The Pattern | God’s Blueprint for a Victorious Life

Shalom, Rhema South Coast Family Church! Are you ready to embrace God’s pattern for our lives?

This week, we began an exciting new series, “The Pattern,” where Ps Larry laid the foundation with three key scriptures: Philippians 3:17, Revelation 19:10, and Isaiah 1:19-20. These verses illuminate how we, as believers, are called to live and interact with one another, shaping our journey of faith.

Ps Larry invites us to follow the clear blueprint God has given us in Scripture. Just as Philippians 3:17 calls us to “join together in following my example,” we are called to pattern our lives on Christ and the faithful believers before us.

This pattern shows us how to live in unity, bold faith, and purpose. We’ll explore several key passages – from Paul’s exhortation in Philippians to Jesus’ call by the Sea, to Isaiah’s promise of blessing – to see how God’s pattern works for us.

Understanding God’s Pattern

God’s pattern for our lives is centered on following Jesus. In Philippians 3:17 (MSG) Paul urges, “Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course… All they want is easy street. They hate Christ’s Cross. But easy street is a dead-end street.” This reminds us that Christ’s path isn’t always the easiest, but it leads to true abundance.

We’re citizens of heaven, transformed by Jesus into a glorious, whole people. When we follow the pattern of Christ’s life – loving sacrificially, serving others, and waiting on the Savior – we align ourselves with God’s design.

Consider Matthew 4:18–20, where Jesus called Peter and Andrew from their nets with a simple invitation: “Follow Me.” Instantly they left their work behind and became “fishers of men.” This moment sets a powerful pattern: when Jesus calls, we respond without hesitation.

Following Christ means stepping out of our comfort zone and into His purpose for us. We are each called to abandon the “easy street” of our old ways and step into the adventure God has prepared.

Scriptural Examples of the Pattern

God’s pattern is woven throughout Scripture. For example, Revelation 19:10 tells us, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” In other words, our life story and witness testify about Christ.

Just as Jesus fulfilled prophecy, our own testimony (the story of what Christ has done for us) becomes prophetic. When we share how God transformed us, we are walking in God’s pattern of redemption and hope.

Isaiah 1:19–20 gives us another piece of the pattern. God says, “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword.” Here we see God’s condition for abundance: obedience.

The Pattern of Blessing

The pattern of blessing is tied to our willingness to follow Him. When we align our will with God’s – when we obey Him – we enter His promised prosperity. We must choose God’s pattern of obedient faith rather than our own way.

Throughout the Gospels and Epistles, we see believers becoming patterns for others. Paul modeled generosity, Peter modeled humility, and so on. In our own lives we are becoming patterns too.

The Rhema South Coast community is called to shine like a city on a hill – to be an example worth following in love and truth. This means living out unity, sharing our testimony, and speaking God’s word in faith.

Unity and Community | Building God’s Pattern Together

One central theme of this series is unity. When Philippians exhorts us to follow the same course, it implies we run together. Unity isn’t just a nice idea; it’s part of God’s pattern. We’re called to build each other up, not tear each other down.

As Ps Larry taught, “The pattern is one of building community.” In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek; we are one family. Working and worshiping together keeps us aligned with God’s pattern for a thriving church.

Joining a church family gives us the support to step onto God’s stage. “The purpose of joining community is so you can come into existence and step onto ‘your stage.’” When you find your place here at Rhema South Coast Family Church, you discover your gifts and calling. We sharpen one another (as iron sharpens iron) and hold each other accountable to God’s pattern.

God doesn’t bless lone rangers as much as He blesses united teams. Let’s commit to praying for one another. Let’s share openly, and serve our neighbourhood together. In doing this, we live out the pattern of a loving, generous community.

Gertrude’s Prophetic Vision for Our Church Building Project

Recently, our leaders received a vivid prophetic vision about our new church building project. God impressed on our spirits that this isn’t just a brick-and-mortar plan – it’s His vision. As Pastor described, “the church building project is indeed God’s vision and part of His eternal plan.”

As we build, we will see God’s righteousness, peace, and prosperity increase on the South Coast. The Lord conveyed that our building symbolises the prosperity of Ramsgate/Margate and the greater South Coast.

This prophecy means that every step we take in fundraising, construction, and outreach is part of God’s pattern for this region. The building itself will be a light to the city – a physical reminder of God’s eternal purpose among us. When we give, pray, and work for this project, we aren’t just erecting walls! We are participating in God’s blueprint to bring restoration and blessing to the entire area.

Becoming a Pattern for Others

God wants each one of us to be a pattern for someone. When we follow Christ boldly, others will see and follow us. As our blog on identity reminds us, our identity is found in Jesus and shaped by our walk with Him. By standing firm in Christ, we become examples of faith.

Here’s how we step into God’s pattern as individuals and as a community:

• Join a Small Group or Cell: Connect with believers in prayer cells (G12 cells) to grow deeper and hold each other accountable. Shared prayer and Bible study strengthens our unity.
• Live Out Your Testimony: Share how God has worked in your life. Remember, your testimony is part of the Spirit of prophecy. When you tell others about Jesus, you help script God’s narrative in someone else’s life.
• Serve Boldly: Use your gifts in ministry. Whether it’s worship, outreach, teaching, or hospitality. Stepping up to serve follows Jesus’ pattern of servant leadership.
• Support Our Vision: Actively pray and contribute to our church building project. As we saw in the prophecy, this effort is central to God’s pattern of blessing the South Coast. Every bit of love we invest here multiplies into wider community impact.

Let’s encourage one another to stay focused on Jesus. He is the ultimate pattern and purpose in our lives. In His steps, we find courage to speak prophecy (God’s word), to love unconditionally, and to walk in unity.

Invitation | Align with God’s Vision Today

Friends, God’s pattern is not a distant ideal – it’s alive in us. We are called to walk together, follow Christ fully, and be transformed. If you haven’t already, take this moment to get plugged in. Get connected at Rhema South Coast Family Church. Join a ministry team, start a discipleship group, or come to our cell meetings. Become part of a pattern of believers who are united, purpose-driven, and bold.

Am I Really Following Jesus?

If you’re asking, “Am I really following Jesus or still on easy street?”, make a choice today. Leave behind anything holding you back, and let Christ’s pattern of life change you. Remember, God’s blessings follow obedience (Isaiah 1:19). Choose the abundant life He offers.

And if you don’t yet know Jesus as your Savior, He is inviting you right now. The same Christ who gave us the pattern lives to forgive, heal, and empower you. As our sermon’s transformation theme showed, in Christ we have hope. Today can be your turning point: accept His love, follow Him, and become a new creation. Join us on this journey of faith.

Let’s rise up together, Rhema South Coast Family Church, and be the pattern God intended – united in community, shining testimony, and walking boldly in His vision.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for giving us a clear pattern through Jesus. Help us to walk in His footsteps with boldness and humility. Unite us as a church, build our faith, and guide our hearts to live in obedience to Your Word.

May our lives reflect Your glory and draw others to Your light. Let us be a pattern of grace, love, and truth for our families, our city, and beyond. We commit our steps, our church, and our future to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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