any kind of nation state; rather they lived as self-governing,... Continue Reading →
BIBLICAL WORD OF THE DAY: Appearing: (Gr. epiphaneia)
Appearing: (Gr. epiphaneia) It literally means “a shining forth,” which was used to refer to a divine being becoming visible to humans. Epiphaneia is used in the NT to refer to Jesus first coming to the earth and his second coming as well. – 2 Thess. 2:8; 1 Tim. 6:14; 2 Tim. 1:10; 4:1, 8... Continue Reading →
BIBLICAL WORD OF THE DAY: Apostle: (Gr. apostolos)
Apostle: (Gr. apostolos) The basic sense of the word is a “messenger, representative,” or “sent one.” This was a special messenger or envoy of Jesus Christ. In the Greek NT, “apostolos” is used primarily with regard to those who were taught directly by Jesus and who were given the authority to speak in his place,... Continue Reading →
BIBLICAL WORD OF THE DAY: Apostasy: (Gr. apostasia)
Apostasy: (Gr. apostasia) The term literally means “to stand away from” and is used to refer to ones who ‘stand away from the truth.’ It is abandonment, a rebellion, an apostasy, a refusal to accept or acknowledge true worship. In Scripture, this is used primarily concerning the one who rises up in defiance of the... Continue Reading →
BIBLICAL WORD OF THE DAY: Apologetics: (Gr. apologia)
Apologetics: (Gr. apologia) The term literally means “to defend” and is used in the biblical sense to refer to ones who defend the Christian faith, the Bible, and God in speech or in written form. The Christian apologist attempts to prove that the Christian faith, the Bible, and God are reasonable, logical, necessary and right.... Continue Reading →