Do ALL according to the Pattern

In Genesis 6:14-16, God told Noah exactly how to build the Ark (pattern to build). In Exodus 25:40, God admonishes the people to build the Tabernacle ‘according to the pattern’. Again, in Number 8:4; reiterated in Acts 7:44.

God has always given instructions for various things He wanted done. Suppose 10 women went to work for a clothing manufacturer and each was handed blue material and the same pattern and size to make blue jeans. Suppose some took it upon themselves to make some large, others small, others short, others long, one made a dress!
But, suppose one woman actually did follow the ‘pattern’ and made blue jeans the size and directions according to the pattern. ALL should have, but only ONE followed the ‘pattern’.
When each of the women presented what was made to the boss, what do you think he would say? Did the 9 follow his instruction? Would he be pleased?

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said He would build His church. Matthew 28:18 tells us that Jesus has ALL authority. We are not to add to or take away from – Revelation 22:18.
We have no authority to change God's ‘pattern’.
We are NOT to go beyond that which is written – 1Corinthians 4:6. ALL we do in word (what we teach) or deed (what we do – how we live), must be “in the name of the Lord” or by His authority. Colossians 3:17 and Acts 4:7
ALL according to the ‘pattern’ ie: Gods word.

The church is not the place (physical location) the church comes together, but rather IS, the people who are Christians (IN Christ) who assemble for worship. All should have the same book (instructions), the Bible, the word of God, the ‘pattern’ that God has given man.

Yet, today, we see every name man can imagine, all kinds of ways to organize religion, worship, different plans of salvation, different standards of morality. HOW can this be if ALL follow the ‘pattern’ that God set forth….THE BIBLE? How can any church be ‘of God’ if it does not follow the ‘pattern’?

We can all be wrong but we can’t all be right if the Bible is our ‘pattern/authority’ in religion. Are you using God’s pattern or using a pattern that has been changed by man to suit man?

One MUST OBEY the Gospel of God

Although some religious bodies teach that man is saved by ‘faith only’, the Bible plainly teaches that ‘obedience’ to God and His will (plan) is essential to salvation.

Let us consider what Gods’ word [ie:Bible] has to say:

1). Jesus will come “in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8.

2). “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth”…1 Peter 1:22.

3). “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17.

4). On Pentecost when the apostle Peter (inspired by the Holy Spirit), preached the gospel of the death and resurrection of Christ to the great number of Jews present (Acts 2:5), they did not ask what to believe, they believed what Peter preached. That is why they asked what to DO to be saved, to receive salvation! Acts 2:37.
Peter told them to repent (change their minds, change their actions), and be baptized FOR (in order to) have remission of their sins. Acts 2:38.

That answer was Gods' answer back then and it is Gods' answer today!
And that is NOT FAITH ONLY, but faith enough to DO (action/obedience) what Peter told them to do to be saved from their sins.
That is what obeying the gospel is all about! But, it does NOT stop there.

In 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8, obeying the gospel is present tense, indicating an act continuing. Faith, repentance, baptism (for remission of sins as above),
is obeying the first principles of the gospel or becoming a Christian (one IN Christ).

After obedience to the gospels first principles, a Christian must be faithful in worship and in work – that is continuing to obey the gospel.
Those who do not continue faithful are fallen from God’s grace. Galatians 5:4.

God’s word tells us, ‘Faith Only’ will NOT save! Are you obeying God’s gospel or are you sitting idle with ‘faith only’ as your doctrine?

ORGANIZING the BIBLE

The Bible is the inspired word of God which makes us furnished (prepared) unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Inspired means ‘God-breathed’;
Greek: theopneustos

2 Peter 1: 20-21…….“knowing this first, that NO prophecy [teaching] of the scriptures is of private interpretation…for the prophecy came not at any time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” The writers of the scriptures inked their pens, God gave the words.

The two big sections of the Bible are the Old Testament and the New Testament. The first book of the Bible, Genesis, and half of the book of Exodus discuss the creation and down to the giving of the (OT) Law to Moses and the Israelites at Mt. Sinai. The Old Testament (10 commandments and numerous other laws) was given ONLY to the Nation of Israel. Deuteronomy 5:1-3.

The purpose of the Old law was to prepare the people to receive the Messiah (Christ) when He came. The Old Testament was no longer in effect after Christ came and was crucified.
The New Testament went in to effect on the Day of Pentecost - Acts 2; Galatians 3:23-25; Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 9:15-17.

Many today are ignorant of the fact that the Old Testament is NOT our law today. A testament, or will, goes in to effect after the one who made it dies.
Again, Hebrews 9:15-17.

