Category: – The Patternists Articles

Recently I came across the phrase, “congregations of the Churches of Christ.” I am sad to say that it was not a member of some religious denomination, but a baptized believer who used the words. There is so much talk about offensive speech in our day. Well let me tell you that those words offended me.

First, I am offended by the ignorance. The phrase is redundant. The phrase “churches of Christ” is used only once in the New Testament, in Romans 16:16, “Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.” In that verse, the word “churches” has reference to congregations. So, in the offensive phrase above, it could be rendered, “congregations of the congregations of Christ.” Such silliness is similar to the popular phrase “born again Christian.” By definition a Christian is one who is born again. There is no such thing as a Christian who has not been born again. So, the phrase is redundant, “a born again born again person.” But, I digress.

The second, and most offensive aspect of the phrase “congregations of the Churches of Christ” is that it indicates a denominational concept of Christianity. In other words, it differentiates between congregations of the “Churches of Christ” denomination, as contrasted with congregations of say, the Baptist denomination, or congregations of the Methodist denomination. This denominational concept of Christianity is clearly condemned in scripture (John 17:20-21; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13).

Scripture reveals that there is only one church, established by Jesus Christ, (Matthew 16:18). That church is made up of those INDIVIDUALS who are saved, (Acts 2:47). That church is organized in one way, and one way only, into local congregations, (1 Corinthians 1:1-3). If your concept of the church is different, then you are part of a big problem.

Denominationalism (Many churches instead of one) is abhorrent to the One who founded His church. I refuse to be a part of any denomination, or to describe the Lord’s church using any denominational terms. Words mean things, and it is offensive for Christ’s church to be referred to in such an obviously unscriptural way. It may be simple ignorance, or it may be a willful departure from God’s pattern that fosters these words. Regardless, our Lord deserves more respect.

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The Bible clearly reveals that it is a sin to entertain bitterness in our hearts as children of God. Consider the following passages:

(Ephesians 4:31), “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”

(Hebrews 12:14-15), “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.”

We see bitter and hateful words in the day’s political rhetoric, in Facebook comments and online discussions, and in the words that pass between men and women in the streets of our country.

It is fine for a child of God to hold a political opinion, to stand for what is right and to stand against what is wrong. It is sinful, however, for a child of God to descend to hatefulness and bitterness in tone, words or actions. There is no provocation or evil that is visited upon us by the ungodliness of men that can justify an unseasoned tongue or action from God’s people.

Please think of that before you pen or share your next post, or as you are talking around a cup of coffee in your local cafe. We are to be the salt of the earth. Remember, “if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” (Matthew 5:13b).

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Internet memes are often a product of shallow thinking, which can be seen in their vapid glibness. Even if a kernel of truth can be gleaned, generally a matter is too complex to be resolved in a single sentence. (Perhaps that is why U.S. politics are so fouled up, with candidates vying for a single “moment” to connect with the electorate. Issues are irrelevant, only surface appearance and glibness matters).

I did come across one meme today, however, that deserves some scrutiny. It said:

“But, I think…

“It doesn’t matter what you think! If it doesn’t match up with the Bible, you are wrong!

“…yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…” (Romans 3:4).”

The sentiment is entirely valid, as it seeks to get across the point that God’s word is truth. If a man’s opinions do not jibe with God’s revelation, the man is wrong.

And, this is often the case. Typically, worldly views contradict God’s word. Even those who call themselves Christians often ally themselves with the opinions of man rather than God’s revelation.

However, in one sense it does matter what you think! In fact, the eternal state of your soul depends upon you aligning your views with those of God.

Romans 3 indicates that a man’s belief or unbelief in God and His word is irrelevant to whether it is true. It is, however, relevant to our standing with Him.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

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In the introduction to Robert Shank’s book, Life in the Son, William Adams wrote:

“Some will consider that ‘unity’ is more important than truth and that, right or wrong, conformity to tradition and popular opinion is the only wise course. Men so easily become enslaved by a vested interest in the status quo, and many will refuse to venture the risk of honestly searching for truth at the possible expense of comfort.”

