Christmas Trees on Pentecostal platforms

[JamesGlen]

Evergreen trees w lights “on stage”, for decor during the Christmass holidays...

Are those even considered a Christmass tree?

What is or is not acceptable in the sight of God, as “Christmass decor” for a place that is declared as holy and set aside for the purpose of worshipping God”?

After all, even nature praises the Lord:

“Let the trees of the forest sing, let them sing for joy before the LORD....

[Esaias]

Jesus said we would not worship God in the temple at Jerusalem or the mountain in Samaria. That definitely includes some building with a baal tree.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Evergreen trees w lights “on stage”, for decor during the Christmass holidays...

Are those even considered a Christmass tree?

What is or is not acceptable as “Christmass decor” for a place that is declared as holy and set aside for the purpose of worshipping God”?

After all, even nature praises the Lord:

“Let the trees of the forest sing, let them sing for joy before the LORD....

Whatever the pastor and the members want in that building.

[JamesGlen]

I am trying to figure out how it is that Christmas trees are put on the platform, but facial hair is not allowed on the platform

[Amanah]

Deleted due to silliness

[Sister Alvear]

I am trying to figure out how it is that Christmas trees are put on the platform, but facial hair is not allowed on the platform
:highfive:highfive:highfive:highfive:highfive:high five

[Evang.Benincasa]

I am trying to figure out how it is that Christmas trees are put on the platform, but facial hair is not allowed on the platform

Again, it’s what the pastor and the church family want.
You don’t like it don’t go to churches like that. Better yet, start your own religious get together and show us how it’s done. :)

[Evang.Benincasa]

:highfive:highfive:highfive:highfive:highfive:high five

The Alvears sporting beards now?
I grow a beard every evening and shave it off every morning. :)

[JamesGlen]

Again, it’s what the pastor and the church family want.
You don’t like it don’t go to churches like that. Better yet, start your own religious get together and show us how it’s done. :)

Why can’t you post without being a smart alloc? Others have constantly posted wondering why you are still allowed to post on this forum,(there is a reason for that) and everyone constantly wonders why you are always so rude. PLEASE don’t respond to my threads anymore, and I would gladly do the same for you. There’s much more at stake when it comes to staying or leaving a local church family, than Christmas trees or beards on platforms, and there’s nothing wrong with discussing either topic on a Pentecostal forum, as to why they are or are not acceptable in Pentecostalism.

[Tithesmeister]

:highfive:highfive:highfive:highfive:highfive:high five

Sister Alvear,

I’m happy to see you post. I have a question for you about Christmas. It has been suggested (forcefully stated) that we celebrate Christmas on December 25 because we “borrowed” the date from the pagans, and that what we are REALLY doing is participating in idolatry by pretending to celebrate the birth of Christ while actually honoring old man winter, (or something). It’s complicated.

Meanwhile, it occurred to me that y’all being in Brazil, and (at least partially) in the Southern Hemisphere, your winter solstice would fall in our summer. I looked it up (thanks to Elder Google) and sure enough y’all’s winter solstice fell on June 20 this year, while ours in the northern hemisphere is on December 20. (Now, I realize that December 20 is NOT when Christmas is traditionally celebrated but it is evidently close enough for they that wish to fling accusations of idolatry). So it occurred to me that if y’all are celebrating Christmas on December 25, and you believe you are celebrating winter solstice on the sly, then perhaps you should be celebrating Christmas on June 20, instead of December 25.

Please understand, I am Not suggesting that y’all would be so carnal as to celebrate the birth of our Savior or anything like that. :heeheehee But, if there were any of the less spiritual among the Brazilians that would be so carnal as to celebrate and be thankful for the birth of our Savior, and to set aside a day to recognize that birth, would they recognize it in December, or in June.

To further complicate matters, the equator dissects Brazil, meaning that part of the country falls in the northern hemisphere. So theoretically Brazil could celebrate winter solstice (under the guise of Christmas) twice each year. Once north of the equator on December 25, and again south of the equator, in late June.

So, what do y’all do, that are carnal and celebrate?

I appreciate your response.

:happydance:happydance:happydance

[Evang.Benincasa]

Why can’t you post without being a smart alloc? Others have constantly posted wondering why you are still allowed to post on this forum,(there is a reason for that) and everyone constantly wonders why you are always so rude. PLEASE don’t respond to my threads anymore, and I would gladly do the same for you.

Jimmy, big boys don't cry. That is the first thing you should remember. Second there is a feature where you can report a poster. If you (and these others who agree with you) use the feature, you may all get your wish and have me removed for ever. Then you and the three other posters can have a bless me club. Jim, why am I a smart aleck? I am assuming that is what you were trying to call me? I am not a smart aleck, because I happen to know why I am making my statements. Anyway, let's deal with why I responded to your post the way I did. You were being the wise guy, and you made the shot bringing up beards and Dagon bushes. So, to my first post in this thread, I brought it up again. Instead of repeating myself with "Whatever the pastor and the members want in that building." I chose the obvious, you who can't accept what these people want in their own church family, can leave. Or since you are the one who sees a brighter day, then by all means start a church. You can get people who agree with you to attend. That offended you? I can't imagine why? I would surmise that Jim is a man's name? A man with strong opinions concerning no facial hair on the platform? Also has an issue with Xmas trees and trumpet blowing angel statues on the platform? Anyway, I posted what I posted, I guess it was effective because you answered me. :thumbsup


There’s much more at stake when it comes to staying or leaving a local church family, than Christmas trees or beards on platforms, and there’s nothing wrong with discussing either topic on a Pentecostal forum, as to why they are or are not acceptable in Pentecostalism.

Much more at stake? If the entire church congregation and its ministry want clean shaven lads with evergreen trees from one end to the other. So be it. If you, and your family don't like it, then keep it to yourself and work it all out with your family. You as the husband leader should of already worked it out with the elders of the church. But, if you can't deal with it anymore then leave. Nothing complex, nothing too hard. Because after all look around you, they all like it. Pastor Bocephus, and MaMaw Thibodaux are happy as a bowl of banana pudding with vanilla wafers to be Gillet unto the Lord with a sprig of mistletoe. Why? Because they had been doing long before the Internet came about to be the pastor, prophet, teacher, apostle, and evangelist of the new age. Nothing wrong with discussing beards? No, nothing wrong with discussing beards especially when we can go find about 40,000 threads on that one subject in this forum. Anyway, I will still comment on any post I feel to comment on, and you feel free to do the same. If you and EVERYONE want me booted by all means report me.

[hometown guy]

I am trying to figure out how it is that Christmas trees are put on the platform, but facial hair is not allowed on the platform

Just shave your beard and you can be up there with the Christmas trees .:smack

[Evang.Benincasa]

Just shave your beard and you can be up there with the Christmas trees .:smack

That’ll work as well.

