Christianity • Protestantism
143-622: The United Pentecostal Church International ( UPCI ) is a Oneness Pentecostal denomination headquartered in Weldon Spring, Missouri . The United Pentecostal Church International was formed in 1945 by a merger of the former Pentecostal Church, Inc. and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ . The United Pentecostal Church International began with 521 churches and has grown to more than 45,000 churches, including daughter works and preaching points, 45,000 ministers, and
286-433: A Successionist view , arguing that their movement has existed in every generation from the original day of Pentecost to the present day. Ward has proposed a theory of an unbroken Pentecostal church lineage, claiming to have chronologically traced its perpetuity throughout the church's history. Others hold to a Restorationist view, believing that while the apostles and their church clearly taught Oneness doctrine and
429-561: A writing system , built huge pyramids and temples , had a complex calendar , and developed the concept of zero around 400 CE. The first recorded European references to North America are in Norse sagas where it is referred to as Vinland . The earliest verifiable instance of pre-Columbian trans-oceanic contact by any European culture with the North America mainland has been dated to around 1000 CE. The site , situated at
572-527: A "new revelation" that a baptismal formula in the name of Jesus only was to be preferred over the three-part formula "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost" found in Matthew 28:19 , pointing to Acts 2:38 . This revelation immediately caused controversy when Frank Denny—a Pentecostal missionary to China—jumped on the platform and tried to censor McAlister. A young minister named John G. Schaepe was so moved by McAlister's new revelation that, after praying and reading
715-717: A Oneness Pentecostal organization called the General Assembly of the Apostolic Assemblies. The General Assembly of the Apostolic Assemblies merged with another church, the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW), and accepted the leadership of G. T. Haywood , an African American. This group held the first meeting in Eureka Springs in 1918. This interracial organization adopted the PAW name and remained
858-616: A Oneness-view of God. In common with most Protestant denominations, Oneness Pentecostal soteriology maintains that all people are born with a sinful nature, sin at a young age, and remain lost without hope of salvation unless they embrace the Gospel; that Jesus Christ made a complete atonement for the sins of all people, which is the sole means of man's redemption; and that salvation comes solely by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Oneness doctrine also teaches that true faith has
1001-538: A backlash from many Trinitarians. The issue finally came to a head in October 1916, at the Fourth General Council: the mostly Trinitarian leadership—fearing that the new issue of Oneness might overtake their organization—drew up a doctrinal statement affirming the truth of Trinitarian dogma, among other issues. When the resulting Assemblies of God Statement of Fundamental Truths was adopted, a third of
1144-522: A climate designed to undermine the sanctity of human life." It has also designated the third Sunday in January of each year as "Sanctity of Life Sunday." Scripture elegantly solves the proper management of media technology with a single verse: “I will set no wicked thing before mine eye…” United Pentecostal Church International, Media Technology The UPCI states in its Articles of Faith that it disapproves of members owning televisions. In 1998,
1287-399: A follower of an "economic Trinity", that is, a temporary Trinity and not an eternal one. He also asserts that Trinitarianism's origin was pagan, quoting anti-Catholic Alexander Hislop , a Presbyterian minister; but none of Hislop's arguments have been confirmed by historians in contemporary scholarship. Bernard theorizes that the majority of all believers were Oneness adherents until
1430-467: A modified presbyterian system: ministers meet in sectional, district, and general conferences to elect officers and to conduct the church's affairs. The annual General Conference is the highest authority in the UPCI, with the power to determine articles of faith , elect officers, and determine policy. A General Superintendent is elected to preside over the church as a whole. On October 1, 2009, David K. Bernard
1573-597: A part of Denmark) and Mexico classified as Latin American). It is unknown with certainty how and when first human populations first reached North America. People were known to live in the Americas at least 20,000 years ago, but various evidence points to possibly earlier dates. The Paleo-Indian period in North America followed the Last Glacial Period, and lasted until about 10,000 years ago when
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#17327723804801716-664: A period of mountain building called the Laramide orogeny , between 80 and 55 mya. The formation of the Isthmus of Panama that connected the continent to South America arguably occurred approximately 12 to 15 mya, and the Great Lakes (as well as many other northern freshwater lakes and rivers) were carved by receding glaciers about 10,000 years ago. North America is the source of much of what humanity knows about geologic time periods. The geographic area that would later become
1859-590: A powerful earthquake killed seven people in 2009. Volcanic eruptions are common in the region. In 1968, the Arenal Volcano , in Costa Rica, erupted and killed 87 people. Fertile soils from weathered volcanic lavas have made it possible to sustain dense populations in agriculturally productive highland areas. Central America has many mountain ranges ; the longest are the Sierra Madre de Chiapas ,
2002-615: A second pre-existent, divine person, but that the Word is simply the plan of God, which was put into action through the incarnation. When discussing the Incarnation , Oneness theologians and authors often refer to a concept known as the dual nature of Christ, which is understood as the union of human and divine natures in the man Jesus. Bernard describes this concept in his book The Oneness of God , stating that Jesus "is both Spirit and flesh, God and man, Father and Son. On his human side, He
2145-506: A tank set up in Ewart's Crusade tent. This is considered to be the historical point when Oneness Pentecostalism emerged as a distinct movement. A number of ministers claimed they were baptized in Jesus' name before 1914, including Frank Small and Andrew D. Urshan . Urshan claimed to have baptized others in Jesus Christ's name as early as 1910. In addition, Charles Parham , the founder of
2288-561: A total constituency of over 5.8 million worldwide, making it the largest Oneness denomination. The international fellowship of United Pentecostals consists of national organizations that are united as the Global Council of the UPCI, which is chaired by the general superintendent of the UPCI, currently David K. Bernard . The United Pentecostal Church International emerged from the Pentecostal movement , which traces its origins to
2431-623: A unity conference with representatives from four Oneness organizations met in Columbus, Ohio attempting to bring all Oneness Pentecostals together. The Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance voted to merge with the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, but the terms of the proposed merger were rejected by that body. Nevertheless, a union between the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ and the PAW was consummated in November 1931. The new body retained
2574-540: A variety of reactions, including curiosity, trading, cooperation, resignation, and resistance. The indigenous population declined substantially following European arrival, primarily due to the introduction of Eurasian diseases, such as smallpox , to which the indigenous peoples lacked immunity, and because of violent conflicts with Europeans. Indigenous culture changed significantly and their affiliation with political and cultural groups also changed. Several linguistic groups died out , and others changed quite quickly. On
