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How to use this glossary: Each word has two
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The first is a very simple word equivalent, just a phrase or a few words. The second is a more detailed explanation with examples. |
Glossary Terms - F
Index Numeric Daffynitions Expressions Fun King James Words
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
FaithA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
"implies complete, unquestioning acceptance of something even in the absence of proof and,
esp., of something not supported by reason." (Webster's Dictionary)
Faith is more than belief, which is simply intellectual assent, faith requires total commitment.
Faith is more than belief, which is simply intellectual assent, faith requires total commitment.
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb. 11:1).
It is synonymous with trust. It is a divine gift (Rom. 12:3) and comes by hearing the Word of God (Rom. 10:17).
It is the means by which the grace of God is accounted to the believer who trusts in the work of Jesus on the
cross (Eph. 2:8). Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). It is by faith that we live our lives,
"The righteous shall live by faith" (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17).
[Assurance]
[Believe]
[God]
[Word of God]
Fall, The
The first sin as recorded in Genesis 2,3
The fall is that event in the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve disobeyed the command of
God and ate of The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Gen. 2 and 3). Since Adam represented all of
mankind, when He sinned, all of mankind fell with Him (Rom. 5:12).
[Adam]
[Adam and Eve]
[Eden]
[Eve]
[Sin, Sinner]
Fasting
Voluntary total or partial abstinence from food for a limited time. It is usually undertaken for
spiritual benefit.
Going without food for a period of time. In the Bible fasting was usually done by people during
a special time of praying to God, or to show sadness.
2 Chronicles 20:1-30 Isaiah 58:1-14 Acts 13:1-3
It is interesting to note that sin entered the world through the disobedience of eating (Gen. 3:6).
[Bible]
[Pray(er)]
[Sin, Sinner]
2 Chronicles 20:1-30 Isaiah 58:1-14 Acts 13:1-3
It is interesting to note that sin entered the world through the disobedience of eating (Gen. 3:6).
Fatalism
Doctrine that events are fixed and humans are powerless, it is generally a pessimistic
philosophy.
(Lat. fatum, that which is spoken, decreed)
The view that all events are predetermined by fate and therefore unalterable by mankind. "Whatever will be will be."
Often fate is described as an impersonal and capricious force.
[Atheist]
[Nihilism]
[Pantheism]
[Philosophy]
The view that all events are predetermined by fate and therefore unalterable by mankind. "Whatever will be will be."
Often fate is described as an impersonal and capricious force.
Feast of Dedication
An eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Temple of
Jerusalem
Feast of Dedication (Heb. hanukka).
In 1 Macc. 4:52-59 it is called "the dedication of the altar," and by Josephus (Ant. 12.7.7) "the feast of lights."
It was a popular and joyous festival commemorating the purifying of the Temple, the removal of the old polluted altar, and the restoration of the worship of Jehovah by Judas Maccabeus, 164 BC.
This feast began on the 25th Chislev (December) and lasted eight days but did not require attendance at Jerusalem. Assembled in the Temple or in the synagogues of the places where they resided, the Jews sang "Hallel," carrying palm and other branches; and there was a grand illumination of the Temple and private houses.
The origin of the illumination of the Temple is unknown, although tradition says that when the sacred "lampstands" of the restored Temple were to be lighted only one flagon of oil, sealed with the signet of the high priest, was found to feed the lamps. This was pure oil, but only sufficient for one day-- when by a miracle the oil increased, and the flagon remained filled for eight days, in memory of which the Temple and private houses were ordered to be illuminated for the same period.
No public mourning or fast was allowed on account of calamity or bereavement. The festival did not require anyone to abstain partially or completely from his ordinary occupation, and unlike some other celebrations it was not marked by a holy assembly at the beginning and the end. The celebration was always of a joyous, exuberant character which commemorated the restoration of the worship of the Temple (1 Macc. 4:41-49).
The similarity between this festival and the "feast of Booths" would seem to indicate some intended connection between the two. Without doubt, Jesus attended this festival at Jerusalem (Jn 10:22). It is still observed by the Jews.
[Chanukah]
[Festival of Lights,
Hanukka(h)]
In 1 Macc. 4:52-59 it is called "the dedication of the altar," and by Josephus (Ant. 12.7.7) "the feast of lights."
It was a popular and joyous festival commemorating the purifying of the Temple, the removal of the old polluted altar, and the restoration of the worship of Jehovah by Judas Maccabeus, 164 BC.
This feast began on the 25th Chislev (December) and lasted eight days but did not require attendance at Jerusalem. Assembled in the Temple or in the synagogues of the places where they resided, the Jews sang "Hallel," carrying palm and other branches; and there was a grand illumination of the Temple and private houses.
