Left the UPC...Now Back Again

[Mirth1981]

Originally Posted by Sister Alvear

I would just like to say I am praying for you as you walk through a deep valley where many voices and opinions call. Salvation is a personal matter and something we must settle in our hearts. However I doubt if there is any church that each one of us attends that we agree 100 % on everything that is taught. I personally am a missionary and there are things I abide by that really would not be a sin for me but could be a sin or hinder others. So it might be called making a tiny sacrifice to help my weaker brothers and sisters. Lots of things are not sins but can be weights that hinder us or tie us down. Examine your life and ask God which I am sure you are doing for His direction. Whatever you do guard against bitterness and remember who taught us most taught in all sincerety. I do believe the Bible is clear on the plan of salvation and coming out and being a seperate people. Remember no church and no people are perfect. I know a few who seem to think they are but they are not...we are all just people who are in great need of God's grace and His help.
Pray much and lean not to the opinion of others...Read often God's word..I know I am telling you things you already know however that is the "missionary" in me!
Above all remember HE leads and guides...sometimes we just don't have enough "brains" to work everything out on our own...God is standing near and will help.

Thank you for the words of wisdom. Yes I may already know much of what you said, but it's something that a person needs to hear over and over again, and be reminded of.

[navygoat1998]

Originally Posted by Mirth1981

I didn't ever plan on going back either, so I understand where some of you are coming from when you say you would never go back. Yet here I am...and for some reason, this seems like the right place to be...for now, anyways.

Thank you for your prayers CC1.

My wife and I attended my dad's church a couple times and it made us realize all over again, why we left and that it was God who brought us out and to go back would be like going back to Egypt.

[Theophil]

Originally Posted by Jason Badejo

PS, I wouldn't put a lot of stock into the opinions of others, especially the negative ones. Some people have left the UPC and grown in teir walk with God (proof there is salvation outside of UPC/oneness pentecostalism). But other have left, and despite claims to still be christians find themselves on the proverbial slippery slope (and many don't even realize it). Many of these people don't even believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, they are swayed by gay theology, don't see a problem with many of the pollutions of the world, openly use profanity, and are obviously on a broad road. Beware of people who will mock you or pity you. They ought to look in the mirror and consider their own selves and how far they've shifted to the left, and pity themselves.

Excellent observations, JB, and good advice.

[Mirth1981]

Thank you for those that have replied. It's nice to know that there are people out there somewhere that understand. I was going to reply to everyone on an individual basis, but realized that could be very repetitious. But I did read every post and appreciate all the input.

I would like to add a few things.

I mostly still look the part of a UPCer. I have kept my hair long, (although I did trim the split ends after I first left the UPC)....I'm still able to sit on it. My husband prefers it long, and I've been concerned that if I cut it, it would affect his feelings towards me. I still wear skirts most of the time....It is my comfort zone, and honestly, I think I look better in skirts. I still have never drank alcohol or engaged in any drugs. That is a personal conviction. The only difference is I wear light makeup.

I said all that to say this: I think many of the people in the UPC church we're attending assume that we're visiting from another UPC church, or that we transferred from another UPC church when we moved. So I think there may be that expectation from some that we fit a certain mold, because we look the part.

[navygoat1998]

It is important to note that just because somebody leaves the UPC does not mean they are chasing after the things of the world.

We left but are still following Christ and doing our best to live a life separated unto Him.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Mirth1981

Yet here I am...and for some reason, this seems like the right place to be...for now, anyways.
.

This is all that matters.

[Jermyn Davidson]

I understand.
I just recently decided to return to my UPCI church.

I disagree with many of their doctrinal views and extra-biblical teachings as well.

I am glad you and your husband are still together and I will pray for the two of you.

[Jack Shephard]

Originally Posted by Mirth1981

Thank you for those that have replied. It's nice to know that there are people out there somewhere that understand. I was going to reply to everyone on an individual basis, but realized that could be very repetitious. But I did read every post and appreciate all the input.

I would like to add a few things.

I mostly still look the part of a UPCer. I have kept my hair long, (although I did trim the split ends after I first left the UPC)....I'm still able to sit on it. My husband prefers it long, and I've been concerned that if I cut it, it would affect his feelings towards me. I still wear skirts most of the time....It is my comfort zone, and honestly, I think I look better in skirts. I still have never drank alcohol or engaged in any drugs. That is a personal conviction. The only difference is I wear light makeup.

I said all that to say this: I think many of the people in the UPC church we're attending assume that we're visiting from another UPC church, or that we transferred from another UPC church when we moved. So I think there may be that expectation from some that we fit a certain mold, because we look the part.

When I left I didn't drink right away. I still haven't gone into the drug scene and won't. I occasionally drink, but it is not as often as people that know me off here might think. I have shared a beer or three with a friend on here before. After having been gone for a while I have gone through a divorce. Our daughter hasn't been affected as bad as some might think either. My ex and I are very good friends. My ex is remarried now. Things have balanced out for me.

I haven't found a church to belong to, but I also have come to the realization that the typical church isn't for me. There are things about the corporate church that I am not a fan of. There are doctrinal issues I don't agree with. Those aren't the things keeping me away though. It is that I feel that God is dealing with me now and not going for a bit has been a great thing for me because it has tested my devotion to Him. I am more real with Him & others than I have ever been. I don't have any axes to grind with the UPC because I was the gullible one to fall for most of what they fed me. I don't wish I could unlive my upbringing, I think I am who I am today in large part to things I learned in the church.

Good luck going forward. The good thing is that neither you or your spouse has to answer to anyone about going back but each other. There could be benefits to going back there could be downsides too. You mentioned that you & your spouse could have divorced but for whatever rreason you all chose to stick it out. You all have found a place of healing in your relationship or a place that is currently healing you all. The same goes for a church. This may not be the final destination for you all - it may be the place to start healing and the regeneration of your collective spirituality. Either way good luck with whatever you all choose to do.

[Mirth1981]

Originally Posted by navygoat1998

It is important to note that just because somebody leaves the UPC does not mean they are chasing after the things of the world.

We left but are still following Christ and doing our best to live a life separated unto Him.

Very true!

[n david]

I'm not in the UPC, but I have many friends and family who are. I love the UPC, even though I disagree with their beliefs on outward dress.

God bless.