Salvation The Pentecostal Way 1

• Messages sorted by:[ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]

Sis. Yohnk wrote:

----------
| From: ryohnk@juno.com

| >The questions raised by Sis. Anneliese and Sister Lynne are those 
| >which have always perplexed and separated Apostolics.
| 
| Some are perplexed because they are young in the faith.  Some, because
| they do not have faith.  

I would ask that you not make statements about the faith of others until
you know them a little better.  Allow me to introduce myself (as I haven't
seen you post much before).  My name is Sis. Anneliese Clear (married to
Caryle Clear).  I have been saved (I do "have faith") for 10 years (not
"young").  While I do not propose to defend myself or the general state of
my salvation to many people, I feel the record needs to be set straight in
my case.

The questions I asked are legitimate ones.  They deal with issues of the
general operation and organization of the Church today (regardless of
"organization" ...they appear to be similar).  Fact 1---the amount of
outreach that occured during the time of Acts is neither practiced, nor
encouraged in most Apostolic Churches today.  People have adopted the very
Catholic "sit in the pew and listen" attitude.  Generally the strongest
churches I've seen are the ones which have very large and organized
outreach programs (Home Bible Studies, Cell/Care Groups, etc.).  These
people are "out there" ministering 6-7 days a week.  Fact 2---over and
over, those who are chosen of God are called to help the poor, afflicted,
widows and fatherless.  Yet I see more Catholic Crisis Pregnancy centers
than anything else.  Divorcees are often shunned when they need Godly
support.  The general attitude I've come across:  Ugh.  Fact 3---I have
watched, all too often, brand-new "babies" in the church (or sometimes,
visitors), be given the "standards/house rules" lecture by some
well-intended, but off-timed Saint before the Lord has had a chance to
prepare their heart to receive this instruction.  Paul would call this the
classic Meat before Milk syndrome.

In general, these are the points and questions I have raised over the years
I have been on this list.  They are well-grounded in deep study of the
scripture, and, in my opinion, represent not a lack of faith, nor an
immature faith, but on the contrary...a faith so strong, it desires to see
more people, of *all* types, situations, colors, welcome and loved
regardless in our churches.  Nine times out of ten...when someone makes the
decision to leave this precious truth, it wasn't due to some petty squabble
between that person and someone else.  No, it is due to some pain and hurt
that was deep within the heart of the newcomer that was rubbed open, or a
Saint who is experiencing a trial and is lectured rather than loved, or due
to a Saint or Pastor unknowingly (or not) ostracizing someone due to
factors beyond their control.  (A case in point...My sister was visiting an
Apostolic church and was told she was a "victim of society" because she is
bi-racial.  Needless to say, as long as that narrow-minded attitude
persists at that particular church...my sister refuses to visit there.)


This by no means represents the whole of the things I have observed...but
rather than discount Pentecost altogether, I want change.  I believe in
Acts 2:38, standards, and the whole 9 yards, but I don't believe in unGodly
arrogance when it comes to those who may be struggling.
I hope that clears things up a bit.
Anneliese