Thankful For My Heritage?
 

I often hear former "aposotlics", ex-UPC types talk about how they are "thankful for their heritage" or some such statement.

If someone is truly thankful for their heritage, why do they seemingly get joy as it falls apart?

The more worldly the churches become the better, it seems.

I left the upc. I don't hate the upc. I am against their doctrine on salvation. I think standards are misapplied and turned into legalism, I believe that emotionalism and sensationalism get a free pass as being the "Holy Ghost" when mostly it is just out of order carnality, and I'm sick of organizational politics.

That said, I think there are some good qualitites amongst some UPC types, namely a stong desire to get closer to God, a longing for prayer and revival. A desire to live a life of holiness and modesty. A desire to live seperate from the world (not necessarily using the same definition of separation as the UC's), and making the church a real priority.

When I left the UPC, I desired so much more than doctrine, legalism, and religion. I wanted a more authentic Chrisitanity. A Christianity more based on the Bible than tradition. A community of believers who walk in faith and righteousness before the Lord, whether they be pentecostal, baptist, church of christ, etc.

What I have found is that authentic Christianity is hard to find. That Christianity tends to follow pop culture, and that most "believers" seem to think the more like the world the church gets, they more we can "reach them."


I have to wonder, who's reaching who?

Define "like the world."

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

I think people that attack the UPC and seem to revel in controversies but say they are thankful are contradictory and less than genuine. By attack I don't mean constructive criticisms but pejorative laced rants, belligerent attitudes etc etc

I'm thankful for my heritage. I almost made a complete exit but I have nowhere else to go.

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

I wasn't born and raised Oneness or any other system. I have no heritage

You've been in it long enough. It's your heritage.

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

Having the same or similar values and worldview as that of the unredeemed world at large. The same desires for popularity, sensuality, materialism, etc. To be completely consumed with the things that are passing away. To have a hunger for things which are anti-God, and to have little desire for the things which are truly spiritual, such as prayer, the Word, true holiness (not dress code holiness), and a burden for the lost.

In essence to allow oneself to be completely immersed and integrated into the culture of worldliness. To listen to the same music, to watch the same shows and movies, to dress the same way, and eventually to be swayed, if not completely accept, the philosphy of the world (moral relativism).


IMO, that is what I see more often than not from the ex-UPC crowd.

Some seem to have the attitude "I'm free to do all these things b/c of grace."

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

I don't consider it "my heritage".

Ah. That's churchianity today...even amongst the dress code apostolics and pentecostals.

Traitor

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

I'm thankful for my heritage at a UPCI member, but I certainly don't dwell on it! You can't effective move forward if you are dwelling on the past...

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

Im the round peg in a square hole

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

I agree...and im not even upc, or most generally in most circumstances wont go to a upc church. But Matt 7:1 says a lot.

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

I am thankful for my heritage as an Apostolic Pentecostal. I have found
that linking or connecting the past to the present, I have much hope in
the future!

Falla39

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

Very true!

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

I don't see moral relativism being a big problem among conservative OP. There is more of a swing in the other direction. exclusionary thinking and sectarianism.

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

In general I am thankful for my Christian Heritage. There are many interesting traditions associated with what I have been gifted as an ultra conservative Old Order Mennonite an now as a Pentecostal. Most of these are good traditions and represent the core values of the scriptures and Jesus Christ our Lord. Some are worthy only of reflection and rejection - yet even those have great value - teaching me what not to pursue with the generation God has entrusted me with.

I am humbled knowing my own heirs will weigh what we give them and reject or embrace their inheritance.

Truly our greatest inheritance lies not in denominations and our various traditions, but in Christ Himself and the hope we have of eternal life through his shed blood.

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

:

:thumbsup

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

Great post, JB.

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

I am thankful for my Heritage. I am 4th/5th Generation Apostolic Pentecostal on both sides of my family (mother and father). None have been preachers, not all have stayed with the truth for a life time, but they all instilled in me the desire to truly know God more.