2717-665: Is a very large continent that extends from north of the Arctic Circle to south of the Tropic of Cancer . Greenland, along with the Canadian Shield , is tundra with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 °C (50 to 68 °F), but central Greenland is composed of a very large ice sheet. This tundra radiates throughout Canada, but its border ends near the Rocky Mountains (but still contains Alaska) and at
2860-524: Is an ancient craton which forms the geologic core of North America; it formed between 1.5 and 1.0 billion years ago during the Proterozoic eon. The Canadian Shield is the largest exposure of this craton. From the Late Paleozoic to Early Mesozoic eras, North America was joined with the other modern-day continents as part of the supercontinent Pangaea , with Eurasia to its east. One of
3003-526: Is at 5.87 million. The General Conference of the United Pentecostal Church International is an annual conference occurring yearly since 1945. It is the highest governing body of the UPCI. Attendees of the conference conduct business, receive training, network with colleagues, participate in worship sessions, and raise funds for various ministries. North American Youth Congress (NAYC) is a church gathering primarily for
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#17327723804803146-511: Is considered conversion, and is accepted in the majority of evangelical Protestant churches. The first mandate is true faith in Jesus Christ, demonstrated by obedience to God's commands, and a determination to submit to his will in every aspect of one's life. Oneness adherents reject the notion that one may be saved through what they call mental faith : mere belief in Christ, without life-changing repentance or obedience. Thus, they emphatically reject
3289-711: Is consistent with that of other Oneness Pentecostals, rejecting the Trinity and instead believing that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are different manifestations of God, as opposed to separate persons. The UPCI believes that one must repent, be baptized "in the name of Jesus" (as opposed to "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit"), and receive the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in tongues to be saved, as outlined in Acts 2:38 . Ministers at all levels of
3432-461: Is generally found in some Oneness Pentecostal (and Holiness Pentecostal) churches that say holiness is to be set apart to God. The Oneness Pentecostal movement first emerged in North America around 1914 as the result of a schism following the doctrinal disputes within the nascent Finished Work Pentecostal movement (which itself had broken from Holiness Pentecostalism) —specifically within
3575-546: Is in present-day Panama at the Darien Gap on the Colombia -Panama border, placing almost all of Panama within North America. Alternatively, some geologists physiographically locate its southern limit at the Isthmus of Tehuantepec , Mexico, with Central America extending southeastward to South America from this point. The Caribbean islands, or West Indies, are considered part of North America. The continental coastline
3718-648: Is long and irregular. The Gulf of Mexico is the largest body of water indenting the continent, followed by Hudson Bay . Others include the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and the Gulf of California . Before the Central American isthmus formed, the region had been underwater. The islands of the West Indies delineate a submerged former land bridge , which had connected North and South America via what are now Florida and Venezuela . There are several islands off
3861-460: Is no salvation through any name or work other than his ( Acts 4:12 ). Oneness teaching rejects interpretations that hold that salvation is given automatically to the elect ; they believe that all men are called to salvation, and "whosoever will, may come" ( Revelation 22:17 ). While salvation is indeed a gift in Oneness belief, it must be received . This reception of salvation is generally what
4004-567: Is not possible without repentance. While repentance is in part godly sorrow for sin, it is as much as complete change of heart and mind toward God and his word. This is why Oneness churches expect a complete reformation of life in those who have become Christians. Oneness Pentecostals believe that water baptism is essential to salvation and not merely symbolic in nature. They also believe that one must have faith and repent before being baptized, therefore deeming baptisms of infants or by compulsion unacceptable. Oneness Pentecostal theology maintains
4147-561: Is part of North America geographically. In a geologic sense, Bermuda is not part of the Americas, but an oceanic island that was formed on the fissure of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge over 100 million years ago (mya). The nearest landmass to it is Cape Hatteras , North Carolina . However, Bermuda is often thought of as part of North America, especially given its historical, political and cultural ties to Virginia and other parts of
4290-594: Is similar to historical Modalism or Sabellianism , although it cannot be exactly characterized as such. The Oneness position as nontrinitarians places them at odds with the members of most Christian denominations , some of whom have accused Oneness Pentecostals of being Modalists and derided them as cultists . Oneness clergy consecrated into the Joint College of Bishops are also at odds on grounds of their claims to apostolic succession (being that documented consecrators in succession were Trinitarian from
4433-502: Is solely in accordance with "wholesome Christian principles." The UPCI lays out its position on other matters in its ministerial manual, including the following issues. The UPCI is opposed to gambling , defined as “to bet on an uncertain outcome, to stake something on a contingency, playing the game of chance for stakes.” This opposition is due to the fact that it considers gambling addictive , inconsistent with scriptural work ethic , ignoring stewardship , and involving monetary gain to
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4576-707: Is the Morrison Formation of the western U.S. Canada is geologically one of the oldest regions in the world, with more than half of the region consisting of Precambrian rocks that have been above sea level since the beginning of the Palaeozoic era. Canada's mineral resources are diverse and extensive. Across the Canadian Shield and in the north there are large iron, nickel, zinc , copper, gold, lead, molybdenum , and uranium reserves. Large diamond concentrations have been recently developed in
4719-527: Is the humid subtropical climate . This area has the wettest cities in the contiguous U.S. , with annual precipitation reaching 67 in (1,700 mm) in Mobile, Alabama . Stretching from the borders of the humid continental and subtropical climates, and going west to the Sierra Nevada , south to the southern tip of Durango , north to the border with tundra climate, the steppe / desert climates are
4862-450: Is the Son of man; on his divine side, He is the Son of God and is the Father dwelling in the flesh." They see this not as two persons in one body but rather as two natures united in one person: Jesus Christ. Oneness believers see the mystery referred to in 1 Timothy 3:16 as referencing this concept of two natures being united in the one person of Jesus Christ. Although the Oneness belief in
5005-454: The Age of Discovery and the early modern period . Present-day cultural and ethnic patterns reflect interactions between European colonists, indigenous peoples , enslaved Africans , immigrants from Europe, Asia, and descendants of these respective groups. Europe's colonization in North America led to most North Americans speaking European languages, such as English , Spanish , and French , and
5148-519: The Archaic period began. The classic stage followed the Archaic period, and lasted from approximately the 6th to 13th centuries. Beginning in 1000 AD, the Norse were the first Europeans to begin exploring and ultimately colonizing areas of North America. In 1492, the exploratory voyages of Christopher Columbus led to a transatlantic exchange , including migrations of European settlers during
