life in christ

Advice or News

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms , , ,
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” Isaiah 57:7 ESV

good news 1

Dr. Timothy Keller states it best when you compare the difference between religion and Christianity. He likes to state that religion gives advice, but Christianity is simply good news.

Religion is about working to improve the human condition via self-help. Whereas Christianity is accepting the fact that Jesus Christ has already completed the act. One is based on performance. The other is simply accepting the fact it is done.

The news that God’s grace is enough; that our obedience is simply showing our gratitude to Him, is Good News. When we start with giving advice, obeying because it makes us feel good about ourselves, and performing acts in exchange for blessings, than we have crossed over into playing religion.

The Good News is that Jesus Christ is our savior and his life, death, resurrection, and ascension completes the work of salvation. We now simply participate with him in his work of redemption, reconciliation, and restoration. He leads; we follow. We belong to him and gladly submit to his authority. He is the Good News that we faithfully accept. Apart from Him, there is no good news, just more advice.

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

The Book That Understands You

Dr. Mike Shaped By The WORD , , , , ,
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130 ESV

bible 1

Ever read a book that you couldn’t put down because it was like the author wrote it knowing everything there is about you? She knew what excited you. She took you from an emotional high to a painful low. She knew what got your goat. She knew how you thought. She knew what you would do next and deliberately turned the next chapter against your perceived ideas. Everything about you that you haven’t shared with another soul was being drawn out of you through the pages of the story.

Now some people may shy away from such a novel. Others would want to read the sequel and couldn’t wait until the story became a movie. Such a book would probably be a number one seller for years.

Some people may not be aware of it, but the Christian Bible has been a number one best seller each year it has been in print. It is a book that truly understands you and me. It has violence, sex, power, political intrigue, suspense, surprise outcomes, and other unbelievable results. It showcases romance, rags-to-riches stories, and the difference one person makes in the lives of others. It captures human nature at its finest and worst. It explains how you are wired and what can be done to transform it. It is a story with more plots than a graveyard.

You want to know why you behave the way you do? Read the book.
You want to better understand why others are the way they are? Read the book.
You want wisdom in dealing with the people in your world? Read the book.
You want your life to have greater adventure and excitement like the movies you enjoy? Read the book.
You want to develop a relationship with someone who understands you better than anyone else? Read the book.

As you read the book you discover more about its invisible Author. You come to know the people who He associates with; the people who are drawn to him. As you read the book, you begin to better understand yourself, your motives, and your potential. You learn better ways to relate with others. You become more like the heroes written in the book. You understand their pain and joy because you share in the same venues.

The more you read, the more you begin to realize the book truly understands you better than anything you ever read before. Then you begin to realize it is so because its prime Author created you and wants to have an ongoing, long term, intimate relationship with you. It begins when you read the book!

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

The Pride Trap

Dr. Mike Life in Christ, Traps , ,
“The haughty looks of man shall be brought low,
and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled,
and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.” Isaiah 2:11 ESV

pride 1

Pride has been the downfall of many through human history. It is listed as one of the major sins of humanity (Proverbs 8:13). From Lucifer turned Satan whose pride made him attempt a coup of heaven, to little ole’ me whose pride kept him from experiencing God’s best throughout most of his early life, it is a heavy cost to carry.

If you don’t think you have a pride problem, take another look. It doesn’t matter whether you are rich or poor, formally educated or not, endowed with beautiful looks or not, blessed with good health or not, or naturally gifted with a superb voice or other talent, pride comes to all in one form or another. Whenever we place ourselves or our beliefs in a superior position toward others, fire alarm sirens should blast loud and clear.

Pride builds walls that prevent effective communications. It is unable to love. It stumps emotional and intellectual growth. It hurts those around you and robs you of your joy. It has caused the ruin of relationships, businesses, and countries.

Pride glories in the self. It sometimes hides behind humility. It is often praised in the media. Ignored by those who should identify it and debase it. Its friends are few and destructive. Rarely nothing good comes from pride except its annihilation and when real humility is allowed to enter.

Pride is like the top of a housing bubble. The ride up may be temporarily enjoyed, but the fall is very troublesome by all who participate in it.

Pride can be broken. But it is best when replaced by a spirit of humility that comes from a Holy Being.

Yes, God loves us; even in our pride. In fact he loves us so much that he wants us to participate with His Spirit to eradicate the pride of life from our most inner parts. We are to abide in Christ. As we do, we will become clothed with the humility of Jesus. Yes pride will occasional lift its ugly head. But God has forgiven us way before that ugly pride ever showcased itself in our presence. That is why we are grateful for Jesus’ work of redemption, renewal, and restoration. The longer we abide in him, the less pride manifests itself as it is replaced by His humility.

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