THE CONCEPT OF CHRISTIAN PRIMITIVISM : ITS BIBLICAL BASE & HISTORICAL PERSISTENCE

THINKING “INSIDE THE BOX” ABOUT “BIBLICAL PRIMITIVISM”

AND THE “RESTORATION PRINCIPLE”

1. APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY2. “COMMON SENSE” HERMENEUTICS

3. CONGREGATIONALISM

1. An Organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3: 1ff; Titus 1:5ff.

2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18 3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15 4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19 5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16 6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20 7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45 8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4 9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30;

I Cor. 16:1 10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-

16 11. Disciplined Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5 12. Discussed Congregational Activities—Acts 6:1-

5

IS THIS A QUESTION WORTHY OF OUR STUDY?

THIS IS NOT THE ONLY QUESTION WE ASK

IT IS A CENTRAL QUESTION FOR BIBLICAL PRIMITIVISTS

1 Timothy 3:14-15 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: (15) But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Titus 1:2-5 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; (3) But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; (4) To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. (5) For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

Uniformity a repetitious theme in Corinthians.I Cor. 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you

Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

I Cor. 7:17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

I Cor. 11:16 But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.

I Cor. 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

Early Christians assumed uniformity in a catholic

(universal) church. I believe in God the Father Almighty,

Maker of heaven and earth. . . . I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. AMEN.

Apostles Creed (2nd century)

We covenant with the Lord and one with another and doe bynd our selves in the presence of God, to walke together in all his waies, according as he is pleased to reveal himself unto us in his blessed word of truth.

For in the End of the Day, after the finishing of our Publick Duties, we do all, . . . Promise, and enter into a sure Covenant with the Lord our God, and before him with one another, by Oath and serious Protestation made, to renounce all Idolatry and Superstition, Will-Worship, all Humane Traditions and Inventions whatsoever, in the Worship of God; and forsaking all Evil Ways, do give ourselves wholly unto the Lord Jesus, to do him faithful Service, observing and keeping all his Statutes, Commands, and Ordinances, in all Matters concerning our Reformation; his Worship, Administrations, Ministry, and Government; and in the Carriage of our selves among our selves, and one another towards another, as he hath prescribed in his Holy Word. Further swearing to cleave unto that alone, and the true Sense and meaning thereof to the utmost of our Power, as unto the most clear Light and infallible Rule, and All-sufficient Canon, in all things that concern us in this our Way.

CAMBRIDGE PLATFORM OF 1649

CHAPTER I. Of the form of Church-Government; and that it is one, immutable, and prescribed in the Word of God.

Ecclesiasticall Polity or Church Government (1), or discipline is nothing els, but that Forme & order that is to be observed in the Church of Christ vpon earth, both for the Constitution of it, & all the Administrations that therein are to bee performed. 2 Church-Government is Considered in a double respect either in regard of the parts of Government themselves, or necessary Circumstances thereof. The parts of Government are prescribed in the word, (2) because the Lord Iesus Christ the King and Law-giver of his Church, is no less faithfull in the house of God then was Moses, (3)who from the Lord delivered a form & pattern (4) of Government to the Children of Israel in the old Testament: And the holy Scriptures are now also soe perfect, as they are able to make the man of God perfect & thorough-ly furnished vnto euery good work; and therefore doubtless; to the well ordering of the house of God. 3 The partes of Church-Government are all of them exactly described in the word of God (5) being parts or means of Instituted worship according to the second Commandement: & therefore to continue one & the same, vnto the apearing of our Lord Iesus Christ as a kingdom that cannot be shaken, untill hee shall deliver it up unto God, enen the Father. Soe that it is not left in the power of men, (6) officers, Churches, or any state in the world to add, or diminish, or alter any thing in the least measure therein. 4 The necessary circumstances, (7) as time & place &c belonging unto order and decency, are not soe left unto men as that under pretence (8) [2] of them, they may thrust their own Inventions vpon the Churches: Being Circumscribed in the word with many Generall limitations; where they are determined in respect of the matter to be neither worship it self, (9) nor Circumstances seperable from worship: in respect of their end, they must be done vnto edification: in respect of the manner, decently, and in order, according to the nature of the things them selves, & Civill, & Church Custom. (10) doth not euen nature it selfe teach you ? yea they, are in some sort determined particularly, namely that they be done in such a manner, as all Circumstances considered, is most expedient for edification: so, as if there bee no errour of man concerning their determination, the determining of them is to be accounted as if it were divine.

Notes 14 12 19 1. Ezek. 43, 11 Col 2, 5 I Tim. 3, 15

2. Hebr 3, 5, 6 3. Exod 25 40 4. 2 Tim 3 16 5. I Tim 3 15 I Chron 15 13 Ex 20 4 I im 6 13 v 16 Heb 12 27 28 I Cor, 15 22 6. Deut 12 32. Ezek 43 8. I Kings 12. 31 32 33 7. I Kings 12 v: 28 29 Isai 29 13. 8. Col 2 22 23 Acts 15 28 9. Matt 15 9 I Cor 11 23 c 8 34. 10. I Cor 14 26 I Cor 14 40 I Cor 11 14 I Cor 11 16 I Cor Acts 15 28.

Ecclesiasticall Polity or Church Government, or discipline is nothing els, but that Forme & order that is to be observed in the Church of Christ vpon earth, both for the Constitution of it, & all the Administrations that therein are to bee performed.

DECLARATIONAND

ADDRESSOF THE

CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONOF

WASHINGTON.WASHINGTON, (Pa.)

PRINTED BY BROWN & SAMPLE.AT THE OFFICE OF "THE REPORTER."

1809.

PROP. 1. THAT the church of Christ upon earth is essentially, intentionally, and constitutionally one; consisting of all those in every place that profess their faith in Christ and obedience to him in all things according to the scriptures, and that manifest the same by their tempers and conduct, and of none else as none else can be truly and properly called christians.

2. That although the church of Christ upon earth must necessarily exist in particular and distinct societies, locally separate one from another; yet there ought to be no schisms, no uncharitable divisions among them. They ought to receive each other as Christ Jesus hath also received them to the glory of God. And for this purpose, they ought all to walk by the same rule, to mind and speak the same thing; and to be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment.

3. That in order to this, nothing ought to be inculcated upon christians as articles of faith; nor required of them as terms of communion; but what is expressly taught, and enjoined upon them, in the word of God. Nor ought any thing be admitted, as of divine obligation, in their church constitution and managements, but what is expressly enjoined by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ and his Apostles upon the New Testament church; either in express terms, or by approven precedent.


2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18 3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15 4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19 5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16 6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor.

11:20 7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45 8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4 9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35;

11:29-30; I Cor. 16:1 10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil.

4:15-16 11. Disciplined Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5 12. Discussed Congregational Activities—

Acts 6:1-5

NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHES OF CHRIST

1. An organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3: 1ff; Titus 1:5ff.

Phil. 1:1Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.

Acts 14:23And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

1 Tim. 3:1This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;. . .

Titus 1:5For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee. . . .


• 2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18

Heb. 10:25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

I Cor. 11:18For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.


• 3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15• 2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18

Acts 20:7And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

I Cor.14:19Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.


• 3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15• 4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19


Acts 12:5Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

I Cor. 14:15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.


• 3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15• 4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19• 5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16


Eph. 5:19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. . .

Col. 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.


• 3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15• 4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19• 5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16• 6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20


Acts 20:7And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

I Cor. 11:20When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.


• 3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15• 4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19• 5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16• 6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20• 7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45


I Cor. 16:1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Acts 2:44And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.


• 3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15• 4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19• 5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16• 6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20• 7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45• 8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4


Acts 5:1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.


• 3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15• 4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19• 5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16• 6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20• 7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45• 8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4• 9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I Cor. 16:1


Acts 4:34Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35And laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

Acts 11:29Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

I Cor. 16:1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.


• 3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15• 4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19• 5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16• 6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20• 7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45• 8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4• 9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I Cor. 16:1 • 10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16


II Cor. 11:8I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.

Phil. 4:15Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.


• 3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15• 4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19• 5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16• 6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20• 7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45• 8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4• 9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I Cor. 16:1 • 10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16• 11. Discipline Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5


I Cor. 5:1-5It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. . . . 4In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.


2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18 3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15 4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19 5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16 6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20 7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45 8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4 9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I Cor. 16:1 10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16 11. Disciplined Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5 12. Discussed Congregational Activity—Acts 6:1-5

A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

Acts 6:1-5 And in those days, the disciples having multiplied, a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews occurred, because their widows were overlooked in the daily serving. (2) And the Twelve called near the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not pleasing to us, leaving the Word of God, to serve tables. (3) Therefore, brothers, look out among you seven men being witnessed to, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this duty. (4) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. (5) And the saying pleased all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicholas, a proselyte of Antioch.

1. An Organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3: 1ff; Titus 1:5ff. 2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18 3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15 4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19 5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16 6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20 7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45 8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4 9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I Cor. 16:1 10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16 11. Disciplined Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5 12. Discussed Congregational Activities—Acts 6:1-5

THE EVIDENCE EXPLAINS BOTH WHAT WE DO AND WHAT WE

DO NOT DO

ANSWERING THE QUESTION: WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT APOSTOLIC CHURCHES?

