John Calvin often wrote of Restoring the Church of Christ. While he came up short, his proposal was to remove all of those practices which had been added without Biblical authority. He, along with most historic scholars defended at least the CE part of the CENI.

I have posted his proposal here:

http://www.piney.com/Calvin-Reform-1.html

The four books on the history of the Church in England I am presently working on show that there was always a struggle going on between the High Church and the Bible. While most books do a poor job of indexing the “music” issue, the move from using the Biblical text for “singing” to the victory of sentimental hymns is informative.

I believe that the Campbells were more influenced by Calvin.

You are surely not alone in your struggle against the adversary and his flock. I have gone through much persecution, as well, facing these wiles. It amazes me that we, Christians, are more often persecuted by those within the church rather than by the outsider. Gossip is a sinister deed and finding a way to cope in a Christ-like manner is a challenge.

Another thought:

Remember that none of us is sinless (1 John 1: and if we point the finger then we will have 3 more pointing back at ourselves. If we are aware of a certain brother’s struggle with a certain sin we must not expolit the situation and spread the news that he has sinned. Even if it is true, we have fallen into the Devil’s trap if we do so.

Let all brethren be truthful and honest with one another, helping each other overcome evil. Backstabbing is an abomination for God’s people to take part in and an hindrance to the work of the Kingdom.

In the meekness and gentleness of Christ,

Mike Hildreth

I hope all is well with you, brother. Stay in touch.

Mike Hildreth

My readings on church history and yes secular history, led me to reconsider the teachings I received from preachers in the churches of Christ/Churches of Christ, and I can say that most preachers in our faith-heritage have either hazy or incorrect idea and understanding on this subject. But the one error that I guess tops all other errors on this subject is the assertion by some of our preachers that we are the “one true church” and that no one who wants to go to heaven can do so without himself/herself becoming a member of “our church.” In fact, there are church of Christ preachers who are of the opinion that baptism (believer’s immersion) done from other churches or denominations are invalid because that baptism did not add them into the true church — our church.

My views on this matter is still developing and I expect as other can expect too from me, that we will not all have the same take on this issue, but that of course should not divide us.

My readings on the Campbells tell me that many of us who are heirs to his movement have got it wrong. We have become hair-splitters and legalistic, most often that is!

I have never been to a Bible school and my own faith-formation is 90% a product of my own personal effort to understand the Scriptures. And the way I see it, most preachers who have wrong understanding on church history came from our Bible schools. This observation makes me thankful that I had never been to a Bible school.

Again a good article from you! Keep up the good work!

How are you?

As you already know, I am currently focusing on my full time studies of God’s Word at BTSOP. However, I would love to return to the Philippines and be part of the effort to help train preachers there, someday. Until then, know that you are constantly in my prayers. May the Lord bless the work you guys are doing in Pit-os.

Give my regards to brother Reuben and the others out there that may know me. Thank you!

Brotherly,

Mike Hildreth

He never leaves us.

Great site!

Outstanding words of encouragement that we all can learn from and cherish. Regardless of where we are on our path to more perfect Christian living, we can all apply this thinking to our lives. For, we have all made mistakes and desire to serve God without any more! May the Lord bless your continued work on this blog. You are a strong soldier of the cross.

-Mike

Of course, we know considering such has nothing to do with our salvation, but what of God’s desire being accomplished on the earth? Shall the overcomers be those who eventually are able to push through along those paths others have cut to the extent that they were granted? Are we to take up where they left off? And if we are, is this done by looking to their example? Or is it simply the Lord’s revealing what it is He needs in this generation, even though those who respond may be unaware of the struggles of those who have labored before them?

To me, the picture of the restoration of the temple and the city of Jerusalem with Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah seems powerful as a type (holding Jerusalem as a picture of Christian oneness and the parallel to church history), but I must agree with the above writer… we may learn from the accomplishment and struggle, etc., of those who have gone before, but what is primary is our focus on the Word of God. Perhaps this focus will also enable genuine fellowship among all those who are called in such a way, regardless their heritage and starting points. “Until we all arrive.”

(There is one NT text I CAN think of as to restoration, and that is the Lord’s charge to Ephesus in Rev. 2 that they consider from whence they have fallen and to return to do the first works…having left their first love.)

May the Lord gain for Himself what it is HE is after.

He is worthy.

your brother in Christ, John