Author: Dr. Mike

The Inclusive Gospel

Dr. Mike 2025 , , ,

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 2:36

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(Paul)…proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.  Acts 28:31

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But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.   Ephesians 2:4-7

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 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.   Ephesians 2:18-22

When the gospel message is preached, what do you normally hear? Is it not from a humanistic perspective? The emphasis so often is on us humans in need for a savior. So, the central point preached is on Jesus as Savior. A true statement. But is it the main point or only one of its tenants? For when preached, people think that is all there is. But as one grows in the faith, one comes to appreciate the rest of the story. I like to summarize the gospel message like this:

  • Jesus Christ is Lord.
  • God’s Kingdom Rules.
  • God has a Purpose for Humanity.
  • You are Included.

Within this outline is built the necessary steps of repentance and belief in Jesus. That HE is the Jewish Messiah and global Savior. Yet the gospel message involves more. It highlights that Jesus defeated Satan and now sits at the right hand of God the Father. HE now has all authority over heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18). That Satan knows his time is short and now operates on earth as a terrorist. His game plan is to prevent or just slow down God’s plan for humanity. For God’s purpose from the foundation of the world is to raise a family. To prepare and train HIS children to reign within the family business – the Kingdom of God. The devil knows it. And is doing everything in his power to make God and his children fail.

Jesus, the God-Man, died, was resurrected, and ascended into heaven. When HE did, the curtain that separated humanity from God was ripped in two. No longer do people need to sacrifice animals, or work through a human mediator. Instead, every person now has direct access to our heavenly Father through Jesus.

But there is more.

When one accepts Jesus as their Lord, HE sends the Holy Spirit to impregnate you. God’s divine spirit merges with your human spirit. The work of sanctification then begins (2 Thess. 2:13). As you walk, talk, and hang out with the Triune God, your character and attitude changes. You begin to reflect your heavenly Father’s demeanor. You are being morphed into the image of Jesus Christ.

As you mature, your new beliefs and outlook begin to influence the world around you. You colonize your personal life, your home life, and your work life under the authority of the Kingdom of God. You are being trained to serve and lead as Jesus would. You are being prepared for eternity. And yes, you are included.

But like an adopted child, you can either choose to accept and take part in the family affairs, or not. In rebelling, you will lose out in the family blessings. But when you extend your appreciation for being accepted, you are grateful. You look for ways to share in the family experience.

Yes, you are included in the gospel message.

For the good news is about Jesus, HIS Kingdom, and your inclusiveness in HIS family plan. So, you are either now living under HIS authority in your life or not. You are either participating with HIM on earth or not. You are on mission with HIM or not. The real question now is, where will you go from here?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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The First Time

Dr. Mike 2025 , , , ,

Remember those early days after you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse—some days it was you, other days your friends. If some friends went to prison, you stuck by them. If some enemies broke in and seized your goods, you let them go with a smile, knowing they couldn’t touch your real treasure. Nothing they did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don’t throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It’s still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God’s plan so you’ll be there for the promised completion. It won’t be long now, he’s on the way; he’ll show up most any minute. But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust; if he cuts and runs, I won’t be very happy. But we’re not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.  Hebrews 10:32-39 (MSG)

What first time experience do you most often recall? Is it: The first time you had a crush on a person? Your first romantic kiss? Your first time away from home?

The first time you bought a car? Your wedding? Your divorce? The birth of your child?

The first time you saw death? The death of a family member? A friend? The ugliness of surviving a war zone?

There are many first in all our lives. Some bring a smile to our face. Others make our heart heavy. Yet all are experiences that have molded and shaped us into the person we are today. For most of us, the first time is a learning experience. It usually ends in failure. No musician plays their instrument perfectly the first time. It takes repeated practice to perfect one’s play. Most professionals recall the struggle and failures of those early years. In hindsight, they can laugh at their ignorance of the first time. The pain, the setbacks, and the emotional roller-coaster rides is the price of admission. It made them into the person they are today. Some would rather forget those days. Others keep those thoughts in their memory. It keeps them humble and grateful for today.   