His words were a response to Shank’s view of the possibility of apostasy. Though he personally believed Calvin’s doctrine concerning the perseverance of the saints, he was impressed by Shank’s arguments.

He states a valid truth. Many times people believe as they do because “everyone else does,” or because “that is what we’ve always taught!” To such people, Bible teaching that contradicts their traditions is to be rejected simply because it differs from what they hold as precious.

There is no conflict between the unity called for in the Bible, and the pursuit of truth. In fact, True unity can be obtained only as we embrace the truth. Paul pleaded with the Corinthians to “all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).

May we be fair-minded as the Bereans, who “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

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The term in the title “diss” is common slang in our time. It is a shortened form for the word disrespect. In this article, I’m less concerned with the mongrelization of the English language, and more concerned about the disrespect so many show to the Almighty.

Interestingly, men have always been, and are especially now, sensitive to others showing disrespect for them. It is insulting, and has led not only to arguments and fisticuffs, but even to national wars! When a fight between two teenagers is broken up, the reason for the spat is commonly stated: “He dissed me!”

While we may be sensitive to others showing a lack of respect for us, we often lack awareness of how our actions can “diss” God! In Leviticus 10:1, Nadab and Abihu, priests of God and sons of Aaron, offered profane (unauthorized) fire before God in the burning of incense. What was God’s response? “So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord” (vs. 2).

What was God’s motivation for killing them? They “dissed” Him! God said, “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified” (vs. 3).

Next time you think about doing your own thing, just assuming that God will approve of your willfulness, you had better think twice. You don’t want to diss God!

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The Bible reveals discord and division to be sinful. When the Corinthians showed themselves to be divided, Paul wrote, “for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3).

There are two ways to avoid discord. The first is commonly practiced by religious groups today. It is through compromise, setting aside doctrinal disagreements in order to get along. This is a tenet of those denominations that count themselves part of the ecumenical movement, a movement dedicated to “universal Christian unity” based on an acceptance of diverse beliefs and practices.

The second way is the Biblical philosophy of unity, based on mutual acceptance of the divine standard, the truth of God’s word. This way is identified clearly in Jesus’ prayer to God, recorded in John 17:20-21, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.” Our unity must mirror the unity of Jesus and His Father. Jesus stated clearly in John 5:30, “I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.”

As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1:10). This unity in speech, thought and judgment can come only when all agree with and submit to the will of God.

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The apostle Peter proclaimed at the climax of his sermon on Pentecost, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).

Unanimously, those who purport faith in Jesus trumpet Him as their Christ. He is the anointed of God, the Savior of mankind. They claim a “personal relationship” with Him, and give Him credit for securing the forgiveness of their sins, and their relationship with God the Father. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6), and they believe it.

Much less common is the willingness to accept the Lordship of Jesus. The greek word translated “Lord” (kurios) denotes authority. The question Jesus asked of His listeners 2000 years ago is relevant today, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Many who claim Jesus to be the anointed of God routinely disregard His will for them in matters of worship, work, morality and relationships. In so doing, they show their claim that Jesus is their personal Savior is fraudulent.

Simply put, you can’t accept Jesus as your Christ unless you accept Him as your Lord! Do His will!

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Recently, I spent some time reading articles written by faithful Christians describing the moral failings of modern man. I was impressed to note the consistency in theme, regarding the cause of such immorality, whether said articles were written in the 1950’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, or more recently.

In light of our present societal degradations, we would do well to revisit that theme. Born in 1962, present attitudes toward righteousness are nearer rock-bottom than any time in my lifespan. Abortion is common, sexual promiscuity is rampant, recreational drug use is accepted and in some cases legal, and the LGBT agenda has reached levels of absurdity that would have been impossible to imagine a decade ago.

The theme? Man has rejected the concept of absolute authority, as in – the authority of God. The lack of faith in God and His will is the wellspring of the present ungodliness. Paul responded to a similar rebellious spirit in his time by writing, “For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar” (Romans 3:3-4).