AN ESSENTIAL DISTINCTION: APPLYING THE LIST AND

EXPANDING THE LIST

1. An Organization—Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23; I Tim. 3: 1ff; Titus 1:5ff. 2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:18 3. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:15 4. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:19 5. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16 6. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:20 7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45 8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4 9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I Cor. 16:1 10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16 11. Disciplined Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5 12. Discussed Congregational Activities—Acts 6:1-5

Eph. 5:19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. . .

Col. 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

SHOULD INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BE A BIG ISSUE?

VISITORS MAY WONDER WHY CHURCHES OF CHRIST MAKE AN

ISSUE OF SUCH A MINOR MATTER

IT SEEMS PRETTY MINOR TO ME!

THE VOICE OF VARIOUS RELIGIOUS SOURCES... 1. CATHOLIC - "... the first Christians were of too spiritual a fibre to substitute lifeless

instruments for or to use them to accompany the human voice." -- CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA

2. GREEK ORTHODOX - "The execution of Byzantine church music by instruments, or even the accompaniment of sacred chanting by instruments was ruled out by the Eastern Fathers as being incompatible with the pure, solemn, spiritual character of the religion of Christ." -- Constantine Cavarnos, BYSANTINE SACRED MUSIC

3. PRESBYTERIAN - "Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting up of lamps, the restoration of the other shadows of the law. The Papists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things, from the Jews. Men who are fond of outward pomp may delight in that noise; but the simplicity which God recommends to us by the apostle is far more pleasing to Him." - JOHN CALVIN, Commentary on the Book of Psalms, Vol. I, p. 539

4. METHODIST - "I have no objection to instruments of music, in our chapels, provided they are neither heard nor seen." - JOHN WESLEY (founder)

5. METHODIST - "Music as a science, I esteem and admire: but instruments of music in the house of God I abominate and abhor. This is the abuse of music; and here I register my protest against all such corruptions in the worship of the Author of Christianity." - ADAM CLARKE (commentator)

6. LUTHERAN - "Martin Luther called the organ an 'ensign of Baal'." - MCCLINTOCK & STRONG'S ENCYCLOPEDIA

7. BAPTIST - "I would as soon attempt to pray to God with machinery as to sing to Him with machinery." - CHARLES H. SPURGEON

ALTHOUGH!!!

THAT IS A RATHER MODERN SENTIMENT!

•GREEK ORTHODOX - "The execution of Byzantine church music by instruments, or even the accompaniment of sacred chanting by instruments was ruled out by the Eastern Fathers as being incompatible with the pure, solemn, spiritual character of the religion of Christ." -- Constantine Cavarnos, BYSANTINE SACRED MUSIC•In Eastern Europe, the music performed in the Eastern Orthodox cathedrals and monasteries is exclusively sung without music. Bishop Kallistos Ware says, "The service is sung, even though there may be no choir... In the Orthodox Church today, as in the early Church, singing is unaccompanied and instrumental music is not found."[

•Wikipedia

PRESBYTERIAN - "Musical instruments in celebrating the praises of God would be no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting up of lamps, the restoration of the other shadows of the law. The Papists, therefore, have foolishly borrowed this, as well as many other things, from the Jews. Men who are fond of outward pomp may delight in that noise; but the simplicity which God recommends to us by the apostle is far more pleasing to Him." - JOHN CALVIN, Commentary on the Book of Psalms, Vol. I, p. 539

• 4. METHODIST - "I have no objection to instruments of music, in our chapels, provided they are neither heard nor seen." - JOHN WESLEY (founder)

• 5. METHODIST - "Music as a science, I esteem and admire: but instruments of music in the house of God I abominate and abhor. This is the abuse of music; and here I register my protest against all such corruptions in the worship of the Author of Christianity." - ADAM CLARKE (commentator)

BAPTIST - "I would as soon attempt to pray to God with machinery as to sing to Him with machinery." - CHARLES H. SPURGEON

“Opposition to Instruments: The earliest references to Christian services mention singing but are silent about instruments. In the fourth century, some writers took note of the difference between the non-use of instruments among Christians and their prominence in pagan sacrifices and in the Jewish temple. Theodoret (Quaes. Et. resp. ad Orth. 107) and Niceta (Util. Hymn. 9) explained that instrumental music belonged to the childhood state of God’s people and was among those practices of the Old Testament, such as sacrifice, circumcision, Sabbath, that had been abrogated in the New Testament, whereas singing without accompaniment was useful for quieting the passions and lifting the thoughts to God. . . . The organ appears to have moved from the court ceremony of the emperor to the church, but only in the west, and it is debated whether this occurred in the seventh century or the tenth.”

