RELIGIOUS BUZZ-WORDS

Common Religious Terms

The Trouble with Religion Attributes of Religion 2attrib.html The Clergy Laity Doctrine Denominational Empires 2"It is finished" What was finished? Religion Essays Indexed Behaviors of the Pharisees Religion, Jeremiah's Stale Cisterns Religion: A dividing force Religious, emulated behaviors Religion's Focus on Performance Looking at Externals Terms that have become Religious Vines, True Vines and Others

It takes a lot of time and study and understand the Scriptures, we call The Holy Bible. Is it history or fable? Is it the word of God and relevant to life in the 21st Century? Is it infallible truth or not? It is only after we have studied the Bible carefully with the intent to  understand that we begin to glimpse its consistency  and simplicity. It has been called many things, such as the "Makers users manual,"  "A love letter from God," "A book that prophetically foretells things to come."  Theologians dig into the study of Scripture from a variety of motives and at times leave with a lot of knowledge but little understanding. The apostle Paul who was highly educated and religiously situated proclaimed that scholarship, philosophy and theology are a pathway that does not lead to knowing God. Human knowlege is not Spiritual knowledge. Truth and wisdom is a Spiritually derived gift. Spiritual life is outside of religion. For it is only God himself who through the revelation of the Holy Spirit to impart to human beings the necessary understanding and revelation of the Mysteries of God. (Read 1Corinthians Ch.1&2) WHAT ARE SOME RELIGIOUS ATTRIBUTES WHICH HINDER FULFILLMENT IN A LIFE OF GOD? **Schisms and division in the body of Christ from denominational boundaries **Schism and division result from the designation of clergy and the subordinate laity ** Some form of priesthood remains as the controlling voice in fellowship **Human headship a heirarchy of authority controls and imposes obligations **Formalistic rituals or orders of service prohibit God's interacting **Religious services become a form of performance or entertainment **Congregations (the laity) undervalued and serve mostly to support the institution **The members of congregations are identified as "sheep" to be exploited **the institution church is focused primarily on maintenance; continuance and growth **Religious traditions borrow worldly values and methodology **The doctrines of institutional Christianity may be at variance with scripture **All individual believers are not expected to grow, mature and assume leadership **Traditional religious practices lack a demonstration of the power of the Holy Spirit. **Although Christianity is the outgrowth and fulfillment of Judaic roots there is little  acknowledgment of these foundations  RELIGIOUS TERMINOLOGY Common Language Usage from Religious Tradition And Their Authentic Spiritual Counterparts   Cross: The classical symbol of Christianity; a popular jewelry adornment. How Jesus Christ was "made sin" for us that we could be made righteous in Him. (Galatians 2:20;3:13; Colossians 2:14) Church: The meeting house for religious programs. The mystical body of believers who are born of the spirit and whose names are written in the "book of life." (John 3:3;Phillipians 4:3; Revelation 13.8) Temple: A building or edifice where rituals and sacrifices are conducted to elicit God's favor and blessings. The believer's own body is the temple. "Do you not know that you are the temple." (1Corinthians 3:16;6:19) Each Christian is a living stone representing an indispensible part of the total house of God upon the earth. Christian: A member of any of several hundred sects or religious denominations. One whose spirit has been re-formed and renewed by the grace of God by virtue of believing in Jesus of Nazareth as Lord and Messiah and receiving His Spirit. (Ephesians 2:1-5) Worship: A worship service; the order of worship in a church or in a religious program. Fellowship with the Spirit of God; speaking to and hearing from God; communion with the Father in heaven. (John 4:23,4)   Priest: Those trained in religious rituals designed to bring God's favor and benefits upon the people. Each believer is called a priest unto God, communing with Him; ministering to Him, and ministering to others on His behalf. (Revelation 1:6;5:10) Disciples/Saints: The twelve original followers of Jesus, those who on rare occasion display unusual virtue or Godliness. Each believer is called to be disciple and a saint; these are general designations for all believers. (John 8:31,2;Acts 9:13,32,41;26:10) Minister (noun): The person who is placed in leadership to conduct worship services. That which a disciple does to share God love and promises to the world; as individuals need to experience the power and compassion of God. Minister (verb) the act of service generated by a heart of compassion. What God wants to do through His servants. The Lord sees "needs" in every life. God's heart toward us, is to bless, restore and make us free. These spiritual intents require the use of human vessels. (Matt 20;26,7,8) Ministry (noun): The profession of a pastor or person of the cloth. Ordained and credentialed professional who occupies a pulpit or is given the oversight of a congregation Ministry (verb) the act of service generated by a heart of compassion. What God wants to do through His servants. The calling of each believer/disciples through the knowledge and power of the Spirit of God directing them from within. Preach: The minister's main oratory or address within the worship service. Each believer bearing witness to unbelievers, giving account of the simple realities of God's promises in the Word; promises regarding redemption through Jesus' death, burial and resurrection; guided by the power of the Spirit; the authority of His name over powers of darkness and salvation from the wrath to come. (Mark 16:15,16; Romans 10:14,15) Teach: The minister's exposition of doctrines given from the pulpit as an expert and authority. Usually encompassed within a sermon. Each believer sharing insight of his or her own revelations of the reality of God, his Word, and experiences in the Kingdom of God.    1995 - 2019 Religious Terms Clergy-Laity  It is finished What was finished? Index of Essays on Religion Pharisaical  Doctrine Religion: Jeremiah's Cistern 2reldiv.html 2rlcopy.html 2rlperf.html 2rlxtern.html Attributes of Religion  2attrib.html The Clergy Laity Doctrine Denominational Empires 2"It is finished" What was finished? Religion Essays Indexed Behaviors of the Pharisees Religion, Jeremiah's Stale Cisterns Religion: A dividing force Religious, emulated behaviors Religion's Focus on Performance Looking at Externals Terms that have become Religious Vines, True Vines and Others   "Knowledge makes arrogant, love edifies."     Charles Pinkney 2018