Are we Apostolic, per our own rules?

[DAII]

That the Holy Ghost is for today and is received by faith with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues

I believe it is evidence ... not necessarily initial evidence for all.

[BroMatt]

One of the problems with "affirmation statements" and countless other documents made by men is that sooner or later, you will have so much law that there is no one that even understands the laws. I am not UPCI, and personally would never sign any kind of statement that limited my ability to fellowship, associate, preach with, preach for, preach on media types, ect.

What is the value of stirring the pot? Or of referencing the ones that love to point out hypocrisy? Anyone can attack and condemn, that is not really the purpose of this forum, as I understand it.

If one soul finds a deeper place in Jesus Christ, receives a greater truth, and can walk in light not formerly available to them, then this is a very good thing. However, the urge to murmur is usually not something the Holy Ghost does, but the flesh and the devil certainly do entice us to murmur.

Should an unbeliever find his or her way here, I hope that they find salvation, should a mixed up believer find clarity here, I am thrilled, and should a dry and dusty religious soul find water of life and begin to live, I thank God very much.

May God bless and keep us in His will.

[The Mrs]

Originally Posted by BroMatt

One of the problems with "affirmation statements" and countless other documents made by men is that sooner or later, you will have so much law that there is no one that even understands the laws. I am not UPCI, and personally would never sign any kind of statement that limited my ability to fellowship, associate, preach with, preach for, preach on media types, ect.

What is the value of stirring the pot? Or of referencing the ones that love to point out hypocrisy? Anyone can attack and condemn, that is not really the purpose of this forum, as I understand it.

If one soul finds a deeper place in Jesus Christ, receives a greater truth, and can walk in light not formerly available to them, then this is a very good thing. However, the urge to murmur is usually not something the Holy Ghost does, but the flesh and the devil certainly do entice us to murmur.

Should an unbeliever find his or her way here, I hope that they find salvation, should a mixed up believer find clarity here, I am thrilled, and should a dry and dusty religious soul find water of life and begin to live, I thank God very much.

May God bless and keep us in His will.

Thanks Bro. Matt...this is EXACTLY what has happened here.

I believe these souls are worth it. Those that don't like/agree with us will find another forum and go on with their lives, while those few that have been greatly helped/changed are appreciative they found us.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by The Mrs

*sigh* In that same set of rules you will find an invitation for all...



We don't want exclusivity. There are other forums for that. Most folks here are Apostolic to the core. Most folks here have Apostolic roots. Most folks here are FRIENDS. Therefore, this is THEIR forum as well as anybody elses.

Maybe we should change that above rule to include:

We welcome and encourage our friends with Apostolic roots and visitors of other faiths to post and ask sincere questions...yadda, yadda, yadda...

Maybe that will make everyone feel better, huh?

I do not want to exclude anyone with the exception of those who teach the Bible is corrupt and uninspired. I do feel they have no place at the table because they are destroying faith in the word of God.

My problem is that IT SEEMS that for so time now Oneness doctrine has been mocked and ridiculed here. Very few seem to take the doctrine seriously anymore.

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by aegsm76

Ok, let me stir the pot a little more!!

Several on here like to point out the hypocrisy of the UPCI pastors who signed the affirmation statement, but basically ignored it.
From what I know every member of this forum agreed that they believed these rules in order to obtain membership? Could someone tell me if this is correct?If this is correct (and I may be wrong), what's the difference in these situations?
As for me, if we change the rules then we need to change the name as well.
All of this is just serving to show that some of the things the "critics" are saying about us has some basis in fact.

Nope. Were you asked to sign something to become a member?

It's just a forum - it's not an organization - it's not a church - - it's a public forum!

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by aegsm76

If some admin would help me here, with a poll!!!

Let's cut to the chase and see if we are "Apostolic" under our own rules.

Please answer for yourself, not your opinion of other posters

Yes if you agree with the rules
No if you do not

AFF FORUM RULES



Let it be understood that Apostolic Friends Forum is an Apostolic Forum.
Apostolic is defined on AFF as:

There is One God. This one God reveals Himself as Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The Son is God himself in a human form or "God manifested in the flesh" (1Tim 3:16)
Every sinner must repent of their sins.
That Jesus name baptism is the only biblical mode of water baptism.
That the Holy Ghost is for today and is received by faithwith the initial evidence of speaking in tongues.
The saint will go on to strive to live a holy life, pleasing to God.

That's not a rule. It's a definition

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

That's not a rule. It's a definition

Great point!

Even though it says AFF Rules above it - the first part is a definition of Apostolic, the rules follow.

[The Mrs]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

I do not want to exclude anyone with the exception of those who teach the Bible is corrupt and uninspired. I do feel they have no place at the table because they are destroying faith in the word of God.

My problem is that IT SEEMS that for so time now Oneness doctrine has been mocked and ridiculed here. Very few seem to take the doctrine seriously anymore.

I haven't seen this to be able to agree with you, but your opinion is your opinion, and that's all that matters...and your opinion counts. Just as mine does. You get to voice YOUR opinion, and others get to voice theirs. Because of that, I hope you will understand this: This is YOUR forum as much as it is anybody elses. Therefore...be the louder voice!

[Baron1710]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

I do not want to exclude anyone with the exception of those who teach the Bible is corrupt and uninspired. I do feel they have no place at the table because they are destroying faith in the word of God.

My problem is that IT SEEMS that for so time now Oneness doctrine has been mocked and ridiculed here. Very few seem to take the doctrine seriously anymore.

Yes, because you subscribe to a weird variation of it that is easy to mock.

[MissBrattified]

I chose "YES" because the majority of the members ARE Apostolic, according to the definition in the rules. Furthermore, the constant comments about how oneness doctrine is "now" constantly mocked and ridiculed is ludicrous, considering that these debates go all the way back to the FCF. As does having members who are non-Apostolic or unbelievers.

It's just a way for some people to pat themselves on the back for not hanging out with the "heathens", but in reality they used to be right here knee-deep in debate themselves and enjoying every minute of it.

There is NO convincing me that the exodus of at least some wasn't influenced by higher authorities and peer pressure. Sorry. I don't buy it. I've been around long enough to know that even subtle comments from one preacher to another can lead a man to fear his card being yanked or his backbone being questioned.