Apostolic?

[chucksangel]

I thought this forum was for apostolics. The responses I see from a lot of people seem to make a mockery of apostolic beliefs. I saw this in the new members area:

Unity Statement
At AFF our intention is to recognize and allow all viewpoints that exist within the "Apostolic" genre. We recognize that Apostolic includes faith in Jesus Christ, a Oneness view of the Godhead, baptism in Jesus name, and the experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit with tongues.

Within the genre we have divergent views on the place of these in Soteriology.

So too we recognize that a view of outward Holiness is common to the genre of Apostolic.

The desire of the board is to allow for the various views that exist within "Apostolic" while maintaining the harmony of the board. This must include HOW you treat other Apostolics with differing views. How you personally view them is not necessary in a discussion of the different views. So the use of pejorative language over and over is not necessary but often clashes with the harmony the board tries to maintain. Trying to be inflammatory is also not conducive to the harmony of the board

And also, while a discussion on doctrine has it's place, using doctrine as a means to grief someone (cause someone grief) over and over, is not conducive to a harmonious board.

What we ask of the board members is that they remember and consider each other. Don't treat them like enemies. Discuss issues. Remember that you are dealing with real people.

[Sister Alvear]

What do you believe?

[Sam]

The word "Apostolic" has and has had many, many meanings over the years.

There is a broad definition of "Apostolic" among members of this forum.

Baptism in Jesus' name to some means that the name "Jesus" with or without titles like "Lord" and/or "Christ" must be spoken during the ritual of baptism. Baptism in Jesus' name to others means baptism in the authority of Jesus or baptism as authorized by Jesus and would mean the words He spoke in Mathew 28:19 to the ones who would do the baptizing would be spoken during the ritual.

Faith in Jesus Christ to some means a trust or commitment to Jesus which results in a desire to obey Him. Faith in Jesus Christ to others means a trust or commitment to Jesus which includes specific acts/works/rituals which those persons designate.

There are different beliefs among Apostolics on how/when a person is justified/saved/born again. Some believe a person is justified/saved/born again at repentance. Others believe a person is not justified until a person has repented, been baptized in water by immersion in the name of Jesus (with perhaps a title or two like "Lord" or "Christ). On this forum we refer to those two groups as one-steppers and three-steppers. The modern Apostolic/Pentecostal movement which began in the late 1800's and blazed into a world-wide movement was made up of one-steppers. They believed in the Holy Ghost Baptism by knew they were already saved before they received that experience. Later, when some began to practice and preach water baptism in Jesus' name, that experience was not considered to be part of getting saved. It was an experience for folks who were already saved. Later, water baptism and Spirit baptism began to be considered a "plan of salvation" and that belief has grown until today there are many Apostolics who believe it.

As far as belief in "one God," well the folks we label as "oneness" and the folks we label as "trinitarian" both believe in one God, they just explain it differently theologically.

[mfblume]

"Apostolic" seemingly lost its true meaning as has "Charismatic" and "holiness". Apostolic literally means OF THE APOSTLES. Charismatic has changed to mean liberal pentecostal, when it actually means Spirit-led due to the greek term CHARISMA means GIFT. Holiness simply means "belonging to" and it has changed to mean clothing and appearance. lol

[tv1a]

Scripture doesn't give a concrete definition of apostolic. The definition is based upon the prism one chooses to view. For that reason, I have never been apostolic, and never will be apostolic. I am a disciple of Christ, which is a thousand times better than apostolic.

Originally Posted by chucksangel

I thought this forum was for apostolics. The responses I see from a lot of people seem to make a mockery of apostolic beliefs. I saw this in the new members area:

Unity Statement
At AFF our intention is to recognize and allow all viewpoints that exist within the "Apostolic" genre. We recognize that Apostolic includes faith in Jesus Christ, a Oneness view of the Godhead, baptism in Jesus name, and the experience of the baptism of the Holy Spirit with tongues.

Within the genre we have divergent views on the place of these in Soteriology.

So too we recognize that a view of outward Holiness is common to the genre of Apostolic.

The desire of the board is to allow for the various views that exist within "Apostolic" while maintaining the harmony of the board. This must include HOW you treat other Apostolics with differing views. How you personally view them is not necessary in a discussion of the different views. So the use of pejorative language over and over is not necessary but often clashes with the harmony the board tries to maintain. Trying to be inflammatory is also not conducive to the harmony of the board

And also, while a discussion on doctrine has it's place, using doctrine as a means to grief someone (cause someone grief) over and over, is not conducive to a harmonious board.

What we ask of the board members is that they remember and consider each other. Don't treat them like enemies. Discuss issues. Remember that you are dealing with real people.