With Easter just around the corner, many people are questioning just what they do believe.  Does it really matter, as long as we believe something and hold to that belief?  There are millions of churches around the world.  There are hundreds of different denominations.  In America we have everything from little home groups of five or six people to mega churches with thousands of members.  Just what is it that separates us all?

I will speak only of the Christian faith, since I have limited knowledge of other religions. In our community we can find a Christian based church on every corner.  They are separated by how each one interrupts the Bible.  First we must establish that the Bible is the inspired word of God.  If it is, then we can learn what God expects of us and how we should live in a way that is pleasing to Him.

I personally believe the Bible is the written Word of God and that it provides all we will ever need to pass through this life into the next.  I believe that Heaven and Hell are real places and that someday each of us will go to one or the other.  I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for our sins, and was raised from the dead on the third day.  I believe that accepting Jesus as our Savior is the only way to get to Heaven.

With that said, individuals, churches and denominations each have their personal beliefs regarding the rest of what the Bible contains.  There are many views of water baptism, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, prophecy, humility, honesty, and the Ten Commandments.  Each person has their own convictions regarding drinking, dancing, movies, hair length, and style of clothing.  Some think it’s fine for Christians to smoke and swear, to gossip and cause strife.

Others are certain that you do any of these things you are going straight to Hell.  There are as many opinions on some of these matters as there are people to have them.  We must choose the path that is right for us.  Let’s agree on what we can and agree to disagree on the rest.  Some things we cannot challenge, like “Thou shall not kill” or “Thou shall not steal.”

What church we attend becomes a personal choice.  Some churches allow no music, some have no Sunday School.  In many churches people raise their hands when they sing and they dance in the aisles in worship.  Some have flags and banners, special music, missionary offerings.  Some teach the tithe of your money and talents, others say give it all to Jesus.  You choose a place of worship that meets your needs and supports your Theology.