MARKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

                                       Matt. 16:I 8

                                     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 Pattei,?i.

                1. MARKS OF THE CHURCH AS A WHOLE
                     1. Undenominational.
                           (a) It existed several hundred years before any de-
                               nomination was formed.
                           (b) Paul and Peter were members only of the
                               "body of Christ."
                     2. Its government.
                           (a) Each congregation was sell-government.
                           (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 in-
                               habited earth of their day. (Rom. 10:18; Col.
                               1:23.)

               11. 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 sin&
                           (c) All were baptized into Christ. (Rom. 6:3; Gal.
                               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                       (a) The impenitent were withdrawn from. (11
                          Thes3. 3:6.)
                       (b) Jesus the standard and source of purity.
                       (c) All looked forward to his second coming.