“THEY CONTINUED STEADFASTLY” – part 4
Acts 2:42-47 & John 17:14-17
March 11, 2007
TRUTH

INTRODUCTION
The early church as characterized by Luke: devoted to Apostolic teaching/preaching; devoted to fellowship – vertical and horizontal; devoted to worship; devoted to mission.  Luke uses the Lord Jesus’ High Priestly prayer for his statements.  The Lord Jesus in John 17 speaks of the characteristics of: Joy, Holiness, Truth, Mission, Unity and Love.

I.  THE TRUE CHURCH MUST BE DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT
A true church, one marked by Truth, is clear as to authority, theology, priorities, and lifestyle.
   A) Authority comes from the Word of God.  On the basis of the Word of God, what does the Lord want for the church today? 
I Kings 18.  The church cannot waver between 2 opinions.
Romans 3:4.
   B) Theology is derived from the Authority of Scripture. 
   C) Priorities must be distinct from those of the world.  The                  preaching of Christ crucified, risen and coming again is to be our number one priority.  When hearts are changed by the operation of the Holy Spirit, then the social ills of society will be rectified.
  D) Lifestyle must be in accord with the Word of God.         

II.  A DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT LIFE-STYLE
Evangelicals have allowed the culture to crowd out Biblical priorities.   Ephesians 5:16. 
  A) Time
  B) Resources

III. BEING DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT WILL CHANGE THE WORLD
The Lord Jesus never told us to maneuver the world, or be elected to high office.  He told us to be salt and light in a sinful and dark world around us.  Matthew 5:13-16.  The values of a Christian are not those of the world, neither are our commitments and priorities.  Salt speaks of what we are.  Light speaks of what we do.