Christian Words and Phrases Made Simple
If you’ve spent any time around churches, Christians, or the Bible, you’ve probably noticed something quickly: Christianity has a language of its own.
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Words like grace, faith, salvation, repentance, sin, being “saved”, born again, walking with God, the Spirit, the cross — are often used as if everyone already knows what they mean. But many people don’t. And even those who have heard them for years are sometimes unsure they truly understand them.
This section exists because confusion is not a failure of faith — it’s often the starting point of it.
Christian words are meant to reveal, not obscure. They were never intended to become insider jargon or barriers that keep people out. Most of these terms began as ordinary words — drawn from farming, family life, law courts, medicine, relationships, and everyday experience — and were used by the Bible to describe something deeply human and profoundly hopeful about God.
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Over time, however, these words can become flattened, moralised, or misunderstood. Grace can sound vague. Sin can feel heavy. Faith can be mistaken for blind belief. Salvation can be reduced to “going to heaven when you die.” None of that does justice to what the Bible actually means.
This section slows things down.
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Here, each word or phrase is unpacked carefully, honestly, and gently — not just with definitions, but with:
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biblical meaning and context
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imagery and metaphors Scripture itself uses
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practical, everyday implications
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space for reflection, not pressure
You don’t need prior knowledge.
You don’t need to agree with everything yet.
You don’t need to pretend you understand.
These words are not hoops to jump through. They are windows — into how Christianity understands God, humanity, brokenness, healing, and hope.
Take your time. Revisit pages. Question what you’ve been told before. Let clarity replace confusion, and depth replace assumption.
Christian faith doesn’t grow by memorising religious vocabulary — it grows by understanding what these words are actually pointing to.
And that’s where we begin.
A - Z of Christian Words and Phrases
Abide in Me comes from Jesus’ words in John 15 and simply means to remain close, connected, and dependent on Him. It describes an ongoing relationship rather than a one-off decision—like a branch drawing life from the vine. To abide in Christ is to trust Him, listen to His words, and let His life shape our thoughts, choices, and actions. It’s not about striving harder, but about staying rooted in Him, knowing that real spiritual growth and fruitfulness flow from that living connection.
Adoration is the act of loving and honouring God for who He is, not simply for what He gives. It is worship that focuses on God’s character—His holiness, goodness, power, and faithfulness—rather than our needs or requests. In adoration, we turn our attention away from ourselves and fix it on God, responding with reverence, awe, gratitude, and love. It reminds us that prayer and faith begin with recognising God’s worth, beauty, and greatness.
Adonai is a Hebrew name for God meaning Lord or Master, emphasising His authority, care, and rightful rule. In the Bible, it expresses both reverence and relationship—acknowledging God as sovereign while trusting Him as a good and faithful ruler. Calling God Adonai is an act of humility, recognising that our lives are not our own and choosing to live under His guidance, wisdom, and loving leadership.
Adoption describes what God does for those who trust in Christ—He doesn’t merely forgive us, He brings us into His family. The Bible speaks of believers being adopted as sons and daughters, given a new identity, a new belonging, and full access to the Father’s love. Adoption means we are no longer outsiders or spiritual orphans; we are welcomed, named, and secured as God’s children, able to call Him “Father” and live from a place of grace rather than fear.
Agnostic describes someone who believes that the existence of God is unknown or cannot be known with certainty. It is not the same as atheism, which denies God’s existence, but reflects uncertainty rather than disbelief. In a Christian context, agnosticism raises important questions about evidence, knowledge, and trust—inviting honest exploration of whether God has made Himself knowable through history, reason, experience, and ultimately through Jesus Christ.
Amen is a word of agreement and trust, meaning “so be it” or “this is true.” In the Bible and in prayer, it is not a formula to end words, but a declaration of confidence in God’s faithfulness. Saying Amen is a way of aligning ourselves with what has been prayed or spoken—affirming that we trust God to hear, to act, and to keep His promises, even when the outcome remains unseen.
Apologetics is the thoughtful explanation and defence of the Christian faith. It is not about arguing people into belief, but about offering clear, honest reasons for Christian hope—engaging questions about truth, suffering, science, history, and meaning. At its best, apologetics is humble and respectful, taking doubts seriously while pointing to Jesus as the centre of the Christian story. It seeks understanding rather than victory, and invitation rather than coercion.
Ascension refers to Jesus’ return to the Father after His resurrection, described in the Gospels and the book of Acts. It is not Jesus’ absence, but His enthronement—the risen Christ taking His place as Lord. The Ascension affirms that Jesus reigns now, intercedes for us, and sends the Holy Spirit to continue His work through the Church. It reminds us that Christianity is not only about what Jesus did in the past, but about His ongoing rule and presence today.
Allegory is a way of communicating truth through story, symbol, or imagery, where characters and events point beyond themselves to deeper meaning. In the Bible, allegory is sometimes used to illustrate spiritual realities—helping readers grasp complex truths in memorable ways. When read carefully and in context, allegory can enrich understanding, but it is not a licence to force hidden meanings into every text. The key is to let Scripture guide how and when symbolic meaning is intended.
Angel in the Bible refers to a created spiritual being sent by God to serve His purposes. The word itself means messenger, and angels are often involved in delivering God’s messages, offering protection, or carrying out His will. Scripture presents them not as objects of worship, but as servants pointing beyond themselves to God. Their role reminds us that God is active in ways we cannot always see, working for His purposes and the good of those who trust Him.
Apostle means one who is sent. In the New Testament, it refers primarily to those personally commissioned by Jesus to witness to His resurrection and lay the foundations of the early Church. The apostles were not chosen for status or power, but entrusted with a message and a mission. Their role reminds us that Christianity is rooted in eyewitness testimony and that faith is something received and passed on, not invented or reshaped at will.
Ascetic describes a way of life marked by discipline, simplicity, and intentional self-restraint for spiritual growth. In the Christian tradition, ascetic practices—such as fasting, solitude, or voluntary simplicity—are not about rejecting the world or punishing the body, but about clearing space to love God more fully. At their best, they help reorder desires, loosen the grip of distractions, and remind us that true life is found not in excess, but in devotion and freedom in Christ.
Baptism is the outward sign of an inward reality—a public declaration of faith and identification with Jesus Christ. In the Bible, it symbolises dying to an old way of life and rising to a new one, washed and made new by God’s grace. Baptism does not earn salvation, but it marks belonging, obedience, and new identity, pointing to what God has already done and is continuing to do in the life of the believer.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit refers to the work of the Spirit empowering and filling believers for life, witness, and service. In the New Testament, it is associated with God’s presence bringing boldness, transformation, and spiritual gifts. Christians differ on how and when this is experienced, but at its heart the phrase points to God actively at work within His people—not merely forgiving them, but equipping them to live faithfully and participate in His mission in the world.
​Blessing in the Bible is not simply good fortune or material success, but the gift of God’s favour, presence, and purpose. To be blessed is to be brought into alignment with God’s life-giving will, whether in joy or hardship. Biblical blessing often carries a calling as well as a gift—receiving God’s goodness in order to reflect it outward, becoming a source of life, hope, and grace to others.
Blessing in the Bible is not simply good fortune or material success, but the gift of God’s favour, presence, and purpose. To be blessed is to be brought into alignment with God’s life-giving will, whether in joy or hardship. Biblical blessing often carries a calling as well as a gift—receiving God’s goodness in order to reflect it outward, becoming a source of life, hope, and grace to others.
Calling refers to God’s invitation to each person to live in response to His purposes. In Christianity, calling is not limited to a particular job or ministry role, but begins with the call to follow Christ and live faithfully where we are. It unfolds over time through gifts, circumstances, and obedience, reminding us that our lives are not accidental and that God works through ordinary faithfulness as much as through extraordinary moments.
9 But Saul and the army spared Agag and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves[a] and lambs—everything that was good. These they were unwilling to destroy completely, but everything that was despised and weak they totally destroyed.
10 Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel: 11 “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the Lord all that night. 12 Early in the morning Samuel got up and went to meet Saul, but he was told, “Saul has gone to Carmel. There he has set up a monument in his own honor and has turned and gone on down to Gilgal.” 13 When Samuel reached him, Saul said, “The Lord bless you! I have carried out the Lord’s instructions.” 14 But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears? What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?” 15 Saul answered, “The soldiers brought them from the Amalekites; they spared the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to the Lord your God, but we totally destroyed the rest.”
Blasphemy refers to speaking or acting in a way that shows contempt for God or treats what is holy as trivial or false. In the Bible, it is taken seriously because it concerns truth, reverence, and the honour of God’s character. Christian teaching understands blasphemy not as an unforgivable slip of language, but as a heart posture—one that can be challenged, repented of, and transformed by grace, rather than merely punished or policed.
“By His stripes we are healed” comes from Isaiah’s prophecy and is echoed in the New Testament, pointing to the suffering of Christ on behalf of others. At its heart, it speaks of restoration—of broken relationship with God being healed through Jesus’ wounds. Christians understand this healing primarily as spiritual and relational, though it also holds hope for wholeness in every dimension of life. It reminds us that redemption is costly, and that healing flows not from denial of pain, but from love that enters fully into it.
Alleluia (or Hallelujah) is a Hebrew expression meaning “Praise the Lord.” It is a joyful response to who God is and what He has done, often used in worship, prayer, and celebration. In the Bible, Alleluia is not a vague feeling but a deliberate declaration of praise—spoken even in the midst of struggle. It reminds us that worship is rooted in God’s faithfulness, not just our circumstances, and that praise reorients the heart toward hope.
Anointing in the Bible refers to being set apart and empowered by God for a particular purpose. It often involved oil as a visible sign of God’s calling, whether for kings, priests, or prophets. In a Christian context, anointing points beyond a ritual to the work of the Holy Spirit—God equipping and enabling His people to live faithfully and serve others. It reminds us that what God calls us to do, He also provides the grace and power to carry out.
Almighty God describes God as all-powerful, sovereign, and without limit—yet never distant or impersonal. In Scripture, God’s power is not shown through force alone, but through faithful love, justice, mercy, and the ability to bring life out of chaos. To call God Almighty is to trust that nothing is beyond His reach, that no situation is too broken, and that His strength is always guided by wisdom and compassion.
Apocalypse comes from a Greek word meaning unveiling or revealing, not simply catastrophe or the end of the world. In the Bible, it refers to God pulling back the curtain to show what is really going on in history, in human hearts, and in the spiritual realm. Apocalyptic writing uses vivid imagery and symbolism to reveal hope as much as warning—assuring us that evil is not ultimate, that God remains sovereign, and that history is moving toward His promised renewal.
Apostolic Tradition refers to the teaching and practice handed down from the apostles—the first witnesses of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. It is the living transmission of the faith, preserved through Scripture, the early Church, and faithful teaching across generations. Rather than being opposed to the Bible, apostolic tradition helps safeguard its meaning, reminding us that Christian belief is rooted in what was received, taught, and lived from the beginning, not constantly reinvented.
Archdeacon is a senior leadership role within some Christian church traditions, particularly in historic episcopal churches. The role developed to support bishops by overseeing clergy, church life, and practical matters across a region. While the title is administrative rather than biblical, it reflects an enduring Christian concern for order, accountability, and pastoral care—reminding us that church leadership exists to serve the health, faithfulness, and mission of the wider Church, not to elevate status or power.
Assurance of Salvation refers to the confidence that a person belongs to God and is held securely by His grace. In Christianity, this assurance is not rooted in personal performance or flawless faith, but in God’s promises and the finished work of Christ. It allows believers to live with trust rather than fear—resting in God’s faithfulness while continuing to grow, repent, and follow Him, not to earn salvation, but because it has been freely given.
Atheist describes someone who does not believe in the existence of God. This position can range from confident disbelief to thoughtful rejection based on philosophical, scientific, or personal reasons. In a Christian context, atheism is taken seriously rather than dismissed, raising important questions about meaning, morality, suffering, and truth. Christianity responds not by caricature, but by inviting honest dialogue about whether the universe, human experience, and the person of Jesus are better explained with God—or without Him.
Believer in a Christian context refers to someone who places their trust in Jesus Christ, not merely agreeing with ideas about God, but entrusting their life to Him. Belief in the Bible is relational rather than abstract—it involves confidence, commitment, and ongoing reliance on God. To be a believer is to live in response to God’s grace, learning to follow Christ in faith, even amid doubt, questions, and growth.
Bible is the collection of writings that Christians receive as Scripture, telling the story of God’s relationship with humanity. It brings together history, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, letters, and testimony, centred on God’s redemptive work, ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ. Christians read the Bible not as a flat rulebook or a detached textbook, but as a living witness that shapes belief, challenges assumptions, and invites readers into a deeper understanding of God, themselves, and the world.
Bondage to Sin describes the Bible’s teaching that sin is not just a series of bad choices, but a power that can enslave human hearts and wills. It points to the way habits, desires, and patterns can take control, leaving people unable to live as they truly want to. Christianity names this honestly, not to condemn, but to explain why freedom matters—and why Jesus speaks of liberation, forgiveness, and new life, not merely moral improvement.
Canon refers to the recognised collection of books that make up the Bible. The biblical canon was not invented arbitrarily, but discerned over time as the early Church recognised which writings carried apostolic authority, faithfulness to the gospel, and widespread use in worship and teaching. Understanding the canon helps us see the Bible not as a random anthology, but as a trusted and carefully received witness to God’s revelation, centred on Jesus Christ.
Born Again is Jesus’ language for spiritual renewal—a new beginning brought about by God, not self-effort. It describes the inner transformation that comes through faith, where a person receives new life, a new identity, and a new direction. Being born again is not about adopting religious behaviour, but about being changed from the inside out, learning to live in response to God’s grace rather than trying to earn it.
Catholic comes from a Greek word meaning universal. In its earliest Christian use, it referred to the whole, worldwide Church united in faith in Christ. Today, the term is used both in this broad sense and to describe the Roman Catholic Church as a particular Christian tradition. At its core, catholic points to the shared foundations of Christian belief—rooted in Scripture, shaped by the early creeds, and expressed across cultures, centuries, and denominations.
Child of God is a relational description of what it means to belong to God through Christ. It speaks of identity rather than achievement—of being received, loved, and named by grace. In the Bible, becoming a child of God means being drawn into a family marked by trust, dependence, and hope, learning to live not as strangers or servants, but as sons and daughters shaped by the Father’s love.
