Could I fit in a Congregational Methodist Church?

[MikeBurke]

I often wonder if I could fit in a church? I have a church I like, it's very traditional. My background however is very not traditional. I tend to lean toward the teachings of the Assemblies of God, but I am looking at a Congregational Methodist Church. The Assemblies belive in the speaking of tongues, but the CMC does not as they don't share the same interpretations on that topic. And many others do not as well. As a matter of respect and deference as a guest at the CMC, I don't practice the glossolalia at the CMC, where otherwise in the A/G it would be perfectly fine. but that for me is not the major issue, it's not even a criticism for me because why should I criticise? A criticism isn't going to advance the kingdom any, fighting over whether a person speaks in tongues or not is a sticking point the devil uses to keep us from the unity in Christ. What good does arguing over this topic do? How does it advance the Kingdom? I have no doubt that there will be someone who will want to assert their doctrine one over the other. I'm not "picking" on these particular denominations, because it doesn't just have to be the CMC or the A/G or the SBC or the PCA or the GMC, or any of them. Many will tell you they don't support that viewpoint. Those who go to the A/G would ask you, "How could you not?" Now I'm not arguing over that topic , it's a controversial one for sure, but at the end of the days you got to ask , did your argument on this topic advance the Kingdom or did it really make an impact on the lives of others so that they could be saved? Speaking in tongues sometimes scares people because they don't know how to interpret it. Some people feel that they are doing it for "attention" as in a "Oh look at me" kind of thing and are not very sincere with it. I've seen it where it's a great sticking point between the A/G and the SBC to the point of where it's like night and day. How is this nitpick advancing the Kingdom? Is it attracting people or repelling people from the Kingdom? Would an unbeliever understand these divisions because one guy did this and another didn't?
When we are standing there before God, He's not going to be interested in if we were good at being a member of whichever denomination we went to. I tend to believe that He's going to be more concerned with the condition of our hearts and how we served Him. Does switching denominations make Him take off or add points? It's not going to matter because He's not favoring any one denomination over another. He knows each of their strengths and weaknesses. There are a lot of people who often get really wrapped up in the believe that "their" church is the only way to God, but Jesus didn't say that. So is it worth getting all worked up on the topic? Jesus is PEACE. Is PEACE there in the discussion? Are we really shining our lights or dumping our witness out all over the floor?
The A/G has a lot more in common than they think with the CMC and should work toward building up instead of sticking a wall there. Both have Jesus and He's the same Jesus, not like Allah or Buddah or anything, He's the same Lord. Just my thoughts...

 

[Josheb]

I often wonder if I could fit in a church? I have a church I like, it's very traditional. My background however is very not traditional. I tend to lean toward the teachings of the Assemblies of God, but I am looking at a Congregational Methodist Church. The Assemblies belive in the speaking of tongues, but the CMC does not as they don't share the same interpretations on that topic. And many others do not as well. As a matter of respect and deference as a guest at the CMC, I don't practice the glossolalia at the CMC, where otherwise in the A/G it would be perfectly fine. but that for me is not the major issue, it's not even a criticism for me because why should I criticise? A criticism isn't going to advance the kingdom any, fighting over whether a person speaks in tongues or not is a sticking point the devil uses to keep us from the unity in Christ. What good does arguing over this topic do? How does it advance the Kingdom? I have no doubt that there will be someone who will want to assert their doctrine one over the other. I'm not "picking" on these particular denominations, because it doesn't just have to be the CMC or the A/G or the SBC or the PCA or the GMC, or any of them. Many will tell you they don't support that viewpoint. Those who go to the A/G would ask you, "How could you not?" Now I'm not arguing over that topic , it's a controversial one for sure, but at the end of the days you got to ask , did your argument on this topic advance the Kingdom or did it really make an impact on the lives of others so that they could be saved? Speaking in tongues sometimes scares people because they don't know how to interpret it. Some people feel that they are doing it for "attention" as in a "Oh look at me" kind of thing and are not very sincere with it. I've seen it where it's a great sticking point between the A/G and the SBC to the point of where it's like night and day. How is this nitpick advancing the Kingdom? Is it attracting people or repelling people from the Kingdom? Would an unbeliever understand these divisions because one guy did this and another didn't?
When we are standing there before God, He's not going to be interested in if we were good at being a member of whichever denomination we went to. I tend to believe that He's going to be more concerned with the condition of our hearts and how we served Him. Does switching denominations make Him take off or add points? It's not going to matter because He's not favoring any one denomination over another. He knows each of their strengths and weaknesses. There are a lot of people who often get really wrapped up in the believe that "their" church is the only way to God, but Jesus didn't say that. So is it worth getting all worked up on the topic? Jesus is PEACE. Is PEACE there in the discussion? Are we really shining our lights or dumping our witness out all over the floor?
The A/G has a lot more in common than they think with the CMC and should work toward building up instead of sticking a wall there. Both have Jesus and He's the same Jesus, not like Allah or Buddah or anything, He's the same Lord. Just my thoughts...

