What We Mean When We Say
Here are a few terms and expressions that are often heard in our services. We try to use these terms and expressions as the Bible uses them. Our hope is that this information will be helpful as you worship God with us.
Amen. A Hebrew exclamation meaning "so be it," "truly," or "indeed!" It is often used to conclude prayers or to express approval or agreement with someone has said or done. (See Deuteronomy 27:15; Revelations 22:20; I Corinthian 14:16-
Baptism. Literally, the act of dipping or washing something completely in liquid. Scriptural baptism is a vital part of New Testament salvation. (See Romans 6:3-
Water (Acts 8:36)
Much water (John 3:23)
Going down into the water (Acts 8:38)
Burial in water (Colossians 2:12)
Coming up out of the water (Acts 8:39)
A name pronounced (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38)
Taking all of this information together, scriptural baptism is total immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19 commands us to baptize in a name but does not give the name. It refers to the "name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." The terms Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are titles of positions held by God, but they are not proper names. Jesus is the only name the is connected with salvation (Matthew 1:21; Acts 4:12). Acts 2:38 records the apostles’ fulfillment of the command of Matthew 28:19 and gives the scriptural formula for baptism in the New Testament church: "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins."
Baptism of the Holy Ghost. Literally, being dipped, plunged, or immerse in the Spirit of God. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is the birth of the Spirit and thus is a vital part of entrance into the kingdom of God. (See John 3:5.) The initial evidence of the baptism of the Spirit is speaking in other tongues (languages) as the Spirit of God gives utterance. (See Acts 2:4.)
Joel and Isaiah both prophesied this experience (Isaiah 28:11-
Born Again. To start over, to begin life with a fresh start. Jesus used this expression to describe what takes place through faith in Him when a person is baptized in water in His name and receives the Holy Ghost (birth of water and of Spirit). (See John 3:1-
Christ. A Greek word meaning "the Anointed One," equivalent to the Hebrew word Messiah. New Testament believers use it exclusively to refer to Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah and became our Savior.
Christian. A description of believers in Jesus Christ that means "like Christ" or "belonging to Christ." it describes the object of our faith and loyalty, the One with whom we want to be identified. it is not intended to be an exclusive or sectarian term. (See Acts 11:26; I Peter 4:12-
Deliverance. Being set free from something that has one bound. Jesus promised deliverance as a part of His Messianic work (Luke 4:18).
Disciple. A follower or a student; in our case, we have voluntarily chosen to become a follower of Jesus and adhere to His teaching. A disciple learns from his teacher, obeys his teacher, seeks to become like his teacher, and endeavors to spread the teacher’s message to others. (See Matthew 28:18-
Divine Healing. The divine intervation of God to cure sickness of body and mind. Divine healing was purchased for us by the blood of Jesus that flowed from His stripes (Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:16-
Fellowship. Based on a biblical term meaning to share or have in common; similar to our concept of close friendship. Fellowship is linked in Scripture with love, compassion, a willingness to bear one another’s burdens and to do whatever is possible to help and encourage. (See Acts 2:42-
Godhead. The divine essence; deity; the fullness of God’s character and attributes. The bible teaches that there is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). He is Spirit (John 4:24), and He has manifested Himself in flesh as Jesus Christ (I Timothy 3:16). He now baptizes us with His Spirit so that we can be the children of God.
Hallelujah. A Hebrew word meaning "praise the Lord" or "praise Jehovah" (Psalms 150:1,6).
Holliness. Separation from sin and dedication to God. When we come to the Lord we are to forsaken sin (John 8:11). We are to "live righteously. and godly, inthis present world" (Titus2:12). Without holliness no one shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). We must present ourselves as holy unto God (Romans 12:1), cleansed ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit (II Corinthian 7:1), and separate ourselves from all worldliness (James 4:4). The Scripture is clear that no one can live a holy life by his own power, but only through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; Romans 8:4).
Jehovah. The personal name of Almighty God in the Old Testament. The exact meaning is debated, but is related to the Hebrew phrase "I AM." As such, it reveals God’s self-
Jesus. It is a name that literally means "Jehovah Savior," "Jehovah saves," or "Jehovah has become our salvation." In the New Testament it is the supreme name by which God revealed Himself when He came in flesh. It is "the only name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Paul commanded, "Whatsoever you do in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Colossians 3:17).
Lord’s Supper. The practice of eating bread and drinking the fruit of the vine together as an act of worship and remebrance. Jesus began the practice at His last supper with His disciples. It is a time to remember what Jesus has done for us, to examine our own lives and faith, and to recommit ourselves to Jesus in greater faithfulness. It is also called communion (from a term meaning to share together). It is to be observed as often as each individual church deems appropriate, but it must not be ignored. (See Matthew 26:17-
Offering. The voluntary collection of monetary gifts to support the work of the church and various ministries-
Pastor. Literally, one who tends or shepherds a flock. The pastor is the shepherd of the local part of God’s flock (Ephesians 4:11).
Pentecostal. An adjective used to describe those who have receive the same experience that the followers of Jesus did on the Day of Pentecost. (See Acts 2:1-
Praise. To speak or sing or make other expressions extolling, admiring, or commending greatness and goodness of God. We typically lift our voices in praise to God, and sometimes we lift our hands in gesture of surrender to Him. (See Psalms 100:4; 147:1; Ephesians 5:19-
Prayer. Speaking to or communicating with God. We response to God’s invitation to bring Him our praise and gratitude as well as our concerns and needs. According to Jesus, prayer is like a child coming to a loving father. For prayer to be effective we must pray in faith and sincerity and not merely memorized words. (See Matthew 6:5-
Rapture. Literally, a "catching away." In our context it refers to the time when the Lord will come back for His church. The church will be caught up to meet him in the air (I Thessalonians 4:16-
Repentance. A change of mind that brings about a change of behavior. It is the first step in the three-
Salvation. Deliverance from sin and unrighteousness through the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord, which we receive by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-
Tithes. A biblical word meaning a tenth. We support God’s ordained ministry and work and by giving a tenth of our income. (See Malachi 3:10; I Corinthian 16:2.)
Tongues. Speaking in tongues means speaking miraculously in a language unknown to the speaker. It occurs as the Spirit give utterance (Acts 2:4), not by human learning or imitation. There are two major functions of speaking in tongues in the New Testament church:
Speaking in tongues is the manifestation Gad has given as the definite, indisputable, supernatural witness or sign of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. (See Acts 2:1-
Speaking in tongues is also a gift to believers after the initial baptism of the Holy Ghost (I Corinthians 12:1-
In church meetings the gift of tongues is used to give a public message, which is meant to be interpreted (the gift of interpretation is another gift of the Spirit). Since the possibility for misuse exists, this gift needs proper regulation (I Corinthian 14:23-
If you would like someone to help you learn more about the Bible, or if you would like to be baptized and get involved in a Bible-
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