I Have a Question

Is God’s Will Conditional or Unconditional?

            You may find it interesting to find that the bible actually presents both conditional & unconditional realities. We have God’s sovereign or supreme authority which represents His unconditional will, and His moral commands and covenantal blessings, which represent His conditional will.  

            God’s conditional will is represented by His “if-then” clauses which I wrote about a short while ago. In that regard WE must DO something to bring about the blessing; such as, “If” you receive Christ as your Lord and Savior, “then” you will be redeemed and rewarded eternal like. That would be God’s CONDITIONAL will. 

            His UNCONDITIONAL will would align with things like creation itself. We did nothing with regards to creation; therefore, it would represent the unconditional nature of God’s will.

Things like God promising to never again flood the earth as a means of punishment for sin. That is His sovereign right and doesn’t involve His creation. The Abrahamic covenant, which promises a great nation and global blessings, is another example of God’s unconditional will.  These two events alone are considered unconditional in that God alone had bound Himself to their fulfillment, completely independent of any human interaction whatsoever.

            So you see not everything in God’s perfect will is part of His sovereignty and not all else is subject to conditions. Reading and knowing scripture can assist you in determining which is which. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: https://thetruthaboutchristianity.net/blogs/news/the-conditional-and-unconditional-promises-of-jesus

I Have a Question

Is God in Hell?

God is omnipresent, meaning He is EVERYWHERE at one time. That begs the paradoxical question, “Does that mean He is in hell as well?”

A word used in scripture for “hell” is the Hebrew word, sheol (the place of the dead; the grave), which is used as a general term, that is similar, but in this case not the same as “hell” which is literally “separation from God and His favor”. Another word used for “hell” in scripture is the Greek word enopion found in the Septuagint (The Greek translation of the New Testament).  It means “in the presence of” and is relating to distance.

“In heaven, believers will “see his face” (Revelation 22:4). At that moment, they will behold all of God’s beauty, grace, and perfection. In hell, sinners will know nothing of beauty, grace, or perfection, as God, as it were, turns His face away.

Ultimately, it appears that God is indeed “present” in hell, or hell is in His presence, depending on how one looks at it. God is and will forever be omnipresent. He will forever know what is happening in hell. However, this does not mean that the souls imprisoned there will have a relationship with God or engage in communication with Him. He will be spatially present but relationally distant.” ^[1]

            I hope this clears up the question of where God is in space and time, understanding that both are inconsequential to Him. That is why the term “HE IS” is relevant in relation to His omnipresence. He simply IS. Don’t lose sleep over that, simply in faith accept that God “IS” and because of Christ’s blood shed for our sins we shall be with Him forever. The whole idea regarding a Spirit entity existing, loving His creation, paying their sin debt willingly and purposefully, is without a doubt mind-boggling. That is why one needs belief in the unseen as if it can be seen, as in faith, to accept and believe to the point of allowing it to alter the trajectory of their life.  Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1]  www.gotquestions.org

I Have a Question

How Do We Hear From the Lord?

            One clue as to how we hear from God is found in Jeremiah 29:13 which declares: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Man’s wisdom and guidance are flawed at its best and catastrophic at its worst. Why is that? Because man has prejudices, personal opinions, and skewed thinking that affects his judgment. God has no such imperfections. He is perfect in every way. So why are we so reluctant to seek His direction. 

            We say we want to be more like Jesus, but how is that any different than following the statutes of God? If you want His wisdom and guidance you must agree to do it GOD’S WAY. You cannot be your own boss. You must acquiesce to His leadership in your life. We must know His Word, so we know the promises the Lord has laid out for His children. 

            I posted a piece a short time ago on the “if-then” clauses of God. We must familiarize ourselves with our part of that equation so that the promises will come to pass. We need to ask for what we would like. Not material things, but spiritual things. Things like wisdom, guidance, direction all fall under the spiritual things we should be seeking. James 4:2-3 says, “You do not have because you do not ask. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”

            We must stay in fellowship with the Holy Spirit within us. As true believers we receive the Holy Spirit of God once we submit to the redemption of God. He lives within us to protect, direct, instruct and so on. Work at becoming in tune with Him so that you may recognize the still small voice of God when it comes to you.

            Finally, you must actually ASK FOR divine wisdom and guidance and when received obey what you’ve been told. It’s cannot be “Once I receive God’s guidance I will decide if I will follow it thru”. No. If you want His wisdom, guidance and direction you must determine that whatever it is you will do, otherwise, why bother asking. These are brief guidelines to tapping into the mind of God. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

I Have a Question

Does your view of the afterlife influence the way you live today?

