The first five books of the Old Testament serve as a basis for the life that God’s people would have under the Old Covenant. The Pentateuch laid the foundation for all the instructions Israel would need to be the representative of God on earth. Without these foundations neither the Bible nor history would make sense.
We now live in the era of the New Covenant. It fulfills all that the Old Covenant predicted and promised. As we learn to appreciate the progression of revelation throughout history, we discover how great a salvation we have been given.
Though I do not put them on the level of authority of Biblical revelation, I want to describe five pillars of truth that can be a foundation for embracing the great salvation we received as heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ.
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Enjoying God
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Discovering Truth
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Managing Life
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Engaging Culture
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Fulfilling Destiny
As we grow in these five processes, we become better equipped to live the eternal life that Jesus modeled for us, then transferred to us after his ascension. These are not five laws to memorize as a creed. They are five dynamics working in us as the Holy Spirit makes real to us our role in God’s purpose. We wil take each one and try to describe what it looks like. Then we will spend the remainder of our lives watching it expand in meaning and usefulness.
One warning! This cannot be done alone. Discipleship is a community dynamic. Jesus didn’t choose twelve disciples to spend one-on-one time in sequence. They were being equipped as a group under Jesus’ guidance. It will take mutual submission to other members of the community of faith and the multifaceted perspectives that arise from unique members of Christ’s body.
Let’s get started!
The Five Pillars Retreat April 8-10 will focus on the "Enjoying God" dynamic. Join us!
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