The American Restoration Movement is a thrilling story of men (and women) who dedicated their lives to the promotion of pure, simple New Testament Christianity. Their quest was to unite all believers in the one church that Jesus died for. This meant the abandonment of denominational names, creeds, and dogmas. It is story of sacrifice but an attempt of fulfillment of the great prayer for unity that Jesus prayed (see John 17). Along with many successes and numerical growth, there were also problems along the way. But the sometimes bumpy ride is worth it. To "speak where the Bible speaks, and to be silent where the Bible is silent" is a scriptural formula for Bible interpretation and action. The following eight lessons are from a book called "The Story of the Restoration" by Bill J. Humble, Ph.D. I hope you find these lessons informative, and motivating so that everyone will see the importance of "In doctrine unity, in opinion liberty, and in all things love."
Introduction to the Restoration (1Peter 4:7-11)
This is the first in a series of eight lessons on the Biblical foundations of the American restoration movement.
The churches of Christ are a part of this plea. PDF
The Movement Begins (Ephesians 4:1-6)
This lesson explains some of the background and beginnings of the movement. Also discussed is the restoration principle. PDF
The Stone and Campbell Movements (John 17:20-23)
There were actually four separate movements of people wanting to go back to the Bible and thereby unite all Christians in the one church of the NT. The two most prominent were the movements of Barton W. Stone and of Thomas & Alexander Campbell. PDF
The Movements Converge (Ephesians 2:14-22)
There were both similarities and differences between the Stone and Campbell movements. But unity was achieved. PDF
Controversies Arise (Ephesians 3:8-12)
There were two main controversies that kept the brethren of the restoration movement busy. The question of instrumental music and the missionary society were major problems for a long time. PDF
The Influence of the Editors (Colossians 3:12-17)
It has been said that "the restoration movement has not bishops, it has editors." The influence on various editors of brotherhood periodicals cannot be over-estimated. PDF
The Restoration Movement in the 20th Century (2Corinthians 4:13-18)
The country was divided North and South due to the Civil War. The restoration churches were split in very much the same way. PDF
The Continuing Restoration (1Corinthians 1:18-24)
Presently there are three distinct fellowships that have evolved from the restoration movement. The non-instrumental churches of Christ; the instrumental churches of Christ and Christian Churches; and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). PDF
Introduction to the Restoration (1Peter 4:7-11)
This is the first in a series of eight lessons on the Biblical foundations of the American restoration movement.
The churches of Christ are a part of this plea. PDF
The Movement Begins (Ephesians 4:1-6)
This lesson explains some of the background and beginnings of the movement. Also discussed is the restoration principle. PDF
The Stone and Campbell Movements (John 17:20-23)
There were actually four separate movements of people wanting to go back to the Bible and thereby unite all Christians in the one church of the NT. The two most prominent were the movements of Barton W. Stone and of Thomas & Alexander Campbell. PDF
The Movements Converge (Ephesians 2:14-22)
There were both similarities and differences between the Stone and Campbell movements. But unity was achieved. PDF
Controversies Arise (Ephesians 3:8-12)
There were two main controversies that kept the brethren of the restoration movement busy. The question of instrumental music and the missionary society were major problems for a long time. PDF
The Influence of the Editors (Colossians 3:12-17)
It has been said that "the restoration movement has not bishops, it has editors." The influence on various editors of brotherhood periodicals cannot be over-estimated. PDF
The Restoration Movement in the 20th Century (2Corinthians 4:13-18)
The country was divided North and South due to the Civil War. The restoration churches were split in very much the same way. PDF
The Continuing Restoration (1Corinthians 1:18-24)
Presently there are three distinct fellowships that have evolved from the restoration movement. The non-instrumental churches of Christ; the instrumental churches of Christ and Christian Churches; and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). PDF