Revelation 12:11 KJV “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

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Once we believe in Jesus Christ the blood of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins saves us foremost. Without it, we are doomed. Then the word of our testimony; testifying about God’s saving grace through Jesus flows from within. (John 7:38) Living out the faith even in the face of death occurs with spiritual growth. The mature servant of God does not regard their lives above Him and His will. This is how we overcome the Devil.  

PERSECUTION WILL COME

Living for God will bring persecution. Satan will not go down without a fight. There is no getting around it for the blessed overcomer. Our Master says:

John 16:33 KJV “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

And the Spirit said through the apostle Paul (a man who knew a thing or two about persecution):

Acts 14:22 GW “They strengthened the disciples in these cities and encouraged the disciples to remain faithful. Paul and Barnabas told them, “We must suffer a lot to enter God’s kingdom.”

What I love about Jesus and Paul is they didn’t sugarcoat the life of a believer. They told us from day one how much we would suffer to enter the kingdom of God. They didn’t use any fine print only bold letters. 

THE OVERCOMERS?

Revelation 15:2 KJV “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.”

The apostle John saw a vision in heaven of those who overcame the Devil. But not only Him. They were victorious over his beast, his image, his mark, and the number of his name. Yes, there will be blessed overcomers in these last days! But as stated earlier we must endure unpleasant experiences: 

Revelation 20:4 KJV “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”

Those who are victorious sit on thrones and reign with Christ for a thousand years! They are judges of God. Among them are martyrs. Why were they murdered? For their bold witness of Jesus Christ and the word of God. They did not worship the beast neither his image nor received his mark in their hands or foreheads. Remember, the beast forces everyone to receive his mark. He forces it on the rich and poor, the free and slave, small and great, young and old, everybody. (Revelation 13:16-17) And his intent is that no one can buy or sell unless they have it. This is severe persecution for the children of God. Not being able to buy (work a job) or be able to sell (own a business) unless you have Satan’s mark is great tribulation indeed. Does this sound like anything going on today? Are not folks stripped of their livelihoods (worldwide) unless they take the DNA editing shot? The so-called vaccine?

The blessed overcomers would rather lose everything before they deny their Lord. Again, in a vision the apostle John sees them as victorious:

Revelation 7:13-17 KJV “And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? [14] And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. [15] Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. [16] They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. [17] For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

Did you notice some of the things those who are victorious go through? Hunger, thirst, and heat from the sun. Have you ever walked around homeless with nowhere to go and the heat of the sun shining down on you? Many of our brothers have and will. Yes, these blessed overcomers come out of GREAT tribulation indeed! 

Currently, billions are being forced to take a drug that alters them permanently according to leading scientists and doctors. A drug that is proven by the scientific community not to work. And if you refuse to take it you are ostracized. Worse than that you lose or are threatened with losing your income. Is this not great tribulation for the saints? Are they not made to stand out like sore, unloving thumbs? Because the media says the vaccines help stop COVID-19. But the data proves this shot does way more harm than good. All one has to do is check the VAERS: Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. If the vaccines work, why are the greater majority of people who get COVID among the vaccinated? And why can they still spread the disease? Why are there all these adverse reactions among the vaccinated? Why so many heart attacks, strokes, and cases of Huntington’s Disease? And why are so many (including healthy athletes) dropping dead worldwide since 2021? So many that we now have a new disease called SADS. SADS stands for Sudden Adult Death Syndrome. Great numbers of people are dropping dead suddenly since 2021 and we don’t know why? The law of cause and effect doesn’t apply here? It sure does. What happened since 2021? What was the cause? A worldwide experimental drug rollout called a vaccine. And we’re now seeing the effects!

MORE SUFFERINGS MUST BE ENDURED

Luke 14:26 KJV “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”

As strange as the above passage may sound it means what it says. Maybe it will make more sense after reading this one: 

Mark 13:12-13 NIV “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. [13] Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Yes, some of our own relatives will betray us, have us thrown in jail, and even murdered. So, since they hate me I have the right to hate them in return, right? Wrong. That’s not what Jesus is saying. The word, “hate,” in Luke 14:26 means having proper feelings of aversion for what is evil. (Hebrews 1:9) It also means to detest, and by extension to love less. (Proverbs 29:27) We cannot esteem anyone or anything more than God, especially what is wicked. If a child was rebellious the parents were commanded by God to report it to the priest under the Mosaic law. The child was then stoned to death. And guess who had to cast the first stone? The parents. Can you imagine how hard that would be if we were still under the law of Moses today? 

