Sermons & Devotionals by Dictionary of Theology

A system of theology that views God's dealings with man in respect of covenants rather than dispensations (periods of time). It represents the whole of scripture as covenantal in structure and theme. Some believe there is one Covenant and others believe two and still others believe in more. The two ... Read More

Everything that exists except God himself. This includes material as well as immaterial things and time. God is the creator, (Heb. 11:3) we are the creatures. The creator/creature distinction must be maintained to properly remain in humble relationship with God. We are not God, cannot create, nor ca... Read More

The position that God created the universe. Young earth creationists generally believe that God created the universe, the earth, and living things on the earth and that the Old Testament literally describes six, 24 hour periods. Therefore, they maintain that the universe is, more or less, anywhere f... Read More

As relates to Christianity, it is the instrument of crucifixion. It is a single vertical stake with a cross member near or at the top by which a person is either nailed and/or tied with outstretched arms. Jesus was nailed on a cross, not a stake since in John 20:25, Thomas stated that he would not b... Read More

A religious group that follows a particular theological system. In the context of Christianity, and in particular, CARM, it is a group that uses the Bible but distorts the doctrines that affect salvation sufficiently to cause salvation to be unattainable. A few examples of cults are Mormonism, Jehov... Read More

The righteous judgment of God upon a sinner where the sinner is cast out of the presence of God into Hell for ever.... Read More

Biblically, this designates a servant in the church but not someone who is a slave since the latter refers to a slave/master relationship. It has become an office of the church where individuals are designated to help in the ministry, sometimes serving communion, sometimes by taking care of such nee... Read More

The word "death" is used in two main ways in the Bible. First, it is used to describe the cessation of life. Second, death is used in reference to the lost. This refers to their eternal separation from God as a result of sin (Isaiah 59:2), in a conscious state of damnation without hope (1 Thess. 4:1... Read More

The Ten Commandments found in Exodus 20. Deca means ten in Latin. Logue comes from "logos" which means "word."... Read More

The Decrees of God is His eternal purpose, according to His will, whereby He has foreordained whatever comes to pass. His Decrees do not negate the responsibility of people for their sins nor does it mean that God is responsible for sin. But, it necessarily is true that God knows all things actual a... Read More

A system of logic, inference and conclusion drawn from examination of facts. Conclusions drawn from the general down to the specific.... Read More

The belief that God exists but is not involved in the world. It maintains that God created all things and set the universe in motion and is no longer involved in its operation.... Read More

That quality possessed by God alone that distinguishes Him from every other thing. It is the essential nature that makes God what He is.... Read More

A fallen angel that assists Satan in the opposition of God. Demons are evil (Luke 10:17,18), powerful (Luke 8:29), and under the power of Satan (Matt. 12:24-30). They recognized Christ (Mark 1:23,24) and can possess non-Christians (Matt. 8:29).... Read More

The study of moral obligation.... Read More

Moral corruption, a state of corruption or sinfulness. Total depravity is the teaching that sin has touched all aspects of the human: body, soul, spirit, emotions, mind, etc.... Read More

The teaching that every event in the universe is caused and controlled by natural law; that there is no free will in humans and that all events are merely the result of natural and physical laws.... Read More

Greek is "diabolos," which means accuser. The greatest of all the fallen angels. He opposes God and is completely evil. He is often called Lucifer which is a Latin translation of "light bearer" found in Isaiah 14:12, and also the accuser of the brethren in (Rev. 12:10), dragon (Rev. 12:9), the devil... Read More

The practice of examining ideas and beliefs using reason and logic. It is often accomplished by question and answer.... Read More

Dispersion. Biblically, it refers to the dispersion of the Jews outside of Israel from the time of the Babylonian Captivity until now. It has also been applied to the dispersion of Christians after 70 A.D. when Rome sacked Jerusalem and thousands of Christians fled and dispersed throughout the Medit... Read More