Why I Left the UPCI

[@Abbyonice]

Hi everyone, It’s been a while since I made this video, so I want to give an update. You probably noticed I don’t post religious or hair content anymore, so I’m commenting this update here since the comment section is still active. First, I want to say I’m so happy to have encouraged or helped some of you. That was part of the intent of this video was to relate to people thinking about or who have left the UPCI and I’m glad it reached those of you in this group. Secondly, I want to share my current state of beliefs. I would not consider myself a Christian anymore. I do believe that Jesus existed and I cannot deny the experiences I had with him in prayer and in church. I believe my experiences to be real and true. However, there are certain things in the Bible that I think were based on cultural and historical beliefs from a human perspective rather than God. I understand that anyone who calls themself a Christian will disagree with what I’m about to say and that’s okay. 1. I don’t think it’s right for a group of people (Israel) to wipe out whole nations in the name of God promising them a land of milk and honey. That’s so materialistic. God created everyone and then decided that Israel should go destroy the other people He created all for some land, milk, and honey? Saying it’s justified because they were Pagan and worshipped false gods does not make it right either. Think about present day. Do you think it’s justified for you to take the life of someone who is Hindu or Buddhist? Because they’re “Pagan” and worship “false gods?” I hope you would say no. So why was it “Okay” for Israel to do that thousands of years ago? 2. The idea of men being the head of the household and leader of the family. How women should be “Submissive” and soft spoken. That was a prominent belief in Eastern culture and STILL IS current day in that side of the world. I don’t think that’s right. I think that’s a cultural belief that found its way into the Bible. God created us in His image so what makes a woman less than a man? Women give birth to men after all. 3. Homosexuality being a sin. I know this is like blasphemy to Christian’s and they think it’s all “Lust.” That’s pretty sad to me. Love is love that’s all I have to say on that topic. 4. There’s more, but I feel emotionally and mentally exhausted from trying to understand the Bible, theology, what’s right/wrong. For my own peace of mind, I’ve blocked it out of my thoughts. I don’t sing or play piano anymore because I only knew Christian songs. I don’t celebrate Easter anymore. I’ve intentionally tried to forget the hundreds of scriptures I memorized. And I finally feel at peace. I don’t think God expects us to figure Him out. We can’t. Treat others the way you want to be treated and live a life of love and generosity. Try to leave the world a better place than you found it. That’s how I see things now. My Pastor’s wife reached out to me to tell me she was grieved at my decisions. I understand why she and many of you may be sad that I’ve “Backslidden” or “Turned away from the Truth.” I used to feel that way when people left. But I also feel sad for you. It is what it is. You can pray for me if you like, I’m not asking you to, but I can’t stop you either. I wish the best for everyone on their faith journey and hope you can come to a place of peace like I have even if you land on a different belief than I have. I hope that we can all respect and love one another regardless of our beliefs. I’m happy and at peace. That’s all.

[@kiy7312]

At the end, it’s not our doctrine, religion, or the organization that saves us. Only Jesus ☺️

[@eboniivey5089]

Thank you for this! This has been so helpful. God bless you for your honesty and transparency.

[@jamesowens4974]

I used to be in the UPC too but left but still believe One God - Acts 2:38 etc

[@karennataliaromero3997]

thank you so much for sharing your experience with all of us. Personally I'm going through a period of many questions about the pentecostal church in Colombia, and it is a lot of help finding good intentioned critics to it. I like the fact that you aren't complaining, but instead giving reasons for doing or not doing. Thank you !

[@Abbyonice]

You’re welcome! I’m glad this was helpful to you on your faith journey!

[@edwinholcombe2741]

I come from a different direction as you but have come to almost the very same conclusions as you. I was raised Pentecostal Trinitarian and later in life embraced the Oneness of God and was re-baptised in the name of Jesus although I am not associated with any Oneness church or organization. I still attend a Trinitarian church and occasionally visit a Oneness church. I usually leave with a headache from music so loud my eardrums hurt, and tired of half the church joining hands to run around the sanctuary only to get caught in a bottle'neck traffick in the far left aisle. Honestly, I believe the Oneness could learn from thr verse to be still and know He is God.

[@Looopita]

I’ve been debating leaving upc because I grew up in cogic and upc has a lot of rules that I don’t agree with as far as pants, makeup and jewelry. I always go to church and dress to their to dress code in church but when I leave I wear pants, makeup and jewelry occasionally . I feel like abhipocrite and I don’t feel like I fit in with the people who attend the church. I believe in God, the Holy Ghost and salvation but dress code I don’t..so I don’t know if I should keep going or not..sometimes I even wear skirts if I’m going to be shopping in places wear I could run into church members..as far as tounge si always thought of the man who was on the cross with Jesus and when he believed and didn’t doubt Jesus Jesus said he would be with him in heaven for believing and God forgave him right there. No time to pray to be able to speak in tounges. If someone goes to church for the first time and is repentant and asks God to forgive them for their sins and they ask God to save them and the next day they get in a car accident and die .. i believe they would still go to heaven.

