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SJCampos stands out as a church that has paid its own way since the first few months of life. Since it is not burdened with property or a building, it has become known for its generosity in helping brethren and churches around the country. It provides regular help to an evangelist in the northeast. It sends a hefty monthly amount to the children’s home. The saints here have the heart of God for showing their love.
Ten people in our congregation are actively teaching people every week. That number does not include those who are doing other things to promote the church and create good will so more doors will be opened. Four have been baptized this month.
Brother Cecil May has just concluded preaching a sermon on giving at the University church in Montgomery, AL. Being homebound with my mother in the mornings, I listened on the internet to the service. He related how this elderly lady told him at the end of the first service that her fixed income hasn’t changed this year so she could increase her giving. She went on to say, however, that she no longer has a car and doesn’t have to buy gas and pay insurance on it, so that is one way she has more and can increase her giving. What an example!
Precious! Thanks for sharing.
This is indeed a great example of self-sacrifice in our giving. May the Lord richly bless this elderly lady!
The Montana Street congregation consists of approximately 160 Spanish speaking brethren. They are assisting in the support of various works in Juarez, Mexico, one of those works being a preacher’s training school. There are about 30 native Mexican men presently enrolled in that school. We are also helping to support Brother Bontha Esudas’ work in India: http://www.churchofchristindia.com/.
Additionally, we help provide food and monies for the Lakeview Christian home in Carlsbad, NM, and we produce a weekly television ministry, covering El Paso County and the surrounding area.
Our minister has been at Calvert for over twenty years. Our youth minister recently took a full time preaching position. He had been with us for 11 years. In this day and age, that is saying a lot.
Paula, there’s no question that long-term service to a congregation, is practically a thing of the past. Preachers, like Superintendents of public schools, don’t last very long – two to four years at most.
The brethren at Calvert should rejoice in their preacher’s longevity there, encouraging him daily to “keep on keeping on.”
I think one of the biggest things that stands out about our congregation is the percentage of workers. I’ve heard it said, and even seen in some places, that 10% of the people do 90% of the work. Not so in Purcellville. We certainly have some who are not actively engaged, but a very large percentage of the congregation is busy working on something and are willing to work when called upon. For example, we have so many ladies who want to teach, that we’ve started rotating teachers in and out of the children’s classrooms. Yet we only have about 38 or so adults in the congregation.
A few things that stand out in our congregation of 25 here in rural central IL…
Steven – great longevity and great statistics! Good to see the congregation training future evangelists. We don’t see that much happening any more. May the Lord continue to bless the work there!
Steven—I see where you have been in Clinton for quite some time. May God continue to bless your ministry. I remember attending Clinton as a small child and I think it was the dedication of the building when we loaded up a bus full of folks from Sunnyside and made the trip up there. I preached in Secor, now Eureka, while I was in school. Again, God bless your ministry.
We are a small congregation in east central Illinois. We are very active in our support of various missions. We support works in Nigeria, India, Greece, and Brazil. Our contributions to these efforts are modest, but we are trying to encourage the spreading of the gospel. We also support a work in the UP (Michigan); this is more of a monthly contribution. We make regular contributions to Potter’s Children Home and Shults-Lewis Children’s Home. Our heaviest work is local (House to House, weekly newspaper articles) and Exhibit Evangelism (Illinois State Fair). This last work, we are the overseeing congregation. You might say this is a grand opportunity to take the gospel to the marketplace. This is a co-op work with sister congregation throughout the state. On many occasions we enroll as many as 300 people in free Bible studies. It is has been a fantastic work in Illinois for the nearly five decades. Involved in this effort, on average, are about 30 people. Two of the “fellows” on this list is very involved (Richard Hill, Stephen Bradd). They do an exceptional job.
Ron…concerning the Exhibit Evangelism. My mom and my wife both worked in the “booth” for years. I’m glad to see it is still going strong!
Jim, EE is going very well. We have been overseeing it for the last decade. We wish more sister churches were involved, but we do what we can to encourage them, and then move on. The work is much too vital to let it die. If you would like to be involved, in any sort of way, let me know.
