Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

Tag: Repentance (Page 1 of 2)

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 / / 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!

Walk the Rock Not the Edge

Walking the Edge of God’s Word

September 24, 2026 / / 0 Comments

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

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

One simplified answer is a lack of understanding!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Forgive the Repentant Release the rest to Jesus Romans 12:19

Forgive the Repentant. Release the Rest to Jesus

September 10, 2026 / / 0 Comments

If someone wrongs me and repents, I will forgive them. If they do not repent, I will not let bitterness rule my heart. I turn the matter over to Jesus, and as the song says, “let it go.” That does not mean the sin was small. It does not mean there are no consequences. It means I refuse to become the judge, the avenger, or the prisoner of someone else’s evil. If a person truly has a repentant heart, they will want to admit the wrong, accept the consequences of their actions, and resolve not to repeat them. Repentance is not a quick “I’m sorry” designed to escape accountability. Godly sorrow produces a change of mind that leads to a change of life. Even then, we must remember this: repentance and forgiveness do not erase consequences. Our actions still have consequences.

I recently heard the father of a young man who had been murdered speaking on the news. He spoke of forgiving his son’s killer and of his determination not to become bitter. He was right about bitterness. Bitterness does not heal a wound. It deepens it. It does not bring justice. It only adds a second injury to the first. God is our best example of how to handle forgiveness. To be forgiven by God, a person must change direction—repent—and seek His mercy on His terms. God does not pronounce the impenitent forgiven. The father in that news report said the murderer had not asked for forgiveness. That matters. We can refuse hatred without pretending God has already cleared an unrepentant sinner. Jesus made the same distinction when He taught His disciples how to treat a brother who sins:

“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” (Luke 17:3–4 ESV)

Notice the order: rebuke, repentance, then forgiveness. We are not told to ignore sin. We are not told to restore a relationship as if nothing happened when there is no repentance. We are told that when repentance comes—even repeatedly—we must forgive.That is how God treats us. Peter preached:

“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.’” (Acts 2:38 ESV)

And again:

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” (Acts 3:19 ESV)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 ESV)

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13 ESV)

True repentance is more than regret that one got caught. Scripture says:

“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV)

John the Baptist put it even more plainly: “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8 ESV). A repentant person does not demand to keep the sin and receive the pardon too. Yet forgiveness is not the cancellation of every earthly result.

David was forgiven, but consequences still followed. Moses still did not enter Canaan. A forgiven thief may still owe restitution. A forgiven offender may still face prison, broken trust, lost relationships, or a lifetime of repair. God is merciful. He is also just. Pardon restores us to God; it does not rewrite every wrong we have done.

What, then, do we do when the offender never asks, never admits, never turns? We do not avenge ourselves. We do not feed bitterness. We do not let another person’s wickedness become the master of our soul.

Some people say, “I forgive them,” meaning, “I will not spend the rest of my life hating that person or letting what they did destroy my heart.” I understand that language. I call it turning the case over to Jesus, letting it go, and trusting God’s Word. If justice is not fully met on earth, it will be met before the throne of Christ. That is not the same as saying God has already forgiven an unrepentant person. It is saying we will not carry a burden God never assigned to us. Scripture commands us to put bitterness away:

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31–32 ESV)

“bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:13 ESV)

And when we pray, Jesus says we must not clutch a grudge:

“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25 ESV)

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14–15 ESV)

Those verses do not teach cheap grace. They teach that a hard, vengeful, unforgiving spirit is incompatible with people who have themselves been shown mercy. God forgave us in Christ when we repented and obeyed the gospel. We are to have that same readiness: eager to forgive the repentant, unwilling to become bitter toward the unrepentant, and careful not to seize God’s seat as Judge. We can also pray for those who have wronged us, as Jesus and Stephen did:

“And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’” (Luke 23:34 ESV)

“And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’” (Acts 7:60 ESV)

That prayer is not a declaration that the guilty are already cleared. It is an appeal that God would bring them to repentance and mercy. We can ask God not to let their sin destroy us, and we can ask Him to deal with them in truth. Meanwhile, we cast the weight on the Lord:

“casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28–30 ESV)

And we leave justice with Him:

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19–21 ESV)

“then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.” (2 Peter 2:9 ESV)

Jesus is Judge. We may never see the full accounting in this life. We do not need to. His Word is enough. So the Christian path is not bitterness, and it is not pretend innocence. It is this:

  • Rebuke sin when we must.
  • Forgive the one who truly repents—again and again.
  • Remember that forgiveness does not abolish consequences.
  • Refuse to hate the one who will not repent.
  • Pray for their repentance.
  • Place the case in the hands of Christ.
  • Overcome evil with good.

