Quote Contemplations 

 

            “Forgiveness is described as setting a prisoner free and discovering that the prisoner was you.” ^[1]

            Forgiving others just as Christ forgave you is one of the cornerstones of Christianity. To forgive another saves you the emotional burden that comes from resentment, anger, and bitterness. That person you are directing all that at probably doesn’t know you’re mad at them and loses no sleep regarding the situation. All the teeth grinding anger that results on your end is self-inflicted pain that need not take place. Reflect instead on Christ and all He forgave you of and you may just feel pretty silly harboring the anger towards someone else at all.

            “Forgiveness is framed as a choice to release the right to revenge and trust in divine justice, mirroring how believers have been forgiven by God.” ^[1] Forgiveness is meant to detach you from the harm that comes from NOT forgiving. When you do not forgive more is at stake than just your spiritual health, but your physical and mental health as well. Unforgiveness can become a burden that elevates your stress level and causes your blood pressure to rise; two things that will not help you maintain a blessed life going forward. Lay that burden DOWN. You were never meant to carry it in the first place. Ephesians 4:32, "And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." 

            Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] www.impactus.org

Quote Contemplations

 

“It's not enough to have lived. We should be determined to live for something.”
― Leo Buscaglia

Living without doing it for a purpose, is just existing. Are you looking to make ANY sort of impact on those around you and the world at large or are you simply living for yourself and your own interests? True love is stepping outside your comfort zone and doing that which the Lord God has commissioned you to do. And what would that commission be? Sharing the gospel. Living out God’s principles. Imitating our Lord in word and deed. THAT is at least in part our commission as believers in Christ.

            I have often admired the simple truths that Leo Buscaglia brought to the table. Though no longer with us (died 1998), his thoughtful advice shall pass the test of time. Today’s quote is a basic truth. It’s telling us that simply living for the sake of living is just spinning your wheels. While there are many worthwhile endeavors to get involved with in this life, the highest honor is to surrender your own personal will and agenda over to your Heavenly Father and live for Him. 

            Now of course you must believe that God exists and accept the entirety of the Gospel message as true. Acceptance in His word and will can take you to places where the gifts He has endowed you with can shine, having a pronounced effect on all whom they touch. Without the Lord at the helm of your ship, I can’t imagine that any purpose for your life could be anything but egocentric. A sign of true love is to become selfless regarding doing for others. THAT is a noble purpose. If you believe the Lord has only the best intentions for your life than do what you do for Him in Jesus name and feel the power of truth and love emanating from your efforts. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Quote Contemplations

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ― Leo Buscaglia*

 

While our mission on behalf of the Lord is to share the gospel, there are many behavioral traits that can empower those you encounter each day. Leo Buscaglia sums that up with his quote at the top of the post. You’d be amazed how a simple act of kindness can lift a fallen spirit or encourage someone to keep going when they feel they cannot take another step. Our ministry doesn’t always have to be verbal; it can be simply a hug or taking someone’s hand in yours. It provides comfort, support... perhaps exactly what was needed by the hurting person at that particular moment. 

A historical illustration is when British Statesman Winston Churchill was on his death bed and his good friend US General Dwight D. Eisenhower visited him in his hospital room. No words were exchanged. Eisenhower simply held his hand in silence. His presence was enough. 

It’s important to know when the Holy Spirit is speaking to you. The above actions can easily be orchestrated by the Lord. It’s a simple way to bless others by showing love, concern, and/or support. You need to be able to read the signals. What is appropriate and what isn’t. God knows and we don’t always know.  Trust God and your words and/or actions will be a blessing. Until next time, walk with the King & treat others the way you’d like to be treated.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* American motivational speaker and writer (1924–1998). A man who incorporates Christian themes in his books and talks was raised as a Roman Catholic.

 

Quote Contemplations

 

“Loneliness does not come from having no people about you, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you or from holding certain views which other find inadmissible.” - Paul Jung 

            I equate this quote with the loneliness a believer can sometimes feel when he or she is labeled as a “Christian”. Some folks hear that you’re a Christian and every bad experience they’ve ever had with Christianity or Christians themselves comes to mind, making you some sort of pariah (outcast) in their mind.

