Delegated Authority: One Flaw of the Oneness Pentecostal Doctrine

In this video, we explore the heresy of Delegated Authority - the belief of Oneness Pentecostal (UPCI.org) ministers that Chris gave them permission and responsibility to create extra-Biblical doctrines, such as dress standards required for salvation, completely overriding the message of Christ and the gospel of Grace.
Delegated Authority: dividetheword....
Biblical Headship: dividetheword....
Oneness Pentecostalism & Midieval Catholicism: dividetheword....

[@SweetasSuggies]

Hey there - I’m trying to unlearn scripture as taught by the UPC, and relearn from those like yourself who have left. I’m really enjoying your videos, so thank you for posting them! I do want to point out the Bible does mention the word “pastor” in Hebrews 4:11. Not sure now at this point what he’s supposed to be doing. :)

[@Post-Trib]

Unlearn what?

[@ashleymorphew6113]

Thank you so much for ALL of your videos. I've been exposed to this oneness Pentecostal church and I've had more turmoil and confusion in the past 4 months than I ever have. I made a decision to step away and seek God's will for me and since then I've gain my peace and security back. Your videos are my conformation from the Lord that I'm doing the right thing. I would love to hear more about how they even come to a oneness doctrine...it makes 0 sense to me. Thank you so much, God bless you and your family for standing on HIS TRUTH!

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

Hi Ashley, with a degree in theology from a Oneness focused Bible College, I'm very familiar with this topic and can make a more in-depth video around it. You can however research Sabellianism and Modalism which is the root of the Oneness doctrines which I believe leads into many other false doctrines such as claiming that the Son had a beginning and has an ending.

[@ashleymorphew6113]

Divide The Word Blog thank you so much for what your doing, my husband has been raised in oneness and where he doesn't attend church anymore, I think he struggles with what to believe. So far he has been willing to listen to 2 of your videos and I pray God uses them to open his eyes. I don't usually ask for prayers but I would ask if you would join in prayer for him. His name is Golden. Thank you so much for your advice, I'm studying everything I can to be able to see God's truth!

[@williamplank1204]

I came out of old order anabaptist Amish into this true God head but as you know we teach in our homes I have never been to these churches and thank you I am not going to you see Jesus told us to teach our own in our homes and that what I will still do but I will admit the oneness God head theology is right indeed thank you for this video I deed it was very helpful brother william

[@camillegrazier7188]

I’m in a church exactly as you described….

[@tamaralikecamera]

I was spoken to(by my pastor) about wearing leggings on the platform because they appeared to be pants. So my legs were all out and I was left feeling naked.

[@DannyFitzpatrick-c8v]

Pastor is the word Elder It’s simple

[@lloydtucker5647]

Pastor Jason Crowe of Victory Tabernacle UPC told his congregation that people who don’t pay tithes are going to hell. His sermon is titled “The Subtle Curse of The Non Tithe Payer” and it’s posted on KZbin. The apostles never taught that monetary tithe payments are required to obtain or maintain salvation. In this case this pastor is preaching a different gospel for the purpose of mind control. His intention is to scare people into giving money to the organization he works for.

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

What a tragic and anti-christ message and pastor that is pictured there. They don't even teach the truth about what the Tithe was in the OLD Testament, let alone how it related to the New Testament. Paul taught giving was the right thing to do, but he also taught that it shouldn't be under force (compulsion) and that it was up to the giver to determine the amount, and when. I heard many, many times the same tired story of 'being cursed by God' for not paying tithes, and my church required 15%. All the while, the leaders all drove BMW's, shopped at Sacks 5th Avenue, etc. They are the antithesis of Paul and the apostles and what real ministers are supposed to be. Here is an article we wrote about the tithe and how there were actually Three tithes, how poor people never paid tithe, and how are are to look at giving today. dividetheword.blog/2017/03/05/is-tithing-for-new-testament-christians/

[@lloydtucker5647]

Yes sir and Amen! :)

[@GregRickard]

Lol what does it say about false teachers?

