ephesians

Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

EPHESIANS

AndAndPOSTMODERNISMPOSTMODERNISMBy Roy H. Lanier, Jr.By Roy H. Lanier, Jr.


What We Face TodayWhat We Face Today

““It is one of the great conceits of our It is one of the great conceits of our time to imagine that we can sweep time to imagine that we can sweep away the past and simply begin all away the past and simply begin all over again at the beginning. We over again at the beginning. We cannot. For in a thousand and one cannot. For in a thousand and one ways (many of them unknown to us) ways (many of them unknown to us) our past and its traditions have our past and its traditions have made us what we are…” – Allen, made us what we are…” – Allen, Cruciform.Cruciform.


What We Face TodayWhat We Face Today

““Second, Churches of Christ began Second, Churches of Christ began as a sect in the early nineteenth as a sect in the early nineteenth century and evolved into a century and evolved into a denomination during the course of denomination during the course of the twentieth century. The fact the twentieth century. The fact could hardly be striking, …were it could hardly be striking, …were it not for the fact..rejected these not for the fact..rejected these labels…as pertinent to their own labels…as pertinent to their own identity” – Hughes, identity” – Hughes, Ancient Faith.Ancient Faith.


Ephesians as a BookEphesians as a Book

Ephesians was written about 62 A. D., Ephesians was written about 62 A. D., during Paul’s Roman imprisonment, during Paul’s Roman imprisonment, one of four such “prison epistles.”one of four such “prison epistles.”

Paul visited Ephesus twice – Acts Paul visited Ephesus twice – Acts 18:19-21; 19.18:19-21; 19.

It has been called the “Alps of the New It has been called the “Alps of the New Testament” due to its sublime form.Testament” due to its sublime form.



Key words include:Key words include:–““in”in”–““grace”grace”–““Spirit, spiritual”Spirit, spiritual”–““Body”Body”–““walk”walk”

“heavenly”“heavenly”–““mystery”mystery”



A brief outline could be:A brief outline could be:»Doctrinal – 1-3Doctrinal – 1-3»Practical – 4-6Practical – 4-6

It has often been called the “church It has often been called the “church book,” due to its doctrinal emphasis book,” due to its doctrinal emphasis about the body of Christ.about the body of Christ.



A major theme was the “one body.”A major theme was the “one body.” There was not to be a Jewish church There was not to be a Jewish church

and a Gentile church; they were and a Gentile church; they were reconciled to God in one body through reconciled to God in one body through the cross.the cross.

Jesus Christ is “our peace,” the Jesus Christ is “our peace,” the cornerstone of the fitly framed body cornerstone of the fitly framed body composed of all believers regardless composed of all believers regardless of race. – 2:14, 21-22of race. – 2:14, 21-22


Chapter 1 RelationshipChapter 1 Relationship

–Notice a relationship:Notice a relationship:V. 3 - “every spiritual blessing in V. 3 - “every spiritual blessing in Christ” Christ”

V. 4 - “chose us in him” V. 4 - “chose us in him” V. 6 - “grace bestowed on us in the V. 6 - “grace bestowed on us in the Beloved Beloved

V. 7 - “in whom we have our V. 7 - “in whom we have our redemptionredemption

V. 9 - “purposed in him” V. 9 - “purposed in him”



V. 10 - “V. 10 - “sum up all things in Christ”sum up all things in Christ” V. 11 - “in whom we were made a V. 11 - “in whom we were made a

heritage”heritage” V. 13 - “in whom…heard the truth” V. 13 - “in whom…heard the truth” V. 13 - “in whom…believed, sealed”V. 13 - “in whom…believed, sealed” V. 20 - “wrought in Christ” V. 20 - “wrought in Christ”



V. 5 – “with Christ”V. 5 – “with Christ” V. 6 – “with Him,..with him”V. 6 – “with Him,..with him” V. 6 – “in Christ Jesus”V. 6 – “in Christ Jesus” V. 7 – “in Christ Jesus”V. 7 – “in Christ Jesus” V. 10 – “in Christ Jesus”V. 10 – “in Christ Jesus” V. 13 – “in Christ Jesus”V. 13 – “in Christ Jesus” V. 13 – “in the blood of Christ”V. 13 – “in the blood of Christ”



V. 16 – “in himself”V. 16 – “in himself” V. 18 – “through him”V. 18 – “through him” V. 21 – “in whom…holy temple in V. 21 – “in whom…holy temple in

the Lord”the Lord” V. 22 – “in whom builded together”V. 22 – “in whom builded together”


How does one get into Christ?How does one get into Christ?

Acts 2:37-47 – Penitent baptized Acts 2:37-47 – Penitent baptized persons were added. persons were added.

