christ-follower

Jesus is King

Dr. Mike Jesus Christ , , , , , ,

“They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” Revelations 17:14.

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The theme of the first four books of the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, is about Jesus and the Kingdom of God. When you read each book through its entirety, you quickly realize that the four gospel accounts emphasize Jesus’ triumphant victory over Satan, sin, and death. The story is about God becoming man and being crowned King of Heaven and Earth.

From the angel Gabriel’s visitation to Mary (Luke 1:32-33) and announcing that she was going to give birth to Jesus who was to become the King of all Israel forever, to the shepherds (Luke 2:11) and Magi (Matt. 2:2) at his birth who came to witness and worship the Messiah and King, Jesus’ birth, life, and death highlights his office as King, Messiah, and Lord.

Through the Epistles and ending in the Book of Revelations, we are also reminded that Jesus is Lord of lords and King of kings. He is King over all the earth and heaven.

I write this as a reminder. Like the parable that Jesus gave about the King coming and then leaving stewards to run his operations while he is temporarily away (Luke 19:11), we need to realize the same. The Kingdom of God is operating in today’s world. It is being managed by stewards appointed through the Holy Spirit. Those who recognize Jesus as the King of the earth live under His domain. Whether in business, government, education, or family affairs, His Kingdom is actively alive through his universal Church. Yes, there is conflict between His Kingdom and the kingdoms of this world. With dual citizenship between heaven and earth, many of us learn to take advantage of both domains. As subjects to the King, we have the freedom to choose whether we continue to serve our King first and foremost, or rebel and sell our soul to the dark side. Whenever the world’s government conforms to our Lord’s Kingdom, we faithfully serve accordingly. Whenever the world’s government rebels against our King’s mandate, we pray and seek solutions that will glorify our King.

Many of us in this county don’t understand the authority of a King. We place our individual rights based on law. However, when one realizes that a King is the law, then one learns about healthy fear. Thankfully, we serve a King who has proven himself through life and has a heart that properly balances justice with mercy.

I am thankful to serve Jesus Christ as my King. How about you?

 

We are also rooting for you!

 

Yours 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.

 

 

 

Christian

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , , ,

“…And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” Acts 11:26 ESV

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The first time the word Christian is mentioned in the Bible is in Acts 11:26. The Greek word is Christianous. It basically means a follower of Christ. C.S. Lewis though like to refer it as “little Christs.”

So when someone calls you a Christian today, are they comparing you to a smaller version of Jesus Christ or just a religious fuddy-duddy? In the first century, the title “Christian” was a derogative statement or pun that translated to something like “follower of goody-goody. The disciples however took the title and transformed it into a positive statement of being a follower of Jesus Christ. Today we may call that redeeming an idea for Christ’s Kingdom.

Yet are we not all ambassadors of Christ’s Kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20)? Do we not represent His ways with everyone we meet as a little Christ? Are we not a little Christ in the home with our family members? our associates at work? at the gym? the tennis court? while driving? or eating at a restaurant?

The fact is we can’t live like a little Christ doing it all ourselves. I know, many of us have tried. Yet, when we allow King Jesus through the Holy Spirit to live and transform our life from the inside-out, our attitude and behavior begins to model His. In many cases, it even amazes us. For we know what this old man was like and is like. What we long for though, is the final development of the new creation. Until then, we only gather a few glimpses of what the new man will one day represent: a little Christ.

So do you want more, blessed excitement in your life? How about leaning on Him every day, everywhere, with everyone, as a little Christ? Then when someone points at you and calls you Christian, it will mean what God’s intention is for all of us in the first place; a true representative of Him.

Remember, we are rooting for you!

Yours 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.

 

Lean On Him (LOH)

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , , , , , , , ,

“Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you.” Psalm 71:6 ESV

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When you find out you are no longer the smartest, strongest, fastest, or whatever you are good at, maybe it is time to start: LOH.

When you realize you can’t do it alone, others have failed you, and you don’t know where to turn too, LOH.

When you finally admit you are broken and need help, LOH.

When your dreams are shattered, your hope disappears, or you feel forsaken, LOH.

When you come to the end of yourself, and can’t go any further, LOH.

Or maybe instead of waiting until you reach that moment of truth, you get ahead and start today. You may be pleasantly surprised of the outcome when you first learn to Lean On Him.

Our Triune God wants you to have a life like His. Though we are limited by physical boundaries, He has wired us as a mini reflection of Himself. He wants you to learn and grow into His complete image. It all begins when you learn to lean on Him. How radical is that?

We are rooting for you!

Yours 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.