“Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world.” Revelation 3:10 NLT
Throughout the history of the church there has been testing. God has tested the professed faith of those who call themselves believers (the church). Testing proves something. Talk is cheap. Anyone can profess faith but not just anyone can live out that faith. Faith is demonstrated in testing. James chapter 2 makes it abundantly clear that true faith is demonstrated in the works that follow it (James 2:14-26). Positional righteousness (salvation through Jesus) produces practical righteousness (works that demonstrate the Lordship of Jesus). To call Jesus the Christ is to acknowledge Him for what He has accomplished for salvation. To call Him Lord is to submit to Him in obedience. Not everyone who professes, possesses. True believers endure testing. Just as fire tests and purifies gold, so do trials test and purify the church. "So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT The church of Philadelphia had passed the tests that had been given to them and they remained faithful, regardless of the circumstances. Jesus had found them faithful. Philadelphia was a true church. Not perfect, but faithful and true. Because they had passed all the exams of the past, Jesus was going to spare them the final test that would be brought upon the whole world. True believers in Jesus Christ will be spared the final that is coming to this world. In Jesus Christ, we are spared God's wrath. “For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9 NLT One day soon, this world will face the wrath of Almighty God because of sin. The only way out of this coming judgment is Jesus Christ. Jesus is searching the church and proving the hearts of men to identify His true church. Are you one of those true believers? If so, pass the test of daily submission to His Lordship. Live out your faith in spite of the trials that come your way. True faith in Jesus overcomes. “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” 1 John 5:4 NLT “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”” John 16:33 NLT Through Jesus we overcome!! Today, let us ask God to examine our professed faith and identify it as genuine and built upon Him. If it is, it will pass the tests of life and will be granted a pass in the final. Thank God!!! Hallelujah!!!!!!!
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![]() Rev. Curtis Norris Archives
March 2020
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