Bernards Apostolic Identity Article in Feb PH...
 

I glanced through it last week and I don't remember seeing John 13:35; "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

I'm at work and do not have the copy with me, can someone verifiy if DB even mentioned this verse? He talks about Holiness Inward and Outward, but that's all I can remember.

Thanks.

Re: Bernards Apostolic Identity Article in Feb PH.
 

If you have a copy of the the Apostolic Life, 2006 ... the article comes directly out of the introduction of the book.

Re: Bernards Apostolic Identity Article in Feb PH.
 

That's at home too.

Re: Bernards Apostolic Identity Article in Feb PH.
 

I guess DKB would argue that his push for Apostolic Unity would cover the verse you quoted.

Although that would exclude the world .... wouldn't it?

Re: Bernards Apostolic Identity Article in Feb PH.
 

Apostolic Identity, IMO, means Apostolic "isolation," "disconnection," "irrelevancy," "arrogance" etc.

The "By this......" is Jesus Gold Standard for His disciples. Until this happens, the UPCI will be stuck in a closet boasting about numbers gained instead of lost. The org is NOT growing even amidst all their shouting and back patting etc. Honestly, I would love to see God do a great work, but not for the sake of a doctrine or an identity. But for the sake of the lost and His glory.

If people get Jesus, everything will be OK. If all they get is a doctrine and an identity, all they did was get converted not saved! Think about that!!!! :D

Re: Bernards Apostolic Identity Article in Feb PH.
 

Great Post!

Re: Bernards Apostolic Identity Article in Feb PH.
 

Or as one poster on my Facebook status put it... "John 13:35 talks about discipleship, not apostleship" So I guess John 13:35 doesn't apply to "Apostolcs" :tic

Re: Bernards Apostolic Identity Article in Feb PH.
 

Gets one thinking..........

Re: Bernards Apostolic Identity Article in Feb PH.
 

Good post, there is so very little in the New Testament about outward appearance, and much of that is misinterpreted by the identity folks, yet most of it, Gospels and Epistles back up and reinforce the "The Golden Standard" that gets under-emphasized or ignored altogether.

I hope and pray for a move of God and revival within the UPCI.

Re: Bernards Apostolic Identity Article in Feb PH.
 

I can't comment about the book, haven't read it - however -

It is unfortunate, but most apostolic identification flags are for show (among men) or for comparison (about men), while a 'good measure' of Apostolic teaching goes ignored (John 13:35 & Acts 2:21), manipulated (Acts 2:38 & 1 Corinthians 15:20-30), or even opposed (Note all of 1 Corinthians 14 for consistency in acceptance and frequent exceptions & Mat 28:19).

Even so, as alluded to above - folks who attempt to elevate the 'apostolic' teaching of the New Covenant among men, often ignore the foundational teaching of the apostolic Master.

My recommendation is to first study Matthew chapters 5-7, then study the apostolic letters, in light of the teaching of Jesus. The next step would be to then take the messages contained in the letters and then over lay them on the book of Acts, to see how the instructions were 'played out' in real life. Throughout this entire effort, check out and study each of the over seven hundred references to the Old Covenant writings, which form the foundation for all of the New Testament teaching.

Perhaps, after all of this, the study of the New Covenant writings will then take on a clearer meaning and reduce some of the religious right/wrong contests, the splitting up of the body of Christ, and the frequent spiritual oneupmanship games we are offered to participate in on so many forums.

Conclusion: Too much of our focus is on ourselves and our own justification, rather on Jesus and the justification He offers. Or, to put it another way: If we would spend more time learning what it is to be a disciple (student) of Jesus Christ than we spend learning to become a disciple of men, we would all become more complete as an apostolic people.

Just a different kind of view from an old mountain man.