TRIBULATION 10 DAYS

Revelation 2:10 NLT “Don’t be afraid of what you are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.”

Being thrown into prison isn’t the most appealing subject to talk about. This has happened to believers for centuries. In fact, the Lord tells us it will happen to some of us. Look at where the world is going right now. The zeitgeist is anyone who doesn’t agree to take the vaccine is a criminal; a terrorist. There’s even talk about throwing them into prison or removing them from the face of the earth. I heard an official say, ‘I don’t care what your vaccination status is, if you are anti-mandates you are a terrorist.’ A terrorist? Just because you choose not to take what you know will harm your body, soul, and spirit? The thought police are ramping up their rhetoric. And people will agree to survive. They will all take the mark as foretold. We must prayerfully get ready for what is to come. (Luke 21:36) The Bible says the blessed overcomers came out of great tribulation. (Revelation 7:14) To come out of something means you had to be in it. For example, if you came out of a house it means you were in it. We will experience great tribulation for our faith in these last days. Brethren have already and will go to jail for their obedience to God. But as God was with Joseph when he went to prison for his faith He will be with us also if that ever happens. (Genesis 39:21) 

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Revelation 2:10 NLT “But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I will give you the crown of life.” 

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Deuteronomy 18:10-13 KJV “There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, ¹¹ Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. ¹² For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.”

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Satan knows we are commanded to keep away from occultists. So guess who he’s gonna bring right into our midst? That’s right, people who practice the occult. They’re not always easy to spot. Just as Satan hides his true identity his ministers do the same. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) Some will pretend to be Christians. They know enough about our beliefs to sound like us. Many act like they want to learn about God. This is how they get close to you. Some will claim to be new believers. So when it becomes apparent they don’t really know the doctrine they can always say, “Remember, I’m new.” This they often do when an attempt to persuade you is unsuccessful. These know that God condemns their lifestyle. They know it because they’ve heard or read passages in the Bible like Deuteronomy 18:10-13. Hence we are their targets:

Revelation 12:17 AMP “So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went off to wage war on the rest of her children (seed), those who keep and obey the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus [holding firmly to it and bearing witness to Him].”

How do you think the Devil (the dragon) wages war on us? Through his human minions, especially those who practice the occult. If the Christian is skilled with his/her sword (the word of God) some of these people will be easy to spot. And the believer would avoid them:

Romans 16:17 AMP “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep your eyes on those who cause dissensions and create obstacles or introduce temptations [for others] to commit sin, [acting in ways] contrary to the doctrine which you have learned. Turn away from them.”

DON’T TOLERATE THEM

Yes, many occultists are meeting with Christians and we don’t even know it. Not only in our churches, at work, at school, and everywhere. They will always seek to befriend a true servant of God. That’s their job. Can you imagine being married to a practicer of witchcraft? That happens too. Jesus says a tree is known by its fruit. What is the fruit of a witch/wizard?  Again, It won’t always be obvious who among you is doing witchcraft. They disguise themselves just like their father the Devil. One thing I can tell you about an occultist; they will always contradict God. And will encourage you to do the same. 

Yep, there are Jezebels (male and female) among the church. This shouldn’t surprise us and it shouldn’t be tolerated:

Revelation 2:20-23 ESV “But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works, and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”

These are strong words from Jesus. When Christians tolerate those with the Jezebel spirit it will cost them. Are you keeping company with people who promote sin yet call themselves believers? Listen to Jesus and separate yourself. Repent while there is still little time. 

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2 Corinthians 11:14-15 KJV “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. [15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

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I know a guy, when I greet him he always says, “I’m on the spiritual battlefield.” But he doesn’t study the Bible. In fact, I heard him once say to someone he doesn’t need to read the Bible. He’s not aware I heard him say that. How absurd this sounds. Which battlefield is he on? And which side is he fighting for? God or Satan? Imagine a policeman who never carries his/her weapon. A soldier who doesn’t carry their gear. How can you be in a battle for God and not be suited for battle? (Ephesians 6:10-18) You may know people like this too. People who try hard to convince you, “I’m a Christian too!” Why are they trying so hard to convince us they’re fighting with us side by side when they are not? Because they’re warring for the Devil. They’re spies. 

If you hang with hypocrites you will be harmed spiritually and physically. (1 Corinthians 15:33) That’s why David said:

Psalm 26:4 NLT “I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites.”