            Christianity is considered to be something that sucks the fun out of life, by those who assume things that are simply not true. Ignorance is no excuse since research is so easy to come by. But their ignorance can spell loneliness for the believer.  You may even actually be nervous regarding sharing your faith for fear of rejection or ridicule. Something believers need to understand and accept is that the rejection is toward God, not them.

            “Talk is cheap”, & “Actions speak way louder than words” are two catch phrases that 

reveal what should be effective as a means of sharing one’s faith. Live it and try not to be too wrapped up in your acceptance by those outside the faith. Technically, we are never alone, as the Holy Spirit dwells within us since our conversion. Focus on that truth instead of wallowing in self-pity regarding how lonely you think you are. Love God and serve Him faithfully. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Note:  Paul Jung was a Swiss psychiatrist, psychotherapist, & thinker. The founder of the school of analytical psychology.

Quote Contemplations

 

“To trust God in the light is nothing, but to trust him in the dark. That is faith.” – Charles Spurgeon

 

            We are bound by our ability to see. It’s like a ball and chain around our neck, because we can see we are shaken when the unknown visits us. Being in a familiar setting is still a bit of a struggle, but it’s even worse when you’re unfamiliar with your surroundings. Not knowing what is coming next can be a debilitating event. 

            The Christian knows or at least SHOULD know that God dwells within us in the person of the Holy Spirit. God reveals this us in 1 John 4:13 (NIV)... “This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit.”  

            Okay, so who is the Holy Spirit to us? “The Holy Spirit is not a force or impersonal influence, but a personal, divine Person who actively works in the lives of believers to reveal Christ, guide, comfort, sanctify, and empower.” ^[1]

            We have all the tools we need to succeed in this sin torn world. The Holy Spirit came to lead and guide us toward the things of God and away from the things of the enemy of our soul. But having faith enough to endure darkness without panicking is tough, especially if you have a propensity to have anxiety issues. Certain events trigger that. It’s all mental. I’ve lived thru it and it’s not fun. 

            Since the Lord lives within us we must always trust Him to take good care of us. Only that which God allows will happen to us, unless we insist on going off on a tangent. God allowing us to have a free will permits us to wander off anytime; however, consequences for our actions WILL ensue whether we like it or not. Trust the Lord and follow His prescribed path for you. Then you’ll be able to trust Him even in the dark. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] www.biblebasedliving.com

Quote Contemplations

 

“Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.” - Elisabeth Elliot

 

            Life is filled with questions; however, not all questions have answers. The very nature of faith resides in the idea that you believe something that cannot be experienced with your senses. Faith doesn’t require facts or proof, because that, in and of itself, negates the need for faith. 

            There are so many folks who have the attitude that if only there was some proof, some hard, fast evidence that could be experienced by them, they would believe in God. They will be disappointed because faith is required. Faith, and faith alone. Is it blind faith? Perhaps it could be looked at that way. 

            Piggybacking on faith is trust. If you place your faith in Almighty God than you now have the One who can provide the answers you seek. You must understand though that certain things will never be explained. I believe that is because our relationship with God is based on faith and trust in Him and not on our understanding. There are many things about God and Christ and biblical doctrine that we will definitely understand and hopefully apply to our daily lives... I mean, that’s the point to it all isn’t it? But things like the specific date Christ will return will NEVER be revealed. Does that cause your faith to waver? It shouldn’t because as long as you live as if He were coming back any day, then you’ll always live ready.

            So ask God anything you want to, but don’t doubt His existence if you don’t get an answer or you don’t like the answer you get. Trust God to do for you all that needs to be done to complete you as a person in Christ. He knows all we are capable of and is able to take us there. Have patience and trust the Lord. He KNOWS what He’s doing & is in complete control.

            Until next time, walk with the King & be kind to others.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Note: Elisabeth Elliot (1926 – 2015) was an American Christian missionary, author, and speaker.

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

 

Do you understand that God can’t bless what He has no part in? If you don’t seek the will of God with regards to the decisions you make, then why would you ever think that you can ask the Lord to bless it? The life of a Christian doesn’t work that way. 

God has a plan for each one of us, but for some odd reason some of us think they can do what THEY think is right and after the decision has been made and in some cases is irreversible, we either ask for a miracle or get mad at God when it doesn’t work out the way we envisioned. 

Yes, walking down the Lord’s path isn’t easy, but it isn’t as hard as we make it. The Lord is like a flashlight in a dark place. He’s like a service dog for a blind person. HE knows where He wants you to go and what He would like you to say and do, but if you shrug Him off and exercise your free will, then don’t be surprised if things blow up in your face. 

