Seven Pillars Of A Biblical Church

Uncovering seven lessons from Scripture and the Puritans, John Carpenter applies the principles and practices that are often neglected by the church today but are key in making a church truly biblical. Drawing on his background as a scholar of Puritanism and years of planting and pastoring a church, Carpenter establishes each pillar on the Bible and shows, through Scripture and practical examples, how they work. Beginning with the tale of how an eyewitness account of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center shows us the perils of only seeing part of God's revelation, we see: why we must listen to what God says about himself; why we must understand that the gospel is not a self-help plan; why salvation is so simple that it can be reduced to a bumper sticker (“Jesus saves”) but is still so often misunderstood, leading to unconverted people leading churches; and why believers aren't called just to go to church but to be covenanted members of a specific church where they can be corrected by their pastors and where worship is centered on God, not on personalities, putting on a show, or attracting crowds.

Uncovering seven lessons from Scripture and the Puritans, John Carpenter applies the principles and practices that are often neglected by the church today but are key in making a church truly biblical. Drawing on his background as a scholar of Puritanism and years of planting and pastoring a church, Carpenter establishes each pillar on the Bible and shows, through Scripture and practical examples, how they work. Beginning with the tale of how an eyewitness account of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center shows us the perils of only seeing part of God's revelation, we see: why we must listen to what God says about himself; why we must understand that the gospel is not a self-help plan; why salvation is so simple that it can be reduced to a bumper sticker ("Jesus saves") but is still so often misunderstood, leading to unconverted people leading churches; and why believers aren't called just to go to church but to be covenanted members of a specific church where they can be corrected by their pastors and where worship is centered on God, not on personalities, putting on a show, or attracting crowds.

The revelations contained in the Bible serve as a supreme guide by which to measure all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions—and today’s Christians are in steady moral and spiritual decline. A 2010 survey by the Barna Research Group reveals that in American churches, Christians have become less knowledgeable about the Bible, less interested in spiritual disciplines, and more desirous of secular techniques to solve life’s problems, thus blurring the distinction between their conduct and that of nonbelievers. In Seven Pillars of Christianity: An Introduction to the Essential Christian Doctrines, Dr. William Ekane reveals the life-transforming foundations of the Christian faith and issues a clarion call for Christians to return to authentic Christianity. First presenting his compelling case for the scientific reliability and divine origin of the Bible, Dr. Ekane works closely with Scripture as he leads us through everything from the Lord Jesus Christ to trust and faith in the living God to, finally, the five major judgments and Revelation. These practical, strategic insights and essential truths are invaluable to new converts as well as mature believers. The Word of the Holy Spirit offers transformation, illuminating our hearts and minds as we strengthen our spiritual foundation and grow deeper in God.

The present book is the second book in a seven book series entitled "The Seven Pillars of Discipleship." This particular book is based on the church and its doctrines. What is it that we believe and why. It is designed to provoke growth through probing questions in regard to the Scriptures. The concept behind the book grew from a desire to see the people of God grow in regard to their salvation. The church has always been a burden on my heart. Why is it that believers today don't seem to have a similar passion as those of the first century church? How is it that the church has so easily capitulated to the philosophies of this world? Why is the holiness of God, righteousness, repentance and judgment no longer part of the church's DNA? Of course I am speaking very generally for the most part. But that is why this book was written. Though it is written in the form of a bible study, the goal is to ask questions to lead one to think in regards to God's righteous standards and man's lowly state. Dr. Terren L. Dames was born in Nassau, Bahamas, has been married to his one wife Stacy for 20 years with four Children. Dr. Dames presently serves as senior pastor and elder at North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship in Plano Texas. He has an earned PhD from the University of North Texas in comparative higher education and cognate in Christian higher education, a Th.M. from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in practical theology, a MA from Dallas Theological Seminary in Christian Education and a BA from the College of Biblical Studies in Leadership. Dr. Dames is passionate about the word of God and His people.

The title of this book, Seven Pillars of Discipleship: Book One, is the first in a seven-part series on discipleship. Pillar one or book one deals with the beginning of the discipleship process (salvation). In order for one to become a disciple of Jesus the Christ, he/she must first be born again—that is the acceptance of Christ as Lord and Savior and the repentance (turning away from) sin. Book one seeks to show why salvation is necessary and God’s plan to redeem the world through the death of His only begotten Son. A misunderstanding of salvation results in an eternal outcome, hence, this is probably the most important message in the series and the most essential to the foundation of the discipleship process.

“AND SAMPSON SAID TO THE YOUNG MAN WHO HELD HIM BY THE HAND, ‘LET ME FEEL THE PILLARS ON WHICH THE HOUSE RESTS, THAT I MAY LEAN AGAINST THEM’” (Judges 16:26, ESV) Mark Finely has rightly said that there are “seven basic teachings” on which God has built His church. “Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars.” These seven pillars are essential, and “the non-negotiables:” Scripture (John 17:17) Salvation (John 3:16) Second Coming (John 14:1-3) Sabbath (John 14:15) State of the Dead (John 11:11-26) Sanctuary (John 17:4, 11, 24) Holy Spirit and Spirit of Prophecy (John 14:15-17) (Prov. 9:1; Mark Finely, Solid Ground, p. 374) “The house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” is built on these seven pillars, 1 Tim. 3:15. Because of this, Dr. Norman identifies the church as an eight pillar. This eight pillar rests on the other seven “non-negotiables.” These “non-negotiables” are in turn rooted and grounded in Christ, and they define who we are as a biblical community of faith. Tragically though, great uncertainty concerning the pillars abound. The “non-negotiables” are under assault. And this assault will intensify as a mighty sifting sieve. “Those who seek to remove the old landmarks . . . bring in theories that would remove the pillars of our faith concerning the sanctuary . . . [they are] working as blind men . . . [they are] seeking to bring in uncertainties and to set the people of God adrift without an anchor,” (E. G. White, Manuscript Release No. 760. P. 9, 1905). If there ever was a time, we needed the resolve of Sampson, it is now! The author hopes that this book will inspire this resolve—a resolve that will lead us back to the pillars; back to the “non-negotiables.” Like Sampson, may we feel the pillars once again, and lean on “the non-negotiables” centered in Christ.

The final book of the Bible, Revelation prophesies the ultimate judgement of mankind in a series of allegorical visions, grisly images and numerological predictions. According to these, empires will fall, the "Beast" will be destroyed and Christ will rule a new Jerusalem. With an introduction by Will Self.

The hard reality in North America is that most churches and most if not all denominations are in a state of decline. The membership within these churches and denominations are plateauing and what used to pass for involvement and activity within churches is deteriorating. While all of this is happening, the rank and file of the church appears powerless to assemble the strength that is needed to get the churches growing again.