Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Greetings and Happy Sunday Fishing Stagers and guests!
I want to first extend sincere thanks to all who have been praying for my former Pastor, Terry Newell, who was called on to his home in Heaven yesterday. He is responsible for much of my recent spiritual growth over the past 15 years, and for that I am forever grateful. It will be a wonderful homecoming when we meet again someday. 🙏🏻

Last week, we looked at the start of the early church, with Peter, “The Rock”. (He was the first “Rock” - long before Dwayne Johnson came along. 😄) I know, last week I told y’all we would talk about “Why go to church?” in today’s devotion, but, as sometimes happens, “The Boss” changed my plans… again! We WILL get to that part, but not today.
Please continue posting your reasons why YOU either go to church, or don’t. Several of you have commented and I hope many more do the same. I really appreciate the feedback to my questions. 👍

So… instead of getting into the “WHY” of going to church, today we are going to continue looking at more specific events that have been involved in the building of “The Church” in more recent times, since Peter. Keep in mind, we are still talking about the multi-denominational church - not any one single belief, but God’s Church, the Body of Christ.
Since I’ve never seen anything in the Bible about MY denomination being the only one in Heaven, I think I can safely assume, there will be others. Plus, the fact that many of my Christian friends and relatives attend churches of a variety of different religious beliefs and faiths, let’s me know there must be something else that is the common denominator, rather than one’s denomination.
Of course, that common thread is being a Christian - also called “a believer”. This is what gets you to Heaven - not your religion or denomination! More on this when we get to the “How” part of this series, as mentioned last week in Devotion #36.

If you are a fan of “history”, the following video will be of particular interest to you. I really think it’s interesting, and I’m NOT a history “buff”! Pastor Allen has been to the Holy Land on numerous occasions, and shares an important, recent archeological find he saw on a recent trip there. He also talks about an ancient scroll that was found, that further proves the authenticity of the Bible. (Interesting stuff!.. and more)

Thank you all for reading and watching these devotions. May God bless you abundantly! 🙏🏻

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gT28ZU_Unrk

troyfrd1 Loc: Hampstead,NC

Great devotion. I have often believed that it has to be more than just one denomination. I also believe most people are where they are because their parents were. So very sorry about your former pastor. Please continue to share the gospel with us.

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

Not sure where you want answers posted so I guess I'll put it here. I went to Catholic grade school for 8 years. Served as an altar boy for three years. Church became something I had to do, sometimes twice a day. I lost interest as I got older and the Catholic Church has seen a serious decline in attendance. Church services have very little to offer to me. That's why I don't go. Just answering your question. Not looking for a debate.

troyfrd1 Loc: Hampstead,NC

Gregg you are so right.In a world as we live in today so much is going on in the Church. Doesn’t matter what denominations. Anything is subject to be going on . That’s why a lot of people do not attend Church like they use to. You have to have a true relationship with God. The Church is just a building where we gather. The Bible teaches us to gather together with other Saints but when you see so called Saints doing things not of. Christ you separate yourself and find someone/ people who live the life that they speak of. No one is perfect and being human you will make mistakes. You are made different as everyone else are. I can see your point clearly as well as understand you point of view. We can not let what others do affect us. We know right from wrong and it’s a choice on whether you honestly believe. I feel that you don’t have to go to all services but don’t miss them all. We are not there to judge others but to get a refresher of the word of God. Not to please man but to glorify God for all the blessings he has bestowed upon us. If one can’t look around and see the blessings then stop and thank God for allowing us to see another day. It may not go or be like we want but we still have another day.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Those are some great points, Troy.
All men are fallible;
God is not. We must keep our eyes on God - not on any man. The Bible is the word of God.
If your life is in disrepair or not “running” like it should, use it for all your “troubleshooting”, as you would a car manual for fixing your car.
Greg: if your church is not giving you what you need, maybe you need to find another one that will. Find one that “teaches the Bible”, but even more important than that, spend time yourself, READING the Bible.
Download the Bible app on your phone. I would recommend the NLT (New Living Translation) - it’s easy to read and understand. It also lines up with the KJV or NKJV.
God CAN change your life. 🙏🏻

