We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

The Church - A Pillar of Truth

One of the things that separate the church from all other organizations is that it is to be the pillar and support of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15). The congregation not functioning as the support and dispenser of truth falls short of the biblical criteria for a local church; therefore the assembly which does not major on truth does not fit the definition of a New Testament church. Its attendance may be “mega,” its programs prolific, its enthusiasm contagious, and its motives honorable, but if it is not the pillar and support of truth it fails in its job description as a church. Call it a club, a social gathering, a political awareness group, a socially concerned assembly, or an entertainment center, but don’t call it a church.
Gary Gilley, Think on These Things, November 2008
There are many mega-churches today which fit that description, and even many which aren’t “mega” yet, but are aspiring to be so. How about your church: is it a pillar of truth?

2 comments:

ali said...

And to this I say AMEN and AMEN.!!.

Steve Bricker said...

The author made his point well, and it should be reflected in all areas--pulpit, SS class, Bible studies, music, etc.

Just this week I commented on a blog post of a woman who was basically repenting of being so critical of worship music so as not to disturb the worship experience of others. I said that was a misconception. If worship is in spirit and in truth we need to know and sing the truth of the God we worship. With that in mind, be positively and negatively critical according to scripture.