Are You Mainstream?

[bishoph]

Are You Mainstream?

Among many of the newly revived buzzwords such as relevant, progressive, and inclusive, another word is rising to new heights as the “enlightened” generation seeks to shift focus from the absolutes of scripture, to new monuments constructed in the quicksand of human intellect and philosophy, merged with a form of godliness. This new era mantra being heralded from many voices is the call to become “mainstream.”

Here is the dictionary’s definition:
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
main·stream (m_n'str_m') Pronunciation Key
n. The prevailing current of thought, influence, or activity: "You need not accept the nominee's ideology, only be able to locate it in the American mainstream" (Charles Krauthammer).

adj. Representing the prevalent attitudes, values, and practices of a society or group: mainstream morality.

tr.v. main·streamed, main·stream·ing, main·streams
-1. To integrate (a student with special needs) into regular school classes.
-1. To incorporate into a prevailing group.

The Apostolic movement is witnessing a shaking that will likely result in a redefining of what really constitutes ones authenticity as an Apostolic. There are some among us who attempt to marginalize the battle that we as a movement are now engaged in. It is imperative, however, that we understand the issues we face are much deeper than TV, worldly entertainment, or even standards etc. The aforementioned things are by-products of the real issue, which is an attempt to erode the very foundation of Biblical principles and sound doctrine.

Doctrinal revisionists are making attempts to wrest the scriptures to their own destruction, turning from the truth to fables, all in an effort to become “mainstream.” The Apostle Paul warned us of their advent in II Timothy 3.
5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

The Apostle rips away the façade of these purveyors of heresy. “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Using a “thirst for truth” as a pretense to erode doctrinal precedents, they are ever learning and discovering “ancient” truths all the while denying the basic tenants of faith. Hence, they are carried away with every wind of doctrine yet never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

These modern day Jannes and Jambres are quick to point out the “fresh anointing” as authentication from God himself. And while few can deny that they are indeed “feeling” something, when examined under the magnifying glass of Holy Scripture, most of the “feeling” emanates from spiritual sorcery rather than divine presence. These men and the masses that follow them have fallen under the spell of the Jezebel spirit. A closer look at this spirit reveals that it is a questioning spirit, which questions and resists or opposes spiritual authority, principle, and truth.

The very definition of the word “mainstream” should cause a man or woman full of the Holy Ghost, to oppose any identification with its ideology. From the beginning, God has always called for his people to be separated, set apart, and Holy unto the Lord. Not assimilating into the prevailing current of thought, influence, or activity. Sanctification is not a legalistic set of man made rules and regulations put in place because of mans inability to live righteously, but rather it is the command of God for his people. Standards and a separated lifestyle in and of themselves will never create Christ likeness. However, Christ likeness will always result in one being separate from the world, and measuring up to Gods standards.

The Israelites were given 613 commandments of which the majority had little to do with Holiness, but had everything to do with sanctification. God did not want his people to identify with the world, be relevant to their culture, and certainly did not want them to be “mainstream.” It is very evident that Gods desire for his people was that they would be a people of distinction. When you looked at an Israelite they were readily identified as such. This distinction was not just in their appearance; it permeated every area of their lives including their worship, relationships, lifestyle, etc.

There are many today who make the assertion that the New Testament Church or the dispensation of grace has somehow altered Gods desire for separation from the “mainstream.” Nothing could be farther from the truth! The Apostle Paul addressed this in II Corinthians 6:14-18
14Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Notice that this scripture is speaking explicitly concerning our fellowship with those who are not in the faith. Often times this scripture has been used to advise a Christian against having romantic relationships with an unsaved individual, (and the principle certainly applies) however, the Apostle was specifically referring to separation/distinction from those that are not in the faith. He poses the questions: How can fellowship occur between righteousness and unrighteousness? How can light have communion with darkness? What harmony does Christ have with Belial? How does a believer become partners with an unbeliever? How can idols be worshipped in God’s temple? He then follows up his questions with a commandment. Due to the impossibility of compatibility of the aforementioned (wherefore) “Come out from among them and be ye separate.”

The Apostle continues with “touch not the unclean thing.” This unclean “thing” is the doctrine, ideology, theology, appearance and activity of the “mainstream.” If we are ever going to reach our world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and establish them in the truth we must reach out to the people but we must not touch their unclean things. Let us never forget the fate of Achan! A man who experienced the exhilaration of victory, yet brought upon himself and his entire family a death sentence because he embraced the accursed thing.

If “mainstream” is another Gospel, if it embraces another Jesus, if it seeks to destroy the foundations of truth then let me pass. If preaching Christ and him crucified makes me old school then please leave me in the dark ages. If declaring Hear O Israel the Lord our God is One Lord, places me on the fringes of “mainstream” religion, and if teaching Holiness unto the Lord, and separation from the world places me in obscurity so be it. I for one seek the old paths wherein is the good way, and I have decided that as for me and my house we will walk therein!

These are the musings of an old time preacher hungry for revival

Humbly Submitted
bishopH

[pelathais]

You have shared some important considerations, bishoph. One thing that puzzles me however is why do so many present day "old timers" decry events of today but they don't look at their own foundations.

Much of what some "old timers" advocate is really an innovation from the 1940's and 50's. The Apostolic movement went through a considerable change at that time, it was revolutionary. Now when someone speaks out and pleads for a return to the even older ways - doctrinal tolerance vis-à-vis the UPC fundamental doctrine; a soteriology base solely upon the work of Jesus Christ and reasonable latitude on differing applications of personal holiness, they are said to be "falling away."