That problem that all denominations have, is they live off the experience of their fathers and grand-fathers, rather then forging ahead with Christ to form their own experience. This has happened since the days of the Apostles. That is why Paul told Timothy "All scripture is given by inspiration". For what? For Doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Why? So that we may be made competent, equipped for good works.

It is 100% ok to question what you have been taught. But it should not be out of anger, rebellion, or fear. Even the devil took the scripture and twisted it for his own needs.

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

:highfive

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

I'm thankful that I was raised in a godly home by parents who loved me and tried their best to instill Christian values in me. I also appreciate many of the men and women who have contributed to my growth as a Christian over the years, whether by preaching, teaching or mentoring.

So, I can truthfully say that I appreciate my heritage.

However, that doesn't mean there weren't mistakes made along the way, mistakes I hope I don't repeat with my own children, and things that I didn't or don't like. And yes, things that I did NOT appreciate. Things that were said, done or taught out of ignorance, and occasionally out of malice. Those are parts of my upbringing that I don't appreciate. I suppose when I say that I appreciate my heritage, I mean that I appreciate those positive things that were put into my life, and I'm leaving out the negative.

As a further disclaimer, I would say that not all negative experiences are bad in the grand scheme of things, and some are necessary to facilitate maturity.

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

Im thankful i was raised up in a trinitarian pentacostal church.
Knowing God Lives and dwells with them as well
Thankful for the church bus driver for comming and picking me up.

Thankful I experienced many out pours of the Spirit.

Thankful for the wonderfull people i have met in the apostolic church realm
The deeper study of the word

I have been on both sides of the fence, oneness and trinity, and because of that. I can call both from either side brothers and sisters. and worship amongst them

Great thoughts bratt

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

:thumbsup:thumbsup

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

I came to the Lord in the early 70's by reading A.A. Allens Miracle Magazine. I knew nothing about Oneness and Trinity, all I wanted to know is the Lord. I didn't know how to pray, so I read my prayers out of a little catholic Prayer book. I then started attending an Apostolic church, repented and was baptized. I didn't know what baptism was. They explained it to me, and all I knew, if it took getting dunked, I will willing. I was told I had to seek for the Holy Ghost so, I began the nitely trips to the altar. Radio preacher RW Schambach was coming to town and I wanted to attend. My pastor told me I had no business going to a trinity meeting. Besides, it was all the way accross town and woul be full of black folks.

I went, and so glad I did. I was there to get the Holy Ghost and, on Holy Ghost night, I was the 2nd i line. Bro. Schambach laid hands on me and I recieved the Holy Ghost.

So, yeah, my heritage is on both sides of the aisle. And, its been my desire since that night to sit on neither side but rather between the aisles, and extend the hand of fellowship to all on both sides, whether Oneness or Trinity. For we all are baptizd by His Spirit into One Body.

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

A very mature view, in my opinion Miss B, one in which I embrace and agree with heartily.

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

Was RW Schambach an African-American man? I never knew that. I guess I never really cared and still don't. But I found that pretty surprising just the same. What woulda thunk it? wow. Learn something new every day.

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

No.

http://www.mypropheticspace.com/imag...ach_130pxt.jpg

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

Wow, awesome testimony and ...I don't know what to say about your Pastor's comments about the Black folks...but they probably had GREAT singing.

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

No, he is not but had a huge following in the Black communities.

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

I know some have heard and read of my heritage. Perhaps some may not have. I have
nothing within myself to be proud or arrogant about. I came out of the generation that
preceded me and continued therein. I AM SO THANKFUL for those who obeyed the gospel
of Jesus Christ, before I was even born. There are three generations of our family that
are continuing to carry on, as has been passed, or is being passed on to the 6th gene-
ration. We have the choice to carry on or discontinuing on, what was passed on to us by
the preceding generation.

http://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com...ad.php?t=15547

http://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com...ad.php?t=31403

http://www.apostolicfriendsforum.com...ad.php?t=31399


Passing on a LEGACY, that those who follow behind us may have a GOODLY HERITAGE.

