Longevity

[onefaith2]

How long were you/have you been in an Apostolic Church?


Apostolic church defined in this thread as

Jesus Christ is the Son of God and God

Jesus Christ died for our sins on the cross and rose again the third day

One that taught the oneness of God

Baptism in Jesus name by immersion

Holy ghost infilling according to Acts 2:4 with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues

Some type of inward and outward holiness standard

[berkeley]

punctuate

[Michael The Disciple]

How about how long have we been in the Oneness Movement as contrasted to a Oneness Church?

[faithit166]

18 years for me

[notofworks]

18 years for me



27

[NotforSale]

27

Days?? :toofunny

[Sister Alvear]

53 years.... almost a lifetime!

[berkeley]

will be 14 yrs on Sept 21. wow, I feel old.

[acjcpastor]

42 and wishing that was my age, lol

[Falla39]

All my 71 yrs. Had the Holy Ghost 52 yrs. I thank God for my heritage!

O the joy of sins forgiven, O the bliss the bloodwashed know,
O the peace akin to heaven, where the healing waters flow.
Where the healing waters flow, O the joy celestal glow,
Where there's peace and joy and love, And the healing waters flow!

Falla39

[NotforSale]

Falla, I'm not taking a swipe at you for saying what you said, but when I came into the Apostolic/Oneness movement back in the 70's, it bugged me to no end when people bragged about this "Heritage" stuff.

I don't have one Family member from my past who is Oneness, and I was adopted, so who knows what happened to all those folks that are my real/blood Family.

I went to an Apostolic Church for many years that would do all these slide shows and special presentations that seemed to glorify only a select few, and I really felt like I didn't belong.

Sorry if I rained on this parade. Just being honest.

[Timmy]

How long were you/have you been in an Apostolic Church?


Apostolic church defined in this thread as

Jesus Christ is the Son of God and God

Jesus Christ died for our sins on the cross and rose again the third day

One that taught the oneness of God

Baptism in Jesus name by immersion

Holy ghost infilling according to Acts 2:4 with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues

Some type of inward and outward holiness standard

The Assemblies of God comes very close to fitting that description! They don't teach "the oneness of God' in those exact words, but they certainly teach that there is only one God. Maybe a more accurate (in practice) definition of Apostolic would say something about teaching against using the word "persons" in describing the three main manifestations of God. ;)

But I suppose that's for another thread. :lol

[Falla39]

NotForSale,
My heritage was given me by those who preceded me. It didn't start with me but I have endeavored and continue to pass it on as a legacy to our children, who are passing it on to their children, our grandchildren and our first great-grandchild. That totals about 37 persons, including my husband of 51 yrs. He wasn't born into it like I was, but he certainly appreciates being grafted in, as others that came in, by marriage, etc.

My heritage is not something that I "brag" about. It is something I APPRECIATE from the bottom of my heart. Not everyone appreciates what they were born into, sad to say! I do!

NotForSale, were you grafted into an apostolic family by adoption. If so, God saw you and brought you to where you are today by that means. I was born into a family of eleven children. My paternal grandmother came out of the Methodist church, where her mother had been a charter member for 48 yrs. Grandma for 21 yrs. She heard an old street preacher preaching the Acts 2 message, got mad enough to search the scriptures, find out he was right, believed, obeyed and the rest is history. My late father followed his mother and they both followed on to know the LORD. That was in 1933-34. I was born in the fall of 1939 (Falla39) and received my own Pentecostal experience in 1958, at age 18. It has to start/begin with someone. It didn't began with me, but it may have begun with you as the first of your family (whether birth or adopted family.

Falla39

[NotforSale]

NotForSale,
My heritage was given me by those who preceded me. It didn't start with me but I have endeavored and continue to pass it on as a legacy to our children, who are passing it on to their children, our grandchildren and our first great-grandchild. That totals about 37 persons, including my husband of 51 yrs. He wasn't born into it like I was, but he certainly appreciates being grafted in, as others that came in, by marriage, etc.

My heritage is not something that I "brag" about. It is something I APPRECIATE from the bottom of my heart. Not everyone appreciates what they were born into, sad to say! I do!

