The point of Acts 10 is that Cornelius and those with him received salvation before batism which clearly means that baptism is not part of the gospel of salvation like some believe.

pilgrim

Pilgrim,
I don't understand your your last reply. Lets go over Acts 10:44. First, Cornelius was a Gentile. Peter was astonished that the Holy Spirit came on them when they heard the message. That is (verse43) everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name. They were saved when they believed. (1Cor.12:13) In the historic sense , the Jews first accepted the message, then the Gentiles, next the despised Samaritans. In Acts 19 the believers that John had baptized for the forgiveness of sins had repented earlier. They spoke in tongues when Paul placed hands on them.

The Bible tells us in the Book of Acts, not all spoke in tongues. Acts 2:41,  (3000) 4:4, (5000)accepted the message and verse 31, no tongues spoken here.
May I ask you, do you believe that tongues are required to receive the Holy Spirit? If so, Why does it say in 1Cor.12:11 that the Holy Spirit imparts his gifts as he determines. No where in scripture are we told to seek the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

God bless you,
bluelake 

[an interpretation]

Bluelake:

The 10 Commandments and the Lord's Prayer (or more precisely the Disciples' Prayer) are Scripture -- the Word of God and the words of God. No one can reject them without rejecting Scripture.

The Apostle's Creed -- for all it's merits -- is an interpretation of the Word of God, and subject to further intepretation based upon the church tradition to which one might belong.  For example "the communion of saints" and "the holy catholic church" will not be interpreted by Roman Catholics as they will be by evangelicals.

So the Apsotle's Creed must be kept in perspective. A Creed or A Statement of Faith is not Scripture, although it may be based on Scripture. Sometimes, there may be errrors in Creeds, Catechisms, and Statements of Faith. A careful study of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) will prove this.

Let's take one example from the Apostle's Creed (which was not formulated by the apostles of Christ). We read "I believe in God the Father, Maker of Heaven and Earth". While this is true in itself, Scripture teaches that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit were all equally involved in creation. Gen. 1:2 speaks of the Holy Spirit and Jn. 1:1-3 speaks of the Son.

So it would be more accurate to say "I believe in the triune Godhead -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -- Maker of Heaven and earth".

Sower,
Thank you for your reply.
While the Catholic Church does recite the Apostles Creed,( I am not Catholic.) The end of the Creed which reads 'The holy catholic Church, 'catholic' here means, universal, not the Roman Church. Also some Churches say, the Holy Christian Church.
It is a profession of faith. Some churches say the sinners prayer. Is that in the Bible? 

Do you believe in the Trinity?

God bless you,
bluelake

JESUS IS THE WORD OF GOD

           What is the WORD of God? This we must establish and show how it all relates to Jesus. Psalms 119:105 “your WORD is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my feet.” With darkness all around (the depraved state of the world and sin is abounding), we would always be going around in circles, never knowing where we are or where we are going. John 8:12: tells what Jesus proclaims about himself: “I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall NOT walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

           The Bible does not just have the words of God in it. It is the Word of God; from the Old Testament to the new and including the Proverbs and Psalms. Every book is about Jesus. John 1:1 “In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with God and the WORD was GOD. In John 8:56-58 Jesus told the Jews that “their father Abraham rejoiced to see his day: and he saw it and was glad.” They questioned that statement but Jesus declared: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, before Abraham was, I AM.

           The Jews didn’t like that answer. They knew he was there to upset their own kingdom and didn’t want to lose their authority so they picked up stones to throw at him to kill him. It wasn’t Jesus’ time to die so he passed right through them and they didn’t even see him.

           The people knew the Torah and of the answer God gave Moses when he was told he was to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses said that when he told them the God of their fathers sent him to them, they would ask what His name is. “What shall I say?” People would want to know.

           Verse 14 “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said , You shall say unto the children of Israel, ‘I AM’ has sent me unto you.” Jesus is the same “I AM”. Jesus is the WORD of God. John 1:14 “And the WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us.” And John 10:30 “I and the Father are one”. The name God in Genesis 1 is Elohim which is plural---the Supreme God---highest in rank, power and authority. No one is greater than our creator God.

