For church information contact Marv Walker ~ 706 816-7190

The Importance Of Patterns

Every Carolina Wren that ever lived since God created the first two has sung the same song in the same key. Billions of wrens and they all sing the same song. All birds are identifiable as birds, sheep as sheep, mosquitoes as mosquitoes. Every human ever since God created the first two looks like the first two, no half man, half horse, no human ever born had the legs of a goat. All humans ever born were instantly recognizable as human beings.

God used the first as patterns for all those who follow the original. If we want to build Godly things then we must use Godly patterns.

In fact, God absolutely insists on it. God demanded His patterns were to be strictly followed in the Old Testament.

And see to it that you make them according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain. (Exodus 25:40 NKJV) See also Exodus 25:9, Exodus 26:30, Numbers 8:4, Ezekiel 43:10,

Christians are not bound by anything found in the Old Testament unless they are re-established in the New Testament. Many believe believers today are bound by both the Old and New Testaments.

1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”

5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. (Matthew 17:1-8 NKJV)

In this passage God Himself says, "Moses, Old Testament lawgiver, and Elijah, the greatest Old Testament prophet who ever lived, are not to be listened to any longer. Jesus is now the one to listen to and him only.

If there is anything from the Old Testament binding on Christians today, it has to be reaffirmed by Jesus or by one of his apostles in the New Testament.

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV)

Okay... Since God in the Old Testament required strict attention to His revealed patterns, where is following God's revealed patterns found in the New Testament?

“Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He appointed, instructing Moses to make it according to the pattern that he had seen, (Acts 7:44 NKJV)

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. (Philippians 3:17 NKJV)

However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. (1 Timothy 1:16 NKJV)

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 NKJV)

in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, (Titus 2:7 NKJV)

who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” (Hebrews 8:5 NKJV)

And here is where the warning is very plainly spelled out...

Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. (II John 9 NKJV)

There are those who teach that in order to be saved all you have to do is "invite Jesus into your heart" and "make him Lord of your life."

Nowhere in New Testament scripture after Christ died on the cross is there ONE example of anyone being saved that way. Not one. It simply isn't there. Anyone seeking salvation in that manner is not following God's salvation pattern and is not abiding in the doctrine of Christ.

God's salvation pattern consists of the following identifiers...

1. Hear the Gospel. (Romans 10:17, John 8:32)
2. Believe the Gospel (Hebrews 11:6, John 20:31)
3. Repent of past sins (Luke 13:3, Acts 17:30)
4. Confess faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:10, Matthew 10:32)
5. Be Baptized (Galatians 3:27, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38)
6. Be faithful unto death (Revelations 2:10)

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For Further Information Contact Marv Walker 706 816-7190
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