Ron, thanks for the invitation. I grew up in the Sunnyside Rd. congregation and we were very involved in EE. At the time (when dinosaur’s romed the earth) a man named Ben Laudermilk was the director. When he left, Ray Chrisman took over. I knew Ray pretty well as he was also very involved with Illinois Christian Camp (ICC). One of the highlights of our summer was to go to Springfield and visit “the booth” and see all the new technology they had thought up for getting the Bible out. I would love to be able to see the exhibit. Unfortunately, time and distance, keep that from being a reality. God bless your work with the exhibit.
Today’s Nudge: What stands out about your congregation? It’s always interesting to hear about positive qualities of the community of saints.
Our hearts go out to the Chileans, in this moment of grief, shock and tragedy. A Brazilian on business in Chile, according to a newspaper here, said, “It was a giant monster that was going to swallow us, that was the sensation.” We continue to seek news and channels for sending aid.
Have a blessed First Day today, wherever you are, and may our God protect and preserve you for his purposes.
Journal Entry #20 – I am simply not used to doing business like this. I am certainly not used to expending large amounts of money in one month. I keep having to tell myself, “We raised the funds and we budgeted for this … we budgeted for this. It’s OK, it’s OK.” In order to get settled in, we are having to purchase things like a car, pay deposits on a rental duplex, install air conditioners and security systems, purchase major appliances, and set up insurance coverage for health, car, and property. In one month, I have spent a ton of money. I don’t think anyone really LIKES to dispense large sums of money. Add to the discomfort that everything is being paid for in cash. Paraguayan guarani cash to be exact. One US dollar is equal to about 4700 guaranies, so 1 MILLION guaranies is equal to about $200 in US currency. The things I have been paying for cost millions upon millions of guaranies. Yes, it takes my breath away to think of it in those kind of numbers. But, on the bright side … I guess I can truthfully say that I am a “millionaire” (depending on which currency you choose)!
My most positive word today? The sarcastic side of me (which is quite large, mind you) wants to say: “proton” or perhaps “11/06/2012″ (can a date count as a word?) :)
Seriously, I think “family” is my answer. As I look at my three sons and see their progress, I am so encouraged. There is indeed a time for everything. As I look at their mother and see her entering the final six weeks before bringing another boy into this world, I am thrilled at her beauty & grace. None of them are perfect, but they are so lovely to me.
With our advancing technologies, we can see the results of nature’s power. The enormous earthquake in Chile, was an 8.8 magnitude. Thanks to the internet, we can watch Chilean TV as they cover the devastation. If you are on Twitter, you can follow Fox News’ feed from those who are in Chile. You can also follow Google’s news coverage.
Additionally, we can watch live TV coverage of the impending Tsunami as it advances on Hawaii.
Please pray for the suffering and those in danger. We don’t have any word on our brethren in Chile.
Richard, it’s amazing that we can receive a live feed from Chile and look at the devastation first hand! WOW!
The Daily Nudge asks, as some Fellows have already gotten to it, what is your most positive word today?
Mine is compassion.
Jesus cares. “Oh, yes, he knows just what I need.” What a comfort!
My most positive word today? The word, “steady.” Years ago, we had a member of our congregation by the name of Tom Porterfield, who has since gone on to be with the Lord. When I would ask him every Sunday morning how he was doing, he would reply with a simple, “I’m steady.”
Brother Tom was indeed “steady.” Even though he was up in years, he’d be present at every worship service of the Lord’s people. He was truly an inspiration and godly example of “steady” service to the Lord, and we greatly miss his presence when we assemble today.
Brethren, like brother Tom, may we be found to be “steady” – “Steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58-NKJV).
My most positive word for today has to be “influence”. In the 68 and 1/2 years of my life there have been many things influence my life. Some were good to very good, and some were bad. I thank God that I have been able to shuck the bad and keep the good. It was the influence of a grandmother to a grand-daughter that exposed me to the truth of salvation and the means by which one is saved. Therefore be thankful for the good influences in your life and praise God for those that influenced you in a positive direction. Take those same influences and pass them on to someone else.
Last night I was watching old family videos and came across one that brought the tears. I had thrown my husband a surprise birthday party one Wednesday night after Bible class. Since it had been several years ago, some of the guests had since passed on. As the video panned over them, and I said their names, it reminded me of the great faith chapter, Hebrews 11.
If I were to write a Hall of Faith chapter, their names would be there. They were wonderful Christian examples who took time out of their busy schedule to be with us. Fellowshipping, you might say. I’m thankful for them and their influence on not only me, but my family.
So, my question to you is- who would be in your Hall of Faith chapter? If they’re here, send them a note today and thank them. If not, relish the memories and be certain you’ll be together again.
What beautiful thoughts to read first thing this morning. Thanks Paula.
I agree with Glenda, Paula
An 8.8-magnitude earthquake hit Chile during the night. If you are near there or have contacts there, please let us hear from you. We’d like to hear news of the church and know where help can be channeled.
An update of Haitian earthquake aid is up this morning on BNc.
A Christian sister (Kara) lives there, I believe. Her parents live on Guam. Her husband (Robert) operates a car dealership there, I think. In time, they will move to the states.
This from a FB friend: From La Serena, Chile (8 hours by car North of Santiago), All the brethren there are fine, there is damage to infrastructure so communication is spotty, especially outside the local area–damage to antennas, etc.
I expect to pass through the world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness I can show to any creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it, for I shall not pass this way again.
Stephen Grellet, French/American religious leader (1773-1855)
Praise God that we have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb (Eph. 1:7) and that we have been blessed with every blessing in the Heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). I think that, sometimes, we, as Christians, picture our Heavenly Father as being stingy with spiritual gifts, reluctantly bestowing said blessings. My fellow believer, just the opposite is true and thank God that it is.
In Eph. 1:8 (in the NASV) we have the phrase “lavished on us..,” He is up there in Heaven wanting to give us everything He has for us. The Word of God states that we have been given “everything that pertains to life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3)
But He will not force anything on us. Just as we must choose to follow Him, we must choose to appropriate these gifts. But if we will, He will equip us for service. He gives us everthing we need to live for Him “in this present age…” (Titus 2:12). We can say NO! to ungodliness and worldy desires (Titus 2:12).
We have a great position in Christ! We should desire everything He has for us and live our life to the fullest. It is a life that is dedicated to Jesus and a life of service for HIm who died for us. Let’s live in the glorious light of the Gospel and help others find that light also. Keep looking up! Jesus may come today!
Everybody go off to the beach today?
I’m working on my Portuguese language sites. About one of them I tweeted yesterday: “Feeling a tinge of sadness as I consider stopping or totally revamping a project of many years.” That’s my Portuguese devotional I’ve done since the late 90s. It has gradually declined in numbers, no response whatsoever from the subscribers when I ramped it up for two months then disappeared for a month (nobody noticed!), so I figure it’s time to shake things up. Though I’ve had some nice feedback since I announced that, in March, things are going to change. But probably not enough to justify keeping on as things are.
I mentioned to Larry last night that, with my major support ending in June, changes will be required in this corner of the world, both financially and in my ministry. So some things are going to have to go, others change, others shelved. Still getting a feel for that.
Just found a fantastic item on the Internet. Trying to figure out how it might be used for the Lord. That’s what happened with TFR when this WP theme popped up on the horizon. Just have to keep the eye open for an opportunity.
There was a flurry of activity this morning. What more could you ask for?
Consistency! That confounded scoundrel who never stays around. :)
*Some* of us have to work for a living! (Oops, did she say that????) JK
Everybody off to the beach???? You must be kidding. Were not Polar Bears. The sun may be warming your beaches, but not here.
Whjat are some of the changes going to be?
That’ll depend on where I am come June, but one option is to start teaching English part-time, which will greatly diminish my time for several projects, including some Internet items.
So I’ll join Laura’s ranks of having to work for a living.
Yesterday and today were cooler, but we’ve been having record highs, and everybody here believes it’s global warming.
I knew you were going to loose some support, but didn’t realize it was going to be your major support. Now I understand your concern.
If people down there thinkl it’s global warming send them North.
80% of our personal support.
The news here, people tell me, have been showing the blizzards. (We don’t watch TV.)
Wow! I was thinking in terms of maybe half. How can I help you get some of it back?
Yep, snow snow snow. The Northeast has been catching a lot of it this year.
I take it you would rather I not reply by email to comments. It was there so I thought I would try it. Easier than going to the website. When your comments above showed up in my Inbox it was flagged as “no-reply”.
Jim, I tried answering by email, but it appears not to have worked. Here’s what I replied to your post:
Hi, Jim, thanks for the interest. (Gonna answer by email also; neat feature.) To answer your question, the need is for churches or individuals to step up and join in the support.
