How to KNOW You're in the Right Church

[@Skyman505]

The testimony that John Chrysostom employed as "How to KNOW (or CHOOSE) You're in the Right Church" was offered by him in the following language: What then shall we say to the heathen? There comes a heathen and says, “I wish to become a Christian, but I know not whom to join: there is much fighting and faction among you, much confusion: which doctrine am I to choose?” How shall we answer him? “Each of you” (says he) “asserts, ‘I speak the truth.’” (b) No doubt: this is in our favor. For if we told you to be persuaded by arguments, you might well be perplexed: but if we bid you believe the Scriptures, and these are simple and true, the decision is easy for you. If any agree with the Scriptures, he is the Christian; if any fight against them, he is far from this rule. (a) “But which am I to believe, knowing as I do nothing at all of the Scriptures? The others also allege the same thing for themselves. What then (c) if the other come, and say that the Scripture has this, and you that it has something different, and ye interpret the Scriptures diversely, dragging their sense (each his own way)?” And you then, I ask, have you no understanding, no judgment? “And how should I be able (to decide),” says he, “I who do not even know how to judge of your doctrines? I wish to become a learner, and you are making me forthwith a teacher.” If he say this, what, say you, are we to answer him? How shall we persuade him? Let us ask whether all this be not mere pretence and subterfuge. . . . “There is such a multitude of men, and they have different doctrines; this a heathen, that a Jew, the other a Christian: no need to accept any doctrine whatever, for they are at variance one with another; but I am a learner, and do not wish to be a judge” - but if you have yielded (so far as) to pronounce against (καταγινώσκειν) one doctrine, this pretext no longer has place for you. For just as you were able to reject the spurious, so here also, having come, you shall be able to prove what is profitable. For he that has not pronounced against any doctrine at all, may easily say this: but he that has pronounced against any, though he have chosen none, by going on in the same way, will be able to see what he ought to do. Then let us not make pretexts and excuses, and all will be easy. For, to show you that all this is mere excuse, answer me this: Do you know what you ought to do, and what to leave undone? Then why do you not what you ought? Do that, and by right reason seek of God, and He will assuredly reveal it to thee. For reference see NPNF1: Vol. XI, Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles, Homily 33.

[@Ben_G_Biegler]

This is so good

[@matthewbroderick6287]

King David, John Chrysostom also taught, "Peter is the leader of the Apostles and was given jurisdiction over the Universal Church and the whole world was entrustred to his care". ( John Chrysostom). Peace always in Jesus Christ our Great and Kind God and Savior, He whose Flesh is true food and Blood true drink

[@iliya3110]

This is the same St John Chrysostom who accepted the Councils that anathematized heretics from the Church. It's not right then to read this and think this holy father among the saints is advocating for relativism.

[@josueinhan8436]

Essa citação da homilia 33 em Atos é simplesmente maravilhosa! Um excelente lembrete contra o Exclusivismo e o sectarismo.

[@matthewbroderick6287]

@@elvisisacs3955 Yet, that same John Chrysostom Said Peter was the leader of the Apostles and was given jurisdiction over the Universal Church. Of course, we know it was Peter the rock that stood up and put an end to all the debating at the council of Jerusalem Regarding circumcision, since SCRIPTURE ALONE COULD NOT, as Peter authoritatively ruled that circumcision of the Flesh was no longer, even though Holy Scripture said that it was. James then affirms Peter's declaration and then simply gives food and sexual restrictions. Jesus Christ prayed Peter alone the keys of the Kingdom, not mentioned for the other Apostles in Matthew 18. The office of sole key holder is one of succession Biblically. The other Apostles were given a share in the keys given to Peter alone as leader of the Apostles. Peace always in Jesus Christ our Great and Kind God and Savior, He whose Flesh is true food and Blood true drink

[@redeemedzoomer6053]

As someone with Ecclesial anxiety somewhat, this was very helpful. Thank you!

[@eduardoan777]

Glad to see you here Zoomer

[@tsolis7355]

Pastor Ortlund, I’m a former Calvinist who’s now in RCIA. I’ve been so appreciative of your gentle pastor’s heart and fairness in not stereotyping Catholic teachings. Just wanted to say that. If my pastor had been more like you I would’ve been able to go to him for advice while wrestling with these heavy spiritual struggles and questions. But he was so vehemently and openly anti-Catholic from the pulpit it frightened me to even let him know I was investigating it. So after many years I just left my Christian church. You are correct, the ecclesial anxiety is real! I hope those who are struggling and feeling alone in this, will come across this video. All who come to Him He will by no means cast out-perfect way to end it! You have such a shepherds heart.

[@TruthUnites]

Thanks for the kind words Taylor! May the Lord bless you!

[@richlopez5896]

“The Lord says to Peter: ‘I say to you,’ he says, ‘that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.’ . . . On him [Peter] he builds the Church, and to him he gives the command to feed the sheep [John 21:17], and although he assigns a like power to all the apostles, yet he founded a single chair [cathedra], and he established by his own authority a source and an intrinsic reason for that unity. Indeed, the others were that also which Peter was [i.e., apostles], but a primacy is given to Peter, whereby it is made clear that there is but one Church and one chair. So too, all [the apostles] are shepherds, and the flock is shown to be one, fed by all the apostles in single-minded accord. If someone does not hold fast to this unity of Peter, can he imagine that he still holds the faith? If he [should] desert the chair of Peter upon whom the Church was built, can he still be confident that he is in the Church?”- St. Cyprian of Carthage (The Unity of the Catholic Church 4; 1st edition [A.D. 251]).

[@adamvillemaire984]

@@richlopez5896 WRONG❗Ex Roman Catholic here ❗ Council of Carthage 493ad says EXPLICITELY: NO BISHOP WILL HAVE AUTHORITY ON ANOTHER BISHOP ❗ Coptic Eastern Churches & Orthodoxe ....2000 yr old churches DO NOT believe in a UNIQUE world leader Bishop (pope)......Clément was part of a group of elders ALL EQUAL in Rome NEVER SAID HE WAS POPE OR HAD AUTHORITY OVER ANOTHER BISHOP and no one else referred to him as '' supreme ''...Victor tried to exerce authority but was SÉVÈRELY rebutted by bishop of Ephesus .... NO ABSOLUTE PROOF OF APOSTOLIC SUCCESSION IN 1st CENTURY UNTIL END OF 2nd CENTURY. .... THE '' ROCK'' ON WICH THE CHURCH IS BUILT '' REJECTED BY THE BUILDERS ...THE CORNERSTONE'' IS JESUS CHRIST NOT PETER ...READ THE CONTEXT Dont spread ur RC lies❗

[@imherwerdio6852]

Anti-Catholicism is a real problem. You say you're going through RCIA; what would you say to people (including myself) who are reconsidering official or Roman Catholicism? Why should they be in it rather than any form of Protestantism, Anglicanism, etc.?