That is not weakness. That is faith. We love as Christ loved (John 13:34). We tell the truth about repentance. We trust the Judge who never misses a case.

Luke 17:3–4; Mark 11:25; Matthew 6:14–15; Matthew 18:21–35; Ephesians 4:31–32; Colossians 3:13; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts 7:60; Luke 23:34; 1 John 1:9; Proverbs 28:13; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Matthew 3:8; Romans 12:17–21; Matthew 11:28–30; 1 Peter 5:7; 2 Peter 2:9; John 13:34; Hebrews 10:30

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 / / 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)

“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!

Opinions feed the ego, God's word feeds the spirit

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

August 15, 2026 / / 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 / / 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!

Hurting God Hurts Us Regrets are avoidable

Hurting God, Hurts us

August 4, 2026 / / 1 Comment

In many ways, I am the prodigal son, not in how I treated my earthly father, but in how I treated my Heavenly Father.

For a long time, I abused the grace and blessings our Heavenly Father gave me. I understood His love for me and attempted to take advantage of it. I treated God as if His Will for me was unimportant. I wanted what I wanted, even though I knew it went against God’s will.

I wonder how many others find themselves doing the same.

I decided to ignore my understanding of God’s intent, God’s will. Instead, I willfully ignored God and foolishly hoped for heaven if I died mistakenly, banking on the idea that I could plead ignorance, that God would forgive my purposeful attempt at ignorance because I was, in my mind, a “good person.” God, however, is not a respecter of persons. Therefore, like everyone else, I was equally responsible and accountable for learning, studying, and following Christ according to God’s Will—in fact, even more so, as I was a baptized believer choosing wrong over doing God’s will. We are each responsible for our own salvation, and claiming ignorance is no excuse.

During those years, I stupidly tried to gamble with the eternity of my soul. It was never meant to be a conscientious rejection of God; however, in retrospect, it’s clear my faith at that time was built on sand. I allowed myself to slowly get caught up in my misconceptions of the “good life” to the point that God was barely a thought. It was not a true gamble; my soul would’ve been lost. I had turned my back on God and did not realize or even consider the depth of how my choices would trickle down into the lives of all those I love. I did not realize the importance of missed opportunities. Opportunities to be an example to those around me as someone who puts God first!

I realize now that I hurt God. Rejection hurts. God knows what’s best for me and what’s best for all of us, so much so that Jesus gave His life for me and for all of us! My selfish choices had consequences. I had slowly rejected God’s sacrifice and love. Eventually I came to the realization I was pursuing nonsense (Vanity) in my desires, and it was costing me significantly.

By the time I realized how broken and lost I was, my years of fun-filled actions were riddled with regrets. It was then that I returned to my only real hope, and just like the prodigal son’s father, our Heavenly Father was there with wide-open arms, willing to forgive, willing to forget how lost I had become. According to Scripture, I was dead, and now I’m alive; I was lost, but now, I have been found, and heaven rejoiced! (Luke 15:7–10)

I wonder how many other prodigal sons or daughters are out there ignoring our Heavenly Father as I once did. Jesus’s arms are always outstretched to embrace the repentant heart and offer eternal life for those who will change direction, follow Christ according to God’s will, and keep His commandments. The God of all comfort wants us to repent and come home.

If you realize, upon reflection, that you have drifted away, won’t you change direction and come home?

When we truly live according to God’s will, there’s nothing to regret, as the best life is a God-first life!.

  • Luke 15:7, Ephesians 4:30, Isaiah 63:10, Matthew 7:26–27, John 3:16
  • Philippians 2:12–13 (your own salvation)
  • Romans 2:11–16 (respecter of persons)
  • Hebrews 10:26–31 (willful sin)
  • Luke 15:11-32 (prodigal son)
  • John 3:16 (God so loved…)
  • Luke 15:32 (Lost but found)
  • 2nd Corinthians 1:3-5 (God of all comfort)
  • James 4:8 (Draw close to God and He will draw close to you)
  • John 14:15 – “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
  • 1 John 2:3–4 – “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says ‘I know him’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar…”
  • Acts 3:19 – “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out…”
  • Ecclesiastes 1:2 / 12:13 – the emptiness of vanity and the call to fear God and keep His commandments.

God First!

When death was on everyone's mind COVID19

Fear Not: Be Prepared Instead – COVID-19

July 31, 2026 / / 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!“

The 20-year battle within – Part 2

February 6, 2026 / / 0 Comments

We have now been together for 41 years, not long after we married on Feb 14th 2003, I told Virginia I wanted to go back to Church. This literally scared her, and she bawled. In her mind, my desire equated to me not thinking she was good enough. I assured her this was not the case. When I attended, I would arrive late for Worship and leave immediately. I thought that if people got to know too much about my life, they would try to change it, so I stayed very private at first. However, I remained consistent in my efforts to attend and learn, and eventually began attending all the Bible classes and evening services.
I was also a friend of Jimmy Miller, the minister at the time, whom I had known when I was a faithful teenager, so at that time, I mostly only talked with Jimmy.

