This happened at church today
 

I went to visit my old Church today for their 30th anniversary service.

The fifteen years I attended they were UPC Ultra Con.

It has been a few years since I have attended the church other then visiting from time to time, they have changed quite a bit from where they began. Most notably there don't preach UPC standards for one thing.

After the service, I spoke with the assistant Pastor's wife and I asked her point blank.

I said, You know I used to attend this church before you joined it, It was UPC Ultra conservative church

She said, yes, I know

I said, well, I'm just wondering, does the church still believe the same as it used to believe, other then the standards

She said, well, yes we believe the same. We believe in Repentance, Baptism in Jesus Name and receiving the HG.

I said, tell me this, do you believe justification/remission of sins occurs at repentance or baptism?

she said, We believe it occurs at repentance. We believe God is going to meet you where you are. If people come in and say they love Jesus and have a relationship with him, we accept them where they are.

My Sister who also attended this church when it was UC, was there listening to the conversation and she broke down and cried. She (my sister) wants to attend there now.

She says she feels so much more comfortable with this belief then with the UPC UC belief system.

Just thought I'd share what I learned today at church.

Re: This happened at church today
 

Sounds like a great church -now! :)

Re: This happened at church today
 

"and some shall depart from the faith" This is an example.

Re: This happened at church today
 

I love you Brother Epley

Re: This happened at church today
 

I always wondered who was the first to utter the phrase "Us four and no more". Must have been a UC apostolic.

Re: This happened at church today
 

All my eggs are in one basket. :thumbsup

Re: This happened at church today
 

Glad to hear about the standards. As far as them accepting people where they are if they have repented I would say most Apostolic Churches would say the same thing. Salvation begins with repentance. It is just not complete apart from baptism in water and the spirit.

Re: This happened at church today
 

"She says she feels so much more comfortable with this belief then with the UPC UC belief system."

And we all know that we should attend a church where we feel comfortable.

Re: This happened at church today
 

I'm so weary from trying to understand and figure it all out.

I'm happy that they believe in One God, Repentance, Baptism in Jesus Name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost.

I'm happy that my Sister wants to go to church.

The Pastor of this church was my Pastor for many years.

Maybe I will just work on my walk with God and letting my light shine, rather then try to make the world make sense.

Re: This happened at church today
 

Well, if YOU didn't feel comfortable wouldn't you take it as a sign that maybe it wasn't the right church for you? Or does this only apply to a church with lesser standards than your own?