[@isaacscott1063]

My sisters got to Nee Life Tabernacle and they call Bishop Davey and his wife mom and dad and it’s creepy

[@bfisherful]

What's the role of a apostle? There are insecure, (rejected) apostles who speak of this gift being the most important and they're ABOVE all other offices. They come off as SUPERIOR. They have Pastors who deal with the members. They only handle big stuff or if the member is LEAVING then they want to talk you OUT of it. They're NOT relational. Rather controlling and teach their leaders of THE ONLY WAY IT SHOULD BE TAUGHT. Extremely controlling and belittling.

[@tiffylew]

Some years ago the pastor of the UPC I attended had a revelation that people in normal clothing were saved and spirit led. He then relaxed the clothing standards. This made the church more attractive to others in the community and the church grew. There was a lot of freedom there compared to other places, but they just adopted other legalistic ideas and replaced them.. serving in the church/ growing the church in number became the new idol. So beware, even the most Liberal UPC church out there ( might have been the one I attended- women with dyed, short hair wear pants on the platform, y’all!) is still rotten at its core!

[@stephenbowles2559]

Romans 10:14 KJVS How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

The apostles were the preachers spoken of. For instance, Matthew 16:17-18 speaks of the signs that will follow believers, and of course, Pentecostals pick right up on the 'speaking in tongues part. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. However, examination of this proves this was speaking to the Apostles only. Commentaries spell this out quite well, but just a simple question makes it all come around. "Which one you Pentecostal believers have taken up serpents and lived? That is a sign of belief. Which one of you drank poison and survived as a sign of your belief? Which if you cast out devils as a sign of your belief?" The apostles did all these things, and raised the dead. Can you do that? Didn't think so. If you could, you wouldn't be perusing KZbin, you would be at the Cancer Ward and Morgue if you had Apostolic Authority. You (Pentecostals) use these verses as if they are so solidly set in stone to your personal belief that it blinds the reality of what was being said. Yes, they (Jews and Gentiles) needed preachers. The oral tradition was the only way they were going to spread the gospel. Thus, they preached. Then, it was written, and now that it has been written, there is no new revelation some modern-day preacher can give us. I don't make arguments that we shouldn't have preachers. I make the argument that preachers are NOT Apostles, and thus, using Scripture to mean everyone who has a microphone, and a bible and the title 'Pastor' is as the Apostles were, is in error. Balance Romans 10:14 with 1 John 2:27, again in KJV "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him."

[@LyssieLysse]

I'm not in a Pentecostal church, but a lot of what is mentioned is what I see going on at the church I'm attending now (well, was attending as of last week). I can't really disclose anything until I turn in my letter of resignation this Sunday. Pray for me as I find another congregation.

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

Prayers for your journey Aly.

[@LyssieLysse]

@@DivideTheWordBlog Thank you. I decided to stay at the church. I can't go too much into what exactly happened since it was a family thing, it was a conflict with one of the members of the church and my family and I got brought up into it. The church isn't a cult since they do divulge why they do things, but they are REALLY conservative and I wasn't born into that, so their structure is really cultish to me. Anyway, I'm not letting Satan get to me and I'm not letting man get to me either. I'll still respect the church, but as for most of their "doctrines" I won't. I'm there for Christ, not them. I just hope they get their act together and stop acting like it'll be the end of the world for living. P.S. I'm dyeing my hair blue soon, so I'll let you know how that goes lol

[@churchofcommonsense.8585]

I prayed for you just now. But now let me ask you, why do yuo have to give "letter of resignation" to leave your church? Why dont you just get in your car and drive away? They dont own you my friend.

[@therenewedmind9712]

thank you, may God bless you for taking your time to do this. Wow excellent point about the headship. So many of us have been confused about delegated authority, I see these going on in most organized religions and now it makes sense why. "Pastor Permission" is wrong because it makes man an intermediary between you and God, Pay, Pray, Stay and Obey ministry.

[@melreadjoy17]

I was raised in a Oneness Apostolic church. No makeup, no pants rules. I am not in that type of church anymore. I'm still following Jesus but not with the extra biblical stuff or "standards". I no longer believe you must speak in tongues to prove your salvation. But I have not switched over to a trinitarian mindset. Is that necessary?

