The best life is a God First life

Category: Salvation (Page 1 of 4)

Death Is Certain. So Is Heaven for Those In Christ

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 10:17John 8:32
Belief/FaithHebrews 11:1John 8:24Romans 10:17
Repentance: 2 Corinthians 7:9–10Luke 13:3–5Acts 17:30Acts 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 3:21Acts 2:38John 3:5Matthew 28:18–20Ephesians 4:5Romans 6:3–4Colossians 2:12Acts 8:36–39Mark 1:9–10John 3:23

Additional references: Matthew 6:25–34Luke 12:22–32Philippians 4:4–7Isaiah 26:3Psalm 55:22Psalm 56:3–4Psalm 94:19Proverbs 3:5–6Proverbs 12:25John 14:27John 16:33Colossians 3:15Hebrews 13:5–62 Timothy 1:7Romans 8:31–32Ephesians 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!

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:

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.

God First!

Learning What the 3,000 Learned at Pentecost

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)

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

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 the Eternal Judge

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!

Satan’s workshop or God’s? our choice

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.

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

God First!

Do not be confused, be wise instead

With God’s help, today’s challenges are tomorrow’s victories!

Do not be confused, be wise instead; study and pursue the will of God as if your soul’s future depends on it because it does. You cannot follow Jesus if you don’t understand the conditions. “Then Jesus told his disciples, 

You cannot do God’s will if you don’t know His will.

Satan wants us to believe that good is evil and evil is good.

Through the study of God’s Word, we gain understanding, and with understanding, faith, and discernment and how to obtain eternal salvation and help our loved ones to do the same.

  • Matthew 16:24-26
  • Romans 12:2 
  • Ephesians 5:17
  • Psalm 119:105
  • Proverbs 3:5-6
  • Isaiah 5:20
  • Proverbs 13:20
  • Proverbs 15:21
  • Philippians 1:9–10
  • Hosea 14:9
  • Romans 10:17

God First!

What’s not to love about Christianity?

Unless one’s goals are to do evil, what’s not to love about Christianity?

Christianity promotes: (Goodwill, Kindness, Love, Honesty, Compassion, Mercy, Forgiveness, Sharing, Sanctity of Life, etc.) “All things good!”

Christianity opposes: (Lies, Thievery, Corruption, Greed, Dishonesty, Revenge, Murder, Hatred, Deceitfulness, selfishness, hate, etc.) “All things bad!”

Utopia on earth is NOT possible, but if everyone embraced the teachings of Christ using God’s Word as our standard, we would be much closer.

  • 1 Corinthians 13
  • Ephesians 4:32
  • Mark 11:25
  • Matthew 6:14-15
  • John 13:34-35
  • Acts 2:38-47
  • Romans 12:19

God First!

Life can be tough; it’s why we need Christ as our foundation.

Sometimes life can be very tough, yet in Christ we will find ways to trudge forward. In Christ, we learn to lean on Christ by leaning on God’s Holy Word; to do so, we study and pray to know God’s Word, to know God.

In Christ, we pray with thanksgiving and hope, knowing God will provide. We cling to unwavering faith, knowing that tough times, like storms, eventually fade into sunshine and calm skies.

During seemingly long storms, our roots may be strained, but if we cling to the foundation of Christ, as the storm lifts, our roots will heal, and we will become stronger than ever. Our faith and foundation deepened, adding to our wisdom. Eventually, Good times will bless us again, and what we’ve gained will help us bless others, so that when we look back on our lives, we will find beauty growing along our paths and count it all Joy.

Remember, with God, all things are possible, and the storms will lift.

  • James 1:2-4
  • Matthew 7:24-25
  • Psalm 1:1-3
  • Jeremiah 17:7-8
  • Philippians 4:6
  • 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

God First!

In Christ, we have access to the power of God

In Christ, we have access to the power of God

God: Unseen by the human eye, yet His power and love are evident in all of creation. Through Jesus, we are encouraged to tap into God’s power. Scripture tells us that if we draw closer to God, He draws closer to us, that we should work toward righteousness and demonstrate our love by keeping the commandments of Jesus. Although we live in the world, we should not be of the world, so far as it depends on us, we are to live peaceably with all.

If God is with us, who can be against us!

IN Christ, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who intercedes with our prayers.
IN Christ and through Christ, we can petition God in faithful, fervent prayer.
IN Christ, we have God’s ear; we can turn those” out of our control” burdens over to Him and trust in Him.
IN Christ, the God of all comfort, helps us in times of suffering.
IN Christ, we can have peace that surpasses understanding.

Scripture tells us how to be” IN Christ,”

for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:26-29)

They were cut to the heart, and they asked, what do we do? (Acts 2:38-41)

  • Grace: – Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:24, Titus 2:11, Acts 15:11
  • Hear: – 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, Lu ke 13:3-5, Acts 17:30
  • Confess: – 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, 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
  • Live peaceably – (Romans 12:18)

Other Referenced Scripture: Romans 8:26, James 5:16, James 4:8, John 14:15, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, John 17:14-23, Genesis 1:1, Acts 17:24

Study, Verify, and believe God’s Word!

God First!

Judgment Day

Hope Ends – Faith Ends – Belief Ends – All False teachings End

Our Eternal Reality Begins

Are you ready?

On Judgment Day, in a twinkling of an eye, all our Hope, faith, and belief disappear as we face the reality of the choices we face today.

Every Truth we shared that brought someone to Christ or every false teaching we adopted, repeated, or promoted leading us and others away from Christ will become part of our fate, part of our judgment. It is so important that we don’t accept others’ words but rather question and study God’s word. God gave us Truth, Example, Inferences, and References to follow in His Word. If we find a contradiction, it shows our understanding is wrong – seek the truth in God’s word, believing false teaching has serious consequences.

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV

  • John 5:39
  • 1 Corinthians 15:52
  • 2 Corinthians 6:2
  • Acts 17:11
  • 2 Timothy 2:15
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:21
  • 1 John 4:1
  • Hebrews 5:14
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • 2 Peter 2:1-3
  • Galatians 1:8-9
  • Matthew 7:15-20
  • Jude 1:3-4
  • James 3:1
  • Matthew 18:6
  • Matthew 5:19
  • Revelation 20:12-13
  • Romans 2:6
  • Ecclesiastes 12:14
  • 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
  • 1 Corinthians 13:12
  • Hebrews 4:12-13

God First!

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