[Amanah]

Just shave your beard and you can be up there with the Christmas trees .:smack

or, you can find a way to fit in.

https://s3.scoopwhoop.com/anj/kit/265294530.png

[Evang.Benincasa]

or, you can find a way to fit in.

https://s3.scoopwhoop.com/anj/kit/265294530.png

Excellent :heeheehee

[JamesGlen]

I have no interest at all in being on a Pentecostal platform. I am just trying to understand how it is, that an adorned tree that is called a Jesus tree(Christ tree or Jesus Christ’ death tree) is an acceptable practice to be fastened in an area of a church bldg that is considered by many as a holy place set aside for the worship of our God. Some believe it is like desecrating the temple or holy place set aside for God, Because it is claimed/preached as such(Gods house with the platform and alter area being the most “holy place” because that is where people commit/encounter/meet w God. Is that generally the way it is thought of across the board in Pentecost, “House of God set apart for worship to God, sanctuary being the most holy place, and the platform and alter area maybe being considered the holy of holies area? If not what is the breakdown? FTR I don’t see a church bldg that way, but I’m discussing it because many do.

So with that said, why are decorated and adorned trees called Jesus trees set up there?
In the OT food that was once offered to idols, was not allowed to be eaten by Gods people. Yet nowadays trees adorned and fastened upright and called by Jesus name above every name, are set up on display, and surely even gifts placed under them. That seems to desecrate/defile the Saviours name “Jesus” above all names, by calling an adorned tree by his name. He’s not a tree. He’s our Saviour, THE annointed One.
So my question is, what idoes an adorned tree called a Christ tree being set up for display have to do with our Saviour Jesus Christ, and why would it be set up on display in a special holy place dedicated unto worship of that Saviour alone?

Benincasa, I read the first sentence of your response post and stopped there. I will not read your responses. You are a rude smart alloc, lacking the fruit of the Spirit, and an embarrassment to the forum regarding Christian character, as has been pointed out time and time again by many other posters in the past. You don’t quite go far enough to get banned, because they don’t ban people for talking to others like they are trash. Again I ask, please abstain from posting on my threads, and I will gladly do the same for you.

[Bro Flame]

For us to be "Oneness", there's very little "oneness" among us.

[Whoop Harted]

What is a smart alloc? Allocating? Another form of allokbar? Not sure what a alloc is.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Benincasa, I read the first sentence of your response post and stopped there.

Man up Jimmy. Before anything, we are men. :heeheehee



I will not read your responses.

Yes you will. Unless you use another forum feature called "ignore" which I suggest you use. Also make a request of all the four other posters of this forum to not quote anything where I refer to you.



You are a rude smart alloc,

alloc is usually short for allocation. So, I am a smart allocation? Ok.

RUDE?!?

https://media.giphy.com/media/U1aN4HTfJ2SmgB2BBK/giphy.gif



lacking the fruit of the Spirit, and an embarrassment to the forum regarding Christian character, as has been pointed out time and time again by many other posters in the past. You don’t quite go far enough to get banned,

Go far enough to get banned? Jimbo, banning is predicated by filing a complaint against specific posts. You report the post, it is then up to the administration to 86 the offender. Everytime I get n a hair pulling contest with one off you lovely ladies it seems that focus is more on what they perceive me to be doing.




because they don’t ban people for talking to others like they are trash.

Because THEY? Jim, now your problem is with the admins? It is their fault? Listen, the admins are reading every single post on these threads. It would therefore be akin to having a second or third job. Maybe you should start a forum where everyone holds the same opinion and beliefs as you do. Anytime you get someone with a strong opposing view you can burn them at the stake and then ban them forever. Still you will find that this forum is basically self moderating and that the ignore feature is employed to remove those you believe to be haters.


Again I ask, please abstain from posting on my threads, and I will gladly do the same for you.

No. I suggest you use the ignore feature. You will find that to be way more effective. You will then be able to find the echos you most desperately need.


I have no interest at all in being on a Pentecostal platform.

You just have an interest to dictate to what is going on the platform. You see it is quite simple. Church buildings may have a stage area which is called a platform. Yet, it isn't used for our entertainment. It is used to rely ecclesiastical messages to those who are willing and wanting to hear those messages. Xmas tree, smooth faces, collared white shirts with black ties, and for the women long dresses with appropriate length sleeves. All dictated from the primary source, the people. Elders, and congregants. All in flowing agreement with one another. So, I really have no right to make a call on what they are doing. There is a huge Apostolic Jesus name church which has a amazingly large golden angel holding a trumpet. This item is a fixed smack dab in the middle of the platform. While I hold my own opinions on this image, it is of their choosing, because "they" really like it. From pastor to pew, they like what is going on there. If someone has a problem to the degree of disharmony with the group, they can easily leave. If they have a problem with the golden thing and want to stay with their beloved ministry and church family. Then they can but ponder these things in their heart, and do their best to be at peace with the church family.



I am just trying to understand

Do you not like short answers? The understanding is that the church family and ministers want it. That is the reason why we have more churches, denominations, schisms and religions then you can shake a stick at. Hence the reason, why people break off into groups, they gravitate to those of like precious agreement. That is all. So, my question to you would be can people still hear the gospel message and get baptized in Jesus name, receive the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues? With huge angels, on the platform? With giant Dagon bushes standing clear up to the cathedral ceiling? With lighted Catholic Nativity scene right above the baptismal tank? I know, I know, some would freeze in horror, but some sincere soul seeking God will get the Holy Ghost. Then the Lord (if the person is willing) will lead the sincere individual into all truth.




how it is, that an adorned tree that is called a Jesus tree(Christ tree or Jesus Christ’ death tree) is an acceptable practice to be fastened in an area of a church bldg that is considered by many as a holy place set aside for the worship of our God. Some believe it is like desecrating the temple or holy place set aside for God, Because it is claimed/preached as such(Gods house with the platform and alter area being the most “holy place” because that is where people commit/encounter/meet w God. Is that generally the way it is thought of across the board in Pentecost, “House of God set apart for worship to God, sanctuary being the most holy place, and the platform and alter area maybe being considered the holy of holies area? If not what is the breakdown? FTR I don’t see a church bldg that way, but I’m discussing it because many do.

Holy place? Temple? You are mixing ideas into the above paragraph. You are saying that there are some who believe the platform as a holy place, and therefore they are desecrating it with these Catholic symbols? Hypothetical situations really have many levels to consider. Yet, the short answer to be is that these people don't see it exactly as you or I may see it. Therefore according to our own convictions concerning these issues we can make a choice. If this forum teaches us anything it's that people will always gravitate to groups holding the same opinions.





So with that said, why are decorated and adorned trees called Jesus trees set up there?

Because the church family wants to have it up there.




In the OT food that was once offered to idols, was not allowed to be eaten by Gods people. Yet nowadays trees adorned and fastened upright and called by Jesus name above every name, are set up on display, and surely even gifts placed under them. That seems to desecrate/defile the Saviours name “Jesus” above all names, by calling an adorned tree by his name. He’s not a tree. He’s our Saviour, THE annointed One.
So my question is, what idoes an adorned tree called a Christ tree being set up for display have to do with our Saviour Jesus Christ, and why would it be set up on display in a special holy place dedicated unto worship of that Saviour alone?