5291-687: The Assemblies of God . The movement claims an estimated 30 million adherents worldwide. It was often referred to as the Jesus Only movement in its early days—referring to its baptismal formula—which may be misleading as it does not deny the existence of the Father or Holy Spirit. The first Pentecostals were Holiness Pentecostals , who teach three works of grace (the new birth , entire sanctification , and Spirit baptism accompanied by glossolalia); Finished Work Pentecostals broke off and became partitioned into Trinitarian and nontrinitarian branches,
5434-567: The Bering Strait during the Early-Middle Holocene . Prior to the arrival of European explorers and colonists in North America, the natives of North America were divided into many different polities, ranging from small bands of a few families to large empires. They lived in several culture areas , which roughly correspond to geographic and biological zones that defined the representative cultures and lifestyles of
5577-600: The British Columbia Coast , Western Canada , and Northern Canada . In the U.S., they include New England , the Mid-Atlantic , South Atlantic states , East North Central states , West North Central states , East South Central states , West South Central states , Mountain states , and Pacific states . The Great Lakes region and the Pacific Northwest include areas in both Canada and
5720-913: The Caribbean Plate , whereas the Juan de Fuca Plate and Cocos Plate border the North American Plate on its western frontier. The continent can be divided into four great regions (each of which contains many subregions): the Great Plains stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Canadian Arctic ; the geologically young, mountainous west, including the Rocky Mountains , the Great Basin , California , and Alaska ;
5863-568: The Cordillera Isabelia , and the Cordillera de Talamanca . Between the mountain ranges lie fertile valleys that are suitable for the people; in fact, most of the population of Honduras, Costa Rica, and Guatemala live in valleys. Valleys are also suitable for the production of coffee, beans, and other crops. The indigenous peoples of the Americas have many creation myths , based on which they assert that they have been present on
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6006-465: The East Coast to eastern North Dakota , and stretching down to Kansas , is the humid continental climate featuring intense seasons, with a large amount of annual precipitation, with places like New York City averaging 50 in (1,300 mm). Starting at the southern border of the humid continental climate and stretching to the Gulf of Mexico (whilst encompassing the eastern half of Texas)
6149-620: The Inuit of the high Arctic arrived in North America much later than other native groups, evidenced by the disappearance of Dorset culture artifacts from the archaeological record and their replacement by the Thule people . During the thousands of years of native habitation on the continent, cultures changed and shifted. One of the oldest yet discovered is the Clovis culture (c. 9550–9050 BCE) in modern New Mexico . Later groups include
6292-697: The Jesus Only movement ) is a nontrinitarian religious movement within the Protestant Christian family of churches known as Pentecostalism . It derives its name from its teaching on the Godhead , a form of Modalistic Monarchianism commonly referred to as the Oneness doctrine. The doctrine states that there is one God―a singular divine spirit with no distinction of persons―who manifests himself in many ways, including as Father , Son , and Holy Spirit . This stands in sharp contrast to
6435-719: The Mississippian culture and related Mound building cultures, found in the Mississippi River valley and the Pueblo culture of what is now the Four Corners . The more southern cultural groups of North America were responsible for the domestication of many common crops now used around the world, such as tomatoes, squash , and maize . As a result of the development of agriculture in the south, many other cultural advances were made there. The Mayans developed
6578-533: The Modalistic Monarchianism of the fourth century. This earlier movement affirmed the two central aspects of current Oneness belief: They contend, based on Colossians 2:9, that the concept of God's personhood is reserved for the immanent and incarnate presence of Jesus only. Oneness theology specifically maintains that God is a singular spirit who is absolutely and indivisibly one (not three persons, individuals, or minds). They contend that
6721-471: The Roman Catholic , Anglican , and Eastern churches , alongside contradicting records). Oneness believers are often accused of being Modalistic. They have also occasionally been accused of Arianism or Semi-Arianism , usually by isolated individuals rather than church organizations. While Bernard indicates that Modalistic Monarchianism and Oneness are essentially the same, and that Sabellius
6864-516: The United States . North America covers an area of about 24,709,000 square kilometers (9,540,000 square miles), representing approximately 16.5% of the Earth 's land area and 4.8% of its total surface area. It is the third-largest continent by size after Asia and Africa , and the fourth-largest continent by population after Asia, Africa, and Europe . As of 2021 , North America's population
7007-488: The first official name given to Mexico. North America includes several regions and subregions, each of which have their own respective cultural, economic, and geographic regions. Economic regions include several regions formalized in 20th- and 21st-century trade agreements, including NAFTA between Canada , Mexico , and the United States , and CAFTA between Central America , the Dominican Republic , and
7150-498: The mainstream doctrine of three distinct, eternal persons posited by Trinitarian theology. Oneness Pentecostals differ from most other Pentecostals and Evangelicals in their views on soteriology , believing that true saving faith is demonstrated by repentance , full-submersion water baptism , and baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues . Oneness believers also solely baptize in
7293-458: The 1490s, building cities, putting the resident indigenous populations to work, raising crops for Spanish settlers and panning gold to enrich the Spaniards. Much of the indigenous population died due to disease and overwork, spurring the Spaniards on to claim new lands and peoples. An expedition under the command of Spanish settler, Hernán Cortés , sailed westward in 1519 to what turned out to be
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#17327723804807436-462: The Arctic, making Canada one of the world's largest producers. Throughout the Shield, there are many mining towns extracting these minerals. The largest, and best known, is Sudbury , Ontario. Sudbury is an exception to the normal process of forming minerals in the Shield since there is significant evidence that the Sudbury Basin is an ancient meteorite impact crater . The nearby, but less-known Temagami Magnetic Anomaly has striking similarities to
7579-407: The Bible all night, he ran through the camp the following morning shouting that he'd received a revelation against Trinitarian baptism. This conclusion was accepted by several others in the camp and given further theological development by a minister named Frank Ewart . On April 15, 1914, Frank Ewart and Glenn Cook publicly baptized each other specifically in "the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" in
7722-478: The Caribbean islands. France took the western half of Hispaniola and developed Saint-Domingue as a cane sugar producing colony worked by black slave labor. Britain took Barbados and Jamaica , and the Dutch and Danes took islands previously claimed by Spain. Britain did not begin settling on the North American mainland until a hundred years after the first Spanish settlements, since it sought first to control nearby Ireland . The first permanent English settlement
