"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10

God Bless You, from the United States of America. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." --Ephesians 2:8-10

@@gregapologia7289 Thank so much for the verses,By Faith through Grace we are saved,to God be the glory... May God blessed you and your family with this verse.. Numbers 6:22-26

Not sure what you are trying to say.

Modern archeology uses a timeline that is not correct. Slightly adjust the Egyptian timeline that is used today, and one will find good evidence for the Biblical story of the descendants of Abraham in Egypt, including the Exodus. For example, there are "dark" periods of the history of Egypt, where there is a lack of data. Egyptologists estimate how long these periods are. Change these assumptions slightly, and there is good evidence of the Exodus. Hope this helps.

Modern archeology, often rejects the Bible as a source for information, rejecting it as historically reliable. Furthermore, it has embraced an erroneous Egyptian timeline, which leads to the false claim that there is no evidence of some people, places, and events listed in the Bible. When one goes into the ancient past (or future, for that matter), assumptions are used, and so any interpretations of what is found (data), is only as valid as assumptions used. In other words, there is an ongoing bias against the historicity given in the Bible, in a very basic way. So, there are archeologists, like the one here in this presentation, that do are able to match the Biblical chronology of people, places, and events with archeological finds. This matters to some people, specifically many Christians, Jewish Christians, and Jewish people (regardless of their faith). One doesn't have to be interested in such things, in order to be a Christian, but as I said, many of us are, hence the reason for this kind of presentation. I appreciate honest questions.

@gregapologia7289 That used to be the case. It sounds like you are operating from an outdated idea. Yes, because of whatever bias, some people will disbelieve the bible, no matter what. But I don't think that reflects the attitude of modern archeology. You can look back to when we started to become able to read ancient Sumerian and Akkadian and the family of cuneiform languages. Since that time it's become more and more obvious that some of what is recorded in the Hebrew Bible, is factual. I mean the Hebrews were basically amongst the recipients of ancient history from previous civilizations as well as having access to their current knowledge of the entire Levant and beyond. The people of the book do not actually need archeology to validate their recording of history, wether copied from other sources or told as it occurred. What cannot be said, is that just because the Hebrew Bible reports some of history accurately, doesn't mean that EVERYTHING in the books is factual. That is a logical leap that you cannot make.

@@iamperplexed4695 Hi, I agree with you when you said, "What cannot be said, is that just because the Hebrew Bible reports some of history accurately, doesn't mean that EVERYTHING in the books is factual. That is a logical leap that you cannot make." I never said that. Honestly, the vast majority of ancient sites of antiquity have not been identified, and the vast majority of those sites have not had significant archeological research done on them. Just giving the big picture, a perspective. Hence, I would never say that everything in the Bible has been found and verified to be historically accurate. And, specifically to your point, it is logical that some references to people, places, and events in the Bible, or from any source, can be a mix of what is and is not, historically accurate. To this end, I would need to know what the specific reference is, and then discuss that. Second thing, going into the distant past requires assumptions, and is based on relativistic dating. Much of the dating in that part of the world is based on an accepted Egyptian timeline, even though said timeline has "dark" periods in it (dark meaning lack of data), and is therefore subject to assumptions. Adjust said timeline, and you will find good evidence of Israel's sojourn in Egypt, as the Bible teaches. Don't adjust anything, and the conclusion remains that there is no evidence of for example, the Exodus. Either way, one cannot say there isn't any evidence that supports the Biblical story of Israel in Egypt, including the Exodus, Moses, etc. If you don't agree with anything I have stated, that's OK. I enjoy the discussion.

@gregapologia7289 I am no historian, just a buff, but I've learned enough to know that biblical facts exist and biblical fictions exist. As I was taught, I've never really doubted much of the historical accuracy of the Hebrew Bible. I didn't need to see ruins to know that nobody goes to that much trouble to record and maintain the record of their past because they believe it all to be myth. Only those of true faith and knowledge of the history and sources and people's of the past would make that much effort. Because the Hebrews were of a secondary wave of migrants into the Levant and their history with the late empires of mesopotamia, and Egypt the informational history they had access to would have been immense to a degree that we won't ever understand. Time and willingness will bear the truth of what's left to be found. We are a proud being and always believe that we are at the pinnacle of what could be known. My firm belief is that not only will time bear witness to factual biblical truths but some of the more fantastical as well.

