Enough Already!

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

I was interested in the report by Chris Sterrett of a church preoccupied 
with inventing its own standards which refused to fellowship with other 
churches. 
	I don't believe in laxity.  In fact where I live I'm considered strict 
because I have read all the UPC standards and believe every one of them 
comes from scripture, and here in Michigan both saints and ministers are 
often critical of the UPC standards (remember many of these standards are 
intended to lead saints closer to Jesus, and in these cases I cannot 
accuse those who happen to disagree with me of sinning.)  But I have 
never heard of a church quite as strict as the one Chris described

	But I see there is a large problem which underlies Chris' story.  
If a group of Apostolics believe that they have a better understanding of 
scripture and this leads them to advocate what may be better standards 
how on earth can they refuse to fellowship with other Apsotolics.  If 
they truly have better standards they should be willing to  share they're 
wisdom with less blessed Apostolics.

	If they are at risk of loosing their convictions just by talking 
to people who lack their insight (assuming it is true wisdom,) it should 
be obvious they have no real conviction and all they have is a paranoia 
complex.
	The same goes for people who resent a stricter church than theirs: 
remeber yelling legalist is also judgmental.  Learn to love them regaurdless.

	Here in the Detroit area where there are a large number of 
Apostolic churches, there is a tragic lack of love from church to church, 
and somehow I doubt this is tragidy restricted to Michigan.  
	
	I seriously wonder how Apostolics who have never learned to love 
eachother on earth will get along in heaven.

"the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

			Yeaton Clifton

			yhclifto@vela.acs.oakland.edu