7865-418: The Cod fish", in reference to the abundance of cod fish on the East Coast . Waldseemüller used the Latin version of Vespucci's name, Americus Vespucius, in its feminine form of "America", following the examples of "Europa", "Asia", and "Africa". Americus originated from Medieval Latin Emericus (see Saint Emeric of Hungary ), coming from the Old High German name Emmerich . Map makers later extended
8008-401: The Godhead is true to early Christianity's allegedly strict monotheism , contrasting their views not only with Trinitarianism, but equally with the theology espoused by the Latter-day Saints (who believe that Christ was a separate god from the Father and the Spirit) and Jehovah's Witnesses (who see him as the first-begotten Son of God, and as a subordinate deity to the Father). Oneness theology
8151-598: The King James Version of the Bible as a "trusted and prominent translation of the Scriptures," and further recommended only translations (in English or other languages) that meet the following guidelines: The basic governmental structure of the UPCI is congregational at the local church level and presbyterian at higher organizational levels. Local churches are self-governing, electing their own pastors and other leaders, owning their own property, deciding their own budgets, establishing their membership, and conducting all necessary local business. The central organization embraces
8294-419: The North America's southeastern coast, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León , who had accompanied Columbus's second voyage, visited and named in 1513 La Florida . As the colonial period unfolded, Spain, England, and France appropriated and claimed extensive territories in North America eastern and southern coastlines. Spain established permanent settlements on the Caribbean islands of Hispaniola and Cuba in
8437-426: The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World over the role of women in ministry, usage of wine or grape juice for communion , divorce and remarriage, and the proper mode of water baptism . There were also reports of racial tension in the organization. African Americans were joining the church in great numbers, and many held significant leadership positions. In particular, the African American pastor G. T. Haywood served as
8580-421: The Pentecostal Church, Inc. and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ , resulted in the formation of the United Pentecostal Church International , or UPCI. Beginning with 521 churches, it has become the largest and most influential Oneness Pentecostal organization through its evangelism and publishing efforts, reporting a membership of over 5.75 million. Oneness Pentecostalism has a historical precedent in
8723-403: The Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance, and Emmanuel's Church in Jesus Christ. In 1927, steps were taken toward reunifying these organizations. Meeting in a joint convention in Guthrie, Oklahoma , Emmanuel's Church in Jesus Christ and the Apostolic Churches of Jesus Christ merged, taking the name the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. This merger united about 400 Oneness Pentecostal ministers. In 1931,
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#17327723804808866-409: The Pentecostal experience, the early apostolic church went into apostasy and ultimately evolved into the Roman Catholic Church . For them, the contemporary Oneness Pentecostal movement came into existence in America in the early 20th century during the latter days of the Azusa Street Revival . Restorationists such as Bernard and Norris deny any direct link between the church of the Apostolic Age and
9009-549: The Son of God. Oneness Pentecostalism subscribes to the doctrine of Sola Scriptura in common with mainstream Pentecostals and other Protestants. They view the Bible as the inspired Word of God, and as absolutely inerrant in its contents (though not necessarily in every translation). They specifically reject the conclusions of church councils such as the Council of Nicaea and the Nicene Creed . They believe that mainstream Christians have been misled by long-held and unchallenged "traditions of men". The overwhelming emphasis on
9152-416: The Sudbury Basin. Its magnetic anomalies are very similar to the Sudbury Basin, and so it could be a second metal-rich impact crater. The Shield is also covered by vast boreal forests that support an important logging industry. The United States can be divided into twelve main geological provinces: Each province has its own geologic history and unique features. The geology of Alaska is typical of that of
9295-410: The U.S. North America occupies the northern portion of the landmass generally referred to as the New World, the Western Hemisphere , the Americas, or simply America, which, in many countries, is considered a single continent with North America a subcontinent . North America is the third-largest continent by area after Asia and Africa . North America's only land connection to South America
9438-402: The U.S. and Canada, the UPCI has 40,440 churches and preaching points, 33,862 ministers, and a constituency of 4,785,291 in 218 nations and 11 territories. The international fellowship consists of national organizations that are united as the Global Council of the UPCI, which is chaired by the general superintendent of the UPCI, David K. Bernard. Total worldwide membership, including North America,
9581-569: The UPCI are allowed to marry and have children. The UPCI considers any form of homosexuality , fornication , adultery , polygamy , bestiality , incest , and transgenderism to be contrary to biblical teaching and states that God's plan is "heterosexuality, with definite boundaries between sexes in both appearance and behavior." The UPCI has stated, however, that it does not preach condemnation, but rather reconciliation, and implores everyone to be reconciled to God. The UPCI opposes legalized abortion, as well as any legislation that would "bring about
9724-436: The UPCI is Christian Life College in Stockton, California , which has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) since 2019. Other unaccredited bible colleges endorsed by the UPCI are: Currently, there are only three accredited colleges and seminaries endorsed by the UPCI: The Global Association of Theological Studies (or GATS) is the higher education arm of UPCI Global Missions, overseeing
9867-430: The UPCI published a position paper on computer and internet usage that suggested the following guidelines in the home: In a 2013 position paper, the UPCI further clarified its stance on all forms of media technology outside of television, including computers, tablets, smartphones, and gaming consoles. It stated that because "sinful media programming" is available through such mediums, the UPCI calls for responsible use that
10010-476: The United Pentecostal Church International. The merger of these two Oneness Pentecostal bodies brought together 521 churches. In the U.S. and Canada , the newly formed United Pentecostal Church International traditionally reflected the surrounding demographics, with the majority of its constituency being White and Anglo-American . In the last quarter of the twentieth century, however, the United Pentecostal Church International attempted to shift its doctrines toward
10153-429: The United States has been the source of more varieties of dinosaurs than any other modern country. According to paleontologist Peter Dodson, this is primarily due to stratigraphy, climate and geography, human resources, and history. Much of the Mesozoic Era is represented by exposed outcrops in the many arid regions of the continent. The most significant Late Jurassic dinosaur-bearing fossil deposit in North America
10296-668: The United States, and Mexico. France , Italy , Portugal , Spain , Romania , Greece , and the countries of Latin America use a six-continent model , with the Americas viewed as a single continent and North America designating a subcontinent comprising Canada , the United States , Mexico, and Saint Pierre and Miquelon (politically part of France), and often including Greenland and Bermuda . North America has historically been known by other names, including Spanish North America, New Spain , and América Septentrional,