@@iamperplexed4695 Fair enough. Thank you very much for the interesting dialogue, and feel free to engage me in a conversation anytime. I'm from the Upper Midwest of the US, and started this channel several years ago when I was injured playing hockey. A couple operations and years later, I am fully recovered, albeit with some serious hardware in my back. I stopped playing hockey, because I don't want my wife to worry about me. Anyway, just a little bio about me. I sometimes wonder who the other person is, at the other end of an online dialogue. Best.

HI, @13zounds. Correct. Most of the videos at my KZbin channel are audios with a background image. I thought it would be easier for people to listen to, while doing something else. I gave the link to the original video above, "Source or more information": kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWW7c56jabacgtE

Me too.....87 y-o in the Ozarks 💞🎶🌹

Remarkable.

You're very welcome.

Fair question. Few things I'd like to say in response to your comment. "Christian" is a term first used by the Romans to identify and describe those who are Believers (followers/disciples) of Jesus Christ. Sociologically, the term has been used to describe pretty much anyone or group that associates itself with Him. So this includes groups like Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc., who deny the Biblical and historical teaching of the identity of Christ, according to the New Testament, God who became flesh (John 1 and many other references). There have always been people who claim to be followers of Christ, but their lives do not show it. Whether they are or aren't, I wouldn't know. Only the Lord knows. But in James, the Christian is described as having a life that others know you are a follower of Christ. And the Lord taught that if you believe in Him, you will. I am not talking about religious phonyism, or anything like that. I'm talking about fruits of the Spirit, as described in the NT, which includes confession of your faith in the Lord. So, it's a lifestyle, not a double minded, hypocritical, showiness. The Gospel literally means "good news." And contextually, this good news is the person of Jesus Christ. Hence the essential or basic teachings about who He is represents the Jesus of the New Testament, not "another Jesus" which Paul warns about. This being said, there are many peripheral, secondary teachings that have to do with other things, and Christians can differ on them, all the while having faith in Jesus Christ, and agreeing on the essentials. Such secondary issues which have historically divided Christians, which Christian denominations can differ: language shared, location, church government, end-time views, baptism, gifts, etc. So, for example you could have a Korean Presbyterian Church of America that is a separate denomination because they speak Korean, were started or are primarily located in America, have rules of governance led by the presbytery (church elders and ministers, an administrative body, representing all of the local congregations of a district), practice both infant and adult baptism although infant baptism is really infant dedication), etc. This way, there will never be one massive, monolithic organization from which Christ is represented, with all of the inevitable shortcomings that are always associated with such organizations. Also, the faith can be diverse to a great extent, reflecting different people groups all over the world. Actually, this is a strength, not a weakness, and has insured the faith continues all over the world, ultimately in every country and language. Christ is in charge, not a religious man. Regarding your reference to me, I'm going to ignore it. I am not the issue, and for that matter, neither are you or anyone reading this. It is Christ who is the only Savior of the World, the only Messiah of the Jewish People. And the more a person bases his or her beliefs on something other than the New Testament (read in context), the more error will creep into their minds and hearts, referring to writings that contradict the clear teachings of the New Testament. For example: "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him" (Col. 1:16). Everything in life was created by Jesus Christ, which contradicts Mormon teaching that Lucifer was the spirit brother of Christ. No, Lucifer was created by Jesus Christ. The NT judges other writings, not the other way around. And personally, I am really only interested in defending the essential teachings of the Gospel, not the secondary teachings, which again, people can disagree on and still remain Believers. You said, "God's house is a house of order." Where did you get that idea from? If you read the letters from Paul to the First Church in the New Testament, they had many of the issues the Church still haves today: sins, divisions, persecution, etc. Everything that people do, including your life and mine, will be affected by our sinful nature, "sin" being defined as "missing the mark or target," as per the Greek in the NT. The application is both moral and amoral (without moral content). Only the Lord is perfect. Even angels err, as per the teachings of the angelic rebellion before the earth was created. I think this about sums up my response to what you said. By the way, I do not think I'm better, smarter, etc. than others. I came to saving faith in Christ when I was a United States Marine, in California, 1976. The Lord changed my life completely, and I have tried to serve Him since, and overall, I have by His grace. Part of this service is to help others in various ways, one being having started this KZbin channel several years ago, when I broke my back playing hockey. I have fully recovered by the grace of the Lord and the expertise of the medical profession, and this channel continues. My main goal is to help Christians, encourage them, and in so doing provide many presentations related to their faith, in the essentials, not relating to peripheral secondary issues. And if anyone is abusive to others, I probably will call them on it. And if they don't back down, I will delete their comments, then if they continue, I will block them from this site. This site is not about me, you, or them. It is about Jesus Christ, and trying to help people live a healthier and more Biblical life, with grace and truth. Finally, I don't lose sleep over anyone not agreeing with me (or with the NT for that matter). Everyone has the right regarding self-autonomy. What someone believes, whether good, bad, or otherwise, is entirely up to them. Have a nice weekend.