[@Paisios1994]

I was 4th generation oneness Pentecostal. Raised in a upci church. Once I became an adult and started studying the Bible I discovered errors. Eventually I went to trinitarian Pentecostalism, and now the last 2 years i have been at an Eastern Orthodox Christian church. I would encourage anyone to begin reading church history. From the first century on. You will find the orthodox church. For the first 1000 years there was only one church...until Rome (latin west) broke off (which is where the reformation happened later) all Christians were in unity. That church still exists today and in America it has increased by 64% in the last couple years because of the awareness of church history. In the UPCI church history and Constantine were demonized. There were so many lies taught, even though ought of ignorance. Church History and Constantine was demonized by the upc. In the greek NT "in the name of" Jesus in Acts is actually different in every instance, the word "in" is different meaning this was not a certain mode. Historically Baptism has always been done the way Christ Himself said it was to be done. This is just a misunderstanding and a disconnect from ancient Christianity. Also, reading John chapters 14 thru 17 really shows how the Father and Son and Holy Spirit are demonstrated to mankind in this relationship . One Essence, undivided, One God. John 14:23 is a unique statement that I glossed over as a oneness person. 😊 Thanks for sharing your story, you have a good attitude toward things.

[@Abbyonice]

Thank you for sharing your experience!

[@taliadenson]

You have made many great points. Thank you for sharing your story! Do you know of any support groups?

[@Abbyonice]

Thank you! And you’re welcome! I’m not aware of any support groups, I just found it comforting to watch KZbin videos of other people who had left. I’m sure Facebook probably has some support groups ❤

[@dustyeaston4538]

I was born and raised in this. There is no need for the long disclaimer. That way of life is harmful, and creators don't need to spend time apologizing before telling their story.

[@nopenopetheknight7519]

Yup.... Nobody got why i left. Dont even talk to half of my family 😅. UPCI messed up my life after fhey figured i didnt believe

[@leahanduiza5943]

I completely agree with you on the understanding of the nature of God. I do think we need to get to the basics and unify around the truth we all believe and the foundations of the gospel. i hate the division all of this causes... and it's literally impossible for our minds to fully comprehend God (if that was possible what kind of God would that be??)

[@ChanelLPS777]

Thank you for sharing your video. I grew up in a Pentecostal Church but I thank the Lord that we were not taught that it was a sign for salvation. Sad to hear that it was a different experience for you and the young lady. Just pray that the Lord will draw her back to Him, back to His love. Amen

[@theronphillips5418]

Interesting stuff. I was raised by a man that went to a Baptist school and eventually went to Non-denominatiol. Was lost from 14 to 25. For 7years i been going to UPCI and i enjoy it. I dont agree with some stuff. But i put it on the shelf. Been going to random churches for a year now. The coolest thing ive kinda learned is alot of churches sing the same songs.🤠 I had to get my own concordance, i have a goal to know it all. Lol Good luck on your journey.🤜🤛🤝

[@joshuasanchez7532]

I wish you the best sister. Continue to follow the Holy Spirit that’s all that matters. Do what God tells you to do. Don’t let anyone influence what you do or say. Let God lead you. Continue in the faith! Stay strong Sister! Kingdom Blessings Sister!!! 🇮🇱

[@I.need.anewsong]

I needed a break. Just some fresh air.

[@JohnMChew]

Living a church lifestyle would be easier for young people if they had more things for young people to do as alternatives for what's outside the church. Perhaps Friday night and Saturday night praise and worship,or friday and Saturday game nights. Special programs for single young single Christians, who deal with all various temptations.

[@Abbyonice]

My church had those things. We also had small groups which were just for fun.

[@IPRF]

A church reserves the right to establish a dress code for its members and visitors; mostly for members. Just because a church has a dress code doesn't mean that they are legalistic. Schools, businesses, and other organizations have a dress code, so what's the big deal if a church has one? Why is it not difficult to submit to a dress code at the workplace but difficult to submit to at church?

[@Abbyonice]

Your work dress code only applies when you’re at work. When you leave work you can wear what you please. A church “Dress code” in my experience applies 24/7 no matter if you’re in the church building or not.

[@shanphilly5796]

So what would you tell someone who is baptized in the Father,Son, and Holy Ghost ?

