May I smoke here??!

[2020Vision]

Originally Posted by edjen01

are they strong because everything was defined for them? or are they strong because they listen/obey the Holy Spirit?

Both. There's a lot to be said for obedience and submission. In fact, it's a common thread througout the whole Bible. We are happy Apostolics! And yes, the Holy Ghost actually does instruct us too! Imagine that!

[edjen01]

Originally Posted by 2020Vision

Both. There's a lot to be said for obedience and submission. In fact, it's a common thread througout the whole Bible. We are happy Apostolics! And yes, the Holy Ghost actually does instruct us too! Imagine that!

i do not doubt you....or your church. Please do not think I am talking down or bad about you or your church. God leads us all by different paths.

I do see a call for submission and obedience. But also see where there is very little tolerance for those who say "thus saith the Lord"...when the Lord didn't sayeth.

[2020Vision]

Originally Posted by edjen01

i do not doubt you....or your church. Please do not think I am talking down or bad about you or your church. God leads us all by different paths.

I do see a call for submission and obedience. But also see where there is very little tolerance for those who say "thus saith the Lord"...when the Lord didn't sayeth.

Agree, a true prophet only speaks for God when He has spoken.

It doesn't take "thus saith the Lord" for me to obey and follow my Pastor though. If it's in harmony with scripture, has good intention for the interest of the flock, and come from a man of love, then I'm with him. If I ever felt he was off, I would really take it from the Lord. If a man is off in one area, chances are that would repeat, and I could address that then. All that to say, God uses the Pastor to lead and make decisions in 21st Century America.

[edjen01]

Originally Posted by 2020Vision

Agree, a true prophet only speaks for God when He has spoken.

It doesn't take "thus saith the Lord" for me to obey and follow my Pastor though. If it's in harmony with scripture, has good intention for the interest of the flock, and come from a man of love, then I'm with him. If I ever felt he was off, I would really take it from the Lord. If a man is off in one area, chances are that would repeat, and I could address that then. All that to say, God uses the Pastor to lead and make decisions in 21st Century America.

I respect your faith and comittment.

For me....I like God to cut out the middle-man. And it apprears that God has given you and I shephers after our own hearts.

[2020Vision]

Originally Posted by edjen01

I respect your faith and comittment.

For me....I like God to cut out the middle-man. And it apprears that God has given you and I shephers after our own hearts.

Well, hearing from God is one thing. Being submitted to a pastor is something altogether different. It's the Apostolic model, and is a pattern after scripture. This is Apostolic Friends Forum. But yes, God has given me not only a shepherd after MY heart, but after God's heart.

[edjen01]

Originally Posted by 2020Vision

Well, hearing from God is one thing. Being submitted to a pastor is something altogether different. It's the Apostolic model, and is a pattern after scripture. This is Apostolic Friends Forum. But yes, God has given me not only a shepherd after MY heart, but after God's heart.

then you are truely blessed.

as for the Apostolic model....that is whole different topic.