It is good to study the Old Testament (Romans 15:4) to learn much about God, the history of the world - including creation - and how God dealt with man in times past. Hebrews 1:1.

In addition, there are many prophecies in the Old Testament about Christ and His kingdom, which is the church. Matthew 16:18-19. Some do not believe that the kingdom has come. But the bible plainly states that it has, that the kingdom IS the church, and that Christ is King. Mark 9:1; Matthew 16:18-19; Colossians 1:13; Revelation 17:14; Hebrews 12:28.

The first four books of the New Testament are the birth, early years, and personal ministry of Christ. The book of Acts is the history of the establishment of the church (kingdom), how one gets into the church (kingdom), and the growth of the church.

The next 21 books are written to churches and individuals telling how to live as a Christian (one IN Christ), how to worship, and the work of the church.

The last book – Revelation – deals with the final resting place of ALL humanity – Heaven or Hell – and the great spiritual battle going on between God and His people and the Devil and his people. This spiritual battle is ongoing until the end of time and Christs’ return. Revelation was written in signs and symbols, a lot of it is not literal, but figurative. It was also to encourage the early church [church in any age] and Christians undergoing horrific persecution at that time. It also underscores who will be triumphant – GOD.

The New Testament tells one how to be on Gods winning side and spend eternity in Heaven with God and His angels.

See previous posts: ‘How Does One Become a Christian’; ‘Are We Under the Old Testament Today?’

Interpreting the Bible?

The word ‘interpret’ is found several times in the Bible. It can mean translating from one language to another – John 1:38; 1 Corinthians 14:5.
Or, to explain a word or point. In Luke 24:27, Jesus ‘interpreted’ the Old Testament concerning Himself.

The average word in the New Testament [KJV] has a fraction fewer than 5 letters in it. The Bible is plain and for the most part just needs to be believed, not interpreted. For example:

1). What were the New Testament churches called? …”the churches of Christ salute you.” Romans 16:16. ‘Interpret’ that!

2). Is baptism sprinkling or immersion? Romans 6:4….”buried with Him through baptism.” John 3:23, “And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there.” Acts 8:38,….”and they both went down into the water, and he baptized him.”
The word baptism in the original means ‘immersion’. You can’t baptize by sprinkling any more than you can ride to town by walking! The two are different acts. Interpret that!

3). When did the early church take the Lord’s supper? In Acts 20:7, we see by example, that they did such on the first day of the week – Sunday. In the Bible a day of the year oft means yearly; a day of the month means monthly; a day of the week means weekly. How many weeks have a first day? How do you ‘interpret’ “first day of the week”?

4). What kind of music do you ‘interpret’ in Ephesians 5:19 or Colossians 3:16? Both clearly state “singing”. No mention of piano, organ, or other mechanical music. It is a fact of the history of mechanical music, that it was never used in worship services before about 670AD. Many Protestant groups that began in the 1500’s to 1700’s opposed mechanical music.

4). How do you ‘interpret’ scriptures that give the purpose of baptism? Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Mark 16:16 say baptism is for (in order to have) remission of sins; wash sins away; to be saved (from sin).

God’s word is not open for 'interpretation' by man. Man is to hear, believe and obey what God has given us.

Steps to Enter God's Church

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus told the apostle Peter that He (Christ) would build His (Christ’s) church and the gates of hades (death) would not prevail against it. Christ Himself is the foundation of His church – 1 Corinthians 3:11…”for other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Also, Ephesians 2:20…”Christ Jesus, the chief corner stone” of that foundation.

There are five steps to get into the church that Jesus built.

Hearing is the first step because faith comes by hearing the word of God – Romans 10:17. However, many will refuse to hear. Perhaps they are afraid of having to change their lives if they develop faith…and many don’t want to change. Others may have to listen or read many hours to develop faith enough to follow Jesus.

Believe/faith. “Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God, that ye believe on Him who He hath sent” – John 6:29. Faith is a work and the hardest work in becoming a Christian.
King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 12:12 – “And furthermore, my son, be admonished; of making of many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.” Read the bible.

Repentance is the next step and is a change of mind that leads to a change in ones actions.
In Acts 2:38, the apostle Peter told the people to repent. Acts 17:30….”God commands all men everywhere to repent”.

Confession of Christ – not sins – is the next step in becoming a Christian. In Acts 8:37 we have an example of one confessing Christ before being baptized. Romans 10:10 also tells us that “with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” If one has faith and has repented, confession is easy.