Rom. 6:3 – baptized into ChristRom. 6:3 – baptized into ChristGal. 3:27 – baptized into ChristGal. 3:27 – baptized into Christ1 Cor. 12:13 – baptized into the body1 Cor. 12:13 – baptized into the bodyJohn 3:1-5 – birth of water and spiritJohn 3:1-5 – birth of water and spirit1 Pet. 1:23 – begotten again by seed1 Pet. 1:23 – begotten again by seed


““Extremely Sectarian”?Extremely Sectarian”?

““At times we have been extremely At times we have been extremely sectarian by effectively denying that sectarian by effectively denying that anyone outside our churches could be a anyone outside our churches could be a true Christian because we are the only true Christian because we are the only ones who taught and practiced the ones who taught and practiced the biblical doctrine of baptism. At other biblical doctrine of baptism. At other times we have admitted there might be times we have admitted there might be Christians in other groups….” (Christians in other groups….” (CruxCrux, p. , p. 124)124)


Mean-spirited?Mean-spirited?

“…“…more and more of our members more and more of our members felt uncomfortable with what was, at felt uncomfortable with what was, at times, a rigid, judgmental, and even times, a rigid, judgmental, and even mean-spirited view of others. This mean-spirited view of others. This attitude did not square with what attitude did not square with what we were reading in Scripture.” – we were reading in Scripture.” – CruxCrux p. 24 p. 24


Bible Mean-spirited?Bible Mean-spirited?

2 Thess. 1:7-9 – …”vengeance to 2 Thess. 1:7-9 – …”vengeance to them who know not God, and obey not them who know not God, and obey not the gospel, who shall suffer the gospel, who shall suffer punishment, even eternal destruction”punishment, even eternal destruction”

Eph. 5:23 – Christ is the “saviour of the Eph. 5:23 – Christ is the “saviour of the body.”body.”

Heb. 5:9 – Christ is the author of Heb. 5:9 – Christ is the author of eternal salvation to “all them the obey eternal salvation to “all them the obey him.”him.”


Truth is Still There!Truth is Still There!

Mark 16:16 – “He that believeth and is Mark 16:16 – “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.”disbelieveth shall be condemned.”

2 Cor. 5:17 – “…if any man is in 2 Cor. 5:17 – “…if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature….”Christ, he is a new creature….”

Anyone willing to affirm the non-Anyone willing to affirm the non-believer and non-obedient will be believer and non-obedient will be saved?saved?


Chapter 2Chapter 2

22: 8-9 – “for by grace have ye : 8-9 – “for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man God; not of works, that no man should glory.”should glory.”


Chapter 2Chapter 2

–Salvation by grace:Salvation by grace:»““Grace” is mentioned 12 times in Grace” is mentioned 12 times in Ephesians, 3 times in chap. 2.Ephesians, 3 times in chap. 2.

»Grace is often defined as Grace is often defined as “unmerited favor.”“unmerited favor.”

»Faith is the avenue; obedience is Faith is the avenue; obedience is man’s part.man’s part.


Access and ResultsAccess and Results

Rom. 5:2 – “through whom also we Rom. 5:2 – “through whom also we have had our access by faith into have had our access by faith into this grace”this grace”

Eph. 2:10 – “For we are his Eph. 2:10 – “For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in prepared that we should walk in them.”them.”


Grace Questioned?Grace Questioned?

““I spent too many years of my I spent too many years of my Christian life not knowing what Christian life not knowing what grace was. The only thing I knew grace was. The only thing I knew for sure was that ‘we’ didn’t believe for sure was that ‘we’ didn’t believe in it” – Jim Hackney, in it” – Jim Hackney, StraitStrait, p. 212., p. 212.



““In spite of years of negative, In spite of years of negative, legalistic, ‘guilt-trip’ preaching, I legalistic, ‘guilt-trip’ preaching, I discovered GRACE! I had discovered GRACE! I had absolutely nothing to do with my absolutely nothing to do with my own salvation” – Jim Hackney, own salvation” – Jim Hackney, Handley Herald, Handley Herald, StraitStrait, p. 212., p. 212.



““Nobody has any right to preach Nobody has any right to preach anything other than the Gospel of anything other than the Gospel of pure grace. We are saved by grace pure grace. We are saved by grace plus nothing. You are saved by plus nothing. You are saved by faith period. There is nothing you faith period. There is nothing you can do to be saved. There are no can do to be saved. There are no rules; there are no regulations in rules; there are no regulations in serving Jesus Christ” – Glen Owen, serving Jesus Christ” – Glen Owen, StraitStrait, p. 212., p. 212.



““It is a scandalous and outrageous It is a scandalous and outrageous lie to teach that salvation arises lie to teach that salvation arises from human activity. We do not from human activity. We do not contribute one whit to our salvation” contribute one whit to our salvation” – Rubel Shelley, – Rubel Shelley, StraitStrait, p. 212., p. 212.



““For me, for years, Christianity was For me, for years, Christianity was a moral code. It is now becoming a a moral code. It is now becoming a love affair. For years, there were love affair. For years, there were rules and regulations, now, it’s a rules and regulations, now, it’s a relationship” – Max Lucado, relationship” – Max Lucado, StraitStrait, , p. 212.p. 212.