I tend to get frustrated fairly easily. When that happens the worst side of me comes out. If I would only think and pray prior to whatever I’m about to do I just betcha things wouldn’t get so frustrating for me. I’ve been walking with the Lord since my conversion back in March of 1979 and I am STILL a work in progress. How about you? 

When we think we’ve arrived, that’s when pride and arrogance start to hang out on the fringes of your disposition. DON’T let that happen to you. Involve God in whatever you are doing and stay in touch with Him consistently. To NOT do that is like trying to teach yourself how to drive a car all by yourself, without any instructions. Lean into God. He wants to be your EVERYTHING. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

 

Recently I had a chance to share the gospel message at a local restaurant with a couple we know. After I shared for about 15 minutes, we began to collect our things, pay the bill, and head out the door. On the way out the husband said to me, “Geez, Rich, I didn’t know you were a Christian.” I stopped & stood there in dumb silence. The statement left me numb. My mind was racing. “How is that possible?” “I try to imitate Christ each day.” “How could he not know.” Hmmm. Very disconcerting. Time for me to make another spiritual assessment. 

Instead of getting preachy with everyone I meet, which I don’t believe is the correct approach, I’ve been trying to practice the St. Augustine approach: “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” What can I do so people know without a shadow of a doubt that I am a Born Again Christian without being intrusive? I don’t believe there is anything in my makeup that causes me to be “in your face” about anything. I’ll have to do some very specific praying about this.

 There’s obviously something I am doing or not doing that caused that to happen. I don’t know, but I aim to find out. How about you? Do people you know realize you are a Christian? Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

            There is a school of thought that proclaims that cremation is a sin. They base this claim that we will be raised in our bodies, but that isn’t possible if there is no body in the grave. To me this is faulty thinking. Why? Because they are saying that the creator of all things is unable to make ashes into a body again. Didn’t He create Adam from the dust? Yes He did. Genesis 2:7 tells us, "Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." 

So you’re telling me God is incapable of doing that again? And what about all the godly souls who died thousands of years ago. What happened to their bodies. Didn’t they eventually turn to dust in their graves? “Within minutes of death, cells begin to break down due to a lack of oxygen. The accumulation of carbon dioxide makes the cellular environment more acidic, causing membranes to rupture and releasing enzymes—especially from organs like the liver and brain—that digest the cells from the inside out. This process, known as autolysis, is the first stage of decomposition.” ^[1]

            And what of our skeletal structure, does that turn to dust?  “While bones are more durable than soft tissues, they do not last forever. Eventually, they decompose into fine mineral-rich particles—effectively becoming dust.” ^[2] Okay, so those bodies that passed on centuries ago have returned to dust. Can God not replicate the creative process He invoked at the beginning. I dare say there is NOTHING that is impossible for Almighty God.

            So with all this being said it would seem that the whole notion of cremation, or essentially turning a body to ash (dust), is a sin would be debunked.  If God can do it once, He can do it again; in fact as often as He needs to. Cremation is not a sin. In fact cremation isn’t mentioned at all throughout scripture.  If you cremated a loved one, as I did my father, you may put your mind at ease. It is NOT a sin. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.gotquestions.org

^[1] www.chemistryworld.com

^[2] www.iflscience.com

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

In my book titled MAN’S REJECTION OF GOD: WHO’S FAULT IS IT? I wrote a chapter called THE CULT OF PERSONALITY. It talks about how powerful the entertainment industry is with regards to molding our youth. If Taylor Swift sports a new outfit, all the “Swifties” try to replicate it. If a famous football player does some provocative dance move after scoring a touchdown, all the football junkie kids try to replicate it. Does that make Taylor Swift or football bad, no, it just means that a portion of our society has broken down. The whole idea of “I can do whatever I want as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone else” needs to go away, because someone is always watching and it generally has a negative impact on certain types of people. 

            It is almost cult-like as young people become mesmerized by the big, the bold, the sexy, the wealthy all around them as if they are people that should be imitated. The Lord is patient, but frankly must be saddened by the ignorance that is so rampant in this world that He created. That is all the result of the free will God allows each individual. To remove ‘free will’ would make Him a tyrannical God, but scripture proves that is not the case. He is a loving, benevolent God who wishes all to follow Christ into eternity where they will all be wonderfully blessed beyond their wildest imagination.