The origin of the illumination of the Temple is unknown, although tradition says that when the sacred "lampstands" of the restored Temple were to be lighted only one flagon of oil, sealed with the signet of the high priest, was found to feed the lamps. This was pure oil, but only sufficient for one day-- when by a miracle the oil increased, and the flagon remained filled for eight days, in memory of which the Temple and private houses were ordered to be illuminated for the same period.
No public mourning or fast was allowed on account of calamity or bereavement. The festival did not require anyone to abstain partially or completely from his ordinary occupation, and unlike some other celebrations it was not marked by a holy assembly at the beginning and the end. The celebration was always of a joyous, exuberant character which commemorated the restoration of the worship of the Temple (1 Macc. 4:41-49).
The similarity between this festival and the "feast of Booths" would seem to indicate some intended connection between the two. Without doubt, Jesus attended this festival at Jerusalem (Jn 10:22). It is still observed by the Jews.
Feast of Lots, Purim
The festival celebrating the saving of the Babylonian Jews from genocide. The story comes
from the book of Esther.
Jewish festival, commemorating the salvation by Esther of the Jews living in Persia from the
threat of destruction by the Persian king. This story is recorded in the Book of Esther.
Purim (Heb. purim, "lots," Esther 9:26,31).
The name Purim, "lots," was given to this festival because of the casting of lots by Haman to decide when he should carry into effect the decree issued by the king for the extermination of the Jews Esther 9:24. The name was probably given to the festival in irony.
The festival takes place on the 14. Adar, normally in February or March, depending on the Jewish calendar. This festival is conducted through feasting and through carnival-like activities. People send food to friends and neighbours, conduct plays, masquerades and drink wine in the synagogue.
Purim is the merriest feast in Judaism.
[Esther]
[Jewish feasts]
Purim (Heb. purim, "lots," Esther 9:26,31).
The name Purim, "lots," was given to this festival because of the casting of lots by Haman to decide when he should carry into effect the decree issued by the king for the extermination of the Jews Esther 9:24. The name was probably given to the festival in irony.
The festival takes place on the 14. Adar, normally in February or March, depending on the Jewish calendar. This festival is conducted through feasting and through carnival-like activities. People send food to friends and neighbours, conduct plays, masquerades and drink wine in the synagogue.
Purim is the merriest feast in Judaism.
Feast of Tabernacles
One of the 3 main pilgrim feasts held in Jerusalem to which people walked long distances
each year. On the last day, prayers are said for a good harvest in the coming years.
Known by a variety of names (both booths and tabernacles being English translations of
"harvest festival" or "feast of ingathering", this was one of three major pilgrimage festivals. For 8 days in
autumn (late September or early October), the end of harvesting was celebrated, even the fruits had been
gathered and the rains would begin soon, starting another cycle. Dancing, drinking and the very "booths"
themselves were all associated with the production of wine. In a religious sense, the themes of providence
(harvest), covenant (the temporary shelters were associated with the tents of ancestors at Sinai) and kingship
were prominent. (Ex 23:16; 34:22; Dt 16:13-15).
As the main annual festival, it was known as "Adonai's festival" (Lev 23:39; Jdgs 21:19). As part of efforts to wean the newly independent Northern tribes away from worship at Jerusalem Jeroboam I changed the date by one month (1 Kgs 12:32).
[Holiday]
[Jewish feasts]
[Passover]
As the main annual festival, it was known as "Adonai's festival" (Lev 23:39; Jdgs 21:19). As part of efforts to wean the newly independent Northern tribes away from worship at Jerusalem Jeroboam I changed the date by one month (1 Kgs 12:32).
Feast of Trumpets
Seventh Month Festival. (Heb. Rosh Hashanna)
This festival is mentioned in (Lev 23:24- 25,27-32) and (Num 29:1-40). It was introduced with the blowing of trumpets, the halt of labour, sacrifices, and a testing (Lev 23:24-32; Num 29:1-40).
The exact reason for its observance is not clear. Some scholars believe it originated during the Babylonian Captivity as a way of counteracting the influence of the Babylonian New Year Festival.
[Rosh Hashanah]
[Trumpet of the Lord]
This festival is mentioned in (Lev 23:24- 25,27-32) and (Num 29:1-40). It was introduced with the blowing of trumpets, the halt of labour, sacrifices, and a testing (Lev 23:24-32; Num 29:1-40).
The exact reason for its observance is not clear. Some scholars believe it originated during the Babylonian Captivity as a way of counteracting the influence of the Babylonian New Year Festival.
Fellowship
The various Greek words translated fellowship mean companionship, sharing, participation or
communication.
There is no specific definition given in the N.T. But we are called into fellowship with one
another (1 John 1:3, with Jesus (1 Cor. 1:9), with the Father (1 John 1:3), and with the Holy Spirit (2 Cor.
