BIBLICAL PATTERN OF PRAISE (TEXT: ACTS 16:14-26)

By 

 Hilary Johnson Chukwuma Chukwurah (Evangelist)

EXORDIUM

        Praise is beautiful (Psalms 33:1). Praise is a powerful means of communicating to God. It has been said that when prayer fails, one should switch over to praise. The importance of praise cannot be over emphasized in the lives of God’s people. When God’s people immerse themselves in praise of their God, He in turn “inhabits” their praises (Psalms 22:3). When God is happy, the joy of the Lord will in turn translate to the strength of His people (Nehemiah 8:10).         

        “Praise” is thanksgiving. Bible teaches that it is God’s ultimate will in Christ for us to praise Him in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in (cf. I Thessalonians 5:18). In other words, praise is a Christian’s lifestyle.

        When we (made in the Image of God) refuse to praise God, elementary objects will do just that (cf. Luke 19:37-40). This explains why a popular singer, Ron Kenoly sang, “Nothing can out praise me…!”

There is absolute and overwhelming power in praise. The glory that emanates when God’s people praise Him were exemplified by:

1.    Israelites during dedication of the temple at Jerusalem II Chronicles 5:12-14. The result was God’s glory filled the temple. The same can be our experience when we constantly praise the Lord as His glory will fill our environments. 

2.    Early church, shortly after the establishment and induction of the new membership engaged in spirited praises (Acts 2:47). The results were:

(a). People around held them in high esteem (Acts 2:47^b).

(b). The church grew daily (Acts 2:47^c).

3.    Surrounded by enemies and threatened to extinction, Israelites sought the face of God and were instructed to praise Him (II Chronicles 20:1-26).

4.    Paul and Silas were locked up in prison but because they engaged 

    in spirited praises, God became involved in their circumstance, 

    sent angels who opened the prison gates (Acts 16: 25-26).

Praise God in your tough times and expect Divine intervention. When you are up to your neck in hot water be like a tea pot and start to sing! Singing is an outward expression of an inward sense of praise.

        In Scriptures when we read of saints in worship sessions, we see them rendering thunderous praise to God in humble adoration and in Joyous celebration of His eternal mercies unto them. Examples abound: 

1.    When the LORD led the Israelites through the Red sea (Ex.15:1-11^f).

2.    In heaven the Living Beings and the 24 elders (Revelations 4:8-11).

3.    When the LAMB of God, Jesus received the sealed book from the hand of God (Revelations 5:8-14).

4.    The blood-bought congregation (Revelations7:9-15).

5.    The four-fold Hallelujahs (Revelations 19:1-7).

        So, when next you come before God in worship, you are not just there to pray, study God’s Word, give of your means, partake in Lord’s Supper but also to engage in sing-spiration (praise songs) in exaltation to the LORD.

        There are two categories of praise: Personal (private) and corporate (public). In personal praises, we give time to exalting the LORD who is the captain of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10), the High Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1), the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

        In praises, question is not, “How much of God do I get? “But”, How much of my praise do I give to God?”

WHAT IS BIBLICAL PRAISE?

        Biblical praise is praise in line with Scriptural principles and injunctions. As Christians, we offer worship and praise to God as He desires not as we desire. We so according to Holy Spirit’s directives and in line with Truth (John 4:24; 17:17; cf. I Corinthians 14:15).

        To do this, we follow strictly what Bible says (I Peters 4:11), not introducing any foreign practices (Leviticus 10:1-2). To bring in what is not authorized makes our worship and praise to be in vain (Matthew 15:8-9).

        As Christians we follow the teachings of our Saviour and Lord (John 8:24) as well as examples of the Apostles (Ephesians 2:20; Acts 2:42).

        We must guard against doing things contrary to God’s original patterns (Hebrews 8:5).

It is one thing to be zealous for God while it is another to be zealous for God in accordance with knowledge (Romans 10:1-3). Serving God is not doing what we think is right, but doing what God says we should do, irrespective of how popular or unpopular they are.

Assumption is a sin with grave consequence. We must be sure that we are sure. There must be a Bible book, chapter and verse authorization of what we do. The key word, therefore, is PATTERN. Missing Biblical pattern is missing the mark. When we miss the mark, we end up dissipating energy in that which is of no value.

