Jesus Christ was the model for Christianity, which began at Jerusalem. After His death, resurrection and ascension, He revealed Himself to the people to show that He was alive and had left the apostles whom He had appointed to serve as models to them. The apostles too conducted themselves as the true disciples of Jesus and as models for the Christians. The Christians too lived following them as models. These days only a few live as models to the Christians. Also only a few can say to others, `follow me (us)". Generally in these days if we follow those who preach or call themselves Christians, we can not reach the heaven. Some advise to look at the preaching and not the preacher. But people think, `How can I practice that which even the preacher could not?' However in these last days, God has given apostle to feed, protect and serve as model to the flock. The people look at the apostle as the model. The apostles of God said, `Imitate me' (I Cor. 4:16). It is the duty of every Christian to follow the apostle.

In these days, some add the title `apostle' to their names. Some say that those who renounce earthly things are apostles. Literally, leaving everything should mean leaving life also. (However they had not left their lives- Luke 14:26). First, apostles should have seen God (Jesus Christ)(I Cor. 9:1). Next they should have received authority from Him (John 20:21-23). Only those who had seen God and authorized by Him are qualified to tell others `imitate me (us)'. One can boldly follow those who can rightfully claim to be apostles. The same apostles said: "Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you" (Phil. 3:17). This(these) apostle(s) is (are) saying, `Follow me and those who live (prove themselves) according to the pattern we show you' (Phil.3: 17-19). The responsibility of feeding these believers and ministers are given to the apostles. The responsibility includes feeding the lambs (John 21:15) and feeding the sheep (John 21:16; Mal.3:3). It is because of this that the apostles were saying, "Follow us. Take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you".

In these days many are preaching and writing, `Wherever you are, believe in Jesus Christ. Pray and you will be taken up when the Lord comes'. But the apostles are saying, `Have fellowship with us as our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ" (I John 1:1-3; Acts 2:42). Children of God, our fellowship should be with the apostles who live as an example to us. Satan will try to separate you from this true fellowship. We should be careful.

The people who are in fellowship with the apostles and those who imitate them can be models for other Christians and churches to follow (I Thes. 1:6,7). Ap.Paul said that the Thessalonian believers who followed the apostles became a model for the believers at Macedonia and Achaia. It is necessary to follow the apostles in order to be taken up in the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, to lead a holy life and to be holy in all our actions. For this reason, in these last days, God Has given to His church (New Jerusalem Church) the apostle. As we follow the apostle, we can be model to others.

Let us follow those who are models to us. It is their responsibility to take us to the destination. For this purpose we must fully commit ourselves to the apostle. Let us offer ourselves first to the Lord and then to the apostle (II Cor. 8:5). Let us follow the example of the apostle (I Cor. 11:1). The Lord will bless us and join us in His glory. Hallelujah!

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you (Phil. 4:9).