For those that left the UPC...

Neck · #1 05-24-2010, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mirth1981

Hi...I don't intend for this thread to be started as a debate. I would just like to hear stories from those that have left the UPC.

Specifically...What made you finally decide to leave? Was it difficult? Were you able to find a church that wasn't "easy believism" but yet one that didn't enforce extra-biblical principles where you could go and worship God in your own way? Do you have any regrets? Anything you wish you had done differently? How is your walk with God now? Do you still suffer from self condemnation and feel brainwashed?

I have been really struggling in my spirit lately. I'm terrified of leaving the UPC because of the repercussions it will cause in my life (and for my husband, who is a minister). Yet I know feeling this way just reinforces the fact that I need to "get out." I still believe in oneness, baptism, and the Holy Ghost. What I don't believe in is man made "standards" that create an environment that breeds judgmentalism and pharisetical saints. Also every church I've been in...I feel controlled....even manipulated. I can't do that anymore. But I don't know how to get out.

I hope this is okay...and that I'm not breaking any rules by posting this. I have been reading this forum lately, and it seems like there are many very balanced people on here. This seemed like a good place to go for support.

Thank you in advance.

It's not like you are deserting your country, you are going beyond the simple confinements of a trained way of life. Step out there is a great big world that God walks each and everyday.

Mirth1981 · #2 05-24-2010, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neck

It's not like you are deserting your country, you are going beyond the simple confinements of a trained way of life. Step out there is a great big world that God walks each and everyday.

Were you a member of a UPC church?

JoeHardy07 · #3 05-25-2010, 11:14 PM

I'm still a kid (21), but was raised in strict Apostolicism. Family broke away a few years ago...started going to a Baptist church about 6 years ago...and guess what?

The Baptists that I know believe that Jesus Christ is the one true God...the Father of the Universe...contrary to what I had been taught they believed (three gods)...It amazes me...the other day I asked the youth "How can Jesus be the Son and the Father?" Know what they said? "Because He's just one guy!!!!"...makes me chuckle everytime!

Miracles happen in Baptist congregations too...but our faith shouldn't be based on the miraculous anyway, right?...

I was pretty angry at Pentecostals/Apostolics for a while...then a UPC pastor needed help with the sound room and such...I jumped on board...some of the most loving people I ever met...still don't agree with some of the beliefs and practices...but our goal is the same...reach the lost for Jesus, live as Christ did and make it to heaven...

It doesnt matter to me anymore really where I attend church. There's hypocrisy in every congregation..and there's sincerity in every congregation...

Ask yourself this...why does every denomination have reports of miracles and wonderful happenings (drug deliverance, healing, financial miracles, etc...)? Go to any congregation! Baptist, Methodist, UPC, AOG, ND...And why do they credit God for it? It's either that God is not in any of it...that men are making these things happen for themselves...or maybe God is not confined to a single group...

If you do go somewhere new, go with an open heart and open mind! Try the spirits! You have brothers and sisters WITHIN the UPC and OUTSIDE the UPC! They aren't demons and satanists because they don't embrace the "experience," or covet a select few of the spiritual gifts. They are God's children trying to find their way, and they can teach you many wonderful things! Like how to love!

Peace and blessings to you!

BeenThinkin · #4 05-25-2010, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeHardy07

I'm still a kid (21), but was raised in strict Apostolicism. Family broke away a few years ago...started going to a Baptist church about 6 years ago...and guess what?

The Baptists that I know believe that Jesus Christ is the one true God...the Father of the Universe...contrary to what I had been taught they believed (three gods)...It amazes me...the other day I asked the youth "How can Jesus be the Son and the Father?" Know what they said? "Because He's just one guy!!!!"...makes me chuckle everytime!

Miracles happen in Baptist congregations too...but our faith shouldn't be based on the miraculous anyway, right?...

I was pretty angry at Pentecostals/Apostolics for a while...then a UPC pastor needed help with the sound room and such...I jumped on board...some of the most loving people I ever met...still don't agree with some of the beliefs and practices...but our goal is the same...reach the lost for Jesus, live as Christ did and make it to heaven...

It doesnt matter to me anymore really where I attend church. There's hypocrisy in every congregation..and there's sincerity in every congregation...

Ask yourself this...why does every denomination have reports of miracles and wonderful happenings (drug deliverance, healing, financial miracles, etc...)? Go to any congregation! Baptist, Methodist, UPC, AOG, ND...And why do they credit God for it? It's either that God is not in any of it...that men are making these things happen for themselves...or maybe God is not confined to a single group...

If you do go somewhere new, go with an open heart and open mind! Try the spirits! You have brothers and sisters WITHIN the UPC and OUTSIDE the UPC! They aren't demons and satanists because they don't embrace the "experience," or covet a select few of the spiritual gifts. They are God's children trying to find their way, and they can teach you many wonderful things! Like how to love!

Peace and blessings to you!

Joe, check your drivers license. I think you misquoted your age. Your wisdom speaks of more age than you're reflecting.

BT

JoeHardy07 · #5 05-25-2010, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeenThinkin

Joe, check your drivers license. I think you misquoted your age. Your wisdom speaks of more age than you're reflecting.

BT

Ha ha ha! You are too kind! I'll be 22 in December! LOL!!!!

God bless you!

BeenThinkin · #6 05-25-2010, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeHardy07

Ha ha ha! You are too kind! I'll be 22 in December! LOL!!!!

God bless you!

Don't believe it! Send me a copy of your license, you know; make out like you're in Arizona! ha ha

BT

Sam · #7 05-26-2010, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeHardy07

Ha ha ha! You are too kind! I'll be 22 in December! LOL!!!!

God bless you!

I have grandkids older than you, so I consider you a kid.

I have 5 children. One is 50 and 4 are in their 40's and I consider people kids at that age.

So, you are a kid to me.

Thank you for that post.

JoeHardy07 · #8 05-25-2010, 11:25 PM

And when I say love, I don't mean the feeling you get at an old fashion alter when you're crying so hard you start gagging, and then feel loopy afterwards.

I mean waking up in the morning with a BIG bright smile! And wanting to do this

No tongues required.

BeenThinkin · #9 05-25-2010, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeHardy07

And when I say love, I don't mean the feeling you get at an old fashion alter when you're crying so hard you start gagging, and then feel loopy afterwards.

I mean waking up in the morning with a BIG bright smile! And wanting to do this

No tongues required.

BT

Mirth1981 · #10 05-25-2010, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeHardy07

I'm still a kid (21), but was raised in strict Apostolicism. Family broke away a few years ago...started going to a Baptist church about 6 years ago...and guess what?

The Baptists that I know believe that Jesus Christ is the one true God...the Father of the Universe...contrary to what I had been taught they believed (three gods)...It amazes me...the other day I asked the youth "How can Jesus be the Son and the Father?" Know what they said? "Because He's just one guy!!!!"...makes me chuckle everytime!

Miracles happen in Baptist congregations too...but our faith shouldn't be based on the miraculous anyway, right?...

I was pretty angry at Pentecostals/Apostolics for a while...then a UPC pastor needed help with the sound room and such...I jumped on board...some of the most loving people I ever met...still don't agree with some of the beliefs and practices...but our goal is the same...reach the lost for Jesus, live as Christ did and make it to heaven...

It doesnt matter to me anymore really where I attend church. There's hypocrisy in every congregation..and there's sincerity in every congregation...

Ask yourself this...why does every denomination have reports of miracles and wonderful happenings (drug deliverance, healing, financial miracles, etc...)? Go to any congregation! Baptist, Methodist, UPC, AOG, ND...And why do they credit God for it? It's either that God is not in any of it...that men are making these things happen for themselves...or maybe God is not confined to a single group...

If you do go somewhere new, go with an open heart and open mind! Try the spirits! You have brothers and sisters WITHIN the UPC and OUTSIDE the UPC! They aren't demons and satanists because they don't embrace the "experience," or covet a select few of the spiritual gifts. They are God's children trying to find their way, and they can teach you many wonderful things! Like how to love!

Peace and blessings to you!

Very good post Joe.