To Be Or Not To Be...Apostolic

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by brianmidwest

Thanks for the input. Now here is the puzzling part, why can't WE (all of us) appreciate the areas were we agree, discuss the areas where we don't, and stop trying to lessen the life, thoughts, or work of our brothers and sisters?

What a shame! When we could do so much good if ALL of our efforts where coordinated; instead of in opposition.

Amen! I have always thought this.

[A.W. Bowman]

Now we can begin to see why the Oneness movement (actually the entire Christian religion) has been so contentious and fractured.

For centuries, the church has been infested with the sons and daughters of Diotrephes that John found so reprehensible (3John 1:9-11) and who have taught and encouraged others in the contentious allegiance to men that Paul found to be so carnal within the house of Chloe (1Cor 1:10-14 & 3:1-15) and strongly condemned.

So, from the beginning we have had those who would stand in the place of Christ as the high priest (Aaron) of the assembly, representing men to God - while also standing in Christ's place as God's representative to men (Mosses). The result is that all members of the 'ministry', from Apostles and prophets to Sunday school teachers and door keepers are under the authority of the local pastor. I am still looking for the scriptures that support that rebellion against the teaching of John and Paul (unacceptable apostolic doctrines).

It is this kind of examination that so many church leaders find so distasteful.

Of course, I remain a

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Added note: Don't forget Jesus' own words concerning this kind of attitude, as recorded in Matthew 23.

[brianmidwest]

And so it goes. We should continue to pray, witness, teach, and love.

Looking forward to your findings.