Four Distinctives of the Biblical Church

The sinner becomes a saint.
The Holy Spirit governs His people.
There is a personal covenant with God.
Calling to sojourn among the stranger.

Luke 15:1,2,3,4,5,6,7 The religious people judged Jesus for eating with undesirable people. This meant not everyone was characterized as a “sinner” and that this type of person could change. He expects a sinner to repent and change.

1 Corinthians 1:1,2 The people are called to be set aside for a holy purpose (saint).

Isaiah 35:8

1 John 3:5,6,7,8,9,10

1 John 1:5,6 There was fellowship; Paul treated them as brothers that could benefit from greater light.

Acts 15:28 “It seemed good to the Holy Ghost” means he put the decision-making power there.

Luke 17:12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19 The Samaritan that came back was not part of the covenant with the Jews. He was part of, and thankful for, the healing from Jesus.

A personal covenant doesn’t go through a church or person. It goes through the blood of Christ.