Men say that God (or His will revealed in scripture) is no longer relevant. The Holy Spirit says that such a view is irrelevant! The fact that some do not believe doesn’t change reality – God is true!

Consider Paul’s conclusion on the matter. “But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unjust who inflicts wrath? (I speak as a man.) Certainly not! For then how will God judge the world?” (3:5-6). Men can not successfully disregard God. He is the absolute authority. One day, all men will know it!

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The call for authority is objectionable to many. It sometimes elicits a defensive response. When scripture can not be used to answer the admonition, some resort to ad hominem attacks. This creates a logical fallacy. The idea that my inadequacy excuses your activity is simply not true.

One of the first times I heard such an argument was in high school. I was discussing the church support of orphan homes with a friend who attended an institutional church. While he was willing to admit there was no Bible authority for a congregation to use money from the treasury to support an orphan home, he nevertheless maintained it was acceptable because individual Christians were not doing enough to alleviate the suffering of the homeless.

More recently a pro-abortion Catholic nun argued for the practice of abortion based upon the contention that pro-life advocates were not sufficiently caring for the poor and abused children of the world.

A sexually promiscuous person might resist an admonition because he knows of some hypocrite in the church who was caught having an affair. It is a bit like a child responding to a parent’s admonition by crying out that his sibling, “did it too!”

Simply put, my hypocrisy, inconsistency or inadequacy, whether perceived or real, does not excuse your disobedience of God’s command! Nor yours, mine. Paul wrote, “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).

God’s word is the standard. It is His word that will judge us in the last day (cf. John 12:48)

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Affixing labels is sometimes helpful. It can aid in quick identification. Politically, the terms liberal and conservative give a general, albeit imprecise, picture of the convictions a person holds.

The same can be true regarding spiritual beliefs. However, the spectrum is broad, and what may be “liberal” to one man may be extremely “conservative” to another. The terms are relative.

Instead, why not consider the following three possibilities:

1. A person who binds where God has loosed…
2. A person who binds where God has bound, and looses where God has loosed…
3. A person who looses where God has bound…

Of the three, only the second, “A person who binds where God has bound, and looses where God has loosed,” is acceptable to God. We have no right to be more restrictive than God, nor do we have the right to be more permissive. It is our place only to obey His word, which thoroughly equips us “for every good work” (cf. 2 Timothy 3:17).

To obey may lead some to say we are liberals, or more probably for others to say we are conservatives. The less kind may call us legalists or antis! But, to obey is to please God, and that is our purpose. (cf. Galatians 1:10).

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We are blessed in the United States with many civil liberties. Despite an increasingly intrusive government, we are the most free of any nation in the history of man.

For the Christian, however, our final authority is God’s word, not the U.S. constitution. This means two things:

1. A Christian may not be able to enjoy the liberties that are made available under the laws of our land. There are vices (drug and alcohol use, gambling, extramarital sexual activity, profane speech, etc.), condemned by God, that may be allowed under civil law. Further, though we enjoy freedom of speech – hate speech, disrespect of civil authority, etc., violates scriptural principles and are off limits to Christians.
2. A Christian is bound to keep the laws of the land. This principle is stated by Paul in Romans 13:1-7. Verse 1 states, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” For example, a Christian can not refuse to pay income tax.

An exception occurs when civil law conflicts with God’s law. When commanded by the civil authorities to stop preaching the gospel, Peter and the other apostles responded, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

While the application of this principle can sometimes be difficult and confusing, the principle itself,(as revealed in scripture), is clear and compelling.

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The term “legalist” is commonly used by religious people today. It is not a biblical term, so we have to define it either by Webster, or by common usage.

The term is defined as follows by Webster: “an advocate or adherent of moral legalism.” So, to know what a legalist is, we need the definition of legalism. Again, Webster supplies: “strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code.”

Still, to get a full understanding of what a legalist is, perhaps we can gain insight by examining any antonyms (words that mean the opposite). Interestingly, a search of antonyms at the website: synonyms.net supplied only one word as an antonym to legalist. It is “antinomian”. Webster defines the term: “one who holds that under the gospel dispensation of grace the moral law is of no use or obligation because faith alone is necessary to salvation.”

