Doctrine - 2nd Tenet

Second round of tenet anyone?

OAC Confession of Faith: Second Tenet: The Church: “…WE BELIEVE in His holy Apostolic Church, the fellowship of the saints and the Apostle sent to us as the anointed of Jesus Christ”. [Confession of Faith] Founded on God’s Promise or covenant that God made with the Fathers of our Church, (Abraham, Isaac & Israel) – He shall be our God and we shall be His people (Church). [GEN 17:7]…”

To the author of this tenet:

There is only one instance in the whole Bible where Apostle is spelled with a capital “A”:

Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus

The Apostle and High Priest is not a church or some mere mortal thousands of years later, this title belongs only to Jesus the Christ.

Regarding the covenant that God made with Abram, you need to read the single verse quoted in context with the preceding and subsequent verses.

Genesis 17:1-14 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.

And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.

This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.

And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.

He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

The promise was made to Abram before he was circumcised. The rite of circumcision was the sign and seal of the covenant established with the descendants of Israel who are descendants of Isaac (Genesis 17:21-27). Isaac is the seed of Abraham.

Jesus Christ is Isaac’s antitype and is the ultimate seed of Abraham (Isaiah 11:1-10, Matthew 1:1-16, Matthew 22:41-46, Luke 3:23-38, Romans 1:2-6, Romans 15:8-12, Revelation 5:5, Revelation 22:16) and therefore includes more than Israel after the flesh (1 Corinthians 7:17-20) since all who believe on Jesus Christ are counted as the seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:28-29).

There’s also a spiritual circumcision which the Bible calls ‘circumcision of the heart’, and this stands for separation of the believer and its significance is permanent (Deuteronomy 10:12-22, Deuteronomy 30:6, Jeremiah 4:1-4, Jeremiah 9:25-26, Romans 4:8-12, Colossians 2:10-15).

The OAC’s first “church father” was Carl George Klibbe.

OAC Confession of Faith: Second Tenet: The Church: “…Institutions and Customs (Old Testament): Music Since early times, the institution of music – both vocal and instrumental – has played an important role in the development and practice of the Church of God.

[I SAM 16:23; COL 3;16]…”

To the author of this tenet:

Music is indeed a very big draw card employed by the OAC to attract more members. Many members show more interest in the choirs without really knowing what the OAC doctrine is all about. Some choirs also seem to encourage a dress code which further enhances a sense of unity and belonging.

Choirs are not unique only to the OAC, other organizations also claim to be the “Church of God” and have choirs which are far more prominent and well known.

Music doesn’t prove anything though, music has been used as a medium to convey good and bad messages, as well as false doctrines.

OAC Confession of Faith: Second Tenet: The Church: “…Immanuel-principle Immanuel (also Emmanuel) is the name, with a unique meaning, that was given to Jesus by the Prophet. [MAT 1:23 & ISA 7:14] The meaning of the name is therefore: “God with us”…”

To the author of this tenet:

It is written in the Prophets:

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign;

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son,

and shall call his name Immanuel.

Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:

and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called

Wonderful,

Counsellor,

The mighty God,

The everlasting Father,

The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

And the Scripture was fulfilled:

Matthew 1:20-23 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son,

and they shall call his name Emmanuel,

which being interpreted is, God with us.

There is obviously only one Emmanuel and He is Jesus the Christ.

OAC Confession of Faith: Second Tenet: The Church: “…Immanuel-principle The Immanuel-principle is best explained in [JOH 1] describing how God came and lived among us, His special people, in the form of the body of Jesus Christ. The Word (God) became flesh (the man, Jesus). This principle continues to apply today. [JOH 1:1&14]…”

To the author of this tenet:

John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.

Notice that John (an apostle) is speaking in the past tense and he’s not referring to his own words or those of the other apostles. Neither is he referring to his own flesh or that of the other apostles.

Jesus is the only begotten of the Father and John was an eyewitness of Jesus the Messiah, whose name is called ‘The Word of God’ (Revelation 19:13). When John names the three that bear record in heaven, he calls Him ‘Word’ rather than ‘Son’ (1 John 5:7). Because Christ is the Word, it not only refers to the Father that begot Him but also to everything made by Him.

