Who's Your Brother?
 

Jesus was once asked, "Who is my neighbor?"

My question to you:

Who is your brother?

My standard is found in John 1:12.

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

I only have one real brother... and in my opinion, it would cheapen my relationship with him if I were to start calling other people my brother.... regardless of religious traditions.

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

I was just thinking the other day that alot of traditionalist Apostolics are gonna be stuck in Heaven with a whole lot of people they wouldn't associate with on Earth.

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

Well I got my brother Billy in Texas and Bear in Idaho.

Then I guess I got you, lucky for you I already got a lawyer in the family...

It s a lot easier to cut people off than to let people in
Whoever Jesus considers his brothers, I consider mine, It isn't my place to pick and choose.

so the verse you referenced works for me.

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

That is another topic altogether. I am not a fan of calling someone brother, (e.g. Brother Bonehead) I mean who do you consider to be a fellow believer. I call my brother, "Bill" but never "Brother Bill".

Jesus also said on more then one occasion whoever does the will of my Father is my brother.

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

True words. Do I have to like my brother?

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

It's not a tradition of religion to call a fellow believer a brother. It is a fact that we are adopted into the same family of Christ. It's solid biblical teaching. I like John 1:12!

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

We do't "have" to do anything. I think we can be disappointed and even disgusted with peoples actions.

Honestly Bro, I am not the sage, I just don't know. If we have to read Machiavelli to be able to navigate between brethren, then we have missed it.

I shoud be able to fellowship with you and you with me without any other motive than being brothers.

maybe that makes me naive or a compromiser... fine... whatever

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

Personally I'd rather be called "sister" than "brother"... (sorry, couldn't resist)

Good thoughts!!

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

This is dangerous territory, Baron. I did a thread like this not long ago and it instantly turned ugly. By the third post, it was already personal and accusatory. I was called so many ugly names and diagnosed with so many mental illnesses that I actually took a break from AFF for a while. It was ridiculous. Here it is, by the way:

http://apostolicfriendsforum.com/showthread.php?t=26346

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

I was just thinking that there are folks that I don't care much for on a personal basis that I would still consider my brother.

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

I was about to say this could turn ugly here but I see it has turned ugly in the past....I know several different views of brother...some vary from humanity, to Christianity, to faith, and then all the way down to church member...don't think I'm crossing that sword here :)

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

Ok, so let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Am I your spiritual brother? :lol

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

Let me be clear I am talking about Christianity.

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

Baron....you ARE my brother!!! And as an added bonus, I like you! :D

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

Thanks. I agree.

Christianity is so much bigger than those who believe like us.

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

It would be much better, though, if everyone agreed with me on everything. They really should. Then they could all be correct all the time.

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

So which of yall wanna claim me as your brother?

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

I will!!!! Happily so!

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

Can I make fun of Tiger and be your brother? :D

Wasn't planning on it, by the way. But I wanted to know how deep the brotherly bond goes. :lol

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

OK, I was gonna define "brother" several ways:

from a human standpoint of having the same parent

from a creation standpoint of all belonging to the same human species

from a social standpoint of belonging to the same union, association, etc.

And from a spiritual standpoint, being born into the family of God.

John 1:12 has been referenced where it speaks of those who have received Jesus as being born of God.

In John 3:1-21 Jesus taught the necessity of being born again and went on to explain that those who believe in Him are born again.

1 John 5:4-5 teaches that born of God are the ones who overcome the world and then defines those overcomers as those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

To me, a clear statement of how one is born again or born into the family of God is 1 John 5:1 which says, "If you believe that Jesus is the Christ --that He is God's Son and your Savior--then you are a child of God and all who love the Father love His children too."

In my opinion, all who believe in Jesus are born into the family of God and are my brothers and sisters.

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

You can do lots of stuff that I may or may not agree with but that does not change your status as a brother or sister in God's family.

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

Hmm, I'll have to think about that.

Ok, I thought about it. Yes!!! As far as I know, I don't get to pick and choose my brothers or sisters!

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

I have many brothers, but few friends.

Isn't it odd when you find that you have a true friend who is not your brother, in accordance with John 1:12?

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

Sure froggy you can be my brother.

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

To all those that said yes, it's interesting that you view me as a Christian :/

But thanks for the votes of confidence :)

Re: Who's Your Brother?
 

I didn't say I viewed you as a Christian. But I do see you as a brother in many ways. I'm happy to start at that place!!