Vocabulary

One of the hard things about being a new Christian is learning all the new words and understanding them.

This is because a lot of words used in the Christian community have specific meanings that might not be quite the same as when they are used in general conversation.

In an effort to make it easier, I’ve compiled a list of words commonly used in church and their meaning..

If you can think of others, please feel free to email me and I will add them.

Church – commonly used to describe the building Christians meet in, it actually means all Christians everywhere, commonly called the church body.. We are called the body because while we are many members, we all serve and work toward one purpose – honoring and glorifying God. Read more about the body and its members in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

The building was originally called the church’s building but over time was shortened to the church building and then just to the church.

It is important to note that while going to church is very important (see Hebrews 10:24-25), that is not what saves us or makes us a Christian. It is only having a personal relationship with Jesus that makes us a Christian.

Communion – Communion is a sacrament held during the church’s worship service. It involves coming together and eating a small cracker and taking a small sip of grape juice or wine. This is done to remember that Jesus’ body was broken to pay for our sin. The cracker represents His body, while the juice or wine represents His blood. Jesus is the one who created this event and told us to do it. You can read where Jesus talks about it in Matthew 26:26-30 and Mark 14:22-25.

Saved – A person who is “saved” has accepted the fact that as a human they cannot meet God’s Holy expectations and have turned to Jesus, trusting His death on the cross as payment for those sins. A saved person has acknowledged their need for rescue and has asked Jesus to save them from their sin and themselves.

Sin – Sin is anything we do that offends God. He gave us the Bible so we would know about Him and understand what He expects from us. Because we are human, we daily fail to meet that expectation. Those things we fall short on are called sin. Because as humans we cannot live our lives without sinning, God sent Jesus to pay for our sins. When we trust Jesus to save us from ourselves and to rescue us from our sin we become Christians. Romans 3:2-24 tells us that everyone has fallen short of God’s glory but are rescued by trusting Jesus.

Tithes and Offerings – Tithes means ten percent. It is common for Christians to give a portion of their income to the church. This is done as a show of worship to God. When you give your tithe you are telling God you realize all good things come from Him, and that He is the one who takes care of you.

Offerings are the money you give above that to help missionaries, youth and children programs, benevolence funds, and other programs.

While offerings are usually given to the church, they can be directly given to other organizations or even private individuals, depending on how you are led by the Spirit.

The concept of tithe or ten percent comes from the Old Testament when people lived under the law. The New Testament doesn’t specify an amount or percentage.

Paul talks about this in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NIV) when he tells us we, “must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”

Always pray bout how much to give and ask the Lord to guide you on where to place your money.