1. Is The Restoration Plea Still Valid?

2. Introduction Many people think the church should change with the times. Many people think the church should change with the times. In contrast, churches of Christ have historically stood for a restoration of the ancient order. In contrast, churches of Christ have historically stood for a restoration of the ancient order. Through “book, chapter, and verse” preaching, faithful brethren have called men and women back to the Bible. Through “book, chapter, and verse” preaching, faithful brethren have called men and women back to the Bible.

3. What About Today? Is the restoration plea still valid? Do we need Bible authority for all that we believe and practice? Should we seek a “Thus saith the Lord…”? Is the restoration plea still valid? Do we need Bible authority for all that we believe and practice? Should we seek a “Thus saith the Lord…”? Consider the following passages: Mark 10:6-9; 1 Corinthians 11:20-25; 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15. Consider the following passages: Mark 10:6-9; 1 Corinthians 11:20-25; 2 Timothy 1:13-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15.

4. Ancient Plea & Modern Principle Like Jeremiah, faithful preachers today call individuals to “stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it” with the assurance that “you will find rest for your souls.” Like Jeremiah, faithful preachers today call individuals to “stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it” with the assurance that “you will find rest for your souls.” Like Isaiah, we direct men and women “to the law and to the testimony!” Like Isaiah, we direct men and women “to the law and to the testimony!”

5. Foundational Principles The continued validity of the restoration plea is based on three fundamental principles: The continued validity of the restoration plea is based on three fundamental principles: –The Bible is inspired of God –Scripture can be understood –Divine Truth must be obeyed

6. The Bible Is Inspired Of God John 1:1-5 John 1:1-5 John 16:12-15 John 16:12-15 1 Corinthians 2:6-13 1 Corinthians 2:6-13 2 Timothy 3:14-17 2 Timothy 3:14-17 1 Thessalonians 2:13 1 Thessalonians 2:13

7. Scripture Can Be Understood Matthew 13:10-12 Matthew 13:10-12 John 7:16-17 John 7:16-17 Ephesians 3:1-13; 5:15-17 Ephesians 3:1-13; 5:15-17 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 Proverbs 4:18-19 Proverbs 4:18-19

8. Divine Truth Must Be Obeyed Matthew 7:21-23 Matthew 7:21-23 Matthew 12:46-50 Matthew 12:46-50 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 Hebrews 5:8-10 Hebrews 5:8-10

9. Conclusion Because the Bible is inspired of God, because Scripture can be understood, because divine truth must be obeyed, the restoration plea remains eternally valid. Because the Bible is inspired of God, because Scripture can be understood, because divine truth must be obeyed, the restoration plea remains eternally valid. Those who reject the old paths of Scripture seal their own doom and destruction (Jeremiah 6:16-19; Isaiah 8:19-22; Malachi 4:4-6). Those who reject the old paths of Scripture seal their own doom and destruction (Jeremiah 6:16-19; Isaiah 8:19-22; Malachi 4:4-6).

10. A Simple Plea Appearing before Festus and Agrippa, Paul concluded his remarks by saying, “I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains” (Acts 26:25-29). Appearing before Festus and Agrippa, Paul concluded his remarks by saying, “I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains” (Acts 26:25-29). Drop the chains and what is left? What was distinctive about Paul? He was a Christian. Nothing more. Nothing less. Drop the chains and what is left? What was distinctive about Paul? He was a Christian. Nothing more. Nothing less.

11. Challenge Let us look to God’s Word for instruction and guidance. The New Testament answers the question, “What must I do to be saved?” It determines our daily walk. It defines the boundary and scope of our collective activity. It affects every aspect of life. It is the basis of a faithful life (Deuteronomy 30:19-20; 32:45-47). Let us look to God’s Word for instruction and guidance. The New Testament answers the question, “What must I do to be saved?” It determines our daily walk. It defines the boundary and scope of our collective activity. It affects every aspect of life. It is the basis of a faithful life (Deuteronomy 30:19-20; 32:45-47).

12. Invitation As in the first century, sinners today must obey the gospel plan of salvation (Acts 2:36-38; 22:16). As in the first century, sinners today must obey the gospel plan of salvation (Acts 2:36-38; 22:16). –Do you believe in Jesus? –Have you repented of your sins? –Are you willing to confess Christ before men? –Will you be baptized into Christ for remission of your sins? –Will you then devote the remainder of your earthly days in service to him?