Though we had corrected the marital part of our lives, there were other parts of my life that, in light of God’s Word, I thought conflicted with a selfless pursuit of following Christ; however, as my faith and understanding grew through study and application, so did my desire and efforts to address or replace those issues with better choices and habits as well.

Although few knew of my past at the time, I decided to repent publicly and move forward, asking the Church for forgiveness for those wayward years. As I attended, I would invite my wife, but only occasionally, as doing so constantly would irritate her. One Sunday morning, Virginia said yes and went with me. She then began attending with me sporadically, but over time, she came with me to every service and Bible study. Jimmy had some one-on-one Bible studies with us, and Virginia concluded she needed to be baptized into Christ.

My wife had been raised Catholic; she had adopted atheism from her previous husband, who was killed in a motorcycle accident, and on March 23, 2010, about 7 years after our marriage, she was immersed in the waters of baptism for the forgiveness of her sins and became a disciple of Christ, a Christian. During her immersion, it was noticed that her elbow did not go underwater, so they baptized her twice. I then teased her that her sins were so bad she had to be double dunked. 🙂 There is nothing that could make me waver again!

I pray that anyone reading this who may be in a similar situation will begin now, set it right, and never waver again. It’s comforting to have certainty in our souls’ condition, knowing we will spend eternity with Jesus. 1 John 5:13

  • 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 of sin: – 2 Cor. 7:9-10, Luke 13:3-5, Acts 17:30
  • Confess Christ: – 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, 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

God First!

The 20-year battle within – Part 1

February 5, 2026 / / 0 Comments


“I really need to go back to church,” I carried this thought in my mind for over 20 years; however, after my first marriage failed, I made destructive choices, destructive to my soul and my example to others. Choices that pulled me away from the teachings of God’s word. I met the woman who would one day become my wife, and though we were not yet married, we moved in together with my three-year-old son, who was in my custody.

I knew enough of God’s Word to recognize my choice was wrong, but I ignored God and spent the next 20 years living in direct opposition to Christ’s teaching. Arrogantly and foolishly thinking that if I died, I could claim ignorance, or use the perceived loophole of justification, that since we had the commitment of marriage, we didn’t need the paper. In my arrogance, I thought that if I came before Christ at Judgment, I’d be able to explain the circumstances that led to my situation, and Jesus would make an exception for me and respond: Oh, that makes sense and not hold me eternally accountable, yet Scripture points out that Jesus will and must treat everyone equally. “Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Acts 10:34-35.

I was not doing what I knew was right, and by following my own desires, I was dismissing God’s Word, which means I was dismissing God.

There are no words to truly express how sorrowful I am today for these ungodly decisions, and my example during those years, nor for how grateful I am that I lived through them to the point of correction and repentance.

During this time, I deliberately stopped laying claim to the name “Christian” or attending services, thinking that my absence somehow made me less of a hypocrite. I look at these words now and think HOW SAD, how could I have been so foolish? I then avoided Christian friends, influences that might prompt my repentance or lead to any conversation about my salvation. By doing so, I ignored everything I knew to be true about my soul’s condition. I even prayed occasionally that it would not take a major heartache to prompt my return home, thinking I would set things right. However, if I had lost my life during those years, Jesus would have had no choice but to say, “‘I never knew you; depart from me, you worker of lawlessness.’ See Matt 7:21-23

Although I thought, in those early years, that I had faith and believed, my understanding was built on sand; I was no better than the demons mentioned in James 2:19, who believed and feared.

Had I truly understood, as I do today, the gravity of my decisions and the destructive power of my example, I would never have allowed myself that first inch into such a lost position so far away from hope.

Jesus’s message of love and forgiveness does not grant me special privileges in the name of forgiveness. I had no right to ignore His teachings and live as I wanted. Those commands, those teachings we find in Scripture, are there for a reason. I thought I knew God’s Word, but after I returned to the fold, I attended every class I could and discovered how little I truly understood.

I pray that anyone reading this who may be in a similar situation will begin immediately, set it right, and never waver again. It’s comforting to have certainty in our souls’ condition, knowing we will spend eternity with Jesus. 1 John 5:13

Acts 3:17-19, James 4:17, 1 Corinthians 10:11, Matthew 12:36, Acts 2:38, Luke 13:3, 2 Peter 3:9, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Ephesians 5:5, 1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Corinthians 6:9, Matthew 15:19

God First!

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