Only one thing will result from such fellowship; harm. If you listen to God and avoid toxic people you will be accused of thinking you’re better. Who cares? This is your soul we’re talking about preserving here. You are on the battlefield for God if you serve Jesus Christ. So war well! Avoid human landmines. They’re traps laid by Satan. Pray to God for the courage to sever bad relationships: 

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 ESV “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.”

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1 John 5:19 NIV “We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.”

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Many of us live in a society where we’re told the majority rules. If the majority is doing it it must be right, right? According to God’s word that is so wrong:

Matthew 7:13-14 NLT “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. [14] But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”

In God’s kingdom the minority rules. Only a few find the road to eternal life, while the majority are going the wrong way. Remember the 12 spies that came back from spying out the land God wanted to give Israel? Ten of them gave a bad report. But only two of them, Joshua and Caleb trusted the Lord. The ten talked about how large and strong the people were. Hence it would be impossible to defeat them. But Joshua and Caleb believed God could do to them the same thing He did to Pharaoh and his army. The Israelites believed the majority’s faithless report. This led millions of Israelites to murmur against God. They quickly forgot God’s miracles; how He led them out of Egypt. The result was their enemies conquered them, and many lost their lives. 

Remember King Ahab’s 400 prophets who prophesied victory for him in the battle he was about to face? Only one prophet, Micah a prophet of the Lord had the courage to tell Ahab the truth. He told king Ahab his prophets were prophesying lies to him; he would lose the battle, and die in it. Micah’s words came true because they were from God. Ahab died the next day. So much for if everyone else is saying it it must be the thing to do.

DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE

The media controls people. It’s an effective tool to govern the whole world. If every news outlet says something it must be true, right? Wrong! This is propaganda. It’s one of Satan’s tricks to sway the minds of the masses. Remember, the Devil is the ruler of this world system. (Ephesians 2:2) When you want to convict someone of a crime you get as many witnesses as possible. People will usually believe somebody is guilty just because many say they are. It’s how we’re conditioned to think. And the person might be innocent. When you want to introduce new ideas and behaviors to the public you pay celebrities to say it’s right. If the people we look up to are saying it’s right it has to be right, right? Not so. Usually, it’s propaganda.

Learn to think for yourself. Break away from the hive mind. Be courageous enough to question what you hear. Especially when everyone is saying do it. That should raise flags. Why? Because the whole world system is under the control of Satan the Bible says. And God’s word also says everything esteemed among mankind is an abomination to God. (Luke 16:15)

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2 Timothy 3:12 ESV “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

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From the first day Jesus started His public ministry they tried to throw Him over a cliff. (Luke 4:28-30) Is your teaching so strong that people want to kill you? You’re in good company. (Acts 21:30-32) Do people lie and spy on you hoping to catch you doing something wrong? And when they can’t find fault with you do they make things up? They lied and spied on Jesus all the time. If this is happening to you rejoice! You’re one of the blessed few:

Matthew 5:10-12 NIV “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [11] “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. [12] Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

1 Peter 4:14 NLT “If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.”

The glory of God; the spirit of God, is resting on you if you’re mistreated for Christ’s name. How often do people say, “I’m blessed,” but never refer to their sufferings for Christ when they say it? It’s because they don’t understand what it means to suffer for Jesus. A true disciple of Jesus will suffer persecution like Jesus. If no one is lying on spying on or wants to harm you because of your faith there should be concern. Instead of following Christ, you may be mincing your words and behavior to fit in. Saying exactly what Jesus says and agreeing with Him makes you a target. And it makes folks uncomfortable, so uncomfortable they want to kill you: 

John 15:20-21 NIV “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. [21] They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.”

There are the Master’s own words. All who desire to live for Jesus Christ will be persecuted. That’s why I say if you’re not experiencing persecution for your faith you should be concerned. There is no way you can be following Jesus and not be persecuted He says. 

I encourage you and me not to be one of those lukewarm Christians who want to fit in with the world. I want to encourage us to accept our sufferings like good soldiers of Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3-4) You can’t avoid suffering. We can choose to suffer now or suffer later. Suffering for Christ now is way better than denying Him and suffering forever in the lake of fire. (Revelation 21:8)

2 Timothy 2:12 KJV “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.”

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2 Corinthians 4:3 KJV “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.”

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Ever had folks pretend to be believers and then try to get you to question everything you believe in? They are, “Them that are lost.” They’re so friendly at first but in due time their true colors show. I’ve heard them say things like, “There’s no such thing as right or wrong.” “There is no absolute truth.” “Jesus is an alien from outer space.” I’ve heard many weird arguments over the years to disprove God. The Devil repackages old lies as new ones. Those whose practice is to refute God are lost.

