Category: Christian living (Page 1 of 3)

Be the Church Christ Purchased with His Blood

October 4, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Who is the church? The church is not a building. It is the people Christ purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28). They are those who have repented and been buried with Him in baptism for the forgiveness of sins, raised to walk in newness of life, and added by the Lord to His body (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; Romans 6:3–4; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Scripture calls us to follow Christ and to handle His word accurately, to the glory of God (Matthew 7:21; 2 Timothy 2:15).

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death (Romans 6:3). In one Spirit we were all baptized into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Attending Bible classes and worship whenever we can helps us draw near to God. “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). Each class, worship service, prayer, and song turns our minds toward our Creator and reminds us whose we are.

As disciples of Christ and members of His body, our times together teach us to love and encourage one another as we seek a clearer understanding of God’s will (Hebrews 10:24–25). Each visit is an opportunity to share our lives, bear one another’s burdens, and become better equipped to resist temptation. We are reminded of Jesus’ love and sacrifice, and of the forgiveness He offers when we repent and keep His commandments (John 14:15; 1 John 1:7–9). We compare our choices with His word and, when we need to, turn again in repentance.

We are not alone in the challenges, victories, and pains of life. We shake hands, embrace, listen, laugh, cry, and pray together, turning our burdens over to Jesus and helping each other in what ways we can (2 Corinthians 1:3–7).

Together we give thanks to God in worship, prayer, and song, and we let that gratitude show in our words and example. As we study, we strengthen our resolve to follow Christ and keep His commandments, so that others may see the hope that is in us and ask why (1 Peter 3:15). We want them to know the joy and peace of being in Christ, and what it is to walk through this world with our Savior’s help.

Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might present her to Himself in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she would be holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:25–27). He prayed that those who believe in Him through the apostles’ word may all be one, even as the Father is in Him and He in the Father, so that the world may believe that the Father sent Him (John 17:20–21). And He charged His people: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:15–16).

For those near us, you are invited to join this journey of study and worship.

Buford Church of Christ
1135 Chatham Road
Buford, GA 30518 Sunday: 9 am | Bible class, in person (all ages)
10 am | Worship, in person and online
6 pm | Worship, in person and online Wednesday: 7 pm | Bible class, in person and online To God be the glory.

God First!

God’s Greatest Commandments: Love Him First, Love Others Always

September 28, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Mark 12:29-33

Matthew records the same teaching this way: “On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:40). They do not erase the rest of God’s will. They show what every command is for: wholehearted love for God, and real love for people.

Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Love your neighbor as yourself.

“Love your neighbor as yourself” assumes we already seek our own good; it does not teach self-worship but we cannot claim love for God while refusing to love others as ourselves. These are not mutually exclusive (1 John 4:20–21)

Jesus calls us to follow Him daily. He knows what is best for us. Luke 9:23 says that following Him means denying ourselves and taking up the cross daily. Are we drawing closer to Him in prayer and study? Or are we so occupied with everything else that we rarely think of our Savior, or even take time to pray?

Jesus does not treat love as a warm feeling we can have while ignoring what He said. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). He also gave a new command: love one another as He loved us—not only as we love ourselves (John 13:34; John 15:12–13).

That’s A LOT OF LOVE!

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8

In the above verse, James calls double-minded people to repent. Drawing near means turning from a split loyalty—not merely adding a brief prayer to a crowded day.

In Christ we can have the peace of God, which surpasses understanding, as we bring our requests to Him with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6–7). Prayer, however, is not a substitute for the Word. God’s Word cannot teach us if we leave it closed. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved… rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

2 Timothy 2:15
John 13:34
John 14:15
Mark 12:29-33
Matthew 22:40
Philippians 4:6–7
1 John 4:20–21
James 4:8
Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Leviticus 19:18; John 15:12-13; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14; 1 John 4:7-11, 19-21; Luke 9:23; Philippians 4:6-7;

God First!

