The Same Mind as Christ

This book is designed to motivate both seekers and believers to journey into the depths of the faith so that all God intends for us to be and to do becomes a reality in our everyday life. In this sense it is a primer for the Christian life that helps us focus on the very words of Jesus that has the power to change any destructive areas of our life into a healthy and wholesome response to all of life's situations. With the power of Christ inside of us there is nothing outside of us that can permanently destroy the life God has given us in Christ Jesus. "Let the same mind that was in Christ Jesus be also in you" (Philippians 2:5), the Apostle Paul instructs us. As we allow the words of Christ to be the controlling element in our lives we are marvelously transformed from being ruled by the troubles of the world into being victorious in spite of what's going on around us. This means that the power Christ had, we also have. Then the burdens of everyday life no longer weigh us down because we are constantly being lifted up by the same power that lifted Christ from the confines of a stone cold tomb. Jesus says to us "learn from me" (Matthew 11:29). He is our teacher who imparts to us the secrets of life and the passageway into eternal life. It is the hope and desire of the author that this book will help in the pursuit of both. As we learn what was in the mind of Christ and get that into our minds the door is opened for us to live like we have never lived before. Within the book, twelve of the major concepts that Jesus taught while on earth are presented. They each are explained in such a way that gives the reader insight into the thinking of Jesus. Biblical characters are used to personalize the teaching so that readers can possibly see themselves in the same position as the characters. Illustrations from the author's life, learnings and experiences seek to add insights that demonstrate how the concepts have been effective in people's lives. Quotes from scholars and sages are used to show the wide range of thoughts and ideas that connect us to the life of Jesus. Of course, the Bible is cited extensively. It is the author's belief that the Bible can speak for itself. That's an auxiliary aim of the book: to let the words of Christ enter our domain and reside with us as we live out our faith in this sometimes hostile and demanding world. There are two appendices that aid the reader in continuing the quest to be one with Christ. The "tools for studying the Bible" gives the reader specific means to understand what the Bible is saying to us. "A method of meditation" encourages the reader to slow down and think on the things of Christ. The hope is that the reader will develop some intentionality about being in a positive and productive relationship with Jesus. Sometimes being intentional helps us to develop holy habits that will send us in the direction we need to go. When we develop a holy habit of being with Christ then his power becomes ours. His mind is in our mind. Then we know for sure that Paul was right "we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). As Christ was victorious, so are we in every situation of our life when we think and live like him.