Pattern is one concept that says it all – whether you are in manufacturing, building and construction, shoe-making, fashion designing, etcetera. If men and women, fickle as we are know the strategic importance of maintaining pattern, we should begin to see that God places high premium.

Calling and commissioning Moses to build a Tabernacle, God told him matter-of-factly, “…See, that you make all things according to the pattern shown to you on the mount” (Hebrews 8:5). Capitalizing on this landmark instruction, Holy Spirit applied this instruction and testified that certain things, “… serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things…” (Hebrews 8:5a) In other words, earthly activities of mankind, whether in their general daily comportments or worship should be reflections of how they are done in Heaven. No wonder our Lord while teaching His disciples the modus operandi and vivendi of prayers had said, “…let Thy Will be done on earth as it is done in Heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

Keying into or a failure to key into Divine Pattern is make or mar; determining whether one is right or wrong; approved by God or disapproved by Him. Show me a person who sticks to God’s Pattern and I will tell you the name of a person who God is pleased with.    

IMPORTANCE OF PATTERN

In industrial production, every company has a pattern; else, there would be differences in subsequent production. Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) is laden with the responsibility of ensuring that all products produced in Nigeria or imported into Nigeria meet regulatory standards. The same applies to NAFDAC.

God recognized the need for pattern or standard before man and so ensured that His patterns should be adhered to. Few Biblical examples might help in driving this point home:

1. When Noah was to build an ark, God gave him a pattern or specifications (Genesis 6:14-16; 7:5).

2. When Moses was to build a tabernacle for God, he was expressly warned to follow a particular pattern provided for him (Hebrews 8:5; Exodus 25:40).

3. Because God’s Ark Covenant with Israel was not carried according to God’s pattern, God was angry with David and so slew Uzzah (I Chronicles 15:13; cf. I Chronicles 13:7-12) but when they went back to God’s word, the pattern (way and manner which God had instructed that His Ark of Covenant with Israel should be carried) was uncovered and Israelites in King David’s time were able to carry it successfully (I Chronicles 15:14-15; cf. Exodus 25:14).

4. Because Nadab and Abihu did not abide by God’s pattern, God slew them (Leviticus 10:1-2)

GOD’S PATTERN FOR PRAISES

Jesus is our grand pattern (I Peter 2:21).  

Jesus’ pattern of is found in the things He taught and did (Acts 1:1). He had left this patterns with His apostles, which is why they are part of the foundation (Ephesians 2:20). We are, therefore, called upon to follow the examples of Jesus and His apostles. We must follow the examples of those who followed Jesus’ examples (I Corinthians 11:1). Succinctly stated, early disciples followed God’s pattern (Acts 2:42). We must do well to follow that pattern.

What were Jesus’ and apostles examples of praises to God?

1.    Jesus sang an hymn (Matthew 26:30).

2.    Apostles praised God by singing hymns (Acts 16:25).

Become a ‘Patterned’ Christian. Learn to speak where Bible speaks, be silent where Bible is silent, call Bible things by Bible names and do Bible things by Bible ways.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT ON WORSHIP: IS IT BY GOD?

No where in both Old and New Testaments do we find GOD TELLING people to employ the use of musical instrument in His praises or worship. God is actually against its use (Amos 5:23).

What about Psalm 150? Musical instruments in Jewish worship was the handiwork of David. God accused David of “inventing” musical instrumental music into His worship (Amos 6:5; I Chronicles 15:16).

Note: God at Amos 6:5 accused “David of Inventing instruments of music” in His Worship. Was this allegation true? What has David to say to this? At I Chronicles 23:5 and II Chronicles 7:6 David admitted that he was inventor of musical instruments in Old Testament worship (see also Psalms 150).

   Under New Testament (Christian), teachings and use of Christian Music are purely A-cappella (Singing without any accompaniment of mechanical instruments (Matthew 26:30; Acts 16:25; I Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12; Hebrews 13:15; James 5:13).

