The Apostle's Creed:

[Esther]

Originally Posted by Aquila

I see your point. But the idea of Christ's descent into Hell is debated even among Apostolics. So, I don't see that as a deal breaker. And the communion of saints can mean many different things. The saints on earth? The saints on earth and in heaven? Now, I'm not convinced that we can petition deceased saints for prayer as the Catholics do. However, the Bible does imply that the saints in Heaven are well aware of what is happening on earth and indeed do offer up prayers on our behalf. Dead or alive... we are the "body of Christ".

Why is there a debate? Doesn't anyone believe the Bible anymore?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Esther

Why is there a debate? Doesn't anyone believe the Bible anymore?

We all believe the Bible. However, we all walk away if different interpretations based on our understanding. This is why Christianity has been a religion of theological conversation and discussion since the first century.

[FlamingZword]

Originally Posted by Aquila

We all believe the Bible. However, we all walk away if different interpretations based on our understanding. This is why Christianity has been a religion of theological conversation and discussion since the first century.

Dear Aquila

I think we are finally finding some common ground.
I agree with you that we all believe the Bible, but differ in our interpretations.

I have long ago given up on the idea that I have perfect theology, but that does not mean that I do not have a theology.

There are things that I am willing to overlook in other Christians for the sake of brotherly love.

I am a Young Earth Creationist (YEC), and I am not going to change, but I have no problem fellowshipping with those who are not YEC

I am a Sabbath day believer, and no I am not going to give it up, but I do not find that a reason not to get together with brethren who worship on Sunday.

Jesus said that we would be known as his disciples if we loved one another, not based on our correct theology. Those who bash other Christian brethren because they do not have a perfect theology (Which means their theology) seem to be missing the point.

As you can see I try to be open minded without giving up my doctrinal views. Could I be wrong in my doctrines? Well we all could be wrong about anything and everything.

The reason I have my doctrinal views is because I believe that this is what God has revealed to me.
Jesus said that we would receive the spirit of truth that would guide us into all truth. So I believe that God is guiding me into all truth little by little as I am able to receive.

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by FlamingZword

The reason I have my doctrinal views is because I believe that this is what God has revealed to me.
Jesus said that we would receive the spirit of truth that would guide us into all truth. So I believe that God is guiding me into all truth little by little as I am able to receive.

Yeah... I think that most serious followers of Christ believe that this is the reason they have the views that they do... I am just never sure what to say when two people both tell me that they have prayed for 'truth' on a matter, yet have diametrically opposite opinions on a subject... Sabbath Keeping vs Sunday worship as an example.

Even my husband and I have vast differences in theology and I KNOW myself to be completely sincere and after 30 years of marriage I would say I also know him to be a dedicated follower of Christ. Sometimes we can reconcile our differences of opinion by further study... and sometimes not.

At this point in life I am just not sure that there is one 'truth' that we are all being brought into and almost laugh when I hear so often the variations of "God has led me here in my spiritual maturity" that implies that others views are some how less than that full spiritual maturity... and I've read that in one form or another at least three times just today on AFF.

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by Titus2woman

Yeah... I think that most serious followers of Christ believe that this is the reason they have the views that they do... I am just never sure what to say when two people both tell me that they have prayed for 'truth' on a matter, yet have diametrically opposite opinions on a subject... Sabbath Keeping vs Sunday worship as an example.

Even my husband and I have vast differences in theology and I KNOW myself to be completely sincere and after 30 years of marriage I would say I also know him to be a dedicated follower of Christ. Sometimes we can reconcile our differences of opinion by further study... and sometimes not.

At this point in life I am just not sure that there is one 'truth' that we are all being brought into and almost laugh when I hear so often the variations of "God has led me here in my spiritual maturity" that implies that others views are some how less than that full spiritual maturity... and I've read that in one form or another at least three times just today on AFF.

If you and your husband need to be enlightened on a biblical disagreement, please contact me! (I'm just kidding, of course!)

As for the creed, it was never meant to replace prayer. The repetition is for memory sake. Put music to it and it would be a song similar to " It's All in Him" from the "Pentecostal Praises" songbook. If other Apostolic churches were like the church I grew up in, we sang our favorite songs out of the songbook almost every service.

In Sunday school class, we sang, "One, One, One, One Way to God" every Sunday. This taught all us kids the importance of baptism in Jesus name. This song was similar to a creed.

[Pressing-On]

Too funny. This was just posted on FB by a guy, who is Catholic, and who knowing I used to be Catholic told me, "Once a Catholic always a Catholic. You will come home eventually. Everyone does."

We do blog radio together and are in a couple of political groups, so I didn't argue with him about it, other than sharing my experience about receiving the Holy Ghost. He said the Catholic Church needs that and there is a place for me.

Gosh, who could go back to this? I just want to talk to Jesus.

It is becoming for you, O Mary, to be mindful of us, as you stand near him who bestowed upon you all graces, for you are the Mother of God and our Queen. Come to our aid for the sake of the King, the Lord God and Master who was born of you. For this reason you are called “full of grace.”
Be mindful of us, most holy Virgin, and bestow on us gifts from the riches of your graces, O Virgin full of grace.

Prayer by St. Athanasius