““I believe deeply that the New I believe deeply that the New Testament teaches that salvation is Testament teaches that salvation is a free gift of God period. You are a free gift of God period. You are saved by grace alone….There is no saved by grace alone….There is no human part of salvation” – Randy human part of salvation” – Randy Mayeux, Mayeux, StraitStrait, p. 212., p. 212.



““Grace and law are mutually Grace and law are mutually exclusive” – Charles Hodge, exclusive” – Charles Hodge, StraitStrait, , p. 212.p. 212.


God’s Grace Always God’s Grace Always ConditionalConditional

Noah found grace – Gen. 6:8Noah found grace – Gen. 6:8–Faith was the principle that Faith was the principle that

caused him to build the ark – caused him to build the ark – Heb. 11:6.Heb. 11:6.

–Yet, he had to build an ark.Yet, he had to build an ark.Obedience was coupled with Obedience was coupled with faith.faith.


God’s Grace Always God’s Grace Always ConditionalConditional

Jericho was God’s gift.Jericho was God’s gift. ““See, I have given into thy hand See, I have given into thy hand

Jericho” – Josh. 6:2.Jericho” – Josh. 6:2. Yet the Israelites were to compass Yet the Israelites were to compass

the city for 7 days, blow the the city for 7 days, blow the trumpets, and shout – 6:3-21.trumpets, and shout – 6:3-21.

Faith was coupled with obedience Faith was coupled with obedience for the “gift.”for the “gift.”


Ephesians were saved by Ephesians were saved by grace.grace.

–They heard the gospel – 1:13They heard the gospel – 1:13–They believed the gospel – 1:13They believed the gospel – 1:13–They repented – Acts 20:21They repented – Acts 20:21–They confessed – Acts 19:18They confessed – Acts 19:18–They were baptized – Acts 19:1-5They were baptized – Acts 19:1-5–Yet they were the ones Paul said Yet they were the ones Paul said

were saved by grace!were saved by grace!


Paul was saved by grace.Paul was saved by grace.

““But by the grace of God I am what But by the grace of God I am what I I am: and his grace which was am: and his grace which was

bestowed upon me was not bestowed upon me was not found vain:” – 1 Cor. 15:10found vain:” – 1 Cor. 15:10


Paul was saved by grace.Paul was saved by grace.

Paul heard Ananias preach the Paul heard Ananias preach the gospel –Acts 22:12-14.gospel –Acts 22:12-14.

Paul’s 3 days in Damascus show Paul’s 3 days in Damascus show his penitence.his penitence.

Paul preached confession of faith in Paul preached confession of faith in Jesus as the Christ – Rom. 10:9-10.Jesus as the Christ – Rom. 10:9-10.

Paul shared in the burial of baptism Paul shared in the burial of baptism – Rom. 6:3-4.– Rom. 6:3-4.


Chapter 3Chapter 3

Revelation was given to Paul.Revelation was given to Paul.Paul wrote it down in a few Paul wrote it down in a few words.words.Readers can perceive Paul’s Readers can perceive Paul’s understanding.understanding.Truth is knowable and absolute.Truth is knowable and absolute.


Truth Was Revealed and Truth Was Revealed and WrittenWritten

3:3-5 – “how that by revelation was 3:3-5 – “how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words, as I wrote before in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye can whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;”mystery of Christ;”


Truth is KnowableTruth is Knowable

Paul wrote his inspired knowledge Paul wrote his inspired knowledge in a few words, and readers can in a few words, and readers can understand what he wrote.understand what he wrote.

““Which things also we speak, not in Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth” (1 Cor. 2:13)teacheth” (1 Cor. 2:13)


Truth is KnowableTruth is Knowable

““All scripture is given by inspiration of All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16).God” (2 Tim. 3:16).

“…“…the things which I write unto, that the things which I write unto, that they are the commandment of the they are the commandment of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37).Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37).

““For no prophecy ever came by the For no prophecy ever came by the will of man, but men spake from God, will of man, but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 being moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21).Pet. 1:21).


Ephesians is the “know” bookEphesians is the “know” book

Paul said 11 times truths were to be Paul said 11 times truths were to be known: the mystery (1:9; 3:3, 5), known: the mystery (1:9; 3:3, 5), hope and riches (1:18), wisdom of hope and riches (1:18), wisdom of God (3:10), the love of Christ (3:19), God (3:10), the love of Christ (3:19), morals and inheritance (5:5), good morals and inheritance (5:5), good thing (6:8), the Master in heaven thing (6:8), the Master in heaven (6:9), my affairs (6:21, 22).(6:9), my affairs (6:21, 22).


