1. IDENTIFYING MARKS OF THE CHURCH
MATTHEW 16:13-20

2. IDENTIFYING MARKS OF THE CHURCH
There must be a way to identify the church (Eph. 3:10-11, 20-21).
God wants all men to be saved (I Tim. 2:3-4; II Pet. 3:9; Tit. 3:3-4).
Salvation is in the church (Eph. 5:23; Ax. 2:47).
This being true, then we must be able to discern that place of salvation.
Where do we look to find the truth
(Psa. 73:24; II Tim. 3:16-17)?
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

3. SUPPOSE YOU GO CAMPING…
Your son gets lost
10 years old.
48 inches tall.
90 pounds.
Brown hair.
Brown eyes.
Birthmark on hand.
Blue jeans.
Red shirt.
Nike shoes.
Name is Bill
Yes - A boy is found.
No – 6 years old.
Yes.
No - 50 lbs.
No.
No - blue shirt.
No - Asics.
No - Name is Joe.
WOULD
YOU
ACCEPT
THIS
CHILD AS
YOURS
He meets 5 of the 11 identifying marks

4. LET US LOOK FOR IDENTIFYING MARKS OF THE CHURCH
Church Christ built.
Headquarters in heaven (I Pet. 3:22; Ax. 1:11)!
Churches men build.
Anderson, IN; Atlanta, GA; Salt Lake City, UT etc., on earth!
Exodus 11:7
For Christ is not entered into
the holy places made with hands,
which are the figures of the true;
but into heaven itself, now to
appear in the presence of God
for us (Heb. 9:24).

5. LET US LOOK FOR IDENTIFYING MARKS OF THE CHURCH
Church Christ built.
Her worship
Give as prospered.
Sing without instrument.
Prayer.
Weekly communion.
Preaching.
Churches men build.
Their worship.
No - Tithe, bake sales
No.
Yes
Yes.

6. LET US LOOK FOR IDENTIFYING MARKS OF THE CHURCH
Church Christ built.
The name:
My church (Mt. 16:18).
Church of Christ (Rom. 16:16).
Church of Firstborn ones (Heb. 12:23).
Churches men build.
The names:
Baptist?
Presbyterian?
Methodist?

7. LET US LOOK FOR IDENTIFYING MARKS OF THE CHURCH
Church Christ built.
The name:
Church of God (I Cor. 1:2).
Church of the Lord (Ax. 20:28).
Churches men build.
The names:
Lutheran?
Catholic?
JW’s?

8. LET US LOOK FOR IDENTIFYING MARKS OF THE CHURCH
Church Christ built.
Terms of entrance:
Hear.
Believe.
Repent.
Confess.
Baptism.
Churches men build.
Terms of entrance:
Faith only.
Grace only.
Do nothing.
Sinners prayer.
(Eph. 2:8-9)
(Heb. 5:8-9)

9. LET US LOOK FOR IDENTIFYING MARKS OF THE CHURCH
Church Christ built.
Remain faithful (Mt. 10:22; II Pet. 2:20-22; I Cor. 10:12).
Churches men build.
Doesn’t matter because can’t lose salvation anyway.

10. WOULD YOU ACCEPT THIS CHILD JUST BECAUSE HE IS A BOY?
One boy isn’t as good as another!
Your son gets lost
10 years old.
48 inches
90 pounds.
Brown hair.
Brown eyes.
Birthmark on hand.
Blue jeans.
Red shirt.
Nike shoes.
Name is Bill
A boy is found.
No – 6 years old.
Yes
No - 50 pounds.
Yes.
No.
No - blue shirt.
No - Asics.
Name is Joe.

11. DO WE EXPECT GOD TO ACCEPT A CHURCH JUST BECAUSE IT IS A CHURCH?
Church Christ built.
Right Head.
Correct worship.
Correct name.
Correct terms of entrance.
Correct lifestyle.
Churches men build.
No.
One church isn’t as good as another!

12. GOD IS LOOKING FOR HIS CHILDREN
God will not settle any more than you would.
Are you willing to become God’s child – God’s way!
Just as sure as you can tell your children from someone else’s children, God can tell those who are His (I Cor. 5:7).
Must bear all of the identifying marks!