Christ is not Jesus’ surname, but a title meaning the Anointed One—the long-awaited Messiah. To call Jesus the Christ is to confess that He is the one through whom God’s purposes are revealed and fulfilled. In Christian faith, Christ stands at the centre of everything: God made known, sin confronted, love embodied, and new life offered. Understanding who Christ is shapes how Christians understand God, themselves, and the world.
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ—the moment God enters human history in vulnerability and humility. Rather than arriving in power or spectacle, God comes as a child, sharing fully in human life. Christmas proclaims that God is not distant from suffering or ordinary experience, but present within it, bringing light, hope, and redemption from the very beginning of the story.
Church in the Christian sense is not primarily a building or an institution, but a people—those called together by God to follow Christ. Rooted in relationship, worship, and mission, the Church exists to reflect God’s love, truth, and grace in the world. While expressed through gatherings, traditions, and structures, its heart is found in community: imperfect people learning to live faithfully together under Christ’s lordship.
Church Discipline refers to the loving and responsible guidance of believers within the Christian community. Its aim is not punishment or control, but restoration, truth, and spiritual growth. Rooted in care for people and the integrity of the Church, discipline seeks to address harmful behaviour honestly while holding open the hope of repentance, healing, and renewed fellowship—reflecting God’s desire to restore rather than to exclude.
Church Fathers refers to influential Christian teachers and leaders from the early centuries of the Church who helped shape Christian belief, worship, and practice. Writing in the generations closest to the apostles, they wrestled with Scripture, defended the faith against misunderstanding, and clarified key doctrines about God, Christ, and salvation. Their writings do not replace the Bible, but they help us see how the earliest Christians understood and lived out the faith, grounding Christianity in history rather than private interpretation.
Church Warden is a lay leadership role found especially in Anglican and related church traditions. Church wardens share responsibility for the practical care, governance, and wellbeing of the local church, working alongside clergy to support worship, community life, and good stewardship. The role reflects the Christian belief that the Church is cared for not by clergy alone, but through shared responsibility, service, and faithful involvement from the whole community.
Clay is a biblical image used to express human dependence and God’s creative authority. Scripture speaks of God as the potter and people as the clay—formed, shaped, and sustained by His hands. The image is not about worthlessness, but about relationship: clay is workable, purposeful, and capable of being shaped into something beautiful. It reminds us of humility, trust, and the hope that God is still at work in us, even when the process feels slow or uncomfortable.
Communion is the shared act of remembering and participating in what Christ has done through His life, death, and resurrection. Using bread and wine, Christians recall Jesus’ self-giving love and celebrate their unity with Him and with one another. Communion is not merely a ritual of memory, but a living reminder of grace received, forgiveness offered, and a shared life rooted in Christ—drawing believers back to the centre of their faith again and again.
Communion of Saints expresses the Christian belief that all who belong to Christ are united—across time and space—by God’s grace. It speaks of a shared life that includes believers on earth and those who have gone before, held together in Christ rather than separated by death. This communion is not about venerating individuals, but about recognising that faith is never lived alone: we are part of a larger story, shaped, supported, and connected by God’s enduring faithfulness.
Compassion in Christianity goes beyond feeling sympathy—it is love that moves toward suffering. The Bible presents compassion as central to God’s character and to the life of Jesus, who sees, is moved, and acts. Christian compassion involves presence, mercy, and costly care, reminding us that faith is not proven by words alone, but by love expressed in practical, human ways.
Confession in Christianity is the honest naming of truth before God—about sin, failure, and need. It is not about humiliation or self-punishment, but about bringing what is hidden into the light of grace. In Scripture, confession is closely tied to forgiveness and freedom, allowing broken relationship to be restored and the heart to be realigned with God’s mercy rather than weighed down by guilt or denial.
Contemplation is a quiet, attentive way of being present to God. Rather than many words or requests, it involves stillness, listening, and openness—making space to attend to God’s presence and work within us. In the Christian tradition, contemplation is not an escape from action, but a deepening of love and awareness that shapes how we live, pray, and respond to the world.
Cornerstone is a biblical image used to describe what everything else depends on. In Scripture, Jesus is called the cornerstone—the essential foundation that gives stability, alignment, and meaning to the whole structure. To build life on Christ as the cornerstone is to allow Him to shape belief, identity, and direction, trusting that what is grounded in Him will endure, even when other foundations fail.
Corporate Worship refers to the shared act of gathering as God’s people to honour Him together. It includes prayer, singing, Scripture, teaching, and silence, shaped by the conviction that faith is not only personal, but communal. Corporate worship forms and reminds believers that they belong to something larger than themselves—joining their voices, attention, and lives in response to God’s presence and grace.
Covenant describes a binding relationship established by God, marked by promise, commitment, and faithfulness. Unlike a contract, which depends on mutual performance, a biblical covenant rests on God’s initiative and grace. Throughout Scripture, covenants reveal God’s desire to dwell with His people, to bless, restore, and remain faithful even when humans fail—reaching their fulfilment in Jesus Christ.
Creeds are short, carefully shaped statements that summarise core Christian beliefs. Formed in the early Church, they helped clarify what Christians believed about God, Christ, and salvation, especially in times of confusion or disagreement. Creeds are not replacements for Scripture, but faithful signposts—grounding belief in the shared convictions of the historic Church and reminding Christians that faith is received, confessed, and lived within a wider community.
Crown in the Bible is often used as a symbol of honour, victory, and faithfulness rather than political power. Scripture speaks of crowns given by God to those who endure, remain faithful, and finish the race of faith. The image points beyond status or reward to hope—reminding believers that present struggles are not the final word, and that God’s affirmation and life endure beyond what is seen now.
Darkness in the Bible is often used as a symbol for confusion, sin, suffering, or the absence of God’s light. It names the reality of brokenness in the world and in human hearts, rather than pretending it isn’t there. Christian faith does not deny darkness, but speaks of God entering it—declaring that light has come in Christ, and that darkness, however real, is not ultimate.
Cult is a term used to describe a group or movement that centres around a controlling authority, isolates members, and distorts belief or behaviour in harmful ways. In a Christian context, it is not simply about holding unpopular beliefs, but about misuse of power—where questioning is discouraged, loyalty is demanded above conscience, and truth is shaped to serve leaders rather than God. Christianity distinguishes itself from cultic practice by rooting authority in Christ, Scripture, accountability, and freedom of conscience rather than coercion or fear.
Deaconess refers to women who served in recognised roles of ministry and care in the early Church and in later Christian traditions. Their work often included pastoral care, teaching, prayer, and support for the vulnerable, reflecting the Church’s commitment to service and compassion. The role of deaconess highlights that Christian ministry has always involved women actively participating in God’s work, shaped by calling, gifting, and faithfulness rather than status.
Dean is a leadership role within some Christian church traditions, particularly in cathedral settings. A dean is responsible for overseeing the life, worship, and mission of a cathedral community, supporting clergy and ensuring the church serves both its congregation and the wider public. The role reflects the Christian understanding of leadership as stewardship—holding responsibility not for personal authority, but for the faithful care of people, worship, and witness.
Demon in the Bible refers to a spiritual being opposed to God and His purposes. Scripture presents demons not as mythical symbols of evil feelings, but as real agents of deception, harm, and distortion—seeking to draw people away from truth, freedom, and life. Christian teaching treats this reality soberly rather than sensationally, emphasising that demons are neither equal to God nor beyond His authority, and that Christ’s power to heal, restore, and liberate is decisive and final.
Denomination refers to an organised Christian tradition within the wider Church, shaped by shared history, theology, and practice. Denominations arise from different ways of understanding and expressing faith, often in response to cultural, historical, or doctrinal questions. While they differ in structure and emphasis, Christianity understands denominations not as separate faiths, but as distinct expressions within the one, global body of Christ.
Devotion describes a life oriented toward God in love, faithfulness, and attentiveness. It is not limited to religious activity, but shaped through daily practices of prayer, Scripture, obedience, and trust. Christian devotion grows from relationship rather than obligation—learning to give God our time, attention, and allegiance, not to earn favour, but in response to grace already given.
Devotional refers to a short piece of writing or practice designed to help people reflect on God and deepen their faith. Devotionals often include Scripture, reflection, and prayer, creating space to pause, listen, and respond. Their purpose is not to provide exhaustive teaching, but to invite attentiveness—to help faith be lived thoughtfully and honestly in the midst of everyday life.
Dove in the Bible is a symbol of peace, purity, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. It appears at key moments, from Noah’s sign of renewed creation to the Spirit descending on Jesus at His baptism. The image points to gentleness rather than force, reminding us that God often works quietly and faithfully—bringing peace, new beginnings, and assurance of His presence rather than spectacle or domination.
Dying to Yourself is Jesus’ way of describing the call to let go of self-centred control in order to receive real life. It does not mean self-hatred or losing identity, but surrendering the demand to be at the centre. In Christian faith, dying to self makes space for God’s grace to reshape desires, priorities, and direction—leading not to loss, but to a deeper, freer way of living in Christ.
Elder in the Bible refers to a mature and trusted leader within the Christian community. Elders were responsible for spiritual oversight, teaching, prayer, and pastoral care, valued not for status but for wisdom, character, and faithfulness. The role reflects the Christian belief that leadership grows out of lived faith and discernment, guiding others not through control, but through example and service.
Election in Christian theology refers to God’s gracious choosing, not based on human merit or effort, but on His purpose and love. In the Bible, election highlights God’s initiative in salvation—calling people to belong to Him and to participate in His work in the world. Rather than promoting pride or exclusion, Christian teaching understands election as a call to humility, gratitude, and responsibility: those chosen by grace are chosen to serve, reflect God’s mercy, and live faithfully in response to what has been freely given.
Eternal Life in Christianity is not simply endless existence after death, but a quality of life that begins now through relationship with God. Jesus speaks of eternal life as knowing God—living in communion with Him, shaped by love, truth, and hope. While it extends beyond death, eternal life is experienced in the present as transformation, purpose, and trust, grounded in God’s enduring faithfulness rather than fear of the future.
Eucharist comes from a Greek word meaning thanksgiving and refers to the Christian celebration of Jesus’ self-giving love through bread and wine. Rooted in the Last Supper, it remembers Christ’s death and resurrection while expressing gratitude for God’s grace. Across Christian traditions, the Eucharist is understood as a central act of worship—drawing believers into remembrance, communion, and thanksgiving for the life given to the world.
Every Member Ministry expresses the Christian conviction that all believers are called to serve, not just clergy or leaders. Rooted in the New Testament vision of the Church as one body with many parts, it affirms that each person is gifted by God for the good of others. This understanding shifts the Church from spectators to participants—encouraging shared responsibility, mutual service, and the belief that God works through ordinary people in everyday faithfulness.
Exalted in the Bible describes being lifted up in honour, authority, and glory. When Scripture speaks of Christ being exalted, it refers to God vindicating and enthroning Jesus through His resurrection and ascension. Exaltation in Christianity is not self-promotion or power seized, but honour given by God—often following humility, obedience, and self-giving love rather than ambition or force.
Faithfulness describes a steady, enduring commitment rooted in trust and love. In the Bible, it is first and foremost a quality of God—His unwavering reliability and loyalty to His promises. When applied to human life, faithfulness reflects living in response to that grace: showing consistency, integrity, and perseverance, not through perfection, but through a continued turning toward God over time.
Fasting is the intentional practice of abstaining from food, or something else significant, for a time in order to focus attention on God. In the Bible, fasting is linked with prayer, repentance, discernment, and dependence, not with self-punishment or spiritual performance. It creates space to recognise need, realign desire, and remember that life is sustained not by consumption alone, but by God’s presence and provision.
Filling of the Holy Spirit refers to God’s ongoing work of empowering and shaping believers from within. Rather than a one-time event, Scripture often presents this filling as something believers continue to receive—renewing strength, guiding action, and deepening faith. It speaks of dependence rather than control, reminding us that Christian life is sustained not by willpower alone, but by God’s presence actively at work in us.
Fire in the Bible is a powerful image of God’s presence, purity, and power. It appears in moments of revelation, guidance, and transformation—both warming and refining. Fire can illuminate and purify as well as judge, reminding us that God’s presence is not passive. In Christian faith, fire points to a God who is active and holy, working to cleanse, renew, and bring light rather than leaving things unchanged.
Fruit of the Spirit refers to the qualities of character produced by the Holy Spirit in a believer’s life—such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are not achieved through willpower alone, but grow naturally from a life rooted in God’s presence. The image of fruit reminds us that spiritual growth is gradual and organic, shaped by relationship rather than pressure or performance.
Fruitfulness in Christian faith describes a life that bears visible evidence of God’s work within it. It is not measured by busyness or success, but by love, faithfulness, and the impact of a life shaped by Christ. Scripture links fruitfulness to abiding—remaining connected to God—reminding us that lasting growth and meaningful influence flow from relationship, not from striving or self-effort alone.
Godhead is a term used to describe the fullness of God’s being. In Christian theology, it points to the one God who exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—distinct yet inseparable. Rather than explaining how God can be three and one, the word Godhead affirms that God’s nature is richer and deeper than simple categories allow, inviting humility and worship rather than complete comprehension.
God’s Grace is His unearned kindness and faithful love toward humanity. It is not a reward for good behaviour, but a gift given freely—meeting people in weakness, failure, and need. In Christianity, grace is what begins, sustains, and completes faith, assuring us that relationship with God is rooted not in what we achieve, but in what God generously gives through Jesus Christ.
God’s Word refers to how God communicates truth, life, and purpose. Christians use the phrase to speak of Scripture, of God’s spoken promises, and ultimately of Jesus Christ, who is called the Word made flesh. God’s Word is not merely information to be mastered, but a living voice that reveals God’s character, challenges assumptions, and invites response—shaping faith, understanding, and daily life.
Good Friday marks the day of Jesus’ crucifixion—an event that appears tragic, unjust, and devastating. Yet Christians call it good because it is where God’s love and justice meet most fully. In the suffering and death of Christ, sin is confronted, forgiveness is made possible, and hope is born out of darkness, reminding us that redemption often comes through paths that do not look victorious at first.
Great High Priest is a title used in the New Testament to describe Jesus’ unique role between God and humanity. Drawing on Old Testament priesthood imagery, it speaks of Jesus representing us before God while fully sharing in human weakness and suffering. Unlike earthly priests, Christ’s priesthood is complete and ongoing—offering forgiveness, intercession, and access to God not through repeated sacrifice, but through His once-for-all self-giving love.
