ONENESS ONENESS

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On Mon, 16 Sep 1996 11:20:54 -0300, you wrote:

>Just thought I would point out that this last statement is not exactly
>accurate. While R. E. McAlister was questioned for his belief in Baptism in
>Jesus' Name for a time, he was never rejected by the trinitarian members of
>the PAOC (Canadian AOG) which he helped start. As a matter of fact he
>eventually turned from the oneness of God and Baptism in Jesus' name
>messages because he found the brethern there bickered too much.

It is sad to hear that McAlister neglected the truth of the gospel,
and lost a ministry. This is not uncommon. Many men ultimately judge
the holy inspiration of God which arrives through even their own
ministries, with carnal perspectives. 

Epsecially sad is reading Bartleman's sentiments toward the end of his
life. He, as some today, seemed obcessed with perfecting the work of
God rather than rejoicing in it, and continuing to seek God. This
seems to be a side effect of fame, and prominence. When a person is
attributed "spiritual" leadership, something can happen to them which
can be very unpleasant (and, as they say ... the rest is history ...
about 2000 years worth.)

In some areas, among limited people, there is so much bickering among
the *preachers* and subsequently, the same attitude reflected in the
saints,  that the work is destroyed, though some cooperation and
pseudo-spirituality may ultimately be achieved. We have to watch our
human nature very carefully. 

This, by the way, is the *miracle* of spiritual organization.
Organization is possible, even probably among carnal people. Way back
to Shinar people have sought to be organized. Thats nothing new.
Independance among spiritual people is difficult, though possible, and
sometimes, required by God for we do sometimes walk without much
encouragement from this world. But Organization among spiritual people
requires love (respect) of one another AND love of God. This means you
gotta have all the pieces working together. This is precious, like the
bread of Pentecost, trashed and baked together, one loaf, from all
nations and tongues. Conservatives dont have this, liberals dont have
this... Only those who REALLY want the things of God to be emminent
and are willing to pay a price of self-sacrifice have this, even
(especially) in their prominence and fame.

Once again, the message and not the man is of God. John the Baptist
preaching any other message would just be any other man.

-mwb