No where is the use of instrumental music commanded, taught or used by and among Christians in New Testament. Jesus did not command it. Holy Spirit did not authorize it. Apostles and early Christians did not use it. Since these were so, by what authority then do people use musical instruments in today’s Christian worship?    

WHAT SOME PROMINENT CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS LEADERS SAID ABOUT INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN WORSHIP

Adam Clark, a Methodist Church Minister (Adam Clark’s Commentary, Vol. IV, p. 684) said,

I am an old man and an old minister and I here declare that I never knew them (that is mechanized instruments of music) of being productive of any good in the worship of God and have had reason to believe that they were more productive of evil. Music as a science, I esteem and admire but instruments of music in the House of God, I abominate and I abhor.

Martin Luther, the great Reformer called organ instruments in worship as “An ensign of Baal.”

John Calvin said that “musical instruments in the worship were no more suitable today than the burning of incense, the lighting of lamps and the restoration of other shadows of the Law.”

CONCLUSION

        Are a worshiper of God? Do you engage in praises? Are you praising God in accordance with His established principles or according to Davidic injunctions?

        Your obedience and compliance to Biblical patterns of praises are what determines whether you are pleasing to God or not.

        I encourage you today to come back to God’s patterns of praises, repent of your practice and become New Testament Christian, worshipping and praising Him the way He desires.

        Would you give your life to Jesus today? Would want to be baptized to wash away your sins and make peace with God? The earlier this is done, the better. Today, as you hear His voice, do not harden your heart (Hebrews 3:7-8). NOW is the acceptable time and today is the day of Salvation (II Corinthians 6:1-2)!

        God bless you.

BY WHAT AUTHORITY?

HILARY JOHNSON CHUKWUMA CHUKWURAH

 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. “The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men?” (Matthew 21:23-25)

 INTRODUCTION

“By what authority?” Think on this question. What chord does it strike in your mind? “…By what authority do you do these things…?”

Issues pertaining to authority are weighty in all areas of life but weightier in the realm of Christian doctrine and practice. To determine the authority with which we do the things we do in Christianity, we need to ask, “Is it from Heaven or is it from men?” (Matthew 21:25; cf. James 3:14-17). If it is from Heaven, then it is from God. If it is from God then it is found in God’s Word (Bible). On the other hand, if an authority is from men, then it is not from God and cannot be relied upon. Such must be expunged from our religious practices. In Matthew 15:13, Jesus said,

Every plant, which my Heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

When we go outside God’s Word, we err (Matthew 22:29), thereby making our worship of God to become vain (Matthew 15:8-9).

            When Jewish leaders met Jesus, they sought to know His authority. The authority issue bothered on two things: what Jesus did and what he taught. Jesus went further to clarify issues of authority by highlighting on the source of authority. He asked, “John’s baptism, was it from Heaven or from men?” (Luke 20:3-4). If it was from Heaven, then God was behind it but if it was from men, then it was not worth the stress. Caught in the thicket of their own spin, these religious leaders held consultations to decide on how best to respond to Jesus’ question. Knowing that the odds were against them, they came to Jesus and said, “We do not know.” (Luke 20: 5-7).

            Are you like the religious leaders of Jesus’ day who admitted to not knowing where John’s authority for the things he taught and practiced came from? One can be forgiven for not knowing source of John’s authority but MAY not be forgiven if he/she does not know the source of authority for his/her own religious teachings and practices.   

 The question of authority in Christianity is at the very heart of determining what is pleasing to God and what is not. It also goes to show whether we are on the path to glory or on the path to damnation. Christianity is not popularity contest. It has nothing to do with what people think, say or claim. It has nothing to do with popularity of a religious organization or ‘distinguished personalities’ who are identified with it BUT it has everything to do with whether its teachings and activities are in consonance with God’s eternal Will – God’s Authorization.

When one operates outside God’s authorization, that individual or organization is on his/her own. Isaiah 8:20 declares, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”

Are you speaking and practicing in consonance with law and testimony?  By what authority do you do the things you do in Christianity today?

WHAT IS AUTHORITY?

    Authority is, “The power or right to give command, enforce obedience, take action or make final decision.” The need to have authority in the family, society, institutions, etcetera have long been recognized by our forebears. When there is no authority or standard, confusion results. When people do not obtain proper authorization for the things they aver and practice, the situation would become an all-comers’ affair. God is not identified with confusion (I Corinthians 14:33).

