Category: – The Patternists Articles

Yesterday the nation celebrated Memorial Day. The day has been celebrated by tradition since after the Civil War. However, in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The law established the last Monday in May to be the day that our nation remembers all veterans who died while serving the country in the armed forces.

Consider that the last Monday in May is Memorial Day by law. While we can, of course remember and appreciate the sacrifices made by those who gave their life in service to their country, there is only one Memorial Day each year.

As a parallel, we can remember the Lord’s death for us any day we desire. It can and should be on our minds often. However, by Christ’s law, there is one memorial feast (Luke 22:14-23) that He has ordained to be taken upon the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).

Anyone who establishes another memorial, or observes the one established by the Lord on any day other than the first day of the week, does so without Christ’s authorization.

Consider going to your employer some random Monday in October and saying you want that day off to celebrate Memorial Day. See what happens.

As Christians, we observe, remember and show our appreciation for the Lord’s death on every first day of the week. We do this in our Sunday assemblies when we partake of the fruit of the vine to remember His shed blood, and of the unleavened bread to remember His body. Our of respect for His Lordship, we will continue to do this until He comes again. That is the pattern He authorized for His people in His kingdom.

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“Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13).

Paul’s instructions to Timothy are applicable to us as well. Consider the following:

• “hold fast” – the phrase, when applied literally, references something one has in his hands. It carries the idea of clinging to or adhering to something. In this case, the pattern of sound words.
• “the pattern” – a sketch, outline or pattern. Heard from Paul. A exposition by Paul to Timothy of sound words.
• “sound words” – the word “sound” refers to being in good health. As Thayer notes, it is used metaphorically of words that contain no error (contaminants).
• “in faith and love” – faith in Jesus Christ brings fidelity to His teaching. Love is the motivation of those who practically apply that teaching in their relationships to God and others.

Simply put, those who believe in Christ are to take the pattern (scripture) and cling to it. They are to keep it, and apply it to their lives and relationships, refusing to allow any contaminates to change or alter it.

Perhaps this passage will be helpful the next time someone tells you that doctrine does not matter.

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“For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21).

This verse reveals two very important things:

First, man’s wisdom does not lead to a knowledge of God. It is not surprising that our secular society denies and ridicules the belief that an almighty and merciful God exists.

Second, God determined to reveal Himself and His will for man. He did this through written scripture (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). The truths revealed in that written word are the way God saves man. Paul wrote, “we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:23-24).

Any who guide you in a way of man’s devising, lead you to destruction. The way to life is revealed solely by God Himself. “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25).

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“Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the ineritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:22-24).

Have you considered that every aspect of your existence here on earth is to be controlled by the Lord? That in every relationship you have – familial, fraternal, civic or business – your words and actions are to accord with the will of Jesus Christ.

The words, “for you serve the Lord Christ” require of you honesty, industry, mercy and love. Respect for authority comes directly from a respect for Christ’s authority. A flouting of any authority, be it the President, a police officer, or your employer, constitutes a flouting of the authority of your Lord.

Remember, whatever you do is to be done, not as to men, but rather “as to the Lord.” You belong to Him!

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“What is the name of your church?” We are asked that question often. It is a question that often arises from a denominational mindset. The answer they are expecting is something along the lines: the Baptist church, or the Methodist church, or the Catholic church.

In the New Testament, the church is never given a proper name. The greek work (ekklesia) from which the word church is translated has reference to an assembly or congregation. It literally means “the called out.”

The only proper name given to God’s people is Christian (cf. 1 Peter 4:16).

Some are not satisfied with this, and will continue the question. “What is written on the sign in front of your building?!!” To which we answer, “West Side church of Christ.”

In this we designate that we meet on the west side of Fort Worth, and that we are an assembly or congregation belonging to Christ (cf. Romans 16:16). This is eminently scriptural.

Does your church name follow this scriptural precedent? Or does it indicate a denominational mindset?

