A Word About Words

This column explains a term from the Scriptures and theology, and is written by Kenneth G. Leininger and Craig Alan Myers.

Encouragement

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…Read More!

Tithe

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…Read More!

Sovereignty of God

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….Read More!

Righteousness

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 (Psalm…Read More!

Omnipotence

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 truth…Read More!

Omnipresence

“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…Read More!

Omniscience

Webster defines “omniscience” as the “state of having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight, having universal or complete knowledge.” The word is derived from the Latin words which mean “all” and “knowledge.” Jews and Christians have historically understood that God is unlimited in His knowledge and awareness.
This is in contrast to humans and angels, which are…Read More!

Longsuffering

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us about the fruit which is cultivated in the life of those who are trusting Christ. Nine aspects of the fruit-bearing life are mentioned by Paul. The fourth one he speaks of is “longsuffering.” Longsuffering is simply an older word meaning patience.
Longsuffering, translated from the Greek word, makrothumio (literally, long temper), is…Read More!

Legalism

A word often hurled at conservative Christians is “legalism.” If a believer adheres to certain standards and encourages others to do so, he is branded a “legalist.” If one opposes loose living among Christians, he is considered a “legalist.” Obedience to, and faithful applications of, the New Testament are called “legalism.” Yet none of these…Read More!

Incarnation

At Christmas, Christians celebrate the coming of God in human flesh. This act of assuming a human body and nature is called the “Incarnation.” When Jesus was conceived and born, it was not the beginning of His life, but simply a change of location. The pre-existent, eternal Son of God became the temporal Son of…Read More!

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