Christianese 101
A Lexicon for New Believers
David S. Smith
Christianese 101
A Lexicon for New Believers
Copyright © 2018 David S. Smith. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical publications or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. Write: Permissions, Wipf and Stock Publishers, 199 W. 8th Ave., Suite 3, Eugene, OR 97401.
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Introduction
The lexicon of the church is confusing to those that are not a part of the culture. Given the great commission and our call to “make disciples. . .” (Matt. 28), I have thought a lot about how to explain some of the terms long time church attenders are very familiar with in a way that invites new believers into the conversation that has been going on for centuries.
This devotional includes definitions of words often used in scripture and church culture. All of the definitions are taken from the online version of Miriam-Webster’s dictionary or dictionary.com. The explanations are shared for further understanding of context in scripture and culture. The goal is to ensure what is common for some is understood by all.
A friend of mine once said “the creation of culture begins with a common language.” The culture of Christianity is one wrought with history and tradition. Given the number of conversions occurring around the world daily, I believe it is important to introduce everyone to the words that mean so much to our faith. Consider this work that introductory resource, one that will assist you in your journey towards a closer walk with God.
Welcome to the conversation!
Saved
To rescue from harm, danger, or loss; To set free from the consequences of sin; redeem; To keep in a safe or healthy condition:
Saved. It is another term for being born again. There are layers to this term, however. It can be used in all tenses; past present and future.
In the past tense, the word Saved means that God provided a way for you to be “free from the consequences of sin”. It means you have access to relationship with God through Christ because of the Cross. Once you are born again (see ‘Born Again’).
In the present tense, this word means God, through the work of the Holy Spirit, is constantly doing the work of saving you from one thing or another. The bible speaks of the work of the spirit like this:
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (John 16:13)
The future tense of this word is eschatological. That just means it refers to the end times. When we die, the bible speaks of places where our souls will live forever. The person that is born again will live in heaven with God. The person that does not accept the sacrifice of Christ, will spend eternity separated from God.
The significance of this word is paramount. Whether referred to in the past, present or future, there is a need for understanding and acceptance of the meaning of the word and work done to make that meaning available to believers in Christ.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for saving me. Thank you for making a way for me to be free from the consequences of sin. Thank you for keeping me safe from distraction and destruction. Thank you for keeping me from an eternity in Hell. Thank you for saving me. Amen.
Scripture: Romans 10:9
Faith
Strong belief or trust in someone or something.
Faith in the age of science is something that many people struggle to come to. As we approach life as a scientist, we approach it with an assurance that we will have or find the answer to whatever question we pose. We approach it with a mindset that everything can either be proven either true of false. This mindset, though valid in many instances, has kept millions from coming to an understanding of God’s work in our world. It is by faith that we learn to trust God.
God often times tells God’s people to do things that are untraceable and even crazy. God asked Noah to build an ark in the middle of a town and he had never seen rain before. God asked Abraham to leave his family and move to a new place that he’d never heard of before. God asked Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand that he let God’s people go. Throughout history God has asked countless numbers of people to simply believe that God would do what God promised. And when they did, they were never disappointed.
What is God asking you to do by faith? What are you looking to prove that can’t be proven but just needs to be responded to? If you act in faith, you will see God work in ways that only your faith can reveal.
Prayer: God, thank you for giving me the faith I needed to first believe in you. Thank you also for the faith to follow you each and every day. Help me to believe you and your word even when they seem to be unbelievable. Teach me to trust you more each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture: Hebrews 11; Romans 12:3
Disciple
Someone who accepts and helps to spread the teachings of a famous person.
When I think of the word “disciple”, the mental image is one that usually includes ancient near eastern men that were called from their occupations to follow Jesus Christ and who later were responsible for the spreading of his message around the world. With that in mind, the definition above may be offensive at first to long time churchgoers but in context, it fits pretty well.
I think it is to note that the mental image described above is often used to disqualify us from being disciples. We are obviously not Peter, James or John. Our impact on the world and individual’s lives will never be as great as theirs, will it? The answer to that question may be yes or no, but we will never know until we do what they did and share the teachings of Jesus with others. The original disciples were in no way perfect people. They were people who met Jesus, learned from him and shared what they were taught. As others heard the teachings of Jesus, they were given an opportunity to make a decision to do the same; follow and share.
As you go about your day, you have many opportunities to share what God has done in your life. You can share how the teachings or example of Jesus have impacted you to be different or better. The bible and the church call this your testimony. Share it with others and see what God does. Not everyone will be as excited about what God is doing in your life as you are, but that’s normal. Not everyone likes your favorite flavor of ice cream as much as you do either. It isn’t your job to force your views on others. That’s the work of the Holy Spirit. Just be yourself. Share your story and watch God work in other people’s lives.
Prayer: God, thank you for the work you are doing and have already done in my life. I am so appreciative and so excited about it! Help me to get over the fear of sharing it with others whenever that feeling pops up. Help me to understand that me sharing my story could very well be what prompts others submit to you as I have, but don’t ever let me take on that as personal pressure or as my own work. Free me to share and let me watch your hand through those words. I love you and thank you for loving and changing me. You are a wonderful God. Amen.
Scripture: