sgys banner books

More of Jesus and Less of Me

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

SEEMS LIKE A LOT of people call themselves by titles and have a ministry these days. Many of them jockey against one another, emulating, violating the very and utter humility Jesus demonstrated and taught His twelve (Matthew 20:20-28; 23:8-12). Some desire to be the star of the show, the man or even the women of the hour, instead of rendering true repentance, dying to self, and letting Jesus reign.

Am I Seeking My Own Glory?

Am I missing something here? Have you observed some of this? Perhaps my statement is a bit too broad. Certainly there are humble servant who seek only the glory of God Himself. Let’s explore and learn of Him…

Why O why so many in our midst who insist upon calling themselves “reverend,” “apostle,” “prophet,”  or even “pastor”? Jesus gave these gifts TO MEN – so they could serve men and not themselves (Ephesians 4:11-13).

First off, anyone can start a “ministry.” But what does that mean? For many it simply means that they are setting up an entity to make people think they are doing God’s will. It helps them draw attention to themselves I might add.

So many who have been put in the limelight by men seem to be show boating. In other words, their “ministry” is all about them and their riches and clothes and mansions. These are the very wolves the LORD often reminded us of (Philippians 3:18-21; 2 Peter 2:1-3, etc.).

Think about the so-called music today that we call “Christian.” It’s nearly ALL man or self-centered. Compare it to the substance of the songs of old. No comparison. The worship of Jesus Christ as the “mighty God” has been replaced by a self-serving, feel-good message. Jesus has been ousted! Ichabod! Remember that “antichrist” means “instead of” or “in place of.” The LORD Jesus has been replaced with self worship or the worship of mere sinful man. This is soul-damning idolatry (Revelation 21:8).

“He that speaketh of himself (instead of Christ) seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” John 7:18

Isn’t it amazing how little we talk about JESUS in our conversations (at times)? When the subject of God is discussed, JESUS should be the central Theme in that we cannot approach the Father without Him. He is the very LOGOS (Word) of God. He is the central Theme of all of Scripture. We will NEVER grow out of the need for JESUS – never. In fact, the more we grow, the more dependent upon Him we become. God’s Word instructs us to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (abundantly).” (Col. 3:16)

“For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5

Am I seeking my own glory – through spiritual avenues? Do I use my place in God’s kingdom, among God’s people, to promote myself, or the Savior? Do I truly exalt the Lamb of God who was slain before the foundation of the world for my depravity? Where is my authentic worship (worth-ship) of His holy name?

Does “the mind of Christ” truly possess my being? Did He come to give or take? Lust gets, love gives. If I truly have the mind of the One I claim to serve, it is obvious in that my life is set forth to love the LORD will all that is within me and to serve His precious saints. The true disciple should at once understand that elevating Him and elevating His saints to Him is where all the law and prophets hang (Matt. 22:37-39).

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2:3-5 

We are instructed to cease esteeming mere men above that which is written of him.

“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of ?” Isaiah 2:22

God is going to bring all men low, especially those who have lifted themselves up or allowed themselves to receive undue honor via wearing unwarranted titles and using other means to be lifted up. They are glory robbing from Christ who alone deserves all glory and honor.

“The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, and to bring into contempt all the honourable of the earth.” Isaiah 23:9

The Bible tells us that those mere men who are self-elevated among deceived men is a short-lived:

“Man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.” Psalms 49:12

What did God say man is, even in his “best state”?

“Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.” Psalms 39:5

What did the apostle Paul determine to do?

“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2

The apostle Paul purposely refrained from speaking eloquently. He refused to dazzle his audience with oration finesse. WHY?

“That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

The LORD doesn’t want us, mere messengers, branding ourselves or our delivery or personalities, or making an industry out of our ministering His Word. In order that Christ alone was elevated and all heart affection was placed on Christ, Paul made a determination to know nothing among the people except “Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”

God certainly has called out some men to serve HIM. And that’s it – they are called out by Him to serve Him and not themselves using His holy name. To do so is the use His holy name in vain or for one’s own self-serving purpose and to be guilty of attempting to rob Him of the glory due His name alone (Exodus 20:7).