It's really the innovators of 50 and 60 years ago, and their disciples that represent the falling away. Look through our records, follow the paper trail of change represented by various resolutions and additions to the Articles of Faith (I'm speaking specifically of the UPC here, but the same holds true for all Apostolic orgs that date back to around WW2 and before).

I remember sitting at a social gathering of "conservative" preachers. One "old timer" said something about "the old paths" and "the old timers..." One elderly rascal in the crowd- an even older old timer asked, "By 'old timer' do you mean like back when they all had beards?" The room went dead with silence. You could have heard a pin drop in the other room.

The oldest of the old timers remembered an even older time and an even older revival. I'm rather curious why the young people of that time were allowed to become the apostates who now demand that a younger generation join in their rebellion. The whole thing looks like a roller coaster ride to me. I long for the stability and strength that comes from being rooted and grounded in the Apostle's faith.

[bishoph]

Originally Posted by pelathais

You have shared some important considerations, bishoph. One thing that puzzles me however is why do so many present day "old timers" decry events of today but they don't look at their own foundations.

Much of what some "old timers" advocate is really an innovation from the 1940's and 50's. The Apostolic movement went through a considerable change at that time, it was revolutionary. Now when someone speaks out and pleads for a return to the even older ways - doctrinal tolerance vis-à-vis the UPC fundamental doctrine; a soteriology base solely upon the work of Jesus Christ and reasonable latitude on differing applications of personal holiness, they are said to be "falling away."

It's really the innovators of 50 and 60 years ago, and their disciples that represent the falling away. Look through our records, follow the paper trail of change represented by various resolutions and additions to the Articles of Faith (I'm speaking specifically of the UPC here, but the same holds true for all Apostolic orgs that date back to around WW2 and before).

I remember sitting at a social gathering of "conservative" preachers. One "old timer" said something about "the old paths" and "the old timers..." One elderly rascal in the crowd- an even older old timer asked, "By 'old timer' do you mean like back when they all had beards?" The room went dead with silence. You could have heard a pin drop in the other room.

The oldest of the old timers remembered an even older time and an even older revival. I'm rather curious why the young people of that time were allowed to become the apostates who now demand that a younger generation join in their rebellion. The whole thing looks like a roller coaster ride to me. I long for the stability and strength that comes from being rooted and grounded in the Apostle's faith.

Pelathais

Thank you for your response. I agree with you that the "old paths or old times" I'm referring to are not the "old" of 50, 60, or even 100 years ago. What I am earnestly contending for is the foundations of truth and clarity of principle that was established by the Jesus and the Apostles. While all traditions are not bad, they are much to fluid to build anything of substance on.

[dizzyde]

I am intending no disrespect to ANYONE in my response, and these are just my observations and opinions. It just concerns me when I hear some people talk about being truly "Apostolic" or "Old-Time Pentecost" (and I am not talking about you bishop, I don't fundamentally disagree with what you are saying).

My issue lies with people who make statements like this and they are referring to "Old-Time" traditions, and not necessarily Biblical principle. As if they feel like these traditions some how make them more right or holy than someone who does not agree with or follow their traditions.

If they can clearly show me that their traditions are Biblical, then fine. But if not, follow your traditions, I don't have a problem with that. But don't condem those that don't want to follow tradition, but want to follow God in the way that they feel Biblically appropriate. IMO.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by bishoph

Pelathais

Thank you for your response. I agree with you that the "old paths or old times" I'm referring to are not the "old" of 50, 60, or even 100 years ago. What I am earnestly contending for is the foundations of truth and clarity of principle that was established by the Jesus and the Apostles. While all traditions are not bad, they are much to fluid to build anything of substance on.

A very excellent observation.

Perhaps, I must confess that I see it as 'excellent" precisely because I happen to agree with you!

[anapko]

Originally Posted by bishoph

Pelathais

Thank you for your response. I agree with you that the "old paths or old times" I'm referring to are not the "old" of 50, 60, or even 100 years ago. What I am earnestly contending for is the foundations of truth and clarity of principle that was established by the Jesus and the Apostles. While all traditions are not bad, they are much to fluid to build anything of substance on.

I would agree with your statement. I am of the belief that the early church had the purest form of truth. Peter says that they held it, walked with Him. I am not saying we don't have truth, but our truth has been filtered through years, millenia of Catholcism where men were raised up to battle not only abuses from the priesthood, but false teachings of the Catholic church. In the 20th century when the Holy Ghost fell, it was wonderful, but met with diverse opinions and beliefs ( hence, trinitarian versuses apostolic ). We now need better music, better graphics, better visuals to keep our interests. I am not against aforementioned ideas, but in the beginning it was different! They had Jesus, and the Pharisees took knowledge that they were ingnorant and unlearned men and that they have been with Jesus.

You guys can worry about being on the main stream... I will sit on the beach and watch the tide roll in and out and feel the cool sand between my toes.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Sheltiedad

You guys can worry about being on the main stream... I will sit on the beach and watch the tide roll in and out and feel the cool sand between my toes.

Watching the tide roll in? Will you be watching it roll out again? Sitting in the morning sun, and sitting when the evening come? Wasting time. Ahh... I like that...