Changing Denominations

[Amos]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

I didn't think that there was any way on earth I was going to comment in this thread... But I have to now...

Great scripture... so very true.

Where there is no pride... there is no contention.

Thanks for sharing the scripture.

You are so right, my good brother.

With humility comes peace.

Insecurity brings strife.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by Esther

I don't hardly know what to say after reading this thread.

I respect anyone's decision to make changes, they are the ones that have to live with their decisions.

I take exceptions to pointing out specific folks for their personal beliefs. I think it is uncalled for, but that is just me.

As long as I have been in UPC folks, outsiders, have called us cults. There are some assemblies I think would probably qualify for that title. But as a whole I don't believe that is a fair assessment.

Like Cindy said folks, we need to respond as Christians, be Christ like. I don't think some of these post fit that description.

Indeed... what did they call Jesus?

And how did he respond?

Being a Christian is more than our hair length and our dress style. It is also walking, talking and responding as Christ did

[Scott Hutchinson]

I am proably wasting my time here,and I need to leave and do something more important.
I love all of you people.I've not tried to be harsh or not pass judgement on anyone here.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Amos

Dear Sister,

Many heavy burdens can cause one to lose balance, and become weighted in one way or another.

When a tree falls, it usually falls in the directions it leans.

Lay those heavy burdens down, Sister.

I truly hope your posts to Rhoni are sincere.

[Neck]

Originally Posted by 2020Vision

Wow, you're harassing her for being upset for the "cult" reference?
Amazing... It's all coming out today. The trend I've noticed with folks that have left the church, by the way, over standards was that within 10 years they had come full circle and weren't sure what they really believed. At first they made sure everyone knew they were "still Apostolic"... eventually they changed belief systems entirely. It's a long, road. Some call it the road of liberty. I call it a pretty wide road that seems right, but in the end...

I have not left the church and hold to many of the doctrines that are meant to be preached. Not the fables. I believe in parables not fables.

The actions of the hardliners on this forum us embarrassing to say the least.

It is again the old kick them when they are down.

If you were to try and reach someone who is leaving your mothership.

Are you sure these comments are the Godly approach?

I don't think so...

Much of the UPCI that I have live for the past 40 plus year was cultish.

Plain and simple.

It was control through fear and pressure..

Which by the way tears down faith.

Since faith is personal and we are not called to fear.

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Esther

I don't hardly know what to say after reading this thread.

I respect anyone's decision to make changes, they are the ones that have to live with their decisions.

I take exceptions to pointing out specific folks for their personal beliefs. I think it is uncalled for, but that is just me.

As long as I have been in UPC folks, outsiders, have called us cults. There are some assemblies I think would probably qualify for that title. But as a whole I don't believe that is a fair assessment.

Like Cindy said folks, we need to respond as Christians, be Christ like. I don't think some of these post fit that description.

I'm still not sure what Rhoni means by "religiosity and cultish practices". She hasn't defined them and I can only guess.

At least Bro Eastman told us what he was struggling with.

[Neck]

Originally Posted by Amos

Dear Neck,

The good lady you speak of simply reacted to her faith being called a cult.

She objects to that term.

Is it any wonder?

Brother Neck, you obviously are in need of healing.

"For the kingdom of heaven is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

If it were not for those deep wounds that are in need of healing, you wouldn't accuse a dear lady of only being blinded by her desire for status, income and acceptance.

An innate gentleman like you wouldn't speak so to a lady if her were not in the throes of some inner turmoil.

Be blessed, Friend.

No healing needed.

I see someone being kicked after years of frustration and termoil.

I understand the entire UPCI thing.

I have family in it and out of it.

It is a 2 way street.

I could careless what standard etc you hold to...

If that is your place then fine.

Just get of your god soap box and stop opening the trap door to hell.

Everytime you see someone go to another church etc...

I have no issues with past pastors or people.

No healing needed......

[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by Neck

I think many of the UPCI ministers in the organization.

Should be forced to go to another church and sit under the leadership for 6 months.

They should not share that they are a minister in the organization.

Then poll them and see what they think of the ministry.

They would say, "Man am I glad to get out from under this Napoleonistic atmosphere"!

WOW!

My pastor holds a license with the UPC, and he is the real deal of a Christian and minister of the word of God. Not a dictator in any sense of the word.

I think I'll skip reading your posts since you are intent on broad generalization.

[Neck]

Originally Posted by Scott Hutchinson

Neck I love you and I do feel that strongly about these things,I say this in love.
I'm not a hard-noser or do I have a mean spirit nor do I agree with my pastor on everything but I agree Him enough on fundamental issues to stay there.

Brother Scott, My comments were more to the others than you.

Love ya...

[Neck]

Originally Posted by 2020Vision

I won't argue with you the the common saint knows little about our Oneness theology, but your facts are borderline Michael Moore status (see Sicko). Most saints see Jesus as the fullness of the godhead bodily. They understand we do "all things" in His name. They understand we baptize in his name. While there are variations of the Trinity even, saints that get that, have a basic understanding of Oneness theology, without getting into the actual theology of it, nor having to articulate it.

I believe we should do a better job at understanding our doctrines better. More teaching, less sermonizing. More ministering, less sermonizing. More Holy Ghost moves, and less choreography.

They can quote Acts 2:38. They can quote the fullness of the Godhead dwells him bodily.

They however could never explain the scripture, Let "us" make man in "our" image.

I know and have been around the UPCI for 40 plus years.