Some people seek out a new first experience every day. They consider it an adventure. Others like to sit back and repeat the same experience over and over again. That is the makeup of our character and personality. We all choose the ways and methods which produce those dopamine hits.

Our walk with God in many ways is included in those first-time experiences.

The first time we became aware of a possibility of a God. The first time we experienced an invisible hand intervening in our life. The first time we met others who were seeking to know more about HIM. The first time we broke in totally surrender to HIM. The first time we experienced a miraculous answer to prayer. The first time we recognized HIS presence in our inner being. The first time we became aware of HIS involvement in leading us through life’s jungles. The first time our mental capacity tilted over the edge due to HIS creation. The first time we experienced peace and joy through severe trials of life. The first time our pain and suffering found comfort in HIM.

Yes, there are many first-time experiences we can recall. But there is one first time experience I still await. I long to hug Jesus and thank HIM for all HE has done and is doing for you and me. 

What is the next first-time experience you long for?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Poor Decisions

Dr. Mike 2025 , , ,

“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
    and I find knowledge and discretion.
The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil.
Pride and arrogance and the way of evil
    and perverted speech I hate.
I have counsel and sound wisdom;
    I have insight; I have strength.
By me kings reign,
    and rulers decree what is just;
by me princes rule,
    and nobles, all who govern justly.
I love those who love me,
    and those who seek me diligently find me.
Riches and honor are with me,
    enduring wealth and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold,
    and my yield than choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness,
    in the paths of justice,
granting an inheritance to those who love me,
    and filling their treasuries.  Proverbs 8:12-21

We will all at one time or another make a poor decision. In hindsight, it may be morally bad. It might be blatantly stupid. At the moment of truth, it will reveal our ignorance on the matter. We may destroy our bank account. We may lose the love of a relationship. We may even cause the death of another. Or even severely damage oneself. Yet the world around us will keep on going forward. The question is how will we respond?

We will all make a poor decision somewhere in our life. How we respond and move forward though will separate the adult from the child in the room. In baseball, a top-performing batting average is three-hundred. It implies the batter failed seven of ten times. Yet he is at the top of his game. In trading the markets, a trader can be right fifty-percent of the time and make money. Thus, not all decisions produce productive outcomes. But how one manages the moments of failure separates the winner from the loser in life.

Life is a learning process preparing one for eternity. Yes, good, better, and the best decisions possible are the hallmarks of a worthwhile life. When one has a long-term view and a clear vision of the outcome, one has an advantage. When you add a foundation of solid principles, the outcome is even better.

Prudence is the ability to use reason and judgment in various situations. It may include managing affairs, avoiding risks, or conserving resources (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). Prudence comes from wisdom. Wisdom begins with understanding reality and the Maker of reality. When one comes to know the character and insight of the God of creation, one gains prudence.

For example, science is built on understanding how creation works. When one better understands how creation operates, one learns truths. We begin to see how these truths leave fingerprints of a master designer. The coding of the human DNA requires a highly intelligent coder. The Bible reveals this coder as the Triune God. The Bible also reveals the character and purpose of this God. Through HIS relationship with humanity, we learn more about HIM. To ignore the facts learned throughout Scripture is a denial of history. It also reveals the human potential. It gives great insight and prudence in governing humanity, self, and material resources.

The time to learn how to make prudent decisions begins in the early days of our youth. This is a time where failure can be quickly remedied by one’s parents. But when adulthood is reached, one needs to accept personal responsibility. We most often will fail at anything we attempt the first time. Our response though is how will we proceed. Will we hide under the bed covers or take a proactive approach and become a more prudent person in the process?

Having a relationship with the King of heaven and earth is a great place to be when it comes to learning prudence. As we lean on HIM, he will direct the necessary resources along with HIS grace to help you through the process. It will not be easy. But it will strengthen your character and prepare you for eternity. And perhaps during the process, you may even gain a few materials of comfort. Yes, HE is your key to learning how to be more successful in your walk thru life. It may not be the story you want, but it will be the story you need.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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