Interview with Kevin Wayne Johnson
author of Give God the Glory

GGBC: What message does “Give God the Glory!” communicate to its readers?

KWJ: This book is intended as a resource to everyone who desires to read it, as a means to establish, acknowledge and/or strengthen their personal relationship with God. It is one of many channels whereby God’s Word must be spread throughout this world. Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me (John 12:32)”.

GGBC: Within its six chapters, there are twenty-three specific thought-provoking strategies that encourage and challenge each of us to Give God the Glory! Explain how both Christians and non-Christians alike personally benefit from reading this book.

KWJ: God’s plan for salvation and redemption is extended to all of His people. Some have accepted this truth, and others have not. We are all made in His image, after His likeness (Genesis 1:26). Because of His love for us, He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, so that we can be reconnected to Him and enjoy a successful life while fulfilling our purpose for being birthed into the earth (John 3:16 & 1 Peter 1: 20-21). This book explores and highlights several key attributes toward a knowledge of God as well as doing the will of God as it relates to each readers’ life.

GGBC: Why should non-Christians be compelled to follow your advice?

KWJ: This book attempts to simplify the contents of The Holy Bible to the extent that the reader will desire further understanding. The words and thought patterns become illuminated in a manner that God’s message to all of His people will be received. God knows each of us intimately, more than we will ever know ourselves. So much so, that His Word says, “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered (Luke 12: 7)”. Further, before the foundation of the world, God formed us, knew us, sanctified us, and ordained us a prophet (Jeremiah 1:5). It is our choice as to whether we accept God’s love for us or choose to go another way, thus rejecting His plan for our lives.

GGBC: What is the meaning of the title of this book?

KWJ: Give God the Glory! means to recognize and acknowledge God in every area of our lives – words, thoughts, and deeds. It explains to some, and reinforces to others, the significance of glorifying God in all that we do, say, and think. God’s Word says, “If any man speak, let him speak as to the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. A-men’ (1 Peter 4: 11)”.

GGBC: What is the meaning of its subtitle?

KWJ: The book is strategically divided into two parts: (I) Know God and (II) Do the Will of God. In Jeremiah 9: 23-24, God reminds His people to understand and know Him and not to glory in our own wisdom, might, nor riches. God delights Himself in exercising loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness. In Ephesians 5:14-17 and James 1:22, God commands us to understand His will for our lives and to be doers of His Word, not just hearers (only).

GGBC:Please explain the spiritual law of faith (Chapter 1).

KWJ:Faith is a law. Without it, we cannot please God. God is a spirit (John 4:24) and we must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Faith is an attribute that is developed over time because it is defined as the ability to believe that something exists without a visual perception or actual evidence. Although we cannot see God in the natural, we know that He exists because everything that He created is all around us – trees, grass, animals, sun, moon, mountains – for our enjoyment.

GGBC: Why is attitude so important toward developing a personal relationship with God (Chapter 2)?

KWJ:Attitude is closely tied to the choices that we make. The two are inseparable. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:5)”. God’s plan for our life involves making correct choices. In Deuteronomy 30:16, God encourages us to love Him, walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, so that we may live and multiply. In verse 19, He teaches us that, “I have set before you this day life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live”.

GGBC: Attitude is a choice. Choices are long lasting and life changing. Every person is gifted to carryout God’s plan for mankind. Why are there so many different gifts (Chapter 3)?

KWJ: All of the spiritual gifts work together to complete the whole (body of Christ). “Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:1)”. When all of the various gifts work in unison, as one with the other, the whole (body of Christ) is edified and God, the Father, is glorified – 1 Corinthians 12:12.

GGBC: The Book of Romans is the first book written by the Apostle Paul. His writing on personal relationships is quite revealing. Why did he begin with this Book (Chapter 4)?

KWJ: This book of The Holy Bible, more than any other, explores the significance of Christ’s sacrificial death. During the time of this writing, the city of Rome was the greatest city in the world with over one million inhabitants. Paul admonishes the Romans to recognize and to live a life according to the righteousness of God.

GGBC: The Christians’ Bill of Rights are clear. Why don’t we fully embrace them (Chapter 5)?

KWJ: By faith in Jesus, we are born “again”. We are now citizens of the city of the living God and our names are registered in heaven – Hebrews 12:22-23. We have been translated from the power of darkness (our old ways) into His marvelous kingdom (by salvation) and now have a new covenant (a legal and binding agreement) that contains all of the covenant rights and benefits that we are to enjoy. They are found in the books of Romans through Jude. They are not fully embraced by all Christians because of a lack of knowledge, application, and/or faith.

GGBC: The Golden Rule is such an important message for all people. Why is it so difficult to treat others as we desire to be treated (Chapter 6)?

KWJ: “But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors (James 2:9)”. Most people do not fully comprehend togetherness and love. They are not taught by the school systems, only by God. Since God is love, and since He loved us so much that He gave His Son Jesus for our salvation and redemption, it is paramount that we love one another. Love begins with, and through, God. His Word says, “Let brotherly love continue (Hebrews 13:1)”.

GGBC: Thanks so much Mr. Johnson for your time!