Reference
Terms introduced as lessons progress. Use these consistently in all lessons.
God's rescue of sinners through Jesus Christ — forgiveness, restored relationship with God, and eternal life. Not earned by good works; received by grace through faith (Eph 2:8–9).
God's unmerited favour — He gives what we cannot earn. Central to how we present salvation in this curriculum (Eph 2:8).
Turning from self-centred sin toward God; part of the ABCD response in the salvation study (Rom 3:23; prayer in study 1). Vineyard: repentance is required to enter God's kingdom reign.
Jesus is not only Saviour (who forgives) but Lord (who directs the believer's life) — a deliberate decision, not vague admiration (Rom 10:9). Vineyard Statement of Faith: "trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour."
Mnemonic for responding to the gospel: Admit sin, Believe in Jesus as Saviour, Consider Him as Lord, Decide to follow Him.
The integrating theme of Vineyard theology: God's reign through Jesus, already begun, advancing by the Spirit through the Church, and coming in fullness at Christ's return. Use to widen salvation beyond private forgiveness to life under the King's rule (Vineyard Statement of Faith).
Confidence that you are saved — resting on God's promises, supported by evidence of new life and the Holy Spirit's witness. Foundation is Scripture, not feelings or performance (1 John 5:11–12).
The Holy Spirit's inner confirmation that we are God's children — testifying with our spirit (Rom 8:16). Confirms God's promises; does not create salvation.
Conversation with God — speaking honestly and making space to listen (John 10:27). Not a performance; the daily rhythm of relationship with Him.
Praying to God on behalf of other people (1 Tim 2:1).
Bringing your own needs and requests to God (Phil 4:6).
To remain in close relationship with Jesus — staying connected through obedience and dependence (John 15:7). A condition for fruitful prayer.
The Bible — God's written Word to us, inspired by the Holy Spirit and authoritative for faith and life (2 Tim 3:16). Vineyard: final authority above experience or culture.
God-breathed origin of the Bible — human authors wrote under the Spirit's guidance so that Scripture is trustworthy and useful (2 Tim 3:16).
Made ready for every good work through studying and obeying God's Word (2 Tim 3:17).
Celebrating God for who He is and what He has done — often expressed through song, thanks, and joy (Ps 145:1–3).
Honouring God with heart and life. Includes gathered praise and the daily offering of your whole self to Him (Rom 12:1; John 4:23).
Deep devotion and awe before God's holiness and love — a wholehearted response to who He is (Ps 103:1).
The people of God — all who belong to Christ — not a building. Christ is the head; believers are members of His body (Eph 1:22–23).
Image for the Church: many members, one body, united to Jesus the head. Each person has a place (1 Cor 12:27).
Shared life among believers — worship, prayer, care, and generosity together (Acts 2:42).
Being filled with the Holy Spirit — immersed in His presence and power for witness, obedience, and service (Acts 1:8). Distinct from water baptism; received by faith as God's gift (Luke 11:13).
The Holy Spirit living in every believer from the moment of faith — seal and guarantee of belonging to Christ (Eph 1:13–14).
Empowerment by the Holy Spirit for ministry and holy living — commanded as an ongoing reality for believers (Eph 5:18). May be a conscious experience; fruit and boldness confirm it over time.
Character produced by the Spirit in a believer's life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal 5:22–23).
Public immersion in water confessing faith in Jesus — an act of obedience picturing forgiveness, dying and rising with Christ, and joining His Church (Matt 28:19; Rom 6:3–4). Does not save; follows faith.
A sacred practice commanded by Christ for all believers. Vineyard: water baptism and the Lord's Supper (communion) are ordinances — not optional extras for a spiritual elite.
The meal Jesus gave His Church — bread and cup remembering His death, proclaiming the gospel, and feeding faith until He returns (1 Cor 11:23–26). Also called breaking bread or Eucharist (thanksgiving).
A solemn agreement God makes and keeps. The new covenant is sealed by Jesus' blood — communion remembers and renews your place in it (1 Cor 11:25).
Speaking against someone in a way that damages their reputation — forbidden for believers (James 4:11).
Speech that nourishes, heals, and builds others up — the positive use of the tongue's power (Prov 10:11; 1 Thess 5:11).
Ten percent of income given to honour God — taught in Scripture alongside freewill offerings (Mal 3:8–10). Follow your local church's teaching on practice.
Giving beyond the tithe — freewill generosity as God leads (Mal 3:8–10).
Giving to God first when income arrives — not only what is left over (Prov 3:9–10).
Pressure to sin — not sin itself. Common to all believers; God provides a way of escape (1 Cor 10:13).
God's promised exit in every temptation — a path to endure without sinning (1 Cor 10:13).