In whom did Paul glory?

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14

Remember, He that speaketh of himself (rather than the Lord) seeketh his own glory…”

Let’s lift up JESUS, not ourselves. There is soooooo much to say about Him Who is the Infinite Author and Sustainer of ALL life, why not get started talking…

PRAYER: O Father, in Jesus’ holy name, I beg You to deliver my heart from the evil vanity of all sinful and self-serving motives! Quicken my heart today in Thy holy fear and to love You as I choose to exalt Jesus Christ alone in thought, word, and deed, and to spread Your love to all under my influence! Amen Jesus!

Now, go read Matthew 20:20-28; 23:8-12, and 21:44 and pray.

Support | STORE | PodcastsThe Bridegroom is Calling His BridePurifying Ourselves as He is Pure [podcast]10 Clues Your Love for God is Waxing Cold [podcast] | More on the Sabbath of the New Testament – Jesus!

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Apostasy

Church History or the Scriptures? [podcast]


Regrettably, “reformed” counterfeits are more interested in the writings of their calvinistic wolves than in reading and studying the Bible itself – reading, studying Jesus, His apostles and prophets.

Unless you have the whole Bible memorized, and have a working knowledge of all the doctrines of the original Gospel, why would you be wasting your time reading something God never said He inspired, such as church history?

IF you are reading more “reformation” and church history literature than the Bible, you will inevitably be deceived for not choosing to have a love for the truth of God – which was given you in HIS Word (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). Study God’s Word itself beloved. That’s exactly what the LORD instructs you to do (2 Timothy 2:15).

We must go back further than the “reformation.” Nothing needed to be RE-formed…. because we have a Bible which is the final divine authority (Mark 13:31; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21, etc.). Many of the “reformers” were absolute heretics such as the demon possessed murderous maniac, John Calvin.

Beware of those who without saying it outright, place church history on the same level as the Holy Scriptures. Such men are false (Matthew 23).

We get our view, perspective, knowledge, and understanding of God via His own Word. Everything else is secondary, every extra-biblical source, is unnecessary, and can be a diversion. Beware saints. Many today have a skewed understanding of Scripture because instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to teach them His pure truth through the study of His Word, they’ve researched and studied what mere men have stated about the Bible. This they did instead of studying God’s Word for themselves as the LORD instructs us to do (2 Timothy 2:15).

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21

Personally, I waste no time on early church fathers or church history. They weren’t ordained, sanctioned by God exclusively to pen the words of Holy Writ, the Bible, which is God’s Word and the highest divine authority (2 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17). What’s it matter if you know what they said? The LORD didn’t ordain them to communicate His truth to the world. This does nothing but create confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Many would rather listen to what mere men had to say about God and the Bible than to learn for themselves what God said in His own Word. The LORD has always instructed His people to study and learn and attend to HIS words (Deuteronomy 4, 6, 11, Isaiah 34:16, etc.).

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

God’s Word is “Settled in Heaven” forever!

“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” Psalms 119:89 

Church history doesn’t matter at all and is littered with false teachers. It has no divine authentication or standing in Heaven and is the very reason so many are misled today. WHO told you to study church history or that church history was important? Not the LORD. No Scriptures could affirm such a position. Jesus told us the Holy Spirit would lead us into all truth and that His “word is truth,” not church history (John 16:13-14; 17:17). Church history is not divinely inspired, Holy Scripture is and it alone is “profitable for doctrine, correction, reproof, and instruction in righteousness,” not church history (2 Timothy 3:15-17). No one could ever possibly know the Holy Scriptures well enough so why waste time studying mere men who were never sanctioned by God to be our examples or teach His sound doctrine?

“Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” Mark 13:31

ANYONE LEADING YOU TO STUDY CHURCH HISTORY INSTEAD OF THE BIBLE ITSELF, IS A VILE DEMONIC WOLF. BEWARE.