    In governance, you must have authority to lead. No one in his right mind wakes up one morning and claims to be a leader. For you to be married, you must have received the authority to do so. No one in his/her right mind wakes up one morning and claims that a particular man or woman is his wife or her husband. There must be an authority for one to be married. Authority is at the heart of everything we do in life. If you do not have it, you don’t have it. If you have authority, then you have! Do you have authority? Who gave you the authority?   

VARIOUS FALSE BASIS OF AUTHORITY IN CHRISTIANITY

      Human beings in their confusion have been holding on to anything in sight as source of authority in Christianity. Proliferation of authority sources has become order of the day. To some people, their authority in Christianity are:

Church Synods and Annual Conventions

       To be sure, church Synods and conventions are traditions of men, which have become enthroned over and above God’s ordained precepts. Synods and conventions are where religious legislations are made. This was what our Lord Jesus described in Mark 7:7-9, 13:

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men….For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men,….Full well, ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

       Truth is: religious legislation is not a reliable authority in Christianity.

Church Creeds

       Various creeds abound. Men and women subscribe to creeds and hold them as if they are God’s Word. Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, etcetera are not reliable authority. Why? Because, all creeds written by men either contains too little or too much to be the Will of God. We are warned in I Corinthians 4:6, “Not to go beyond that which is written in Scripture.”

Human Headship of Churches

      Archbishop, Primate, Priest, Pastor, General Overseer, etcetera. Jesus remains the only Head of the Church. Thus far, He has not relinquished that authority to any man or woman. Men and women can head their religious organizations which they founded or were founded by their forebears, but Jesus remains Head of His Church. Colossians 1:18 says, “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

Majority Rule or Voting (Proverbs 14:12; Matthew 7:13)

      To some people, their authority in Christianity lies on what majority have said. This is usually followed by voting for or against. God warns us against following majority (Exodus 23:2)

Visions, dreams and revelations

      Do not trust prophets and prophetesses; dreamers and those who claim to see visions and hear from God. In Jeremiah 23:25-32, God denounced such people:

I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? Yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal. The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD. Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.

      Any prophecy, revelation, dream or vision by any angel contrary to revealed Will of God is not acceptable. Galatians 1:6-8 declares,

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

Personal Feelings and Conscience (cf. Numbers 15:39).

      Feelings and consciences are not reliable guides (Proverbs 14:12). Your feelings cannot direct your life (Jeremiah 10:23). Saul of Tarsus was one man whose conscience misled him even as he was killing Christians (Acts 23:1; cf. John 16:2).

BE WARNED

      On the last day, you will stand alone before God to answer for yourself (Romans 14:12). No man, Synod, Church Council, Creed, Human Headship: Pastor, G.O, Priest, Bishop, Prophet will answer for you. You will be judged exclusively by the Word of God (John 12:48). 

TRUE BASIS OF RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY  

All authority in Heaven and on Earth are in Jesus’ hands (Matthew 28:18). It is He who has the final word and remains God’s spokesman for today (Matthew 17:1-5; Hebrews 1:1-3). Our absolute adherence to Jesus’ teachings is what really determines whether we are acting right or wrong (John 8:31). Reliance on Jesus’ doctrine shows whether we are His or not and whether we enjoy God’s pleasure or are abhorred by Him (II John 9-11).

BY WHAT AUTHORITY…?

Having established that all authority are in Jesus and that God’s Word is found only in Bible, we now ask: BY WHAT AUTHORITY DO YOU:

Establish denominations?

     Jesus promised to build His Church (Matthew 16:18). God’s Word condemns in totality proliferations of Christian religious organizations known today as denominations (I Corinthians 1:10-14). God has only One Flock and remains Shepherd of only One Flock  (John 10:16). There is only one Body (Ephesians 4:4). That Body, without controversy, is the Church (Colossians 1:18). So, by what authority do you have in establishing denominations and calling it whatever name that meets your fancy?

Appoint women pastors?

     At I Corinthians 14:34-38, God’s Word speaks unequivocally against appointment of “women pastors” and the like:

Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.

