Bombshell- Considering going back to the UPC

[KeptByTheWord]

Originally Posted by Jason Badejo

Update: Finally visited a UPC church this morning.

And... ?

[Jason B]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

And... ?

It went ok. Enjoyed the music. The message was good. I would say philosophically I found a lot that was agreeable (the preacher spoke about the dangers of worldliness and the need for holiness-not in the context of extremes, but principles). There were a lot of obviously new or non-upc people there, and 4 people were baptized.

of course there were some things doctrinally I didn't agree with-more than one person speaking in tongues at a time with no interpretation during the worship and altar call, the suggestion that sins were forgiven at water baptism (although this isn't that much of a big deal to me, but it does cause a quandary for those who say speaking in tongues is necessary for salvation-if someones sins are washed away in baptism, then how can they not be saved?) And of course the suggestion that tongues is the initial evidence, and the mention of tithing. But none of those things were central to the service (worship/preaching) and most were mentioned during the altar call and baptismal service).

Did it change my mind about anything? No. Would I be open to another visit in the future? Possibly.

[Rudy]

Originally Posted by Jason Badejo

It went ok. Enjoyed the music. The message was good. I would say philosophically I found a lot that was agreeable (the preacher spoke about the dangers of worldliness and the need for holiness-not in the context of extremes, but principles). There were a lot of obviously new or non-upc people there, and 4 people were baptized.

of course there were some things doctrinally I didn't agree with-more than one person speaking in tongues at a time with no interpretation during the worship and altar call, the suggestion that sins were forgiven at water baptism (although this isn't that much of a big deal to me, but it does cause a quandary for those who say speaking in tongues is necessary for salvation-if someones sins are washed away in baptism, then how can they not be saved?) And of course the suggestion that tongues is the initial evidence, and the mention of tithing. But none of those things were central to the service (worship/preaching) and most were mentioned during the altar call and baptismal service).

Did it change my mind about anything? No. Would I be open to another visit in the future? Possibly.

On the tongues issue it shows that one has received the holy spirit as it is taught. Without the spirit of Christ we are none of his.

[CC1]

Originally Posted by Jason Badejo

It went ok. Enjoyed the music. The message was good. I would say philosophically I found a lot that was agreeable (the preacher spoke about the dangers of worldliness and the need for holiness-not in the context of extremes, but principles). There were a lot of obviously new or non-upc people there, and 4 people were baptized.

of course there were some things doctrinally I didn't agree with-more than one person speaking in tongues at a time with no interpretation during the worship and altar call, the suggestion that sins were forgiven at water baptism (although this isn't that much of a big deal to me, but it does cause a quandary for those who say speaking in tongues is necessary for salvation-if someones sins are washed away in baptism, then how can they not be saved?) And of course the suggestion that tongues is the initial evidence, and the mention of tithing. But none of those things were central to the service (worship/preaching) and most were mentioned during the altar call and baptismal service).

Did it change my mind about anything? No. Would I be open to another visit in the future? Possibly.

If only that played "coming home" during the altar call they probably would have had you for sure.

[Jason B]

Originally Posted by KeptByTheWord

And... ?

I would also add that the church was moderate (some would probably even say liberal), and it was actually a refreshing UPC atmosphere considering some of the things I've seen in the past. It seems like they would have been better off just listening to Loren Yadon in the first place, but it seems his ideas will win out in the end anyhow, if that church was an indication of the direction the UPC is moving in.

[houston]

Originally Posted by Jason Badejo

Update: Finally visited a UPC church this morning.

I am in sackcloth and ashes

[Jason B]

Originally Posted by Rudy

On the tongues issue it shows that one has received the holy spirit as it is taught. Without the spirit of Christ we are none of his.

Assuming tongues us the only initial evidence that one has received the Spirit.
However the fact that most OPs believe sins are washed away at baptism leaves them with a soteriology which says the sinners sins are forgiven, covered under the blood of Jesus but they are still lost until they speak in tongues....which is years for some and never for others.

[Rudy]

Originally Posted by Jason Badejo

Assuming tongues us the only initial evidence that one has received the Spirit.
However the fact that most OPs believe sins are washed away at baptism leaves them with a soteriology which says the sinners sins are forgiven, covered under the blood of Jesus but they are still lost until they speak in tongues....which is years for some and never for others.

I never did hear myself speak in tongues when I received the Holy Ghost. That came shortly later. Ooops, then how did I know? I experienced a warm sunburst of glowing light several times on different occasions at the alter. I stated there was a light and the Pastors wife said "like a sunburst" I replied, "yes."

[Abiding Now]

Originally Posted by Rudy

I never did hear myself speak in tongues when I received the Holy Ghost. That came shortly later. Ooops, then how did I know? I experienced a warm sunburst of glowing light several times on different occasions at the alter. I stated there was a light and the Pastors wife said "like a sunburst" I replied, "yes."

Kinda reminds me of my first kiss back when I was about ten years old, it was awesome! Sent chills down my spine. Then I realized my little girlfriend had dropped her ice cream down my shirt collar.

[Nitehawk013]

I'm confused. Are you still pastoring Jason? Or going back to another church, possibly UPC?