Lately I have been considering the fractured nature of the Church. There is no lack of differences between different groups. These differences often preclude cooperation in ministry; and often times rightly so. What type of differences can be mentioned? Covenant Theology vs Dispensationalism; Calvinism vs Arminianism; Cessationism vs Continualism just to name a few. These divergent theological systems present real difficulties when seeking cooperation, thus the cause of division and denomationalism.
The cooperation I have in mind is working together for the cause of the Gospel. I am encouraged by the unity displayed by Calvinistic/Reformed Baptists and Reformed Presbyterians. When men like Ligon Duncan, Sinclair Ferguson, and R.C. Sproul can be like-minded in Gospel work the likes with Mark Dever, Sam Waldron, and Rich Barcellos it is a good thing. These two groups have much in common. The baptism and ecclesiastical differences are real, but I believe they can be isolated without rendering them moot. In other words we can work together for the sake of the Kingdom of God while not diminishing our differences.
How much further can both groups go in promoting the Reformed faith and cooperating together for the cause of Christ? What can we do together and what lines must we not cross?
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The cooperation I have in mind is working together for the cause of the Gospel. I am encouraged by the unity displayed by Calvinistic/Reformed Baptists and Reformed Presbyterians. When men like Ligon Duncan, Sinclair Ferguson, and R.C. Sproul can be like-minded in Gospel work the likes with Mark Dever, Sam Waldron, and Rich Barcellos it is a good thing. These two groups have much in common. The baptism and ecclesiastical differences are real, but I believe they can be isolated without rendering them moot. In other words we can work together for the sake of the Kingdom of God while not diminishing our differences.
How much further can both groups go in promoting the Reformed faith and cooperating together for the cause of Christ? What can we do together and what lines must we not cross?
Sent from my most excellent GalaxyS3