[@josephbailey1100]

I know how you feel brother Ralph I was in the same upc organization but at first growing up we were not allowed t.v till 2007 then there was a split in the oneness pentecostal sects the upci split one said it was okay to have t.v and the other stuck to the old standard of not having a t.v I found out after I left the upc that 99% of what these churches do in a building is unbiblical man made. read brother Ralph Pagan Christianity its a good book your eyes will be open I will pray for you and I believe you are on the right track

[@nealstokley6321]

An most games kids played was gambling. We were not allowed to play marbles or any kind of card games

[@churchofcommonsense.8585]

This guys on a righteous path imo. Totally awesome teaching

[@rangersmom1994]

Great video

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

Thanks!

[@jasonwosick]

This Oneness Church sounds like a dictatorship

[@FunDudeGirl]

Many different types of churches have pastors who believe they have delegated authority to control, use, and abuse people to serve their own selfish interests. Many pastors are self-appointed and self-anointed dictators, not shepherds that protect and build up the flock

[@sonofgodjesus6471]

what do u say about Acts 4:12 ??? It is the only name by which we can be saved.

[@JohnDoe-dh3xc]

Went an felt always something wrong there

[@cindyclemmons8009]

Does the Independent Fundamental Baptist Church have a connection with the Pentecostal church? The church I left was an IFB church which for the longest time I didn't know what that was. I thought I was going to a regular baptist church how wrong I was. I didn't know that there were different denominations of "Baptist". Just like your church I had to adhere to the standards of this church. The church frowns upon women wearing pants or shorts even on casual church events like picnics or outings to a state park. I never knew it but my church frowns on makeup, jewelry, and the long hair thing. When I cut my hair because of the desert heat (it gets in the triple digits), I got all of these OMG looks! I always wondered why nobody ever talked to me in the church especially the women. I guess they would be stained by my sin if they associated with me. I went through this for six years. I just wanted to worship Jesus and I get all of this judgmentalism. Baptists are the worst for that. Also, why can't women pray openly in church? This is also frowned upon. This church literally takes the "women should be silent in the church" thing too seriously. Women have no identity there unless you are serving in a childrens ministry or the nursery. I remember the women tried to start a prayer group to pray for the needs of the church. It was a weekly meeting where the women would get together to pray over prayer requests and we were told it would fail. Why? Prayers were getting answered. God was glorified. Why? Our group finally dissolved out of being told we would fail. Hypocrites! This is one of the many reasons why I left my church.

[@laratackett5987]

Great video...totally agree...I was raised Pentecostal, I remember thinking, when I was just a small girl, about 8 or 10....somethings not right...thank you for your videos, keep up the good work.

[@lloydtucker5647]

This is an excellent video thanks for posting.

[@ktheat]

I left the UPC several years ago. I had some very good pastors in the past but needless to say there are very bad ones. But it goes to other faith as well. I believe in time the devil puts pride in a minister and he falls for it . He thinks he is above the congregation and with a mic in his hand a abuse the people and lost the love of people. I see so much pride in their hearts! In time they destroy the church along with themselves.

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

Very true, as they say, power corrupts. Thank you for stopping by and commenting,

[@jameshicks312]

God gave you a name too and its a beautiful name unique special your own nobody can take your identity your true identity away embrace your uniqueness love yourself the way God loves your special to him you're one of a kind I can see your special I know God can see your special you have to see your special too

[@carsonmeoli9246]

What about" obey those that have the rule over you they watch for your soul"

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

Hey Carson - I appreciate you stopping by. I would ask you this: Who has the rule over you? Christ or a man? Paul said, "Imitate me, as I imitate Christ." Not obey me. Correctly looking at that scripture, the command was to be convinced of the good example of your leaders and follow them. And, many commentaries and scholars believe 'they that have the rule over you' is referring to the dead saints who are already gone before. This complies with the teaching that the Faith was once delivered to the saints. Interesting to me that someone can try to argue this point, when my entire article was to talk about leaders abusing their positions, not that we shouldn't have leaders. Thanks again for stopping by! Hope to see more of your comments.

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

dividetheword.blog/2018/04/06/how-to-spot-pastor-worship/

[@josephmullarney6086]

I would ask who the “those” are. New Testament teaching recognizes deacons and elders. They are leaders in the body of Christ who do guide us. I would also recommend that you take some time to use a concordance to look up what the words mean in the verse you brought up. I took the time and it was very revealing. It is not intended to be a “ I say jump you say how high” but rather looking to those who live for God and are directed by the spirit and wisdom.

