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Praise the Lord, everyone!

As I was reading the correspondence relating to several 
correspondents to the Higher-Fire group, I was reminded of something 
an old District Superintendent of mine continually drilled into the 
ministers of his district, "Now brethren, there is never any excuse 
for not behaving as a Christian gentleman." Now I am in no way 
suggesting that the brethren who attempted to witness to AOG members 
were not acting as Christian gentlemen but the association did twig 
my memory and I thought it might be appropriate to pass along my old 
district superintendent's comment. (He died a number of years ago and 
was a man who certainly believed in preaching holiness.

Which brings up a possible area for discussion for the whosoever 
will--Is it possible, brothers and sisters, that we have limited 
ourselves too much in preaching what we call "holiness standards"? 
Now, I don't mean for anyone to rehash what may have already been 
discussed recently but why not take another look at this. Do we ever 
preach the promotion of unity as a holiness standard? Do we ever 
preach love as a holiness standard? What about Christian courtesy?  
Why limit ourselves to equating holiness standards with what we wear 
and where we go (or don't go). Now, I in no way wish to depart from 
the traditional standards we have always upheld but  I seek for a 
greater understanding of the Scriptural principles that give rise to the issues and 
standards.   And as we discuss these things, it is always wise to 
remember that we do look through a glass darkly but one of these days 
full enlightenment will come and we will know as we are known. 
Perhaps only then will we come to a true unity of the faith.

God bless all of you,

Brother Ward
dward@fort-frances.lakeheadu.ca
Fax 1-807-274-1552