Pattern for the Church

David Cox

The Hebrew writer declares “as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount” (Hebrews 8:5). Seeing that the Lord admonished Moses about the pattern given to him, it seems that the people of God today, the church, should be mindful of the pattern given to them. Paul was concerned about the pattern when he reminded Timothy to “Hold fast the form (pattern, ASV) of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13). Again to the Romans, Paul wrote that their conversion to Christ was that they had “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you” (Romans 6:17). Following the pattern or form that had been given was essential in conversion and in one continuing to please God. Acts 2:42 states, “that the disciples continued in the apostles’ doctrine.” They “continued”, that is followed, “the apostles’ doctrine”. Those things that the apostles had taught them. They were “holding fast the sound words”; following the pattern that had been given to them.

What is the focus of the church?

In the New Testament, the focus of the church was in preaching Christ and Him crucified. The goal in doing this was to bring people out of the world of sin and darkness and into the kingdom of Christ. In the early chapters of Acts, the early disciples were successful in this (Acts 2, 3, 4, and 5, etc.). However, not every church remained focused in their work for the Lord. In Revelation 2:1-7, the church at Ephesus had done much good in its past. Paul considered it one of the of the finest that he had worked among, but they had lost their focus. In verse 7 we read, “…I have somewhat against thee that ye have left your first love.” Also, the church at Laodicea had become so impressed with themselves that they said, “we have need of nothing” (Revelation 3:15-16). Here are examples of churches that stopped following the pattern concerning the focus and mission for the church.

Is it possible today that local congregations could do like the above examples and quit following the pattern? Yes it is and this may be one of the greatest dangers facing local congregations. We see many churches that build large balances in the bank, focus on the successes of the past and find great satisfaction where they currently are. These churches fail to focus on teaching the lost and spiritually edifying the members of the body, opting instead for gyms, games, eating, and playing as they try to encourage people to join them.

The power of God is in the salvation of souls of men; the same as is was in the first century. Paul said, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation to the Jew first and also the Greek” (Romans 1:16). A church who remains focused on saving souls will not be sidetracked by fleshly, temporal things to convert people. It is only the gospel that will save.

What is the pattern for worship?

John 4:24 declares, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” Jesus tells us that God desires people to worship Him. But a certain kind of worship is required. First, our worship must be in spirit. This means that we must worship with emotion and feeling. Our worship to God should never be cold and stale and just “going through the motions.” Each individual must prepare himself for worship so that he may worship God in spirit. Second, worship must be in truth. Our worship must be according to the pattern given in God’s word (John 17:17). The pattern given to us in the New Testament shows that the church had a lesson preached (Acts 20:7); sang (Ephesians 5:19); prayed (Acts 2:42; etc.); observed the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7); and gave of their means (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). They did these things on the first day of the week. Could we change any of these things or add other things to these and still be following the pattern given to us? Absolutely, not.

What is the pattern for the organization of the church?

God has given a pattern for the organization of the church. Paul and Silas, as they returned back on their missionary journey, went back through the cities they had visited and to the churches that they had been with to “ordain elders in every church” (Acts 14:23). Paul wrote to Titus and told him that he was “left in Crete to set in order the things that are wanting and to ordain elders…” (Titus 1:5). Paul reminded Timothy of the qualifications of elders and deacons so that he could do his work as an evangelist and ordain elders and deacons. Paul wrote to the church at Philippi “with its bishops and deacons” (Philippians 1:1). It is quite clear that the New Testament has given a pattern that elders are to be in every church. Is a local congregation truly following the pattern given by the Lord if they are not working diligently to have Elders? No. There are qualifications for men to attain if they are to serve in either capacity as an elder or a deacon. But if a congregation is truly concerned with following the pattern for organization, then every effort will be made to organize the local church as God desires. It is not right for congregations to supplant the organization God has given with the man made organization of the monthly business meetings. Yes, it may be necessary to not have elders for a time, but let us be mindful of God’s pattern of qualified men serving, and not develop the attitude of “everything is going along fine, why change?”.

When God gives a pattern, He expects it to be followed. So then , let us follow the pattern given in God’s word and never change it.

Via The Market Street Messenger

Athens, AL