John the son of Zebedee and one of the twelve apostles was an original eyewitness of the life of Jesus (Mark 1:19-20, Mark 3:17, John 21:2). John’s purpose for writing the book is best described in his own words.

John 20:30-31 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

How does the “Immanuel-principle” apply today if Jesus is sitting in heaven at the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-51, Acts 1:9-11, Acts 7:55-56, Hebrews 1:1-4, Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 8:1-2, Hebrews 9:24, Hebrews 10:12-13, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 3:21-22, Revelation 3:21)?

The Father gave another Comforter which is the Holy Ghost sent in Jesus’ name to abide with us forever (John 14:15-26, John 15:26-27, Acts 2:32-33).

John 16:5-7 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

OAC Confession of Faith: Second Tenet: The Church: History: “…100 to 400 AD This period is characterised by large-scale martyrdom and execution of the followers of Christ, the Christians. The followers of the Apostles (Apostolics) could not freely practice their religion as we can today. They were prosecuted and even executed in an attempt by the Authorities to eradicate the Apostolic doctrine. [LUK 11:49; ACT 6:1-14]…”

To the author of this tenet:

OAC members don’t accept any part of the Bible as historical eye witness accounts, why then would any other history matter? All these things took place long before the OAC was even conceived.

Pentecost marked the beginning of the church as a functioning body (the body of Christ) when the Spirit was poured out on that day about 2,000 years ago (Acts 1:4-5, Acts 2:1-4, Acts 2:41-47). Joel the prophet prophesied about the pouring out of the spirit (Joel 2:28-32). Joel’s prophecy was fulfilled in the New Testament on the day of Pentecost about 2,000 years ago (Acts 2:14-21).

The disciples were later called Christians (Acts 11:26, 1 Peter 4:16) because they were followers of Christ, not followers of “Apostles”. There’s no such word as “apostolics” in the Bible.

The OAC on the other hand originated in South Africa (1927) and they refer to themselves as “apostolics”. A branch that has fallen off a tree loses its claim to the roots of the tree (John 15:1-6).

OAC Confession of Faith: Second Tenet: The Church: History: “…100 to 400 AD In spite of the persecution, new communities of the Church are established by Apostolic Fathers like Polycarp (a scholar under Apostle John) in other parts of the world – places like Antioch, Rome and Jerusalem. The Church expands until about 400 AD. [ACT 6:1-7 & 11:19-26]…”

To the author of this tenet:

Ditto.

OAC Confession of Faith: Second Tenet: The Church: History: “…100 to 400 AD A document, written in the period between 70 and 100 AD that describes the order/structure of the Church, the baptism, communion, etc. entitled: “Didache – The doctrine of the twelve Apostles” is discovered in 1875. [DEU 4:1-2]…”

To the author of this tenet:

Interesting that the Didache is even mentioned at all, firstly because the Didache was not written by the OAC, and secondly because the OAC doctrines are vastly different to the Didache:

• The OAC do not baptize in running water or pour water on the head during the sacrament of baptism.
• OAC members do not fast for a day or two before the sacrament of baptism.
• OAC members do not fast on Wednesdays and Fridays and do not pray the Lord’s prayer three times a day.
• The OAC’s sacrament of “avondmaal” is different to the Eucharist.
• OAC “apostles” receive financial reward from their communities.
• The OAC do not have bishops or deacons.
• The OAC of today do not believe that Jesus will return.

The Didache vs the OAC regarding apostles and financial rewards:

“Receive every apostle that comes to you as you would the Lord. But he must not stay more than one day, or two if necessary: but if he stays three days, he is a false prophet. When an apostle leaves you, give him nothing except bread until he finds shelter. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet.” – The Didache on teachers, apostles and prophets

An OAC admin member wrote: “...Of all the office bearers in the church none receive financial reward except for the Apostles, whose schedules and responsibilities preclude them from pursuing paid work. The administrative staff of the church are employed by the church and receive salaries for their work, although many of them are also office bearers...”

