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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 The worship of Jesus Christ as the “mighty God” has been replaced by a self-serving, feel-good message.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!

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Articles

“Come unto Me, all Ye that Labour and are Heavy Laden, and I will Give You Rest” [podcast


God is “Holy, holy, holy” and “God is love.” (Isaiah 6:3; 1 John 4:8, 16; Revelation 4:8)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:16-18

Jesus came and died to save us “while we were yet sinners.”

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:6-8

The Proof of God’s Love for all Men

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.  7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:4-8

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please do Your ever-deepening work in my heart and life. Please imbue my innermost being with your holiness, holy fear, and love. Bless this vessel to be purified, cleansed of all iniquity and falsity, made authentic by You dear LORD. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For a daily dose and feeding of God’s Word, as a component of your study of the LORD, of His Word, the Moments with Our Master 365 daily devotional is available. | STORE

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God Walking with Jesus on His Stated Terms – the Cross | Fasting and PrayerThe Old Man Must be Put Down [podcast]The 5 Sins That Keep God’s People Out of Their Promised Land [podcast]What Did Paul Mean by “I Keep Under My Body”? [podcast]“Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith” [podcast]A Living Sacrifice unto God [podcast]Departing from Hell BeneathPrayer

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Have We Misunderstood Why Christians Meet Together? [video]

“We’ve created a whole culture of Christians who are just known for going to church.” Dr Wadsworth! 



It is hard to convince a man (modern pastor) he is wrong when his livelihood ($) depends on not knowing he is wrong.” Unknown



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Jesus Christ is God [podcast]


The Divinity of Jesus Christ

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS CONCERNING JESUS CHRIST AS GOD ALMIGHTY: (Note: this is not an exhaustive look at the divinity of Jesus Christ. Also, note that some of the particular words that announce His divinity are underlined).

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (means God with us).” Isaiah 7:14

Jesus says “if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” (John 8:24) You cannot be saved if you do not believe that Jesus Christ is God Almighty because that’s who the Bible foretold that the Messiah would be. … “the mighty God.” (Isaiah 9:6) Jesus Christ is God “Almighty” (Revelation 1:8). …. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (means God with us).” Isaiah 7:14 ,,, Jesus Christ was “GOD with us.”

Jesus Christ came to the earth exactly how and when the “more sure word of prophecy”, the Scriptures, foretold that He would come and to fulfill the Messianic prophecies of Himself to the exact detail (2 Peter 1:19-21).

“Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.” Psalms 40:7-8

“From cover to cover of the OT it was foretold not only that Christ would come into the world but that He would come with an eager, ready spirit to do the will of God. The will of God was not just in His head—it was inscribed in His very heart.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given (He already existed as God-with no beginning or end): and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.” Isaiah 9:6,7

“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting (Jesus, born as a man in Bethlehem, is God, and existed from eternity past). Micah 5:2

“In the beginning was the Word (Jesus Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God …All things were made by him (Creator); and without him was not any thing made that was made…He was in the world, and the world was made by him…And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” John 1:1,2,10,14

CONTRARY TO WHAT FALSE RELIGIONS TEACH, JESUS CHRIST WAS NOT A MAN BECOMING GOD OR JUST A GOD AMONG OTHER “GODS.” NO, HE IS THE ONE TRUE GOD, the only God, “the Almighty,” WHO BECAME MAN – TO REDEEM MAN! (JOHN 1; Revelation 1:8, etc.)

“And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.” John 3:13

Of Christ distinctly, Colossians 1 reveals that Jesus Christ is the Creator and divine Sustainer of all that exists:

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17

Jesus Christ made Himself “equal with God” because He is God!

“Therefore the Jews sought to kill him because he…said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.” John 5:18

“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58

Before Abraham, Jesus Christ existed because He is eternal so He has no beginning nor ending. He dwelt with the Father from eternity past.

“How many generations after Abraham was Jesus?”

“In Matthew’s Gospel there are 41 generations from Abraham to Jesus. Matthew demonstrated that there were 14 generations (see Matthew 1:17): from Abraham to David; from David to Josiah; from Josiah to Jesus.” unknown

“How many years from Adam until Jesus?”

“Many believe that Jesus was born somewhere around 2 BCE. If we deduce the number, we got 4002 years between the creation of Adam and the birth of Jesus Christ. If others have a different number it would be alright, but basically the span in between would still be around 4000 years.” unknown

“The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man makest thyself God.” John 10:33

The divinity of Jesus Christ is an essential cornerstone doctrine of the Christian faith – without which no man can be saved.

The rebellious Jews were actually attempting to stone Jesus for identifying Himself as God Almighty – the “Christ,” “the Son of God” (John 10:24-25,36). Read John 10:22-42. The Jews knew from the OT Scriptures that the Messiah would be divine, yet were in unbelief that this Jesus from Nazareth was their long awaited Messiah.

ANY person who denies the divinity of and limits Jesus Christ as being “the Son of God” (and that He is)…. needs to be saved. “The spirit of antichrist” is upon any person who has denied Christ (1 John 4:3). Such a person is a lost soul. Jesus being the Son of God in no way negates that He is God “Almighty” (Revelation 1:8). See 1 John 2:22-23.

If you don’t believe the RECORD of Scripture that Jesus Christ is IMMANUEL, GOD with us, you are an antichrist. Repent. Isaiah 7:14; 9:6-7; Matthew 1:23; John 8:24; 1 Timothy 3:16; John 1:1-18; Colossians 1:16-18, etc. We are told that the Christ would be born of a virgin in Bethlehem and would be Immanuel, GOD with us (Micah 5:2).

“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.” 1 John 2:22

Those who seek to reduce Jesus Christ to a mere man, to over humanize the Son of God, do so in order to justify themselves and deny His holy judgment and standard they will come under. And yet the Bible promises us that “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:27-28).

“The deity of Christ is being stripped out of the hearts of modern day Christians. They are beginning to humanize Him and make Him more like us! He has become like a pal who laughs off sin. One who is non offensive, loves us unconditionally with no expectation of change. This view takes the fear of God right out of people’s hearts. They no longer see Him as having the power to send them to hell. Because He is now this sweet, non judgmental man who would never judge them. He has been taken off the throne of heaven and they have put themselves there in God’s place. And the whole purpose is so they can live as they please with no threat of being judged by a holy, righteous, all powerful God. ‘It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.’ Hebrews 10:31” Karen Cochran

“I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.” John 16:28

“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” John 17:5

“And Thomas answered and said unto him (Jesus), My Lord and my God.” John 20:28

“…Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.” Philippians 2:5,6  (Jesus Christ is “equal with God”on the same level – God Almighty, divine.)

“…God was manifest in the flesh…believed on in the world, received up into glory.” 1 Timothy 3:16

“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: these three are one (there are three distinct, divine Persons in the Godhead and they are ‘one’ in substance and unity).” 1 John 5:7

“…Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20,21

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8

GOD CAME TO THE EARTH TO RESCUE MANKIND FROM CERTAIN DESTRUCTION:

“And the Word (Jesus Christ) was made flesh, and dwelt (pitched His tent) among us.” John 1:14

At the Father’s appointed time in history, Jesus Christ laid aside His divine form and “took upon him the form of a servant.” See Philippians 2:5-8. The eternal Word “took part” of human flesh by being born of a virgin in an earthly body like we now live in, so that He could pay the price for our sins (Hebrews 2:14, 15). Jesus became a man to redeem mankind. One of Jesus’ titles, Son of man, means God’s man to redeem man. You must closely study Hebrews 2:14, 15 for clear understanding.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins… and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, GOD with us.” Matthew 1:21-23

IF YOU DENY THAT JESUS CHRIST IS GOD “ALMIGHTY” (Revelation 1:8), you have called God a liar, are not saved, and are an antichrist. Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God, is “Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:23).

“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Matthew 1:23

Anyone who rejects the “record that God gave of his Son,” of Jesus Christ, given us in the Bible, is an antichrist (1 John 5:10).

“Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah)? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.” 1 John 2:22-23

And the Messiah, the Son of God, was foretold to be “The Mighty GOD” and “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14; 9:6,7; Matthew 1:23).

If you truly desire to know more about how to really know the LORD, go here okay:  Born Again: What is It?

THE BLOOD OF JESUSPEACE with GODChristology (the study of Christ)Christ CrucifiedWas Jesus the “One and Only Son”? [podcast]The Remission of Sins

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Christology | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] | At His FeetThe 7 Sayings of Jesus on the CrossHow We Know the Bible is the Only Holy Book

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