Doctrinal Statement

OK, here's the thing... have you ever been in a congregation that had their "Mission Statement" or "Statement of Faith" right there in a big frame in the lobby?  Ever read it, chuckle and go, "Yeah, RIGHT!"  Just because people put something on paper doesn't mean they really live it. And talk is cheap.

Our experience is that "Doctrinal Statements" are simply a way to get the "Cliff's Notes" version or "spin" on what an organization wants you to believe they stand for.  And typically the most common use for them is to find a quick reason to eliminate or dismiss someone.  That is, most of the time when someone quickly scans a ten point doctrinal statement it is to see what's left off that they disagree with - or what's put in that they disagree with.  Then they can click off to some other site and feel OK about themselves - even though they have murder and division and hate in their hearts. 

We're not going to make it that easy on you. 

For one thing, the Fellowship of the Martyrs is NOT a monolithic structure, not a pyramid-shaped organization with people at the top that get to tell everybody what to believe. This is simply a place for the "martyrs" to have a voice.  We're not trying to force everybody to play the melody line - we'd rather hear a zillion part orchestra with an amazing harmony.  To do that, all we can do is simply trust that the Conductor will keep everybody on track.  We need to be LOVING each other and we need to have enough discernment of spirits to know who has Jesus in them and who doesn't.  And if Jesus is in YOU and Jesus is in ME - then you're my brother, you're my sister and I don't get to dismiss, divide, marginalize and/or hate you.  Period. 

There are lots of people here with lots of different beliefs on secondary things.  So what?  There might even be quotes from people that you don't like.  Anybody that is trying to serve God is going to have haters and detractors out there. Some will dismiss us because we quote Charles Finney or Watchman Nee - or because some other person has an article or video here that doesn't fit your criteria.  Maybe your beef is that some here think that tongues are real and for today.  Maybe you resent that we're OK with musical instruments in worship or women that don't wear a doily on their head.  Whatever.

If you aren't willing to be ONE with all those who have Jesus in them, then go on about your business.  You don't understand God's heart, you aren't ready for war, and you can't march shoulder to shoulder without jostling people - so go do whatever you think God is calling you to do.  Those that CAN love like Christ will go push back the darkness.  You can go back to sleep.  Just try not to get in the way.

If your mission statement or doctrinal statement says that you believe the Bible is the inerrant, infallible Word of God - then crack it open and see where it says that if you don't love the brethren then the love of God is not in you. 

22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  1 Peter 1:22-23 (KJV)

 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not abideth in death. 15 Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 16 Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath the world's goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him? 18 My Little children, let us not love in word, neither with the tongue; but in deed and truth.  1 John 3:14-18 (ASV)
Do you get it?  Are you living it?  Or will Jesus say THIS to you?

42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.  John 5:42 (KJV)

Sorry to make it hard on you, but the Church is just going to have to start learning how to discern who's who based on what the Lord says about them, not what they say about themselves.