What's in a name?

Against my better judgement and as a means of contemplative output, I have decided to begin this blog. The name is strange, but has great meaning...

In Ephesians 6:13, the Apostle Paul commands Christians:

"Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand (ἀνθίστημι), in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm." (Ephesians 6:13, ESV) 


The word "anthistemi" (anth-is'-tay-mee), is a word in Koine Greek (cf. Strong's 436) that means to take a complete stand against and to strongly resist an opponent. This brings to mind the phalanx of the Greek hoplites, standing in unison, as a unit, opposing their enemy with fierce determination and courage. Likewise are we Christians commanded in the pages of sacred Scripture to resist sin, our enemy the devil, and also to resist the world. James the Just says:


"...Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?" (James 4:4)


This means that a Christian is to oppose what is natural to fallen man, which is sin. For,


"...you who were once dead in trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world..." (Ephesians 2:1)


Therefore, The Anthistemi is intended to be an opposing stand against the "course of this world." What I intend with this blog is to oppose with sound reason and the Word of God (the Bible), the ignorance, false-teaching, and distortions that have become so prevalent in modern society. 


I do not stand alone but with every Christian dedicated to true Christian Orthodoxy and understanding the Bible. Indeed, I would not stand, though, if it were not for the Lord Jesus Christ calling me to Himself to be saved from my sin and renewing my mind (Romans 12:2). 


Whether you are a Christian or not, I hope that you will take the time to consider the things written on this blog thoughtfully, carefully, and logically.


To conclude:


I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in His only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. He descended into hell. On the third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty and from thence shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 


I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.