Marrow Man
Drunk with Powder
Not that many folks (at least outside of the Carolinas) are familiar with the ARP. For a long while, we were the only ARP church in the state of Kentucky! Since the denomination is so unknown to most folks, I'm trying to write a short pamphlet that will explain some of the distinctives of the ARP. The purpose of this is primarily to be informational.
I would appreciate feedback from PBers. Also, if you see anything confusing (or any spelling/writing/grammatical errors), please let me know.
Here is the essential text from the pamphlet:
That's the gist of it. If you would like to see an actual copy of the pamphlet, PM me with your email address and I'll shoot you a copy.
I would appreciate feedback from PBers. Also, if you see anything confusing (or any spelling/writing/grammatical errors), please let me know.
Here is the essential text from the pamphlet:
WHAT’S AN ARP?
By Rev. Tim Phillips
Presbyterianism can be a regular alphabet soup of denominational names. What makes the Associate Reformed Presbyterian (ARP) Church different from all the rest? This short pamphlet is designed to explain the unique characteristics of the ARP Church.
The key to understanding the ARP Church is found in the name itself. Looking at each letter of the name (in reverse order) explains the historical origins of this denomination.
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P – The “P” stands for Presbyterian. This refers to a form of church government that means “rule by elders.” The local congregation elects godly men who oversee the spiritual welfare of the church members. These elders also represent the church in regional groups known as presbyteries. Presbyterianism, while being a biblical form of church government (see Acts 15; 1 Timothy 3; Titus 1), also has its origins in the Church of Scotland, particularly in the teachings of the Scottish Reformer John Knox in the 16th century. In Presbyterianism, elders represent the churches at meetings of regional groups (known as presbyteries). These presbyteries help the churches to be linked together so that they are able to function in a more efficient manner than they could individually. Thus, the ARP is a biblical, historical, and connected denomination.
R – The “R” stands for Reformed. This term is a reference to the Scottish Covenanters of the 17th century. The name “Covenanters” is derived from the fact that members of this group bound themselves to covenants (solemn, binding vows) in order to preserve the advances of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland. In part, the Covenanters were resisting the desire of the English crown to control the Church of Scotland. They refused to acknowledge the king as head of the Church. As a result, many Covenanters lost their lives during this time of struggle, especially during the period of the 1680s known as the “Killing Time.” Thus, the ARP is a denomination that is defined by its faithfulness to Jesus Christ alone as Head of the Church.
A – The “A” stands for Associate. This term has its origins in the 18th century in the Church of Scotland. A group of faithful ministers (most notably the brothers Ebenezer and Ralph Erskine) sought to stand firm against theological errors that had slowly crept into the Church of Scotland. The ministers were concerned that the gospel of Jesus Christ was not being rightly preached in the pulpits in Scotland. They desired to make sure the gospel of Jesus Christ was freely and faithfully proclaimed, such that all men and women everywhere were called to hear the good news of Jesus Christ, repent of their sin, trust in Him alone for salvation. Not wishing to depart entirely from the Church of Scotland, but also desiring to preach the gospel in their land, these men (who were called Seceders) separated from the Church and formed an associate presbytery.
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So what is an ARP?
Members of the ARP Church belong to an historical denomination (the ARP has existed in the United States since 1782) committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The ARP is conservative, evangelical, and confessional. The ARP holds to the authority and inerrancy of the Bible, the need for the gospel to proclaimed at all times to all people in all places, and the necessity of being united in the historic Protestant faith as outlined in our confessional documents, the Westminster Standards.
If you would like more information on the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, please feel free to contact the church listed below:
That's the gist of it. If you would like to see an actual copy of the pamphlet, PM me with your email address and I'll shoot you a copy.