40 Christians on a Bus: Will the Driver Meet Christ Through Us?

September 27, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

40 Christians on a tour bus for the week. A day has come and gone. How many of us will get to know the bus driver’s name? Is he married? Does he have children? Is he a Christian? Does he believe in Jesus? Is he in Christ?

By the end of the week, will the bus driver think of us as “good Samaritans”? As 40 Christ-loving, Christ-sharing people concerned for his well-being, for his soul, Christians willing to invest a little vacation time sharing the love of Christ with this stranger, or will we be just another group of people he drove around for the week?

This is a challenge for all Christians as a group or as individuals. Will we plant the seeds of truth in all that we do? Will those we meet know more about Christ’s love for them after we’re gone than they did before we met them?

“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” – Mark 16:15

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. – Philippians 2:3

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

Rhetorical question: How can we claim to love others and not seek every opportunity to share the most essential message of our lifetime? Christ is the soul-saving message that offers eternal life in heaven!

We should do our best to plant the seeds of Truth in all we do and use the opportunities God places in front of us—whether a week-long tour or a five-minute conversation. Plant the seed. God gives the increase

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10

see also: Matthew 22:37-39; Luke 10:25-37; Acts 8:4; Romans 10:14-15; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 John 3:18.

God First!

Write It Down, Cast It on Him

September 26, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

I once found myself extremely stressed as multiple concerns snuck up, combined, and weighed me down. I remember feeling so distraught and so overwhelmed I knew not what to do. Then I decided to write down my thoughts. Not for the purpose of sharing them with others, but to take those muddy thoughts in my mind, organize them, and put them somewhere else—like on paper. For some reason, this helped me think more clearly in the following days. It helped me prioritize my thoughts and clear away the mud in my mind.

I still do this from time to time. In fact, if you’re reading this, you see that I share some thoughts on social media and web platforms, but certainly not all.

I have also found that it’s just as important to read those thoughts back later as it is to write them down, even if what I wrote looks like incoherent Babel. That can be embarrassing if I have shared it publicly, but that doesn’t matter.

What matters is this: writing my thoughts down and rereading them helped clear my mind. It helped me identify the issues and separate what I could control from what I could not.

If you’re struggling in some way, writing might help. Take a little time and write for yourself, even if no one else ever reads it. Writing may help you think more clearly, as it did for me. But remember, writing is only a tool. Paper holds words. Jesus carries the burden if we will pray, turn those cares over to Him, and trust Him to help.

Scripture tells us to humble ourselves by casting our anxieties on God. So pray first, or pray as you write. You may even write out the prayer itself, telling God what is on your mind. That helps you recognize the anxieties you cannot control so you can turn them over to the One who can: Jesus. Then trust Him to carry that load.

“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

See also: 1 Samuel 1:10–18; Psalm 13:1–6; Psalm 42:5; Psalm 55:22; Psalm 62:8; Proverbs 3:5–6; Lamentations 3:19–24; Matthew 6:25–34; Matthew 11:28–30; Luke 12:22–31; Philippians 4:4–7; Hebrews 4:14–16; 1 Peter 5:5–9.

God First!

Do we really believe God Who will humbly reason from His Word?

Do We Really Believe God? Then Who Will Humbly Reason from His Word?

September 25, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

We have no shortage of knowledge at our fingertips, yet we have a vast shortage of open minds. Minds willing to humble themselves as they discuss and reason about God’s Word. Instead of being offended when something contradicts our current beliefs, why not turn to Scripture and let God’s complete words be the final answer?

“For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.” (1 Corinthians 13:9-10 NIV)

Are you offended or curious when someone states something from God’s Word that you’ve been taught differently? Is it possible you have been taught only part of the answer? Do you take time to review the Scripture they provide to support their claim, or do you go to a preacher or friend for a response? Will you take time to examine the Scriptures daily to see whether their points are true, or will you cling to your feelings on the matter?

Why not let the inspired words of God do the talking so you can learn more fully? Why not study the whole truth more closely yourself and seek answers from God’s word to any discrepancies between what you believe and what God’s word tells us?

