1. “TRENDS” What are we allowing to influence us? What are we allowing to influence us? Are brethren seeking to change “how we do things”? Are brethren seeking to change “how we do things”? Does God have a pattern? Does God have a pattern? Is it important to follow it? Is it important to follow it?

2. God’s Pattern for the New Testament Church

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

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

5. God Planned the Church Ephesians 3:10-11 According to His eternal purpose Ephesians 3:10-11 According to His eternal purpose Prophesied Isaiah 2:2-4, Daniel 2:44 Prophesied Isaiah 2:2-4, Daniel 2:44

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

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

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

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

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

11. God’s Divine Supervision Why called the “church of Christ”? Because it is! Matt. 16:18, Eph. 1:22-23 Why called the “church of Christ”? Because it is! Matt. 16:18, Eph. 1:22-23 We are the body, directed by the Head 1 Cor. 12:27 Ephesians 5:22-24 We are the body, directed by the Head 1 Cor. 12:27 Ephesians 5:22-24

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

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

14. When We Reject His Pattern We are saying it is flawed! We are saying it is flawed! To see need for change is to say just that!To see need for change is to say just that! Isaiah 55:8-9 1 Corinthians 1:25 Isaiah 55:8-9 1 Corinthians 1:25 Does God know what He is doing? YES!!!!!

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

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

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