[@GregRickard]

The Greek gives a better interpretation. The meaning isn't what you are thinking. Its more about following/emulating them based on their example. They don't have the rule over you as in a school teacher in a classroom. I've looked at that verse before but am rusty on it.

[@Post-Trib]

So God doesn't delegate authority? I hope he does because scripture states it. Even Satan himself had to admit that the kingdoms of this world were given to him when tempting Christ.

[@jlar1984]

Acts 8 - we see the Samaritans believe the word and were baptized yet they did not have the Holy Ghost. How do you explain that? Easy “believeism” is not biblical. You must be born again of the water and if the spirit.

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

Hello, and thank you for stopping by. I do not understand how your comment has anything to do with the video topic. The topic is not 'how to get saved', or what salvation looks like. The topic of Delegated Authority is whether or not God gave all modern preachers the right to create extra-biblical standards that are then weighed as heavily as Scripture.

[@eternalfireofgodreyes4367]

They need to be born again in water and spirit

[@jlar1984]

So what kind of standards or boundaries would you sense for a Christian trying to live a pleasing life unto the Lord? You spent so much time debunking what others have done yet you have not shared what your convictions are. I would love to hear but you feel the word talks and teaches about regarding holiness

[@mcanultymichelle]

It's funny, the Lord put it on my heart and convicted me about modesty and God giving female's long hair for glory. Pentecostal Churches dos'nt get everything right but I do believe dressing modestly and having long hair like the Lord intended does please the Lord and that led me to a Pentecostal Church.

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

That is what Romans 14:22 is all about Michelle! I think individually you can be led to convictions, and obviously, Scripture commands us to be modest. Yet, people have made up for God what 'modest' means and then implied that all who don't live you to their convictions aren't right with God, which is what the Holiness/Pentecostal movement has done. If you feel God led you that way, then blessed are you for the things that you allow!

[@mcanultymichelle]

Divide The Word Blog I totally agree with you.

[@eternalfireofgodreyes4367]

Same! God told me not to wear makeup and i let my hair grown long as a Devotion with God

[@amygoff4127]

Here's something to think about when Paul wrote all the rules for church, he was writing them based because the Jews and the Gentiles were gathering together and the Jews were offended by the Gentiles so Paul put rules on the Gentiles to please the Jews, Paul so says in another scripture don't let anyone judge you for what you wear or eat or drink or by celebrating this or that, because salvation is none of that.

[@ragtagglegardengalhoneytre4779]

Which verse is that?

[@sonofgodjesus6471]

I don't believe Jesus was talking about Peter sir. because Jesus is the Rock.

[@sonofgodjesus6471]

Peter did not die for me Jesus did. Peter is not my God Jesus is. Peter is not my rock but Jesus is.

[@fishersofmen4727]

Why would God give man beards if we are suppose to shave them off? Thats like God making a mistake.... I cant understand these people.

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

Great question!

[@faithfultheology]

Because they let a effeminate spirit rule over them . They allow women to rule over them

[@jameshicks312]

Jesus said that you have the power to raise people from the dead but every church have gone to I've seen many died and none brought to life, but if you listen to what Jesus teaches he says that it was given to all man and women to have life eternal so how can you bring someone back from having life eternal Jesus said listen listen to me I speak the truth that you will have the same gift and better so that means he wants to give you the life that you deserve because of his love because God forgives us he knows it's been a battle and life has been rough but he still wants life for you she wants you to enjoy this life Jesus had a hard life it was rough I can't imagine the hardship and responsibilities I'm looking out for his sheep but he worked hard and kept things together so that you can hear the message that you shall have eternal life because it was promised to you it was what is and will always be we are one with the universe and the energy that flows through us and around us is an energy that will never die so when you see your children and your brothers and your sisters mothers and fathers you need to rejoice and thank God for the life that he has given us and he wants us to enjoy today tomorrow and forever he doesn't like to see us be slaves and it hurts him because it's not what he said when he said you would be more powerful than him but that you will have the same benefits as the highest that makes you pretty lucky doesn't it! I shake with the Goosebumps rise just to think how much he loves us

[@carsonmeoli9246]

Uhh pastors are in the new testament have you ever read Ephesians, apostles prophets pastors? What's wrong with having a pastor?

