“If any man speak, let him speak as 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. Amen” (I Peter 4:11).

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).

“And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full” (I John 1:4).

In John’s first epistle, the apostle lists four basic reasons for writing this personal letter. Due to the fact that Christians have the same needs now as then, John’s instruction is right up-to-date.

“And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD” (Isaiah 37:14,15).

“And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:15).