Blueprints and patterns are exceptionally important. Indeed, contractors, tailors, cabinet makers, and people in other design-based vocations rely upon them daily. It provides a plan to follow in the building and asssembling process to minimize errors and ensure uniformity in production. Whether it be houses, dresses, furniture, cars, muffins, etc., if the same pattern is followed, then the final product will have brand consistency. This concept is also seen in the New Testament Church.
If we follow the instruction of God’s word, then we will be what God expects us to be. And if brethren in multiple locations follow the same instruction, then the result will be churches that teach and practice the same things.
This post will serve as a hub leading to more detailed articles on various patterns or blueprints which God has given in the New Testament on a variety of important topics. Each heading below will eventually link to an article on the topics mentioned.
God’s Pattern for Salvation of Souls
- Hear about Jesus in order to develop faith (Romans 10:17; Acts 3:22)
- Repentance of sins and turning to God (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; 17:30)
- Confession of faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9-10)
- Be baptized unto the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21)
- Live faithful until the end (Matthew 10:22; 1 Corinthians 15:2; Hebrews 3:14; 10:23)
God’s Pattern for Worship in the New Testament Church
- Sunday – the appointed day of worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
- Singing praise to God (Acts 16:25; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16)
- Remembering Jesus‘ sacrifice via the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-34)
- Praying to the heavenly Father (Acts 2:42; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; 1 Corinthians 14:15)
- Free-will offering to the Lord’s cause (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
- Preaching and teaching of God’s word (Acts 2:42; 11:26; 20:7, 18, 20, 26-27)
- Decent and orderly assemblies (1 Corinthians 14:40)
God’s Pattern for the Work of the New Testament Chruch
- Benevolence – ministering to needy saints (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37; 6:1-6; 11:27-30; etc)
- Evangelism – spreading the gospel message (Acts 8:1, 4; Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 4:2)
- Edification – building up one another in faith (1 Corinthians 14:3-5, 12, 26)
God’s Pattern for the New Testament Church Organization
- Local church autonomy (Acts 14:23; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4)
- Spiritual leaders – elders, shepherd, overseers (1 Peter 5:1-3; Acts 20:28)
- Deacons – servants tending to needs (Acts 6:1-6; Philippians 1:1)
- Evangelists, preachers, teachers (Romans 10:14; 2 Timothy 4:5)
Some Things which ARE NOT According to the Pattern
- Many different churches with different doctrines & practices.
- Instrumental music in worship to God.
- Social and recreational activities (kitchens, family life center, gyms).
- Extra-church organizations (missionary societies, benevolent associations).
Links: YouVersion | GROW magazine
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