NotForSale, were you grafted into an apostolic family by adoption. If so, God saw you and brought you to where you are today by that means. I was born into a family of eleven children. My paternal grandmother came out of the Methodist church, where her mother had been a charter member for 48 yrs. Grandma for 21 yrs. She heard an old street preacher preaching the Acts 2 message, got mad enough to search the scriptures, find out he was right, believed, obeyed and the rest is history. My late father followed his mother and they both followed on to know the LORD. That was in 1933-34. I was born in the fall of 1939 (Falla39) and received my own Pentecostal experience in 1958, at age 18. It has to start/begin with someone. It didn't began with me, but it may have begun with you as the first of your family (whether birth or adopted family.

Falla39

No offense Falla, but I disagree with using Religious Heritage in a place where most people don't feel what you feel. For over 30 years I've watched Pentecostal "Clicks" use the pride of their past as the benchmark of identity. This isolates and makes people feel like they don't belong, and that the inner circle is untouchable.

This form of boasting about our Heritage feeds Tradition and arrogance, where the nobodies don’t feel like they can become anything. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t remember Jesus doing this, nor endorsing it. The Bible said he made himself of no reputation, maintaining the form of a servant.

[Falla39]

No offense Falla, but I disagree with using Religious Heritage in a place where most people don't feel what you feel. For over 30 years I've watched Pentecostal "Clicks" use the pride of their past as the benchmark of identity. This isolates and makes people feel like they don't belong, and that the inner circle is untouchable.

This form of boasting about our Heritage feeds Tradition and arrogance, where the nobodies don’t feel like they can become anything. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t remember Jesus doing this, nor endorsing it. The Bible said he made himself of no reputation, maintaining the form of a servant.

Paul mentored young Timothy in the gospel because his father was not a
believer. Paul mentioned that he had seen the same faith that was in his
mother, Eunice and his grandmother, Lois and he was persuaded that it was
in Timothy too. Evidently Saul (Paul) of Tarsus didn't have the same back-
ground as Timothy had, but he was willing to mentor this young man, as he
saw a benefit as one whose mother and grandmother were believers. In other
words Timothy had been "trained up" as a youth.

We eleven siblings were also "trained up in the way we should go", and then
it was up to God to do the rest, and I am so thankful, (not proud or arrogant)
for those who cared enough to take the time to do what God desired parents
to do. God is no respector of persons and I don't believe he sees anyone as
"no bodies". I certainly don't! We were not "trained up" to think of anyone as
"no bodies".

I am not offended but will confess I can't quite understand where you're coming from.
Incidentally I didn't start this thread either!

Falla39

[NotforSale]

Paul mentored young Timothy in the gospel because his father was not a
believer. Paul mentioned that he had seen the same faith that was in his
mother, Eunice and his grandmother, Lois and he was persuaded that it was
in Timothy too. Evidently Saul (Paul) of Tarsus didn't have the same back-
ground as Timothy had, but he was willing to mentor this young man, as he
saw a benefit as one whose mother and grandmother were believers. In other
words Timothy had been "trained up" as a youth.

We eleven siblings were also "trained up in the way we should go", and then
it was up to God to do the rest, and I am so thankful, (not proud or arrogant)
for those who cared enough to take the time to do what God desired parents
to do. God is no respector of persons and I don't believe he sees anyone as
"no bodies". I certainly don't! We were not "trained up" to think of anyone as
"no bodies".

I am not offended but will confess I can't quite understand where you're coming from.
Incidentally I didn't start this thread either!

Falla39

You don't understand because you've never been where I've been, and I guess that's understandable...:lol

[Falla39]

You don't understand because you've never been where I've been, and I guess that's understandable...:lol

And, NotforSale, likewise, you've never been where and through the things
I have been through. So you cannot judge my "heritage" with all the 30 yrs
of Pentecostal "clicks" and proud, arrogant people you have known! :highfive

Falla39

[Hoovie]

27 yrs for me. When I think of my "Heritage" however, I think of my Old Order Mennonite family, that I experienced the first sixteen yrs of life. My people were Mennonite for 13 generations.

My wife, though, is 4th generation Oneness Pentecostal.

[missourimary]

19 years

[Arphaxad]

You don't understand because you've never been where I've been, and I guess that's understandable...:lol

I know what you mean, I think. I didn't "come in" until I was 40, and am the only one in my family in church, any church. going on 9 years in Sept. I'm a single guy too. I don't really fellowship too much except for church functions, or go eat someplace after church. I feel like I have nothing in common except Jesus.

:doggyrun

[Blubayou]

I was raised half Baptist and half Pentecostal! I have been around Oneness for all of my 60 years, had the HG for 41 years! I am a fourth generation Pentecostal.

[faithit166]

i got the hg when i was 26 noone in my family went to church only mom here and there not to often tho grew up visiting baptist 6 months after i got the hg god brought my mom and my dad in filled the both of them my sister too god is faithful amen my parents are gone now but they died in the lord

[MawMaw]

I was brought up in, and still attend, an Apostolic/Oneness/Pentecostal Church.

I am 3rd generation.

I've had the wonderful gift of the Holyghost for 36 years now.

[NotforSale]

And, NotforSale, likewise, you've never been where and through the things
I have been through. So you cannot judge my "heritage" with all the 30 yrs
of Pentecostal "clicks" and proud, arrogant people you have known! :highfive

Falla39

True! I don’t know what you feel, as I wasn’t raised all of my life in one Faith or Family. By you claiming such a privilege, I feel left out.

I will never know my real Father or Mother. I've never touched the face of the woman who gave birth to me. Can you comprehend that? Do you understand what a man feels inside when he’s never heard the voice of his Father?

Plain and simple, your boasting can belittle those who struggle with identity and how they fit in this messed up World. :(

[Falla39]

No boasting here, Brother! Just thankful unto Him and Blessing His Name!

[berkeley]

Do you understand what a man feels inside when he’s never heard the voice of his Father?


yep...

[Cindy]

True! I don’t know what you feel, as I wasn’t raised all of my life in one Faith or Family. By you claiming such a privilege, I feel left out.

I will never know my real Father or Mother. I've never touched the face of the woman who gave birth to me. Can you comprehend that? Do you understand what a man feels inside when he’s never heard the voice of his Father?

Plain and simple, your boasting can belittle those who struggle with identity and how they fit in this messed up World. :(

NFS, I don't think Sis. Falla is boasting. And it's not her fault that you don't have the heritage that she had. Would you rather she be ashamed, or not comment on it?

[Cindy]

And let's remember we ALL have one thing in common, our heavenly Father. That is what makes us a family.

[rgcraig]

You are just as important to God and just as saved if you've been in 1 day or 100 years!

[Falla39]

You are just as important to God and just as saved if you've been in 1 day or 100 years!

Amen!:thumbsup

Falla39

[MawMaw]

Just heard that sermon preached the other day about the ones who were hired at the last hour getting the same pay as the ones who worked all day! Ain't God Good!!! :)

[Cindy]

You are just as important to God and just as saved if you've been in 1 day or 100 years!

:thumbsup

[NotforSale]

NFS, I don't think Sis. Falla is boasting. And it's not her fault that you don't have the heritage that she had. Would you rather she be ashamed, or not comment on it?

Again, I see things through a different lens. I can't help that. I'm not the only one who feels somewhat in the outside circle of life.

I look back and see my life from a very different view than Falla, and when people brag about how much God has blessed them, I wonder why God didn't bless me as I was watching my Stepfather beat my (adopted) mother.

I grew up in a violent home with divorce, alcoholism, severe drug abuse, and I was very confused, wishing I was never adopted. My wife, who was sexually molested by her father for 9 years (from infancy to age 9), has told me, "Why did God allow this to happen to me?" My wife’s father died in prison a child molester, and her mother drowned in the bathtub of her home when she was 15. Her mother was burned severely in a fire and they did shock treatments on her, which caused insanity.

I even get bent out of shape when people like Doctor James Dobson said, "I married my High School sweetheart, and she's been the only one." So few people even know what he is talking about, and his dream come true disconnects him from the reality of other people.