Did I say I preferred not using the email feature? Sorry, I don’t remember that. Funny that you got a no-reply item there, mine doesn’t say that, so I thought I’d try it again since you mentioned it. Here goes …
Well, I wasn’t at the beach today. I was teaching some 3rd, 4th and 5th graders a little history of Abraham Lincoln’s life and how he fit into the fabric of Americana.
Bill Singleton’s recent report has been posted. Go to the “Great Works” on the right hand side bar which will take you to the Melrose church of Christ website. Here are his closing remarks.
We need older, Bible sound men to help teach the leadership classes we try to have every two months. We need older ladies experienced in working with youth in Sunday school programs to help train ladies in that great service. An older couple with husband and wife both sound, experienced teachers, would be ideal for this service. Next time you take a vacation consider spending it in the service of the Lord. If you would like to help us, have your elders contact the elders at the Melrose church of Christ at
575-253-4209;
340 North 8th St.;
Melrose, N.M. 88124.
I dread pointing out to a non-Christian, one who believes they are saved, that they are not. I have tried this a few times and it has not worked well. The last time it wasn’t so much that I was made fun of, but the church was made fun of. I just had to drop it.
Unfortunately, more often than not, I’ve found that many brethren simply do not want to receive any kind of edification that requires changing what they are doing. I’ve been bitten by brethren more often than I can count. Even gently approaching issues from a standpoint of “have you considered what the Bible says here”, rather that being blunt has yielded poor reactions, which as Randal has pointed out, result in the messenger being attacked. I know full well it is my duty as a Christian to help my brethren, but I fear many suffer from heart disease. We all need to be of the heart of David, willing to honestly self-examine and change at the drop of a hat because we want to please our God. Being one who abhors confrontation to the point I get physically ill from it, the reaction of brethren in such cases has caused me to dread obeying this command.
The saints can sometimes be oblivious to false teachers among us. Pointing that out often brings rejection, not of the teachings, but of the messenger who mentions it. I’m so scarred on this, over the years, it shouldn’t even hurt any more, but the pain of being tagged a rabblerouser and the “troubler of Israel” still is great.
I understand and sympathize with you Randal. Been there. Done that. Really don’t want to do it again. But I have to.
At least you’re in good company – the prophets!
I think we all are. What did God say of Israel to Moses in Ex 32:9-10. Stiff necked something or other? He was talking of his own people here. Not alien sinners.
Man’s great psychology instruction is found in Paul’s remark about his own approach (Philippians 3:12-13). We would all do well to hear and apply. It may be difficult, but it is well worth the effort.
For the lazy, I’m inserting verses 12-14, since in the NET, at least, verse 13 is punctuated with a comma.
3:12 Not that I have already attained this – that is, I have not already been perfected – but I strive to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me. 3:13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained this. Instead I am single-minded: Forgetting the things that are behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead, 3:14 with this goal in mind, I strive toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
I guess I should have done that. For those of lazy people who did not want to do a “cut and paste,” I stand guilty. It is a good thing to have men around like Randal – a good thing indeed!
As a preacher, dealing with someone in an unscriptural marriage, without compromising what Jesus said on the subject. It must be done, but sure doesn’t fit the “fun” category.
I think I find this as difficult as anything that comes to mind. When I get to this point, I merely help them understand what the Lord said, and encourage them to make the appropriate application – whatever it may be. Tough indeed!
Amen to what Weylan & Ron said. I can’t think of anything worse, personally.
I can agree with all of you. To me it even gets worse when you talk to the elders and they shrug their shoulders and don’t want to get involved.
Biologists in Muenster, Germany, say a rare Black Australian Swan has been showing all the typical signs of love; circling its lover, staring endlessly at it and making crooning noises. But there is a problem. “Black Peter”, as the love-sick swan is known, has fallen in love with a swan-shaped paddle-boat. The swan and its plastic lover have been moved from the park to a zoo for protection. I suppose we ought to forgive Black Peter for swans are the only ones to get mixed up. I’m told there are internet sites that sell blow-up plastic men and women and I’m not talking Santa Clauses. Whether it is a swan or a sap, it is spelled perversion. This is Just-A-Minute with Ed Boggess
Informing parents of a tragic accident that killed a child. Visiting in nursing homes that fail to keep patients properly cleaned. Funerals for infants and small children. Marriage counseling when one or both have no intention of saving the marriage or making any effort to change. (Past dreads?) Explaining to my kids why they couldn’t be dressed as well or do the things others could do because we didn’t have the money. Working with an eldership that was dominated by a head elder and resented by deacons and members. Waiting in line for government food supplements so as to have enough to feed my family.
