Apostolic News: AFF has been HIJACKED

[A.W. Bowman]

I don't know for sure if this applies to the Apostolic News group or not - but I have found that many who take great pleasure in proclaiming their adherence to 'The Apostolic Doctrine', as apposed to those 'backsliders', have little to no clue at all what the Apostolic doctrine actually consists of - outside of Acts 2:38. De 6:4, and a couple of dress related verses.

While that, in and of itself is sad, what brings tears to my eyes is that almost none of the self justified individuals want to find out what the Apostles actually taught - much less accept and practice those doctrines. There are a number of reasons for adopting that position of willful ignorance.

(1) Knowledge is a dangerous thing in the hands of the laity. It leads to leadership accountability to the congregation.

(2) Individuals within the assembly might start exercising their calling and/or gifting as the Spirit leads, rather than as the pastor allows.

(3) Saints might start taking their scripturally mandated roles and responsibilities seriously. If that become a common practice, how will the current church leadership maintain their control?

(4) If members of the assembly start asking questions - freely - how will those in leadership respond when they really don't know (have) biblical answers?

(5) What if the saints (children) of God actually were allowed to mature in the Spirit and in the Faith, according to God's plan for their individual lives? If spiritual unity was allowed to grow and mature, rather then religious conformity? What would the church look like then?

(6) And, other such issues that the fear of the congregation brings to the hearts of those would be servants (ministers) of God's elect - but end up being their masters instead.

No, my friends and fellow backsliders, addressing these kinds of questions, issues, and problems cannot be tolerated in most man-made organizations - it would destroy them.

As I have said before, truth does not need defending, just presented. False doctrine, however, require a strong, manufactured defense (and an uncritical willingness to accept them) in order for such doctrines to continue their existence.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by HaShaliach

...

Amen, Elder.

It seems to me that there are a lot of "Apostolic" churches, orgs and pastors that are fighting the very same battle the Roman Catholic Church fought at the advent of the printing press.

Too much information in the hands of too many people. That's a recipe for disaster for those who want to only control.

[Justin]

Catholics consider themselves "Apostolic".

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by HaShaliach

I don't know for sure if this applies to the Apostolic News group or not - but I have found that many who take great pleasure in proclaiming their adherence to 'The Apostolic Doctrine', as apposed to those 'backsliders', have little to no clue at all what the Apostolic doctrine actually consists of - outside of Acts 2:38. De 6:4, and a couple of dress related verses.

While that, in and of itself is sad, what brings tears to my eyes is that almost none of the self justified individuals want to find out what the Apostles actually taught - much less accept and practice those doctrines. There are a number of reasons for adopting that position of willful ignorance.

(1) Knowledge is a dangerous thing in the hands of the laity. It leads to leadership accountability to the congregation.

(2) Individuals within the assembly might start exercising their calling and/or gifting as the Spirit leads, rather than as the pastor allows.

(3) Saints might start taking their scripturally mandated roles and responsibilities seriously. If that become a common practice, how will the current church leadership maintain their control?

(4) If members of the assembly start asking questions - freely - how will those in leadership respond when they really don't know (have) biblical answers?

(5) What if the saints (children) of God actually were allowed to mature in the Spirit and in the Faith, according to God's plan for their individual lives? If spiritual unity was allowed to grow and mature, rather then religious conformity? What would the church look like then?

(6) And, other such issues that the fear of the congregation brings to the hearts of those would be servants (ministers) of God's elect - but end up being their masters instead.

No, my friends and fellow backsliders, addressing these kinds of questions, issues, and problems cannot be tolerated in most man-made organizations - it would destroy them.

As I have said before, truth does not need defending, just presented. False doctrine, however, require a strong, manufactured defense (and an uncritical willingness to accept them) in order for such doctrines to continue their existence.

[A.W. Bowman]

In my post, above, I guess I came rather close to 'pastor bashing'. So, I guess I am expected apologize. But, then again, this is what I call real pastor bashing. Take note of all of Ezekiel 34, with emphases on verses 2-4. This passage addresses David's role in the redemption of the nation of Israel, Today, it could just as well address the role Jesus to His body on earth. In either case, woe unto the pastors who have fed themselves on their flocks.

The greater the control the leadership exercises over the congregation, the more that leadership fears the congregation - denying it as they surely will.

Through repression (control) and fear (reprisals), those in authority maintain their positions. The flip side of the same coin is to instill a sense of religious awe of the leadership within the congregation, which in turn leads to 'pastor worship'. Then it is pride and jealousy that drive the saints to vie with one another to please the leadership and seek their favor.

What ever happened to the fear of God and the desire to serve one another and worship Him alone?

Okay, I am done.

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by pelathais

sigh!

"awaiting 'moderation.'" Seems like a rather "moderate" post to me.

After reading this, I'm so thankful for this Forum. Unchallenged ideas lead to lies, manipulation, and Fear-Based Faith, period!

People deserve the "Floor", regardless of how crazy they may seem, and AFF is a great place for people to share what's really on their heart. Agree, disagree, debate, it’s all here and the end result will be the Truth if people are willing to be unshackled from Religion and Tradition.

[Socialite]

Hey Dan, for $100 I can give you a sign-on name and password to access the WordPress site of Apostolic News. Then you can post away! haha Deal?


Jk Jk

That'd be illegal and unethical. But it was a funny thought. And though I'd have no way of obtaining user/password it's probably something like Acts2384Ever or their church name or JESUS. You know, the usual

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by DAII

Perhaps in retaliation for the KAL BOORA incident it seems the editors at Apostolic news believe that Trinitarians and backsliders are taking over AFF .... or perhaps lack of knowledge of the diversity among apostolics ????

http://www.apostolicnews.org/2011/01...Apostolic+News)

Paul, you've pulled a Kal Boora.

I had to comment on his article:

Seriously? Did you log in under the names Kevin and Steven to comment on your own article? Here’s an idea…..be strong enough in your beliefs to share the good things that are on these forums and politely disagree with the things you don’t believe. Or, we could do like most Apostolic churches and ban everyone who doesn’t drink the Koolaid.
I notice that you never mentioned the hundreds of uplifting and universally agreed upon threads on the forum…..just the ones you don’t agree with.
Go back to your cult, and let the free thinkers make their own decisions.

[Blubayou]

I have been away for a while and when I got back saw this article in my email- skimmed it and then came over here to read the chatter about it.
I just want to say- AFF has been a great source of entertainment and also a wealth thought provoking information. I do not participate in the discussions much, because I am not at the computer during the day, by the time I get around to reading it the discussion is usually over. This forum has been a place I could take each one of my beliefs or doctrines that I have been taught- examine them - from all sides- then go back to the scripture and test them. I have done this prayerfully - and I think I am closer to being an apostolic than when I started. I have enjoyed the free exchange of ideas, the friendship that have been forged and support when there was one of us in need. Thanks AFF!

[The Mrs]

Originally Posted by Blubayou

I have been away for a while and when I got back saw this article in my email- skimmed it and then came over here to read the chatter about it.
I just want to say- AFF has been a great source of entertainment and also a wealth thought provoking information. I do not participate in the discussions much, because I am not at the computer during the day, by the time I get around to reading it the discussion is usually over. This forum has been a place I could take each one of my beliefs or doctrines that I have been taught- examine them - from all sides- then go back to the scripture and test them. I have done this prayerfully - and I think I am closer to being an apostolic than when I started. I have enjoyed the free exchange of ideas, the friendship that have been forged and support when there was one of us in need. Thanks AFF!

Thanks for this Blubayou! You are loved and missed!