Bible Thoughts

June 6, 1999

Paul was an ensample of how God's mercy was extended to those who were in sin. In his obedience to the gospel and the life that he lived, Paul was a pattern of righteousness to all of those with whom he came in contact. Whether he was in a Christian's home, speaking in the marketplace, imprisoned for the cause, or working among the brethren, Paul so lived and conducted himself in following God's ways and commandments, that he became a pattern of life that would influence other people.

The word used in this passage ensample, can also be translated pattern. The two words are interchangeable and are so used in the previous paragraph. Paul understood that in all areas of the life of a Christian, one is to be a pattern of integrity and devotion to those with whom he had dealings. One could listen to Paul's speech, look at Paul's life, and observe his behavior in all circumstances and know that he was worthy of being imitated.

The New Testament itself is a pattern for the child of God. Therein is set forth not only a pattern for moral behavior, but a pattern for good works. "In all things showing thyself an ensample(pattern-jy) of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed"(Titus 2:7). Paul connected the "good works" to "doctrine" and pointed out that it is not to be corrupted with the language of the world or the language of error. Early signs of a person or a congregation leaving the pattern is in the language they speak. "Speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where it is silent" has been a respected phrase among brethren. Why? It is based on the principle expressed in I Peter 4:11, "If any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God." Apostasy is often manifest first in a speech/language not based on the Word of God.

A recent experience brought the principle of following God's pattern in all matters home to this writer. Stopping at a congregation for worship, a glance at their bulletin board in the back of the auditorium contained languages and practices that did not follow the patterns set forth in the New Testament. All kinds of secular activities were being sponsored by the congregation, including, of all things--ice cream socials. Making a quick exit, we moved on down the road to worship with a congregation that still followed the Bible patterns in all activities.

Wondering what had happened, knowing the history of these congregations from several years past, inquiry revealed that several had drifted from the teachings of the New Testament. One that had been sound in teaching and practice in years past(as several others had in the area), was in the process of building a school to teach secular education. It was extremely disappointing to know how they had been taught by sound preachers of the gospel and now had departed from the principles of truth that are set forth in the New Testament.

In the teachings of Jesus Christ, one can find a pattern for how to become a Christian. The steps are so clear that it is difficult to understand how some can fail to learn the truth. And yet, there are those with whom we are acquainted who have been strong in the past, but now have drifted into denomationalism. The pattern to become a Christian has not changed: only some have rejected the word of God.

In the teachings of Jesus Christ, one can find a pattern for worship when the saints assemble. The actions set forth in the New Testament are simple and designed for every age. The very nature of the worship makes it profound. However, some apparently are not satisfied with what the Lord commanded, and seek through the use of solos, choirs, and, yes, even the use of an instrument to corrupt what God has given. And yet, they would claim to be the church of Christ.

In the teachings of Jesus Christ, one can find a pattern for the organization of the church. Each congregation was autonomous(self-governing) without any organizational ties that bind several congregations together in a work or effort. There were elders to oversee, deacons to serve, evangelists to preach, and all were saints.

In the teachings of Jesus Christ, one can find a pattern for the work of the church. Ephesians 4:12 outlines the activities of the church in the first century. They evangelized(taught the gospel), edified(built up) the saints, and fulfilled benevolent(helping qualified needy) obligations. The pattern did not allow the church to become a social institution, conducting and promoting all sorts of secular practices from the "ice cream social" to building and maintaining secular educational and benevolent institutions.

The battle for truth and right has been waged since the first century. That battle has been fought over different issues due to the foolishness of men in compromising the truth. What starts as a small departure becomes a raging flood of practices and teachings that eventually result in a complete departure from the truth. The Roman Catholic Church did not start with a full grown pope and all of the trappings of the modern institution. It was here a little--there a little until the raging tide of departure could not be stopped. In 606 AD, a human was declared to be the Pope and became the head of the apostate church.

The history of the Lord's church includes not only that major apostasy, but when brethren battled over the Missionary Society and instrumental music in the 1800s, the "Christian" church was the final product. One doubts that the results of that apostasy was envisioned by those who took the first steps away from the pattern.

More recently: In the late forties and fifties, a new battle was emerging that involved institutions supported from the church treasury. There had been a few scattered "orphanages" built before World War II. Not many churches were involved in this at the time, but after the war, a new emphasis to build human institutions to care for the needy arose. Leaving the New Testament pattern on benevolence, many drifted into sponsorship and involvement with the creations of men. Those who respected the pattern continued to follow the New Testament. In fact, those who held to the truth warned that this would lead to other departures from the faith. The warning proved to be true.

The only safe path is to follow Paul and stick with the patterns set forth in the New Testament. It may not make you popular, but it will make you right!