Faith Facts

• The Restoration Movement began with a commitment to Christian unity and obedience to God’s will.
• Leaders like Barton W. Stone and Thomas and Alexander Campbell set aside denominational identities to focus on being Christians guided by Scripture.
• Despite divisions and differences, the original call to unity and Scripture-centered living challenges believers today.

The American Restoration Movement grew out of a desire to focus solely on being followers of Christ, united under God’s truth. At its core, the founders believed unity could only be achieved by aligning with God’s Word above human tradition.

During the 1801 Cane Ridge revival in Kentucky, preachers from various backgrounds joined together to proclaim Christ, laying a foundation for the Restoration Movement. Their commitment led to significant moments of unity, such as the merging of Campbell and Stone’s followers in 1832, all motivated by Christ’s prayer for believers to be one.

The movement’s pioneers never sought to create a new denomination, but instead wanted Christians to be known simply by biblical names, united in faith and practice.

Over time, Churches of Christ and related groups have faced internal disagreements about worship, doctrine, and fellowship, reflecting ongoing struggles to uphold both unity and faithfulness to Scripture.

There is a reminder for every generation:

“The beauty of the Restoration Movement is that it was never built on fidelity to Stone, the Campbells or any other besides Christ. Instead, it was built on the desire to simply be Christians.”

True unity requires humility and a steadfast return to Scripture, balancing differences while seeking to honor Christ’s call for oneness. This legacy inspires believers to approach disagreements with faithfulness and grace, trusting God’s guidance as they seek spiritual restoration.

Stay rooted in the faith, cherish unity, and support one another as Christ commands. Let us strive to embody both truth and love for God’s glory.

Read the original source

Faith Facts

• Hundreds of armed police surrounded Yayang Christian Church as demolition equipment arrived.
• Believers are facing intimidation, isolation, and threats as the government cracks down on Christian worship.
• Wenzhou, called ‘China’s Jerusalem,’ continues to see severe restrictions on religious freedom.

Faithful believers in Wenzhou, China are enduring heavy pressure as government forces take drastic actions against the Yayang Christian Church. This escalation represents a sobering moment for the global Christian community, reminding us of the importance of standing for religious freedom.

According to eyewitnesses, authorities surrounded the church, forcibly removing citizens, and bringing in cranes and bulldozers. Concerns have risen that the government intends to demolish the church and remove its cross, arbitrarily silencing expressions of Christian faith.

“Believers are facing intimidation, isolation, and the imminent threat of violent enforcement. This unfolding siege represents a serious escalation in the CCP’s systematic campaign of religious persecution,” said ChinaAid.

Photos show scaffolding around the church cross, while reports indicate that part of the building is already being destroyed. The crackdown highlights ongoing efforts to subdue the church under the CCP’s policy to bring all religious doctrine and practice under its control.

“The mobilization of hundreds of armed police and heavy demolition equipment against a peaceful Christian church is not law enforcement — it is state-sponsored religious persecution. Wenzhou, long known as ‘China’s Jerusalem,’ is once again under siege,” stated Bob Fu, ChinaAid’s founder.

Church members have faced arrests and charges, with local leaders detained under broad accusations meant to silence religious groups. Despite censorship and oppression, the perseverance of these believers is a testament to faith prevailing under trial.

“History has shown repeatedly that no regime can extinguish faith through force. If the world remains silent at this critical moment, it will only embolden the CCP to destroy more churches and trample fundamental human dignity,” Fu added.

As Christians, we are called to support those enduring persecution and pray for religious liberty. May the courage of our brothers and sisters in Wenzhou inspire us to defend faith, family, and freedom around the world.

Read the full report here

Faith Facts

• Pastor José Otoniel Ortega was killed while celebrating New Year’s Eve with his family in Fundación Municipality, Colombia.
• Christian leaders in Colombia are increasingly targeted by armed gangs and militant groups opposed to their influence.
• Recent discoveries include a mass grave with eight religious and social leaders, highlighting the grave risks faced by faith communities.

Christian leaders in Colombia are facing severe threats to their safety, as shown by the tragic murder of Pastor Ortega. Attempts to silence those who guide with faith continue as armed groups attempt to undermine communities rooted in Christian values and freedom.

At least two other Protestant pastors have lost their lives since December 2024, and violence persists against both Protestant and Catholic leaders. Faith leaders remain courageous in their call for peace and justice, standing as beacons amid turmoil.

“CSW extends our deepest condolences to the family and church community of Pastor José Otoniel Ortega for this loss. The nature of the attack on Mr Otoniel Ortega, whilst he was celebrating New Year’s Eve with his family, makes it clear that this was a premeditated, targeted assassination.”

Authorities and advocacy groups urge the restoration of protection protocols for religious leaders, affirming their vital role in civil society. The call now is for prayerful action and steadfast faith as Christians support those standing for truth and hope.

Let us lift up our brothers and sisters in Colombia in prayer and advocate for their protection, honoring the courage of those who serve Christ under threat.

Source