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

Hey Carson - as noted in my other comment to you, you've twisted what I have said in this video. Pastors who abuse their positions are the focus of my arguments, not having pastors. Yes, the word appears once in Ephesians, meaning Shephards. I'm not sure how that would mean to say you agree with a pastor taking lordship over people, which is expressly forbidden in Scripture. Thank you again for commenting.

[@GregRickard]

Can you provide a verse showing one person named pastor? Apostles referred to themselves as such but you don't see any pastors. Only elders. I.e. bishops. And it was a plurality of elders in each congregation, not just one guy.

[@jameshicks312]

sounds like this one bully I knew in school he likes to scare me to get my lunch money he used fear to control me and I listened and he took it everyday and I went hungry and I starved but I just didn't want to get hurt I was afraid I didn't think I had it in me to stand up because he was a big giant but one day I had enough and I dropped them the bigger they are the Harder They Fall

[@jameshicks312]

the pastor is not God

[@jameshicks312]

there's no requirements to be loved when you talk about unconditional love that's the only thing you have to look at to see the truth

[@jameshicks312]

well if they can take authority that is so can you you who are Justice and the truth why not if they claimed Authority and our wicked men but their prosperous that tells you that it has nothing to do with anything but claiming your Authority you are free there is no one above you and there's no one below you we are all equal men that should be treated equal

[@1995arv]

Being an American > upc standards

[@jameshicks312]

the money that goes in the bucket the one they pass around three times of service the one that fills up like fish that get multiplied that they say that give to the poor but they fly around in Jets like kings who don't work but tell you he who doesn't work doesn't eat and if you don't pay them you won't get into heaven sounds like Scare tactics to me

[@stephenbowles2559]

Well let's start at the beginning, the gospel is where the apostles got instructions from Jesus himself now to lay a little foundation first, Jesus spoke in parables why? Matthew 13:10-11,13-14 KJVS And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? [11] He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. [13] Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. [14] And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: So here its saying Jesus did not speak openly to the world but he did speak openly to the apostles the parables were to keep the Pearl's from being trodden by swine, (dont cast your pearls before swine) see jesus knew what was in man so he didn't speak plainly but now when it comes to the apostles they dont know all men do when they speak they speak plainly thus is why apostles only baptized in the name Jesus because they knew firsthand who is the father and who is the son Jesus said everyone must be born again of water and spirit to ENTER into the kingdom that sounds like the plan of salvation isnt that what every Christian wants is to make it to heaven?so here in Hebrews 2:3 KJVS How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him ; If you go to mat 28 before he says to be baptized into the name father and son and holy ghost it speaks Jesus instructed the apostles to come listen to his instruction so we see by this verse in Hebrews that salvation was started with Jesus he brought us the words of life(bornagain)and it was confirmed by the apostles that heard him so mat 28:19 and acts2:38 have to harmonize not contradict each other and be rightly devided....and bible says 2 Peter 1:20 KJVS Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. Meaning the laws of humans being a father and a son at the same time also means it's the same for Jesus hes the father and the son Isaiah 9:6 KJVS For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The MIGHTY GOD, The EVERLASTING FATHER, The Prince of Peace. and in this verse says we have the father just by acknowledging the son because he is the father and son at the same time 1 John 2:23 KJVS Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that ACKNOWLEDGE THE SON HATH THE FATHER ALSO . and here the Jews went to stone Jesus because he was saying he was God the father(father means creator) he was saying if you dont believe my words believe me for the very work that I do John 10:31-33,37-38 KJVS Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. [32] Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? [33] The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. [37] If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. [38] But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. Which here he is saying I'm your creator from the beginning (Jehovah)what are we made from?the clay (dirt)of the earth John 9:6 KJVS When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, He took the dirt and gave the blind man sight so here he was trying to prove hes the father of all creation by using dirt like he did in the beginning

[@GregRickard]

The subject of oneness is seperate from delegated authority. You seem to single out oneness churches as exclusively guilty of delegated authority, when other churches do the same, including trinitarian churches. By pointing out that delegated authority is unbiblical, which I agree with you on, and then singling out oneness churches, unwary viewers may associate the oneness view as including delegated authority. I think its important to point out that the two have nothing to do with each other. I am a oneness believer but don't believe in delegated authority. Make sense?

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

Hello Greg - Thanks for commenting again. Your comment makes total sense. What is lacking, however, is the understanding that the majority of Oneness Pentecostals, from the top down, including leaders, pastors, (David K. Bernard, etc) do believe in that doctrine, which is why the movement is plagued with the abundant poison of legalism. The simple belief, which is shared by so many of them, that 'The pastor can set standards for his church, which, if people do not obey, they are disobeying God himself' destroys the argument. It is a systemic problem within the Oneness Pentecostal movement. I am sure you would disagree with this statement, but these problems arise from the false doctrine of Oneness (modalism/Monarchist Modalism) which leads to abundant errors in doctrine. Interestingly enough, that is exactly what most Oneness people say about Trinitarians, that their doctrine of the Godhead is what leads to all their other false doctrines, from the Oneness mindset. Lastly, I admittedly focus on the Oneness Pentecostal movement because I find it to be one of the most degenerated and dangerous sects among modern Christianity based on the countless stories of trauma, my own included, resulting from the doctrines of controlling peoples behaviors, freedoms and faith. And while there are those (UPC) churches that do not do this, they are in the minority. I have friends who still go to a UPC church where they say they are free, and that all the rules are just 'standards'. So I've asked, 'Can God still use you if you wear pants (as a woman)? Can you still sing in choir? Will they let you teach Bible Studies or Sunday School? Do they dictate your value and usability by God based on your obedience to those 'standards[laws]'?" The answer is always the same.

[@GregRickard]

Divide The Word Blog I hear what you're saying. I don't see the connection that's all. You can be oneness and not believe in their minipope system. I was in the band but hated wearing a tie. I brought it uo with leadership as I see it as a double standard. On one hand they allow women preachers (quoting "neither male nor female"), yet make a distinction in dress code, ignoring that verse conveniently. Why do guys have to wear a tie on the platform? What have ties got to do with Christianity? This led me to research where ties come from. Conclusion - its all vanity and outward show. The hypocrisy is rife in the upc.

[@jameshicks312]

how about taking money from God or in God's name ARE YOU SAVED THEN

[@jlar1984]

Bro the church you went to does not reflect all oneness Pentecostal churches. Your pastor was crazy.

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

Brother, Thank you for the comment. I do attempt to publically proclaim, both in my videos and my blog (www.dividetheword.blog) that the experiences I share are not descriptive of every Oneness Pentecostal church. That being said however (there is always a but...) I have contacted with hundreds, and hundreds of other Oneness Pentecostals who share similar, and even some more extreme experiences in their United Pentecostal Church, International affiliated (UPC) churches, which illustrates the reality that this 'crazy' exists in more and more of these churches. The Fundamental (legalistic) denominations are stereotypically married to these spirits and behavior patterns even though loving and unique individuals and ministers within the system may not always follow suite. We cannot say all of these (Oneness Pentecostal) churches do everything my old pastor and church did, but we can say they were all birthed from the same bed and have the same spiritual bedrock that causes so many of them to go awry. Blessings,

[@jlar1984]

I’m in a UPC church and don’t exactly believe that these standards are taught biblically. I think it’s good practice to adhere to these standards but I don’t believe they should be taught as a must. They should be a personal decision out of conviction. As to the oneness view there is no doubt the trinity is false. And calling he upc “Jesus” only clearly shows you didn’t have a proper understanding of the oneness of god as taught in the upc.

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

Hello Again, and thank you for stopping by! I agree with you that they should be personal convictions, and that highlights why they should not be taught at all. it is one thing for a minister of the Gospel to uphold the Gospel - it is a terrible thing for a Minister of the Gospel to take and make personal convictions and force them upon a church assembly as the 'right way' to live.

