There are lots of quirks when Messianic believers attempt to dialogue with the typical Jewish person. There are words that to Messianic Jews, are not offensive. But to the typical Jewish person, they are very graphic pictures, details and historical facts that come to their minds, even if we did not do them. The terms immediately identify us as "foe." Now I know most of you have a mental picture that goes through your mind anytime you see a communist flag or the Nazi swastika. These are the same or at least similar pictures that the Jew gets as soon as they hear certain terms (including a lot of Messianics). Others are theologically confusing to them, and even though we are trying to relate through the common ground, if we don't use the same lingo, we fall victim to being an outsider, who is doing a poor job at best at trying to relate to the typical Jewish person. And we must remember that we the Jews as a whole entire group have been called out from the very beginning to be a separate people and nation.

As the Messianic community continues to grow, the opportunities will grow as well to share with our people. But we must remember that it is as if we are speaking a different language. It is very important that we learn now how to talk with our fellow kin, for they too are G-D's chosen. Even though they are misguided in some areas, our people ultimately set the standard, which increases the reasons and seriousness of our truly reaching out to them. These are a few of the main terms that should be changed in dialoguing with our people.

Please understand that the use of these Messianic terms is in no way deceptive. Some believe that we are "wolves in sheep's clothing," or Baptist missionaries in disguise. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are not changing the meanings of any of these words; we are simply putting them in a Jewish context. Whether you refer to the "Old Testament" or the "Tanakh," you are talking about the same thing -- just in a way that we as Jewish people could better relate. As well, some terms -- such as using "Y'shua" instead of "Jesus" -- are actually more historically accurate than the common Christian versions that have found their way into our vocabularies. Some Christians have adopted these Messianic terms into their day to day speech.

Christian vs. Messianic Terms

Instead of using the description Christian, say Messianic, Biblical, or scriptural.

Instead of calling someone a Christian, say Believer.

Instead of saying Christ, say Messiah or Moshiach.

Instead of saying church, say congregation.

Instead of saying Jesus, say Y'shua.

Instead of saying Jesus died for my sins, say Messiah atoned for my sins.

Instead of Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit, use Spirit of G-D.

Instead of using the word Trinity, use composite unity or Triune.

Instead of using Gospel, say Good News.

Instead of Pentecost, say Shavuot.

Instead of Second coming, say return of Messiah.

Instead of New Testament, say B'rit Chadasha.

Instead of Old Testament, use Tanakh.

Instead of baptism, say immersion or mikveh.

Instead of cross, use tree or altar execution stake.

Instead of conversion, say turning or completion.

Instead of B.C. (Before Christ) use B.C.E. (Before Common Era).

Instead of A.D. (Anno Domini-year of our L-rd) use C.E. (Common Era).

This is merely the beginning of knowing how to communicate well with our brothers who do not yet believe in Messiah Y'shua. But it is a start, all the same.

Abigail Steele is a Messianic Jewish Believer and the secretary and Webmaster of B'rit Ahm Messianic Synagogue in Pensacola, Florida.

Copyright 2002