Cycles of apostasy in JudgesGood, evil, plea, repentanceSelf-governed – different standards, Jud. 21:25Not united under the Law

New Testament Christianity

Lutheran

Presbyterian

Episcopal

Etc.

Two attitudes prevailedStone: autonomy, Acts 20:28Campbell: band together

Cooperation meetings were heldOppositionEnough support by 1849 to formAmerican Christian Missionary Society

»Not to enact laws»Not to interfere with local churches»Claimed some duties of church cannot be fulfilled by single congregation»Planned to invent way to evangelize the world

Cooperation meetings were heldJustified by claim: Christ gave no plan for the church universal to act – free to chooseMajority of church supported ACMS“Bible doesn’t say NOT to,” Heb. 7:12-14

Bible reveals pattern of evangelismIndependent churches, Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5Money sent directly to preachers, Phil. 4:15-17

ACMSModel

BiblePattern

C

C

C

ACMS

P

P

P

C

C

C

P

P

P

Those who opposed the ACMS called:Anti-cooperativeAnti-evangelisticAnti-progressiveLegalistic

Incorporation of Instruments was slowQuestions discussed in 1851Campbell opposed it

Church at Midway, KY introduced 1859Singing really bad – run off ratsSaturday singing to improveMelodeon used to get pitchSister sang with the instrumentAdded to Sunday worship

Arguments used to defend instrumentsExpedient like a song book

»Must be lawful, 1 Cor. 10:23»Cannot change command, Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16

Arguments used to defend instrumentsGod gives me the talent – I must use it

»Authority from self»Other talents?

-Dancing-Yodeling-Acting-Gymnastics-Contortionist

J.W. McGarvey regretted lack of actionOpposed it personallyContinued fellowship with usersAll students went with instrument

Christian Churches were softLess militant preaching, 2 Tim. 4:2-5Warm relations with denominations,2 Cor. 6:14-18Full-blown denomination by mid 1900s

Fundamental positions have changedImmersion not essential, Col. 2:12Baptism not essential, Mk. 16:16Lord’s Supper on Saturday, Acts 20:7

Seeking Unity with Churches of ChristProminent men exchanged BiblesJoint youth events

New Testament Christianity

Lutheran

Presbyterian

Episcopal

Etc.