Apostolic Organizations

[renee819]

Originally Posted by Adam

How does someone find a "house church"?

Adam, go to,

http://www.hccentral.com/

They have a directory, that you can search

[AreYouReady?]

Originally Posted by renee819

Apostolicman, Have you thought of House Church?

I don't believe that God is pleased with Denominations. That is not how it was set up in the beginning. Jesus left the Apostles to set up the Church and they set up House Churches. They could have built churches if they thought it was needed. There were some rich people in their midst, and they could have charged Tithes. But they didn’t.

If people will study our Church History, they will see that The Church, met in house churches as long as the Apostles were alive. Paul knew what he was talking about, when he wrote,...



And grievous wolves did enter in the second century. Pagan Philosophers, with their roots in Babel, such as Tertullian, Origen, Novatian and others developed the Trinitarian doctrine.

And then in 325AD, Constantine, for political reasons, to try to pull the Religions together, (as the One World Religion–is trying to do today) took the Temples of the Pagan Priests and as a bribe, gave them to the Christians. But what a price they paid in the compromise.

Those that would not compromise were martyred, banned and persecuted. And that is how the Church merged with Paganism, that Paganism is still in all denominations today.
Not only was the Trinity baptism enforced, but the Hierarchy of the Clergy and Layman, making the Priest–(later after Luther, Pastors) Little Kings over Little Kingdoms.

It was not so at the beginning of the Church. Jesus warned,...



I have had some humble Pastors, and some that were pure Dictators. I even obeyed the Dictator, as long as I was there, but one day God showed me that I should leave, and I did.

I can no longer go to a Pentecostal Denomination, because of their man-made Laws. Here is some of the reasons,

Christmas and Easter—are pagan holidays
Women’s pants are not man’s apparel. (What man, would put on a pair of slacks, made for a woman?)
There is the 5 fold ministry, (or should be) but ALL are saints. There is no such thing as Clergy over the Laymen.
Holiness should not be judged by outward dress. I doubt if God sees what we put on, but He sees the reason that we wear what we wear,
Do we wear expensive clothes, for pride?
Sloppy clothes, for rebellion?
Figure revealing clothes, that still meet the guidelines, but to be alluring?

A woman trying to live a righteous life, should dress modest. But only she knows in her spirit, whether she is being modest or not.

I have for the last 10 yrs wanted to start or go to a house church, but there is this dilemma. I will not try to pull anyone out of another church. Sinners are not interested. You have to have someone to help to start a house church. I am 81 yrs old and alone, hardly a good prospect to be able to start one.

So are Denominations wrong? Yes, I believe they are.
However, there has to be some Organization I guess. And that sounds like an oxymoron, as I’m not completely settled in my mind about this. Because when I think back, what if there had not been a UPC church in our town when my Parents first went when I was 5 or 6 yrs old. There probably was 30 of our family saved in that church.

However, in an Organization, in God’s Church, there can be no Paganism or man-made rules, which are usually mans opinions. Only the Bible has the Truth.

Notice, God is talking to HIS PEOPLE. Also this is the end time.

.

Who is "HER"? It is Babylon,in the church, with all of her Pagan practises.

Good synopsis renee.

I often wonder why our pastors are not teaching this...especially during the Christmas and Easter seasons.

[KeptByTheWord]

Renee, great post! Glad to hear that even despite your age, you are willing to spread the message that salvation does not have to take place in a church building. I believe the word is slowly getting out to folks that church as we have known it for the last 1800years really isn't working... and that maybe it's time to go back to the NT model.

God bless you sister! Praying that you will find real fellowship with other fellow believers.

[renee819]

Thank you, Kept, and Are you ready for your kind words. Thanks for your prayers. I'm praying that God will lead me.

[renee819]

Adam, here is an easier website to find House Churches.

http://www.housechurch.org/registry/index.html

[annex212]

There ares o many apostolic church.. The Apostolics or as better known, Jesus Name Pentecostals, have experienced the same difficulties as other denominational groups..
link building company

[Apostolicman7]

Originally Posted by Dedicated Mind

i think that this org is former upc but i'm not sure. i think you have to email regional directors under "our leadership" or "contact us" under "about us" for a list of churches. they are 3 step anti-standards according to their tenets of faith under "about us"

3 step anti standards.

