Christianity isn’t a Religion …

There are key differences between Christianity and the other major world religions. The Hindus believe all roads lead to heaven. In other words, there are a variety of paths you can take to get to heaven. Is that true? First, we must understand that Hinduism is a world religion that has no origin. No one seems to know when it started or who started it. Buddhism at least has a beginning and a person to point to that started the religion, however, their beliefs are not based on ‘good vs. evil’. No sin, no God, no need for salvation. Islam claims that Christ never really died but rather was sitting at the right hand of God while He only made it appear to the human eye that Christ really died. According to Islam he never really died at all.  So the Bible would then be full of lies and deceit. I don’t believe that for a second, but I suppose that’s the only way they can legitimize their beliefs. To the Islamists Christ was simply another prophet/teacher like Mohammed.

Christianity is not a religion; it’s a relationship, personal in nature, intimate at its core. It is the only belief system that offers forgiveness for sin and a singular person who performed a selfless act to provide that forgiveness. If any and all paths lead to heaven, then why did Jesus have to die? The notion of there being many ways to achieve heaven minimizes what Christ did for all mankind on the cross. With regard to intimacy, scripture tells us the closer we draw near to God, the closer He draws near to us (James 4:8a). One day we will know even as we are known (1 Corinthians 13:12). Dismiss other schools of religious thought as false and embrace that which you have believed. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

James 4:7-8a … “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”

1 Corinthians 13:12 … “For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

Can a Christian lose their salvation?

                   Basically, it would seem that there are those who are truly saved and are attempting to please God with their lifestyle and those who simply SAY they are a Christian, but exhibit ZERO fruit. Oh, they go to church every time the doors are open and belt out the songs with the best of them. They even become deacons or elders. They say all the appropriate things giving the perception that they are a devoted follower of Jesus. But deep inside their heart of hearts, where only God can see, they are not committed as much as it would appear that they are. Many other worldly endeavors crowd out true commitment until they slowly fade away. Call it “flash in the pan” Christianity. Call it whatever you want, but what the Bible calls it “apostasy” … 

a falling away. 

                  So that would tell me that the “elect” the Bible speaks of would actually seek forgiveness and exhibit gratitude for the forgiveness they receive. They are those true, hardcore, followers of God’s Word. The ones who seek to grow spiritually continuously with the help of the Holy Spirit within.  To be honest, Christians are not always ON their game. At times they stumble and slip up. Make no mistake about it, Christians fall into sin, but it isn’t a habitual thing. Our humanness just happens to get in the way of God’s plan for us.

                  So CAN a Christian lose their salvation?  The answer to the question above is YES, CINOs or ‘Christians In Name Only’, can indeed lose their salvation, due to the fact that they more than likely never made the initial commitment to Christ and truly got saved to begin with.  Therefore, technically, they cannot lose what they may have never had.  They declare that they are believers and let it be enough. They hang their hat on the statement that all a person needs to do is “believe”. While that is true, that belief must lead you deeper into the truth of God. Imposters have NO intent to grow. They just ride the Jesus train as long as it suits them.

The answer to the question is also NO. Those who are TRUE Christians are sealed at salvation for eternity by the Holy Spirit and cannot lose their salvation. You see, the Lord must be preeminent in your life. He must be your all in all. He must mean more to you than life itself, because He is the giver of life. Sure, as I said earlier, even true believers, being human just the same as unbelievers, will sin from time to time, but with them it will be the exception rather than the rule.

Trust God with your everything and strive to know Him more each day by reading His Word and praying continuously.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Religion vs. Christianity

Religion says, “I obey; therefore I’m accepted”.

Christianity says, “I’m accepted; therefore I obey”.

RLKeller

IN THE HANDS OF GOD

Jeremiah 29:11-13 New Living Translation 

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’”

We make plans for our future so that we do not do without. We set up retirement funds so that we feel secure; however, the winds of change can make any plans seem unreliable. In the face of uncertainty we can know a security that remains constant because the giver of that security is constant. God has a future and a hope for all who seek Him with their whole heart. He will cause us to be prosperous (“even as our soul prospers” – 3 John 1:2) and keep us from harm. Prosperity in Christ may mean financial prosperity, but there are so many more important things than that in this life.  Spiritual prosperity enables us to be more like Christ in our daily walk.  The things of God cannot be purchased, but rather are there for the asking.  God freely gives blessings that lift up and encourage us as we strive to serve Him with our whole heart.

God’s plans do not fluctuate or fade away due to a lack of resources or contrary spirit. No, God keeps His promises; therefore, we can find peace in the fact that God will not let us perish or fall by the wayside. He is our Heavenly Father; the One who watches over us every moment of every day and knows what we need. Nothing escapes His gaze, and nothing shall take us down. If Allstate Insurance can boast that they are “The Good Hands People”, how much greater must it be to be in the hollow of God’s hands. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

A Word for Today

 

The Cross

 Why is the cross such a powerful symbol?

"It symbolizes the moment when a sovereign God gave up His rights & physically entered human history. It symbolizes a moment when God provided a way back into a right relationship with Him."

Source: www.upperroomcc.org

Something to Think About

 "Time is a currency you can only spend once, so be careful how you spend it."  - Harmon Okinyo