            Don’t try to imitate anyone this side of heaven that doesn’t have anyone’s best interest at heart but themselves. Imitate instead the only perfect person to ever walk the earth; that being Jesus Christ. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

            A certain segment of society is morally and ethically bankrupt. They have lost their way. They rely on doing what suits them and not what is right. It is tearing at the very fabric of our country. They seek to sidestep the whole God issue and craft their own god out of whatever makes the most sense to them. The future is bleak for those folks, for any road that leads anywhere other than Almighty God will end in ruin. 

            How did this moral and ethical decay take place? What caused it? The enemy of man’s soul has been diligently working at infiltrating all sectors of human society since man’s fall in the Garden of Eden, wreaking havoc wherever he can. It has taken a massive toll on civilization, as Almighty God silently watches from His throne watching His creation flaunt its free will in ungodly ways. God did not create evil; it came from Satan and was passed on to man. 

Every man, woman, and child has the option to follow God throughout their life, or follow their own path. You DO NOT HAVE to follow Christ! However, seeing things that way seems rather short-sighted. Dealing with the here and now with the purpose of gaining as much happiness and satisfaction as humanly possible is not seeing the BIG PICTURE. Sadly, the consequences of doing as you please will not become real to some folks until it is TOO LATE. 

I’m not trying to scare anyone; I’m just laying things out as I see them based on how it is laid out in scripture. If you don’t believe God is real, then anything that is tied to that belief becomes mentally null and void for you. But think about this: with something as important as where you will go after you leave this earth, you would think people would take the time to do some honest, open minded research. Don’t bother looking for proof, because it shall never be found. Why is that?  Because proof negates the need for faith. 

Take an honest look at yourself in the mirror. Are you truly the best version of yourself? Take this seriously; and that goes for many Christians as well. How is your relationship with the creator of the universe and man’s first breath? Take an honest assessment of your life with Christ. How are you doing? Make the most of this life in Jesus name. Live for Him and give Him all the praise and glory. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

Is it possible that many Christians aren’t well grounded in the Word of God? Is that perhaps why people are now “DECONSTRUCTING” their faith? They pray and when they don’t receive an immediate answer it must be because there is no God. Too many new believers must feel entitled to all the riches in glory without having to make any alterations to their mindset or behavior. Are people looking for short cuts regarding their spiritual walk? 

A true believer in Christ will understand what it takes to cultivate their relationship with the Lord. It takes an earnest desire and unabashed determination to serve our God. We aren’t handed everything on a silver platter. There are times when we must pray thru and trust that the Lord knows exactly what He’s doing. If something doesn’t work out the way you thought it would that shouldn’t cause you to doubt God. 

Do you comprehend who God truly is? Do you read the scriptures? Do you FEED your spirit man daily? What are you waiting for. The road doesn’t get easier; it gets harder as in desperation the devil begins to pull out all the stops to throttle God’s plans. He is a defeated foe, and he knows it so there is nothing he won’t try to cause you to get tripped up. 

Buckle up and set your face as a flint, ready to do battle (figuratively speaking) with all who would try to minimize the impact God can make in a person’s life. Be the best representative for Christ that you can with the help of the Holy Spirit within you. We already have the victory; we simply must stand fast and endure the storm of hate that is infiltrating our land. May God have mercy on our land and give all Christians the wherewithal to stand up for that which is right and just according to scripture. In the end, may God’s perfect will be done. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Note: Our greatest weapons are prayer in Jesus’ name & the Word of God. 

Is being gay a sin? Part 2

 

The question, “Is it sinful to engage in homosexual activities because of same-sex attractions?” has a more straightforward answer. Being drawn toward a morally forbidden relationship is not an active sin; it is a temptation. Sin occurs when we dwell upon the wrong thoughts, the temptation spawns, or when we yield to the temptation. Feeling a same-sex attraction is not an active, willful sin, but yielding to that proclivity and engaging in homosexual relations is.

Our culture assures homosexuals that they were born gay, and that confused sexuality is to be celebrated, not overcome. It is now fashionable to call oneself “gay” or “bi” or any number of other faddish sexual labels without any real understanding of their meaning—or of the moral and eternal implications.

We are all sinners, born with a nature that wants only to please itself. The sinful desires within us vary from person to person, but the root is the same (Romans 3:11). When we realize how broken we are and that we cannot have fellowship with a holy God in such a deplorable condition, we gratefully accept the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for us (2 Corinthians 5:21). He paid the price that we owed to God for our treason against our Creator. He also paid the penalty for the sin of homosexuality, just as He did for pride, rape, adultery, and theft. Those sins, and a thousand more, are what keep us from God and sentence us to an eternity without Him. We cannot continue to define ourselves by the very sins that crucified Jesus, while also assuming that we are right with God. First Corinthians 6:9–10 lists many of the sins that the Corinthians once practiced (homosexuality is on the list). But verse 11 reminds them, “That is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” In other words, some of the Corinthians, before they were saved, lived gay lifestyles; but no sin is too great for the cleansing power of Jesus. Once cleansed, we are no longer defined by sin.

Homosexual behavior won’t damn a person any more quickly than pride or greed or adultery. Without Christ, we are lost, whether gay, or straight. But, when we surrender our lives to the lordship of Jesus, He gives us a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17). He destroys the power that sin once held over us (Romans 6:1–7). The old nature that once dictated our actions has been conquered in a born-again child of God (John 3:3). Temptation still rages. Weaknesses still torment. But the power of the Holy Spirit helps us to resist Satan and overcome the sins that once held us captive (Colossians 2:14; James 4:7). We can choose new life in Jesus or the old life of sin. But we cannot have both (Matthew 6:24).

Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Taken from post on www.gotquestions.org

Is being gay a sin? Part 1

 

            Admittedly, this is a HOT BUTTON topic. There are various answers to this question, but what does Almighty God have to say about it?

In order to answer the question “Is being gay a sin?” we need to break this question down and deal with each piece separately. Instead of asking “Is being gay a sin?” we need to ask, “Is it sinful to have same-sex attractions?”,which leads to the follow-up question, “Is it sinful to engage in homosexual activities because of those attractions?”

Regarding the first question we should take the time to distinguish between sinning and being tempted. Being tempted is not a sin. Jesus was tempted, but He never sinned (Matthew 4:1; Hebrews 4:15). Eve was tempted in the garden, and the forbidden fruit definitely appealed to her, but it seems that she did not actually sin until she took the fruit and ate it (Genesis 3:6–7). A struggle with temptation may lead to sin, but the temptation itself is not a sin.

The problem with same-sex attraction is that it is an attraction to something God has forbidden, and any desire for something sinful ultimately has its roots in sin. Our natures have been so infected with sin that what is evil often looks good to us. Sin causes us to see the world and our own actions through a warped perspective. Our thoughts, desires, and dispositions are all affected. Scripture says we are sinners by nature (Romans 5:12). So, same-sex attraction, per se, is not always an active, willful sin, but it springs from the sinful nature. Same-sex attraction is always, on some level, an expression of the flesh, or the fallen nature.

Our world is filled with forbidden fruits, including the enticement to “be gay.” A happily married man can be suddenly smitten with attraction for his new associate and wrestle with those feelings every day. A sober alcoholic can struggle with the ongoing desire to drink, even years after he becomes clean. Those desires do not represent an active choice to sin, although they stem from the sinful nature. They are part of being a fallen creature living in a fallen world.

Some people may not always be able to control how or what they feel, but they CAN control what they do with those feelings (1 Peter 1:5–8). And we all have the responsibility to resist temptation (Ephesians 6:13). We must all be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2) and “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Taken from post on www.gotquestions.org

Where do you go when you die?

The Bible is absolutely clear that there are only two options for where you go when you die: heaven or hell. The Bible also teaches that you can determine where you go when you die. How? Read on.

First, the problem. We have all sinned (Romans 3:23). We have all done things that are evil, immoral, or unethical (Ecclesiastes 7:20). Our sin separates us from God, and if left unresolved, our sin will result in our being eternally separated from God (Matthew 25:46; Romans 6:23a). This eternal separation from God is hell, described in the Bible as an eternal lake of fire (Revelation 20:14–15).

