freedom is not a very good word IMO. There are many issues to deal with if the pastor chooses to live outside the UPCI norm. Thats both ways.....liberal or UC
I am aware of this. But my point is every man has their choice to live for God as they feel they should and as they feel the Bible teaches.
__________________ Mrs. LPW
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
I am aware of this. But my point is every man has their choice to live for God as they feel they should and as they feel the Bible teaches.
It's unfortunate that everyone does not have this attitude.
If we all trusted each other to hear from God and make our own choices, we could fellowship much more openly and cheerfully.
In my opinion, the problem is that folks who attend a church where the standards are a bit more stringent are taught either blatantly, or subliminally, that anyone who doesn't hold as high of a standard as they do are backslidden, less holy, etc.
Hence the term that was phrased - "competitive holiness".
__________________ "Many people view their relationship with God like a "color by number" picture. It's easier to let someone else define the boundaries, tell them which blanks to fill in, and what color to use than it is for them to take a blank canvas and seek inspiration from the Source in order to paint their own masterpiece"
It's unfortunate that everyone does not have this attitude.
If we all trusted each other to hear from God and make our own choices, we could fellowship much more openly and cheerfully.
In my opinion, the problem is that folks who attend a church where the standards are a bit more stringent are taught either blatantly, or subliminally, that anyone who doesn't hold as high of a standard as they do are backslidden, less holy, etc.
Hence the term that was phrased - "competitive holiness".
which is natural.
I think the cheerful fellowship across the board is nearly impossible.
I think God is adding daily to the church, and of His Kingdom there shall be no end.
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Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW
I don't think you do... for the record... but I know there are some that do!
I have to add, I agree also, if we put some goals in place and strive for them, that's a good thing.
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Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW
Incredibly true and sobering.
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Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW
How long have you been out of the UPC Dan? Our church pastors do govern their own. They have the right to teach on things as they see fit.
(They have for as long as I've been around UPC.. and I've been around since I was four)
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Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW
Not in about five years, but I know they haven't changed much since then.
That said... almost all of our churches are autonomous as stated before... and it's left up to each individual pastor how often they teach on things.
There are no police who go around to the churches under cover to see if they are teaching on outward things every 5th Sunday.
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Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW
I think there are a few reasons why GC attendance may be down.
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Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW
That's my point Bro...
Thanks for reiterating it!
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Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW
Taken from the first page of their website...
"The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) has been among the fastest growing church organizations in North America since it was formed in 1945 by the merger of the Pentecostal Church, Incorporated, and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ... [more"
I'll leave it at that. I think when people get caught up in their past experiences and allow those experiences to jade their view of the future they are the ones missing out.
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Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW
And that is entirely up the the individual churches and pastors, as I said before. No one holds a gun to anyone's head.. and everyone is free to leave just as you have.
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Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW
I am aware of this. But my point is every man has their choice to live for God as they feel they should and as they feel the Bible teaches.
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Originally Posted by Mrs. LPW
Could be.
I think the above are all my posts, I tried to find them all... I never disputed the thread title... or the thread itself.
I hope you didn't think I was, but as you can see I wasn't.
__________________ Mrs. LPW
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
I think the above are all my posts, I tried to find them all... I never disputed the thread title... or the thread itself.
I hope you didn't think I was, but as you can see I wasn't.
no not at all.......I was just asking in general if somebody had ever posted concrete numbers.
It's unfortunate that everyone does not have this attitude.
If we all trusted each other to hear from God and make our own choices, we could fellowship much more openly and cheerfully.
In my opinion, the problem is that folks who attend a church where the standards are a bit more stringent are taught either blatantly, or subliminally, that anyone who doesn't hold as high of a standard as they do are backslidden, less holy, etc.
Hence the term that was phrased - "competitive holiness".
Totally unfortunate... My mother always used to tell me "God is still on the throne and this is His church, not ours" I often need to remind myself that though organizations can see decline the Church will always be triumphant.
I belong to this org because it still fits, and I don't like to see anyone (not the person who started this thread, because I know it wasn't his intent) take pleasure in seeing the organization I am a part of have a decrease in numbers.
But one day I'm going to stand in a crowd that will be innumerable and I find myself looking forward to that day more and more.
__________________ Mrs. LPW
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Totally unfortunate... My mother always used to tell me "God is still on the throne and this is His church, not ours" I often need to remind myself that though organizations can see decline the Church will always be triumphant.
I belong to this org because it still fits, and I don't like to see anyone (not the person who started this thread, because I know it wasn't his intent) take pleasure in seeing the organization I am a part of have a decrease in numbers.
But one day I'm going to stand in a crowd that will be innumerable and I find myself looking forward to that day more and more.
And guess what - there we won't be judged by appearance either!
__________________ "Many people view their relationship with God like a "color by number" picture. It's easier to let someone else define the boundaries, tell them which blanks to fill in, and what color to use than it is for them to take a blank canvas and seek inspiration from the Source in order to paint their own masterpiece"
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