One Year
October 17, 2006This month marks the one year anniversary of my first post on this blog. To date I have posted 86 articles advocating unity among all whom God has adopted as his children. In Ephesians chapter 4, Paul wrote that we should “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Explaining my purpose in starting this blog, I stated in the first post:
I am beginning this blog as a part of “every effort”. Today it is no more than a handful of sand hurled at a giant. Perhaps with the help of God and others it can grow to the size of a small stone. And perhaps God will use that small stone to slay the giant.
From the beginning, the message on my heart has been that Christians need to find a way to be unified. That was Jesus’ prayer on the night he was betrayed. It seemed to me that I needed to do something to promote that cause.
When I began this blog, one of the subjects burning on my heart was the plea of the original Restoration Movement pioneers for unity. The Restoration Movement has a rich history. I wanted to see what I could learn from that history, in the hope that something could be learned that would contribute toward the unity for which Jesus prayed. I wanted to explore the thirteen propositions of Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address, to learn what went right and what went wrong in the years that followed. I also wanted to explore the hermeneutics that emerged from this beginning, to see what role those have played in the divisions that followed. And I wanted to explore the events at Sand Creek that led to the major divisions in the movement in the late 1800’s.
Along the way, some posts have addressed current events such as the ICOC unity proposal, the various unity discussions at conferences related to the 100 year anniversary of the 1906 split, and various other topics, mainly related to unity in God’s church.
People continue to find this blog through various search engines as they look for information on Restoration Movement historical topics and hermeneutics. I am encouraged that people are searching for those things. I would love to see more communication among those who are searching for the causes, and the solutions, for our divisions.
I want to thank all who have commented and offered support over the past year, especially to the faithful regular visitors who have encouraged me regularly. I also appreciate the many visitors who have dropped by occasionally to see what is going on here.
This blog has been the launching point for several email conversations with others interested in Christian unity from various points of view. I think all respectful communication on this subject has the potential to improve relations among God’s people, and I appreciate every opportunity that has presented itself for that to happen.
I want to continue to blog and to encourage communication on these topics. I pray that this blog may have some kind of positive effect for unity, and that God will multiply that effect to His glory.
Christian Unity 
Congratulations on completing one year in the blogging game :)Always look forward to reading your posts…keeps me on my toes.
Alan I just discovered your blog through a comment on Preacherman’s blog. From an initial reading of your thoughts on unity and restoration hermeneutics it seems we have some common interests. I invite you to come by my blog called Stoned-Campbell Disciple. I hope to see you there. I will be dropping by yours to digest your insights.Shalom,Bobby Valentinehttp://stoned-campbelldisciple.blogspot.com/
Hello Bobby,Welcome and thanks for giving me a heads-up about your blog. It’s always encouraging to learn of others who share these interests. I’ll definitely be coming by to read your insights!Alan
Alan,If you would like to learn more about J.N. Armstrong then I recommend getting the book that I wrote with John Mark Hicks a Prof at David Lipscomb University. The book is called:Kingdom Come: Embracing the Spiritual Legacy of David Lipscomb and James Harding This was published by Leafwood Press and released at the 2006 Pepperdine Lectures. There are two chapters that deal in some detail with Armstrong and is quest for Christian freedom and unity. The book can be obtained from Amazon.Com or from Leafwood toll free at 1.877.816.4455.Given your previous posts I think you would great enjoy the book. Should you get the book I would interested in your reactions to it.Shalom,Bobby Valentine
Hey Bobby,I just ordered the book from Amazon. Thanks again!Alan
Alan, 1. Thanks for the blog. Your writings are inspiring, challenging and encouraging. Happy Birthday to Christian Unity!2. Kingdom Come is an excellent book. It allows great insight into our theological and moral background and how some of our more positive beliefs and behaviors were lost but could be restored. I have a review here. Enjoy reading it. Sincerely, Phil Spadaro
Just ran into your blog. I was wondering if you are related to the other Rouses from NC – Gina and Erica?