Some who are contrary to the concept of pattern seeking and pattern keeping have suggested that adherence to a pattern implies the kingdom is a meritocracy. This argument is immediately invalidated by the mere fact that “Patternists” do not subscribe to the aforementioned implication. It holds about as much water as the atheists’ appeal to …
Continue reading The Patternists: Does obedience imply a meritocracy?
During a time of peace, while “dwelling in his house,” David had a thought which he communicated to Nathan the prophet. The king said, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains” (2 Samuel 7:2). David felt that, by dwelling in his comparatively luxurious “house …
Continue reading The Patternists: Do you think you know what God wants?
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2). In the past, God revealed His will “at various times.” The Greek word is polymerōs – in many portions, i.e. variously as to …
Continue reading The Patternists: The Prophet to End All Prophets
There are some who refuse to subscribe to the concept of the plenary verbal inspiration of scripture – every word is inspired of God. This concept is seen in scripture itself, and is the pillar that supports the Bible as a source of authority. If plenary verbal inspiration is denied, scripture cannot be used as …
Continue reading The Patternists: All from God, or none from God
“Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance, the only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” – C.S. Lewis It is a shame that so many express an attitude of indifference toward Christianity. For some, it is not a matter of unbelief (in the most general sense), but is …
Continue reading The Patternists: No Middle Ground The Catechism of the Catholic Church suggests sin can be separated into two categories regarding severity: [1861] “MORTAL sin is a radical possibility of human freedom, as is love itself. It results in the loss of charity and the privation of sanctifying grace, that is, of the state of grace. If it is not redeemed …
Continue reading The Patternists: Venial and Mortal Sins? “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha” (1 Corinthians 16:22, KJV). In his salutation in his letter to Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote with his own hand (v. 21) two Aramaic words which were likely familiar to his audience. The first word, “Anathema,” has reference to being delivered …
Continue reading The Patternists: “Let him be Anathema Maranatha”
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever” (Psalm 111:10). To the world, fear and God are not closely related, and should not be joined together in conversation. This used to not be so. The societal moral decline supports …
Continue reading The Patternists: Fear’s Path John 6 – Jesus, having performed signs on the diseased (v. 2), attracted a great multitude. And as He sat elevated on a mount He saw that famished mass of souls coming toward Him – “in number about five thousand” (v. 10). The perceptive Savior was “moved with compassion for them,” not because of their …
Continue reading The Patternists: Seeking Bread and Fish Some suggest the New Testament is only relevant for those who have been given kingdom citizenship – aliens are not subject to the law of Christ. In part, this concept has been used to nullify unscriptural divorces for those who are not Christians. They are told they can remain in an adulterous marriage upon obedience …
Continue reading The Patternists: Violations of the Pattern: The Law of Christ Only Applies to Christians