By David Faust
I was brought up in the Independent Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, but I have remained in this tribe by personal choice. After field-testing Restoration Movement ideals over nearly five decades of ministry, I am convinced these principles remain relevant and appealing to Christians weary of division and to seekers looking for a place to belong.
Our movement’s goals make sense: honor Christ, respect biblical authority, pursue unity with other Christ followers, and make disciples of all ethnic groups. I agree with our slogans, even though we fall short in applying them. “Where the Scriptures speak, we speak; where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent.” “In essentials, unity; in opinions, liberty; in all things, love.” “We are not the only Christians, but we are Christians only.”
KEEPING THE MOVEMENT MOVING
There is still more to restore. Lost souls need peace with God. God’s family shouldn’t be splintered and distracted by human opinions and traditions. The faith, hope, and love that marked Jesus’ first-century disciples still need to be restored.
Restoration hasn’t been completed. It’s an ongoing movement—a work in progress. The Bible’s church history record is called the book of Acts, not the “Book of Inaction” or the “Book of Good Ideas.” The early church had its problems, but the New Testament offers encouraging glimpses of what God can do through ordinary people who are convinced about Jesus’ resurrection, filled with the Holy Spirit, and focused on making disciples. Finding fault is easy. It’s more productive to ask, How can we keep the movement moving?
REVISITING PENTECOST
If you have read the second chapter of Acts, you are familiar with Dr. Luke’s record of what transpired on the Day of Pentecost. Does the story still inspire you? What can we discover (or rediscover) by reading Acts 2 with fresh eyes?
Reliance on prayer and the Holy Spirit. Before preaching the gospel to diverse groups of listeners in Jerusalem, Jesus’ followers “all joined together constantly in prayer” (Acts 1:14). In today’s complicated world, we can’t make disciples in our own strength. We need to pray for the Spirit’s help.
Christ-centered preaching. A few weeks earlier, Peter lost his nerve and denied knowing Jesus; but at Pentecost he spoke boldly, clearly, and logically, declaring Jesus to be the Lord and Messiah. Effective preaching still centers on the prophesied, crucified, and risen Christ.
Urgency about the mission. Peter “assured,” “warned,” and “pleaded with” his listeners to believe in Christ, repent, and be baptized (Acts 2:36-41). Paul’s life goal was “to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24). We need to restore the sense of urgency that motivated the first-century church.
Keep the main things the main things. After thousands were baptized on the Day of Pentecost, those new believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, shared their lives and resources in fellowship (koinonia), remembered Christ by breaking bread together, and continued steadfastly in prayer (Acts 2:42). Do our church calendars and programs prioritize these vital practices?
Acts 2 describes an exciting movement. People were awe-filled and joy-filled. Devoted and united. Hospitable and generous. Praising God and serving others. Seeing new Christ followers added daily. Don’t you want to be part of that? What “Acts” of ours will help to keep the movement moving?
Personal Challenge: If you are not well acquainted with the Restoration Movement, ask someone (perhaps a minister or elder at your church) to inform you about the movement’s history and guiding principles. If you are already well acquainted with the Restoration Movement, find an opportunity to discuss the movement’s ideals and slogans with your small group, a class, or a friend who knows little or nothing about it.
Author: David Faust
David Faust serves as the Associate Minister at East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Yes and amen.
Thanks for this reminder! I don’t hear much about it in church these days, but when I was a teenager my Sunday school class studied the movement as well as had classes on it at Christian service camp.
YES, We need to restore having lessons and sermons that incorporate topics and discussions about our heritage; We are part of the legacy of The Restoration Movement in the USA and abroad which began in the mid to late 1700s – a rich part of the history of the USA and the influence of education, ministry, mission of God.
Your thoughts about our Restoration Heritage and encouragement to remember our past are greatly appreciated!! Thank you!!