Tag: In Christ (Page 1 of 3)

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!

Life's bombs fall... Refuge is in Christ

The Bombs Fall on Everyone—Hope Belongs to Those in Christ

August 29, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

I’ve seen films of war where airplanes dropped bomb after bomb after bomb, maiming, destroying, and taking lives. It seems life hits our families or us much the same way now and then, only the bombs are labeled “health”, “financial”, “stress”, “betrayal”, “loss”, etc. These bombs are not precise; they may hit once in a while or come as a barrage, landing on both those close to God and those far away. One minute, life is excellent; then suddenly, it’s a roller coaster (John 16:33).

For those in Christ building a firm foundation (Galatians 3:26-27), there is hope and assurance that these heartaches and concerns will all pass away, as they are not carried into eternity (Revelation 21:4). For those in Christ, there is always a bright future, a light in our bomb shelter of faith, in Christ our Savior (Romans 6:3-4, Romans 13:14).

Those in Christ who keep Jesus’ commandments always have refuge in God’s promises (Psalm 46:1), knowing this world is only a temporary home.(Philippians 3:20-21; 2 Corinthians 5:1)

Whether our troubles are few or continually bombarding our lives, what really matters is Jesus’s promise of eternal life. In heaven, the challenges of this world will be gone forever. So, no matter what, we need to keep God First in our lives, follow Jesus ’ commands, follow the examples we find in God’s Word so that, as we trudge through the mud of life, we can be content in knowing we will eventually walk the streets of gold in new heavenly bodies for eternity. No tears in heaven, no sorrows given. All will be glory in that land.

Scripture tells us how one comes to be ‘in Christ’ and to ‘put on Christ’: we are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, and as many as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:26-27; see also Romans 6:3-4).

“In Christ” is where one finds peace beyond our understanding. (Philippians 4:7)

1 Corinthians 12:13, Colossians 2:12, Matthew 7:24-25, Psalm 16:1, Psalm 46:1-5, Mark 8:34, John 14:27, John 15:19, John 18:36, Romans 8:1, Romans 8:18, Romans 8:28, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 3:26-28, Hebrews 11:13-16, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7, 1 John 2:15, 2 John 15:19

God First!

Praying for the ultimate well-being of others: That they hear and follow the message of Christ Romans 10:17 – directly links hearing the message of Christ to faith Mark 16:16 – shows the response of believing and obeying (following) that leads to salvation 2 Peter 3:9 – reveals God’s heart for the well-being of all people through repentance

The Best Thing We Can Pray for Anyone’s Well-Being

August 22, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

Do you pray for the well-being of others?

As I was praying I asked myself this question: What is the best thing we can ask of God for anybody’s well-being? There are many possible answers: One might think of health, happiness, peace, Joy or maybe something more specific that we know they need or want. But, what is the best thing we can ask of God for anybody’s well-being?

That they hear and follow the message of Christ!

Following Christ according to His commandments keeps us on a pathway towards eternal life with Christ, According to God’s word, to be “in Christ, ” we must hear the message of Christ, believe, repent, confess Jesus as the risen Son of God, and be baptized “into” Christ in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for the forgiveness of our sins.

We need to realize that when we come out of that watery grave, we are doing God’s will and have ratified God’s Grace through Jesus. At this point, we are forgiven! We are free from our past sins, beginning a new life as a new creature, and ready to move forward as disciples of Christ, enjoying all the blessings that come with our obedient faith, like the knowledge that we now have never-ending life available to us in heaven, a spiritual world not made with human hands, where there is no more pain, tears, or death. That if we have put on Christ, we have God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit within us, helping us focus on righteousness and walk this world without being of this world. If we are IN Christ, we can take comfort in knowing the blood of Christ continues to wash us, even when we make mistakes.

So, what is the best thing for anybody’s well-being? – The message of Christ!

1 John 5:3; Romans 10:17; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18; 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 2:37-47; Acts 16:30-33; Acts 8:30-38; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:15-18; Ephesians 2:1-10; Luke 17:10; James 2:17-18; 1 Peter 1:17-25; 1 John 1:7; Mark 16:16; Galatians 3:26-27; 1 Peter 3:21; Hebrews 5:9; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; John 3:5; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 10:47-48; Romans 1:5; Romans 16:26.

God First!

66 Books of God's Absolute Truth - Learn them all

66 Books of Absolute Truth: Why We Must Learn Them All

August 21, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

The Holy Bible contains 66 Books of God-breathed wisdom and instruction that our Creator assembled for our betterment and understanding. The Old Testament has 39 books of “before Christ” history, including hundreds of prophecies about Christ written hundreds of years before His birth. The New Testament has 27 books about the Son of God, Jesus, and how our souls can obtain eternal life with God in Heaven through Christ. Together, these books show how anyone can accept God’s offer of grace through obedient faith in Christ, and how we can each “Put on” Christ and be “In” Christ.

Scripture defines “obedient faith.” It tells us how to lay up treasures in heavenly places and have our souls live forever in a heavenly home not made with hands. God’s Word shows us how God extended grace to us through Christ.

