A Firm Foundation

When I was a young and aspiring preacher, I was drawn to the letters Paul wrote to Timothy because of the mentoring words being spoken by a seasoned veteran servant of Christ.  The words written to Timothy were words that helped me stay focused on what I was called to do and who I was called to be.  I sat with them on many different occasions.  Today I am obviously not a young and aspiring preacher.  I have become the old seasoned servant who has a word for the young and aspiring even though they may not have the ears or the desire to listen.   

Though my role has shifted over these years, I still find myself drawn to these letters Paul wrote so long ago.  I am drawn to them not because I have the needs of a young preacher, but because of the way the theological core of church is being threatened.  I cannot help but see a world where people "...accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires." (II Timothy 4:3)  We have become the generation with "itching ears" who are constantly being tempted to "turn away from listening to the truth." (II Timothy 4:3-4)  

As I confess my troubled heart and spirit that grieves for a church that seems to find its direction more in cultural mores than the sacred Word, I also hear in Paul's letter to Timothy a word of comfort and hope.  In verse 19 of the second chapter of the second letter to Timothy, the Apostle is inspired by the Holy Spirit to write a bold word, "But God's firm foundation stands..."  The church is forever changing.  It has enjoyed seasons of faithfulness and endured seasons of heresy, but God's firm foundation still stands.  It will always stand.  Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  Such is also true of the true church that bears the stain from the blood of the cross and has been cast into the future by the blowing wind of the Spirit.