Changing the marks of the new testament church

The New Testament Church, as described in the Bible, had several distinct marks or characteristics that set it apart from other religious groups of its time. These marks are still considered essential for a true church today. Here are some of the key marks of the New Testament Church:

1. Preaching the Gospel: The New Testament Church was characterized by the preaching of the Gospel, which is the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
2. Baptism: Baptism was a significant practice in the New Testament Church, symbolizing the believer's union with Christ and their identification with his death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5, Colossians 2:12).
3. Communion: The New Testament Church celebrated the Lord's Supper, also known as Communion or the Eucharist, as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and a symbol of unity among believers (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
4. Prayer: Prayer was a vital part of the New Testament Church, with believers praying together and individually, seeking God's guidance, wisdom, and provision (Acts 2:42, Ephesians 6:18).
5. Fellowship: The New Testament Church was characterized by a strong sense of fellowship and community among believers, with a focus on mutual encouragement, support, and care (Acts 2:44-47, Hebrews 10:24-25).
6. Worship: The New Testament Church worshiped God in spirit and truth, with a focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ (John 4:23-24, Hebrews 13:15).
7. Discipleship: The New Testament Church was committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ, teaching believers to obey all that Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:42).
8. Leadership: The New Testament Church was led by elders, also known as overseers or bishops, who were responsible for guiding and caring for the flock (Acts 14:23, Titus 1:5-9).
9. Mission: The New Testament Church was characterized by a passion for mission and evangelism, with believers spreading the Gospel to all nations (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8).
10. Holiness: The New Testament Church was committed to living a holy life, separate from the world and its sinful practices, and seeking to be conformed to the image of Christ (1 Peter 1:15-16, 2 Corinthians 7:1).

Over time, however, the marks of the New Testament Church have been changed or compromised in many ways. Some of the changes include:

1. Replacement of the Gospel with human traditions: Many churches have replaced the preaching of the Gospel with human traditions, such as sacramentalism or moralism.
2. Loss of baptismal regeneration: The doctrine of baptismal regeneration, which holds that baptism is necessary for salvation, has been largely abandoned in many churches.
3. Changes in communion practices: The Lord's Supper has been modified or abandoned in many churches, with some churches replacing it with other forms of worship.
4. Prayer becoming a secondary practice: Prayer has become a secondary practice in many churches, with a focus on other forms of worship or activities.
5. Fellowship becoming superficial: The sense of fellowship and community among believers has been compromised in many churches, with a focus on social events or programs rather than genuine relationships.
6. Worship becoming entertainment-oriented: Worship has become more entertainment-oriented in many churches, with a focus on music, drama, or other forms of performance rather than the person and work of Jesus Christ.
7. Discipleship becoming neglected: The making of disciples has become a neglected practice in many churches, with a focus on programs or activities rather than teaching believers to obey all that Jesus commanded.
8. Leadership becoming authoritarian: The leadership of the church has become more authoritarian in many cases, with a focus on the pastor or elders rather than the congregation as a whole.
9. Mission becoming secondary: The passion for mission and evangelism has been compromised in many churches, with a focus on internal programs or activities rather than spreading the Gospel to all nations.
10. Holiness becoming neglected: The commitment to living a holy life has been neglected in many churches, with a focus on personal freedom or individualism rather than seeking to be conformed to the image of Christ.

These changes have led to a significant departure from the marks of the New Testament Church, and many churches today are characterized by a lack of biblical fidelity and a focus on human traditions and innovations.