If I Could Start Again As A Teenager

Wade Webster

I grew up in a small, rural town in Alabama.  There were woods to hunt, lakes to fish, and plowed fields to search for arrowheads.  There were no cell phones. There was no internet.  Pornography was not just a click away as it is for teens today.

I grew up in what is known as the Bible Belt - a belt-like swath across the State of Alabama and the South where religion was especially strong. It could have been called the Bible Belt for other reasons also.  After all, the Bible and the belt were the strongest deterrents to sin and stupidity in the region (Prov. 22:15; 23:13-14).  Almost every home had both and used them regularly.  I know that mine did.  I was blessed to grow up in a strong Christian home.  My dad was an elder.  My mom was a stay at home mom.  I wasn’t homeschooled, so I did experience the bus and other dens of depravity, but my exposure to evil was pretty limited.  I was wise to what was good and simple concerning evil (Rom. 16:19). We had a wonderful preacher who presented clear, Bible-filled sermons each week.   We had great men come to hold gospel meetings.  We had Bible classes that really were Bible classes.  We had a good youth group with a good man who worked with us.  The congregation was active and loving.  We had regular fellowships and outings.  I couldn’t have had a much better environment in which to grow up.

There aren’t even many things about my choices growing up that I would change.  Don’t get me wrong.  I wasn’t perfect; but, all in all, through the guidance of my parents, I avoided many of the youthful lusts that tripped up others (2 Tim. 2:22).  I didn’t drink alcohol (Prov. 20:1).  I didn’t smoke, unless candy cigarettes count.  What were my parents thinking letting us purchase them and pretend to smoke?  Though, I never smoked a real cigarette, I did light one.  Before I could try it, I heard my mom coming, and I tossed it out the window.  Thanks mom.  You knew I was being too quiet. I did pester my uncle for some RED MAN one time.  He gave me a huge chaw and told me to swallow it.  Thankfully, I didn’t swallow it, but I did turn ten shades of green before I could spit it out.  I will tell you this, I never asked again.  RED MAN, SICK MAN, NO MAN! I did watch things that I shouldn’t have watched on television and in movies.  I know this because on occasion I have gone back as an adult to watch something that I remembered from my youth and have been shocked and ashamed (Phil. 4:8).  I didn’t go to the prom or other dances (Gal. 5:19-21).  I kept myself pure (1 Tim. 5:22; Heb. 13:4; 1 Cor. 6:18). By the grace of God, I didn’t do a lot of the things that I could have done.

Though I wouldn’t change much about my surroundings or my choices growing up, there are things that I would do differently.  Mainly, there are some things that I would do more of if I could start again as a teenager.

First, if I could start again as a teenager, I would Slow Down More.  Young people are generally in a hurry to grow up.  They are in a hurry to drive and to date, to leave home and to go to college, and to meet someone and to get married.  I understand.  I was the same way.  If I could start again, I would slow down more.  I would enjoy being young more.  Youth really is a wonderful time of life.  It is gone too soon.  The Bible compares youth to dew (Psa. 110:3). Like dew, it appears quietly and disappears quickly.  We must remember our Creator when we are young because we will soon be at the end of our lives looking back (Eccl. 12:1).

Second, if I could start again as a teenager, I would Soak Up More. As I already noted, I was blessed with many wonderful teachers - parents, preachers, youth leaders, etc.  I was blessed with countless Christian camps and youth events.  However, I know that I didn’t soak up as much as I should have.  I wish I could go back and listen more attentively (Neh. 8:3). The seed didn’t always fall into good soil.  Sometimes, it remained on the top of the ground, developed no roots, or got choked out.  I didn’t always have ears to hear (Mat. 13:1-23).

Third, if I could start again as a teenager, I would Seek Out More. I don’t think that most young people realize the evangelistic opportunities they have.  I would suggest that at no time in life will they have more opportunities than they have in youth.  If I could do it again, I would evangelize more.  Like Phillip, I would invite my friends to come and to see (John 1:43-46).  I would be wiser and win more souls (Prov. 11:30). 

Of course, I can’t start again as a teenager.  I can only do as Solomon did and encourage you to listen to one who was once where you are.

Blessed are the Dead - Part 2

Wade Webster

“Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them” (Revelation 14:13).  As we examine this beatitude, we will see four things. In the first installment of this study, we noticed the paradox and the place.  In this part of our study, we will notice the period and the promise.

The Period - From now on

When man sin, death entered the world and began to reign.  Paul wrote, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned— (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come” (Romans 5:12-14).  Men lived in fear.  In Hebrews we read, “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:14-15).  When Jesus was raised from the dead, He broke the hold of death. From that day forward, we can have the victory.   In the resurrection chapter of the Bible (1 Cor. 15), Paul wrote, “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”  O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law” (1 Corinthians 15:54-56).

The Promise - That they might rest from their labors, and their works follow them.

God has given to us exceeding great and precious promises.  Peter wrote, “by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:4).  Two promises are made in this passage.  The first promise is rest from our labors.  As you know, this life is filled with burdens.  Paul wrote, “For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life” (2 Corinthians 5:4).  Some of the burdens are very heavy.  Jesus declared, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  In heaven, we will have a new body and the former things that troubled us and tired us here will be no more.  John wrote, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4).  In addition to resting from our labors, our works follow us.  Through John, Jesus declared, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Rev. 22:12). We can be assured that God will not forget the smallest things that we have done.  The Hebrew writer wrote, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Heb. 6:10).

