Acts 17:18-21  Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods," because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? 20 For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean." 21 For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

Acts 20:28-31  Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.

“Radical Restoration” Part 1

What is “Radical Restoration”? It is an attempt to “radically” reshape the nature of local churches and their worship. It is definitely “radical”… But SORELY lacking on the “restoration” end!

What is “Radical Restoration”?  There are varying methods depending on the location, but common viewpoints and attitudes are present throughout.  It is a very “subjective” movement.  (Influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions)

A Very “Subjective” Movement  Page 22) “Not Rules, but righteousness” and “Not Ritual, but spiritual” are put in quotation marks as the words of Jesus.  Page 73) Smith makes the claim, “Ironically, it is we who continue to worry more about whether we are doctrinally restored than about whether we are spiritually restored!”.

A Very “Subjective” Movement  On pages 121 & 122 Smith says, “I find it fascinating that Scripture suggests almost exact parallels between the miraculous gifts and those which are non-miraculous.”  “Overflowing joy, peace, and hope? What is that, if not ecstasy!”… “What is music of the heart, if not ecstasy!”  Romans 8:26; 15:13, & Ephesians 5:19 are all cited in reference to “ecstasy” similar to that of miraculous tongues.

“Ecstasy” 1) “a state of being beyond reason” 2) “an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement.” 3) “an emotional or religious frenzy or trancelike state, originally one involving an experience of mystic self- transcendence.”

The one proposing “Radical Reform” is very speculative in his reasoning of Scripture.  “Apparently, their love feasts were a mirror image of our own Thanksgiving celebrations…”  “From what we can tell”…  “Apparently…  Under the heading, “Meeting From House to House”  “their apparent practice”…  “presumably”…  “I wonder”...  “this might have taken place”...  “But it is also possible”...  “If that were the case”...  “Paul might have been”…  “equally possible”…  All of this speculation from only one page of the book (p. 146)!

We must have an unbiased approach to reasoning the Scriptures…  In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. (Judges 17:6)  In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. (Judges 21:25)  There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (Prov 14:12)  There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (Prov 16:25)  O L ORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. (Jer 10:23)

Major Traits of “Radical Restoration”  Emphasis on emotions and feelings of the members.  Emphasis on edification.  The Lord’s Supper.  Name changing.  Vibrant small group “fellowships”.  Informal, spontaneous, “mutual ministry” in worship.

The Ultimate Standard  “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16-17)  Jeremiah 10:23; Matthew 7:21-23; Romans 10:1-4  “and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." (1 Cor 11:24)

The Ultimate Standard for Worship  “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph 5:18-19)  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Col 3:16)  “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” (John 4:23)

The Standard for Edification  “Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.” (1 Cor 14:12)  “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” (1 Cor 14:26)  Corinthians were downplaying the importance of some (gifts & individuals) and played up the importance of others. (1Cor. 12:12- 26, 29-13:3)  One of the major points of chapter 14 was to make sure they used their gifts for the good of others, & not for self-glorification.

How do we stir up and exhort one another?  “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb 10:24-25)  It may involve some direct words of exhortation, but does it not include drawing near to God? (Hebrews 10:19-25)

Worship of God is said to benefit others  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Col 3:16)  “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph 5:19)

“Radical Restoration”  God has revealed Himself by means of a distinct and solid standard.  That which we feel to be our need for edification can never replace the worship God has commanded.  That worship will edify us!

“Repentance and remission of sins should be preached”  Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:46-47)  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" 38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:36-38)