           Until Jesus was born, the Father, the WORD and the spirit of God (the Holy Ghost) were all spirit. Jesus became the WORD. Philippians 2:6 “Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal to God.” Colossians 2:9 “For in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” I John 5:7 “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are ONE.”


      Each had a special job to do. God the Father made all the plans and brought them to pass. He spoke them into being, Jesus being the Word without a body as yet. But John 1:3 says: “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” I Colossians 1:17 “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Genesis 1:2b “And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the earth.” Before God spoke, His Spirit moved, ready to give everything life.

           Jesus is the Word of God made flesh. Luke 2:29 & 30 “Lord now let your servant depart in peace, according to your WORD, for my eyes have seen your salvation. This is Simeon’s prophecy to Mary: “Behold this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel: and for a sign which will be spoken against.”

           In John 17:1-26, just before he died, Jesus made a prayer to God in behalf of his apostles who carried the WORD to the world to be continued on down through the ages even to us and the future generations. (verse 3 and this is life eternal that they may know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” Verses 4 & 5 “I have glorified you on the earth: I have finished the work you have given me to do. And now, O, Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world was.”

           He asked God to not take the apostles out of the world but to keep them from the evil in it. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, he asks God for the same protection for us. Not always physical protection but to keep our hearts and spirits from evil.

           Revelation 1:11 “I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.” Revelation 1:17 “Fear not, I am the first and the last: I am he that lives, and was dead: and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen; and have the keys of hell and death.” Jesus always was and has power over death. Revelation 19:13 “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called “the WORD of GOD.”

            There is so much to say about “The WORD of God”. This is enough to digest right now. If the Holy Spirit so leads me, I may write more. In the meantime, get a good concordance and look up all the scriptures pertaining to the WORD of GOD. You will be surprise what all you learn. God bless you as you think about all of this.

Jn.1:1-3 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God , and the Word was God. 2. He was in the beginning with God. 3. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made."

Col.1:15-16 "He is the image of the invivisble God , the first born over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him."

I don't understand your statement, "Until Jesus was born, they were all spirit." Do you believe that Jesus existed in the beginning as it reads in Jn.1:1?  To be with someone requires two persons.

God bless you,
bluelake

Hi bluelake,

I think that you have misunderstood my comment. I was referring to the comments about the writings of Luther that were posted just prior to my post, not the Apostles Creed.

Thanks for your reply. I'm sorry I misread your quote.

God bless,
bluelake

ggamble and Marv,

Amen brothers. This is the same problem that many have with the Bible itself, taking portions of it and placing their own meaning to it instead of taking it in the whole. Any time that we read any non-Biblical works we must insure that we compare the entire writing to the Bible to insure that it is in line with it's teachings.

This is also a method being used today in schools in writing history books .... printing only portions of the founding fathers quotes in order to prove that our country was not founded on the Christian beliefs. When a person looks at the entire quotes, writings and documents one is then lead to the fact that the U.S. was in fact founded on and with the Christian beliefs.

Pastor Roger,
I don't agree with your comment. Christian teachings are taken from the Bible.
I enclosed a short bit of history on this issue.

APOSTLES' CREED - Historical Note

Although not written by apostles, the Apostles' Creed reflects the theological formulations of the first century church. The creed's structure may be based on Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In a time when most Christians were illiterate, oral repetition of the Apostles' Creed, along with the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments, helped preserve and transmit the faith of the western churches. The Apostles' Creed played no role in Eastern Orthodoxy.

May I ask, how many here reject the 10 Commandments?
Or the Lords Prayer?
What is the doctrine of your Church? Is it based on scripture? The Apostles Creed is. I just proved that.

God bless you,
bluelake

[about]

I'm not Pilgrim,
but instead of finding something about the Word of God to recite --
maybe just recite from the Word, itself? 

When I recite the Apostles Creed, I can concentrate on each scripture that the words are taken from. The word came first, then the Creeds.
 Do you agree with the Lords Prayer?

God bless,
bluelake

When we were unfaithful to Him, and deserted Him, God did not break His covenant of love with us. When we sinned against Him, abused and killed Him, He did not take revenge; on the contrary, He sacrificed His life for us, so that our sins against Him would be forgiven and we may have eternal life.
Are we true followers of Jesus, if our forgiveness is not similar to that of God’s?

Good point.
Lu.17:3-4 So watch yourselves."If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4 If he sins against you seven times a day , and seven times comes back to you and says, "I repent, forgive him."
Thats what Jesus does.    Isn't God great!

God bless you,
bluelake

Hello Bluelake,

How would you explain Cornelius in Acts 10 if one receives the Holy Spirit at their water baptism? Cornelius and those with him received the Holy Spirit before being baptized by water.

Act 10:44 “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?”

Some in the Church of Christ say this was an exception and salvation does not work like that today. Yet, when Peter spoke about this event in Acts 15, he stated that we all are save in this manner.

Act 15:7 “And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8  And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9  And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10  Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11  But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”

Also, if those who hold to the idea that Cornelius and his household were saved differently than we are today then that means there is more than one gospel. The gospel that we are saved by has always been the same in every age. Hebrew 4 speak about the gospel preached to those under Moses wandering in the wilderness being the same gospel we are save by. Therefore baptism could not have been part of the gospel because those following Moses in the wilderness existed before believers baptism was instituted. Seeing we are saved under the same gospel that was given those wandering the wilderness with Moses then baptism cannot be part of the gospel even today.

Heb 4:1  Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2  For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

God bless,
Pilgrim

Hello Pilgim,
Keeping in mind that the Book of Acts is an historical chapter. We are reading about Jews and Gentiles Accepting the mesaage they heard and then they were baptized. In Acts 2. 10 and 19 some spoke in tongues.
Some Christians call this experience of speaking in tongues today, a 'second blessing.'

The Bible tells us, He that confesses Jesus is Lord and was raised from the dead will be saved. Rom.10:9, I like Eph.2:8-9 too.
1Cor.12:3 "No one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit. Verse 11 reads "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He gives them to each one as He determines. Verse 12 "For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we are all
given the one Spirit to drink."  This is the born again experience. By faith.

God bless you,
bluelake

I believe man made creeds and doctrinal statements are dangerous and should be avoided. The Word of God is the only doctrinal statement that mankind needs. I have seen to many doctrinal statements that go beyond the Word of God and exalt man’s traditions above the Bible. I think we get dangerously close to the pharisees and Sadducees and make void the Word of God by adding our own traditions that all are expected to hold to and follow.

Mar 7:1  Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. 2  And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. 3  For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. 4  And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. 5  Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? 6  He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7  Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8  For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9  And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Pilgrim

Hello pilgrim,
I read your statement of faith. After reading it I can't understand what grievance you would have with the Apostle Creed?
For examlpe, the first line taken from  scripture. Jn.1:1-3, Col.1:16
2. Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord, Lu.1:32, Mt.3:17
3. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. Lu.1:35

I can give you passages for each line of this Creed.
Do you think we, as Christians would be reciting something contrary to the word of God? 

I challenge you to find the remainder of passages that give credence to this wonderful statement of Christian faith.

God bless you,
bluelake

    The new birth is as real as the first birth.  The Lord Jesus Christ said to Nicodemus, "that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:6)."

     When a child is born into the world, a new life comes into existence.  This life has a human nature, which is sinful.  It is therefore subject to death.  This is the birth that Jesus called "the flesh" and the result of that birth is flesh.  This life cannot change its nature.  It is as the grass that withers, and as a flower that falls away (I Peter 1:24).  To be saved does not mean that this life which is born of the flesh is changed or made over.  This cannot happen, for its nature cannot be changed.  That is the condition that makes the new birth imperative.  The only thing God can do with the flesh is to judge it, and judgment results in condemnation and execution (Romans 8:3, Galatians 2:19: Romans 6:6).

     The new birth is a birth of the Spirit.  It is to be "...born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:13)."  Peter says, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever (I Peter 1:23)."  This seed not only lives forever, but it has also been revealed that it remains in the one who is born of God (I John 3:9).  Such a life must be eternal and that is what Jesus said it is (John 3:16).  That life which is eternal cannot die.  All who are born of incorruptible seed have an incorruptible nature and have eternal life.  It is impossible for such to be lost, for that would mean the corruption of the divine nature and the death of that which cannot die.  By the new birth, one who has already been born into the human race is born into the Spiritual realm, that is, the Kingdom of God.  This is the only way to see or enter that realm (John 3:3,5).