Ephesians Affirms One FaithEphesians Affirms One Faith

4:5 -- “one faith”4:5 -- “one faith” 2 Cor. 13:5 – “whether ye are in the 2 Cor. 13:5 – “whether ye are in the

faith”faith” Gal. 3:23 – “before Gal. 3:23 – “before the the faith faith

came…shut up unto the faith which came…shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed”should afterwards be revealed”

Jude 3 – “the faith…once for all Jude 3 – “the faith…once for all delivered”delivered”


No Pattern?No Pattern? “…“…patternism assumes… assortment of patternism assumes… assortment of

specific rules dictating belief and practice specific rules dictating belief and practice in select areas…patternistic reading is in select areas…patternistic reading is inconsistent with the Bible’s full aim and inconsistent with the Bible’s full aim and form” (Crux, p. 159).form” (Crux, p. 159).

““A A patternisticpatternistic hermeneutic tends to blind hermeneutic tends to blind us to these dimensions (salvation as a us to these dimensions (salvation as a state and process both-RHL) of the state and process both-RHL) of the Bible’s teaching for the church” (Bible’s teaching for the church” (Crux,Crux, p, p, 158).158).


Not Addressed to 21Not Addressed to 21stst Century?Century?

““We are not the original audience…We are not the original audience…nor is it essentially a book of nor is it essentially a book of ordinances immediately portable ordinances immediately portable into our setting…no verse of it was into our setting…no verse of it was originally composed directly to originally composed directly to address the needs of a twenty-first-address the needs of a twenty-first-century church in America” (century church in America” (CruxCrux, , pp. 162-163).pp. 162-163).


Distance Gap?Distance Gap?

““The distance of language, history, The distance of language, history, culture, and the fact that we are culture, and the fact that we are indirect recipients of literary texts indirect recipients of literary texts originally aimed at someone else, originally aimed at someone else, all create a gap between us and the all create a gap between us and the text” (text” (CruxCrux, p. 163)., p. 163).


Hermeneutics Set Aside?Hermeneutics Set Aside?

“…“…but any conclusion reached by such but any conclusion reached by such a process (hermeneutics – RHL) a process (hermeneutics – RHL) should not be made a test of should not be made a test of fellowship” (M. Phillips, fellowship” (M. Phillips, ImageImage, pp. 5-, pp. 5-6).6).

So, what does one do with sprinkling, So, what does one do with sprinkling, Lord’s Supper on weekdays, women Lord’s Supper on weekdays, women preachers, even support of preachers?preachers, even support of preachers?


Slaves to a Blueprint?Slaves to a Blueprint?

““Many of us grew up believing that Many of us grew up believing that God is just a heavenly God is just a heavenly prosecutor…” and that one sees “in prosecutor…” and that one sees “in Scripture a vibrant pattern for our Scripture a vibrant pattern for our lives, but not an exact blueprint that lives, but not an exact blueprint that is to be copiously and slavishly is to be copiously and slavishly followed” – M. Cope, followed” – M. Cope, Wineskins.Wineskins.


Spectacles of John LockeSpectacles of John Locke

“ “Our movement, in part as a result Our movement, in part as a result of its historical epistemology, of its historical epistemology, thrived. We perceived reality thrived. We perceived reality through the spectacles of John through the spectacles of John Locke, as mediated through the Locke, as mediated through the Scottish Enlightenment” – Olbricht, Scottish Enlightenment” – Olbricht, Hearing God’s VoiceHearing God’s Voice, p. 53., p. 53.


Holy Fire or Unholy Flirtation?Holy Fire or Unholy Flirtation?

““Today’s readers may ask ‘modern’ Today’s readers may ask ‘modern’ questions that may not help us questions that may not help us arrive at the theological message of arrive at the theological message of the text. the text. We ask, what really We ask, what really happened?happened? Why do Egyptian Why do Egyptian records contain little or no mention records contain little or no mention of the plagues or the escape of of the plagues or the escape of slaves?” (M. Hamilton, slaves?” (M. Hamilton, Holy FireHoly Fire, p. , p. 99)99)


Holy Fire?Holy Fire? ““When did the exodus occur? Did When did the exodus occur? Did

natural phenomena (volcanic natural phenomena (volcanic eruptions, red tides) cause the eruptions, red tides) cause the plagues? How many people left Egypt, plagues? How many people left Egypt, millions or thousands?…All of these millions or thousands?…All of these are legitimate questions for historians, are legitimate questions for historians, and scholars, Christian or not, come and scholars, Christian or not, come down in different places on them” (M. down in different places on them” (M. Hamilton, Hamilton, Holy FireHoly Fire, pp. 99-100)., pp. 99-100).


Holy Fire?Holy Fire?

Are our Bibles the result of Are our Bibles the result of mechanical dictation or human mechanical dictation or human research? (J. Thompson, research? (J. Thompson, Holy Fire, Holy Fire, p. p. 30-31)30-31)

Where is God’s control and influence?Where is God’s control and influence? Straw-man is built up as if these Straw-man is built up as if these

extremes are the only answers.extremes are the only answers.



