Quote:
Originally Posted by Ferd
well, we wouldnt have to if someone didnt feel it necessary to take issue with the UPCI for declariing "This is who we are"....
What irritates me is that it is an issue. folk dont like the Apostolic Identity as reflected by the UPCI, then fine, do your own deal. But do we have to stop down and bash the UPCI every time some preacher in the organization decides to suggest that the UPCI still olds to some views others have let go of (or never held)?
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So, we can't discuss an issue? Or is it that we can't discuss a UPCI issue?
I really don't see what the problem is, honestly.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin
It seems that there is way too much emphasis on making oneself holy on the outside. (See Gal. 3) |
I think so.
I have been young and now I am older. I have the distinct opportunity of viewing this issue (outward holiness) from both sides now. I was pretty much a con to ultra con and now I would be considered liberal to most especially the ultra cons who would consider me backslidden. However, from my vantage point of once preaching that cutting your hair (ladies) was a sin, to now not even mentioning it, I can tell you from my experience that that folks in the church I pastor are far more spiritual than most of the folks I pastored as a Con, and I DO preach holiness.
I think this is partly due to the fact that without the emphasis on the outward, they spend more time on the "weightier matters of the law" which have to do with how they live out the scriptures instead of how they look. I can't tell you the last time in 10yrs I have had to deal with gossiping or backbiting. I can't tell you the last time I had to deal with politics on our ministerial team. I can't tell you the last time I had to beg for people to tithe.
I'm certainly not trying to make anyone like me/us, but I am telling you all that the "inevitable" slippery slope is NOT inevitable. I am still married to my first wife and have not committed adultery. We don't get drunk and we don't cuss! We don't cheat on our taxes and have nothing to hide. I don't have to hide our TV and I don't have to lie signing an AS. All the "doom and gloom" that everyone said would happen if we left the "Mother Ship" has not happened.
But now, looking on from the outside, it just seems to me like the UPCI, for the past 11 or 12 years that I have been out of it is STILL dealing with the same issues. There are still splits and there are still those who are trying to make the organization purer and purer and wondering why those who don't agree with the AOF stay in it. Nothing changes. It's still the same thing as it was in the 70's when I got saved. The bickering and political in-fighting has never waned and IMO, has only increased. It seems that no matter who leaves, it's still not enough. I don't know what else they can do to purge the ranks except go back to the tolerant days before the merger.
I'm sad to say it, but I really don't think, based upon it's history, that it will ever change unless they can make everyone think alike and that's not likely to happen. It is sad that these things, like the zany, wacky "magic hair" doctrine, continue to be in the spotlight and not simply reaching the lost and preaching the cross.
But, hey....I'm "backslidden" so what do I know?
My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. 
I am out of here. Talk with you guys tomorrow.
Hybrid Mode
