“Made Himself Nothing”

In Philippians 2:9-11 we read that Jesus has the name above all names: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” This is an example to emulate, namely, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate model of humility. Jesus emptied Himself or made Himself nothing.

So, what does name of names means for us? Most people spend their entire lives trying to understand things in Life associated with a name especially as a Christian.  Your name is brought to light because of a need to belong, and who you are. My biblical thoughts have lately focused on a spiritual name, fit for maturity, based on faith and trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ; including His death on the cross as payment for sins and His resurrection on the third day. This is an Echo each day with many nurseries rhyme questions that chant, “who I belong to, who I am and what is my purpose “. When God changes a name, it indicates that something new has happened or will happen to that person—a new relationship, a new character quality, or a new phase of life. We see this somewhat today when a wife takes the name of her husband. It represents a change in her life, both in the eyes of God and of society. 

As strange as that mouthful may seem, it strikes me as quite biblical. A name in the Bible is often a description of the person himself or herself—or of what the parents would like their child to become. God gives names as well. Even more significant is when He changes a name. In fact, did you know God will give you a new name? Over the year’s family, friends have referred to me by many names:

Whom do you belong to Ron? Jehovah I will obey.

My Father in heaven I will aid;

I’ll pay my promises without reserve.

He bought me at great cost;

I’m Faithful to him I’ll keep on.

To him I will give each moment I exist.

His star I’ll hold in esteem light each day. 

Who are You “Sugar Bear”? I am a new creation in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:17

The Bible is clear that all people are God’s creation (Colossians 1:16), and that God loves the entire world (John 3:16), but only those who are born again are children of God (John 1:12; 11:52; Romans 8:16; 1 John 3:1-10).

 “…because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” 

God Loves us and offers us a wonderful plan for Life.

God created you. Not only that, he loves you so much that he wants you to know him now and spend eternity with him. Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."¹

What is your purposefulness as a developed, “Ronnie”?

What’s the best way to describe the main purpose as a Christian? Humm, that’s a tough one. Especially in today’s world? Simply, it is to be like Christ. This means to me being constantly in boot camp training or a mentoring program designed to develop individuals to become more like their Savior. When Christ became man and lived on earth, he endured all of the same trials, pains, and persecutions that man suffers in order to prove himself as a perfect example for us. Therefore, one of the primary purposes of a Christian is to follow the character of Christ.

1 Peter 2:21 says, "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."

A further purpose of our Christian discipleship is to learn about the Father. In Christ's three-year public ministry on earth, He often stated that His goal was to teach His disciples about His Father. Christ wanted us to know that God is alive, real, sovereign, loving, and is preparing a place for His believers in heaven. So, another purpose of discipleship is to grow in our knowledge of God.

In Philippians 1:9, Paul said, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight." As we grow to know God, we yearn to know His power and to experience it at work in our lives. We long to feel His presence more closely and fully than we have experienced previously. We yearn to understand and grow in God's grace.

As I see it, as I smell the roses of life with Christ another purpose of a Christian discipleship is Bearing fruit for the kingdom of God. It says in John 15:8, "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." It is essential to increase the fruit (or those character virtues we exhibit in our lives) to be productive as well-informed disciples of Christ in order to carry out the responsibilities given to believers such as serving others and spreading the gospel.

My Christian discipleship began when I made an active choice with the help of the Holy Spirit to get to know Jesus better. By God's grace, I thought how can I Kept is Simple? By the straightforwardness of being meek in my thinking it is then accomplished in several ways:

• You can study His Word daily and spend time alone with Him in prayer.
• You can become a member of a Bible-teaching church fellowship.
• You can seek out the companionship of other Christians who are growing with Christ.
• You can participate in ministry and meet the needs of other believers.
• You can share what you're learning about Christ with others, just like Andrew, James, John, Luke, Matthew, Peter, Paul and all the original disciples did.
• Let the peace of Christ Rule in Your Heart in everything you do. We are Free found in His great Love!

Finally, these are simply helpful tips on how to grow in your new faith; they are not a list of requirements to become a Christian or to stay a Christian. You have been saved by grace through faith, apart from any works of your own (Ephesians 2:8-9) God started the work in you, and He promises to finish it (Philippians 1:6). God bless you as you continue to mature in your faith!

God Bless You and This Ministry!