Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

If some admin would help me here, with a poll!!!

Let's cut to the chase and see if we are "Apostolic" under our own rules.

Please answer for yourself, not your opinion of other posters

Yes if you agree with the rules
No if you do not

AFF FORUM RULES



Let it be understood that Apostolic Friends Forum is an Apostolic Forum.
Apostolic is defined on AFF as:

There is One God. This one God reveals Himself as Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The Son is God himself in a human form or "God manifested in the flesh" (1Tim 3:16)
Every sinner must repent of their sins.
That Jesus name baptism is the only biblical mode of water baptism.
That the Holy Ghost is for today and is received by faithwith the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.
The saint will go on to strive to live a holy life, pleasing to God.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

This is what most here have in common. I wasn't aware AFF excluded anyone from coming to the table though.

What's your beef?

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

Exactly.

It's not an exclusive forum - no one said you HAVE to believe this to belong here.

Funny how one little character would make everyone feel so much better.

Apostolic & Friends Forum

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

No beef, it's just there seems to be a lot of debate - with two threads going!
So, I thought it might be good to see how many people here are really "Apostolic" per our own definition.

And I do not believe that everyone who belongs to this forum believes this.
As a matter of fact, I will guarantee it 100% that not everyone who belongs to this forum believes this.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

*sigh* In that same set of rules you will find an invitation for all...

We don't want exclusivity. There are other forums for that. Most folks here are Apostolic to the core. Most folks here have Apostolic roots. Most folks here are FRIENDS. Therefore, this is THEIR forum as well as anybody elses.

Maybe we should change that above rule to include:

We welcome and encourage our friends with Apostolic roots and visitors of other faiths to post and ask sincere questions...yadda, yadda, yadda...

Maybe that will make everyone feel better, huh? :hug3

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

Ok, let me stir the pot a little more!!

Several on here like to point out the hypocrisy of the UPCI pastors who signed the affirmation statement, but basically ignored it.
From what I know every member of this forum agreed that they believed these rules in order to obtain membership? Could someone tell me if this is correct?
If this is correct (and I may be wrong), what's the difference in these situations?
As for me, if we change the rules then we need to change the name as well.
All of this is just serving to show that some of the things the "critics" are saying about us has some basis in fact.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

More rules - under the "Attitudes" section

Organizations can be discussed but not assaulted.
Posters can have disagreements but not bloodbaths.
Apostolic truth can be questioned but not be mocked.
Doctrinal absolutes can be queried but not criticized.
Admin can be contacted privately but not called out openly.
Standards can be debated but not minimized and disrespected.
Posts can be diametrically opposed but not diabolically attacking.
Concerns can be expressed freely but not just hurled and unrestricted.


As the old cigarette commercial used to say, "You've come a long way, baby".

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

Why on earth would we need a name change??? :huh

That doesn't even make sense.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

I would say that the name Apostolic & Friends Forum is more of an accurate portrayal of where we are now.
That's my take on it.
I really had not started thinking about it, until this morning with all of the poll threads and the bashing we took over at that newsletter/blog.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

Plus, I'm home sick, so it could be fever talking!!

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

I believe it is evidence ... not necessarily initial evidence for all.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

One of the problems with "affirmation statements" and countless other documents made by men is that sooner or later, you will have so much law that there is no one that even understands the laws. I am not UPCI, and personally would never sign any kind of statement that limited my ability to fellowship, associate, preach with, preach for, preach on media types, ect.

What is the value of stirring the pot? Or of referencing the ones that love to point out hypocrisy? Anyone can attack and condemn, that is not really the purpose of this forum, as I understand it.

If one soul finds a deeper place in Jesus Christ, receives a greater truth, and can walk in light not formerly available to them, then this is a very good thing. However, the urge to murmur is usually not something the Holy Ghost does, but the flesh and the devil certainly do entice us to murmur.

Should an unbeliever find his or her way here, I hope that they find salvation, should a mixed up believer find clarity here, I am thrilled, and should a dry and dusty religious soul find water of life and begin to live, I thank God very much.

May God bless and keep us in His will.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

Thanks Bro. Matt...this is EXACTLY what has happened here. :highfive

I believe these souls are worth it. Those that don't like/agree with us will find another forum and go on with their lives, while those few that have been greatly helped/changed are appreciative they found us. :thumbsup

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

I do not want to exclude anyone with the exception of those who teach the Bible is corrupt and uninspired. I do feel they have no place at the table because they are destroying faith in the word of God.

My problem is that IT SEEMS that for so time now Oneness doctrine has been mocked and ridiculed here. Very few seem to take the doctrine seriously anymore.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

Nope. Were you asked to sign something to become a member?

