The Role of the Bridge Church

The Church The Pillar and Foundation of Truth

In 1 Timothy 3:15, Paul describes the church as “the pillar and foundation of the truth.”

This emphasizes the church’s responsibility to uphold and protect the truth in a world that constantly challenges it.

As followers of Christ and members of His church, we are entrusted with preserving and promoting the integrity of God’s truth.

Let’s explore what it means for us, as a church, to guard the truth and how we, as individuals, are called to grow in truth, live it out, and lead others to do the same.

1 Timothy 3:14–16 LSB

14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you soon, 15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 16 And by common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was manifested in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.

We read all of this for the sake of context. In the preceeding verses and chapters Paul gives instructions concerning how church members are to conduct themselves. Instructions to men, women, pastors, deacons, etc.

Paul is writing from Macedonia and he is hoping to make it to Ephesus soon, but decided to write to Timothy just in case he was delayed.

We know that vs 16 is all about Jesus we are the guardians of the truth about Jesus… look at vs 15 again

1 Timothy 3:15 (LSB)

15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

This concept of the household of God refers to all of the members of God’s family.

It denotes all of the people that live inside the same house.

Which is the church or ekklesia… denoting the totality of Christian congregations as well as the local church. Paul refers here both the the universal and the local manifestation

As you know the church is not a building but Paul often uses the imagery of a building to denote the church. we are to be pillars and support of truth

Truth does not originate from us. We are just the means by which it is upheld

Learn as much biblical truth as possible, understanding that the more we know, the better equipped we are to protect and share it with others.

As part of the church we are each responsible for upholding this truth.

We cannot uphold that which we do not know or understand.

John 17:17 LSB

17 “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.

Jesus’ prayer for His disciples highlights the sanctifying power of God’s Word. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we are set apart and better equipped to guard its truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 LSB

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Paul encourages us to handle God’s Word accurately, which requires diligent study. As we deepen our knowledge, we can confidently uphold the truth.

Proverbs 4:7 LSB

7 “The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, acquire understanding.

Learning and understanding biblical truth is essential and worth every effort. It is through wisdom that we effectively preserve and communicate God’s truth.

Applying Biblical Truth in Daily Life

If the church is to guard the truth, then that truth must be evident in the lives of its members. We are called not only to know the truth but to live it out. This means applying Scripture in practical, everyday ways—whether in our interactions, our work, or our responses to challenges. The local church guards the truth by showing a watching world the transformative power of God’s Word. This is why the Bible says,

1 Timothy 5:22 NLT

22 Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

The literal translation is laying hands upon anyone hastily, thereby share responsibility for the sins of others…

The appointment of church leaders is very crucial and requires a long time of observing someone’s consistent behaviour.

The Bridge has kind of done this well but it should not be accidental.

For example… this is the criteria that Javier out of the top of head came up with. But then you have been walking with the Lord and are affixed to His Word you tend to think in His general ways

Attends services regularly and consistently

Has taken and completed the New Members Course

Has completed a background check

Is in agreement with the church’s core values and knows the vision

Is in alignment and submission to church leadership and maintains a positive and working relationship with leadership and members.

But I digress we were talking about the application of biblical truth to life.

James 1:22 LSB

22 But become doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

The reason this verse is here is because this is very easy to do. It is easy to learn, memorize, intellectualize the Scriptures without internalizing them.

James reminds us that truth is intended to be lived out. The power of God’s Word is seen when it is put into action in our lives.

Matthew 5:16 LSB

16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

When we live out the truth, our actions reflect God’s glory and uphold His truth to those around us.

Psalm 119:105 LSB

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

God’s Word provides guidance for our everyday lives. As we walk in its light, we demonstrate its integrity and wisdom to the world.

Leading Others in Truth

As the church guards and upholds the truth, it is also called to lead others into that truth. This means equipping one another within the church and sharing the gospel with those outside of it.

Guarding the truth is not a passive role but an active mission. We are tasked with raising up disciples who will also know, apply, and share the truth.

Beyond personal understanding and application, we are called to lead others in truth.

By discipling others and sharing God’s Word, we multiply the church’s impact and safeguard the truth for future generations.

Matthew 28:19–20 LSB

19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to keep all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Jesus’ command to make disciples is central to guarding the truth. By teaching others, we pass on the truth and ensure its preservation in every generation.

2 Timothy 2:2 LSB

2 And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Paul’s instruction to Timothy emphasizes the importance of discipling others who can continue teaching the truth. This is how the church preserves and passes on God’s Word.

Colossians 3:16 LSB

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratefulness in your hearts to God.

Teaching and encouraging one another in the truth builds up the church and helps each member grow in understanding and application of God’s Word.

The role of the Bridge Church is to serve as the pillar and foundation of truth in our assigned section of the Lord’s vineyard.

We are called to learned, guard and share that truth and ensure that it remains pure and unadulterated.

As we pursue this calling, may we be diligent in learning God’s Word, committed to living it out, and eager to disciple others. In doing so, we fulfill the role of the local church and shine the light of God’s truth in a world that desperately needs it. Amen.