[@drummerhq2263]

@@TruthUnites wouldn’t you as a shepherd want to call her back to the Christian church? Wouldn’t you want to warn her even though you like to be ironic, warn her of the dangers of worshiping the wafer, kissing the feet? Praying to Mary.

[@nickynolfi833]

I am a Roman Catholic. On a scale from 1-10 on how much I needed to hear this I would put it at an 11. I teach an at home Bible study and I even have a small KZbin podcast I do. I often have protestant pastors on and I really try to bring understanding and healing to the church. I get very deep into Catholic , reformed, and Orthodox theology. Sometimes I can get overwhelmed with wanting to get my theology perfect. It seemed overwhelming the last few days. I was driving and praying for God to give me something to help. 5 minutes later this popped up on my phone. I have never heard anyone give a talk on ecclesial anxiety before but that's exactly what I was praying to overcome. Thank you. I hope to meet you when you debate Trent horn in March.

[@TruthUnites]

I am so glad it was of use to you! I hope to meet you at the debate!

[@314god-pispeaksjesusislord]

@@TruthUnites I've been praying, Jesus gave me a redefinition of TULIP, it plays on Bonhoeffers theory that stupidity is a moral rather than an intellectual deficit. If you have ever watched the movie of pink Floyd's the wall it plays out. Total Stupidity Undeserved Education Limited Wisdom Irresistible Epiphany Perseverance of the Victim Think it through, freewill isn't the debate.

[@Coastie4]

What about obedience? Jesus said if you disobey His commands you will suffer for eternity.

[@314god-pispeaksjesusislord]

Learn some Hebrew, is that really too much to ask? Where is the church defined? Deuteronomy 4:10 the QAHAL, the assembly the ecclesia. Start there and see what you come up with

[@314god-pispeaksjesusislord]

@@Coastie4 is Jesus speaking as a gentile or a messianic Jew? There's more to this

[@chadsteven9334]

“No matter what you do, you will always have the panic attacks if your trust is in your own reason. You’ll get to a point, where after 20 years, you’ll realize that all finite knowledge is like a paradox - the more you know, the more you realize how little you know. If you were to study “___” for twenty years, I guarantee you, that you’ll have more questions at the end of that twenty years. Or maybe, you’ll find peace of mind with that issue, until another issue comes up. You’re never going to get to that resting place of peace and assurance through study. Study is so important to do, but our ultimate object of faith must be Jesus Christ Himself, and that resting place will come through communion with Christ and the experience of His love and compassion.” - Gavin Ortlund Thank you so much for that, Gavin. I can’t tell you how freeing this wisdom is for me, personally. I have laid in bed many a night panicked for the sake of my soul and the souls of my wife and daughter and living in constant angst over my own logic and reasoning regarding complex issues that happened a thousand years ago. I should have been laying in bed praising and thanking God for the promises He has revealed to me through His word. God bless you and know that your ministry is bearing much fruit.

[@TruthUnites]

Thanks Chad. Isn't it wonderful to fall back upon the kindness and grace of God? No gimmicks, no tricks, no stunts, no brilliant counter-arguments needed. Just simple faith in God. Bless you.

[@calebcarter5287]

I have struggled with this nonstop. I am constantly under fear of being in the wrong church. It is hard to follow the Lord when you are scared to move. Thank you so much, hopefully this is talked about more.

[@joekey8464]

Watered downed Christianity does not talk about the dangers our soul faces. Find a church that does not sell itself to the modern world and you will find Christ there. When Jesus was asked: “Lord, is it only a few to be saved?” He answered: “You ask Me if there are only few who are saved? Here is My answer, Strive to enter by the narrow gate; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

[@ZacharyPaulson]

NEEDED TO HEAR THIS SO MUCH! I was raised Catholic and left the Catholic church when I was 20. I have since went to Pentecostal, Southern Baptist, and Non-Denominational Churches. My family is always trying to get me back to the Catholic Church because it's the "One True Church". I've spent almost my entire 20's studying, reading, watching video after video trying to find the answers to so many debated topics of Christianity (and just as you said, I only come away with more questions). It has consumed me and made me feel so lost and empty. I HATE how much division there is within the Church. But within the last few months, I have seen a very consistent answer to my prayers. An answer that tells of resting in the Peace of Jesus and that I'm not going to get an answer to all of my questions. And that's okay! Your video is just one of the many ways God has been trying to communicate this to me lately. From someone that is very much struggling with this anxiety, THANK YOU!

[@wishyouthebest9222]

Amen! You spoke out what gives me anxiety for years. GOD bless

[@joekey8464]

The important thing is what effect is the church in the real world. Christianity must not conform to what the modern world wants us to be - - find a church that does not sell themselves to the "modern world" and you will find Christ there.

[@marksmale827]

Have you considered returning to the RCC and simply receiving your and my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in Holy Communion, His Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity? The problem is there is so much anti-Catholic teaching out there, soul poison, that is based on wilful ignorance and misunderstanding (this is an Anglican speaking). You have probably unwittingly absorbed lots of it and this will make your return to the Barque of Peter difficult.

[@ZacharyPaulson]

@@marksmale827 Hey Mark, appreciate the response. Most of my wrestling has to do with communion and the Eucharist and the many different views on it. I'm very open to both sides and simply am seeking the truth. I do not care what denomination that brings me to. I still have not had peace with the Catholic teaching of transubstantiation but I also do not claim to know 100% the truth of it all. Not sure I ever will. I have a lot of respect for my Catholic brothers and sisters. But even if I did come to believe in transubstantiation, there are too many other things that I believe the Catholic Church gets wrong. Which is why I would not go back.

[@marksmale827]

@@ZacharyPaulson I don't know that I believe in transubstantiation. It is simply one of several human attempts to explain the inexplicable, what the Orthodox call a Divine Mystery. The thing that matters is the Real Presence, not trying to understand the mechanism. I now believe in the Marian dogmas of Immaculate Conception (because Mary told Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes 4 years after it was proclaimed, and confirmed it with many medically documented healings) and Assumption (if Enoch and Elijah were assumed into heaven, why not the person in whom the Incarnation took place?). But they are not central. The presence of the Holy Spirit is what matters, and I find Him more powerfully present in the RCC than in my own church. I wonder what other beliefs or practices of the RCC trouble you?

