GETTING BACK TO THE N.T. PATTERN
On December 31 last I wrote a blog entitled THE CHURCH’S GREATEST NEED IN 2021, the past year has seen the world experience a pandemic that has been the greatest challenge for everyone on 100 years, and although we are now very close to billions receiving a vaccination it will take years for the effects of the pandemic to disappear (if ever).
As I wrote in that blog, I believe the greatest need is PRAYER, sadly many Believers cannot see the awesome truth found in Rom. 8:28 NKJV that our Sovereign God is not surprised (at all that has been happening), and has permitted the pandemic FOR OUR GOOD, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
The Holy Spirit wants to work in the lives of God’s children and bring them ever closer to God, so that Believers and churches would live their lives ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN OF THE WORD OF GOD.
Sadly, I have seen very little emphasis of Christian Leaders calling God’s people to prayer, there has been some parachurch organisations that have, and I am thankful for that, so many Believers last year in the U.S. (for example) got more caught up with the election of a new President!!!
We know we cannot relax for a moment, as the enemy and our own sinful nature will easily takes us away into bypass meadow.
So, I believe the pandemic has been a “wake-up” to every Believer and the church.
I then began to ask myself the question, how close are we as individuals and the church to the Biblical Pattern.
Many of the Reformers way back in the 16th century felt the church needed to go right back to the Book of Acts. The Pastor of our local church has been doing a series on Acts 2: 40-47 NKJV which has been very challenging.
“And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved”.
Let me just list some important KEYS TO THE PATTERN HERE.
- The Preaching of the Word of God v.40
- Believers Baptism v.41
- Constant Teaching of the Apostle’s Doctrine v.42
- Regular participation in Holy Communion v.42
- Genuine “Koinonia ” Fellowship
- These things produced some significant signs
- such as Fear coming upon the the whole population v.43Many signs and wonders were done v.43
- The Believers had all things in common v.44
- Daily continually gathering together corporately v.46
- Also going house to house sharing their food and more fellowship v.46
- There was continued Thanksgiving and Praise v.46
- This produces favour will all people v.47
- Mass revival v.47
Each one of these points are a separate teaching in their own right, how much of of the above do we see in the 21st century church, sadly not a lot, let us recognise God’s wake-up call and seek to get back to the New Testament pattern amen.