[@kevinmcdonald951]

Upci cult

[@GregRickard]

Not here to debate etc but I've put both oneness and trinitarianism under the microscope and remain oneness. Don't reject it just because it is taught in a bad church. I think you're misrepresenting the upc here. I've been in it since 1994 and know their teachings and practises very well. I've never heard of holiness standards being a salvational issue. You are right though on the pastoral issue. There is no job description for it in the bible. Pastoring is just a function within the body. Not a position. Bishops and deacons, yes you get a list of qualities required. Pastor is strangely absent.

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

HI Greg - thank you for stopping by and watching, and more importantly, commenting. I appreciate all the feedback I can get. I respectfully disagree about the standards in the UPC system. There are of course differences between each local church, which to me proves that much more that they are a made up preference of each pastor and not inspired by God. If God was inspiring certain standards of dress, he would inspire everyone the same way, if it was meant to be a thing we must do. I would dig in a little deeper but respect you not wanting to debate, and to be honest, I don't like debates! Blessings to you brother,

[@GregRickard]

Divide The Word Blog Yeah, I've been at the point where I've played devil's advocate and put both views on the table. I just can't reconcile many verses of scripture unless holding a oneness view. I've dug pretty deep on that one and although open to change if i find a way to make the bible harmonize with a trinitarian view, remain oneness. You must have had a real nazi mini-pope at the helm where you went. I agree though, if it were inspired of God it would be consistent across the organization. Its very simple to me...God teaches modesty in dress, with the meaning of modesty being not to be trying to draw attention to yourself or put your body on display. The bible does call us to holiness after all.

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

I too remain 'mostly' Oneness in my views of the Godhead, but no where in Scripture is that labeled as a belief set or thing that keeps you in, or removed you from the Book of Life. And I know ALOT of Oneness people who are mean, aggressive, rude and non-Christlike over the topic. Likewise, main stream Christianity calls the Oneness Pentecostal movement a cult based on their stance of the Godhead. I do flavor the belief that as a whole, UPC has heavy cult leanings (such as the pastor at my old church) as their doctrines foster an elitist, Us vs. Them mentality, but I wouldn't call them a cult based on Oneness vs. Trinity arguments. I do however see the Godhead argument as semantics, and as a divider of the brethren. The majority of Oneness believers claim to be the only True Body of Christ and condemn trinitarians to hell for that simple belief, not whether or not they (The Trinitarians) follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ and live to fulfill His purpose. It's an unfortunate place where men make Dogmas out of things and run around condemning each other to hell over their personal beliefs, which again is what UPC people do with dress standards. Can't count the number of preachers I've heard through the years shouting, "Ain't no women in pants and make-up gonna go to heaven."

[@GregRickard]

Divide The Word Blog We have to base everything on the bible. Modest dress is what it teaches. I would say there's a level of personal conviction involved but covering certain parts of your body and not "conforming to the (standards of) world" seems apparent. My interactions with trinitarians inevitably arrive at the baptism issue. Is it necessary? Well, reading Acts would make it seem so. Otherwise why did they do it? Jews, Samaritans and Gentiles alike being baprized in the name of the Lord. Did they do it just for fun? Jesus commanded baptism in Matthew 28. "One faith, one baptism." To me this means there is only one type of baptism - in his name. Reading the book of Acts you just get the general i.pression that baptism is part of new covenant salvation. Commanded by Jesus, then Peter at Pentecost, then examples following of individuals accepting Christ being baptized. No examples of title baptism in the bible. Devils cast out using the name of Jesus Christ, the dead raised, sick healed - in Jesus name. Why would you baptize any other way. He is our mediator with God...there is no other way to the Father. Just a stack of evidence to support Jesus name baptism and in that case, the trinity argument can't stand because they believe Jesus to only be a third of God. They don't believe the "fulness of deity dwells in him." UPC has its faults but they have a lot right as well. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