This definition of inspiration has at least This definition of inspiration has at least 13 negatives:13 negatives:– 1. It took human mediation – p. 30.1. It took human mediation – p. 30.– 2. Passages are ambiguous – p. 32.2. Passages are ambiguous – p. 32.– 3. Translators have no insight into 3. Translators have no insight into

intent of the author – p. 32.intent of the author – p. 32.– 4. There are multiplied textual 4. There are multiplied textual

differences – p. 33.differences – p. 33.



–5. It is a mystery how the books 5. It is a mystery how the books were collected – p. 33.were collected – p. 33.

–6. The collection emerged only by a 6. The collection emerged only by a sifting process of churches – p. 34.sifting process of churches – p. 34.

–7. The human element of style, 7. The human element of style, education, culture, research, etc. education, culture, research, etc. can only admit errors --. 34-35.can only admit errors --. 34-35.



–8. Consulting other sources, 8. Consulting other sources, research leaves open for many research leaves open for many errors – p. 35.errors – p. 35.

–9. Bible is written only to specific 9. Bible is written only to specific situations, so cannot fit current situations, so cannot fit current churches – p. 36.churches – p. 36.

–10. 2 Tim. 3:16 is uncertain in its 10. 2 Tim. 3:16 is uncertain in its translation - p. 37.translation - p. 37.



–11. Inerrancy is not a helpful 11. Inerrancy is not a helpful concept – pp. 39-44.concept – pp. 39-44.

–12. The Bible is not accurate 12. The Bible is not accurate scientifically, nor in historical scientifically, nor in historical record, nor in sequence of events record, nor in sequence of events – pp. 39-42.– pp. 39-42.

–13. Ancient writers worked with 13. Ancient writers worked with standards not our own – p. 41.standards not our own – p. 41.



““The ultimate challenge is not then The ultimate challenge is not then our our definitiondefinition of inspiration, but our of inspiration, but our willingnesswillingness to hear the Word of God to hear the Word of God as it addresses God’s people” – J. as it addresses God’s people” – J. Thompson, Thompson, Holy Fire,Holy Fire, p. 45. p. 45.

The Bible then, contains truth if one The Bible then, contains truth if one can only find it!can only find it!



““This book, purporting to encourage This book, purporting to encourage and guide the reader in studying the and guide the reader in studying the Bible, in fact is very dangerous for Bible, in fact is very dangerous for the faith of young and old alike. the faith of young and old alike. Upon reading, one will quickly see Upon reading, one will quickly see this book, instead of strengthening this book, instead of strengthening faith, will diminish if not destroy faith faith, will diminish if not destroy faith in the Bible as the inspired, inerrant in the Bible as the inspired, inerrant word of God…”word of God…”



“…“…One wonders how a university One wonders how a university can have such professors on its can have such professors on its faculty and why its presses are faculty and why its presses are used to provide such a threat to used to provide such a threat to faith!” (William Woodson, faith!” (William Woodson, Spiritual Spiritual SwordSword, 34, 1, p. 19), 34, 1, p. 19)


Problems with Postmodern Problems with Postmodern ApproachApproach

1. It basically denies inspiration.1. It basically denies inspiration. 2. N. T. writers warped by culture.2. N. T. writers warped by culture. 3. It says we are so wrapped up in 3. It says we are so wrapped up in

our culture that we cannot see truth.our culture that we cannot see truth. 4. It denies the power of the seed.4. It denies the power of the seed. 5. It downgrades the writings of Paul, 5. It downgrades the writings of Paul,

Peter, James and John as less Peter, James and John as less important than the “core” gospels.important than the “core” gospels.


Chapter 4 – Pattern of UnityChapter 4 – Pattern of Unity

4: 4-6 – “There is one body, and 4: 4-6 – “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all.”over all, and through all, and in all.”


Chapter 4Chapter 4

There is one faith, only one faith.There is one faith, only one faith.This faith is the body of truth.This faith is the body of truth.This faith is complete and without This faith is complete and without error.error.It was once for all times delivered.It was once for all times delivered.It was given by inspiration.It was given by inspiration.It is the seed of the kingdom.It is the seed of the kingdom.


Chapter 4Chapter 4

–There is one body, only one body.There is one body, only one body.–The body belongs to Christ Jesus.The body belongs to Christ Jesus.–He is the head of that body.He is the head of that body.–That body is composed of many That body is composed of many

members.members.–Christ is the saviour of that body.Christ is the saviour of that body.


There Really is the Lord’s There Really is the Lord’s Church!Church!

Matt. 16:18 - Jesus promised to build Matt. 16:18 - Jesus promised to build the church.the church.

Acts 2:41, 47; 3:4; 5:11; 6:7; 9:31 – Acts 2:41, 47; 3:4; 5:11; 6:7; 9:31 – many were added together in the many were added together in the church.church.

Epistles were written to churches.Epistles were written to churches. 1 Thess. 2:14 - If Thessalonica could 1 Thess. 2:14 - If Thessalonica could

imitate the churches in Judea, why imitate the churches in Judea, why cannot we?cannot we?


