Changing Denominations - Page 17

Margies3 · #**161** 01-09-2009, 07:01 PM

Rhoni,

I'm sure that you know already that I no longer go to an Apostolic church. I love this forum because it is a connection to my roots. And in my heart of hearts, I do still believe in Oneness, Baptism in Jesus' name and even the baptism of the Holy Ghost with tongues. I can't say that I believe it as adamantly as I used to be taught. But I do believe it's right. Standards? Now that's a whole other issue.

I know that you are taking some heat here for coming forward to tell us about your decision to leave. But I want to tell you that I appreciate your honesty.

First of all, it will make future posts that you post make alot more sense. Imagine how confused we would all be if we thought that you were still deeply involved in an Apostolic church and then you posted something that made it clear that you don't even agree with the basics of Apostolic faith any longer.

And second of all, for those who feel that it is important for you to remain Apostolic, you sharing your decision openly allows them to know exactly how they should be praying for you. And folks, if we have true CHRISTIAN LOVE, that's exactly what you should be doing. Not being defensive because you felt like you've been called "a name". Rhoni is obviously posting out a heart that has been hurt. Jesus never saw the need to defend himself - not even before Pilate. He knew that what He was doing, He was doing out of love.

Maybe you have 'a right' to be defensive. But how pleasing is that to God? I know that I have hurt God by my words many times in my life. Be honest. So have you! But God has never said to me, "Listen! You can't call me names like that! I am hurt and angry at you for lashing out at me!". No. Everytime, God has said to me, "Come and let me hold you. Let me love you until those wounds aren't so fresh. And then we can talk."

Help me, God, to be more like you in my dealings with people who are in pain.

Blubayou · #**162** 01-09-2009, 07:14 PM

Read most of the posts on this thread and it kind of depressed me. Rhoni- we are all on a journey of discovery in Chirst- I understand you have been hurt- by your friends that you trusted- HE is an expert in hurts and healing those hurts- Keep Christ at the center of you life, keep searching, and digging- He will guide you and heal you. Take a break if you need to- but come back and play with us soon.

ILG · #**163** 01-09-2009, 07:19 PM

I think it's terrible the way someone writes out here hurting or whatever and just gets blasted by those who claim to be "holier than you". The "we're holier than you" crowd, in general, has the least compassion and most condemnation and is the rudest. Granted, there are a few that have hearts of gold, and I won't put them in the same category.

Arphaxad · #**164** 01-09-2009, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Amos & Mrs. CS, You are like so many others and I don't want to be like you in the least. I respect your right to be narrow-minded but I have little respect for the belief system that you espouse: with the exception of Acts 2: 38.

I will keep my "narrow" mind on the narrow gate.
Math. 7:13 Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
7:14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
NKJV

ARPH

\]

Jermyn Davidson · #**165** 01-09-2009, 07:43 PM

Rhoni,

For me, there has been a sense of loneliness, a longing. However, in my loneliness the fact that Jesus Christ is my best friend has become much more true to me and He has become much more dear to me.

There is a GOD shaped hole in the heart of humans that only HE can fill.

If you seek Him, you will find Him.

He is a Fountain and The King and He is passionately in love with you.

Blessings,
Jermyn

franklyn4 · #**166** 01-09-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margies3

Rhoni,

I love this forum because it is a connection to my roots. And in my heart of hearts, I do still believe in Oneness, Baptism in Jesus' name and even the baptism of the Holy Ghost with tongues. I can't say that I believe it as adamantly as I used to be taught. But I do believe it's right. Standards? Now that's a whole other issue.

i share the same sentiments. i was a die hard UPCer and when i look back at my younger days i am ashamed at how ignorant i was and how much i didnt understand. I just repeated what i was told. I was a zealot.

But what was more hurtful was how those who taught me wasnt interested in getting more knowledge or understanding. They were stuck on repentance, baptism in Jesus name and speaking in tongues and standards.

What was important to me wasnt being apostolic anymore what was important to me was that i had Jesus. Thats what i had to accept. the deprogramming was a very difficult process though.

Arphaxad · #**167** 01-09-2009, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neck

I am not outside what he taught or believed....

I am more in frustration with the people not the belief.

I think we all need to get our eyes off people and more on Jesus.

ARPH

jezebelslayer · #**168** 01-09-2009, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhoni

You see: There is a big difference between being "religious" and being "Christian".

Love ya sis,
Rhoni

AMEN AMEN AMEN!!! Rhoni I agree with you ... there is a huge difference between the religious and the spiritual.

Sister Alvear · #**169** 01-09-2009, 09:35 PM

We all I am sure fail but HE never fails...look to Him in every situation...

Neck · #**170** 01-09-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron

There is a lot I could say but in all honesty I think it would be futile.
I have had 5 UPC Pastors & I can rightly say I have never felt abused nor felt that thier authority was misused against me & my family.

Sad.

That is great. That is the way it should have been all around.