OUR GOD IS A GOD OF RESTORATION
I received a phone call late this morning from a very dear friend, and we had a very precious time of fellowship and sharing together. I did a lot of listening today, as he shared how the Lord was leading him and blessing him, it sure blest me to hear all that is happening in his life. Our conversation caused me to think afresh about a matter that has concerned me, and I think it is time I wrote a blog/s about it.
My readers know I love Church History, especially from and including The Reformation right up until now. This love must include what we call RESTORATION THEOLOGY, I have been a Christian for 68+ years, and unashamedly a Pentecostal for over 60 years, I have seen the extremes and the errors as the movement was only born early in the 20th century, but I also recognise the awesome truth of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit that caused this Movement which ito now be the largest segment of Christianity in the world today. Plus there has been many more awesome truths restored or freshly emphasised by the Holy Spirit in the last 100 years.
Most of my blogs are simply born out of a thought/s I get and then I simply write as the thoughts develop in my heart and mind, they are not meant to be Theological treatises, but simply the thoughts of a servant of God expressed in writing from a Pastoral perspective, and trusting it will bless and encourage my readers, and I trust perhaps answer questions you may have had.
EVERY PROTESTANT CHURCH OWES ITS ROOTS TO A VERY GREAT DEGREE IN THE REFORMATION BROUGHT TO US BY MEN OF GOD LIKE CALVIN & LUTHER.
I am going to ask a series of questions then seek to answer them.
WHY DID WE NEED THE REFORMATION?
Most of the New Testament truths had been diluted and basically rejected by the (so called) Church of that day, this brought the church to the time of what is called the Dark Ages.
WHAT WAS THE REACTION OF THE CHURCH OF THE DAY?
It totally rejected these Reformation Truths, and sought to kill those who taught them.
WERE ALL THE IMPORTANT TRUTHS RESTORED AT THIS TIME?
No, Many important truths were, but for example Believer’s Baptism was not part of initial Reformation Truth.
DID THE REFORMERS REJECT TRUTHS LATER LIKE WATER BAPTISM?
Sadly, they did, and this was the start of Believers choosing truths they wanted and rejecting others.
DID RESTORED TRUTHS START TO BE MANIPUATED?
Yes, there are numerous churches and denominations today, (for example) that offer either Baptism by Immersion, or sprinkling or pouring .You can choose !!
WHAT OTHER TRUTHS HAVE BEEN RESTORED SINCE THE DAYS OF CALVIN & LUTHER?
Sanctification
Priesthood of all believers
Divine Healing
WHAT IS SO SIGNIFICANT ABOUT THE 20TH CENTURY RESTORATION TRUTHS?
These have literally changed the face of Christianity around the world.
I mentioned earlier that every time a truth was restored, there were at least three different responses.
Embracing and accepting the truth
Rejecting the truth
Taking the truth to extremes, making it the centre and not simply part of the whole.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SIGNIFICANT TRUTHS THAT HAVE RESTORED OR THERE HAS COME A FRESH EMPHASIS ON A PARTICULAR TRUTH?
Being filled with the Holy Spirit Acts 2:4
Spiritual revival around the World, probably starting with the Welsh Revival.
We thank God for Billy Graham, and Reinhardt Bonnke for example
Divine Healing physically & emotionally.
The Restoration of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, not just Gifts expressed in 1 Cor. 12. but the Ministry Gifts in Eph. 4:11,Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastor/Teachers. The Motivational Gifts in Rom. 12:6-8
The Restoration of the Tabernacle of David Acts 15:17-17. which includes the Ministry of Singers and Musicians, the Song of the Lord, Singing in the Spirit.
The Ministry of Deliverance.
Biblical Discipleship (Thank God for the Navigators)
A greater understanding on the “Logos Word” & the Rhema Word”.
There are many more than those listed above, but these have changed the face of Christianity in the 20th & 21st century.
WHAT HAVEN’T WE LEARNT FROM ALL THESE TRUTHS ESPECIALLY THE PENTECOSTAL TRUTHS?
We have not learnt to maintain BALANCE and AVOID EXTREMES.
Because of the lack of balance and truths taken to extremes, THE CHURCH have often
THROWN THE BABY OUT WITH THE DIRTY BATHWATER
Some seem to feel they can take or leave truths “just as it suits them”
The many truths that we see in “Davidic Worship” very quickly seemed to be COMPROMISED and replaceD by the so called emphasis on “excellence”, so often we have quality singers and musicians, but who have no understanding of worship and the need for it to be a lifestyle.
Let me conclude with the Eight “R’s” of RESTORATION Acts 2:17 -27 (especially 19-21 ANT
REPENTANCE – a change of Mind
RETURN -a change of Direction
REFRESHING – a change of Seasons
RECOVERY -a change of Climate
REVIVING – a change of Condition
RECEIVING – a change of Place
RETAIN -a change of Position
RESTORATION -a change of Ownership
I look forward to your comments please ?
