How do others know we are the people of God, the Church of the Lord Jesus, the bride of Christ, the sons and daughters of God by grace through faith alone? What distinguishes us from the lost world around us? How can you tell us apart from everybody else?

Well, there are many ways to address such questions. But we get inspired help from the Book of Acts. In Acts 2:38-42 we are presented with a picture of the distinguishing marks of the very first Christian Church. These marks are set forth explicitly in verses 38, 41, and 42:

Hearing and believing the Gospel

Repentance

Baptism

Devotion to Apostolic doctrine

Fellowship

The Lord's Supper

Prayer

As we begin to examine this passage on Sunday, we will learn something else about the Church, the New Covenant people of God. In addition to being a supernatural people, a crucified people, a resurrected people, a priestly people, a holy people, and a Word-founded people, we are also a distinguished people.

What a joy we will share as we come before our Lord to worship and to hear the proclamation of His blessed Word!