Part of a series of articles on Christianity

History of Christianity Timeline of Christianity The Apostles Ecumenical councils Great Schism The Crusades Reformation Christianity is a monotheistic religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus as recounted in the New Testament. ... Christianity is a monotheistic religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus as recounted in the New Testament. ... image of a Latin cross. ... This article outlines the history of Christianity and provides links to relevant topics. ... Timeline of Christianity (1 Anno Domini-Present) The purpose of this chronology is to give a detailed account of Christianity from 1 AD to the present. ... The Twelve Apostles (in Koine Greek απόστολος apostolos [1], someone sent forth/sent out, an emissary) were probably Galilean Jewish men (10 names are Aramaic, 4 names are Greek) chosen from among the disciples, who were sent forth by Jesus of Nazareth to preach the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles... In Christianity, an ecumenical council or general council is a meeting of the bishops of the whole church convened to discuss and settle matters of Church doctrine and practice. ... Great Schism redirects here. ... This article is about the medieval crusades. ... The Protestant Reformation was a movement in the 16th century to reform the Catholic Church in Western Europe. ...

The Trinity God the Father The Son (Jesus Christ) The Holy Spirit For other uses, see Trinity (disambiguation). ... In many religions, the supreme God is given the title and attributions of Father. ... Christology is that part of Christian theology that studies and defines who Jesus the Christ was and is. ... Jesus (8-2 BC/BCE– 29-36 AD/CE),[1] also known as Jesus of Nazareth, is the central figure of Christianity. ... This page is about the title. ... In various religions, most notably Trinitarian Christianity, the Holy Spirit (also called the Holy Ghost; in Hebrew רוח הקודש Ruah haqodesh) is the third Person of the Holy Trinity. ...

The Bible Old Testament New Testament Apocrypha The Gospels Ten Commandments Sermon on the Mount The Bible (From Greek βιβλια—biblia, meaning books, which in turn is derived from βυβλος—byblos meaning papyrus, from the ancient Phoenician city of Byblos which exported papyrus) is the sacred scripture of Christianity. ... Note: Judaism commonly uses the term Tanakh, but not Old Testament, because it does not recognize the concept of a New Testament. ... See New Covenant for the concept translated as New Testament in the KJV. The New Testament (Καινή Διαθήκη), sometimes called the Greek Testament or Greek Scriptures, and sometimes also New Covenant, is the name given to the part of the Christian Bible that was written by various authors c. ... The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view. ... For other uses, see Gospel (disambiguation). ... The Ten Commandments on a monument on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol This 1768 parchment (612x502 mm) by Jekuthiel Sofer emulated 1675 decalogue at the Esnoga synagogue of Amsterdam The Ten Commandments, or Decalogue, are a list of religious and moral imperatives which, according to religious tradition, were... The Sermon on the Mount by Carl Heinrich Bloch. ...

Christian theology Fall of Man · Grace Salvation · Justification Christian worship It has been suggested that Christian theological controversy be merged into this article or section. ... Essentially, original sin is the doctrine, shared in one form or another by most Christian churches, that the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden changed or damaged human nature, such that all human beings since then are innately predisposed to sin, and are powerless to overcome... Divine grace is believed by Christians to be the sovereign favor of God exercised in the bestowment of blessings upon those who do not merit them. ... For other uses, see Salvation (disambiguation). ... This article is in need of attention. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

Christian Church Catholicism Orthodox Christianity Protestantism In Christian theology, One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church is a phrase describing the nature of the Christian community and/or Christian Church, in the various meanings it has. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Roman Catholic Church. ... Orthodox Christianity is a generalized reference to the Eastern traditions of Christianity, as opposed to the Western traditions (which descend through, or alongside of, the Roman Catholic Church) or the Eastern Rite Catholic churches. ... Protestantism is a movement within Christianity, representing the splitting away from the Roman Catholic Church during the mid-to-late Renaissance in Europe—a period known as the Protestant Reformation. ... Christian denominations Christian movements Christian evangelism Christian ecumenism A denomination, in the Christian sense of the word, is an identifiable religious body under a common name, structure, and/or doctrine. ... Christian movements are theological, political, or philosophical intepretations of Christianity that are not generally represented by a specific church, sect, or denomination. ... The Four Evangelists, by Jakob Jordaens Evangelism is the proclaiming of the Christian Gospel or, by extension, any other form of preaching or proselytizing. ... Christian ecumenism is the promotion of unity or cooperation between distinct religious groups or denominations of the Christian religion, more or less broadly defined. ... This box: view • talk • edit

The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) is a United States-based international Christian denomination of the Pentecostal movement, and is headquartered in the St. Louis suburb of Hazelwood, Missouri. The UPCI is the largest and most influential Oneness Pentecostal organization in the world, and is one of the largest Pentecostal denominations in North America, as well as Africa and the South Pacific Region of Asia. The UPCI has seen explosive growth in Northern Africa, specifically in the nation of Ethiopia, where it has become the second largest church, behind only the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. [1] The UPCI was formed in 1945 by a merger of the Pentecostal Church, Incorporated, and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. The idea of a merger was suggested by Harry Branding of the PCI to Oliver F. Fauss of the PAJC. Numerous church officials from both groups were involved in the development of the merger, but no single individual is generally credited as the founder. [2] Since it's formation in 1945, the UPCI has been one of the fastest growing denominations in North America [3], growing from 617 churches listed in 1946, to 4,358 churches listed today. The UPCI in North America has 9,085 ministers, and reports a Sunday School attendance of 646,304. Moreover, it is also located in 175 other nations with 22,881 licensed ministers, 28,351 churches and meeting places, 652 missionaries, and a foreign constituency of over 3 million, making a total worldwide constituency of more than 4,036,945. Image File history File linksMetadata Upcilogo. ... A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ. ... The Pentecostal movement within Protestant Christianity places special emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. ... The Gateway Arch, shown here behind the Old Courthouse, is the most recognizable part of the St. ... Hazelwood is a city located in St. ... A movement of the Pentecostal branch of Christianity, Oneness Pentecostalism is said to be based on strict monotheism. ... The Pentecostal movement within Protestant Christianity places special emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. ... World map showing North America A satellite composite image of North America. ... Africa is the worlds second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia. ... South Pacific is a musical play with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II that opened on Broadway on April 7, 1949, and ran for more than five years. ... World map showing the location of Asia. ... Categories: Africa geography stubs | North Africa ... The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahido Church is an Oriental Orthodox church in Ethiopia that was part of the Coptic Church until it was granted its own Patriarch by Cyril VI, the Coptic Pope, in 1959. ... 1945 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1945 calendar). ... World map showing North America A satellite composite image of North America. ... World map showing North America A satellite composite image of North America. ... Sunday school, Indians and whites. ...

History

When the Assemblies of God formally adopted the doctrine of the Trinity at its Fourth General Council in October 1916, the Oneness Pentecostals chose to withdraw from the organization. Two months later, in late December and early January, Oneness ministers met in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and on January 2, 1917, they formed a Oneness Pentecostal organization called The General Assembly of the Apostolic Assemblies. The Assemblies of God is the worlds largest Pentecostal denomination. ... For other uses, see Trinity (disambiguation). ... An offshoot of the Pentecostal branch of Christianity, Oneness Pentecostals believe that there is one God with no essential divisions in His nature (such as a trinity) . He is not a plurality of persons, but He does have a plurality of manifestations, roles, titles, attributes, or relationships to man. ... Eureka Springs is a town located in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, USA. The entire town of Eureka Springs is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arkansas. ... A movement of the Pentecostal branch of Christianity, Oneness Pentecostalism is said to be based on strict monotheism. ...

In late 1917 or early 1918 The General Assembly of the Apostolic Assemblies merged with the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World and then held its first meeting in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, later in the same year. This organization adopted the name of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. In late 1924, a separation occurred mainly along racial lines. During 1925 three new organizations were formed: The Apostolic Churches of Jesus Christ, The Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance, and Emmanuel's Church in Jesus Christ. The Pentecostal Assemblies of The World, Inc. ... Eureka Springs is a town located in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, USA. The entire town of Eureka Springs is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arkansas. ... The Pentecostal Assemblies of The World, Inc. ...

This organizational division among Oneness people was not desired, however, and in 1927 the first step was taken toward bringing them back together. Meeting in a joint convention in Guthrie, Oklahoma, Emmanuel's Church in Jesus Christ and The Apostolic Churches of Jesus Christ merged under the name The Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. This merger, which united about 400 ministers, was consummated at the next General Convention held in Port Arthur, Texas, in October 1928. Oneness (concept) is related to Enlightenment and is referring to the experience of oneness and nonduality. ... Guthrie may refer to the following places: Guthrie, Oklahoma Guthrie, Kentucky Guthrie County, Iowa Guthrie, Texas and to the following people Arlo Guthrie, folk singer. ... Please wikify (format) this article as suggested in the Guide to layout and the Manual of Style. ... Port Arthur is a town located in Jefferson County within the Beaumont–Port Arthur metropolitan area and is situated in East Texas. ...

In 1931, a unity conference with representatives from four Oneness organizations met in Columbus, Ohio, in an attempt to bring all Oneness people together. Unfortunately, this attempt was only partially successful. The Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance ministers voted to merge with The Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, but the terms of the proposed merger was not accepted by the ministers in The Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. However, a merger between The Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ and The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World was consummated in November 1931. The merger adopted the name of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. Nickname: The Arch City The Discovery City Official website: http://www. ... Oneness (concept) is related to Enlightenment and is referring to the experience of oneness and nonduality. ... The Pentecostal Assemblies of The World, Inc. ...

In 1932, The Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance changed its name to The Pentecostal Church, Incorporated, reflecting its organizational structure. But no further attempt was made for a merger with The Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ until 1936, when The Pentecostal Church, Incorporated ministers voted to work toward an amalgamation of the two bodies. Once again no agreement could be found.

The desire to be united remained alive and growing, and eight years later, in 1944, the first step was taken that led to the successful merger in 1945 of these two Oneness Pentecostal organizations to form the United Pentecostal Church International. A movement of the Pentecostal branch of Christianity, Oneness Pentecostalism is said to be based on strict monotheism. ...

UPCI Doctrinal Beliefs

Overview

Most of the UPCI's doctrinal views are reflective of the Holiness-Pentecostal movement, with the exception of the "second work of grace" and the trinitarian formula in water baptism. The doctrine of the United Pentecostal Church derives its theology of salvation from Acts 2:38: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Pentecostalism. ...

Repentance

The UPCI teaches that repentance is essential to salvation, as found in Luke 13:5 "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Repentance is simply turning away from sin. But repentance is also turning to God, in believing prayer, for forgiveness and cleasning from all sin. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins" (1 John 1:9).

Baptism

The UPCI teaching interprets Jesus' instruction in Matthew 28:19 to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" as a commandment that was fulfilled by the apostles as demonstrated in the book of the Acts of the Apostles when they baptized converts using a Christological baptismal formula. Christ's commandment in Matthew 28:19 was to baptize in "the name." The UPC's position is that the word "name" is used here in the singular, and it is the focal point of the baptismal command. The titles Father, Son, and Holy Ghost describe God's relationships to humanity and are not the supreme, saving name described here, which is Jesus. "Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12)

Speaking in Tongues

The UPCI embraces the classical Pentecostal view that speaking in tongues is the outward, external, instantly observable and audible evidence of the infilling of the Holy Spirit. By contrast, peace, joy, righteousness, and spiritual fruit are inward, internal results of the infilling that become evident with the passing of time. Additionally, speaking in tongues is a uniform evidence. It applies to everyone, regardless of race, culture, or language. The tongue becomes the vehicle of expression for the spirit (James chapter 3), and speaking in tongues symbolizes God's complete control of the believer. In the baptism of the Holy Ghost, His Spirit and our spirit become one. He uses our tongue and voice to express this union. Obviously, there are no scientifically verified and documented cases of a UPC member speaking in tongues as it was done on the day of Pentecost - speaking an earthly language unknown to the speaker. There are many "urban legends", however, of members doing so. The Pentecostal movement within Protestant Christianity places special emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. ...

The Bible

The UPCI claims to hold a fundamental view of the Bible: "The Bible is the only God-given authority which man possesses; therefore all doctrine, faith, hope, and all instructions for the church must be based upon and harmonize with the Bible" (Manual of the United Pentecostal Church, 19). The Bible is the Word of God, and therefore inerrant and infallible. The UPCI rejects many extrabiblical writings (such as The Book of Mormon and the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures), and views church creeds and articles of faith only as typically the thinking of men, and therefore fallable in comparison to the Bible. The Gutenberg Bible owned by the United States Library of Congress The Bible (Hebrew: תנ״ך tanakh, Greek: η Βίβλος hē biblos) (sometimes The Holy Bible, The Book, Work of God, The Word, The Good Book or Scripture), from Greek (τα) βίβλια, (ta) biblia, (the) books, is the name used by Jews and Christians for their... The Gutenberg Bible owned by the United States Library of Congress The Bible (Hebrew: תנ״ך tanakh, Greek: η Βίβλος hē biblos) (sometimes The Holy Bible, The Book, Work of God, The Word, The Good Book or Scripture), from Greek (τα) βίβλια, (ta) biblia, (the) books, is the name used by Jews and Christians for their... The term The Word of God is a common English translation of the Greek New Testament term ho Logos tou Theou. (see Logos for more information). ... Book of Mormon (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints edition) The Book of Mormon is a sacred text of Mormonism first published in Palmyra, New York, USA, in March 1830 by Joseph Smith, Jr. ... The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT) is a modern-language translation of the Bible published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. ... The Gutenberg Bible owned by the United States Library of Congress The Bible (Hebrew: תנ״ך tanakh, Greek: η Βίβλος hē biblos) (sometimes The Holy Bible, The Book, Work of God, The Word, The Good Book or Scripture), from Greek (τα) βίβλια, (ta) biblia, (the) books, is the name used by Jews and Christians for their...

Godhead

In distinction to the doctrine of the Trinity, which was made mainstream by the early catholic church, the UPCI holds to the oneness view of God - which it claims is the original view of God. It views the Trinitarian concept of God, that of God eternally existing as three distinctive persons, as scripturally incorrect, inadequate and a departure from the consistent and emphatic biblical revelation of God being one. For other uses, see Trinity (disambiguation). ... Oneness (concept) is related to Enlightenment and is referring to the experience of oneness and nonduality. ...

The UPCI teaches that the one God who revealed Himself in the Old Testament as Jehovah revealed himself in His Son, Jesus Christ. Thus Jesus Christ was and is God. In other words, Jesus is the one true God manifested in flesh, for in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (John 1:1-14; I Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9). Yohoua [1]is a medieval era Latin transcription of the Biblical Hebrew name יְהֹוָה. Its first known appearance is in a work by Spanish monk Raymundus Martini, in 1278 A.D. Jehovah is a late medieval era German transcription of the Biblical Hebrew name יְהֹוָה. Iehouah [2]is the first English transcription... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ...

While fully God, Jesus was also fully man, possessing a full and true humanity. He was both God and man. Moreover, the Holy Spirit is God with us and in us. Thus God is manifested as Father in creation and as the Father of the Son, in the Son for our redemption, and as the Holy Spirit in our regeneration.

Holiness

While the UPCI holds that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works, it also teaches a code of conduct based upon what it believes to be scriptural teaching that many detractors allege is mandated by church officials. The UPC believes holiness standards are a privilege and that obedience to those standards are for the ultimate benefit of the individual. For other uses, see Salvation (disambiguation). ... Wikipedia does not yet have an article with this exact name. ...

The UPCI further encourages individuals to subscribe to an objective holiness standard, as led to do so by the Holy Spirit. This includes the belief that women are discouraged from cutting their hair and are encouraged to wear dresses or skirts, rather than pants, according to the scriptural mandate to "Not wear that which pertaineth to a man" (Deuteronomy 22:5) and "adorn [yourself] in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety" (1 Timothy 2:8-10). Men and women alike are discouraged from wearing excessive jewelry, scripturally "gold, or pearls, or costly array" (1 Timothy 2:8-10). Holiness is the state of being holy, that is, set apart for the worship or service of God or gods. ... In various religions, most notably Trinitarian Christianity, the Holy Spirit (also called the Holy Ghost; in Hebrew רוח הקודש Ruah haqodesh) is the third Person of the Holy Trinity. ...

UPCI-Affiliated Organizations

The UPCI at the national level supports eight educational institutions devoted to Apostolic instruction:

• Christian Life College in Stockton, California;
• Texas Bible College in Lufkin, Texas;
• Gateway College of Evangelism in St. Louis, Missouri;
• Centro Teologico Misterial in Houston, Texas;
• Indiana Bible College in Indianapolis, Indiana;
• Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota;
• Northeast Christian College in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada; and
• Urshan Graduate School of Theology in Hazelwood, Missouri.

