One of the most common words used to refer to God in the Bible is “holiness.” We sing the song, “Holy, Holy, Holy,” to express what the Bible says of God in Isaiah 6:3. God expects His people to reflect His holiness, for He says, “Be ye holy, even as I am holy.” (I Peter …
The English word “gospel” is derived from the Greek “euangelion,” a word which means “good tidings.” The word occurs more than 75 times in the New Testament. The “gospel” is the joyous good news that salvation is available through Jesus Christ. The gospel message is the good news that God has provided a way of …
Galatians 5:22-23 tells us the fruit which is cultivated in the life of trusting Christ. Nine aspects of the fruit-bearing life are taught by Paul. The sixth aspect of the fruit of the Spirit is “goodness.” The Greek word for goodness in Galatians 5:22 is found only three other places in the New Testament (Romans …
What is the tithe? Our word tithe derives from an Old English word meaning “tenth.” Essentially, it means ten percent of one’s gross increase, given to the Lord’s work. The ideal of the tithe runs throughout the Scriptures. It is found in both the Old Testament and New Testament, was practiced by God’s people even before the …
The Biblical teaching on God’s sovereignty has to do with His absolute authority and rule over all of His creation. The English word “sovereign” is a derivative of a Latin word meaning “super above.” When it is used in reference to God, sovereignty implies that God’s rule is far superior or “super above” all else. …
Holiness expresses itself in right living and right doing. This expression of holiness is called righteousness. Righteousness begins as an attribute of God. God is holy; therefore, this finds itself being worked out in His dealings with human beings, and as an expectation for His people. The Bible says that God’s law reflects His righteousness …
A word once used for God, but not heard much lately, is the term, “omnipotence.” It is a word derived from the Latin words for “all” (omni) arid “power” (potence). When we speak of God being omnipotent, we mean that He is all-powerful. There is nothing He cannot accomplish or bring about. We find this …
“Omnipresence” means that God, in His whole Being, is everywhere present at all times. The Scriptural basis for this doctrine is found in Psalm 139. David asks God the question, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?” (verse 7, NIV). The answer, he explains, is nowhere. In the …
The word “encourage” means “to give hope, courage, and confidence to.” It includes concepts of heartening, fostering, and helping. A leader cannot invent motivation; he can only unlock it. Have you ever thought of the difference between work and play? Why is it that work tires one out much more than play does? It is …
