Category: Belief (Page 1 of 3)

Pray and do – Draw closer to God

April 25, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Rather than worry, draw closer to God (Philippians 4:6-7)
Rather than whine, pray (James 4:8)
Rather than following your desires, follow God’s for you (Titus 2:11-14)
God is waiting for you to follow His Word as He intended. (John 6:40)

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16

“Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24 ESV

Romans 10:17 – The Word of Christ
John 8:32 – know the Truth
Hebrews 11:6– He rewards those who seek Him
John 20:30-31 – Written that we may believe
Luke 13:3 – we must repent
Acts 17:30 – Ignorance is no excuse
Romans 10:10 – believe in the heart and confess
Matthew 10:32 – Tit for tat
Galatians 3:27 – Baptism is to put on Christ
Mark 16:16 – Believe and be baptized equals being saved.
Acts 2:38 – For the forgiveness of your sins
Revelation 2:10 – The Crown of Life
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is God’s word, Not Some of it!

God First!

How often must God say something in Scripture for it to be true?

How often must God say something for it to be True?

April 24, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

From the beginning of creation, God’s Word has been Truth and nothing but Truth, and it will continue to be so to the end of time as we know it. God is Unchanging, God is Love, God is Good, God does not Lie! When someone discounts the importance of Scripture or flat-out dismisses it, they dismiss God, effectively deciding they know better than God. According to God’s Word, all of scripture is God-breathed. In other words, all of Scripture is inspired by God, giving us what God wants us to know and follow (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17)

If someone says they don’t believe “ALL” scripture is from God, or that it really means something other than what is stated, are they not calling God a liar or implying God goofed? If scripture tells you something is wrong one time, yet society, someone, or a culture tells you it’s ok or meant differently than what you can read, who’s right? — My answer is God!

When Scripture is pointed out, many respond: “Well, that’s your interpretation.” However, scripture tells us: “knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20) In other words, Scripture is from God.

In 1 Corinthians 14:33, scripture states: “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.”

God did not provide us with a book of confusion.

Some try to reinterpret the Greek to force an interpretation that yields their desired result; however, in this effort, the problem is not with God’s Word. No, the problem is with the individual seeking an answer different from what’s in God’s Word. God’s Word is true, as written for our understanding, not our confusion.

We don’t need to be Greek scholars to understand God’s face value meaning. So, if one believes in God and that the Bible is God’s Word, they should also understand that Scripture has only one correct answer, the one that God intended, and that answer will not contradict any other scriptures.

“The unfolding of the words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple” Psalms 119:30

Scripture also gives us a STARK WARNING:

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, ¹⁹and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” Revelation 22:18-19

Hebrews 6:17-18
Titus 1:1-2
1st John 4:16
Psalm 136:1

God First!

Scully Cursed Worse Than a Sailor

April 16, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

The term “curses like a sailor” is often used to describe people who use a lot of foul language. Scully was a friend of my grandparents, and one year, as we visited my grandparents for the summer, my grandmother pulled us aside and let us know he was coming over and what to expect, warning us that Scully cusses worse than a sailor, but also pointing out he was a really good-hearted man and friend for many years. She hoped he would not do so in front of us; however, she knew it was just part of his makeup. When we met him, he was very kind, and they all sat around for a long visit. He may have been mindful of his language at first, but quickly fell into his habit.

What I remember most about Scully, whom I think we only met twice, was his friendliness towards my grandparents, his kindness, his tall, rather thin appearance, and his laughter. I remember he did cuss a lot, but I don’t remember what specific words he used most. As my grandmother pointed out, it was part of his makeup.

My ears were not so offended by his use of foul language that I could not appreciate all the good in the man, of which I believe there was much.

As I grew into adulthood, I never adopted foul language as a norm. Dad used it sometimes when I was little. He drank beer and even smoked some, but as he began taking us to church, I was about seven, Dad began viewing things differently, and over time, found Scripture in God’s Holy Word that made him want to stop, and he did. Cold turkey, he stopped smoking, never to return; the beer and cussing were habits that changed over time as he grew to appreciate God’s intent for us.

