The Apostolic Dialogue With Catholics 3

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ReedActs@aol.com wrote:

>  Mike:
>  I guess I just don't understand you. If you believe that other
> "Christians"
> are saved, then why should we proclaim our beliefs to them at all? Why
> should
> they be rebaptized? M.R.

I was expecting to hear from you Brother Reed!  Just because I believe
that others experience the reality of God's salvation does not mean I
feel no need to share the Apostolic gospel with them.  There are many
hungry Christians out there, hungry to experience more of God's
salvation.  Isn't this similar to our Apostolic forefathers?  They
considered themselves Christians, worshipped and served God as best they
knew how, and because of their sincerity God blessed them with the
Apostolic truth you and I now know.  As Apostolics we can treat other
Christians with dignity and respect by acknowledging their faith in
Christ and Christian experience while sharing our distinctive Apostolic
beliefs.  This is all I really desire to do.  Besides, have you ever
witnessed the joy a denominational Christian experiences when they
receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, are baptized in Jesus name, and
receive the revelation of the fullness of God in Christ?  It is an
overwhelming spiritual experience!  Why would I want to deprive them of
that experience?

I believe I presented my understanding of water baptism and rebaptism on
higher-fire last spring so I don't want to be repetitive.  Check the
higher-fire archives for some posts entitled "A Rebaptized Theologian".
Being rebaptized when one becomes a part of Christian community is a
widely accepted practice.  It signifies acceptance of the communities
way of life in Jesus Christ.  Isn't this what is happening to Apostolic
converts? 

God Bless!

Steve