I too heard this presentation, through an audio cassette tape from "Firefighters For Christ." In the 1980's-90's, I used to listen to sermons like this, then as time passed, I converted them into audio files, downloaded a photo as a background, and that is what you listened to here. The Lord has blessed this effort, by His grace and truth, so much. This channel began when I broke my back playing hockey. I wanted to continue to serve the Lord, and this channel came to mind. It started out very small, but I kept at it, the Lord kept blessing it, and I'm still doing it. My mission or goal, is to primarily help Believers, strengthen their faith, encourage them, etc. In this effort, I occasionally exchange comments from those who are not Believers. By the way, I fully recovered from my back injury, by the grace of the Lord and skill of the medical profession. So, all in all, it's interesting. And I'm glad about that, because I truly believe serving the Lord and people, can be meaningful, and at times, enjoyable. A word of caution regarding looking into the Jewishness of the Gospel, of the New Testament... be careful not to become Judaized, bringing in Hebrew requirements of law(s), in order to serve, worship, please, etc. the Lord. There has been a movement both Christian and non-Christian, that is sometimes called the Messianic Movement, among other names. Our faith is complete, once for all time delivered to the Saints, and not to be added to, even with good intentions. I am sure you know this, but it's easy to get off on a tangent regarding secondary issues, and the Jewishness of the New Testament, though important to some, is one of them. I have not listened to that tape as many times as you have, but some of them, I've listened to perhaps 100 times. When I was single, I lent them out, including to my then girlfriend, who became a Christian and we married. We've been together for over 30 years now. Thanks for the comment.

Amen !