1) Do you mean, "Can I fit in a congregation?"

There is only one Church. The Church is the body of Christ, ALL of those who are bondservants of Christ, the saints, te beloved of God, those who've been sanctified in Christ..... etc.

2) And don't you more accurately mean, "Can I fit in a congregation comfortably?" with the matter of comfort being about your ability to belong, feel connected, fed and able to feed others in return?


3) Are you aware the Assemblies of God (AoG) sects are relatively new to Christianity (less that 150 years old) and the Methodist sects are only slightly older (about 300 years old), and Christianity stretches back at least 2000 years (longer if we include the Old Testament saints).


I'll share a story of my own. I came to Christ in a conservative, charismatic, evangelical Episcopal congregation (yes, such things do exist ) that was about 5000 people large. The rector was a long man, relatively speaking, who was married and young children (less than 10 years old). The worship leader had studied at Oral Robert and was formerly a semi-professional musician who'd performed with Keith Green. The gospel was preached, the music was "contemporary Christian," and the congregation was very much involved in both local and international missions. I ended up briefly going into the mission field only five months after my conversion (a very eye-opening experience). After many years the rector was replaced with an older man who was also married but had older children (high school age). He was Anglican, not Episcopal, and therefore had a more traditional approach to everything. In the Episcopal Church when a rector leaves all the other ministerial staff must also leave (it's an effort to prevent coups). As a consequence, new supporting ministers and a new worship leader were hired, and they were all much more traditionalist than their predecessors. I did not feel as fed by what I believed to ba a more "sedate," less dynamic expression of worship, so I left.

I've always been someone who liked to visit various congregations and experience the diversity that is present within the body of Christ.

I ended up at a much smaller non-denominational congregation (maybe 200 people) where the pastor was young and, again, the worship team were professionals (the had several well-known albums and traveled periodically to perform at large venues). I immediately dove in and got involved with small groups, and inter-church ministries. I stayed there about three years, regularly fellowshipping with my fellow congregants in different ways one to three times a week. I developed relationships with the leaders, peers, and mentees.

Then one day while I was backpacking, I fell of a mountain. I was helicoptered from West Virginia to the University of Virginia's hospital where I stayed for a few days to make sure my fractured skull, traumatized knees, and completely lacerated and bruised body (I am Anglo-Caucasian but my body was literally black as coal and blue and brown from my neck down to my toes (I have no clue why my face kept its hue when I had a long cut that ran down the side of my face across my neck). I was covered in dried, caked blood. Blessedly, the damage was relatively minor, and I was out of the hospital after four days. I was still bruised from head to toe, and it was excruciatingly painful to move. It hurt to button my shirt. I could walk, but, again, it was painful to do so. I went home.

I lived where I worked. I was a live-in counselor for three men with developmental disabilities.

While I was in the hospital my mom and my friends informed their congregations of my plight and I got hooked into all those congregations' prayer chains. When I got home something very odd happened. I got a call from two of the pastors of the congregation I was attending at that time, one of whom was my small group leader. ONE friend I made came by in person to see how I was doing and spend time with me when he could (or felt led or inclined to do). Aside from that, I did not hear from anyone else in the congregation. However, in comparison, I was presented with a hot meal for everyone in the house the evening I returned home and then breakfast, lunch, and dinner were brought to my home every day for three weeks (until I was able to manage on my own). I had maintained many friendships from the old congregation, but people I hadn't seen much in three years called and came to visit.


So, when I healed enough to leave home, I went back to the old congregation for a visit. The music was still traditional, everyone was singing out of the hymnal, and it wasn't rock and roll, but the leader was clearly a VERY talented, classically trained musician using his God-given gifts to worship and lead other in worshipping God. There were still plenty of folks who raised hands, and a few who danced in the back, but it was "traditional" not "contemporary". What I learned was that these people were no less devout, and the Spirit was no less present in this traditionalist denominational congregation than it was in the smaller contemporary non-denominational congregation. Oddly enough, when it came to putting faithfulness to their faith the traditionalists embarrassed their contemporary by comparison.