10439-579: The United States. North America is divided linguistically and culturally into two primary regions, Anglo-America and Latin America . Anglo-America includes most of North America, Belize , and Caribbean islands with English -speaking populations. There are also regions, including Louisiana and Quebec , with large Francophone populations; in Quebec , French is the official language. . The southern portion of North America includes Central America and non-English speaking Caribbean nations. The north of
10582-429: The Word was God." In the incarnation, Oneness believers hold that God put the Word (which was His divine plan) into action by manifesting Himself in the form of the man Jesus, and thus "the Word became flesh" ( John 1:14 ). In this, Oneness believers say that the incarnation is a singular event, unlike anything God has done prior or will ever do again. Oneness Pentecostals believe that the Word of John 1:1 does not imply
10725-547: The area had shifted to the Aztec Empire , whose capital city Tenochtitlan was located further north in the Valley of Mexico . The Aztecs were conquered in 1521 by Hernán Cortés . During the so-called Age of Discovery , Europeans explored overseas and staked claims to various parts of North America, much of which was already settled by indigenous peoples. Upon Europeans' arrival in the " New World ", indigenous peoples had
10868-649: The church's general secretary, and signed all ministerial credentials. Three new organizations were formed in 1925: the Apostolic Churches of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel's Church in Jesus Christ and the Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance. The first two later merged to become the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, and the second became the Pentecostal Church, Inc. In 1945, a merger of two predominantly-white Oneness groups,
11011-432: The continent maintains recognized regions as well. In contrast to the common definition of North America, which encompasses the whole North American continent, the term "North America" is sometimes used more narrowly to refer only to four nations, Canada, Greenland, Mexico, and the U.S. The U.S. Census Bureau includes Saint Pierre and Miquelon, but excludes Mexico from its definition. The term Northern America refers to
11154-981: The continent's coasts; principally, the Arctic Archipelago, the Bahamas , Turks and Caicos , the Greater and Lesser Antilles , the Aleutian Islands (some of which are in the Eastern Hemisphere proper), the Alexander Archipelago , the many thousand islands of the British Columbia Coast, and Newfoundland. Greenland , a self-governing Danish island, and the world's largest , is on the same tectonic plate (the North American Plate ) and
11297-599: The continent. The vast majority of North America is on the North American Plate. Parts of western Mexico, including Baja California, and of California , including the cities of San Diego , Los Angeles , and Santa Cruz , lie on the eastern edge of the Pacific Plate , with the two plates meeting along the San Andreas Fault . The southernmost portion of the continent and much of the West Indies lie on
11440-659: The cordillera, while the major islands of Hawaii consist of Neogene volcanics erupted over a hot spot . Central America is geologically active with volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occurring from time to time. In 1976 Guatemala was hit by a major earthquake , killing 23,000 people; Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, was devastated by earthquakes in 1931 and 1972, the last one killing about 5,000 people; three earthquakes devastated El Salvador, one in 1986 and two in 2001; one earthquake devastated northern and central Costa Rica in 2009, killing at least 34 people; in Honduras
11583-685: The cultures of the region commonly reflect Western traditions . However, relatively small parts of North America in Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Central America have indigenous populations that continue adhering to their respective pre-European colonial cultural and linguistic traditions. The Americas were named after the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci by German cartographers Martin Waldseemüller and Matthias Ringmann . Vespucci explored South America between 1497 and 1502, and
11726-540: The current Oneness movement, believing that modern Oneness Pentecostalism is a total restoration originating from a step-by-step separation within Protestantism culminating in the final restoration of the early apostolic church. Both Successionists and Restorationists among Oneness Pentecostals assert that the early apostolic church believed in the Oneness and Jesus name baptism doctrines. Oneness theologian David K. Bernard claims to trace Oneness adherents back to
11869-429: The development and implementation of Oneness Pentecostal curriculum for its member schools. The GATS has 526 bible schools in 120 countries worldwide, representing about 11,000 students and 3,000 graduates annually. In 2019, its member schools graduated 3,375 students. Oneness Pentecostalism Christianity • Protestantism Oneness Pentecostalism (also known as Apostolic , Jesus' Name Pentecostalism , or
12012-648: The dispensation (of the Three in One), on the very ground that their very Rule of Faith withdraws them from the world's plurality of gods to the one only true God; not understanding that, although He is the one only God, He must yet be believed in with His own economy. The numerical order and distribution of the Trinity, they assume to be a division of the Unity. In contrast to Bernard's theory, mainstream Christian scholars suggest
12155-638: The divine attributes of the Godhead, and the Son embodies the human aspects. They believe that Jesus and the Father are one essential person, though operating in different modes. Oneness author W. L. Vincent writes, "The argument against the 'Son being his own Father' is a red herring. It should be evident that Oneness theology acknowledges a clear distinction between the Father and Son–in fact this has never been disputed by any Christological view that I am aware of." Oneness theology holds that "the Word" in John 1:1
12298-571: The driest in the U.S. Highland climates cut from north to south of the continent, where subtropical or temperate climates occur just below the tropics, as in central Mexico and Guatemala . Tropical climates appear in the island regions and in the subcontinent's bottleneck, found in countries and states bathed by the Caribbean Sea or to the south of the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean . Precipitation patterns vary across
12441-470: The end of the Canadian Shield, near the Great Lakes . Climate west of the Cascade Range is described as being temperate weather with average precipitation 20 inches (510 millimeters). Climate in coastal California is described to be Mediterranean , with average temperatures in cities like San Francisco ranging from 57 to 70 °F (14 to 21 °C) over the course of the year. Stretching from
12584-418: The fellowship's ministers left to form Oneness fellowships. After this separation, most Oneness believers became relatively isolated from other Pentecostals and mainstream Christendom . Several small Oneness ministerial groups formed after 1914. Many of these ultimately merged into the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World , while others remained independent, like AFM Church of God . Divisions occurred within
12727-562: The first American inhabitants sailed from Beringia some 13,000 years ago, with widespread habitation of the Americas during the end of the Last Glacial Period , in what is known as the Late Glacial Maximum , around 12,500 years ago. The oldest petroglyphs in North America date from 15,000 to 10,000 years before present. Genetic research and anthropology indicate additional waves of migration from Asia via
12870-599: The first converted Jews of the Apostolic Age. He asserts that there is no evidence of these converts having any difficulty comprehending the Christian Church 's teachings and integrating them with their existing Judaic beliefs ; however in the post-Apostolic Age, Bernard claims that Hermas , Clement of Rome , Polycarp , Polycrates , Ignatius (who lived between 90 and 140 AD), and Irenaeus (who died about 200 AD) were either Oneness, modalist, or at most
