Originally Posted by OneAccord (Post 572180)

Bro. Benincasa, I agree with what you are saying. Hucksters rise yp anf fall like dandelions in the spring. They collapse under the own weight. In affect, they often destroy themselves. But... its always been that way, and, unfornately, it always will be that way. Remember Thedeus in Acts 5? And Judas of Galilee? They were the televangelists of their day and, like so many today, they came to naught. The reason the "shock value" of the TV preacher scandals has worn off, is because, unfortunately, every evangelical pastor, every evangelical preacher is suspect. That unfortunate, yet thats the way it is in the eyes of the world. You, as an evangelist, in the eyes of a cynical world, are nothing more than a Jim Bakker in waiting. Every tent preacher is nothing more than a fly by night con artist. Every pastor is a control freak whose one and only purpose in life is to bleed his congregants dry. Every person, whether thaey are Apostolic or Baptist who publicly utters the name "Jesus" is a religious wacko who'se just waiting for some guru to offer them some "special kook-aid". Thats the way the word sees us. Its wrong. Its unfortunate, but sadly, it is true. They said it of Jesus, they say it of us.

As long as there are gullible people who throw caution to the wind and give heed to seducing spirits... as long as there are silly women (Pauls words, not mine) to lead away...as long as there are people who get carried about by every wind of doctrine... there will be TB's and others like him.

All the while though, there will also be Peters and Pauls who concern themselves with preaching the true Gospel. There will always be Phebes and Priscillas who only concern themselves with being a witness of the Lord. How will the world know the difference between the Thedeus' and the Peters? By the words of Gamaliel: Act 5:39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. The dross is purged, the silver is purified. The chaff blows away, the seed remains.

Originally Posted by drummerboy_dave (Post 572417)

I know all about the evolution of this forum. I have been at every one from the very beginning and have seen it all. The fighting doesn't stop because many of the folks on here would have nothing else to do if it did. And that would make a bad forum wouldn't it?

What I'm telling you is that we should prefer a wholesome, godly, encouraging forum even if it wasn't quite as active; over the filth, mud slinging and attitude that we have to wade through now. I get enough garbage from the world. It gets sickning coming to the alleged apostolic forums and seeing the same putrid things over and over.

Originally Posted by Pro31:28 (Post 572297)

Have you ever been to one of these so-called " mainstream" churches?

Originally Posted by Pro31:28 (Post 572297)

Honestly EB, if I had to pick between your church and Sis Alvear's, based your posts here, I would have to go to hers. (I would also go to Sam's, MOW's, Rendas, Rhoni's, and even Stephen Hoover's... although I would only go to his for the cigars! And I would visit SoCalUpc's but only for a visit :ursofunny )

Originally Posted by OneAccord (Post 572429)

You know what I would prefer? I would prefer a wholesome, godly, encouraging forum. And, while ther is much of what you say here, I ignore the stuff I don't care for and try to find the wholesome, godly and encouraging stuff.

This forum, like all other forums, is what we, the members, make it to be. Thankfully, the Admin (who does a great job) doesn't dictate what the forum is to be... they leave that to us. And, by reading the rules and purpose of AFF, I know what the Admins intend for it to be. And, I do my little part to help achiecve that goal.

Originally Posted by Sherri (Post 572424)

EB--you know I respect you and what you stand for. But there are some of us outside that little circle that still love God with all of our heart and are working diligently day in and day out for the Kingdom. We do not consider ourselves Charismatic, but we are definitely not where you are.

Originally Posted by Sherri (Post 572424)

Just because someone doesn't believe everything exactly like you doesn't make them a charlatan or a fake.

Originally Posted by Sherri (Post 572424)

It only means that they understand some things in Scripture differently than you.

Originally Posted by Sherri (Post 572424)

You are judging a whole lot of people who might call themselves "Charismatic" by the foolishness of a few, when in fact there are lots of sincere God-fearing people in that movement that are just as turned off and sickened by this stuff as you are.

Originally Posted by Sherri (Post 572424)

But besides all that.........I still love you, brother! I trust that God is moving greatly in Fort Lauderdale (one of my favorite places to visit).

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover (Post 572468)

Benni, I sooo forgot you are in the Ft Lauderdale area. We visited the church where Bro Elms is Pastor a few weeks ago.