     "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old things are passed away; behold all things are become new (II Corinthians 5:17)."  This verse speaks of the old conditions, which existed for the unsaved man, as passed away, and behold, all brand new conditions exist for the saved man - the one who is born again.

     When the new birth takes place many irreversible things take place.  The Bible states that the one who is born again has:

1)     Received everlasting life (John 3:16)
2)     Been born again (I John 5:1)
3)     Been born of incorruptible seed (I Peter 1:23)
4)     This incorruptible seed remaining in him (I John 3:9)
5)     Become a son of God (John 1:12)
6)     Become a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17)
7)     Been passed from death unto life (John 5:24)
    Been exempted from future condemnation (John 5:24)
9)     Been redeemed from under the law (Galatians 4:5)
10)     Been redeemed from the curse of the law (Galatians 4:5)
11)     Become dead to the law (Romans 7:4)
12)     Received an eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12)
13)     Been reconciled to God (II Corinthians 5:18)
14)     Peace with God (Romans 5:1)
15)     Been justified (Romans 5:1)
16)     All trespasses forgiven him (Colossians 2:13)
17)     Been delivered from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13)
18)     Been translated into the kingdom of the Son of God (Colossians 1:13)
19)     Been perfected forever (Hebrews 10:14)
20)     His sins no more remembered (Hebrews 10:17)
21)     His sins removed as far as the East is from the West (Psalms 103:12)
22)     Been made complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10)
23)     Been accepted of God (Ephesians 1:6)
24)     Been born of the Spirit of God (John 3:6)
25)     Been baptized by the Spirit of God (I Corinthians 12:13)
26)     Been indwelt by the Spirit of God (I Corinthians 6:19-20)
27)     Been sealed with God's Spirit (Ephesians 1:13)
28)     Become the object of God's love (Ephesians 2:4)
29)     Become the object of God's grace (Romans 6:14)
30)     Become the object of God's power (Ephesians 1:19)
31)     Become the object of God's faithfulness (I Corinthians 1:9)
32)     Become a citizen of heaven (Ephesians 2:19, Philippians 3:20)
33)     Been seated with Christ in the heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6)
34)     Been already glorified (Romans 8:30)
35)     Been given a home in heaven (John 14:1-3)
36)     Been kept by the power of God (I Peter 1:5)
37)     Been crucified with Christ (Galatians (2:20)
38)     Been buried with Christ (Romans 6:4)
39)     Been resurrected with Christ (Ephesians 2:6)

     All of the above plus many other things are true about one who has trusted Jesus Christ as his Savior and as a result become born-again.  Not a single individual who has been born into the human race has been able to remove himself from it.  Many have committed suicide, but all they have done is to shorten the days of their earthly existence.  Their existence still continues on and on into the eternity of the future.  Still some teach that one who has been saved can be lost.  By analogy with the human race, this is impossible.  A person cannot become unborn physically, nor can he become unborn spiritually.  No provision is given in the Word of God for one to become unborn.  "That which is born of flesh is flesh and that which is born of Spirit is spirit (John 3:6)."

     One only becomes born-again once.  Nowhere does this imply that you become born again, then unborn, then born again, then unborn, and so on.  Once you trust Christ and are born-again all of the above list of things happen to you.  If you could be unborn, all would have to be made void, but all of the above list is eternal and irreversible.

     Jesus promised the believer, "...I will in no wise cast you out (John 6:37)."  Also, Jesus said of those that are saved, "...I should lose nothing, but should raise it (them) up again at the last day (John 6:39)."  Jesus promised that he would never lose a person who was saved.  If one person were ever lost after having been born-again, then Jesus would be a liar.  Friend, that can never happen.  (See Titus 1:2).

     The only ground upon which God does anything for man is the gift of His Own Son.  "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE (John 3:16)."

What happened when you trusted Christ?  At least 39 things happened that make it impossible for you to ever be lost!  Praise the Lord!

