The Restoration Movement (Lesson 3) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

3. The Restoration Movement

Remarks.

1. This is lesson three, in our sermon-series of the theme: “The Departure from the Faith.” It should be noted that we began this series by describing “the retraction movement” or “the departure from the faith!” Recall, we stated, that before there could be a “departure from the faith”; there must have been first, an “establishment of the faith.” One must belong before they could departure. It should also be understood – that Paul called this movement, “the faith.”

2. Finally, we will investigate the “restoration movement” or the work of faithful men to bring believers back to the bible and to “the faith.” The movement was happening throughout the world – and not just in America. It was called by some “the Great Awakening.” Honest and sincere men and women were seeking the “truth which is after godliness,” Titus 1:1-3. It exploded in America around the early 1800s and has continued until this day. This period gave birth to men of faith such as, “Barton W. Stone, ‘Raccoon’ John Smith, James O’Kelly, Thomas, and Alexander Campbell”; just to mention a few. We will highlight the difference between these two movements. The one, “reformation movement” attempted to reform existing religions; the other “restoration movement” sought to restore the faith and practices of the New Testament; “that faith, once delivered unto the saints,” Jude 3; Ephesians 4:4. With this introduction let’s discussed the “restoration”; in this three-lesson series.

BODY OF LESSON

III THE RESTORATION MOVEMENT

A. Reformers sought to reform denominationalism and each failed. The failure of the “Reformation Movement” was due largely in the inability of these religious leaders to unite in any doctrine of the New Testament. This failure resulted in a new movement, which was called the “Restoration Movement.” Remember, these teachers and preachers would have “itching ears and would turn away from the truth,” 2 Timothy 4:3. Reformers could not form a single message to “unify” their work, in reforming Catholicism. In the Restoration:

1. The men that made up this movement determined it was necessary to return to the “pattern” outlined in the New Testament and form its faith, teaching and religious practices solely upon it.

2. They sought out the church in the New Testament; its faith, plan of salvation and religious practices.

3. They sought out biblical authority for the plan of church organization; salvation, evangelism, communion, and worship. Notice:

a. First, they realized they could not improve or make better what God had already ordained in the New Testament.

b. Further, they sought to follow the “pattern of conversion,” as outlined in the New Testament.

c. Next, they sought to restore in the New Testament church with its doctrine and religious practices.

d. Finally, they preached the gospel as it was outlined in the New Testament.

1) They became known as “restoration preachers.”

2) The “restoration movement” began in many countries around the world at the same time; and it eventually made its way to America, in order to flee religious oppression.

B. Methodist preacher, James O’Kelly. The Restoration Movement had its initial beginning in Ireland and England. It started in America around 1739, by a preacher called, James O’Kelly.

1. James O’Kelly was a Methodist by religious profession, who believed in the New Testament’s form of “congregational government.”

2. He withdrew himself from the Methodist faith in Mankintown, Virginia, in 1739.

3. He formed a group of believers called themselves, the New Testament church, and by the name “Christians,” Acts 11:26.

C. Baptist preachers. Here are two Baptist preachers that were instrumental in the “Restoration Movement.” These men were concerned with restoring the “Ancient Order of Things,” Jeremiah 6:16. This meant a return to the bible for its doctrine and principles given to the First Century church. Notice:

1. Dr. Abner Jones. He was a Baptist by religious profession. He became dissatisfied with party names and creeds that plagued its membership.

a. His ministry. Elder Jones had entered the ministry in 1801. He organized several Christian churches in New Hampshire and Boston, Massachusetts, prior to settling in Haverhill, Massachusetts and preaching in nearby Salem.

1) In 1811, he attended worship at the Christian Church in Assonet, Massachusetts. In his memoirs, it is mentioned that this church had formerly been of the Baptist denomination, but had come in recent years into the Christian Connexion. He continued to preach in New Hampshire and Milan, New York until 1833.

2) In September 1833, he accepted the post of minister in the Assonet church. In 1835, his wife, Damaris, died and was buried in the churchyard. She along with several others would later be moved to the Assonet Burying Ground.

3) Elder Jones left Assonet in early 1838, moving first to Portsmouth, New Hampshire and then Upton, Massachusetts.

4) In 1839, he married Nancy F. Clark (also Clarke) of Nantucket, and in 1840 he moved from Upton to Exeter, New Hampshire. After his death in 1841, his funeral was conducted by the Reverend Elijah Shaw of Lowell.