Two Salvational Experiences

[Abiding Now]

Originally Posted by seekerman

One can surmise, editorialize and theorize all day long about the Apostles and one can claim they're Apostolic, but the ultimate question is concerning the signs, wonders and power that accompanied the apostles.

Sadly, the folks who claim to be Apostolic have no more signs, wonders and power following them than those who they view as non-Apostolic. 'Apostolics' are just as sick and healthy, broke and prosperous, sad and happy as non-'apostolics'. Other than outward appearance, there's little difference between those who claim to have the truth and those who do not follow the 'apostolic' message.

What difference does baptism make, for example. Line up 100 people and you'll find generally the same life issues in those 100 be they 'apostolic' or Baptist or Mormon, doesn't matter how they're baptized. There will be very little difference in their life experiences. Everybody gets sick, some get well, some have more financial problems than the others, some have relatively successful lives, others struggle.

The 'apostolics' claim to have the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth as compared to non-'apostolics'. The truth is, the 'apostolics' are no different than the non-'apostolics' and the 'apostolics' do not produce anything resembling the power and authority of the real Apostolics of the 1st century. The 'apostolic' movement of today is just another of thousands of Christian sects with their particular brand of Christianity which may differ theologically but differs little as far as living in the real world of today.

Sad commentary, no wonder you appear depressed.

[KeptByTheWord]

Seekerman, you are forgetting something, when you are comparing the signs and wonders and blessings of the apostolic movement as compared to others. If you will look at the lives of the apostles, they were not blessed by worldly standards. If you read Paul's description of his life, he was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, hungry, cold.... etc. Doesn't sound like the kind of "blessings" that we look for here in the good ole USA. In fact, if someone is that down and out, folks are likely to wonder if there is "sin" in their life. God's blessings most times include things that don't feel good to our flesh.

So, your comparison above falls far short of the way things actually should be in the kingdom of God. Blessings, signs, wonders, or lack thereof, are not an accurate measuring stick, not at all.

The measuring stick held up by Christ is a far more accurate measuring stick of those who are part of God's kingdom. Read this verse, John 13:35 "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

[seekerman]

Originally Posted by Abiding Now

Sad commentary, no wonder you appear depressed.

LOL!!! Appear depressed??? LOL!

Brother, I'm enjoying life better than ever!

Depressed? LOL!!

Oh....and my life is generally no different than a oneness pentecostal's life or a Baptists life or a Mormons life. And most likely neither is yours.

[Abiding Now]

Originally Posted by seekerman

LOL!!! Appear depressed??? LOL!

Brother, I'm enjoying life better than ever!

Depressed? LOL!!

Oh....and my life is generally no different than a oneness pentecostal's life or a Baptists life or a Mormons life. And most likely neither is yours.

Again sad commentary of your life.

[seekerman]

Originally Posted by Abiding Now

Again sad commentary of your life.

It's sad because I have a relatively good life?

[Abiding Now]

Originally Posted by seekerman

It's sad because I have a relatively good life?

No, because you compare your life to a mormon's life.

[seekerman]

Originally Posted by Abiding Now

No, because you compare your life to a mormon's life.

Mormons live good lives.....and bad lives....just like oneness pentecostals.

[Abiding Now]

See..........

[seekerman]

Originally Posted by Abiding Now

See..........

Actually I do. Do you?

[TGBTG]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

Seekerman, you are forgetting something, when you are comparing the signs and wonders and blessings of the apostolic movement as compared to others. If you will look at the lives of the apostles, they were not blessed by worldly standards. If you read Paul's description of his life, he was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, hungry, cold.... etc. Doesn't sound like the kind of "blessings" that we look for here in the good ole USA. In fact, if someone is that down and out, folks are likely to wonder if there is "sin" in their life. God's blessings most times include things that don't feel good to our flesh.

So, your comparison above falls far short of the way things actually should be in the kingdom of God. Blessings, signs, wonders, or lack thereof, are not an accurate measuring stick, not at all.

The measuring stick held up by Christ is a far more accurate measuring stick of those who are part of God's kingdom. Read this verse, John 13:35 "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

I think the point of Seekerman's post is why are pentecostals not performing notable miracles (ref: Book of Acts) like the early church?
For instance, when the crippled guy in Acts 3 was healed, it caused thousands to believe the gospel.

If authentic notable miracles are being performed (like the lame walking, the dead being raised back to life) that even the media cannot deny, unbelievers will be believing in droves.

But since pentecostals are not being reported to be performing miracles like was recorded in Acts, they are no different than the Baptists who says God no longer performs miracles, at least notable miracles.

My take from his post.

Seeker, how'd I do?