The journey out of the upci is very difficult. Oneness pentecostalism is a religious system based on fear and legalism rather than love and grace. For those trapped in this system it is very much the opposite of knowing the peace of God, the unconditional love of God upon your life. I was trapped in this organization for years. The bible says you will know them by their fruits. it also says the truth will set you free.
my purpose here is not to argue doctrine with those who are closed minded and 'know the truth'.
I simply want to encourage those of you who are wishing they had the strength to leave, but are intimidated by those around you. I can assure you Christ stands at the exit door, with open arms. He never intended us to be in an unhealthy atmosphere, one that negatively affects us and our families.
When i left my pastor 'prophesied' "you will be lost in 2 years if you leave the upc". This was a very unfair and unscriptual thing to do to me. many many others i have spoken to were told bad things would happen if they left, that Gods' 'hedge of protection' would be lifted, that they would no longer be under the 'umbrella' of the church.
Well, 15 years later I can assure you (rather, let Him assure you) that He has never left me, nor forsaken me.
It is time to stand up for the wonderful grace of God, against those who use the words of God to slice and destroy, rather than heal and save. You merely need to look at the way those who leave are treated and discussed. The upci leaves a lot of spiritual wreckage behind, and feel no remorse for it.
Imagine going to your pastor (in a normal church) and saying, because of my job /family/school I have decided to leave and i will probably go to such and such church. most pastors with the love of god will say, oh, i wish you well! may God bless you and lead you, and we will miss you!
Now ask yourself, would this happen in the upc. Probably not. You would be ``out of the will of God```
This is selfishness on the pastors part.
Take comfort that He will light your path. He is with you always. He doesn`t need the upc middleman.
Yet I know it is difficult. You must turn your faith to Him. he has been saving long before this group came along. Trust Him! There is peace, there is much joy on the other side of that door. I know, because one day I had to walk out that door. It is scary. But we serve God, not man. Take a REAL step of faith. If you are like me at all, you know most of what is taught in the upc is rhetoric, slogans and constant belittling of all other Christians. Yet where is the love, the grace , the beauty of the good news that He loves you and has abundant life. Oh, I pray for you! I would you would trust Him! He is good!
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