UPC only?

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On Mon, 30 Sep 1996 01:32:07 EDT, you wrote:


>What are UPC views?  Biblically based standards.

I guess its obligatory to repeat a few axioms here.

1. Most people would *say* that their beliefs and practices were
biblically based. Thats a good reason for discussion on the scripture
itself between people of unlike practices. Some will eventually learn
that the only good that can come of it is whatever comes from the
scripture and not from our increased presence or popularity.

2. It would surprise people to realize that in reality, UPC people
vary quite widely in some practices. Also, as a matter of note, the
UPC is a ministerial fellowship. I really feel that the inclination
for people to say "Im UPC" spontaneously,  doesnt do either them,
their churches or the Lord a whole lot of good. The saints in churches
that are affiliated with the organization, and those in churches where
the pastor is UPC affiliated (but the church, formally, is not), are
just Christians, or Church, or whatever they care to call themselves.
As such, legally and practically, the people in Hazelwood Mo, take no
charge over this flock - they are in a relationship with God and their
pastor, who in turn has a responsibility to brethren of like precious
faith in his calling and christian life. 

One of the great benefits of working and powerful open fellowship
(such is as faciliated by a body such as the UPCI) is that awareness
of the greatness of the church, and spiritual growth are greatly
encouraged. When we hear people calling for unity, particularly those
who are perhaps seeking fellowship locally, we wonder whether good,
harmonious fellowship with hundreds of thousands of saints and
preachers, and ministers would seem like unity for a while ... It sure
is a part of unity, and a benefit of cooperation and organization.

However, beit known that, while licensed ministers do take an
affirmation pledge regarding matters of sound doctrine, the
congregations are not under the rule of WEC and so it should never be
thought that all UPC people are either biblical, standard keepers or
anything positive.. They OUGHT to be, and we pray that fellowship will
produce the spiritual harvest in *every* soul, but in terms of
organzation, that is a local matter.

Just FYI :)

I dont like us to be thought of as ignorantly supposing that "we" are
the only people that have the Lord and the book :)

-mwb