Where Do I Belong?

Pastor Keith · #1 01-26-2011, 09:51 AM

After a lengthy sabbatical I will most likely post here more often.

I was banned from another forum. I think for me this highlights a struggle that I currently have.

I can accept my more conservative brethren, they can't accept me.

For those who don't know me, I am a 5th generation OP. I have a Bible College Education, and Master's Degree from a large Seminary. I preached my first message when I was 18 years old (so 20+ years in the ministry). I have started 3 churches, 2 failed, 1 succeeded tremendously. My home church is the Stockton Church. I currently Pastor a church that split from a UPCI church in the 1970's. So we are independent.

My struggle is I can't go UPCI, because of the extra Biblical stuff.

I can't go the other direction, as I feel some Biblical Values and Clear directives aren't emphasized either. I do feel that Acts 2:38 to be the normal New Birth, while acknowledging the complex components of Full Salvation, I believe it to be the complete picture of the believers initiation. Yet I don't believe the Bible teaches a all or nothing salvation economy.

So I sit in no man's land, I guess I have for the last 10 years or so. So where do I belong?

Thanks for hearing my lament.

DAII · #2 01-26-2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pastor Keith

After a lengthy sabbatical I will most likely post here more often.

I was banned from another forum. I think for me this highlights a struggle that I currently have.

I can accept my more conservative brethren, they can't accept me.

For those who don't know me, I am a 5th generation OP. I have a Bible College Education, and Master's Degree from a large Seminary. I preached my first message when I was 18 years old (so 20+ years in the ministry). I have started 3 churches, 2 failed, 1 succeeded tremendously. My home church is the Stockton Church. I currently Pastor a church that split from a UPCI church in the 1970's. So we are independent.

My struggle is I can't go UPCI, because of the extra Biblical stuff.

I can't go the other direction, as I feel some Biblical Values and Clear directives aren't emphasized either. I do feel that Acts 2:38 to be the normal New Birth, while acknowledging the complex components of Full Salvation, I believe it to be the complete picture of the believers initiation. Yet I don't believe the Bible teaches a all or nothing salvation economy.

So I sit in no man's land, I guess I have for the last 10 years or so. So where do I belong?

Thanks for hearing my lament.

Tongues, huh? I heard. Don't they realize you're a Oneness Church of Christ Water and Spirit believer?

DAII · #3 01-26-2011, 09:54 AM

You CLC guys must've learned that tongues are not salvational from someone, right?

Segraves?

Pastor Keith · #4 01-26-2011, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAII

Tongues, huh? I heard. Don't they realize you're a Oneness Church of Christ Water and Spirit believer?

I guess I was simple enough in my answers. By the way, I don't discount the value of Justification in the economy of full salvation. I just don't stop there.

DAII · #5 01-26-2011, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pastor Keith

I guess I was simple enough in my answers. By the way, I don't discount the value of Justification in the economy of full salvation. I just don't stop there.

The justification view has Segraves all over it.

Pastor Keith · #6 01-26-2011, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAII

The justification view has Segraves all over it.

It is interesting when you start with the Scriptures rather than a pre-determined view.

DAII · #7 01-26-2011, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAII

You CLC guys must've learned that tongues are not salvational from someone, right?

Segraves?

Bump.

Pastor Keith · #8 01-26-2011, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAII

Bump.

While not seeing tongues or Glosslalia as salvational, I do believe them to be the norm for the Baptism of the Spirit.

I do believe that the Spirit's Baptism is the Birth of the Spirit or regeneration.

I do believe that tongues are a sign of that baptism. Is it the only sign?, I believe that prophecy (Acts 18) and ecstatic praise to be signs too, either way something coming out of your mouth. The big deal is a conscious acknowledgement that something has happened. But 5 examples in scripture of it happening are weighty.

But even my Pastor Kenneth Haney would say, we don't seek tongues, but to filled with the Spirit.

DAII · #9 01-26-2011, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pastor Keith

While not seeing tongues or Glosslalia as salvational, I do believe them to be the norm for the Baptism of the Spirit.

I do believe that the Spirit's Baptism is the Birth of the Spirit or regeneration.

I do believe that tongues are a sign of that baptism. Is it the only sign?, I believe that prophecy (Acts 18) and ecstatic praise to be signs too, either way something coming out of your mouth. The big deal is a conscious acknowledgement that something has happened. But 5 examples in scripture of it happening are weighty.

But even my Pastor Kenneth Haney would say, we don't seek tongues, but to filled with the Spirit.

I too believe it is evidence of the Spirit... necessary ... only initial evidence ... it is not.

Where does Segraves land?