We're going to talk about ways that each one of us can be a pillar in the Lord's church. A pillar is an upright that supports a structure above it.
We're going to talk about seven pillars of the church.
- 1 Timothy 3:15
The church, upholds truth.
- Proverbs 9:1
Seven is a number used throughout scripture to indicate that is something significant. Wisdom's house has seven pillars.
- Galatians 2:9
Faithful Christians like Peter, James and John, and James the brother of Jesus, are considered to be pillars of the Lord's church. Each one of us can strive to be plllars in the Lord's church. Men, can work toward being elders, deacons or teachers in the Lord's church. Women, can work in service, teaching children's classes an other women. Every member of the church can work together to support the work of the church.
- Ephesians 2:21-22
We're builded together into the church.
- 1 Peter 2:5
We're built together by Jesus Christ. We're going to look at the foundational pillars of the Lord's church.
The Seven Pillars of the Lord's Church
A Converted Membership
- Born again - John 3:3-5
According to Jesus, one must be born again in order to be a Christian. One who is a Christian is Christ-like. Born again to be like Christ. You must be baptized and born again to be like Christ.
- A new creation - 2 Corinthians 5:17
We are to be a new creature, a new creation. Adam and Eve were in fellowship with God after they were created. A christian is one who once born again becomes a new creation, and once again in fellowship with God through Christ.
- One who has given himself to the Lord - 2 Corinthians 8:5
They recognized that they had given themselves to the Lord. Thus, they understood that what they had was truly His.
- A new allegians and affection - Colossians 3:1-3
A converted Christian has goals aligned with Christ's goals. A converted membership doesn't need constant reminder to fellowship, to meet for worship, and to commune and give.
A Worshipful Membership
Pure and sincere worship must be in spirti and in truth. God seeks those who want to worship Him in Spirit, with the right attitude, and in the truth of His Word.
- In Spirit and in truth - John 4:24
- Praising - Psalm 33:1
- Giving thanks - Psalm 92:11
- Continuing steadfastly - Acts 2:42
A worshipful memebership doesn't give up, they know to continue steadfast in the truth of God's Word.
We assemble, not out of habit, but because we desire to worship Him sincerely from the heart. A child of God who desires to worship in spirit and truth will not forsake the assembly and will worship according to the acts of worship given in the Word of God.
An Educated Membership
A faithful, pillar of the church, will be educated, not ignorant of His Word and His will.
- Warned against ignorance - 1 Corinthians 10:1
- Grow in your knowledge - 2 Peter 3:18
- Consequences of an uneducated church - Hosea 4:6
- Give diligence to now God's Word - 2 Timothy 2:15
An educated church doesn't allow for change in the doctrine of Christ, or the practice of worship that God set forth in His Word. An educated church is not carried away by every wind of doctrine.
A Unified Membership
The Lord desires for His church to be unified as one church.
Unity for which Chirst prayed
- Jesus prayed for unity - John 17:20-21
- Jesus prophesied unity - John 10:16
- Jesus practiced unity - John 17:20-21
- Jesus preached unity - Matthew 12:25
The pillars of the church upholds something. If you take away the pillar of unity the church will crumble and not stand.
The Beauty of Unity
- The bond of peace - Ephesians 4:3
- Good and pleasant - Psalm 133:1
- Esteem others better than self - Philippians 2:13
- Church divided cannot stand - Mark 3:24
A pillar of unity will work to resolve issues with others in the church, Matthew 18:????
A child of God will not divide the body of Christ:
- Be a busybody in other men's affairs - 1 Peter 4;15
- A carrier of tales - Proverbs 11:13
- A promoter of error - Romans 16:17
A Laboring Membership
We're all part of the work, labor party. There is a work for everyone in the church. Men, women, and children all have work that can be done in the church and we all ought to be working.
- Essential to everyone - Philippians 2:12
- Not in vain - 1 Corinthians 15:58
- Urgent - John 9:4
- Carry on works of charity - Galatians 6:10
- Carry on missions - Matthew 28:8-20
The pillar of the church is a laboring membership that seeks to carry on the Lord's mission.
A Growing Membership
A congregation should always be looking ahead and have a vision to look ahead.
- Essential to keep from perishing - Proverbs 29:18
- Acts 6:7
- Colossians 4:5
It's important that we look forward and have dreams for moving forward and growing. God desires that we will grow and bring more with us to Heaven.
Disciplined Membership
The church must be subject to rule and order
- Must be walking by the same rule - Philippians 3:16
- Must withdraw from the disorderly - 2 Thessalonians 3:6
Two purposes
- To motivate them toward repentance
- To protect the church from evil influence.
To be a pillar of the Lord's church you must first be willing to obey His teachings. You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God and be willing to confess that faith before men. You must repent of your sins, and be baptized to have your sins washed away. And, having done these things, you must continue to walk in faith unto death.
If you've not been walking in faith, you can repent and turn to God today.
If we can assist you in learning how to be a member of the Lord's church and become a pillar of faith, we ask that you contact us so that we can study with you.
