An Apology

[seekerman]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

I want to apologize for posting on here. Most of you I don't know. I was posting with several on here back in the FCF days and it was a different tone and crowd. I have come back from time to time to lurk and post some. But in truth this really has become an ex-Pentecostal site not everyone I am not broad brushing but the most vocal are. I will be able to have discourse with CC1 on another medium. My spirit was grieved yesterday evening with myself posting on an issue. I know I will get some parting shots. I have come back from time to time thinking maybe it will be different but atlas I think the forum has changed forever. To those who understand what I am saying this is not personal with you.

I think the issue, and correct me if I'm wrong, is you interacting with those who believe differently than you. Again, I may be wrong, but you're seeming to say that you only want to dialog with those who agree with you, who will not challenge you, who will recognize your position. The very thing I value on the forum is the freedom to challenge, to question, to discuss. I do understand that the sub-sect of oneness pentecostalism you're a part of very much discourages questioning the pastor, or preacher, in fact it's really not allowed. I think that's the environment you're most comfortable in so I'm really not surprised you're leaving.

Oh...and you did evade answering my last question to you.

But anyway, hope you find a place you'll be happy.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by seekerman

I think the issue, and correct me if I'm wrong, is you interacting with those who believe differently than you. Again, I may be wrong, but you're seeming to say that you only want to dialog with those who agree with you, who will not challenge you, who will recognize your position. The very thing I value on the forum is the freedom to challenge, to question, to discuss. I do understand that the sub-sect of oneness pentecostalism you're a part of very much discourages questioning the pastor, or preacher, in fact it's really not allowed. I think that's the environment you're most comfortable in so I'm really not surprised you're leaving.

Oh...and you did evade answering my last question to you.

But anyway, hope you find a place you'll be happy.

You are [wrong]. I've been here (and on the NFCF and FCF) for years and being afraid of a disagreement has never been Bro. Epley's style. Nor is he afraid of questions or direct answers. I've seen more dancing around a direct answer by liberal posters than I ever have from SE.

I'm sorry to see Bro. Epley go, and I agree with him that this forum can't ever be what it used to be. I think it's mostly due to changes in social media--conversations have migrated to easier platforms like Facebook, for one thing. I also know that we lost a lot of conservative people around the same time as the WPF debacle, and most of them never came back. It caused an imbalance on the forum that hasn't ever been corrected.

[ILG]

Some may think I am too liberal to be on AFF now, but I am too conservative to join Facebook. I tried joining some other forums that were more liberal but they were cussing and throwing around sexual comments and I am too conservative for that. I just hang where I'm comfortable.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by seekerman

I think the issue, and correct me if I'm wrong,

consider yourself corrected.

is you interacting with those who believe differently than you. Again, I may be wrong, but you're seeming to say that you only want to dialog with those who agree with you, who will not challenge you, who will recognize your position.

Brother Epley has no problem interacting with people who disagree with him. I have in fact engaged brother Epley in formal debate on a doctrinal topic which he holds dear to his heart. He was respectful, concise, and stuck to the issue, unlike quite a few other 'more liberated' posters who have been here.

Oh...and you did evade answering my last question to you.

*I'm* still waiting on you to answer several of my other questions I asked you, which you have evaded answering for some time now -

Such as -

1. Is Jesus good, or not?

2. Why did the apostle Thomas call Jesus his 'God'?

[phareztamar]

I will miss you pastor.

[MawMaw]

I hope the good elder just takes a break.
He is much needed to speak out on this forum.
Quite a few misguided souls and backslidden hearts
come here from time to time.
I love the Apostolic message and thank God for
true Pastors who still preach it, nothing wavering.
God bless you Bro Epley. You are one of my most
favorite posters on this forum.

[Luke]

Bro. Epley though we would not agree some doctrinal issues i always enjoyed your conservative views they will be missed.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by kclee4jc

I've not been around long but enough to grow disgusted with what I see here. There are 3-4 reasons that i have continued to particpate here (though minimally)...one of those reasons being Bro. Epley. I would love to have a true Apostolic forum to fellowship and share thoughts and ideas without being bombarded by bitter backsliders. If such a place exists...somebody please point me that direction. If one is created in the future...I would love to know about it. It is a sad fact, however, that there is little accountability in internet forums. Perhaps they have no real benefit to the Church except to promote strife and gossip. I dont know.

I have enjoyed reading your posts Brother Epley. It is men of God such as yourself that I want to pattern my life after. The Apostolic Movement is truly blessed with some wonderful people.

Forums like that are tightly CONTROLLED. I have known people that tried to join and because they did not fit in with the ruling majority's idea of what Apostolic is, they were banned.

So they are not necessarily places for Apostolics to share ideas unless those in control agree with your ideas

[seekerman]

Originally Posted by Esaias

consider yourself corrected.

Well, that's a kick in the head. You've just ruined my day!!

Brother Epley has no problem interacting with people who disagree with him. I have in fact engaged brother Epley in formal debate on a doctrinal topic which he holds dear to his heart. He was respectful, concise, and stuck to the issue, unlike quite a few other 'more liberated' posters who have been here.

Oh at times he's surely concise. He has no problem proclaiming Trinitarians to hell.

*I'm* still waiting on you to answer several of my other questions I asked you, which you have evaded answering for some time now -

Such as -

1. Is Jesus good, or not?

2. Why did the apostle Thomas call Jesus his 'God'?

1. The followup question, did God become sin?

2. The companion question is why did Jesus call someone else God?

You see, there's much much more to the discussion than a couple of questions. Some can stand discussion and disagreement with their position, others can't.

Some can stand the heat, some gotta stay out of the kitchen. Kinda reminds me of this scripture.....

Jer 12:5 "If you have run with footmen and they have tired you out, Then how can you compete with horses? If you fall down in a land of peace, How will you do in the thicket of the Jordan?

[Praxeas]

And he still did not answer Essias's questions