Apostle Paul reiterated God’s word in this regard at I Timothy 2:8, 11-12 as he wrote,

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

      Considering the above Biblical statements, by what authority then do people appoint women pastors? And by what authority does a woman have to refer to herself as “pastor”?

Infant, sprinkling and pouring as baptism?

     Scripturally, baptism is not meant for infants or children but for adults and those who have reached age of accountability. No where in Bible do we find children and infants being baptised, only adults were. Baptism is a burial in watery grave (Romans 6:3-5). It requires going down and coming up out of a body of water (immersion, Acts 8:38-39). Baptism requires “Much water,” not sprinkling or pouring (John 3:23). Baptism is a burial (Colossians 2:12).

Use of musical instrument in Christian worship? (Amos 5:23; Amos 6:5).

     Note: God at Amos 6:5 accused “David of Inventing instruments of music” in His Worship. Was this allegation true? What has David to say to this? At I Chronicles 23:5 and II Chronicles 7:6 David admitted that he was inventor of musical instruments in Old Testament worship (see also Psalms 150). However, under New Testament (Christian), teachings and use of Christian Music are purely A-cappella (Singing without any accompaniment of mechanical instruments (Matthew 26:30; Acts 16:25; I Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12; Hebrews 13:15; James 5:13).

     No where is the use of instrumental music commanded, taught or used by and among Christians in New Testament. Jesus did not command it. Holy Spirit did not authorize it. Apostles and early Christians did not use it. Since these were so, by what authority then do people use musical instruments in today’s Christian worship?     

Payment of Tithe?

      Originally, payment of Tithe was commanded by God for the care and wellbeing of Levitical priesthood who did not receive any landed inheritance among Israelites (Numbers 18:20-24). The tithes paid were to feed Levitical priests (Malachi 3:8-10).

       Of all tribes of Israel and nations of the world, it was Levites only who were authorized to accept tithes payments (Hebrews 7:5). However, because Levitical Priesthood was ineffective and imperfect, God changed the Priesthood as well as laws and regulations guiding them, which includes tithing. Hebrews 7:11-12, 18 states:

If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. ….For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof.

     There is no Levitical priest anywhere in the world today, which attests to the fact that it has been abolished by God. According to God’s Word, no one has authorization to receive tithes from anybody today. Since this is so, by what authority do people pay and receive tithes today?

Harvest and Bazaars?

     Harvest and Bazaar sales, as instituted by Christendom are no where authorized by Scripture. They are merely avenues concocted by men and women to further rob church members. According to God’s Word, Church premises are not meant for the “buying and selling” which go on in our Christian religious organizations today. When people tried that in Jesus’ era, He became angry and drove them away. Matthew 21:12-13 tells us:

 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Celebration of Christmas and Easter?

     Modern Christianity has become feasting religion of all sorts. In Galatians 4:9-10, God’s Word declares:

Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

    There is only one feast or celebration authorized by Jesus in New Testament for His Disciples. Christmas, New Year, Easter and the likes were not part of it. We are only commanded to celebrate the death of Jesus (Matthew 26:26-28; I Corinthians 10:16; I Corinthians 11:23-28), not His birth (Christmas) or His resurrection (Easter). Unfortunately, what Jesus commanded is not being done the way He has instructed that it should done, but what He has not commanded is celebrated to high heavens and with fanfare. At John 14:15, Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” By what authority are people celebrating Christmas, New Year and Easter today?

DETERMINING BIBLICAL AUTHORITY

1. To know whether there is a Biblical authority for a teaching or practice, you need to ask: “Is it according to the Bible? Which book, chapter and verse can it be found?
2. God has always insisted on our being true to His instructions (Hebrews 8:5). True servants of God have always maintained a “Thus saith the Lord” attitude (Exodus 8:27; I Corinthians 4:6). Those who did not remain in God’s instructions suffered great loses when they decided to follow their own initiatives (Leviticus 10:1-2; II Samuel 6:3-7; cf. I Chronicles 15:13-15).
3. If Jesus did not teach it, Apostles did not command or practice it and not even an example of it could be found any where in the teachings of Jesus (New Testament), then it is of men and the best anyone could do is to repent of such teachings and practices.
4. Be like Bereans who checked what they were taught with what was written in God’s Word to see if they agreed (Acts 17:11).
5. Demand for Bible proof (I Thessalonians 5:21). Do not accept anything you are taught line, hook and sinker. Always demand for Bible authority.  

