Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 43:10-12
Marks of the New Testament Church
(Part 1)
Intro.
1. The church of Christ is identifiable, recognizable.
a. Not by physical complex; not by size of bank accounts, not by any this-world measurement, Jno. 18:36.
b. Measurements are God-defined, Ezek. 40:3-5, 43:4-7, 10-12. Visionary depiction of the church (temple of God, 2 Cor. 6:16-17).
2. Contrast this with the following:
Choosing a Church
The marks of a New
Testament church...
• "A passion for God"
• "A preoccupation with prayer"
• "The presence of true community"
• "The priority of a global outreach"
• "A practice of equipping believers"
• "The proliferation of lay servants and ministers"
-(From "Marriage--Clues for the Clueless" by Promise Press, Len Woods (editor), cited in "Growthtrac — Build a Better Marriage", Jan. 24, 2012)
3. According to these "marks", a Mormon Church qualifies! From a denominational mindset, that sees "the church" as subdivided into many worthy and acceptable (though different) churches. Eph. 4:4
4. The Bible does not contain denominationalism; The church of Christ is not a denomination.
5. Consider some identifying marks of the New Testament church. (Part 1 looks at prophecies and establishment of the church.)
I. MARKS OF DIVINE ESTABLISHMENT (Matt. 16:18).
A. When Would the Church be Established?
1. Prophecy:
a. In the latter days, Isa. 2:2 (Micah 4:1-3).
b. In the days of the kings of Rome, Dan. 2:31-44.
2. Fulfillment:
a. Days of the Roman empire, Lk. 3:1; Mk. 1:14-15.
b. Lifetime of those who heard Jesus, Mk. 9:1; Lk. 24:44-47.
c. Day of Pentecost, Acts 1:8; 2:1-4.
B. Where Would the Church Begin?
1. Prophecy: Out of Zion / Jerusalem, Isa. 2:1-4.
2. Fulfillment: Jerusalem, Lk. 24:49-52 (Acts 1:12; 2:5-6).
C. How Would the Church Begin?
1. Prophecy: Joel 2:28-32.
-With power (Mk. 9:1; Lk. 24:49).
2. Fulfillment, Acts 2:1-4; 17-21.
a. Plan of salvation for the lost, Acts 2:36-40.
b. Church came into existence, Acts 2:41, 47.
Conclusion
1. The kingdom in prophecy is the church of Christ in fulfillment.
2. This is the church you must find and be added to by the Lord.
3. Part 2: Marks that identify the New Testament church.