How Should We Relate to Trinitarians (LONG Article Included)

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>Hi All,
>
>This post is in regards to the messages that have been coming across the
>list with regards our relationship with other church bodies. (i.e. Baptism
>Basics, and others) I wrote this article some time ago, never expecting to
>let anyone else read it (I don't like abuse) but the Lord seems to have led
>me to include it in the list.  I would like feedback on it from certain
>brethren, and any others who would care to contribute.
>
>Specifically I would like feedback from: Bro. Winter [keeping in mind that
>someone who won't use trinitarian music shouldn't use a trinitarian Bible
>translation (KJV) or trinitarian concordance (Strong's) to make his points
>:)] ; Bro. Bassett; Bro. Masoner; Bro Wilson; and Bro Williams. As I said
>all other s are free to comment too.
>
>Please read the entire article before responding, and please make sure what
>you cooment on is in the article not something someone said to you before
>that you think I'm saying.
>
>Anyhow, I hope this helps us come to an understanding of our relation to
>these other churches. 
>
>In Jesus' Name (and with fingers crossed)
>
>Frank
>
>What Debt Do Oneness Believers Owe Trinitarians?
>
>by Frank Vandenburg

Frank,
        Not only do I think the article is well done, I also agree in spirit
with what it says.  Jesus said, "Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father
also is merciful.  Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and
ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:" (Luke 6:36 & 37).

        We must strive to remember that God ordained that the Gospel should
be preached by man to man.  God directs us to people to lead them to the
truth as in the case of Philip and the Ethiopian in Acts, "And Philip ran
thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said,
Understandest thou what thou readest?  And he said, How can I, except some
man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit
with him." (Acts 8:30 & 31)

        Many of the folks being labeled "filth" and "scum" are sinners just
like us, seeking after the Lord, just like us.  The only difference is that
we have a fuller understanding of the Scriptures.  Dare we think that we
have everything down perfectly?  How would anyone like to have Peter meet
them at the Gates of Heaven and tell them, "Sorry, you missed this one point
over here on page 1,214 and you read out of an imperfect translation.  You
can't come in!"

        Consider also the following from the Gospel according to Mark:

Mark 9:38  And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out
devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he
followeth not us.

Mark 9:39  But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall
do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me.

Mark 9:40  For he that is not against us is on our part.

Mark 9:41  For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name,
because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his
reward.

Mark 9:42  And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe
in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and
he were cast into the sea.

        The people I have met are willing to open up a dialog, they are
willing to examine our doctrine, when they are properly approached in love.
Most others professing to be Christian are not the enemy.  They may be like
the Ethiopian eunich returning from the temple where he was trying to
worship the Lord up to the level of his understanding.  At what point do we
actually draw the line with one of these "believers not of our fold".  I
know of a group of non-denominational penecostals locally who baptize in
Jesus' Name, but still understand God as a trinity.  They are spirit filled,
speak with other tongues, prophesy, heal etc. in Jesus' Name.  
        In the Book of Revelation, Jesus claims 7 churches that are His.
Not all of them are perfect.  Does anyone out there know of a perfect
church?  In the case of the modern day persecution in Ethiopia, those doing
the persecuting have rejected Jesus and are out for their own power and
wealth.  Why are members of other denominations being filled with the Holy
Ghost?  Have any of you heard people like Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn,
Jesse Duplantis, Richard Roberts and others preach?  Have you heard about
the miracles God has worked in their ministries?  Which of us will question
their relationship with God, or the Spirit's ability to lead them to the truth?

        I would like to ask you permission to use your article in one of our
newsletters.  

                                        May God bless you,
                                        Glen Strecker