Glossary of Biblical terms

A

Adonai – A Hebrew name for God meaning “Lord” or “Master.” It reminds us to follow Him with love and obedience.

Armor of God – The spiritual armor God gives His children to stand strong against evil (Ephesians 6:10–18). It includes the Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Shoes of Peace, Shield of Faith, Helmet of Salvation, and Sword of the Spirit. In the Treehouse stories, children learn how each piece points to Jesus and helps them live bravely for Him.

Ark (Noah’s Ark) – The great boat God told Noah to build to save his family and the animals from the flood. In the Treehouse stories, it reminds children that Jesus is our safe place and rescuer from sin.

Amen – A Hebrew word meaning “truly” or “so be it.” We say it at the end of prayers to agree with God’s truth.

Ark of the Covenant – A sacred chest built by Moses and the Israelites to hold the Ten Commandments. It reminded God’s people of His presence. In the Treehouse stories, it points to Jesus as God’s dwelling with us.

Archangel – A chief angel with great authority, such as Michael, who leads God’s armies. The Treehouse shows archangels as mighty protectors of God’s children.

Abide – To stay close to Jesus and live in His love, like a branch connected to a vine.

Adam and Eve – The first man and woman God created. They remind us of how Jesus came to restore what was lost.

Angel – A messenger from God. In the Treehouse, angels like Gabriel appear to guide and comfort children.

B

Beast (Bear) – A beast described in Daniel’s vision, representing powerful kingdoms of the earth. In the Treehouse, children learn that Jesus is greater than all beasts and kingdoms.

Beast (General) – A symbol in prophecy of earthly powers or empires that rise against God. The Treehouse stories show that Jesus will overcome them all.

Beast (Leopard) – A beast from Daniel’s vision, quick and fierce, representing empires that move swiftly. It reminds children that only Jesus’ Kingdom lasts forever.

Bible – God’s Word, a true story that shows us His love and His plan through Jesus.

Bread of Life – A name for Jesus, reminding us He gives us everything we need for our souls.

Bright Morning Star – Another name for Jesus, showing He is light in the darkness.

C

Cherubim – Heavenly beings who stand near God’s throne. In the Treehouse stories, the lion cherubim appears as a mighty, glowing guardian with golden wings, reminding children of God’s power and holiness.

Creation – The story of how God made the heavens, the earth, and everything in them.

Cross – The place where Jesus gave His life to save us. It is a symbol of His love and forgiveness.

Covering – The way Jesus protects and surrounds us with His love, like the sky covering the earth.

D

David – A shepherd boy who became king of Israel. In the Treehouse stories, children learn about David’s courage and how Jesus is the true King.

Dove – A symbol of the Holy Spirit, often seen guiding or leading the children to the Treehouse.

E

Elohim – A Hebrew name for God meaning “Mighty Creator.” It shows God’s power in making the heavens and the earth.

El Shaddai – A Hebrew name for God meaning “God Almighty.” It shows that He is all-powerful and cares for His children.

Eliot, Emily, Lucas, Rachel, Mary, Michael – Children who visit Grandpa and discover the glowing Treehouse, where Jesus teaches them God’s truths.

Eternal Life – The gift Jesus gives us to live with Him forever.

F

Fallen Angels – Angels who rebelled against God and followed Satan. In the Treehouse stories, children learn that Jesus has victory over them and protects His people.

Feast Days – Special celebrations given by God to Israel in the Bible. Each one points to Jesus and His work of salvation: - Passover – Reminds us of the lamb’s blood that saved Israel; points to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away sin.

• Unleavened Bread – Reminds us to live without sin; points to Jesus’ sinless life.

• First Fruits – Celebrates the first harvest; points to Jesus as the first to rise from the dead. -

• Pentecost (Shavuot) – Marks the giving of the Law; fulfilled when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to His followers.

• Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) – A call to gather and repent; points to Jesus’ return with the sound of the trumpet.

• Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) – A day of forgiveness; points to Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.

• Tabernacles (Sukkot) – A feast of joy and God’s presence; points to Jesus dwelling with us forever.

Faith – Trusting Jesus even when we cannot see everything. Like planting a seed and knowing it will grow.

Fig Tree – A tree in Grandpa’s garden that reminds the children of God’s promises.

G

Gifts of the Spirit – Special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to help believers serve God and others. These include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpreting tongues (1 Corinthians 12). In the Treehouse stories, the children learn that each gift shows God’s love and power through Jesus.

Gabriel – The angel who often appears in the Treehouse stories to help the children understand God’s messages.

Garden – A special place where life grows. In the Treehouse stories, Grandpa’s garden points to God’s creation.

Glory – The shining greatness of God, seen in His works and in Jesus.

H

Hallelujah – A Hebrew word meaning “praise the Lord.” It is a joyful shout of worship to God.

