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The Restoration Movement “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” Jer. 6:16

The Church God prepared - Eph. 1:4 “before the foundation of the world” God presented - Gal. 4:4 “when the fullness of the time was come” Man Departed Roman Catholic Church

The Protestant Reformation Men wanted to return to God’s plan Leaders had been reared as Catholics Tried to reform corruption they saw Protestant Denominationalism 100’s of different groups

Restoring 1st Century Christianity Why can’t we have Christianity like they did in the first century? Can we not go back to the old paths and follow them? Restoring 1st Century Christianity

Circumstances Increased circulation of Bible Dissatisfaction with Human creeds Sin of Division – John 17:20-21 Calvinistic doctrine They desired unity Total Depravity Baby died – punished in hell What does Bible teach ?

Christ as Supreme Authority Principles Christ as Supreme Authority Matt. 28:18 NKJV “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” Let us speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent

Proper division between O.T. & N.T. Principles Proper division between O.T. & N.T. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim. 2:15 Handling aright Expound correctly

Recognize the N.T. Pattern of the Church Principles Recognize the N.T. Pattern of the Church Book of Acts tells of the beginning Church in 1st century was planned by God Autonomy of the local church

Leaders in England Tottlebank -1600’s - “a church of Christ” Lancashire – 1669 – eight churches of Christ Scotland – 1735 – preacher named John Davis preaching N.T. Christianity

Leaders in America James O’Kelley – 1793 “Republican Methodists” Christ as the only head “Christians” Bible as only creed

Leaders in America Abner Jones & Elias Smith Baptist Preachers Wanted free churches Rejected human creeds Bible is rule of faith

Leaders in America Barton W. Stone – 1772-1844 - Kentucky Presbyterian Had misgivings about doctrine No “experience” No “call” to preach Assigned to Cane Ridge & Concord

Cane Ridge Church Building

Leaders in America Barton W. Stone – 1772-1844 - Kentucky 5 men formed “Springfield Presbytery” “Last will and Testament of the Spring-field Presbytery” Rejected titles “reverend” Congregational autonomy

“Last will and Testament of the Spring-field Presbytery” “We will, that this body die, be dissolved, and sink into union with the Body of Christ at large; for there is but one body, and one Spirit, even as we are called in one hope of our calling.” June 28, 1804

Leaders in America Barton W. Stone – 1772-1844 - Kentucky Baptism for remission of sins Baptism was by immersion “Our duty is to teach the good and the right way.”

Leaders in America Thomas Campbell - 1807 Withdrew from Presbyterian “Christian Association of Washington” Let us speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent

Leaders in America Thomas Campbell - 1807 Rejected Infant Baptism 1809 “Declaration and Address” Unity of the Church Christian Fellowship Terms of Communion N.T. supreme authority

Leaders in America Alexander Campbell - 1809 Agreed with his father 1811 “Brush Run” Infant baptism ????? Wife had their first child June 12, 1812 – all immersed

“Millennial Harbinger” Leaders in America Preacher Debater Writer College President Alexander Campbell - 1809 Baptism was immersion Presbyterians not happy Baptists pleased Later severed connection with Baptists “Christian Baptist” “Millennial Harbinger”

The Plea of the Restoration movement “Speak where the Bible Speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent”

Many left denominationalism The various groups came together to restore primitive Christianity to the world.

The Restoration Movement Some of the Leaders O’Kelly Smith Jones Stone T. Campbell A. Campbell

These were “men” who were trying to restore the church. They are to be followed only as they followed Christ and His teachings. “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” 1 Cor. 11:1 We are not following any man.

Is it possible to have 1st century Christianity today? Same seed will produce same fruit. Luke 8:11 “The seed is the word of God.” The seed, word of God, planted in good and honest hearts will produce the same as it produced in Jerusalem nearly 2000 years ago. YES

Do we need a new religion ? NO ! Physical Sun, air, water Spiritual The Church

The Restoration Movement “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” Jer. 6:16

Nelson Chapel Church of Christ 5039 Six Mile Road Maryville, Tn. 37803 www.nelsonchapelchurchofchrist.org April 8, 2018 Sermon by Arthur Pigman 2705 Druid Hill Dr. Maryville, Tn. 37804 art65ann@gmail.com CCL11325562