I was always taught that other churches were dead, dull, boring, and denying the 'power' because they didn't jump, shout, dance, speak in tongues, etc.

So what really is the 'power'? Is it the emotional hype as it is taught in Pentecostal churches??? So are we denying the 'power' if we don't go for all the slain in the spirit stuff? Do we only have a form of godliness but deny the power in all the mainstream churches?

When studying the Bible, does it really seem that God would put the 'power' in a physical, emotional, sign??? I find that very difficult to read into His nature that prizes a still small voice and rejects 'signs'.

So what could the power that some are denying be??? Perhaps the power that is being denied is the power of the Christ and the power of His redeeming love and grace. Perhaps we are denying the 'power' if we are trying to earn salvation by our own works. Perhaps the power we are denying is the power of the cross as the finished work that through faith has the power to redeem us. Perhaps the hype, show, and focus on performance is denying the power . . . . . . .

Nancy

Just read ocCULT by June Summers; the cult in this story began as a pretty normal 'pentecostal' church but quickly morphed into craziness. The paralels to UPC are subtle but obvious. Is UPC a cult? Here are some of the definitions of a cult:

Beliefs, values, or practices contrast with the normal culture or tradition YES
The group is led to believe that only they have 'the truth' YES
Members usually believe that their group is singled out for persecution PRETTY MUCH
Leaders control members by getting them to believe they will face death, God's wrath, etc. if they walk outside the group YES
Decisions are governed by the rules or ideologies of the structure/leader YES
Complete obedience is expected within the group PRETTY MUCH
So, is the UPC a CULT? Oh, yeah, . . . . ..

Nancy

I really need to devote more attention to my blogs. I've been thinking of posting some material here that would be helpful for writers, especially from a Christian perspective.

Any ideas about posts you'd like to see covered are certainly welcome. I know a lot of people who are interested in writing have more than one "burning question" they'd like to see answered.

AJtheIrishLass

It's been months now since we escaped the cult (UPC) and I still have a hard time being clear on what I believe and committed to actually attending a church. This does not make me doubt that UPC is a cult, it only strengthens that belief. Only an organization with cultic tendencies could so demoralize a person's processes as make him/her incapable of concious thought, committment, confidence in his/her faith.

Thankfully, my kids and grandkids were able to move a distance away and begin to heal. They are very happy right now in a nondenominational church with lots of family activities and friendly people.

I travel so much for my work, usually leaving on Sundays, so haven't had the time , energy, or desire to find a church yet but I hope this summer, I will be able to find a group of people for communal worship. I really miss being in church, the singing and the preaching. I don't miss the meanness, the judging, the shunning, and all the rest of the cult

Nancy

http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=37054

The above link will take you to an article that tells how T.D. Jakes has embraced the teaching of the Trinity. For years there has been speculation and talk about him believing in Oneness.

However, he still wishes to fellowship with both camps, something that he may well find is difficult with Oneness Pentecostals who believe it is a matter of salvation. Just as Trinitarians had issues with him when he believed Oneness.

Lois