Characteristics of the New Testament Church

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus gave Peter and the future New Testament Church a powerful promise.  He stated that "...upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."  Jesus is building His Church and it is exciting to be a part of it.  Jesus defined the New Testament Church with two words: power and unity.  The New Testament Church is a church where believers are bonded together by the Holy Spirit, doing the work of God.  There is no time to be complacent, it is time to get busy for God.

So what does this New Testament Church look like?  I believe there are eight distinct characteristics that identify the church according to the book of Acts.

1. It is a Church with Happy People.  Throughout the book of Acts the believers were depicted as a "joyful" group of people.  Acts 8:8 "And there was great joy in that city." Acts 13:52 "And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost."  Acts 15:3 "...and they caused great joy unto all the brethren."  You and I are called to be happy and joyful, not sad!  Don't go by feelings, stir up your spirit that is in you for "the joy of the Lord is your strength."
2. It is a Loving Church that Cares For one Another.  Caring for each other is one of the greatest commands of the New Testament.  In the Acts, evidence of the believers caring for each other is found in their willingness to sell "their possessions and goods, and part them to all men, as every man had need."  If we desire to be the Church Christ desires us to be, then we must care for each other.
3. It is a Church of Miracles.  The Church in Acts had faith and power and they expected miracles.  It is time that we begin to believe God for miracles.  Miracles for salvation of loved ones, for healing, and for finances.  We cannot expect miracles of we don't operate in faith and power of the Holy Spirit.
4. It is a Church of Unity. "...they were all with one accord in one place." (Acts 2:1-4); "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul..." (Acts 4:32); "And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake..." (Acts 8:6); and there are many many other instances of this demonstration of unity within the church.  God's Church is "one!"  It isn't uniform, but it is in unity.
5. It is a Church that is Committed.  If the Church is to have miracles follow its ministry, it will have to be committed.  Committed to God's Word, committed to ministry, committed to one another, committed to the call, purpose, and commission of Jesus Christ.
6. It is a Church that Walks in Favor.  Acts 2:47 tells us that the believers were "Praising God, and having favour with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."  As God's Church we can and should walk in favor with God and man.
7. It is a Church of Power and Authority.  Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you..."  Christ and given His Church the power and authority to carry on His unfinished work of sharing the gospel with all the world.  It is a great responsibility that God has entrusted to us, but He hasn't left us ill equipped, we have the power of the Holy Spirit living within us.
8. It is a Church that has a Vision.  To be a part of the New Testament Church you must have a vision.  A vision for your life, your family, your church, and your community.  And it is God who gives life to the vision he has given you.

Jesus Christ is "building His Church."  He wants all of us to be a part of it.  Are you a part of His Church?  If not, then you can be...just simply ask God to forgive you of your sins and believe on Jesus as your Savior!  If you are a part of His Church, then what are you doing to help build the Church of Jesus Christ?  Get involved today and help fulfill God's great commission to "go into all the world and preach the good news of Jesus Christ."