Hello Greg, In both the Oneness/Trinity, Baptism in Titles/Jesus Name it is a semantics battle of dogma and erodes the purpose of Christ and the New Testament body of believers. I do throw Pentecostalism out as a degenerated cult. First and foremost, being unable to discern the division in the book of Acts is the leading cause of the errant doctrines of Oneness Pentecostalism. The early book of Acts (1-15) were for the Jewish body, not Gentiles and the Gentile church. Paul never carried on the 'Apostles Doctrine'. Acts was a book of Transition. When Jesus came, he said, "I come not but for the lost sheep of Israel." Matthew 15:24. When Jesus sent his disciples forth, he told them, "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. " Matthew 10:5-6 It wasn't until the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7/8) that God turned the Church to the Gentiles, and it wasn't until Acts 15 and the council of Jerusalem that we see the final distinction between the requirements to the Jews and to the Gentiles. The misconception that Acts 2:38 was a salvific model to the Gentile church is in error. Here is a three-part series I wrote about it, and a link to another preacher who explains it quite well. The word must be rightly divided otherwise false doctrine creeps in. The Oneness Pentecostal church has cherry-picked Acts to create a doctrine. Why didn't Paul repeat Acts 2:38 to the Philippian jailer in Acts 16, or ever again say, "If you want to be saved, follow Peters preaching in Jerusalem."? Part 1: dividetheword.blog/2017/03/20/the-gospel-transition-from-jews-to-gentiles-part-1-explanation/ Part 2: dividetheword.blog/2017/03/19/the-gospel-transition-from-jews-to-gentiles-part-2-the-jews/ Part 3: dividetheword.blog/2017/03/23/the-gospel-transition-from-jews-to-gentiles-part-3-the-gentiles/ Video from Robert Breaker: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZbPoImoaquNj9U

[@jameshicks312]

sounds like a tyrant a bully that likes pushing people around end game Power guess it makes them feel better about themselves but they need to know that their special to and their loved and God wants so much more for them tend to control and to be little and to teach hate and to separate our brothers and sisters God forgives them she knows it was just in their nature and all they got to do it's recognizing and they'll be forgiven everybody can be forgiven it's not too late for him it's not too late for anybody he loves everybody and has given you all the time plenty of time to just reflect and to see that he loves you so much so so much that he never turn his back on us he waits patiently but with open arms and he knows we run but he knows we'll always come back we always do because when it's easy we don't really think about it but when times get really hard and you have nowhere else to turn you will turn to him and he will look at you like a loving father that's been waiting for his Lost Child so know that he loves you know that he loves us all

[@carsonmeoli9246]

If your job keeps you out of church on Sundays get another job. How's that bad? Isn't that common sense?

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

I would love to see that argument solidified with good Scripture. Of course, we are all familiar with 'Forsake not the assembling of yourselves', and a short study shows that to be speaking about not avoiding persecution. Yet, when did being at Church 2, 3 or even 4 times a week become a salvific requirement? Does it make common sense to tell people to quit their means of employment to satisfy attendance rules made by a man, and not God? Very interesting if you believe so. Thank you again for commenting.

[@GregRickard]

Can't you go on a different day? Since when was Christ restricted to one day? You don't still observe a sabbath...

[@ljb6432]

If you do not believe Trinity you are not saved. You dont know Father nor Son

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

Thank you for commenting

[@OurHumbleLife]

Lj B, how do you figure? Jesus certainly did not believe in or teach OF a triune God...Jesus worships a singular, self-existing God.

[@GregRickard]

Oneness is true though. Trinitarianism doesn't hold up against the bible. If you start getting away from oneness, then u can start saying well, baptism in Jesus name isn't really necessary....then baptism isn't required at all. The bible is abundantly clear that Jesus name baptism is what the church practised - Jews, Samaritans and Gentiles all baptized that way. Everyone that believes gets baptized immediately. Very simple. Your theology has to comply with that or its wrong.

[@GregRickard]

Scripture teaches oneness, not trinitarianism. God is kbown as "he", not "they". He calls himself "I" not "us" or "we".

[@DivideTheWordBlog]

Hello Greg, I agree, and disagree. You are correct, Scripture never teaches 'they'. It teaches that God is One. But your comment displays an incorrect description of the Trinity because at the core of the doctrine of the Trinity is the statement, affirmation and believe, that God Is One. Thank you for commenting,

[@GregRickard]

@@DivideTheWordBlog Yes, that's what makes it nonsensical. It states God is one person, but three persons. Seriously if you sit down and scrutinize it you'll see it plainly. The shifting sands of 326 a.d.