Episode 23: What are marks of a healthy and biblical church? | We Believe
Understanding the Marks of a Biblical Church: Preaching, Sacraments, and Discipline
As we navigate the role of the church in today's world, it's important to take a deeper look at what truly defines a biblical church. We've previously discussed the idea of the universal church—one that transcends race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status, united by a common faith in Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. But what about the practical markers that help us identify a church as truly biblical? Let’s dive into the core aspects that make up a church faithful to God’s calling.
The Three Essential Marks of the Church
We often receive questions, especially from high school students heading off to college or families relocating to new cities, about how to find a church that aligns with biblical teachings. The good news is that church history has provided us with some clear guidelines for evaluating whether a church is rooted in Scripture. These guidelines are simple but essential:
Preaching of the Gospel: A biblical church is one where the gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ—is proclaimed consistently. This means not just a surface-level mention of Jesus but a deep, ongoing proclamation of His life, death, and resurrection. Every sermon should, in some way, point us to Christ. As we listen to a sermon, we should be evaluating whether it points us toward Jesus or whether it focuses more on the pastor, the church, or any other ideology.
Faithful Administration of the Sacraments: A church must also practice the sacraments—specifically, baptism and the Lord’s Supper—in accordance with Christ’s teachings. These sacraments are not to be treated lightly but should be practiced regularly and with reverence. They are signs of God's covenant with His people and reminders of His grace.
Church Discipline: Discipline in the church isn’t about punitive actions but about discipleship and correction. A church that practices discipline cares enough about the spiritual health of its members to help them stay on the path of righteousness. This means lovingly calling people to repentance and holding each other accountable in their walk with Christ.
These three elements—preaching, sacraments, and discipline—are vital for a church to maintain its biblical integrity.
The Importance of Biblical Preaching
Among the three marks, preaching holds a central place in the life of the church. The importance of preaching can’t be overstated because it’s through the faithful preaching of God's Word that the church is nurtured and built up. The Bible is clear: “Repent and believe, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” Jesus Himself modeled the role of preacher, and He commissioned His disciples to continue this work.
But how can we tell if a sermon is biblical or not? One key indicator is whether the preacher is proclaiming Christ throughout. A good sermon is not about supporting an agenda or a personal opinion. It’s about explaining what the Bible says and how it points to Jesus. Whether through an expository or topical sermon, the focus should always return to the gospel message: Jesus is the central point of all Scripture. A sermon should consistently ask, “How does this passage point to Jesus?”
For example, expository preaching is when a preacher works through a passage of Scripture, explaining it verse by verse and ensuring that the meaning comes directly from the text. This method guards against the temptation to twist Scripture to fit personal ideas. It's a faithful way to explore the depths of God’s Word and show how it ultimately points us to Christ.
While topical preaching has its place, especially for addressing specific themes like the Trinity or Sabbath, it’s crucial that even in these topics, the preacher doesn't just pick and choose passages to support their point but rather lets Scripture speak for itself. Whether a sermon is expository or topical, the key is that it always points us to Jesus.
Discernment in Church Practices
At the end of the day, choosing a church is not about finding the most entertaining or culturally relevant place; it’s about finding a church where the gospel is preached, the sacraments are administered faithfully, and discipline is practiced for the good of the congregation. These are the marks that distinguish a biblical church from others, and they are the foundation on which our faith is built. So, when we look for a church, we need to ask ourselves: Is the Word of God being faithfully proclaimed? Are the sacraments practiced with reverence? Is the church willing to hold people accountable to live according to God’s commands? If these three things are in place, then we can be confident that we have found a biblical church—a place where God is honored, His people are nourished, and His mission is advanced.
Understanding the Apostles' Creed Through the Covenant
In the Old Testament, we see God establishing His covenant with His people through specific signs, such as circumcision, given to Abraham. This physical mark was a reminder that they belonged to God, that His promises were still in play. When we move into the New Testament, these signs evolve, with baptism and communion becoming the new symbols of God's covenant. Baptism signifies our initiation into the covenant, while communion continually reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice and the new covenant He established with His people. As we participate in baptism or communion, we are reminded of the promises God has made and the faithfulness with which He keeps them.
The significance of communion, in particular, is profound. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:16, communion is not just about partaking in bread and wine—it is about participating in the body and blood of Christ. It is a reminder that we are united with Him, and also with one another. Communion isn’t just a private act; it’s a communal experience, binding us together as the body of Christ.
The Power of Communion and Baptism
Communion and baptism serve as tangible reminders of the gospel at work in our lives. They are not just religious rituals; they are signs and seals of the deeper work the Holy Spirit is doing within us. These sacred moments remind us of what Christ has done, but also of our ongoing journey of transformation.
I’m particularly grateful for the opportunity to partake in these practices regularly, as they nourish and strengthen us. Communion serves not only to remind us of our individual salvation but also of our unity as a community. It invites us to examine our hearts, confess sin, and seek reconciliation—not just with God, but with each other. As we gather at the table, it’s a moment of healing, where the Holy Spirit meets us in mysterious ways, rejuvenating our spirits and deepening our connection to God and each other.
The Apostle Paul’s words also challenge us to look inward during communion. It’s a time for self-reflection, where we assess our relationships and our standing before God. If there’s unresolved conflict between us, communion calls us to reconciliation. It’s not just a symbol; it’s a means by which God works in us to restore, heal, and bring us closer to His will.
Discipline and the Church Community
Finally, one of the less popular but equally important aspects of church life is discipline. We often think of discipline negatively, but in the context of the church, it’s about being nourished and trained in godliness. Just as an athlete needs discipline to grow in strength and skill, we too need discipline to grow in faith and holiness.
Church discipline is two-sided: on one hand, it is a positive force that encourages growth, accountability, and spiritual development. On the other hand, it serves as a necessary safeguard against sin and discord within the community. Discipline, in this sense, is not about judgment or punishment, but about correction, restoration, and building each other up. It’s a vital part of our spiritual formation as we are taught and held accountable by the leadership in the church.
At Emmanuel Reformed Church, we take discipline seriously. Our leadership structure of elders and deacons ensures that we are guided and corrected in love. Elders, as spiritual shepherds, provide oversight and ensure that the teaching, sacraments, and community life align with the gospel. They also protect the church by addressing issues of sin and division when they arise. The checks and balances in our church governance help us maintain the integrity of the body of Christ, ensuring that we are always striving to live in accordance with God’s Word.
As we continue to grow in faith and community, we are reminded of the significance of the covenant God made with His people, the nourishing practices of baptism and communion, and the importance of discipline in our walk with Christ. These elements remind us that we are not just individual believers, but part of a larger body, called to live faithfully and in unity with one another.
