Pillars of the Church-Who or What?

Have you ever thought about the pillars of our church?  Architecturally, of course, we don't have pillars. I was thinking more symbolically. A friend dropped by and reminisced about a church member-now deceased-who had been a "pillar of the church;" he had been a strong leader in the church, a hard worker who knew right from wrong and would stand firm on an issue if he knew that it was important. After a bit of discussion we came to a couple of questions: What will our church be like when pillars like these are laid to rest?  Who will rise up to take their place?

As this man got in the car, I asked him, " Are you pillar material?" I'm not sure I got an answer; maybe he's thinking it over.

The question got me thinking, however. What makes for "pillar material"? Is it simply a hard and active and tireless worker? Is it someone who is opinionated? Is it someone who will hold a church office? Is it a person with a good personality? No. Is it someone who has been here from time immemorial? No, not necessarily.

Paul used the word "pillar" to describe what is essential to the church. In a letter to Timothy, Paul explains that his trip might be delayed; even were that to happen, Paul wanted to be assured that "a pillar" was in place at the church. 

"Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:14-15)

Timothy was in charge of the Christian church in Ephesus. Both Paul and Timothy could appreciate what a pillar was; Ephesus was home to one of the "seven wonders of the world"-the temple of the goddess Diana. The roof of this temple was supported by one hundred and seven columns standing sixty feet high. Massive pillars remain there even to this day-even in ruins, Ephesus is an impressive sight.

 As impressive as those columns were, however, Paul pointed to something even more impressive: the church of the living God, the pillar and the foundation of truth. Remember when the disciples were walking through Jerusalem's temple with Jesus? They were awed by the architecture of the place; but Jesus was not impressed--he simply said that all of this would be pulled down one day. The real glory is not in the stonework, but in the Word of God. 

What is it that holds up the church, but the Word of God? The central message of the Bible is Jesus Christ. Unashamedly, Jesus told his enemies that the eternal life they were searching for was right in front of them (John 5:39); someone greater than the temple was speaking to them (Matt. 12:6)-it was Jesus himself.

Do you want to be a pillar of your home...your community...your church? Focus on Christ-keep the Gospel message straight and the purpose clear: God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes on him should not perish but have everlasting life. This truth is essential to your faith, and it is the essence of your hope of eternal life. There is no greater pillar than this which is central to your eternal life.

Every Christian has a place in the church. While there may be strong leaders within the church, there really is no "pillar" but Christ and the confession of his saving name. The wonderful thing is that you and I are "built up" in Christ's church. It is a living church, where Jesus is not only the foundation, but the cornerstone and the capstone-the pillars as well! Why is the church "all about Jesus"? For no other reason than Jesus was (and is!) all about the church-he gave his life to buy her from sin and to establish her as his own.

Members can do nothing more constructive to their lives and the lives of others than being in the Word of God. That is why it is so critical to have individuals and whole families in church, hearing the Word, confessing their sins and receiving forgiveness, praising our Lord, and receiving the strength that God offers by His Holy Spirit-in the Word and in his sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. Do not be fooled: you gain nothing apart from Christ-you only become an easy target for the devil. Christ is where he has gathered his people-in his church. There is no strength in standing alone; there is strength where God's people stand together in the faith, active in his love.

Also, make it a point to be in the Word of God daily. Work through portions of Scripture (the Gospels are ideal!), and gather a friend with you as you read a daily devotion-I'm hoping you consider your family as friends. Take advantage of Bible Study (see a list of these in this newsletter). And grow. Rise up with Christ. Be a pillar-a strong advocate-of the truth, as you rise up with him. And pray-whether alone or with friends-that you and the church remain strong advocates of the truth, actively involved in serving God and encouraging one another in faith and good deeds. In Christ, Pastor Eric Zacharias

Bible Studies offered this Fall every Sunday:
8:30	Appointed readings/theme for the day (Pastor Zacharias)
10:30	Mysteries of the Bible-a video series exploring the miraculous events of the Bible like, the Flood... (Team taught by Mr. Schlicker and Pastor Zacharias)
7:30pm	The Gospel of John (Mr. Dick Dorn)