Life in Christ

Sin or Adoption

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms, Life in Christ , , ,
“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 ESV

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“… In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,…” Ephesians 1:4-5 ESV

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When one reads the Bible, what is the general premise of one’s viewpoint? We all read the Bible with preconceived ideas and concepts. They are generally what we have been told, read somewhere, or simply our 21st century cultural bias. For some who grew up in a Christian culture, our worldview may generally be classified either under the premise of Sin or Adoption.

For example, many people read the Bible following the premise that Jesus’ sole reason for coming to earth was to take away our sins. If they accept Christ into their life, personal sins are forgiven and heaven is the reward. The entire process seems to follow a contractual transaction between God and man. Therefore, when reading the Bible, sin is the fundamental basis of one’s belief and emphasis is built around what one must personally do to manage the process.

On the other hand, there are those who read the Bible following the premise that Jesus came to adopt humanity into the inner circle of the Triune God. That Christ’s vicarious life, death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven paved the way for us before we even asked to be forgiven or even believed in Jesus as our Savior, Messiah, and Lord. This premise places more emphasis on the familial relationship of the Triune God within the salvation process built on what Jesus did, is doing, and will do.

Both premises speak about Sin and Relationship. However each emphasizes the one over the other. Personally, I have come to lean more towards salvation as explained through Adoption theology. For me it is easier to believe in a God that is relational, loves unconditionally, and is faithfully passionate and able to fulfill His vision for humanity through the Incarnate work of Jesus Christ. Sin is only an ink blot that made the process more messier.

For those who want to know more about Adoption theology or also known as Trinitarian Theology, you may want to watch the video series (Your Included) presented by Grace Communion International. The link may be found at http://www.gci.org/videos/youre-included/.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
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

Christian Crutches

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , , , , ,
“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.” Romans 14:1 ESV
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One of the most puzzling aspects of the Christian faith for unbelievers is the various denominations built around a specific interpretation of scripture. Somewhere I recently read that there are over 30,000 different denominations in the United States alone. These of course include non-denominational organizations which think of themselves not as one of the mainstream Christian bodies but really are a single-body denomination.

Whether these faith communities place unique emphasize on communion, baptism, prophecy, gospel message, healing, prosperity, etc., the vast majority truly believe that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord. Therefore, according to Scripture, they are my brothers and sisters in the Lord. The challenge is they have a strong preference and opinion. In some circles, they follow the formula that to be a Christian requires Jesus plus “x”. The emphasis placed on the “x” factor separates them from others.

What they may not see is that this “x” factor is really a spiritual crutch that they currently need until the Holy Spirit completes its transformation within the Believer. Since this crutch helps them in their walk with the Lord, they sincerely believe everyone else should have the same crutch.

Most transformational processes take considerable time. Yet upon completion, one only then recognizes the crutch of the matter.(sorry for the pun).

In Jesus’ time on earth, he kept correcting the religious leaders of his day. They would emphasize the importance of the crutch while Jesus was healing the person so they wouldn’t need the crutch any longer. It is not a shame to have a crutch. It is simply a means that allows us to continue walking with Christ until we are healed in that area of life. Until that day, we aspire for unity in all essentials beliefs (Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior), encourage liberty in beliefs which are gray or uncertain (interpretation of scripture, baptism, end-times, etc), but exercise love in all beliefs.

Remember, we all use crutches. We all will walk with a limp into the fullness of the Kingdom of God. Therefore, let’s just recognize what is a crutch, continue to abide in Jesus Christ and allow God’s Spirit to transform the heart, mind, and soul for His glory and purpose, and mutually serve one another through the maturity growth process.

Crutch or no crutch, I for one am thankful that Jesus is the one we all have to answer too.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
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

Learn. Integrate. Grow.

Christmas: Giving an Extraordinary Gift

Dr. Mike Christmas, Jesus Christ, Life in Christ , ,
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35 ESV

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How did you celebrate Christmas?

Dinner with family and friends? Did you exchange gifts? What if next year we started a new tradition?

What if we gave only gifts to those who cannot give us anything in return? I don’t mean just one item through the Angel Tree program or through your local church community outreach program. Imagine a Christmas where instead of exchanging gifts with family or friends, you combined your family resources and gave to the underprivileged? Homeless, single parents? Orphanage, or to whomever your heart is burden.

What if you start a new family tradition? You have a whole year to discuss it over with your family and plan it out. You may be pleasantly surprised how the Spirit of love, joy, and peace comes through in blessing others with your resources.

Just another radical idea that glorifies God, blesses others, and strengthens oneself in Kingdom reality.

Think about it.

 

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
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

Learn. Integrate. Grow.