Category: Salvation (Page 1 of 4)

Don’t Treat God’s Word Like Junk Mail

October 31, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

When I wrote this, I had just read what I usually dismiss as “junk mail.” It was from a natural gas competitor to the company I’ve used for years. Normally I throw such advertisements away, but this one caught my attention. I realized I had no idea what I was paying per therm. I pulled out my last bill and thought I must have misread it, so I called my gas company to check.

I was shocked. Because our contract had expired long ago, we had been automatically switched to a monthly rate that was almost double the locked-in contract rate. I had been paying hundreds of dollars more than necessary simply because I never took the time to sign a new fixed-rate contract.

As I thought about it, I realized it was my fault—not the gas company’s. Notices had almost certainly gone out. The option to lock in a better rate had always been available. I simply paid little attention and eventually forgot. I paid a high price for failing to understand how the system worked.

I have since taken a little time to learn the details and locked in a 24-month contract at roughly half the rate I had been paying.

Although God’s Word is not “junk mail,” it often lies on tables, bookshelves, and cabinets untouched and forgotten by many, as if it were.

As someone who once neglected Scripture but now studies it, I see clear similarities between my gas-bill experience and the way many of us treat the Word of God. We set it aside instead of opening it.

Through God’s Word we can know:

His love and desires for our well-being
His creative work, past plans, and future purposes
That nothing He does is accidental—everything is part of a plan to offer eternal life to those who accept His terms
The Son of God, who was with the Father in the beginning and shared in creation
That Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection make eternal life available to all through God’s grace
What obedient faith looks like and how to receive that grace
How to discern true teaching from false teaching

The list is endless. Yet if we never take the time to learn what God has actually said, we will miss the offer—just as I missed the lower gas rate.

It is never too late for anyone still on this earth to begin studying and responding to God’s invitation. His offer of eternal life is unmatched, and it is not as complicated as many assume. Spend time in the one book that leads to life with Him. As you do, you will want to act on what you discover.

Whose fault will it be if you ignore God’s offer by failing to learn what He requires?

Hear the gospel.
Believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
Repent of your sins.
Confess Jesus as Lord.
Be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Live faithfully until you leave this earth for eternal life with God and His people.

Supporting Scriptures

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; Matthew 16:16
Repentance: 2 Corinthians 7:9-10; Luke 13:3-5; Acts 17:30
Confession: Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32-33; Luke 12:8-9; Matthew 16:16
Baptism (for the forgiveness of sins): 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; Acts 22:16
Live Faithfully: Revelation 2:10; Philippians 2:12
Study and Act: 2 Timothy 2:15; James 1:22; Acts 17:11

God First!

God Knows You Among 8 Billion

October 26, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

God has approximately 8.32 billion souls on this earth today, and Jesus died for each and every one of us. God knows you and your heart, no matter who you are among the billions.

Through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus (God’s only Son), you and all of us have been extended access to the greatest gift ever offered: eternal life with our Creator. How? By choosing to follow Jesus, learning to keep His commandments, and keeping God first in our lives.

Scripture shows us that as we hear God’s Word and believe, our understanding will lead us to repent of our sins (change direction), confess Jesus as the Son of God, be baptized (immersed in water) for the forgiveness of our sins, and then, in our faith, pursue a life of doing God’s will according to His Holy Word—sharing with others through words and deeds the hope that is in us.

God’s Holy Word is how we get to know God; His living Word tells us exactly how to respond to His love and grace.

“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). In the conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus had already spoken of being born of water and the Spirit as the way into the kingdom (John 3:5). True belief is an obedient faith that responds to God’s call.

“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself’” (Acts 2:38–39). This was Peter’s direct answer on Pentecost to those who had already heard the gospel and asked, “What shall we do?” Baptism is the point at which forgiveness is received.

“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). Peter compares baptism to the waters of the Flood that carried Noah to safety. The saving power is not in the water itself, but in the obedient response that appeals to God through the resurrection of Jesus.

Hearing the Gospel: Romans 10:17
Belief/Faith: Hebrews 11:1; John 8:24
Repentance of sin: 2 Corinthians 7:9–10; Luke 13:3–5; Acts 17:30
Confess Christ: Romans 10:9–10; Matthew 10:32–33
Baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sin: Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Romans 6:3–4; Matthew 28:18–20

God First!

