General term for the edible seed of cultivated grasses. Common grains in the biblical world included wheat (Gen 30:14), spelt or emmer (REB vetches) (Exod 9:32), barley (Exod 9:31), and millet (Ezek 4:9). The KJV normally renders grain as corn, which does not mean “maize” (as in American usage), but any grain.
KJV term for woman as a helper precisely adapted to man (Gen 2:18). Modern translations supply various equivalents: help suitable for him (NASB, NIV); help as his partner (NRSV); a suitable companion for him (TEV). The noun translated “help” or “partner” does not suggest subordination. Elsewhere the term is used of God as Help (1 Chorn 12:18; Psa 30:10; 54:4; 121:1)
Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (HELPMEET)
The NT distinguishes between demonic possession and physical disease. Matthew 4:24 states that Jesus healed “all those who were afflicted, those suffering form various diseases and intense pains, the demon-possessed, the epileptics, and the paralytics” (HCSB). Thus the theory that demonic possession should be equated with epilepsy or any other neurotic ailment is weak. Some of the demons made assertions of Christ’s divinity when the disciples did not show such recognition. Mental or physical illness would not impart this type of knowledge (Mark 5:13; Luke 4:33-35; 8:29-33).
Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (DEMONIC POSSESSION PT2)
Demons are identified in Scripture as fallen angels who joined Satan in his rebellion. They follow Satan, doing evil and wreaking havoc. They have limited power and like Satan are already defeated (Col 2:15).
Continue reading DEFFINITION OF THE DAY (DEMONIC POSSESSION PT1)
The front of the person’s head. In the Bible several words are translated as “face.” In the OT panim is the most common and has the actual meaning of “face.” Aph (nose) and ayin (eyes, aspect) are also at times translated as face. In the NT the words used are opsis and prosopon.
Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (FACE)
Imposters claiming to be the Messiah (Christ in Greek). Jesus associated the appearance of messianic pretenders with the fall of Jerusalem (Matt 24:23-26; Mark 13:21-22). Jesus warned His followers to be skeptical of those who point to signs and omens to authenticate their false messianic claims. Jesus also urged disbelief of those claiming the Messiah was waiting in the wilderness or was in “the inner rooms” (perhaps a reference to the inner chambers of the
Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (FALSE CHRISTS)
Another inadequate view of God, modalism, is the basic belief that God is one in both nature and person. Thus, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are not believed to be distinct from one another. One early form of modalism (called Sabellianism and popularized by the third- century theologian, Sabellius) taught that the one God first revealed Himself as Father in creation and in His relationship to Israel. He then revealed Himself as the Son during the life of Jesus Christ for the purpose of redemption. Finally, after Jesus’ ascent to heaven, He reveals Himself as the Holy Spirit in the life of the church.
Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (TRINITY)
Throughout the history of Christianity, there have been many attempts to communicate coherently what the Bible teaches about the identity of God. Inevitably, some of these attempts have been woefully inadequate, erring in ways that result in a mony to His triune identity.
Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (TRINITY PT3)
In the work of creation, God the Father brought the universe into being out of nothing by the agency of His Word and His Spirit. In the first chapter of Genesis, one reads, “God created the heavens and the earth (Gen 1:1). The unformed and uninhabited earth is covered by darkness and water, but the Spirit of God is “hovering” over the waters of the earth, ready to bring form to the earth so it can be inhabited. God then speaks: “Let there be light” (Gen 1:3). Throughout the works of creation, God the Father speaks forth His Words (i.e. the Son), and the unformed
Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (TRINITY PT 2)
Term used to express the deity of Jesus of Nazareth as the one, unique Son of God. In the OT certain men and angels (Gen 6:1-4; Psa 29:1; 82:6; 89:6) are called “sons of God” (note text notes in modern translations). The people of Israel were corporately considered the son of God (Exod 4:22; Jer 31:20; Hos 11:1). The concept also is employed in the OT with reference to the king as God’s son (Psa 2:7). The promises found in the David covenant (2 Sam 7:14) are the source for this special filial relationship. The title can be found occasionally in intertestamental literature (Ezra 7:28-29; 13:32,37,52; 14:9).
Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (SON OF GOD)