Ethiocross Blog

This is very good conservative commentary on the study of apostleship. Thank your Mr. Editor for your hard work. The controversy at hand is the call, gift and role of apostleship and the "new apostolic movement" that strives to rule or control the world with its philosophy of the "seven mountains". This organized movement seems to undermine the call, gift and role of true apostleship, the missionary mandate of Christ. I hope you would address this question in another article in the future.

The other area you touched is that of church polity and administration. I am not sure if you exhausted this either. But, you opened the door for discussion. Seminarians, theologians and enlighted believers should take part in such discussion. As for me , I am from the school of thought that teaches that God still calls people to lead his church. As He does, He calls them for service to the Church and servanthood to Jesus Christ. It is not about team leadership but it is like a call to salvation. One has to be called personally to serve the Lord. God deals deals with individauls not masses or teams or tribes. Leaders have to answer to God individually, not as team. However, I understand the rationale of 'check and balance' concept, democracy in the church, etc. It think it all boils down to spirituality and accounatbility to God. When there is no spirituality, carnality takes over in the church. That is where you need democracy, team-leadership model, etc. All of the prophets in the OT and apolstles in the NT were hand picked by God; they were loners who aspired for doing the will of God, not just pleasing the team or the masss. They heard from God; they received visions from God; they baldly obeyed God at all costs. Their unity was spiritual not political or pragmatic or even professional (associational). They all feared God and loved their followers. Malice and treachery had no place among them {For example, Acts 2: 36-47; 4: 32-35). Dubious peole like Ananaias and Sephira could not stand the mighty presence of the Holy Spirit (5:1-6)}. I beg to differ from you as far as church leadership is concerned. I am from the old school, still singinig "Give me that old time religion". Primitive, not modern and democratic I may be, but biblical, I am by the grace of God. Please, do not hate me for speaking my mind. I still love you and together, we can go a long way in His vineyard. God bless you.

It is good to bring such controversial issues in discussions. Most of the point raised by the writer is great however my consern is that the aughtor always present his idea as perfect and as inherent as the Bible. He speaks boldly to comment on translations but he himself backup the translations way of putting terms. He has no rooms for some other point of views. He used to present his conviction as perfect as Scripture. I didn't see him being polite and showing some different perspectives the people may have. The main thing I observe from the writer is that he did not submit even for academics integrity, he speaks others idea as himself that is not fare. Dear friend, don't be faultfinder and always anti-charismatic movement. speak the truth with dignity , respect and love.

Dear Selam:

I think the author should be encouraged for writing his views boldly. Additionally, I don't think the author should be wronged for writing his views clearly, because I see him writing as a Bible teacher (not as a journalist seeking 'for other points of view' as you put it). Finally, I don't think it is fair to label the author as 'faultfinder, anti-charismatic' etc. unless you know him personally.

Have a blessed day!

I read the article and found it to be fair as far as differnt opinions are concerned. For example, recently we all have read the argument between the existence of Apostles in these days. Some said there is no such office these days since their ministry is just to build the base for Christianity and be the eye witness to write the Bible. On the other hand, some argue and believe we still have this office as long as church exists in this earth to edify God's people. The author of this article clearly shows the office exists as the second group belives and also clealy states their job/ministry is to preach the gospel in places where Gospel has not been preached as the 12 apostles did in the bible. This is by far the better solution/ openion to make things workout for both extrimists.

Thanks for your honest comments, all of you.

I have a few questions for Selam (whether personal or pen name).

Do you think fault finding is bad when and if there is fault? You seem to like controversial issues. If faults are not addressed how can it be controversial? You can't love controversy and hate fault finding.

Do you think the points are only mine and not biblical? If they are biblical we have to cherish and follow regardless of the way presented. What do you think?

Do you think all translations are perfect? If you have access and knowledge to original languages, don't you think that will help you see the translation you use in a newer light?

Are you afraid of speaking bolldly? Is speaking boldly being not polite? "he did not submit even for academics integrity he speaks others idea as himself." Could you give me an example where I cheated you? Or you think I can not do original writings?

Do you think I am anti-charismatic? Do you know what that term mean? I should say this, It is not a matter of being Charismatic or non-charimatic but being true to the Bible that matters. If we follow the Word we know where we stand on issues.

If you have personal questions my email is on the articles also.

Many blessings

Ezra Literature Services

The Truth is there infront of us but we are willingly and unwillingly, knowingly and unknowingly rejecting it. This is a fact. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is the repository of all that is True, this is a fact. The question is how many of us are humble enough to put our philosophies and mini religions aside and embrace this FACT. Unfortunetly, times are hard, we value our opinions about Egziabher more than Egziabher own revelations about Himself. The good news is at some point Truth will prevail. The bad news is that that time our opinions will be our shame. Do you feel your hearthardness ? I do... Its the times, but unfortunetly Egziabher has never taken any excuses, end times or not, all of us for the most part have conciously rejected the power of Egziabher, which is manifested in His Church, which the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo has been faithfully protecting the faith and order of worship handed down from the Apostles...as Scripture says, 'he who hath ears listen..."