Using Pattern Theology to Answer Questions 7 Using Pattern Theology to Answer Questions

Guideline Respect Sincerity Bible as Base Be Patient

Questions Why we don’t use instruments? Why don’t woman lead in worship or teach adult Bible classes? Why do we take communion every Sunday?

What Churches of Christ Believe about the Bible Completely inspired Only inspired book Final authority in spiritual and moral matters

Why These Beliefs Concerning the Bible It claims inspiration – II Timothy 3:16

Why These Beliefs Concerning the Bible It claims inspiration – II Timothy 3:16 Survived attack

Why These Beliefs Concerning the Bible It claims inspiration – II Timothy 3:16 Survived attack Unique

Why These Beliefs Concerning the Bible It claims inspiration – II Timothy 3:16 Survived attack Unique Effective

Why These Beliefs Concerning the Bible It claims inspiration – II Timothy 3:16 Survived attack Unique Effective Contains fulfilled prophecy

- Isaiah 44:28 “It is I who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd! And he will perform all My desire.’ And he declares of Jerusalem, ‘She will be built,’ And of the temple, ‘Your foundation will be laid.’” - Isaiah 44:28

If God did not produce the Bible, who did?

The Churches of Christ use “pattern theology” in the study of the Bible.

QUESTION #1 Why do we not use instruments in our public worship?

ANSWER The New Testament pattern for public worship is congregational singing without the use of instruments.

What is the outcome then What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also. - I Corinthians 14:15

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; - Ephesians 5:18-19

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. - Colossians 3:16

Is anyone among you suffering. Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. - James 5:13

QUESTION #2 Why are there no women leading in worship or teaching adult Bible class?

ANSWER The New Testament by command and example teaches that women are not permitted to do so when the church comes together for worship and teaching.

The New Testament Pattern No examples Specific instructions

34 The women are to keep silent in the churches; for they are not permitted to speak, but are to subject themselves, just as the Law also says. 37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. - I Corinthians 14:34;37

11 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness 11 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. - I Timothy 2:11-12

QUESTION #3 Why do we take communion every Sunday?

ANSWER We have New Testament examples and instructions to do so.

38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” - Acts 2:38-39

40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. - Acts 2:40-42

On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. - Acts 20:7

23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” - I Corinthians 11:23-24

25 In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. - I Corinthians 11:25-26

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. 2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. - I Corinthians 16:1-2

Guide to use Pattern Theology Method: Obedience when the Bible speaks, discernment when it is silent.

When it Comes to Bible Interpretation: Unity in doctrinal matters Tolerance in matters of opinion Love in all other matters

Guide to use Pattern Theology Method: Obedience when the Bible speaks, discernment when it is silent. Know the difference between cultural matters & eternal matters.

Cultural OR Eternal?