Want to help me pick a new religion?

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

Not a UPC forum, there's a anitupc resentment crowd here. That's probably what PO was refering to.

Well I joined up years ago... when I wanted to be all things apostolic. The people seemed crabby so I just never posted... Then recently as we were pulling back from church I started reading/posting here. Mostly looking for fellowship but being drawn in by some of the interesting topics and all the different views. Until this forum I pretty much thought all apostolics were robots.

It never occured to me that the fourm itself had a lean unless it was apostolic. I figured that all the rest were just individual opinions... So what says the Admin who owns this board... Is this an anit-UPC forum?

[Amanah]

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

someone comment on my post so I dont feel left out.

[Truthseeker]

Dont think acts 14:22 pertains to dealing issues within the church.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Titus2woman

NOT looking for Utopia... just normal screwed up would suit me fine.

This is an ANTI- UPC forum??? Woza... I thought it was a UPC forum... I'm such a dodo. LOL!

Normal is only when you have spent time in His presence. The world is wacko. LOL! I remember a missionary telling us that someone asked him how he loved the country he was serving. He said, "I love the country. It's the people I can't stand." LOL!

People are way more scary than the devil - any day of the week.

[Truthseeker]

Originally Posted by Amanah

Thanks!!!

[The Lemon]

I do think that there is a difference between clear commands in scripture versus what would be considered hard stances on Biblical principle. If anybody calling themselves a Christian has a normative pattern for the works of the flesh, I could see that as being quite hypocritical.

I can not say the same thing about some doctrinal teachings that use Biblical principle and mix it with western culture, sorry...just does not work for me.

There is something to be said for actually being the church rather then just going to church. For me, I know I am guilty of not doing things that I should do ALOT more of...like visiting the widow, feeding the poor etc. In my previous church it was not a real focal point at all, most things were done in and around the church - programs, fund raisers, even attendance drives...everything was centered around the church...not the community at large.

It makes sense that folks are wanting more genuwine relationship not only to God but also to the hurting that we are commissioned to reach. Programs and staus quo do not save people, at least in my experience..

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Truthseeker

Dont think acts 14:22 pertains to dealing issues within the church.

Staying true to the faith would include some dealing with issues within the church, IMO.

[Titus2woman]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

You won't be able to get around Acts 14:22 no matter how hard you try or wish for it.

In HIS presence is fullness of joy. That is where we find our peace in this life - in His presence - in the secret place of the most high. We can endure anything if we can get alone and spend time in the secret place. (Psalm 91:1)

Does that mean we won't ever find joy and peace in our service to Him from day to day, certainly not. But, we should be wise enough to know, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable." (I Corinthians 15:19); "For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come."(Hebrews 13:14)

You wanted a discussion and I gave you my view. If we don't agree, that is fine. We don't have to agree. I have been through many things in my years serving God. Someone once said, "More than some and fewer than others. When it is yours, it's more than some."

I could talk about a time when I became discouraged and weak. I was so discouraged that I wasn't praying or reading His Word like I should have. It was through that time, and I won't go into detail, but He came to me with dreams, scriptures, songs, messages through the preaching, etc., telling me, "Don't go that way. It's not what you want. I love you". He loved me more than I loved myself.

It was while being a Christian that I saw how much He loved me. It was a very different realization than when I first came to repentance and started my walk with Him. It was years down the road that I discovered His very deep love and His watchful eye. That made the biggest impact on my life. I wish I could feel the liberty to go into details, but I can't.

Forgive me if I came across as too direct. I don't think I could have avoided it. Praying you find His will. I know He won't walk away from you.

It's all good.

I love that PM thingy for things that are not really something to be shared in public and I would love to hear your story if you ever have time.

Peace.

[Sabby]

Originally Posted by Le Penseur

Ah... someone who gets how I've felt for such a long time. I feel for you T2W, I really do.

I recently left the Apostolic/OP movement altogether, as I could no longer in good conscience support a ministry that I believed to be in error. I have come to believe the old PCI doctrine of justification at faith/repentance that is all but lost in OP. I have found a non-denominational congregation that believes in justification by faith, exercises the gifts of the Spirit and has a similar worship experience. As most have already expressed, you won't find a congregation or pastor that is perfect, or that completely aligns with where you are in your relationship with Jesus. I haven't, but I have found a place where I can be nursed back to a healthy attitude and begin growing again. I believe I've heard from God on this, and He has placed me where I am for a season of healing. Long term? Only He knows, but He orders my steps so I am not afraid or concerned. As the Israel song says, He holds my world in His hands.

Blessings and prayers for you dear sister. I'll be praying for you and your husband to find the Lord's direction. When you hear His voice, it will be unmistakeable.

Even though I have been long out of the org, all I have to do is read posts such as yours to remind me that I'm not crazy.

TW2, the best thing you can do is take your time and let the Lord Jesus and time lead you into what suits you and your family the best. Every church - even home churches - has issues.
Just don't deny the incarnation of the Word, the guidance of the scriptures and the relationship Jesus Christ wants with you.

From experience at times it feels that all I've ever been is a home missionary.
You might walk "alone" for quite awhile until God places you "where He wants you". I personally believe that for a family with children, it is pretty important (in our ipod world) to have a youth group they can connect with. If that's the case, any church is better than none at all.

I agree with Lacey that your concerns could refer to any number of churches, not just UPC, but from your post I can see that you are hungry for more of what God wants for you. Don't forget that you are a vital member of the Body of Christ and have something to offer the Kingdom, where GOD puts you. And don't ever be satisfied with the status quo...
Be true to the One that saved you!

Hahaha, I think I'm preaching and I apologize!

God bless

[Truthseeker]

Originally Posted by The Lemon

I do think that there is a difference between clear commands in scripture versus what would be considered hard stances on Biblical principle. If anybody calling themselves a Christian has a normative pattern for the works of the flesh, I could see that as being quite hypocritical.

I can not say the same thing about some doctrinal teachings that use Biblical principle and mix it with western culture, sorry...just does not work for me.

There is something to be said for actually being the church rather then just going to church. For me, I know I am guilty of not doing things that I should do ALOT more of...like visiting the widow, feeding the poor etc. In my previous church it was not a real focal point at all, most things were done in and around the church - programs, fund raisers, even attendance drives...everything was centered around the church...not the community at large.

It makes sense that folks are wanting more genuwine relationship not only to God but also to the hurting that we are commissioned to reach. Programs and staus quo do not save people, at least in my experience..

good points