Awhile back, several of our members at Antioch were doing some renovations in the old basement. That part of the building was hand-dug by previous church members in the late 1950s to create space for a kitchen, fellowship hall, and classrooms. I can’t imagine the labor involved in shoveling wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow of rock and soil from the 40’ x 80’ space, but I’m so thankful for their diligent work that paved the way for many future Love Feasts, fellowship meals, Bible Schools, and much more.
As the old ceiling was removed to prepare for new drywall, the men discovered a long wooden beam running the length of the 60’ original sanctuary. It had been hand-hewn and was likely oak or chestnut. According to church records, that part of the building was the earliest constructed and was built in 1868 under the direction of Brother William Peters from Fort Valley who had come over to provide guidance and leadership.
The old girder was still in great shape without termite damage or decay. It was very exciting to reach back over the years through this beam that was shaped and placed by our spiritual ancestors over a century and a half ago, and I dreamed of the giant 6-story tree it had been cut from as well.
As I’ve contemplated how that old 12” x 12” beam has supported the old sanctuary and current fellowship hall for so many years, it reminded me of the role God’s Word should play in every congregation. The Bible is to be the primary support for all that Christians do! In this holy book, we learn of God, His great love demonstrated through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, and of the guidance and comfort of His Holy Spirit. God’s Word also instructs us on how we are to live in our families, with other believers in the church, and with non-believers around us. It tells us where we’ve come from, why we are here, and where we are going.
In the old sanctuary that this massive beam supported, countless worship services had been held reminding us that God’s Word is the foundation of our worship, for in it we read of Jesus’ teaching that our worship is to be in spirit and in truth. The Bible also instructs us to worship decently and in order and with all godliness and holiness.
Besides worship, many Sunday School classes, Bible Studies, and Vacation Bible School sessions were also held in that space and the Bible is to be equally foundational to all of these. As soon as we stray from God’s Word to accommodate current trends, personal preferences, or changes in social standards, the structural integrity of the spiritual house of God is compromised and, unless it is reversed, destruction is assured. The physical building may remain and many may still assemble for various purposes, but God will have left the premises, for His words and His ways have been neglected.
Since sanctuaries host many different events, this beam has also undergirded many funerals, weddings, revival services, prayer gatherings, and business meetings. Once again, each of these should also be founded upon and fully directed by God’s Word, for it provides clear direction for husbands, wives, parents, and children as well as the assurance of God’s comfort when our deceased loved ones knew Jesus as their Savior. Even church business is to be conducted according to Scriptural commands.
Unlike wood that is subject to rot, insect damage, and even fire, God’s Word is impervious to all of these and remains as solid and secure as it was when He inspired it centuries ago. It is dependable, sturdy, and durable for all ages. As we reflect on our congregation’s old wooden beam, may it motivate us to examine our unseen spiritual foundations to be sure they rest securely on God’s Holy Word. Blessings, George