Church words, explained.

Making the case for Christian belief with reasons, evidence, and argument. Nothing to do with apologizing.

"Universal" — as in the creeds' "holy catholic church," meaning the whole church of all times and places. Not the same as the Roman Catholic Church.

The uncomfortable inner sense that you're in the wrong and need to change — attributed by Christians to the Holy Spirit. Nothing to do with a courtroom.

The devil — a personal spiritual adversary Christians believe opposes God, works against people (especially believers), and strives to hinder God's work of bringing humanity into right relationship with Him.

"I had a strong inner sense that I should do this" — an impression Christians attribute to God's guidance through the Holy Spirit.

A deeper experience of God's presence and power in a person's life. Pentecostals see it as a distinct event after conversion, often marked by speaking in tongues; other traditions describe it as ongoing.

A formal rite of prayer to drive an evil spirit out of a person or place — in the Catholic Church, performed only by a priest with the bishop's permission and after other explanations are ruled out.

The week before Easter, walking day by day through Jesus' last days — Palm Sunday (His entry into Jerusalem), Maundy Thursday (the Last Supper), Good Friday (the crucifixion), and Holy Saturday — ending at Easter.

The invitation to become a Christian by personally trusting and following Jesus — often the closing line of a sermon, a camp talk, or a conversation about faith.

A friend you regularly and honestly tell about your struggles, temptations, and goals, who encourages you and asks hard questions — so you're not fighting alone.

The four weeks before Christmas, kept as a season of waiting and preparation — for the celebration of Jesus' birth and for His return.

The moment at the end of a service when people are invited to come to the front to commit to faith, pray, or ask for help — usually while a song plays.