Reformation to Restoration: The Restoration Ideal in Europe from the 16th to the 19th Century and the Rise of New Testament Churches in Britain an

Death by drowning or being burned at the stake. In the days of the Reformation, many Christians suffered this horrible fate. What was their crime? Simply being baptised, immersed into Christ as believing adults. Why did they endure death? They preferred death to compromising their faith. Today we are beneficiaries of the stand they took and the spiritual heritage they passed on. Thank God that after 150 years of these 'killing times' a more enlightened age came in. This was the age of religious discussion and discovery as men sought the truth in religion. It was not easy to go against over 1500 years of human tradition. Where was truth to be found? In that which existed from the days of the apostles, the Word of God. Their spiritual quest also blesses our lives if we are but willing to listen. A further 100 years would elapse before Restoration principles produced fruit. Again, we are blessed with the fruit of their labours. However, every generation has to decide what to believe and why. That challenge remains and it is a challenge that confronts each one of us: 'What are we going do about it?'

John Renwick was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He is married to Irene and they have two married children and four grandchildren. He holds an M.A. from Edinburgh University, a Diploma from Sunset International Bible Institute in Texas and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education from Heriot Watt University. He has spent 35 years ministering to two congregations of Christians in Scotland. He is a long-time student of church history with a passion for communicating our spiritual heritage to Christians today.