Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 September 2026 1 John 4:4.
1 John 4:4. ‘Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.’
Ah friends, we’re running a tad late, because it’s one of those days, when the ole fella is feeling somewhat like the weather, (smile) cloudy skies trying to suppress the sunshine. But we won’t allow it to happen, with the indwelling strength of Jesus we will stand steadfast and persevere. And we all know that’s easier said than done, especially when the deceptive devil is doing his best to make you surrender to his evil wiles. But let’s remember the truth and wisdom of John’s words in his first epistle: ‘Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.’ (1 John 4:4).
And is that ever the glorious truth! Jesus who dwells in us is much stronger than the devil who dwells in the world! And that’s one of the scriptures we need to keep first place in our hearts for when the evil Beelzebub dares to come against us. That brings us to these words of warning from Jesus to the disciples in John’s gospel. He tells them: ‘These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended (made to stumble). They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God a service.’ (John 16:1-2)
I guess that refers to the cruel times in the early days of the church, and to people like Bruh Paul when he was called Saul and very intent on hurting the followers of Christ, like when he stood by in silent consent and watched them stone Stepehen to death. (Acts 7:57- 60) The Bible tells it thus: ‘And Saul was consenting unto his (Stepehen’s) death. And at the time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the region of Judaea and Samaria, except for the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentations over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling (dragging off) men and women committed them to prison.’ (Acts 8:1-3)
Yes mih bredrin, the supporters of the early church experienced much persecution, but hear the good news that the Bible brings: ‘Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.’ (Acts 8:4) It’s like they took Christ’s warning in the gospel of Matthew to heart. ‘But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over (through) the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. (Christ’s second coming).’ (Matt. 10:23)
That’s when the Bible recalls: ‘Then Philip went down to the (a) city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people (multitudes) with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies (paralysis), and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city.’ (Acts 8:5-8)
Yuh see how it was back then my people? When the early Christians were persecuted, they didn’t run and hide or keep their mouths shut like so many of us do today. No. They simply moved on to another place and continued preaching the truth of Christ’s gospel. And the sad part is that very few of us have ever suffered or will ever suffer the kind of persecution that they underwent. But yet, so many of us supposed Christians refuse to speak of Christ or His Word to the unbelievers, either in fear of their reaction, or because we’re too focused on our own comfort to be bothered to expend any energy on Christ’s behalf.
And now’s a good time for all of us to consider the question that one Pastor asked his congregation: ‘When last have any of you broached the topic of Christ to anyone, be it sinner or saint?’ And the sad part is that too many of us, if we’re truthful, would have to answer: ‘It’s been a long time since I’ve done that,’ or ‘I’ve never done that.’
And that surely doesn’t speak well of our Christian conviction and witness, for remember Christ’s directive was for us to: ‘Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:19-20) That means friends, that too few of us are really doing our small part of the Great Commission, and thus not helping to bring the unbelievers to Christ, like we ought to.
Remember we’re Christ’s ambassadors, meaning that we’re responsible for administering His kingdom here on earth. And if we’re not doing anything to help build and/or stabilize His earthly kingdom, then we’re unworthy of the name ambassador, or even follower, believer or Christian. Now that’s not a very nice thing to be said of us, but unfortunately it’s very true. However, we still have the opportunity of turning it around. So please let’s do that nuh, beginning right now, by declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having said that, we’re now duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…you can’t be a true Christian…unless you advertise Christ…both in word and deed…
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