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What Are the Marks of a True New Testament Church/

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Tom Butler, Apr 2, 2013.

  1. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    On another thread, we got sidetracked (actually, I think I did the side-tracking) in to discussing the identifying marks of a New Testament church.

    So the questions are, what are the beliefs and practices of a true New Testament church? And what would be disqualifying beliefs and practices?

    For instance, we Baptists would generally agree that salvation by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus would be an essential belief of a true NT church.

    We would probably agree that baptismal regeneration would be a disqualifying doctrine.

    Would the correct mode of baptism be essential?

    Would the type of church government make a difference?

    How about Open vs Closed Communion?

    Release the hounds.
     
  2. awaken

    awaken Active Member

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    A New Testament Church? You mean like the church in Acts?
    I have shared this before but this is what I look for in a church...
    A place where Jesus is welcome to do HIS ministry in power.
    A place where the Great Commissionis taken seriously.
    A place where worship is real and powerful.
    A place where spiritual gifts abound.
    A place where spirtual battles are won.
    A place where the hurting are sheltered.
    A place where healing occurs.
    A place where families are safe.
    A place where the Bible is release in the lives of people.

    A place where Jesus is not missed in peoples zeal for religion!
     
  3. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    That's a good list, awaken. Thank you.

    Please feel free to expand on your points. For instance, I''d like to hear more on what you mean by Jesus' doing His ministry in power. What would be an indication of that?

    By spiritual gifts, for example?

    You get the idea.
     
  4. awaken

    awaken Active Member

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    Where the church will not just talk about Jesus, but welcome him! When Jesus returned to heaven I believe that he promised to return again to us through the person of the Holy Spirit. Nothing can take the place of the HOly Spirits presence in the life of the church. Some churches do not even realize that Jesus has left their services.

    I do believe in the manifestation of the HOly Spirit (that is no secret on this board),


    "The worship is real and powerful"...
    I believe a true worship service people will not just be spectators at a performance, but they will be participants who celebrate the presence of Jesus. They sing, clap, move in rhythm, shout, laugh, or weep before the Lord. They might quietly meditate and participate thoughtfully in the elemant of the service, not in mere repetition, but in deep awareness of the presence of the almighty God. Hearts are lifted in true worship and God is exalted!
     
  5. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    Well said, brother.
     
  6. Yeshua1

    Yeshua1 Well-Known Member
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    depends on IF one wants to be biblical in regards to what constitutes it or not so...

    believers baptism by Immersion
    bible ONLY source for spiritual practices/doctrines
    Hold to saved br Grace alone thru faith alone
    believe in ordinaces of water baptism, communion NOT SACRAMENTS
    Holding the the essential doctrines such as trinity, Second coming etc
    NO ordained Women pastors/nor gay pastors
    the holy spirit would be at work among the people saving sinners, in the preaching/reaching of the church
    Would have healings and other things at times, but that would be God only doing it, NO gifts of healing/miracles/wonders as Apostless , and no tongues/prophesying etc!
    Strong missionary/evangelistic outlook
    Strong in prayers/relationships

    well?
     
  7. Soulman

    Soulman New Member

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    The Church should be a refuge. A place to get out of the world.
    A place to worship and learn of God.
    A place where truth is held in the highest regard.
    A place to be united as Christ and His Father are in truth and spirit.
    Where people are led to Christ, public professions are made, people are baptized and discipled.
    Where we can participate in the Lord's Supper in remembrance of His sacrifice.
    A place where people can serve in a real way rather than have made up ministries just to keep people busy.
     
  8. awaken

    awaken Active Member

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    I like this!
     
  9. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    Well,
    Well done.
     
  10. Thomas Helwys

    Thomas Helwys New Member

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    Yes, let's equate women with gays.
     
  11. michael-acts17:11

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    A priestly pastor to mediate between God & men.
    An authoritarian hierarchy.
    A written covenant whereby all members to swear allegiance to the church.
    A building with a denominational identifier on the sign for official religious meetings.
    Padded pews so parishioners can be comfortable during sermons.
    A list of official "members". Most of whom haven't attended in years.
    Annual "revival" meetings.
    A tall steeple.

    ???
     
  12. Berean

    Berean Member
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    In reading the NT I believe the Bible spells out two definite Marks; The first is to minister to the Body of Believers and second to Make Disciples, in that order. Two often we get the cart before the horse.
     
  13. Yeshua1

    Yeshua1 Well-Known Member
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    no, lets equate women and practicing homosexuals to NOT being biblically qualified to be ordained as pastors in NT church!
     
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