Will you join the UPC NOW ????

[Hawkman]

Originally Posted by scotty

From the mouth is the heart. I call it like I see it, or you type it. I will retract when you give me a reason to.

Once again, I ask for maturity. The thread was started to be a mature discussion, not a childish party for ex-UPCers to jump around in glee yelling "we are free, we are free". In league sports that draws a penalty for unsportsman like conduct. If you want to start a "happy, happy, joy, joy" party thread then go for it. Otherwise, post something that can bless us with discussion or move on.

fine. I gave you a chance now i'm reporting your post.

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Fiyahstarter

I really would rather not talk about my pastor because it seems like I am gossiping... but know this: I have a tremendous fondness of and respect for my pastor. He is tops in my book. Both he and his wife have a powerful anointing on their ministry. This is not about him at all.

I found out about the articles of faith through this forum over a year ago. I found this forum while googling something to do with UPC ... It has explained a lot to me as to why certain people treat other people the way they do... but I tried not to dwell on that, and instead focused on the power of the church (and there was plenty of that!!!)

But we are seriously ailing in human relationship (LOVE)... brothers and sisters are not nice toward each other, and now its clear to me why. Some believe those rules and others don't. And the ones that DO believe those rules feel it is their job to show the rest of us immature Christians a "more excellent way." You know what I mean.

It has us split, and is apparent it has the whole church world split...

And it makes it very hard when people come to me, and I'm telling them about Jesus, and all He's done for me... and I ask them to come to church with me, and they ask where I go, and then their answer is, "Oh that's a UPC church. Don't they think women are going to hell if they cut their hair? They don't let women wear pants, do they? Don't they think every other church except them are going to hell?" It's funny, I used to defend my church and so, "Indeed NOT. Those things are just not true." But now that I've read certain UPC documents/statements of faith/etc. I feel foolish. They knew more about UPC than I did.

Thats because the UPC has long made the mistake of announcing what we are against instead of what we are for.... the questions you present above are easily answered. Follow the gospel. You are speaking of two different worlds here, the top of your post suggest you have a pastor that does not believe the second part of your post. There is nothing wrong with that. Again, its like government. I don't agree with alot of the things my Federal government does but I love where I live. You just need to get across the love of Christ to those you talk to. Show them that where you live is a wonderful place to be.

[Michael Phelps]

Originally Posted by scotty

Thats because the UPC has long made the mistake of announcing what we are against instead of what we are for.... the questions you present above are easily answered. Follow the gospel. You are speaking of two different worlds here, the top of your post suggest you have a pastor that does not believe the second part of your post. There is nothing wrong with that. Again, its like government. I don't agree with alot of the things my Federal government does but I love where I live. You just need to get across the love of Christ to those you talk to. Show them that where you live is a wonderful place to be.

Wow, you said a mouthful here, Scotty!

We've been defined for too long by what we are AGAINST, instead of what we are FOR!

The problem is, this creates a "the more I'm against, the holier I am" mentality that becomes a competition.

[live4him]

scotty . i think you made a real good point, about show them where you live it is a good place to be,

i will remember that

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Sam

...They could modify the Water Baptism section by deleting the words that say "it should be administered by a duly authorized minister of the Gospel"

Does it really say that? Only an ordained minister? Or one authorized by local ministry?

Curious...

[live4him]

the problem is, like you said, that they preach about standars but they dont preach the plan of salvation

[scotty]

Originally Posted by Hawkman

fine. I gave you a chance now i'm reporting your post.

And Admin will read the thread and I will adhere to their decision.

I am still giving you a chance to contribute to the discussion. I have stated more than once that I would gladly retract my statement if you would post something of substance. Something that says "Hey, I didnt just come here to gloat over another UPC thread"

I believe all of my discussion with each poster here should show that I am an understanding person who only wishes for serious fellowship.

I will even attempt to open to you again. Tell me Mr. Hawkman, what would you like to see changed about the UPC ?

[Sam]

Originally Posted by live4him

that is a sad thing, it is about love, i have invited people and they found out it was a upc church and they told me nah i have been to one and they are to strict and then they kinda laugh about it, it makes me feel foolish to, i want to win souls, i sure do not want to throw standards down their throat, thats not why i witness, i want to win souls

I never felt good about inviting people to our church when I was UPC.
I now go to a trinity church and have no problem inviting folks.
I'm not afraid people will be verbally abused and run of from the platform.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by live4him

the problem is, like you said, that they preach about standars but they dont preach the plan of salvation

for many, standards is the plan of salvation.
Many preach a "performance based" cultish religion

[Sam]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Does it really say that? Only an ordained minister? Or one authorized by local ministry?

Curious...

unless it has been modified, that's what it used to say