To be honest, I even feel bad saying grace over my food. I don't want to thank God for something, when others in the World are starving to death. It makes me feel like I'm some kind of privileged person over others who were born in severe poverty.

[NotforSale]

I know what you mean, I think. I didn't "come in" until I was 40, and am the only one in my family in church, any church. going on 9 years in Sept. I'm a single guy too. I don't really fellowship too much except for church functions, or go eat someplace after church. I feel like I have nothing in common except Jesus.

:doggyrun

The good news is, we can bring a balance into the Church. There are so many people who are sitting on the pew, and they don't feel like they really fit.

I do my best to reach to these.

[Jason B]

How long were you/have you been in an Apostolic Church?
10 years, left last summer


Apostolic church defined in this thread as

Jesus Christ is the Son of God and God
Yes, still believe it

Jesus Christ died for our sins on the cross and rose again the third day
Yes, still believe it

One that taught the oneness of God
Yes, still believe it, but don't say that those who have a slightly different understanding from mine are lost

Baptism in Jesus name by immersion
Still believe it, but wouldn't say that a trinitarian is lost over the invokation of the name of Jesus, they are still being baptized to identify with Jesus Christ, and in his authority

Holy ghost infilling according to Acts 2:4 with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues
Yes, I believed this all my 10 years (questioned it & studied it heavily my last 2) which leads me to the conclusion that I now reject the initial evidence doctrine. And am skeptical of most of the "tongues" speaking in pentecostal/spirit filled churches today, as well as the multitude of unbiblical manifestations blamed on the Spirit of God.

Some type of inward and outward holiness standard
Yes, but I have come to the understanding that there is quite a difference between religious dogma and tradition. I am 100% for TRUE HOLINESS. I think we should be be modest, live soberly, and godly in this present world, we should be seperate from the world, not JUST in what we wear, but in everything we do. I do believe there are certain standards of modesty that should be followed for men and women, but I reject the notion of cookie cutter dress codes, based on the Little House on the Prairie. I am of the position that holiness is a lifestyle, and true holiness affects every aspect of the way we live. Though I believe strongly in the grace of God, reject a works based salvation, and do affirm justification by faith, I stronly oppose the school of thought which all but embraces wordly culture because we are "under grace".

[Michael The Disciple]

Again, I see things through a different lens. I can't help that. I'm not the only one who feels somewhat in the outside circle of life.

I look back and see my life from a very different view than Falla, and when people brag about how much God has blessed them, I wonder why God didn't bless me as I was watching my Stepfather beat my (adopted) mother.

I grew up in a violent home with divorce, alcoholism, severe drug abuse, and I was very confused, wishing I was never adopted. My wife, who was sexually molested by her father for 9 years (from infancy to age 9), has told me, "Why did God allow this to happen to me?" My wife’s father died in prison a child molester, and her mother drowned in the bathtub of her home when she was 15. Her mother was burned severely in a fire and they did shock treatments on her, which caused insanity.

I even get bent out of shape when people like Doctor James Dobson said, "I married my High School sweetheart, and she's been the only one." So few people even know what he is talking about, and his dream come true disconnects him from the reality of other people.

To be honest, I even feel bad saying grace over my food. I don't want to thank God for something, when others in the World are starving to death. It makes me feel like I'm some kind of privileged person over others who were born in severe poverty.

NFS that sounds terrible indeed. But Sis Falla is not bragging of herself. She is very thankful God kept her from the devestations that can happen in life. That is very normal. Why the attack on her?

Your bitterness can still be cured by Jesus. If any man be in Christ he is A NEW CREATION OLD THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY ALL THINGS BECOME NEW. 2 Cor. 5:17

[Esther]

No offense Falla, but I disagree with using Religious Heritage in a place where most people don't feel what you feel. For over 30 years I've watched Pentecostal "Clicks" use the pride of their past as the benchmark of identity. This isolates and makes people feel like they don't belong, and that the inner circle is untouchable.

