Are Apostolics Wise?

[staysharp]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Sigh.

I guess we must travel in totally different circles.

My experience and perspective have been completely different than yours.

I have heard about preachers going on long fasts for specific gifts, like prophecy or healing, but I have never known that to be a mainstream practice. I don't think that is a valid approach anyway, fasting to try and get God to give you something that is a gift operated at His discretion. Fasting isn't spiritual green stamps that we trade in for stuff in the catalog. So from the beginning, your premise doesn't ring with me.

And as a young man, I was taught by my elders to pray for wisdom, understanding, and knowledge, every day. Make that a daily prayer.

I practice this and teach my young men this same thing.

Furthermore, I read a chapter of proverbs every day, reading through the entire Book every month, and require my young preachers to practice this also. I have been doing this for years.

I have seen a lot of people healed, and been used in prophecy and various other gifts too, but have not ever fasted a day for any specific "gift." I would question the motives of someone doing that.

I think it is far better to seek Jesus, who is the Giver, and if I get Him, I'll have all the gifts I need when they are needed.

So your foundational premise--that Pentecostals are all about seeking sensational, flesh exalting supernatural gifts, and have no interest in wisdom and basic principles of godliness--is absolutely false from where I stand.

It may apply to some fringe elements without a doubt. And maybe that's all you have had experience with. On one post, you mentioned Richard Heard...that explains a lot.

But this is not true for the vast majority of Apostolic men who are in the trenches, digging out works for God day in and day out, and not making the news.

Well, after 15 pages, I get an answer! Great! I really appreciate it. I have witnessed sensationalism in certain extreme environments growing up. Also, have had some exposure to UPC bible school and can say that what I witnessed did encourage sensationalism.

Also, beyond UPC and into mainstream pentecostalism, we see sensationalism elevated as a sign or approval of God. Gold teeth, gold falling out of the sky, laughing, barking, prophecy, etc.

Its good to hear from a balanced perspective from the grass roots. I do agree with you that fasting, extreme prayer, etc. is not the appropriate venue to seek God's hand. However, those methods are taught as a sign of spiritualism.

It would behoove our educational institutions to teach balance and wisdom as practical applications. Even role playing certain situations, crisis intervention, hostile saints, etc. Thanks for your input.