That’s quite a list Ed. I can relate to working with a bad elder. At one time I could do this and then at another time I couldn’t because he would forget. I finally left the congregation rather than continue dealing with him. He did more damage to the congregation than anything else, but nobidy would ask for his resignation.
A spiritual task that I dread? If I were a preacher, preaching at a funeral would be the spiritual task that I would dread, especially if the deceased was not a Christian. Since I’m not a preacher, I really don’t have a spiritual task that I dread. Working for the Lord is all good!
Is there a sadder circumstance in Scripture than when the High Priest said, “I have found the Book of the Law…”? If there is, it does not come readily to my mind.
I’ve always wondered, what did a High Priest without the Law actually do?
A good question. I think syncretism would be the appropriate word.
Me too, Richard. I guess they made up their own rules.
Which isn’t much different than what a lot of folks are doing now.
Agree, Paula.
Wow, Paula, you’ve just gotten here and already Laura is giving you orders.
Orders?
Ron, I don’t know if was a sadder circumstance, but when King Agrippa said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28), was definitely a sad occasion. The king knew God’s will (Acts 26:26), but wasn’t obedient to it. I’m afraid many folks will tell the Lord on judgment day, “But Lord, I was almost a Christian.” How sad that statement will be!
Good words, Mike.
Yes, when Jesus wept at the lack of his disciples faith. John 11:35. It causes one to wonder if he weeps still.
A sober question to ponder. (Walt, again?)
Yes, guess I need to get that name changed.
Excellent question. Thanks for posing this thought.
I. Respecting authority (7:1-10). A Roman, sympathetic to Jewish religion, understood more about Jesus’ authority than even the Jews (cf. John 1:11-12).
II. Respecting life (7:11-17). As the small community paid their respects to a young man having died, the Lord paid His respect to the grieving mother. The response they gave Him, was the response He desired.
III. Respecting John (7:18-35). John’s perplexity gave Jesus the opportunity to remind the people of John’s mission. He was that voice in the wilderness paving the way for the coming Messiah. Those who thought highly of themselves, he brought low – that is, he helped them to realize their need for a Savior (for they were spiritually lost); those who thought little of themselves, he was able to help them understand that they also could receive the same Savior. Now, the way was already paved, and the Savior was walking the path preaching to the affluent and non-affluent alike.
IV. Respecting a woman (7:36-50). One’s social standing can encourage one to look at life dismally. Whatever sins plagued the lonely woman’s life, Jesus knew them all. He also knew that her standing in the community was one of great disrespect. The one who was so lightly regarded came to One so esteemed. She came empty, she left full of life, having it more abundantly.
Is there a spiritual task that you dread? asks the Daily Nudge today of its Fellows. Don’t ask me how we came up with that question. Maybe we’re facing one of those this morning …
Our bit of news: on Facebook we’ve created a group for authors in churches of Christ with books in print. More information at the link.
Also, we hope to have a couple more Fellows coming on board soon. They’ve accepted the challenge, we’re awaiting them to get registered into the system.
If readers have news or would like to respond to the Nudge, please add your juicy tidbits through the Reply link in the upper right of this post.
Well, spiritually, the fruit of the Spirit is a favorite, but I suspect our beloved brother Randal meant a plant or fruit grows on the earth. I would say then the lily because of Song of Solomon 2.1, 2,
I am the rose of Sharon,
And the lily of the valleys.
Like a lily among thorns,
So is my love among the daughters.
(Song 2.1, 2)
The Shulamite saw herself as just one of the common flowers of the valley, but then Solomon took the image she employed and did something wonderful with it, saying that she stood out like a lily among thorns. I tried to picture this in the latest issue of The Bible Meditator (TheBibleMeditator.com and go to the CurrentIssue page and after downloading, go to page 9), but unfortunately I could not find a picture of a lily among thorns, so I just used a picture that had a lily standing out among others.
I like “fruit of the Spirit”. That’s a good one. And thank you for saying “fruit” and not “fruits” as do many. ;)
Don’s post on the lily is reproducing like rabbits. Anybody else seeing this? It’s not separate posts, I checked in the admin area. Very, very weird.
