Visited a non UPC church

[tenngalpal]

Originally Posted by Titus2woman

Who named names in a negative way?

i dont feel anything negative has been written in this thread however in another thread Paula White seemed to have been called everything but a sewing machine No warnings there! STRANGE! Thank God he is no respect of persons! His does not play favorites! The truth shall set you free! It seems many people do not want to be set free but only want their ears tickled! may God bless EVERYONE who has written & been written about on this thread!

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Jay

It was known that in some circles leaders were able to get away with it, but to say that it was an era of tolerance concerning it would be incorrect. Bro. Westburg, Bro. Terry, Bro. Bean, Bro. Ballestero, the Davis family, Bro. A.D. Urshan, Bro. Price, Bro. Clyde Haney, to name just a very few of the better known names held to a high standard. The fact is that many of these men left the organization (I can name many more of their spiritual heirs that have also left in more recent days). This contributed to the loosening of the standards.

The fact that there were churches such as Laurel, where worldiness was permitted actually proves nothing. Laurel was founded with strong holiness standards, but over the course of time pastors who were loose took it away from its roots. One of these men was elected as the District Secretary or Treasurer. It was tolerated in Mississippi simply because no one could do anything about it until the pastor left.

I could name other examples, however it is not necessary. That vaunted 'age of tolerance' did not tolerate worldly apparel on men or women.

Your point is noted. However, I did not infer that there weren't many conservatives and ultra conservatives in the UPC in the past 65 years. I would not only agree with that, but also think there were times when they were in the majority.

This does not negate the fact that men were elected into UPC office, even General Superintendent, who did not hold hard-line positions on things like jewelry and cut hair on women, not to even mention contrasting views of what constitutes the New Birth.

This speaks of tolerance we don't see today - in spite of the fact (as you accurately pointed out) many conservatives have now left the UPC.

For what it's worth your bias is showing when you state, "worldiness was permitted"...

[CC1]

Titus2woman,

I mentioned Grace Church to you and you said you might visit but it is far away. If Spring, Texas is any closer you might want to check out Champion Life Centre (apparently they are confused and think they are in England or Australia judging by how they are spelling "Center"). Here is the link to their website;

http://championlifecentre.org/

[NorCal]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

Your point is noted. However, I did not infer that there weren't many conservatives and ultra conservatives in the UPC in the past 65 years. I would not only agree with that, but also think there were times when they were in the majority.

This does not negate the fact that men were elected into UPC office, even General Superintendent, who did not hold hard-line positions on things like jewelry and cut hair on women, not to even mention contrasting views of what constitutes the New Birth.

This speaks of tolerance we don't see today - in spite of the fact (as you accurately pointed out) many conservatives have now left the UPC.

For what it's worth your bias is showing when you state, "worldiness was permitted"...

Who was a General Sup that did not hold a hard-line on those positions. Even the late Rev Kenneth Haney held a hard line on those positions. And he was considered Liberal on the UC's.

Rev Haney just believed in a different application of that. You do not run people off just because they will not submit to your view of a standard.

I put this out there, if you do not have people in your church with TV's, Rings, Tattoos, Cut Hair, pant wearing women, etc. Then you are not reaching the lost. Teaching like that needs to be done on a personal level, not blasted over the platform in a boasting manner.

Also, a conviction for one pastor may not be the same for another. Why, because that may not be a spirit that he, or his church is fighting. But believe you me, when you live here in California where the spirit of Homosexuality is rampant (even in our churches) you have to take a stand and say "This line will not be crossed!"

You have to learn to discern what is Bible Foundation, what is a Pastors Conviction, and what is your own conviction.

[houston]

what line will not be crossed?

[deafdriscoll]

hey i thought all churches were the body of christ.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Titus2woman

We visited our first non UPC church yesterday. It's a Sabbath keeping church with service at 4 pm on Saturday, that was kinda nice. It was really far and we had to fight traffic and got there 30 mins late. The music was still going and I think it was the Lord that we got behind a wreck because I would have had a headache for days if we'd been there for all the music which was a little driving for my taste. Getting used to seeing women in pants in church was weird. Nobody really had short hair but it was scissor cut. It turned out to actually be a youth service, hence the awful music lol. We stayed anyway and it really blessed us. Even my husband who is much more dyed in the wool Apostolic then me said he enjoyed the service. They were very sincere, the bible was the main focus of preaching that while lively was not nutso... No slobbering, sweating, screaming or panting. Before the alter service those seeking prayer asked for it in the simplest terms i.e. 'for my job situation, for my marriage, for a sin I am struggling with, etc.' One kid said 'I'd like to know Jesus'. Then they came down front to be prayed with. Everyone was able to come pray with those needing prayer but no one was mobbed, shaken or had their ear screamed in. During the altar call at the end of service they took the volume of the music down to almost inaudible so that people could pray and actually hear each other, I liked that part a lot. Although the holy spirit was talked about and tongues are accepted as a gift (per their doctrinal statement) there was not a huge focus on getting those praying to speak in tongues.

The people were very friendly after service and we got to visit some before leaving to come home. There is another church of the same denomination nearer to us but we did not want to go somewhere close to home at first because we don't want to fill out visitor cards or have someone want to follow up or any of that yet, we're just not ready. But we do feel a little better about it now and may visit the closer church next week. Please be in prayer for us. Thanks.

My question is what Denomination was it? Do they teach Oneness as to the Godhead?

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

My question is what Denomination was it? Do they teach Oneness as to the Godhead?

They believe that God is one, yes. I believe God is one. The bible says God is one and they are bible believers so we all agree.

I'm not really ready to reveal the denomination because I don't want a bunch of opinions about it. I want to have a good exploration of it myself.

I'll give you a hint. The way Pentecostals are referred to as people of the name they are referred to as people of the book (bible) ... and google will not help you here

[Hoovie]

Well, I would think there are very few denominations that are 7th day sabbath keepers...

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

Well, I would think there are very few denominations that are 7th day sabbath keepers...

Wrong... there are about 200.