 

There are two eternal destinations, heaven or hell, determined by our response to Jesus Christ. Due to sin, our default state is separation from God and an eternity in hell. Faith in Jesus Christ provides salvation, changing our destiny from hell to heaven.

Knowing this as a follower of Christ, how do you look at eternity? Once you’ve achieved this eternal goal does that mean you can coast into the afterlife with no worries? Should you ever just coast, or should you hone your relationship with your Lord?

It’s not just a matter of what has been done for you, it’s about what value you now place on your life. Do you appreciate your life more now that you know you have been forgiven?  Do you feel compelled to serve Christ knowing that His actions have saved you from a disastrous outcome? Shouldn’t you? 

Do you go about seeking to plant seeds of faith wherever and whenever the opportunity arises? Do you ask God to present those opportunities to you? Why not? You shouldn’t say you can’t be bothered because as the great English poet and cleric John Donne (1572–1631) stated in his Meditation XVII, “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main...”. ^[1] We’re all connected if for no other reason than we are all creations of Almighty God. Do you have love for your fellow man... even the unlovely ones? We are called to love others as Christ loves us and died in our place. What good is it to only love those who love you back?

            Our salvation should revolutionize our lives. We should rise up each new day knowing that God has allowed you to continue to exist. That may sound odd but is it not true. Is not the Lord God the One who declares who lives and who dies and how many years they shall exist on this earth? There is a purpose for all things under the heavens and God controls it all.

            So I ask again, does your view of the afterlife influence the way you live today? It ought to for without the guidance, love, mercy, and grace of our Creator God, we would have no purpose to exist. Our purpose has been laid out for us in scripture. This is our calling, found in Micah 6:8 (NLT), “No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] “No man is an island...” originates from Meditation XVII of his prose work Devotions upon Emergent Occasions, published in 1624.

What Does It Mean?  

Living Outside of Time

 

God living outside of time means that He is not bound by the linear progression of past, present, and future as humans experience it.  Time, including its measurement and flow, was created by God as part of the universe ^{(Genesis 1:3–5)}, so He existed before time began and therefore is not subject to its constraints. 

This concept is supported by Scripture: Psalm 90:4 states, “For a thousand years in Your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night,” illustrating that time is insignificant to God. Isaiah 57:15 describes God as the one who “inhabits eternity,” emphasizing His timeless nature. John 8:58 records Jesus saying, “Before Abraham was, I am,” affirming His eternal existence beyond time.

Because God is outside of time, He sees all of history—past, present, and future—as a single, unified whole. He does not experience events sequentially; instead, He knows and interacts with every moment simultaneously. This explains how God can: Know the future not as a prediction, but as a present reality. Act in history ^{(e.g., creating the universe, redeeming humanity)} without undergoing change or being limited by a timeline. Have foreknowledge and predestination as literal, not metaphorical, truths ^{(Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1:4)}. 

While God is timeless, He is not distant or inactive. He interacts with humanity in time, speaking, responding to prayers, and entering history through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. This dual reality—eternal and personal, timeless and involved—is central to Christian theology.  As one analogy puts it, time is like a river for us, but for God, it is a lake: He sees the entirety of it all at once. Until next time, walk with the King & be kind to others always.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.gotquestions.org

Other influential religious groups at the time of Jesus’ ministry...

In addition to the four major Jewish sects (Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots), other religious and political groups during Jesus' time included the Herodians, who were political loyalists to the Herodian dynasty and Roman oversight, and the Samaritans, a distinct ethnic and religious group with their own temple on Mount Gerizim and deep-seated hostility toward Jews. 

The Galileans were another radical political faction led by Judas of Galilee, advocating for resistance against foreign rule and representing an extreme nationalist stance. Additionally, the Levites served as temple officials and assistants to the priests, while Publicans (tax collectors) were a socially ostracized group working for the Roman Empire.

Outside of Judea and Galilee, the broader religious landscape featured Roman and Greek Paganism (Hellenism), Zoroastrianism in Persia, and various Mystery Religions throughout the Roman Empire.  This concludes our look at the religious groups during Jesus time on earth. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/religious-movements-of-jesus-time

Gnosticism

            Gnostics were classified by the early Christian church as purveyors of false doctrine. They were primarily active in the Roman world between the 1^st & 5^th centuries.  They believed that they possessed a secret spiritual knowledge (“gnosis”) as the path to salvation. While largely viewed as heretics, many of this group saw themselves as Christians who possessed knowledge of Jesus deeper teachings, although there was never evidence found of any deeper teachings by the Lord.

