I have Left the UPC Church

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

They are God's Gift to the Church.
At least, that is what the Bible says.

Thanks for your estimation and esteem of what God gave His people.

I would perhaps describe the gift a little differently.

Yes, they are: gifts from the returning Bridegroom (Jesus) to help His bride (the church) to be prepared for His return. When I was engaged, I cherished everything my future husband gave to me. They were given out of his love, and I was blessed by them. What a horrible thing it would have been if I had sneered at, mocked, and/or rejected those things because "I" didn't "feel" that they were "what I needed".

Originally Posted by Old Paths

THE GIFT is perfect not the man/woman.

Eph 4:8-16

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

9(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
KJV

Aw, elder, now you went and did it: you posted scripture. Meanie!!!

Originally Posted by Rico

The imperfect fulfilling the perfect. What a concept. It says a lot about the trust God has in His creation, doesn't it?

It says a lot about the trust God has in the power of His Spirit to change lives and empower them to be perfected in true holiness.

[Jack Shephard]

Originally Posted by SISTER Murphy

Yes, they are: gifts from the returning Bridegroom (Jesus) to help His bride (the church) to be prepared for His return. When I was engaged, I cherished everything my future husband gave to me. They were given out of his love, and I was blessed by them. What a horrible thing it would have been if I had sneered at, mocked, and/or rejected those things because "I" didn't "feel" that they were "what I needed".

SISTER, I appreciate what you are saying, but you are looking down the wrong path here. God gives many things and he does ask us to give up things. But if he gives us something but asks us to stop other things then that "gift" is no longer a gift. It becomes a bribe. Yes I cherished things that my future wife gave me as you did. God does the same, but no gift comes with exception. My wife gave and gives unconditionaly to me, so does God. What kinda of conditions would God put on His grace and mercy? None...

[StillStanding]

Originally Posted by JTULLOCK

.... What kinda of conditions would God put on His grace and mercy? None...

Is it really grace and mercy if it has any conditions? I thought grace and mercy were always given undeserved.

[ChTatum]

Originally Posted by Michlow

Umm...yeah, not yet, anyway. But I am not expecting this to be a permanent thing. In fact, I plan to visit AFF's own ChTatum, sometime in the near future

Be careful, sis, some will not see this as a "good" thing.

[Jack Shephard]

Originally Posted by Pianoman

Is it really grace and mercy if it has any conditions? I thought grace and mercy were always given undeserved.

Exactly my point. No conditions on grace and mercy, for mercy is not getting the punishment we deserve and grace is getting forgiveness that is so undeserved.

Originally Posted by ChTatum

Be careful, sis, some will not see this as a "good" thing.

Exactly! We see it as a GREAT thing.

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by Trouvere

Assembling ourselves together would take alot of unity and superglue or
duct tape.

Want to try a serious definition? I believe you called this post thoughtless:

Originally Posted by Timmy

Michlow attends church in her living room, with her husband. Too small of a fellowship for you? Maybe she can decide that for herself.

Originally Posted by Trouvere

He wins the gong award.That was a thoughtless answer.Sorry but I have to agree to disagree.

We can agree to disagree, that's fine. But what am I disagreeing with?

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by Michlow

I haven't been around much lately, and when I am, I mainly lurk. Many of you on here, have known me for over 3 years now, through all the various incarnations of the forum. You saw me liberal, and then conservative, and then go back to the liberal side of things. You have witnessed many changes in my character, some good, some bad.

I have always tried to be transparent and honest about my spriritual journey. I have never been one to shy away from admitting my struggles or doubts.

So with that in mind, I share the lastest chapter. Several weeks back, I made the decision to leave the apostolic church completely. Truth be told, for a long time, I was only halfway in. Yes, I questioned standards. But there were many other things I questioned as well. Recently I realized that I had reached a point where there was more that I disagreed with, that what I agreed with. I also realized that I no longer identified myself as "apostolic" or "upc", but simply as "christian" or a "believer". So the change is pretty minimal.

So Ultra-Con's, you can put on your sackcloth and ashes; and liberals you can rejoice

Mich go back to the Apostolic Pentecostal Church.

In Jesus name

Brother Benincasa

www.OnTimeJournal.com