Guidance of the Holy Spirit refers to God actively leading believers in truth, wisdom, and faithfulness. This guidance is not usually dramatic or forceful, but unfolds through Scripture, prayer, conscience, community, and inner prompting. Christianity understands the Spirit’s guidance as relational rather than mechanical—inviting trust, attentiveness, and obedience rather than guaranteeing certainty at every step.
Heaven in Christian faith is not merely a distant place after death, but the reality of life fully lived in God’s presence. It speaks of restored relationship, justice made right, and creation renewed. Rather than an escape from the world, heaven represents the fulfilment of God’s purposes—where God’s will is done perfectly, and where hope reaches its completion beyond suffering, loss, and death.
Hell in Christian teaching refers to the tragic reality of separation from God—the source of life, love, and truth. The Bible uses strong images to describe it, not to satisfy curiosity, but to warn of the seriousness of rejecting God’s grace. Christianity does not present hell as God’s desire, but as the consequence of persistent refusal of relationship, underscoring both human freedom and the depth of God’s longing that none should be lost.
Holiness of God refers to God’s absolute purity, otherness, and moral perfection. It speaks of a God who is entirely unlike all that is corrupt or broken, yet who chooses to draw near in grace. In Christianity, God’s holiness is not cold or distant, but revealed most clearly in Jesus—where holiness and love meet, confronting sin while inviting restoration rather than withdrawal.
Homily is a short sermon or reflection, traditionally linked to the reading of Scripture within a service of worship. Its purpose is not to impress or overwhelm, but to open up the meaning of the text and connect it to everyday life. A homily seeks clarity rather than complexity—helping listeners hear God’s word afresh and respond with understanding, faith, and obedience.
Illumination in Christianity refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in helping people understand God’s truth. It is not about receiving new revelation, but about having hearts and minds opened to grasp what God has already made known. Illumination reminds us that Scripture is understood not by intellect alone, but through humility, attentiveness, and God’s gracious enabling.
Immanence describes God’s nearness and active presence within creation. In Christian belief, God is not distant or detached, but involved—sustaining life, attentive to human experience, and present in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary. Held together with God’s transcendence, immanence affirms that the God who is beyond all things is also close, relational, and personally involved with the world He has made.
Indwelling of the Holy Spirit refers to God’s presence living within believers. In Christianity, the Spirit is not an external force, but a personal presence who guides, strengthens, convicts, and comforts from within. This indwelling speaks of intimacy rather than distance—assuring believers that God is not merely alongside them, but actively at work in their inner life, shaping character, faith, and obedience over time.
Iniquity in the Bible refers to deep-rooted wrongdoing—the inner bent or distortion that lies beneath outward actions. It goes beyond individual mistakes to describe the patterns, motives, and desires that pull people away from God’s good intentions. Christian faith names iniquity honestly, not to shame, but to explain why grace is needed at a deeper level—addressing not only what we do, but what shapes us from within.
Jehovah is an English form of the sacred name of God revealed in the Old Testament, often represented as YHWH. It came into use through a combination of Hebrew consonants and later vowel markings, and is commonly translated as “the LORD.” In Christian understanding, the name points to God’s self-existence, faithfulness, and covenant commitment—revealing a God who is not distant or abstract, but personally involved with His people and true to His promises.
Jews are the people descended from the biblical people of Israel, shaped by a shared history, faith, and covenant relationship with God. Judaism is rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures and the promises given to Abraham, Moses, and the prophets. Christianity understands its own story as emerging from this Jewish context—recognising Jesus, His first followers, and the foundations of Christian faith as deeply Jewish—while also acknowledging important differences in belief and ongoing theological dialogue.
Justification is the Christian teaching that a person is made right with God by grace, not by moral effort or religious achievement. It means being declared forgiven and accepted through faith in Jesus Christ, on the basis of what He has done rather than what we have done. Justification brings freedom and assurance—shifting faith from self-reliance to trust, and grounding identity in God’s mercy rather than performance.
Keep Every Thought Captive comes from the apostle Paul’s teaching about shaping the inner life. It speaks of becoming attentive to our thoughts rather than being ruled by them—bringing assumptions, fears, and beliefs into the light of Christ’s truth. In Christian faith, this is not about mental control or denial, but about allowing God to renew the mind, gently re-aligning our thinking with what is true, life-giving, and rooted in trust rather than anxiety or deception.
Lamb of God is a title given to Jesus that draws on Old Testament imagery of sacrifice and deliverance. It points to Jesus as the one who takes upon Himself the brokenness and sin of the world, not through force, but through self-giving love. In Christian faith, the Lamb of God reveals a God who saves not by crushing enemies, but by bearing suffering—offering forgiveness, freedom, and peace through sacrificial grace.
Laying on of Hands is a biblical practice used to express blessing, prayer, healing, and commissioning. Through this simple physical act, God’s care, calling, or empowerment is symbolically affirmed. In Christianity, it is not the gesture itself that carries power, but God’s presence and promise—reminding us that faith is embodied, relational, and often expressed through ordinary human touch.
Liturgy refers to the ordered pattern of worship used by the Church. It shapes prayer, Scripture, confession, praise, and response into a shared rhythm that forms faith over time. Far from being empty repetition, Christian liturgy is meant to carry truth into the heart—allowing worship to shape belief, memory, and daily life through words and actions practiced together.
Living Sacrifice is the apostle Paul’s phrase for a life offered wholly to God. Rather than a single act, it describes ongoing surrender—bringing everyday choices, desires, and actions into God’s service. In Christian faith, being a living sacrifice is not about loss or self-erasure, but about transformation: a life shaped by grace, freely given back to God in trust and obedience.
Lord is a title that acknowledges authority, allegiance, and trust. In the Bible, calling Jesus Lord goes beyond respect—it is a confession that He has rightful claim over life and loyalty. Christian faith understands lordship not as domination, but as loving authority shaped by sacrifice, truth, and grace, inviting willing surrender rather than forced obedience.
Lost Sheep comes from one of Jesus’ parables, describing God’s concern for those who are overlooked, wandering, or far from Him. The story emphasises a shepherd who goes searching, valuing the one as much as the many. In Christian faith, the lost sheep reveals a God who pursues rather than abandons—showing that restoration, not rejection, lies at the heart of God’s love.
Manifestation in a Christian context refers to God making His presence, power, or work evident. In Scripture, manifestations can include acts of guidance, transformation, spiritual gifts, or a deep awareness of God at work. They are not ends in themselves, nor something to be demanded, but signs that point beyond the experience to God Himself—inviting humility, gratitude, and faith rather than fixation on the moment.
Mercy in Christian faith is God’s compassionate response to human need and failure. It is love that withholds deserved judgment and moves toward restoration rather than rejection. Shown most clearly in Jesus, mercy does not ignore wrongdoing, but meets it with grace—inviting repentance, healing, and new beginnings, and calling God’s people to reflect the same compassion toward others.
Martyrdom refers to bearing witness to Christ even at the cost of one’s life. The word martyr means witness, emphasising faithfulness rather than heroism. In Christian history, martyrdom is understood not as seeking death, but as refusing to deny truth and love under pressure. It stands as a sobering testimony to the depth of conviction that faith in Christ can inspire, and to the hope that life is not finally overcome by death.
Messiah is a Hebrew title meaning the Anointed One. In the Old Testament, it points to the promised deliverer through whom God would restore His people and set things right. Christians believe Jesus is the Messiah—not by conquering through force, but by suffering, serving, and giving His life. This reshapes expectations, revealing a salvation grounded in love, faithfulness, and self-giving grace rather than power or domination.
Mission in Christianity refers to God’s ongoing work of restoring the world, and the Church’s participation in it. Rooted in God’s love, mission is not about expansion or control, but about bearing witness—through words and actions—to the hope, justice, and new life found in Christ. Christian mission flows from who God is, inviting believers to live outward-facing lives of service, compassion, and faithfulness wherever they are.
Missionary refers to someone who is sent to live out and share the Christian faith beyond their familiar context. Missionaries serve in many ways—through teaching, care, community development, advocacy, and witness—seeking to reflect Christ’s love in practical and relational forms. In Christianity, being a missionary is not primarily about distance travelled, but about willingness to be sent, to listen, and to serve faithfully wherever God places them.
New Creation is the Christian hope that God is not abandoning the world, but renewing it. In the Bible, it refers both to personal transformation in Christ and to the future restoration of all things. To belong to Christ is to begin living this new reality now—shaped by grace, freedom, and hope—while trusting that God will one day complete the work of renewal fully and finally.
New Earth refers to the Christian promise of creation fully renewed, not discarded or escaped. The Bible speaks of God restoring the world—healing what is broken, setting justice right, and dwelling with humanity. Rather than a purely spiritual future elsewhere, the new earth affirms God’s commitment to this world, offering hope that history ends not in abandonment, but in renewal, wholeness, and life made right.
Obedience in Christianity is a response of trust rather than forced compliance. It flows from relationship—listening to God’s voice and choosing to align life with His ways. Biblical obedience is shaped by love and grace, not fear of punishment, and is understood as a pathway to freedom and flourishing rather than restriction or control.
Offering in Christianity refers to what is freely given back to God in response to His grace. It may include money, time, gifts, service, or acts of worship, but its heart lies in willingness rather than amount. Biblical offering is not about earning favour, but about gratitude and trust—recognising that all of life is received from God and can be returned to Him in love.
One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church is a phrase from the historic creeds that describes the Church’s deepest identity. One speaks of unity in Christ beyond divisions; holy of being set apart by God’s grace, not human perfection; catholic of belonging to the whole, worldwide Church; and apostolic of being rooted in the teaching and witness of the apostles. Together, these words remind Christians that the Church is not defined by buildings or denominations, but by shared faith, calling, and continuity with what was received from the beginning.
Original Sin refers to the Christian understanding that humanity is marked by a deep fracture from the beginning—a tendency toward self-centredness and broken relationship with God. It does not mean people are as bad as possible, but that something has gone wrong at the root of human nature. Original sin helps explain why wrongdoing is universal and persistent, and why grace and redemption are needed not just to correct behaviour, but to heal the human heart.
Parson is a traditional term for a minister who has pastoral responsibility for a local parish. Historically, the word reflects the idea of the minister as a person who represents the Church’s care within a community. While less commonly used today, parson points to the pastoral heart of Christian leadership—rooted in presence, service, and responsibility for the spiritual wellbeing of others.
Pastor comes from the word for shepherd and describes a leader called to care for God’s people. In Christianity, a pastor’s role centres on guiding, teaching, protecting, and nurturing faith within the community. More than authority or position, pastoral ministry is shaped by relationship—walking with people through growth, struggle, and hope, reflecting Christ’s care for His flock.
Potter is a biblical image used to describe God as the one who shapes, forms, and purposes human life. Scripture speaks of God as the potter and people as the clay—emphasising care, intention, and authority rather than force. The image invites trust in the shaping process, reminding us that God works patiently and skillfully, even when change feels uncomfortable, and that our lives are held by hands committed to bringing about what is good.
Praise is the act of recognising and expressing God’s worth. In Christianity, praise is not limited to music or joyful moments, but is a response to who God is—faithful, good, and present—regardless of circumstances. It lifts the focus beyond the self, re-orienting the heart toward gratitude and trust, and reminding believers that worship shapes perspective as much as it expresses feeling.
Prodigal Son refers to one of Jesus’ most well-known parables, telling the story of a son who leaves home, wastes everything, and eventually returns in shame. Rather than focusing on failure alone, the story reveals the heart of the father—who runs to meet, forgive, and restore. In Christian faith, the prodigal son illustrates God’s grace toward the lost, the self-righteous, and the broken alike, showing that repentance is met not with rejection, but with welcome and renewed relationship.
Prophet in the Bible is someone called to speak God’s truth into real situations. Prophets are not primarily predictors of the future, but messengers who challenge injustice, call people back to faithfulness, and reveal God’s heart. Their role is often uncomfortable—confronting power, exposing hypocrisy, and offering hope—reminding us that God’s word speaks not only comfort, but truth that calls for change.
Psalm is a sacred song or prayer found in the Bible, expressing the full range of human experience before God. Psalms include praise, lament, thanksgiving, confession, and trust—giving words for joy, doubt, anger, and hope alike. In Christian faith, the psalms teach us how to pray honestly, reminding us that God welcomes the whole heart, not just polished or positive words.
Quiet Time refers to intentional moments set aside to be alone with God through prayer, Scripture, reflection, or silence. It is not a measure of spiritual performance, but a space for attentiveness—learning to listen, to be honest, and to rest in God’s presence. In Christian life, quiet time is less about routine and more about relationship, creating room for faith to be nourished in the midst of everyday busyness.
Regeneration in Christianity refers to the inner renewal brought about by God through the Holy Spirit. It describes the beginning of new life—where hearts are changed, desires reshaped, and a fresh relationship with God is established. Regeneration is not self-improvement, but spiritual rebirth: God’s work of making someone new from the inside, grounding transformation in grace rather than effort.
Rejoice in Christian faith is a call to respond to God with gladness and gratitude. It goes beyond momentary happiness to express trust in God’s goodness, even amid difficulty. When Scripture urges believers to rejoice, it invites them to anchor joy not in circumstances, but in God’s presence, promises, and faithfulness that endure beyond what is seen.
Resurrection of the Dead is the Christian hope that death is not the end, but that God will raise people to new life. Rooted in the resurrection of Jesus, it affirms that God’s purpose is restoration, not abandonment. This belief looks beyond the survival of the soul to the renewal of the whole person, trusting that God will one day make all things new, bringing life, justice, and wholeness where death once seemed final.
Revival refers to a renewed awakening of faith brought about by God’s Spirit. It is marked by repentance, renewed trust, transformed lives, and a fresh attentiveness to God’s presence. In Christian understanding, revival is not something engineered or manufactured, but received—a gracious stirring that calls people back to what truly matters, renewing love for God and neighbour and bearing fruit that lasts beyond the moment.
Sacraments are visible signs of invisible grace—practices through which God’s presence and promise are received and remembered. In Christianity, sacraments such as baptism and communion use ordinary elements to communicate extraordinary grace. They are not empty rituals, but embodied acts of faith, drawing believers into God’s story and reminding them that grace meets us through physical, shared, and tangible means.
Sacrifice in Christianity refers to the giving of something costly in devotion to God. In the Bible, sacrifice is fulfilled and transformed in Jesus’ self-giving love, offered once for all. Christian faith understands sacrifice not as loss for its own sake, but as love expressed through surrender—where giving oneself to God becomes a pathway to life, freedom, and restoration rather than obligation or fear.