            Gnostics believed in “dualism” or the existence of two separate Gods; one who was supreme, good, and transcendent, the other who was inferior and flawed, and who was responsible for creating the material world. They also believe humans contain a divine spark that is trapped within their evil material bodies. Salvation involves awakening this spark to reunite with the supreme divine realm.

            The Gnostics believed salvation was achieved thru personal knowledge of one’s divine nature and the true God. So they did not emphasize faith and grace, but rather that knowledge led to salvation.

Jesus was often viewed by them not as the incarnate God, but as a divine messenger or "messenger of light" who appeared human to impart secret knowledge rather than to die for our sins.

Gnostics believed the world was corrupt or like a prison of sorts; therefore, many Gnostic believers practiced a very simple, basic existence without many amenities. Based on the apostles rejection of Gnosticism and all their writings which contained a plethora of contradictions when compared to the four Gospels, they should be rejected outright as not representing the genuine Christian faith. 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

Religious Groups in Jesus Day

 

The Zealots

 

The Zealots were a radical Jewish political and religious movement in the first century BC that sought to expel the Roman Empire from Judea by force. Founded around 6 BC by Judas of Galilee (also known as Judas the Gaulonite) in opposition to the Roman census, they believed that God alone was the ruler of Israel and refused to pay taxes to Rome or acknowledge any earthly authority. 

The Zealots were driven by a concept of "zeal" for the Torah and Jewish nationalism, viewing Roman rule as idolatrous oppression. Their ideology was similar to the Pharisees but with an "attachment to liberty that was inescapable" and a rejection of foreign rule. 

The Sicarii were a more violent, radical subset of the Zealots (from the Latin sica, meaning dagger). They used concealed daggers to assassinate Jews they considered collaborators with Rome or apostates, creating a reign of terror in Jerusalem prior to the First Jewish-Roman War.

The Zealots played a leading role in the revolt that led to First Jewish-Roman War beginning in 66 BC. They took control of Jerusalem and fought against Roman forces, but their internal divisions and extreme tactics are often cited by historians as contributing factors to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple in 70 BC.

After the fall of Jerusalem, a remnant of Zealots (specifically the Sicarii) held out at the fortress of Masada until 73 BC, where they committed mass suicide rather than surrender to the Romans. One of Jesus’ twelve apostles, Simon, is identified in the New Testament as "Simon the Zealot", indicating his prior association with this movement before following Jesus. 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

 

Religious Groups in Jesus' Day

 

The Essenes

 

The Essenes were a mystic Jewish sect that flourished from the 2nd century BC to the 1st century AD during the Second Temple period ^[1]. They are best known for their communal, ascetic lifestyle, strict adherence to ritual purity, and their likely authorship of the Dead Sea Scrolls found at Qumran. 

The Essene sect likely emerged as a challenger to the priestly movement of that day. They practiced voluntary poverty, communal ownership of property, and often celibacy, though some groups permitted marriage. They emphasized daily ritual immersion (baptism) and rejected animal sacrifice in the Jerusalem Temple due to perceived corruption.

Essenes believed in the immortality of the soul, and anticipated an apocalyptic end-time battle. Many scholars believe they expected two Messiahs: one priestly (Aaronic) and one royal (Davidic).

Ancient historians like Josephus, Philo, and Pliny the Elder described them as a large, influential group (estimated at around 4,000 members) residing in settlements throughout Judea and Syria.  They were highly respected by figures such as Herod the Great. 

The Essene community largely disappeared after the First Jewish–Roman War (66–73 AD), particularly following the Roman destruction of Qumran around 68 AD. While the sect itself vanished, their texts and possibly their teachings influenced later religious movements, including early Christianity. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.biblestudy.org

[1]  www.bibleodyssey.org - The Second Temple period refers to the approximately 600 years of Jewish history (c.  516 BC – 70 AD) during which the Second Temple stood in Jerusalem, serving as the central institution for Jewish worship and identity.  It began with the return from Babylonian exile and the temple's reconstruction under Persian rule, and ended with the Roman destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple during the First Jewish–Roman War.

 

Religious Groups in Jesus Day

 

The Sadducees

 

The Sadducees were a wealthy, aristocratic Jewish sect active in Judea during the Second Temple period (roughly 2nd century BC to 70 AD) who held significant political and religious power, particularly controlling the high priesthood and the Sanhedrin. 

The Sadducees were the elite upper class, often associated with the priesthood and wealthy landowners, and were generally cooperative with Roman rule to maintain their privileged status. They strictly adhered only to the Written Torah (the five books of Moses), rejecting the Oral Law and traditions upheld by the Pharisees. 

