Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

-- The end result was even more denominationalism
Mark A. Copeland
C. CALLS FOR RESTORATION...
1. There have been many calls for “restoration”
a. Some seeking to restore the Lord’s church (as though it had been lost)
b. Others seeking to restore people back to the Lord’s church (which has always existed)
2. In both cases, efforts usually centered around restoring the New Testament pattern for the
local church (organization, worship, work, etc.)
3. In many cases, the efforts appear to have been short-lived
a. One generation may have truly been restored to the Lord’s way
b. Yet some in that generation and others to follow simply repeated the process of
apostasy (e.g., the International Church of Christ)
-- The end result often being even more denominationalism!
CONCLUSION
1. Of the three (reformation, revelation, restoration), I believe the Biblical response is restoration...
a. As illustrated by the restoration of the Jews after Babylonian captivity
b. As illustrated by the restorative work of John the Baptist - cf. Lk 1:16-17
-- We must be restored back to the church of the New Testament
2. Yet the principle of restoration works provided we...
a. Allow the Word of God to be our only guide and authority - cf. Ac 20:32; 2 Ti 3:16-17
b. Do not allow traditions of men to replace the commands of God - cf. Mt 15:3-9
-- Otherwise we plant the seeds of apostasy and denominationalism all over again!
3. As followers of Jesus, we do well to imitate His service to God while on earth...
a. Living under the Law of Moses which was in force at that time, He was simply a Jew (not a
Pharisee, Sadducee, etc.)
b. Living under the law of Christ (1 Co 9:21) today, we should simply be Christians, not members
of some denominational party - cf. 1 Co 1:10-13
What are you religiously? Involved with the descendants of the apostasy foretold in the Scriptures?
One of those whose response to the falling away has resulted in only another denomination?
Why not simply be a Christian, by letting the Word of God restore you back to the church of our Lord as
revealed in the New Testament...? - cf. Ac 2:36-42,47
Topical Sermons 15