THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD~By JOHN McKAY, Pastor

THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD *
*By JOHN McKAY, Pastor *
*

Scripture Reading: I Timothy 3:15

The Holy Scriptures are the truth. What is the pillar and ground of the
truth? The majestic and neglected passage is open to much abuse from
unsaved religionists and traditional church interpretation. The Bible
Itself says that the house of God, the Church of the living God, is the
pillar and ground of the truth.

The word "house" has reference to the arrangement of God's people
according to the revelation He has given them. It is used in this way
concerning a different age in Hebrews 3:2-6. The word "house" is also
related to the word "dispensation" in Ephesians l:10 and 3:2, and
"household" in Ephesians 2:19. This "house" is the Church of the living
God, the Body of Christ.

What pattern of conduct or behavior does the Apostle Paul set by
revelation from the Lord Jesus here? He is writing about standards for
elders and deacons in the local assembly. The apostle himself would
arrange elders and deacons in the local assembly, but he might be
delayed. He gives instructions for qualified men and then expands his
words into a song of praise for the doctrines of the secret which God
had kept hidden from ages and generations until He revealed them through
the Apostle Paul.

The Body of Christ, the great assembly of this present age, is the
pillar and ground of the Truth. As such it has the obligation to
recognize men qualified by the Lord for places of leadership in the
local assembly. The necessity of this verse is that the Body of Christ
ought to have leaders so that the foundation and support can present the
Truth to saints and sinners in God's way.

*"To know the Word of God, *
*to live the Word of God, *
*to preach the Word,*
* to teach the Word, *
*is the sum of all wisdom,*
* the heart of all Christian service."*