Look at the context. The context determines the meaning of the text. It is a rebuke in Psalms 82:6. References to "gods" in the Bible are determined by the context. The Hebrew word translated “gods” in Psalm 82:6 is elohim. The term elohim is most frequently used to refer to the one true God, but it does have other uses. Yahweh is referred to as the Elohim above all elohim (Psalm 95:3). Other uses of the term elohim include spiritual beings such as angels (Job 2:1; 38:7); demons, idols, and gods of foreign nations (Genesis 35:4; Deuteronomy 32:17; 1 Kings 11:33); and the disembodied dead (1 Samuel 28:13). The Hebrew word elohim is also translated “judges” in Exodus 21:6 and 22:8, 9, and 28. Elohim can be used both in the singular or plural forms, again depending on its context. Hence, Elohim can refer to the one true and living God, who is Creator of all things, according to the Old and New Testaments. In this context, Elohim refers to the spiritual being who is God: infinite (self-existing, without origin, and not bound by time or space), immutable (never changes), omnipotent (all-powerful), Omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipresent (always everywhere). Mormons seem to refer this being as "The Father," as in the Lord's prayer, "Our Father, who art in Heaven..." Yet, applying Mormon's Doctrine of Eternal Progression, the Father became a god and has progressed to be the Father, referred to by Mormons. This violates the Christian and Biblical description of God, as per the above traits, specifically according to the Bible, God was always God, He never progressed to be a god (or God). This is why Mormonism is not Biblical, not Cristian. Regarding Jesus referring to Psalm 82, you have to again, look at the context of Psalm 82. Jesus in John 10:34 is rebuking those who will ultimately kill Him. Psalm 82:6 is a rebuke also: "God presides in the great assembly; he renders judgment among the 'gods': How long will you a defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. "Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked. The ‘gods’ know nothing, they understand nothing. They walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. I said, ‘You are “gods”; you are all sons of the Most High.’ But you will die like mere mortals; you will fall like every other ruler.” Rise up, O God, judge the earth, for all the nations are your inheritance." Contextually, who are the "gods?" They are rulers who are mortals, who are unjust, "know nothing," "understand nothing," and "walk in darkness." Here is an example of elohim referring to people who are rulers. The Lord ordained government authority on earth, and so these rulers' authority (power, position, and ability to rule) comes from the Lord. The Bible is clear about this. God ordains governmental authority for our own good, and has done so throughout the history of humanity. These rulers were being rebuked by the Lord. We all are created by God, so are in this sense His offspring, His Sons of God. Jesus in His incarnation was the only begotten Son of God, taking on a special meaning, one and only, a title that doesn't apply to anyone else. Angels (spiritual beings in the Old Testament) are also called sons of God. It means offspring of God, created by God. John 10:25: "Then came the Festival of Dedication[b] at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, 'How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.' Jesus answered, 'I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.' Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, 'I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?' 'We are not stoning you for any good work,' they replied, 'but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.' Jesus answered them, 'Is it not written in your Law, "I have said you are “gods”’? If he called them "gods," to whom the word of God came-and Scripture cannot be set aside- what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, "I am God’s Son’"? "Do not believe me unless I do the works of my Father. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.' Again they tried to seize him, but he escaped their grasp." The context of this is Jesus said, "I am God's Son." And this fit perfectly into Psalm 82, which called people (rulers) that had God's authority, "gods" and "sons of God." Those that opposed Him were silenced by His Scriptural reference to justify the use of these terms or expressions to Him. That's it. All of this has nothing to do with Mormon teaching of eternal progression of men becoming gods, adding to this error, Mormonism also teaches a person has to be male, and fulfill certain requirements of modern Mormonism. You know this, if you know Mormon teaching on this issue. None of this is in the context, and therefore you are forcing a doctrine or meaning into Scripture that wasn't intended by the author (God). It seems most error people make when using Scripture is ignoring the context. And by the way, Jesus won the argument. He had the right not only to be called a son of God, but he also was a one and only begotten Son of God. They knew He was claiming to be God, equal with God, and so accused him of blasphemy and ultimately crucified Him for it. It's 2am. I stayed up to respond to you, out of respect. I have to work tomorrow, and so must end this. I pray the Lord open up your understanding through Scripture in context.

@@gregapologia7289 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.

@@wes2176 Nothing in reply to what I said? Didn't think so. That's up to you. The Christian faith teaches there is only one true and living God, and that one true and living God eternally exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Us refers to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Genesis does not contradict Biblical Christian teaching.

@@gregapologia7289 To tell you the truth, you, like most Evangelicals, sound like serious a poo-head. I really don't care what you think and I don't even read what you write, I just harass you. I harass you exactly the way you harass the religions of others, religions which others hold most sacred.

@@wes2176 You said, which I deleted, "Greg Apologia I'm not interested in you at all now. So long, hater." Children and immature adults think that others hate them, when they don't get their way (in this instance, in a conversation). Many in our culture today act like children and immature adults. Not getting your way in a conversation/debate, doesn't necessarily mean anything regarding the character of either of us --though I admit this childish tactic is widely used as a thought/speech stopper in our culture.

