Any hope for unity?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by LifeGuide

The unfortunate reality is that many confuse uniformity with unity. Early 20th century revivals occurred due to unity in spirit. Book of acts much the same. It seems as though they were humble and open to what The Spirit was doing. Much more so than today. Just my 2 cents...

What is truly disunity? Brethren loving one another in spite of various views about various topics and working to advance the name of Jesus, the truth of Him being God, and obedience to Acts 2:38... or arguing and dividing over the fact that we don't agree on various issues... while demanding uniformity?

Those who demand uniformity to supposedly "please the Lord" are unwilling to unite with other brethren who do not think like them. In essence... they want EVERYONE to believe exactly like them on those subjects that they deem essential.

We need to move beyond this. Unity in Christ is a unity of spirit through the Holy Spirit not a legalistic uniformity on all teachings and/or points of view. Rev. Blume and I disagree on issues relating to Prophecy. Praxeas and I disagree on how to biblically define Oneness. However, I count both of these men my dearly beloved brothers in Christ because they have the very same Holy Spirit, I know, because I've felt Him move in them plenty of times. While we are diverse in our views... we are in a unity of the Spirit. This in my opinion is a great strength if the Apostolic movement could catch on.

[LifeGuide]

Originally Posted by Aquila

What is truly disunity? Brethren loving one another in spite of various views about various topics and working to advance the name of Jesus, the truth of Him being God, and obedience to Acts 2:38... or arguing and dividing over the fact that we don't agree on various issues... while demanding uniformity?

Those who demand uniformity to supposedly "please the Lord" are unwilling to unite with other brethren who do not think like them. In essence... they want EVERYONE to believe exactly like them on those subjects that they deem essential.

We need to move beyond this. Unity in Christ is a unity of spirit through the Holy Spirit not a legalistic uniformity on all teachings and/or points of view.

Just to make my point a little clearer...I agree wholeheartedly with your position. Historically and even today many oneness higher ups have been open to dialogue with the broader body. Thats my experience and prayer for today. Praying that God would direct me to fulfill His prayer; "That they all may be one".

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by LifeGuide

Just to make my point a little clearer...I agree wholeheartedly with your position. Historically and even today many oneness higher ups have been open to dialogue with the broader body. Thats my experience and prayer for today. Praying that God would direct me to fulfill His prayer; "That they all may be one".

Amen.

[Esphes45]

Originally Posted by LifeGuide

Just to make my point a little clearer...I agree wholeheartedly with your position. Historically and even today many oneness higher ups have been open to dialogue with the broader body. Thats my experience and prayer for today. Praying that God would direct me to fulfill His prayer; "That they all may be one".

I'm not seeing this at all. What circles are you in? The apostolic church is more separate to today than it ever was.

I will also agree with Aquilla but do you actually think that is the position of most apostolic churches? No.