A Restoration of the Restoration Movement

The title of this article is a direct quote of Colin Sherfied who is a 21 year-old ministry student at David Lipscomb University and as found in The Christian Chronicle, April 2012, page 10. This quotation was taken from the heading, “NON-DENOMINATIONAL: YOUNG BELIEVERS SEEK TO BE ‘CHRISTIANS ONLY’”, a continuation of the article that began on page 1 entitled, “DECLINING NUMBERS, BUT SIGNS OF HOPE?” The principle of restoring something and/or someone is certainly found in the Holy Scriptures. For an example, there is the story of the very young king of Judah, Josiah, who began to restore something that had been neglected for many years (2 Kings, chapters 22 & 23). The case was, the Book of the Law had been lost but was found in the house of the Lord. Upon hearing it read, Josiah began tearing down the worship places where the children of Israel were paying homage to heathen gods; and, he also began the observance of the Passover (23:21-23). In Galatians 6:1, the apostle Paul wrote these words: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Emphasis, mine). Therefore to speak of restoring that which has been neglected and/or lost is a biblical principle.

Over the centuries there have been efforts to restore apostolic Christianity. Some were like Martin Luther who endeavored to reform the corrupt practices of the Roman Catholic Church. There were other great leaders who protested against the teaching and practices of this apostate religious organization; yet, their efforts proved to be the breeding ground for the rise of a multiplicity of denominations. Their efforts were more of a reformation movement rather than a restoration of New Testament Christianity.

Members of the congregations of Christ are more acquainted with the endeavors of individuals both in Europe and in our own country who influenced thousands of believers to return to the teaching and the practices as found in the New Testament. There were believers in various areas of our nation who were teaching the gospel before Thomas and Alexander Campbell came to this country. Men like Barton W. Stone, Walter Scott, Tolbert Fanning and scores of other Bible believing individuals were seeking to restore apostolic Christianity. The combined efforts led to a movement that began to spread across our nation like a prairie fire. Believers left denominational dogmas and unscriptural practices to band together as the church of Jesus Christ. Such did not occur overnight; rather it was a gradual process, often dividing friends and family. Thus, out of many came one – the church of Christ. The attitude of restoration is essential for every generation.

But the question is how do you restore something that is not lost and/or neglected? While we do not question the integrity of the university students to be “Christians only”, why leave the church to form another religious organization? The article in the Christian Chronicle mentioned that the group is now meeting in the “Cannery Ballroom, a downtown Nashville bar and music venue”. While the article does not mention as to what constitutes the worship assemblies of this group, it does state that musical instruments are being used. How is it that these young folk are restoring (?) something that is not even mentioned in the New Testament and was not used for several centuries in the worship assemblies? Now read very carefully to what “Lindsay Hartselle, a 20-year old student at Lipscomb” said about the name of the religious organization: “Young Christians don’t look for the name “Church of Christ” when choosing a place to worship”. “We’re looking
for how we can connect with God.” A couple of observations are needful at this point.

First of all I understand that the group calls themselves the “Ethos Church of Christ”, however, it seems the “Ethos” part will be greatly emphasized over “Church of Christ”. “Connect with God”? Jesus clearly taught in John 3:5 that when one is “born of water and the Spirit” he becomes a citizen of the “kingdom of God.” The apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 3:26, 27: “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Therefore, all baptized believers have been ‘connected’ with God through His Son Jesus Christ. Colin Sherfied states, “He sees his generation’s lack of “brand loyalty” harkening back to the Restoration Movement, the 19th century religious awakening to which Churches of Christ trace roots.” So, in their effort to have a “restoration of the Restoration Movement” they have named their religious organization “Ethos”. I assume therefore that this name will be their “brand loyalty”. I say with all kindness in my heart, where in the New Testament do you find the name “Ethos” that needs to be restored? You might be interested in knowing the meaning of “Ethos” as per the Wikipedia Dictionary: “Ethos is a Greek word meaning "character" that is used to describe the guiding beliefs or ideals that characterize a community, nation, or ideology. The Greeks also used this word to refer to the power of music to influence its hearer's emotions, behaviors, and even morals.” Sherfield, a student at DLU, “plans to work with the Renovo church, a young congregation in Puyallup, Wash. launched with support from Kairos, a church planting ministry that works with Churches of Christ.” “Renovo” is a Latin word meaning “renew, revive” and “repeat.” It is true that the Word of God teaches that Christians are to be pure in heart and in “character” as found in Matthew 5:8 and Hebrews 12:14; and the Holy Scriptures is our only guide in religious matters (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). Furthermore our creed is that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God and that He died for our sins (Matthew 16:16; I Corinthians 15:1-3). And surely we need to be revived and renew our love and zeal for the Lord constantly (Titus 2:14; 3:1; Matthew 22:37). But why would believers in Christ desire to use names like “Ethos” and “Renovo” in addition to the lovely and precious name of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12)?

It must be said that we have miserably failed in teaching the present generation that the church of Jesus Christ had its beginning as recorded in Acts 2 and not as the result of the Restoration Movement. Those who teach that the church had its beginning in the Restoration Movement generally believe that we are just a denomination like all the rest. These young people are actually receiving encouragement in this movement by the older generation. The article states that the “Harpeth Hills Church of Christ in Brentwood, Tenn. Helped fund the church as it began.” And then the question must be asked, what are some of the professors teaching in the Bible Department at David Lipscomb University? I urge you to read my article that can be found in this blog: “TO WHOM WILL YOU ENTRUST THE MINDS OF YOUR COLLEGE AGE YOUNG PEOPLE?”

While it is good that we preach about ‘relationships’, we must also teach our young people of the oneness of the body (church) of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22, 23) which He purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25). And sermons/lessons on what the New Testament teaches regarding acceptable music in the worship assemblies are drastically needed because of the present religious environment where the mechanical instruments are being used by ‘Christian artists’ and in the assemblies of the majority of the denominations.

Holy Father, grant us wisdom and understanding; fill our hearts with love for our brethren, grant us strength to teach Your Word with all sincerity; give us courage to stand for what is right; and, to live faithfully in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ, that one day when this life is over, we can be with You in eternity, saved by your infinite grace, love and mercy and the precious blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name, Amen.

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