HEED THIS APPEAL

        Dear reader, if a teaching or religious practice is not found in the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27), neither in the “things pertaining to life and godliness” (II Peter 1:3) nor in the “Faith once delivered” to Saints (Jude v.3), then it does not enjoy God’s authority. The only way you are sure that you are with God is when you teach and practice by His authorization. Anything short of this is mere waste of time and amounts to “vain worship.” Please, be sure that you are sure.

    There is a group of Christians who are working hard to ensure that what they belief, teach and practice are by God’s authority. They are not interested in fables and story-telling but on the sure Word of God. You are encouraged to study and worship with CHURCH OF CHRIST near you.

God bless you!

PATTERN - A THEMATIC ANALYSIS

THEMATIC ANALYSIS

ANALYST: HILARY JOHNSON CHUKWUMA CHUKWURAH

INTRODUCTION

        Psalmist in Psalm 68:19 testified to God’s goodness, affirming that He “daily loads us with benefits.” Lamentations 3:23 states that on a daily basis, God’s faithfulness is renewed. Because every morning God manifests His unfailing faithfulness, our strengths are renewed like the eagles (cf. Psalms 103:5).

        We are happy to be of the company of those who publish God’s Goodnews. It is a privilege beyond the ordinary, an honour beyond compare.

As privileged people, annually we are invited to renew ourselves because as iron sharpens iron, ministers sharpen the ministerial countenance of themselves (cf. Proverbs 27:17).

To remain relevant in ministerial scheme of things, there is need for us to re-sharpen our theology, re-align our message to meet Biblical standards and approval of Heaven; re-evaluate happenings in our environments and refocus our energies on ensuring that we remain in God’s scheme of things.

It is one thing to be zealous while it is another to be zealous in accordance with knowledge (Romans 10:1-3). Christianity is not grandstanding or playing to the gallery of public opinions and expectations, but remaining true to God’s original foundations. Serving God is not doing what we think is right, but doing what God says we should do, irrespective of how popular or unpopular they are.

Assumption is a sin with grave consequence. We must be sure that we are sure. There must be a Bible book, chapter and verse authorization of what we do. The key word, therefore, is PATTERN. Missing Biblical pattern is missing the mark. When we miss the mark, we end up dissipating energy in that which is of no value.

Pattern is one concept that says it all – whether you are in manufacturing, building and construction, shoe-making, fashion designing, etcetera. If men and women, fickle as we are know the strategic importance of maintaining pattern, we should begin to see that God places high premium.

Calling and commissioning Moses to build a Tabernacle, God told him matter-of-factly, “…See, that you make all things according to the pattern shown to you on the mount” (Hebrews 8:5). Capitalizing on this landmark instruction, Holy Spirit applied this instruction and testified that certain things, “… serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things…” (Hebrews 8:5a) In other words, earthly activities of mankind, whether in their general daily comportments or worship should be reflections of how they are done in Heaven. No wonder our Lord while teaching His disciples the modus operandi and vivendi of prayers had said, “…let Thy Will be done on earth as it is done in Heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

Keying into or a failure to key into Divine Pattern is make or mar, determining whether one is right or wrong; approved by God or disapproved by Him. Show me a person who sticks to God’s Pattern and I will tell you the name of a person that God is pleased with.     

CONCEPTUALIZING PATTERN

The word, “Pattern” means, “Standard measurement.” It is a concept that is not foreign to Scripture. In Exodus 25:8-9, God told Moses,  

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.

That was God’s desire and it was law. No one dared trifle with this sacred injunction. He had a pattern. He wanted it followed by everyone in Israel. If anyone was to do God’s Will, he/she was to ensure that the Pattern was to be followed.   

