Trojan Horse

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by consapente89

I’m sorry BROTHER, but I don’t think Paul was talking about the New Birth message or the Godhead when he spoke of a brother walking disorderly. He was speaking of the holiness lifestyle. Just as he told the Corinthian church not to keep company with any man who is called a brother and is a fornicator.

To be fair, I don’t think it’s wise to go around telling trinitarians “you’re not my brother”, either. However, it is a false statement to say that they are our brethren in Christ. It is the New Birth that makes us sons and daughters, children of God. It is the New Birth that makes us of God and joint heirs with Christ, and indeed joint heirs with each other. It is the light of truth that enables us to have fellowship one with the other, as his blood cleanses is from all sin. We are in the same kingdom with trinitarians, not adopted into the same family of God, and not heirs of the same promise.

Of course, it would, in most cases be fruitless (even damaging) to tell a trinitarian “hey! You’re not my brother!” However, I have seen far too many Apostolics calling trinitarians brother that later denied the essentiality of the Jesus name message affirmed that trinitarians are apart of the Kingdom of God. Mr. Clendenen seems like a sincere man, a good man. His message affected me. He is not my brother, and if I had the opportunity to talk to him I would attempt to use wisdom to expound the truth to him.

Paul was talking about a member of the church who disobeys the apostolic tradition and ordinances. Those who depart from the original one way. Trinitarians are members of an ancient movement that departed from that original one way. Unless they give evidence they are actually opposed to the gospel, they should be recognised for what they are: people who have responded to God but need to be taught His Way more perfectly.

Acts 19:1-6 KJV
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, [2] He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. [3] And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. [4] Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. [5] When they heard this , they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

Luke calls these guys disciples. But they were not Christians. Why are they disciples? Because they love God and were obedient to what they knew at the time. Their genuine discipleship was proven when they whole heartedly accepted the new birth.

Nobody is saying trinitarians are "brethren in Christ", though. At least not me. I'm just saying pretty much what you said: it is self defeating to go around making it a point to tell people "you're not my brother."

I'm also pointing out that Biblically "brother" has a wider meaning than most people seem to think. Our kinsmen are our brethren, and we have a moral obligation before God to recognise that kinship status and act accordingly.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by consapente89

I’ve never told a trinitarian they were not my brother, but I’d gladly correct any Apostolic who referred to trinitarians as their brethren.

But since "brother" has several different applications or layers of meaning, wouldn't it be wise to first ascertain in what context it is being used, first?

[Ehud]

Originally Posted by consapente89

...

Just as he told the Corinthian church not to keep company with any man who is called a brother and is a fornicator.

...

Are you saying that not understanding the godhead is a sin like fornication?

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Acts 1:16 KJV
Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

Who was Peter calling brethren here?

Acts 3:17 KJV
And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it , as did also your rulers.

Who are these brethren?

Acts 13:26 KJV
Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

What about these brethren?

The brethren were the Judeans.

Trinitrains, Jee Haw Witnesses, and Mormons aren't my brethren.

Peter is addressing Judeans, also men would be included as Judeans as well.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Ehud

Are you saying that not understanding the godhead is a sin like fornication?

Trinitarians believe that we don't understand the godhead.

They see it as clear as crystal, one two three persons. End of story.

[consapente89]

Originally Posted by Ehud

Are you saying that not understanding the godhead is a sin like fornication?

No. I am saying that a “brother” who is a fornicater is still a brother. He is on his way to hell and we are to have no fellowship with him, but still a brother. Someone who does not have the water and Spirit new birth is not a brother, in the context that they are not a part of the body of Christ.

[consapente89]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

The brethren were the Judeans.

Trinitrains, Jee Haw Witnesses, and Mormons aren't my brethren.

Peter is addressing Judeans, also men would be included as Judeans as well.

Amen

[Ehud]

Originally Posted by consapente89

No. I am saying that a “brother” who is a fornicater is still a brother. He is on his way to hell and we are to have no fellowship with him, but still a brother. Someone who does not have the water and Spirit new birth is not a brother, in the context that they are not a part of the body of Christ.

Thank you, sir! I knew I wasn't reading something in your previous post correctly, but my tired eyes just wouldn't let me figure it out. Ha!

Have a good evening!

[hometown guy]

Originally Posted by Ehud

Are you saying that not understanding the godhead is a sin like fornication?

He answered correctly when he said no however the person that doesn’t know Jesus is the father will burn in the same hell

[consapente89]

Originally Posted by Esaias

But since "brother" has several different applications or layers of meaning, wouldn't it be wise to first ascertain in what context it is being used, first?

I get your point and I don’t disagree. I guess what I’m saying is that we are sending a message with our words. When we call a trinitarian “brother”, I am inferring that we are in the same boat moving in the same direction. I call you Brother, though we may disagree on various doctrinal points, I call Bro Benincasa “brother” though I am emphatic in my belief that Jesus is coming back. We’ve got the same foundation, the same entrance into the Kingdom. They haven’t even started the race yet. So what kind of message am I sending by calling them brother?!