In later years, I used a curse word in front of dad, who then pointed out to me that foul language points out one’s inability to articulate well, that using disrespectful, foul, and hateful words is no more than a feeble attempt at attention when you lack a better vocabulary to command it. This thought helped me look for better ways to communicate rather than resorting to cussing. Dad also suggested I replace those types of words with something like Snacklefrackle (a word he made up), one I have used several times over the years, that people then ask, “What!”

I am glad that I never adopted curse words as part of my makeup and that Dad’s suggestions worked for me. I am thankful that I learned enough about God’s Word to know that God expects so much more of his disciples. (See Matt. 15:11, 5:22, Eph. 4:29, 5:4, James 3:2, Col 3:8)

I live in a neighborhood of 530 homes. I have many neighbors and friends who use foul language. I don’t condone its use; I don’t like hearing or reading it, nor the use of the Lord’s name in vain, which non-believers commonly use. The non-believer being one who is unwilling to study, learn, and do God’s Will, because if we believe, we follow and strive to live according to Christ’s example. Matthew 16:24-26 non-believers don’t strive to do His will. (James 2:14-26)

When opportunities arise, I voice my understanding of God’s Word, but I don’t live in a bubble; I know this is part of their makeup and habits. I also don’t join in with the habit.

I understand that if people truly believe in and understand God’s word, they don’t use it.

How can we be Christlike examples by living standoffish lives?

Doesn’t standoffish come across as “I think I am better than you” when we don’t? I know some of my friends abstain from using such language around me, and I appreciate their effort and the respect they show me in doing so.

As Christians, we have an opportunity to teach and share God’s Word in all that we do and speak. We have an opportunity to be a light in a world of darkness; let us not hide our light in fear but rather shine and encourage others to live for Christ.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matt. 5:16

Exodus 20:7
Deuteronomy 5:11

God First!

Jesus is our Rock, our foundation.

April 6, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Let us mimic Christ
Let us be the rocks of faith set firmly on the cornerstone of Christ!
Let us be the stability of Christlike love that others can count on
Let us not waver from righteousness when the winds of desire or difficulty blow.
Let us be the example of Christlike love in all that we do

Stand Firm!

Study and learn God’s word so you can know God’s will for yourself rather than relying on someone else.

Pursue God’s will, for if God is with you, who can be against you?

(see Romans 8:31)

Be the Rock of faith that inspires others to learn and become rocks of faith themselves, especially to our little ones who see you as their examples.

Love others as Christ loves you.

Be mindful of this fact: The closer we draw to God, the closer he draws to us. (see James 4:8)

Trust in God!

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. “
John 13:34 ESV

Ephesians 2:20
Matthew 7:24-27
Proverbs 10:22
2 Timothy 2:22
1 Corinthians 10:1-6

God First!

In 2021, my sister-in-law and her two teenage children would meet with some brothers and sisters in Christ for evening walks. On one ride, she tried to spark a conversation with her son and asked him, “If you were to die tomorrow, what would you wish you had gotten done today?”

The unexpected answer

April 4, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 1 Comment

In 2021, my sister-in-law and her two teenage children would meet with some brothers and sisters in Christ for evening walks. On one ride, she tried to spark a conversation with her son and asked him, “If you were to die tomorrow, what would you wish you had gotten done today?”

She expected a secular answer, but his response was: “Be Baptized.”

This question led to further discussion of God’s Word and what scripture tells us is necessary for eternal Salvation. That night, my nephew made the best decision we can ever make in life. He chose to be baptized into Christ and follow Christ for the rest of his life.

Michael believed, repented, confessed Jesus as the Son of God, and was baptized into Christ in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of his sins, and was added to the Lord’s Church, as we find in Scripture.

Later, Michael Jr. told me he had been thinking about it for a while. You never know what’s on someone’s mind.

The timing of his mother’s question and a follow-up question of “Why wait?” Seemingly perfect.

Self-Study Scriptures:

God’s Grace: Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:24, Titus 2:11, Acts 15:11
Hearing the Gospel: Romans 10:17, John 8:32
Belief/Faith: Hebrews 11:1, John 8:24, Romans 10:17, Acts 3:19
Repentance: 2 Corinthians 7:9-10, Luke 13:3-5, Acts 17:30
Confess: Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9
Baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sin: Matthew 16:15-16, 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, John 3:5, Matt 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:5, Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12, Acts 8:36-39, Mark 1:9-10, John 3:23

God First!