[@Abbyonice]

I wouldn’t tell them anything.

[@margaretstudstill5672]

The spirit falls on people to pray in tongues also to prophesfy but ive had prophesy and some time the other person is afraid to interpret it.

[@terryhatcher7271]

John 14 does not dispute the Trinity doctrine. It may dispute what UPC preachers have taught you about Trinitarian doctrine. I haven’t meant a oneness believer yet that understands the Trinity.

[@Abbyonice]

The idea of the Trinity is that there is one God eternally existent in 3 persons: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All 3 collectively are 1 God. Did I accurately describe the Trinity?

[@realtruth7able]

Actually Paul was referring to the Spirits operation during public worship. All people God will fill with the spirit if they keep seeking it. I'm an Assembly of God Trinity believing. But salvation is through Getting born again is salvation not the tongues. But continue to study out paul teaching on the context there..

[@aksai-dr9ub]

from japan. I'm torn between Trinity and Oneness Sometimes I think the Trinity is right, and sometimes I think the Oneness is right. The subject of the Bible is Christ, not God the Father. It is certain that Jesus Christ is the only Savior I will also do my best not to abandon berief

[@woodsman132]

You are a very smart young lady.

[@Abbyonice]

Thank you

[@margaretstudstill5672]

But everyone doesn't have to speak in tongues to get the Spirit but they have to repent in their heart to get it

[@almaztimoiwos848]

I’m Apostolic, my core and Acts 2:38 is truth.

[@trevino965]

Sister, there is the "gift of tongues" and the "promise of the father". I do not have the "gift of tongues" but I do have the "promise" promised to the disciples experienced in Acts 2 and to those "who are afar off" referring to everyone else whether Jew or Gentile." The baptism of the Holy Spirit (promise of the Father)is for empowerment in God's service and for personal spiritual edification vailable to all. The "gift of tongues" is not for personal edification but to edify the church through a message involving interpretation in language understood by the audience. Not everybody has this gift thus "do all speak in tongues?" No. However, all can have/receive the promise of the Father as evident throughout the book of Acts.

[@Abbyonice]

Do you believe the “Promise of the Father” is evidenced by speaking in tongues?

[@margaretstudstill5672]

I was told that alcohol only was 3 percent alcohol in Bible days now its very high in alcohol and in those days the water was bad

[@Abbyonice]

I wonder which scientist during the Bible times was measuring and documenting alcohol percentages for modern day scholars to share with us.

[@DiannaSchafer-f7g]

Just be willing to love to obey the word of God Jesus made it plan and simple just obey

[@denroselindayao186]

I thought UPCI and UPC are the same church.😅

[@Abbyonice]

It used to be called UPC then they changed it to UPCI. Some people still say UPC though. The I stands for international.

[@matthewleo1833]

Damn this video is old lol... Great video, I want to add..we have God in Genesis, than it says " the spirit of God was hovering over the waters" there's two, than it says, "let's create man in OUR IMAGE" fast forward to Colossians, "Jesus is the image of God, in human form" theres 3 forms of God... also, we were made in the image of Jesus.. but it sounds like you're definitely trying to figure things out, you will... "Seek and ye shall find" a promise, a law.. also Jesus said" baptize in the name of the father, of the son and of the holy Spirit " notice the ofs

[@heydadd]

He that is of God 👉hears God’s words; ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.” When Peter preached who Jesus is on Pentecost, 3,000 received his words and repented of the false ideas they held about Jesus. When Apollos met Paul and Barnabbas, they expounded the Word more perfectly to them. When Paul found disciples of John, he expounded the Word more perfectly to them. see the difference? The pharisees justified and debated, ignoring and DEFLECTING from the Jesus the apostles preached in Acts. You can overcome the convoluted lack of trintarian dogma and oneness confusion through hearing the Words God gave without adding to them or making your ideas pre-eminent.. The Pharisees were in audience when he said: 43 Why don't you understand My speech? Even because ye cannot hear My Word! 47 He that is of God 👉hears God’s words; ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.”

[@jodysmith402]

All the men thay preached to on the day of pentecost where all jews

[@Abbyonice]

Acts 2:9-11 lists many nationalities. One of which was “Jews” making it clear that the other nationalities were not Jews. So yes there were Jews present, but they were outnumbered by the other nationalities and languages present.