I know the answer is too simple for you, but the Catholic/Lutheran symbols are there, because the church family wants it there. I know what I believe concerning the whole whoopdedoo on the Catholic Mass, but I have learned that me beating an ecclesiastical dead horse when the group is so HAPPY to do it. I just need to go my way, and be at peace that they made their decision. Maybe one day they may change, but that change won't come unless they are wanting it.

[Evang.Benincasa]

For us to be "Oneness", there's very little "oneness" among us.

How long you been in religion?

[Bro Flame]

How long you been in religion?
Long enough to know that people of supposed like-minded faith can't seem to mingle for any lengthy periods.

[Ehud]

Long enough to know that people of supposed like-minded faith can't seem to mingle for any lengthy periods.

You say that like it's a problem.

[n david]

You say that like it's a problem.
Only for those who want to go to Heaven.

[Ehud]

Only for those who want to go to Heaven.

So because JamesGlen and Brother Benincasa don't get along, one of them is hell-bound?

[Evang.Benincasa]

Long enough to know that people of supposed like-minded faith can't seem to mingle for any lengthy periods.

Not long enough to know the human element in religion. Like mindedness is what happens when a group agrees. that is in the case of shaving one face, and having a Catholic/Lutheran symbol on their platform. They all agreed, they voted with their feet and come to assemble every Sunday and every Xmas. They don't have a problem. It is the ones who are among them who want them to change the way they see fit to worship. Look, you have a girlfriend who is a "preacher" you see no problem with that, as well as the congregation you attend. Yet, as you well know there are those who do have a problem with the idea of women preachers. That shouldn't bother you, because you don't attend or fellowship (I would assume) anyone who strongly disagrees with any form of female preaching. I asked the question how long have you been in religion because of the simple fact that religious ideology isn't something that brings unity. But as Jesus said "a sword."

Jesus wasn't trying to have all the religious sects of Rabbinicalism come together in a bless me club. But He presented the truth which they obviously had modified. Modified to such a degree that it made who the messiah was to be, unrecognizable.

The human factor in politics, religion, science, or neighborhoods is that those of like minds gravitate to each other naturally.

[Ehud]

...

The human factor in politics, religion, science, or neighborhoods is that those of like minds gravitate to each other naturally.

Exactly. It just is what it is.

[diakonos]

So because JamesGlen and Brother Benincasa don't get along, one of them is hell-bound?

Maybe both :lol



J/K

[diakonos]

Did I just read that the Christmas tree is the abomination of desolation? :lol

[Ehud]

Maybe both :lol



J/K

My mistake to leave off the third option! :toofunny

[Evang.Benincasa]

Did I just read that the Christmas tree is the abomination of desolation? :lol


Come to think of it, since the platform was considered holy, the tree being called a Christ tree would be an abomination. So, since this whole discussion was about shaved faces interacting with this "Christ" Tree. The holy shaven face is defiled with the "Christ" TREE? So, clean shaven face is holy unto the Lord.:)

[n david]

Maybe both :lol

J/K

:toofunny

[n david]

Long enough to know that people of supposed like-minded faith can't seem to mingle for any lengthy periods.

You say that like it's a problem.

So because JamesGlen and Brother Benincasa don't get along, one of them is hell-bound?

I'm not specifically speaking of anyone here. Also, I'm sure these two fine brethren would get along well in spite of their difference here.

[Evang.Benincasa]

:toofunny

:tissue

[Evang.Benincasa]

I'm not specifically speaking of anyone here. Also, I'm sure these two fine brethren would get along well in spite of their difference here.

:thumbsup

[Ehud]

I'm not specifically speaking of anyone here. Also, I'm sure these two fine brethren would get along well in spite of their difference here.

:highfive

[diakonos]

I'm not specifically speaking of anyone here. Also, I'm sure these two fine brethren would get along well in spite of their difference here.

You’re supposed to throw kerosene on the fire. I want something fun to read. :heeheehee

[n david]

You’re supposed to throw kerosene on the fire. I want something fun to read. :heeheehee
:toofunny

[LOVE JESUS]

Man up Jimmy. Before anything, we are men. :heeheehee




Yes you will. Unless you use another forum feature called "ignore" which I suggest you use. Also make a request of all the four other posters of this forum to not quote anything where I refer to you.



alloc is usually short for allocation. So, I am a smart allocation? Ok.

RUDE?!?

https://media.giphy.com/media/U1aN4HTfJ2SmgB2BBK/giphy.gif



Go far enough to get banned? Jimbo, banning is predicated by filing a complaint against specific posts. You report the post, it is then up to the administration to 86 the offender. Everytime I get n a hair pulling contest with one off you lovely ladies it seems that focus is more on what they perceive me to be doing.




Because THEY? Jim, now your problem is with the admins? It is their fault? Listen, the admins are reading every single post on these threads. It would therefore be akin to having a second or third job. Maybe you should start a forum where everyone holds the same opinion and beliefs as you do. Anytime you get someone with a strong opposing view you can burn them at the stake and then ban them forever. Still you will find that this forum is basically self moderating and that the ignore feature is employed to remove those you believe to be haters.




No. I suggest you use the ignore feature. You will find that to be way more effective. You will then be able to find the echos you most desperately need.



You just have an interest to dictate to what is going on the platform. You see it is quite simple. Church buildings may have a stage area which is called a platform. Yet, it isn't used for our entertainment. It is used to rely ecclesiastical messages to those who are willing and wanting to hear those messages. Xmas tree, smooth faces, collared white shirts with black ties, and for the women long dresses with appropriate length sleeves. All dictated from the primary source, the people. Elders, and congregants. All in flowing agreement with one another. So, I really have no right to make a call on what they are doing. There is a huge Apostolic Jesus name church which has a amazingly large golden angel holding a trumpet. This item is a fixed smack dab in the middle of the platform. While I hold my own opinions on this image, it is of their choosing, because "they" really like it. From pastor to pew, they like what is going on there. If someone has a problem to the degree of disharmony with the group, they can easily leave. If they have a problem with the golden thing and want to stay with their beloved ministry and church family. Then they can but ponder these things in their heart, and do their best to be at peace with the church family.




Do you not like short answers? The understanding is that the church family and ministers want it. That is the reason why we have more churches, denominations, schisms and religions then you can shake a stick at. Hence the reason, why people break off into groups, they gravitate to those of like precious agreement. That is all. So, my question to you would be can people still hear the gospel message and get baptized in Jesus name, receive the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues? With huge angels, on the platform? With giant Dagon bushes standing clear up to the cathedral ceiling? With lighted Catholic Nativity scene right above the baptismal tank? I know, I know, some would freeze in horror, but some sincere soul seeking God will get the Holy Ghost. Then the Lord (if the person is willing) will lead the sincere individual into all truth.





Holy place? Temple? You are mixing ideas into the above paragraph. You are saying that there are some who believe the platform as a holy place, and therefore they are desecrating it with these Catholic symbols? Hypothetical situations really have many levels to consider. Yet, the short answer to be is that these people don't see it exactly as you or I may see it. Therefore according to our own convictions concerning these issues we can make a choice. If this forum teaches us anything it's that people will always gravitate to groups holding the same opinions.





