New Covenant Living
in the
Local Church
Table of Contents
Chapter II - Water Baptism (12)
Chapter III - The New Nature (21)
Chapter IV - Repentance and Cleansing (30)
Chapter V - Baptism in the Holy Spirit (39)
Chapter VI - Baptism into the Body of Christ (51)
Chapter VII - Spiritual Giftings from God (62)
Chapter VIII - Understanding the Principle
of Authority (73)
Chapter IX - Receiving Those Whom God
Sends (83)
Chapter X - Growing in Grace (93)
Chapter XI - The Authority of the Scripture (104)
Chapter XII - An Eschatology of Victory (114)
Chapter XIII - Developing a Devotional
Prayer Life (128)
Introduction
This manual was first printed in 1996 under the name An Introduction to
Kingdom Living in the Local Church. However, as we have stayed open to the
leading of God’s Holy Spirit, we have been a church in reform. Therefore,
we felt the need to update this manual to better reflect the truths of
covenant eschatology that the Holy Spirit has led us into.
We here at Abundant Life Covenant Church believe the word “Christianity”
has lost much of its meaning in our current American culture and society.
The scandals of denominations in Christianity, both locally and nationally,
have proven this to be true. Therefore, we choose to use the scriptural term
“kingdom of God” and “new covenant living” rather than “Christianity,” since
today’s cultural Christianity often does not reflect scriptural truth.
We believe the scriptural truths and principles set forth in these pages
are true with a clear exegesis of Scripture. We have also endeavored to give
some very practical ways of applying them. The best commentary on the
Scripture is the Scripture itself. We believe the revelation of the New
Testament sheds light on the Old Testament to properly understand the
shadows and typology of the Old Testament.
The Elders of Abundant Life Covenant Church agree that these guidelines
are very relevant and practical for individuals and families in the present
age in which we live. New covenant relationships in the local church should
serve as a model for families and individuals that make up the family units.
By the sovereign election of God’s grace, He has placed us together in
biblical new covenant relationships, and we have been in these precious
relationships for several years. Like Apostle Paul’s exhortation to Timothy,
our “manner of life” is lived out in accountable relationships by practicing
the principles of Matthew 18:15-20.
