Some scholars within our Movement have suggested that our plea to Restore Christianity is lost due to division and disharmony amoung our churches. On the surface it may seem that way. Statistics show that we are maintaining, but not growing. Churches seem to split in every direction, and it seems that we have lost our drive and zeal. It seems that the people in the pews are apathetic and complacient. I recently heard of "Christian" Church in our movement that sued its Elders and it's Minister due to changes that were made in the service. I see this more and more. Is this due to our dying cause or is this a fulfillment of II Thess. 2:3 (which may be a different thread)?

-- Anonymous, October 16, 1999

Answers

And if every one would just stop sinning like you guys, the church would be a whole lot better off!

Right Mike??

-- Anonymous, April 29, 2000

Dear A, Don't count out the Movement for a restoration yet! In some areas, I'm sure you're aware, people from denominations, cults and even paganism are seeking Scriptural soundness. I think you are right that there is plenty of room for improvement on our part. We must clarify in our own hearts and minds what is "essential" and be more willing to grant others liberty in the "nonessentials." We also need to return to a biblical model for correction, i.e. first taking matters to brothers and sisters privately, then to a small group of leaders, and finally before a congregation. Public arguing and gossip definitely confuse those trying to see Jesus in us. But, as long as we're doing our best to imitate our Master, they'll eventually see Him, especially if we're obviously growing in humility and other aspects of His character. Not every congregation is in the dire straits you portray. Don't give up yet.

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

Thank you for the kind words of encouragement. You are right there are real healthy churches out there that are doing a fantastic job- but then there are others who constantly fight. I believe we have hope if only we can get our priorities straight.

-- Anonymous, October 24, 1999

Brother Kelley,

It is sad to see all the in-fighting that goes on in the churches. I know a congregation that split and sued it's elders because they would not allow bingo in the fellowship hall. I have heard of many other stories. I know little about the restoration movement, but I too (as B.J. does) know of congregations that truly want to preach Christ crucified to the world. In our local body, we have an intense study program. We live close to a military base, and never know how much time we will have with each family...as most are active duty. Each week (from the 1st week they visit) there is contact with the new guests. By the third or fourth week, we are in their homes for personal Bible study. We take discipling very seriously. There will always be people in the pews that are apathetic and complacent...these will always need to be motivated and encouraged. All the more reason for those who are willing to work to work all the more. You say..."I believe we have hope if only we can get our priorities straight." I agree with you 100%! The question I pose is this...as a group, how do we get our priorities straight when we can not even agree on the very basics of salvation?

The world we are trying to reach is bombarded with so many different view points on the issue of salvation...and those in the restoration movement who claim to have the truth...are divided on this also. What can we do??

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

D. Muse, I agree with you. To me, this movement of ours has hope- there is always hope. But, the simple fact that we (like any denomination) bicker, gripe, and complain. Perhaps, I am as guilty as anyone. But, one thing I see so clear is our lack of love. We try to be right at all cost with our doctrine, yet we forget love. We do not love those who are caught in sin, we do not love those caught in false doctrine, and we do not love those disagree with us. Now, Jesus never once taught that we are to partake in their sins, but we are to love them so much that we will show them the way. Paul, said that he became all things to win some. Yet, we tend to tell everyone that we will only love them unless we do what we tell them to do- that is through our understanding of hermenutics. Perhaps, we need to listen more and be more understanding whenever possible.

-- Anonymous, October 25, 1999

The movement is dead because the Church has not performed as she should. We do not take personal holiness serious and we do not seperate ourselves properly from the world. If we did we would not have this trouble. Everyone knows that we are in trouble but no one seems to want to do what it will take to change, everyone seems to think that it is someone else that is to blame, but we need to point the finger inward. And be the people that God has called us to be.

MIKE

-- Anonymous, April 29, 2000

Danny-

Your sarcasm gives your heart away And I hope that was a joke about how impressed you are with yourself. Danny I hate sin, I want to be free. And it is very simple, I say God is more powerful than Satan ( so does the bible). And through diligence in the scriptures, God will, if I am allowed to live that long, strengthen me to make the right choices not to sin ,not that I can't but I will make the choice not to, through the working of God in me. Scripture makes it clear I have that choice,and with applying all that the bible says and allowing the Spirit to work in me I will make the right choice not to sin eventually as it is a growing process, but I will never get to a place that I will not Have a choice to sin, That I cannot sin, but till the day I die I will have that choice. Right now God is teaching me through the scriptures to make those right choices. But it seems you want that excuse so nothing I could say will convince you otherwise.FOR THE LAST TIME I WILL ALWAYS NEED HIS GRACE.

MIKE

-- Anonymous, April 29, 2000