The Prayer that led to Root-Growing change

March 24, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

I remember a time when my desire to solve “out-of-my-control” situations was so great that it became all-consuming and overwhelming. I had to realize my inadequacy and humble myself to the one person who could help: God!

I am thankful we don’t have to face life’s difficulties alone, aren’t you?

I am grateful that through Jesus we can humbly pray to God, share our concerns, and lay our burdens at Jesus’ feet, trusting that God will provide.

I was feeling overwhelmed by concerns beyond my control when, one night, I decided to turn them all over to Jesus in an in-depth, on-my-knees prayer. It turned into a prayer full of tears and begging. A prayer of repentance for not having already trusted and turned these concerns over to Jesus and God’s loving hands. At the end of that prayer, an unexplained weight lifted from my shoulders. I got up from that prayer, trusting and believing God would help, and He did.

It was NOT a click-of-a-switch change, but rather a ROOT-GROWING change that took time and my trust. From that moment onward, my attitude changed, and I began a lifelong shift that helped me focus on what I could control and pray for what I couldn’t. I came to trust that God’s hands were on my concerns. While I’ve had moments of despair since then, it doesn’t take long to remember and realize I must turn it over to God and Trust God.

There is no better solution!

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV

No need to be Anxious

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

God of All Comfort

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ, we share abundantly in comfort too.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

God First!

I believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

February 27, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Anybody who knows me should know that I believe in God and that the Bible is absolute, 100% God’s Word.

I believe Jesus is the son of God who lived a perfect life. Jesus allowed Himself to be sacrificed on the cross as it was the only way you and I could be redeemed, forgiven of our sins, and become eligible for eternal life in heaven with our creator.

We cannot EARN forgiveness of our sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us.

NO, we are told by scripture (Acts 2:38-42) that it’s through God’s Grace that salvation is offered, and with Great sacrifice.

Nonetheless, to ACCEPT God’s Grace, we must be obedient to God’s will, and the Bible tells us exactly how.

I did not come to these conclusions by osmosis, but rather through much study. I am a strong advocate of personal study of God’s Word and encourage all to set aside what others have told us and seek truth through self-study.

Scripture tells us we are to each work out our own salvation. (Philippians 2:12) Here is the Rub, we can’t do this without truthful knowledge. (2 Tim. 2:15)

This said, I love sharing God’s Word and the salvation God has extended to everyone through Jesus. Scripture instructs believers to share the love of Christ with the world, both boldly and lovingly, and to do so without adding to or taking away from God’s Holy Word.

GOD FORCES NO ONE TO LOVE HIM.

God has supplied us with thousands of years of history (reasons to believe) in 66 books of Scripture, that we may understand why we should want to believe in Him and follow Jesus.

Likewise, I do not verbally or in writing push my understanding on anyone, as all have the option to skip or ignore my post.

Still, instead of ignoring them, I hope you read and find yourself challenged enough to study God’s Word, as my intent is to share God’s Word according to His Word, not as mine, and why I typically include scripture for consideration.

* 1 Peter 4:8
* 1 Corinthians 16:14
* 1 John 1:7
* 1 John 3:1-24
* Matt. 26:27-28
* Romans 6:3-11
* John 15:13

God’s Grace: Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:24, Titus 2:11, Acts 15:11
Hearing the Gospel:- Romans 10:17, John 8:32
Belief/Faith: – Hebrews 11:1, John 8:24, Romans 10:17, Acts 3:19
Repentance of sin: – 2 Cor. 7:9-10, Luke 13:3-5, Acts 17:30
Confess Christ: – Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9
Baptism by immersion for forgiveness of sin: – Matthew 16:15-16, 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, John 3:5, Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 4:5, Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12, Acts 8:36-39, Mark 1:9-10, John 3:23

God First!

Study and live God's Word as if your soul's eternity depends on your choices.

Study Is Worth the effort

February 26, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 1 Comment

When we send our kids to school, we intend for them to learn to study and understand the basic curriculum. In college, they pursue degrees, and throughout it all, we will hear them complain, “It’s boring to study, it’s boring to listen, it’s boring to sit through lectures,” yet with effort, they become fluent in new terminology and the details of their chosen professions. In the end, they have accumulated all those boring hours, and it’s worth it!