Because the church family wants to have it up there.




I know the answer is too simple for you, but the Catholic/Lutheran symbols are there, because the church family wants it there. I know what I believe concerning the whole whoopdedoo on the Catholic Mass, but I have learned that me beating an ecclesiastical dead horse when the group is so HAPPY to do it. I just need to go my way, and be at peace that they made their decision. Maybe one day they may change, but that change won't come unless they are wanting it.

LOVE love LoVe - just a little bit of love. Love is a fruit of the Spirit. Just saying...

[Evang.Benincasa]

LOVE love LoVe - just a little bit of love. Love is a fruit of the Spirit. Just saying...

God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

[KeptByTheWord]

It is silly how the craziest of issues bring people out of the cobwebs with their fervent opinions.

BUT... this kind of discussion appears to be what keeps this poor old forum still alive and well.... :heeheehee

[KeptByTheWord]

I have no interest at all in being on a Pentecostal platform. I am just trying to understand how it is, that an adorned tree that is called a Jesus tree(Christ tree or Jesus Christ’ death tree) is an acceptable practice to be fastened in an area of a church bldg that is considered by many as a holy place set aside for the worship of our God. Some believe it is like desecrating the temple or holy place set aside for God, Because it is claimed/preached as such(Gods house with the platform and alter area being the most “holy place” because that is where people commit/encounter/meet w God. Is that generally the way it is thought of across the board in Pentecost, “House of God set apart for worship to God, sanctuary being the most holy place, and the platform and alter area maybe being considered the holy of holies area? If not what is the breakdown? FTR I don’t see a church bldg that way, but I’m discussing it because many do.

So with that said, why are decorated and adorned trees called Jesus trees set up there?
In the OT food that was once offered to idols, was not allowed to be eaten by Gods people. Yet nowadays trees adorned and fastened upright and called by Jesus name above every name, are set up on display, and surely even gifts placed under them. That seems to desecrate/defile the Saviours name “Jesus” above all names, by calling an adorned tree by his name. He’s not a tree. He’s our Saviour, THE annointed One.
So my question is, what idoes an adorned tree called a Christ tree being set up for display have to do with our Saviour Jesus Christ, and why would it be set up on display in a special holy place dedicated unto worship of that Saviour alone?

Benincasa, I read the first sentence of your response post and stopped there. I will not read your responses. You are a rude smart alloc, lacking the fruit of the Spirit, and an embarrassment to the forum regarding Christian character, as has been pointed out time and time again by many other posters in the past. You don’t quite go far enough to get banned, because they don’t ban people for talking to others like they are trash. Again I ask, please abstain from posting on my threads, and I will gladly do the same for you.

There are so many "idolatrous" practices within every.single.church.

The days of the week, the months of the year, all our holidays... everything our country is founded upon, could somehow be traced back to an idolatrous practice. It is almost impossible to root it out. Talk about the "high places". Yes, we've got them, everywhere.

I don't think you will find a single church anywhere that doesn't have some form or function in their midst that could be traced back to some idolatrous practice.

[Evang.Benincasa]

There are so many "idolatrous" practices within every.single.church.

The days of the week, the months of the year, all our holidays... everything our country is founded upon, could somehow be traced back to an idolatrous practice. It is almost impossible to root it out. Talk about the "high places". Yes, we've got them, everywhere.

I don't think you will find a single church anywhere that doesn't have some form or function in their midst that could be traced back to some idolatrous practice.

Cheesy Corn Casserole?

[Sister Alvear]

Sister Alvear,

I’m happy to see you post. I have a question for you about Christmas. It has been suggested (forcefully stated) that we celebrate Christmas on December 25 because we “borrowed” the date from the pagans, and that what we are REALLY doing is participating in idolatry by pretending to celebrate the birth of Christ while actually honoring old man winter, (or something). It’s complicated.

Meanwhile, it occurred to me that y’all being in Brazil, and (at least partially) in the Southern Hemisphere, your winter solstice would fall in our summer. I looked it up (thanks to Elder Google) and sure enough y’all’s winter solstice fell on June 20 this year, while ours in the northern hemisphere is on December 20. (Now, I realize that December 20 is NOT when Christmas is traditionally celebrated but it is evidently close enough for they that wish to fling accusations of idolatry). So it occurred to me that if y’all are celebrating Christmas on December 25, and you believe you are celebrating winter solstice on the sly, then perhaps you should be celebrating Christmas on June 20, instead of December 25.

Please understand, I am Not suggesting that y’all would be so carnal as to celebrate the birth of our Savior or anything like that. :heeheehee But, if there were any of the less spiritual among the Brazilians that would be so carnal as to celebrate and be thankful for the birth of our Savior, and to set aside a day to recognize that birth, would they recognize it in December, or in June.

To further complicate matters, the equator dissects Brazil, meaning that part of the country falls in the northern hemisphere. So theoretically Brazil could celebrate winter solstice (under the guise of Christmas) twice each year. Once north of the equator on December 25, and again south of the equator, in late June.

So, what do y’all do, that are carnal and celebrate?

I appreciate your response.

:happydance:happydance:happydance

It has never been a test of fellowship or friendship either way...It must have been in the 90's here in the northeast where we live so there certainly was no snow...lol... Among our people it is mostly a family day....Brazilians have a midnight meal on the 24th. Personally we saved all during the year to take our kids (the ones here) out to eat on the night of the 24th...

[KeptByTheWord]

Cheesy Corn Casserole?

Yes let's not forget those loaves n' fish potlucks, they're definitely sent from heaven for us to feed upon! :heeheehee

[Evang.Benincasa]

Yes let's not forget those loaves n' fish potlucks, they're definitely sent from heaven for us to feed upon! :heeheehee

Amen, I know they had red velvet cake at the last supper.

[LOVE JESUS]

God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

VERY true but I was referring to the love among the posters.

[Evang.Benincasa]

VERY true but I was referring to the love among the posters.

That's what I meant as well. :heart

[votivesoul]

James,

If there are legitimate problems in a church, and nothing is being done about them, there are usually only two possible reasons:

1.) Ignorance
2.) Hypocrisy

The people don't know there are problems and so, never deduce that ought should be done.

Or, the people know things are not right, and are keeping things in the wrong on purpose.

You have to decide which is the case in your case, and then, what you might do about either/or.

If this was your church assembly you were talking about, it clearly bothers you enough to reach out to a bunch of strangers on a forum to gather opinions. But has it bothered you enough to speak to your church about it?

If the placing of a Christmas tree in the building the church uses is a sin in your eyes, or if demanding men be clean shaven to minister from the platform is a sin in your eyes, if you can thicken your skin for a moment and relax regarding Evangelist Benincasa for a moment, you'd realize that he is right.

You're either going to have to say nothing and live with that, if you can.

Or, you're going to have to step up, man up, and go be an adult and have an adult conversation with the leadership and get the skinny on what's going on, and what if anything, they are willing to do to make changes.

Or, you can find yourself a new assembly.