Falla39

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

Okay, so here is my heritage...
It starts in the Baptist church. It was full of family and love, in fact my family members were charter members over 160 years ago. My grandparents attend and so do my parents and we were a very close knit bunch. As a child I had a hunger for God and would talk to Him throughout the day, having experiences in the presence of the Lord that nobody understood, not even myself. As a kid, I was in the choir and God would use me to sing. I was later baptized- Father, Son, Holy Ghost by my Pastor and my Grandfather. I could hear my mother shouting in the background as I went under the water.

I grew up in that church, but never truly felt that I "fit." I sang often as a child, and would go to surrounding churches to sing at different events. One Sunday, I was invited to sing at a Full-Gospel Church. The minister there was praying for people and they seemed to be falling to the ground at his slightest touch. Most kids my age would have been afraid, or would have mocked those that were rolling on the floor, crying, screaming...etc. but I was drawn to it. The minister was speaking in tongues, and I was full of questions. When we got home I asked my mother and she told me that he was "just putting on," and not to worry about it. However, that answer did not satisfy me and I prayed about it for myself. Before long, I was filled with the Holy Ghost, evidenced with speaking in other tongues- and I truly did not know anything about speaking in tongues, other than I just wanted Jesus.
At the age of 14 I began preaching the gospel. I heard God's audible voice calling me into the ministry and after sharing that experience with my Pastor, he immediately began to train me in the ministry. I preached my first sermon shortly, and began to do the work of an Evangelist. I was licensed at the age of 18. The gifts were very active in my ministry, and I displayed wisdom beyond my age so I was afforded many open doors to preach in most of the churches in the city and surrounding cities. I traveled off to college. While there, I was invited to an Apostolic church (thank God)! I had NEVER HEARD of Apostolic but I knew that if they were a "holiness church" I wanted in on it. I was living holy the best I could, but felt that I was missing out on something.

The Apostolic church was in revival and the preacher kept asking if we were Baptized in Jesus' Name. Being a preacher myself, I just assumed it was a doctrinal difference and did not pay much attention to him. However as the service went on for the remainder of that week, my heart was drawn to the scriptures and I assumed that "It would not be so bad" to be baptized in the name of Jesus....and I was.

I have NOT looked back. Although my family is still in the Baptist Church, because of my love for souls and the witness God has given me, I've been able to go back to that same little country church and preach about the Baptism in Jesus Name and being filled with the Holy Ghost. I've had family members and many friends that received the infilling and the baptism who like me, had NEVER heard of such a baptism. :)

I'm grateful to be the 1st generation of my family, but certainly not the last. And to GOD be all the glory.

(That's the short version...but I see it was not so short) :)

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

Wonderful testimony!

Matthew 5:6
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Falla39

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

Thank God! :)

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

Our Heritage is what is left, or was passed on to us by those who went before us.

There have been those who are rich in material wealth, that have left or are leaving their heirs money, houses and land, etc.

There have also those who have left or are leaving a rich Spiritual Heritage to their heirs. yet little material wealth. After all, the Word speaks of not storing up treasures here on earth. You can't take this world's goods with you when you leave (die).

Neither of the heirs, or receipants, whether of material gifts or those receiving the spiritual heritage, had anything to do with the gifts they are receiving. However, we can pass on to our heirs, a rich spiritual Legecy. They can either accept the gift or reject it. Just as we can also receive or reject the Gift provided by GOD, our Heavenly Father. The One who went before us, has provided the gift of Eternal Life. We don't HAVE to receive it. We can just reject it. Consider it of no value.

My ten siblings and I were given a material inheritance from those who went before us. But we couldn't receive our full inheritance until the person/persons who willed it to us, had died.

Our Heavenly Father left to all who would receive it, the Gift of Eternal Life to those who would read His Last Will and Testament, and receive all that was included in the Will. Just prior to his leaving and going back to (being) the Father, Jesus told his followers to go to Jerusalem and wait for the Promise or Gift that was to be given. They believe, obeyed and were expectant, and they received the GIFT. Many others that were following his disciples, also received.

