I have Left the UPC Church

[Michlow]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Ron,

That is a nice ideal, but not necessarily so.

A lot of folks do a lot of sifting, and come up with something a long way from truth.

Some folks put what they have been taught in the sifter, and come up believing not much of anything.

This idea that every individual is the sole arbiter of personal truth, and that there really are no absolutes, is not a Scriptural idea.

There are three elements that are in place that enable us to discern truth:

1. The Word of God--this is paramount.

2.The Holy Ghost--given us to lead and guide into all truth.

3.The five-fold ministry--without this, we cannot be perfected.

When you remove any of the three, and decide that you alone are the "sifter," you have concocted a recipe for deception just as sure as you are a foot high.

I am somewhat between a rock and a hard place here. Whereas I agree with you, that no one is an island unto themselves, nevertheless I am in a place where I have lost trust in others.

It is continually my prayer for the Lord to bring trustworthy people into my life, and to help me to begin to trust again.

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

You did not.

But your post indicated unequivocally that what was sifted by her--one individual--would be truth.

None of us alone can be the arbiters of truth.

That must be done in the context of the checks and balances given the Body of Christ.

Isolating one's self to search for truth is unscriptural and will always end up in deception.

Paul came and checked what he believed to be revelation with Peter and John before he would trust that it was right.

I hope you do not feel that I am isolating myself. In a way I am separating myself from a particular organization and mindset that I have come to disagree with. Nevertheless, I still have some close friends that are part of that organization and mindset. Friends who I love dearly, and who I believe truly care for me in return. I have no intention of removing myself from those relationship, regardless of whatever differences we may have. However, I cannot blindly follow what they believe to be truth. And granted right now, I may not always be able to listen to what they are saying fairly and without bias.

I think people are more disturbed by the fact that I don't acknowledge any pastoral authority over me, than anything else. Like that means I am totally without accountability.