I am an apostolic. been in the apostolic church for most of my life.
I did get in the mormon church for a while, and I would not reccomend it to anyone
I can tell you there isnothing in the mormon church
here is some information on what the apostolic faith believes and the website it cam from if you want to read more
http://www.apostolic-voice.org/tracts/
What We Mean When We Say
Here are a few terms and expressions that are often heard in our services. We try to use these terms and expressions as the Bible uses them. Our hope is that this information will be helpful as you worship God with us.
Amen. A Hebrew exclamation meaning "so be it," "truly," or "indeed!" It is often used to conclude prayers or to express approval or agreement with someone has said or done. (See Deuteronomy 27:15; Revelations 22:20; I Corinthian 14:16-17.)
Baptism. Literally, the act of dipping or washing something completely in liquid. Scriptural baptism is a vital part of New Testament salvation. (See Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27; I Peter 3:21.) it includes:
Water (Acts 8:36)
Much water (John 3:23)
Going down into the water (Acts 8:38)
Burial in water (Colossians 2:12)
Coming up out of the water (Acts 8:39)
A name pronounced (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38)
Taking all of this information together, scriptural baptism is total immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28:19 commands us to baptize in a name but does not give the name. It refers to the "name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." The terms Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are titles of positions held by God, but they are not proper names. Jesus is the only name the is connected with salvation (Matthew 1:21; Acts 4:12). Acts 2:38 records the apostles’ fulfillment of the command of Matthew 28:19 and gives the scriptural formula for baptism in the New Testament church: "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins."
Baptism of the Holy Ghost. Literally, being dipped, plunged, or immerse in the Spirit of God. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is the birth of the Spirit and thus is a vital part of entrance into the kingdom of God. (See John 3:5.) The initial evidence of the baptism of the Spirit is speaking in other tongues (languages) as the Spirit of God gives utterance. (See Acts 2:4.)
Joel and Isaiah both prophesied this experience (Isaiah 28:11-12; Joel 2:28-29). It was foretold by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:11), purchased by the blood of Jesus, and promised by Him to His followers (John 14:26; 15:26). The Holy Ghost was first poured out on the Day of Pentecost on the Jews (Acts 2:1-41). Later Samaritans receive this experience (Acts 8:17), and the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-46; 19:6).
Born Again. To start over, to begin life with a fresh start. Jesus used this expression to describe what takes place through faith in Him when a person is baptized in water in His name and receives the Holy Ghost (birth of water and of Spirit). (See John 3:1-8; Acts 2:38.) According to Jesus, without this fresh start no one can enter into the kingdom of God.
Christ. A Greek word meaning "the Anointed One," equivalent to the Hebrew word Messiah. New Testament believers use it exclusively to refer to Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah and became our Savior.
Christian. A description of believers in Jesus Christ that means "like Christ" or "belonging to Christ." it describes the object of our faith and loyalty, the One with whom we want to be identified. it is not intended to be an exclusive or sectarian term. (See Acts 11:26; I Peter 4:12-16.)
Deliverance. Being set free from something that has one bound. Jesus promised deliverance as a part of His Messianic work (Luke 4:18).
Disciple. A follower or a student; in our case, we have voluntarily chosen to become a follower of Jesus and adhere to His teaching. A disciple learns from his teacher, obeys his teacher, seeks to become like his teacher, and endeavors to spread the teacher’s message to others. (See Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 14:27; John 15:1-8.)
Divine Healing. The divine intervation of God to cure sickness of body and mind. Divine healing was purchased for us by the blood of Jesus that flowed from His stripes (Isaiah 53:5; Matthew 8:16-17; I Peter 2:24). Jesus went everywhere healing those who were sick (Matthew 4:23-24), and He commanded His disciples to do the same (Matthew 10:8). He said concerning those whobelieve the gospel, "They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:18) Mighty healings and miracle followed the disciples wherever the gospel was preached. Healing is available to us today (James 5:14-16).
Fellowship. Based on a biblical term meaning to share or have in common; similar to our concept of close friendship. Fellowship is linked in Scripture with love, compassion, a willingness to bear one another’s burdens and to do whatever is possible to help and encourage. (See Acts 2:42-47; Philippians 2:1-11.)
Godhead. The divine essence; deity; the fullness of God’s character and attributes. The bible teaches that there is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). He is Spirit (John 4:24), and He has manifested Himself in flesh as Jesus Christ (I Timothy 3:16). He now baptizes us with His Spirit so that we can be the children of God.
Hallelujah. A Hebrew word meaning "praise the Lord" or "praise Jehovah" (Psalms 150:1,6).