[@booksfondue]

Well, when you’re church “shopping” to find which church follows exactly the Bible’s interpretation that you believe, have you ever wondered what the real meaning/interpretation is or….even wonder that it’s not about you but about God? Because no matter which denomination you attend, each has its own interpretation and each of these churches claimed to have been guided by the Holy Spirit

[@Abbyonice]

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to listen to the entirety of what someone says before you comment your assumptions? Your comment is tone deaf. You clearly didn’t listen to the whole video or my heart behind it. Check your heart ✌️

[@WadeEndris]

The old covenant they brought bulls hots they slittheanimals throat the high priest offered the blood onthe highpreistsprinkled the blood on the altar without shedding g of blood no remisionof s I s itwas the blood thstsVed asubsttution which was hehsd bo sins yo offer hessid its fi idled the bloodwas shed we are saved by the blood of Jesus alone bygrace thru faith judtifz toon by what hedidthe fi is he'd work of christ his blood onceand for justified Christ's rightoues imparted to us the bllod is what wasges us white faithinthe blood of jesusalone noworkswecannot earnourway to heaven the book of acts was transitional puslwas tge apostleto the gentiles peterpreached to3000 jews rherswzy more to book of acts than anew chspters ofvtexts taken out of context thats notrightlydivingbtheword of truth

[@DaleHudson-n6q]

I'm Judaism now

[@WadeEndris]

If you put your faith inpualsgospeltherightoues of christ is imputed Sims blotted out you wo t be judged he paid for yours instead not guilty

[@josieruiz3946]

You have not learned the truth. You must be holy if you obtain the Devine nature of Christ Jesus his fruit of the spirit , it's not God's fault it is peoples fault. So now from baptism in Jesus has changed to your understanding but NOT God's understanding . God have mercy.

[@Abbyonice]

What is peoples fault? Did you have a conversation with God and He told you what the Truth is? Or is what I believe different from what you believe and that’s why you say it’s not truth?

[@themistersmith]

Come to Islam. I was UPC for years -- born into it -- but now have been Muslim for 31 years. Never looked back.

[@Abbyonice]

No thank you. I’m glad that works for you though.

[@SaiR-x9u]

You choose to leave because you don't love God.

[@Abbyonice]

You clearly didn’t watch the video

[@elginwinston3390]

If there is a God. Why leave it to man to interpret the meaning of the bible and all of its subtleties??. I mean in all of Christianity, there is no unification in any belief aside from the belief in Jesus. It's just a jumble of confusion that makes absolutely no sense no matter how you try explaining your queries and answers. Think it through young lady... its mans interpretation. Not any God

[@Abbyonice]

I agree with this. Everyone has to choose what to believe and they do that by interpreting things in a way that makes sense to them.

[@hebrewquotes3148]

Leaving UPCI was the best thing you did, BUT leaving Christianity all together was the wrong decision you made. You could believe in Jesus and still be not saved if you refuse to walk in His footsteps. All you went through is sad. But you should at least gone to some other Bible believing Church to help you grow in your faith in Christ, but you chose to walk away completely. Therefore you are not saved by grace through faith in Christ because you have abandon Him completely. I would like to encourage you to return to Christ Jesus and find a Bible believing Church that will help you grow in your faith in Him. I am learning about UPCI by a book written by Dr. Edward L. Dalcour, Ph. D. called "A Definitive Look at Oneness Theology In the Light of Biblical Trinitarianism." I would like to recommend this book to read. Its up to you if you do. God bless you, Abby!

[@Abbyonice]

Bold of you to assume I left Christianity immediately without trying other churches. I attended a non-denominational church for a year after I left the UPCI and also went to the Baptist student ministry on campus. Neither of them agreed with each other in their beliefs. Every denomination in Christianity thinks they’re right and everyone else is wrong. I don’t think God would create a plan of salvation or Holy lifestyle that no one could agree on. It shouldn’t be some mystery that no one can figure out. I believe God knows our heart. I didn’t leave Christianity because of God, I left because Christians don’t even know/agree on what they believe and it’s confusing. I also left because like I mentioned in my comment, some of the things in the Bible don’t seem morally right to me. However, I still pray and strive to live a loving and caring life. I do believe in Jesus and that He died on the cross even though I don’t believe everything in the Bible or go to church anymore. I can’t go to a “Bible believing church” that’s going to tell me “Sorry” for all the other churches I went to being wrong. And that’s going to tell me loving someone of the same gender is a sin, but slaughtering whole nations for a piece of land in the Bible is fine.

[@Abbyonice]

By the way, if you want to learn about Oneness’s and/or the UPCI you should learn about it from someone who believes it. When I wanted to understand what trinitarians believed I learned it from trinitarians. Otherwise it would be biased information. You learning about oneness from a Trinitarian (the book you’re reading) is like learning about deep sea diving from someone who can’t swim.

[@DaleHudson-n6q]

I believed in YESHUA that's he is Jesus the messiah my savior alone only ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