Not sure where to go from this point...
 

I have a lot of mixed emotions about this so forgive me if my post doesn't read smoothly.

Let me start off by saying, I joined UPC three years ago. Before that, I never had much of a religious background, I can count on my hand the number of times I went to church as a kid. For a brief period I dabbled in different philosophies(atheism, new age), until life hit me like a ton of bricks and I started to give Christianity a second thought.

I, like others before me, fell in love with the experience, baptized in water and spirit. Soon after I fell in line with the standards they require of members(well, some of them).

Fast forward to present. The excitement of new birth experience has started to wear off replaced with feelings of doubt, suffocation, feeling out of place.

Let me explain. Even when I was young, I've always disliked conformity. I've always valued independence, this partially originates from how I was raised. My father taught us to think for ourselves, be ourselves and never take what someone says at face value.

So you can already guess that going from a liberal, free thinking environment to an conservative, traditional environment my life kind of did a 180. I go to church and I feel like I'm back in high school. You know, the popular cliche who always walked, talked, dressed the same, act the same? *Sigh* Yeah.

A few months back my pastor preached that makeup is of the devil(yes, those were his exact words). Of course, me being me, next Sunday I wore some powder with mascara and conducted myself as I normally do.

In one lesson my bible study teacher said the movies theater and TV were not recommended. I asked my teacher if going to see Veggie Tales was ok. After a pause, he told me the previews might be inappropriate(I've never heard of R rated being shown in G rated movies!) and of course, he said, there may be an issue with "appearance and credibility". :heeheehee. I'm sorry, I couldn't resist

Long story short: I'm starting to think 'this' particular church is really not my scene. I don't believe everything preached on the pulpit and I'm tired of acting as though I do. Many people are kind and god fearing, and I view my pastor with the up most regards. But overall, I slowly realizing that I don't see a future here.

Sorry for the long post, but really I gave you the gist of things without going into too much detail.

By the way,

Is there any biblical reference to certain churches having less power? I've heard this mentioned by saints and the first lady that churches which don't have the strict holiness standards have little or no power. Can someone explain?

Re: Not sure where to go from this point...
 

What's the pastor's name?

Re: Not sure where to go from this point...
 

Because I have high regards for the pastor, I want to keep his name out of this.

But he was just promoted to superintendent of our district and he's a board member at the bible college in MO.

This is really more to do with issues I'm having, rather than issues with him in particular.

"I'm moving on while I'm still strong enough to..." Toby Keith

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I see.

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In Pentecostal Churches sometimes "power" is equated with running aisles, jumping pews, shaking, and a noisy enviroment. Power in the New Testament Church meant the sick were healed. Demons were cast out. Prophetic dreams and visions that come to pass. People repenting and being baptized into the name of Christ, and receiving the Holy Ghost.

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"Down from a huntable surplus to one...." Aesop Rock

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So, does this mean she should stay? :dogkiss

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Evenuntodeath, please be cautious with us! You're going to get answers from so many different directions it may confuse you more than help you.

Take your time in evaluating your situation. Haste in making a decision like this could cause you more heartache in the long run. Yet, I understand where you're coming from. Pray with an open heart and wait on the Lord. There are as many opinions as there are people on AFF. We can help share with you and pray for you but ultimately you are facing a situation that you will have to make the final decision. I will be praying for you.

I left the UPC many years ago. But, I didn't make the decision overnight and I didn't make it with any malice. Do your best to not become bitter. That just makes the recovery longer. God bless you!

Been Thinkin

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:heeheehee

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Thank you Beenthinkin, I'll take that into consideration and yes, I always welcome prayers.

Alright Brother, whats on your mind?

Re: Not sure where to go from this point...
 

I'm an undercover liberal in the upc. just look for a liberal apostolic church. make up of the devil is ignorant and too extreme. don't think twice about leaving. giving up make up out of consecration to God can be presented in a more acceptable manner.

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I'm sorry Sis, please forgive me. :waving

Oh, misquote.

I'm letting go while I'm still strong enough to...

No, this is the misquote. I think...

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I dont know really if she should or not from the info given. I was reacting to her question about what was the power of God.

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This is probably the best answer that could be given to someone who is still seeking something more than what they are receiving. There is no NT scriptural prohibition about wearing makeup.

My only addition to this would be not to let it get to the point of feeling any malice. Only you will know if you should stay or if you should leave and find a church that would be more suitable to meet your spiritual needs.

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Hey, Sister what happened when you spoke to your pastor about all of this?

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Ya, that was nice. And ya,
see all the good they have done for you,
what you have learned from them,
and the gift you were given,
and nevermind the rest.

http://www.wikihow.com/Lose-Your-Religion

A more spiritual path is for you to define.

Trust that God delights in your unique way
of producing fruit, in line with Word;
and you must define Word for yourself.

Re: Not sure where to go from this point...
 

What is there to discuss?? Regardless of how he said it, he's only preaching standard UPC practices, can't fault him on that. I just don't know if I can do all of that.

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Whatever.

ROFLOL!!!!

Lol

Lulz

Re: Not sure where to go from this point...
 

You're acting like a jerk.

You want a cupcake or something? You should have attempted to discuss your differences with your pastor before posting on an internet forum.

Yeah, don't mind him. It's his thing to be smug and condescending. Just read through his posting history.

Re: Not sure where to go from this point...
 

Sister, me being a jerk or not is of no consequence to you, I'm not the individual who you supposedly have in "high regard."

Listen you know this guy for three years, obviously built some sort of spiritual relationship, and feel he isn't worth sitting down with to have him explain himself.

Sister be in peace, I learned long ago that I can't change anyone's mind, you have only one pastor in life, and that is Jesus Christ, If you can't submit to His teachings, while He is unseen, how can you submit to someone you can see, and built a one on one relationship with.

If you can't even apply the decency to tell these people that you don't agree, or allow them to explain themselves. then you have ought, and instead of going to him, and him alone you chose to come here and tell us about it.

You don't want to do that? OK, you have your reasons, fine, but don't make issue about cosmetics, movies, and television, and then never humble yourself to talk to these people.

Therefore you receive my "whatever"

Live long and prosper. :heeheehee

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Rude and condescending. Typical. Do you have anything constructive to add, or will you just continue to troll on my thread??

Yeah, you quoted me already.

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No, no, no. Nevermind, you don't get it. If you read my post carefully, you would see my issues aren't really with makeup and tv.

There's nothing to "get."

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Ok, then get out of my thread.

You have no rights to this thread.

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Yeah, good luck with that... You can poke at him a little bit and get him banned though. He gets worked up quick. :thumbsup

So, here's some quick advice for what it's worth. Respect the philosophy of that particular church, or move on. What's not cool is to be that person who just gets a kick out of trying to stump the pastor or gets their jollies out of creating problems by trying to sway other people. Odds are good he believes strongly about certain things for a reason. The idea of talking to him is a great one, and maybe you'll find that what he believes isn't that far off from what you believe, and if not, maybe he can shed some light on why.

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Beautiful.

Even if the two cannot see eye to eye, at least some "do right" was shared by all. :thumbsup

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http://assets0.ordienetworks.com/ima...RRS1qg87cc.gif

http://gifsoup.com/webroot/animatedgifs4/1197584_o.gif

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http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o...stolicBaby.gif

What the heck was that ........?

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Kind of what I was thinking.

That's exactly what I was trying to avoid.

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I am encouraged to hear some UPC guys are still preaching against television and movies. Praise the Lord.

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:lol

and amen.