You're Invited - 80th General Assembly ECOC

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by Bro. Robbins

That is not within the Articles of Faith no.... however, Sanctification prior to Holy Ghost baptism is still preached pretty heavily in some of the churches. The Articles of Faith simply state that we believe Holiness to be God's standard of living for His Church... therefore, you can see there is great liberty (maybe that's good, maybe that's bad) for the individual congregations to take their own interpretations of that doctrine and how it should be preached/lived.

To Brother Epley's earlier comment, yes, Sister Pierce (from all I've learned) did not preach Lifestyle Holiness very much... or not to the degree as other Oneness organizations at that time.

The Emmanuel Churches though are a very, very different animal than they were even in the 80's.... our government, culture, etc. is very different. That is obvious when you look at our churches that are very conservative, and then go down the road and see one that isn't conservative at all... used to, Sister Pierce wanted everybody to look and act just a like... that's not expected in this day.

Also, our government changed a lot. With the bringing in of affiliate churches and not requiring all churches to be owned by the denomination was something she probably would have never, ever, went for.... the orginzation is almost night and day difference than it was in it's beginning... but there again, that can be said of many org's.

I had a preacher friend(who had fallen) that became a member of the group in fact he taught their Bible College for a season. I think he thought he would become chairman(honestly). But in a conversation I had with him concerning this teaching he told me he was trying to change them but it was very indoctrinated in the group. This is the only Oneness bunch I know that teaches sanctification second definte works of grace a fictious experience at best and false doctrine at worse.