The conscience of AFF

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

I would hope so - at least on some level, realizing we are all in the body of Christ and trust in him alone for salvation.

Just out of curiosity, can you provide example of who these people are and examples of how tongues have not ceased among them? Or do they simply adhere ideologically that the gifts have not ceased? It seems a bit strange that one would say tongues are a gift from God - but not if one is Pentecostal.

I know a pastor who doesn't practice tongues, but "believes in it" (his words) because he knows good Christians who practice tongues. Think that's a good enough reason? (He may also have Biblical reasons, continuationist-wise, but I haven't discussed that with him.)

[noeticknight]

Originally Posted by jfrog

I think that is soo true. Individuals change their beleifs many times over the course of a lifetime. They sometimes even oscilate back and forth between two different beliefs. So I think such a rigid stance on the importance of doctrine is really counter-productive to the practical aspect most people find themselves going through. I wonder, do pastors constantly change their beleifs and views of things like the rest of us?

I would think so, unless they possess all truth.

Certain church cultures live or die by the "whole truth" illusion, depending on how well it can be pulled off. Perhaps that is why certain "minister only" forums exist.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by jfrog

AFF is generally like that bipolar girlfriend. One moment she'll be saying one thing through a post. Then the next she'll be saying the exact opposite through a different post. ...

What High School did you go to? I think I went out with the same girl!

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by Brother David

What High School did you go to? I think I went out with the same girl!

lol, was she a redhead?

[Sam]

I think AFF presents a good picture of the diversity of the Body of Christ or Family of God
with
one-steppers and three-steppers
calvinists and arminians
law and grace
varieties of prophetic interpretation (preterists plus pre-, mid-, and post-tribbers)
tithing and stewardship
oneness, twoness, trinitarians, etc.
tongues and non-tongues
clothesline preachers and those who allow the Spirit to lead
organization (preacher's unions) and independents
etc.

[jfrog]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

I would hope so - at least on some level, realizing we are all in the body of Christ and trust in him alone for salvation.

Just out of curiosity, can you provide example of who these people are and examples of how tongues have not ceased among them? Or do they simply adhere ideologically that the gifts have not ceased? It seems a bit strange that somebody would say tongues are a gift from God - but not if the speaker is Pentecostal.

Well to be blunt, the best example I can provide is me. I think that 99% of the tongues pentecostals speak in have nothing to do with the tongues that are referenced in the bible. I am open to the possibility that I am wrong, at least I think I am open to that possibility. And before you ask, yes I have spoken in tongues before. I used to quite frequently.

But now I believe these tongues I spoke in and the tongues others speak in are not any kind of tongues that are referenced in the bible. I try to see everyone in their walk with God as being on their own personal journey, and this helps me not be bothered as much by seeing people believing and practicing other doctrines. So while I don't believe that most of the tongues pentecostals speak in are really biblical tongues, I believe that they find speaking in these tongues a positive experience. I even would go so far to say that I think God allows these tongues even though they aren't actually biblical in origin.

So really I was asking whether you think it's possible for me to hold to such a view. A view that there are real tongues, but these are few and far between. That all other tongues God allows but not because they are biblical in nature. That those who practice these other tongues are still christians and servants of God. Do you think the way I have attempted to reconcile these things has any potential to work for me hoovie?