There is a famous photo of the "Eagle Nebula" called the Twin Pillars of Creation. And when I was just a little boy, my parents told me that our friend, Mr. Rich, was a "pillar" of our church. He did not look like a column of brick or stone. It was years latter when I realized the term was sometimes used to describe something or someone who holds up something else.
According to traditional Baptists, God's word hold up all the doctrines we present in the ministry of reconciliation.
What would we say about doctrines that are not based on what God's word actually says? Most would agree, in general, they should not be pillars we use to hold up our ministry.
Is a "pillar of ministry" to speak plainly, clearly and boldly? I think so. If we need to use "doublespeak" where what we mean is left to the inference of the listener, we should realize we are not of the faith.
When we evaluate ourselves, at communion to see if we are "of the faith" we should ask ourselves two questions: Would we stand up for God if it were "unpopular?" And, would we stand up for Christ, if it were costly. I am not talking about cost in personal wealth, but the cost in human life, ours and others. As for me, I am keenly aware of how far I need to grow, but on the other hand, I count my lowly assessment as one of the "pillars" of my faith.
According to traditional Baptists, God's word hold up all the doctrines we present in the ministry of reconciliation.
What would we say about doctrines that are not based on what God's word actually says? Most would agree, in general, they should not be pillars we use to hold up our ministry.
Is a "pillar of ministry" to speak plainly, clearly and boldly? I think so. If we need to use "doublespeak" where what we mean is left to the inference of the listener, we should realize we are not of the faith.
When we evaluate ourselves, at communion to see if we are "of the faith" we should ask ourselves two questions: Would we stand up for God if it were "unpopular?" And, would we stand up for Christ, if it were costly. I am not talking about cost in personal wealth, but the cost in human life, ours and others. As for me, I am keenly aware of how far I need to grow, but on the other hand, I count my lowly assessment as one of the "pillars" of my faith.