Moderate Apostolics 2

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I hope I have not misunderstood anything in the selection of postings 
I have read in this thread, but I take the meaning of 'Moderate 
Apostolic' to be those who maintain traditional Apostolic doctrine 
and perspectives on holiness issues but seek for new ways to 
communicate these to a non-Apostolic world.

If that's the definition, then I believe that I could probably call 
myself at least semi-moderate.  I was raised in an ultra-conservative 
Church where there was an imposed canyon gap between the world and 
the Church.  We were admonished to divide ourselves from all worldly 
entertainment which didn't just include television.  We were even 
advised not to frequent shopping malls unless we were intending to 
make a purchase.  

Though I have left the church of my nativity (or re-nativity, as it 
were), I can say that in that environment I *did* learn a great 
appreciation for the ways of holiness.  My pastor, who was elderly 
and old-school, had an intense love for the Word of God.  We had 
Bible study two nights a week, and I probably learned more in those 
first years of my serving God than I have since.  It got me rooted 
and grounded.

Now, I do not embrace all of the teachings of those days.  I do go to 
the mall (perhaps a bit too much), and I *would* part my hair in the 
middle, if it wasn't out of fashion.

They weren't heaven and hell issues, but I had to respect his sincere 
desire to keep us away from the wolves of the world=)  Since, I have 
learned that, while a solid distinction must be kept, the world [and 
I run the risk of sounding terrible, here] isn't as bad as I thought. 

You can, however, be conservative and not be an isolationist.  I 
consider myself probably more old-fashioned than most, but I have 
learned to temper convictions with a love for all who are working out 
there own salvation.  Does that mean that we embrace everything and 
judge nothing?  No.  We must keep to 'Bible things in Bible ways' (as 
the famous Church of Christ credo goes), but we must balance our own 
understanding of personal holiness with a love for those who may not 
have received the same training in or understanding of holiness 
issues.

If we are ever to reach anyone, it can't be with the gloved hand of a 
Levite.  We've got to be willing to lay aside our own 
self-righteousness in the interest of souls.  I think some 
progressive Pentecostal churches are doing quite well in integrating 
their faith into a more far-reaching arena (thinking of perhaps 
the Pentecostals of Alexandria, Union City Apostolic, etc.).  I'm not 
rallying for open borders between us and them; I'm simply saying that 
if we can't afford extinction at the cost of self-imposed 
distinction.

All Honour to Christ Jesus.

Bro. Matthew Shaw