Missing the mark so closely can have dramatic results.

October 24, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

One day, while cutting down a tree on our property, I ”missed the mark.” I missed it by a couple of inches, dropping the large dead tree in the opposite direction of my intention. My cut was slightly below the wedge I’d removed. I realized it when the tree clamped down on my chainsaw, and it became stuck in the tree. I shut it off and walked away with my brother. As we contemplated the next step, a branch fell from the tree. Shortly after, we watched as the whole tree slowly leaned and fell. The bar on my chainsaw then looked like a twisted metal pretzel.

It’s eye-opening to think about how “missing the mark” so closely changed the results so dramatically.

Thankfully, the result of that day’s mistake didn’t matter much, and nobody got hurt, but it sure reinforces the importance of “hitting the mark” when missing so closely can result in disaster.

It’s also important that we “hit the mark” in doing God’s will; being careless can have dire consequences.

In Matthew 7:21, Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

We really have no excuses for not doing the will of God according to God’s will, as we have the complete word of God (The Bible) readily available. However, scripture does not come by osmosis; We can only know scripture through study. It’s so important that we really can’t allow others to do it for us. We all need to understand Scripture as we are each responsible for working out our own salvation.

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” Philippians 2:12 ESV.

See also: James 1:22; 2 Timothy 2:15; Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:24–27.

God First!

Turning It Over to God Is Not Trite—It’s Trust

October 23, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Sometimes, it sounds trite to say, “JUST TURN IT OVER TO GOD,” but this is where our trust in God, faith, and belief come into play. When Christians strive to follow Christ with obedient faith, we are striving towards righteousness. In (Mark 11:24) we are told, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” So, how do we turn it over to God? Well, we pray, we believe, and we trust in God’s answer, which allows us to let it go.

I once became so consumed by my concern for a loved one that it affected everything I did, including my marital relationship, until the day I realized that all my attempts to help this person were nothing more than temporary fading patches. Both I and my loved one needed to know that God was the answer, NOT ME or anything else. I asked myself, who would be there for them if I was gone? As I thought about my question, I realized God was the only answer! So, that night, I got on my knees and fervently prayed through heartfelt tears. I begged and pleaded in anguish and fear, asking God to help them, asking God to put people in their lives who could help them. I know that God’s will is the best will for all of us, so I took my cue from Christ’s example in the garden, and I asked that God’s will be done. I turned my cares over to Jesus.

My prayer that night wasn’t me giving up on that person in any way. I just realized, as never before, that God has complete control, and mine is extremely limited. That night, I literally felt a great invisible weight removed from my shoulders, replaced by a trusting calm.

After this prayer, when I heard from this person about self-inflicted difficulties, I limited my involvement and encouraged them to seek God’s will and pray; I offered to pray with them. To this day, I still pray for this person every day, and they have come a long way from those days and now include God in all that they do.
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” In 1 Peter 5:6-7, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for He careth for you.”
In summary, don’t allow yourself to be consumed by things you can’t control. Turn them over to God! Pray and seek help from the one who can help when no one else can, the one who created everything you see and know, the one who created you and loves you like no other – The God of Love, who is Love.

When Christians strive to follow Christ with obedient faith, we are striving towards righteousness. When we turn that which we cannot control over to God, it’s not trite; it’s where our trust, faith, and belief come into play and substantiate our trust in God. God is love and will carry us through. For Christians, this world is not our home. Christians look forward to the fact that there will be no tears in heaven. By putting God First in our lives, we make this world a better place by our loving actions.

God’s word tells us to hear, believe, repent, and confess the name of Jesus and be immersed in the watery grave of baptism for the forgiveness of our sins. In (Acts 2:38) we find in doing so, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Only by doing so and living righteously theirafter, can live knowing that heaven is now our eternal home.

Hearing: – Romans 10:17, John 8:32
Belief/Faith: – Hebrews 11:1, John 8:24, Romans 10:17, Acts 3:19
Repentance: – 2 Cor. 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!

If Jericho Fell on the News: Would We Alter the Gospel?

October 2, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

While listening to Joshua’s account of the fall of Jericho in the Old Testament, I wondered how it would be received in today’s world of Social media and live news feeds. I imagine the media would explode with interviews, conjecture, ridicule, and laughter run-amok. Would there be even one media source that would not be mocking these followers of God who say their God is the “One and Only God” in my opinion, the sarcasm would be relentless.