The Sadducees famously denied the resurrection of the dead, the existence of an afterlife, and the existence of angels and demons, believing the soul perishes with the body. They emphasized human free will and rejected the concept of fate or predestination, prioritizing political stability and the maintenance of the Temple in Jerusalem. 

The sect became extinct after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD, as their religious and political authority was entirely tied to the Temple's existence. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.bible-history.com

 

 

Religious Groups in Jesus Day

The Pharisees

 

The Pharisees strictly followed the Mosaic Law, but they also adhered to a vast body of oral traditions and additional regulations known as the Mishnah. While the Mosaic Law contained 613 commandments, Pharisaical practice required obedience to thousands of sub-rules designed to clarify and protect the original laws, such as detailed restrictions on Sabbath work. It would seem to be a means of controlling the population with additional burdensome laws.

The Pharisees believed the Oral Torah was given to Moses alongside the written Torah and passed down through generations, making these extra rules binding. 

They prided themselves on meticulous observance of both the written Law and the oral traditions, often focusing on external markers of piety like dietary laws and ritual purity. 

Jesus and other critics argued that this legalism shifted focus from the heart of the Law to outward appearances, accusing the Pharisees of adding burdensome traditions that sometimes contradicted God’s original intent. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: www.pursuegod.org

 

Thoughts from a Random Mind 

 

Societal conditioning is responsible for the discord that exists in life. We are adversely influenced nearly from birth. We learn from everything we see and hear. All of a sudden the source of the influences begins to matter. What do we allow ourselves to see and hear on a daily basis? Is it uplifting and encouraging or the opposite? Images burn themselves into our subconscious and reappear in our mind’s eye at the most inopportune moments; perhaps when you are attempting to concentrate on something else important. How do we break the cycle of negativity that is prevalent in our society? This is where God fits into the equation. He should be the FIRST variable in the equation, but often times is not. I suppose that makes it fall under the category of “Better Late Than Never”.

Many times the cycle cannot be broken until the Lord enters into a person’s life. It is at that point very specifically that the trajectory of their life begins to shift. All of a sudden the serious believer will start to partake of the spiritual food offered in scripture. From that they will begin to know more about their Lord. Shifting your attention to godly endeavors instead of whatever suits your fancy is a great place to start your maturation process. 

It can be very difficult to break the chain of societal conditioning that bind us. For me, cussing when I get frustrated is a major problem of mine. I typically do it under my breath or out loud when I’m alone. It’s a terrible habit that became habitual many years ago and has been a fire that I’m been unable to extinguish. I’ve been praying and talking to the Lord about it for a number of years to no avail. That’s not God’s fault, it’s mine. I’m still working on it. You have to WANT to change. You have to WANT to break the cycle. It’s more than possible if you follow God’s lead and replicate Christ’s behavior. It’s possible, but not alone. It’s only possible because of the choice of assistance we seek.  Go with God! 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 

 

Do you realize that nearly every problem you have in life is your own fault? A poor decision you made at one time which had lasting consequences. Misjudging a person or situation that landed you in hot water. Who else’s fault could it possibly be? Are you not in control of your own mind? Then it was YOUR fault that you are in the mess you find yourself in. Don’t despair. Accept that reality, mentally flush it, and move on. Easier said than done, you may say? God can make that happen if you rely on Him implicitly. Moving on with God as the captain of your ship would be a wise choice if you haven’t already turned the wheel over to Him.

Everyone has problems. Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone has the opportunity to erase every mistake they’ve ever made; they are called sins or transgressions or iniquities. Whatever you call them, they reveal the fact that you are not perfect; never will be. 

There’s seems to be a misnomer that followers of Christ think they’re better than unsaved folks. While that may be true of some, I’d like to believe that the bulk of them would never think that. I’m here to tell you that even Christians have problems. And Christians act improperly toward others, though not as a general rule. We’re human, just like those outside God’s family. If you insult us our feelings get hurt. If you cut us we bleed, just like anybody else. The difference is that we realize where our problems came from and have chosen to do something about it. 

You don’t have to stay mired in the fallout of a lifetime of bad decisions. Call on God for help and He WILL help you, not the way YOU think you should be helped, but the way He knows will benefit you the most. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The Great Apostasy - Part Three

 

Paul makes three statements relating the coming Antichrist to the great apostasy that he inspires. First, the man of lawlessness comes as a counterfeit of Christ. Paul indicates this by applying to the Antichrist the same word that he has frequently used of Christ’s coming. Just as God the Father has ordained the coming of His Son, Jesus, back to earth, Satan has planned the “coming of the lawless one.”