13013-520: The fruit of obedience, and that true salvation is not only to profess faith, but to demonstrate it as well in action. Oneness churches, while exhibiting variations, generally teach the following as the foundation of Christian conversion: Oneness Pentecostals generally accept that these are the minimal requirements of conversion. Oneness Pentecostals maintain that no good works or obedience to law can save anyone, apart from God's grace. Furthermore, salvation comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ; there
13156-911: The geographic center of either the 50 states, the conterminous United States, or the North American continent." Nonetheless, there is a 4.6-meter (15 ft) field stone obelisk in Rugby claiming to mark the center. The North American continental pole of inaccessibility is located 1,650 km (1,030 mi) from the nearest coastline, between Allen and Kyle, South Dakota at 43°22′N 101°58′W / 43.36°N 101.97°W / 43.36; -101.97 ( Pole of Inaccessibility North America ) . Canada can be divided into roughly seven physiographic divisions: The lower 48 U.S. states can be divided into roughly eight physiographic divisions: Mexico can be divided into roughly fifteen physiographic divisions: North America
13299-441: The hurt and suffering of the less fortunate. The UPCI recommends that members refrain from participating in organized sports ―excluding recreational activities within the local church―because it has an "attitude and appearance that opposes Pentecostal principles, teachings, and standards." The UPCI is strongly opposed to Transcendental Meditation and its "further funding, promotion, or teaching... in classrooms." In response to
13442-455: The idea that one is saved through praying the sinner's prayer , but rather the true saving faith and change of life declared in scripture. Oneness Pentecostals have no issue with the prayer itself, but deny that it alone represents saving faith, believing the Bible accordingly mandates repentance, baptism by water and spirit with receipt of the Holy Spirit as a manifestation of the spirit part of
13585-665: The incarnation of Jesus of Nazareth except as the Logos (or Word) of God the Father. They believe that humanity of Jesus did not exist before the Incarnation , although Jesus (i.e. the Spirit of Jesus) pre-existed in his deity as the eternal God. This belief is supported by the lack of Jesus' incarnate presence anywhere in the Old Testament. Thus, Oneness Pentecostals believe that the title "Son" only applied to Christ when he became flesh on earth. The Father in this theology embodies
13728-472: The inclusion of every race and culture in North America . In 2008, the United Pentecostal Church International published a statement against racism, stating that it affirms the worth and dignity of every human being, regardless of race or ethnicity, and consequently opposes bigotry and hatred. Despite attempts to reconcile with minorities, several congregations have left the United Pentecostal Church International citing persistent racism. The UPCI's core theology
13871-419: The indigenous people who lived there, including the bison hunters of the Great Plains and the farmers of Mesoamerica . Native groups also are classified by their language families , which included Athapascan and Uto-Aztecan languages. Indigenous peoples with similar languages did not always share the same material culture , however, and were not necessarily always allies. Anthropologists speculate that
14014-501: The issue. Oneness believers insist that while they do indeed believe in baptism only in the name of Jesus Christ, to describe them as "Jesus Only Pentecostals" implies a denial of the Father and Holy Spirit. Oneness Pentecostals believe that the Trinitarian doctrine is a "tradition of men" and is neither scriptural nor a teaching of God, citing the absence of the word "Trinity" from the Bible as one evidence of this. They—alongside
14157-468: The land since its creation, but there is no evidence that humans evolved there. The specifics of the initial settlement of the Americas by ancient Asians are subject to ongoing research and discussion. The traditional theory has been that hunters entered the Bering Land Bridge between eastern Siberia and present-day Alaska from 27,000 to 14,000 years ago. A growing viewpoint is that
14300-467: The latter being known as Oneness Pentecostalism. Finished Work Pentecostals rejected the Wesleyan doctrine of Holiness, also known as entire sanctification or Christian perfection, which Holiness Pentecostals teach is an instantaneous, definite second work of grace in which the heart is cleansed of original sin and the believer is made perfect in love. The Oneness Pentecostal movement began in 1913 as
14443-541: The literal definition of baptism as being completely immersed in water. They believe that other modes either have no biblical basis or are based upon inexact Old Testament rituals and that their mode is the only one described in the New Testament. The Articles of Faith of the UPCI state that "the scriptural mode of baptism is immersion and is only for those who have fully repented." Oneness adherents believe that for water baptism to be valid, one must be baptized "in
14586-714: The mainland in Mexico. With local indigenous allies, the Spanish conquered the Aztec empire in central Mexico in 1521. Spain then established permanent cities in Mexico, Central America, and Spanish South America in the sixteenth century. Once Spaniards conquered the high civilization of the Aztecs and Incas, the Caribbean was a backwater of the Spanish empire. Other European powers began to intrude on areas claimed by Spain, including
14729-927: The middle into the main range of the Rockies and the coast ranges in California , Oregon , Washington , and British Columbia , with the Great Basin—a lower area containing smaller ranges and low-lying deserts—in between. The highest peak is Denali in Alaska. The U.S. Geographical Survey (USGS) states that the geographic center of North America is "6 miles [10 km] west of Balta, Pierce County, North Dakota " at about 48°10′N 100°10′W / 48.167°N 100.167°W / 48.167; -100.167 , about 24 kilometers (15 mi) from Rugby, North Dakota . The USGS further states that "No marked or monumented point has been established by any government agency as
14872-533: The modern Pentecostal movement, was recorded baptizing using a Christological formula during the Azusa Street revival; and until 1914, both Parham and William J. Seymour baptized in this Christological formula but repudiated the new movement's nontrinitarian teachings amidst the controversy as they baptized as Christocentric Trinitarians. In the Assemblies of God, the re-baptisms in Jesus' name caused
15015-454: The name America to North America. In 1538, Gerardus Mercator used the term America on his world map of the entire Western Hemisphere . On his subsequent 1569 map , Mercator called North America "America or New India" ( America sive India Nova ). The Spanish Empire called its territories in North and South America "Las Indias", and the name given to the state body that oversaw the region
15158-508: The name of Jesus Christ , rejecting the Trinitarian formulas. Many Oneness Pentecostal groups―especially the United Pentecostal Church International ―tend to emphasize strict holiness standards in dress, grooming, and other areas of personal conduct. This teaching is shared with traditional Holiness Pentecostals , but not with other Finished Work Pentecostal groups―or at least not to the degree that
15301-419: The name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Oneness Pentecostals insist that there are no New Testament references to baptism by any other formula–save in Matthew 28:19 , which most hold to be simply another reference to baptism in the name of Jesus. Although Matthew 28:19 seems to mandate a Trinitarian formula for baptism, Oneness theology avows that since
15444-427: The name of Jesus Christ", rather than the Trinitarian baptismal formula "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This is referred to as the Jesus' name doctrine. "Jesus' name" is a description used to refer to Oneness Pentecostals and their baptismal beliefs. This conviction is mainly centered around the baptismal formula mandated in Acts 2:38 : "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in
