Thankful For My Heritage?

[unitedpraise10]

I'm thankful for my heritage at a UPCI member, but I certainly don't dwell on it! You can't effective move forward if you are dwelling on the past...

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by houston

Traitor

Im the round peg in a square hole

[Sandra79]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

I think people that attack the UPC and seem to revel in controversies but say they are thankful are contradictory and less than genuine. By attack I don't mean constructive criticisms but pejorative laced rants, belligerent attitudes etc etc

I agree...and im not even upc, or most generally in most circumstances wont go to a upc church. But Matt 7:1 says a lot.

[Falla39]

Originally Posted by unitedpraise10

I'm thankful for my heritage at a UPCI member, but I certainly don't dwell on it! You can't effective move forward if you are dwelling on the past...

I am thankful for my heritage as an Apostolic Pentecostal. I have found
that linking or connecting the past to the present, I have much hope in
the future!

Falla39

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Jason Badejo

Having the same or similar values and worldview as that of the unredeemed world at large. The same desires for popularity, sensuality, materialism, etc. To be completely consumed with the things that are passing away. To have a hunger for things which are anti-God, and to have little desire for the things which are truly spiritual, such as prayer, the Word, true holiness (not dress code holiness), and a burden for the lost.

In essence to allow oneself to be completely immersed and integrated into the culture of worldliness. To listen to the same music, to watch the same shows and movies, to dress the same way, and eventually to be swayed, if not completely accept, the philosphy of the world (moral relativism).


IMO, that is what I see more often than not from the ex-UPC crowd.

Some seem to have the attitude "I'm free to do all these things b/c of grace."

Very true!

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by houston

Ah. That's churchianity today...even amongst the dress code apostolics and pentecostals.

I don't see moral relativism being a big problem among conservative OP. There is more of a swing in the other direction. exclusionary thinking and sectarianism.

[Hoovie]

In general I am thankful for my Christian Heritage. There are many interesting traditions associated with what I have been gifted as an ultra conservative Old Order Mennonite an now as a Pentecostal. Most of these are good traditions and represent the core values of the scriptures and Jesus Christ our Lord. Some are worthy only of reflection and rejection - yet even those have great value - teaching me what not to pursue with the generation God has entrusted me with.

I am humbled knowing my own heirs will weigh what we give them and reject or embrace their inheritance.

Truly our greatest inheritance lies not in denominations and our various traditions, but in Christ Himself and the hope we have of eternal life through his shed blood.

[Sister Alvear]

Originally Posted by Hoovie

In general I am thankful for my Christian Heritage. There are many interesting traditions associated with what I have been gifted as an ultra conservative Old Order Mennonite an now as a Pentecostal. Most of these are good traditions and represent the core values of the scriptures and Jesus Christ our Lord. Some are worthy only of reflection and rejection - yet even those have great value - teaching me what not to pursue with the generation God has entrusted me with.

I am humbled knowing there are things that my own heirs will weigh what we give them and reject or embrace their inheritance.

Truly our greatest inheritance lies not in denominations and our various traditions, but in Christ Himself and the hope we have of eternal life through his shed blood.

:

[aegsm76]

Originally Posted by Jason Badejo

I often hear former "aposotlics", ex-UPC types talk about how they are "thankful for their heritage" or some such statement.

If someone is truly thankful for their heritage, why do they seemingly get joy as it falls apart?

The more worldly the churches become the better, it seems.

I left the upc. I don't hate the upc. I am against their doctrine on salvation. I think standards are misapplied and turned into legalism, I believe that emotionalism and sensationalism get a free pass as being the "Holy Ghost" when mostly it is just out of order carnality, and I'm sick of organizational politics.

That said, I think there are some good qualitites amongst some UPC types, namely a stong desire to get closer to God, a longing for prayer and revival. A desire to live a life of holiness and modesty. A desire to live seperate from the world (not necessarily using the same definition of separation as the UC's), and making the church a real priority.

When I left the UPC, I desired so much more than doctrine, legalism, and religion. I wanted a more authentic Chrisitanity. A Christianity more based on the Bible than tradition. A community of believers who walk in faith and righteousness before the Lord, whether they be pentecostal, baptist, church of christ, etc.

What I have found is that authentic Christianity is hard to find. That Christianity tends to follow pop culture, and that most "believers" seem to think the more like the world the church gets, they more we can "reach them."


I have to wonder, who's reaching who?

Great post, JB.

[NorCal]

I am thankful for my Heritage. I am 4th/5th Generation Apostolic Pentecostal on both sides of my family (mother and father). None have been preachers, not all have stayed with the truth for a life time, but they all instilled in me the desire to truly know God more.

That problem that all denominations have, is they live off the experience of their fathers and grand-fathers, rather then forging ahead with Christ to form their own experience. This has happened since the days of the Apostles. That is why Paul told Timothy "All scripture is given by inspiration". For what? For Doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. Why? So that we may be made competent, equipped for good works.

It is 100% ok to question what you have been taught. But it should not be out of anger, rebellion, or fear. Even the devil took the scripture and twisted it for his own needs.