Jesus and His holy apostles made it clear that only the Word of God can wash and sanctify (set apart) the disciple to the LORD – and nothing else.

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17

“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25-27

When you hear someone promoting the study of church history, you can be sure he’s either been: 1) to seminary, or 2) influenced by seminarians.

The reformers were mere men. They were not included in the “holy men of God who spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” as were those who were divinely inspired to pen the words of Scripture (2 Peter 1:19-21). WHY waste your time on church history? We must go back to the LORD and His prophets and apostles just as did the Bereans who tested Paul and his doctrine strictly against the written Word (Acts 17:10-11). Otherwise we will err in our doctrine. Reformed groups are famous for misdirecting people from Scripture onto their heroes of the faith, none of which were sanctioned by God or ordained to record Holy Writ. They mislead people into studying men in history who were known devils. One example of this course, this atrocious deception, is that they herald diabolical, heretical wolves like John Calvin.

ALL of God’s answers are here – in His written Word – not in the study of church history (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3-4; 19-21).

Personally, I stay away from the “revivalist” and church history and stick with the Scriptures which are pure (Proverbs 30:5-6).

The LORD has called us to be His humble disciples (Micah 6:8; Matthew 5:3; 10:16; 20:20-28; 23:8-12, etc.). Do we see the call for a “revivalist” in the Word? Evangelist yes (Acts 21:8; Ephesians 4:11). I say this because of some aspiring to become “revivalists” due to reading church history. Sobeit. Yet isn’t it safest to walk humbly before our LORD, reaching one precious saint or soul at a time? Isn’t that a better, more biblical aspiration? (Micah 6:8)

At least some of those many refer to as a “revivalist” taught heresy, such as Charles Finney.

 When a preacher has to always be yelling, does that raise a red flag? What’s HE hiding? Is the anointing in the volume?

Reformed groups are famous for misdirecting people from Scripture onto their heroes of the faith, none of which were sanctioned by God or recorded in Holy Writ. As if drawing people away from God’s Word to study un-inspired church history wasn’t enough, they mislead people into studying men in history who were known devils. One example of this course, this atrocious deception, is that they herald diabolical, heretical wolves like John Calvin.

Church history is not holy Scripture and is not divinely inspired.

MANY, instead of studying pure Holy Scripture (KJB), get caught up and derailed by the myriad of false systems of theology that have flooded the church world …. Calvinism, eternal security evangelicalism, church history, church fathers, the delusional witchcraft of the NAR (new apostolic reformation) movement, the Christ-denying heretical word of faith system, etc. The list goes on and on and on. Satan has many snares laid to clutter your mind and life with foolishness. God allows those who don’t authentically fear and love Him enough to study HIS pure Word to be sent “strong delusion” and thereby deceived (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). They are blinded, thinking they are going to Heaven and yet are “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 3:7). There’s a divine elimination system – separating the sheep from the goats.

1 Corinthians 11:19 is an interesting verse of truth to ponder.

“For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” 1 Corinthians 11:19

Church history contains an epidemic of contradicting theology and confusion because it’s not divinely inspired. “God is not the author of confusion” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

Many who study church history instead of God’s Word, are caught up in the heretical system of the worst wolf in New Testament history. Yes, they adhere to the diabolical monstrosity named John Calvin, a man who had over 60 people murdered and admitted he received his teachings from a Catholic named Augustine. John Calvin Exposed

There is no contradiction in Scripture because the one true God inspired all of it! Church history is not Holy Scripture and is not divinely inspired. Let us wake up and study God’s Word as He expressly instructed us to do (2 Timothy 2:15, etc.). The LORD never once told any of His servants to study church history. Such is a diversion of the enemy of all souls.

“ALL things that pertain to life and godliness” are written for us in the “Holy Scriptures” which are “the exceeding great and precious promises” of the LORD (2 Peter 1:3-4; 20-21).

The study of church history in search of answers is a misguided endeavor and a waste of the time God has given us if we don’t even thoroughly know the full-counsel of His Word.