Reading and studying God’s word can seem boring and daunting. I understand the mindset; It once seemed that way to me.

I looked for answers in what others understood or simply in my reasoning. I had good reason to trust what I was being told. However, it was not until I began studying on my own and attending Bible classes, worship services, and study groups that an accurate understanding of God’s Word began to sink in.

As a result, my once skin-deep faith grew into an all-consuming zeal to share the message of Christ.

Why?

Because our souls’ eternity is decided by our choices.

It’s more important than anything worldly. I need to be able to explain and defend why this is true. (within the pages of scripture), In other words, by sharing God’s Word “as written,” not my words or my ideas.

Regarding God’s word, my boredom with study has become an engaging excitement, with the purpose of sharing. A continuous thirst to grow closer to God with an ever-growing understanding of God’s intent for me and all disciples of Jesus, His commands, His Forgiveness, Mercy, and how we accept His Grace by keeping Jesus’s commands.

I encourage everyone to make a similar effort to grow, as All Truth is in God’s Word.

My quest is to explain, with certainty and boldness, the joy and hope that are in me, with gentleness and respect. Just as we are directed in 1 Peter 3:15-16 and Ephesians 6:20

OUR SOULS ARE WORTHY OF EVERY EFFORT!

John 5:39 (Eternal life)
2 Timothy 3:15-17 (study)
John 13:34 (A new command)
Luke 10:27 (Love God with all)
John 14:15 (Keep Jesus’s commandments)
Matthew 19:17 (If you want to enter)
Ecclesiastes 12:13 (Whole duty)
Revelation 22:18-19 (Caution)
Matthew 7:22 (I never knew you)

God First!

Starting conversations with a gift of love

February 23, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 2 Comments

Virginia and I walked along a nearby circular, wooded path, doing our thing, saying hello to everyone who passed. We greeted one man, probably in his early 30s, exchanged pleasantries, and continued walking, seeing him again about halfway around the circle. Only this time, we all stopped and chatted for a moment.

His name was Mitch, and during our conversation, I asked if he believed in God. He responded, “Yes,” then said he was about to ask me a similar question because he felt the love of Jesus in us earlier. While speaking, I reached into my backpack, told him I wanted to give him something, and began retrieving a God First cup with its messages. While doing so, explaining, “I don’t want to give this gift to someone who won’t appreciate it, which is why I asked if you believed in God.” As Mitch took the cup of inspiration, he was extremely appreciative.

We spoke briefly about some of the responses I have received sharing these cups with others, and how I have been saddened by the percentage of people who state they don’t believe, maybe as high as 25%. I mentioned one seemingly bitter lady who recently responded: “No, I don’t, and I DON’T WANT TO BE PREACHED TO EITHER!” (She later wanted to know why I asked)

During our very brief conversation, we covered a few topics. Mitch mentioned love and the Holy Spirit a few times, emphasizing his understanding of the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives.

I mentioned how we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit by baptism (citing Acts 2:38) and emphasized the importance of studying and learning God’s Word, according to His Word, that we might truly understand and not be swayed from the truth.

How Scripture states, “… each one of us will give an account of himself to God.” Pointing out that I will not be held accountable for his actions, nor will he be for mine; however, we can certainly help each other out along the way.

We mutually agreed that it was important to share God’s word with love, as scripture commands, rather than in a spirit of condemnation.

We discussed that the word ‘Belief’ is often used too loosely. How scripture points out. Even the demons believe—and shudder! So, just saying, “I think there’s someone up there” isn’t enough.

As an example, I mentioned some state: that baptism is not essential to salvation, yet scripture plainly states, “Baptism now saves us.” Though the conversation was short, I also invited Mitch to visit our local congregation, The Buford Church of Christ, where the emphasis is on study and worship that’s modeled on the practices of early Church worship, rather than on entertainment so prevalent in many churches today., so, along with the God First cup, I also gave him a card with the location, Worship and Bible study times, etc.,

(I wrote this synopsis from memory and a few notes made as we walked away from Mitch. Although I did not quote word for word all the verses below in our conversation, I did refer to most of them and explained if we had time, I could find and show him all the scriptures I was referring to.)

