Thinking of Leaving the UPC

[Pastor Keith]

Originally Posted by Religious Nut

Hi everybody. I'm new here.

I attend a UPC church, and have for years, and for months now, I have been becoming increasingly disturbed with several of the doctrines that they teach, as well as several doctrines that are held by the majority of other Oneness Pentecostal organizations, since they contradict what I see when I open up my Bible. (However, I still DO believe in the Oneness of God, and in the Acts 2:38 message.) I would like to leave, but I do not know where to go to, or even for that matter, who to talk to. That is why I am starting this thread. Perhaps some of you have some suggestions on what you think I should do.

Keep in mind that I do not wish to debate specific theological topics on this thread since it is just going to side track the conversation away from where I intend on it going. Also keep in mind that I do not wish to read a bunch of stuff bashing the UPC, especially from Trinitarians.

Thanks in advance for all of your suggestions.

Some of the doctrinal differences that you discussed are problematic if you want to continue being a oneness Pentecostal even outside of the UPC, there are no Pentecostal churches that I know of that embrace eternal security or don't believe if the responsiblity of the believer to respond to the grace of God by living a life of obedience.

[rrford]

Originally Posted by Religious Nut

I do not consider these two issues, and others, to be trivial for several reasons. First, I feel the call to be involved in the ministry in some way, shape or form, and to do so in the UPC, I would have to agree to the articles of faith, and I do not. Second, even though I do not necessarily believe that someone needs to believe exactally the way I do to be saved, the Bible warns us about false doctrine. Third, from my experience, Oneness Pentecostals do tend to be very staunch premillenialists, and staunchly against eternal security. Fourthly, the type of Palagian, "live right to prepare yourself for heaven," works salvation, that is often, but not always associated with denying the doctrine of eternal security, is extremely widespread in Oneness circles, and I do believe it to be "another gospel" based upon my study of scripture.

From the things you describe in this post you may want to start your own church. I know of no group of folks that would believe everything that you seemto espouse here.

Also, other than just telling you to go ahead and leave the UPC there is not much to be said since you stated you do ont want to make this a theological discussion.

[Jack Shephard]

Originally Posted by keith4him

Some of the doctrinal differences that you discussed are problematic if you want to continue being a oneness Pentecostal even outside of the UPC, there are no Pentecostal churches that I know of that embrace eternal security or don't believe if the responsiblity of the believer to respond to the grace of God by living a life of obedience.

you are true here Keith. Hebrews 6:6 Says....
If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

Religious Nut, for starters I am not UPC. It was discussed on other threads about needing to respeak in tongues if you have fallen away and come back. You may not but repentance should be a day to day to day thing. Paul said he died daily. We all need to kill ourselves everyday. But believing a once saved vein is not exactly right I think. But I will tell you this God is a BIG God. He is filled with GREAT Grace and MOUNTAINS of Mercy.

You will find out there are alot of people on AFF here that does not feel all cuddles and smiles about the UPC. Enjoy the ride

[COOPER]

Originally Posted by Religious Nut

Hi everybody. I'm new here.

I attend a UPC church, and have for years, and for months now, I have been becoming increasingly disturbed with several of the doctrines that they teach, as well as several doctrines that are held by the majority of other Oneness Pentecostal organizations, since they contradict what I see when I open up my Bible. (However, I still DO believe in the Oneness of God, and in the Acts 2:38 message.) I would like to leave, but I do not know where to go to, or even for that matter, who to talk to. That is why I am starting this thread. Perhaps some of you have some suggestions on what you think I should do.

Keep in mind that I do not wish to debate specific theological topics on this thread since it is just going to side track the conversation away from where I intend on it going. Also keep in mind that I do not wish to read a bunch of stuff bashing the UPC, especially from Trinitarians.

Thanks in advance for all of your suggestions.

Is there any Ex-UPC Pastors or another one God church near by?

All I know is.....I went through the same thing right Along with my Pastor and about half or more of my old UPC church.

I have been becoming increasingly disturbed with several of the doctrines that they teach, as well as several doctrines that are held by the majority of other Oneness Pentecostal organizations, since they contradict what I see when I open up my Bible.

I was thinking the same things before I even knew that my pastor was re-thinking UPC doctrines.

But at that time; I was fighting those thoughts and thought I was back-sliding.

But the Lord moved me away 1700 miles from my old church.

Our family visited the UPC churches here in Amarillo, but we knew it was not what God had for us.

If you should leave, it is a happy/sad kind of thing....and you will never be the same.

Follow after God........

Follow after God....

Let God lead you.....not man......not me...nor anyone else....

Jesus is your God and he is the way, the truth and the Life.

PS: Religious Nut.....God is breaking hard religious nuts every day. It's all good.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Religious Nut

I will name you two of them:

I do not believe in a literal future 1000 year reign of Christ on earth

I do not believe that it is possible for someone who is truely saved to fall away and lose their salvation, and that those who fall away were never saved to begin with

I myself could easily dismiss these as secondary issues, though I know some would disagree.

[ILG]

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

I myself could easily dismiss these as secondary issues, though I know some would disagree.

To me, they are secondary issues. I left the UPC for other reasons....

[Steve Epley]

Join the Branhamites they teach unconditional eternal security but embrace the 1000 year reign.

[woodstock]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

Join the Branhamites they teach unconditional eternal security but embrace the 1000 year reign.

LOL. My parents had friends who got into Branhamitism in the 70's... hadn't thought about that in years. Is there much of that still going on?

Originally Posted by Religious Nut

Hi everybody. I'm new here.

I attend a UPC church, and have for years, and for months now, I have been becoming increasingly disturbed with several of the doctrines that they teach, as well as several doctrines that are held by the majority of other Oneness Pentecostal organizations, since they contradict what I see when I open up my Bible. (However, I still DO believe in the Oneness of God, and in the Acts 2:38 message.) I would like to leave, but I do not know where to go to, or even for that matter, who to talk to. That is why I am starting this thread. Perhaps some of you have some suggestions on what you think I should do.

Keep in mind that I do not wish to debate specific theological topics on this thread since it is just going to side track the conversation away from where I intend on it going. Also keep in mind that I do not wish to read a bunch of stuff bashing the UPC, especially from Trinitarians.

Thanks in advance for all of your suggestions.

Hi~I've not read all the post~ I think a few member here could help you find what your looking for and they are pastors. Good luck in your search ....

1. ManOfWord (pastor)

2. AtlantaBishop (pastor)

[Old Paths]

Have a nice eternity.