[@ezidimmakenneth7927]

The last thing you said Dr Gavin is so helpful. Studying theology is only going to be beneficial to the one who already has his anchor holding fast on the rock of Christ. Otherwise, theology and church history and all other things related has capacity to keep one vacillating from one school of thought to another even sometimes bringing them to a place of utter confusion and doubt. This is the problem when I see a so called protestant whose study and research led them to Roman catholicism or eastern Orthodoxy. They've never really been proper protestants.

[@alisaruddell3484]

Thank you for going into “pastor mode.” This was very comforting. Even just having a phrase for the feeling (“ecclesial anxiety”) and knowing I’m not the only one who has it, helps. All the more so to hear again the promises of Christ. Thank you.

[@cheechak481]

@Gavin Ortlund...76 year old Catholic man here....I watch you often....Thanks for putting up the video on this matter..."ecclesial anxiety" & spiritual depression has been my constant companion for thirty years. I have always thought of most protestants as fellow Christians brothers and sisters in Christ's universal church...but though the RCC pays lip service to that concept....but at the same time gives the impression that protestants are in the wrong church...and seem only reluctantly to acknowledge that some protestants "May" be saved, not "Will" be saved. That is what most Catholic apologists seem to reflect. I really do hope that Father God and Jesus are more loving and merciful than what is reflected by the church, tradition and private revelations. It seems that the most, even good Catholics can expect at time of death is decades or hundreds of years in purgatory, where according to some of the saints, one minute in purgatory is worse than a lifetime of abject suffering here on earth. I have difficulty accepting any of the Marian apparitions etc, including a couple of the dogmas, Immaculate Conception and the Assumption.....some trads and apologists, may or may not brand me as a heretic, But I will stay in the RCC and continue to wear my mantle of ecclesial anxiety and cognitive dissonance, doing my best to trust in the love and mercy of God as best I can ...believing in the sacraments and the apostle's creed but also hope that God can and will save many others including non-Christians. Moving to another church is not the answer for me....I have been Catholic all my life and all my family are too and I see no point in alienating myself from them. Thanks Gavin.

[@Mygoalwogel]

Beautifully expressed. Thank you.

[@TruthHasSpoken]

""ecclesial anxiety" & spiritual depression " In the Catholic Church (and Orthodox) you receive the Resurrected Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist, as all Christian did for the first 1500 years (heretics aside). In protestantism, one receives crackers and grape juice (normally). That's all it ever is. I can get the same in my kitchen. I wouldn't leave the Catholic Church ever for this false teaching that only came about in the 16th, promulgated by Catholics with no authority who said the Church errored for 1500 years and didn't know it. They made Jesus out to be undependable and a liar. He failed to lead his Church to ALL Truth (Jn 16 v13).

[@paulacoyle5685]

To be honest, I think most protestants feel the same way about Catholics! That they “may“ be saved even though we believe Roman Catholicism to teach many erroneous things. Just being honest here. the thing is we believe that about members of our own church as well, it’s hard to know who is true and false, but we just assume if someone says they believe Christ died for their sins that they are actually trusting Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. And they of course, should be in a decent manner, but we should have a lot of grace for people in judging those actions, often we add too many rules. For me that goes to people in all kinds of different churches and belief systems . You might find the lecture “the gospel for those broken by the church” by the Dr. Rod Rosenbladt to be helpful.

[@l.c.4618]

Wow. You have no idea how much I needed to hear thus. Its one of those messages that God prepares in advance just for you. Thank you. I've been struggling with baptismal regeneration and I have lost sight of Christ. I need to rest in Him and trust that He will work it all out.

[@TruthUnites]

I'm so glad!

[@jksg1au]

As someone who has grown up in the church and has often felt like the brother of the prodigal son, this is a good reminder that our focus should always be on Christ and not on comparing ourselves with one another. Thanks!

[@Is.That.True00]

The Holy Spirit working through you in this video led me to tearful repentance. It's so great to be exposed to my underlying self-reliance and to be reminded to rest in His promise. Ever, God richly bless you and your family, Pastor. Thank God, and thank you.

[@willcase311]

Hey brother. I’m a young 22 year old youth minister. I have had so much anxiety lately trying to find out exactly the way God wants to me to live. I’ve started to question if I was baptized correctly, if I really have the Holy Spirt inside of me, and if I’m ever excepted by God. This video couldn’t have come at a better time for me. I have spend hours upon hours the past few months studying church history and doctrinal things to try and figure everything out. And you’re right, the more I study, the more I realize how likely it is my views on certain things are wrong. But I thank you so much for this video. God bless you brother.

[@stunnedmulletblah9714]

Believe it or not seeing these words comforted me. I too am doubting my own conversion and baptism. It feels as though the moment I got baptised is the moment I stopped knowing God. All I want is to feel that overflowing love and communion with the Lord Jesus, my loving shepherd and master but how can such a sinner reach God with a soul as low as mine

[@willcase311]

@@stunnedmulletblah9714 it is indeed comforting to know that our walk with Christ is something that every true believer goes through. I really believe that fact that you desire such a relationship with our Savior is proof of the Spirit working inside of you. The very reason Christ came was to beat death AND sin that we can have life in His holy name. No sin it to great. All we can do it have a loyal faith unto Him. And pray to be filled with the Spirit to help us live a life of love and service to Him.

[@ooooooppppp11]

@@willcase311 Hey brother, I resonate a lot with your comment. Totally been there. Praying the God of all comfort guides you through the studying and wrestling.

[@reformedapologist]

Excellent - John Bunyan put that so beautifully and the extra comments - reformed theology at its finest - head heart and hands….

[@wenhsin547]

That this video exists means there are enough of us who care. Bless you and thank you for providing a calm perspective from a Reformed tradition.

[@hyreonk]

This is exactly what I needed - an answer to a prayer I did not ask. Thank you.

[@Lmerosne]

I love this. Sincerely clinging to Jesus solves so many, no strike that, solves all our problems.

[@logicaredux5205]

Thank you dear pastor! You have blessed me.

[@godsgirl0019]

Thank you for this video. What a great message and reminder to focus on Gods promises and grace!

[@edwardlargent4144]

Thanks Gavin - very very helpful. Especially how you revealed the way we can long for inner peace, thinking it will be found when we find the “right” Christian tradition, or are 100% confident in our own tradition. That longing is for Christ and we shouldn’t settle for less! looking forward to your debate in Steubenville - I live a few hours away and plan to make the trip down. So there should be at least one Protestant there!

[@TruthUnites]

Thanks Edward! Introduce yourself there, if you get a chance -- will be nice to know I'm not the only Protestant!