Listen, not a single one of those three choices is easy. They are all fraught with consequences, some potentially worse for you than others. Which one is right? Well, that's up to you and the Lord. But unless and until you make a choice on one of them, you aren't going to get the answers you really want, and you certainly won't receive the peace you really need.

[Tithesmeister]

There is a huge Apostolic Jesus name church which has a amazingly large golden angel holding a trumpet. This item is a fixed smack dab in the middle of the platform.

EB, you keep referring to this angel. Are you serious?

Is this something you’ve seen?

Or did you only hear about it?

Where’s da angel of which you speak?

In an apostolic church? Scandalous!!

[Tithesmeister]

It has never been a test of fellowship or friendship either way...It must have been in the 90's here in the northeast where we live so there certainly was no snow...lol... Among our people it is mostly a family day....Brazilians have a midnight meal on the 24th. Personally we saved all during the year to take our kids (the ones here) out to eat on the night of the 24th...

Sounds nice. I’m always up for a feast.

But I do hope y’all didn’t have such a nice family dinner NORTH of the equator, because, from what I been hearing that would constitute idolatry. I don’t mean to rain on your parade, but it may be safer to just fast the month of December, so you wouldn’t inadvertently be guilty of celebrating some god you’ve never heard of and maybe not be capable of even pronouncing his name. Y’all be careful now. :nod:nod:nod

[Esaias]

There are so many "idolatrous" practices within every.single.church.

The days of the week, the months of the year, all our holidays... everything our country is founded upon, could somehow be traced back to an idolatrous practice. It is almost impossible to root it out. Talk about the "high places". Yes, we've got them, everywhere.

I don't think you will find a single church anywhere that doesn't have some form or function in their midst that could be traced back to some idolatrous practice.

You must not get out much.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Sounds nice. I’m always up for a feast.

But I do hope y’all didn’t have such a nice family dinner NORTH of the equator, because, from what I been hearing that would constitute idolatry. I don’t mean to rain on your parade, but it may be safer to just fast the month of December, so you wouldn’t inadvertently be guilty of celebrating some god you’ve never heard of and maybe not be capable of even pronouncing his name. Y’all be careful now. :nod:nod:nod

Sister Alvear accepts tithes. So, since we have recently found out you have no problem with the Catholic mass. She can rest peacefully knowing that your whole hullabaloo concerning no tithing is self serving as well.

[JamesGlen]

James,

If there are legitimate problems in a church, and nothing is being done about them, there are usually only two possible reasons:

1.) Ignorance
2.) Hypocrisy

The people don't know there are problems and so, never deduce that ought should be done.

Or, the people know things are not right, and are keeping things in the wrong on purpose.

You have to decide which is the case in your case, and then, what you might do about either/or.

If this was your church assembly you were talking about, it clearly bothers you enough to reach out to a bunch of strangers on a forum to gather opinions. But has it bothered you enough to speak to your church about it?

If the placing of a Christmas tree in the building the church uses is a sin in your eyes, or if demanding men be clean shaven to minister from the platform is a sin in your eyes, if you can thicken your skin for a moment and relax regarding Evangelist Benincasa for a moment, you'd realize that he is right.

You're either going to have to say nothing and live with that, if you can.

Or, you're going to have to step up, man up, and go be an adult and have an adult conversation with the leadership and get the skinny on what's going on, and what if anything, they are willing to do to make changes.

Or, you can find yourself a new assembly.

Listen, not a single one of those three choices is easy. They are all fraught with consequences, some potentially worse for you than others. Which one is right? Well, that's up to you and the Lord. But unless and until you make a choice on one of them, you aren't going to get the answers you really want, and you certainly won't receive the peace you really need.




With all due respect, you can keep your sarcasm, brother, Ben. seems to be rubbing off on you, but thank you for the rest.

To me it’s not about simply about having a sit down w the local powers in charge. it’s about trying to find out on a bigger OP scale than just a local body, why it is that some independent apostolics are hard core against Jesus trees, and other like commonly in the upc, believe they are acceptable and even set up and adorn their Jesus trees in their most holy place. And yes, I am using a public apostolic Pentecostal forum to try to understand why that is.

While you may presume that it’s eating with a local assembly, and that I need man up and have a sit down with the powers that be, I am simply asking on a oneness apostolic forum, why many apostolics have drawn a hard line against Jesus Christ mass, while many others churches fasten Jesus trees in their holiest of holies area?

[Nicodemus1968]

With all due respect, you can keep your sarcasm, brother, Ben. seems to be rubbing off on you, but thank you for the rest.

To me it’s not about simply about having a sit down w the local powers in charge. it’s about trying to find out on a bigger OP scale than just a local body, why it is that some independent apostolics are hard core against Jesus trees, and other like commonly in the upc, believe they are acceptable and even set up and adorn their Jesus trees in their most holy place. And yes, I am using a public apostolic Pentecostal forum to try to understand why that is.

While you may presume that it’s eating with a local assembly, and that I need man up and have a sit down with the powers that be, I am simply asking on a oneness apostolic forum, why many apostolics have drawn a hard line against Jesus Christ mass, while many others churches fasten Jesus trees in their holiest of holies area?

Bro. James,
I’m not trying to add fuel to the fire between Bro. Benincasa and yourself. You guys are doing a good job at that without my help. Yet, I would like to add something to the discussion.

Your correct in stating that just a sit down with the “powers” that be, probably will not correct the problem that your seeing. One option that someone gave was to leave that assembly and go somewhere else, yet going to another location will not in my opinion be the best solution because something will arise with that assembly as well.

Christmas trees, Satan Clause, Gifts, Watch Night Services (j/k), Easter bunnies, Harvest Parties (Halloween), that is not your problem! The problem isn’t seeing a Christmas tree on the platform, the real problem is the Heart! Our heart is more wicked than Satan himself, if you believe that the Christmas tree is idolatry then that means its in their heart. When they take the Christmas tree down, doesn’t mean the idolatry leaves their heart. They’re just producing on the outside what’s on the inside. Yet, because we go by what we see, we only notice these things during certain times of the year. What about the rest of the year?

Also, the church building is NOT the Holy Place. The Holy Place is you, your the temple of God not made by mans hands. The church building is just a meeting place, not to be glorified your the temple in which Jesus dwells. They can have a picture of Mary hanging on the walls and all it shows is what’s in THEIR temple.

[Tithesmeister]

Sister Alvear accepts tithes. So, since we have recently found out you have no problem with the Catholic mass. She can rest peacefully knowing that your whole hullabaloo concerning no tithing is self serving as well.

The hullabaloo being self serving (or not) really has nothing to do with it. It is a verifiable truth. It is scriptural. You have admitted yourself that the doctrine of tithing, that so many pastors and preachers teach and preach, did not come from the Bible.

Yet, you want to pretend that I am teaching it just because it benefits me?

How do you spell hippocr, er uh, how do you spell Pharisee?

Is it hypocrite?

😂 😂

[Evang.Benincasa]

With all due respect, you can keep your sarcasm, brother, Ben. seems to be rubbing off on you, but thank you for the rest.