Yea, that sounds like a good thing.


I understand what you're saying, I just thought that was a funny way of putting it. I'm not anti standards, I believe Christianity must have standards. EVERY culture, sub culture, group, organization, etc. has some sort of standards they identify with and uphold. I don't think that's a bad thing.

I just don't agree with elevating standards to the level of scripture and doctrine. I believe that was the mistake the Jews made. The Jewish Talmud was written during the time of the Babylonian captivity. The Rabbis at the time were concerned that Babylonian culture was becoming too influential on the people of God, so they wrote the Talmud as their set of rules and regulations that would ensure adherence to the Old Testament Law. The OT Law said not to work on the 7th day, but keep it as a day of rest. The Rabbis wrote the Talmud to institute practices and regulations that defind "work" and ensured that no one would break this principle if they lived within the confines of these rules. Over time, those "standards" of practice were elevated to the level of scripture, and it was see as sinful to break the regulations. To break the regulations meant you automatically broke the OT Laws and principles. This is why Christ condemned the traditions of men, and the teachings of the Pharisees, but did not condemned the Law of Moses.

I believe that the Apostolic Movement has done the same thing. Decades ago we instituted standards that we felt identified us with a particular commitment and lifestyle, and that we felt would safeguard us from violating the principles of God. Over time, those standards have been elevated to the point that they've become the measuring stick and direct expression of holiness. To violate a standard means you automatically violate a principle of the Word of God.

But I like what Paul said in Colossians 2:20.

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—“Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. (ESV)

True holiness is a purety of heart. Standards of holiness should be for the purpose of stopping the indulgence of the flesh. I'm all for standards that say I won't put myself in a compromising situation so that I don't give in to the desires of my flesh and act in a way that will damage my walk with God, family, and reputation. I'm all for standards that say I will behave in a way that will glorify God and not cause a stumbling block for others. However, I do believe those standards can be hard to dictate across the board and ultimately require individual adoption and commitment to be effective. Simply adhering to the standard of no makeup will not stop someone from exhibiting a lustful and promiscuous spirit. There must be a great standard involved. One that roots deeper in the heart of the Christian that says I will not behave in any way that fulfills the lust of the flesh and gives the appearance of promiscuity. THAT standard covers mannerisms, thoughts, dress, adornment, etc. It requires a conviction of the heart and not a simple adherence to a rule. There are girls and women who wear makeup for reasons other than to look sexy and attract men. Holding to the higher standard of the heart allows them the liberty to wear makeup without violating the principles of God.

I also try my best to adhere to the principle Paul laid out in Romans 14. If someone holds strong standards of dress, entertainment, etc., then I will not condemn them for it. As long as they do it with faith, they are ok. Christ is able to make them stand. Some people need strong standards to help them in areas where they are weak, or their conscience is weak. This is true of everyone. There is always going to be some area in your life where you need a stronger standard than the person next to you. As long as you hold it in faith, you are good.

[renee819]

Apostlicman,

[KeptByTheWord]

Apostolicman7: I too agree with what you have written. Instead of abiding by a man-given commandment to do or not to do... when you begin to look at everything you do through the spirit of Christ residing in you... it will cause you do and change things about your lifestyle that man's commandments could never touch.

That is why it is dangerous to attach do's and don'ts to the salvation plan. Christ doesn't need them. When His spirit is truly indwelling one's heart, the spirit of Christ will convict the heart on issues that are important to one's salvation... for indeed each one of us are different, and have different temptations, desires, and sins.

Christ is the new law-giver, the complete fulfillment of OT law, and His law is now written on our hearts by His spirit.

Any attempt by man to try to set in stone commandments and attach them to salvation will only end in moral failure.... every single time.

[returnman]

Originally Posted by Apostolicman7

Thank you. This does look interesting. Do you have any information on their background? I looked for a list of churches that are affiliated with them, but could not find a listing. I'd like to see if there are any nearby.

They look to be small in numbers. One guy in charge of 5-6 regions.