Randal, Yes, I was noticing his post reproducing when I was posting my quote. It is weird. Maybe there’s a ghost on TFR! HA!
I closed out my browser and reopened it. Seems to have solved it. I fiddled with the time factor for the site, and that may have affected it.
I have not seen seen that, but if there is a problem, perhaps I did it by accident. I wanted to expand the window in which we type the message, and so I drug the bottom right hand corner where I can see some lines that indicate the window can be expanded, but when I did that, it simply moved the window down further and created a huge gray area above the window. I did not think anything of it and just went ahead with my post. Next time I will reload the page and start over. Sorry.
Don, I’m almost certain you’re not the cause of it.
To swear off making mistakes is very easy. All you have to do is swear off having ideas.
Leo Burnett, American advertising pioneer (1891-1971)
Paula Harrington is a columnist at Forthright Magazine.
She says she works full-time at the local elementary school and loves teaching the kindergarten Bible class.
Seems I recall her family is in involved in a drive-in theater, you know, the old timey kind where you drive in your car to see a movie?
“I have a blog that I can’t keep updated,” she wrote. “My husband said, ‘Tell them you love to eat but you can’t cook.’”
We’ve offered them marital counseling.
Welcome, Paula. As with all the fellows, it is nice to see a face for the names that I see so often.
Don Ruhl
Welcome Paula. This is one super site. It is great to have you join the team.
Thank you both. I looking forward to being here.
Paula, Welcome from east central Illinois.
Hi Paula!
Welcome, Paula. Sounds like you have a sense of humor. Is your husband ok. You didn’t disable him did you?
Today I received in the mail four copies of Phillip Owens’s booklet, “Is There a ‘Pattern’ in the New Testament that God Wants Us to Follow?” Though Owens is of the non-institutional persuasion, it is mentioned in passing only on the first page.
He has some good things to say, in the face of supposedly patternless people who disparage those of us who teach that the New Testament does present a pattern for faith and practice.
Here are a couple of quotes:
Though each [New Testament] letter was initially sent to specific individuals and churches concerning local circumstances (see I Tim. 1:1-2; Gal. 1:1-2), they were intended to be circulated among others, read in the assemblies (Col. 4:16; I Thess. 5:27), and applied to every circumstance that was related (see I Cor. 1:1-2; 4:17; 4:17; 16:1).
How do we know what to do, or “uncover this pattern”? First, Jesus’ teachings, attitudes seen in His actions and words, and His desires are examples for us to follow in every way (see Matt. 7:24-29; Col. 1:27; I Pet. 2:21). Since Jesus said that His words would form the authoritative basis of judgment for every person, He implied that His words were authoritative until the end of time (see Matt. 7:21-23; Jno. 12:48). We are to live as if Jesus were living in us by His teachings (Col. 3:1-4; Gal. 2:20). As we often and rightly sing, “He the great example is, and pattern for me.”
You can request a free copy of this 20-page booklet at this website.
“Though Presbyterian churches have decided to permit the use of organs, yet seeing the apostolic church did not use any musical instruments its practice is of more weight in the matter than all the modern churches in Christendom. Indeed such instruments were not introduced into the church before the seventh century, when it became very corrupt, because it had greatly departed from the simplicity of the gospel. It is only within this present century that the Presbyterian, Congregational, Baptist and Methodist churches began to follow this sensuous practice. The supposed unanimity in this matter is of too short duration to have much reasonable weight.”
D. B. Cameron, Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews, volume 1:517, Toronto: Presbyterian Printing and Publishing Co. Ltd. 1889
Usually, when working textually with the restoration principle, our people start and finish in the OT. I admit not to seeing all the literature, so it’s likely I’ve missed a treatment of it, but the restoration principle is very evident in the NT, though not with the term “restoration,” which is why we may have missed it there.
The restoration principle is seen from an appeal to what is done or to laws and principles given at the beginning.
Restoration is in reality repentance. It is sometimes doctrinal and sometimes practical, but we must repent of any unauthorized doctrine or practice. That is the Restoration ideal.
A Brazilian brother took that same approach some years back in an excellent article, and it applies very well.
Jim and 
jimnewy and 
Glenda Williams are discussing. 
Phil Sanders are discussing. 
Glenda, this is indeed great! If all congregations of the Lord’s people had just ten people doing what the ten people are doing in the congregation that you are a member of, just think how many souls could be brought to Christ.