Dear Mike,

I was checking out your website. You have a lot of information on there, and I plan to spend some time reading what you have to say. But I was wondering what is the basis for your teaching. Did you go to seminary (and where)? What church do you go to (or lead… I’m not sure if you are the pastor or not) and what are the doctrinal beliefs of the church? Is there a website for the church? Where is your church located in case I’m interested in attending? Do you have Bible studies for men and women separately as well as for couples?

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions when you get a chance.

G____

Hi G____,

Thank you for your interest. My qualifications are all summed up in one verse:

2Co 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

As I have said in my writings, if I did have a string of degrees conferred on me by some institution of men, and I especially include denominational seminaries, then I would keep that a secret. Paul tells us just how impressed God is with such ‘qualifications:’

Php 3:4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
Php 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
Php 3:6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Php 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
Php 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Paul was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, the leading religious educator of his day. He says it all amounted to dung.

You ask: “What is the basis for your teaching?” The basis for my teaching is the basis that all churches claim as their basis. The difference is that I take God’s Word seriously. That is not to say that there are not many serious people attending denominational churches. What I am saying is that whenever I am confronted with something in my understanding that is not in line with the Word of God, I do not say “I am of Paul “(Protestant) or “I am of Cephas” (Catholic). I do not try to defend any divisive denominational doctrines. My basis for my beliefs and my doctrinal statement is the Word of God. If anywhere you see that I have twisted God’s Word, please let me know. Incorporated denominations are blatantly practicing what God specifically condemns:

1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
1Co 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

It is a struggle to “be of the same mind… and speak the same thing” without institutionalized, denominational barriers.

To institutionalize such actions is nothing less the rebellion against the very word of God:

1Co 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

“Is Christ divided?” According to orthodox Christianity the answer is ‘only a few thousand times.’ And in the same breath they claim to be ecumenical. What hypocritical double talk.

Yes, we do have regular Bible studies in my home “in case you are interested in attending.”

We do not separate the sexes. We would be happy to make your acquaintance. If you are interested in attending, just let me know and I will give you the details.

I have not written a bio, but because I receive so many letters like yours I have posted a couple of e- mails outlining my 58 years

These letters are in Archive 12. I think they will answer your questions. If not let me know.

Mike