Why Jimmy Sanders Would Not Be A Good Member Of The United Pentecostal Church

Reason 1. I could not deny the existence of God the Father. UPC teaches Jesus as the Father. This is dividing Christ Jesus into Divine being the Father, Human being as the Son. Scriptures: I John 5:7, John 14:28, Philippians 2:6.{Jesus Only Doctrine}

Reason 2. I could not change the commandment of Jesus to baptize in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost. Scriptures: Matthew 28: 19. Jesus spoke these words, who would know better as to how we should be baptized than the Lord Jesus Christ?

Reason 3. I could not teach that speaking in tongues and being water baptized according to Acts 2:38 are a part of the salvation process. Scriptures: Romans 10:9-10, Romans 10:13, John 1:12. My position on speaking in tongues and water baptism is that both are scriptural. I believe both should follow a Born-again experience. I believe there will be people saved that have not been water baptized or spoke in other tongues. Romans 6:3-5, We should be baptized in keeping the commandments representing Christ's death, burial and the resurrection not as an act of salvation, but rather the beginning of new life in Christ. Paul taught us in 1 Corinthians 12:30, "Do all speak with tongues?" I believe speaking in tongues is the evidence that one has received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the third person of the Holy Trinity. Acts 2:38, The Holy Ghost is the promised gift. Luke 11:13, The promise of the Holy Ghost was for those that would ask for the good gift. John 20:22, Jesus breathed on them, commanding them to receive the Holy Ghost. We should desire this gift, even to covet earnestly the best gifts, yet some will not receive the Holy Ghost baptism. I have been baptized in water and Spirit, I do believe they are for us today. Yet my salvation does not hinge on them, my salvation hinges on the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Scriptures: Revelation 12: 11, Hebrews 9: 12 & 22.

Reason 4. I could not accept the teaching of "this Truth". I believe they are implying that the teachings of the United Pentecostal Church are the truth instead of God's Holy Word, the Bible. God's word is forever settled in Heaven, unchangeable, God breathed, infallible. I believe there lies ahead for the UPC many compromises to keep their people interested in their churches. "This Truth" is that they have received a special revelation from God that others have not received, yet they preach from the King James version of the Bible.

Reason 5. The United Pentecostal Church refuses to be called a denomination. They consider themselves to be the one true church, yet they are set up like most denominations I know of. There is a headquarters with a General Superintendent along with other officers. They are also set-up with a state headquarters with a state superintendent, along with officers for districts. Set-up just like the Assemblies of God, Church of God, Freewill Baptist. Consider this: "if it barks like a dog, wags it's tail like a dog, smells like a dog, looks like a dog, chances are it's a dog." Would this not also apply to a denomination?

In Conclusion: This is not to say that there are not saved people in this organization for sure there are born-again believers in Christ Jesus. I feel that their salvation is not because of their being being members of the Pentecostal Church. I know for some of them there can be no fellowship with anyone who does not subscribe to Jesus's name water baptism. Also the fact that they possess "this truth" seems to provide a hedge that will not allow for fellowship. The major back breaker is the subject of the Trinity, this being God as God the Father {Jehovah}, God the Son {Jesus}, God the Holy Ghost.I believe there is much good to be said about a church that holds a high standard of Holiness; UPC does. I believe much good can be said for those that will allow the Holy Ghost freedom to move as he sees fit. Again, UPC does. My writing of this article was not intended to put down this organization (denomination). UPC has not perfected its followers and they seem to have as many defectors as other organizations. From this day forward I want my trust to be placed in God and the teachings of my Bible. My purpose is to attend church and tithe and worship without getting bogged down. Paul taught, "Be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." Now is the time to become stedfast ,unmovable. Too many don't know what or why they believe. I know in whom I have believed. I know why I was baptized the way I was baptized. I know why I spoke in other tongues as the Spirit gave me utterance. I am positive that God is true and every man is a liar. In these closing hours, only Jesus Christ can be entrusted with my soul. I cannot focus on anything- denominational churches or individuals. Only on the shed blood of the Lamb of God can I dare trust.

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Posted November 24, 1997

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