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Today we begin a discussion of the seven marks of a Scripture-driven church.

The people and leaders of a Scripture-driven church:

1. Are committed to Scripture alone as their sole and final authority.

2. Understand God's two-fold purpose for His church - preaching the Gospel to the world, and building up believers in sound doctrine.

3. Rightly handle the Word of God, employing the four-fold use of Scripture found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

4. Operate under the Bible's authority, asking the question, "Is it Biblical?" about everything the church is, says, and does.

5. Identify and reject illegitimate authorities, recognizing that submitting to the right authority also means that the church must reject wrong authorities.

6. Practice Bible-based evangelism, preaching the one true Gospel in its fullness.

7. Answer anti-Christian positions with apologetics - a clear, Biblical defense of the faith - not apologies.