Quote:
Originally Posted by aegsm76
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.
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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.
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