Bombshell- Considering going back to the UPC

[Jason B]

Originally Posted by Ferd

Nope. Elder Epley who is not UPCI but is conservative is not treated with disrespect by non-conservitives who are UPCI like me therefore Jason does not want to fellowship people who are not judgemental toward ultra cons.

Ferd I don't have a problem with ultra cons, except that they ARE judgmental. Maybe you know some UCs who aren't, but I've never met ONE who didn't believe that other believers who didn't keep their (made up) standards wasn't going to hell. Bro. Epley is no different. I don't think I've been particularly disrespectful to him, unless you consider asking someone to exegete scripture to back up their claims is disrespectful.

[Theophil]

Originally Posted by Farfel

I know AG aren't Oneness, but they are solid.

Yes, solid trinity.

Originally Posted by Jason Badejo

Because amongst the biggest reasons I'd reconsider returning to the UPC is that I absolutely believe in the oneness of God and baptism in Jesus name. If I were to leave the Bible church, I'd highly prefer to be in a oneness church. And if a oneness church, I'm likely to go where I've already got friends. I'm not saying never, but I can't see going to an AG church at this point anytime in the foreseeable future.

Hold that fast which you have. You got that truth from Jesus.

[returnman]

Originally Posted by Ferd

Nope. Elder Epley who is not UPCI but is conservative is not treated with disrespect by non-conservitives who are UPCI like me therefore Jason does not want to fellowship people who are not judgemental toward ultra cons.

I am not the sharpest tool in the shed nor dull either, however, I have read this twice and still not sure what is being said. lol. Ok, I get it now.

[Farfel]

Originally Posted by returnman

I am not the sharpest tool in the shed nor dull either, however, I have read this twice and still not sure what is being said. lol. Ok, I get it now.

I thought it was just me.

[Jason B]

UPDATE:

Still have not gone to visit a UPC church, I am actually leading the Bible Church I mentioned earlier in the thread. I've been doing that since early May. I am praying for God to give me direction. I don't want to be in a place "spinning my wheels" but also don't want to bail out on something if God plans to do a work. I honestly do not know how all of this will play out, but we'll see.

[GuitarForJesus]

Before you even read this, my friend, let me tell you I have attended the same UPC church since I was born. I believe in everything they believe, I am part of them. I would admit that some UPC churches are sort of dysfunctional, but we have it right, pal. I believe that in the very very last days, all the apostolic oneness believers will be united as one anyway. Personally, I think it is ironic that we believe in oneness but yet we ourselves are not one. the "standards" we enforce, we enforce because they are biblical doctrines. My advice is to go to the most loving UPC church you can find near you, and attend till the day you die. May God bless you and your family as you make this decision.

[GuitarForJesus]

Another reply from me. I think that the church is still a work in progress. Not all of the apostolic oneness believers have everything together. But let me tell you something. If there is any organization that will be the one to revolutionize the church and get it ready for the last days, it will be the UPC. I see problems in my church, all the time in fact. But no one is perfect, so if you looking for some perfect group of believers you will never find it. The United Pentecostal Church is who to look to, and they are the ones that shall be right in the end. Those "standards" shall mean everything in the end, mark my words.

[FlamingZword]

Originally Posted by GuitarForJesus

Another reply from me. I think that the church is still a work in progress. Not all of the apostolic oneness believers have everything together. But let me tell you something. If there is any organization that will be the one to revolutionize the church and get it ready for the last days, it will be the UPC. I see problems in my church, all the time in fact. But no one is perfect, so if you looking for some perfect group of believers you will never find it. The United Pentecostal Church is who to look to, and they are the ones that shall be right in the end. Those "standards" shall mean everything in the end, mark my words.

Spoken like a true believer, good luck, but the Church of God is much bigger than just the UPC, so we can look to other organizations too.

[Jason B]

Originally Posted by GuitarForJesus

Another reply from me. I think that the church is still a work in progress. Not all of the apostolic oneness believers have everything together. But let me tell you something. If there is any organization that will be the one to revolutionize the church and get it ready for the last days, it will be the UPC. I see problems in my church, all the time in fact. But no one is perfect, so if you looking for some perfect group of believers you will never find it. The United Pentecostal Church is who to look to, and they are the ones that shall be right in the end. Those "standards" shall mean everything in the end, mark my words.

Realistically, if I ever went back into a oneness org, it would probably be the UPC. But personally, I believe the UPC's best days are behind her. I believe that movement missed its opportunity.

I like the fact they are changing the tv resolution so that it doesn't make hypocrites out of licensed ministers, and also allows people to make media decisions based on the guidance of the Spirit, rather than the letter of the law (manual)-if it was even taken seriously by those in the org in the first place.

As for actually going back to the UPC, really its a moot point for me now, since my situation has changed quite a bit since I first posted this thread. But there are some problems, its not as simple as "we have it right, pal."

I am a believer in justification by faith, so that's a big problem for me. Although the UPC apologist are at least now giving lip service to justification by faith, they don't truly accept the doctrine. Justification isn't by faith when you require people to speak in tongues, keep certain extra-biblical standards, and tell them if they don't tithe they will be damned.

I probably agree with 60% of UPC/OP doctrines and culture, maybe even 75%, but the issues I have differences on are major deal breakers 1)salvation 2)initial evidence 3)standards as absolutes (rather than principles) 4)tithing and I believe that Trinitarians are saved (assuming they have genuine saving faith in Jesus Christ). Amongst other things. So again, "we have it right, pal" really doesn't persuade me.

But despite my differences with the UPC/OP, I am still a staunch believer in the oneness of God, baptism in Jesus name, the necessity of the Holy Spirit for regeneration (but not the necessity of tongues), holiness, modesty, separation from the world, I enjoy Pentecostal praise & worship, and I believe that by percentage, there are much less frivolous Christians in oneness churches than in mainstream churches.

[Jason B]

Originally Posted by GuitarForJesus

The United Pentecostal Church is who to look to, and they are the ones that shall be right in the end. Those "standards" shall mean everything in the end, mark my words.

I think I'll look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith.