He must Increase

John 3:30

John the Baptist said these words about himself and pointing to the glorification of Christ. John, was eventually beheaded, by Herod.

Stephen one of the first deacons of the church at Jerusalem, after preaching his first sermon was stoned to death by his audience. He decreased as Christ increased.

The blood of the Martyrs flows steadily throughout history, as well as those who not suffering martyrdom, have given their entire lives for the cause of Christ. They decreased as Christ increased.

St. Patrick the son of a Roman Nobleman, was captured from his home in England and sold into slavery in Ireland. After years of slavery he made his escape back to England only later to hear the call from God to return to Ireland and convert the masses to Christianity. He decreased as Christ increased.

Adoniram Judson to Burma experienced hardship that included prison in shackles. His poor wife struggled also begging Burman women on the streets to nurse her infant when her own health had deteriorated to a point where she could no longer provide for her child. Mrs. Judson eventually died. They decreased as Christ increased.

Five young missionaries on the stretch of sand called Palm Beach in the Amazon jungle were all speared to death by the Wonami, never having made a single convert. They decreased as Christ increased.

Many years ago as a child I remember a story told by a visiting elderly priest to our church. He was a missionary for many years to remote people of western Africa. He told us how he and his companion came to a village to bring the knowledge of Christ to them. The village men took his companion and severed his head from his body and played an entire game of soccer with it. After they were finished, they said to this priest, now we will listen about you God. This compannion decreased as Christ increased.

Three days ago in Eritrea, a 33 year old Christian woman died from physical torture because she refused to sign a document recanting her faith. She decreased as Christ increased.

1. Before Christ increases I must decrease.

2. George Mueller said in his journal that one day he made a decision to die to George Mueller. His life was never the same again.

3. Our life is not our own, for we are bought with a price, therefore, glorify God in your bodies.