Lineage of the church?Lineage of the church?

““Churches of Christ belong to the Churches of Christ belong to the lineage of the Protestant lineage of the Protestant Reformation. Those great-Reformation. Those great-grandparents in the faith caught a grandparents in the faith caught a vision of what the church should be vision of what the church should be in contrast to the way they saw it in in contrast to the way they saw it in their day.” – their day.” – Crux,Crux, P. 81 P. 81


Early Parents?Early Parents?

Our early ‘parents’ in the Stone-Our early ‘parents’ in the Stone-Campbell Movement struggled to Campbell Movement struggled to understand God’s will in their own understand God’s will in their own time and place…they formed a new time and place…they formed a new branch of the family tree (tree of branch of the family tree (tree of Protestant denominations – RHL)…Protestant denominations – RHL)…carried the traits of their ancestors carried the traits of their ancestors with them” – with them” – CruxCrux, p. 103., p. 103.


American born?American born?

“…“…created a mentality that led created a mentality that led many, especially in Churches of many, especially in Churches of Christ, to assume …accomplished Christ, to assume …accomplished that full restoration…other voices that full restoration…other voices challenged that arrogance…They challenged that arrogance…They continued to see the church as continued to see the church as God’s creation, much larger and God’s creation, much larger and more universal than one American-more universal than one American-born body.” – born body.” – CruxCrux, p. 116, p. 116


American Origins?American Origins?

“…“…we do have a theology, and this we do have a theology, and this theology has a context – a long and theology has a context – a long and rich history that stretches back even rich history that stretches back even beyond our American origins two beyond our American origins two hundred years ago.” – Crux, p. 127hundred years ago.” – Crux, p. 127

“…“…by the early 1900s Churches of by the early 1900s Churches of Christ were…moving ahead…in Christ were…moving ahead…in authentic intentions of its founders.” – authentic intentions of its founders.” – CruxCrux, p.114, p.114


Born in American Restoration Born in American Restoration Movement?Movement?

““Our Background and Commitment Our Background and Commitment is to the Church of Christ that was is to the Church of Christ that was born of the American Restoration born of the American Restoration Movement. Our goal is to move Movement. Our goal is to move that group closer to the church of that group closer to the church of Christ revealed in Scripture.” – Christ revealed in Scripture.” – WineskinsWineskins, May, 1992, p. 6, May, 1992, p. 6


Founding Fathers?Founding Fathers?

““Yet we came into existence Yet we came into existence without any such notion…but the without any such notion…but the claim to be the only Christians claim to be the only Christians never crossed the minds of the never crossed the minds of the founding leaders …founding leaders …CruxCrux, p. 150, p. 150


““Our Movement”?Our Movement”?

““Our movement began with the Our movement began with the idealism that people could become idealism that people could become simple New Testament Christians simple New Testament Christians and that all Christians could be and that all Christians could be unified on the basis of the Bible if unified on the basis of the Bible if all human creeds were repudiated” all human creeds were repudiated” – R. Harris, – R. Harris, Wineskins, Wineskins, VolVol. . One, One, Number Nine, p. 8.Number Nine, p. 8.


Exist only Three Centuries?Exist only Three Centuries?

““We came into existence without We came into existence without any such claim (to be the only any such claim (to be the only Christians - RHL) and have Christians - RHL) and have continued to exist in three centuries continued to exist in three centuries without the necessity of it.” – without the necessity of it.” – CruxCrux, , p. 135, 138.p. 135, 138.


““Church of Christ” versus Church of Christ” versus “church of Christ”?“church of Christ”?

““As surely as there must be As surely as there must be individuals who hold membership in individuals who hold membership in groups called ‘groups called ‘the Church of Christ’the Church of Christ’ in the Yellow Pages who are not in the Yellow Pages who are not members of the members of the church of Christchurch of Christ whose membership roll is kept in whose membership roll is kept in heaven,…heaven,…


““Church of Christ” versus Church of Christ” versus “church of Christ”?“church of Christ”?

“…“…surely also there must be surely also there must be individuals who are not identified individuals who are not identified with the Yellow Page group called with the Yellow Page group called the ‘Church of Christ’ but whose the ‘Church of Christ’ but whose names are nevertheless entered in names are nevertheless entered in the heaven-kept role [roll?] of the the heaven-kept role [roll?] of the church of God” – Shelley, church of God” – Shelley, Just A Just A ChristianChristian, p. 69, p. 69


Participate with all believers?Participate with all believers?

