Study of events predicted or prophesized in religion, focused on the final events of mankind and the world.
In Christianity, this includes study of the Bible books of Daniel, Isaiah, Corinthians, Thessalonians, and Revelation, as well as verses from the four Gospels.
Christian eschatology includes study of end time events, final judgement of mankind, the resurrection of the dead, and the return of Jesus.
In simplest terms, as used in the Bible, the elect are those selected or chosen by God and/or Jesus--followers of Christ.
Used in multiple verses, the term also signifies those (Christians) who will be raptured to heaven during the end times;
And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. (Matthew 24:31)
Being one of the elect doesn't just mean you believe, but that you are wise for doing so, as implied by Jesus in Matthew 24:24:
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
The elect also don't just have salvation and a future with God and Christ to look forward to. After Christ's Second Coming, the elect will serve in his earthly kingdom:
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6)
Leader of a Christian group who ministers to the needs of the group, acting as counselor, teacher, and leader. Pastors are attached to a specific church/congregation.
Pastors are often ordained, earning the title "Reverend" to reflect the recognition of their official role. Not all pastors use the Reverend title, nor are all pastors graduates of a formal theology school. Not all Reverends are pastors, with many who have earned religious study degrees not working for any one specific church.
A Christian who travels to a location away from their own church, to either share the gospel or provide aid and assistance to those in need. Missionaries can be priests, pastors, deacons, elders, or church members without formal education or traing in theology.
A member of a church who assists the pastor. In some churches, a deacon performs administrative functions, such as maintaing the building. In others, a deacon assists in spiritual matters, such as counseling church members. Some deacons give sermons during church services.
Elders in many churches act like a board of directors, hiring or firing the pastor and controlling the church's money and assets. In others, elders act strictly as advisors to the pastor or church members.
In some churches a deacon is an elder, the two roles merged. Other churches have only elders, with no title of deacon given to anyone.
A person who proclaims scripture in a public setting, such as in a church, or even on a street corner. Anyone can preach, without any degree or special education.
In the Catholic faith, a saint is a godly person, recognized for their devotion to God and Christ.
In protestant denominations, as well as in the King James bible, a saint is a follower of Christ, as in Romans 1:7, "To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."
The word comes from the Latin sanctus, meaning holy or consecrated. By accepting Jesus as the Christ (messiah), Christians become saints.