It only took God three years and a fractured skull to teach me that lesson .

The "fit" for which I assume you're looking is the fit God has for you, not the one you or your flesh wants for you. You'll be best wherever God fits you regardless of what is otherwise the experience, and everyone gets out of church attendance and "fit" what they put into it. You are an adopted son of The Most High God.

Act like it.


You'll fit in wherever you go if you're walking in Christ. The Church is old and enduring. Congregations constantly change and come and go. If you have not already done so... I, therefore, recommend you spend some time honestly examining yourself and then making a list of what it is you need and what it is you want in a congregation (and include something about what you are willing to invest and where, given your God-given abilities). Then give that list to God in prayer and go where He leads you and stay for the season however long or short that season may be. Repeat the process as needed . There are many good congregations in the Newport News area.


Doctrinally and experientially speaking, there are differences between the Methodist and AoG so you might want to do a little research and speak to the pastor or elders before committing. Measure what they say (and how they say it) first by God's word (not merely intellectual assent). Blessings in the endeavor, and my apologies for the length of the post.

 

[AlexB23]

I often wonder if I could fit in a church? I have a church I like, it's very traditional. My background however is very not traditional. I tend to lean toward the teachings of the Assemblies of God, but I am looking at a Congregational Methodist Church. The Assemblies belive in the speaking of tongues, but the CMC does not as they don't share the same interpretations on that topic. And many others do not as well. As a matter of respect and deference as a guest at the CMC, I don't practice the glossolalia at the CMC, where otherwise in the A/G it would be perfectly fine. but that for me is not the major issue, it's not even a criticism for me because why should I criticise? A criticism isn't going to advance the kingdom any, fighting over whether a person speaks in tongues or not is a sticking point the devil uses to keep us from the unity in Christ. What good does arguing over this topic do? How does it advance the Kingdom? I have no doubt that there will be someone who will want to assert their doctrine one over the other. I'm not "picking" on these particular denominations, because it doesn't just have to be the CMC or the A/G or the SBC or the PCA or the GMC, or any of them. Many will tell you they don't support that viewpoint. Those who go to the A/G would ask you, "How could you not?" Now I'm not arguing over that topic , it's a controversial one for sure, but at the end of the days you got to ask , did your argument on this topic advance the Kingdom or did it really make an impact on the lives of others so that they could be saved? Speaking in tongues sometimes scares people because they don't know how to interpret it. Some people feel that they are doing it for "attention" as in a "Oh look at me" kind of thing and are not very sincere with it. I've seen it where it's a great sticking point between the A/G and the SBC to the point of where it's like night and day. How is this nitpick advancing the Kingdom? Is it attracting people or repelling people from the Kingdom? Would an unbeliever understand these divisions because one guy did this and another didn't?
When we are standing there before God, He's not going to be interested in if we were good at being a member of whichever denomination we went to. I tend to believe that He's going to be more concerned with the condition of our hearts and how we served Him. Does switching denominations make Him take off or add points? It's not going to matter because He's not favoring any one denomination over another. He knows each of their strengths and weaknesses. There are a lot of people who often get really wrapped up in the believe that "their" church is the only way to God, but Jesus didn't say that. So is it worth getting all worked up on the topic? Jesus is PEACE. Is PEACE there in the discussion? Are we really shining our lights or dumping our witness out all over the floor?
The A/G has a lot more in common than they think with the CMC and should work toward building up instead of sticking a wall there. Both have Jesus and He's the same Jesus, not like Allah or Buddah or anything, He's the same Lord. Just my thoughts...

I am not that familiar with these church denominations, but I plugged this stuff into a locally-run, private AI that is on my laptop (a free AI known as Mistral 7B, not ChatGPT), if that is okay with you. The artificial intelligence is hooked up with 16 church related documents from Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox denominations. This is what it had to say below.