Second, Paul says that these false signs employ “all wicked deception for those who are perishing” (v. 10). If we wonder how people can be deceived by false miracles, we need only consider the many examples that abound today. For example, in 1858 a Roman Catholic woman named Bernadette Soubirous claimed that the virgin Mary had appeared in the French village of Lourdes. Today, five million pilgrims journey to Lourdes each year, seeking miraculous healings, so that the town of fifteen thousand residents boasts 270 hotels, second in France only to Paris. In light of the power of many imaginings and frauds that happen today, consider how great will be the deception of the Antichrist when he appears with satanic power, performing genuine wonders so as to deceive the unwary, foolish and needy. Paul’s warning of Satan’s deception points out how perilous it is for anyone to neglect the saving truth revealed in God’s Word. Jesus stated that these wondrous deceptions will be so powerful that “if possible, even the elect” would be persuaded (Matt. 24:24). How much success then, Satan will have with those who have rendered themselves vulnerable by rejecting biblical truth.

Paul’s third statement regarding the satanic strategy in apostasy states that his victims are deceived “because they refused to love the truth and so be saved” (v. 10). Though Satan is unable to undo the salvation of true believers, his targets inevitably accept the deception because that is all that is left to them once they have rejected the truth. When Paul points out that Satan’s targets refused to love the truth, he inevitably includes worldly malice toward Jesus Christ Himself, who said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). They hated the gospel because it offended their self-righteous pride and threatened their lifestyle of cherished sins. For those who reject the gospel truth of Jesus Christ, there is no salvation from God but only a path leading away from Him, to Satan, and with Satan to eternal condemnation.

When Paul considers God’s purposes in the great apostasy, he says that in the coming of the Antichrist, “God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (vv. 11-12). Here Paul observes that the unbeliever not only refuses to love the saving truth that God sent through the blood of His Son, but also delights in the things that transgress God’s law and give offense to God’s holy person.

The Bible’s prophecies of the end fit the pattern both of what the early Christians faced and of the tendencies that will challenge the church throughout her history. John wrote: “Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour” (1 John 2:18). The coming of the lawless one will put an exclamation point on what takes place throughout the present era, which Hebrews 1:2 calls “these last days.” Thus, Paul’s teaching about the great apostasy and the man of lawlessness warns all Christians and provides an agenda for our watchfulness in faith. 

This concludes our brief study on the Great Apostasy. My hope is that it brought some clarity to this interesting topic. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: https://www.theseedchristianfellowship.com/2023/03/30/2-thessalonians-23-9-12-the-great-apostasy/

The Great Apostasy - Part Two

 

If professing believers may fall away, how can a Christian know that his or her faith is genuine and therefore eternally secure? Should believers worry that their faith is actually false and that sometime in the future they might apostatize? John addressed this issue in his first epistle, when he wrote “that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). According to John, there are three tests of a true, saving faith. One is a doctrinal test, focused on faith in the person and work of Jesus: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God” (v. 1). Another is a moral test: “By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (2:5-6). This doesn’t mean that true Christians never sin or are as perfect as Jesus was or is. Yet true Christians have taken up the calling to follow Jesus in practical godliness, turning from sin and pursuing holiness. Third is the test of love: “everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him” (5:1). True Christians are drawn to other believers and gain a love for the church that reflects the family love of God. According to the Bible, these three tests – dealing with theology, ethics, and love – provide Christians with a testimony from God’s Word as to the assurance of their salvation.

This understanding of apostasy shows why Paul was so pleased with the news that the Thessalonians were holding fast to the gospel and embracing a lifestyle of godliness and love (2 Thess. 1:3). They were steadfast in faith under persecution, as their worldly goods and even their lives were threatened (v. 4). According to Paul, this confirmed that they were “worthy of the kingdom of God” (v. 5); that is, their lives manifested a true and saving faith in Jesus.

Yet the day will come, Paul warns, when a great apostasy will fall upon the church. Christ will not return “unless the rebellion comes first” (2 Thess. 2:3). Having understood the doctrine of apostasy, we learn from verses 9-12 that a great apostasy will occur in the end, both by the working of Satan and by God’s sovereign judging of unbelief. In verse 3, Paul had linked the great apostasy to the coming of “the man of lawlessness,” often known to Christians as the Antichrist. In 2 Thessalonians 2:9, the apostle makes it clear that the rebellion is the work of this evil person: the great apostasy by which multitudes of professing believers abandon the Christian faith and turn against the church results from “the activity of Satan” in “the coming of the lawless one.” 

