Listening to An Old Sermon And...
 

missing my former Pastor.

I think I will go and see him... and tell him that I miss him.

Re: Listening to An Old Sermon And...
 

great!!

We need to tell folks that we appreciate them while we can and not wait until they are dead to say good things about them.

I know this is corny but it's true.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-ab5RF79m0

Re: Listening to An Old Sermon And...
 

I've thought about doing the same thing. Unfortunately, my previous church isn't online yet. So I can't listen to past messages. But, still, I've thought about driving an hour away some Sunday evening and enojoying the fellowship and presence of God with them...

Re: Listening to An Old Sermon And...
 

:thumbsup

Re: Listening to An Old Sermon And...
 

JD - if this is the former pastor that I think it is, he would definitely appreciate it.
I have heard him preach several times and met him a few and he seems to be a well balanced, good pastor.

Re: Listening to An Old Sermon And...
 

I went back this past Sunday morning.

At first, I was just going to sit in the back and then bolt for the door once service was over.

Then I thought that it would be senseless to come all the way up here and not speak to him-- I was still a bit apprehensive.

Of course, my former Pastor did not grill me. His Sentries did! :) I was even more apprehensive in talking with the people I had once counted as family-- but they proved that the apprehension was in my head and not in their hearts. I could see and hear the love and concern in their voices-- with a few being disappointed when I told them the church I now attend.

I understand where they are coming from.


My former Pastor is such a dynamic and inspirational preacher!

I hugged his neck and told him three times that I really, really miss him. I think my eyes may have been a little watery too. He told me, "Well you know where you can find me," and we both chuckled.

I felt at home there, but I was very clear to me that I am just not the same guy I used to be.

I have changed. I am not as fervent in prayer as I once was. Even when I got out of the hospital after an extended stay a few months back, I wasn't fervent in my worship-- it was all I could do to get there and that's not because of health problems as much as it is will power.


I was so happy to see baptisms while I was there, but as I witnessed the baptisms, I began to recall our differences-- which are subtle and pronounced at the same time.


Sure, I may be more in line with the Assembly of God doctrinally speaking, but it was crystal clear to me that I have changed and in some ways, the change is not for the better.

It's odd, doing better in overcoming a specific sin-- though I haven't arrived at all. Still, I'm doing better, and it was so clear last Sunday morning that I was missing something.

I'm sure a part of this is my humanity and spirit longing for the awesome services and sermons of that great church-- but that's not all.


I need Jesus.
I need His Holy Ghost FIRE to saturate my life so that sin is no longer attractive and that my fervent prayers, praise and worship flow from a man who is living a life that doesn't relegate God to Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights.

I don't believe that my salvation is rooted in a specific church. Jesus Christ is the Author and Finisher of my faith. Be that as it may, if it is necessary for ME return to Apopka-- I will.

Our disagreement is not worth going to a church that I agree with and becomming a milque-toast, lukewarm religious guy, void of any fervency in my relationship with God.

Re: Listening to An Old Sermon And...
 

Well said! Glad to hear that positives were gained for a personal perspective in your relationship with God.

Mhmm. Told ya this a yr ago.