It sounds like you are looking for guidance on choosing a church that aligns with your beliefs while also being inclusive and respectful to others' perspectives. Here are some suggestions based on your situation:

1. Focus on shared beliefs rather than differences in non-essential doctrines such as the speaking of tongues. Both Assemblies of God (A/G) and Congregational Methodist Church (CMC) share a common belief in Jesus Christ, which is the most important foundation for any Christian community.
2. Look for a church that values unity in Christ above doctrinal debates. A church where you feel welcomed and respected as a guest, regardless of your background or beliefs on secondary issues like speaking in tongues, would be an ideal fit.
3. Consider finding common ground between the two denominations by focusing on shared practices such as prayer, fellowship, discipleship, and outreach. Encourage dialogue and collaboration to bridge any perceived differences.
4. Remember that the ultimate goal is advancing the Kingdom of God through sharing the Gospel message with others. If switching denominations or participating in doctrinal debates does not contribute to this goal, it may be best to focus on what unites believers rather than what divides them.
5. Pray for discernment and guidance as you navigate this decision-making process. Seek wisdom from God and trusted Christian friends who can offer insight based on their experiences with different churches.
6. Ultimately, choose a church that reflects the peace of Jesus Christ in its community, where members are united by love for one another and focused on serving God rather than arguing over doctrinal points.

 

[MikeBurke]

1) Do you mean, "Can I fit in a congregation?"

There is only one Church. The Church is the body of Christ, ALL of those who are bondservants of Christ, the saints, te beloved of God, those who've been sanctified in Christ..... etc.

2) And don't you more accurately mean, "Can I fit in a congregation comfortably?" with the matter of comfort being about your ability to belong, feel connected, fed and able to feed others in return?


3) Are you aware the Assemblies of God (AoG) sects are relatively new to Christianity (less that 150 years old) and the Methodist sects are only slightly older (about 300 years old), and Christianity stretches back at least 2000 years (longer if we include the Old Testament saints).


I'll share a story of my own. I came to Christ in a conservative, charismatic, evangelical Episcopal congregation (yes, such things do exist ) that was about 5000 people large. The rector was a long man, relatively speaking, who was married and young children (less than 10 years old). The worship leader had studied at Oral Robert and was formerly a semi-professional musician who'd performed with Keith Green. The gospel was preached, the music was "contemporary Christian," and the congregation was very much involved in both local and international missions. I ended up briefly going into the mission field only five months after my conversion (a very eye-opening experience). After many years the rector was replaced with an older man who was also married but had older children (high school age). He was Anglican, not Episcopal, and therefore had a more traditional approach to everything. In the Episcopal Church when a rector leaves all the other ministerial staff must also leave (it's an effort to prevent coups). As a consequence, new supporting ministers and a new worship leader were hired, and they were all much more traditionalist than their predecessors. I did not feel as fed by what I believed to ba a more "sedate," less dynamic expression of worship, so I left.

I've always been someone who liked to visit various congregations and experience the diversity that is present within the body of Christ.

I ended up at a much smaller non-denominational congregation (maybe 200 people) where the pastor was young and, again, the worship team were professionals (the had several well-known albums and traveled periodically to perform at large venues). I immediately dove in and got involved with small groups, and inter-church ministries. I stayed there about three years, regularly fellowshipping with my fellow congregants in different ways one to three times a week. I developed relationships with the leaders, peers, and mentees.

Then one day while I was backpacking, I fell of a mountain. I was helicoptered from West Virginia to the University of Virginia's hospital where I stayed for a few days to make sure my fractured skull, traumatized knees, and completely lacerated and bruised body (I am Anglo-Caucasian but my body was literally black as coal and blue and brown from my neck down to my toes (I have no clue why my face kept its hue when I had a long cut that ran down the side of my face across my neck). I was covered in dried, caked blood. Blessedly, the damage was relatively minor, and I was out of the hospital after four days. I was still bruised from head to toe, and it was excruciatingly painful to move. It hurt to button my shirt. I could walk, but, again, it was painful to do so. I went home.

I lived where I worked. I was a live-in counselor for three men with developmental disabilities.

While I was in the hospital my mom and my friends informed their congregations of my plight and I got hooked into all those congregations' prayer chains. When I got home something very odd happened. I got a call from two of the pastors of the congregation I was attending at that time, one of whom was my small group leader. ONE friend I made came by in person to see how I was doing and spend time with me when he could (or felt led or inclined to do). Aside from that, I did not hear from anyone else in the congregation. However, in comparison, I was presented with a hot meal for everyone in the house the evening I returned home and then breakfast, lunch, and dinner were brought to my home every day for three weeks (until I was able to manage on my own). I had maintained many friendships from the old congregation, but people I hadn't seen much in three years called and came to visit.