Satan in Christian belief refers to the personal embodiment of opposition to God—often described as the adversary or the accuser. Scripture presents Satan as a deceiver who seeks to distort truth, undermine trust, and draw people away from life with God. Christianity treats this reality seriously but without fear, affirming that Satan is not equal to God and does not have ultimate power. The heart of the Christian message is that through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, the power of evil is confronted, exposed, and decisively overcome.
Seed is a biblical image used to describe beginnings that appear small but carry great potential. Jesus uses seed imagery to speak about God’s word, faith, and the kingdom—often growing quietly, gradually, and unseen before bearing fruit. The image reminds us that God’s work is not always immediate or dramatic, and that patience, trust, and faithfulness are essential as growth unfolds in God’s time rather than our own.
Saviour is a title given to Jesus, expressing the Christian conviction that He rescues humanity from sin, brokenness, and separation from God. Salvation in this sense is not only about future hope, but about present restoration—bringing forgiveness, freedom, and new life. To call Jesus Saviour is to trust that what we cannot fix or carry ourselves, God has acted to heal and redeem through Him.
Sermon is a spoken message that explores Scripture and applies its meaning to life. Its purpose is not simply to inform, but to invite reflection, faith, and response—helping listeners understand God’s word in ways that shape belief and practice. In Christian worship, a sermon serves the wider act of worship, pointing beyond the speaker to the truth, grace, and call of God.
Shame is the painful sense of being exposed, unworthy, or fundamentally flawed. In the Bible, shame is closely linked to broken relationship and loss of belonging. Christian faith speaks directly to shame, not by minimising it, but by addressing it through grace—declaring that identity is restored in Christ, that worth is given rather than earned, and that people are invited out of hiding into acceptance, dignity, and renewed belonging.
Sin in Christianity refers to the ways humans fall short of God’s good purposes—in actions, attitudes, and desires. It is not only about rule-breaking, but about broken relationship: with God, with others, and within ourselves. The Bible names sin honestly, not to condemn, but to explain why the world and the human heart are fractured—and why grace, forgiveness, and restoration are so deeply needed.
Son of Man is the title Jesus most often uses for Himself. Drawn from the Old Testament, it holds together humility and authority—pointing both to Jesus’ full humanity and to His God-given role in bringing God’s kingdom. In Christian faith, the Son of Man reveals a Messiah who identifies with human weakness and suffering, yet is entrusted with authority, judgment, and the restoration of all things.
Sonship in Christianity refers to the relationship believers are brought into through Christ. It speaks of belonging, inheritance, and intimacy with God—not as distant subjects, but as sons and daughters. Sonship is received by grace, not earned by effort, assuring believers of identity, security, and access to God as Father, shaping faith from acceptance rather than striving.
Spiritual Warfare refers to the Christian understanding that faith is lived in a world where good and evil are in real tension. It is not about fear, obsession, or seeing enemies everywhere, but about learning to stand firm in truth, trust, and God’s strength. Scripture describes this warfare primarily in terms of resisting deception, sin, and despair, and relying on God’s power rather than our own—reminding believers that the battle is ultimately God’s, and that Christ’s victory shapes how we live with confidence and hope.
Submission in Christianity is the willing placing of oneself under God’s loving authority. It is not about loss of value, coercion, or silence, but about trust—choosing to yield control in response to God’s wisdom and care. Biblical submission flows from love rather than fear, and is ultimately modelled by Jesus Himself, showing that true freedom is found not in self-rule, but in living aligned with God’s good purposes.
Temple in the Bible refers to the place where God’s presence dwelt among His people. In the Old Testament, it was the centre of worship, sacrifice, and prayer—a visible sign that God chose to live with Israel. In Christianity, this understanding is transformed: Jesus speaks of Himself as the true temple, and believers are described as God’s dwelling place through the Holy Spirit. The temple image reminds us that God’s desire has always been closeness—not distance—and that His presence is no longer confined to a building, but shared with His people.
Temptation in Christianity refers to the pull toward thoughts or actions that draw us away from God’s good purposes. It is not sin itself, but the testing of desire and trust. The Bible treats temptation realistically, recognising human vulnerability, while also affirming that God provides strength, wisdom, and a way through it—calling believers to reliance on grace rather than shame or self-reliance.
The Twelve Disciples were the group of followers personally chosen by Jesus to learn from Him and take part in His mission. They were ordinary people—fishermen, a tax collector, and others—shaped over time through teaching, failure, correction, and grace. Their story shows that Christian faith is not built on ideal candidates, but on people who are called, formed, and sent, revealing that God works through weakness as much as strength.
The Apostles’ Creed is an early summary of Christian belief that sets out the core convictions of the faith. It affirms belief in God the Father, Jesus Christ His Son, and the Holy Spirit, tracing the story of creation, redemption, and new life. Used in worship and teaching, the creed is not a replacement for Scripture, but a shared confession—helping Christians hold fast to what has been believed from the beginning and reminding faith that it is received, not invented.
The Cross stands at the centre of Christian faith as the place where God’s love and human brokenness meet. It represents Jesus’ willing self-giving—entering suffering, injustice, and death in order to bring forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life. The cross is not a symbol of defeat, but of costly love, revealing a God who overcomes evil not by force, but by grace that bears pain and transforms it.
The Faith refers to the core beliefs and convictions passed down within Christianity from the time of the apostles. It is not personal opinion or private spirituality, but the shared trust, teaching, and hope centred on who God is and what He has done in Jesus Christ. When Christians speak of the faith, they mean something received and lived—rooted in Scripture, shaped by the creeds, and expressed through worship, obedience, and love over generations.
The Holy Spirit is God’s living presence at work in the world and within believers. Rather than an abstract force, the Spirit is personal—guiding, comforting, convicting, and empowering. In Christian faith, the Holy Spirit makes God’s nearness real, shaping hearts, renewing minds, and enabling people to live in love, truth, and faithfulness. The Spirit does not draw attention to Himself, but points consistently to Christ, sustaining faith in ordinary life as well as moments of challenge or change.
The Lord’s Prayer is the prayer Jesus taught His followers as a model for how to pray. It holds together intimacy and reverence—addressing God as Father while honouring His holiness and purposes. Rather than being a formula to repeat mindlessly, it shapes prayer around trust, daily dependence, forgiveness, and surrender, teaching believers how to bring the whole of life before God with honesty and hope.
The Trinity describes the Christian belief that God is one, yet known as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It does not explain how God works in neat formulas, but who God is—relational, living, and active. The Trinity holds together God beyond us (Father), God with us (Son), and God within us (Holy Spirit), showing that at the heart of reality is not isolation or power, but eternal relationship, love, and shared life.
The Unforgivable Sin refers to Jesus’ warning about persistently rejecting the work of the Holy Spirit. It is not a single mistake, spoken word, or moment of doubt, but a hardened refusal to acknowledge God’s truth and grace. Christian teaching understands this warning as pastoral rather than threatening—meant to show the seriousness of continually closing oneself to forgiveness. Those who are concerned they may have committed it are, by that very concern, showing hearts still open to God’s mercy.
Tribes of Israel refers to the twelve ancestral groups descended from the sons of Jacob, who together formed the people of Israel. They shape much of the Old Testament story—organising Israel’s identity, land, worship, and history. In Christian understanding, the tribes highlight God’s faithfulness to His promises and form the backdrop to the coming of Jesus, through whom God’s purposes for Israel are opened outward to include all nations.
Tribulation in the Bible refers to periods of suffering, pressure, or severe trial. It can describe personal hardship, persecution, or wider distress in the world. Christian faith does not treat tribulation as meaningless or as proof of God’s absence, but as part of life in a broken world where faith is tested and refined. Scripture consistently holds tribulation together with hope—affirming that God remains present, sustaining His people, and that suffering does not have the final word.
Universal Church refers to the whole body of believers across all places, cultures, and times who belong to Christ. It goes beyond denominations, traditions, and local congregations, expressing the shared life of all Christians united by faith in Jesus. The universal Church reminds believers that they are part of something far larger than their own community—connected to a worldwide and historic people shaped by the same grace, hope, and calling.
Vicar is a term used in some Christian traditions, especially within the Church of England, to describe a priest who has pastoral responsibility for a local parish. The role centres on care rather than status—leading worship, teaching Scripture, offering guidance, and walking with people through everyday life and significant moments. At its heart, being a vicar reflects the Christian calling to serve a community faithfully, making God’s presence and grace tangible in ordinary places.
Walk in the Spirit is a biblical phrase describing a way of life shaped by the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance. It means learning to live attentively—allowing God’s Spirit to shape attitudes, desires, and actions rather than being driven by impulse or self-centred patterns. Walking in the Spirit is not about perfection, but about direction: choosing dependence, responsiveness, and trust as faith is lived out day by day.
Word of God refers to how God makes Himself known and communicates truth. Christians use the phrase to speak of Scripture, of God’s spoken promises, and most fully of Jesus Christ, who is called the Word made flesh. The Word of God is not merely information to be studied, but a living voice that reveals God’s character, invites trust, and shapes how faith is understood and lived.
Washed in the Blood is a biblical phrase that uses strong imagery to describe forgiveness and cleansing through Jesus’ sacrifice. It does not glorify violence, but points to the costliness of grace—life given so that guilt is removed and relationship restored. In Christian faith, being “washed” speaks of renewal and freedom: the past no longer defines us, because God’s mercy has made us clean and whole.
Word of Knowledge refers to a moment of insight or understanding given by the Holy Spirit for the benefit of others. In the New Testament, it is described as a gift meant to bring clarity, encouragement, or guidance, often revealing something that could not be known through ordinary means alone. In Christian faith, a word of knowledge is not about authority or display, but about serving others in love—used humbly, tested wisely, and always pointing back to God rather than the individual.
Discernment is the practice of seeking God’s wisdom in order to recognise what is true, good, and faithful. It involves prayer, Scripture, reflection, and attentiveness to the Holy Spirit, especially when decisions are unclear or complex. Christian discernment is not about chasing certainty, but about learning to listen well—testing motives, weighing paths, and responding with humility and trust rather than impulse or fear.
Discipleship is the ongoing process of learning to follow Jesus in every area of life. It goes beyond belief to formation—shaping how we think, act, love, and live. In Christianity, discipleship is not a solitary pursuit, but a shared journey of growth, obedience, and grace, marked by learning, failure, forgiveness, and transformation over time.
Early Church refers to the first generations of Christians who lived in the decades and centuries following Jesus’ resurrection. Shaped by eyewitness testimony, persecution, and deep communal life, the early Church devoted itself to teaching, prayer, fellowship, and the breaking of bread. Their faith was lived before it was systematised—rooted in conviction, courage, and hope—and provides a vital window into how Christianity was first understood and practised.
Ecclesiology is the area of Christian theology that reflects on the nature and purpose of the Church. It asks questions about what the Church is, how it is structured, and how it should live and serve in the world. Far from being abstract, ecclesiology shapes everyday Christian life—informing how believers understand community, leadership, worship, mission, and their shared identity as the body of Christ.
Endurance in the Christian life is the steady faithfulness that continues trusting God through difficulty, delay, and suffering. It is not passive resignation, but resilient hope—choosing to remain rooted in God’s promises when circumstances are hard and answers are slow. Scripture presents endurance as something God forms in us over time, shaping character, deepening trust, and teaching us that faithfulness matters even when the outcome is not yet clear.
Epiphany refers to the revealing or making known of who Jesus truly is. In the Christian calendar, it celebrates the moment Christ is recognised beyond Israel, particularly through the visit of the wise men. More broadly, epiphany speaks of moments when God’s truth breaks through—when eyes are opened and understanding deepens. It reminds us that faith often grows through revelation over time, as God is gradually made known rather than instantly understood.
Evangelism is the sharing of the good news about Jesus Christ in word and action. It is not about pressure, arguments, or winning debates, but about bearing witness to what God has done and continues to do. Christian evangelism grows out of love and honesty—inviting others to consider the hope, forgiveness, and new life found in Christ, while respecting freedom, questions, and conscience.
Evil in Christian understanding refers to the reality of opposition to God’s good purposes, seen in suffering, injustice, and human wrongdoing. The Bible treats evil as real and destructive, not an illusion to be explained away. Yet Christianity also insists that evil is not ultimate—God confronts it, limits it, and promises its defeat, calling people to resist it with truth, love, justice, and hope grounded in Christ.
Exegesis is the careful interpretation of Scripture, seeking to draw out what a biblical text actually means in its original context. It involves attention to language, history, culture, and literary form, rather than reading personal ideas into the text. Good exegesis helps readers listen before they speak—allowing Scripture to shape understanding, belief, and practice with clarity and integrity.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Saul Spares Amalek (and Calls It Obedience)
Summary of the passage:
God commands Saul to devote Amalek to complete destruction (ḥērem). Saul kills most but spares King Agag and the best livestock. When Samuel confronts him, Saul insists he obeyed God and claims the animals were saved for sacrifice.
Exegesis is the careful interpretation of Scripture, seeking to draw out what a biblical text actually means in its original context. It involves attention to language, history, culture, and literary form, rather than reading personal ideas into the text. Good exegesis helps readers listen before they speak—allowing Scripture to shape understanding, belief, and practice with clarity and integrity.
Father is one of the primary ways Jesus teaches us to speak about God. It expresses intimacy, care, authority, and faithfulness, reshaping how power and love are understood. In Christianity, calling God Father does not project human failure onto Him, but invites trust in a God who knows, provides, corrects, and loves with perfect compassion—drawing people into relationship rather than fear.
Fear of God in the Bible does not mean terror or dread, but a deep reverence and awe rooted in recognising who God is. It is the response of taking God seriously—honouring His holiness, wisdom, and authority while trusting His goodness. Christian faith understands the fear of God as the beginning of wisdom, shaping humility, obedience, and freedom, not by fear of punishment, but by living attentively before a God who is both powerful and good.
Fishers of Men is Jesus’ image for the calling of His first disciples. Drawing on their everyday work, He invites them to take part in God’s work of reaching people rather than catching fish. The phrase speaks of mission shaped by patience, presence, and trust—engaging others where they are and drawing them toward life with God, not through force, but through invitation and relationship.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Forgiveness in Christianity is the release of guilt and the restoration of relationship made possible by God’s grace. It does not deny wrongdoing or ignore harm, but confronts it honestly while refusing to let it have the final word. Forgiveness flows from what God has done in Christ, freeing both the one forgiven and the one who forgives, and opening the way for healing, reconciliation, and new beginnings.
