Restoration Churches in America

An Explanation
Retrieved verbatim by Pat Darnell  |  McTavish, TJM. c2005. A Theological Miscellany

[Page 89 ...]
The term restoration churches refers to groups that have formed to restore what they believe to be the practice of the New Testament church, renouncing all creeds and holding only to the Bible as their authority. The movement began in North America in the early 1800's and is also called the "Christians-only-movement." It had two main thrusts

1. emulating the New Testament church
2. restoring the unity of the Church by avoiding denominational structures

Over time the movement divided between these two aims. Those stressing early Christian practices largely withdrew from contact with other churches while those who sought unity other churches lost many of the "primitive" or early Christian traits.

In the process, the movement to end denominational-ism resulted in the formation of many new denominations, though. [M]ost restorations groups refuse to be considered denominations and avoid organizations and avoid organizations that officially link their local churches.

Because many of these churches call themselves "Christian" or "Churches of Christ" it is often hard to tell which branch of the movement they belong to.

Thus:
Groups stemming from the "Christians Only" movement include:

• Christian Church -- Disciples of Christ
• Christian Churches and Churches of Christ -- Independent
• Churches of Christ -- Non-instrumental
• International Churches of Christ -- "Crossroads" or "Boston" movement

(McTavish, TJM. c2005. page 89. A Theological Miscellany)

Christian Men...become Christian Soldiers

Fellow Men of Christ,

This is not easy to write about because words aren't what's happening. The Spirit of God is requiring full attention from you, as faithful and steadfast men. It isn't optional to listen.

Our society and world is crawling with the devils' minions, polluting minds and stealing the souls of our fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, grandfathers, cousins, brother-in-laws, son-in-laws, friends and neighbors. We are assaulted by a daily barrage from the media about another bad man who has fallen victim to satans foul words and deeds, made into a buzzing, incomprehensible gibberish that says, "It's okay, you are misunderstood. Go ahead. You don't have to take it anymore. This is the right way to solve problems. Just finish them. Take what you need. Don't worry, you will be the better man for it."

God doesn't agree. He rewards all who have faith in Him. We as Believers have faith in God because we admit we believe. As we seek God he reminds us, as we have our Brothers as witnesses, to lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely to us, and to have patience to run the race set before us.

We must be champions of God's will and he wills us to be faithful and steadfast, in all things of man, as our Saviour, Jesus, the Son of Man, the Son of God carried us on his back with the promise of all things God. (Hebrews 11:6 & 12:1)

It seems to be fashionable to not care. I say it myself, "Whatever". We must care, it is our duty and obligation to care and be careful, with ourselves as well as others, loved ones and strangers.

The Challenge:
I am suggesting this Easter, 2008 Christian men, Christian soldiers, muster under God's banner and make ourselves visible and known to the people we love, the people who depend on us, the people we depend on. We are numerous but don't allow the world and the Father to hear our combined voices.

In the name of God it is a powerful voice. United, faithful and steadfast nothing could withstand the glory and God will be praised by our prayers as we intentionally move the weight of evil from our paths. I propose a worldwide march of Good, Christian men, arm-in-arm, praising God and laying low the devils' towers. In Christ, dd