Something important and in terms you can understand

If you have been going to church your whole life (as I have), you likely know a lot of basic ideas about church that you consider common knowledge.


For example,


-Actually, prior to this example I should probably explain something else. A hymnal. A hymnal is a book of worship songs that are referred to as hymns. I take the time to explain what a hymnal is because I am aware that many churches no longer use hymnals. I for one do not care if words are on a screen or in a book. As long as you are worshiping the one true God and glorifying the name of Jesus, then I'm on board.-


Now for that example of a basic idea you learned in church that you (incorrectly) think is common knowledge.


How to read a hymnal.


Now. You may think, "Ok Jake, I know not everyone can read." But this is not what I mean.


What I mean is that when reading a multi-verse hymn one reads the words in the order of the music rather than line by line (which is hopefully how you are reading this blog (otherwise you are likely very confused by now and should continue to another webpage (yes, I am making parentheses within parentheses))).


Anyway, if one is attempting to read a multi-verse hymn, he or she cannot read it line by line. Note the graphic below:







If you grew up in church, you know how to read the words to amazing grace in the correct order based on this image. If you did not, you may not.


So what's my point?


My point is quite simple after such a lengthy mess of a blog.


People who have not been raised in church, who are most likely the people christians should be telling about Jesus, do not know basic church knowledge.


Why does this matter?


It matters because we need to be able to communicate our beliefs effectively.


You should not use church words that you cannot adequately define.


Examples of church words: Amen. Apologetics. Blasphemy. Covenant. Denomination. Gospel. Hallelujah. Hosanna. Sin. Testimony.


These are only a few. Words people understand and don't understand will likely differ based on the individual.


Let's focus on the word sin.


If you tell someone that Jesus can save them from sin, and they don't know what sin is, you need to be able to explain it. Otherwise, they may start asking you who Sin is and why Sin is out to get them.


A bad explanation of sin is "when we do bad stuff."


A good explanation of sin is based on an explanation of the word. Sin means "missed the mark" or "missed the target." It became a commonly used term in archery in Old English.


Now you can't stop there. Because now the person could be thinking, "So I have to become an archer for Jesus to save me?" Perhaps a poor example, but you see the dilemma.


Further explain to them that God is our target. We aim to be like God. Anything that goes against the nature of God is missing our mark, our target. Anything against God is sin.


Now you can explain to them who Jesus is and how he saves us from sin.


The sad truth is that most church-goers do not realize that much of the world does not understand church lingo. Many church-goers only discuss biblical ideas with other church-goers.


We must break free from this. We must not be ashamed of the gospel. It is the good news of hope for the world.


We have to learn to share our faith in the truth of Jesus Christ in layman's terms.


Something to keep your mind rolling: Do you know why we use the phrase "layman's terms?" (hint: don't be afraid to use google for words you don't know how to explain)