#1 Restoration History Notes

 Is it possible to read your Bible, and from your reading, see that in the New Testament there is a Church that Jesus established? Is it possible to see in the Bible, that God set forth His standard of acceptance in salvation, worship, church organization and daily living? Is it possible to follow the teachings of God, revealed in the New Testament, to direct our lives in the same way as He did first century Christians?

The answer to all the questions above is a resounding, Yes! For since the writing of the New Testament, men and women of all walks of life have studied their Bibles, and seen how one, even to this day, can become a Christian the way those in New Testament times became Christians. They have seen how one can establish the Church of the New Testament and emulate its structure, worship, and activity.

Someone has rightfully expressed that we should always remember to stop and show appreciation for the bridges we have crossed. For the Christian this is especially true! Not only are we to be thankful for the work of the apostles and early church workers in the 1st century A.D., but we should also remember the value of all those since who have directed others to give up the shackles of religious error, only to take on the truth revealed in God's Word. 

Introduction

A. Someone has said, “We are standing on the shoulders of giants.”

1. We often take the church for granted.

2. e.g. Lexington, Kentucky in 1900 was grounded having many faithful congregations. Had a college “College of the Bible” etc.

a. In the 1960's Basil and Margie Overton went back into this area once again having to establish N.T. Christianity.

b. In less than 60 years the area went from faithful to non-existent.

c. The church today can do this if we take it for granted.

B. We need to study Church History for several Reasons.

1. Help us learn from the mistakes of the past and avoid them.

2. To build upon their successes, so we can grow from them.

3. Help us to appreciate God’s Church.

C. Before discussing restoration it is important to discuss the falling away and the need for restoration.

1. Should go back to see how the prophets foretold of the establishment of the church/kingdom.

2. Show how the church/kingdom are the same - often misunderstood.

a. Millennial Kingdom concept is a misinterpretation.

b. Explained: e.g. Husband/Father - same person but two relationships.

c. Church/Kingdom: Same but two relationships.

1) Church - Word showing Horizontal Relationships.

2) Kingdom - Word showing Vertical Relationship.

Discussion -

I. Prophecy

A. Daniel 2

1. Dream of Nebuchadnezzar. v.32-35

a. Head of gold - v.36,37 - Babylon

b. Breast and arms of silver - v.39 - Medes & Persians - 539 B.C. cf. Dan. 5,6. cf. 5:28

c. Belly & thigh of brass - Greek (Alexander) - 330 B.C. - cf. 8:21

1) In vision of ram and goat – 8:21

d. Legs and Feet of Iron - 4th Kingdom - Rome - 30 B.C.

1) Toes & feet iron and miry clay mix. - partly strong partly weak.

2) 476 A.D. - Divided Kingdom

a) Western kingdom died.

b) Eastern kingdom lasted another 1000 years.

2. Daniel tells the dream and interprets it when no one else could.

3. v.44 - In the days of (d.) above God will raise up a kingdom that will never be destroyed.

B. Isaiah 2:2

1. Jerusalem, Mt. Zion

2. All nations come to it.

3. “In the last days . . . ”

C. Joel 2:28

1. Apocalyptic Language.

2. In the New Testament book of Acts it is fulfilled – Acts 2.

II. New Testament

A. Matthew 16:13-19

1. “will build my church” v.18

2. “will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom.” v.19

B. Mark 9:1

1. Some on that occasion would see the kingdom.

2. Would come with power.

C. Luke 23:51

1. Joseph of Arimathaea

2. “who himself waited for the kingdom of God.”

D. Luke 24:46ff

1. Christ to suffer, and rise from the dead the third day.

2. Repentance and Remission of sins should be preached beginning in Jerusalem.

3. They were all witnesses

4. The promise of the Father would be sent unto them.

E. Acts 1:3ff

1. Continuation of Luke 24

2. Wait for the promise of the Father.

3. 1:26 - Matthias numbered with the eleven.

F. Acts 2:1ff

1. “They” - all accord in one place - the eleven & Matthias.

2. v.13ff - Peter unraveled the mystery (cf. Matt. 16:19)

3. Joel 2 reported in this sermon.

4. v.38 - Repent and be baptized (cf. Luke 24:46ff)

Conclusion.

No chapter other than Acts 2 shows all these prophecies of old being fulfilled. cf:

1. Revelation 1:9 - “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (KJV)

2. Colossians 1:13 “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” (KJV)

3. II Thessalonians 1:5 “Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:” (KJV)