40 Words 40 Days

Stewardship Utilizing and managing all resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of God’s creation. (via the Holman Bible Dictionary) 1 Peter 4:10 Like good stewards…

Evangelism As Lutherans, we are committed to telling the good news. Evangelism is sharing God’s love in Jesus, inviting others to trust this grace and join God’s work. We celebrate…

Discipleship Discipleship is a lifelong journey of living out and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. (via Women of the ELCA) Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all,…

Almsgiving The act of voluntarily giving to those in need.   Hebrews 13:16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing…

Adiaphora The term “adiaphora” is a transliteration of the Greek term (Latin: indifferentia; undifferentiated matters) meaning indifferent things.  (via Dictionary of Luther and the Lutheran Traditions) Romans 14:2-3 2 One person’s…

Sanctuary A holy place where God is present. In the wilderness, that was the tent of meeting; in the time of Solomon, it was the Temple at Jerusalem. In both…

Eucharist (YOO-kuh-rist) A Greek word meaning “thanksgiving” used in reference to the meal of Holy Communion. We call this meal Eucharist because we eat and drink in a spirit of…

Kyrie (KEER-ee-ay) A short repeated invocation (in Greek or in translation) used in many Christian liturgies, especially at the beginning of the Eucharist or as a response in a litany.…

Sacrament An act that imparts God’s grace, using visible means, connected with the Word of God, and commanded by Christ; for Lutherans, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. (via Lutheran Basics…

Liturgy Liturgy (meaning “work of the people”) is what we do when we gather to worship. The chief liturgy of Lutherans is the Holy Communion, the weekly Lord’s day event…

Salvation God’s work to rescue us from the consequences of our sin, so that we might live in restored relationship on this earth and eternally. (via Lutheran Basics for Teachers)…

Atonement The work of Jesus to restore our relationship with God. (via Lutheran Basics for Teachers) Romans 5:10-11 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through…

Covenant A mutual agreement between two or more people to do (or refrain from) doing certain acts; sometimes the undertaking of one of the parties. (via The Handy Bible Dictionary…

Absolution The forgiveness of our sins in the name of Jesus. (via Lutheran Basics for Teachers)   1 John 1:8-9 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive…

Justification God’s declaration that our relationship with God has been made right because of the work of Jesus. (via Lutheran Basics for Teachers) Romans 5:1-2 1Therefore, since we are justified…