@@gregapologia7289 No problem. All the best for a good week. Spring is 3 weeks away; depending on what your groundhog said.😁

Would you be so kind as to rephrase your comment. I'm not sure what you are trying to say. The reference to "touch not God's anointed," obviously is out of the context of Israel of the Mozaic Covenant. The use of it today, to silence those who criticize the "prosperity false gospel" preachers is clearly pulling it our of context, and thus misrepresenting what the Lord said during the times of David, King of Israel. If you wish to discuss this, I will be glad to accommodate you, but I ask that you not personally attack others, such as calling them "donkeys."

Interpretation of parables, proverbs, etc. is a secondary issue, and has nothing to do with Salvation, which is given by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, as the New Testament teaches. Proverbs are easy to understand sayings to give you wisdom, and parables are easy to understand short stories, again, to give you wisdom. Beyond that, it's up to the individual what he/she thinks. In other words, maturity in Christ is knowing Christ, and applying the basics of the faith to one's life. It isn't having a "correct" understanding of all of the details regarding issues not directly related to Salvation. This channel tends to avoid discussing, promoting, or debating those secondary issues which have historically divided the Church down through the ages.

@@gregapologia7289 That parable is not an easy one to understand. It has to be revealed to you, that is why Christ said to the disciples you have to have eyes to see and ears to hear., i.e., Matt 13:16. You are brushing this off as secondary, when in fact, it relates specifically to the time of Genesis, the time of Christ and today. If you get the interpretation wrong you are not leading the sheep, you are musleading them. You speak of maturity, what exactly is maturity? Do you know? Maturity is going from a state of things that were hidden from you to a state where things are revealed to you. Reread chapter 13 of Matthew it is all about the hidden and about the treasure. What was hidden since the foundation of the world? Do you know? This parable is one of, if not, the most important parables in the Gospels. Once you have this revealed you will understand who exactly are the tares, the convenant of circumsion, why they weaved a crown of thorns on Christ's head, the parable of the fig tree, why Cain killed Abel, why God mentioned the good figs and evil figs to Jeremiah, what is the key of David, why John the baptist said, "the axe is already laid at the root of the tree", why the blind man in Mark 8 was healed twice, why God loved Jacob and hated Esau. Need more examples? I could go on and on. Been studying God's Word for years, not until maybe 15 years ago did God open my eyes to these deeper truths and I am a nobody. And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. Matt 16:17. You wave it off because you do not know who the tares are? It is essential that you know who the tares are. They are enemies of God. They have total lockdown of this world, certainly of the flesh and with their father Satan.

Honestly, I'm not sure what you are referring to. I would have to listen to this presentation again to know. The reason I posted this is because it gives a nice dialogue about The Theory of Evolution's "defeaters," or weaknesses. That being said, I don't necessarily support any specific thing said. By the way, I agree with you, in that this world, as well as our individual lives in this world...all temporary. 2 Cor. 4:17-18, "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Thanks for the comment.

I noticed your link for Christian themed films, and shared it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emWui3iLbJtrZ9k

THE WATCHTOWER HAS NEVER CLAIM TO BE PROPHETS, NEVER! OTHER CHURCHES CLAIM TO HAVE PROFITS AND BISHOPS AND POPES AND REVERANDS BUT JEHOVAH WITNESSES HAVE NONE OF THE ABOVE, NEITHER DID JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES. What makes you think that you are a CHRISTIAN? A CHRISTIAN IS A follower of Christ and he who claim to know him yet they do not obey his commands is a liar and the truth is not in him. ( 2 John 2 v 4) JESUS gave his followers a command at Acts 1 v 8 just before he ascended to Heaven, " YOU MUST BE WITNESSES OF ME IN JERUSALEM AND IN ALL JUDEA AND SAMARIA AND TO THE UTMOST PART OF THE EARTH, JEHOVAH WITNESSES OBEY IT, DO YOU? What about Acts 5 v 42 and Acts 20 v 20? Would you say that Matthew 10 v 11 to 15 pertains to you, or JEHOVAH witnesses? Do you know that JESUS DISCIPLES ( these are men who were in Jesus presence all day, every day) thought that Jesus was about to restore the kingdom? Are they false Prophets because they misinterpret Jesus sayings? IS JESUS A FALSE PROPHET? JESUS CHRIST SAID, HE WHO believes in me, though he may die, he shall live, AND WHOEVER LIVES AND BELIEVES IN ME SHALL NEVER DIE ( John 11 v 26.) So is JESUS a false prophet? Don't people still die no matter how much they say they believe in Jesus? Didn't all the churches use to conclude all of their prayers by saying, FOR EVER AND EVER, WORLD WITHOUT END AMEN. They stop saying that now. ALL CHURCHES used to say it NOT JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES. So whats the big deal it certain things didn't come true? DO YOU KNOW THAT HABAKKUK 2 v 3 says," FOR THE VISION IS YET FOR ITS APPOINTED TIME AND IT IS RUSHING TOWARDS ITS END AND IT WILL NOT LIE, EVEN IF IT SHOULD DELAY, KEEP IN EXPECTATIONS OF IT, FOR IT WILL COME TRUE. ( EVEN IF IT SHOULD DELAY)

I first came across Morin on a secular crime program also. It's what led me to an old episode of sid roth with this lady. Pretty amazing story

Many groups, especially New Age cults, "love bomb" new people who are thinking of joining the group. Usually, it is only later, that they realize what the group teaches and/or behaves like. By that time, they can be emotionally tethered to the group and/or some members, making it more difficult to leave. Regarding the Jehovah's Witnesses, if someone joins them, though they may be treated like "family," if and when said person leaves, they can treat them like enemies, breaking off fellowship. So, this friendliness is conditional. Contrary to this approach, the New Testament teaches we are to be respectful to everyone. Jesus taught we are even to love our enemies. There is a place for temporarily breaking fellowship with an individual, according to Paul, but this is not a usual practice of the first century church. It was for extreme continuing blatant immorality, and even in such cases, Paul said they should be received as brethren once they repent. Also, this is not a command, but Paul explained what he would do with such extreme moral debauchery in a local church. Watchtower Inc. and the local Kingdom Hall are not to be trusted. They pull Scriptures out of context and ignore texts that refute their teachings. "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him" (Col. 1:16). There are only 2 categories: God and creation. All things created, in Christ, through Christ, and for Christ. Christ cannot be one of the things created, and so this refutes Jehovah's Witnesses denial of the deity of Christ. In other words, Christ cannot be one of the things created and also be the creator of all things. Anyway, it is a sad reality that sometimes people go to non-Christian religions, like the JW's, to find a family of sorts. The Church should be fulfilling this role to some degree. Also, one can find friends who can be like family, through other venues as well, through friendships developed in, for example, sports, clubs, special interest activities, volunteerism, etc. All of my closest friends, who at times can be closer to me than family, have been a part of my life, through my involvement in some sort of service to them and others. In fact, that is how I met my wife. So, my point, is people should not join the JW's or any cult, because it makes them (temporarily) feel good. I am a nondenominational Christian, and so I don't place a lot of emphasis on which local church I affiliate myself with, as long as it is "healthy," not cultic, not having cultic tendencies. America is in a great rebellion against the Lord, and so it may be increasingly difficult to find emotionally healthy friends that can be like family, but if you persist, with the Lord's grace, you'll find some. Try to be around people that you look up to, or generally like, and so you will probably tend to meet these people through various activities, clubs, charitable events, music/art clubs, and on and on. There are a lot of ways to make friends with others, and a good place to begin is a healthy local church. I've been with my wife now for over 32 years, and sharing various activities and interests is important. The most important thing though, is both of us being Christians, and trying to live our Christian faith out, first at home, then to others. Hope this helps. Thanks for the comment.