Where are all the Acts 2:38 folks (3-steppers)?? - Page 47

Sam · #**461** 12-27-2007, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philjones

Well, Sam, not to be argumentative, so do the Roman Catholics... do you see yourself on par with the Roman Catholics?

Your assertion doesn't seem to have much to do with the statement that TRFrance made relative to Pelathais' implying our heritage began in the early 1900s.

TRFrance said, "You seem to trace your spiritual heritage back to the early 1900's. I trace mine back to the day of Pentecost, as do many of my fellow brethren."

I was just commenting that both one-steppers and three-steppers trace their heritage to the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2.

Yes, so do the Roman Catholics. They can list you an unbroken line of popes from the Apostle Peter until the current one in Rome. Some believe that and some don't.

Years ago when I was a member of a Baptist church, we were given a booklet. I think the name was "The Trail of Blood." It showed a chart going back to New Testament times and the author (I don't remember his name, that was 50 years ago) claimed that there had been an unbroken line of churches that taught Baptist doctrine and practice. His premise was that Baptists were not Protestants because they had always been from the day of Pentecost and had not split off the Roman Catholic Church. I think Bro. Arnold published a book a while back with the same premise except he said Oneness Pentecostals had always existed.

Whoever we are and whatever we believe, we like to think we are just like the infant church in the book of Acts.

TRFrance · #**462** 12-27-2007, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam

Bro. TRFrance,
not trying to be argumentative, but those we classify as "one-steppers" and those we classify as "three-steppers" both trace their heritage to Pentecost as recorded in Acts chapter 2.

Quote:

Originally Posted by philjones

Well, Sam, not to be argumentative, so do the Roman Catholics... do you see yourself on par with the Roman Catholics?

Your assertion doesn't seem to have much to do with the statement that TRFrance made relative to Pelathais' implying our heritage began in the early 1900s.

Thank you Phil. Well said.

---

Sam, just to add to that, as I mentioned previously to Pelathais, there was such a hodgepodge of different beliefs back in the early 1900's by those who identfied themselves as Apostolic, that it is probably not a good idea to appeal to the early 20th century believers for validation of what you now believe. You know... Sola scriptura, etc.

.

Brother Price · #**463** 12-27-2007, 07:06 PM

First off, thanks Thad for the nice words.

I decided to come back, because I see some good points on both sides, but some serious flaws in the reasoning. Mind you, I was a 3-stepper until my recent situation, so I do know both sides real well, and willingly fellowship with both. I see no reason to cut ties or cut off people, or down people for differing over one little words definition.

So, here is my reasoning on all this.

Time and again, we read of the Acts 2:38 formula being preached. Repentance, water baptism in Jesus name, receiving the Holy Ghost. The problem lies in our interpretation of what occurs. But, when I saw the "1-step" plan, as it has been so eloquently called, it came at a high cost to me.

I read of where believers received the Holy Ghost before baptism in water. Many times, I have heard of people saying God was making a down payment on that soul. However, they had no scriptural precedent for that belief. We know the Lord will not dwell in an unclean vessel, so why would He come and abide in someone unless they had been made clean? And, if one is made clean through water baptism, why would He dwell in someone before they had been baptized? Too many questions, and not enough scripture was the problem I faced.

Another issue came when I read of Paul preaching our salvation by grace through faith. How can one equate this when a person includes the need of a physical act to be part of salvation, ie water baptism? I mean, if God's grace was not enough on the Cross, that when we come to Him in faith we come under the Blood, then what is His grace then?

I continued asking, with no responses. Then, I remembered a good brother out of McAllen, TX who taught a Soul Winning Class at a conference I attended. He was a PCIer, and he taught well. He was old school holiness, but he spoke well of the need for souls to accept Christ, and then after they were saved, lead them to the waters of baptism. Wonderful course. All this stuck in my mind.

The icing came on the 13th when the unthinkable happened. I remember now, that as I went to the hospital that afternoon before Dad passed, I sought the Lord in the car. I remember the Lord speaking to my heart saying to release my Dad, that He would take him in His arms. Oh, what peace! I knew what had happened, and I knew God had a hand in it all.

I am not going to down tree-steppers and claim they are not Apostolic. I believe, just as what happened with the merger, we must work while it is day.

OK, my $0.02 worth. Love all.

TRFrance · #**464** 12-27-2007, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brother Price

I decided to come back, because I see some good points on both sides, but some serious flaws in the reasoning. Mind you, I was a 3-stepper until my recent situation,

The icing came on the 13th when the unthinkable happened. I remember now, that as I went to the hospital that afternoon before Dad passed, I sought the Lord in the car. I remember the Lord speaking to my heart saying to release my Dad, that He would take him in His arms. Oh, what peace! I knew what had happened, and I knew God had a hand in it all.

Your dad got filled with the Holy Ghost hadn't been baptized? What that the situation ?

Brother Price · #**465** 12-27-2007, 07:14 PM

I watch my Dad change, a true showing of the grace of the Lord. He had repented of his sins, and this was clearly evident. He died before possibly receiving the Holy Ghost baptism, but I cannot be certain. I have assurance and faith in my heart that he made it, and is doing wonderfully now.

Hoovie · #**466** 12-27-2007, 07:34 PM

Bro Price, I am sorry again about your recent loss and rejoice with you in the assurance you recieved. There is no peace like that which God gives when we rest in him.

Rhoni · #**467** 12-27-2007, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brother Price

I watch my Dad change, a true showing of the grace of the Lord. He had repented of his sins, and this was clearly evident. He died before possibly receiving the Holy Ghost baptism, but I cannot be certain. I have assurance and faith in my heart that he made it, and is doing wonderfully now.

My Dad the same thing...he repented and was baptized in Jesus name before he died but never spoke in tongues to my knowledge but God did a miraculous work in him. He's in God's hands now

Brother Price · #**468** 12-27-2007, 07:39 PM

I came to a stark realization in it all. God is God, and I am not. When He spoke what He did to me, oh the peace. And now, just less than a week since the funeral, I can now stare at the grave, and know that God has my Dad well in hand, and Dad is without pain now.

Hallelujah!