Part three concludes this brief study... Until then, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: https://www.theseedchristianfellowship.com/2023/03/30/2-thessalonians-23-9-12-the-great-apostasy/

 

The Great Apostasy 

Part One

2 Thessalonians 2:3, 9-12

 

Paul wasn’t surprised by the reality of apostasy. Paul had notified the Thessalonians that there would be a great rebellion against the gospel before Christ’s return. “Let no one deceive you in any way,” Paul wrote. “For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first” (v. 3). One of Satan’s chief goals, especially through the future “man of lawlessness,” is to induce people to abandon Christianity. Paul therefore knew that some people who profess faith in Jesus Christ will later renounce that faith, to their own destruction.

The Greek word translated in verse 3 as “rebellion” is apostasia. This word refers to the turning away from a former position or the abandonment of prior loyalties. It can be used of a political rebellion, however, in the Bible the word is used to describe a turning away from the true faith. Apostasy reflects an evil heart that embraces unbelief after previously professing faith. Does apostasy, however, describe a person who once truly believed and was saved, and who then, by losing his or her faith, lost salvation as well? The answer to this question is No. The Bible clearly teaches that those who possess a true and saving faith cannot be lost, for the simple reason that genuine faith results from the grace of God, and God never loses any of those whom He has saved. Jesus said of His true sheep: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).

If believers in Christ can never be lost for salvation, then what is an apostate? An apostate is a ‘professing’believer and outward member of the church who, having never truly believed, falls back into unbelief and condemnation. John explained: “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that they might become plain that they all are not of us” (1 John 2:19). How then, do we tell that a professing believer is really an apostate? In most cases, it is difficult if not impossible to tell until he or she actually abandons the faith. It seems, for instance, that the other disciples never suspected Judas Iscariot of his falseness even up to the night on which he betrayed Jesus to His death. 

Part Two of this brief study continues tomorrow... Until then, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: https://www.theseedchristianfellowship.com/2023/03/30/2-thessalonians-23-9-12-the-great-apostasy/

Always Remember / Never Forget

 

“In the Bible, honor is defined as the esteem, respect, and reverence given to individuals, God, or principles, derived from the Hebrew word kavod (meaning "weightiness" or "glory") and the Greek word timē (meaning "value" or "price").  It is not merely an internal attitude but a multifaceted action that involves recognizing inherent worth, showing deference, and often accompanying respect with obedience or appropriate attention.” ^[1]

                  In life we honor those who risk their lives protecting others. Law enforcement, military, fire fighters, etc. In this day and age there are many factions who attempt to discredit those who lay their lives down for another. While the reasons are not clear to me why anyone would do that, I shall always honor and respect those who have done that which I was unable to do. 

            It doesn’t seem all that different to me than the honor we are to have for Almighty God, whom I respect and revere because of who He is and what He has done for me. The “heroes” that exist today are special and are to be honored by remembering their acts of supreme bravery in the face of adversity. Thank you Lord for these brave souls both living and dead, who neither seek nor require any accolades, but for me have earned them, nonetheless. Let us remember our fallen heroes this day and every day for without their bravery and self-sacrifice our world would not be the same. Bless and honor their memory always. 

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] www.biblehub.com; www.biblestudytools.com

My Imperfections / My Prayer 

I’m far from being perfect. The things I’ve said and done throughout my life would make a blind man blush. There are times when I would wonder if I had gone too far for God to forgive me, then I remember when Moses was forgiven for killing an Egyptian man. I remember when David slept with Bathsheba and though there were harsh consequences for his actions, he was still referred to by God as the apple of His eye & a man after God’s own heart.

How can that be? I know God doesn’t wink at sin, but I also know He doesn’t hold our transgressions against us once we seek forgiveness. He knows the sincerity of a person’s heart and that makes all the difference. All that encourages me, but I still end up wondering if God might wash His hands of me because of my continued wayward thoughts and innocent but hurtful words and actions. Perhaps I am harder on myself than the Lord is with me. I guess that’s because I have felt like I haven’t pleased a whole lot of people in this life by just being me and I want so desperately to feel the warm embrace of my Lord when all is said and done. I don’t want to be spit out of His mouth for being lukewarm.  

Please continue to be patient with me Lord. I’m trying to be the best version of myself with the Spirit’s help. Don’t leave me to my own devices. While my faith and trust in you doesn’t waver, my behavior does from time to time. Without You I am nothing more than a shipwreck of a man. Humble me and lead me down the pathway You have laid before me. I love you Lord and I want to be with You throughout eternity. Help me overcome my poor tendencies and become more like Your Son a little more each day. Thank you.