This is what I love. Starting off with all due respect, and then giving none. :laffatu

Brother Ben isn't rubbing off on Brother Votivesoul, because Brother Votivesoul can easily, and obviously see the truth of the matter.



To me it’s not about simply about having a sit down w the local powers in charge.

Well, of course not. Because you won't. You would rather mock these brethren by hashing it all out with complete strangers. Individuals who have utterly no skin in the game. Who have nothing invested in you or your church family, and therefore cannot possibly have your best interest in mind. All they would do is argue amongst themselves, on how the scenario you have painted is nothing more than a story of religious hypocrites, and sonny Jim, that is exactly the answer you set us up to provide you. :)



it’s about trying to find out on a bigger OP scale than just a local body,

And pray tell? What would the above be interpreted to mean? Can O Worms!
A veritable smorgasbord of contradictions, derring-do, wresting of scripture, and total ecclesiastical baffornary. Which people only cherry pick to get the answer they were originally looking for even before they asked their question.



why it is that some independent apostolics

Yes, but of course, the GIB. We all know they are the Quasimodo of the movement. Because after all they are independent for a reason, and that reason is because they are so extreme. So extreme in fact that they needed to leave the good fellowship of those who wrote it all down in a manual.




why it is that some independent apostolics are hard core against Jesus trees, and other like commonly in the upc, believe they are acceptable and even set up and adorn their Jesus trees in their most holy place. And yes, I am using a public apostolic Pentecostal forum to try to understand why that is.

Worry yourself no longer my good man. Be at ease in Zion. Take heart in knowing that people make their own decisions to do as they very well please. The eldership agrees, and the people in the pews agree. Everyone is shout down hair happy, and all are in the joy of the Lord. Until (as my brother Votive mentioned) they get an epiphany to change it up a bit, all will remain as it had from their beginning.


While you may presume that it’s eating with a local assembly, and that I need man up and have a sit down with the powers that be, I am simply asking on a oneness apostolic forum, why many apostolics have drawn a hard line against Jesus Christ mass, while many others churches fasten Jesus trees in their holiest of holies area?

Yet, you got some reasonable answers, but what it really looks like you are trying to hear, is the words "They are hypocrites!"

Happy New Year James


May the FORCE be with you. :lol

[Evang.Benincasa]

The hullabaloo being self serving (or not) really has nothing to do with it. It is a verifiable truth. It is scriptural. You have admitted yourself that the doctrine of tithing, that so many pastors and preachers teach and preach, did not come from the Bible.

Yet, you want to pretend that I am teaching it just because it benefits me?

How do you spell hippocr, er uh, how do you spell Pharisee?

Is it hypocrite?

😂 😂

I wouldn't call you a hypocrite it is Greek for actor who wears a mask. They are usually consistent with what they outwardly believe. Yet, inwardly they
despise the whole thing from Dan to the Beersheba. A pharisee on the other hand could be a hypocrite but not all pharisees were hypocrites. There were ones who had accepted Jesus, like the Apostle Paul. So, you are neither hypocrite or pharisee. :)

[Tithesmeister]

I wouldn't call you a hypocrite it is Greek for actor who wears a mask. They are usually consistent with what they outwardly believe. Yet, inwardly they
despise the whole thing from Dan to the Beersheba. A pharisee on the other hand could be a hypocrite but not all pharisees were hypocrites. There were ones who had accepted Jesus, like the Apostle Paul. So, you are neither hypocrite or pharisee. :)

You have never spoken words that were more true.

:highfive:highfive:highfive

[votivesoul]

With all due respect, you can keep your sarcasm, brother, Ben. seems to be rubbing off on you, but thank you for the rest.

The portion of my post that you quoted and highlighted was anything but sarcastic. I meant it seriously. Apparently you've taken that as a challenge to your man-hood.

Why so easily triggered, brother? Age doesn't automatically equal maturity.

So, what did I say? In this order I said:

1.) Step-up

That is, take upon yourself the burden and responsibility of fixing in the world what you see wrong. Start with frank and honest discussion with those people responsible for causing what you believe to be wrong.

2.) Man-up

That is, summon your courage and go do what is otherwise easier to avoid: confront and challenge the status quo. This issue clearly bothers you. So what are you going to do about it? Not here at AFF, where nothing but text goes forth, but in the real world, in your own hometown, in your own backyard, as it were?

3.) Be an adult/Have an adult conversation

That is, proceed maturely, patiently, with restraint and a willingness to listen and hear, but also to share and properly articulate the issues as you see them, so you can negotiate a peace and hopefully makes things better and not worse, for yourself, for your family, for your church, and for your world.

So, I again reiterate. You've gotten to toughen up that skin. If a couple of nobodies on a surviving on life-support internet forum can upset your apple cart so easily, when nothing actually offensive has been said, then don't you think Christmas trees on church building platforms are of lesser significance?

To me it’s not about simply about having a sit down w the local powers in charge. it’s about trying to find out on a bigger OP scale than just a local body...

But the scale with stuff like this is always the local body. Because the answer to your question is different right down to the individual local body. And Evangelist Benincasa hit the nail square. It's the way it is in every local body because that's the way the people want it, or agree to permit it. So, while it's not wrong to gather lots of different opinions and views, the best way to acquire an answer is to go speak with the churches that put up Christmas trees on their platforms and ask them why they do it.

...why it is that some independent apostolics are hard core against Jesus trees, and other like commonly in the upc, believe they are acceptable and even set up and adorn their Jesus trees in their most holy place. And yes, I am using a public apostolic Pentecostal forum to try to understand why that is. While you may presume that it’s eating with a local assembly, and that I need man up and have a sit down with the powers that be, I am simply asking on a oneness apostolic forum, why many apostolics have drawn a hard line against Jesus Christ mass, while many others churches fasten Jesus trees in their holiest of holies area?

So then, let's have all the cards on the table.

Was this just some hypothetical scenario that you wondered about one day? Or was the question triggered by an actual church, perhaps your local assembly, or one you visited?

[Evang.Benincasa]

The portion of my post that you quoted and highlighted was anything but sarcastic. I meant it seriously. Apparently you've taken that as a challenge to your man-hood.

Why so easily triggered, brother? Age doesn't automatically equal maturity.

So, what did I say? In this order I said:

1.) Step-up

That is, take upon yourself the burden and responsibility of fixing in the world what you see wrong. Start with frank and honest discussion with those people responsible for causing what you believe to be wrong.

2.) Man-up

That is, summon your courage and go do what is otherwise easier to avoid: confront and challenge the status quo. This issue clearly bothers you. So what are you going to do about it? Not here at AFF, where nothing but text goes forth, but in the real world, in your own hometown, in your own backyard, as it were?

3.) Be an adult/Have an adult conversation

That is, proceed maturely, patiently, with restraint and a willingness to listen and hear, but also to share and properly articulate the issues as you see them, so you can negotiate a peace and hopefully makes things better and not worse, for yourself, for your family, for your church, and for your world.

