Don't think this is over yet.
When I picked up the drums (February), the music director informed me that the church needed to use some of my hardware (pedal, stands) because the member that purchased the electric set for the church did not know what accessories were needed.
I got a call Wednesday that I could pick up the rest of my stuff.
I did not see the pastor during the first trip; I had to "see" him this time because all of the hardware was in his office. We had an interesting conversation after he expressed his sadness that I was not attending church anymore.
My reply was that "God has moved me on to the meatier things"; of course the pastor asked "what do you mean?"
The first thing that came out of my mouth was Mathew 22:14 (many called, few chosen).
The pastor replied with, "many called, but few are chosen in regards to Salvation?"
"No, God will save everyone", I said and quoted 1 Tim 2:4 and 1 Tim 4:10 and that there are many more Scriptures regarding Salvation of all; I reminded him of a heated discussion 2 of the Deacons and myself had regarding God desires everyone be saved but "free will" prevents that and I told the pastor "if God desires it, do we really think puny man can defeat God, and He won't get His desires!. So, I'm speaking of the resurrections in regards to many called, few chosen."
At that point, he said, "the New Testament Christians of old all went to church, I still miss talking to you and we need to have coffee some morning so I can pick your brain."
Pick my brain? That same brain that others at the church stated was confused, way out there, and lost?
I did not say the above, but sure thought it.
So, at that time, I got my stuff, he said "thanks for everything", we shook hands, and I left.
I'm glad I don't have to drive past the church, thinking I still have to stop at some point and get my stuff, anymore.
Now, when I drive past, I'm reminded that God used me to help build that church, but God did that for a "good" reason. As Ray states in "The Synagouge of Satan" paper "God does not create things that do not serve a good purpose."
We'll see if he (pastor) calls about "picking my brain."