A pastor friend of my father's once stated upon his impending return to his own country in part of Africa that he actually couldn't wait to get back. Why? - While it isn't just an American problem, the seduction of idols is rampant in the United States today. Materialism, in particular, has created a wealth … Continue reading Torn & Seduction
Baptism
What exactly is baptism? Dictionary.com noun Ecclesiastical. a ceremonial immersion in water, or application of water, as an initiatory rite or sacrament of the Christian church. any similar ceremony or action of initiation, dedication, etc. a trying or purifying experience or initiation. Etymonline.com "initiatory sacrament of the Christian faith, consisting in immersion in or application of … Continue reading Baptism
Atonement
Dictionary.com noun satisfaction or reparation for a wrong or injury; amends. (sometimes initial capital letter) Theology. the doctrine concerning the reconciliation of God and humankind, especially as accomplished through the life, suffering, and death of Christ. Christian Science. the experience of humankind's unity with God exemplified by Jesus Christ. Archaic. reconciliation; agreement. Etymonline.com 1510s, "condition of being at one … Continue reading Atonement
Heaven
What is meant by the terms 1st Heaven, 2nd Heaven, and 3rd Heaven? Let's start by defining Heaven: Dictionary.com noun the abode of God, the angels, and the spirits of the righteous after death; the place or state of existence of the blessed after the mortal life. (initial capital letter) Often Heavens. the celestial powers; … Continue reading Heaven
Exegesis
Dictionary.com noun, plural exegeses [ek-si-jee-seez] (Show IPA) 1. critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, especially of the Bible. Etymonline.com 1610s, "explanatory note," from Greek exegesis "explanation, interpretation," from exegeisthai "explain, interpret," from ex "out" (see ex-) + hegeisthai "to lead, guide," from PIE root *sag- "to track down, seek out" (see seek (v.)). Meaning "exposition (of Scripture)" is from 1823. Related: Exegetic; exegetical; exegetically. Discussion/Explanation … Continue reading Exegesis
Mothers
Today's Mother's Day! A time that we remember and appreciate the women in our lives that we call "mom". (I would include the biological as well as non-biological women who have filled the calling we call mom.) Today's post will be short as I have just this simple message: Show the mothers in your life … Continue reading Mothers
Gospels
Dictionary.com —noun the teachings of Jesus and the apostles; the Christian revelation. the story of Christ's life and teachings, especially as contained in the first four books of the New Testament, namely Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. (usually initial capital letter) any of these four books. something regarded as true and implicitly believed: to take … Continue reading Gospels
Unction
Dictionary.com noun 1. an act of anointing, especially as a medical treatment or religious rite. 2. an unguent or ointment; salve. 3. something soothing or comforting. 4. an excessive, affected, sometimes cloying earnestness or fervor in manner, especially in speaking. 5. Religion. the oil used in religious rites, as in anointing the sick or dying. … Continue reading Unction
Theology – part 3
Theology can be said to have 4 broad categories or areas of focus within it. These would include: Exegetical Theology Historical Theology Systematic Theology Practical Theology Exegetical Theology. It is looking at the Bible as such; it "...includes all that belongs to the explanation and interpretation of the Holy Scriptures (1)." This is the area … Continue reading Theology – part 3
Torah & Pentateuch
Dictionary.com Torah noun, ( sometimes lowercase) 1. the Pentateuch, being the first of the three Jewish divisions of the OldTestament.Compare Tanach. 2. a parchment scroll on which the Pentateuch is written, used in synagogue services. 3. the entire body of Jewish religious literature, law, and teaching as contained chiefly in the Old Testament and the Talmud. 4. law or instruction. Etymonline.com Torah "the Pentateuch," 1570s, from Hebrew torah, literally "instruction, law," verbal noun from horah "he taught, showed." Pentateuch first five books of the Bible, c. 1400, from Late Latin pentateuchus (Tertullian, c.207), from Greek pentateukhos (c. 160), originally an adjective (abstracted from phrase pentateukhos biblos), from pente "five" (from PIE root *penkwe- "five") + teukhos "implement, vessel, gear" … Continue reading Torah & Pentateuch
Monergist Gratia 