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There are two models followed in an attempt to attain unity among God’s people. The first is an attempt to have unity amidst diversity. In effect, to go along to get along. Those who follow this model claim that doctrine is unimportant, and will not contend with those who believe differently than themselves. The idea is that God is love, and is accepting of all of us, no matter what we believe or teach.

The second model consists of defending truth. It is the Biblically based model. It certainly excludes those who are unwilling to hold to truth, but allows those who love God and His word to rally around a divine standard. Christians are told to: 1) All speak the same doctrine, and all have the same mind and judgment (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10); 2) Be unified in the same way that the Son and the Father are unified (John 17:20-21); 3) Avoid doctrines which originate in the minds of men (Matthew 15:8-9); 4) And contend for the faith (Jude 3).

In the first model those who contend for the faith are the ones who are castigated as divisive. “There wouldn’t be a problem if you weren’t so contentious!”

In the second, Biblical model, those who contend for the faith are acknowledged to be defending the unity of the Spirit. Those who teach error that are the ones identified as guilty of causing division and strife.

To which model do you ascribe?

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In the first year of King Darius, Daniel offered up a prayer to God, confessing the sin of his people. The prayer is recorded in Daniel 9, and includes the following:

“O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments” (4-5).

He later noted that “shame of face” belongs to all of Israel because of her sin.

Simply put, then and now, it is shameful for any man to depart from God’s precepts and judgments, substituting in their place his own. God’s word is a pattern for us, one to which we must limit ourselves and obey. If we do so, He will supply His mercy to us.

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God told Noah, “Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch” (Genesis 6:14).

I don’t know exactly what gopher wood is, but Noah did, and he did what God required. He made the ark 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide and 30 cubits high (whatever a cubit is).

The point is, he did what God told him to do. Why? He respected God, and feared Him. He knew that to escape the “end of all flesh” (cf. vs. 13), he had to follow God’s directions.

This is a good lesson for us today. Judgment is coming, and the only way for us to escape condemnation is to follow directions. The Jews who responded to Peter’s preaching on Pentecost asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:38). Peter told them to repent and be baptized for the remission of their sins. Three thousand souls that day followed God’s directions. “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (vs. 47).

So, are you willing to follow God’s directions? Your soul depends upon it!

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Our culture can color our view of what God does and does not allow for mankind. The culture of the first century differed greatly from our own. In fact, there were numerous different cultures in the first century, and cultural views caused problems in the early church. It shouldn’t surprise us that those same influences would cause problems today.

The scriptures stand in stark contrast with changing cultural mores. Here is an example. American culture in the 21st century demands that women be given the exact same consideration regarding positions of leadership in the local church. In contrast, the scriptures teach that leadership positions such as elder and deacon are limited to men (cf. 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9) and that women are to be in submission (cf. 1 Timothy 2:11-14).

The thing to remember is that the words of Paul in these verses are the product of the Holy Spirit inspiration (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). They are not, as commonly claimed, a function of Paul’s cultural biases.

In fact, the Holy Spirit reveals that the limitation on women is a function of creation, not culture. “For Adam was formed first, then Eve” (1 Timothy 2:13).

Let us not be so arrogant to assume that our culture knows best. While men may trumpet present day sophistication and evolved morals, we place our trust in the words of God.

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There is no more important question for each of us to ask ourselves. We acknowledge the existence of God, and our own subservient relationship to Him. So, each must ask, “What kind of servant am I?”

In the text of Matthew 24 Jesus describes the two answers possible. One may be a “faithful and wise servant” (vs. 45), or an “evil servant” (vs. 48). What is the difference between the two? The faithful and wise servant is the one, when the Master comes, who is doing the Master’s will (vs. 46).

The point is simple. God is our Master, and if we want to please Him, we must do His bidding. That is why it is so important for us to know the pattern of obedience required by God in His word. If we do so, we are “blessed” (vs. 46), and will be rewarded (vs. 47). If not, “there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (vs. 51).

A sobering truth, to be considered in opposition to the common claim that sincerity in religion is the sole matter of importance. Jesus tells us the important thing is to do the Master’s will!