Can you envision the video they would capture or the reporter’s words? “These people actually believe the huge city walls in this video will collapse if they march around the city once a day for six days while staying quiet, and then on day seven march around the city seven times with priest blowing trumpets; then, at the sound of one last trumpet, they believe all they have to do is yell, and this massive wall, this huge massive wall of Jericho, is going to fall down so they can take the city”

Can you imagine the news coverage? How about the jaw-dropping shock to the world of unbelievers when the wall falls?

Do you think the walls of Jericho would have fallen if they had done anything less than what God commanded them to do? The same God who specified the march also specified how a person comes into Christ. Hebrews 11:30 says the walls fell by faith after they had been encircled for seven days. The city had already been given (Joshua 6:2); the marching did not earn it. The promise was attached to the instructions, and the result came when those instructions were kept

For some reason, many today take huge liberties with God’s word and make statements along the lines of, “God loves us; Jesus died for us, and because He loves us, we don’t need to be baptized (immersed) to be saved. We don’t need to gain understanding, repent, confess Jesus as Lord, or change our life; all we have to do is say a prayer, and we are saved, and once we are saved, we are always saved.

Scripture does not present a prayer as the converting act. It names belief, repentance, confession, and baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 10:9–10). A changed life follows that response; it is not a work done beforehand to earn it (Romans 6:4; John 14:15). Passages on security address those who continue in Christ (John 10:28–29; Romans 8:38–39). They do not cancel the warnings against falling away we find in (Hebrews 3:12–14; 10:26–29; 2 Peter 2:20–22).

What if a priest in Joshua’s camp said, 7 times is unnecessary; God loves us; let’s pray, then blow the trumpets and yell, ‘God is with us! Or any other variance from God’s command. Do you really believe the walls would have fallen had anything less than God’s command been done?

I don’t!

God attached the promise to the instructions He gave. The walls fell when those instructions were kept (Joshua 6:20). I do not believe a substituted plan would have brought the same result.

The walls would never have fallen if they had done anything other than what God told them to do. In 2 Kings 5:14, Naaman was told to dip seven times in the River Jordan to heal his leprosy; He first wanted a different method. He was cleansed when he dipped seven times “according to the saying of the man of God. ”had he tried to sprinkle water on his body or do anything else, he would not have been healed because he did not do as God commanded. We are told to teach the message of Christ with boldness and love, not by changing the message to get more people to listen or respond. Doing so is foolish!

Christ’s blood is the ground of forgiveness. Faith, repentance, confession, and baptism are the conditions God set for receiving it—not works that earn it.

Throughout Scripture, we have words and examples showing that it is important to do God’s will, God’s way, as stated in His Holy Word, not our own desires. This was true then, and it’s true now.

Jesus tells us, “If you love Me, you will keep My Commandments.” God specified the way at Jericho. He has specified the way now.

Hebrews 11:30; Joshua 6:2–5, 20; 2 Kings 5:10–14; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3–4; Galatians 3:26–27; 1 Peter 3:21; John 14:15; Matthew 7:21; James 2:14–26; Hebrews 5:9.

God First!

This life is not the End: Heaven is the Beginning In Christ Death has lost its Sting

Death Is Certain. So Is Heaven for Those In Christ

September 17, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

I’ve been enjoying life for almost 66 years. This may seem like a long time for a 20-year-old, but in my mind, it’s very short. I’ve also seen and suffered from various types of diseases such as flu, pneumonia, colds, diabetes, mono, dementia, mobility, hearing, and eye issues. During this time, I’ve also lost loved ones to accidents, cancers, heart and liver failures. I even lost a friend to murder and know others who have lost loved ones to such crime.

Life is difficult at times.

In recent years, a virus (COVID-19) brought horrible deaths and extreme anxiety to this world, and we feared the horrendous pain, suffering, and loss it caused. Its existence spurred division among family, friends, and countries. Many felt the need to isolate themselves and became afraid to be around others.

For many, hugs and closeness faded into memories as fear of catching or spreading the disease became the new norm. A scratchy throat, the slightest sniffle, sneeze, cough, or faintest fever incited worry and fear. We were told to take precautions, use hand sanitizer, wash our hands, and practice distancing. Some wore masks, while others argued over their effectiveness.

