RELIGIOUS JARGON
Religious Terms
With Their Actual Spiritual Counterparts
 

Cross: The classical symbol of Christianity; a popular jewelry adornment.

Consider this: How Jesus Christ bore the curse and was "made sin" for all humanity,  that we could be made righteous in Him.
(Galatians 2:20-- 3:13; Colossians 2:14)

Church: The meeting house for religious programs.

Consider this: 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 seek God's favor and blessings.

Consider this: The believer's own body is the temple. 'The renewed Spirit dwells therein. Do you not know that you are the temple." (1Corinthians 3:16;6:19)

Christian: A member of any of several hundred church sects or religious denominations.

Consider this: One whose life 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. An hour in church

Consider this: 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 and ordained to perform religious rituals designed to bring God's favor and benefits upon the people.
Consider this: Each believer is called a priest unto God, communing with Him; ministering to Him, and ministering to others on His behalf.  There is no superior office to the born again believer. All can enter his presence through Christ Jesus.
(Revelation 1:6;5:10)

Disciples/Saints: The twelve original followers of Jesus, those who on rare occasion display unusual virtue or G-dliness.

Consider this: 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.

Consider this: That which a disciple does to share God's 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 clergy, a pastor or person of the cloth. Ordained and credentialed professional who occupies a pulpit or is given the oversight of a congregation.

Consider this: 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.   (1 John 4:17)

Preach: The minister's main oratory or address within the worship service.

Consider this: 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.

Consider this: Each believer sharing personal insights, precepts and revelations of the reality of God, testimonies of Jesus the Messiah, his Word, and experiences in the Kingdom of God.   (1 John 1:1-2: 1Corinthians 14:26)

Finally Consider this:

Christianity even in its more religious forms, diluted in power with its detriments, has provided a social foundation for millions. Children are nurtured in homes where traditions of church life are practiced. For generations the values system of Christian teachings and beliefs have provided some moral framework and influence to the culture of nations.

But having said this it remains a tragic misfortune that the morality and the social foundations of Christianity are rapidly dissolving in the face of secularism and unbelief. The Spiritual truths of Christianity are steadily being exchanged for a system of secular values promoted in education and in the popular media. Eventually, fewer and fewer will be able to say I am a Christian believer or know what that means. Ideally, that meaning is the testimony that we have personally tasted of the Grace and goodness of God through Jesus Christ the Messiah.

E Book 1: The Gospel Without Religion

E Book 2:
A Disciples Handbook

E Book 3:

Mysteries in the Bible


Index to all Charles Pinkney Christian Titles

Resources: Understanding Home Fellowships

Frank Viola Interviews a typical church-goer
The typical and most familiar form of a church service. (Discussion of Open Church)