[@ProfYaffle]

I always think it is unlikely that any of us is 100% right. We can seek after the truth, but I think it is arrogant to assume we have the answer

[@robertbaldridge7863]

About 6-7 years ago, I was so convinced of Roman Catholicism (coming from an evangelical background) that I would have had almost no problem stating I would sooner be an atheist than going back to Protestantism. I am now not so convinced any longer of RC (or EO for that matter) and have had quite the ecclesial anxiety for several years. This pastoral guidance is encouraging.

[@carolynbillington9018]

always clear helpful teaching

[@CDLS32]

I didn’t know how much I needed this video. Thank you, Dr. Ortlund!

[@TruthUnites]

glad it was useful!

[@robertb3336]

Wow, this was a real gem of a message, Pastor Ortlund. Yes, doctrine and theology are very important, but Christ, and union with Christ (in the arena of the church) is everything! Thanks for communicating this to us.

[@JohnVianneyPatron]

What a truly pastoral message. Yes there is much anxiety and this is distracting us from mere Christianity. We all agree that Jesus saves, lets cling to that first - Catholic.

[@youcatastrophe6434]

I cannot speak for everyone, but to me… this is your best video yet. And your most important. I think this speaks to a key issue that gets to the very bottom of what drives so much of what is happening amongst so many Christians right now in their search for truth. I hope all Christians who are currently working through theological or ecclesial bewilderment can give this video a chance! Thanks for all you do, Dr. Ortlund!

[@TruthUnites]

Thank you, so glad it was helpful!

[@Rachel-rj6tu]

I could literally cry right now. God is using you today to bring me peace and I'm so grateful to him and glad you're willing to be used by God. I have to speak on my friends channel today about religious OCD. I struggled with it for a while while I was in the Catholic church and then I came out of it and found so much peace and joy but every once in a while someone comes along and tries to stir fear into me and doubt that I'm not doing enough or in the right church or doing this or doing that. I started to notice it was pulling me away from scripture and making me run from God and this just broke me out of this cycle. Thank you Gavin. At the end of the day the question we all need to ask ourselves is, who is your trust in? Praise the Lord 💜 😭

[@TruthUnites]

Thank you so much for sharing that Rachel! Those fears and doubts can creep in at the most unexpected times. May the Lord give you peace and boldness and clarity of mind as you share on the other channel today!

[@andrewnichols2395]

Thanks for this. I'm a protestant pastor finishing up my PhD in in the fourth century Church and this is something I have seen time and time again come up for my peers and I. It is interesting, though, my advisor (who is Orthodox) has helped me feel more confident than any other teacher I have had. At any rate, keep up the good work, this is certainly a worthy point to make and put out.

[@teetetomenon5658]

Hi, mr. Andrew!

[@richlopez5896]

“The Lord says to Peter: ‘I say to you,’ he says, ‘that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.’ . . . On him [Peter] he builds the Church, and to him he gives the command to feed the sheep [John 21:17], and although he assigns a like power to all the apostles, yet he founded a single chair [cathedra], and he established by his own authority a source and an intrinsic reason for that unity. Indeed, the others were that also which Peter was [i.e., apostles], but a primacy is given to Peter, whereby it is made clear that there is but one Church and one chair. So too, all [the apostles] are shepherds, and the flock is shown to be one, fed by all the apostles in single-minded accord. If someone does not hold fast to this unity of Peter, can he imagine that he still holds the faith? If he [should] desert the chair of Peter upon whom the Church was built, can he still be confident that he is in the Church?”- St. Cyprian of Carthage (The Unity of the Catholic Church 4; 1st edition [A.D. 251]).

[@EmberBright2077]

@@richlopez5896 If I may raise an objection: He names Simon little rock, then declares he will build his church on this big rock (look at the Greek). Tending to the sheep does not equal pope - any church leadership and ministry would match this. The rest of what you said is extra-biblical, so I don't have any comment.

[@subzee5623]

Thank you so much. I was super anxious over the past few weeks because I just wanted to be a part of the right church asap! Amazing video, God truly works through you Gavin.

[@TruthUnites]

so glad it was useful!

[@Burberryharry]

Gavin thanks for this video. I needed to hear this. Please pray for me.

[@TruthUnites]

just said a prayer for you harrison.

[@Burberryharry]

@@TruthUnites thank you 🙏

[@sandracoombs2255]

Absolutely wonderful! Thank you. When feeling cast out I have always gone to John 6:37-40. Blessings to you Pastor Ortland. ❤

[@wyattfuchs6839]

I have no words for this presentation, other than thank you. God bless you. P.S. I grew up in Ojai and went to the church you now pastor at, when I was in highschool. So thank you for brining a great example of Gods love to my home town.

[@TruthUnites]

Wow, so cool Wyatt! Ojai is a cool place. Hope to meet you someday!

[@user-mt9hv8sf9f]

My soul needed this. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@FOSsiiLz]

Man, I needed this. Thank you, Gavin, for obeying God and reaching out to others! May God continually bless you!

[@JudoTim3891]

Dr. Ortlund, there is no doubt in my mind that the Holy Spirit has lead you to deliver this message. Thank you for fulfilling your pastoral duty by sharing this message with us. Without going into too much detail, let’s just say that I’ve been wrestling with this very question for a few years now, and it has brought me to tears at times. Thanks again for all that you do and may God continue to bless you and your family!

[@jgiaq]

Thanks, Dr Ortlund. You have no idea how helpful this was to me. As someone who has struggled with this since an early teenager, and now comfortably in my mid-twenties, I can say that losing focus on Christ is a huge issue. If anyone else is out there like myself, a helpful tip might also be to UNPLUG. Get off of social media. Stop the influx of information and allow your brain (and soul) to rest. For those of us with this anxiety, we have an obsessive-compulsive need for "just ONE more perspective" or "just ONE more thing to research" not realizing that we are feeding the beast, not solving it. So thank you, Dr Ortlund, and God bless your pastoral heart. Also, great job at Beeson! As I live in cen Florida (and there was a hurricane), I wasn't able to attend. But you did great!

[@darrent.atherton8493]

This has to be one of my favorite videos of yours. The basic gospel appeal. Thank you.

[@thuscomeguerriero]

By far..my favorite KZbin channel right here!!

[@TruthUnites]

awesome, thanks!

[@Jackie.2025]

Thanks Dr. Ortlund, these kinds of videos are needed!😊

[@makeda6530]

Bless God, this was great. I am struggling at the moment, gotta remember to preach the Gospel to myself too. I know my reasoning sends me into spirals, please pray that I can come to lasting peace and resting in Christ.

[@setfree4]

Super great teaching, thank you for that!!!!!