This is how we can unite with Scripture! Instead of forcing pieces of Scripture to fit our feelings and current understanding, take a closer look.

This is the example the Apostle Paul gave us; he went into the synagogues to reason.

While in Thessalonica, Paul “reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus whom I proclaim to you is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded…” Acts 17:2-6

Paul reasoned from Scripture, yet not all were persuaded.

Later, in the town of Berea, Paul went into the synagogue to reason, and God’s word points out that those in this synagogue: “Now these Jews were more noble than those of Thessalonica; They received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Acts 17:11

Why were they considered more noble? Because of their open minds and eagerness to know the truth

By approaching God’s word with an open mind, we will indeed do our best to learn. So, let’s do so eagerly, examining Scripture to see if what we understand is so.

2nd Timothy 2:15 tells us: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

1 Corinthians 14:33 tells us: ”For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,”

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10 NIV)

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV“)

Isaiah 1:18; Psalm 119:18, 119:105, 119:160; Proverbs 2:1-6; Proverbs 3:5-6; Proverbs 18:13; John 17:17; Acts 17:2-4; Acts 17:11; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 13:9-10; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Galatians 1:8-9; Ephesians 4:3-6, 4:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:21-25; James 4:6, 4:10; 2 Peter 1:19-21; 1 John 4:1.

God’s word is complete.

God First!

Walking the Edge of God’s Word

September 24, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Some like to walk on the edge and make it appear fun and exciting rather than extremely hazardous. Likewise, many Christians attempt to walk on the edge of God’s Word and try to make their walk look appealing to those doing their best to walk on the safety of God’s firm foundation. (as if staying on the solid foundation means missing out on some of life’s enjoyment).

Why do those who walk the Edge of God’s Word want to bring others there, too? And why do so many accept their invitation and walk the edge behind them?

One simplified answer is a lack of understanding!

Scriptural understanding is needed for building strong faith. We can’t trust God and then distrust or discount God’s Word or the warnings of eternal peril associated with “edge walking”.

As written to the Church in Laodicea, we can’t be lukewarm and expect anything less than to be spewed out. (Revelation 3:15-20)

Some discount their actions with the phrase “God loves us,” as if that fact (and it is a fact) means God does not mean what he says in Scripture.

Their statement implies that because God loves us, He will not really allow anyone to spend forever in hell; however, is that what we find in Scripture? No.

Instead of “edge walking”, let’s strive to walk together with our brothers or sisters in Christ. First, let’s follow the pathway of strength and righteousness found in knowing and practicing God’s Word, and hold securely to Jesus’ extended hand so we may be secure in our footing. Then, being strong in our faith lets us extend our hand in Christian love for others to hold.

Instead of being influenced, let’s influence and encourage others who might be walking the edge to walk on the safety of the firm foundation of God’s Word.

For those in Christ, walking the path God lays out hand in hand with our Savior, there is no doubt of our salvation (Hebrews 3:14); yet when we walk on the edge, we find ourselves one misstep, one loose footing, one heavy wind from falling into the abyss of temptation, then living in willful sin that can take us towards eternal death if we do not repent.

“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which He was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Hebrews 10:26-31

Matthew 7:13–14, 21–27; Matthew 18:6; Matthew 25:46; Revelation 3:15–20; Hebrews 3:12–14; 2 Peter 2:20–22; Colossians 2:2–8; Ezekiel 18:21–26; Acts 8:22; Acts 11:23; Acts 14:22; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Jeremiah 50:6; Hosea 4:6; Proverbs 14:12; 1 Corinthians 10:12; James 1:22; Hebrews 2:1; Jude 22–23; 1 John 1:7–9; 1 John 5:13; Galatians 6:1; 2 Corinthians 13:5;Hebrews 6:4–8

God First!

Love Is Much More Than a Mere Word

September 23, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

To have an abundance of money is not something I can truly understand; however, having an abundance of love through caring brothers and sisters in Christ is something we cherish and enjoy. We are blessed to be servants among servants for the Lord. We love all our brothers and sisters in Christ, both near and far, and pray for your well-being and success in sharing the message of Christ.