What is final divine authority? Man’s history or Holy Writ? Why waste our time studying the works of men when we grossly lack the knowledge of God’s Word? (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Acts 17:10-11)

The study of church history is clearly a rabbit trail of the enemy to keep people from the revealing and transforming truth of God’s Word. The Berean believers “searched the SCRIPTURES daily,” not church history outside the Bible canon of the 39 OT books. Jesus told us to “search the scriptures” because HE Himself is revealed in the Holy Scriptures, not subjective church history concerning mere men who were not divinely authenticated as were the “holy men of God” whom God used and “spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (John 5:39-40; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” John 5:39-40

The Holy Scriptures have as their Grand Subject the Son of God. Like the pharisees, the religionist of His day, those who hear it and don’t repent, coming to Jesus, forfeit the blessing of His salvation.

The “Holy Scriptures,” not church history books, are given to make us “wise unto salvation,” “for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” and so that we might “be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17

It’s the Word of God, not church history, that furnishes the heart and life of the man of God, fully equipping him for the work of the ministry.

When Paul instructed Timothy to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God,” he was speaking of studying the Holy Scriptures, not church history (2 Timothy 2:15).

Getting into God’s Word |

Sign up for free email devotional HERE... The Moments with My Master email devotional is sent out for the edification of the body of Christ.

Support | STORE | PodcastsThe Return of ChristStewardshipWhere to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account!Victory in Jesus | Discipleship | The Glorious Grace of God | The Restoring Love of Our God | God’s Mercy | Spiritual Warfare | JustificationGrace and Good Works [podcast]

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Articles

Mission Mexico Part 46 [podcast]

Recorded about a week ago: Much has happened since then!


Your Love for God is Changing Lives Saints!

Clara’s new rental. Brother Allan ministering in the Philippines. Many being reached daily in Mexico. And much more…..

Happening now. In progress. Talking to Clara by text right now….. delivered the rent and deposit today. | Clara’s Cry

Recently, when bringing more food to Clara and her 3 boys, food from God’s love in and through you, I noticed that her 3 boys were quite dirty and was moved. They were actually filthy. Clara is by nature a very quiet person. So I began asking her questions….. With the current rental, they have one outdoor sink with running water. That’s it. No shower. The current rental is beyond shabby for sure. Sorry, just trying to communicate facts here.

Now the good news…..

Her mother found Clara and the boys a new rental, about 50 yards from where they currently live. She gave the price and I made a counter offer, negotiated a discount. Here’s the score:

Move-in Costs: It’s going to cost $382 USD total to move in, which includes the first month’s rent and deposit. I asked the landlord to give us the remainder of September as a bonus for this rental contract and she accepted. So, Clara’s monthly rent will be $208 USD – and this includes the water and electricity (both included). Her rent has doubled, all the way up to $208 USD per month for Clara and her 3 young boys 😉 …. In my estimation, this move is also going to help Clara be less weighed down as perhaps many of us know how it feels to live in dire conditions. Having a nicer, more functioning home to live in will surely do much for her morale. Do you agree?

If anyone wish to earmark a special gift for Clara and her boys, just submit it and send me an email, letting me know your special gift is for Clara. If more than $382 is raised, it will still all go to Clara’s cause. | info@safeguardyoursoul.com

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Proverbs 19:17


On the behalf of Christ Jesus and His beloved body, we are in Mexico to love, to equip, to support, to be a blessing to the members of our LORD’s Jesus’ body. Please allow me also to say, that it’s more than obvious that these saints in Mexico have never been loved and supported as they are now. This is all due to your love being poured out upon them in prayers and support.

The people, the saints God has put His holy finger on for us to serve, in no particular order, are as follows:

  • Brother Juan
  • Sister Maria
  • Clara
  • Brother Allan in the Philippines

If you’re going to go bananas over anything, let it be Christ. Everything else is fleeting and a waste. Read that again.



WE CERTAINLY CAN’T HELP EVERYONE AND YET WE, YOU, ARE BEING THE WORLD OF HELP TO A FEW—THOSE GOD HAS DESIGNED: Wednesday was Clara’s birthday, yesterday. Because you prayed and gave, she was given food and a pastry item so they could celebrate her birthday with her boys and mother, and other family members. Remember, people here are poor.