Scripture states and gives examples that when we hear the message of Christ, this understanding leads us to believe in Christ. Still, Scripture also shows that belief alone is not enough, as it states, “demons believe and shudder” (James 2:19) Hence, our belief leads us to repentance (a decision to change direction and follow Christ), We then find we are to confess Christ as the living Son of God before others however; to have our sins forgiven we must also be immersed into the waters of baptism for the forgiveness of our sins, This according to to God’s word rather than mans idea’s is when we are forgiven of our sins and begin our walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:3-11; Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21) New Testament scripture also stresses the importance of sharing the gospel and teaching others.

However, how can we teach what we do not know? – We need to study!

Our children need us to study! Why? – So we can accurately teach them God’s word and share the message of eternal salvation with them and to the whole world, according to God’s Will. Only through understanding and obedient faith can we know peace beyond our comprehension and have confidence in eternal life with Jesus. Don’t we want that?

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17

Grace: Ephesians 2:8, Romans 3:24, Titus 2:11, Acts 15:11
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: – Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 10:32-33, Luke 12:8-9
Baptism by immersion for forgiveness of sin: – Mark 16:15-16, 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 2:38, 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

Acts 3:19; Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3; 2 Corinthians 7:9-10; Matthew 10:32-33; Galatians 3:26-27; Colossians 2:12; John 3:5; Ephesians 4:5; Romans 1:5; Romans 16:26; Hebrews 11:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 John 3:7; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:14-17; Matthew 28:19-20

God First!

Alzheimer’s and change

July 8, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 3 Comments

The point to the attached meme is not lost on me. However, I have also discovered that things may not be what they seem on the surface. My wife once had issues with her “pew seat” as her Alzheimer’s progressed. You see, for such patients, small changes can be big issues; even a simple change, like having to sit in a different location, can be a problem as they are losing their ability to understand the change.

This was during an earlier period of the disease; where she would sometimes say loudly, “They’re sitting in our seat or some other irritated remark, and she would sometimes become discombobulated when she couldn’t find and sit in her usual seat. I would then try to get her to understand it’s not a big deal and sit elsewhere with her.

Alzheimer’s or other dementia-type diseases don’t always stand out in appearance. For a very long time, people would talk to my wife occasionally and have no idea she was on this downward journey.

My reason for addressing the message behind this meme is to draw attention to the possibility that, before we assume rudeness is intentional or unchristian-like, maybe we should consider that there may be more to the situation than we see on the surface. Maybe it would help to assume there is such an issue and draw on our compassion rather than frustration or judgment in such a situation. I’m sure that if a Christian knows there’s a reason like this behind someone’s attitude, they would be more than happy to accommodate them.

Today, because of the progression of this disease, that issue is gone as we are not able to attend services as we used to.

I hate Alzheimer’s

Colossians 3:12
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

God First!

What’s not to love about Christianity?

June 29, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

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.

June 22, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

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!

GOD -FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY?

June 20, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

As a young adult, I remember thinking and touting that no matter what my plight, I can make the best of any situation. Now, as an aged Adult, my thoughts and words have been severely tested. What I should have been thinking and saying is that with Christ, no matter what my plight, we can make the best of any situation. Virginia and I lived many of our early years together, treating God as if He were in a drawer labeled ” FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY.” Looking back, I now recognize many lifelong repercussions from those years. Without Christ and His Church at the forefront and center of our lives, we were broken wrecks, unintentionally causing trickle-down harm through our choices by our examples.

Like us in these early days, many who are not baptized into Christ, who do not put God First in their lives, and who are not an active part of the Church Christ established, may not understand what I am saying here, but I can tell you our lives and relationship became significantly better after we chose to include and live for Christ daily.

Only through understanding, belief, and doing God’s will according to His will, in other words, through our faith in Christ, did we have the strength and comfort needed to endure some of the most difficult times—unexpected losses, financial struggles, and, currently, my wife’s Alzheimer’s. Without Jesus, we are broken; with Jesus, we are whole.

In the 1996 movie Jerry Maguire, a now-famous line is: “You complete me!”

This is what Jesus really does for those who pick up the cross and follow Him. Jesus completes us!

The Apostle Paul had it right…

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11)

We Can Do All Things Through Him who strengthens us.

Matthew 16:24-26, Luke 9:23-26, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, Philippians 4:7, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 2:38-41, James 1:2-4

God First!

Darkness may win a few fights, but in the end, it loses the battle

Overcoming Darkness

May 19, 2026 / Wayne Johnson / 0 Comments

One thing is certain: when you’re on the right side, you are simply on the Right side. No matter how long it takes, no matter how many lies are told, truth eventually shines through. Let the light in your heart shine, and it will overcome darkness.

“Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” John 14:5-7

John 1:5
John 8:12
Psalm 18:28

God First!

Tag: In Christ (Page 1 of 3)

Death Is Certain. So Is Heaven for Those In Christ

Worry changes nothing!

The Bombs Fall on Everyone—Hope Belongs to Those in Christ

The Best Thing We Can Pray for Anyone’s Well-Being

66 Books of Absolute Truth: Why We Must Learn Them All

Alzheimer’s and change

What’s not to love about Christianity?

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

GOD -FOR EMERGENCY USE ONLY?

Overcoming Darkness

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