OUR PATTERN
Knowing God's will is essential to effective service. Uncertainty regarding His design for the Church cannot but lead to endless confusion. Moses was given the pattern of the tabernacle when in the mount with God and was repeatedly admonished to build according to that pattern. No departure from the original would be tolerated. God's will was expressed; Moses obeyed. We, too, have been given a pattern to follow. The will of God for His people today is outlined clearly in the New Testament. In centuries past, many, at the cost of imprisonment, the rack, and the flames have sought to carry out the "due order." Turning with indifference from what God has recorded for our guidance can only result in shame and loss.
In the Book of the Acts the Holy Spirit has supplied a record of developments in the early Church which constitutes an abiding pattern for churches everywhere. This record impresses us with the simplicity of apostolic churches. Much that is now considered essential to church life – creeds, constitution, vestments, ritual, priestly class, etc., was nowhere in evidence then. "All that believed were together" – drawn together through common life in Christ, evidenced by their steadfast continuance "in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers" (Acts 2:42).
The New Testament doctrine of the Church is of great importance and can scarcely be over-emphasized. Indeed, all hope of perpetuating Biblical Christianity lies in the church, or Christian community. The isolationist policy of some Christians is futile. Unattached believers pursuing a path of individualistic Christianity are not found in the New Testament. The truly spiritual individual will always be concerned about corporate Christianity.
excerpt from FOLLOWING THE PATTERN, by Alfred Mace
published by Everyday Publications, Inc.
http://www.everydaypublications.org/
