I have Left the UPC Church

[Malvaro]

Originally Posted by revrandy

Mich....you are going to be caught in a Religious battle here between two beliefs...

One of the unfortunate things thats happening here is that there are many, many voices are yelling their own message, spoken as being true.... some are "Don't leave the UPC, or you'll go to hell".... "Leave the UPC, they are sheep-beaters anyhow".... "You and God are enough - you don't need a church right now" etc, etc

The constant barrage of all these different voices has the possibility of confusing you from eventually making the "wisest" spiritual decision....

in my opinion, it would be better for you to confidently leave the UPC and re-attach to some truth-preaching, independant church where you can feel the love from the saints and trust the pastor/shepherd than completely leave all churches.... the longer you are completely "away" from a healthy church-environment, the more difficult it will be to ever go back.... don't allow yourself to become a lone-ranger....

I once had an "aged" saint ask me if I knew another struggling saint was openly sinning during the week and coming to church as if nothing happened on Sundays and Wednesdays.... they asked me if it was right that they keep coming to church, while acting in complete disagreeance with the known preaching of the church....

I said, That's great!!! Keeping em coming back into the presence of God.... I don't agree with their sin, but keep em coming to the house of God.... every time they are in God's presence is another chance for God to work in their life.... the fact that they keep coming back is an encouraging sign to me....

my response completely shocked the saint, but it showed my stance toward people.... I hate the sin, but love the sinner.... at outside church activities/events, we may have new-convert or struggling guys that still light up cigs and I'll go over and greet them with a manly handshake.... they know our churches stance regarding that topic, but they'll keep coming back because they know they're loved in our church.... and as a result God is still working in their hearts one service at a time....