95% (yea I used a calculator to figure it out) of my life has been associated with the UPCI. The other 5% was in a very conservative independent assembly. Due to my father's military service, this meant being a part of churches all across the country and in two foreign countries. My family's history with the UPCI, goes back to the merger, so perhaps there is some heartfelt loyalty. Some would call it indoctrinated traditionalism. I also have friends and family that are either part of other Oneness organizations or independent works. The significance of their faith is of no less or no more value than my own.
Being exposed to so many churches, I have seen the exemplary, the good, the bad and the very ugly. However, this could be said about any organization or independent movement. IMO, God’s mission for the church is not seen or manifested through by-laws, articles of faith, affirmation statement, or a resolution. His commission is realized through His work in the local church on the street corners of our little towns and ever expanding cities.
I have seen many of the negative evolutions that some have pointed out in this forum. I am not talking about missing song books or bus routes. I am speaking of my missing friends who worshipped beside me in the pews (a thought mentioned in one thread), the hurt caused by a pastor who has failed, or the inability to preach biblical truth that will correct worldly lifestyles, unholy minds, and ungodly behavior; not because we don’t believe it anymore, but because we are too eager to appease in a effort to not to appear judgmental. But these are not the result of some evolutionary change within the organization. It is the result of the evolution of the local church (no matter what its particular affiliation might be).
On the other side, I have seen an explosion in this new generation of it sincere desire to devotion. I am excited knowing that my son and daughter are lining themselves up with a group of young people who are dedicated in their worship and desire to serve rather than be served. I am excited to see the call on young men’s lives to the ministry extending below the age of 20 again; not waiting on a certificate from a college or seminary to signify the call on their life. I am excited about 100 people in a prayer meeting not involved in a one-way conversation but a true communion with God. I am excited to see laymen not take the easy spectator approach, but assume their God given leadership roles and are truly invested in the spiritual well being of those who look to them. Again, this isn’t happening because we introduced the song books again (sorry, we haven’t). It is not because there has been some inspired program passed down from a district official or other organizational venue. It’s because the local assembly and its pastors and leaders have taken it upon themselves.
So, to me, it’s not about what organizational changes take place. Organizations will continue to evolve one way or the other; more conservative or more progressive; more lenient or more strict. My salvation will not be a direct result of the acronym placed in front of or after my church’s name. Forget whether your organization or independent movement is going in another direction or coming back to its roots. Let’s start by taking back our churches!
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Only the mediocre are at their best all the time.
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
"It is doubtful if any Trinitarian Pentecostals have ever professed to believe in three gods, and Oneness Pentecostals should not claim that they do." - Daniel Segraves
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If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah 6:8 KJV
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2 KJV
You have centered the target with a direct hit. Congratulations. Your post is well throught through and well written too. I agree with it entirely.
Thank you.
I appreciate all your kind words. The thought actually spurned itself from the thread describing the changes that have taken place over the past. I thought the focus may be helped by shrinking the view a little.
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Only the mediocre are at their best all the time.
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