Great post. Thank you
God bless you,
bluelake

Christianity has to do with redemption and redemption has to do with forgiveness. The whole redemption history revolves around God’s forgiveness. It consists of God redeeming us from sin, by compensating for our sins (we committed against Him) by His sacrifice.  Furthermore, it consists of healing, where God gives us His sacrificial body and blood as real food (John 6:55), so that we may eat it, and be healed (John 6:33).  It also consists of union with God (John 6:56) by us receiving His flesh and blood and by us being part of His body, His Church.  Forgiveness also has to do with, returning home, to God’s home and to accepting God’s Fatherhood over us (Luke 15: 11-32). By His sacrificial act Jesus brings us into the household of God. Forgiveness, therefore, is an act of compassion, mercy and true love. God offers us forgiveness, which we receive through baptism. It is up to us to accept it or refuse it.  We can accept it by making His forgiveness our way of life.  If we reject it we are rejecting God’s forgiveness.  This leads to eternal death.
   The scriptures are very clear about forgiveness and mercy.  In James 2:13 we are told that mercy is above law.  In Matt. 6:14-15 we are told that we would not be forgiven if we do not forgive others.  In the Lord’s Prayer (Luke 6:12) we ask God to forgive us the way we forgive others. In Luke 17:4 Jesus tells us that we must forgive others repeatedly. In Luke 6:27-36 Jesus tells us to love our enemy, pray for them, do good for them, if someone takes our coat, give them our shirt as well, offer the other cheek if someone slaps us on one, lend and do not expect it back and be merciful like our heavenly Father.  In Romans 12: 17-21 Paul tells us to not pay evil with evil, never take revenge, feed our enemy, not allow evil to defeat us and to over come evil with good.  He further tells us in 1Cor. 6:7 that a legal dispute is a sign of our complete failure; and that it is better to be wronged or robbed than to wrong others or rob them.

The first thing I thought of in regard to your question is 'Jesus,' He is at the heart of Christianity. Then I would say, salvation. Without the Holy Spirit to guide us we would falter.
The Lord teaches us through his word, following our salvation. He has chosen us. We can do nothing to save ourselves. Eph.1:4, 8-9

Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame. Rom.10

bluelake

hi.
I am muslim. I want to know about christianity.I am going to
be familiar with christian teahings.
first the theology of it.please help me.

Hello secondboy,
I would first pray to our heavenly Father. Christians believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God.
Jesus died on the cross for the sins of mankind. That means for everyone.
You have been given good advice here. Find out about Jesus Christ, God's Son.
He loves you and knows what you need before you ask him.
I will pray for you.

God bless you as you seek his truth,
bluelake

Are you saying that one receices the Holy Spirit through water baptism?

Pilgrim

Pigrim,
I agree with you. We receive the Holy Spirit at our baptism. It is not the water that saves, but the words that are spoken. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are present when we call on his name. Mt.28:19 Jn.3:34

God bless,
bluelake

"The Sovereignty of God is the stumbling block on which thousands fall and perish; and if we go contending with God about His sovereignty it will be our eternal ruin. It is absolutely necessary that we should submit to God as an absolute sovereign, and the sovereign of our souls; as one who may have mercy on whom He will have mercy and harden whom He will"
Jonathan Edwards

Thank you. That is a great quote.
Heb.11:6 is an excellent passage for the man who went to church for 30 years and couldn't remember one sermon. (See 'Why should I go to Church?') on this page.

God bless,
bluelake

A Church member wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them … So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all."

This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor.  It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

"I've been married for 30 years now.  In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals.   But I do know this... They all nourished me and gave me the strength
I needed to do my work.  If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!" 

When you are DOWN to nothing... God is UP to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible! Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!


Luk 4:4  And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

PR,
This man seems to be a taker. Was he listening or sleeping? He can't remember one sermon?
His wife should burn his eggs, he would at least remember that. 
First and foremost I go to church to worship the Lord. I also listen to the Pastors message. He has taken the time to prepare it, we should be nice enough to listen to God's word. I ask for copies on occasion.
Receiving Holy communion is high on my list too.
I will admit, I wasn't always that attentive. With age comes wisdom. Most of the time.

God bless you,
bluelake