Psalm 16:6
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant [places]; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

God is no respector of persons. What He will do for one, He will do for all. Many argue, etc., and some just want part of it. But for those who gladly receive all He has provided, will hear, believe, obey and receive He has so freely provided!

Falla39

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

Those that have no heritage often wonder what the big deal is. Honestly, I've been envious in the past of my friends who boast-- I'm _th Generation Apostolic and proud of it (grateful some say). I would say, well I'm not. I'm like Amos, not the son/daughter of a Prophet but God called me too! I use to feel left out and isolated when people would ask me who my father was..assuming that he was a preacher too. I would avoid the question and be ashamed to even say that they were in the Baptist Church (for fear of being called a heathen, or for fear that they would say something about my family).
But today, I understand. We ALL have an inheritance when we are grafted into the royal family. I have an awesome job ahead to create an Apostolic heritage for my own family. I'm grateful. Praise God!!!

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

Heritage? I was raised Catholic. That all changed at age 14 in a little UPC church when God filled me the Holy Ghost just like the bible says. I didn't even understand what was happening, I was just hungry. I wasn't baptized in Jesus name until months later because my parents were not happy about my new found beliefs. They would wait for me at the door when I would come home after service and they weren't there to give me a hug. I finally couldn't take it anymore and got baptized without their knowledge. Back in those days, pastors didn't fear lawsuits and insist on parental permission. Since that Holy Ghost filling back in 1977, I have not looked back. And things are just getting better and better, sweeter and sweeter, as the days go by.

I am proud (in a good way) and thankful to be 1st generation apostolic. As for my heritage? In a way, I'm thankful for that too. It helps keep me grounded when pride might want to turn into the bad kind. When I look back, I'm reminded where God brought me from, what He brought me out of and what He has kept me from.

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

Ditto there. My family history is strictly Irish/German/Polock and in fact cannot even trace my last name beyond the 1920's. I come from a family of horrible cooks (except my grandma on my Ma's side -which makes me wonder why my mom isn't better at it) who cook bland food and enjoy it even blander. Anything beyond ketchup is considered too spicy and that meat (always the cheapest you can find) BETTER have a lot of fat in it!

They are/were ALL hard workers who, like the rugged men in the Cialis commercials, never let a hiccup in life slow them down, much less stop them.
Most were not angels and could often make sailors blush in shame at their language from time to time.

My relatives did NOT meet their spouses at the state or national Youth convention or get together through an arranged marriage joining various pastor dynasties but rather met their loved ones at the local tavern (that is a "bar" for those not living in Wisconsin).

Basically my worth does not come from showing a list of all the ministers in my family to people I've just met but rather knowing that I can do anything or be anything.

Re: Thankful For My Heritage?
 

And that is wonderful. There was a lady that came to church and at age 53,
obeyed the gospel. She would tell me, "Sis. __. why did I have to wait 53 yrs
to find God. I was 53 yrs at the same time she asked this. She said, "You're
the same age and you have known God all your life". I told her, "Sis. __, Don't
look back, just be thankful you know Him now". I didn't have anything to do
with her not knowing God earlier, or anyone else. Those things are God's calls.
We could not come until the Father drew us anyway! Just as there was the time
God visited Jerusalem. They did not know the time of His visition, so they missed
their Messiah". There comes a time when the Spirit woos and draws us. We can
reject or accept His call.

It seems to me that God will call one member of a family to hear and receive the
truth. Sometimes some are connected through marriage into a Apostolic Pente-
costal family, etc. My late grandmother was already a Bible reading, praying Metho-
dist. Her heart (good ground) was already being prepared to receive good seed.
When the old white-haired street preaching sowed the Word, the good seed fell
on good ground that had been plowed and ready to be sown. Many generations
have resulted from that initial "plant".

Blessings,

Falla39