by Christian | Jan 5, 2018 | Word Studies
The word “disciple” comes from the Greek word mathetes (pronounced math-ay-tays). This word was used in pre-christian literature to describe a ‘pupil’ or ‘apprentice’ who had committed himself to attaining understanding or expertise in a certain field of...
by Christian | Dec 22, 2016 | Ask the Pastor, Newspaper, Word Studies
I have been asked more than once (and have also overheard many heated debates) about the modern “Christmas VS Holiday” controversy. Most Christians get immediately offended when the word “Holiday” is substituted for “Christmas”...
by Christian | Dec 24, 2014 | Newspaper, Word Studies
I was recently visiting with a friend who attends a different church than mine and she mentioned having some mixed feelings about increased church attendance during holiday seasons. Having heard about this dynamic many times before, and having personally witnessed it...
by Christian | Jul 31, 2013 | Word Studies
When most Christians read the word “Israel” in scripture, they think first – and sometimes only – of the modern nation. The careful Bible student, however, needs to consider that there are at least ten interpretive options for the term: 1. Jacob’s Covenant Name...
by Christian | Mar 30, 2013 | Ask the Pastor, Word Studies
Growing up as a child in an editor and writer’s home, I’m very sensitive to language and I want to say at the outset that my use of ‘sodomy’ is intentional. Until ten years ago, I never used the word. Instead, I spoke of the unrepentant...
by Christian | Jun 17, 2011 | Word Studies
According to John’s gospel, the last words of Jesus were “It is finished!” That phrase is actually one word in the original Greek: tetelestai. The root of this word is “teleo” which means “to complete” or “bring to an end” and while the word may be unfamiliar to us,...
