Zuko Explains - "Christianese" (A–Z Glossary of Big Words)

Intimate way to speak to God as Father (like “Dad”).

Remain connected to Jesus in daily life.

Something God strongly rejects as evil.

God’s promise to bless all families through Abraham.

Time remembering Jesus’ coming and looking to his return.

A way to say “that’s true” or “let it be so.”

Heavenly or human messenger—context decides.

Mark someone for God’s purpose (often with oil).

Apologetics = Giving an answer to someone. It means giving clear, thoughtful reasons for what you believe and why . Showing that faith in God and the Bible is reasonable and trustworthy.

Someone sent out by Jesus with his message.

Jesus’ death dealing with sin so we can be close to God.

Symbol of human pride and systems against God.

Going fully under water to show new life with Jesus.

Jesus’ ‘happy/blessed’ sayings that flip normal values.

Old way to say ‘one-of-a-kind Son’ (about Jesus).

God gives new spiritual life by the Spirit.

Picture of the church loved and committed to Jesus.

God inviting someone to follow/serve.

Place where Jesus was crucified (Golgotha).

The set of books the church recognizes as Scripture.

God’s chosen king—Jesus.

Admit sin to God, or openly say Jesus is Lord.

Turning from sin to God through Jesus.

Serious promise that forms a loyal relationship.

Short statement of core beliefs.

Where Jesus died to save us.

Roman execution by nailing to a cross.

Someone who learns from and imitates Jesus.

What the church believes and teaches.

Short words giving praise to God.

Study of the church—what it is and does.

Working together across different Christian groups.

Local church shepherd/leader.

A Hebrew word for God. Actually it is the plural form - "Gods". 

Title for Jesus meaning God has come near.

A letter in the New Testament to churches/people.

Study of Jesus’ return and the future.

God rescuing Israel from Egypt—big rescue story.

Sin taken away because of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Relying on God and acting on his word.

Sharing life, help, and mission as God’s family.

Our self-centered way without the Spirit.

God cancels sin-debt; we do the same to others.

Love, joy, peace, and the rest produced by the Spirit.

Anyone not ethnically Jewish.

Abilities the Spirit gives to people build up the church.

Show how good and great God is.

Jesus’ saving life, death, and resurrection.

God’s free kindness to undeserving people.

Jesus’ send-out order to make disciples of all nations.

Hebrew shout of praise to the LORD.

Teaching that breaks from core Christian truth.

A systematic way to read and apply the Bible (SOS).

Being set apart for God and doing what’s right in God's eyes.

God present with us to give new life and power. One of the three personalities that make up God

Prayerful shout asking God to save.

Saying one thing, living another.

Anything we treat as more important than God. (Literally means "empty")

People reflect God’s image and worth.

God the Son became man in Jesus.

Belief that the Bible is true in all it affirms.

God guided the writers so the Bible is his word.

Praying to God on someone’s behalf.

City central to the Bible history; where Jesus died/rose. Upon his return there will be a new Jerusalem where God will dwell with us. 

Old law: debts canceled, land reset, mercy lived.

God declares a sinner ‘right’ through Jesus by faith.

The basic preached message about Jesus.

God’s reign on earth as in heaven, begun in Jesus.

New Testament word for fellowship/partnership. (It means a deep commitment to one another)

Title for Jesus—he takes away sin.

God’s instruction given through Moses.

Trying to earn standing by rules instead of grace.

The pattern of prayers/readings in worship.

Bread and cup remembering Jesus’ death. AKA Eucharist, Holy Communion, and the Blessed Sacrament.

Prayer asking Jesus to return.

Slowly repeat/ponder God’s words.

Not getting the penalty we deserve.

God’s chosen king—Jesus.

Joining God’s work in word and deed.

God’s plan now made known in Jesus.

Another way to say ‘born again.’

God’s promised new‑heart relationship through Jesus.

A group in Revelation—name hints at dominating others.

Serious promise calling God as witness.

Publicly recognizing someone for ministry service.

Holding to the historic core truths.

Short story that teaches truth by surprise.

Meal remembering God’s rescue from Egypt.

One who cares for and guides a church.

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob—the early ancestors.

Festival day when the Spirit was poured out.

Being mistreated because of Jesus.

Religious group focused on strict law‑keeping.

One who speaks God’s message to people.

Jesus bore judgment so we are welcomed.

God guiding and providing in all things.

Pseudepigraphical writings = A pseudepigraphical work is one that is written in the name or style of another person, often to honor them or carry on their teaching.  Its purpose is not necessarily to deceive, but to express respect or continuity. For example: Some ancient writings were composed “in the voice of” Paul in later letters to the Corinthians, The Gospel of Thomas, or the Book of Enoch to preserve their memory and provide, wisdom and uphold traditions.  Some pseudepigraphical work was absolutely written to deceive people into following false teachings.  Such was the work of the Gnostics. 

 

Personal time to pray and read the Bible.

Being gathered to Jesus when he returns (views differ).

Enemies brought back into friendship.

Jesus pays the cost to free us.

Turn from sin to God.

Jesus rose bodily; believers will too.

God’s rightness shared with us in Christ.

Hebrew word for breath, wind, or Spirit.

Set day to rest and trust God.

Outward sign of God’s inward grace (e.g., baptism).

Group that denied resurrection/angels.

All believers set apart for God (not just heroes).

God makes us more like Jesus over time.

The Bible—Old and New Testaments.

Term for God’s glorious presence among his people.

Falling short of God’s good way.

Study of how God saves in Christ.

God rules over everything.

Resisting evil powers by God’s strength.

Local meeting place for Jewish worship/teaching.

A formal promise; Old and New Testaments.

Thinking carefully about God and his ways.

Giving ten percent as worship and support.

Jesus shining on the mountain—glory revealed. (Jesus showing us what he is really like.)

One God—Father, Son, Spirit.

Earlier people/events pointing to Christ.

Different people made one in Christ.

Place of Last Supper and early prayer.

Jesus conceived by the Spirit, born of Mary.

Your everyday work as service to God.

Trying to be right with God by rules.

Giving God honor with heart, words, and life.

God’s just anger against evil.  The final punishment that was long overdue

Old word for welcoming strangers (hospitality).

God’s personal name revealed to Moses. The Hebrew tetragram "YHWH" יהוה

Wood bar for joining work animals together as a team; picture of Jesus’ way/teaching.

Eager energy for God’s honor.

Poetic name for Jerusalem/God’s people.