Doing Church

20152015 Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms, Ministry CHURCH, doing church, life in christ

” For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20 ESV

When I initially submitted my first dissertation proposal on “doing church,” the Chair turned me down. In his opinion, the subject matter was too vast and the research too difficult. His recommendation was to find another topic more easily digested. I did. However the subject of doing church still intrigues me.

When most of us think of church, we picture a building or an institution. In America we may even think of a legal corporation. Some of us may associate church with a specific denomination. Others are more open.

When we think of how church is conducted, most of us will associate a church service as the only way of doing church. Yes there are a variety. The Catholic and Greek Orthodox have their rituals and traditions with a short message. The Protestants have their contemporary music with a more lengthier message. The Amish and Mennonite’s have a more yesterday act. Yet, how many other ways are there to do church?

What has intrigued me is how Church is more than a meeting held in an official place. When one understands that Church is a Body of people (Eph. 1:22-23) who come together to worship God, the venues become worldwide.

When your immediate family comes together with an everyday heart and mind of worshiping God, isn’t Church in session? When two or more of you come together in the workplace in the Spirit of serving God and man, isn’t Church in session? When you are driving on the freeway with a fellow believer with a heart to glorify God, isn’t Church in session?

The fact Church is much larger than most of us ever contemplated, makes how Church is conducted even more than what most of us ever practice.

So the next time you are in the marketplace, ask yourself how can you best glorify God through your work, relationships, and deeds. In so behaving, are you not doing Church?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Founder & Executive Director
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

Satan’s Mission

20152015 Dr. Mike Life in Christ living the Word

“…Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 ESV

What is Satan’s Mission?

Jesus stated that Satan was a liar and murderer from the beginning of human history. That his mission is to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 8:44, 10:10)

Satan’s chief tactic hasn’t changed over time. He uses deception, doubt, and pride to turn your heart and eyes away from God.

He is an artist at twisting the truth. He makes promises built upon human pride. He questions God’s intentions by bringing Him down to a human level. He loves to cause disunity. Rebellion and enslavement are his tools.

How do we eradicate him from our lives? We can’t. He roams around seeking someone to devour. But what we can do is make his influence ineffective. We resist his advances. We walk in the authority of Jesus Christ who has already defeated Satan.

Like Jesus before us, we need to know scripture and the Truth it represents.

When confronted by Satan’s craftiness, we need to resist by turning to God.

We don’t flirt with Satan’s lies. We don’t negotiate with Satan’s deceptions. We don’t even argue with him. Instead we resist; protected by the armor of God.

The Bible teaches us that when we resist, Satan flees. Satan can’t handle those who don’t play along with him.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Form or Substance

20152015 Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms living the Word

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:15-20 ESV

Ever wonder why a package is larger than the item inside?

We recently purchased an item from my favorite online store. When the box arrived, I questioned whether it was for me. I didn’t recall ordering anything that large. Upon opening the box, I recognized the item. My new computer mouse. The item was less than 10% the size of the box!

Previously with one of my former employers, I recall arguing who to hire as our new receptionist. The owner wanted the young, very attractive lady who modeled on the side. I wanted the excellent communicator who had a history of getting things done in a timely manner. I lost the battle, but eventually won the war when he discovered she couldn’t spell correctly and kept transferring the phone calls incorrectly. We eventually hired the person who had more substance than form.

Likewise, we notice in the political arena how politicians emphasize all show, but fall far short from deliverables. Again, more form than substance.

Chapter two of the 2nd Book of Peter highlights how Christians can determine false teachers from authentic Christ-followers. We will know them by their fruit. The emphasis is on character. In this case, form takes a second seat to substance.

Therefore, don’t get over excited by the package. First recognize what is inside. If the heart, mind, and soul shouts with godly character, than accept the substance with the form. Otherwise, beware.

Rooting For You in Christ!