Marks of the New Testament Church

If you have never heard of a book called "The Trail of Blood", by J.M. Carroll, you should look it up. There is a website called http://www.biblepreaching.com/, where you can print off a copy or it will give you an address where you can purchase as many copies as you want up to 24 for $2.00 each. This is church history from the first church of Jerusalem created by Christ. If you want to find a true church in the town in which you live, one that follows the teachings of Christ, these are the marks you take and compare the church you are considering to see if they are a true church. I will list the marks and the verses below. May God Bless you with your reading of God's word and your search for a true church.

1. Christ is the head and founder. His is the lawgiver and the church is the executive.

Matthew 16:18 (King James Version)
18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Colossians 1:18 (King James Version)
18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

2. The bible is its only rule of faith and practice.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 (King James Version)
15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

3. Its name: Church or Churches. Matt 16:18 (see Mark 1)

Revelation 22:16 (King James Version)
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

4. Its polity, Congregation - all members are equal.

Matthew 20:24-28 (King James Version)
24And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.
25But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
26But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
27And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Matthew 23:5-12 (King James Version)
5But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
6And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
8But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
10Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
11But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
12And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

5. Members are only saved people.

Ephesians 2:21 (King James Version)
21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord

1 Peter 2:5 (King James Version)
5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ

6. Ordinances of the church - believer's baptism, followed by the Lord's supper.

Matthew 28:19-20 (King James Version)
19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen

These are only the first 6 Marks of The New Testament Church. There are 11 altogether. I will post the other 5 tomorrow. Please read the scriptures and check out the website. In these times, don't be lead astray by false prophets and churches, and teachers.

May God Bless you all and do so all the day long...L