Where Do I Belong?

[DAII]

Originally Posted by Pastor Keith

If he was here, he would say, I agree with AOF of the UPCI.

the AOF states doctrine of initial evidence ... but for that matter ... Parham believed this ... although initially he believed these tongues to be xenolalic.

Seems Dr. Segraves is not in agreement with the full blown 3 stepper.

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by Pastor Keith

After a lengthy sabbatical I will most likely post here more often.

I was banned from another forum. I think for me this highlights a struggle that I currently have.

I can accept my more conservative brethren, they can't accept me.

For those who don't know me, I am a 5th generation OP. I have a Bible College Education, and Master's Degree from a large Seminary. I preached my first message when I was 18 years old (so 20+ years in the ministry). I have started 3 churches, 2 failed, 1 succeeded tremendously. My home church is the Stockton Church. I currently Pastor a church that split from a UPCI church in the 1970's. So we are independent.

My struggle is I can't go UPCI, because of the extra Biblical stuff.

I can't go the other direction, as I feel some Biblical Values and Clear directives aren't emphasized either. I do feel that Acts 2:38 to be the normal New Birth, while acknowledging the complex components of Full Salvation, I believe it to be the complete picture of the believers initiation. Yet I don't believe the Bible teaches a all or nothing salvation economy.

So I sit in no man's land, I guess I have for the last 10 years or so. So where do I belong?

Thanks for hearing my lament.

You have company! Me!

[DAII]

Originally Posted by mfblume

You have company! Me!

Blume but you believe tongues are the initial, necessary evidence of Spirit baptism ... I think Keith would be left of you ... No????

Do you equate the moment of Spirit baptism, with tongues, with being being born of the Spirit?

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by DAII

Blume but you believe tongues are the initial, necessary evidence of Spirit baptism ... I think Keith would be left of you ... No????

I have maintained that tongues are evidence, but I do not claim one is lost without it. I concede the bible does not directly state that one MUST speak in tongues when one gets the Holy Ghost, but it is the only experience that was associated in any way with how one knows one initially has the Spirit. Therefore, I do not say LOST if one has not spoken in tongues. I simply preach tongues will occur.

[Pastor Keith]

Originally Posted by mfblume

I have maintained that tongues are evidence, but I do not claim one is lost without it. I concede the bible does not directly state that one MUST speak in tongues when one gets the Holy Ghost, but it is the only experience that was associated in any way with how one knows one initially has the Spirit. Therefore, I do not say LOST if one has not spoken in tongues. I simply preach tongues will occur.

I agree with your sentiments.

[mfblume]

Originally Posted by Pastor Keith

I agree with your sentiments.

I wish we could've gotten together somehow while I was in CA.

[StMark]

Keith,
Please don't post anything that is going to give those who organized you
off the forum more arsonal. Unless you want to give them that satisfaction?

.

[Dagwood]

I don't have the credentials you hold, but I will tell you this much: it appears to me God has you in your position for a reason. Just because you have two "failed" churches, don't let that overshadow the one successful one you are running now. If anything, remain independent and keep the corporate church politics out as much as possible.

Seriously, the world isn't looking for that kind of non-sense; they're looking for a Savior who can pull them out of whatever mess they might be in, cleanse/forgive them, and fill them with His spirit. They're looking for geuine people interested in listening to them and lead them to a god of multiple chances. The world needs to know that each day we wake up is another chance to make "it" right. Reach out to the homeless, fatherless, and others in need, those who are broken in their spirit (which can cover a wide variety of topics in itself).

Just keep on keepin' on and keep the main thing the main thing. If, for whatever reason, you don't foresee the direction of your congregation going where you feel God is leading, reconsider your ministry and whether or not it should become more missional in or around your community. There is a harvest waiting to be reaped; someone, somewhere will reap it, and they'll do so in some of the most non-tradtional ways.

[DAII]

Originally Posted by StMark

Keith,
Please don't post anything that is going to give those who organized you
off the forum more arsonal. Unless you want to give them that satisfaction?

.

When is Tony going to man up?

[Cindy]

Keith, I believe you have a servants heart. That is very rare. Praying for you and your lovely wife, and your ministry.