What do you think the deal is?

I wrote a post a few days ago about how I feel that God is pulling me out of my current church into a new one. I am not one to get caught up in denominations. I was raised in a baptist church until a few years ago when I joined a nondenominational church. However, I've noticed that in my search for a possible different ministry I've been drawn to apostolic. I don't really know much about the apostolic ministry but I'm fascinated with what appears to be a freedom there.

Also I find myself on youtube alot watching miracle services of healing and prophecies which aren't things that I normally experience at my current church but seem to be very common in apostolic ministries. What are you alls thoughts on the apostolic denomination? Is it weird that it has become so appealing to me?

It's not weird to be fascinated by something that is different...
however, check it with the Word of God to see if it's in agreement
or in line with biblical examples etc.

Nothing wrong with people getting healed, set free and prophesy
if it is in line with Biblical teachings.

Find out how things have gone for that church when there aren't any people being healed, when the offerings were way down, prophesies were quiet...

I'm not against signs and wonders/miracles...I just know that folks need salvation/a real relationship with the Lord and a good solid network of mature Christians when
the "dry seasons" come, because the dry seasons will come.

__________________
We don't change the message, the message changes us.

You need to be a good Berean. acts 17:10-11/ Whether these things that happen on TV/youtube are real or not only God knows.

Instead what you should do is have your bible in your lap, compare everything what they say with the bible.
Warning signs: if anything they say contradicts the bible complete FAIL. galatians 1:8-9

Quoting verses out-of-context to suit themselves, suit you, make it sound like prayers are ALWAYS answered if you pray these particular prayers/ believe hard enough/ tithe enough / donate enough

Excellent music ministries, signs of people experiencing great things does not automatically mean they are from God. Atmosphere and crowd control has more effect than people like to admit. It could be people's emotions getting a hold of them or even spiritual deception in some cases alongside people genuinely being touched by God.

I go to A pentecostal/Apostolic church. I do enjoy it, and I like the style of worship because its spirit-filled and Holy Spirit moves.
I normally get bored easily. So I don;t think I'd enjoy anglican/catholic types of churches. My parents are anglican and I switched to pentecostal because I knew I needed more 'Fire' I didnt get it in the anglican church
However I enjoy worshipping God, listening to biblical messages that preach Christ and Salvation. I alo enjoy prayers that have meaning.
If you are drawn to apostolic, then try it. What have you got to lose? As stated, test the message preached and don;t be too eager to jump on the healing/prophecy band-wagon except its genuinely from The Lord. Not all churches really serve Jesus Christ.
If you are wanting to change church, let this be your prayer point to The Lord. If you have peace with it, The Lord will show you the right place for you.

__________________
“I am he", Jesus said.
When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground.
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

I LOVE YOU JESUS!!!!!
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I've seen many miracles and we thank JESUS for everyone of them.


BUT

The gifts of the SPIRIT must be connected with the fruit of the SPIRIT.

They are like a hand and glove.

You need to see both of them, many times we see the gift (or what seems to be the gift) but no love, no compassion, no peace, no patience, no kindness - that isnt of GOD then - because JESUS was moved by compassion.

So, both are required with the emphasis on the 'fruit'.

Not that you can create your own fruit -only GOD makes it grow, but you can judge them by their fruit -not by their gifts.

-eric

The Exchanged Life

Great advice above, all of it.

What appeals to me in Charismatic/Apostolic churches, is the sense that something REAL is going on. Movement forward, spiritual warfare, prayer for regional problems with anticipation of God responding.

For me, there is a high contrast between great church music/worship experiences, and what goes on in Apostolic churches. They are discerning and listening, in balance with expressing. It is great to praise God, but also to take time to listen. When people encourage prophecy, they are staying open to hear what God has to say back.

I heard someone describe it as a chess game: God gives us something, then we make a move, then He moves and expects us to respond next.

A traditional service is a structured and safe plan of movement, and might feel to the visitor as though God is making all the moves. A contemporary service can feel like people are making all the moves and hoping God will appreciate it. A service where gifts are expressed is a two-way conversation with God.

I am generalizing of course, but trying to show what might be appealing to you, so you can see it's not just sensationalism you're drawn to. People through history have craved deeper understanding of the realities of the supernatural/spiritual realm, and I believe it's because we were designed to receive and be more involved in it than we admit to. We dwell in God's kingdom, and are charged as ambassadors on this unseen plane of reality.

Originally Posted by ezeric

The gifts of the SPIRIT must be connected with the fruit of the SPIRIT.
They are like a hand and glove.
Not that you can create your own fruit -only GOD makes it grow, but you can judge them by their fruit -not by their gifts.

Originally Posted by virtuous3388

I wrote a post a few days ago about how I feel that God is pulling me out of my current church into a new one. I am not one to get caught up in denominations. I was raised in a baptist church until a few years ago when I joined a nondenominational church. However, I've noticed that in my search for a possible different ministry I've been drawn to apostolic. I don't really know much about the apostolic ministry but I'm fascinated with what appears to be a freedom there.

Also I find myself on youtube alot watching miracle services of healing and prophecies which aren't things that I normally experience at my current church but seem to be very common in apostolic ministries. What are you alls thoughts on the apostolic denomination? Is it weird that it has become so appealing to me?

Since you ask how we feel about this...I would advocate caution.

1. The "Apostolic churches" are a very loose grouping of churches that have little discipline or organization between the local congregations, so there's not much you can depend on in that area. Pastors vary widely in quality, and there is a tendency for them to be constantly looking for new ways of understanding the scriptures.

2. While you'll have to decide for yourself what is genuine and what is bogus when it comes to people exhibiting some of the gifts, there is a lot of playacting going on.

3. We should NEVER choose a congregation on the basis of what's fun or exciting. The idea of worship is not that we are to be entertained.

4. Churches that make pentecostal experiences their main "claim to fame" can be very judgmental and self-righteous, thinking of themselves as superior to Christians who have other views about the gifts. It has often been observed that "Apostolic"-type Christians are inclined to minimize good Bible teachings when it comes to other doctrines, so long as the gifts are present.