That period Bro Flame decided to "go charismatic"

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Bro Flame

Well, I don't get on AFF a lot anymore, and my intention is never to abandon a conversation when I'm questioned. But I don't want to argue, at least not anymore. I just post my beliefs, my opinions, my convictions, and move on. And sometimes I honestly forget what's going on here on AFF because I'm rarely here. I just recently come back when it popped into my head. We've been so busy.

OK. So, I guess I'll just let it rip.

Originally Posted by Bro Flame

Correct. I first came into an Apostolic church in February 2015, but it was a little bit before I repented, got baptized, and I didn't receive the Holy Ghost until February 2016.

OK. Thank you for the clarification.

Originally Posted by Bro Flame

I've addressed this question in other posts, but my father and mother-in-law are my pastors.

While I know many denominations have this sort of set up. I still not clear on how this works. Do they have a church board? Do they take turns preaching and teaching? Do they get seperate tithe checks? I'm not being facetious here, I'm asking questions? Where in the Bible can we find this set up in a church setting? I believe I understand your position on female leadership over married men (also known as female pastors) so, I would believe you have some insight on this subject.

Originally Posted by Bro Flame

They co-pastor. They are one in God and operate as one pastor. They are the headship or our assembly, the leaders God has instructed me to follow.

I understand the one flesh of marriage between a man and a woman. Yet, that doesn't translate over vocationally. A man's calling or talent in a calling or vocation, doesn't mean the spouse would be qualified just because they are a married couple. I'm good at my position, because I have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over my life experience in ministry. Which my wife doesn't have, and therefore she isn't qualified in the same vocation and calling as I. Pastors and elders I have known for years, their wives (while capable in their own right) don't have the skills and expertise in leadership as their husbands. Therefore I have a bit of an issue with the whole co pastor idea of husband and wife, and children and parents. I bring up children and parents because I have seen the co-pastoring extend over to the offspring of the pastor.

Originally Posted by Bro Flame

What are you questions? I will be as active as I can be in a discussion on clarifying anything or elaborating anything that I've said.

I appreciate that. Let's see how this works out.

Originally Posted by Bro Flame

Yes, I do believe the people at the "charismatic church" I began attending were genuinely loving. They wanted me to come to church and they were well-known for helping people in and around their small community.

They were very welcoming and I got very close to them in a very short period of time. I was accepted as a member of their family and referred to them all as such, too. For instance, I called people "Aunt" and "Uncle" that weren't my biological relatives. I hung out at their houses, went to town with them, you name it.

Do you still have contact with these people? Are they still friends? Aunts? Uncles?

Originally Posted by Bro Flame

Here, you are wrong. I was genuinely convicted.

I don't think so, and I'll tell you why. Respectfully, when we are dead set in a desire of faith and practice. It is pretty hard to shake us from it, no matter how much a Charismatic or an Apostolic pastor's wife tells you different.
When I hear stories of someone leading a Muslim to Jesus name. I ask what kind of Muslim were they? Were they an Imam? Or a convert from Judaism? Were they are Rabbinical teacher, or someone who was a studied orthodox? Could you imagine your co pastors or your dad backing up on their convictions? Getting rid of long sleeves, holiness attire, and wearing T-shirts and shorts? Your pastor's wife cutting her hair, wearing makeup and jewelry?
They all preaching from the pulpit that outer attire meant nothing, and that the whole church family was going to have a barbeque and pool party?
These are the things I was commenting on, that we aren't very dead set in something if we lose the conviction when we around the people from the outside.

Originally Posted by Bro Flame

For example, I remember the day I felt God convicting me of wearing shorts. I wasn't entirely sure it was conviction that I had felt, or perhaps I wasn't wanting it to be conviction. I was in college at the time, and I wore shorts the very next day to school. I felt completely naked. I remember this empty feeling on my legs and I felt like everyone was staring at my legs -- which, I know wasn't true because my legs aren't anything to see.

Interesting.

Originally Posted by Bro Flame

But I did experience and answer genuine conviction. But I backed on it because I didn't want to live it. I had gotten around a group that told me I could have salvation without giving up as much. It was appealing to me, and I ran with it. I wanted it to be true.

Yes, the fears of my pastors and father were very much warranted.

All I can say is I hope you hang in there this time around.

Originally Posted by Bro Flame

Here, you are right. Had I genuinely believed it, I wouldn't have backed up on or left anything.

But that's the thing. I was always questioning and wishing God wasn't convicting me like He was doing. I didn't want to give up anything, but I wanted to live for God.

I love Apostolic Pentecostals ever since my first experience with the Church. The move of the Holy Ghost, and the power of Jesus name. I hit the floor running and never wanted to stop. It's kind of like a crackhead. They will work as hard as anything to get a fix. They will move the earth to do it. With that in mind, I'm sure not going to let a crackhead out work me on the things I'm addicted to in the Apostolic Faith 1 Corinthians 16:15

Originally Posted by Bro Flame

This female preacher you're referencing knows better, too. She was raised better and taught better. If you were to spend time with her, she'll beging to brag on her parents, her mother particularly, and tell you about all the "traditions" she came out from under and how God has broadened her horizons.

Sounds like she loves her parents. That's admirable. Yet, while she still loves here mother, and father, she took her own direction away from what she was brought up around. Which can be a whole other discussion, who she hung out with just like the direction you were heading. Therefore maybe will cut her a little slack. You escaped, and she is still stuck.

Originally Posted by Bro Flame

Now, I was known to wear more than one bracelet, so I guess did channel Mr. T a little bit. I appreciate the sense of humor.

Thank you.