Baptism is the last step in becoming a Christian. Acts 2:38 tells us that baptism is for remission of sins. In Mark 16:16, Jesus said..."he that believeth AND is baptized shall be saved..” In Acts 2:38 when the 3,000 (Acts 2:41), were baptized for (in order to have) remission of sins, the Lord added them to the church – Acts 2:47.
Romans 6:3 and Galatians 3:27 also tells us that baptism puts one into Christ, His church, His body. In Christ is also where we find ALL spiritual blessings – Ephesians 1:3.

We have numerous examples in the book of Acts showing how one enters God’s/Christ’s church. Today, the same Lord will add those who do the same things we read about in Acts. You will be added to the same church. The one Christ purchased with his blood – Acts 20:28. The ONE church – 1 Corinthians 12:13.

Are you in the ONE church that Christ died for? You can be by following the five steps found in God’s word (bible) and continuing to live faithfully according to that same word.

You might want to read the previous post – “How does one become a Christian”. Archived on this blog under year 2008.

Terms for the Church

The word church literally means, ‘the called out’, from the Greek “ekklesia”.
Defined in the Christian sense, an assembly of Christians gathering for worship. (Thayer).

The word ‘church’ – as translated – has two meanings, or is used in two senses.
1). The Universal sense – meaning the institution for which Jesus died and which is composed of all those ‘called out’ of the world into God’s service.
A spiritual relationship.

2). The Local sense – meaning a local congregation composed of the ‘called out’ in any locality who worship faithfully together, lay by in store, work together through this common store as God’s word directs.

(side note): People are 'called' by the gospel of Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:14)
The gospel - good news - is "the power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16).

The church you read about in the Bible does not have an official or proper name, but rather has several terms which describe it.

One term for local churches (a group of Christians meeting) is “churches of Christ”, (Romans 16:16). Please note the word church is never capitalized in the Bible. We do not capitalize it as we would a proper name. While we use the term “church of Christ” for a local church, “flock” (Acts 20:28) is another term used to describe a local church, as is “church of God”,
(1 Corinthians 1:2).

Several terms are used to describe the one church which is comprised of all the Christians or disciples (Acts 11:26). The one church of which Christ is the Head is also called the “body” (Colossians 1:18). Christ is the head of the body and it has many members (1 Corinthians 12:12). Not many bodies as some denominations teach, but one head [Christ], over “one body” [His church] (Ephesians 4:4-5).
Scriptural baptism puts one into that one body, (1 Corinthians 12:13). Ephesians 5:23 states that Christ is the head of the church and savior of the body. Body and church are used to mean the same thing. Christ is head of the body, (Colossians 1:18).

Kingdom is another term to describe the one church. Christ is “Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 17:14). This would also teach that Christ has all authority as does Matthew 28:18. All we do in word [what we teach] and deed [how we live] must be done in the name of the Lord [by His authority] (Colossians 3:17; Acts 4:7).

How can we have a genuine church of Christ today? Succession is in the seed. As long as we have watermelon seed, we will have watermelons. God’s word is the seed for a church of Christ. As long as we have the word of God, the seed “which abideth forever” (1Peter 1:23) we can have the church of Christ.

What does your church call itself? Is it from God’s everlasting seed or mans temporary ideas?

It is hoped you will look up the Bible passages mentioned and read for your own knowledge and edification.

It Must be Applied!

The story is told of a preacher and a soap salesman walking down the street together. As they passed a bar, a drunk staggered out. The soap salesman said to the preacher, “your gospel isn’t working very well to have drunks on the street.”

They walked a little further and saw some little children playing in an alley, as dirty as kids can get. The preacher said to the soap salesman, “I see your product isn’t working either.” The soap salesman replied, "the soap must be applied to work."
The preacher answered…."so does the gospel."

On the day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter preached enough gospel to save the entire world….were it applied to all the world. After hearing preaching about Christ, some Jews came to believe in Christ and asked what to do? Acts 2:37. Peter told them, “repent and be baptized every one of you in the name [by the authority of] Jesus Christ for [in order to have] remission of sins.”
Some 3,000 persons applied it to themselves and were baptized – Acts 2:41 – and the Lord added them to the church – Acts 2:47.

Some people might ask, which church the Lord added them to? In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, “upon this rock I will build MY church.” Since Christ is the ONLY rock foundation upon which the church is built – 1 Corinthians 3:11 – and no one can build another rock foundation, He added them to His church.

Jesus is the head of the body, the church – Colossians 1:18. The bible teaches that there is ONE body – Ephesians 4:4.

There are a plurality of local churches – Roman 16:16 – but the ONE church is a [spiritual] relationship with Christ, the head.
Christ is head and savior of the body, the church – Ephesians 5:23.

Some ask if a person can be saved outside [not in] the church which is Christ’s body?
Ephesians 5:23 tells us what Christ if the savior of…..His body, His church!

The GOSPEL must be applied to be effective.