Maybe we will meet Mitch again one day and have further discussion, or, better yet, he will visit our Buford Church of Christ congregation, feel the love of Christ so prevalent in the members, and embark on learning more.

Scripture references made:

• Romans 14:12 (each will give account)
• Acts 2:38 (receive the gift of the Holy Spirit)
• Mark 16:16 (believe and be baptized)
• 1 Peter 3:21 (Baptism now saves us)
• 2 Timothy 2:15 (study to Shew thyself approved)
• Matthew 7:21-23 (Not everyone)
• James 2:19 (Even demons believe)
• 1 Peter 3:15 (Share with love)
• Ephesians 6:16-20 (share boldly)

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6

God First!

*AI generated photo

Bible Translations

February 13, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 1 Comment

The languages of the Bible are unique to their time, and this is excellent!

Here is why

Language scholars can refer to the original writings to clarify meaning. They can discover how the original text was used and written. Often, the words in the original language have several possible meanings. Yet only one of those meanings fits best within the context of how the word was used and stays consistent with the whole of other scripture.

None of the manuscripts or letters are in the original writer’s hand. They were all copied by scribes repeatedly, regardless of the type of paper or stone they were originally written on.

With the “King James Version,” all the manuscripts available at the time were combined into the books of the Bible. The translations were completed by a large group of approximately 50 highly qualified scholars. These scholars checked, double-checked, and triple-checked the letters and manuscripts they had. They tested each piece against a set of rules they created to ensure it had been correctly translated. These scholars also defined the chapters, verses, and punctuation to facilitate reading today, as these were not part of the original language.

More transcripts were found after the “King James” translation. Some of these writings were older than those used to create the KJV. Many modern versions use the King James Version as their base to create versions that are easier for readers to understand. In contrast, other versions compare the manuscripts used to translate the KJV with older manuscripts and then revise the new versions, prioritizing the older manuscripts. Note: In a few cases, an entire verse was removed based on older writings; these changes were minor and did not alter the text of Scripture.

If English is our native tongue, we often think only of these versions as being in Old or modern English; however, many translations of God’s Word have been made in multiple languages.

It’s also true that not all versions were translated with the same care. In fact, some versions are no more than one person’s interpretation, while others are produced by groups with an agenda beyond a strict translation; this is why it’s essential to understand how a translation came about to determine how much credibility we should accord to what we read.

Personally, I like ESV, KJV, NKJ, NASB1995, and the ASV the most. I also use other versions occasionally to help understand some verses. The most meticulous interpretation of scripture undertaken in the 1600s, under the threat of death, was the KJV.

As a follower of Christ and not a scholar of biblical languages, I rely heavily on versions I believe were compiled with the greatest accuracy.

All this said, I trust God

I believe God’s Holy Word is just that: God’s Holy Word. I trust each word and believe it is possible to understand everything God wants us to understand clearly. We just need to set aside our desires and expectations, open our hearts and minds, and pay attention to God’s desires and will.

The Bible is not a book of confusion.

What makes it seem confusing is us. When we try to twist what it says into what we think it should say. We also need to remember that the Bible is a collection of several books that make one book. So, when we look at one verse using the word faith, it does not discount all the verses that include baptism and vice versa.

What’s the whole picture? What do the books combined tell us is necessary for Salvation?

If we’re willing to admit to ourselves that we may have more to learn. The complete answer is available to us in Scripture

The Bible continues to be the #1 bestseller

I cannot fathom God giving us His complete Word in forms we can’t possibly understand. Can you?

I can’t perceive that God went through all this effort, including the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross so that we might have eternal life, spent thousands of years bringing all of this to fruition, only to give us a Bible, we can’t trust to be accurate or understand with a little effort, reasoning, and discernment; this would be ridiculous.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

God First!

Category: Belief (Page 1 of 3)

Pray and do – Draw closer to God

How often must God say something for it to be True?

The unexpected answer

The Prayer that led to Root-Growing change

I believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Bible Translations

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Categories

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

ADVOCATE FOR CHRIST

Archives

Contact us:

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Categories

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

ADVOCATE FOR CHRIST

Sign up now

Archives

Contact us: