No name but Christian. We who associate ourselves with Restoration Movement wish to be known only as a Christian. We wish to wear only name of Christ. The name Christian is a Biblical name, "And disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." (Acts 11:26b) Also we read in New Testament that church was referred to as either church, church of Christ, or church of God. Many people seem to consider themselves a Baptist first and a Christian second, or a Methodist first and a Christian second, or any other man-made name first and a Christian second. We believe that Christian is not just first, but only name we want to wear.

Where Scriptures speak, we speak. Where Scriptures are silent, we are silent. It seems that many Christians are ever ready to argue about Scripture. I would like to point out that it is not really necessary to argue about Scripture. The Bible is quite plain in what it says. There are some principles of interpretation which we must follow, but once we do, truths in Bible are clear. So therefore we believe that if Bible addresses a particular subject and a command is given, we should obey that command. We will stand up and defend what Bible says about how we are to conduct ourselves as Christians. On other hand, if a subject is not covered in Scriptures (if Bible is silent on a subject) then it is not necessary to debate or defend issue.

The plan of salvation. By reading and studying New Testament teachings we see that there is a plan of salvation. We are told by New Testament writers what we must do to be saved. It is not difficult to understand. However, there are many who either try to make it more complicated than it is, or simplify it more than it is, or even to interject man-made rules into what needs to be done. We need to consider all that is in Scriptures concerning salvation, and then not add any additional requirements. Here is plan: Faith or Belief (Romans 10:17, John 3:16); Repentance (Luke 13:3); Confession (Matthew 10:32); Baptism [immersion] (Mark 16:16 & Acts 2:38); and Faithful Living (James 1:12).

I hope and pray that what I have given you in this article is enough to show that there is a difference between those churches who associate themselves with Restoration Movement and those churches we usual call denominational as well as Catholic church. It is vitally important that we continue steadfastly in apostles' doctrine. The Scriptures give us ample warning about following false teaching. If you need or want to know more about Restoration Movement or want to study more about principles of movement, there are many good Restoration writers to choose from. Ask your minister to help you locate this information, he will be glad to help you. Or, write to us. We have several excellent books available by different authors to help you in your study.

All scriptures quoted are from New King James Version unless otherwise noted

Stephen Kingery is an author, preacher, teacher and founder of The Home Bible Study Institute.

Visit our site at http://www.james1-22.org

We are called upon to exhibit patience in many ways. When sharing Christ with a non-believer many times patience is required. They will try to twist what you say to mean something else. Or, in most cases, they will just not allow you to penetrate wall of indifference they have erected around themselves. Be patient. Keep trying to reach them for Christ. Your efforts will pay off.

Kindness

"Therefore, as elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do." (Colossians 3:12,13)

Kindness shown to a brother or sister in Christ and those outside of Christ is perhaps most beautiful part of being a Christian. As an elder in my local congregation, I have good fortune to be able to go out into community on Lord's Day and serve communion to folks that are home-bound or in nursing homes. To be able to share Christ with these lovely people and to show kindness to them by visiting with them and holding their hand is a true blessing for me. They always ask for prayer and are so appreciative of kindness we are able to show them.

Goodness

We are "ambassadors for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20) while we are on this earth. As such, it is our desire to do goodness as we see need. To do good deeds - to help others in need, to serve local congregation, to help a neighbor, visit sick, etc. - is to do work of Christ. And we should not keep our goodness to ourselves and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus said, "Do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44) Spread goodness around. You may be surprised when you do something good to help someone whom you think (and perhaps they really do) hate you. Goodness and kindness has a way of softening even hardest heart.

Faithfulness

How could we even begin to think about being a true Christian and not be faithful. I know there are those who sit in church every Sunday morning thinking that being there is all they must do to show their faithfulness. They are deceived! Let us not be deceived. Faithfulness is much more than occupying a seat in a pew on Sunday morning.

For sure, faithfulness is "being there" to worship God; not only on Sunday morning, but as often as we can. Faithfulness is also being faithful in our giving to further Lord's kingdom in our communities and around world. It is being faithful to meet around Lord's Table each and every Lord's Day as did early church. It is being faithful to study Word of God daily, and to pray each day. It is being there to help those in need and to share Christ with those who have not made Him their Lord and Savior.

But still, faithfulness is more. In John 14:15 Jesus said it all concerning faithfulness, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." Faithfulness is loving Christ. Loving Christ is keeping His commandments. Keeping His commandments is following His word to best of our abilities - to BEST of our abilities!

Gentleness

It always amazes me how someone who claims Christ as Lord of their life can be so cold and matter of fact in dealing with others. Some people have a way of being brutally truthful and thinking that it is a virtue. "I tell it just way it is!" I had someone tell me that one day. I gently responded, "You tell it way you think it is, but that does not make it true." Being gentle in our words to others is very important if we are to let Spirit bear fruit in our lives.

Cutting words, no matter how truthful, is not of God. Gentleness is caring about others' feelings. Don't lie. But don't be cold, hard, and brutal either.

Self-control

Self-control is not merely keeping our tongue under control. It is making wise choices about our lives. It is avoiding pit-falls of smoking, drinking, and riotous living. It is being disciplined enough to be faithful and using our talents for God. It is keeping our personal finances under control. It is rearing our children to be Christians and to love God.

The fruit of Spirit is what being a Christian is all about. We have just touched on these. Study them and have them in your life.

Stephen Kingery is an author, preacher, teacher and founder of The Home Bible Study Institute.

Visit our site at http://www.james1-22.org