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Hi Redemption, I think there is a misunderstanding that if people are outgoing, social that they can easily make deep friendships.  Many people are drawn to this personality type, but it can lead to a lot of surface relationships with many people and not the deep, authentic relationships that I desire.  In essence it equals lots of acquaintances but very true friends.   By the way, my husband and others tell me that I don't know a stranger, so it's not for me lacking investing in others and showing them love.   Also, what I didn't share previously is that I've had many years of chronic health issues (nearly 20 years) that have gotten progressively worse, so I'm not always healthy enough to be out of the house as much.  Being kept inside more often (I am an outdoor person,) further makes the hermit a more easy possibility.  It's not just singles or introverts that have trouble making friends.  I do have some extra challenges with my health, and not having kids.  Most people my age have kids and some are even starting to have grandchildren.  To me though, in the body of Christ are marital status, age, race, etc. shouldn't matter because we have the most important thing in common (Christ) that should bond us together.   I also think that although we have quick access to people through internet, cell phones, and social media that people are less connected on a deeper level, or at least that has been my experience.  People tend to keep themselves very busy too and don't always make the time needed to develop deep relationships.   Also, My church is a predominantly elderly, and a conservative church and I'm in my early 40's.  Although I don't mind fellowship with people of all ages, some people only wish to hang out with people their own age.  People also have already established friendships, and when you're the new one to your church (less than 2 years,) it's hard to find where you fit in.   My church is a Bible believing church, and friendly, just hard to make deeper relationships.  I wasn't specifically referring to my church, but the Universal Church of all Christ followers.  I'm not looking for a church just to meet my needs, but church in part is for the edification of the saints, and I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to be encouraged, supported, and loved.  I serve and use my gifts, and I do it without expecting anything in return.  We are like pitchers though, and if we are constantly pouring into others without our pitchers being replenished, we can run dry and then be no good for service to the Lord and others.  By the way, my husband was a pastor, so I am formerly a pastor's wife and know all about servitude and what is required.   I agree that some churches can draw people as more of a social club and for wrong motives.  It's not a wrong motive to want to be deeply connected to your brothers and sisters in Christ.  It's not a wrong motive to want all believers to be a loving, holy example to a dark world that needs to see the love of Jesus in all of us.     Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Hi Retro, This is a very interesting conversation we are having. I am really appreciating it. Also thank you for the correction. I said gates to the temple, when as you showed the gates are to the city. Now if we look at the 12 gates and the meaning of the tribe names in relation to the Lord we see this difference - The Millennium Joseph - He will add, increase. Benjamin - at the right hand. Dan - Judge `Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom to order it and establish it with judgment and justice.` (Isa. 9: 7) The Lord is at the Father`s right hand ruling over the throne of David. The increase of His government comes as more people are born and come into the kingdom. He will also be judging the nations in the millennium. The New Jerusalem Ephraim - doubly fruitful. Benjamin - at the right hand. Manasseh - forgiveness. `He showed me a pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. And in the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore 12 fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree were for the health of the nations. And there shall be no more curse.` (Rev. 22: 1 - 3) The Lord is at the Father`s right hand bringing forgiveness and fruitfulness to all. Marilyn.

You are aware that's it's not a simple question. You are aware of the answer and it's requirement for an explanation. You are making an attempt to trap me as they did with Jesus. So how about you go with the answer you want and leave it at that.

So he is using another  definition of sin? When he says "but if any man sins"?

Islam is a government in and of itself so to speak in the respect that they would like to over rule our constitution. ! This is why it is imperative that people are aware as to what is going on!