This form of boasting about our Heritage feeds Tradition and arrogance, where the nobodies don’t feel like they can become anything. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t remember Jesus doing this, nor endorsing it. The Bible said he made himself of no reputation, maintaining the form of a servant.

I think you have a negative outlook. I would see it as something you can also achieve.:thumbsup

[Jason B]

Again, I see things through a different lens. I can't help that. I'm not the only one who feels somewhat in the outside circle of life.

I look back and see my life from a very different view than Falla, and when people brag about how much God has blessed them, I wonder why God didn't bless me as I was watching my Stepfather beat my (adopted) mother.

I grew up in a violent home with divorce, alcoholism, severe drug abuse, and I was very confused, wishing I was never adopted. My wife, who was sexually molested by her father for 9 years (from infancy to age 9), has told me, "Why did God allow this to happen to me?" My wife’s father died in prison a child molester, and her mother drowned in the bathtub of her home when she was 15. Her mother was burned severely in a fire and they did shock treatments on her, which caused insanity.

I even get bent out of shape when people like Doctor James Dobson said, "I married my High School sweetheart, and she's been the only one." So few people even know what he is talking about, and his dream come true disconnects him from the reality of other people.

To be honest, I even feel bad saying grace over my food. I don't want to thank God for something, when others in the World are starving to death. It makes me feel like I'm some kind of privileged person over others who were born in severe poverty.


NFS, I can relate quite a bit here. Not on every point, but on the vast majority of experiences you have shared on this thread. HOWEVER, instead of asking God why this or that, I have accepted all these circumstances as the result of sin. This is what sin does. It destroys people, it destroys lives, the only escape from sin is Jesus Christ. However, in coming to Christ we are not given all of the answers to every "why" question we have, but when we walk with him in full assurance and trust, we find that He DOES take take the broken pieces of our lives and make something beautiful.

[NotforSale]

NFS that sounds terrible indeed. But Sis Falla is not bragging of herself. She is very thankful God kept her from the devestations that can happen in life. That is very normal. Why the attack on her?

Your bitterness can still be cured by Jesus. If any man be in Christ he is A NEW CREATION OLD THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY ALL THINGS BECOME NEW. 2 Cor. 5:17

Sorry, but this is the way I see it:

Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

[Falla39]

NFS, if I had told you all the trials and tests we've been through, would you have a
different opinion of me! You told the negatives of your life, I spoke of the blessings. If
I looked back and dwelled on the things that we've have been through, I could possibly
become discouraged and depressed. But those things are behind us. At 71 and 73 (my
husband), we are too far upon this journey to look back and dwell there. Too many miles
are behind us, too many trials are through, too many tears help us to remember. We've
got too much to gain to lose!
Some on the journey through the wilderness complained and grumbled to Moses. Some
never made it through that howling wilderness. Life is a wilderness, but with the Hand
of the LORD leading, guiding and strengthening us, we can make it.

Why don't you put all the past behind you and draw nigh to God and HE will draw nigh
to you.
Don't think I am not sympathetic with your story. I am, but if you've have known the
LORD for a long time, it just seems you should have left some of that behind you long
ago. May the LORD encourage you today, in Jesus Name!

Falla39

[NotforSale]

NFS, if I had told you all the trials and tests we've been through, would you have a
different opinion of me! You told the negatives of your life, I spoke of the blessings. If
I looked back and dwelled on the things that we've have been through, I could possibly
become discouraged and depressed. But those things are behind us. At 71 and 73 (my
husband), we are too far upon this journey to look back and dwell there. Too many miles
are behind us, too many trials are through, too many tears help us to remember. We've
got too much to gain to lose!
Some on the journey through the wilderness complained and grumbled to Moses. Some
never made it through that howling wilderness. Life is a wilderness, but with the Hand
of the LORD leading, guiding and strengthening us, we can make it.

Why don't you put all the past behind you and draw nigh to God and HE will draw nigh
to you.
Don't think I am not sympathetic with your story. I am, but if you've have known the
LORD for a long time, it just seems you should have left some of that behind you long
ago. May the LORD encourage you today, in Jesus Name!

Falla39

Thanks for your kind words. The Lord is good and my heart does rejoice over His ability to look past many things.

