Is there anyone who is Apostolic anymore?

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Sam

"Is there anyone who is Apostolic anymore?" What a way to start out posting.

When I read this, a couple things came to mind.

1. Who is this person and does he think he's the only "real Apostolic" left?

2. I don't know his motives because in written communication like this we cannot see facial expressions, body language, voice inflections, etc but it did not include a smiley face or indication that it was written as a joke.

3. I first thought of the "badge" (shown as an attachment below) that he may be wearing.

4. I also thought of Elijah when he thought he was the only one left in the truth and living for God and the Lord had to remind him that he was not alone, thousands of others were alive and well and living for the Lord. Elijah must have just not been aware of them or maybe he didn't recognize them because they may have not met his personal criteria for being saints. (reference 1 Kings 19:10-18)

Never had to ask these questions when Dan was here. You knew you were not worthy.

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

I must say I agree, but...

It is the debate, and strong opinion that can make things interesting for many.

It's really not unlike the real world. If someone believes Christians not wearing long sleeves in 105 degree temps is a salvific shortfall, they will open themselves to some serious criticism - both here and in real life.

Likewise, if one believes we should simply let pop culture define what acceptable for Christians - they too might be targeted by the Christian community, online community included.

Everyone should simply grow up and become a MODERATE like me!

I agree. But when debate is not the intention of the poster, then it shouldn't be the intention of the responder.

[AreYouReady?]

Originally Posted by scotty

Thats a great revelation there AYR. Here is my question though, is that a two way street ?

Not likely. As evidenced by the "apostolic swimwear" thread, one who may have more conservative convictions can not even have a normal conversation without those less conservative making it into a standards bash thread.

And yes, there are critics from both sides of the fence. But the liberal types are quicker to point out a conservatives "misguided" ways. And its funny to me because when I see a question thread by someone more liberal than me about something in everyday life, (clothes,music,etc) I simply don't post because our beliefs may be different so my opinion is not relevant. When this happens in reverse, every lib on the forum has to step in and stir the pot.

Like I said, great revelation, be tough to sell it though.

You are correct Scotty. I am learning to be mindful of other people's convictions.

I spent years in the Oneness churches watching and listening to some Oneness conservatives pick apart people's walk with Christ because they did not have the same "convictions" as they. I sat in sermons where the preachers ridiculed the Baptists, Charismatics, trinitarians etc or made fun of ladies who come to Oneness churches and under conviction, started tearing up and had mascara flowing down their cheeks.

Like I said, I thought all Oneness churches did this since all the ones I went to treated people this way.

Like rooster and hens that, when confronted by other chickens, they ruffle their feathers to make themselves look bigger than they actually are, do we humans ridicule one another in the effort to make our own [appearance] convictions look pure or at the very least ok?

I am trying not to repay the unkindness I received with unkindness. It's just that sometimes some posts will bring out raw feelings and like any human, I do respond with my thoughts.

I don't believe that I posted anything unkind in the swimwear thread. I recognize the young man has his beliefs and what do his beliefs have to do with me?

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by scotty

I agree. But when debate is not the intention of the poster, then it shouldn't be the intention of the responder.

Very true. This falls under forum etiquette, and common social courtesy.

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by scotty

I agree. But when debate is not the intention of the poster, then it shouldn't be the intention of the responder.

Agree wholeheartedly.

[BroJoe]

Originally Posted by Titus2woman

But are you saying that if said bearded persons are also gifted in music or given a word by the Lord they could not share from the platform?

There are things called in-house rules. Most churches have them. My Pastor asks us that are in the platform to be clean shaven. It's not a heaven and hell issue, it's just a preference on the part of my Pastor and for the sake of keeping unity within our organization.

If a bearded person wants to minister on our platform, they have to have the Holy Ghost, be baptized in Jesus Name, and be clean shaven. Not really that difficult .

That smacks of either believing that the Lord does not use those with facial hair in the assembly or that the pastor has the right to over-ride the Lord and deny a person the opportunity to share what the Lord has given them for the group.... Scary stuff, that is.

We have people in our assembly who are used that have facial hair. But if they want to minister on the platform, they gotta shave. .

[BroJoe]

Originally Posted by acerrak

did Christ teach this if not then he doesnt need to teach it behind the pullpit.

spiritual obedience is not to be used for legalism which what you have described is.

'Come out from among them and be ye separate saith the Lord.'

Being clean shaven is a way of making ourselves separate from the mess this world has entrenched itself in. This is my understanding and my conviction.

By the way, I've never heard my Pastor say from behind the pulpit that all men need to be shaven because it's in the Bible and you'll go to hell if you don't.

[Walks_in_islam]

...I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard....

A pastor who teaches that a beard is prohibited then teaches salvation by one who had his beard plucked for the sins of the saved is following neither the teachings of the apostles nor of Jesus who they followed

Pehaps those who have turned away have turned from following such pastors to following Jesus. This should make you rejoice, not sad.

Originally Posted by BroJoe

Nope, that's not what I said. I said if my Pastor says to be clean shaven while on the platform, I obey.

I don't believe my Pastor makes it out to be a Heaven or Hell issue either. He just prefers the members on the platform to be clean shaven. We have people in our Church that wear mustaches and they are accepted just fine. Hope this helps.

[AreYouReady?]

The Forum has defined what Apostolic is many times.

Let it be understood that Apostolic Friends Forum is an Apostolic Forum.
Apostolic is defined on AFF as:

There is One God. This one God reveals Himself as Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The Son is God himself in a human form or "God manifested in the flesh" (1Tim 3:16)
Every sinner must repent of their sins.
That Jesus name baptism is the only biblical mode of water baptism.
That the Holy Ghost is for today and is received by faith with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.
The saint will go on to strive to live a holy life, pleasing to God.



Clothing standards are not listed.

Originally Posted by Andrew8383

Most of my Sunday school teachers, friends from church, pastors family have all backslid. This is from my childhood not my current church. My current pastor still believes in the old standards and ways, which I love. I'm the Youth Pastor and I know the bible speaks of the great falling away but it makes me so angry to see this. Anyone else notice this in their area?

Who would not think that this post in it's content is critical about people who do not adhere to the "old standards and ways"? I read it as he is referring to people who do not live those old standards and ways as backslid. And he is angry about it...so this can be thought of as a debate intent? Was anything mentioned about what his family was doing in their lives to be deserving of the label of "backslid"?

Are they doing any or all of the things in Galatian 5?

Perhaps we should establish exactly what the definition of "backslid" is because people have and do use the term way too loosely.

[BroJoe]

Originally Posted by TGBTG

So if your pastor said "Don't wear suits..." even though it's not a sin, will you stop wearing suits for the sake of unity of your district?

He wouldn't express that. So I won't even address it.

If you come up with a more idealistic hypothetical situation, I might be inclined to answer.