So, when I healed enough to leave home, I went back to the old congregation for a visit. The music was still traditional, everyone was singing out of the hymnal, and it wasn't rock and roll, but the leader was clearly a VERY talented, classically trained musician using his God-given gifts to worship and lead other in worshipping God. There were still plenty of folks who raised hands, and a few who danced in the back, but it was "traditional" not "contemporary". What I learned was that these people were no less devout, and the Spirit was no less present in this traditionalist denominational congregation than it was in the smaller contemporary non-denominational congregation. Oddly enough, when it came to putting faithfulness to their faith the traditionalists embarrassed their contemporary by comparison.

It only took God three years and a fractured skull to teach me that lesson .

The "fit" for which I assume you're looking is the fit God has for you, not the one you or your flesh wants for you. You'll be best wherever God fits you regardless of what is otherwise the experience, and everyone gets out of church attendance and "fit" what they put into it. You are an adopted son of The Most High God.

Act like it.


You'll fit in wherever you go if you're walking in Christ. The Church is old and enduring. Congregations constantly change and come and go. If you have not already done so... I, therefore, recommend you spend some time honestly examining yourself and then making a list of what it is you need and what it is you want in a congregation (and include something about what you are willing to invest and where, given your God-given abilities). Then give that list to God in prayer and go where He leads you and stay for the season however long or short that season may be. Repeat the process as needed . There are many good congregations in the Newport News area.


Doctrinally and experientially speaking, there are differences between the Methodist and AoG so you might want to do a little research and speak to the pastor or elders before committing. Measure what they say (and how they say it) first by God's word (not merely intellectual assent). Blessings in the endeavor, and my apologies for the length of the post.

Hi Josheb, I actually meant Congregational Methodist Church, it is an official denomination now like United Methodist and Global Methodist.
I am very much aware of the differences between the A/G and the CMC. I do happen to be a Reverend.

 

[MikeBurke]

I am not that familiar with these church denominations, but I plugged this stuff into a locally-run, private AI that is on my laptop (a free AI known as Mistral 7B, not ChatGPT), if that is okay with you. The artificial intelligence is hooked up with 16 church related documents from Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox denominations. This is what it had to say below.

It sounds like you are looking for guidance on choosing a church that aligns with your beliefs while also being inclusive and respectful to others' perspectives. Here are some suggestions based on your situation:

1. Focus on shared beliefs rather than differences in non-essential doctrines such as the speaking of tongues. Both Assemblies of God (A/G) and Congregational Methodist Church (CMC) share a common belief in Jesus Christ, which is the most important foundation for any Christian community.
2. Look for a church that values unity in Christ above doctrinal debates. A church where you feel welcomed and respected as a guest, regardless of your background or beliefs on secondary issues like speaking in tongues, would be an ideal fit.
3. Consider finding common ground between the two denominations by focusing on shared practices such as prayer, fellowship, discipleship, and outreach. Encourage dialogue and collaboration to bridge any perceived differences.
4. Remember that the ultimate goal is advancing the Kingdom of God through sharing the Gospel message with others. If switching denominations or participating in doctrinal debates does not contribute to this goal, it may be best to focus on what unites believers rather than what divides them.
5. Pray for discernment and guidance as you navigate this decision-making process. Seek wisdom from God and trusted Christian friends who can offer insight based on their experiences with different churches.
6. Ultimately, choose a church that reflects the peace of Jesus Christ in its community, where members are united by love for one another and focused on serving God rather than arguing over doctrinal points.

It's almost like you read one of my other posts!

 

[MikeBurke]

I am not that familiar with these church denominations, but I plugged this stuff into a locally-run, private AI that is on my laptop (a free AI known as Mistral 7B, not ChatGPT), if that is okay with you. The artificial intelligence is hooked up with 16 church related documents from Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox denominations. This is what it had to say below.

It sounds like you are looking for guidance on choosing a church that aligns with your beliefs while also being inclusive and respectful to others' perspectives. Here are some suggestions based on your situation:

1. Focus on shared beliefs rather than differences in non-essential doctrines such as the speaking of tongues. Both Assemblies of God (A/G) and Congregational Methodist Church (CMC) share a common belief in Jesus Christ, which is the most important foundation for any Christian community.
2. Look for a church that values unity in Christ above doctrinal debates. A church where you feel welcomed and respected as a guest, regardless of your background or beliefs on secondary issues like speaking in tongues, would be an ideal fit.
3. Consider finding common ground between the two denominations by focusing on shared practices such as prayer, fellowship, discipleship, and outreach. Encourage dialogue and collaboration to bridge any perceived differences.
4. Remember that the ultimate goal is advancing the Kingdom of God through sharing the Gospel message with others. If switching denominations or participating in doctrinal debates does not contribute to this goal, it may be best to focus on what unites believers rather than what divides them.
5. Pray for discernment and guidance as you navigate this decision-making process. Seek wisdom from God and trusted Christian friends who can offer insight based on their experiences with different churches.
6. Ultimately, choose a church that reflects the peace of Jesus Christ in its community, where members are united by love for one another and focused on serving God rather than arguing over doctrinal points.

PCA= Presbyterian Church In America/ SBC= Southern Baptist / A/G = Assemblies of God / CMC = Congregational Methodist Church / GMC = Global Methodist Church /

 

[MikeBurke]

It's almost like you read right along with my post. There is a lot more to my story, I just haven't been brave enough to post it yet.

 

[AlexB23]

It's almost like you read one of my other posts!

I did not read your other post, but it goes to show how powerful AI is.

 

[AlexB23]

PCA= Presbyterian Church In America/ SBC= Southern Baptist / A/G = Assemblies of God / CMC = Congregational Methodist Church / GMC = Global Methodist Church /

What are your thoughts on the Catholic and Orthodox church? I am Catholic.

 

[MikeBurke]

Well, I started out a Catholic in my younger years. Went to parochial school in the 1st and 2nd grade. The city I lived in in New Hampshire had a lot of Catholics and a good amount of Greek Orthodox there. but I didn't really get to interact with too many who were Orthodox. Honestly I have nothing to share on the Greek Orthodox. I don't know enough to have an opinion or even to make a comment. I no longer share the same viewpoints with the Catholics. When I moved to Virginia in '78 , I had left the Catholic Church and was raised in the PCA . I went to a SBC school for 7th grade and by the time I had graduated high school I was going to a non-denominational Charismatic church. As time progressed I had migrated to the Assemblies of God all in about an 11 year time frame. To this day many of my beliefs align with the Assemblies of God, but I am an independent minister of the Gospel. I received my ordination in emergency services, as somebody who can minister in disaster situations. I do not preach from behind a pulpit.

 

[AlexB23]

Well, I started out a Catholic in my younger years. Went to parochial school in the 1st and 2nd grade. The city I lived in in New Hampshire had a lot of Catholics and a good amount of Greek Orthodox there. but I didn't really get to interact with too many who were Orthodox. Honestly I have nothing to share on the Greek Orthodox. I don't know enough to have an opinion or even to make a comment. I no longer share the same viewpoints with the Catholics. When I moved to Virginia in '78 , I had left the Catholic Church and was raised in the PCA . I went to a SBC school for 7th grade and by the time I had graduated high school I was going to a non-denominational Charismatic church. As time progressed I had migrated to the Assemblies of God all in about an 11 year time frame. To this day many of my beliefs align with the Assemblies of God, but I am an independent minister of the Gospel. I received my ordination in emergency services, as somebody who can minister in disaster situations. I do not preach from behind a pulpit.

Thank you for your service as a minister ordained for emergency scenarios. Well hey, I go to a Catholic church, and do not share all the viewpoints with them. Faith is sometimes an individual journey between ourselves and God. Hopefully, if possible, you can be sent on a mission to California, and minister to those who have suffered losses from the wildfires over there. California needs prayers.

 

[MikeBurke]

Faith is a journey. The Catholics did a great job with biblical history, but I didn't quite get the whole apocryphal section in the Catholic bible. When you see my brothers with CalGuard fighting those fires you guys get out there, say a prayer for them! Please hold me in prayers as a minister, I have a mighty big problem that will be very difficult for me to overcome. Putting it in God's hands. Thanks for reaching back!

 

[AlexB23]

Faith is a journey. The Catholics did a great job with biblical history, but I didn't quite get the whole apocryphal section in the Catholic bible. When you see my brothers with CalGuard fighting those fires you guys get out there, say a prayer for them! Please hold me in prayers as a minister, I have a mighty big problem that will be very difficult for me to overcome. Putting it in God's hands. Thanks for reaching back!

You are welcome. I am not in California, but will pray for your fellow CalGuard brothers in Cali. I will pray for you as a minister. And yes, the Catholics did a good job with biblical history. Well hey, the apocryphal section is only 7 extra books, and all are OT, and who even reads the OT anymore in 2024 (though, the OT is important to understand the NT).