Genesis is the first book of the Bible and the beginning of the biblical story. It explores creation, humanity, sin, and God’s unfolding plan to bless the world through covenant and promise. Genesis sets the foundation for everything that follows—revealing who God is, who we are, and why the world is both beautiful and broken, while pointing toward God’s commitment to redemption rather than abandonment.
Gifts of the Spirit are abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers for the good of others and the building up of the Church. They vary widely—ranging from teaching and encouragement to service, wisdom, healing, and discernment—and are given by grace rather than earned. The Bible presents these gifts not as markers of status, but as expressions of love, reminding us that spiritual gifts exist to serve, strengthen, and reflect God’s care within the community.
God’s Manifest Presence refers to moments when God’s nearness is experienced or recognised in a tangible way. Scripture speaks of times when God makes Himself known through peace, conviction, guidance, power, or deep awareness rather than physical sight. These moments are gifts of grace, not something to be controlled or demanded, reminding us that God is always present, even when His presence is not always felt in the same way.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
God’s Peace is not the absence of trouble or the promise of constant calm, but a deep steadiness rooted in trust in God’s presence. The Bible describes it as a peace that guards the heart and mind, even in the midst of fear, loss, or uncertainty. Christian peace grows from surrender rather than control, reminding us that God’s nearness can hold us when circumstances cannot be fixed.
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
Gospel means good news. In Christianity, it refers to the message that God has acted in Jesus Christ to bring forgiveness, restoration, and new life. The gospel is not primarily a set of moral instructions, but a declaration of what God has done—inviting trust, repentance, and transformation. It tells the story of grace breaking into the world, offering hope not earned, but received.
Grace is God’s generous love given freely, not earned or deserved. It meets people in weakness rather than waiting for improvement, offering forgiveness, restoration, and new life. In Christian faith, grace is not opposed to effort but to earning—it empowers change while grounding identity in God’s kindness rather than personal achievement.
Hallelujah is a Hebrew expression meaning “Praise the Lord.” It is a spontaneous response of joy, gratitude, and reverence toward God, used throughout Scripture and Christian worship. More than an emotional outburst, hallelujah is a declaration of trust—choosing praise not only in moments of celebration, but also in the midst of struggle, affirming that God remains worthy.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Harvest in the Bible is used as an image for both provision and spiritual readiness. It speaks of God’s faithfulness in supplying what is needed, and of the gathering of people into His kingdom. When Jesus speaks of the harvest, He points to urgency and compassion—reminding His followers that lives matter, timing matters, and that participation in God’s work flows from prayer, obedience, and love rather than pressure or force.
Heresy refers to teaching that departs from the core beliefs of the Christian faith in ways that distort the gospel. In the early Church, the term was used not to silence questions or doubt, but to protect the integrity of what had been received about God, Christ, and salvation. Christian tradition distinguishes between honest disagreement and heresy—recognising that truth is safeguarded not by fear, but by faithfulness to Scripture, the creeds, and the person of Jesus Christ.
Hermeneutics is the study of how Scripture is interpreted and understood. It explores the principles that guide reading the Bible faithfully—paying attention to context, genre, language, and historical setting. Good hermeneutics helps readers avoid misuse or oversimplification of the text, allowing Scripture to speak on its own terms and shaping belief and practice with care, humility, and depth.
Hope in Christianity is not wishful thinking or optimism rooted in circumstances, but confident trust in God’s faithfulness. It looks forward while being anchored in what God has already done, especially in Jesus Christ. Christian hope sustains people through suffering and uncertainty, not by denying pain, but by affirming that God’s promises, purposes, and future are stronger than what is presently seen.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Saul Spares Amalek (and Calls It Obedience)
Summary of the passage:
God commands Saul to devote Amalek to complete destruction (ḥērem). Saul kills most but spares King Agag and the best livestock. When Samuel confronts him, Saul insists he obeyed God and claims the animals were saved for sacrifice.
Humility in Christian faith is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking rightly about yourself before God. It recognises dependence, receives grace, and resists the need to prove worth through status or control. Shaped by the life of Jesus, humility is strength expressed through self-giving love—freeing people to serve, to listen, and to live truthfully without fear or self-exaltation.
Immutability refers to the Christian belief that God does not change in His nature, character, or promises. While God acts within history and responds to people, His faithfulness, goodness, and love remain constant. Immutability reassures believers that God is reliable—that His grace does not shift with circumstances, moods, or human failure, but remains steady and trustworthy across all times and situations.
Imputed Righteousness describes the Christian teaching that righteousness is credited to believers by God, rather than achieved through moral effort. It means that through faith in Christ, people are counted as right with God because of what Jesus has done, not because of their own performance. This understanding grounds assurance in grace—freeing believers to grow in obedience from gratitude and trust, rather than from fear or self-justification.
Inerrancy is the belief that Scripture is trustworthy in all that it intends to affirm. Rather than claiming the Bible functions as a modern textbook, inerrancy recognises that God speaks truthfully through human authors, genres, and historical contexts. In Christianity, this conviction encourages careful reading—taking the Bible seriously on its own terms, trusting that God’s word faithfully reveals His purposes without error in what it seeks to teach.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Inspiration of Scripture refers to the Christian belief that the Bible is God-breathed—written by human authors, yet guided by God’s Spirit. This means Scripture faithfully communicates what God intends to reveal, while reflecting real historical contexts, personalities, and literary styles. Christians understand inspiration not as mechanical dictation, but as God working through human voices to speak truth, shape faith, and draw people into relationship with Him.
Inspiration of Scripture refers to the Christian belief that the Bible is God-breathed—written by human authors, yet guided by God’s Spirit. This means Scripture faithfully communicates what God intends to reveal, while reflecting real historical contexts, personalities, and literary styles. Christians understand inspiration not as mechanical dictation, but as God working through human voices to speak truth, shape faith, and draw people into relationship with Him.
Joy in Christianity is not dependent on circumstances or constant happiness, but a deep gladness rooted in God’s presence and promises. It can exist alongside sorrow, struggle, and uncertainty, because it is anchored in hope rather than comfort. Biblical joy flows from knowing God and trusting His faithfulness—sustaining the heart even when life is difficult, and pointing beyond the present toward what God is bringing to completion.
Judgement in Christian teaching refers to God’s setting right of all things. It involves truth being revealed, justice being done, and wrong being addressed rather than ignored. While often feared or misunderstood, judgement in the Bible is closely tied to hope—affirming that evil, injustice, and suffering will not have the final word, and that God’s justice is ultimately an expression of His faithfulness, mercy, and commitment to what is good.
King of Kings is a title given to Jesus that declares His supreme authority over all powers, rulers, and kingdoms. It does not describe domination through force, but sovereignty revealed through humility, sacrifice, and truth. In Christian faith, to call Jesus King of Kings is to confess that no authority is higher, no power ultimate, and that His reign—marked by justice, mercy, and peace—outlasts every human system or claim to control.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Kingdom of God refers to God’s reign rather than a physical territory. In Jesus’ teaching, it describes God’s active rule breaking into the world—bringing healing, justice, forgiveness, and renewal. The Kingdom is both present and future: already at work wherever God’s will is done, yet awaiting its full completion. It invites response, not observation—calling people to live differently now in light of what God is bringing about.
Kingdom of God refers to God’s reign rather than a physical territory. In Jesus’ teaching, it describes God’s active rule breaking into the world—bringing healing, justice, forgiveness, and renewal. The Kingdom is both present and future: already at work wherever God’s will is done, yet awaiting its full completion. It invites response, not observation—calling people to live differently now in light of what God is bringing about.
Lament is the honest expression of grief, pain, and confusion before God. Far from being a lack of faith, biblical lament is an act of trust—bringing suffering into God’s presence rather than carrying it alone. Scripture gives language for protest, sorrow, and unanswered questions, reminding us that God welcomes truthfulness and meets His people not only in praise, but also in tears.
Liberal in a Christian context refers to an approach that emphasises openness to new ideas, historical development, and critical engagement with Scripture, tradition, and culture. It often prioritises ethics, social justice, and personal conscience, sometimes reinterpreting traditional doctrines in light of modern knowledge and experience. Within Christianity, liberal theology is one of several streams of thought—raising important questions about how faith is understood, expressed, and lived in changing contexts, while also prompting ongoing dialogue about continuity with historic belief.
Living Water is Jesus’ image for the life that God gives through His Spirit. It speaks of a deep, sustaining source within—able to refresh, cleanse, and renew from the inside out. Unlike water that briefly satisfies, living water addresses the deeper thirst of the human heart, offering ongoing life, hope, and transformation rooted in relationship with Christ rather than temporary relief.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Saul Spares Amalek (and Calls It Obedience)
Summary of the passage:
God commands Saul to devote Amalek to complete destruction (ḥērem). Saul kills most but spares King Agag and the best livestock. When Samuel confronts him, Saul insists he obeyed God and claims the animals were saved for sacrifice.
Local Church refers to a gathered community of believers in a particular place, seeking to follow Jesus together. It is where faith is lived out in real relationships—through worship, teaching, care, service, and shared life. While imperfect and shaped by its context, the local church matters deeply in Christianity because it is the ordinary, faithful space where belief becomes practice, grace is embodied, and people learn to love God and one another in tangible ways.
Love in Christianity is not merely emotion or attraction, but self-giving commitment rooted in God’s own nature. The Bible describes love as patient, faithful, and costly—most clearly revealed in Jesus Christ. Christian love seeks the good of others, even at personal cost, showing that true love is an active choice shaped by grace, truth, and enduring care rather than feeling alone.
Lucifer is a name traditionally associated with the fall of a rebellious spiritual being, drawn from biblical imagery about pride and downfall. While the Bible does not present Lucifer as a personal name used consistently throughout Scripture, Christian tradition has used it to describe the origin of evil’s rebellion against God. The emphasis is not on myth or speculation, but on the warning it carries: that pride, self-exaltation, and the refusal of God’s truth lead not to freedom, but to loss and distortion of what was once good.
Meditation in the Christian tradition is the practice of attentive reflection on God’s word and presence. Rather than emptying the mind, it involves filling it—slowly pondering Scripture, truth, and God’s faithfulness. Christian meditation creates space for listening, allowing understanding to deepen and faith to be formed as the heart learns to dwell on what is true, good, and life-giving.
Millennium refers to the period of a thousand years mentioned in the book of Revelation. Christians have understood this in different ways—some as a future, literal reign of Christ, others as a symbolic description of Christ’s present reign and ultimate victory. What unites these views is not speculation about timelines, but the assurance they point to: that history is under God’s authority, evil will not prevail forever, and Christ’s reign brings hope, justice, and renewal.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Saul Spares Amalek (and Calls It Obedience)
Summary of the passage:
God commands Saul to devote Amalek to complete destruction (ḥērem). Saul kills most but spares King Agag and the best livestock. When Samuel confronts him, Saul insists he obeyed God and claims the animals were saved for sacrifice.
Mediator refers to one who stands between two parties to bring reconciliation. In Christianity, Jesus is described as the mediator between God and humanity—bridging the divide created by sin. He does not negotiate from a distance, but enters fully into human life, bearing our brokenness and restoring relationship. Christian faith rests on the conviction that reconciliation with God is not achieved by human effort, but received through Christ’s faithful mediation.
Minister in Christianity refers to one who serves. While often used for ordained leaders, the word itself reflects a broader calling—to care, teach, encourage, and bear witness to Christ. At its heart, ministry is not about status or position, but about faithful service, reminding the Church that leadership and calling are expressed through humility, responsibility, and love.
Monastic describes a form of Christian life shaped by intentional community, prayer, simplicity, and discipline. Emerging in the early Church, monastic communities sought to order daily life around devotion to God, often withdrawing from excess in order to focus on faithfulness. While not a calling for all, the monastic tradition has deeply shaped Christian spirituality—reminding the wider Church of the value of rhythm, attentiveness, and wholehearted devotion.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Saul Spares Amalek (and Calls It Obedience)
Summary of the passage:
God commands Saul to devote Amalek to complete destruction (ḥērem). Saul kills most but spares King Agag and the best livestock. When Samuel confronts him, Saul insists he obeyed God and claims the animals were saved for sacrifice.
Move of the Spirit refers to a season or moment when the activity of the Holy Spirit becomes especially evident within individuals or communities. It may be seen in renewed faith, repentance, unity, transformation, or fresh boldness in love and witness. In Christian understanding, a genuine move of the Spirit points beyond emotion or spectacle toward lasting fruit—shaping lives in humility, obedience, and deeper alignment with God’s purposes.
New Heaven in Christian faith points to the complete renewal of God’s dwelling with creation. Rather than describing an escape to a distant spiritual realm, the Bible uses this language to speak of God making all things new—where His presence is fully known, evil is finally overcome, and relationship with Him is no longer fractured. Held together with the promise of a new earth, the new heaven expresses hope that God’s future involves restoration, not replacement, and communion rather than separation.
New Testament is the collection of writings that record the life and teaching of Jesus Christ and the birth of the early Church. It includes the Gospels, letters, and other texts that explore what Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection mean for faith and life. The New Testament interprets the Old Testament in light of Christ, revealing how God’s promises are fulfilled and how believers are invited to live in response to the gospel.
Old Testament is the first part of the Christian Bible, containing the Scriptures of ancient Israel. It tells the story of creation, covenant, law, wisdom, prophecy, and God’s unfolding relationship with His people. Christians read the Old Testament as essential to understanding Jesus and the gospel—seeing its promises, themes, and struggles not discarded, but fulfilled and reinterpreted in Christ.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Saul Spares Amalek (and Calls It Obedience)
Summary of the passage:
God commands Saul to devote Amalek to complete destruction (ḥērem). Saul kills most but spares King Agag and the best livestock. When Samuel confronts him, Saul insists he obeyed God and claims the animals were saved for sacrifice.
Omnipotent describes God as all-powerful—able to accomplish His purposes without limitation. In Christian belief, God’s power is not arbitrary or cruel, but always consistent with His character of love, justice, and faithfulness. Omnipotence reassures believers that nothing is beyond God’s capacity to redeem, sustain, or bring to completion, even when circumstances appear impossible.