Now, the solution. God became a human being in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:1, 14; 8:58; 10:30). He lived a sinless life (1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5) and willingly sacrificed His life on our behalf (1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:18–19). His death paid the penalty for our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21). God now offers us salvation and forgiveness as a gift (Romans 6:23b) that we must receive by faith (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8–9). “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Trust in Jesus as your Savior, relying on His sacrifice alone as the payment for your sins, and the Word of God promises you eternal life in heaven.

Where do you go when you die? It is up to you. God offers you the choice. God invites you to come to Him. It’s your call.

If you feel God drawing you to faith in Christ (John 6:44), come to the Savior. If God is lifting the veil and removing your spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 4:4), look to the Savior. If you are experiencing a spark of life in what has always been dead (Ephesians 2:1), come to life through the Savior.

Where do you go when you die? Heaven or hell. Through Jesus Christ, hell is avoidable. Receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, and heaven will be your eternal destination. Make any other decision, and eternal separation from God in hell will be the result (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).  Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.gotquestions.org

What is the Unforgivable Sin?

 

According to the Bible, the only unforgivable sin is blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. This refers to a persistent, willful rejection of the Holy Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ, ultimately hardening one’s heart against repentance. It is not a single, mistaken word, but a sustained defiance. 

It should be pointed out that it was in the Gospels that the Pharisees accused Jesus of using satanic power to heal, directly attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to the devil. How does that translate to us today? It involves consistently rejecting the Spirit’s conviction of sin and refusing to repent. Okay, so why it is unforgivable? It’s not that God refuses to forgive, but that the person perpetually rejects the only mechanism (the Spirit) that draws them to repentance and faith, making forgiveness impossible. Please understand what the unforgiveable sin is NOT.  It is NOT a fleeting thought, a single sinful act, or a moment of doubt, but a state of hardened, unforgiven rebellion.

 

            Here is what two of the four Gospels say about this type of sin...

Matthew 12:31-32 - “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy [every evil, abusive, injurious speaking, or indignity against sacred things] will be forgiven people, but blasphemy against the [Holy] Spirit will not be forgiven.  Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit [by attributing the miracles done by Me to Satan] will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”

 

Mark 3:28–30 - “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men, and all the abusive and blasphemous things they say; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit and His power [by attributing the miracles done by Me to Satan] never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an everlasting sin [a sin which is unforgivable in this present age as well as in the age to come]”—[Jesus said this] because the scribes and Pharisees were [attributing His miracles to Satan by] saying, “He has an unclean spirit.”

            Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.thenivbible.com

Is God in Hell?  

 

If God is Omnipresent, as in everywhere by His spirit, is He in hell?

 

The answer is that He is there spatially, but NOT relationally. His spirit is there; therefore He knows everything that takes place there. However, He has NO relationship with anyone in hell. No communication, no redemption, no pardon... those who have chosen NOT to have any affiliation with God are condemned to an eternity separated from Him with no way out.  

For the unsaved, that is not good news for there is nothing that they could ever think, say or do that Almighty God is not aware of. It’s incredible to think that He knows all of us so well that He knows what we will think, say, and do PRIOR to it taking place. What???  Knowing all that can be known will do that. Even as a believer, it is a daunting fact that we need to keep in mind (though I’m sure we don’t). THINK long and hard before you let your own thoughts become words that cannot be retrieved. Thinking something is one thing, saying what you’re thinking can be a big mistake, because once it’s said it can tend to take on a life of its’ own. And many times you cannot apologize your way out of the mess you’ve caused.

It is also a blessing that God knows us that well because He will know when trouble is brewing for us and will guide us, by His Holy Spirit, away from that trouble. That is if we desire to avoid the trouble in the first place. The Holy Spirit is our comforter and our guide. He is always available to assist. Take comfort in that fact. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

What is a CINO?

 

A “Christian in name only” (CINO) refers to someone who identifies as a Christian but does not adhere to core Christian beliefs or live according to biblical teachings.  This term is often used to describe individuals whose actions, values, or beliefs contradict the teachings of Jesus Christ, despite claiming the Christian label. 

Characteristics of a CINO include a lack of genuine commitment to Christ, superficial religious practices, and alignment with worldly values over scriptural principles.  They may attend church occasionally or identify culturally as Christian but do not exhibit a transformed life or spiritual fruit. As one source notes, they may claim the name of Christ but are "spiritually dead" ^{(Revelation 3:1)}. 

