Are you sure we did not go to the same church? I know exactly what you mean about ACTS 2:38, then the on going list afterward that never seemed to end. I remember looking at my wife one day and making the remark that I was unsure if we would ever be good enough or do enough to be saved.
What I have found about Pentecost is that we have more in common with the denominal world then we dare admit in mixed company. We believe we have the whole truth...so do they. I remember wondering if the sould I had won were really won to Christ or to the organization. One of the central issues that still is a hot button for me concerns family. I can't tell you how many times I heard preaching about family, but it always seemed to be done with relation to the church and everything going on and with the church - it never really seemed genuwine to me.
The other issue was the while business structure of the church. There were comments made to the effect that we needed to do more to appeal to the more affluent in the community because it would create more revenue for the church. At the end of the day I questioned who we were REALLY living for, and more and more it felt cultish.
Fast forward to today...I respect my peers and my pastor. Do I agree on every point...NO. I do the best I can, which it seems alot of folks on here including you are trying to do. I know we will never agree on everything, and that is fine. The line I have drawn is at my doorstep. In my house we will live for God and do our best to stay in the Word. We have decided to let the other "stuff" roll off. I want to help people and do the best I can for God...therefore I have choosen to ignore the more fringe and overblown traditions of my Pentecostal peers.
At any rate, until God moves or speaks it is usually best to just stand and stay in His Word. There is nothing wrong with questions and study..
"...to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." Rom 4:4-5
Amen!!!
__________________ For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God. (Romans 14:11- NASB)
in the 3 and a half years since I've been going to a UPC church, I have yet to hear my pastor teach on standards.
And I thought you had embraced UR??? LOL
__________________ For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall give praise to God. (Romans 14:11- NASB)
this thread wasn't about standards really, it was about overall doctrine.
Maybe not in total, but you included it in your main post.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Amanah
Are there churches in the UPC that don't preach holiness "standards"
that do believe that salvation is a Repentance
that believe that baptism is unto the remission of sins (not for the remission of sins)
that believe you are saved at repentance
and that you are saved before you receive the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues
Are there churches in the UPC that preach/teach the above? and if so, how many?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Amanah
You guys have no idea how difficult it is for me to wrap my mind around some of these thoughts.
It's very similar to what I have always believed as an OP, but its different too.
but it seems the subtle difference is faith/works.
which could actually be more then a subtle difference.
My best advice to you is to take what you get from here with a grain of salt and study for yourself with much prayer about anything you may question. This forum is the last place you should seek answers to solidify your salvation.
What worries me even more is that when you first came here you spoke out boldly concerning your beliefs and your salvation. PO told you on another thread to stand on your beliefs. If this forum has caused you to question those beliefs to the point you question your own salvation, this is probably not the place for you .
__________________ You can't reach the world with your talents. People are sick and tired of religious talents. People need a Holy Ghost annointed church with real fruits to reach out and touch their lives. ~ Pastor Burrell Crabtree
In fact I think that the insinuation of "hateful" Pentecostals is coming mostly from the fertile imaginations of bitter, backslidden ex Apostolics who are constantly trying to find a way to justify their actions. ~ strait shooter
this morning because we are having very bad storms and flooding here in Sebastian Florida, I decided to go to the AoG church that is an 8 min drive from my home.
the Pastor is just beginning a series on faith that he will be teaching for the next several weeks.
I thoroughly enjoyed his teaching this morning and have decided that it was/is just what I need to hear right now. So, yeah, I will be attending an AoG church for the time being.
This is very sad that is why a forum like this is not good for weak saints so many have become apostates because of the ungodly influence of apostates who no longer believe the truth yet the name Apostolic is attached to the forum. I plead with you in Jesus Name go back to your home church and unplug from this forum. Remember Paul does warn about a strong delusion being sent to thos who love their love for truth.
This is very sad that is why a forum like this is not good for weak saints so many have become apostates because of the ungodly influence of apostates who no longer believe the truth yet the name Apostolic is attached to the forum. I plead with you in Jesus Name go back to your home church and unplug from this forum. Remember Paul does warn about a strong delusion being sent to thos who love their love for truth.
And you know you are not deluded.
__________________
Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
Maybe not in total, but you included it in your main post.
My best advice to you is to take what you get from here with a grain of salt and study for yourself with much prayer about anything you may question. This forum is the last place you should seek answers to solidify your salvation.
What worries me even more is that when you first came here you spoke out boldly concerning your beliefs and your salvation. PO told you on another thread to stand on your beliefs. If this forum has caused you to question those beliefs to the point you question your own salvation, this is probably not the place for you .
I think you are misunderstanding me.
I have not changed my beliefs, I still believe in Repentance, the Oneness of God, Baptism in Jesus Name, and receiving the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking in tongues.
The questioning that I've expressed on this board had its origin in things that happened years before I ever came to this board.
What I have learned from this board that I didn't know before was the variety of beliefs encompassed in those who share similar beliefs to my own.
I had assumed that most UPC/OP churches were very similar to the one I spent most of my adult life in.
I didn't realize the variance that existed till I came to this board.
I think I'm wise enough to decide for myself if I need to be here or not.
__________________
Are you worried about what 2026 will bring?
I think it will bring flowers. why?
because i'm planting flowers 🌹
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