1. God’s Pattern for the New Testament Church

2. God’s Simple Pattern The purpose of the church simply stated:
“The pillar and ground of truth” 1 Tim. 3:15

3. Is God’s Pattern Adequate?
God’s Simple Pattern
Her work – Evangelism, limited benevolence, edification and worship
Her organization – Independent and autonomous
Her worship John 4:24
Is God’s Pattern Adequate?

4. God Planned the Church
Ephesians 3: According to His eternal purpose
Prophesied Isaiah 2:2-4, Daniel 2:44

5. Are God’s Plans Adequate?
God Planned the Church
Hebrews 8:1-5 The tabernacle – a pattern for the church
The kingdom at hand Matt. 3:2, 4:17, 16:18
Began – Acts 2
Are God’s Plans Adequate?

6. God’s Divine Purpose Ephesians 3:10-11 The “manifold wisdom of God”
The church supports the truth – 1 Timothy 3:15

7. Is God’s Purpose Adequate?
It Has a Divine Purpose
The church IS the saved Acts 2:47
Spiritual in nature John 18:36 Romans 14:17 Luke 17:21
Is God’s Purpose Adequate?

8. God’s Divine Revelation
God says ALL that we need 2 Tim. 3:16-17
The faith “once for all” delivered Jude 3
2 Peter 1:3 All things that pertain to life and godliness

9. God’s Divine Revelation
We have NO right to change His word! Galatians 1:6-9, 1 Corinthians 4:6
Even apostles realized this Galatians 1:10-12, cf. Acts 15:28
Is God’s Revelation Adequate?

10. God’s Divine Supervision
Why called the “church of Christ”? Because it is!
The church belongs to Jesus Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 1:22-23
We are the body, directed by the Head 1 Corinthians 12:27 Ephesians 5:22-24

11. God’s Divine Supervision
Christ has all authority Matthew 28:18-20
He is the ONLY foundation upon which we can build! 1 Corinthians 3:9-11
Is God’s Supervision Adequate?

12. When We Reject His Pattern
We are saying it is NOT adequate!
Will ANYONE dare deny that God’s way is best?
Jeremiah 10:23 Proverbs 16:25

13. When We Reject His Pattern
We are saying it is flawed!
To see need for change is to say just that!
Isaiah 55: Corinthians 1:25
Does God know what He is doing? YES!!!!!

14. When We Reject His Pattern
We REJECT divine instructions
Too many today will not accept God’s word as their final SOURCE of authority!
Mark 7:6-9

15. When We Reject His Pattern
We put man’s desires above what God desires
Innovations inevitably are introduced to please men!
Man changes God’s plan to please himself! 2 Timothy 4:2-4

16. May we always resolve to keep His church - HIS CHURCH!