7 Pillars

 1. The goal of all biblical instruction (iTi 1:5) is love from a pure heart, clear conscience,& a sincere faith.  The purpose of putting Israel in the promised land was to send a message of love to the world (via a model of worth, marriage, family, stewardship, the arts, language..culture).  Love is the result of living according to a biblical value system

 

2. The house of wisdom has 7 pillars.  God drove out 7 nations greater & mightier than Israel ( the 7 enemies of the human soul.  Israel fought 7 major offensives in order to posess the land/soul.)  Canaan not heaven, but the land of the human soul in which the giants of fear, impurity, anger, independance, quitting, rationalization, and strife dwell. Each are the antithesis of love.  They align themselves with the flesh, pride, and self centeredness.

 

3. Thus we see a consistant theme throughout scripture.  There are clear parallels between the words of our Lord in the beattitudes, the illustrative narrative of Israels pilgrimage out of bondage to the abundant life promised to those who occupy and posess their mind, will,and emtions completely for the will of God.  II Peter amplifies the same principles.

 

4. The grid for consulting, counseling, discipling, and effective training must be rooted and founded in these fundamentals to produce the results of good works in the right spirit. If the fruit of love is not evident and growing, or if companies cannot produce a good product profitably with good corporate morale then one of 7 pillars is missing or weak.

 

Above are some notes I received from my good friend Lew Sterrett of Sermon on the Mount Ministries.  If you have never watched his horse breaking and mentoring videos, I would highly recommend viewing them.  You will see Biblical teaching at its best as he rides unbroken horses within minutes of the boundaries he sets for himself.  For parenting, marriage, and spiritual growth, I have not found better insights.  For more information you can view his videos on mentoring http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VM&variation=&aitem=6&mitem=7  and his unique presentation on the three categories of people (carnal, worldly, spiritual) http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VTCOP&variation=&aitem=1&mitem=1  and his teaching on power and passion http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VPOP&variation=&aitem=21&mitem=23 and my favorite on Capturing the Heart http://www.lamplighterpublishing.com/prodinfo.asp?number=VCTH&variation=&aitem=1&mitem=1

I only wish I had seen this unique biblical teaching twenty-five years ago!  I would place this teaching close to the top.  He does have several other video presentations on the fruit of the Spirit, but I have found these to be his best work…especially for parents who are searching for insights for their children…even if they are older.  It is never too late, as long as we first set the boundaries for ourselves.