“He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). This Sunday message from August 24, 2025 was the last in Pastor Linda Reese’s series on that verse. Catch up with Part 1 and Part 2.

Increase our faith

When Jesus told the disciples to forgive seven times in a day, they answered, “Increase our faith” (Luke 17:5, KJV). Faith as small as a mustard seed is enough (17:6). Real faith isn’t a show. It’s complete, humble trust in God. And it grows as we hear and read His Word: “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Christ above everything

Paul counted everything he had gained as loss “for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). What we own can vanish in a day. Knowing Christ can’t. Know Him so well that you go to Him first. Study the Gospels to see how He lived and treated people, and remember who He is: “the image of the invisible God… by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:15, 17).

More power, less self

As Christ increases, so does His power in us: power over temptation, words when we don’t know what to say, and courage to share our story. Every believer has a testimony, and Jesus still tells us to make disciples. The Holy Spirit reminds us of His words when we need them (John 14:26).

And the way to real joy runs through self-denial: “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

Watch more Sunday messages, or come hear one in person on Foster Dr at 10:00 AM.