Foothills Christian Church
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So what exactly is church?
Acts 2:41-47 NASB1995
8 Essential Marks of a New Testament Church
1. A church is centered on the true preaching and teaching of God’s Word.
“Continually devoting themselves to the Apostle’s teaching” (Acts 2:42)
1 Timothy 3:15 NASB1995
Titus 1:9 ESV
8 Essential Marks of a New Testament Church
2. Meets regularly in genuine face to face Christian fellowship.
“Continually devoting themselves to…fellowship” (Acts 2:42)
Hebrews 10: 24-25abc
“…and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…”
8 Essential Marks of a New Testament Church
3. Administers the Lord’s sacraments.
“…those who received the Word were baptized…” (v.41)
“…devoted themselves to…the breaking of bread” (vs. 42)
1 Corinthians 10:17 NASB1995
8 Essential Marks of a New Testament Church
4. A church exercises discipline over its members. (Matt. 18:15-17)
3 Reasons why church discipline is necessary:
1. Testimony purpose: To bear witness to the righteousness of Christ’s power to change lives.
3 Reasons why church discipline is necessary:
2. Congregational purpose: To protect the flock of God from temptation to sin and from false teaching and deception.
3 Reasons why church discipline is necessary:
3. Restorative purpose: To restore the member who has fallen into sin and deception.
8 Essential Marks of a New Testament Church
5. It is centered around worship and prayer to God.
“…devoting themselves….to prayer” (v. 42)…”praising God” (v. 47)
8 Essential Marks of a New Testament Church
6.It is engaged together in the work of the Great Commission.
“…the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (v. 47)
8 Essential Marks of a New Testament Church
7.Evidence of God’s Presence and activity among us.
“…feeling a sense of awe…signs and wonders taking place…” (v. 43)
8 Essential Marks of a New Testament Church
8.All takes place under the guidance of duly appointed leaders.
Pastors are not self-appointed, they are selected by other pastors and elders.
I Tim 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9 give qualifications for being a pastor.
Why does Jesus want us in a church? What does He have for you?
· Correct doctrine
· Supportive life-giving fellowship
· True accountability - spiritual discipline
· Corporate worship and prayer
· Correct, regular practice of the sacraments
· Partners for ministry - fruitfulness in ministry
· Faithful, tested and proven spiritual leaders
Jesus calls each of us out of isolation. He calls you to integrate into the life-giving supernatural Body of Christ.
Foothills Text Line:
Text PRAYER to 619-375-0805
Text DECISION to 619-375-0805