Scriptural Words Used Unscripturally

INTRO:
1. The very words of the Bible are inspired - I Cor. 2:13; II Sam. 23:2
2. Words are signs of ideas.
3. To get the right idea (or thought) we must have the right word.
4. The following words have been misused by the religious world (sometimes even in the Lord's church).

I. Church - Acts 2:47; Eph 1:22-23

A. The word church does not refer to a man-made institution

B. There is one church and it is divine in origin

II. Pastor - Eph. 4:11

A. Same word as "feed" in I Pet. 5:2

B. Used interchangeably with the terms bishop and elder - I Pet. 5:1-4; Acts 30:17-28

C. The religious world uses this term to refer to "the preacher"

III. Ambassadors - II Cor. 5:20

A. Not a general term for all christians

B. In the context of II Cor. 3, 45 - refers to Apostles

IV. Witness - Acts 1:8

A. No witnesses today - therefore cannot bear witness today

B. the apostles were chosen witnesses - Jn. 15:26-27; I Jn. 1:1-3

V. Priest / Saint

A. These terms do not refer to a special class of christians

B. All christians are priests and saints - I Cor. 1:1-2; I Pet. 2:5, 9

VI. Comforter

A. Refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in and through the apostles - Jn. 14:16; 14:26; 15:26; 16:7

B. We do not have the Holy Spirit as the apostles did

VII. Minister

A. Does not refer to preacher exclusively

B. All christians are ministers (servants) - Matt. 20:26-28