Forthright Magazine http://www.forthright.net Straight to the Cross ---- Does the New Testament Contain a Pattern? (Part One) by Richard Mansel Defining Moments by Tim Hall ---- COLUMN: Square One Does the New Testament Contain a Pattern? (Part One) by Richard Mansel Is there a pattern in the New Testament? Does Scripture provide man with what he needs in order to be faithful to God? The answer is yes, to both questions. People ridicule this notion saying that the New Testament does not contain a pattern and that this doctrine fosters division, legalism, and the impossibility of unity. They fail to understand the purpose for the pattern. Teaching that the New Testament has a pattern does not mean the following: First, the presence of a pattern does not deny grace. Ephesians 2:8,9 says, "for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast" (NKJV). No one can live good enough to be saved on his own merit./1 We must have the grace and blood of Christ to cleanse us from our sins (Romans 5:1,2,9)./2 "Works are an essential part of faithfulness to God. They are fruit of an active faith committed to bringing glory to God (Ephesians 3:20,21; John 15:1-8)."/3 Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15). He said that we "must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). He also established the Lord's Supper for man to partake of in order to remind him of the remitting blood shed on the cross (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:23-25; Luke 22:15-20). Many more examples could be given. Jesus told man to follow him and to obey his commandments. To obey these commands as God has given them is not to merit salvation. Paul said, "Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith, and love which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 1:13). We humble ourselves before the mighty hand of God and follow the Scriptures in order to follow God. We do so because we have faith in Christ's plan as a child who has complete trust in a parent. We follow Jesus, the perfect example, who was always humble and obedient before God (John 14:10; Hebrews 5:8,9). The presence of grace verifies that we cannot be perfect in our efforts. However, God has not asked us to do anything within the New Testament pattern that is beyond man's abilities./4 Second, the presence of a pattern does not destroy God's plan for unity. One writer has said, "The germ that seems to be the culprit of division within the Churches of Christ is pattern theology."/5 On the contrary, the pattern is specifically designed to facilitate unity. What man does with it is a different matter. The failures of men do not negate the commandments or plans of God. The problem lies in the pride of men, not in the will of God. Jesus said that his children would be set apart from the world by the truth of God (John 17:17). Ephesians 4:3 says that we are to "keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Then in 4:13 he pleads for us to "come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God." Therefore, we should be able to understand God's plan in order to be united. Unity is attained when we gather around and in something perfect. We gather in Christ's body and around the Word of God. To attempt to unite in anything man-made or imperfect is futile. Following Christ is indispensable to salvation. Paul said, "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10). We cannot all speak the same things and be of the same mind if we do not have a standard that all can emulate. With God's help we can. 1/ http://tinyurl.com/94k2h 2/ http://tinyurl.com/72vle 3/ Ibid. 4/ There will be more on this in the second article. 5/ http://tinyurl.com/7k0n ---- What's your reaction to this article? Tell us here: http://www.forthright.net/square_one/does_the_new_testament_contain_a_pattern_part_one.htm ---- COLUMN: Heavenly Connectins Defining Moments by Tim Hall Mentioning the name of Vice President Dick Cheney now prompts irreverent attempts at humor. Since the news of his accidental shooting of a hunting companion last week, comedians all across our land have been cracking jokes at Cheney's expense. Time may erase the memories of this unfortunate incident. Or, based on memories of President Jimmy Carter's confrontation with a "killer rabbit" in 1979, this may have been a defining moment for Dick Cheney. "Defining moments" are critical junctures in our lives when decisions must be made. Making the right decision could mean the difference between a legacy of respect or being the subject of never- ending jokes or perhaps scorn. In more serious situations, one's decision may have consequences for personal welfare or the well-being of others. As evidence, consider Pontius Pilate's decision to hand over Jesus to the desire of the Jews. (Why have you never met anyone named Pilate?) Joseph faced such a defining moment when Potiphar's wife aggressively sought his partnership in sin. His response rewarded him with perpetual honor. What did he do that was so honorable? He fled. And why did he not cooperate with her pleasure-filled plans? "Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:8,9, NKJV) Not everyone responds with such wisdom, as seen in Ecclesiastes 10:1: "Dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; so does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor." In comparison with the bottle of perfume, the dead fly is tiny. But try selling that perfume at full value when the fly is obvious to all! In the same way, a few moments of "folly" are all it takes to destroy a good reputation. Though one may live many years longer, the foolish act will never be forgotten. Perhaps most sobering of all is the fact that defining moments are not always recognized in advance. It's hard to see the consequences that will follow from this seemingly little act. That's why it's imperative that we seek the Lord's guidance in every situation of life. The one time we decide to leave the Lord's way for a moment of sinful pleasure could become our defining moment. The numerous examples of once-honored people who now serve as fodder for jokes affirm that this point should not be lightly dismissed. "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold" (Proverbs 22:1). ---- What's your reaction to this article? Tell us here: http://www.forthright.net/heavenly_connections/defining_moments.htm ---- You can help us get the word out. Here's how: http://www.forthright.net/editorial/lend_a_hand.htm