1 Timothy 3:14, “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.”
The church is the only thing that Jesus said He would personally build and that the gates of hell couldn’t overcome, Matthew 16:18. He didn’t say He was going to build a company, a government, or even a “religion.” Jesus chose twelve men to be the foundation of His church and all these men, except for Judas, became the pillars for the church with Jesus as the Cornerstone.
The Greek word for church is “ekklesia,” and means, “the gathered and called out ones.” Specifically, in regards to Jesus the church refers to the disciples who are gathered together under the lordship of Jesus to proclaim the gospel and make disciples of the nations. From the Day of Pentecost until now Jesus has been building His church upon disciples that make disciples. According to Paul in the above verse the church of gathered disciples is the pillar and foundation of truth in this world.
Certainly, there are church buildings with church leaders and members that have backslide and have been overcome by the devil’s deception. However, the actual bride of Christ has remained unblemished throughout every age. She is beautiful to her groom (Jesus Christ) and terrifying to the enemy. Though Satan has tried to use false doctrines, gross sin, greed, corrupt leaders, and deception against the church she has not failed or faltered but rather has multiplied around the world and is reaching more people with the truth than ever before.
Therefore, you and I need to stand with the church of Jesus Christ in our generation. Here are three ways to stand with the church; (1) Join a biblically based church in your community, (2) Support your church’s leadership with tithes and offers and prayers; and lastly, (3) Become involved in the church so you can be a living stone built up and used for God’s glory.
Reflection
In what ways can you stand for the church in your culture?
Action
- Explain from the Bible why you should stand for the church.
- Pray that God will use you to reach out and build the church with disciples that make disciples.
- For more information regarding standing for the church read the following books, “Discipleship Based Churches,” by Joe Wyrostek and “The Disciple-Making Church,” by Bill Hull.
