Introduction:
1. In our series, we have noted Jesus’ church: The promise to build (Matt. 16:18), and its reality (Acts 2:47).
2. The church is the Lord’s body (Col. 1:18). He is its Head, and the Head regulates the body. We set forth the idea that the New Testament contains a church pattern.
I. The Scriptures Themselves Set Forth The Idea Of A Pattern.
A. All we know, authoritatively, of the church is found therein.
B. And, the Scriptures are inspired of God, to furnish us completely unto every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
1. Obeying the gospel is a good work — an essential one (2 Thess. 1:7-9).
2. In obeying, the Lord adds one to the church (Acts 2:47).