C. Some major biblical data underscoring our duty to cultivate interchurch communion

• We will consider first of all some of the key texts found in the book of Acts.  Whenever we are considering data from the book of Acts, we must always remember the distinction between that which is a record of the things that are “programmatic” and those that are “paradigmatic.”

• Then there is a second major block of texts, those that are found in the Epistles of the New Testament. Time will not permit me to read all those that I have listed in your notes, but I list them for your future consideration and reference.

1. In the Book of Acts

Acts 9:26-31; 11:19-26; 15:1-35; 18:22

2. In the Epistles

Rom. 15:25-28; 16:1-4; 1 Cor. 1:1-2; 16:1ff, 19-22
2 Cor. 3:1; 8; 9; (esp. 8:19); 13:13; Gal. 6:10; Eph. 6:21-22; Phil. 4:15-16, 21-22; Col. 1:6-8; 4:7-9, 15-16; 1 Thes. 1:7; 4:9-10; 2 Thes. 1:4; 2 Tim. 4:19-21; Heb. 13:3; 2 Jn. 7-11; 3 Jn. 5-7

John Owen, The Works of John Owen, vol. 16, (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1968), p. 183.John Owen, The Works of John Owen, vol. 16, (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1968), p. 196.John Murray, Collected Writings of John Murray, vol. 2, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1977), p. 335.

D. Some practical perspectives and guidelines with respect to the performance of this duty

1. Some of the ways in which we can nurture and express our oneness with the body of Christ and foster real and productive interchurch communion

a. By our acquisition, assimilation, and communication of information. It is impossible to read the Book of Acts, and the New Testament Epistles, and not perceive this principle emerging times without number.

Eph. 6:21-22Col. 1:3-8

At the conclusion of the main issues to be covered this lecture, I will address the subject of “Interchurch Communication – Practical Counsels for Its Implementation” b. By the communication of concern and good will among the churches through the leaders

• This is equally patent in the New Testament literature.

Phil. 4:21-22

c. By the communion of goods and material necessities. 2 Cor. 8, 9; 1 Jn. 3:16-19; Phil. 4:15

d. By cooperation in Scriptural causes. 2 Cor. 8, 9

e. By the sharing of ministerial gifts. Eph. 4:11; Acts 11:22-26; Rom. 16:1-2

f. By the recognition of the validity of oversight and discipline of other churches. 2 Cor. 3:1; 1 Tim. 1:20

g. By the seeking of counsel and offering of counsel when requested. Acts 15; Philemon

h. By the periodic public recognition of other proven servants of Christ. 2 Cor. 8:18

i. By the public intercession for other churches and servants of Christ. Eph. 6:18-19; Col. 4:12-13

John Owen, The Works of John Owen, vol. 16, (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1968), pp. 192-193.

2. The extent or degree to which we can nurture and express our oneness with the body of Christ.

a. To the extent that there is no erosion, compromise, or contradiction of our clearly defined doctrinal convictions, publicly defined mission, and present condition as a local church

John Owen, The Works of John Owen, vol. 16, (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1968), p. 190.

b. In proportion to our unity of faith and life

c. In consideration of our providentially arranged relationships in the body of Christ. Col. 4:12-13

John Owen, The Works of John Owen, vol. 16, (London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1968), p. 185.

1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, Chapter 26 paragraph 14-15

14. As each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ, in all places, and upon all occasions to further every one within the bounds of their places and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and graces, so the churches, when planted by the providence of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it, ought to hold communion among themselves, for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification. (Ephesians 6:18; Psalms 122:6; Romans 16:1, 2; 3 John 8-10)