Homosexuality Or Legalism--Which Is Worse?

[stmatthew]

Originally Posted by Timmy

But legalism is not simply trying too hard to obey God. Theologically, it is believing that following the law is how one is saved. Paul shoots it down nicely in Galatians 3. Legalism masquerades as righteousness and salvation, while cursing (says Paul) those who fall for it. Insidious.

Of course, nobody here says that's how you're saved. It's by repenting, being baptized in water in Jesus' name (making sure your baptizer doesn't use the dreaded "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" wording, or it won't "take"), being filled with the Holy Ghost. speaking in tongues, and by following all the rules for the rest of your life. Only they may not tell you that last part right away. That comes later. And exactly which rules to follow is subject to much debate, of course.

You will not find any "legalists" (as some would call them) in the Apostolic ranks that believe works saves anyone. But at the same time, God will reject anyone who expects to get saved, and then live a "Lawless" life.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by stmatthew

You will not find any "legalists" (as some would call them) in the Apostolic ranks that believe works saves anyone. But at the same time, God will reject anyone who expects to get saved, and then live a "Lawless" life.

Quite the contrary there Napoleon. I won't bog you down with the hundreds of anecdotes that I could, but remember the "half shekel" teaching (just as one example)? That taught that you could actually buy salvation and healings for your body. It was so prevalent at one time that a respected theologian from our ranks was commissioned to write an article condemning the practice in the Forward magazine.

I referenced that article in a meeting where I was speaking once and a group in the audience actually disrupted the service by trying to shout me down over the issue. One voice there was a district official.

[stmatthew]

Originally Posted by pelathais

Quite the contrary there Napoleon. I won't bog you down with the hundreds of anecdotes that I could, but remember the "half shekel" teaching (just as one example)? That taught that you could actually buy salvation and healings for your body. It was so prevalent at one time that a respected theologian from our ranks was commissioned to write an article condemning the practice in the Forward magazine.

I referenced that article in a meeting where I was speaking once and a group in the audience actually disrupted the service by trying to shout me down over the issue. One voice there was a district official.

Well, I am speaking of real Apostolics, not those that would accept such a false teaching.

The truth is that no legitimate Apostolic would say one was saved by works. His doing so would disqualify him from being an Apostolic.

[stmatthew]

Originally Posted by pelathais

Quite the contrary there Napoleon. I won't bog you down with the hundreds of anecdotes that I could, but remember the "half shekel" teaching (just as one example)? That taught that you could actually buy salvation and healings for your body. It was so prevalent at one time that a respected theologian from our ranks was commissioned to write an article condemning the practice in the Forward magazine.

I referenced that article in a meeting where I was speaking once and a group in the audience actually disrupted the service by trying to shout me down over the issue. One voice there was a district official.

and just because one is a DS does not mean they are Apostolic. It just means they are political.

[Felicity]

Originally Posted by stmatthew

and just because one is a DS does not mean they are Apostolic. It just means they are political.

Not necessarily political at all. Very often "chosen" by his peers because .....

1) they respect the man

2) they acknowledge his leadership qualities, abilities, and ministry

3) because he's willing to serve (most of the time - sometimes conscripted ) and

4) sometimes because there's nobody else. LOL!