““Without the burden of believing Without the burden of believing ourselves to be the only true ourselves to be the only true Christians, we will be able to Christians, we will be able to participate in and contribute participate in and contribute substantially to the larger substantially to the larger conversation among all followers of conversation among all followers of Christ and learn some things from it Christ and learn some things from it without feelings of betrayal.” – without feelings of betrayal.” – CruxCrux, , p. 151p. 151


God Among Other Believers?God Among Other Believers? ““Old sermons on ‘identity marks of the Old sermons on ‘identity marks of the

church’ – usually meaning distinctive church’ – usually meaning distinctive identity that sets us apart from other identity that sets us apart from other religious groups…result of this religious groups…result of this preaching has been a narrow, preaching has been a narrow, reactionary, divisive theology..the ‘new reactionary, divisive theology..the ‘new hermeneutic’ includes an appreciation hermeneutic’ includes an appreciation for what God is doing among other for what God is doing among other groups of believers…” – Cope, groups of believers…” – Cope, WineskinsWineskins..


Question the validityQuestion the validity ““It is time to reexamine the pluralistic It is time to reexamine the pluralistic

tendency …The ‘Restoration Plea,’ still tendency …The ‘Restoration Plea,’ still considered valid by most members…considered valid by most members…must reflect on the dangers involved in must reflect on the dangers involved in multiple religions…It is one of the multiple religions…It is one of the ironies of history that when a group ironies of history that when a group needs its historic plea the most, some, needs its historic plea the most, some, scholars first, begin questioning its scholars first, begin questioning its validity.” –Bill Jones, validity.” –Bill Jones, ForcesForces, p. 118, p. 118


Where Then Denominations?Where Then Denominations?

The New Testament mentions not a The New Testament mentions not a single one.single one.

Denominations all begun by men.Denominations all begun by men. Begun years later than apostles’ time.Begun years later than apostles’ time. Sets own rules and doctrines.Sets own rules and doctrines. Entrance requirements not found in Entrance requirements not found in

New Testament.New Testament.


Where Then Denominations?Where Then Denominations?

Should then the Lord’s church be in Should then the Lord’s church be in fellowship with any man-made fellowship with any man-made denomination?denomination?

On what Biblical basis?On what Biblical basis?


Straw-man?Straw-man? What our postmodern brethren are doing What our postmodern brethren are doing

is building a straw-man.is building a straw-man. The straw-man is their own invention.The straw-man is their own invention. They build up a false case of supposed They build up a false case of supposed

facts, distorted and misapplied.facts, distorted and misapplied. Then, they proceed to tear the straw-man Then, they proceed to tear the straw-man

all to pieces.all to pieces. How easy! How simple! How untrue!How easy! How simple! How untrue! Yet, How very beguiling!Yet, How very beguiling!


Postmodern Straw-manPostmodern Straw-man The modern Church of Christ began in The modern Church of Christ began in

the Stone-Campbell Movement.the Stone-Campbell Movement. For forty years we knew everything right For forty years we knew everything right

and practiced everything right (20’s-and practiced everything right (20’s-60’s).60’s).

It is Pharisaic exclusivism to reject It is Pharisaic exclusivism to reject fellowship with denominations.fellowship with denominations.

We are mean-spirited and judgmental.We are mean-spirited and judgmental. Many leaving due to these attitudes.Many leaving due to these attitudes.


Postmodern Straw-manPostmodern Straw-man

Patternism is unsophisticated legalism.Patternism is unsophisticated legalism. The New Testament is not our pattern.The New Testament is not our pattern. We cannot get out of our history and We cannot get out of our history and

culture in understanding the Bible.culture in understanding the Bible. Reliance on facts of the Bible blinds.Reliance on facts of the Bible blinds. The “core” is more important than The “core” is more important than

epistles.epistles.


Postmodern Straw-manPostmodern Straw-man

Our history and culture will not let Our history and culture will not let us restore the church of the N. T.us restore the church of the N. T.

Which church would you want to Which church would you want to restore?restore?

»(Corinth, Ephesus, Colossae?)(Corinth, Ephesus, Colossae?) Changing human conditions Changing human conditions

demand response changes.demand response changes.


What Is the Bottom Line?What Is the Bottom Line?

If, however, Campbell got out of his If, however, Campbell got out of his culture and went back to the N. T.; why culture and went back to the N. T.; why can’t we?can’t we?

Hundreds of groups in other countries Hundreds of groups in other countries in our lifetimes have done so, though in our lifetimes have done so, though never hearing of Stone or Campbell!never hearing of Stone or Campbell!

Postmodernism affirms we are just one Postmodernism affirms we are just one denomination that began in the Stone-denomination that began in the Stone-Campbell Movement.Campbell Movement.



The power of the gospel is denied – The power of the gospel is denied – Rom. 1:16-17.Rom. 1:16-17.

The principle of seed is denied – The principle of seed is denied – Luke 8:11; 1 Pet. 1:22-25.Luke 8:11; 1 Pet. 1:22-25.

The true meaning of the vine and The true meaning of the vine and branches is perverted – John 15:1-branches is perverted – John 15:1-6.6.



Thessalonica imitated the churches Thessalonica imitated the churches in Judea (1 Thess. 2:14).in Judea (1 Thess. 2:14).