Orthodox in a Christian context means right belief or right teaching. It can describe faithfulness to the core doctrines of historic Christianity, and it is also used to refer specifically to the Eastern Orthodox Church as a distinct Christian tradition. At its heart, orthodox points to continuity—holding to what the Church has received and confessed across centuries, while living that faith out through worship, prayer, and transformed life.
Parable is a short story Jesus used to reveal deeper truth through everyday images and situations. Rather than giving direct explanations, parables invite listeners to reflect, question, and recognise themselves within the story. They are meant to provoke insight and response, showing what God’s kingdom is like while leaving space for hearts to be opened—or resisted—depending on how we listen.
Pentecost marks the moment the Holy Spirit was poured out on the first followers of Jesus, empowering them for witness and shared life. Occurring fifty days after Easter, it represents the birth of the Church as a Spirit-filled community rather than a human institution. Pentecost reminds Christians that faith is sustained not by effort alone, but by God’s living presence—enabling courage, unity, and love that reach beyond natural ability.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Saul Spares Amalek (and Calls It Obedience)
Summary of the passage:
God commands Saul to devote Amalek to complete destruction (ḥērem). Saul kills most but spares King Agag and the best livestock. When Samuel confronts him, Saul insists he obeyed God and claims the animals were saved for sacrifice.
Perseverance in Christianity is the steady commitment to continue trusting God through difficulty, doubt, and delay. It is not stubborn endurance powered by will alone, but faith sustained by God’s grace over time. Perseverance recognises that growth is often slow and costly, yet affirms that God remains faithful—holding, shaping, and carrying His people even when the path is hard.
Prayer is the practice of speaking and listening to God. It includes praise, confession, thanksgiving, lament, and request, shaped by relationship rather than formula. In Christianity, prayer is not about persuading a distant God, but about opening life to His presence—bringing honesty, dependence, and trust into daily relationship with the One who listens and responds.
Predestination refers to the Christian belief that God’s saving purpose originates in His grace rather than human effort. It speaks of God acting first—choosing, calling, and drawing people to Himself according to His loving will. Christians have understood predestination in different ways, but at its heart it is meant to ground faith in God’s faithfulness, assuring believers that salvation rests not on fragile human consistency, but on God’s enduring promise and mercy.
Protestant refers to a broad family of Christian traditions that emerged from the Reformation of the sixteenth century. Protestants emphasised the authority of Scripture, salvation by grace through faith, and direct access to God through Christ rather than through church hierarchy alone. Today, Protestant Christianity includes many denominations and expressions, united not by uniformity, but by a shared conviction that faith is grounded in God’s grace, received personally, and lived out in everyday discipleship.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Saul Spares Amalek (and Calls It Obedience)
Summary of the passage:
God commands Saul to devote Amalek to complete destruction (ḥērem). Saul kills most but spares King Agag and the best livestock. When Samuel confronts him, Saul insists he obeyed God and claims the animals were saved for sacrifice.
Proverb is a short, memorable saying that expresses practical wisdom for everyday life. In the Bible, proverbs are not promises or laws, but observations about how life generally works when lived with wisdom, humility, and reverence for God. They invite reflection rather than rigid application—shaping character and discernment over time, rather than offering quick or guaranteed outcomes.
Rapture is a term used by some Christians to describe a future moment when believers are gathered to Christ. The idea comes from interpretations of New Testament passages about Jesus’ return, though Christians differ widely on how—and whether—the rapture should be understood as a distinct event. Within Christianity, the focus is less on detailed scenarios and more on the shared hope behind them: that Christ will return, God’s purposes will be fulfilled, and believers are called to live faithfully and expectantly rather than fearfully or speculatively.
Reconciliation in Christianity refers to the restoration of relationship where there has been separation or hostility. Through Jesus Christ, God acts to reconcile humanity to Himself—addressing sin, healing division, and opening the way for peace. This restored relationship then shapes how believers live, calling them to pursue reconciliation with others, reflecting the grace they have received rather than perpetuating brokenness or resentment.
Renewal in Christianity refers to God’s ongoing work of restoring and refreshing life, faith, and hope. It speaks of being made new again—not by starting over through sheer effort, but by God’s grace at work within us. Renewal can be personal, communal, or even cosmic, reminding us that God does not abandon what is worn or broken, but patiently renews hearts, minds, and communities over time.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Repentance in Christianity is a turning of the whole life toward God. It involves honest recognition of what has gone wrong, but it does not end in guilt or self-condemnation. Repentance is a gift of grace—opening the way for forgiveness, healing, and change—inviting people to move toward freedom and renewed relationship rather than remaining stuck in failure.
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
Right Hand of God is a biblical phrase used to describe God’s power, authority, and active presence. When Scripture speaks of Jesus seated at the right hand of God, it affirms His exalted position—sharing in God’s rule and authority after His resurrection. The image is not about physical location, but about status and action, assuring believers that Christ reigns, intercedes, and remains actively involved in God’s work of redemption and renewal.
Righteousness in Christianity refers to being in right relationship with God and living in ways that reflect His goodness and justice. It is not primarily about moral perfection, but about alignment—being set right by God’s grace and learning to live rightly in response. Biblical righteousness holds together gift and calling: received through faith, and expressed through lives shaped by truth, mercy, and faithfulness.
Saints in Christianity refers to all who belong to God through Christ, not only a select few with extraordinary lives. The Bible uses the word to describe ordinary believers who are set apart by grace rather than moral perfection. Saints are people in process—shaped by God’s mercy, growing in faithfulness, and called to live out love, humility, and hope in everyday life.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Saul Spares Amalek (and Calls It Obedience)
Summary of the passage:
God commands Saul to devote Amalek to complete destruction (ḥērem). Saul kills most but spares King Agag and the best livestock. When Samuel confronts him, Saul insists he obeyed God and claims the animals were saved for sacrifice.
Salvation in Christianity refers to God’s work of rescuing, restoring, and making whole what has been broken by sin. It is not simply about life after death, but about being brought into right relationship with God now—receiving forgiveness, freedom, and new life through Jesus Christ. Salvation is a gift of grace, not a reward for effort, inviting trust, transformation, and hope grounded in what God has done rather than what we achieve.
Scripture refers to the writings Christians receive as holy and authoritative—the books of the Old and New Testaments. Through Scripture, God speaks in diverse voices and forms, revealing His character, purposes, and redemptive work. Christians approach Scripture not as a detached rulebook, but as a living witness that invites listening, reflection, and response, shaping faith and life through God’s ongoing work by His Spirit.
Second Coming refers to the Christian hope that Jesus Christ will return to complete God’s work of renewal. It speaks of justice being set right, evil finally overcome, and God’s kingdom fully realised. Rather than fuelling fear or speculation, the Second Coming shapes how Christians live now—encouraging faithfulness, hope, and readiness grounded in trust that God’s purposes will be fulfilled.
Sermon on the Mount refers to Jesus’ extended teaching in Matthew’s Gospel where He lays out what life in God’s kingdom looks like. Rather than lowering moral expectations, Jesus deepens them—addressing the heart, motives, and inner life, not just outward behaviour. The sermon is not a checklist for earning God’s favour, but a vision of transformed life shaped by grace, humility, mercy, and trust in God’s care.
Service in Christianity is the practical expression of love in action. Shaped by the example of Jesus, it means placing the needs of others before self-interest and using time, gifts, and resources for the good of others. Christian service is not about status or recognition, but about faithfulness—reflecting God’s grace through ordinary acts of care, justice, and compassion.
Soul in Christian understanding refers to the whole inner life of a person—the seat of identity, desire, and relationship with God. It is not a detachable part of us, but the depth of who we are, held together in body, mind, and spirit. Scripture speaks of the soul as something precious and enduring, shaped by love, wounded by sin, and restored by God’s grace, reminding us that faith addresses the deepest level of human life, not just outward behaviour.
Someone’s Spirit refers to the inner life or disposition of a person—their attitudes, motives, emotional tone, and way of being. In the Bible, a person’s spirit can be described as humble, troubled, willing, or hardened, reflecting what is happening beneath the surface. Christian faith recognises that God is attentive not only to outward actions, but to the spirit within—where trust, resistance, openness, or healing often begin.
Sovereign describes God as the ultimate authority over all creation and history. In Christian faith, God’s sovereignty is not about control without care, but about purposeful rule shaped by wisdom, justice, and love. It reassures believers that nothing is ultimately outside God’s reach, and that even in uncertainty or suffering, God remains faithful and at work to bring about His good purposes.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Saul Spares Amalek (and Calls It Obedience)
Summary of the passage:
God commands Saul to devote Amalek to complete destruction (ḥērem). Saul kills most but spares King Agag and the best livestock. When Samuel confronts him, Saul insists he obeyed God and claims the animals were saved for sacrifice.
Spiritual Disciplines are intentional practices that help shape a life attentive to God. These include prayer, Scripture, fasting, silence, generosity, and service. They are not ways to earn God’s favour, but means of grace—creating space for God to form character, deepen trust, and reorient desire. In Christian faith, disciplines serve relationship, not performance, helping believers grow steadily in freedom and faithfulness.
Substitutionary Atonement is the Christian teaching that Jesus took upon Himself what humanity could not bear—standing in our place to deal with sin and its consequences. It speaks of Christ bearing the cost of broken relationship so that forgiveness and restoration could be offered freely. Rather than portraying an angry God needing persuasion, this understanding emphasises God’s love acting decisively—God Himself providing what justice and mercy require, so reconciliation could be made possible.
Suffering in Christianity is neither ignored nor explained away. The Bible treats suffering as a real and painful part of life in a broken world, touching bodies, minds, relationships, and faith. Christian faith does not claim that suffering is always caused or chosen by God, but proclaims that God enters into it—most clearly in Jesus—offering presence, compassion, and hope. Rather than providing easy answers, Christianity points to a God who walks with people through suffering and promises that it will not have the final word.
Temptation of Christ refers to the account of Jesus being tested in the wilderness at the beginning of His ministry. It shows Him facing real temptation—power, control, and self-reliance—yet choosing trust and obedience to God instead. This moment reveals that Jesus fully shares human struggle, while remaining faithful, and it reassures believers that temptation itself is not failure. Rather, it shows that resistance is possible through trust in God’s word and purposes.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Saul Spares Amalek (and Calls It Obedience)
Summary of the passage:
God commands Saul to devote Amalek to complete destruction (ḥērem). Saul kills most but spares King Agag and the best livestock. When Samuel confronts him, Saul insists he obeyed God and claims the animals were saved for sacrifice.
Testimony in Christianity is the act of bearing witness to what God has done. It may be shared through words, actions, or a transformed life, pointing beyond personal experience to God’s faithfulness. A testimony is not a performance or proof, but an honest account—inviting others to consider how God works in real, imperfect lives, often through grace rather than dramatic certainty.
The Authority of Scripture refers to the Christian conviction that the Bible carries God-given weight in shaping belief, life, and practice. Its authority does not come from force or tradition alone, but from its role as a faithful witness to God’s revelation, centred on Jesus Christ. Christians submit to Scripture not as a rigid rulebook, but as a trustworthy guide—listened to with humility, interpreted carefully, and lived out in dependence on God’s Spirit rather than personal preference or power.
The Body of Christ is a biblical image used to describe the Church as a living, connected whole. It emphasises unity and diversity—many people with different gifts, roles, and experiences, joined together in Christ. This image reminds Christians that faith is not lived in isolation: each person matters, each contribution counts, and the health of the whole depends on mutual care, humility, and shared life under Christ’s headship.
The Fall refers to the biblical account of humanity’s turning away from God at the beginning of the story. It describes the entrance of sin, brokenness, and distortion into human life and creation—not as a myth about curiosity, but as a picture of misplaced trust and damaged relationship. The Fall explains why the world is both beautiful and fractured, and why redemption, not mere improvement, lies at the heart of the Christian story.
The Lord’s Supper is the shared meal Jesus gave to His followers to remember Him. Using bread and wine, it points to His body given and His blood poured out for others. In Christianity, the Lord’s Supper is not only an act of remembrance, but of participation—receiving grace, proclaiming Christ’s death, and affirming unity as one body. It draws believers back to the centre of the faith, reminding them that life with God is sustained by what Christ has done, not by what they achieve.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Saul Spares Amalek (and Calls It Obedience)
Summary of the passage:
God commands Saul to devote Amalek to complete destruction (ḥērem). Saul kills most but spares King Agag and the best livestock. When Samuel confronts him, Saul insists he obeyed God and claims the animals were saved for sacrifice.
The Flesh in the Bible does not simply mean the physical body, but the human tendency toward self-reliance and desire detached from God. It describes the inner pull toward living as though God were absent or unnecessary. Christian faith treats the flesh honestly without despising the body, pointing instead to transformation—where life is increasingly shaped by God’s Spirit rather than by disordered desire or self-centred control.
The Resurrection refers to Jesus being raised from the dead after His crucifixion. It is the cornerstone of Christian faith, declaring that death, sin, and evil do not have the final word. The resurrection is not presented as a symbol or metaphor alone, but as God’s decisive act of new creation—confirming Jesus’ identity, grounding Christian hope, and promising that life, justice, and renewal will ultimately prevail.
Theology is the thoughtful reflection on who God is and how He relates to the world. It involves wrestling with Scripture, tradition, experience, and reason to deepen understanding of faith. In Christianity, theology is not abstract speculation, but a lived discipline—meant to serve worship, shape discipleship, and help believers love God with both heart and mind.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Saul Spares Amalek (and Calls It Obedience)
Summary of the passage:
God commands Saul to devote Amalek to complete destruction (ḥērem). Saul kills most but spares King Agag and the best livestock. When Samuel confronts him, Saul insists he obeyed God and claims the animals were saved for sacrifice.
Total Depravity is a Christian teaching that describes the depth of humanity’s brokenness, not the degree of our badness. It does not mean people are as evil as possible, but that sin affects every part of human life—mind, will, relationships, and desires—so that we cannot heal ourselves or reach God by effort alone. This teaching is meant to lead not to despair, but to humility and hope, pointing to the need for grace that restores from the inside rather than moral self-improvement.
Triune God is another way of describing the Christian belief in the Trinity—that God is one being who exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The term emphasises unity and relationship rather than mathematical explanation. Christian faith understands the triune nature of God as revealing that love, communion, and self-giving are not created realities, but exist at the very heart of who God is.