Holliness. Separation from sin and dedication to God. When we come to the Lord we are to forsaken sin (John 8:11). We are to "live righteously. and godly, inthis present world" (Titus2:12). Without holliness no one shall see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). We must present ourselves as holy unto God (Romans 12:1), cleansed ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit (II Corinthian 7:1), and separate ourselves from all worldliness (James 4:4). The Scripture is clear that no one can live a holy life by his own power, but only through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; Romans 8:4).
Jehovah. The personal name of Almighty God in the Old Testament. The exact meaning is debated, but is related to the Hebrew phrase "I AM." As such, it reveals God’s self-existence and lack of dependence on anything or anyone else. (See Exodus 3:13-15; Deuteronomy 6:4-5; John 8:54-59).
Jesus. It is a name that literally means "Jehovah Savior," "Jehovah saves," or "Jehovah has become our salvation." In the New Testament it is the supreme name by which God revealed Himself when He came in flesh. It is "the only name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Paul commanded, "Whatsoever you do in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Colossians 3:17).
Lord’s Supper. The practice of eating bread and drinking the fruit of the vine together as an act of worship and remebrance. Jesus began the practice at His last supper with His disciples. It is a time to remember what Jesus has done for us, to examine our own lives and faith, and to recommit ourselves to Jesus in greater faithfulness. It is also called communion (from a term meaning to share together). It is to be observed as often as each individual church deems appropriate, but it must not be ignored. (See Matthew 26:17-30; I Corinthian 11:17-34.)
Offering. The voluntary collection of monetary gifts to support the work of the church and various ministries-locally, nationally, and internationally. Properly viewed, the offering is an expression of love and gratitude for the blessings of God. (See I Corinthian 16:1-2; II Corinthian 9:6-9.)
Pastor. Literally, one who tends or shepherds a flock. The pastor is the shepherd of the local part of God’s flock (Ephesians 4:11).
Pentecostal. An adjective used to describe those who have receive the same experience that the followers of Jesus did on the Day of Pentecost. (See Acts 2:1-4.)
Praise. To speak or sing or make other expressions extolling, admiring, or commending greatness and goodness of God. We typically lift our voices in praise to God, and sometimes we lift our hands in gesture of surrender to Him. (See Psalms 100:4; 147:1; Ephesians 5:19-20; Hebrews 13:15; Colossians 3:15-17.)
Prayer. Speaking to or communicating with God. We response to God’s invitation to bring Him our praise and gratitude as well as our concerns and needs. According to Jesus, prayer is like a child coming to a loving father. For prayer to be effective we must pray in faith and sincerity and not merely memorized words. (See Matthew 6:5-15; James 5:13-18.)
Rapture. Literally, a "catching away." In our context it refers to the time when the Lord will come back for His church. The church will be caught up to meet him in the air (I Thessalonians 4:16-17).
Repentance. A change of mind that brings about a change of behavior. It is the first step in the three-point plan that Peter gave when sinners asked at the close of his message on the Day of Pentecost, "What shall we do?" Repentance is a turn away from sin, a death to sin. By repentance we identify with the death of the Lord. (See Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 17:30; Roman 6:1-2; II Peter 3:9.)
Salvation. Deliverance from sin and unrighteousness through the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord, which we receive by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (I Corinthian 15:1-4). When we truly believe the gospel, we will obey the gospel and apply it to our lives. (See Romans 16:26; II Thessalonians 1:8.) We die with Him in repentance. We buried with Him in Baptism. We are resurrected with Him to walk in newness of life by receiving the Spirit. Full salvation consists of repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and baptism of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:1-7).
Tithes. A biblical word meaning a tenth. We support God’s ordained ministry and work and by giving a tenth of our income. (See Malachi 3:10; I Corinthian 16:2.)
Tongues. Speaking in tongues means speaking miraculously in a language unknown to the speaker. It occurs as the Spirit give utterance (Acts 2:4), not by human learning or imitation. There are two major functions of speaking in tongues in the New Testament church:
Speaking in tongues is the manifestation Gad has given as the definite, indisputable, supernatural witness or sign of the baptism of the Holy Ghost. (See Acts 2:1-4; 10:44-46; 19:6.) Isaiah Prophesied that it would accompany the rest and refreshing (Isaiah 28:11-12), and Jesus foretold it as a sign that would follow believers of the gospel (Mark 16:17). Jews and Gentiles alike both receive this experience.
Speaking in tongues is also a gift to believers after the initial baptism of the Holy Ghost (I Corinthians 12:1-10). Paul gave regulations for the use of tongues in public worship (I Corinthians 14:1-40). He explained that tongues is given both for self-edification (I Corinthians 14:4 and for the edification of the church (I Corinthians 14:27-28).
In church meetings the gift of tongues is used to give a public message, which is meant to be interpreted (the gift of interpretation is another gift of the Spirit). Since the possibility for misuse exists, this gift needs proper regulation (I Corinthian 14:23-28). Not all believers have the gift of tongues for public use, which is different in function from the tongues that are the initial evidence of the Holy Ghost baptism. (I Corinthians 14:18,39).