13:14). Fellowship implies sharing common interests, desires, and motivations. Fellowship requires that time
be spent with another communicating, caring, etc. It carries with it a hint of intimacy. As Christians we
fellowship with one another because of our position in Christ, because we are all redeemed and share an
intimate personal knowledge of Jesus. We share a common belief (Acts 2:42), hope (Heb. 11:39-40), and
need (2 Cor. 8:1-15).
The Greek word for fellowship is koinonia. This word is also translated communion in 1 Cor. 10:16 in the KJV. This is where we get the term the communion supper.
[Church]
[Koinonia]
[Means of Grace]
The Greek word for fellowship is koinonia. This word is also translated communion in 1 Cor. 10:16 in the KJV. This is where we get the term the communion supper.
Festival of Lights, Hanukka(h)
(Heb., "dedication") an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the
Temple of Jerusalem
(is not mentioned in the Jewish Bible or even in the King James Bible. It's biblical description is contained only in the Greek Bible.)
(is not mentioned in the Jewish Bible or even in the King James Bible. It's biblical description is contained only in the Greek Bible.)
A Jewish festival, the Festival of Lights, the Feast of Consecration, the "Feast of Dedication"
(cf. John x. 22) or the "Feast of the Maccabees", beginning on the 25th day of the ninth 'month Kislev
(December), of the Hebrew ecclesiastical' year, and lasting eight days.
also transliterated Chanukah. According to tradition, it was instituted by Judas Maccabeus and his brothers in 165 BC to celebrate the dedication of the new altar in the Temple at Jerusalem. The festival occurs in December near the time of the winter solstice, as does Christmas, and lasts eight days. Hanukkah later came to be linked also with a miraculous cruse of oil that burned for eight days, leading to the practice of lighting special Hanukkah candles, one the first evening, two the second, and so on. The eight-branched candlestand (menorah) used in that ceremony is a frequent symbol for the holiday.
[Jewish feasts]
[Menorah]
also transliterated Chanukah. According to tradition, it was instituted by Judas Maccabeus and his brothers in 165 BC to celebrate the dedication of the new altar in the Temple at Jerusalem. The festival occurs in December near the time of the winter solstice, as does Christmas, and lasts eight days. Hanukkah later came to be linked also with a miraculous cruse of oil that burned for eight days, leading to the practice of lighting special Hanukkah candles, one the first evening, two the second, and so on. The eight-branched candlestand (menorah) used in that ceremony is a frequent symbol for the holiday.
finite
[L. finitus, from finio, to finish, from finis, limit.]
bounded or limited in magnitude or spatial or temporal extent
bounded or limited in magnitude or spatial or temporal extent
Having specific boundaries, limitations, or an end. Limitations in attributes and character.
God's creation is finite.
[Infinite]
First Born
First in order of birth; born first.
It stands figuratively for that which is most excellent. The firstborn male of the family carried
certain familial rites and privileges (Gen. 27:1-29; 48:13-14) and was given a double portion of the inheritance
(Deut. 21:17).
The destruction of the first-born was the last of the ten plagues inflicted on the Egyptians (Ex.11:1-8; 12:29, 30). Menephtah is probably the Pharaoh whose first-born was slain. His son did not succeed or survive his father, but died early. The son's tomb has been found at Thebes unfinished, showing it was needed earlier than was expected. Some of the records on the tomb are as follows: "The son whom Menephtah loves; who draws towards him his father's heart, the singer, the
prince of archers, who governed Egypt on behalf of his father. Dead."
[Plagues of Egypt]
The destruction of the first-born was the last of the ten plagues inflicted on the Egyptians (Ex.11:1-8; 12:29, 30). Menephtah is probably the Pharaoh whose first-born was slain. His son did not succeed or survive his father, but died early. The son's tomb has been found at Thebes unfinished, showing it was needed earlier than was expected. Some of the records on the tomb are as follows: "The son whom Menephtah loves; who draws towards him his father's heart, the singer, the
prince of archers, who governed Egypt on behalf of his father. Dead."
Flesh
Of course, flesh can refer to your skin or your body. In the Bible it also sometimes refers to
that part of our nature that desires to do wrong and disobey God.
Generally refers to the sinful, "carnal nature" of man that the Gospel teaches us to "crucify
daily". There are "sins of the flesh" but also "works of the flesh" which are an attempt to be good by mere
human effort rather than the resurrection power of Christ. The Flesh is the opposite source of motive and
energy to the Spirit. [Je 17:5, Jn 6:63, Rm 8:5-10]
[Bible]
[Sin, Sinner]
Flood, Biblical
The universal deluge recorded in the Old Testament as having occurred during the life of
Noah.
The flood is described in Genesis 6-8. This world-wide deluge was the result of God's
judgement upon the earth. Only Noah and his family were spared to reinhabit the earth.
[Antediluvian]
[Noah]
[Rainbow]
Follower
One who subscribes to the teachings or methods of another; an adherent
One that takes another as his guide in doctrines, opinions or example; one who receives the
opinions, and imitates the example of another; an adherent; an imitator.
