Why am I labeled backslid and unusable by God - Page 25

Ferd · #**241** 05-13-2010, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

No! Are you kidding me? After I almost got a divorce?!!!

I only read your posts to him to lighten the mood, it helped for 5 minutes!!

whew! I was getting worried!

Pressing-On · #**242** 05-13-2010, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferd

whew! I was getting worried!

Don't worry, it will never happen again. Too much pressure!

Sarah · #**243** 05-13-2010, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffrey

Oh yes. You are such a great help.

You be the fire and trial in everyone's life. We will all praise and thank you later.

Oh brother. Hope you never have to eat your words...

Jeffrey · #**244** 05-13-2010, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarah

Oh brother. Hope you never have to eat your words...

Which words, Ms. Sarah, do you hope I never have to eat?

pelathais · #**245** 05-13-2010, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 192281

So my wife and I have decided to look into possibly attending a different church....
How can this be?? I can’t believe people have this mentality.
Im writing this hear because I don’t in anyway want to offend those that go to my church or disrespect my Pastor but Im so confused...why on earth would people think this? DO we (UPC) tradition holders really think we are the only heaven bound people out there? Like I said we were just visiting and looking around with the POSSIBILITY of leaving but now why would we stay?
Its hurts to think people who have been friends with for so many years could turn their back on us so fast. I in no way would condemn them for holding certain traditions and staying where they are so what gives them the right to do it to me?
Anyway guess I just had to get it off my chest so I didn’t regret calling or emailing someone!...

Your post has already generated a lot of responses. I haven't had time to go through them all yet, so my response will probably along some lines that you've already heard.

The culture of the UPC is very insular. Any considerations of going outside this culture will provoke the kind of response that you have seen. It sounds as though you have a pretty well balanced pastor however. That should make your transition a bit easier.

Yes, we do brand those who "stray" as being backslidden. This is unfortunate and wrong, in my opinion. It sounds as though you are on the right track to finding something that better suits your own outlook. I pray that you have a successful journey and that you continue to grow in the Lord.

Don't worry about the naysayers and those who discount your walk. Most of the "traditions" that you are leaving behind are only about 60 years old. The Church itself is almost 2,000 years old. Stick with the Bible and may the Holy Spirit bless you and your family with joy.

Brad Murphy · #**246** 05-13-2010, 06:32 PM

This is why you don't share things within Pentecostal circles... they either won't believe you or they will think you are whining, or they will pretend to agree with you then turn against you as soon as you are out of the room ... better to just fade away.

Jeffrey · #**247** 05-13-2010, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pelathais

Your post has already generated a lot of responses. I haven't had time to go through them all yet, so my response will probably along some lines that you've already heard.

The culture of the UPC is very insular. Any considerations of going outside this culture will provoke the kind of response that you have seen. It sounds as though you have a pretty well balanced pastor however. That should make your transition a bit easier.

Yes, we do brand those who "stray" as being backslidden. This is unfortunate and wrong, in my opinion. It sounds as though you are on the right track to finding something that better suits your own outlook. I pray that you have a successful journey and that you continue to grow in the Lord.

Don't worry about the naysayers and those who discount your walk. Most of the "traditions" that you are leaving behind are only about 60 years old. The Church itself is almost 2,000 years old. Stick with the Bible and may the Holy Spirit bless you and your family with joy.

Pel... That was Sage-level stuff right there!

hehe

truthinmyheart · #**248** 05-13-2010, 07:22 PM

So you want to attend another church. Ok, great. We were all given free will. My question is, why are you surprised by church member's reactions?

Its not the first or the last time anyone has attended a church and decided to explore other options. However, why did you take on the role of leadership with the possibility that someday you may not even want to be a member of your own church? People placed in a position to lead are expected to have a sense of stability, not wake up one morning and say "Well, maybe this church isn't for me" . If a knew a fellow church member decided to attend service under a different denomination, I really wouldn't mind. But I would be raise some eyebrows if I knew my minister decided to attend another church. Maybe the other members didn't express this in the best manner possibly, but I understand why they would feel that way. What does that say to people who you have ministered to? It just isn't expected of someone placed in a position to lead, and that goes for any church.

freeatlast · #**249** 05-13-2010, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by allstate1

I agree!!! Ferd's horse is high!! HIS post reeked of sarcasm and IMO was downright rude!! I would not wanna be his friend muchless go to church with him!!

Ya know I like old Ferd...but I just lost lot of respect for him. Tha is one very big horse he rides.

pelathais · #**250** 05-13-2010, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mizpeh

Jeff, this person has been in leadership in a church that teaches standards. That means that he was in a position to teach standards. Possibly that he may have had to sign a paper that he will adhere to these standards. Probably heard that those women who cut their hair or wear pants are out of the will of God and are lost. Now he is leaving (or thinking of leaving) this conservative church. He has spoken to his pastor and even visited another church that doesn't teach standards are salvational. I find it somewhat suspect that he would be shocked that some of the folks from the church he was leaving would consider him backslidden.

It's not ridiculous. This is a person who is in leadership and is leaving because he/she disagrees with doctrine. A doctrine which is considered essential to salvation. What did he in all seriousness think would come of his decision to leave under these conditions?

I'm not condoning those who call him backslidden but I'm not calling them "hooded cultists" either. Who 's the one rushing to judgement?

Maybe this person came here to get sympathy and a pat on the back but maybe it is a good thing to have constructive criticism so that he can analyze his motives and see clearly what a honet's nest he has stirred up in his church.

Ever jump into cold water? You knew it was going to be cold, but you were "shocked" when you jumped in and found out that it was THAT cold.

I think that's what 192281 is trying to describe. Can't you guys be a little more open to a new poster and simply engage without attacking?