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.

Let Christ Lead

Dr. Mike Jesus Christ , , , ,

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 ESV

hearing 1

 

One of the traditions on January 1st is to establish a new goal for the coming year.

If you are one that makes such a commitment, how about making a covenant to focus more attention on hearing the word of God. No, I’m not saying spend more time reading the Word (though that wouldn’t hurt), or listening to more preaching (that always helps), but to actually spend time listening for God’s influence in your life.

One reason we read the Bible is to acquire knowledge of God’s Word. But knowledge doesn’t build faith. Hearing the Word builds the faith we need.  Otherwise, if God speaks to us, how do we know it is Him?

By reading the Word, we acquire a basic understanding of who God is. We study the life and relationship between Jesus, His Father, and the Holy Spirit. We pray to communicate with our heavenly Father. Though we may not know what to say, we are assured that Jesus intercedes on our behalf with the appropriate request.

Have you always wondered how a sermon is preached centered around a specific topic but when asked the congregation what the message was, you receive a multitude of various answers? Isn’t it amazing how the Spirit is working through the words spoken by the minister making it personal for each of us.

Have you ever prayed seeking an answer from God and the answer came from the most unusual circumstances?  How often the answer you seek comes through a person at the checkout counter at the grocery store? Confirmed by the officer who pulled you over for speeding the same day? And reconfirmed by your child at the dinner table? God speaks to us in many different ways. However, it helps to know His Word, His Character, and His method of operations to be more aware of His influence in our life. For some it may be a word. For others in may be a nudge. For some it may be an inspiration. Others it may be like a rainbow in the sky. For each of us grasp information in different ways.  Doesn’t God know the best way to communicate with us?

How about this year focusing on one thing in regards to the Lord? How about listening to Jesus Christ who lives in you and allow Him to lead you in every avenue of your life? Forget the rules. Acquire knowledge of His Word and then listen for him to show you how it applies in your entire life. That includes your marriage, your parenting, your business, and your community service. Invite Him into everything you do. Let Him lead you. You may be pleasantly surprised with the results.

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

xmas 3

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.