This was written in 53 A. D., 20 years This was written in 53 A. D., 20 years after the church began in Jerusalem.after the church began in Jerusalem.

If Thessalonica could imitate, or If Thessalonica could imitate, or restore, why cannot it still be done in restore, why cannot it still be done in all generations?all generations?



Should we restore Corinth, Ephesus, or Should we restore Corinth, Ephesus, or Laodicea with all their faults?Laodicea with all their faults?

How ridiculous is this question!How ridiculous is this question! We can restore the ideal of the church.We can restore the ideal of the church. We can restore what Jesus built, of what We can restore what Jesus built, of what

he is the head, the bridegroom, and the he is the head, the bridegroom, and the savior, that precious one body.savior, that precious one body.


What Is the Bottom Line?What Is the Bottom Line? Those who deny the restoration Those who deny the restoration

principle cross a line of authority that principle cross a line of authority that opens up any and all ideas of men.opens up any and all ideas of men.

If it is impossible to restore, then men If it is impossible to restore, then men are free to choose their churches, its are free to choose their churches, its work, its worship, etc.work, its worship, etc.

This is the seedbed of denominations.This is the seedbed of denominations. Man becomes his own authority, in Man becomes his own authority, in

actuality, his own god!actuality, his own god!


Restoration is ValidRestoration is Valid

Josiah restored the Passover by Josiah restored the Passover by going back to the Book of the Law – going back to the Book of the Law – 2 Kings 22-23.2 Kings 22-23.

Ezra and Nehemiah restored the Ezra and Nehemiah restored the Feast of the Tabernacles by reading Feast of the Tabernacles by reading and and obeying the Law – Nehemiah 8.obeying the Law – Nehemiah 8.

Whenever the gospel is read and Whenever the gospel is read and followed, restoration can occur.followed, restoration can occur.


Puzzled?Puzzled?

Can only scholars, sophisticated, and Can only scholars, sophisticated, and highly educated understand the Bible?highly educated understand the Bible?

What happened to the idea that the What happened to the idea that the common person could pick up a KJV common person could pick up a KJV Bible, read it, understand it, live by it, Bible, read it, understand it, live by it, and go to heaven by God’s grace?and go to heaven by God’s grace?

What about non-USA churches?What about non-USA churches?


ReferencesReferences

C. Leonard Allen, C. Leonard Allen, The Cruciform The Cruciform ChurchChurch, (Abilene Christian , (Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, University Press, Abilene, Texas, 1990) 1990)

Jeff W. Childers, Douglas A. Jeff W. Childers, Douglas A. Foster, Jack R. Reese, Foster, Jack R. Reese, The Crux of The Crux of the Matter,the Matter, (A. C. U. Press, (A. C. U. Press, Abilene, Texas, 2001).Abilene, Texas, 2001).



Kenneth L. Cukrowski, Mark W. Kenneth L. Cukrowski, Mark W. Hamilton, James W. Thompson, Hamilton, James W. Thompson, God’s Holy FireGod’s Holy Fire, (ACU Press, , (ACU Press, Abilene, Texas, 2002). Abilene, Texas, 2002).

Richard T. Hughes, Richard T. Hughes, Reviving the Reviving the Ancient FaithAncient Faith, (William B. , (William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1996).Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1996).



William E. Jones, William E. Jones, Forces At WorkForces At Work, , (Resource Publications, Searcy, (Resource Publications, Searcy, Arkansas, 1991). Arkansas, 1991).

Dave Miller, Dave Miller, Piloting the StraitPiloting the Strait, , (privately published, Bedford, (privately published, Bedford, Texas, 1996, pre-publication Texas, 1996, pre-publication manuscript).manuscript).



Thomas H. Olbricht, Thomas H. Olbricht, Hearing God’s Hearing God’s VoiceVoice, (ACU Press, Abilene, Texas, , (ACU Press, Abilene, Texas, 1996). 1996).

William Woodson, William Woodson, Change Agents Change Agents and Churches of Christand Churches of Christ, (School of , (School of Bible Emphasis, Athens, Alabama, Bible Emphasis, Athens, Alabama, 1994 printed by Sain Publications, 1994 printed by Sain Publications, Pulaski, Tennessee).Pulaski, Tennessee).



Mike Cope, “A Purpose Statement,” Mike Cope, “A Purpose Statement,” WineskinsWineskins, Volume One, Number , Volume One, Number One, p. 6, and “Traumatic Winds of One, p. 6, and “Traumatic Winds of Renewal, “ Volume Four, pp. 5-6.Renewal, “ Volume Four, pp. 5-6.

Randall Harris, “An Open Bible,” Randall Harris, “An Open Bible,” WineskinsWineskins, Volume One, Number , Volume One, Number Nine, p. 8.Nine, p. 8.



Marvin Phillips, “Free To Differ,”Marvin Phillips, “Free To Differ,” ImageImage, May/June, 1990, pp. 5-6., May/June, 1990, pp. 5-6.

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