February 18, 2022Have you been watching the Winter Olympics? I have only watched a few times, as other things have taken my time recently, but enjoy seeing the performances of highly-skilled athletes. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote “let’s pray that the life-changing message of the Lord Jesus will be shared with people from many lands” and we can continue to pray that many people will trust in Christ in China and around the world.
In his book “The Challenge of First Century Christianity,” Dr. John M. Moore writes: “When Jesus Christ gave the task of witnessing to all His disciples, He did not foresee them witnessing in their own strength and abilities. This would lead to failure and disaster. He assured them that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them, and then they would be His witnesses to the people of the world.
A witness is someone who gives first-hand evidence. Someone who tells what he or she has seen, or heard, or experienced. A witness does not stand up in court and say ‘I think it happened like this!’ Or, ‘Perhaps it took place this way!’ A witness in court is there to say ‘I know what happened. I saw it. I was there!’ That was how these first-century Christians spoke: ‘We know that we have passed from death to life …’ (1 John 3:14).”
In his Study Bible, Dr. David Jeremiah writes: “John presents five tests that will help determine if a person is really a Christian. These tests are given as birthmarks to assure true believers of their salvation.
- Faith Test. What do we believe? Is our doctrine in line with the Word of God? (1 John 4:15; 5:1)
- Life Test. How do we live? Do we keep God’s commandments? (5:2-3)
- Love Test. Do we love our brothers and sisters? (4:7-11, 20-21)
- Growth Test. Are we overcoming more and more as we walk with the Lord? (5:4-5)
- Sin Test. Do we avoid sin, or do we continue sinning and consider it acceptable? (1:5-10; 3:4-9) ”
Scripture for the weekend: “He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.” 1 John 5:10 (NKJV)
Thought for the weekend: “We are not going to move this world by criticism of it nor conformity to it, but by the combustion within it of lives ignited by the Spirit of God.” – Vance Havner (from “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary,” written by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe, published by David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, CO)