So, I again reiterate. You've gotten to toughen up that skin. If a couple of nobodies on a surviving on life-support internet forum can upset your apple cart so easily, when nothing actually offensive has been said, then don't you think Christmas trees on church building platforms are of lesser significance?



But the scale with stuff like this is always the local body. Because the answer to your question is different right down to the individual local body. And Evangelist Benincasa hit the nail square. It's the way it is in every local body because that's the way the people want it, or agree to permit it. So, while it's not wrong to gather lots of different opinions and views, the best way to acquire an answer is to go speak with the churches that put up Christmas trees on their platforms and ask them why they do it.



So then, let's have all the cards on the table.

Was this just some hypothetical scenario that you wondered about one day? Or was the question triggered by an actual church, perhaps your local assembly, or one you visited?

Excellent post :thumbsup

[OnTheFritz]

Just had to stop by here in 2020 to see if ol Benny is still the pouty, belligerent king of the dirt heap he has been for years. All hail the presiding judge over the tin-foil hat congregation here at AFF!

It's good to see everything is still running as it should. :happydance

Happy New Year!

[Evang.Benincasa]

Just had to stop by here in 2020 to see if ol Benny is still the pouty, beligerent king of the dirt heap he has been for years. All hail the presiding judge over the tin-foil hat congregation here at AFF!

It's good to see everything is still running as it should. :happydance

Happy New Year!

Also sad to see that you are the same offended sore loser you have always been. :laffatu

Whining that we don't want to play in your reindeer games. Also turn your spell check on. :)

[votivesoul]

Just had to stop by here in 2020 to see if ol Benny is still the pouty, beligerent king of the dirt heap he has been for years. All hail the presiding judge over the tin-foil hat congregation here at AFF!

It's good to see everything is still running as it should. :happydance

Happy New Year!

Oh, please.

You follow him like a hawk.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Oh, please.

You follow him like a hawk.

My fans, evil paparazzi. :lol

[Nicodemus1968]

:heeheeheeMy fans, evil paparazzi. :lol

[lily]

Why can’t you post without being a smart alloc? Others have constantly posted wondering why you are still allowed to post on this forum,(there is a reason for that) and everyone constantly wonders why you are always so rude. PLEASE don’t respond to my threads anymore, and I would gladly do the same for you. There’s much more at stake when it comes to staying or leaving a local church family, than Christmas trees or beards on platforms, and there’s nothing wrong with discussing either topic on a Pentecostal forum, as to why they are or are not acceptable in Pentecostalism.


You too?? This is exactly what I kept saying to the same username, had the same experience out of the same person on another thread I had created. .

[hometown guy]

You too?? This is exactly what I kept saying to the same username, had the same experience out of the same person on another thread I had created. .

What did you go searching for someone thats “ fits “ you like you go searching for a church that fits you?

[diakonos]

https://media.tenor.com/images/894f89bcf9477b680e20e3b0fe99aa6d/tenor.gif

[lily]

What did you go searching for someone thats “ fits “ you like you go searching for a church that fits you?

??? I was on the thread reading on the topic of Christmas trees and lo and behold someone else saying the exact same thing to the same user that I also asked to stop posting. It's a pattern evidently. I'm starting to wonder if it's a fake profile and pic and he is on AFF solely to irritate people.

I can see though by reading JamesGlen's
post that Evang Benincasa has been problematic to the point that multiple people on AFF have wanted him banned. That's not a very good witness for someone claiming to be a Christian (referring to Evang Benincasa). I think he's a troll, a wolf in sheep's clothing. No true Christian man with a right spirit acts like that.
...as often as he has the time to post and the constant caustic nature of their posts I'm starting to wonder if they are at home on disability for mental health issues.

[Nicodemus1968]

Bro. Benincasa,
This lily he/she is out for blood. It’s like the #MeToo movement has come to AFF.

[diakonos]

https://media1.tenor.com/images/2ff1a4383e2af74c85695dca12f2cb4f/tenor.gif?itemid=14154991

[diakonos]

It’s like the #MeToo movement has come to AFF.

Huh

[Evang.Benincasa]

https://media1.tenor.com/images/2ff1a4383e2af74c85695dca12f2cb4f/tenor.gif?itemid=14154991

Indeed.

[lily]

Bro. Benincasa,
This lily he/she is out for blood. It’s like the #MeToo movement has come to AFF.

I have come to the conclusion that the small handful that seem to be the only posters are sarcastic jokesters. Maybe not even true Apostolics, but people who think it's funny to come onto AFF as posers and post sarcasm and irritate people.

AFF must be a website that got old with people because Im only seeing the "four and no more" post.

[lily]

I haven't been on this site since years ago when Aquila was on here and I was on a thread where the subject at hand was about the paranormal. I was interested in the Christmas tree post and what the Debbie Downers had to say. Even if Christmas started as Celtic Gaelic and which is really just a celebration of the wheel of the seasons of the year, in the end Christ got the glory. It is a Christian holiday now where people think upon and celebrate the birth of Jesus when they might have otherwise not. God gets the glory in the end, because what was meant for "evil" in some peoples books, is now a holiday to think upon Jesus.

[Evang.Benincasa]

I haven't been on this site since years ago when Aquila was on here and I was on a thread where the subject at hand was about the paranormal. I was interested in the Christmas tree post and what the Debbie Downers had to say. Even if Christmas started as Celtic Gaelic and which is really just a celebration of the wheel of the seasons of the year, in the end Christ got the glory. It is a Christian holiday now where people think upon and celebrate the birth of Jesus when they might have otherwise not. God gets the glory in the end, because what was meant for "evil" in some peoples books, is now a holiday to think upon Jesus.

Something seems pretty familiar with this post.

[Evang.Benincasa]

I have come to the conclusion that the small handful that seem to be the only posters are sarcastic jokesters. Maybe not even true Apostolics, but people who think it's funny to come onto AFF as posers and post sarcasm and irritate people.

AFF must be a website that got old with people because Im only seeing the "four and no more" post.

But you are here.

Funny, when a person gets banned they still use one of their old misnomers and comeback posting.

[Nicodemus1968]

Something seems pretty familiar with this post.

Do you think it’s Aquila’s “garden of eden” companion?

[diakonos]

Do you think it’s Aquila’s “garden of eden” companion?

No. It’s Chris.

[Nicodemus1968]

No. It’s Chris.

Who’s that?

[diakonos]

Who’s that?

Benincasa’s best friend.

[Evang.Benincasa]

No. It’s Chris.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3f/2d/88/3f2d889fa113112bf62ff6e281c0d2e4.gif

[Evang.Benincasa]

Benincasa’s best friend.

A bit cringy in a very creepy way.

[Esaias]

No. It’s Chris.

:thumbsup

[Tithesmeister]

Benincasa’s best friend.

You know, I HAVE noticed that EB has been a little bit grouchy since Chris was banned.


Of course, now that I think about it, EB was sorta grouchy BEFORE Chris was banned. :heeheehee

[Amanah]

You know, I HAVE noticed that EB has been a little bit grouchy since Chris was banned.


Of course, now that I think about it, EB was sorta grouchy BEFORE Chris was banned. :heeheehee

Chris brought out the worst and best of our Brother EB. A part of me was sad when Chris was banned because of the entertainment value of watching them spar.

