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On 17 Oct 1996 13:37:31 -0700, you wrote:

>I don't mean to be harsh to anyone on this list.  I don't see how an=20
>apostolic church could countenance that kind of doctrine or how we can
>just see the above and just say "no big deal."

It was my choice not to condemn, and I don't doubt that I know a great
deal more about the organization than most. Neither did I say "no big
deal". I see a people who are declining in numbers, but have a love
for truth. The exaultation of the elder is clearly for the sake of
retaining identity. It is not a technique we use. Let me put it
bluntly: it is quite common in black pentecostal and baptist churches.

You made the comment that it is not for the sake of spreading the
gospel. I will differ with you. Where the true gospel is preached, it
is cause for rejoicing.

If you feel that it is your ministry to stand at a distance and cast
stones at those who are faithful to the gospel, by all means do so.

I think that the succession deal, as silly as it is, can be easily
understood by simply looking through the pages of history at the
destruction that has torn through churches as men, supposedly gifted
of God, have declared themselves leaders and many away.=20

The McDowell Dynasty's response to a very difficult history is an
inadequete one, but excuse me if I don't throw any stones until they
start to preach that you can be saved by "praying the sinners prayer"
and "believing on the Lord Jesus Christ".

I have no objection to taking saints from that organization into what
I feel is a more spiritually prosperous fellowship, should they want
to come... but so long as people are loving and serving God who I
cannot reach, I would not recommend RUNNING from the truth. Silly
people, fired up by a appearance they don't understand, run right into
the arms of charismatics who ensure the destruction of their faith.

-mwb