Scripture Reading: Acts 2:36-41

Marks of the New Testament Church

(Part 2)

Intro.

-Review Part 1.

II. MARKS OF IDENTITY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.

A. Its Authority: Jesus Christ, Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 3:17.

B. Its Membership: Christians, Acts 2:38-41, 47.

1. The church is composed of Christians, not churches.

2. Denominations: Church is made up of churches.

C. Its Organization: Local; not Regional or Global.

1. Local, independent churches, Acts 9:31; 16:4-5; 1 Cor. 16:1, 3.

a. Elders (qualified oversight), Acts 14:23.

b. Deacons (servants), Phil. 1:1.

c. Saints, Phil. 1:1 (Acts 2:47).

2. No mother churches, sponsoring churches, mission churches...

3. No dioceses, districts or councils.

D. Its Worship: In Spirit and in Truth, Jno. 4:23-24; Acts 2:42.

1. The Lord's Supper, Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:18-20.

2. Prayer, Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 14:15-16.

3. Singing, Eph. 5:19.

4. Giving, 1 Cor. 16:2.

5. Teaching the Word of God, 1 Cor. 14:26; Acts 2:42.

E. The Work of the Local Church.

-Spiritual in nature, as defined in Scripture; not social, civic, physical

-Local church is fully adequate to do the work assigned it.

1. Evangelism, Acts 13:2-3; 2 Cor. 11:8; 1 Ths. 1:8.

2. Edification, Eph. 4:11-12; 1 Cor. 14:26.

3. Benevolent care of needy Christians, Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35 (6:1-6; 11:27-30); 1 Tim. 5:16.

4. Its charter (the NT) does not authorize the local church to engage in any other kind of work, Gal. 1:8-9.

-cf. Social gospel: Secular education, child care, meals on wheels, recreational sports leagues, etc.

F. The Lives of the Members of the Church of Christ.

1. Live by faith, 2 Cor. 5:7; Sanctified in truth, Jno. 17:17.

2. Servants of righteousness through obedient faith, Rom. 6:16-18.

3. Living sacrifices who put Christ first in all things, Rom. 12:1-2; Matt. 6:33-34.

Conclusion

1. The churches of men are not the NT church (of Christ).

2. Only local churches of Christ that bear the Bible marks of identity are NT churches.