Biblical basis for the concept comes from Jesus’ warning in Matthew 7:21–23, where He says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father.” This emphasizes that true discipleship requires more than profession—it demands obedience and a life reflecting Christ-like character. 

Cultural Christianity is a common form of being a CINO, where identity is based on heritage, tradition, or social norms rather than personal faith.  Examples include those who only attend church on Christmas and Easter, or who support political or social positions contrary to biblical teachings while claiming Christian affiliation. 

Various sources also link the term to hypocrisy, noting that such individuals can damage the witness of the Church by claiming Christ while living in contradiction to His teachings. The call across many religious perspectives is for self-examination: “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith” ^{(2 Corinthians 13:5).}

Until next time, walk with the King & treat others the way you’d like to be treated.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

 

“Some people are impossible to please. As soon as they get what they thought they wanted they always want more.”

            THAT came off the side of a Monster Zero Ultra Energy Drink can. Interesting. It looks like they know people pretty well or at least their clientele. They are describing a large grouping of society. So many people seem to know exactly what they want only to be disappointed or quickly bored with it after they get it. Is it truly much different than a child who bores easily with a new toy they just HAD to have? Even a dog will walk away from a new toy after a few days or weeks, either because they got a new toy or that first toy doesn’t “do it” for them anymore. Have you ever thought of it that way? I have. Many people tend to be like spoiled brats. They accumulate “stuff” only to eventually have it collect dust in a back room out of the way in their home. Now don’t misunderstand me. There’s nothing intrinsically wrong with “stuff” unless getting and having it is more important than anything else in your life. You will NEVER find lasting contentment or satisfaction in the accumulation of “stuff”. It’s simply NOT going to happen. 

            Some folks like to collect things. My thing was collecting comix & ball cards. I had a little over 1400 comix. They were in plastic with cardboard backing. They were stored in eight long boxes designed to hold comic books. I had plastic separators in between titles. And yes, it was all alphabetized. My ball card collection was quite expansive. Baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Special sets. Factory sets. Rookie cards in special Lucite holders. I went all out. There was nothing I enjoyed better than to buy a box of cards, open each pack and collate the cards. I suppose it was kind of a racket in that you had to buy scads of boxes and maybe NEVER get a truly special card that was worth something. But I just liked collecting for the fun of it. When I was asked to leave my Texas home by my then wife, I didn’t have time or the room to take my collections. So they were left behind. Now I look back and while I don’t regret the money or time spent on collecting those things, I also don’t miss any of it at all. I happen to have the following philosophy regarding my life: it’s full of chapters. One chapter ends and another begins. That chapter in Texas closed rather abruptly, but a new chapter was just beginning. That which was left behind becomes part of my history, nothing more. Perhaps a clinical way to look at life, but it seems to work for me.

            So why did I tell you all that. For one simple reason. God supersedes everything else in your life or at least He should. Collecting is fun, but it could fall into the category of “here today, gone tomorrow” and that’s okay. Try not to mourn over your losses. Reflect on what you’ve experienced in your life perhaps, but never mourn the loss of it. It’s stuff and stuff can’t be taken with you when you go. Do something that is much more rewarding. Reflect on the goodness of God. If you want to start a collection, have at it, but try not to let it consume you. Make God your main reason for living. Only GOD can save a man’s soul. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries 

Taking a Different Look at Love

 

Scripture tells us more than once that God is LOVE.  His character is reflected in the below words from Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth. So that means that His name could be plugged in where the word “Love” is in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

With this in mind a way you could look at that portion of scripture could be:

 

“God is patient. God is kind. He does not envy or boast. He is not at all proud. God doesn’t dishonor others. He is not self-seeking or easily angered. The Lord doesn’t keep any record of wrongs. God doesn’t delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. He always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Almighty God NEVER FAILS.”

 

If this is who God is and I am supposed to imitate the Lord then wouldn’t it seem logical to assimilate these characteristics into our lives so that we can become closer to Christ. We are to BE Christ to those we interact with on a daily basis. They should see something different in us that creates the potential for a spiritual encounter. Make those type of encounters a part of your daily prayer life. Ask for opportunities to share your faith. It doesn’t come naturally for some folks, but with prayer and God’s subsequent help there is no telling what influence you can have on peoples lives. 

Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

God is in Total Control

 

            Have you ever considered whether or not Almighty God is in control of all things within His creation? Events that happen, while appearing random, are not surprising to God.  He is sovereign, as in “One that exercises supreme, permanent authority”. Therefore, God holds divine authority over mankind’s destiny. 

Whether we realize it or not, the events that have taken place, are currently taking place, and will take place in the future did not and will not take place by mere chance. There is a divine orchestration to everything that takes place. Everything is part of a flawless grand design. We don’t have to understand or believe everything that takes place, because frankly some things are just not all that easy to accept or understand. Our acceptance comes in the belief that God IS in control and knows exactly what He is doing, why it needs to be done, and knows the exact perfect time for Him to do it. He doesn’t need to seek anyone’s permission or understanding for His plan is perfect, established from the foundations of the world. Knowing all that can be known, God knows exactly how all this ends.

Those who do not accept God in any form are missing the point or are afraid of the truthfulness of the Gospel message, thinking if they avoid dealing with it it will just fade away. If it’s true then they will need to make a decision which they don’t wish to make. However, not making a decision is in and of itself making a decision. You are deciding to abstain from making a choice and that is a decision. The fact that the decision is ours alone to make negates the statement that God sends people to hell. He does not send anyone anywhere. It is a personal choice to either accept and serve God or reject Him. Autonomy shall be the ultimate downfall of the unrighteous. They cannot be good enough to erase all their sins and they cannot save themselves. That’s because it has nothing to do with anything WE do with the exception of our decision to follow and surrender to the Lord who can revolutionize our life. Give control of your life fully over to Christ. You’ll never regret that decision.

Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries        

 

 

What does the six-hour timeline reveal about Jewish timekeeping?

The six-hour timeline of Jesus' crucifixion reveals that the Gospels used Jewish timekeeping, which began counting hours at sunrise (approximately 6:00 A.M.). This system is key to understanding the biblical accounts:

 

The "third hour" (Mark 15:25) corresponds to 9:00 A.M., the time Jesus was crucified. 

The "sixth hour" (Matthew 27:45) marks noon, when darkness fell over the land. 

The "ninth hour" (Matthew 27:46) is 3:00 P.M., the moment of his death. 

 

This timeline, detailed in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), contrasts with the Gospel of John, which uses Roman time (counting from midnight).  John's mention of the "sixth hour" during Jesus' trial (John 19:14) refers to 6:00 A.M., resolving the apparent discrepancy and confirming the crucifixion began around 9:00 A.M. Jewish time.

Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: www.gotquestions.org

 

 

What caused the darkness during Jesus' crucifixion?

The cause of the darkness during Jesus' crucifixion, which lasted from noon to 3 P.M., is not definitively explained in the Bible, but it is widely interpreted as a supernatural event signifying divine judgment and mourning. 

The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) record that darkness covered the land for three hours. While Luke 23:45 mentions the sun being "darkened" (with some early manuscripts using a term that could imply an eclipse), a natural solar eclipse is impossible at Passover, which occurs during a full moon. 

Early Christian scholars like Julius Africanus and Origen rejected a natural eclipse, noting the Passover timing and the duration (three hours, far longer than any eclipse). The darkness is instead seen as a miraculous sign, symbolizing 3 things: 1) God's judgment on sin, as darkness often represents divine wrath in Scripture (e.g., Amos 8:9); 2) Cosmic mourning, as the "Light of the World" (John 8:12) was being extinguished; and 3) The spiritual weight of Jesus bearing humanity's sins, resulting in his cry of abandonment (Matthew 27:46). Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: www.rootedinchristjournal.com

Why did Jesus die at 3:00 pm?

Jesus died at 3 P.M. (the "ninth hour") because it was the exact time of the daily evening sacrifice in the Jewish Temple.  This timing is deeply symbolic, as Jesus is understood to be the ultimate fulfillment of that sacrifice. 

The ninth hour was when the second lamb of the Tamid offering was sacrificed each day. By dying at this precise moment, Jesus is presented in the Gospels as the true "Lamb of God" (John 1:29), whose death serves as the perfect, final sacrifice for the sins of humanity, replacing the need for all future temple sacrifices. 

This moment was also a traditional hour of prayer and confession for the Jewish people, underscoring the themes of atonement and reconciliation with God. The darkness that covered the land from noon until 3 P.M. further signifies the profound spiritual weight and divine judgment being borne by Christ in those final hours.

Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: www.gotquestions.org