It is noble to share God’s truth with folks who have questions about our faith. (1 Peter 3:15-16) It is not to quarrel with those whose questions are smokescreens to get us to doubt what we believe. We’re cautioned:

Titus 3:9-11 KJV “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. [10] A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; [11] Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”

God says to avoid controversies. People who love engaging in them are warped, sinful, and self-condemned. They’re lost. Have nothing to do with them God says. This can be very tough when someone you love is corrupt. It is not our job to force-feed people the truth. Jesus put it this way:

Matthew 7:6 ESV “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.”

Attacks are what will result from debating with quarrelsome individuals. When asked questions about our faith it’s a good idea to pray to God for guidance. This works! He will reveal to us folks’ motives and let us know how to proceed or not. 

Proverbs 9:7-9 NLT “Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. [8] So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. [9] Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.”

Our enemy (the Devil) is tricky. He will bring some to us who seem to believe what we do, or say they want to learn about God. The whole time they’re setting us up for a prolonged debate. Don’t fall for it. Once you discern a person’s goal is to get you to doubt your faith politely end the conversation. If someone who claims to be a believer does this do what the Bible says: warn them once, then warn them a second time. If they still want to engage in controversy after that have nothing to do with them. You can be sure that such are warped, sinful, and self-condemned. They are, “Them that are lost.”

Romans 16:17 NLV “I ask you, Christian brothers, watch out for those who make trouble and start fights. Keep your eye on those who work against the teaching you received. Keep away from them.”

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Matthew 5:14-16 NIV “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

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Are we letting our light shine? Are people seeing the Jesus Show in us? Or are they seeing the flesh show? I’m sure you’ll agree we all can improve in following Jesus. But let’s talk about following Him when it’s hard. Let’s talk about persecution. 

Someone reviles you and it doesn’t feel good. They say all sorts of evil things about you. This causes others to notice you intently. It may be your boss, friends, or associates who now pay close attention to you because of lies spread. Maybe it’s someone else in a position of authority who has the power to cause you much harm. This is when things get tough. But in either case, it’s time for The Jesus Show. Think about it: it’s God’s will that people see Him through you. How can this happen if no one pays us any attention?

Could it be God’s will that the spotlight is now shining on you to let your light shine brighter? It doesn’t feel good to be slandered, have your livelihood threatened, etcetera. But it is good if it’s happening because you are a believer:

Matthew 5:10-12 ESV “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Being persecuted for the faith means you are blessed and it puts us in some pretty good company. 

SHOW EM THE JESUS SHOW 

Now that the spotlight is on us it’s showtime. Show em who Jesus is. This may be the only opportunity some have to see Jesus. Most will not change. That’s not the point. But praise and glory to God will happen because of your Christlike conduct: 

1 Peter 2:12 BSB “Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.”

Folks (even our foes) observe how we handle trials. Sometimes they become believers as a result. People need to see the real Jesus. Not the counterfeit, commercial Jesus they are sold through mainstream religion. Will you be the one to show them Him? Will I? May we live up to our calling and let our light shine even in difficult circumstances. It is in these dark times in the darkest moments when our light shines the brightest.

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Philippians 2:5-11 ESV “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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There are people who take the, “We are gods,” attitude way too serious. (Psalm 82:6) Like one I recently spoke to who said, “We are gods, little G. That means we can create just like God.” I asked him, “We can create just like God? So I can create the earth, heaven, and clouds just like God did?” Naahh. Isn’t it interesting that the one who was like God in every way (Jesus) didn’t tout his godhood? (John 14:8-9) Instead, He took the servant role and remained obedient till death. So how dare sin-filled humans try to compare themselves with Almighty God? 

Whenever I hear folks make the, “We are gods,” case I’m reminded of Satan who sold that lie to Eve in the garden of Eden:

Genesis 3:4-5 KJV “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and YE SHALL BE AS GODS, knowing good and evil.”

The evil one repackages lies all the time. It’s the same old trick: be your own god. But instead God says, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant.” Jesus is our example. He emptied Himself and became God’s slave. He never used his power for his own advantage but for the benefit of others. Even when someone called Him, “Good teacher,” which is what He was He said, “Why do you call me good when only God is good.” (Matthew 19:16-17) Wow! Jesus truly humbled Himself as a man. He always pointed to God the Father and gave Him glory. What an example we have in Jesus!

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