Tulsa Report Day 2

[TrmptPraise]

Originally Posted by RevBuddy

I understand...I then must emphasize again that I preach what is IN the WORD...

repentance, water baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ, the infilling of the Holy Ghost by the evidence of speaking with other tongues... and living a godly and holy life in this present world...I do preach and teach, same!

Ok?

oops....I should have know better that he would be quick to defend himself

Originally Posted by RevBuddy

Steadfast...is the above your only Gospel? I agree with you about a steady erosion of traditional holiness standards. And, in a measure, that is also disturbing to me. However, this perceived erosion has caused me to examine my PERSONAL convictions to ensure I am not simply following traditionism.

For some time now, I have decided to teach and preach - now don't be shocked - what is IN the Bible. Not what I WANT or WISH was IN the Bible! So, I minister to individuals and churches from His Word. I teach specifics and principles, but I do not teach against things that are not in the Word. Neither do I subtract from His Word - preaching His Word without fear or favorj - I keep a clean conscience by staying within His Word and Statutes.

Does any of this make sense?

"Is the above your only gospel?"

I find the quesiton humorous and a telling hint that you obviously have no clue about my ministry. The Church I lead testifies about the balance and doctrinal purity I try to maintain in my congregation.

But, rather than defend what I am and what my ministry is built around I'll just let some of those on here who have been to my Church 'qualify' it for you.

Using your own post I could well twist your words to surmise that "If it's not spelled out in the Bible then you have no business preaching about it." To this I could respond in kind and say, "Is that your only gospel?" because, if so, then that would put us in a hard spot as it pertains to such things as crack cocaine, child pornography, internet sex chat rooms and many other things.

The difference? I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt that your 'gospel' is bigger and more balanced than what you can list in one post.

Originally Posted by jrLA

Really! I am not being sarcastic in the least. But this is not an easy thing to achieve in today's Pentecost.

To this, my friend... I can readily testify!

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Felicity

Serious? Wow!

Absolutely...convicted my little pea-pickin' heart I can tell you.

[George]

Now, however, there are some environments that I go to that makes you wonder how they went from the epitome of looking Apostolic to... well... what they have become. At the risk of this becoming a 'standards' thread I think the general attitude has now gone from accepting that 'they are the worldly minority' to realizing that certain environments are moving completely away from the distinctives that set us apart.

This brings me to another point. I'm guessing that you'll see MANY more people making the 'Tulsa' move from certain districts than from others. It will be predicated on some who are in districts that say, "I just can't keep supporting the direction they are going" while in other districts there won't be many who leave because, bottom line, they don't see the trend of moving away from those Pentecostal distinctives.

Steadfast - It could be argued standards are not the big issue either. California is largely affected by WPF and you would have to agree even the "liberal" churches of California still look conservative by comparision to some other districts.

Originally Posted by George

Steadfast - It could be argued standards are not the big issue either. California is largely affected by WPF and you would have to agree even the "liberal" churches of California still look conservative by comparision to some other districts.

You might be surprised to know that I agree with you for the most part. I think the reall issue has MUCH more to do with the direction they feel others are heading than it does with any particular standards.

As to California as compared to some of the other districts? You are exactly right.

[AmazingGrace]

Well I have nothing to add to this thread since I said I wasnt gonna post no more bout Tulsa... so all I can say is... I know what IAINTs problem is......... He wants to be just like Steadfast!!! LOLOLOL

[TrmptPraise]

Originally Posted by Steadfast

I think the reall issue has MUCH more to do with the direction they feel others are heading than it does with any particular standards.

Now I am confused. If the its not about particular issues (TV...etc..), what is it about? What is this new direction that the UPC has so soundly turned to if it is not about issues that more conservatives cannot tolerate?

[TrmptPraise]

Originally Posted by AmazingGrace

Well I have nothing to add to this thread since I said I wasnt gonna post no more bout Tulsa... so all I can say is... I know what IAINTs problem is......... He wants to be just like Steadfast!!! LOLOLOL

Nice to see you, AG.

[AmazingGrace]

Originally Posted by TrmptPraise

Nice to see you, AG.

Thank you... nice to be seen since I am being seen in a nice way... see guys I can be nice when I want to LOL