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises. Heb. 6.
Be ye followers of God, as dear children. Eph. 5.
[Disciple]
[Doctrine]
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises. Heb. 6.
Be ye followers of God, as dear children. Eph. 5.
Forgive/Forgiveness
The term comes from words meaning "send away", "wipe away", "lift" and "carry." In Old
Testament times, forgiveness had to be preceded by sacrifice. In the New Testament, forgiveness rests on the
atoning sacrifice of Christ.
To not punish a person for something wrong he or she has done; to pardon someone.
The great message of the Bible is that God forgives us. Jesus took the punishment for the things we have done wrong.
Psalm 32:1-5
Psalm 130
Matthew J8.-15-35
Colossians 3:12-14
I John 1:9
[Grace]
[Pardon]
[Remission]
The great message of the Bible is that God forgives us. Jesus took the punishment for the things we have done wrong.
Psalm 32:1-5
Psalm 130
Matthew J8.-15-35
Colossians 3:12-14
I John 1:9
Frankincense
An aromatic gum resin obtained from African and Asian trees of the genus Boswellia and used
chiefly as incense and in perfumes.
[Middle English frank encens, from Old French franc encens : franc, free, pure]
Gift to infant Jesus by the Magi Matthew 2:11
[Middle English frank encens, from Old French franc encens : franc, free, pure]
Gift to infant Jesus by the Magi Matthew 2:11
(Heb. lebonah; Gr. libanos, i.e., "white"), an odorous resin imported from Arabia (Isa. 60:6;
Jer. 6:20), yet also growing in Palestine (Cant. 4:14). It was one of the ingredients in the perfume of the
sanctuary (Ex. 30:34), and was used as an accompaniment of the meat-offering (Lev. 2:1, 16; 6:15; 24:7).
When burnt it emitted a fragrant odour, and hence the incense became a symbol of the Divine name (Mal.
1:11; Cant. 1:3) and an emblem of prayer (Ps. 141:2; Luke 1:10; Rev. 5:8; 8:3).
It was probably a resin from the Indian tree known to botanists by the name of Boswellia serrata or thurifera, which grows to the height of forty feet.
[Magi]
It was probably a resin from the Indian tree known to botanists by the name of Boswellia serrata or thurifera, which grows to the height of forty feet.
Free Will
The ability to make our own choices, be they right or wrong.
[Volition]
Free Will Offering
A voluntary service or gift
[Tithe]
Fruit of the Holy Spirit
The fruit of the Spirit is that which God the Holy Spirit produces in the life of the believer. "But
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;
against such things there is no law." Gal 5:22-23.
Besides referring to the stuff you get in the grocery store, fruit is often used in the Bible to
mean the good qualities (such as love, patience, and self-control) that God produces in the hearts of
Christians.
What "Christ in Us" produces; character qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The law could never produce such positive things. [Gal 5:22-24, Phil 1:11, Heb 13:15, Col 1:6]
[Bible]
[Holy Spirit]
What "Christ in Us" produces; character qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The law could never produce such positive things. [Gal 5:22-24, Phil 1:11, Heb 13:15, Col 1:6]
Fundamentalism
A movement that arose at the beginning of the 20th century to reaffirm the tenets of orthodox
Protestant Christianity and to defend the faith militantly against the challenges of liberal theology, higher
criticism, and Darwinism.
Conservative group inside Christianity which seeks to preserve the core of the religion and its
impact on society.
Hold to the five Fundamentals of the Faith as a bare-minimum definition of Christian faith, which are:
- Inerrancy of the Scriptures
- The virgin birth and deity of Jesus Christ
- The doctrine of substitutionary atonement
- The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ
- The bodily second coming of Jesus Christ
Also hold the Bible to be infallible, historically accurate, and decisive in all issues of controversy.
[Darwinism]
[Liberal theology]
[Modernism]
[Orthodox]
Hold to the five Fundamentals of the Faith as a bare-minimum definition of Christian faith, which are:
- Inerrancy of the Scriptures
- The virgin birth and deity of Jesus Christ
- The doctrine of substitutionary atonement
- The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ
- The bodily second coming of Jesus Christ
Also hold the Bible to be infallible, historically accurate, and decisive in all issues of controversy.
Funeral
A ceremony at which a dead person is buried or cremated
[Middle English funerelles, funeral rites, from Old French funerailles, from Medieval Latin
fnerlia, neuter pl. of fnerlis, funereal, from Late Latin, from Latin fnus, fner-, death rites. ]
A ceremony or group of ceremonies held in connection with the burial or cremation of a dead person.
[Ashes to ashes dust to
dust]
[Epitaph]
A ceremony or group of ceremonies held in connection with the burial or cremation of a dead person.
