We live in a world of patterns and plans created by designers and followed by artisans to an amazing level of specification. Machinists lathe to the nearest ten thousandth of an inch. Contractors construct architectural designs up to the heavens. Fabricators of all kinds follow the creative design of engineers in the production of everything from bottles to bombs, rocking chairs to rockets, shirts to ships. These are but a few examples of the amazing process from idea to reality in the material world. The student of God’s word will see all these great achievements as shadows of the one true Designer of all that is, all that was, and all that will be.
From the mind of God comes the pattern for mankind to follow. We possess a spiritual blueprint within the pages of the Bible, and just as it is not the artisan’s place to alter the pattern, it is not for us to add to, subtract from, or modify God’s plan for our lives but to understand and execute it. God’s pattern encompasses everything He desires for His creation in every facet of our lives. This study will examine His pattern for the New Testament church. Once it is clearly understood, we can be diligent as God’s church to continue to execute or, if necessary, take steps to restore that pattern