Filter by Categories

From Start to Finish (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerThe Greek verb *katartizo* (G2675), appearing 13 times in the New Testament, serves as the counterpart to the Hebrew verb *yacad* in the implied first-last merism. In the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament, *yacad* is rendered as *katartizo* in Psalm 8:2, linking the concepts of beginning and completion. While *yacad* emphasizes the initial act of founding or beginning, *katartizo* carries the sense of ongoing maintenance and completion, reflecting God's continuous work in attending to His creation. This aspect of dressing and keeping, as seen in Genesis 2:15, forms a major part of the meaning of *katartizo*, complementing the foundational role of *yacad* in the comprehensive scope of God's involvement from start to finish.

From Start to Finish (Part Three)
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerThe Greek verb katartizo carries a core meaning of restoration and maintenance, distinct from the Hebrew verb yacad, which relates to beginning or founding. In various New Testament contexts, katartizo emphasizes the responsibility to maintain good relationships with God and humanity. God Himself embodies the roles of Restorer and Maintainer, as katartizo applies to Him in His ongoing work with creation and His people. In Hebrews 11:3, katartizo is rendered as "framed" in the New King James Version, with the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, adding that the worlds were "fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose" by the word of God. This translation highlights that during Creation Week, God restored what had been spoiled by satan, mending and adding value to it by introducing new elements such as plants, animals, man, and the Sabbath. The concept of adding value is integral to katartizo, reflecting how restoration often involves enhancing beyond the original state. In I Peter 5:10, the verb katartizo is translated as "restore," indicating that God, after a period of suffering, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish His people as part of His works of grace. This restoration extends beyond the physical creation to His new creation, demonstrating His constant attentiveness to the needs of His people. The distinction between katartizo and other verbs like themelioo, which means to lay a foundation, underscores that katartizo specifically conveys restoration rather than initial founding, setting it apart in its semantic scope.
From Start to Finish
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)The Greek verb *katartizo* (G2675) carries a nuanced meaning beyond simple creation, focusing on restoration and maintenance. In Matthew 4, it describes John and James mending their nets, not creating them, but restoring them to usability under the strain of water and fish. This concept of ongoing repair appears in II Corinthians 13, where it implies maintaining things in good order, setting things right, and aiming for restoration rather than initial creation. In Galatians 6, *katartizo* highlights our role in the restoration process, akin to mending clothing or maintaining a car by replacing worn parts to ensure fitness, not creating anew but preserving functionality. I Peter 5 shows God Himself performing this mending, restoring us as part of His care. At creation, God restored what had been damaged, adding value by introducing plants, animals, man, and the Sabbath, enhancing what was there before. This aspect of adding value is inherent in *katartizo*, as seen when people modernize old houses or customize cars, fitting them out for specific purposes. In I Thessalonians 3, *katartizo* conveys equipping or supplying what is lacking, making things better, with the root *artios* suggesting perfection or full qualification. Hebrews 13 emphasizes God thoroughly equipping us with what we need. In I Corinthians 1, *katartizo* implies joining loose ends together, perfectly uniting, reflecting the precision and care in God's restorative work. Hebrews 10 further reveals *katartizo* as preparation, making ready or fit, as in mending nets for fishing or God equipping us for His calling, often carrying the sense of gifting. Finally, in Matthew 21, *katartizo* is used in quoting Psalm 8:2, translated as prepared or built, underscoring its broad meaning of maintaining creation, fixing, repairing, restoring, fitting out, thoroughly equipping, joining together perfectly, mending, and gifting. This multifaceted term encapsulates God's ongoing work of care and perfection in His creation.
Differences of Opinion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsSatan champions self-opinion and mob behavior. God's church has never been immune to division because each member has only part of the truth.
Perfect Through Suffering
Sermonette by Bill OnisickAs we follow the pattern set by Jesus Christ, we will suffer as God prepares us for roles of great glory as members of His Family.
Restoration and Forgiveness
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIt is impossible to grow spiritually in a climate of animosity and jealousy. If we use the power of God's Holy Spirit, peace will accrue as a fruit.