It is peculiar that people are given to such extremes. How is it that an acknowledgement of salvation by grace through faith necessitates (in the mind of so many today) a belief that obedience to God’s will is not required?

I believe the following inspired word from Hebrews 5:8-9, “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”

I also believe what Paul said by inspiration of the Spirit about Christ’s second coming. That He would come, “in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ“ (2 Thessalonians 1:8).

Does that make me a legalist? If so, I confess I am, as I cast my lot with the Holy Spirit!

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As our Lord spoke with the Samaritan woman in John 4, she made the statement, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship” (19-20).

Her statement is similar to those we hear today. People often compare different “styles” and “acts” of worship, and do so in a non-judgmental way. “We do this, and you do that”, as if the actual acts that are performed are equally acceptable to God.

However, consider that Jesus was critical of the worship of the Samaritans, judging it to be unacceptable. He stated that the worship of the Jews, in contrast, was acceptable. He said, “we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews” (22). A question: How did they know what they worshiped? How did they know that they were to worship in Jerusalem? Because God told them!

The Samaritans presumed to know God’s will, though He had not told them to worship Him on the mountain. Such presumption is foolish. We can’t know how to worship God unless He tells us how He wants to be worshiped! Jesus clearly condemned worship that had man as its authority rather than God, telling the Pharisees, “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips,but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men'” (Matthew 15:7-9).

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In Galatians 1:6-7, the apostle Paul wrote, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.”

I often explain this text by noting what the word “gospel” means. The word literally means “good tidings” or good news. The message of the Christ is good news for mankind. Because of His perfect life, his sacrificial death, and his resurrection from the dead, men have the hope of heaven.

Keeping that in mind, consider this paraphrase of our text. Paul basically is saying, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon to a different good news, which is not good news, but a perversion of the good news.”

The lesson is simple, if someone changes the “good news” or gospel of our Lord, it is no longer good news at all! Why? Because it no longer has the power to save!

The “some” of which Paul speaks were teaching that it was necessary to be circumcised in order to be accepted of God. By binding circumcision they were changing the gospel message to one that no longer was “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek” (cf. Romans 1:16). They were people who believed in Jesus as the Son of God, and believed every aspect of His life, death and resurrection. And yet their change condemned them, and also condemned those who accepted their teaching (cf. Galatians 1:8-9).

This is an object lesson to all who claim that what we believe and teach does not impact our standing before God. How many times have we heard the sentiment, “It doesn’t matter what you teach, as long as you believe that Christ is your Savior”? Paul writes that such is not the case! As our Lord proclaimed, “And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9).

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Anyone who has a red letter edition of the New Testament is aware of the small amount of teaching that Jesus did which was recorded by the gospel writers. Every word is precious, and despite the relatively few words known, contain an inestimable wealth of wisdom, instruction and guidance for mankind.

Some today seem to think that these words constitute the entirety of God’s will for man. They think that if they heed Jesus’ spoken words, recorded in the gospels, they will have a sufficient knowledge of the Lord’s will to please Him.

It is interesting that by making this claim, they actually ignore what Jesus Himself said on the matter. In response to a question by Judas Iscariot, Jesus said in John 14:23-26:

“If anyone love Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

Several things here are notable: 1) All of the words that come both from the Lord and the Holy Spirit have their ultimate origin with the Father. 2) Jesus did not share with the apostles everything the Father wanted revealed. 3) After Jesus left the earth, the Holy Spirit both revealed the remainder of God’s will, and reminded them of what Jesus had already said.

All scripture is inspired by God (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17), including the writings of Paul and the other apostles (cf. 2 Peter 3:16). As such, we are not at liberty to disregard any of it. The words of the New Testament writers are equally important and binding upon us, because they too have their origin with the Father in Heaven.

Some people in the first century opposed Paul, John and the other apostles. Their refusal to heed the writings of God’s servants were to “their own destruction” (cf. 2 Peter 3:16). The same mistake is being made today. Consider Peter’s warning in 2 Peter 3:17:

“You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked.”

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