Many districts and churches also support educational institutions in their states and cities. The UPCI also operates the Pentecostal Publishing House, which is one of the largest Pentecostal publishers in the world. Ladies Ministry UPCI, founded in 1916, is an auxiliary to the United Pentecostal Church. Note: See the links at the end of this article for more information on these institutions. |} Stockton is a city in California and the seat of San Joaquin County (the 5th largest agricultural county in the United States). ... Lufkin is a city located in Angelina County, Texas. ... Nickname Gateway City, Gateway to the West, or Mound City Location Location in the state of Missouri Government Country State County United States Missouri Independent City Mayor Francis G. Slay (D) Geographical characteristics Area  - City    - Land    - Water 66. ... – ... Location Location in the state of Indiana Government County Marion Mayor Bart Peterson (D) Geographical characteristics Area  - City    - Land    - Water 953. ... State capitol building in Saint Paul Saint Paul is the capital and second-largest city of the state of Minnesota in the United States of America. ... Template:Hide = Motto: Template:Unhide = Fredericpolis silvae filia noblis (Fredericton noble daughter of the forest) Established: {{{Established}}} Area: 131. ... Hazelwood is a city located in St. ... The Pentecostal movement within Protestant Christianity places special emphasis on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. ...

Prominent People Within UPC

• Rev. Kenneth Haney, author and General Superintendent of the UPCI
• Rev. Nathaniel Haney, pastor of the 3,000 member Christian Life Center of Stockton, California
• Rev. Anthony Mangun, pastor of the 2,000 member Pentecostals of Alexandria church in Alexandria, Louisiana
• Karen Harding, singer and songwriter. Winner of McDonald’s 2003 GospelFest.
• Daniel Seagraves Ed. D. author, college professor.
• Dr. David K. Bernard author, president of Urshan Graduate School of Theology, and one of the foremost experts on Oneness Pentecostalism.
• Rev. Irvin Baxter, Jr., author, pastor and founder of Endtime Ministries which include a magazine and radio program dealing with Biblical endtime prophecies.
• Rev. Lee Stoneking, [4], Evangelist, Minister, Teacher, Lecturer, Author, Foreign Tour Guide

|} Stockton is a city in California and the seat of San Joaquin County (the 5th largest agricultural county in the United States). ... Alexandria is a city in Louisiana, U.S.A.; it is the parish seat of Rapides Parish, on the south bank of the Red River in almost the exact geographic center of the state. ... McDonalds Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is the worlds largest chain of fast-food restaurants. ... Dr. David K. Bernard David K. Bernard is the founder and pastor of New Life United Pentecostal Church of Austin, Texas, the associate editor in the Editorial Division of the United Pentecostal Church International, and a member of the Texas District Board. ...

External links

Official Websites

• UPCI International website
• UPCI Foreign Missions
• UPCI Home Missions
• UPCI Compassion Services
• UPCI Media Missions
• UPCI Ladies Ministries
• UPCI Sunday School Division
• UPCI Youth Division

Other UPCI Church Links

• New Life Tabernacle in Sand Springs, Oklahoma
• Apostolic Lighthouse, Pentecostals of Georgetown, TX
• 1st Pentecostal Church of Tulsa
• Contains UPC position papers, beliefs and more
• United Pentecostal Church India website
• United Pentecostal Church Pastor Linu
• New Life Tabernacle in Beaumont, TX
• The Pentecostals of Alexandria, LA
• First United Pentecostal Church in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
• Northeast Christian College in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
• Christian Life College in Stockton, California;
• Texas Bible College in Lufkin, Texas;
• Gateway College of Evangelism in St. Louis, Missouri;
• Indiana Bible College in Indianapolis, Indiana;
• Jackson College of Ministries in Jackson, Mississippi;
• Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota;
• Urshan Graduate School of Theology in Hazelwood, Missouri
• Lee Stoneking Official Site
• The Pentecostals at Royalwood in Houston, TX
• Abundant Life Tabernacle in Fort Wayne, IN
• Parkway Apostolic Church Home of HFG Resources Small Group Curriculum
• Truth Tabernacle in Springfield, Missouri;
• New Life Pentecostal Church in Olathe, Kansas
• Apostolic Home Fellowship in Murray, Kentucky
• Reaching Through Teaching Ministries(http://www.reachingthroughteaching.com