“This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.” I John 5:6
The true remnant last day believers will be identified, not by their tenants or statement of faith that their church has in place, nor by a denomination they may belong to, but by the Spirit of truth. Truth recognizes truth.
“Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:20
I suppose many of us, if we were asked, “is it right for a believer to want to be influential,” would say no. We would think, “we must be humble and stay in the background.” Consider this, each of us need to be influential. As far as humility, we must be humble in our influence. Desire to be influential, so influential that you can convert a sinner from his error and save his soul from death.
“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. 14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:” James 5:13-14
Take note that the response to every one of these situations has to do with trusting in the Lord. If afflicted, pray to God. If you are merry, sing Psalms which is God’s word. If you are sick, call for the men of God who believe the name of Jesus.
“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.” James 5:12
God is not against us making an oath. He is against the premise that if we don’t say something under oath that we therefore don’t have to keep our word. When we speak it should be as if we are always under an oath.
“And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:” Hebrews 11:39
So many of the false prophets today preach that faith is marked by what you have in your possession. If there is something that marks faith it is living and believing in what is yet coming.
“Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” Hebrews 11:26
What an awesome God we serve. Experiencing the reproach that comes from serving Christ, is better than any of the treasures this world can offer. Let me say it another way. The worst of situations that result from serving Christ, far surpass the best of situations that the world gives.
“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.” Hebrews 11:23
When we think of faith, we know it has so much to do with believing God. Here we see that it also has something to do with not believing and not fearing someone else.
“But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” Acts 26:20
Though you will not find the word “surrender” in the KJV Bible, the principle is seen in many places. The words, “repent” and “turn to God” allude to that principle. That is what the Christian life is, it is a life that is surrendered to the Lord. If it wasn’t for man’s pride, surrendering would be one of the easiest things he could ever do.
“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” Acts 25:18
Jesus called Paul to open the eyes of the people and turn them from darkness. The simplest way there is to help people see is to turn on a light. Saints, the answer to the darkness this world is in is to show them the light of Christ. If we don’t have that light, then they won’t be able to see anything else we can do for them.
“Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” I Thessalonians 5:5
Whenever we participate with the heathen in those things they do in darkness, then we are not walking as “children of light” nor are we walking as “children of the day.”
