discipleship

Imitators of God

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , ,
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Eph 5:1

imitators 2

When you were a child and an adult asked you what did you want to be like when you grew up, how did you reply?

Did you say you wanted to be like your dad or mom? Or like your grandpa or grandma? Maybe you wanted to be like that sports star or rock star? Or maybe you were more mature than your peers and simply wanted to be yourself?

As children and even young adults we either intentionally or unintentionally look to imitate someone we want to be like.

In my life I had several mentors and role models who I patterned this life after. Most were a positive influence. Some not so. Yet the point is we mimic and learn from those we admire and associate with.

The same is true as disciples of Jesus. The more we study, walk with, and admire him, the more we imitate him. The more we imitate him, the closer our relationship becomes.

As he is one of three persons within the Triune God, the more we observe him, the more with see the Father who he represents. The more we see the Father and Son, the more closer we recognize the Holy Spirit. As we admire and worship the Triune God, the more we desire to imitate Him.

Though we are physically limited, he created us with certain attributes similar to His. So whatever we can grasp and understand, we can likewise intentionally imitate.

So I guess you can say that when I grow up I want to be more like my Heavenly Father, Son, and Spirit. How about you?

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

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Sufficiency in Christ

Dr. Mike Life in Christ , ,
“I (Jesus) can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.” John 5:30 ESV

sufficiency 1

Many of us either intentionally or wishfully want to be self-sufficient. We desire to depend on no one for anything. If we had our way, we would be self-fulfilled financially, relationally, and spiritually without relying on anyone but our self. To be financially, relationally, and spiritually secured without having to work-out the emotional and irrational issues between people, some would say, would be a relief. In fact, their conclusion is that this would be a wonderful world if we could just get what we want without all of life’s soap opera drama.

This leads me to our first parents. Some believe that Adam & Eve’s sin was the desire to be self-sufficient. Their desire was to be like God, dependent on no one but themselves. Hasn’t humanity been in the same mindset since?

How do you think God designed us to be? To be SELF-sufficient or GOD-sufficient? SELF-fulfilled or GOD-fulfilled? SELF-esteemed or GOD-esteemed? SELF-loved or GOD-loved?

If Jesus’ himself said that he could do nothing apart from his Father God, what about us?

Are we more capable than Jesus? I think not. Maybe it’s time to change our viewpoint and seek out how to live life from a Christ-centered perspective. Or is that just a little too radical for some of us?

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

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

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
crutches 1

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.