What a comforting study this has been.  As Christians, we do not have to sorrow as others who have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13-18). We have great hope because of what Jesus did.

Blessed are the Dead - Part 1

Wade Webster

The book of Revelation contains several beatitudes. One of the most well-known beatitudes is found in the fourteenth chapter.  We read,  “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them” (Revelation 14:13).  As we examine this beatitude, we will see four things.

The Paradox - Blessed are the Dead

Beatitudes are sometimes puzzling or paradoxical.  For example, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Mat. 5:10-12). We don’t generally associate being blessed with being persecuted.  In like manner, we don’t usually associate being blessed with being dead.  Yet, the Spirit did and guided John to write, “Blessed are the dead.” That seems paradoxical to us.  We likely think, Blessed are the living. For sure, the living are blessed.  However, the dead are also blessed.  In fact, the greater blessing, seems to belong to them.  You may recall the words of Paul to the Philippians: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:21-24).  Paul said that departing (dying) and being with Christ was far better.  Of course, we are not speaking generically of all of  the dead.  Certainly, the wicked dead are not blessed.  Only the righteous dead are blessed.  God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked.  To Ezekiel, God said, “Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’” (Ezekiel 33:11).  In contrast, God has great pleasure in the death of the righteous.  The psalmist declared, “Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints” (Psalms 116:15).

The Place - Who Die in the Lord

Blessed are those who die in the Lord.  As you know, all spiritual blessings are in the Lord.  To the saints at Ephesus, Paul wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).  A few verses later, Paul would identify some of these blessings - acceptance, redemption, and forgiveness.  He wrote, “To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:6-7).  In his letter to the saints at Rome, he would declare that there is no condemnation to those in Christ.  We read, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:1).  Those in Christ will be invited to enter into the joys of their Lord.  Jesus declared, “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’” (Matthew 25:21).

Five Superlatives of Scripture - Part 5

Wade Webster

In the last four installments of this study, we examined four superlatives of Scripture: Peace that is beyond understanding, wisdom that is beyond comprehension, love that is beyond knowledge, and power beyond imagination.  In this installment of our series, we will discuss a fifth superlative.

Joy Beyond Words

Peter wrote, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls” (1 Pet. 1:6-9).  They had been grieved by various trials.  However, the day was coming, when they would rejoice.  The joyous day that was coming was the second coming of Christ.  That day would mark the end of our faith and the salvation of our souls.  I am reminded of the song, What A Day That Will Be:

What a day that will be, When my Jesus I shall see, And I look upon His face, The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand, And leads me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be.

There'll be no sorrow there, No more burdens to bear, No more sickness, no more pain, No more parting over there; But forever I will be, With the One who died for me, What a day, glorious day that will be.

What a day that will be, When my Jesus I shall see, When I look upon His face, The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand, And leads me through that Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be.

Oh What a day that will be, When my Jesus I shall see, When I look upon His face, The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand, And leads me through that Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be.

Those that don’t believe Jesus will wail when He comes.  John wrote, “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen” (Revelation 1:7). Those who do know Him will rejoice with joy unspeakable.

Five Superlatives of Scripture - Part 4

Wade Webster

In the last three installments of this study, we examined three superlatives of Scripture: Peace that is beyond understanding, wisdom that is beyond comprehension, and love that is beyond knowledge.  In this installment of our series, we will discuss a fourth superlative.

Power Beyond Imagination

Paul wrote, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).  The first thing that Paul asserts is that God is able.  As you know, God is all-powerful.  There is nothing too hard for Him.  Jeremiah wrote, “Now when I had delivered the purchase deed to Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed to the LORD, saying: ‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. You show lovingkindness to thousands, and repay the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them—the Great, the Mighty God, whose name is the LORD of hosts. You are great in counsel and mighty in work, for Your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings. You have set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, to this day, and in Israel and among other men; and You have made Yourself a name, as it is this day. You have brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and with great terror; You have given them this land, of which You swore to their fathers to give them—“a land flowing with milk and honey” (Jer. 32:16-22).  With God all is possible.  Jesus declared, “But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Mat. 19:26).  The second thing that Paul asserts is that God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think.  Please note the adverbs - exceedingly, abundantly.  Paul is emphasizing that God is a liberal giver.  James wrote, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (Jam. 1:5).  Likewise, Jesus declared, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again”  (Luke 6:38).  I especially like the words pressed down. God doesn’t give a sack of blessings that is mostly air like a bag of potato chips.  He gives a sack that has been shaken to get as much in as possible.  He gives a container that is pressed down to get as much in as possible.  God gives blessings that overflow.  In the 23rd Psalm, David wrote, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over” (Psa. 23:5).  God is able to give beyond what we ask or even think. However, we must ask, and we must do it in faith.  We often have not because we ask not.  James wrote, “You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask” (Jam. 4:2).  Furthermore, we often do not receive because we do not have faith.  Again, James wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord” (Jam. 1:5-7).