All said, I personally refused to let fear control my life! Instead, I put my trust in God! This does not mean I would not die of the virus someday or lose loved ones to it.

One ICU nurse stated: “It takes who it takes.”

This is true of every ailment and adds perspective. I contracted this disease for the first time in 2021, and it hit me hard. In 2019, I found myself close to death with a pulmonary embolism (blood clots in my lungs and both legs). Throughout my life, I’ve had other close calls with accidents. Here’s the bottom line: We are all going to die of something, and none of us know when or how. So what actions should we take? What do I mean by “Trust in God?”

Some dare to blame God for the death of loved ones, murders, and accidents. God is never the author of moral evil; that is Satan’s domain. Yet disease, accidents, and death exist because we live in a world broken by sin since the Fall in Genesis 3. Scripture shows that God ‘sends rain on the just and the unjust’ (Matthew 5:45), and Jesus warned that those who died in disasters were not worse sinners than others (Luke 13:1–5). Death is inevitable, and none of us know when. Rather than blame, be prepared.

How? By learning what God wants you to know and following Jesus.

Jesus is everyone’s pathway to eternal life, where death, sickness, and pain have no existence. None!

This life is not the end; it’s the beginning!

When we are “In Christ,” we have chosen to take advantage of the Grace God offered us. In Christ, God has forgiven our sins, and our forever home is with Him. If we are “in Christ” and pursue a Christ-like life, we can live without fear of death; we can live instead with peace that surpasses understanding as heaven awaits. So why worry? In Christ, we can truly count it all joy!

In James 5:16, God points out that the prayers of the righteous avail much, so let us live fully by pursuing righteousness and praying with confidence that our prayers are heard. It is a great comfort to know our loved ones in Christ who lived accordingly are in paradise.

Scripture tells us: “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

Always be prepared

* Matthew 24:36-51 (No one knows the Day or Hour)
* 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (Fight the good fight)
* 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 (God of all Comfort)
* Philippians 4:4-7 (The Peace of God)

How to be In Christ

Hear the Gospel: Romans 10:17; John 8:32
Belief/Faith: Hebrews 11:1; John 8:24; Romans 10:17
Repentance: 2 Corinthians 7:9–10; Luke 13:3–5; Acts 17:30; Acts 3:19
Confess: Romans 10:9–10; Matthew 10:32–33; Luke 12:8–9
Baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins: 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 2:38; 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

Additional references: Matthew 6:25–34; Luke 12:22–32; Philippians 4:4–7; Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 55:22; Psalm 56:3–4; Psalm 94:19; Proverbs 3:5–6; Proverbs 12:25; John 14:27; John 16:33; Colossians 3:15; Hebrews 13:5–6; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:31–32; Ephesians 2:8–9; Hebrews 9:27; John 14:6; Romans 8:18, 8:28, 8:38–39; 1 Corinthians 15:54–57; Revelation 21:4; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philippians 1:21, 1:23; Hebrews 2:14–15; James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 23:4; Isaiah 41:10; 2 Timothy 4:7–8.

Worry changes nothing!

September 12, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27, ESV) While we need to prepare and be as prepared as possible, it does us “no good” to worry. WORRY CHANGES NOTHING (and it may harm our health). Worry cannot add an hour to life. The Father’s care, not our anxiety, sustains us. With or without worry, we still have to meet each day’s trouble on that day. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34, ESV)

While this seems easier said than done, God is able to guard what we cannot control. The key is to be “in Christ” and allow the God of all comfort to be with us in every trial. Pray without ceasing.

“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, ESV)

“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 5:7, with 5:6)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)

Blessed be “the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4, ESV)

Jesus’ answer is not merely “stop worrying.” It is to put God first:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

The peace that surpasses understanding is promised to those who are in Christ Jesus. Peace is God’s gift, not something we manufacture.

The following Scripture tells us how we become “in Christ.”

“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 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. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death He died He died to sin, once for all, but the life He lives He lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 6:3–11) We are saved by grace through faith, we can’t earn God’s peace.

The gospel does call us to respond:

God First!

