Is the grass truly greener....on the other side?!?

[NotforSale]

Life in Faith is a journey, and that journey may include time in the Wilderness, where isolation from all the formalities of Organized Religion are released.

I've noticed that Traditionalists have an extremely hard time with this, believing that God cannot be found in solitude and separation from the million opinions in Christianity.

I think people are afraid to head out on their own, fearing what they will see about themselves and the World gone crazy over things that don't matter in the realm of God's true love.

[ILG]

Originally Posted by NotforSale

Life in Faith is a journey, and that journey may include time in the Wilderness, where isolation from all the formalities of Organized Religion are released.

I've noticed that Traditionalists have an extremely hard time with this, believing that God cannot be found in solitude and separation from the million opinions in Christianity.

I think people are afraid to head out on their own, fearing what they will see about themselves and the World gone crazy over things that don't matter in the realm of God's true love.

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself......at least when you are lead.

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by ILG

The only thing we have to fear is fear itself......at least when you are lead.

So true. Any true pioneer of discovery understands how to step out when others are mocking with fear-based ridicule.

What is so strange, is people find safety and security within a group of people to the point they follow even after the facts reveal lies and vain Tradition.

Taking the plunge for new ground causes the "Group" to lash out, but the individual who has great passion to set sail into uncharted waters will be the one to prove the World isn't flat.

I've done enough research on people to find that the greatest individuals within Science, Faith, Government, and Human achievement are the ones who raise their hands when everyone else sits. They take chances, they break records, and they change the World.

Religion is a component that destroys God given potential, as Truth becomes a limited fantasy by believing that failure is weakness.

[Orthodoxy]

Originally Posted by NotforSale

So true. Any true pioneer of discovery understands how to step out when others are mocking with fear-based ridicule.

What is so strange, is people find safety and security within a group of people to the point they follow even after the facts reveal lies and vain Tradition.

Taking the plunge for new ground causes the "Group" to lash out, but the individual who has great passion to set sail into uncharted waters will be the one to prove the World isn't flat.

I've done enough research on people to find that the greatest individuals within Science, Faith, Government, and Human achievement are the ones who raise their hands when everyone else sits. They take chances, they break records, and they change the World.

Religion is a component that destroys God given potential, as Truth becomes a limited fantasy by believing that failure is weakness.

I'm not saying that Christians should blindly follow their leaders and stop thinking for themselves....

But are you saying that being a church member inevitably leads to the "herd mentality"? What about the first century church?

Also, see this: 5 Reasons You Need to Join a Church

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by Orthodoxy

I'm not saying that Christians should blindly follow their leaders and stop thinking for themselves....

But are you saying that being a church member inevitably leads to the "herd mentality"? What about the first century church?

Yes, I believe all "Groups" of Faith wind up crossing this bridge, ending up in the Valley of false security. This applies to Countries, Nations, and the Corporate world as well.

Corruption finds its way into all that we do, even if we start out under the best of intensions.

Everything, and I say everything cycles. Nothing is exempt from the highs and lows of seasons, and IMO, this process is divine.

Look where the First Century Church wound up; in Rome, bartering with Politics and Organized Faith. Even Paul fled to Rome, using the power of this Government for protection when his life was in danger.

[Amanah]

Originally Posted by NotforSale

Life in Faith is a journey, and that journey may include time in the Wilderness, where isolation from all the formalities of Organized Religion are released.

I've noticed that Traditionalists have an extremely hard time with this, believing that God cannot be found in solitude and separation from the million opinions in Christianity.

I think people are afraid to head out on their own, fearing what they will see about themselves and the World gone crazy over things that don't matter in the realm of God's true love.

your post made me think of this passage:

Galations 1

15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,

16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

17Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

[Apprehended]

BeenThinkin....

Thanks for your honest, humble and transparent post. I understand.

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by unitedpraise10

I have a question. As a United Pentecostal Church member, I am ofter flabbergasted at the amount of people (our people) that leave the UPCI for other denominations. I'm not talking about leaving and going to a WPF or ALJC church. I'm talking about leaving and retreating to a non-denominational church or something similar. In some cases UPCI pastors have completely taken their entire churches in this direction. (I know of a UPCI church here in Missouri that made a 180 degree turn just with in this past year, and they are still listed on the United Pentecostal Church International "church locator").

I guess my question is, is why? I'm not being bitter or hateful. I'm just curious. What makes some "BOOM" make a complete change like that? Some say it's freedom....but I still don't get it.

I was taught to so honor and revere the Word of God, its doctrines and mysteries, once I was absolutely certain that the scriptures were stating something other than what I had been taught to believe, I really didn't have much of a choice.

"Let God be true and every man a liar...."
Romans 3:4

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by unitedpraise10

I have a question. As a United Pentecostal Church member, I am ofter flabbergasted at the amount of people (our people) that leave the UPCI for other denominations. I'm not talking about leaving and going to a WPF or ALJC church. I'm talking about leaving and retreating to a non-denominational church or something similar. In some cases UPCI pastors have completely taken their entire churches in this direction. (I know of a UPCI church here in Missouri that made a 180 degree turn just with in this past year, and they are still listed on the United Pentecostal Church International "church locator").

I guess my question is, is why? I'm not being bitter or hateful. I'm just curious. What makes some "BOOM" make a complete change like that? Some say it's freedom....but I still don't get it.

There's no "BOOM" about it. When a change such as this is made it is almost always after a long period of inward thought, study & struggle. This time is generally preceeded by questions to pastor & friends in which they, often, got answers that didn't help alleviate their questions. After a while of trying to act like you believe something that you have questions about... you ask questions. Then after a while of not getting answers that provide good solid Bible answers for why this is taught doubts creep in until finally they just can't pretend anymore... and then... BOOM.

[GraceAmazing]

This is my first response to a post on here in months, and if I wasn't on a facebook fast....LOL

It wasn't about the grass being greener...I agree with the person (I can't remember who now) that said there WAS no grass on the other side...that's how I was raised too...

I love my life now! I have standards, in fact, they go a lot deeper than my UPC parents/friends/family...I don't watch things they watch and feel are okay, I could go on, but won't...

I have changed on the outside, but they are right, it's not an overnight thing by no means...It took us 5 years to do something about it...

We pastor a thriving non-denominational church with a pentecostal flair church! We love it! We have anointed, Holy Ghost filled services and God moves in a big way! Like I said, I'm not sure the grass is greener, but I love where I'm "eating"!