40 Words 40 Days

Already/Not Yet The phrase “Already but Not Yet” describes a central tension in biblical teaching. This tension-that believers already experience spiritual realities but still await their ultimate completion-shapes how we…

Both/And A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject of all, subject to all (Martin Luther…

Vocation The biblical doctrine of God’s call to God’s people to become instruments of God’s purpose at work in history and to be the recipients of God’s grace and salvation.…

Reconciliation The coming to agreement of two or more persons after misunderstanding or estrangement. There are many instances of this in the Bible but the dominant theme is the reconciliation…

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)…