In thinking back to my "younger days", there are some things that I experienced then, that I miss now:

• Hell, fire and brimstone preaching. I grew up in the First Baptist Church of Indian Trail. Rev. Earl Sossoman was the pastor. I can see him now, pacing back and forth across the front of the pulpit, handkerchief in hand, wiping the sweat from his brow and upper lip as the loudly proclaimed heaven's bliss and hell's flames. He made hell so real, he literally scared the "hell" out of me as a young boy. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt - that was a place I did NOT want to end up. It's hard to find that type of preaching any more.
• Special singing from non-professionals. Something amazingly beautiful about a cracking voice, by someone a touch off key, with tears streaming down their face, head thrown back and arms raised.
• Old Fashioned Altar Call. It's been years since I've heard a tearful, heartfelt invitation given at the close of preaching literally begging those who are not saved to come and "give it all to Jesus", while someone sings, "The Old Rugged Cross" or "Just As I Am". I miss seeing the individual made his or her way down to the altar and fall into the arms of the preacher or the steps of the altar and watching a New Birth take place.
• Testimony Services. I miss services where one by one, members of the congregation would stand and tell everyone what Jesus has done for them or their loved one.
• Healing & Miracle Services. I miss Sunday night services where the congregation would come together and pray, cry and intercede until the Power of God moved and people were saved, healed, delivered, fill with the Holy Spirit and set free from bondages. Where hands were laid on the sick and annointing oil was used.