The Freedom To Question
If you are reading this, you have the freedom to explore the Word of God without being bound to any man or institution that claims divine authority over you. In these pages, I am asking you to test every claim made by man—if a claim is true, then it will be able to stand in truth without fear.
I invite you to read this series in its entirety, reflect deeply, and consider repentance as we examine teachings that may have mislead you. God loves you deeply, he will walk with you if you let Him.
Approach this work with an open heart and a discerning mind. Reflect on the truth of Scripture and consider whether any teaching you’ve accepted has kept you from experiencing the full, unbounded love and grace of Christ. By following Jesus’ example; you are free.
Matthew 7:7-8
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
1 Timothy 1:7
for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
For those who identify as an anointed “Man of God”/Pastor, I respectfully encourage you to reexamine your teachings and practices in light of Scripture and to seek genuine repentance before God. I pray that your heart and mind may be renewed and that you experience His mercy & grace.
2 Timothy 2:24-26
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.
Rather than using selected passages to support future sermons, my hope is that this message serves as a sincere call to reassess the gravity of any misapplied doctrines. God loves you deeply.
Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.
Any of This Sound Familiar?
The goal of our discussion today is to examine the UPCI’s ’truth’ in the full light of Scripture. We know that the Word of God is perfect and complete. Often we hear to not lean onto our own understanding—but are we deceiving ourselves by viewing scripture through a narrow & darkened lens based on our own understanding and interpretation?
Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
Given Scripture’s guidance—it is our duty to search the Word of God for ourselves. One verse you may have not heard quoted as often is also applicable for us today.
1 John 2:26-27
I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
ℹ️ Info
v.20 But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. Within the context of these verses; John is discussing how to stand firm with assurance in the face of false teaching.
This knowledge is not just “granted” with no action on our end however—as evidenced in the preceding verses we looked at. In order to properly arrive at truth; we must do as we are taught—abiding in Him.
Context is the crucial piece we often toss to the wayside when studying God’s Word—context is so important to safeguarding ourselves from extracting meaning from the text that is not there. “In context” means: considering the group of conditions that exist regarding where and when an event occurs—in other words, the words before and after a passage that help clarify its meaning, intent, and application.
Throughout our discussion; I will do my best to provide context where possible however I am a man as well. I am not intending to swap a voice you currently listen to for just another voice. Rather; please take these examinations as a ‘jumping off point’ to help point you towards God’s Word entirely. I have done my best to faithfully apply Scripture throughout as originally intended given proper context—I too am fallible however.
Test every assertion made in the light of Scripture; read the entire chapter/book quoted; investigate concepts/phrases that are not fully understood or that seem confusing/contradictory. The Word of God will stand entirely without any man if you give it the chance to do so in your life.
I pray this serves as a lamp for anyone who senses that something is wrong, who feel an invisible burden but cannot pinpoint its source. Those that think that they just “can’t feel God” the same anymore despite their best attempts. Those that seem to always ’let themselves down’. You are not crazy, nor are you bitter. God is not afraid of your questions, God is not afraid of being examined, nor is He afraid to be tested.
When tempted by Satan, Jesus relied solely on the Word—not on man’s teachings. Why would God (creator of the entire universe) ever necessitate the need for a man to be in between you and His Word?
Matthew 3:1-11
v4: But he answered, “It is written,“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
v7: Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
v10: Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’”
If God were afraid of these things, would He be worth believing in? No, God is not afraid of you seeking to understand him. He is not going to punish you for seeking Him earnestly.
This post is part of the “Law To Grace” series, a multi-part exploration of how man-made authority and false doctrine has shaped our faith—and how God’s grace and truth can overcome these man-made shackles. Whether you’re reading in order or joining the conversation midway, each article provides insights to help you discern truth from deception and embrace the unconditional love of Christ.
This work represents my personal views and interpretations and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any organization, including the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) or any other religious institution. The content is intended for discussion and personal reflection. Any references to organizations, doctrines, or teachings are made for informational and analytical purposes.