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Note: This spilled out of me recently & I thought maybe some folks out there may relate to all this. It isn’t staged, but rather how I truly feel in my heart. Does this resonate with you? Have you ever felt this way? rlk

God’s “If-Then” Clauses

 

            An “if-then” clause is a conditional statement that lays out a condition that when fulfilled provides a certain expressed result. Example:  If we repent of our sins & believe in Jesus Christ, then we shall receive salvation. The fact of the matter lies with Jesus final words spoken while He hung on the cross. In John 19:30 Jesus says, “It is finished.” In other words, there is nothing else that needs to be done to cleanse one of their sins. Once He says His final words the “If-Then” clause is activated. 

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 God says, “If my people … shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” God’s “if-then”clauses are very specific. There is no mistaking their meaning. Conforming to God’s way is imperative for it is the only plan of redemption provided by our creator. We MUST do something or abstain from doing something to make these clauses become valid and useful. Taking this whole Christianity thing seriously is the key to receiving total and complete forgiveness for everything we’ve done both knowingly and/or UNknowingly.  

This isn’t a matter of doing something to MAKE God provide a positive result. The purpose of the conditional clause is to let you know that God has chosen of His own free will and out of His deep, abiding love for His creation to provide a certain position outcome as a result of your obedience and submission to His condition. THAT is what God’s “if-then” or conditional clause is. Pay attention when you read scripture, because ... “The Bible contains approximately 1,600 to 1,637 instances of the word "if," which functions as a conditional conjunction.  This count is divided into roughly 993 occurrences in the Old Testament and 602 to 608 occurrences in the New Testament, with nearly half of the New Testament instances appearing in the four Gospels.” ^[1]

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1]  https://www.ogchurchofchrist.org/Sermons/the-biblical-word-if/ & https://moreofhimministries.org/if-then-but/

PUBLIC ENEMY

          The way things are going in the world today being a follower of Christ could just make you a “Public Enemy”. I fear that persecution is coming to the homeland, if it isn’t already here. The Christian is the only threat to Satan’s reign over this world. God allows what takes place and persecution may be on the docket for the not too distant future. Stay strong. Stand tall. Fear nothing. Trust God. Perhaps it will not touch you and those you love personally, but pray for peace and the reality of man’s need for salvation. God wins in the end.

            Did you realize that we are HATED by some segments of society. That’s right, literally hated!! They don’t take the time required to understand what we stand for or what we believe, they react emotionally based on what “important” people have said or are saying. Satan fuels the hate; you can be sure of that. 

            It is imperative that believers lock in on their beliefs and not let them fade over time.

Don’t be distracted by worldly endeavors that take important time away from either God OR family. The devil will find that weak link in your chain and fire away at it until you either rebuke his efforts or succumb to them. Become keenly aware of that which is taking please all around you. Unfortunately, we are human; clay in the master potters hands. We can break very easily if not handled properly. The Holy Spirit is the person that holds things all together, unless we venture down a tangent path against his warnings. Submit to the true Master of the Universe; our Creator God. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Is Christianity considered a philosophy?

 

            Christianity is considered a religion with elements of philosophy; however, it’s not solely a philosophical way and thinking and living. It has been influential in religious thoughts throughout the ages. From reading my posts you should know that I do NOT consider true Christianity a religion as much as it is a persnal relationship with Almighty God. 

            By definition religion is “an organized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices” and while that is primarily true, I see it as something that is far more intimate and personal. Something that is more individualized.

            First of all, Christianity is centered on the life, teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It involves faith and trust in the same. Philosophy looks at questions about God Himself, human nature, morals, ethics, and the nature of reality. The Christian theologians thru the years have put together systematic theologies to attempt to answer life’s challenging questions regarding religion.

            Secondly, in Christianity, the human condition is defined as a state of being created in the image of God but currently existing as a fallen, sinful creature separated from Him.

Christianity provides a template to understand morality, man’s purpose, and the human condition. Philosophy provides a set of circumstances related to our existence, our limitations, and our shared experiences, all which constitute human existence, such as, birth, growth, emotion, aspiration, conflict, ethics and mortality.

            The key difference between the two is that while philosophy seeks knowledge and understanding thru human reason, Christianity involves both faith and revelation. In other words, Christianity is more than simply a philosophy, though it does incorporate philosophical thoughts, ideas, and methods. It’s a school of thought that has a rich history of philosophical thoughts, ideas, and reflection.

            To tie it all together Christianity is not a philosophy, yet does have elements of philosophical thought in it. Our main tool for knowledge and reflection is the Word of God. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Permission Needed

 

“Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ ‘Legion,’ he replied, because many demons had gone into him.  And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.

