He is Still Oneness Pentecostal In Heart

[Farfel]

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

Bishop Jakes started out under Rev. Billy Cole's ministry. He started out in the UPCI.

As for the topic of the last few pages, a Christian (Apostolic or not) should dress and carry themselves in a way that will reflect positively on them and bring glory to our Father in Heaven.

Jesus was "a man of no reputation", but the Apostolics have a reputation for being legalistic and strict. The Apostle Paul said such strictness has no spiritual value.

Still, modesty is commanded in the Bible.

Christians have to be taught. The standards of men are guidelines that, if followed, will often keep one away from sin (but not always). Furthermore, standards don't save. Standards doesn't keep anyone saved. The Grace of God saves us and keeps us saved. Standards are not a mechanism of Grace.

Standards are an example of man's attempt to honor God the best way we know how. In order for these standards to have any value in our lives, these standards have to become our own as we attempt to honor our Father the best way we know how.

People go wrong with standards when they try to apply them en masse to congregants, when they try to make their guidelines a measure of another's salvation. The Bible teaches against doing that. We are to compare ourselves to the scriptures, working out our own salvation with fear and trembling.

Teaching the guidelines instead of the Biblical concept behind the guidelines can be dangerous-- idolatry, self-righteousness, manipulation. It's easy to get caught up in these sins while doing what we sincerely believe is right.

Yet, God forgives us and remains faithful even when we're not.

I've seen non-Apostolics who profess salvation, but their dress and lifestyles are unbecoming of Christians.

Yet, God forgives us and remains faithful even when we're not.

Holiness is a life-long process-- a journey, not a destination.

One day, we'll see Him as He is. Until then, the only one that we can see the clearest is ourselves-- and even then, our own hearts can deceive us. I'm so glad we are SAVED by His Grace.