Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Jesus, RTM and Logos

By S. Michael Durham

We are greatly excited about our new logo for RTM. After weeks of our patient graphic designer, Jesse Grisham, submitting one idea after another only to have us say no, he finally created the look we were after. First, we wanted a look that was not dated. A very modern design is appropriate for RTM since it is to the present generation we are called. We do not want to try to revive a Puritan or Victorian age and appeal to a culture that has long ceased to exist.

Second, we wanted a logo that would be very simple. A complex logo may be clever, but often derails the objective of the ministry or company it represents. We desired a clean and simple look that can be easily recognized and reproduced in different venues. Also, while the cross is the most recognizable symbol of Christianity, almost every ministry uses it as their symbol. RTM wanted something different that would cause us to stand out in the maze of Christian logos.

The truth of the matter is that logos do not determine the value or worth of the ministry it represents. It is the ministry that will define the logo. Logos do not give meaning to ministries, but hopefully in time, the ministry of RTM will give meaning to our logo.

Lastly, and most importantly, our logo does say something about who we are. The RTM logo resides in what first looks like a hexagon. But if you look a little deeper, it has a 3-D effect and you can see a cube. It is subtle, but real. What a perfect way to convey our message. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is our cornerstone upon which all believers are built. He is the real truth that our lives are to rest upon.

In the days of Christ and past, the cornerstone was the most important stone in the construction process. It was a perfectly hewn square that would determine a right angle for the walls. All other stones would be set in reference to the cornerstone. It determined the position for the entire building.

The apostles were very aware of the symbolism of the cornerstone in relationship to Jesus. Paul writes, “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). Peter reminds us that it was Isaiah who first called the Messiah the cornerstone, “Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, ‘Behold, I lay in Zion A chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame’” (1 Peter 2:6).

The ministry of Real Truth Matters is, we pray, built upon the Lord Jesus Christ. He is our gospel and the foundation upon Whom we stand.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.

No comments:

Post a Comment