I didn't mean for you to take my post so personal, but I see why you did. The one thing I like about this Forum is people can say what has truly bothered them about life and faith.

You're right, knowing about each other's life does make a difference on how we see things. I'm sure if we sat down over coffee, we would laugh, cry, and would be amazed at how simular our lives are.

Well, I've got to get ready for Service. What we've talked about will inspire my message today.

:D

[Cindy]

Thanks for your kind words. The Lord is good and my heart does rejoice over His ability to look past many things.

I didn't mean for you to take my post so personal, but I see why you did. The one thing I like about this Forum is people can say what has truly bothered them about life and faith.

You're right, knowing about each other's life does make a difference on how we see things. I'm sure if we sat down over coffee, we would laugh, cry, and would be amazed at how simular our lives are.

Well, I've got to get ready for Service. What we've talked about will inspire my message today.

:D

:thumbsup

NFS, keep that loving heart and spirit. There are many you can reach that others can't.

[Esther]

NFS, if I had told you all the trials and tests we've been through, would you have a
different opinion of me! You told the negatives of your life, I spoke of the blessings. If
I looked back and dwelled on the things that we've have been through, I could possibly
become discouraged and depressed. But those things are behind us. At 71 and 73 (my
husband), we are too far upon this journey to look back and dwell there. Too many miles
are behind us, too many trials are through, too many tears help us to remember. We've
got too much to gain to lose!
Some on the journey through the wilderness complained and grumbled to Moses. Some
never made it through that howling wilderness. Life is a wilderness, but with the Hand
of the LORD leading, guiding and strengthening us, we can make it.

Why don't you put all the past behind you and draw nigh to God and HE will draw nigh
to you.
Don't think I am not sympathetic with your story. I am, but if you've have known the
LORD for a long time, it just seems you should have left some of that behind you long
ago. May the LORD encourage you today, in Jesus Name!

Falla39

:thumbsup As usual a very good post.

[NotforSale]

:thumbsup

NFS, keep that loving heart and spirit. There are many you can reach that others can't.

Thanks! :)

[Cindy]

Thanks! :)

You're welcome. I think we are all needed by someone. If our experiences can help any soul be saved, we should be rejoicing!!

[Falla39]

Thanks for your kind words. The Lord is good and my heart does rejoice over His ability to look past many things.

I didn't mean for you to take my post so personal, but I see why you did. The one thing I like about this Forum is people can say what has truly bothered them about life and faith.

You're right, knowing about each other's life does make a difference on how we see things. I'm sure if we sat down over coffee, we would laugh, cry, and would be amazed at how simular our lives are.

Well, I've got to get ready for Service. What we've talked about will inspire my message today.:D

NFS, are you a minister, pastor, teacher???

[NotforSale]

NFS, are you a minister, pastor, teacher???

Been pastoring for the last 15 years.:thumbsup

[ILG]

Was in 19 years. Felt like I should have been able to vote 20 or more because 10 just isn't the same as 19!!

[onefaith2]

So far no new converts have viewed this thread. Does this mean we have no new converts to apostolic teaching here on AFF? That probably isn't a bad thing!

15 1/2 years for me

[ILG]

So far no new converts have viewed this thread. Does this mean we have no new converts to apostolic teaching here on AFF? That probably isn't a bad thing!

15 1/2 years for me

Wouldn't surprise me if they are warned to stay away.

[onefaith2]

Wouldn't surprise me if they are warned to stay away.

I'd probably warn them lol

[Falla39]

Thanks for your kind words. The Lord is good and my heart does rejoice over His ability to look past many things.

I didn't mean for you to take my post so personal, but I see why you did. The one thing I like about this Forum is people can say what has truly bothered them about life and faith.

You're right, knowing about each other's life does make a difference on how we see things. I'm sure if we sat down over coffee, we would laugh, cry, and would be amazed at how simular our lives are.
Well, I've got to get ready for Service. What we've talked about will inspire my message today.

:D

:highfive

[Falla39]

Been pastoring for the last 15 years.:thumbsup

:preach:thumbsup