Heaven – God’s home, where everything is perfect. In the Treehouse, Heaven shines through the glowing scrolls and visions.

Holy Spirit – God’s Spirit who guides, comforts, and teaches. He leads the children to the Treehouse.

Hope – Believing in the good future God promises, even when times are hard.

Hosanna – A Hebrew word meaning “save us now.” People shouted it when Jesus entered Jerusalem, welcoming Him as King.

I

Idols – Objects or things people worship instead of God. In the Treehouse stories, children learn that only Jesus deserves our worship.

J

Jewish Temple – The holy place in Jerusalem where God’s people worshiped with sacrifices and offerings. In the Treehouse stories, it helps children understand how Jesus became the perfect sacrifice.

Jesus – The Son of God, Savior of the world, Teacher in the Treehouse, and the center of every story.

John 1:3 – A Bible verse the Treehouse stories often repeat: “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”

L

Light of the World – A name for Jesus, reminding us that He chases away darkness.

Lion Cherubim – A heavenly being in the Treehouse world who shows God’s majesty and power.

Living Water – Another name for Jesus, who gives us life through the Spirit.

N

Nephilim – Mentioned in Genesis as mighty ones or giants on the earth in ancient days. In the Treehouse stories, children learn that no matter how strong or scary they seem, God’s power is greater, and Jesus is our true Champion.

M

Messiah – Another word for Savior. Jesus is the Messiah promised in the Bible.

Morning Star – A name for Jesus, showing that He brings new hope every day.

P

Prayer Shawl (Tallit) – A special garment worn during prayer by Jewish people, often with fringes called tzitzit. In the Treehouse stories, it reminds children of God’s commandments and how Jesus covers us with His presence.

Prophet – A messenger chosen by God to speak His Word and reveal His plans. In the Treehouse stories, prophets help children understand God’s promises and how they all point to Jesus.

R

Rabbi – A Jewish teacher of the Law. In Jesus’ time, rabbis taught people about God’s Word. Jesus is the greatest Rabbi, teaching with truth and authority.

Rest – The peace Jesus gives us through His finished work on the cross.

River of Life – A picture of the life and love flowing from God’s throne in Heaven.

S

Shalom – A Hebrew word meaning peace, wholeness, and harmony. In the Treehouse stories, children learn that true shalom comes from Jesus, who makes our hearts whole and brings us peace with God.

Seven Seals – Prophetic scrolls in Revelation that Jesus alone can open. Each seal reveals part of God’s plan for the end times.

Seven Trumpets – Judgments described in Revelation, sounded by seven angels. They remind us that God is just and that His Kingdom will come.

Serpent – A symbol of Satan, the deceiver who tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden. Jesus crushed the serpent’s power through the cross.

Sabbath – The day of rest God gave His people, pointing to Jesus who gives true rest.

Salvation – The rescue Jesus brings, saving us from sin and giving us eternal life.

Scroll – Glowing books of truth that Jesus opens in the Treehouse to reveal God’s Word.

Sons of God – A term in the Bible used for angels. In the Treehouse, are the angelic host and fallen angels.

T

Tongues (Gift of the Holy Spirit) – A special gift where the Holy Spirit gives people words to pray or praise in languages they do not know. It shows God’s power and helps spread His message to all nations.

Temple Tools and Instruments – Special items used in the Jewish Temple to worship God. Each one points to Jesus:

• Altar of Burnt Offering – Where sacrifices were made; points to Jesus as the final sacrifice.

• Bronze Basin (Laver) – Used for washing; points to Jesus who washes us clean.

• Lampstand (Menorah) – Gave light in the Temple; points to Jesus as the Light of the World.

• Table of Showbread – Held bread for God’s presence; points to Jesus as the Bread of Life.

• Altar of Incense – Smoke rising like prayers; points to Jesus who intercedes for us.

• Ark of the Covenant – Held the Ten Commandments; points to Jesus as God’s presence with His people.

Ten Commandments – God’s holy laws given to Moses on Mount Sinai. They teach us right from wrong and show us our need for a Savior. In the Treehouse stories, the Ten Commandments remind children that Jesus fulfilled the Law perfectly and helps us live by His Spirit.

Treehouse – The glowing place in the forest where the children meet Jesus and Gabriel to learn God’s Word.

True Vine – A name for Jesus, reminding us that when we stay close to Him, our lives will bear fruit.

W

Word of God – Another name for Jesus, and also the Bible itself, which teaches us about Him.

Worship – Loving God with our hearts, words, and actions. In the Treehouse, the children often worship through joy and song.

Y

Yahweh – The holy name of God in Hebrew, meaning “I AM.” It shows that God has always existed and will always be. In the Treehouse stories, children learn that Jesus is one with Yahweh, the great I AM.

Yeshua – The Hebrew name for Jesus, meaning “The Lord saves.” It reminds us that Jesus is the promised Savior of Israel and the whole world.