2006-08-11 21:38:43
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answer #1
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answered by tricialea2000 3
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Well I think we can all greatly thank "tricialea" for her very fine and quite comprehensive description of some of the important beliefs of the apostolics.
I have been to such churches and slightly similar ones before - when younger.
However, for well over 30 years now I have been [what you are referring to as] "a mormon:" - really, a member of the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints".
As another of our good friends [above] said, you can better determine what we believe by referring to the sites he listed above.
2 that mainly come to my mind are:
www.lds.org and www.mormon.org.
I should probably say at the outset that I can now understand why someone might ask the difference between the 2 religions, because on the surface, merely as described here, it would seem that there is considerable similarity.
That may be true to an extent, however, as someone else pointed out, there is a great deal in our belief ...and an enormous amount that is quite different from anyone!!
We believe the greater proportion of what tricialea has defined as beliefs of the apostolics, even to the point of believing, as it would seem she is saying re apostolics, that ours is the "true Church" of Jesus Christ [that's why mormons is fundamentally inappropriate, but we even answer to "Dogs"!! So don't worry about offending us! ... perfectly used to it]
As the very name of our church states: "The Church of Jesus Christ...."
We account Him to be all of what any other Christian church would ... and more besides.
We believe the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are:
1 Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
2. Repentance
3. Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins
4 The [formal] laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost
So, We certainly believe, fervently, as she has described proper baptism in water: full immersion as in death, burial and raising of the body [out of the water] to new life - clean, ready to start again: "Born again".
However, we believe the Gift of the Holy Ghost to also comprise a formal ordinance of the Gospel.
Further we believe these ordinances must be done by those who hold authority from God to be able to perform ordinances in His Holy name!
This is something absolutely unique to the Church of Jesus Christ.
One of the opening ways to find out what we believe is to study the 13 basic 'Articles of Faith' of our Church.
I won't try and re-write them all here, but I gave you the 4th one just above.
Also, it is true what each of these others has said above.
We are a "peculiar people". The apostle Paul has described us thus.
We are also the "saints' he referred to in Ephesians. Hence, the name of our church.
One other very unique belief of our Church is that we believe the Father has an Immortal, glorified body of flesh and bone.
The Son, now, also has these same attributes - since He was the first fruits of the resurrection re this earth.
We believe we will also all have this wonderful blessing of Resurrection and Immortality eventually - when we are finally ready for it.
So, all will be saved Physically.
But not all of us will be saved spiritually.
Only those who believe and follow Jesus Christ will be redeemed from their sins and live with both He and the Father and Mother eternally.
We also believe we lived as Literal children of God - our Father - before this life.
We were born of Him and of our Heavenly Mother - as their spirit children.
We dwelt in Heaven with them.
We loved them dearly, and they ... us.
Everyone of us ever to come to earth was a literal child of the Father in Heaven, but, just as here, everyone had absolute freedom to act and believe as he/she will.
There was no compulsion of Belief.
All of us wanted, so much, to become like our Heavenly Parents, and they wanted us to reach perfection, as they had - just like any loving parents would.
So, the Father offered a plan that would allow us to develop faith, independence and power to become just like them.
That plan meant coming here to earth as a trial run, a test and preparation ... a time of learning the tougher lessons and proving our worthiness to become as God, or as well as we could do - through time - even beyond this mortal life, and to do all this when we cannot even remember His presence while living here on earth ... to do this when we are no longer standing in His presence.
That is the test.
So, we have come here to:
1. Develop faith and personal power
2. Gain a physical body [which will eventually become Immortal, like God's]
3. Be tested and learn to keep commandments when not in God's presence ...
and to learn and progress eternally.
There is another absolutely vital and unique characteristic of the Church of Jesus Christ that I have not yet mentioned ... and that is that, along with this authority or power of the Priesthood - the authority given by God to man to act in His name, the Lord has called a Living Prophet for His Church and 12 living Apostles today, to guide us in truth and righteousness.
We have all tested them...
and We know that if we live the teachings and recommendations of these living authorities of God that our lives become blessed beyond measure.
The current Prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley [today], is His living oracle and mouthpiece on earth today.
We learn much, and receive their guidance in truth and faith in these Last Days of this earth.
Before it is finished, God will make certain that every person alive will need the strict counsel of these living authorities of His Church.
Things will become so bad in this earth - in ALL ways - in ALL nations throughout the earth that it will be imposssible to live safely and adequately without the specific counsel of God that these men are called to give.
Sorry.
My boy truly wants this computer.
Another feature of our Church is its great emphasis on families - and that they can live together forever.
Now, I don't want him cursing me forever, so I am going to hand over this computer to the young champion!
2006-08-11 23:26:58
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answer #4
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answered by dr c 4
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