Life in Christ

To Know

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , ,
“But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God.” MT. 22:29 ESV
“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” John 17:3 ESV

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In the book of Luke, the 4th chapter verses 1-13, reveals how Jesus was tempted by the devil after fasting for forty days. During his encounter with the evil one, there is a battle of Will. Jesus is tempted with economic, political, and religious offers. If he pursues the devil’s offer, he would reneged on his mission. We know the outcome. Jesus did resist the well packaged, attractive offers and went on to fulfill His Father’s objectives.

There are those Bible teachers that state Jesus won simply because he quoted scripture. That because He verbally stated scripture, that the devil was obliged to stand back. Yet didn’t the devil himself quote scripture to Jesus? If that was the case, then wouldn’t Jesus have to likewise step back? No, I believe the reason the devil retreated was simply because Jesus knew God’s position on each carnal temptation. In knowing, he resisted the devil’s offer and the devil therefore fled (James 4:7).

To know scripture is to know God’s character, values, and position on each relevant topic. When we come to know scripture as an expression of its Author, and when we align ourselves with the Maker of this reality, we then begin to walk with Him. When we know that we know His values, we begin to live-out those attributes in our own lives. We then begin to experience the abundant life that God originally created for us but was stolen by Satan. Whatever the topic, we study and learn what God’s position is on it, and we begin to live-out His reality. As we live-out True reality, we come to know more about God and His Ways. We begin to truly experience the with God-life.

To know is the assurance of God. To know something as an idea is the first step toward the process. Yet to know something because you lived through it, is a deeper level of knowledge. This is the level of knowledge that we need to seek with God.

When we use scripture as the basis of learning about God, and then begin to faithfully live-out that reality, we only then begin to experience the grace-filled, life-giving adventure of being a master apprentice of Jesus Christ.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Director & Founder
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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Live Like Larry

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , ,
“…keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” Philippians 3:17 ESV

Larry

Larry passed away several months ago. Cancer caught up with him in his mid-seventies. He didn’t survive the surgery. He is now with his Lord.

I knew Larry for a couple of years. We shared the same table at our Tuesday morning small group. His life is like many of us. We could write a book or do a movie about him and it would probably be a top seller. He served in the arm forces; was a successful general contractor, and with his bride raised a couple of daughters. But more importantly, his testimony was written in his actions each and every day.

He walk the talk. He didn’t surrender to our Lord until about a year after he joined our small group. He was then baptized and enthusiastically put his faith into action wherever he went.

He wasn’t born with a glib to speak. He was introverted. But volunteered to lead and preach in a small venue for senior citizens of an independent living community. I’m sure it made him feel younger. But more importantly, his congregation loved him and he them.

He wasn’t highly educated in a formal setting. But had more common sense than most. He couldn’t read enough about Jesus, His Kingdom, and the power of the Holy Spirit. And whenever something he read moved him, he would make copies and share it with whomever he met. He wasn’t bashful.

He loved to pick up the check at restaurants without any fanfare or recognition. He simply enjoyed making people happy without having to be noticed.

He would volunteer without being asked to help someone who needed carpentry work done.

He knew his limitations yet didn’t let that get into his way. He simply trusted Jesus.

Paul wrote in Philippians that we need to keep our eyes on those who truly live out their faith. Therefore, one of the men in our small group had these buttons made with the caption “Live Like Larry.” It’s our way to pay tribute to a man who walk the talk. How many Larry’s do you know?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Director & Founder
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

A Special Relationship

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , , ,
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”” Romans 8:15 ESV

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The writer of the letter to the Hebrews (3:1-6) compares Moses with Jesus. He states that Jesus is greater than Moses as the builder of a house is greater than the building itself. That Moses was a servant in God’s house but Jesus is a Son in God’s House. The Son holds a greater position and relationship with the owner than a servant. What does this mean for you and I?

Sometimes we walk through life’s journey as an outside servant simply doing our job rather than a child of God enjoying the fruit of our relationship with Father God. As a brother (HB. 2:11) and friend (Jn. 15:15) of Jesus Christ, we have the privilege of a special relationship with the King of heaven and earth. Yes we are Christ’s servant at heart. However, we are also adopted children within the heavenly family business. Because of the grace of God, we have been given an unique role on the planet earth (Hebrews 2:5-9).

So when dealing with life’s struggles, maybe it’s time to change our worldview. Instead of approaching the situation as a victim, what if we face the dilemma as that special son or daughter of the King? When trials or tests come, what if we thank God for allowing you to move through it leaning on Him and learn more about who God is and your role in life? In other words, when life hands you a lemon, maybe it’s time to learn how to make lemonade.

Instead of playing the religious guru, maybe it’s time to walk this life like an apprentice of Jesus. How? Maybe we need to take each step more gratefully, speak each word more compassionately, and work more joyously for the sake of others and His Kingdom than for ourselves.It may seem too easy, but in the eyes of God it brings a smile. Like a cherished Father/child relationship.

Isn’t life more grand when your beloved Daddy owns the business?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Director & Founder
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!