I suppose my point would be is that many OPs get on forums, get behind the pulpit and talk among themselves about other denominations being 'lost', yet they will not have the courage to step out there to knock on a door to reach out to discuss Jesus Name baptism. If they believe it so much, why don't they do that instead of running trinitarian belief system down? Why don't, when they get on forums where there are many people who believe in the trinitarian doctrine reading the comments, bring to them a 'more excellent way' instead of blathering on about how lost they are?
Hmmm... I thought this was supposed to be an Apostolic Forum that adhered to the Oneness of God and baptism in Jesus name etc. What is said here is not necessarily the same way a message would be conveyed in another environment. BTW other denominations are lost of they are not born again. It is up to the ministry to point this out. To make sure the sheep know where the wolves are. Jesus said many would come in His name and deceive many, one of the responsibilities of the ministry is to tell people where the good grass is and lead them away from the poisonous weeds.How do you know what other people are doing to reach the lost? This makes you sound bitter and no I am not saying you are because I do not know you. Yet this post appears bitter. You condemn the ministry for what you think is wrong but don't know the level of burden the ministry carries. It is a weight that is ever present. Not only in feeding the sheep but having those same sheep bite you behind your back. You may want to back off a bit on the condemnation of the ministry. I have been on Trinitarian forums and I can attest to the hatred and vitriol spewed forth from them concerning this truth. An alcoholic must first recognize he needs help before he asks for help. Trinitarian's need to know they are not born again.
Like your answer to my question, I wish that I could speak for them, but I cannot attest to their sincerity or their commitment to their Lord they profess to love.
I have several theories due to my experience with my fellow believers. One time I asked some of them why did we always have to get together between services to have a 'good time'? Why couldn't we have a time of prayer together. As a new convert, I was surely shocked at some of their answers.
I agree you must be born again, but many people hinder the Holy Spirit in drawing souls to God. It IS about being nice or mean. The reason, imo that Christ was so effective to the people is because the people could feel his sincerity and love. It emanated from Him into the hearts of the people. He came to the Jews and yet gave to people who were not jews but believed and had faith.
Some people need a two by four to hit them in the head to get them to wake up. Others need a more gentle hand. I have seen both work. Love does not always mean mushy gushy behavior. Love is sometimes stern. All in all we must be led of the Spirit.
His staunchest opponents were mostly the leadership of the jews, people in power over others. They abused that power and Christ called them on it.
So...when we witness to others, do we emanate the Holy Spirit. Can the people we witness to feel the sincerity? Or do they see someone who looks angry yelling telling people that they are lost because they believe the trinitarian doctrine? Do they see someone flippantly saying they are lost because they believe the trinitarian doctrine instead of giving them some real meat to chew on, pray on?
Sincerity is a must. People will smell a phony a mile away.
No, you cannot ever take away my salvation by anything you say or post, but many people are new in Christ and have not had time for that seed to take root and grow. Jesus said in His parable of the seed:
Luke 8:11-15 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
12 Those by the way side are they that hear;
then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
How many people newly profess their love for Christ and may have found that love in a trinitarian church system will read the comments here that they are lost? We don't know. Sheesh. Give them some time to grow so that Satan does not use your words to take away what they just found.
Again this is an Apostolic site... As Apostolics we must stand for and earnestly contend for this faith. Should apostolics never mention the trinity? Should we never mention alcoholism? Should we never mention adultery? Hogwash I will stand for the truth and speak the truth in love.
And how many people have lived for God for years in the trinitarian doctrine, felt God, had miracles in their lives, have their liberty in Christ only to read posts by some that they are lost?
Mark 9:38-40 ¶And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.
39 But Jesus said,
Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.
40
For he that is not against us is on our part.
Jesus also said many shall unto me in that day Lord, Lord have we not...
And Jesus will say I never knew you. I will take the chance and let people know they are lost, speaking the truth in love.
What makes you think that I don't? I don't have to tell them they are lost. We just have to ask God for a helping of His wisdom when discussing truth with them. Many of them are quite sincere in their walk. God has His way to lead the sincere into the truth, just like He did you and I. It will be up them to find that way.
It is the responsibility of the church to shine the light of this glorious gospel. You say you don't have to tell them they are lost. By this you are stating that you are placing a covering over the gospel so the light does not shine forth. If the gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost. What other purpose is the church here for? Potlucks? It is up to them to accept the truth and it is up to the church to proclaim the truth.
I am confident that God will give you the right words to reach them if YOU are sincere in wanting to reach them. Being flippant will never reach anybody. Sincerity will. The Holy Ghost will work through that sincerity to reach people.
I agree.
Most people use the world "fellowship" as in spending a time enjoying each other's company. This is the context in which people understand that word.
Some preachers use that word as in like minded group...such as "oneness pentecostal fellowship".
A good rule of thumb when using the word fellowship would be to be mindful of which group of people you are talking to. Your fellow preachers or the people preachers claim to lead...although I believe that Christ never intended for His church to be classified into two different categories such as clergy and laity.
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