What shall we do? Acts 2:38: Repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins

Learning What the 3,000 Learned at Pentecost

August 30, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

When the Church of Christ was first established in 33 AD, the apostles told their audience about the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and many in the crowd listened. I would imagine they listened very intently, and the more they heard, the more they realized the significance of what had been done. They were now comprehending the truth over a false narrative. They now realized the Jesus they hung on the cross was indeed the Son of God. This awakening prompted them to be concerned, wonder, and ask: “What shall we do?

“And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized (immersed) every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38 ESV

To repent of sin is to realize we are wrong and become remorseful. In this remorse, we understand our sinful actions move us away from God and towards eternal darkness. In this realization, we long never to make such bad choices again. Thus, we develop a strong hunger to make it right; we repent, consciously taking steps in a new direction, walking away from the darkness of this world towards the forgiving light of Jesus.

Peter went on to say, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” We do this with obedient faith; this is how we accept God’s grace.

Each of us is accountable for our own salvation; each person who hears this message can be saved by responding to the Word of God!

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13

Choosing to follow God is not a forced decision; it’s an informed decision.

God has given us reason and proof to believe. In today’s world, we all have access to God’s Word. So why not study the Word of God and find out if what you understand from others is what the Bible says? If not, be willing to change direction.

When God’s Word is our foundation rather than the words of others, we will gain better discernment to follow Christ according to His Word, not Mankind’s.

“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:41 ESV

After hearing Peter’s answer and more testimony, the inspired Words of God spoken by Peter compelled them, and on that day, around three thousand souls came to understand that to be saved, they needed to change direction(repent), be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, and by doing so would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Scripture goes on to tell us that those who did so were added to the Lord’s church. NOTE: It does NOT say that everyone who heard the message of Christ was added to the Church.

Peter’s answer was good for about 3000 souls. Ever wonder why it’s not good enough for many today? Scripture does NOT say they were baptized simply as an outward sign of an inward decision. No, God’s Word says they were baptized for the forgiveness of sins.

Why do some discount the apostles’ answer and cling to claims invented by others thousands of years later?

Some claims today: “A prayer alone now saves you,” “faith alone now saves you,” “baptism is a work,” or “you can be saved without understanding.”

I implore anyone who believes these ideas not to put their faith in what someone told them. Put your faith in the inspired Words of God. Please, please, please, take time to search and look closer at what Scripture says on these critical matters. Scripture really does speak for itself. It’s from God!

Find out what the bible says about how to be “In Christ.”

Don’t believe me; believe God’s own words. Open your Bible and look for truth in Scripture inspired by the Holy Spirit. (It is the Absolute Truth of God.) Take comfort in knowing that the Bible proves God and that all Scripture is from God. (Below, many verses are listed that tell us how to accept the grace of God)

Hear the Gospel: Romans 10:17; John 8:32

Belief/Faith: – Hebrews 11:1, John 8:24, Romans 10:17

Repentance: – 2 Cor. 7:9-10, Luke 13:3-5, Acts 17:30, Acts 3:19

Confess: – Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9

Baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sin: – 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 2:38, Mark 16:15-16, 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

Article Pertinent: Acts 2:47, Acts 16:30–33, Acts 18:8, Acts 22:16, Romans 14:12, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Galatians 3:26–27, Ephesians 2:8–10, 2 Thessalonians 1:7–8, Titus 3:5, Hebrews 5:8–9, Hebrews 11:6, James 2:24, Ezekiel 18:20, Revelation 2:10

God First!

No Excuses before Our Eternal Judge The Greatest Opportunity - Eternal Life

No Excuses Before the Eternal Judge

August 1, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

We will all stand before God, and when we do, is there any excuse we can give to justify our rejection of God’s Grace and His Son’s Sacrifice? Is there any acceptable reason we can offer our eternal Judge as to why we followed our own ideas and desires rather than His intent for us?

—NOT, from anything I’ve read.

I once thought I could claim ignorance; however, God knows our hearts and would know if my actions were willful or truly ignorant. He knows if I study or just accept what I’ve been told. How stupid to think I could claim ignorance at judgment?

