Reflections on what New Testament Christianity might look like in the 21st Century

Starting from the base that all scripture is inspired (2 Tim 3:16)^[1] - was the aim of the church to model ‘New Testament Christianity’ in the 21st century and if so, what would this look like?

1. The Bible is the plumb line by which our culture is judged not the over way around. (Amos 7:7-8, Rom 12:1-2, 1 John 2:15-17, James 4:4, Gal 1:6-10, John 15:18-19, Eph 2:1-5, 2 Cor 10:2-6)
2. Teaching that encourages the believer to aim for personal holiness through the work of the Holy Spirit - whilst acknowledging the real conflicts and difficulties this may involve. (Matt 5:48, Romans 6:1-8:11, 2 Cor 5:17, 1 John 1:5-10, Eph 4:20-32)
3. Church government, based around corporate eldership, which aims to equip the ‘saints’ for the work of the ministry. (Eph 4:11-16, 1Tim 2:1-13, Acts 14:21-23, Titus 1:5-9, 1 Peter 5:1-5)
4. Open worship with opportunities for the gifts of the spirit to be used. (Eph 5:18-21, 1 Cor 14:26-33, 1 Tim 4:14)
5. Minimal use of rituals and ornaments, yet a high regard for the well attested sacraments of the New Covenant e.g. Baptism, Lord’s Supper and a respect for those who believe that head coverings is still a valid teaching. (Acts 2:41&46, Acts 8:12 & 36-38, Acts 9:18, Acts 10:47-48, Acts 16:33, Matt 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:14-20, 1 Cor 11:1-34)
6. Humble willingness to retain the best of past church music whilst embracing modern songs - in accordance with the New Testament recommendation that in times of deception we should pay particular regard to the godly traditions of those who have gone before. (2 Thess 2 v 15, Eph 5:18-21, Matt 13;52, Mark 14:26)
7. In these contentious times have particular regard to upholding biblical positions on creation, sexual ethics and gender issues.

(Rom 1:18-32, 1 Cor 6:9-10, Gal 5:19-21, Eph 5:3-7, Col 3:5-10, 2 Peter 3:3-6)