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Articles on The Patternists Facebook page constantly emphasize the authority of God, and His word. Most articles are concerned with worship, doctrine and the church established by Jesus Christ.

We also note that God’s authority extends to the nations of men. This will be so until Jesus comes again. Paul spoke of this in his sermon to the Athenians in Acts 17:

“And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” (vs. 26-27).

God determines the rise and fall of nations, and the extent of their rule. The nations of the world exist to facilitate a search for God and His will for men. When nations impede that search, God’s patience is tested. If repentance does not occur, that patience runs out, bringing God’s judgement on that nation.

God is both aware of and concerned about the state of our nation. How long will he forbear judgment upon us? No one knows, but each day of rebellion is one day nearer to God’s wrath. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

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Last week I wrote a lengthy article titled “An illogical attitude toward the Bible.“

The article was in response to another article titled “Evangelicals are Losing the Battle for the Bible. And They’re Just Fine With That.”

Consider the ramifications of that title. Evangelicals as a group have always contended that the Bible is inspired of God and inerrant. A new generation of Evanglicals are disavowing that position. The article states that the issues leading to this change in thinking revolve mainly around social issues. The Bible condemns homosexuality, contends for specific and different gender roles for men and women, and contends that the Bible was created by the fiat of God in seven days. These positions are rejected by society today. Young evangelicals, swayed by current mores, are accepting the wisdom of men, and rejecting what they perceive to be foolishness contained in God’s word.

In so doing, they deny the words of Paul, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their own craftiness’; and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.’ Therefore let no one boast in men“ (1 Corinthians 3:19-21).

Those who reject the Lord’s words are rejecting the Lord Himself! Jesus said, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him — the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

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“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1).

The Psalmist declares an axiomatic truth. We simply can’t prosper without God’s approval. It is such an important thing that it is foolish to presume that God is pleased with us. And yet, presumption is the norm. It is said time and again: “I know the Lord is happy with my worship.” “I am confident that the Lord is pleased with my ministry.” “I am certain the Lord approves of my lifestyle.” These sentiments and their ilk are commonly expressed with absolutely no basis other than the opinions and subjective emotions of the speaker.

The only way we can be certain that the Lord approves of our lives, faith and worship is if He has revealed His approval of these things. The only place that God has revealed His will to man is through the Holy Scriptures. Remember, assumption is presumption. Instead, make sure that it is the Lord that is building your house!

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Recent forays into blog and Facebook comments have again uncovered the idea that those who have the audacity to point out religious error are uncharitable, un-Christian, stubborn, and bizarre.

Some comments come from people who ridicule the concept of divine inspiration and the veracity of the Bible. Too often, however, those who show such animosity toward a defense of truth are themselves claimed followers of Christ.

To the former we confess no surprise. The idea of contending over a book which is the product of men is nonsensical, and we understand their disdain.

To the latter we defend ourselves with the following words from the pen of Jude:

“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (verse 3).

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In John 4:24 Jesus said, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” The context reveals that the only acceptable worship is that offered in accord with God’s will. That is why Jesus endorsed the worship of the Jews (in Jerusalem), rather than the worship of the Samaritans.

The text also indicates that under the dispensation of Christ, the location of worship is of no consequence. The idea that God is limited to a particular place (Jerusalem, a mountain) is debunked by Jesus. This is because God is Spirit.

This truth requires that acceptable worship be offered in “spirit.” The worshipper must be engaged – it is an act of adoration to God, which comes from a sincere, reverent, and fully committed heart.

The worship of Israel was condemned by God during the time of Amos. They said, “When will the New Moon be past, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may trade wheat?” (8:5). They weren’t interested in worship, they were only going through the motions. Though the form of worship was in accord with God’s will, the proper spirit was not present.

We are right in demanding that worship to God follow the form revealed and regulated by His will. We must be equally adamant that those who worship Him be fully engaged, with devotion and love for their God.

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