When two and half tribes of Israel who were left behind across Jordan entertained fears that in time to come, their children would be denied membership of the Commonwealth of Israel and replicated the Altar, their action was frowned at by the remaining tribes. Consequent upon this, war was imminent. However, when a meeting was held, representatives of the two and half tribes in Joshua 22:28 appealed to pattern and stated as follow:

Therefore said we, that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, Behold the pattern of the altar of the LORD, which our fathers made, not for burnt offerings, nor for sacrifices; but it is a witness between us and you.

Writer of book of Hebrews went to a great length to stress the importance of Pattern when he recalled God’s instruction to Moses thus,

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

The strategic importance of pattern can be seen in the fact that without pattern or measurement, there are bound to be confusion. Conventionally, a ruler or cup is a pattern used for measurement (cf. Deut. 25:13-15). To use different scales and measurements will only lead to anarchy of sorts. This was what God sought to avoid and so established a Pattern that should be followed by all. Today, people have thrown caution to the wind and have opened doors to all manner of things. This is more pertinent when we look at our religious environments. It is very unfortunate because our religious experiences have become an all-comers’ affair without concern for pattern.  

IMPORTANCE OF PATTERN

In industrial production, every company has a pattern; else, there would be differences in subsequent production. Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) is laden with the responsibility of ensuring that all products produced in Nigeria or imported into Nigeria meet regulatory standards. The same applies to NAFDAC.

God recognized the need for pattern or standard before man and so ensured that His patterns should be adhered to. Few Biblical examples might help in driving this point home:

1. When Noah was to build an ark, God gave him a pattern or specifications (Genesis 6:14-16; 7:5).

2. When Moses was to build a tabernacle for God, he was expressly warned to follow a particular pattern provided for him (Hebrews 8:5; Exodus 25:40).

3. Because God’s Ark Covenant with Israel was not carried according to God’s pattern, God was angry with David and so slew Uzzah (I Chronicles 15:13; cf. I Chronicles 13:7-12) but when they went back to God’s word, the pattern (way and manner which God had instructed that His Ark of Covenant with Israel should be carried) was uncovered and Israelites in King David’s time were able to carry it successfully (I Chronicles 15:14-15; cf. Exodus 25:14).

4. Because Nadab and Abihu did not abide by God’s pattern, God slew them (Leviticus 10:1-2)

GOD’S PATTERN FOR US

Jesus is our grand pattern (I Peter 2:21).

Jesus’ pattern of is found in the things He taught and did (Acts 1:1). He had left this patterns with His apostles, which is why they are part of the foundation (Ephesians 2:20). We are, therefore, called upon to follow the examples of Jesus and His apostles. We must follow the examples of those who followed Jesus’ examples (I Corinthians 11:1). Succinctly stated, early disciples followed God’s pattern (Acts 2:42). We must do well to follow that pattern.

There is a pattern of worship (cf. Exodus 8:27).

Not all worship is acceptable to God (Matthew 15:8-9). For a worship to be acceptable to God, it must be done according to His express commands (cf. John 4:22-24; John 17:17).

There is a pattern of teaching (doctrine) (Romans 6:17; Philippians 3:16-17).

Not all doctrines are good (Hebrews 13:9) because there are doctrines of men (Matthews 15:9), doctrines of demons (I Timothy 4:1) and doctrines of Jesus Christ (II John verse 9-11).

The soul of the “Doctrine of Christ” is found in Ephesians 4:3-6 to the intent that there is, One Body, One Spirit, One Baptism, One Lord, One Faith and One Hope. These are the foundations upon which to build the superstructure of God’s Pattern today.

LOADING THIS YEAR’S WORKSHOP WITH BENEFITS OF PATTERN

        This year’s theme is most interesting. Topics are woven, like tapestry around the concept of Pattern. Seasoned speakers, as always, have been selected to enlighten and to sumptuously feed us with God’s inerrant Word, from the deep springs of their knowledge and wealth of experiences.

        Amongst topics selected are:

·        The Pattern in Fellowship.

·        The Pattern in Worship.      

·        The Pattern in Marriage.

·        The Pattern in Prayer.

·        The Pattern in Evangelism.

·        The Pattern in Giving.

·        The Pattern in Holiness.

·        The Pattern in Cooperation.