Knowing our Hearts means God knows the real reason behind every decision we make. Nothing is hidden from God! We will be judged according to God’s Word, so shouldn’t we get to know God through His Word? (John 12:48)

Every moment in this world, we choose to follow God or evil; there is no in-between. God wants us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and others as Christ loved us. (Mark 12:30, John 13:34-35) Why? Because this is not only our pathway to eternal life, it’s also how we obtain peace in our hearts that surpasses understanding in this life. Yes, God has extended His Grace to all who will take up the cross and follow Jesus. This means keeping His commandments, not our ideas, but what does His word say. (John 14:15, 1 John 2:3-5)

This is the Greatest Opportunity ever offered to mankind—“Eternal Life in Heaven.” Forever in God’s presence.

What an honor!

It’s hard to understand why so many of us trample on rather than respond with gratitude to all of God’s Love by giving God all of ours, but at one time, I was guilty of this very response.

God Breathed Scripture tells us exactly how to accept God’s Grace, how to follow Jesus and keep His commandments; it gives us our pathway to heaven, but none of it happens by osmosis; we must hear God’s Word, Believe, Repent (turn away), from our sins, Confess Jesus as God’s Son, and be Baptized (immersed in water), for the purpose of having our sins forgiven as stated in Scripture. (I provide these Scriptures in the hope that you will not just take my word but rather study for yourselves. Open your Bible and read the scriptures God gave us).

References

John 14:1-31 (the way, keep commands)
Philippians 4:7 (peace)
Revelation 3:16–17 (lukewarm)
Hebrews 4:13; 1 Samuel 16:7; Jeremiah 17:10, Matthew 6:24; Revelation 3:15-16

Hear the Gospel: Romans 10:17, John 8:32

Belief/Faith: Hebrews 11:1, John 8:24, Romans 10:17, Acts 3:19

Repentance: 2 Cor. 7:9-10, Luke 13:3-5, Acts 17:30

Confess Christ as God’s Son: 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’s Word has the answers!

God First!

Social Media not just the devils workshop / Seeds of Truth - Let your light shine for Christ

Satan’s workshop or God’s? our choice

July 14, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Social media turns off many people because freedom of speech is abused with disrespectful, attention-grabbing rants, gossip, foul language, crude and distasteful images, etc.; I’ve heard many refer to social media as “the devil’s workshop.” Well, this may all have some truth to it; however, it will be what we make of it.

It doesn’t have to be just Satan’s workshop. No, when good, righteous-seeking people who love Jesus decide to post, share, like, and love only good things, we help make social media a better place. The simple truth is that Satan is in this world, his actions are all around us, and we can’t make a difference if we hide rather than let our light shine and try to make a difference (Mathew 5:14-16). Jesus charged His disciples with sharing the gospel with the whole world; we are to plant the seeds of Truth. So, when we choose to walk away from farmland we could cultivate and plant, we leave it wide open for Satan to spread seeds of weeds and destruction.

Why not be engaging instead? We can use social media platforms to encourage and share the soul-saving truth of a better life with Christ. We don’t have to write articles, but we can support those who do with LIKES, LOVES, and encouraging COMMENTS. We can share articles and memes of truth and uplifting thoughts.

On social media, the seeds of truth will be cast on all types of soil; so spread them, God will provide the growth, even if you never see the results. Trust God (1 Corinthians 3:7).

When you encounter negative statements, and you will, don’t take them personally; be compassionate, understanding, and try to be helpful; they stem from the ignorance of God’s Word. Jesus and his disciples cast numerous seeds, and when they were rejected, it was in far worse ways than a negative or hurtful comment.

I personally don’t want to gamble my soul’s eternity on what someone feels scripture says when there is so much understanding to be had by gaining a fuller knowledge of what God’s Word actually says.

God’s word cannot be shared with silence. It is what it is, but it will be what you make of it!

Mark 4:1-20
1 Corinthians 3:6-11
Mark 16:15–20
Matthew 28:19–20

God First!

Category: Salvation (Page 1 of 4)

Don’t Treat God’s Word Like Junk Mail

Supporting Scriptures

God Knows You Among 8 Billion

Missing the mark so closely can have dramatic results.

Turning It Over to God Is Not Trite—It’s Trust

If Jericho Fell on the News: Would We Alter the Gospel?

Death Is Certain. So Is Heaven for Those In Christ

Worry changes nothing!

Learning What the 3,000 Learned at Pentecost

No Excuses Before the Eternal Judge

God’s Word has the answers!

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God’s word cannot be shared with silence. It is what it is, but it will be what you make of it!

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