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

I haven't been to church since the '70s. Not likely to start now. I've read the Bible. I don't usually read the same book twice. I don't pray. I take that back. I occasionally pray for one thing but it goes unanswered. Maybe some day.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

I’m just saying what you SHOULD do. In the end, it’s still your choice. Just READING the Bible is not the objective - the idea is to believe what the Bible says, then DO (obey) what the Bible says. Only then will it have a positive effect on your life.
The Bible and prayer are much alike in at least one way. We can’t just do it once and imagine that will take care of us for a lifetime. We are created different than other animals - we are physical beings, but we also have a soul and a spirit. Thus, we are spiritual beings that also need spiritual food to survive. Think of the Bible and prayer as spiritual food; if we don’t “eat” on a regular basis, we
will soon starve to death. Even the most dedicated Christian MUST pray and read their Bible regularly to maintain their spiritual health.
I hope this helps you and others.
Here’s a couple Bible verses that confirm what I’m saying:

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ””
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

It’s still your choice. 🙏🏻

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

Thanks. Nice to have the choice. I'm very content with my choices. I hope to join my brother soon.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

What I meant was, it’s your choice to believe AND GO TO HEAVEN, or NOT believe AND GO TO HELL. You CAN’T disobey OR disbelieve God and still get to Heaven.
Your choices determine where you spend eternity.
It is impossible (according to the Bible) to be a Christian, and not believe in prayer…
Just sayin’…. 🙏🏻

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

The Bible doesn't factor into my beliefs. Neither does prayer. I don't think about heaven or hell. Where I go when I die is out of this CHRISTIANS hands. I'll take my chances with the final outcome. You do it your way(I don't tell you what to believe or do), I'll do it mine. Just saying.....

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

So tell me, what “belief” would that be. I don’t think I’m familiar with your belief, and I’m quite sure there are many others that would be interested in learning how it works. A “belief” where one can be a Christian, but not according to the Bible, where prayer doesn’t happen, and there is no Heaven or Hell.
Very interesting; we all wait to learn something new….
So… please tell us -
what is “YOUR WAY”? I really want to know.

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

Very simple answers -- THE CHRISTIAN WAY. Now you know. Not your way -- not my problem. No further explanation is necessary unless you can't accept something different than your beliefs. Could that be your real problem? Just asking .... Please tell me, is that your real problem? Seems like it.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Greg: I don’t know who is telling you this stuff, but they are lying to you.
The “Christian way”
IS the BIBLE way, not MY WAY! The “Christian Way” has
EVERYTHING to do with the Bible. I’m sorry you are being so misled, but none of your previous post makes ANY sense, and that’s a fact. Again, it doesn’t even sound like anything YOU would say. It sounds like “someone” else.
So sad….

ghaynes1 Loc: Strawberry Plains, TN

I'm sorry you are so misguided in your beliefs. There's nothing more I can say. I feel genuine concern for your well being. Your dogmatic, fundamentalist way of thinking has to be tiring and take an extreme toll on you. Maybe other FS users can pray for you to take this horrible albatross off your shoulders. I hope someday, you find some real understanding for others beliefs and opinions. I can only hope. Have a good evening.

troyfrd1 Loc: Hampstead,NC

Ok stagers it’s 3 sides here Gregg your way Randy your way and third the Christian way. Therefore the finished result is still God’s way. There is no other way. Gregg as far as joining your brother is not speaking life. You really don’t know where your brother is You can only assume where he is Just a question. What if you get where you are going and your brother is not there? Bottom line we all have a choice to believe or not believe. You can’t convince no one. It’s their choice and that finale day when Jesus returns those who believe that remain here on Earth will be caught up to meet him. We do not know the day nor the hour not even the angles know. I just want to be ready to see Jesus. I not concerned about brother sisters mom or dad I just want to see Jesus and hear him say well done. Welcome home. I refuse to live in hell here on Earth then die and go to hell. Yes it’s my choice and I have decided to follow Jesus.