Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

 

For the past several weeks we have been studying the Word of God to determine His Pattern for His Church. The 2nd Chapter of Acts lays out much of this Pattern but when we compare it to what we find in the modern-day church, we find many differences and very few similarities.

 

The early Church grew in number daily because they adhered to God’s Pattern. And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles’ Doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)

 

The Apostles’ Doctrine consists of a lifestyle of Repentance, Water Baptism, Baptism with the Holy Spirit, taking Communion, and Fellowship. These things should describe the lifestyle of believers who are the Church. A building may be a church building, but it is the people who are actually the Church; the Bride of Christ. Do you not know that you are the Temple of God? (1 Corinthians 3:16)

 

While all the aspects of the Apostles’ Doctrine are of great importance in God’s Pattern for His Church, they all must be anchored in the believer's faith in the shed Blood of Christ on the Cross of Calvary. A person can repent, be baptized, take communion and fellowship with other believers, and NOT BE SAVED!

 

It is ONLY by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Finished Work on the Cross that brings forth Salvation. God’s Pattern for His Church is for every individual to have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. When a group of TRUE believers come together in unity anchored in their faith in Christ and Him Crucified, then and only then, will that group of believers begin to present God’s Pattern for His Church.

 

It doesn’t matter how much we know or how much good work we do, although all that is good. What matters is what we BELIEVE and place our faith in. The object of our faith must be Christ Crucified; His Finished Work on the Cross.

 

 

This is the only faith that will….…….turn the tide……..in your life.

 

In Christ alone,         Doreen

 

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