It's just a forum - it's not an organization - it's not a church - - it's a public forum!

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

That's not a rule. It's a definition

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

Great point!

Even though it says AFF Rules above it - the first part is a definition of Apostolic, the rules follow.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

I haven't seen this to be able to agree with you, but your opinion is your opinion, and that's all that matters...and your opinion counts. Just as mine does. You get to voice YOUR opinion, and others get to voice theirs. Because of that, I hope you will understand this: This is YOUR forum as much as it is anybody elses. Therefore...be the louder voice! :highfive

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

Yes, because you subscribe to a weird variation of it that is easy to mock.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

I chose "YES" because the majority of the members ARE Apostolic, according to the definition in the rules. Furthermore, the constant comments about how oneness doctrine is "now" constantly mocked and ridiculed is ludicrous, considering that these debates go all the way back to the FCF. As does having members who are non-Apostolic or unbelievers.

It's just a way for some people to pat themselves on the back for not hanging out with the "heathens", but in reality they used to be right here knee-deep in debate themselves and enjoying every minute of it.

There is NO convincing me that the exodus of at least some wasn't influenced by higher authorities and peer pressure. Sorry. I don't buy it. I've been around long enough to know that even subtle comments from one preacher to another can lead a man to fear his card being yanked or his backbone being questioned.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

:happydance

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

And that variation as you call it that Jesus is God the Father WAS and always HAS been the definition and except on this forum nothing short of it would be acceptable among Oneness people.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

:hanky

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

I believe the exodus was due in part to the rules not being enforced. Particularly the rules that would have enforced civility.
Baron's post is a good example of this.
Even if he utterly believes what he wrote, a basic civility is lacking in his words.
But, as you say, that's my opinion.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

And those who stamped off, were they also civil??


** CRICKETS **

Should I start on the Epley, Benicasa, etc quotes now or later?

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

Would you tell me what rule I violated?

Or where you just hear to complain about the rules not being what you wanted them to be?

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

:girlnails

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

Your wrong.

It can't be said more simple than that.

DKB won't say that, Segraves denies it, even good old Hoovie won't buy your explanation.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

That's a simple deduction?

Not even one single, solitary scripture to support that?

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

There is One God. This one God reveals Himself as Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The Son is God himself in a human form or "God manifested in the flesh" (1Tim 3:16)

From what I have seen of MTD's posts, this is what he believes.

If you are stating that this is easy to mock, then you are
going against the forum rule that states that doctrinal issues can be questioned but not mocked.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

I believe he is saying there are nicer ways to say what you said, your post basicly gives a defence to those who mock others beliefs, because they are "weird".

I have been saying this all along, its all in how you say something, and there are those who word their post as you did. Politically correct yet obviously slamming something or someone. Nobody here is so dumb not be able to read between the lines.

See, you could have easily just said :
Your belief is easy to question.
Your oneness doctrine leaves questions unanswered.
etc etc.

But for some reason everyone wants to knowingly use sarcasm or underlying insults instead and when called on it they act like "they didnt mean it that way" .. pfft, whatever .



No , neither side remained civil.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

MTD has many many times gone off the reservation with his weird claims. No he is not content to say what you said...he insists that one must confess that Jesus is the Father.

There is also not a single rule that says I have to buy MTD's theory to be on the forum.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

Yep I could have. But I didn't.

Some days I can be sugar sweet other days I just shake my head and don't post and then there are days like today when I get to poke people.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

Whoa... you've been JUST AS GUILTY as the crimes you suggest, Mr. Scotty :foottap

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

Nor is there a rule that says MTD can decide who is Oneness and who is not. Who is Apostolic and who is not. Who will be saved and who will not.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

Also Baron, you more than others, should know better than to try and put words into someone's mouth.
I just find it ironic that both sides here indulge in the same sort of incivility.
I frankly find some attitudes on here are discouraging and as far from my conception of Christian as could be.
I am not talking about any one poster, and just because I mentioned Baron this does no apply to him. He is actually usually more civil and level headed than I am!!!
I do like tweaking certain posters, because I think they view things through one-sided lens and are unable to see that they are acting the same as others who they are "blasting".
I've riled up everyone enough and I need to get some work done.
I do regard all of you as my brothers and sisters in Christ.
Hopefully you do the same.
Bowing out.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

Nothing wrong with spirited discussions... let's not water down and force disagreements to all be milquetoast either.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

Yes I have, usually in response to such, but never do I fire the first shot.

However I also realize that makes me just as bad as the rest.

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

I appreciate your honesty. :thumbsup

Re: Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?
 

HA!! :rant