LOVE IS MUCH MORE THAN A MERE WORD

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 ESV

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV

“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:” 1 Peter 4:8-10 ESV.

“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

1 John 3:18; John 13:34–35; 1 John 4:7–8, 19–21; Romans 13:8–10; John 15:12–13; Galatians 5:13–14, 22; Colossians 3:14; Romans 5:8; 1 John 3:16.

God First!

Thankful in all things Joy in every trial Our forever home

Joy Is Not the Absence of Pain

September 22, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

The Bible tells us to “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

To count it all joy (James 1:2-4)

Joy is not the absence of suffering and pain we all experience in this life, but knowing that this life is but a temporary home.

By doing God’s will and keeping Jesus’s commandments, we lay up treasure in Heaven for ourselves, giving those in Christ complete confidence that Heaven is our Forever Home. It does not teach salvation by works; rather, it describes the life of those already “in Christ.” (see Matthew 6:19–20, John 14:15) This gives us a peace beyond understanding which belongs to those who remain in Christ.

May we always be thankful and count it all joy. “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15).

Revelation 3:8-11, .Romans 8:18; Romans 8:28; John 16:33; Hebrews 13:14; 2 Corinthians 5:1; 1 Peter 1:3–7; Colossians 3:1–4; Philippians 4:4–7; Hebrews 11:13–16; 2 Corinthians 4:16–18; Revelation 21:3–4; Matthew 6:19–21; John 14:1–3, 15; Galatians 6:9; 1 Peter 3:15.

God First!

Help Others See What They Can Become in Christ

September 20, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 1 Comment

I am very thankful for all the encouragement I’ve received, both directly and indirectly, over the years. I’m thankful for those whose examples made me long to be more like them, as they lived lives that glorified Christ. It was obvious in their actions and words, in their concern for others, and in how and where they spent their time. Their efforts exemplified Christ’s life and personified selflessness.

These examples of good people made me want to examine myself, study God’s word, and deepen my understanding. These few people who affected me so much are now many in my life—many because I now choose to surround myself with them and others like them. In my opinion, their encouragement and edification have helped me become a better person.

I miss seeing many of these people weekly, as we did before Alzheimer’s affected our lives in such a way that we couldn’t. However, I still follow many of these outstanding examples on social media.

The people I speak of here are part of the Lord’s Church and helped me realize the importance of biblical study and of becoming and living as a Christian—because it doesn’t happen through osmosis! NO, these people continuously challenged me to study God’s Word together and independently, and now I strive to help others “see what they can become” in Christ, and through Christ, so we can all become better Me’s.

“Help others see what they can become” ~Philip Sanders

1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:29; Philippians 2:4; 2 Timothy 2:15, Proverbs 27:17; Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; Hebrews 3:13; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:15-16; Romans 15:14; Colossians 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7; 1 Peter 2:12.

God First!

Every Moment of Every Day: The Christian Walk Never Logs Off

September 13, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

The Christian’s walk is in every moment of every day, in every action and every word, in every emoji and every click, every comment on every post.

May the love of Christ show through us in everything we say and do, and may our lights shine in the darkness of evil even when temptations arise, so that our path is one others will want to follow as we follow Christ.

“Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1

“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.” Matthew 5:16

“for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light… Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. ”One small nuance, not a correction of doctrine: our lights are to shine in every moment, not only “when temptations arise.” Temptation is when the darkness presses hardest, but the walk itself is constant. If you want that even tighter, change one word: Ephesians 5:8, 11

God First!

Category: Christian living (Page 1 of 3)

Be the Church Christ Purchased with His Blood

God’s Greatest Commandments: Love Him First, Love Others Always

Write It Down, Cast It on Him

Do We Really Believe God? Then Who Will Humbly Reason from His Word?

Walking the Edge of God’s Word

Love Is Much More Than a Mere Word

Joy Is Not the Absence of Pain

Help Others See What They Can Become in Christ

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: