Has The UPCI Served It's Purpose. - Page 14

TRFrance · #**131** 04-04-2008, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pelathais

The "Org. continue as a force in the church?"

"The Org." was a "force in the church?" I used to dream of helping in some small way to make that true, but I know of no time when it could really be said to have been "a force." Maybe a "footnote" or perhaps a "parallel stream" at times.

My viewpoint today is that "the Org." at its best, felt the powerful force of "the church..." But I don't really think the UPC has ever yet been "a force" impacting our larger society and helping to mold and shape the destiny of nations the way "the church" has.

The UPCI has been used by God to lead millions (maybe tens of millions?)into the infilling of the Holy Ghost/baptism in Jesus' name since its inception 63 years ago. If you don't consider that a force, but rather "a footnote", I have to seriously question your knowledge and judgment concerning the UPCI's impact.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mizpeh

The church is the body of Christ. The body of Christ are those who have been baptized by the Spirit and made to drink of the Spirit. 1 Cor 12:13.

Pelathais, who is "the church" you have in quotes? The RCC?

I was wondering the same thing, Mizpeh. How exactly does he define the church? I define the church as those filled with His Spirit and baptized into His name, but Pelathais seems to define the church quite differently.

James Griffin · #**132** 04-04-2008, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pelathais

The "Org. continue as a force in the church?"

"The Org." was a "force in the church?" I used to dream of helping in some small way to make that true, but I know of no time when it could really be said to have been "a force." Maybe a "footnote" or perhaps a "parallel stream" at times.

My viewpoint today is that "the Org." at its best, felt the powerful force of "the church..." But I don't really think the UPC has ever yet been "a force" impacting our larger society and helping to mold and shape the destiny of nations the way "the church" has.

Lest anyone misinterpret what follows as UPCI bashing, I refer to my earlier quote saying I sincerely believe its best days are ahead.

I agree with what Pel said in the context I think was meant.

The UPCI is part of 'the church' as opposed to being THE CHURCH as so many of us were raised.

And his issue was specifically addressing being a force to society at large, and shaping the destiny of nations. No one is denying 10s of millions of individuals have been impacted. (And despite impressions sometimes given here, usually in a more positive way that not lol).

Historically it has also been very isolationist, interpreting spiritual separation to mean dropping out of society for fear of being contaminated by “the world”. So while reaching individuals we did not reach our culture.

Fortunately, the last 20 years or so have seen an unparalleled rise in Apostolic professionals. These men and women have the potential to change the environment “outside the church”.

The reason I have to keep using quotation marks is to pay homage to “our” lingo. Many have not yet grasp the church is not the four walls. It is the people. And they are still “the church” outside the four walls of where they choose to congregate.

The single greatest charge I would lay at the UPCI is that of squandered potential.

Being the quixotic person I am, I once again believe that is changing.

SDG · #**133** 04-04-2008, 09:34 AM

Viva Don Quixote!!!

Can I be Sancho ... menos la Panza?

James Griffin · #**134** 04-04-2008, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Viva Don Quixote!!!

Can I be Sancho ... menos la Panza?

Sancho Flaco ye shall be!

harleypreacher · #**135** 04-04-2008, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garfield

Has the UPCI served it's purpose and destined to fad into oblivion.
Will the Org. continue as a force in the church.

When the younger generation sees the UPC as a organization that has no purpose and will not join an organization that wants to control them and they find that they can reach their world without a manual or Articles of Faith, the UPC has served its purpose. The UPC needs to wake up with a new purpose or it will be a very small group in 20 years. I know a lot of 20 and 30 year old preachers that are refusing to join the UPC, young men who were raised in the UPC. That group will be the judge of the UPC serving its purpose, the next generation.

Felicity · #**136** 04-04-2008, 10:54 AM

I haven't read much of this thread so I'm just posting off the thread title..... "Has the UPCI Served It's Purpose?"

The answer is no. The purpose for the UPCI ever becoming a fact was "the whole Gospel to the whole world." That was and hopefully still is the main focus and the "raison d'etre" for its existence.

If it remains so, if sacrifice is encouraged and involved in seeing the cause fulfilled and if people will be committed to working together for the common purpose - namely "the whole gospel to the whole world" - then the favour and blessing of God will be regained and realized.

I feel that focus has been lost and we're seeing the reaping of that.

Sister Alvear · #**137** 04-04-2008, 10:58 AM

The UPC has not served it´s purpose...they are a powerful voice thoughtout the world...I am not UPC but am grateful to them for all they have done for thousands of missionaries...
Other groups also are reaching out...
My vision is diferent than the UPC however I have no stones to throw.

Pressing-On · #**138** 04-04-2008, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felicity

I haven't read much of this thread so I'm just posting off the thread title..... "Has the UPCI Served It's Purpose?"

The answer is no. The purpose for the UPCI ever becoming a fact was "the whole Gospel to the whole world." That was and hopefully still is the main focus and the "raison d'etre" for its existence.

If it remains so, if sacrifice is encouraged and involved in seeing the cause fulfilled and if people will be committed to working together for the common purpose - namely "the whole gospel to the whole world" - then the favour and blessing of God will be regained and realized.

I feel that focus has been lost and we're seeing the reaping of that.

We that have gone through "many dangers, toils and snares" know that suffering brings strength. "When I am weak then am I strong."

If the UPC is finished then God is finished. I don't believe that one little bit!

Just my thoughts.

Michael Phelps · #**139** 04-04-2008, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

We that have gone through "many dangers, toils and snares" know that suffering brings strength. "When I am weak then am I strong."

If the UPC is finished then God is finished. I don't believe that one little bit!

Just my thoughts.

I should have learned my lesson on the other thread, and have no desire to fight with you, PO, but I really don't believe this statement........God is the same, organizations and efforts change from time to time.

Pressing-On · #**140** 04-04-2008, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Phelps

I should have learned my lesson on the other thread, and have no desire to fight with you, PO, but I really don't believe this statement........God is the same, organizations and efforts change from time to time.

That was a very stereotypical response, Michael!

Excuse me while I roll my eyes - the UPC is made up of spirit filled people - did you think God was going to draw the blinds?

And yes I know they change. I was certain you knew I meant that. Dorito!!!