Unclean in the Bible refers to a state of impurity that affected a person’s ability to participate fully in worship and community life. It could relate to illness, bodily conditions, or contact with death, and was not the same as moral guilt. In Christian faith, Jesus radically reframes uncleanness—not by avoiding it, but by moving toward it. He restores, heals, and welcomes those labelled unclean, showing that God’s holiness is expressed through mercy and restoration rather than exclusion.
Vision in Christianity refers to a God-given sense of direction, purpose, or calling. It is not limited to dramatic experiences or supernatural sights, but often unfolds as clarity over time—shaping priorities, choices, and hope. Christian vision helps people see life through God’s purposes, aligning what they do now with what God is bringing about, and sustaining faithfulness even when the path ahead is not fully clear.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Saul Spares Amalek (and Calls It Obedience)
Summary of the passage:
God commands Saul to devote Amalek to complete destruction (ḥērem). Saul kills most but spares King Agag and the best livestock. When Samuel confronts him, Saul insists he obeyed God and claims the animals were saved for sacrifice.
Vocation in Christianity refers to God’s calling on a person’s life. It includes, but is not limited to, work or career, encompassing the whole of life lived in response to God’s purposes. Christian vocation affirms that ordinary roles—work, relationships, service, and creativity—can be places of faithfulness, meaning, and witness, as people live attentively to God wherever they are placed.
Water in the Bible is a rich symbol of life, cleansing, renewal, and God’s sustaining presence. It is used to speak of creation, provision, baptism, and spiritual refreshment. From the waters of creation to Jesus offering living water, Scripture uses water to express God’s desire to give life, wash away what is broken, and renew people from the inside out.
Wholeness in Christianity refers to the restoration of life as God intends it—integrated, healed, and rightly ordered. It goes beyond the absence of pain or conflict to include peace with God, healthy relationship with others, and inner renewal. Christian faith speaks of wholeness as both a present gift and a future hope, growing as God’s grace restores what has been fractured by sin, suffering, and loss.
Worship in Christianity is the wholehearted response of life to who God is. It includes singing, prayer, obedience, generosity, and everyday faithfulness—not just what happens in a church service. Christian worship centres on God’s worth rather than human feeling, shaping how believers see the world and live within it, as love, trust, and devotion are offered back to the One who gives life.
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.
2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap...
Saul Spares Amalek (and Calls It Obedience)
Summary of the passage:
God commands Saul to devote Amalek to complete destruction (ḥērem). Saul kills most but spares King Agag and the best livestock. When Samuel confronts him, Saul insists he obeyed God and claims the animals were saved for sacrifice.
Wrath of God in Christianity refers to God’s settled opposition to evil, injustice, and everything that destroys life. It is not a loss of temper or uncontrolled anger, but the moral response of a good and loving God to what harms His creation. Scripture holds God’s wrath together with His mercy—showing that God confronts sin precisely because He loves, and that His ultimate aim is not destruction, but repentance, restoration, and life made right.
Advent is about waiting—but not empty or passive waiting. It marks the season of longing for God to act, remembering Israel’s hope for the Messiah and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. Advent holds together promise and fulfilment: Jesus has come, yet we still await the fullness of His kingdom. It invites us to slow down, live in expectation, and remember that God is faithful to keep His promises, even when hope feels delayed.
​Altar in the Bible is a place of meeting between God and humanity—a space marked by sacrifice, worship, and surrender. It represents offering something costly to God, whether thanksgiving, repentance, or commitment. In a Christian context, the focus shifts from a physical altar to a posture of the heart, shaped by Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice. The altar reminds us that faith is not merely belief, but a lived response—bringing our lives honestly before God and placing them in His hands.
​Apocrypha refers to a collection of Jewish writings produced between the Old and New Testaments. These books were valued by many early Christians for history, wisdom, and devotion, but were not included in the Hebrew Bible and are treated differently across Christian traditions. While the Apocrypha is not generally used to establish core doctrine, it provides important background to the world of Jesus and the early Church, helping us understand the beliefs, struggles, and hopes of that period.
Armour in the Bible is most often used as a metaphor for spiritual protection and readiness. Drawing on the image of a Roman soldier, Scripture speaks of God’s armour—truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and God’s word—as what enables believers to stand firm in a broken and contested world. It is not about aggression or fear, but about resilience and trust, reminding us that spiritual strength comes from what God provides, not from our own self-defence or willpower.
Awakening refers to a renewed awareness of God that brings personal and often communal spiritual change. In Christian history, awakenings have been marked by repentance, fresh faith, transformed lives, and a renewed concern for justice and love of neighbour. At a personal level, awakening describes those moments when faith moves from habit to reality—when hearts are stirred, conscience is awakened, and people become newly attentive to God’s presence and call.
Bishop is a leadership role within the Church, rooted in the early Christian practice of oversight and pastoral care. Historically, bishops were responsible for guarding teaching, supporting local churches, and maintaining unity within the wider body of believers. While expressions of the role differ across traditions, its purpose remains the same: to serve the Church by encouraging faithfulness, providing guidance, and helping the Christian community live out the gospel with integrity and love.
Bread & Wine are the ordinary elements Jesus used to express an extraordinary reality. At the Last Supper, He took bread and wine to point to His body and blood—given for others—and asked His followers to remember Him through them. In Christian worship, they speak of sacrifice, forgiveness, and shared life, reminding believers that God meets us through simple, physical means, and that faith is nourished not by ideas alone, but by grace received and shared together.
Chaplain refers to a Christian minister who serves outside traditional church settings—such as hospitals, schools, prisons, the military, or workplaces. The role is shaped by presence rather than preaching, offering pastoral care, prayer, and support in moments of crisis, transition, or vulnerability. Chaplaincy reflects the Christian conviction that God meets people where they are, and that compassion, listening, and faithful presence are often the most powerful expressions of faith.
Church Council refers to a group of leaders brought together to discern, decide, and guide the life of the Church. From the earliest councils in Christian history to local church councils today, their purpose is not control, but collective wisdom—seeking faithfulness to Scripture, unity in belief, and pastoral care for the community. Church councils reflect the conviction that discernment is best done together, through prayer, listening, and shared responsibility.
Commandments in the Bible are God’s instructions for living well in relationship with Him and with others. Rather than arbitrary rules, they reveal what love, justice, and faithfulness look like in everyday life. In Christianity, the commandments are understood through Jesus’ teaching—to love God and love neighbour—showing that obedience flows from relationship, not fear, and that God’s guidance is given for freedom and flourishing, not control.
Contentment in the Christian life is not resignation or indifference, but a settled trust in God’s sufficiency. It grows from the recognition that meaning and security are not found in circumstances, possessions, or control, but in God’s faithful presence. Biblical contentment allows gratitude in abundance and steadiness in lack, shaping a life anchored not by what we have, but by who holds us.
Creation refers to God bringing the world into being with purpose, order, and goodness. In the Bible, creation is not accidental or meaningless, but intentional—reflecting God’s wisdom and care. Christian faith understands creation as both gift and responsibility: something to receive with gratitude, steward with humility, and hope for in its promised renewal, rather than exploit or dismiss.
Deacon is a role of service within the Church, rooted in the New Testament. Deacons were appointed to care for practical needs so that the community could flourish and no one was overlooked. The role reflects a central Christian conviction: leadership is expressed through service. Whether in acts of care, justice, or support, the deacon’s ministry points to Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve.
Devil in the Bible refers to the personal embodiment of evil, opposed to God’s purposes and committed to deception, accusation, and destruction. Often described as the accuser or the adversary, the devil seeks to distort truth and undermine trust in God. Christian faith treats this reality seriously without fear, affirming that the devil is neither equal to God nor ultimately victorious, and that Christ’s life, death, and resurrection have decisively broken his power.
Doxology is an expression of praise directed to God, often brief and poetic. Found throughout Scripture and Christian worship, doxologies give voice to awe, gratitude, and trust—lifting attention away from ourselves and toward God’s glory. They remind us that faith ultimately leads not only to understanding or action, but to worship, where words fall into praise.
El Shaddai is a Hebrew name for God often translated God Almighty or God All-Sufficient. In Scripture, it emphasises God’s power to sustain, provide, and keep His promises, especially in times of weakness or uncertainty. To call God El Shaddai is to trust not only in His strength, but in His sufficiency—believing that what God supplies is enough, even when circumstances feel fragile or incomplete.
Eschatology is the area of Christian theology concerned with last things—death, judgment, resurrection, and the ultimate renewal of creation. It is not primarily about timelines or speculation, but about hope and direction, shaping how believers live in the present. Christian eschatology affirms that history is moving toward God’s promised future, where justice is made right, evil is overcome, and life with God is fully restored.
Epiphany refers to the revealing or making known of who Jesus truly is. In the Christian calendar, it celebrates the moment Christ is recognised beyond Israel, particularly through the visit of the wise men. More broadly, epiphany speaks of moments when God’s truth breaks through—when eyes are opened and understanding deepens. It reminds us that faith often grows through revelation over time, as God is gradually made known rather than instantly understood.
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
Evil Spirit in the Bible refers to a spiritual being opposed to God, working to deceive, harm, or distort what is good. Scripture treats this reality seriously but without sensationalism, emphasising that such powers are limited and subject to God’s authority. In Christian faith, the focus is not on fear of evil spirits, but on the freedom and protection found in Christ, whose power to heal and restore is greater than any force of darkness.
Faith in Christianity is not blind belief or certainty without questions, but trust grounded in relationship. It involves confidence in God based on His character, promises, and the person of Jesus Christ. Biblical faith holds together belief, trust, and commitment—choosing to rely on God even amid doubt, uncertainty, and growth, rather than demanding complete control or proof before stepping forward.
Fellowship in Christianity describes shared life rooted in relationship with God and with one another. It goes beyond social connection to mutual care, honesty, and belonging—walking together in faith, struggle, and hope. Biblical fellowship recognises that faith is formed and sustained in community, where grace is shared, burdens are carried, and love is made visible in everyday life.
Forgiveness of Sins is the heart of the Christian message—that God deals decisively with human failure through grace rather than condemnation. It speaks of guilt being lifted, relationship restored, and a fresh beginning made possible through Jesus Christ. Forgiveness is not earned by effort or moral improvement, but received by trust, allowing people to live no longer defined by their past, but by God’s mercy and promise of new life.
Glory in the Bible refers to the weight, worth, and radiant presence of God. It describes God’s beauty, holiness, and significance made visible—sometimes through light or power, but often through faithfulness, mercy, and self-giving love. In Christian faith, God’s glory is most fully revealed in Jesus Christ, showing that true glory is not found in domination or spectacle, but in love that gives itself for others.
God’s Will refers to God’s purpose and desire for the world and for human life. In Christianity, it is not a hidden blueprint to be anxiously decoded, but God’s revealed heart—calling people to love, trust, and live faithfully. God’s will is discovered over time through Scripture, prayer, wisdom, and obedience, inviting relationship and trust rather than fear of getting it wrong.
Great Commission refers to Jesus’ final instruction to His followers to make disciples of all nations. It is a call to share faith through teaching, presence, and obedience, not coercion or control. Rooted in Jesus’ authority and promise of His ongoing presence, the Great Commission shapes the Church’s outward focus—inviting participation in God’s work of restoration, hope, and reconciliation in the world.
Healing in Christianity refers to God’s work of restoring what is broken—physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. The Bible presents healing not as a guarantee on demand, but as a sign of God’s compassion and kingdom breaking into a wounded world. Christian hope holds together prayer for healing with trust in God’s wisdom, recognising that ultimate healing is found in God’s redemptive purposes, even when restoration is incomplete in the present.
Holiness in Christianity describes being set apart for God, shaped by His character rather than withdrawn from the world. It is not moral superiority or separation from ordinary life, but a life increasingly aligned with God’s love, justice, and truth. Biblical holiness grows out of grace—formed over time as hearts, desires, and actions are reshaped, reflecting God’s presence in the midst of everyday life.
Hymn is a song of praise and prayer rooted in Scripture and Christian belief. Hymns have long been used to teach faith, express worship, and carry theology in memorable, shared language. More than music alone, a hymn unites words and melody to shape the heart—helping faith be sung, remembered, and lived together across generations.
Incarnation refers to the Christian belief that God became fully human in the person of Jesus Christ. Rather than remaining distant, God entered ordinary human life—sharing our limitations, suffering, and joys. The incarnation shows that God’s response to human brokenness was not detachment, but presence: stepping into the world to redeem it from within, revealing divine love in human form.
Intercession is the act of praying on behalf of others. In Christianity, it reflects love that carries the needs, struggles, and hopes of others before God. The Bible presents intercession as participation in God’s care for the world—trusting that prayer matters, even when outcomes are unseen, and that God invites His people to share in His work of compassion, healing, and redemption.
Justice in Christianity is rooted in God’s character—His commitment to what is right, fair, and life-giving. It goes beyond punishment to include restoration, protection of the vulnerable, and the setting right of what is broken. Biblical justice holds together truth and mercy, calling God’s people not only to personal integrity, but to active concern for the oppressed, the marginalised, and those treated unjustly, reflecting God’s heart for the world.
Lake of Fire is a vivid image used in the Bible to speak about the final defeat of evil and the seriousness of rejecting God’s life-giving rule. It is symbolic language, drawn from apocalyptic imagery, pointing to ultimate judgment rather than offering a literal description. In Christian teaching, the emphasis is not on fear or speculation, but on the assurance that evil, injustice, and destruction will not endure forever—and that God’s purpose is to bring truth to light and set things right.
Light in the Bible is a powerful image for truth, life, and God’s presence. It represents what reveals, guides, and brings clarity in contrast to darkness. Christian faith speaks of Jesus as the light of the world—one who exposes what is hidden, brings hope into confusion, and leads people toward life, reminding us that light does not argue with darkness, but overcomes it by shining.
Logos is a Greek word meaning word, reason, or ordering principle. In the New Testament, it is used to describe Jesus as God’s self-expression—the One through whom God creates, reveals truth, and brings life. Calling Jesus the Logos means that God is not silent or distant, but has made Himself known in a personal, living way—showing that meaning, truth, and purpose are ultimately found in Him.
Majesty describes the greatness, splendour, and authority of God. In Scripture, God’s majesty evokes awe and reverence—not because He is distant, but because His power is matched by wisdom, justice, and mercy. Christian faith holds God’s majesty together with His nearness, reminding us that the One who reigns in glory also draws close in love and faithfulness.
