Tag: Baptism (Page 1 of 2)

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!

Live as if you soul's eternity depends on your choices

Choices make a difference

October 12, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Deuteronomy 30:15–20

15 “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, and death and adversity;
16 in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply, and that the Lord your God may bless you in the land where you are entering to possess it.
17 But if your heart turns away and you will not obey, but are drawn away and worship other gods and serve them,
18 I declare to you today that you shall surely perish. You will not prolong your days in the land where you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess it.
19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,
20 by loving the Lord your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”

Joshua 24:14–15

14 “Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.
15 If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Matthew 7:13–14

13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.
14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

John 3:16–18

16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.
18 He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

Related passages (NASB1995)

Romans 10:9–10: “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”
Hebrews 2:3: “how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard,”
Hebrews 3:12–15: “Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, while it is said, ‘Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked Me.’”
2 Thessalonians 1:7–9: “and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,”

Don't wait until it's too late As in the days of Noah - Only eight entered the Ark God First

Millions Estimated Lost—Eight Were Saved

September 29, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Scholars estimate that millions were living on Earth at the time of the great flood. Noah, a preacher of righteousness, spent decades building an Ark on dry land and, while building it, also preached righteousness before the impending flood. Many probably thought Noah was nuts, at least until the day the rain fell. The day reality set in, the day it was too late to act. (Sound familiar)

Today, science, archaeology, history, and Scripture provide overwhelming evidence that Jesus lived, died, and was raised again. Today, God-breathed, inspired Scripture shows us how, through belief and obedient faith, we can repent, confess Christ, and be Immersed “In Christ,” buried in the waters of baptism for the forgiveness of our sins. Scripture tells us of Christ’s return, His judgment, and how, by God’s grace and our obedient faith, we can look forward to receiving new glorified bodies, living forever with Christ in heaven and forever with our brothers and sisters “in Christ.”

Unfortunately, just like with the rejection of Noah, the message of Christ is constantly being rejected or skewed. Those sharing the truth of His message are often ridiculed and dismissed as religious fanatics for attempting to share the news of Christ with the hope that people will react and respond.

Christ is the most important message you will ever hear. Please don’t wait until it’s too late to act.

Do a self-check, do a biblical check, and be certain the path you’re on is the path God set before us all in His Holy Word, not a rendition of truth crafted by those who tickle ears. (see: 2 Timothy 4:3–4)

Accepting God’s love includes accountability.

Romans 14:12
2 Peter 2:5
Hebrews 11:7
Genesis 6:5–22
1 Peter 3:20–21
Romans 10:17
Mark 16:16
Acts 2:38
Romans 10:9–10
2 Timothy 2:15
2 Timothy 4:3–4
Philippians 3:20–21
Romans 6:3–8
see also: Genesis 7:1, 5, 16, 21–23; Genesis 9:19; Matthew 24:36–44; Luke 17:26–27; John 3:5; Acts 2:36–41; Acts 22:16; 1 Corinthians 15:51–53; Ephesians 2:8–10; Colossians 2:12; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 3:3–13; 1 John 1:7

God First!

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:

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!

HIS PURPOSE STANDS

September 5, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

We are incredibly blessed to have the Bible!

When we study God’s Word, we find that those involved often know only what is right in front of them, but as readers we get to see God’s plans come together again and again.

We have 66 books of God-breathed evidence to help us understand that putting our faith, hope, and trust in God is the best commitment we can make and share with our friends and loved ones.

The evidence that God is in control abounds. His purpose does not change, and He works all things according to the counsel of His will. That same Word shows that by trusting and obeying the gospel of the New Covenant—hearing the word of Christ, dying to sin, and being raised to walk in newness of life—we can have eternal life in heaven.

This world is not our forever home.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 (God-breathed Scripture)
2 Timothy 2:15 (handle the word accurately)
Romans 10:17 (faith comes by hearing)
Hebrews 6:17 (God’s purpose is unchangeable)
Ephesians 1:11 (God works all things according to His will)
Matthew 6:33 (seek first the kingdom of God)
Romans 6:1–4 (baptized into Christ’s death and raised to new life)
Hebrews 13:14 (we seek the city that is to come)

Romans 10:9–10; Hebrews 6:17–19; Ephesians 1:7–11; Matthew 6:19–21; Romans 6:1–4; Hebrews 8:6–13; Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 11:13–16; Genesis 50:20; Isaiah 46:9–10; Psalm 33:11; Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; Colossians 2:12; Philippians 3:20–21; John 14:1–3; 2 Peter 1:20–21; 1 Timothy 5:18; 2 Peter 3:16

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!

Opinions Feed the Ego — God’s Word Feeds the Spirit

August 15, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 1 Comment

Are we feeding our egos, or are we feeding our spirit?
Opinions feed our egos, and God’s Word feeds our spirit.

It’s not about what we want; it’s about what God wants.
It’s not about our opinion; it’s about conforming to God’s intent for us, His commands, and what is actually in God’s Holy Word.

Today, we worship in spirit and in truth.

(John 4:23–24, John 4:23–24)

Jesus calls us to lives of servanthood, gratitude, compassion, humility, Spirit-empowered strength, personal accountability, and boldly sharing the message of Christ — always with love.

Jesus is our salvation!

John 14:6; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Philippians 2:3–8; Colossians 3:12–14; Matthew 28:19–20; Romans 6:23; Romans 12:2; Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 119:105; 1 Corinthians 13:4–7; Ephesians 4:1–3; 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18; Micah 6:8; Luke 9:23–24; James 4:10; 1st Peter 2:2; 1st John 5: 1–5, 11–13; Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:1–4, 11–14, 23; Acts 2:38; Revelation 21:8; Acts 4:12

God First!

Narrow Path - Eternal life with Jesus, Highways to nowhere - utter darkness. Which path are you on?

Highways to Nowhere: My Journey Back to the Narrow Path

August 13, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

My journey from a young adult to now has involved many turns, curves, pains, peaks, and valleys. Many of my early choices were enough to make bystanders dizzy. I would strongly recommend against anyone following the highways to nowhere that cross our straight-and-narrow path. I was taught and contentedly started down the narrow path. However, as a youthful adult, I began testing the exit ramps on those wide-open highways; they appeared so fun and fast. Many highways cross the narrow pathway towards heaven, and those on them seem to be having a great time. In my youthful years, the narrow path felt slow, lonely, and dull, while the highway travelers were going so fast they seemed to have time for loneliness, which looked so appealing in those lonely moments.

Although I was not hitchhiking, those highway travelers would occasionally stop with great big smiles on their faces and exuberantly offer me highway rides, and every once in a while I would accept short rides but found myself quickly missing the peace, comfort, contentment, and safety the straight and narrow path offers; however, the highway rush enticed me, so I started putting my thumb up now and then to catch that thrill. After a while, those highway rides became longer and faster; my adrenaline surged! Eventually, I was no longer catching rides; I was driving, navigating those highways, and with so many others rapidly going nowhere fast, almost completely losing sight of that straight and narrow path I once cherished. Without realizing it, I became the big-smile driver in my speedy convertible, offering rides to travelers on that straight and narrow path, spending years with the wind blowing through my hair, speeding down highways to nowhere; I looked like I was going somewhere fast, when I was actually going nowhere at all. Occasionally, I would reflect on the peace and comfort I once knew and was surprised when I found myself feeling trapped and remembering the comfort of that ole pathway; yet, if I thought too profoundly about it, I would stop reflecting and floor the gas pedal.

Periodically, when I offered rides to someone on that straight and narrow path with words of wisdom, they would say no to even the shortest ride, reminding me of my years traveling that path. Their declines began piquing my curiosity and helped me reflect and realize how confused and lost I had become. I found myself admiring their rejection of my offer and started realizing the highways were truly taking me nowhere and becoming less intriguing; I started longing for the peace, comfort, tranquility, and surety I once had on that narrow pathway.

Finally, I realized getting off those entangled spaghetti highways was necessary; the loneliness I felt on the path I once walked was not gone, just hidden for a while; only now it was coupled with emptiness, an emptiness I’d never felt before. My realization meant a dramatic change, but I knew it was the right choice; I needed to get off those highways to become whole again. I started my departure with a commitment to change direction, to exit those highways and never look back, to return to that narrow path to heaven again; so, like never before, I studied and learned more about that narrow pathway that takes us to heaven and its eternal reward. The more I learned, the more I questioned why I allowed myself to accept that first highway ride, for with God we have direction, purpose, and a goal; without God, we have emptiness with no hope of eternal life.

I now have great admiration for those few who have consistently said no to those Highway offers and stayed true to that narrow path for most, if not all, of their lives. My choices taught me that my example and everyone’s examples have tremendous trickle-down effects that influence others. If we truly care about family, friends, or people, we need to be mindful of our influence and do our best to serve God as a Christ-like example so that anyone following our lead will realize we are going somewhere, that we are on a path that leads to a heavenly home with our Creator where there are no tears, sickness, or sorrow. And that Highway, well, the highway eventually ends in eternal darkness with no hope. Utter darkness! Jesus is the light, and without God we are empty.

I am thankful for God’s grace and the path he set for us all to follow. For it is by God’s grace, through our obedient faith in hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized for the forgiveness of our sins and living faithfully thereafter, that we can walk the eternal pathway that makes us whole and takes us to eternal life with Jesus.

Proverbs 3:5-7
Proverbs 4:26-27
Matthew 3:3
John 14:1–31
Revelation 21:4
Luke 13:24
Proverbs 14:12
Proverbs 16:25
Romans 10:17
Mark 16:16
Acts 17:30
Romans 10:9-10
Acts 2:38
Acts 22:16
1 Peter 3:21
Matthew 5:16
1 Timothy 4:12
Titus 2:7
James 5:19-20

God First!

When death was on everyone's mind COVID19

Fear Not: Be Prepared Instead – COVID-19

July 31, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Fauci, taking the Fifth 111 times, took me back in time, when social media blocked our content if we referred to the names of certain medicines already on the market that many said helped. Where doctors who disagreed with Fauci were dismissed and banned by mainstream media and referred to as quacks by that media. A time when friends lost family and death was on everyone’s mind; many were kept from family in their last days, and one friend spent months on a ventilator as this man claimed science while discarding science, harming many, yet being lifted as if a hero when, in fact, all indications are he was lying to gain. People screamed at others for not wearing a mask. A time when I remember telling someone I was not vaccinated, and they seemed to become quietly disgusted—a time when I wrote the following.

“I’ve been enjoying life for almost 62 years, and while this may seem long to a 20-year-old, It’s very short in my mind. From time to time, I’ve seen and experienced many different Illnesses. I’ve either suffered or seen others suffer from diseases like flu, pneumonia, colds, diabetes, mono, dementia, mobility loss, hearing, eye issues, etc. I’ve lost loved ones to accidents, cancer, heart failure, and liver problems. I’ve experienced a friend being murdered and know others who have lost loved ones to crime. Life is difficult at times.

Today we have the threat of Covid19, a manufactured virus that brings death and extreme anxiety as we fear the horrible pain, suffering, and loss it causes. COVID’s existence spurs division among family, friends, and countries. Many feel the need to isolate themselves and fear being around others. Hugs and closeness fade from reality into memories as fears of catching or spreading COVID reign and are adopted as the new norm.

Today, a scratchy throat, the slightest sniffle, sneeze, cough, or faintest fever instills worry and fear.

So, what do we do?

We take precautions, use hand sanitizers, wash hands, pay attention to distancing, some wear masks, and some fight over mask effectiveness. I think most who refuse mask mandates object most to the idea of governments’ abuse of power. (I’m not debating this here, just pointing it out)

All this said: I personally refuse to let fear control my life! Instead, I trust in God!

My Trust in God does not mean I will not die of this virus someday. It does not mean I will not lose loved ones to it.

One ICU nurse stated: “It takes who it takes.” Since this is true of every ailment, it adds perspective.

I contracted COVID a few months ago, and it hit me hard. In 2019, I found myself close to death with blood clots in my lungs, and I’ve had other close calls with accidents. The fact is, we are going to die of something someday, and none of us know when.

So, what actions should we be taking? And what do I mean by “Trust in God”?

Some dare blame God for this evil virus, but no evil comes from God; evil is Satan’s territory. Some blame God for the death of loved ones. However, death is certain, and as stated earlier, “none of us know when,” so rather than blame, why not prepare? How? By learning, sharing, and teaching others about Jesus. Jesus is the pathway to an 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 take advantage of the grace God has extended; our sins have been forgiven, and our forever home is with God. If we are in Christ and pursue a Christ-like life, we can live without fear of death. So why worry? In Christ, we can count it all joy; in James 5:16, God points out that the prayers of the righteous avail much, so let us live fully, using our time to pursue righteousness and have our prayers well heard. There is great comfort in the confidence that our loved ones went on to paradise from this earth.

“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can 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)

In Christ

Grace: – Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:24, Titus 2:11, Acts 15:11
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 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!“

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!

Tag: Baptism (Page 1 of 2)

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