15587-614: The name of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. In 1932, the Pentecostal Ministerial Alliance changed its name to the Pentecostal Church, Incorporated to reflect its organizational structure. In 1936, Pentecostal Church, Incorporated ministers voted to work toward an amalgamation with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. Final union, however, proved elusive until September 25, 1945, when these two Oneness Pentecostal organizations voted in St. Louis, MO , to merge and form
15730-529: The nontrinitarian Jehovah's Witnesses —generally believe the doctrine was gradually developed over the first four centuries AD, culminating with the Council of Nicaea and later councils which made the doctrine as believed today orthodox. Most mainstream Christian scholars have rejected these assertions, and some have rebutted alleged misinterpretations of Trinitarians seeming to support those assertions. Oneness Pentecostals insist that their conception of
15873-493: The northernmost countries and territories of North America: the U.S., Bermuda , Canada, Greenland, and St. Pierre and Miquelon. Although the term does not refer to a unified region, Middle America includes Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. North America's largest countries by land area are Canada and the U.S., both of which have well-defined and recognized subregions. In Canada, these include (from east to west) Atlantic Canada , Central Canada , Canadian Prairies ,
16016-440: The northernmost extent of the island named Newfoundland , has provided unmistakable evidence of Norse settlement. Norse explorer Leif Erikson (c. 970–1020 CE) is thought to have visited the area. Erikson was the first European to make landfall on the continent (excluding Greenland). The Mayan culture was still present in southern Mexico and Guatemala when the Spanish conquistadors arrived, but political dominance in
16159-458: The numerous scriptural references to a man and his spirit or soul (such as in Luke 12:19 ) imply two "persons" existing within one body. Bernard asserts that it is unbiblical to describe God as a plurality of persons in any sense of the word, "regardless of what persons meant in ancient church history." According to Oneness theology, the Son of God did not exist (in any substantial sense) prior to
16302-488: The only Oneness Pentecostal body until late 1924. Southern Jim Crow laws and racial hatred resulted in many white leaders withdrawing from the PAW rather than remaining under African American leadership. Many local congregations in the Southern U.S. , however, remained integrated while attempting to comply with local segregation laws. In 1925, three new Oneness churches were formed: the Apostolic Churches of Jesus Christ,
16445-823: The original text. North America North America is a continent in the Northern and Western Hemispheres . North America is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean , to the east by the Atlantic Ocean , to the southeast by South America and the Caribbean Sea , and to the west and south by the Pacific Ocean . The region includes the Bahamas , Bermuda , Canada , the Caribbean , Central America , Clipperton Island , Greenland , Mexico , Saint Pierre and Miquelon , Turks and Caicos Islands , and
16588-472: The person of Jesus shapes the content of a theology based on experience among both Oneness and Trinitarian Pentecostals. In principle, the doctrinal emphasis on Jesus attributes all divine qualities and functions to Christ. What might therefore be called a 'Christological maximalism' in the Pentecostal doctrine of God leads among Oneness Pentecostals to a factual substitution of the three divine persons with
16731-652: The publication of the Revised Standard Version in 1952, the UPCI's General Conference adopted a statement in 1953 disapproving the use of the translation . Further, the statement provided the King James Version as "the most accurate translation of the Scriptures to be used in our churches and among our people." In 2022, the UPCI further clarified its stance on Bible translations with a position paper. The statement continued to recognize
16874-605: The raised but relatively flat plateau of the Canadian Shield in the northeast; and the varied eastern region, which includes the Appalachian Mountains, the coastal plain along the Atlantic seaboard, and the Florida peninsula. Mexico, with its long plateaus and cordilleras , falls largely in the western region, although the eastern coastal plain does extend south along the Gulf. The western mountains are split in
17017-423: The rebirth experience and the true, godly faith obeyed and done by the early Church believers. Thus, one who has truly been saved will gladly submit to the biblical conditions for conversion. According to these believers, Jesus and the apostles taught that the new birth experience includes repentance (the true Sinner's Prayer) and baptism in both water and God's Spirit. Oneness Pentecostals maintain that salvation
17160-500: The region, and as such rainforest , monsoon , and savanna types can be found, with rains and high temperatures throughout the year. Notable North American fauna include the bison , black bear , jaguar , cougar , prairie dog , turkey , pronghorn , raccoon , coyote , and monarch butterfly . Notable plants that were domesticated in North America include tobacco , maize , squash , tomato , sunflower , blueberry , avocado , cotton , chile pepper , and vanilla . Laurentia
17303-610: The result of doctrinal disputes within the nascent Pentecostal movement, specifically within the Assemblies of God, the first Finished Work Pentecostal denomination. In April 1913, at the Apostolic Faith Worldwide Camp Meeting held in Arroyo Seco , California, conducted by Maria Woodworth-Etter , organizers promised that God would "deal with them, giving them a unity and power that we have not yet known." Canadian R. E. McAlister preached
17446-487: The results of the formation of Pangaea was the Appalachian Mountains , which formed some 480 mya, making it among the oldest mountain ranges in the world. When Pangaea began to rift around 200 mya, North America became part of Laurasia , before it separated from Eurasia as its own continent during the mid- Cretaceous period. The Rockies and other western mountain ranges began forming around this time from
17589-440: The single person of Jesus, while Trinitarian Pentecostals typically elevate Christ from the 'second' person of the Trinity to the central figure of Christian faith and worship. Critics of Oneness theology commonly refer to its adherents as " Jesus Only ", implying that they deny the existence of the Father and Holy Spirit. Most Oneness Pentecostals consider that term to be pejorative and a misrepresentation of their true beliefs on
17732-639: The teachings of Charles Parham in Topeka, Kansas , and the Azusa Street Revival led by William J. Seymour in 1906. The UPCI traces its organizational roots to 1916, when a large group of Pentecostal ministers within the Assemblies of God USA began to unite around the teaching of the oneness of God and water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ . Several Oneness ministers met in Eureka Springs, Arkansas , and on January 2, 1917, formed
17875-830: The term "Holy Spirit" is a descriptive title for God manifesting himself through the Christian Church and in the world. These two titles—as well as others—do not reflect separate persons within the Godhead, but rather two different ways in which the one God reveals himself to his creatures. Thus, when the Old Testament speaks of "The Lord God and his Spirit" in Isaiah 48:16 , it does not indicate two persons, according to Oneness theology. Rather, "The Lord" indicates God in all of his glory and transcendence, while "his Spirit" refers to his own Spirit that moved upon and spoke to prophets. Oneness theologian Dr. David K. Bernard teaches that this passage does not imply two persons any more than