[@Indorm]

Thank you so much! I love when there's a balance between intellectuality and spirituality. All my life I've felt that no matter what church I am attending, however lacking the theology might be or different the style of worship, I can still experience God's love by just focusing on him and loving my brothers and sisters around me. It's the basic truth of the Father opening his arms and receiving us back when we go to him that is the most important.

[@MrTypingsound]

I just wanna really thank you for your work. I resonated so strongly with what you talk about in this video. I recently discovered your channel and it's been a real blessing to me in helping me to navigate a lot of this stuff. I do read very broadly and I always want to get to the truth and to the bottom of things, and sometimes Christianity feels like a real minefield and it's hard to know who to believe, but I have found a lot of clarity and confidence from your content. Keep doing what you are doing!

[@TruthUnites]

thanks Robert, glad to be connected to you!

[@YourGuyMinty]

Thank you for this

[@ActualFaith]

Gavin, I am grateful to see how the Lord is using your channel. As a pastor, I share your heart to unite believers with assurance of God’s promises.

[@matthiasbrandt1252]

Thanks Gavin, for a pastoral video like this. Sometimes, though I first met the Lord 50 years ago, I think about my failures and having hurt people over time. Guilt and regret can almost crush me on occasion, but I realize grace is for all of us, and has not diminished in the least. Thanks for reminding us of Jesus' beautiful promises. Great point that study and well formed theological positions are not comparable to communion with Christ.....which can occur in different churches, provided they hold to orthodox Christian essentials of the faith.

[@marianhreads]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."

[@MrChristianman3]

how sobering and how needed this was for me. I have been studying and discerning for the past 4 years and I always feel anxious and confused. Thank you for the reminder of Christs promises. How powerful and beautiful they are to the believer. I pray God continues to use you for His glory Dr. Ortlund. You are truly a blessing to my life

[@TruthUnites]

so glad to hear that, thanks Mark!

[@joekey8464]

Find a church where the "gates of hell" will never prevail, and you will find Christ there.

[@joelv24]

This video is right on time , not just about church .. but this video suits people who are really down too .. This is God sent .. glory to Him !

[@chasewhitney]

Longtime listener, occasional commenter. This is an extremely insightful and wonderfully articulated message. Your pastor's heart and voice are a gift to us saints on the way. I do have a question related to this, if you'll just allow me to provide a brief bit of background. I was raised Roman Catholic in a family of Roman Catholics going back generations, started truly following Jesus as a young teenager in a small-town Southern Baptist church, found myself in the Pentecostal world in late high school, went sort of neo-Reformed in early college (and actually attended Ray's church Immanuel in Nashville for a little bit), then settled into a community of faith in the deep south that was technically Southern Baptist on paper but in theology and practice was heavily influenced by people like Dallas Willard, James Bryan Smith, and N. T. Wright. I was an elder and church planter with that congregation for years and obtained a seminary degree from NOBTS. I am so grateful to God for His manifold work of grace in my life through all these twists and turns. Now, my family and I have been part of an Anglican (ACNA) church in Colorado Springs for the past year and half or so, and I'm considering ordination. I love the beauty, historicity, global heritage, formational power, structures of Gospel authority, conciliarism, openness, capacity for ecumenicism, and more offered by Anglican worship, theology, and practice. However, I also realize a church planter could, in theory, create a congregation that encompasses many of these elements from within, say, a Baptist context as well (minus things like clergy who are sacramentally part of the apostolic succession). The problem is that culturally and historically, the momentum for creating a community of faith like that - one that is more rooted in classical protestantism (like you mention in your response video to Cameron Bertuzzi's conversion) - is almost completely in a different direction, one of a more contemporary stereotypical Southern Baptist or Evangelical flavor. My question is, where is our home? Where do we belong? People like us - people that want the historic rootedness, but firm protestantism; who want a richer life of congregational worship than just the unthinkingly assumed 2-songs-45-minute-sermon-3-songs format; who want the charismatic gifts as well as Communion every Sunday; and all the rest of it. How can we say an emphatic "Yes!" to the best of ALL of Christendom, while also saying "No" to the errors of each group in particular? How can we receive the gifts of every tradition while leaving behind their eccentricities? To quote Peter, "To whom shall we go?" Right now, for me, it's Anglicanism. And I think Anglicanism is actually best positioned to be that kind of church in both its theology and culture. But apart from that, is it just up to individual church planters going against the cultural grain of their denominations to create local churches like this? Or is there a denominational body out there that has this vision? Or maybe it's up to non-denominational groups to create this kind of church universe from nothing? Would love your thoughts. Thanks again for all you're doing.

[@TruthUnites]

Great to read your thoughts! I am encouraged to hear you pushing into this space, and I do believe there is a hunger for it out there. Books like Sam Storms' Convergence or Andrew Wilson's Spirit and Sacrament are trying to bridge various divides. I sense so much hunger for liturgy and depth in the younger generation. I pray the Lord blesses you in your ministry, and as you pursue the full-orbed expression of both the Spirit and rootedness you articulate here, many others will be drawn to it. It will feel a bit like trail-blazing; I bet you'll be happily surprised how many join in with you! God bless and thanks for commenting.

[@richlopez5896]

“The Lord says to Peter: ‘I say to you,’ he says, ‘that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.’ . . . On him [Peter] he builds the Church, and to him he gives the command to feed the sheep [John 21:17], and although he assigns a like power to all the apostles, yet he founded a single chair [cathedra], and he established by his own authority a source and an intrinsic reason for that unity. Indeed, the others were that also which Peter was [i.e., apostles], but a primacy is given to Peter, whereby it is made clear that there is but one Church and one chair. So too, all [the apostles] are shepherds, and the flock is shown to be one, fed by all the apostles in single-minded accord. If someone does not hold fast to this unity of Peter, can he imagine that he still holds the faith? If he [should] desert the chair of Peter upon whom the Church was built, can he still be confident that he is in the Church?”- St. Cyprian of Carthage (The Unity of the Catholic Church 4; 1st edition [A.D. 251]).

[@alecbunting8116]

This was a mic drop. 🎤 💥 It addressed my last comment on your channel perfectly, and answered a question that I didn’t even know I needed to be answered. I hope to ask more questions someday, you give good guidance and speak well. You are a good pastor! Maybe you’ll do a QnA in the future. I continue to look forward to your future content.

[@TruthUnites]

Glad it was helpful Alec! I will probably do a another Q+A when I hit 20k subscribers. Bless you!

[@shaulkramer7425]

Thanks to you and James White, I've found my way home to Rome. Thank you.

[@theknight8524]

Your congregation is blessed for sure.