A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.” [Luke 8:30-33 NIV]

 

We get a clear picture of the hierarchy of God in the Book of Job when Satan came into the throne room of God to seek permission to come against Job. The above account of Christ’s dealing with the demon possessed man brings into focus that which we already know. God, and by association, Jesus, is far superior in every way to Satan. Hence the demons in the man HAD TO BEG Jesus (repeatedly) not to be thrown into the abyss. Now why would anyone beg another for anything unless they were subservient to them in some capacity. Jesus granted the demons PERMISSION to do that which they requested. They entered the swine and they plummeted over a nearby cliff to their death. They sought permission from the Son of God, which essentially was the same as seeking permission from God directly.

This event shines a light on God’s power and authority over all in His creation, even the author of evil. When it comes to God’s children, nothing can happen that isn’t either caused or allowed for His greater purpose. Those type of trials are nothing more than lessons in faith. Do you trust the Lord today to protect you from the evil one? You should because the Lord is our ultimate weapon against evil. The forces of darkness can do nothing to a bonafide believer in Christ unless He allows it. Remember that. The devil is a toothless lion [1 Peter 3:8].

1 John 3:8b says, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” The devil’s activities are what he seeks to do to destroy everything associated with Almighty God. That following is a list of his diabolical deeds: sin, rebellion, temptation, ruling the world, persecution & accusation of the saints, instigation of false teachers, and the power of death. These acts cannot infiltrate the life of the believer unless they open the door to it.

In spite of 1 John 3:8b stating destroying the devils works is “the reason” He came, there are other reasons as well, primarily to restore the sinless condition to the heart of man.

Remain focused on the One who saves your soul and not the loud one who seeks to disrupt and bring chaos. He truly has no hold on any of God’s children. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: The MacArthur Study Bible; The Life Application Study Bible.

I Have a Question 

What is True Happiness?

 

Happiness is an emotion arising from a sense of well-being, joy, and/or contentment. Everyone wants to be happy, but happiness, as our ultimate goal, can be elusive. People may make decisions based on what they think will make them happy, then experience despair when happiness never comes. People who assume that God wants them to be happy may justify activities clearly prohibited in the Bible by arguing that such choices are necessary for happiness. But is our personal happiness God’s ultimate goal for us? 

We were created by God in His image, and we know happiness is possible because God is happy. When God created the first man and woman, He placed them in a garden and filled it with everything they needed to be happy (Genesis 1:29–30; 2:8–9). But they fell for the lie that happiness is contingent upon having everything they wanted (Genesis 3:1–6). Their failure to acknowledge God as their Source of happiness led to sin and banishment from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:23–24). From that day on, humanity has struggled to regain the sense of happiness that Adam and Eve experienced in the presence of God.

God wants us to be happy but not at any cost. His goals for us are higher, broader, and more lasting than fleeting happiness (Isaiah 55:9). In fact, the pursuit of happiness is not spoken of in the New Testament. Instead, we find repeated commands to deny self (Mark 8:34), take up a cross (Luke 9:23), and consider oneself dead to sin (Romans 6:6–7). These instructions may appear contradictory to the idea that God wants us to be happy. How can we be happy when we must choose the opposite of what we desire?

God’s path to happiness goes a different direction from the path we would naturally choose. Sinful actions can usually be traced to one foundational lie: that we will be happier if we do this thing. But God says, “How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers!” (Psalm 1:1, CSB). God delights in confounding the wise by using foolish things to accomplish His purposes, weak things to shame the strong, and lowly and despised things to magnify His glory (1 Corinthians 1:27–28). The psalmist says that we are happiest when we are delighting in God’s promises and commandments (Psalm 112:1).

God wants us to be happy, but the temporary thrill sin provides is not true happiness. Sin can produce feelings of happiness as long as we are getting what we want. Augustine of Hippo rightly stated in his fourth-century book Confessions, “Thou hast made us for thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in thee.” The truth is there is a “God-shaped vacuum” in the heart of every person, and that void can only be filled by God through Christ, not by any created thing. Happiness is a gift from God that can be fully known only in proper relationship with Him.

God does want us to be happy, and He has provided all we need for life and godliness through Christ Jesus (2 Peter 1:2). He has designed the human heart to experience its greatest ecstasy in worship, its deepest satisfaction in serving, and its greatest love through the power of the Holy Spirit. When we are living in fellowship with Him, we can expect to be happy regardless of our temporary circumstances (Philippians 4:11–13). Our goal is the prize awaiting us in eternity, so we can endure earthly difficulties while remaining full of hope (2 Corinthians 4:17). When our joy and hope are based on that which cannot be taken away, we have found true happiness, and God is pleased. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries