Left the UPC...Now Back Again

[Jermyn Davidson]

When I returned to the UPCI, it was to regain my Christian bearings, so to speak.

I don't agree with them doctrinally, but it was the last place I was attending before my vibrant relationship with the Lord began to wax dull.

[houston]

So... Nostalgia...

[Jermyn Davidson]

While it is familiar, it's not the same as I remember-- probably because I am the one who has changed.

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

When I returned to the UPCI, it was to regain my Christian bearings, so to speak.

I don't agree with them doctrinally, but it was the last place I was attending before my vibrant relationship with the Lord began to wax dull.

How does one 'regain their Christian bearings' from attending a church that you believe teaches false doctrine?

Was your 'vibrant relationship' based on doctrine? Or based on the music, the 'expressiveness' of the service, etc? IE emotion?

[houston]

Originally Posted by Esaias

Was your 'vibrant relationship' based on doctrine? Or based on the music, the 'expressiveness' of the service, etc? IE emotion?

There it is...

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by houston

There it is...

You forgot the 'WHOOOP!' part!

[returnman]

Originally Posted by Esaias

How does one 'regain their Christian bearings' from attending a church that you believe teaches false doctrine?

Was your 'vibrant relationship' based on doctrine? Or based on the music, the 'expressiveness' of the service, etc? IE emotion?

You said a lot in a short way. Most anyone I talk to that has left a oneness camp says the thing they miss if any is the services. I would lying if I didn't feel the same but to go back for that......no way. I am a more mature person and Christian to do that.

[Jermyn Davidson]

Originally Posted by Esaias

How does one 'regain their Christian bearings' from attending a church that you believe teaches false doctrine?

Was your 'vibrant relationship' based on doctrine? Or based on the music, the 'expressiveness' of the service, etc? IE emotion?

The UPCI isn't doctrinally perfect-- but neither is any church or organization that I know of. I chose to return because I value the moving of the Holy Ghost in the services I attend, and in my life when I am not in church.

Is there any church that has everything right?

Is there any church that you agree with 100%?

There are differences in beliefs, but nothing that I would consider to be Heaven or Hell issues.

For those who would attempt to write off the moving of the Holy Spirit on people as they praise and worship the Lord as merely emotionalism, you don't know what you're talking about.

There is great value in the worship of Our Lord. Worship is more than emotion, but it is not void of emotion and more true worship is done outside of the church than inside. Still, that doesn't mean there is no or little value in the fiery worship settings of a church whose members pray consistently and live a holy life.


Those fiery services are not fiery because everyone is faking or because the music is causing people to do things. Those services are fiery because many of those people are living a holy life and are praying.

Ever been in a prayer room or prayer service where you walk in and can feel the Holy Ghost?

[Esaias]

Originally Posted by Jermyn Davidson

Those fiery services are not fiery because everyone is faking or because the music is causing people to do things. Those services are fiery because many of those people are living a holy life and are praying.

Ever thought that might have some connection with their doctrine?

Ever been in a prayer room or prayer service where you walk in and can feel the Holy Ghost?

I've been to too many UPC and even independent 'Oneness Pentecostal' services where the Spirit got quenched. No desire to go back. I've seen the Spirit move far more powerfully in non-institutional settings where God didn't 'get in the way of the program'.

Quite honestly, I do not miss UPC services, because every single UPC I have been to in the last 20 years has been sadly disappointing. I have been to services in UPC churches from Texas to Tennessee to Oklahoma to Washington state. I have been to ALJC and independent churches as well.

Every time was disappointing. Every time was a faint echo of what I remember when I first came into the truth. Every time was also a faint echo of what I have experienced in meetings with saints outside of the institutional, traditional 'pentecostal' church. To be perfectly honest, I am about 95% convinced that the modern 'pentecostal movement' has lost revival. We are fast becoming Oneness 'united methodists'.

But then again it's probably just me.

[houston]

Originally Posted by Esaias

You forgot the 'WHOOOP!' part!

I didn't want to be accused of racial profiling.


Shacka lacka

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