[@TruthUnites]

I am so blessed -- they are a wonderful flock.

[@Jackie.2025]

Dear Pastor Gavin, I’ve watched several videos from Catholics in the past few months on various topics. There is one thing that I just can’t get by and that is that I find that most Catholics argue for and point to the Catholic Church as their main goal (not saying all, I also believe that there are brothers and sisters in Christ), but the videos are so intellectual, often empty and draining and it often boils down to “we have the better arguments”, everything is about the church fathers, but it is different with you, you point to the person of Jesus Christ, wanting people to put their trust in him and that is very prominent in you. It is your heart that is different. And if that is the fruit of being solid in your Protestant beliefs, what else can one be than Protestant, for the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. God bless you🙏🏼

[@ooooooppppp11]

Excellent and timely Gavin! So encouraging. You should do a video with Dane!

[@jessicamiller1548]

What a wonderful reminder! Thank you, Gavin! Sharing this video.

[@deacontuttle3485]

I don’t believe that I’ve ever commented on a KZbin video before but this video, reading similar stories, and recent life events around me prompted this. The last year or so after being baptized, I have been desiring a deeper intimacy with God. I grew up Christian but never took matters of faith and my relationship with God as the most important aspect of my life. It was almost like viewing it on a plain, it was all equal in terms of school, friends, family, etc and God was in the equation. In a desire to study I first wrestled with questions of the nature of Hell, Baptisms role, and ultimately salvation. Since then it’s been almost a full year when my deep dive began. I’m currently in a Church Leadership role that prioritizes college ministry, and I am also a student myself. Wrestling with ecclesial anxiety based on the topics I raised above has given me immense anxiety and uncertainty. For awhile, I held that all in until it eventually ate me up. I was afraid that others wouldn’t understand the pain I was going through and that leadership would judge me for contemplating other churches or traditions. Some days I feel/felt so rooted and confident I am where God wants me to be and then other days the complete opposite seems far more likely. I’ve prayed deeply about these issues and have found peace in some respects. I’ve felt convicted this last week to really continue to refocus my time in the word and to rest in Jesus, and realize who the true authority is. I have made study an idol, while trying to please God, I fear I’ve overcorrected. I’m trying my best to balance this all out. Gavin, thank you for all the work you do in ministering the Gospel and for seeking unity for us all as believers. I would love prayer brothers and sisters, and I thank you for reading! Ephesians 4:5-6

[@TruthUnites]

Thanks for commenting and sharing your experience! May the Lord bless you and direct you as focus on him.

[@EnnioSabata]

Considering joining a local bible believing evangelical church at the moment but have had my protestantism seriously challenged by some orthocath arguments in the last year. This video is very timely! Thank you Gavin.

[@TruthUnites]

glad it could help!

[@ilovechrist914]

You will never find the right church in protestantism every church is different In worship teachings and tradition. Easiest way is to look at the first 1000 years of Christianity. Reading the fathers. And how they worshipped what they believed. That's clearly the church you want to be in which is the orthodox church ☦

[@EnnioSabata]

@@ilovechrist914 ...surely the easiest way would be to read the bible first and foremost

[@EnnioSabata]

@@ilovechrist914 I'm jesting. I owe alot to orthodoxy. It's a beautiful tradition. Father Josiahs book "Rock and Sand" was amazing. But there is a just a host of orthodox things I just dont believe. I dont believe icons contain holy power in them. And I dont agree that the orthodox church is more united than the protestant church (see the russian churches attitude to the war in Ukraine) and I dont believe in the Marian legends. BUT because we are justified by faith rather than works, were not justified by having a perfect theology. I think many orthodox are saved. So I may meet you one day 👀

[@ilovechrist914]

@@EnnioSabata what you believe though is less then 500 years old. But the bottom line Is to find what church through gods providence of men put the bible together. And you can only interpret the bible within the tradition of the church. That chose those books. Because the Holy spirit guided the men in the orthodox church to choose what went in and what went out. Justification by faith alone is a heresy and demonic. And made up only 500 years ago. Everything protestants believe is man made and changed like 200 years ago. Eucharist confession ect.. It's so obvious but people can be blinded and especially being protestant people will just cherry pick what they want. And accept it. Then say it's about a relationship with christ that's all that matters. But you want that relationship the best you can and that's partaking in his church he gave us to heal our wounds and become more like christ and change with the Medicine he gave us in his church to heal us. Without the true church you may think your fulfilled in the church you go to now. But once you accept and embrace orthodox and sing in the liturgy smell the incense beautiful icons and partake of the Eucharist it's nothing better. Wife is protestant and going to a protestant churches Is the most boringest non inspiring thing. Once you have a taste of orthodox u see the difference spiritually, you won't want to go anymore. But if you think you got it write then christ won't open the door to tell you to come if you think you know better.

[@Here_to_learn22]

Thank you for this video! I have been praying to God for clarity to free me from searching for denominational clarity, born again from reading the word and as a former Catholic.

[@TruthUnites]

wonderful! may the lord bless you, guide you, and direct you!

[@BornAgainRN]

Amen to this! As a former Roman catholic turned Protestant in August 2004, assurance of your salvation is critical in knowing if you’re in the right church or not. This is not the same thing as easy believism. True assurance involves trusting that Christ has changed your heart to serve him as His slave that he has purchased and owned to do his will. Those who believe in easy believism have not been changed and have a false assurance. But the biblical assurance is explicit in passages like Romans chapter 8. If you do not trust in Christ finish work on the cross for the assurance of our salvation, regardless of the sins we commit after that, then you know you’re in the wrong church.

[@TruthUnites]

great point Steve!

[@richlopez5896]

Saint Paul, writing at the end of his life, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day” (2 Tim. 4:7-8). But earlier in life, even Paul did not claim an infallible assurance, either of his present justification or of his remaining in grace in the future. Concerning his present state, he wrote, “I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby justified [Gk., dedikaiomai]. It is the Lord who judges me” (1 Cor. 4:4). Concerning his remaining life, Paul was frank in admitting that even he could fall away: “I pummel my body and subdue it, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified” (1 Cor. 9:27). Of course, for a spiritual giant such as Paul, it would be quite unexpected and out of character for him to fall from God’s grace. Nevertheless, he points out that, however much confidence in his own salvation he may be warranted in feeling, even he cannot be infallibly sure either of his own present state or of his future course. The same is true of us. We can, if our lives display a pattern of perseverance and spiritual fruit, have not only a confidence in our present state of grace but also of our future perseverance with God. Yet we cannot have an infallible certitude of our own salvation. There is the possibility of self-deception (cf. Matt. 7:22-23). There is also the possibility of falling from grace through mortal sin, and even of falling away from the faith entirely, for as Jesus told us, there are those who “believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away” (Luke 8:13). It is in the light of these warnings and admonitions that we must understand Scripture’s positive statements concerning our ability to know and have confidence in our salvation. Assurance we may have; infallible certitude we may not. For example, Philippians 2:12 says, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” This is not the language of self-confident assurance. Our salvation is something that remains to be worked out. “Are you saved?” asks the Fundamentalist. The Catholic should reply: “As the Bible says, I am already saved (Rom. 8:24, Eph. 2:5-8), but I’m also being saved (1 Cor. 1:18, 2 Cor. 2:15, Phil. 2:12), and I have the hope that I will be saved (Rom. 5:9-10, 1 Cor. 3:12-15). Like the apostle Paul I am working out my salvation in fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12), with hopeful confidence in the promises of Christ (Rom. 5:2, 2 Tim. 2:11-13).” “The Lord says to Peter: ‘I say to you,’ he says, ‘that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.’ . . . On him [Peter] he builds the Church, and to him he gives the command to feed the sheep [John 21:17], and although he assigns a like power to all the apostles, yet he founded a single chair [cathedra], and he established by his own authority a source and an intrinsic reason for that unity. Indeed, the others were that also which Peter was [i.e., apostles], but a primacy is given to Peter, whereby it is made clear that there is but one Church and one chair. So too, all [the apostles] are shepherds, and the flock is shown to be one, fed by all the apostles in single-minded accord. If someone does not hold fast to this unity of Peter, can he imagine that he still holds the faith? If he [should] desert the chair of Peter upon whom the Church was built, can he still be confident that he is in the Church?”- St. Cyprian of Carthage (The Unity of the Catholic Church 4; 1st edition [A.D. 251]).

[@joekey8464]

Assurance of salvation is going to confession and taking the Holy Eucharist. Increasingly, people declare that they are not responsible for what they do and/or cannot help themselves. There is a general attitude that it is unreasonable to expect people to live out ordinary biblical morality, to have to suffer or endure the cross. All of these demonstrate weakness and a lack of courage, signaling the onset of spiritual starvation. What is wrong with Christianity today, spiritual and physical weakness. Easy to give in to the "modern world". Many are too weak to keep the commitments they have made to Christ.

[@taylore22]

I have been watching your videos and very intriguied by church history and just wanting to actually study things versus just making claims on them. But, God is so good and His Holy Spirit bears witness to truth, He brings conviction. And the truth is I have done exactly what you said in this video thinking if I just know enough, if i just study enough. I have struggled with questions that have caused such anxiety making me think what if i am wrong, but then I look to God's word, thank you for a much needed reminder. Even the things we think are good we can get caught up in them and the focus is taken off of Christ and dare I say starts to become an idol for some (myself). Truly glory be to God for your channel Gavin. It has not only helped me looked at deeper questions, but also has helped me to remember our eyes and heart need to stay on Christ.

[@TheB1nary]

I keep coming back to this: I need to look at and to, Christ. I'm currently confused and hurt by previous Church experiences, and I've been investigating Orthodoxy and finding myself wrestling with some of it. It has meant no small measure of anxiety. Thank you for this very pastoral response to what is a complex and anxiety-causing problem for many people.

[@user-rs5ct6hj3s]

Well done. Thank you sir

[@sebastienberger1112]

Wow. I think the entire Christendom needs to see this. Thank you.

[@houseofcards4511]

I remember reading this page in Dane's book, it was one of the most helpful things I've ever read.

[@Adam-ue2ig]

Really liked reading your brother's book. It was thought provoking and strong on assurance. I also appreciated his quoting the puritans and emphasizing the Lord's disposition towards us.

[@thecatholicdad]

As a Catholic I think there is far more common ground on this subject than most may think. I agree with everything you said here, and I don't see anything you said as inherently contradictory to the Catholic faith. All members of the body of Christ can take value from this video. God Bless! Pax Christi 😊

[@stingra8]

I cried as i was brushing my teeth. A wonderful confirmation..

[@ethangraham5019]

Continuing to pray for your ministry Gavin, may God continue to humbly use your work for His kingdom

[@TruthUnites]

Thank you Ethan! The prayers are needed and deeply appreciated.

[@wandacrowell6766]

I so needed this! I have spent the last couple of years studying to figure out what denomination is correct. I lost my focus on what is most important. Thank you.

[@albertocelaya1597]

Im glad you made this video brother, I needed to hear this so bad. God bless you!

[@suswik3682]

My experience is of Amazing Grace. No frills, no church (after leaving an abusive so called Christian cult) God was faithful. Once through Scripture I saw/grasped that Christ died for me for past, present and future sins, my heart sunk in utter unbelief that He, my Jesus, died for me, for me. A miserable sinner. I fell on my knees and wept with complete gratitude and love. It was not charasmatic, it was pure. I was washing dishes at the time, just to help you understand that it had nothing religious about it. Me and my saviour. "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners". Peace that surpasses all understanding. Be blessed. 🇸🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿♥️

[@tfmtrueformmotivations6463]

maybe the statement "ignorance is bliss" is truer than we care to admit.😉Thank's for the video, good reflection to think upon.

[@minagelina]

I think you hit the nail on the head, Gavin. We are all terrified that we chose wrong and are on the path to Hell for getting it wrong. I keeo coming back to, is Jesus a saving God? He is. Every time someone showed and ounce of faith, He verified their salvation. He KNOWS we're going to get some of the tenets wrong. What is in our heart? Do we want to know the Truth? I think that matters. HE is the ONLY ONE who saves. I believe He is good and merciful and His death sufficient.

[@barry.anderberg]

Wow that conversation with Christ hit home. That's me! Thank you for this Gavin.

[@uzomaobasi3767]

Another great video Dr Gavin, thanks for the encouragement!

[@TruthUnites]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Lindsay3490]

This video truly blessed my heart so much! Thank you Gavin!

[@marcleysens7716]

Solid guidance.

[@eduardoan777]

Thank you so much for this video Pastor. It is very comforting and reminds me that my salvation depends on Christ alone.

[@KellyS_77]

🤯 "Ecclesial Anxiety" is such an appropriate term. Thank you for putting a name to it, I think that's exactly what I'm going through at the moment.

[@JoeThePresbapterian]

This is very helpful. Thanks, Sir!

[@BanJ0e82]

I’ve been reformed now for about 15 years, and I still feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface. I meet at a church plant that’s at mission status right now, but the people there really love one another and the gospel is preached by word and sacrament every week my soul is fed abundantly.

[@SunwardTerror]

Thank you, Pastor. I really needed to hear this.

[@TruthUnites]

glad it helped!

[@jarredlawson361]

This video is deeply encouraging and specifically interconnected with the circumstances in my life during the past year. Thank you for the pastoral shift and your sense to make a video like this. I was reading the list of objections to "I will in no wise cast out" in Gentle and Lowly daily for an extended period starting in April. Thank you Gavin, God be with you!

[@TruthUnites]

Thank you Jarred, so glad it was helpful!

[@ParkerRRea]

Very helpful and encouraging video. Also, it’s crazy that it didn’t occur to me until now that you are Dane’s brother! His book “Gentle and Lowly” is an incredible pastoral work.

[@TruthUnites]

Glad it was helpful! Yes, Dane's book is pure gold.

[@Jackie.2025]

Great video!

[@holdenstrausser]

Very encouraging and helpful, thank you for making this.

[@Brian-yx5vo]

Thank you for this video. I’m not in a good place in my faith right now, and it feels like I’ve been in this situation, my whole life I’ve even been contemplating being a Catholic to find some kind of help with the anxieties and questions are so overwhelming I’ve even contemplated, abandoning the faith altogether like I have done previously for a 10 year stretch, I ordered your brothers book and I look forward to reading it and I just found your channel and I look forward to more videos. My name is Tucker so please pray for me.

[@thomascaminito3252]

Thanks beyond measure for publishing this video! Your message truly spoke to my heart. I am a former atheist convert to Orthodox Christianity who - subsequent to my conversion - fell into a crisis of faith and slipped back into agnosticism/deism. After some time, however, the absence of God in my life became too much to bear, and now I am making my way - trepidatiously - back to the faith. Precisely THIS very issue of ecclesiology is my ultimate stumbling block at this point. Not to mention, my actions during my time of lapsed faith have more-or-less placed me into a state of permanent excommunication from the Orthodox Church of which I was formerly a member. The spiritual agony of yearning for Christ and yet being permanently barred from Him in the Eucharist has me in a daily state of despair over what I perceive to be irreparable separation from Our Savior. Please know that your words come to me at this time as a great gift of God's grace. God bless you and the dialogue you foster here on this channel.

[@Mygoalwogel]

Do you live anywhere near an Oriental Orthodox, Lutheran, or Anglican parish? You may find them suprisingly similar to Orthodoxy but without permanent excommunications.

[@thomascaminito3252]

@@Mygoalwogel This is a good point. Actually, my original church is Oriental Orthodox, so if anything, I'd have to go over to the Chalcedonian side...

[@Mygoalwogel]

@@thomascaminito3252 I'm terrified to hear that. I'm a Lutheran, but my sister married into a Coptic family. I'm only an in-law to the younger son, but the entire family (several cousins removed) treat me exactly like family. And not just at the wedding. They get mad at me if I don't come over to visit from time to time. Lovely, kind, sweet people. I would not have guessed their church has permanent excommunication. From what I know of Chalcedonian Orthodox, cradle members and cradle priests may be a bit unwelcoming. But Protestant-turned-Orthodox priests can sometimes carry over their Evangelical instinct. Just a thought. May Our Lord find you home.

[@thomascaminito3252]

@@Mygoalwogel Thank you kindly for the words of encouragement, and I am thrilled to hear (and not too surprised) that your experience of Coptic Christians has been overwhelmingly positive - my experience has been quite the same, actually. Basically, I met my wife when I was astray from the church, and we married prior to my revival of faith. She's thoroughly Protestant and not open to having her mind changed. The Coptic Church is very adamant that BOTH spouses must be Coptic Orthodox (which is more extreme than other Orthodox churches). So, as long as she doesn't convert to the Coptic church, I am barred from communion. Short of a miracle, that probably won't happen. Hence, more-or-less permanent excommunication. But, the Coptic people and clergy are, as you say, overwhelmingly charitable and Christ-like.

[@Mygoalwogel]

@@thomascaminito3252 Well, this goes against my normal way of thinking, but what kind of Protestant is your wife? If she's anti-sacramental, I'd recommend watching some of Dr. Jordan Cooper's videos with her. The reason this goes against my judgement, is that he often ends up being a bridge for moving from radical protestant to magesterial protestant and then to Orthodox or Papist. While I agree with the ideal that a family should be equally yolked, I don't like the sound of such an extreme measure as what you're facing. As much as I think you'd find great faith, hope, love, and especially peace in the Lutheran Church, I hope our way of explaining Scripture can provide a way for your wife to have more understanding and willingness to consider Orthodoxy. We may not be able to consider ourselves brothers, but first cousins in the Faith, perhaps? Protestants believe strongly in the word of God, but see no use for the word of God "for you" in the Holy Sacraments. Without the Sacraments, the word is general, to the whole world. How can I know Jesus died for "me"? How can I know "I'm" a child of God? God Himself said to ME, "I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." God Himself said to ME, "Take and eat, this is my body which is given FOR YOU. Take and drink, this is my blood of the covenant shed FOR YOU for the forgiveness of YOUR sins!" What have I to fear!? I can go and sin no more. But if I still sin while fighting to sin no more, I can KNOW my advocate with the Father! Sorry to preach a sermon without ordination. May the Lord see you home to the Copic Church. She is full of martyrs. Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mother of God went to Egypt for safety. Whoever gives to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay. They will repay you.

[@JeansiByxan]

I was pleasantly surprised that Bunyan is such a big influence on both you and your brother. His Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners was pivotal for me in a very dark point of my life. Praise God for his mercy and forgiveness!

[@ministeriosemmanuel638]

Thank you for this message brother!

[@vickiekeene2625]

Thank you so much, I can't tell you how much I needed this! Amazing!

[@rej4166]

Bro, this hit very close. I truly need to find a church and attend regularly.

[@TruthUnites]

may the Lord guide you to the right place! In my experience, there are healthy, non-flashy, gospel-believing churches in all kinds of places. I pray you find a place that is good for you.

[@believer8793]

So True.

[@curiousgeorge555]

Thanks, brother. Great word!

[@cullanfritts4499]

This was a blessing to me. Wow.

[@TruthUnites]

so glad to hear that!

[@imherwerdio6852]

This sounds so much like me. I've been waffling between non-denominational Protestantism, possibly Methodism, and Roman Catholicism. Part of my concern is over what my wife and some of her family might think [especially regarding Roman Catholicism], about my own understandings and beliefs about some things, and so on. So this was helpful to see.

[@andrewegreen]

Thanks Pastor Gavin. This was a good word.