1. (Jude 3) God’s Pattern for the Church Till the End of Time

2. Does Hebrews 8:1-6 establish the need for us to follow a pattern? Edward Fudge writes: “Indeed, when the writer of Hebrews refers to the ‘pattern’ that God gave to Moses, he is making a contrast with the Christian order. He is not suggesting that Christians also have such a pattern for the church (Heb. 8:1-6). Nor does the biblical writer suppose that Christians will ever build or reconstruct God's spiritual house. They cannot do that, even if they wish, for the ‘true tabernacle’ is built by God and not by man (Heb. 8:2)” --The Plague of Patternism

3. Does Hebrews 8:1-6 establish the need for us to follow a pattern? There is a pattern for us to follow! God built His house of worship by the sacrificial and atoning work of His Son Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:11). In order to approach God in the way that He has designed and planned we must go through the blood of Christ, our sacrifice & High Priest. –“Let us draw near…” (Hebrews 10:22) –There is a pattern for drawing near to God in His Holy place!

4. Does Hebrews 8:1-6 establish the need for us to follow a pattern? God’s Pattern for those who come into His Presence Faith and cleansing from our sins (10:22) Assembling (10:25) Listening and carefully following everything spoken from heaven (12:22-25) Respecting church leaders (13:7, 17) Sacrificing through praise, thanksgiving, doing good and sharing (13:15-16)

5. Does the example of the church at Corinth prove the lack of a uniform pattern? Edward Fudge writes: “The New Testament does not show us a uniform picture of church life, organization, worship, steps of salvation... It presents us instead with a variety of expressions of community life in the Spirit. Some texts reveal Jewish believers who continue to practice Jewish religion and piety -- although now trusting in Jesus as Messiah (Acts 3:1; 21:20-24). Other passages picture a charismatic fellowship characterized by great spontaneity (1 Cor. 11-14). Still others present us with an institutional model of Gentile church organization involving bishops, deacons and deaconesses (1 Tim. 3; Titus 1). The notion that the first-century Christians were all alike in these external details is a fiction from a much later date.” -- The Church’s Pattern

6. Does the example of the church at Corinth prove the lack of a uniform pattern? The “charismatic fellowship characterized by great spontaneity” in Corinth needed correction! Their spontaneous partaking of the Lord’s supper was not praiseworthy. (1 Corinthians 11:16-22). Diversity did not justify many bodies (1 Cor 12:1-12) –There was one body into which every member was baptized -- a pattern for membership in the body! Tongues were not to be used in the church with great spontaneity, but with careful consideration of the effect on others (14:9-12, 18-19, 26-27) God was not the author of the confusion (14:33) The women were to keep silent (14:34-35)

7. Does the example of the church at Corinth prove the lack of a uniform pattern? There was a PATTERN for the church at Corinth – they were to function just like every other church! 1 Corinthians 4:17 “Timothy… will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.” 1 Corinthians 7:17 “… so I ordain in all the churches.” 1 Corinthians 11:16 “But if anyone seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God.” 1 Corinthians 14:33-34 “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. Let your women keep silent in the churches…” 1 Corinthians 16:1 “…as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also.”

8. Did “church organization” follow different “models” from church to church? Edward Fudge wrote: “Still others present us with an institutional model of Gentile church organization involving bishops, deacons and deaconesses” There were elders (bishops) appointed… –In all the churches Paul & Barnabas started (Acts 14:23) –In Jerusalem (Acts 15:4) –In all the cities in Crete (Titus 1:5) –In Ephesus (Acts 20:17, 28) –In Philippi (Philippians 1:1) –Probably in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13) –Among “the pilgrims of the dispersion” (1 Peter 5:1-2)

9. God’s Pattern for the Church Till the End of Time “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me....” -- 2 Timothy 1:13 “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” -- 2 Timothy 2:2