025. Church, Marks of the New Testament
025. Church, Marks of the New Testament
25 MARKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
INTRODUCTION All should know the New Testament church; it may be known only from a study of the New Testament. There are certain marks which belong to it; these should be known by all members so that they may help keep it true to the New Testament pattern. l. MARKS OF THE CHURCH AS A WHOLE 1. Undenominational.
(a) It existed several hundred years before any denomination was formed. (b) Paul and Peter were members only of the "body of Christ."
2. Its government.
(a) Each congregation was self-governed. (b) Christ the Head of the church. (c) Elders took the spiritual oversight. (d) Deacons ministered to the needy .
3. Its missionary activities .
(a) Each church was established by missionary zeal of some other church. (b) They carried the gospel to the ends of the inhabited earth of their day. (Romans 10:18; Colossians 1:23.) II. MARKS OF ITS MEMBERS 1. All were converted to Christ.
(a) All believed on him as the Son of God . (b) All turned from their sins. (c) All were baptized into Christ. (Romans 6:3 ; Galatians 3:27.) 2. All worshipped God regularly.
(a) Met on the first day of the week to break bread. (Acts 20:7.) (b) Continued in prayer, praise and edification. (Acts 2:42.) 3. All were united in love.
(a) All were of one heart and soul. (Acts 4:32.) (b) Fellowship not broken by difference of opinions.
4. All maintained a standard of purity.
(a) The impenitent were withdrawn from. (2 Thessalonians 3:6.) (b) Jesus the standard and source of purity. (c) All looked forward to his second coming.