[Nicodemus1968]

Chris brought out the worst and best of our Brother EB. A part of me was sad when Chris was banned because of the entertainment value of watching them spar.

So Chris was Aquila?

[Tithesmeister]

So Chris was Aquila?

:thumbsup

[Evang.Benincasa]

So Chris was Aquila?

Chris is [you]

[Nicodemus1968]

Chris is [you]

Oh my.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Oh my.

:heeheehee [you] always gets fooled by the [ you ] feature. :lol

[Nicodemus1968]

:heeheehee [you] always gets fooled by the [ you ] feature. :lol

I tried doing that, and it didn’t work? Do you have to put quotation marks?

[coksiw]

Chris is [you]

No, [you] is Chris

[diakonos]

The old people are at it again.

[Evang.Benincasa]

I tried doing that, and it didn’t work? Do you have to put quotation marks?

Go quote coksiw's post right under your's and look at how it is done. It is a left square bracket the word "you" and a right square bracket.

[Esaias]

[you] will never figure it out.

[lily]

But you are here.

Funny, when a person gets banned they still use one of their old misnomers and comeback posting.

I've never been banned on AFF, just to set the record straight. Not sure who you're thinking I am, but I assure you, never banned, wasn't on here very much. I was on AFF several years ago, but not very often. Just recently got back on to ask a church recommendations. No one seems to post except the same people, I've noticed, so I guess people got bored with AFF like MySpace or something.

It was soooo long ago (several years) I couldn't remember my original username and had a different email address at the time. To save myself the headache created a profile with my new email address.

I do remember the user Aquila, they liked to post some far our stuff. I wasn't a very active user.

[Nicodemus1968]

No, [you] is Chris

No, [you] is Lily

[lily]

.

[Tithesmeister]

No, [you] is Lily

Man, you’ve got it all figured out now. You’re gonna be dangerous.

[hometown guy]

Man, you’ve got it all figured out now. You’re gonna be dangerous.

Lol I wonder what lily thought when she read it if she doesn’t know.

[Nicodemus1968]

Man, you’ve got it all figured out now. You’re gonna be dangerous.

Lol! Now, I just have to figure out how to post those images like everyone else. I’ll be able to keep up with everyone. :heeheehee

[Evang.Benincasa]

No, [you] is Lily

Good job :thumbsup

[Godsdrummer]

Chris is [you]

No, [you] is Chris

No, [you] is Lily

You are all wrong. Godsdrummer is Loran Adkins and Loran Adkins is Godsdrummer

Godsdrummer has been on since 2009 I just changed to my name last year.

[Evang.Benincasa]

You are all wrong. Godsdrummer is Loran Adkins and Loran Adkins is Godsdrummer

Godsdrummer has been on since 2009 I just changed to my name last year.

Hey can I change my name?

I want to change it to [you].

[LOVE JESUS]

I am LOVE JESUS on here. I am not Lily or Chris or any other person on here. I don't have 2 names on here or registered under but one name. First of all, I am a female who can not understand why all these BROTHERS are supposed to have the TRUTH and can't demonstrate Love. I hope that if you are preachers, you will see yourself when you preach on love. But it seems like if you have the truth, you can say anything you want hiding behind your poster name. The truth is more than baptism - it is the FULL gospel. Love is a big part of the gospel as God is Love.

[Esaias]

I am LOVE JESUS on here. I am not Lily or Chris or any other person on here. I don't have 2 names on here or registered under but one name. First of all, I am a female who can not understand why all these BROTHERS are supposed to have the TRUTH and can't demonstrate Love. I hope that if you are preachers, you will see yourself when you preach on love. But it seems like if you have the truth, you can say anything you want hiding behind your poster name. The truth is more than baptism - it is the FULL gospel. Love is a big part of the gospel as God is Love.

Leviticus 19:16-17 KJV
Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord . [17] Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

State your rebuke and name the name(s) and the instance(s) of the sin(s). Love requires you do that rather than make sweeping generalised accusations of "all these brothers".

[good samaritan]

I am Evang. Benincasa. and I am sorry if I ever hurt anyone's feelings on here. I publicly plead your forgiveness.

[Evang.Benincasa]

I am LOVE JESUS on here. I am not Lily or Chris or any other person on here. I don't have 2 names on here or registered under but one name. First of all, I am a female who can not understand why all these BROTHERS are supposed to have the TRUTH and can't demonstrate Love. I hope that if you are preachers, you will see yourself when you preach on love. But it seems like if you have the truth, you can say anything you want hiding behind your poster name. The truth is more than baptism - it is the FULL gospel. Love is a big part of the gospel as God is Love.

So, you have more love than us all?

Good, forgive us, pray for us, and then put in a good word for us with Jesus.

Because we know He LOVES us all, but YOU ARE His favorite! :)

[Evang.Benincasa]

I am Evang. Benincasa. and I am sorry if I ever hurt anyone's feelings on here. I publicly plead your forgiveness.

Yes, I too am [you] and I’m so sorry for everything I have ever said bad about EB. He doesn’t deserve all the harshness thrown his way, because he is really a meek, and tired, humble child.

[Ehud]

Yes, I too am [you] and I’m so sorry for everything I have ever said bad about EB. He doesn’t deserve all the harshness thrown his way, because he is really a meek, and tired, humble child.

This made my night. :toofunny :highfive

[Tithesmeister]

Yes, I too am [you] and I’m so sorry for everything I have ever said bad about EB. He doesn’t deserve all the harshness thrown his way, because he is really a meek, and tired, humble child.

Well . . .

He IS childish!

[LOVE JESUS]

So, you have more love than us all?

Good, forgive us, pray for us, and then put in a good word for us with Jesus.

Because we know He LOVES us all, but YOU ARE His favorite! :)

Brother, I NEVER said I had more love - never even thought it but I was seeing fruit that did not demonstrate love. I am not his favorite by any means - never even thought it. I have failed Him many times - never claimed to be perfect as He is the only one who is perfect. I guess I hear so many on here and in the church keep saying "we are in the Truth" or so and so is not in the truth and it really bothers me. Truth is more than standards and our personal beliefs.

[Esaias]

Leviticus 19:16-17 KJV
Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the Lord . [17] Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

State your rebuke and name the name(s) and the instance(s) of the sin(s). Love requires you do that rather than make sweeping generalised accusations of "all these brothers".

Bump for LOVE JESUS...

[Evang.Benincasa]

Brother, I NEVER said I had more love - never even thought it but I was seeing fruit that did not demonstrate love. I am not his favorite by any means - never even thought it. I have failed Him many times - never claimed to be perfect as He is the only one who is perfect. I guess I hear so many on here and in the church keep saying "we are in the Truth" or so and so is not in the truth and it really bothers me. Truth is more than standards and our personal beliefs.

Sis, read the first few lines of your post.
Then ponder them in your heart, then cut the rest of us some slack.
You never said you had more love? Then you are in the same boat with the rest of us jokers. Contemplate this on the tree of woe