Everett Ferguson, ed., Encyclopedia of Early Christianity (New York and London: Garland Publishing, Inc., 1990).


2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:183. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:154. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:195. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:166. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 11:207. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-458. Treasury—Acts 5:1-49. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I Cor. 16:110. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-1611. Discipline Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5

THIS ISSUE SEEMS SMALL AND UNIMPORTANT


2. An Assembly—Heb. 10:25; I Cor. 11:183. Taught—Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:154. Prayed—Acts 12:5; I Cor. 14:195. Sang—Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:166. Lord’s Supper on 1st Day—Acts 20:7; I Cor.

11:207. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-458. Treasury—Acts 5:1-49. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-30; I

Cor. 16:110. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-1611. Discipline Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5

PRIMITIVISM IS MAJOR AND HAS LONG BEEN CONSIDERED SO IN CHRISTIAN HISTORY



11:20 7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45 8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4 9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35;

11:29-30; I Cor. 16:1 10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil.

4:15-16 11. Disciplined Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5 12. Discussed Congregational Activities—

Acts 6:1-5

NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHES OF CHRIST

THINKING INSIDE THE BOX—ARE WE ALONE—ANOTHER APPROACH TO EVANGELICALISM

“If the Episcopal Church denies what is clearly taught in Scripture about important matters like sexual behavior, why expect its leaders to have any convictions about anything, including directions to heaven? How can anyone be sure, if the guidebook is so full of errors? . . . But the same book that speaks against what we used to call ‘fornication’ before such words died along with the accompanying doctrines, also speaks against the ‘sin’ of homosexual practice. . . .

“The Episcopal Church isn’t the only denomination having trouble deciding what it believes. The Presbyterian Church (USA) has voted to ‘receive’ a policy paper on sex-inclusive language for the Trinity. Instead of the traditional (and biblical) Father, Son and Holy Spirit, these liberal Presbyterians will consider using “Mother, Child and Womb,” or “Rock, Redeemer, Friend,” among others. Seeking only to be “relevant,” they face condemnation from the God they are supposed to represent, whose attitude about such things is anything but ‘inclusive.’”

Thomas Oden [Drew University], The Rebirth of Orthodoxy: Signs of New Life in Christianity (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 2003).

1. A return to “classic Christianity” based on a willingness to “think with the early church about the sacred text.”A return to “Christian tradition as defined by the sacred texts of scripture, the ecumenical councils of the first five centuries, and the teachings of the ‘fathers of the first millennium.’”

1. Not making the church socially and politically relevant

Support social and political reforms—feminism and gay rights Providing for young people’s social and recreational needs

2. Not having ministers/church leaders who are charismatic and scholarly

1. “In our study, the best predictor of church participation turned out to be belief—orthodox Christian belief. . . . Virtually all our baby boomers who believe this are active members of a church.”

Thomas Oden [Drew University], The Rebirth of Orthodoxy: Signs of New Life in Christianity (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 2003).

2. Learning “to say ‘no’ to false doctrine.” “There is an avid new interest in setting boundaries for Christian teaching.”

“Given the reluctance of so many baby boomers to talk about religion or to instill their own views in their children, the prospects that their offspring will make a serious Christian commitment are even dimmer than their own prospects turned out to be.”WHAT VALUES HAVE YOU INSTILLED

IN YOUR CHILDREN?.

1. A Return to New Testament (Not 1st Millennium) Teaching and Practice

READY TO FOLLOW THIS PATH?

2. Setting Boundaries and Saying “NO”

THE PRINCIPLE DEMANDS CONSISTENT ACTION

1 Pet. 4:11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

BACK TO BIBLICAL PRIMITIVISM

Jane Lampman, “A Return to Primitive Christianity in a Modern Age,” Christian Science Monitor, March 6, 2003.“As many seekers have set off in recent years to pursue spirituality outside the bounds of organized religion, another trend has quietly emerged within and across Christian denominations: a return to orthodoxy. . . . It is perhaps most visible in the least expected place—the liberal mainline churches—where many ‘renewal’ groups are taking an assertive stance, seeking to replace what they consider secularized theology and political activism with biblical authority and evangelical fervor.

1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.



11:20 7. Gave on 1st Day—I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 2:44-45 8. Treasury—Acts 5:1-4 9. Relieved Needy Saints—Acts 4:34-35; 11:29-

30; I Cor. 16:1 10. Supported Preaching—II Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-

16 11. Disciplined Unruly Members—I Cor. 5:1-5 12. Discussed Congregational Activities—Acts

6:1-5

Documents

THE CONCEPT OF CHRISTIAN PRIMITIVISM : ITS BIBLICAL BASE & HISTORICAL PERSISTENCE