Topical Encyclopedia
PraiseIn the biblical context, praise is the act of expressing admiration and reverence towards God. It is a fundamental aspect of worship and is often associated with singing, shouting, and proclaiming God's greatness. The Psalms are replete with calls to praise, such as
Psalm 150:6, "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Hallelujah!" . Praise is not only a response to God's actions but also an acknowledgment of His inherent nature and attributes. It is both a personal and communal activity, as seen in the gatherings of the Israelites and the early church.
HonorHonor in the Bible is closely linked to the concepts of respect and reverence. It involves recognizing the worth and authority of God and others. The commandment to "Honor your father and mother" (
Exodus 20:12) underscores the importance of respect within familial relationships. In the New Testament, honor is extended to all people, as seen in
1 Peter 2:17, "Treat everyone with high regard: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king" . Honoring God involves living a life that reflects His values and commands, thereby bringing Him glory.
GloryGlory in the Bible refers to the manifestation of God's presence and majesty. It is often depicted as a radiant light or overwhelming splendor. The glory of God is a central theme throughout Scripture, from the Shekinah glory in the Old Testament to the revelation of God's glory in Jesus Christ. In
John 1:14, it is written, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" . Believers are called to reflect God's glory in their lives, as seen in
2 Corinthians 3:18, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" .
PowerPower in the biblical sense often refers to the omnipotence of God and His ability to accomplish His will. God's power is evident in creation, miracles, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In
Ephesians 1:19-20, Paul speaks of "the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. He displayed this power in the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms" . Believers are encouraged to rely on God's power in their lives, as seen in
Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" . The power of God is not only a source of strength for believers but also a testament to His sovereignty and authority over all creation.