Winterfire 2010

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Well, there is only one Lord, one faith and one baptism. Are we afraid to admit that? I wouldn't consider it lying, but God seems to be very - all the way from the Garden of Eden - very precise on his plans and timing. So, is everyone our brother? I don't think, in all honestly, I could say that I think they are.

Anyone who believes Jesus is God is a believer, and anyone trying to follow the teachings of Christ would be a disciple. "Brother" seems to be a relatively loose term that would embody that--I don't agree that we can only use that term toward other Apostolics who have accepted our doctrine. I use it out of respect for any other Christian who wants the title to be used, or who hasn't given me permission to use their given name.

If a trinitarian introduces himself as "Brother Smith", then "Brother Smith" is definitely what I will call him. What good would there be in insisting on calling him "Mr. Smith?" What point would that make? I know Apostolics who would most certainly make that a visible point of distinction, and I see that as unnecessary and disrespectful. If a nun introduced herself as "Sister Mary" for that matter, then that is how I would address her. To some extent, it's just courtesy. As a term of endearment for other believers, I extend that to any believer (who wants the title).

Well, the scripture does bear out that Ananias received advanced direction from God - that Saul would see and be filled with His Spirit. That makes Saul his brother - by faith - before it happened.

Sure. That's a good theory. The fact remains, Ananias called Saul "brother" prior to his baptism and infilling with the Holy Ghost.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Anyone who believes Jesus is God is a believer, and anyone trying to follow the teachings of Christ would be a disciple. "Brother" seems to be a relatively loose term that would embody that--I don't agree that we can only use that term toward other Apostolics who have accepted our doctrine. I use it out of respect for any other Christian who wants the title to be used, or who hasn't given me permission to use their given name.

If a trinitarian introduces himself as "Brother Smith", then "Brother Smith" is definitely what I will call him. What good would there be in insisting on calling him "Mr. Smith?" What point would that make? I know Apostolics who would most certainly make that a visible point of distinction, and I see that as unnecessary and disrespectful. If a nun introduced herself as "Sister Mary" for that matter, then that is how I would address her. To some extent, it's just courtesy. As a term of endearment for other believers, I extend that to any believer (who wants the title).

I would probably do the same out of politeness. I would address a priest by Father Whatever. I don't believe that every person that calls themselves a Trinitarian necessarily believes that God is three persons. I think they mean manifestation, but don't always use that term.

Sure. That's a good theory. The fact remains, Ananias called Saul "brother" prior to his baptism and infilling with the Holy Ghost.

Well, he either called him brother because of Mizpeh's explanation or he called him brother because God had already accepted him. He wouldn't be his brother if he was a Buddhist. Tiger Woods would not be my brother, in other words.