18018-404: The terms " Father ", " Son ", and " Holy Ghost " (or "Holy Spirit") are merely titles reflecting the different personal manifestations of God in the universe. When Oneness believers speak of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, they see these as three personal manifestations of one being, one personal God. Oneness teachers often quote a phrase used by early pioneers of the movement: "God
18161-404: The text of Matthew 28:19 is not original, quoting various scholars and the early Church historian Eusebius , who referred to this passage at least eighteen times in his works. Eusebius' text reads: "go and make disciples of all nations in my name, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you." However, most Oneness believers accept the full Matthew 28:19 as an authentic part of
18304-415: The time of Tertullian , whom he and many mainstream Christian scholars believe was the first prominent exponent of Trinitarianism (though Theophilus of Antioch was the first to use the term). In support of his allegation, Bernard quotes Tertullian as writing against Praxeas : The simple, indeed (I will not call them unwise or unlearned), who always constitute the majority of believers, are startled at
18447-599: The union of the divine and human into one person in Christ is similar to the Chalcedonian formula, Chalcedonians disagree sharply with them over their opposition to Trinitarian dogma. Chalcedonians see Jesus Christ as a single person uniting God the Son—the eternal second person of the Trinity—with human nature. Oneness believers, on the other hand, see Jesus as one single person uniting the one God himself with human nature as
18590-453: The word "name" in the verse is singular , it must refer to Jesus, whose name they believe to be that of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Oneness believers insist that all Bible's texts on the subject must be in full agreement with each other; thus, they say that either the apostles disobeyed the command they had been given in Matthew 28:19 or they correctly fulfilled it by using the name of Jesus Christ. Some Oneness believers consider that
18733-461: The writings of Ignatius and Irenaeus teach an eternal Trinity, though Norris disagrees with them in his book I AM: A Oneness Pentecostal Theology , writing, "While Ignatius can on occasion utilize the language of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, he does not have three persons in mind." Oneness theology does not represent a monolithic soteriological view; however, there are general characteristics that tend to be held in common by those who hold to
18876-524: The youth of the UPCI, held biennially since 1979 in various locations around North America. NAYC is the largest event hosted by the United Pentecostal Church International and has been described as one of the largest, if not the largest, gathering of Christian youth in the US. The largest NAYC to date was in 2019, when NAYC was held at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis, Missouri from July 31 to August 2. The event
19019-449: Was announced as the current General Superintendent. The UPCI grew from 521 member churches in 1945 to 5,081 churches (including 489 daughter works and 333 preaching points), 12,018 ministers, and a total constituency of 1,091,000 in the United States and Canada in 2024. The UPCI has also experienced substantial growth over the last 10 years in the United States and Canada, adding 588 churches and 2,413 ministers between 2014 and 2024. Outside
19162-847: Was attended by over 36,000 youths. The UPCI owns and operates one accredited seminary , Urshan Graduate School of Theology in Wentzville, Missouri . It was accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in 2010, and also by the Higher Learning Commission on June 25, 2020. The UPCI also operates one Christian liberal arts college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Urshan University (formerly Urshan College and Gateway College of Evangelism) in Wentzville, Missouri. The college
19305-484: Was basically correct (so long as one does not understand Modalism to be the same as patripassianism ), and while Arius also believed that God is a singular person, Bernard vehemently denies any connection to Arianism or Subordinationism in Oneness teaching. Scholars within the movement differ in their views on church history . Some church historians, such as Dr. Curtis Ward, Marvin Arnold, and William Chalfant, hold to
19448-495: Was called the Council of the Indies . The United Nations and its statistics division recognize North America as including three regions: Northern America, Central America , and the Caribbean . "Northern America" is a distinct term from "North America", excluding Central America, which itself may or may not include Mexico . In the limited context of regional trade agreements, the term is used to reference three nations: Canada,
19591-519: Was established in October 2011, when the UPCI General Board approved a plan for Urshan Graduate School of Theology to acquire Gateway College (a college formerly run by the UPCI's Missouri District) to establish Urshan University as a new Christian liberal arts college. The transition was completed on July 1, 2012. In addition, the UPCI endorses several other Christian and Bible colleges. The only endorsed accredited institution not owned by
19734-458: Was estimated as over 592 million people in 23 independent states , or about 7.5% of the world's population. In human geography , the terms "North America" and "North American" can refer to Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Greenland or, alternatively, Canada, Greenland and the US (Mexico being classified as part of Latin America ) or simply Canada and the US (Greenland being classified as either Arctic or European (due to its political status as
19877-770: Was in Jamestown, Virginia in 1607, followed by additional colonial establishments on the east coast from present-day Georgia in the south to Massachusetts in the north, forming the Thirteen Colonies of British America. The English did not establish settlements north or east of the St. Lawrence Valley in present-day Canada until after the conclusion of the American Revolutionary War . Britain's early settlements in present-day Canada included St. John's, Newfoundland in 1630 and Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1749. The first permanent French settlement
20020-423: Was manifested as the Father in creation, the Son in redemption, and the Holy Ghost in emanation," though Oneness theologian Dr. David Norris points out that this does not mean that Oneness Pentecostal believe that God can only be one of those manifestations at a time, which may be suggested in the quote. According to Oneness theology, the Father and the Holy Spirit are one and the same personal God. It teaches that
20163-576: Was not a distinct divine person, but reason as the controlling principle of the universe. The noun logos could mean thought (unexpressed word) as well as speech or action (expressed word). In John 1, the Word is God's self-revelation or self-disclosure. Before the Incarnation, the Word was the unexpressed thought, plan, reason, or mind of God. Bernard additionally claims that the Greek word pros (translated "with" in John 1:1) could also be translated as "pertaining to", meaning that John 1:1 could also be translated as (in his view), "The Word pertained to God and
20306-416: Was the first European to suggest that the Americas represented a landmass not then known to the Europeans. In 1507, Waldseemüller published a world map, and placed the word "America" on the continent of present-day South America. The continent north of present-day Mexico was then referred to as Parias. On a 1553 world map published by Petrus Apianus , North America was called "Baccalearum", meaning "realm of
20449-402: Was the mind or plan of God. Oneness Pentecostals believe that the Word was not a separate person from God but that it was the plan of God and was God Himself. Bernard writes in his book The Oneness View of Jesus Christ , In the Old Testament, God's Word (dabar) was not a distinct person but was God speaking, or God disclosing Himself (Psalm 107:20; Isaiah 55:11). To the Greeks, the Word (logos)
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