Identifying a New Testament Church

Acts 2:42

Theme: A New Testament Church is identified by a steadfast people.

Introduction: Today Christianity has taken on more identities than any other time in history. There are traditional churches, contemporary churches, conservative churches, liberal churches, modern churches and primitive churches just to name a few. Within every type of church we seem to hear statements similar to these, “we are a new testament church” or “we are based on the principles of the first church.” Unfortunately, today these statements are too often used mere marketing tools. But did you know the Bible describes in detail the first church. The Bible also tells us how to be or identify a New Testament Church. Contrary to the popular belief of our day, it has nothing to do with the Mega Church movement, the size of a congregation, style of music, a particular pastor or a denomination. This morning were going to begin looking at the New Testament Church and what the word of God tells us about being identified as a New Testament Church. A New Testament Church must have a steadfast people, now to be identified as a steadfast people we must be...

I. Marked by the Truth.

A. the Apostles doctrine

1. The teaching of Jesus

2. suitable for the age and culture.

B. “Experience must always be tested by doctrine, not doctrine by experience.” (John Phillips) Our life must be measured against doctrine, NOT doctrine against our life.

II. Marked by the Tie

A. Fellowship – Christian love

1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

B. Bond of the Blood of Christ, the leading of the Holy Spirit and the commandments of God.

III. Marked by the Table

Ill. This is how I know the first church was Baptist, they were a eatin crowd.

A. Communal meals – socializing

B. Lords supper – ordinances

IV. Marked by the Throne

A. Pray in the name of Jesus.

B. Pray individually

C. Pray congregationally

Conclusion: It’s important to understand the requirements of a New Testament Church because there is only one of them. It doesn’t really have a denominational name attached to it; it’s simply known as the Bride of Christ. Our membership in this Church isn’t based upon our name being placed on any congregational role but it is based upon our name being placed on a heavenly role. If we are to be a steadfast people, individually we must be saved by Grace through Faith in the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Salvation is the only way we can become a steadfast people attempting it any other way will lead to failure. If you somehow feel you can serve God apart from Jesus Christ, you are badly mistaken. As a steadfast Christian, we should not only be willing to teach the truth but we should be willing to live out the truth in our personal daily lives. The hypocrite simply means actor, too often, this application by the world is true when applied to the life of the church member. Our life in Church and our life outside the Church are too often different. 1 John 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. A steadfast Christian should love their brothers and sisters in Christ with a genuine love one that comes from a heart of knowing Christ as our Lord and savior. Our bonds with God should be displayed in our relationships with one another. As a steadfast people, we should understand the necessity of socializing with the people of God. Why do we seem to spend so much time with the world and everything associated with it and then rush in and out of Gods house barely speaking to Gods people? A steadfast people desire a relationship with those who share their faith. Finally, a steadfast people are known by God through prayer. Prayer is our way of socializing with God. Did you ever think about Prayer that way? Prayer is socializing with God the Father. Understanding what you have heard today are you a steadfast Christian, or are there areas that need attention?

Invitation as God leads!