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.