Many eternal souls are being reached in beautiful Mexico. God is able. Thank you for your prayers for these people.

Last Night: Maria called and needed more JESUS tracts and so I brought them to her on her witnessing post. She had finished the first 2,000 she was given after the 20,000 print run recently!

Mission Mexico | Download and Read the JESUS tract here – English and Spanish available.

Keep lifting up in prayer—fruit, more fruit, much fruit (John 15). God is answering. Can nearly not keep up, praise God for HIS mercy and goodness. What is reported is but a sampling of our LORD’s work among the beautiful humble people of Mexico. More and more Mexican saints taking JESUS tracts and distributing them!

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30 



From Brother and evangelist Juan here in Mexico:

“Brother, I’ve chosen to leave some Bibles and pamphlets (JESUS tracts) at the businesses I distribute to for my job, and the customers have told me they’ve been a blessing. People come up to ask me to pray for them, and glory to God, because He gives us both the desire and the ability to do what is right. We know His Word never returns empty; it always fulfills its purpose. Amen, brother, brother.” Juan


Brother Allan and his ministry team in the Philippines are leading people to Jesus on a regular basis. God be praised that it is hard to keep up with all the evangelism success here in Mexico and also the Philippines with our brother Allan who is a fervent disciple of Jesus, a consummate soul winner (Proverbs 11:30). I’ve been blessed to know and be in fellowship with our brother for over 30 years now. He is authentic.

Here’s just one small example of what our LORD is doing in the Philippines: A few days ago a whole class full of students and the teacher received Jesus. Saints of Christ, the world is full of people who desire to hear the Gospel of our LORD Jesus and to receive Him.  We are blessed to feed the Word of God to hungry souls who receive and don’t reject Christ.

“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 15  Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.” Matthew 10:14-15

You and I are blessed to stand with our brother Allan and the Philippines ministry. YOUR prayers and support are making this possible!!! God is able!

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” Ephesians 3:20

Everyone is welcome to pray and support. It would be nice to increase our support soon to our brother Allan and Team Jesus in the Philippines! See Support button on safeguardyoursoul.com  Let’s roll saints! Jesus is coming.



As has been shared previously…..

More and continual vehicle ministry….. rolling. If all you did was move to Mexico and passed out JESUS tracts as you drove around town, you’d be hitting home runs for Jesus daily!


Because you prayed, you cared, you gave, this beloved homeless man was fed—food, cold water, and the Gospel of Jesus! The Bible, God’s Word as much to say about feeding the poor and how God will bless those who do. Proverbs 19:17, etc.


It’s a blessing that with your prayers, love, and financial support, you are declaring that “The People of Mexico Matter for Christ—He died to save them!”

“So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” Acts 19:20

IF YOU WANT TO PLEASE SATAN …..

MAKE SURE you do NOT support authentic evangelistic ministries that are literally, actually getting Christ’s Gospel to the lost souls of this world.

The apostle Paul did “the work of an evangelist” and instructed us to do the same.

“Preach the word … But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:2, 5

Our KING is coming saints, King JESUS!

Let’s roll beloved of God!

in Christ

todd

Continue Reading

Articles

The Cross in the Book of Job [podcast]


“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. 24  For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.”  Luke 9:23-24

“I looked that word, through, up in the KJB Dictionary and it is used 463 times in the Bible. And it means to ‘pass through.’ That’s what the cross does. We pass through from death and burial and into the resurrection life! Just as the Israelites did, they passed through the red sea into the promised land. And through the red sea their flesh was crucified, dead and buried and thrown into the sea. Then they  were raised up into newness of life!” Karen Cochran

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Prayer | The Crucified Life | Travis Bryan III | Fasting and Prayer | True Repentance | Discipleship | Got Breakthrough? Here it is! | Faithfulness to God

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Categories

donate button round
sgys-books01

Trending