How do I leave

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Michael The Disciple

To those who have left the Pentecostal faith: Where did you go? Is it more Biblical from where you came? Consider also what the original Poster actually said. Nothing about "standards" or some Church group hurting him.

He said THE GOD of Pentecostals is bogus and unfaithful.

I chose to read that statement generously. I didn't take OEFM as professing atheism just yet or even a complete dissatisfaction with God Himself. His statement on "the GOD of the Pentecostals" is more of a reflection on the Pentecostals than on a transcendent God, IMHO.

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by pelathais

I chose to read that statement generously. I didn't take OEFM as professing atheism just yet or even a complete dissatisfaction with God Himself. His statement on "the GOD of the Pentecostals" is more of a reflection on the Pentecostals than on a transcendent God, IMHO.

That's what I said less eloquently (as always)!

[Praxeas]

Im glad I go to a more moderate UPC. I honestly don't want to leave

[MawMaw]

I agree with Praxeas and I would never try to give advice to someone wanting to leave.

[Hoovie]

Originally Posted by Lacey

I agree with Praxeas and I would never try to give advice to someone wanting to leave.

Yeah me too... but I would really need to know what it is they are trying to leave first I guess.

[ManOfWord]

I have had many people come to me over the years and state their quandary over leaving. Usually, it's leaving the UPC Mothership. The advice I always give is the same......follow the Cloud! Wherever God leads, He provides, protects and delivers. Feelings are never the reason to make a change. What is the right thing to do in this situation? is a good question to ask. I've never delighted in someone leaving or coerced someone to do so. However, God is the One who give guidance and direction. He never disappoints in that area. The direction may not come right away, but it always comes!

[NewWine]

Originally Posted by OneEyedFatMan

I have been Pentecostal for over 20 years. Bottom line..I donn't believe it any more.
I have been going through the motions for awhile for the sake of family and friends but am tired.

I believe in God, but the pentecostal god is kinda bogus, he doesn't deliver on their promises.

How do I ditch this religion without hurting everyone I love?

OneEyedFatMan:

There is difference between no longer believing Apostolic doctrine and parting with an organization. You stated that you believe in God, however, you also stated that "he doesn't deliver on their promises". The only guarantee in this life is Jesus Christ and His word. The problem with your statement is that you are having trouble with God delivering on the promises of man. God delivers on the promises of God. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us (2 Corinthians 1:20). Someone may tell you that something is from God and that may be false, but that is not God's fault. We are free to go to Christ for any spiritual clarity that we need. If we lack understanding we can obtain that from Jesus Christ. Your relationship is just that...your relationship with Jesus Christ. You cannot vicariously serve Christ through your family members.

Choose ye this day whom ye will serve. If you are going to serve Jesus Christ then serve him. No one can make that decision for you. I most certainly am not going to tell you how to "ditch" Jesus Christ. If you turn your back on Christ then that is the decision you make, but know that we all shall stand before him. "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them" (2 Peter 2:20-21).

I appeal to you in the Holy Ghost to not turn your back on Jesus Christ? I feel you may be disappointed or confused by things people have said/done. Man can and at times will fail you, but Jesus never fails. I think that you love the Lord so continue in Christ and lean on him, he will strengthen you. Be encouraged in the Lord and focus on Jesus.

Blessings In Jesus Name

[*AQuietPlace*]

Originally Posted by NewWine

I appeal to you in the Holy Ghost to not turn your back on Jesus Christ? I feel you may be disappointed or confused by things people have said/done. Man can and at times will fail you, but Jesus never fails. I think that you love the Lord so continue in Christ and lean on him, he will strengthen you. Be encouraged in the Lord and focus on Jesus.

[misspresley]

Originally Posted by NewWine

I appeal to you in the Holy Ghost to not turn your back on Jesus Christ? I feel you may be disappointed or confused by things people have said/done. Man can and at times will fail you, but Jesus never fails. I think that you love the Lord so continue in Christ and lean on him, he will strengthen you. Be encouraged in the Lord and focus on Jesus

From my own experience, this is the best advice I've seen - Jesus NEVER fails -

[Michlow]

Merton’s Prayer

My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me, I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. (Thoughts in Solitude, Thomas Merton, 81)