Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.

[obriencp]

Originally Posted by TrueBeliever

Let me ask this question. Outside of the Baptism in Jesus Name and the Infilling of the Holy Ghost coupled with living for God every day, what makes UPCI superior of PAW or vice versa?

I'll take a shot at this one, but it won't go over well. All of this is obviously my opinion and there are exemptions to everything.

I think the "relaxed" standards of the PAW make it a more relevant organization. They wear make-up, jewelry, pants, and shorts. This is a problem with many UPCI members that can't see past their exteriors to realize and accept the fact that aside from these "standards," the doctrine is, as far as i can tell, the same. However, being white, there are cultural things that make fellowshipping with the PAW difficult. They are mostly black which means there are certain stereotypical behaviors present. These are things I have experienced and do not apply to all members of the PAW, but I would say many, if not most. They are liberal/democratic, they tend to focus on how life isn't fair, they are late for everything, they can be over the top in their worship, "hacking" in the pulpit is a sign of the anointing, and their jokes/language about their race can certainly make a white person feel unwelcome and/or awkward. Certainly emotional worship is not my issue, but letting a few people that may want attention control a worship service is not decent or acting orderly.

I don't have as much experience with the UPCI, but I do have some. They are not as warm and welcoming as the PAW. They do tend to focus on the outward appearance more than the inner man. One time in talking to a UPCI woman, I was pointing out another woman that i worked with. I described my coworker as a short, thin woman with long red hair. The UPCI woman said "oh the one with the tattoo?" That shows how judgmental some are solely based on outward appearance.

[Carl]

I recall reading somewhere about Pentecostal history that some PAW members back in the early days objected to the organizational name. They did not think a church should be referred to as "of the world".

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by obriencp

I'll take a shot at this one, but it won't go over well. All of this is obviously my opinion and there are exemptions to everything.

I think the "relaxed" standards of the PAW make it a more relevant organization. They wear make-up, jewelry, pants, and shorts. This is a problem with many UPCI members that can't see past their exteriors to realize and accept the fact that aside from these "standards," the doctrine is, as far as i can tell, the same. However, being white, there are cultural things that make fellowshipping with the PAW difficult. They are mostly black which means there are certain stereotypical behaviors present. These are things I have experienced and do not apply to all members of the PAW, but I would say many, if not most. They are liberal/democratic, they tend to focus on how life isn't fair, they are late for everything, they can be over the top in their worship, "hacking" in the pulpit is a sign of the anointing, and their jokes/language about their race can certainly make a white person feel unwelcome and/or awkward. Certainly emotional worship is not my issue, but letting a few people that may want attention control a worship service is not decent or acting orderly.

I don't have as much experience with the UPCI, but I do have some. They are not as warm and welcoming as the PAW. They do tend to focus on the outward appearance more than the inner man. One time in talking to a UPCI woman, I was pointing out another woman that i worked with. I described my coworker as a short, thin woman with long red hair. The UPCI woman said "oh the one with the tattoo?" That shows how judgmental some are solely based on outward appearance.

What if she would of said "oh the black one?" would you then call her a racist? Or if she said, "oh the one with the hooker heels?" or "oh the one with the nose ring?"

Sorry, to break this to you, but I have heard others (people in other denominations and religions) make these comments about people. Yet, these people in their comments aren't being malicious, or racist, they are bringing up identifying marks of the people they are talking about. Nothing more, and nothing less. Yet, I must say, it seems that you were the one judging what the U.P. sister was just pointing out. Did she go on to give you a soliloquy concerning tattoos?

Both of my arms down to my hands are totally covered in tattoos. When I lift my hands to praise the Lord my tattoos show. When I would visit a church to preach, the pastor could see I had tattoos, still hand me in the pulpit. Saints of God still loved me with my tattoos on my hands.

Your experiences with the "few" UPCers you have met, and my experiences are different.

Why?

[obriencp]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

Your experiences with the "few" UPCers you have met, and my experiences are different.

Why?

I'm glad your experiences have been different. As to why, because everyone is different, every church is different, etc. As i previously stated, that was my opinion based on my experiences. Thanks for sharing your positive experiences as well.

[obriencp]

Although i did admit i have had less encounters with UPCI, i did share ONE example. There are others I didn't share and my opinion was not based on this one instance. Once again, i'm glad many have had positive experiences with people of the UPCI, but me and my family have been looked down upon because of my facial hair, my wife's make-up and/or jewelry. As a youth i was taught "standards" as well, so i have an understanding of what goes through peoples' minds when they meet an "apostolic" that doesn't look apostolic.

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by obriencp

Although i did admit i have had less encounters with UPCI, i did share ONE example. There are others I didn't share and my opinion was not based on this one instance. Once again, i'm glad many have had positive experiences with people of the UPCI, but me and my family have been looked down upon because of my facial hair, my wife's make-up and/or jewelry. As a youth i was taught "standards" as well, so i have an understanding of what goes through peoples' minds when they meet an "apostolic" that doesn't look apostolic.

You want me to tell you some stories on how "some" Christians react to the way my family dress? How "some" Christians believe that their God given mission is to convert my daughters and wife to their liberty. I'm real sorry, that you and yours had a tough time, but bro, you got to find good examples. Not every Muslim is a terrorist, and not every Catholic priest is a pedophile.

Also, if Apostolics are so bad, why are you posting here?

[J.A. Perez]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

Both of my arms down to my hands are totally covered in tattoos. When I lift my hands to praise the Lord my tattoos show.

Say it aint so....

[Evang.Benincasa]

Originally Posted by J.A. Perez

Say it aint so....

Yep, from shoulders to wrists.

But don't worry, I wear long sleeves.

[2theX]

So I guess the next big Question is?
If the PAW's took a swan dive into the pavement.
Where did the conservative PAW's that left go?


2 Peter 2 ►
King James Bible
False Prophets
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
2 Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

Definition of HERESY
a : dissent or deviation from a dominant theory, opinion, or practice
b : an opinion, doctrine, or practice contrary to the truth or to generally accepted beliefs or standards

[obriencp]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

You want me to tell you some stories on how "some" Christians react to the way my family dress? How "some" Christians believe that their God given mission is to convert my daughters and wife to their liberty. I'm real sorry, that you and yours had a tough time, but bro, you got to find good examples. Not every Muslim is a terrorist, and not every Catholic priest is a pedophile.

Also, if Apostolics are so bad, why are you posting here?

I can relate as I was raised in the standards you practice. I've been on both sides. I was simply sharing my opinion, not looking for sympathy.