Meekness in Christianity is strength expressed through gentleness and self-control. It is not weakness or passivity, but the choice to lay down the need for dominance, retaliation, or self-assertion. Shaped by the example of Jesus, meekness trusts God with power and outcomes, allowing humility, patience, and quiet confidence to guide how we respond to others and to life’s pressures.
Ministry in Christianity is the work of serving God and others in response to God’s grace. It includes worship, teaching, care, justice, and witness, expressed through both formal roles and everyday faithfulness. Ministry is not reserved for a few, but shared by all believers—each called to participate in God’s work of love, restoration, and hope in the world.
New Covenant refers to the renewed relationship God establishes with humanity through Jesus Christ. Promised in the Old Testament and fulfilled in Christ, it is marked not by external law alone, but by hearts changed from within. The New Covenant speaks of forgiveness, restored relationship, and God’s Spirit at work in His people—showing that faith is grounded not in human faithfulness, but in God’s enduring grace and promise.
Nicene Creed is a historic statement of Christian belief formulated in the fourth century to clarify who Christians believe God is, especially in response to confusion about the nature of Jesus. It affirms faith in one God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and declares Jesus as fully God and fully human. Still used in worship today, the Nicene Creed anchors Christian faith in shared conviction rather than private opinion, linking believers across centuries in a common confession of who God is and what He has done.
Omnipresent means that God is present everywhere at all times. In Christian belief, this does not imply God is spread thin or impersonal, but that He is fully present in every place and moment. God’s omnipresence offers comfort and assurance—that no situation is beyond His awareness, no place outside His reach, and no person ever truly alone.
Parousia is a Greek term used in the New Testament to describe the future coming or appearing of Jesus Christ. It points to the hope that Christ will return to complete God’s work of renewal—bringing justice, restoration, and the fulfilment of God’s kingdom. Rather than fuelling speculation or fear, the parousia shapes Christian living now, encouraging faithfulness, hope, and readiness grounded in trust that God’s purposes will be brought to completion.
Perseverance of the Saints is the Christian teaching that those who truly belong to God are sustained by His grace to the end. It does not claim that believers never struggle, doubt, or fail, but that God remains faithful in holding them. This assurance rests not in human strength or consistency, but in God’s preserving love—encouraging trust, humility, and ongoing dependence rather than complacency or fear.
Priest in the Bible refers to one who represents people before God and facilitates worship, sacrifice, and blessing. In the Old Testament, priests served within Israel’s worship life; in Christianity, Jesus is seen as the ultimate high priest, fulfilling and surpassing this role. Many Christian traditions also speak of ordained priests who serve sacramentally, while affirming the priesthood of all believers—that all who belong to Christ are invited into worship, prayer, and service.
Providence refers to God’s faithful care and guidance over creation and human life. In Christianity, it expresses the belief that God is actively involved—sustaining, directing, and working through events, even when His purposes are not immediately clear. Providence does not deny hardship or human responsibility, but affirms that nothing is ultimately outside God’s loving oversight, and that He can bring good even out of what appears chaotic or painful.
Redemption in Christianity speaks of being rescued, restored, and set free at great cost. Rooted in the language of release and deliverance, it describes God’s action in Christ to liberate humanity from sin, guilt, and brokenness. Redemption does not simply erase the past, but transforms it—turning loss into hope and restoring what seemed beyond repair through grace and love.
Resurrection Body refers to the Christian belief that life after death involves real, embodied renewal, not a disembodied or ghostly existence. Drawing from Jesus’ own resurrection, the Bible speaks of a transformed body—continuous with our present selves, yet made new, whole, and imperishable. This hope affirms that God’s redemption includes the physical world, promising not escape from the body, but its restoration and fulfilment in God’s renewed creation.
Rock in the Bible is a metaphor for strength, stability, and reliability. God is described as a rock—unchanging, trustworthy, and a place of refuge in times of trouble. Jesus also uses the image to speak of foundations, teaching that a life built on Him is secure even when storms come. The image reassures believers that faith rests not on shifting circumstances, but on a God who is steady and dependable.
Sanctification is the ongoing process by which God shapes believers to become more like Christ. It follows salvation, not as a condition for God’s love, but as the fruit of it. In Christianity, sanctification is both God’s work and our response—formed over time through grace, obedience, struggle, and growth—reminding us that transformation is gradual and grounded in relationship, not instant perfection.
10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
Sect is a term used to describe a religious group that has separated from a larger tradition, often forming around a particular interpretation, leader, or emphasis. In Christian discussion, it can refer neutrally to a distinct movement, but is more often used critically when a group becomes isolated, rigid, or controlling. Christianity distinguishes healthy faith communities from sectarianism by looking for openness, accountability, freedom of conscience, and continuity with the core beliefs of the wider Church rather than loyalty to a narrow or exclusive identity.
Servanthood in Christianity describes a way of life shaped by humility, love, and self-giving. Modelled by Jesus, it redefines greatness not as power over others, but as service for their good. Christian servanthood flows from grace rather than obligation, inviting believers to reflect God’s character by choosing care, faithfulness, and generosity in everyday relationships and responsibilities.
Son of God is a title given to Jesus that expresses His unique relationship with God the Father. It does not mean God created Jesus, but that Jesus shares God’s nature and reveals Him fully. In Christian faith, calling Jesus the Son of God affirms that God has made Himself known personally—entering human history to restore relationship, reveal truth, and bring new life through love rather than distance.
Servanthood in Christianity describes a way of life shaped by humility, love, and self-giving. Modelled by Jesus, it redefines greatness not as power over others, but as service for their good. Christian servanthood flows from grace rather than obligation, inviting believers to reflect God’s character by choosing care, faithfulness, and generosity in everyday relationships and responsibilities.
Spiritual Growth in Christianity refers to the gradual shaping of a person’s life into Christlikeness. It is not measured by intensity of experience or religious activity, but by deepening trust, love, humility, and faithfulness over time. Spiritual growth is often slow and uneven, formed through grace, obedience, struggle, and renewal—reminding us that transformation is a journey walked with God, not a standard to be instantly achieved.
Supplication refers to earnest prayer that brings personal needs, longings, and requests before God. It is marked by humility and dependence, acknowledging that help comes from beyond ourselves. In Christian faith, supplication is not about persuading a reluctant God, but about trusting a caring one—honestly expressing need while resting in God’s wisdom, goodness, and attentive presence.
Thanksgiving in Christianity is the practice of recognising and expressing gratitude to God for His gifts, presence, and faithfulness. It is more than polite thanks—it is a way of seeing life as received rather than earned. Biblical thanksgiving shapes the heart, grounding joy and trust not only in what is easy or abundant, but in the steady goodness of God, even in seasons of uncertainty.
The Bride of Christ is a biblical image used to describe the Church’s relationship with Jesus. It speaks of covenant love, faithfulness, and deep commitment rather than romance or sentimentality. The image emphasises that the Church is loved, chosen, and being prepared for fullness of life with Christ—reminding believers that faith is not merely belief or duty, but a relational bond marked by grace, hope, and belonging.
The Good Shepherd is one of Jesus’ most personal images for Himself. It describes a shepherd who knows His sheep, calls them by name, and lays down His life for them. Rather than ruling from a distance, the Good Shepherd leads with care, protection, and sacrifice—seeking the lost, guarding the vulnerable, and remaining faithful even when the cost is high. The image reassures believers that God’s authority is expressed through love, presence, and commitment, not control or neglect.
The Suffering Servant is a figure described in the book of Isaiah who brings restoration not through power or triumph, but through suffering, obedience, and self-giving love. Christians understand this figure as fulfilled in Jesus, whose life and death reveal a God who enters pain rather than avoiding it. The image reframes greatness and salvation—showing that healing, forgiveness, and hope come not through domination, but through love willing to bear the cost for others.
Transgression in the Bible refers to crossing a boundary God has set—knowingly or deliberately stepping beyond what is good and life-giving. It highlights the relational nature of wrongdoing, emphasising trust broken rather than rules merely violated. Christian faith names transgression honestly, not to condemn, but to open the way for repentance, forgiveness, and restoration through God’s grace.
Unity of the Church refers to the spiritual oneness of all who belong to Christ. It is rooted not in uniformity of practice or opinion, but in shared faith, grace, and life in Christ. While divisions and differences exist, Christianity holds unity as a gift to be lived into—calling believers to humility, love, and reconciliation, reflecting God’s desire that His people be one in truth and compassion.
“Walk by faith, not by sight” is a biblical phrase that describes living with trust in God rather than relying only on what is immediately visible or certain. It does not deny reality or ignore difficulty, but chooses confidence in God’s promises when outcomes are unclear. In Christian life, walking by faith means taking faithful steps forward—guided by trust, obedience, and hope—believing that God is at work even when the path cannot yet be fully seen.
Witness in Christianity means living and speaking in ways that point to what God has done. It is not about pressure or persuasion, but about truthful presence—sharing faith through words, actions, and character. The Bible presents witness as both testimony and life lived, inviting others to see and consider the hope, grace, and transformation found in Christ.
Yahweh is the personal name God reveals to Moses in the Old Testament, often represented as LORD in English Bibles. It expresses God’s self-existence and faithfulness—“I am who I am”—a God who is not dependent, distant, or changeable. In Christian understanding, Yahweh is the covenant-keeping God who draws near to His people, remains faithful across generations, and ultimately makes Himself known most fully in Jesus Christ.
Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew!”
Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”
Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?”
Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.
Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left.
So Esau despised his birthright.
A Final Word on Difficult Bible Passages
Why the Hard Verses Do Not Undermine Faith — They Deepen It
If you have read through the difficult passages of the Bible carefully, honestly, and without rushing, you may feel a mixture of relief and fatigue. Some verses are unsettling. Some are emotionally heavy. Some raise questions that cannot be answered with a single sentence or an easy explanation.
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That experience is not a failure of faith.
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It is the experience the Bible itself expects.
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Why the Bible Contains Difficult Passages at All
One of the strongest — though often overlooked — arguments for the Bible’s authenticity is the very presence of its difficult texts.
If the Bible were:
A carefully engineered piece of propaganda
A document designed to manipulate or control
A faith created to avoid challenge or controversy
It would look very different.
We would expect:
Sanitised stories
One-dimensional heroes
Simple moral lessons
Clear answers to every question
A God who never troubles us
Instead, we find:
Moral tension
Human failure
Divine patience and judgment
Lament, protest, and confusion
Texts that require thought, humility, and wrestling
The Bible does not hide its complexity. It preserves it.
The Main Confusions — and Why They Arise
When people struggle with difficult passages, the confusion usually falls into a few broad categories:
1. Reading Parts Without the Whole
Many hard verses are misread because they are isolated from:
Their historical context
Their literary genre
Their place in the unfolding biblical story
The Bible is not a collection of disconnected moral sayings. It is a long, unfolding narrative moving toward restoration. Reading a verse in isolation can make it appear harsh, contradictory, or even cruel — when in context it serves a larger purpose.
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2. Confusing Description with Endorsement
The Bible often describes human behaviour without endorsing it.
Stories of violence, injustice, or moral failure are frequently recorded not as examples to follow, but as evidence of a broken world in need of redemption.
Scripture is often brutally honest about humanity — and that honesty can be uncomfortable.
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3. Expecting Modern Categories in Ancient Texts
The Bible was written in cultures vastly different from our own. Language, law, warfare, and social structures were shaped by ancient realities.
This does not make the Bible irrelevant — but it does mean it must be read carefully, historically, and humbly.
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4. Struggling with Judgment and Justice
Passages involving divine judgment often disturb modern readers — and rightly so. Judgment should never feel trivial.
But Scripture consistently holds judgment alongside:
Mercy
Patience
Warning before action
A desire for repentance rather than destruction
God’s judgment in the Bible is never portrayed as impulsive or cruel. It is depicted as a reluctant necessity in the face of persistent injustice, not a contradiction of love.
The Unifying Thread: God’s Character
When difficult passages are read within the full biblical narrative, a consistent picture emerges.
From beginning to end, the Bible presents a God who is:
Slow to anger
Abounding in love
Committed to justice
Faithful to His promises
Deeply concerned with human flourishing
“The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
(Exodus 34:6, NIV)
This description of God’s character appears again and again across centuries of Scripture. Difficult passages do not redefine God — they must be interpreted in light of who God has already shown Himself to be.
Jesus as the Key to Understanding the Whole Bible
Christianity insists that the clearest revelation of God is not a verse, a law, or a command — but a person.
Jesus.
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“Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
(John 14:9, NIV)
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Jesus does not soften the Bible; He clarifies it. He reveals how justice, mercy, holiness, and love ultimately meet.
Violence is answered by self-giving love
Judgment is answered by sacrificial grace
Power is redefined through service
God’s heart is laid bare on the cross
Any interpretation of Scripture that stands at odds with the character of Jesus must be re-examined.
Faith That Can Withstand Scrutiny
Christian faith does not depend on ignoring difficult texts.
It survives because it engages them honestly.
A faith that collapses under questioning is not biblical faith.
The Bible itself invites examination:
“Test everything; hold on to what is good.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:21, NIV)
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Christianity has been examined, criticised, attacked, defended, and scrutinised for centuries — by philosophers, historians, scientists, theologians, and sceptics alike. It remains intellectually viable not because it avoids hard questions, but because it can face them.
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How to Approach Difficult Passages Faithfully
When encountering a hard text, faithful reading involves:
Patience rather than panic
Context rather than isolation
Humility rather than certainty
The whole story rather than a single verse
Jesus as the interpretive centre
It also involves recognising the limits of our understanding. Not every tension is resolved neatly. Faith does not require full comprehension — it requires trust grounded in what has been revealed.
A Deep Reassurance
Difficult passages do not disprove Christianity.
They demonstrate:
The Bible’s honesty
Its refusal to simplify reality
Its confidence that truth can withstand examination
Its commitment to recording the real story of humanity and God
If anything, the Bible’s willingness to include disturbing, confusing, and morally complex material strengthens its credibility.
Final Encouragement
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You do not need to be afraid of difficult verses.
They do not stand in opposition to faith.
They stand within a story of redemption, patience, justice, and grace.
Christianity does not ask you to close your mind.
It asks you to open it carefully, humbly, and honestly.
And the deeper you read — not selectively, but fully — the clearer this becomes:
The God revealed in Scripture is not contradictory, capricious, or cruel.
He is consistent, patient, just, and ultimately revealed in Jesus Christ.
Some passages are difficult.
None are fatal to faith.
In fact, when read rightly, they point not away from God —
but more deeply into who He truly is.