A former OAC officer wrote: “...It's only from the position of elder and upwards where some costs are refunded such as travel expenses and so on; some are receiving more than their own tithes per month depending on where they operate. Well, we all know that all the apostles are well cared for - with luxury cars and so forth, while the struggling members pay for it all - many times they don't even have a decent meal on their own table. Oh, and don't dare to ask for welfare help either, as in the OAC it just non-existent - that I testify out of personal experience from the giving and receiving end as an Officer and member...”

Compare this to Paul (an apostle) who was a tentmaker.

Acts 18:1-3 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

According to Strong’s, the word “tentmaker” is translated from the Greek word skēnopoios and is defined as:

a manufacturer of tents: - tentmaker

The Didache vs the OAC regarding bishops and deacons:

“Therefore appoint for yourselves bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men who are meek and not lovers of money, who are true and approved, because they also perform the service of prophets and teachers to you.” – The Didache on church leaders

The Church: Service Structure: Anointed Officers: “...Fourfold Officer: In support of the Apostle and responsible for the Elders, are the Fourfold Office, namely the 1) Prophet, 2) Evangelist; and 3 & 4) The Overseer (Pastor and Teacher). They are performing specialist tasks according to their calling and establish the climate for fruitfulness. [I COR 12 v 28 & EPH 4 v 11-12]...”

The Church: Service Structure: Anointed Officers: “...Priest In support of the Elder and responsible for the Underdeacon and households (families) in a congregation, the Priest – the Shepherd of the flock of God. [MAL 2 v 5-7 & NUM 25 v 11-13]...”

Apostolic Way of Life: Church Activities “...Mondays evenings are earmarked for the spreading / preaching of the gospel – through bread-breaking groups and testimony activities under the auspices of the Underdeacon. [II TIM 4:1-5]...”

An OAC member wrote: “...the underdeacon is just a servant that’s why im saying open the mind of understanding dont look for Jesus with your 2 human eyes you will never see him use the eyes of the spirit let me make it clear the Word that my underdeacon speak tonite that is Jesus only the Word but I must understand the word my brother to see Jesus...”

There are no bishops or deacons in the OAC and the office of “Underdeacon” is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. Neither does the Bible say that the word of an “Underdeacon” is Jesus.

The Didache vs the OAC regarding the return of Jesus:

“Then the signs of the truth will appear: firstly a rift in the heavens, then the sound of a trumpet, and thirdly the resurrection of the dead. But not all will rise, because, as it is said, ‘The Lord shall come, and all his saints with him’. Then the world will see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.” – The Didache on the end times

Catechism of the Old Apostolic Church of Africa…Part 2; Question 27 (pages 62-63):

“Has Christ already come, or do we still expect him?” (Sic)

“Ans. (a) Because the world expects that Christ will come on a natural cloud, they still look forward to his coming. From Matt. 16 v. 28, it is however clear, that Christ must already have come…”

“Ans. (b) From 2 Tim. 4 v. 7-8 it is clear that Christ must already have come during Apostle Paul’s life on earth…”

“Ans. (c) For us Christ has come, and we see Him, because it is revealed to us through the Holy Spirit and is our life…”

Catechism of the Old Apostolic Church of Africa…Part 2; Question 31 (page 65):

“On which clouds will Christ appear?”

“Ans. We must not confuse these clouds with natural clouds... It is the cloud of witnesses… It is the same cloud under which the flock of God was led out of Egypt…”

An OAC member wrote: “...Jesus is the gift within all of us.. How can some of you believe that Jesus was a person 2000 years ago?? God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.. The Holy Trinity.. They are ONE!! The SON, Jesus is Spirit, he was always and will forever be Spirit!! You do believe God is Spirit? So is His Son.. We as Old Apostolics is the ONLY church that’s not waiting upon Jesus to arive on a cloud one day!! He already came for us, He lives within and through us...”

The OAC today do not believe that Jesus will return because they believe they are the collective Jesus.

Compare this to what’s written in the Bible.

Matthew 24:23-28 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.

2 Peter 3:1-9 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

The good news is that there is only one REAL Jesus and He is the ONLY Messiah.