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, NIV 1984).
My Musings – What is Paul saying is the purpose of the church? To be the “pillar and foundation of the truth.” The truth that Christ came to testify to. “For this reason I [Jesus] was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” (John 18:37, NIV 1984). And God has sanctified (set apart to a sacred purpose) the church, “God’s household,” which is “one body with many members,” (Romans 12:4, NIV 1984), to also “testify to the truth,” God’s Word. ” Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:17–18, NIV 1984).
My Advice – If you belong to a local body that does not teach the truth, compromises the truth, distorts the truth, waters down the truth, ignores certain parts of the truth, and/or misinterprets the truth — find another church. For the “foundation” that it is built on, the “truth” that its “pillar[s]” is holding up is not sound.
It may appeal to the masses, it may “[have] a form of godliness, [but we must] have nothing to do with them.” (2 Timothy 3:4–5, NIV 1984).” They “are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be [a church] though they are not, but are liars.” (Revelation 3:9, NIV 1984). “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 11:14–15, NIV 1984). “To deceive even the elect—if that were possible.” (Matthew 24:24, NIV 1984).
So, “do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the Word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV 1984). “[Examine] the Scriptures every day to see if what [is] said was true.” (Acts 17:11, NIV 1984).
The Brew Is A Musing 