·        The Pattern in Doctrine.

        You cannot but agree with me that this year’s Workshop is loaded. The benefits are far-reaching. We are encouraged to relax and savour the Word as our spirits are lifted, and our minds enlightened. There is never going to be a dull moment.

        A brief analysis of these topics would, therefore, suffice:

Fellowship is a time impartation and mutual edification (cf. Romans 1:11-12). There is a pattern in which this is done.

Worship, as conceived by Brother Jim Massey, “Is an outward expression of an inward sense of praise.” There is an incontrovertible Biblical pattern of worship. In Old Testament, Moses summoned it up when he said, “We will go three days' journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to the LORD our God, as he shall command us” (Exodus 8:27). In New Testament, our Lord Jesus unequivocally stated, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24).

“Worship” is not the contraptions of men and women but doing what God says we should do.

Marriage is a confluence, a union of two hearts. As one of the most sacred institutions of God on earth, God has ordained patterns for contracting marriages and sustaining it. Marriage is the epicenter of “Home.” Martha McKay in one of her best sellers, Beyond Pardon penned these time-tested words, “Home is a sanctuary, and to invade a sanctuary is sacrilege. Let man or woman who trifles with the most sacred tie on earth remember this.”

Prayer is a solemn activity at private and corporate levels. A powerful spiritual resource, providing us direct access to God’s Throne (Hebrews 4:16). However, this powerful spiritual resource is not only being misunderstood but grossly abused by those who have turned it into what it was not meant to achieve.

Evangelism is a means of reaching out to others (churched and unchurched) with the everlasting message of Jesus Christ. There is a pattern for doing this and getting results.

Giving is fund-raising but not the like that are in practice today by our religious neighbours who engage in levying and its like. Also, not the sort that Brethren in various Congregations engage in. If we conduct giving in line with Biblical patterns, we will have no business with the kinds of lack that have come to define Congregations of our Lord today.   

“Holiness is the beauty of the believer” was a song that we used to delight our souls in time past and to remind ourselves that He who called us is Holy and, therefore, should be holy ourselves. We are gradually loosing grip with holiness, which is a Christian’s most beautiful garment. What are the patterns for holiness?

There is a Pattern for Cooperation. God designed each Congregation to be autonomous but has not asked that autonomy should negate cooperation. In his book, Why I am a Member of Church of Christ, Leroy Brownlow wrote on God’s wisdom of ensuring that each Congregation is autonomous,  

The wisdom of God is seen in such an arrangement for His churches. If one became corrupted in doctrine or affected by evil practices, other churches would not be so affect. If dissension arose in one, it would not spread to the others; if one perished, the others would not be dragged down. If a window is made of one large pane, a break injures the entire pane; but if it be made of several panes, it is not so bad to break one. The independence of the churches is a protection for each one.

 Cooperation leverages on the principles of “power of two” or more. When we cooperate we achieve results (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

Doctrine is the soul of Christianity while Jesus Christ is its power. When doctrine is compromised, Christianity looses its essence. Doctrine is so important that we are charged to, “…charge some that they teach no other doctrine” (I Timothy 1:3). The reason for this is not far-fetched: Apostle Paul charged Titus to,

Hold fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, … whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

(Titus 1:9-11).

CONCLUSION

        Brethren, I have no doubt on my mind that I have taken much of your time. This was not deliberate. It is the offshoot of the importance that this year’s Workshop elicits. If Pattern is established, then a major battle would have been won. So long as Pattern remains not on the religious menu of our time, the battle rages on as confusion will remain one of our greatest challenges.

        Let us relax, soak in the ministrations, and challenged to become apostles of Patterned Christianity. This was and has remained the plea of Restoration Movement: speaking where Bible speaks, being silent where Bible is silent, calling Bible things by Bible names and doing Bible things by Bible ways.

        We thank organizers for coming up with this theme. I want to appeal to the Central Organizing Committee to ensure that the proceedings of this Workshop (papers presented) should be published and made available to a larger audience. If you do not know how to go about this, you can do well to talk with me after this Workshop on how you can have this done.

May God Almighty bless all of us as we engage in this very important exercise!

Township/Campus Church of Christ,

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