Category: Basics / Vocabulary

Ideas, words and phrases fundamental to an understanding of Christianity.

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20 // Worship

Setting the Stage. This week, we begin to examine worship and the various forms it can assume. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines worship first as, “to honor or show reverence for a divine being or supernatural power.” This definition applies when we intentionally spend time with God (or any other deity the worshiping person is addressing); … Continue reading “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20 // Worship →

“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:12 / Prayer as Worship

Continuing the series on Worship, this week we explore how Prayer is Worship. We consider some aspects of Prayer. And we offer some ideas for how to deal with our perception that our prayers seem frequently to be unanswered.

“…for the LORD has comforted His people…” Isaiah 49:13 / Turning to God for Comfort, Part 1

The Scriptures are full of verses encouraging us to turn to God for comfort.  Psalm 23:4 says, “…I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me….”  Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  … Continue reading “…for the LORD has comforted His people…” Isaiah 49:13 / Turning to God for Comfort, Part 1 →

“Your word is a light unto my feet, and a lamp for my path.” Psalm 119:105 / Study as Worship

Worship. This post continues our series on Worship.  Previously we considered Individual and Corporate Worship (Post 48, 05/10/2019), Prayer as Worship (Post 49, 05/17/2019), and Singing as Worship (Post 54, 06/22/2019).  This week we will look at Study and how it also is a form of Worship. The Bible is filled with scriptures advising us … Continue reading “Your word is a light unto my feet, and a lamp for my path.” Psalm 119:105 / Study as Worship →

“…without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 / Sanctification

Sanctification. Sanctification is one of the most frequently used words in the Christian lexicon.  It is often used interchangeably with other words that are incorrectly thought to have similar meanings (i.e., Salvation). But Sanctification has importance and meaning that is unique, and an understanding of this word is necessary for a Christian’s knowledge of their … Continue reading “…without holiness, no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14 / Sanctification →

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him…” Revelation 3:20 //Salvation

Salvation. Salvation may be the most important word used in Christian Theology. Humanity’s salvation is the reason Christ came.  And, salvation is the reason for the existence of His church in the world today. So, this week, we’re beginning an exploration into this most consequential aspect of Jesus’s and the church’s mission and ministry. Definition. … Continue reading “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him…” Revelation 3:20 //Salvation →

“…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,…, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:11 // Salvation, Part II

Recap. Let's do a quick recap of what we learned last week. Jesu’s sacrifice on the cross was the act that sanctified each of us by cleansing us of the sins that made us incompatible with God. Because of our sanctification, we are now ‘worthy’ to have a relationship with God both today and in … Continue reading “…you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,…, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:11 // Salvation, Part II →

“…He took bread and blessed it…” Mark 14:22 // The Last Supper, Communion

The Passover Celebration What is commonly referred to as the Passover is an eight-day Jewish celebration beginning on the 15th day of the Hebrew month Nisan.  The month of Nisan roughly corresponds to March or April in the Georgian calendar.  For instance, during 2019, the festival began on Friday, the 19th of April and concluded … Continue reading “…He took bread and blessed it…” Mark 14:22 // The Last Supper, Communion →

“But seek first…his righteousness…” Matthew 6:33 / Righteousness

Depending on the translation, the Bible mentions Righteousness between 500-600 times.  It is spoken of in both the Old and the New Testaments.  Scriptures in the Bible continually encourage/admonish us to be “righteous.” “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.” [Proverbs 21:21]  Jesus said, “For I tell you, if your uprightness (also … Continue reading “But seek first…his righteousness…” Matthew 6:33 / Righteousness →