Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam
A while back we were given some words as to what this forum was to be like. These are the words that were given to us:
The Admins have been in a discussion on the subject of making a clearer definition of what we mean on AFF when we say Apostolic. If we were a ministry, we would need a clearer definition of where we stand. But this is a fellowship, a discussion board - it is not a ministry - it is a place where people can come and have good clean fellowship. We want to allow for discussion within the broader range of what it means to be Apostolic. Therefore we have put this together with the approval of the Owners and Admin Team.
Let it be understood that Apostolic Friends Forum is an Apostolic Forum, Apostolic being defined as follows:
Apostolic is defined on AFF as those that believe that every sinner must repent of their sins, and that Jesus name baptism is the only biblical mode of water baptism. That the Holy Ghost is for today, and is received by faith with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues. The saint will go on to strive to live a holy life pleasing to God.
When we created this Forum, we had a few set guidelines we were looking for.
* * We want a place that generates fellowship and discussion, even sometimes heated discussion.
* We want a place where ministry is not being belittled or degraded.
* We want a place where the members on this forum are not insulted or degraded.
* Knowing that many members frequent several forums and belong to various organizations, we want a place where we are not "enemies" to other Apostolic forums or organizations, but are able to work peaceably with each other, knowing that many members frequent several forums.
While we have probably been too lax on some of these in the past, please do not be surprised if you are warned, given an infraction, or banned for doing any of the above. Our goal is to provide a place that generates open and honest discussion, not a war zone to kill each other. Disagree with doctrine. Get as heated as you want concerning doctrine and beliefs, and what you see as error. But learn to not attack the person.
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Notice the words that I bolded. The term "Apostolic" as used in this forum means that we believe in repentance, we believe in baptism in Jesus' name and we believe in the HGB (Holy Ghost Baptism) but there is room under the heading of "Apostolic" to include those who believe that justification/salvation/regeneration takes place before water and/or Spirit baptism and also those who believe that water and Spirit baptism are required before justification/salvation/regeneration. This is the same basis that the UPC was formed upon in 1945 and was defined by the "fundamental doctrine" statement.
At least that is my understanding of what the Administrators meant to say. If I am wrong, an Administrator should correct me.
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