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. I Timothy 3:14-15
I once had a daydream/vision where I was in this beautiful country side and I was out in the field in front of this enormous and beautiful mansion. I thought the house was awesome, and was so glad that I got to be near it, and experience some of it’s warmth and presence. Then, in the vision a voice began calling out from the open door, “COME IN! COME IN! COME IN!”. It was the Father. I came in and He spoke to me saying, why are you staying out there? You live here? This is not just My house, it’s YOURS! Whatever I have, is yours, too.
I remember being so impacted by that revelation.. that all that the Father had and all that He is… is at my fingertips. Whatever I need, I can take, because I’m in the family! Isn’t that awesome?!? I had originally thought it was good enough to just be close, but He wanted me to COME IN to the fullness of His inheritance!
Most Christians understand and acknowledge firmly that Jesus is the Way, He is the Truth and the Life. He is the Cornerstone. Our hope, our foundation is in HIM. But, when we come to Him, we are built together as “living stones”–
1 Peter 2:5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
I think it’s easy for us to understand that Jesus is the foundation and Cornerstone of our faith. Here in I Timothy, however, Paul states that the Church is the pillar and foundation of the Truth. How can this be?
Well, it’s because when our lives are laid on the foundation of Jesus’ laid-down life, we then become an extension of Him. His purpose becomes our purpose. His function becomes ours. His identity becomes ours. (Of course, we are not God, nor are we Savior).
The more we come to see and understand who He is, the more we come to see understand who WE are!
And, I love the terminology here that we are “God’s household… the Church of the living God”. (I Timothy 3:15). To be “God’s household” really means that we are the Father’s FAMILY! Further, that means that the “Church of the Living God” is not just some ethereal institution, but it is the Heavenly Father’s family — you and me! We are family of kings and priests. We are all powerful people and carry authority in the Kingdom. But, as a family, no one lords over another, we reign together, for the purposes of the King and His reign. Futher, our King, Jesus, is the King of Love, so the very nature of His Kingdom is His goodness and Love. We are working for the good of all, we fight for His goodness and Love to prevail.
The word “Church” here is the ekklesia, which means “called out assembly”. It’s a group of people selected and “called out” or “called together” as a governing body, to legislate good on behalf of a city. We are God’s governing assembly, a family of Love, brought together to affect God’s Kingdom in our city. How do we bring about His good purposes? By agreeing together on the Truth of His Word, and by legislating His purposes in prayer.
Let’s forget the idea of the “church” as some stalwart institution, here to build a fortress against the decay of the world around us. Let’s take our place as Love Ambassadors, who are the foundation-laying Truth-carriers of safety and stability that the world needs, all found in Jesus. Let’s be the Father’s family, opening wide the doors to the palace, for all who are weary, burdened, heavy-laden — that they might find their soul’s rest in knowing the King (Matthew 11:28-30).
And, let’s make our war against the powers that fight against His reign — they are spirits, not people.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [people], but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12
Take up your weapons– worship and the Word — and destroy the works of the enemy.
May the high praise of God [worship] be in their mouths and a double-edged sword [the Word] in their hands,… to carry out the sentence written against them-
this is the glory of all his faithful people. Psalm 149:6-9
It’s our royal honor and privilege to as a loving family:
-worship God exhuberantly
-take up His Word, declare it, live it and pray it
and see the lesser kingdoms fall, and the goodness of God prevail!
This is who you are, Church! Gather with some the Father’s family and decree His love over your family, our city, and this nation!
What are some ways you think we in the church can act more like the family we are created to be? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
I’m glad we’re family 🙂
Jessie Still 
Nicely done. Thanks.
Richard L Widener Alliance for Renewal Churches Missions Director 440.360.0602 rickwidener@gmail.com
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