Thoughts from a Random Mind

Christianity goes against the basic secular nature of the unsaved. Autonomy is the art of self-governing, which is exactly what man wants. Man’s basic “I got this” mentality is flawed on so many levels. Man would rather go thru his mistake-riddled life doing it his own way, than submit to a “higher being” THAT CANNOT BE SEEN. I realize to the carnal mind that sounds completely ridiculous, but what if it were absolutely true? 

Many folks simply don’t want to know. They don’t understand it and frankly, in many cases, do not WANT to understand it. It takes faith in the unseen. It takes trusting someone you cannot experience with any of your senses. That’s wild. The phrase “Let Go & Let God” is quite literally true. You have to take your hands OFF the wheel and move over to the passenger seat. God, thru His Holy Spirit, will steer your life in the way that He knows will benefit you the most. 

Life can tend to be difficult for everyone, not just a select few, and not as many as you would think are willing to invest in what sounds like a myth or fairy tale. Frankly, it sounds too good to be true, but if you engage your faith and extend your trust to touch the unseen / unknown, then you just might be surprised at what transpires going forward. You honestly have nothing to lose but time. If you invest in God with your whole being and it was a fallacy, you’ve lost nothing, but if it turns out to be real, you have set yourself up for an eternity free from sin and filled with blessings. 

Don’t misunderstand, you don’t turn your life over to God to get blessed. You do it to receive forgiveness for all the misdeeds you’ve done, perhaps even unknowingly, against God and your fellow man. You do it to change the trajectory of your life. You do it because there is NO OTHER way to have your sins removed once for all time. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Thoughts from a Random Mind

                  My wife just told me they did an on the street interview with passersby and asked if the people knew just what Socialism was. No one knew. It caused me to wonder how many people know just what a Christian is. So the question would start by asking the individual if they were a Christian. I would guess that many folks would say “Yes”. If I next asked them exactly what a Christian was I believe I’d get a variety of responses. Everything from “Someone who does good”, to “Someone who goes to church and believes in God”. Would it surprise you to know that neither of those responses is correct? 

                  The two above responses represent what a Christian DOES, but not what a Christian IS. Yes, a Christian does believe in God, and they should find a home church to feed their spirit, but a Christian is something altogether different. A Christian is a person who not only believes in the existence of God, but also that Jesus of Nazareth was His Son. A true Christian has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior and had their sins completely removed from them, never to be held against them ever again. A Christian submits to the will of God for their life with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. THAT is what a Christian is. 

You see, it’s not JUST believing in God or Jesus, but allowing that belief to transform you from the inside out. Going to church and worshipping the Lord with fellow believers is a privilege for us in America. That privilege isn’t allowed in many other countries, where folks are arrested and / or martyred for their faith. 

It’s not doing good, because without our commitment to Christ there is nothing of any eternal value that we could ever do FOR God. Jesus said no one is good, only His Father in heaven. (Mark 10:18) In other words, no one can be good enough to please God. He sets the standard; we need to follow and obey. That’s not dictatorial in nature, like Adolf Hitler, or Joseph Stalin, for God operates based on LOVE, as in His love for His entire creation. With a dictator, you would have to follow; it would be mandatory. 

Knowing all that can be known enables the Lord to know exactly what path will lead us to peace, and hope for the future. Knowing God intimately gives us the opportunity to emulate Christ and prosper (even as our soul prospers – 3 John 1:2). Prosperity doesn’t always translate into riches, but rather spiritual prosperity. Living a life that is pleasing to our Creator actually has NOTHING to do with wealth, even though having wealth is certainly not a bad thing. It all depends on how you got your wealth and what you do with it. 

Hopefully I’ve cleared up what a Christian IS. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to send them my way via the Comment section. 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

            It’s kinda funny how a person can proclaim Christ yet cuss like a fool whenever he or she gets frustrated … not even angry, just frustrated. That seems to be the trigger. I’ve been praying for years for the Holy Spirit to place a guard at my mouth to assist me in cleaning up my language. Hasn’t happened yet…. Does God still love me? Does He still forgive me when I ask to be forgiven? Yes, and yes. If you doubt that then look at the life of David. He was an adulterer, murderer, liar AND “the apple of God’s eye”. Huh? Doesn’t sound compatible, does it? But it is. God also referred to David as the “apple of His eye” and “a man after God’s own heart”.

            In the world’s eyes I am an abject failure, but in God’s eyes I am His child … the one who is still under construction. I will never be perfect this side of heaven and that does not excuse the cussing. Cussing is wrong and someday my self-control will mature to the point where I will end up being victorious over this sin. Until then I will rest in the comfort of God’s love and continue to seek freedom from my continual sin. Thank you Lord for your patience with me. 

How about you? Do you have a problem with spewing inappropriate language? Pray for God’s help. It’s not like magic; you must listen for Him. SLOW DOWN and listen to His still small voice and diligently wish to alter your behavior or you are wasting your breath. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

What Does it Really Mean to Follow Jesus?

The key here is the heart of the person. There are people who think that in spite of their lifestyle, they can just say the name of Jesus and bingo, they are going to heaven. If you refer to the totality of scripture, it is implied & should be understood (I believe) that you'll find that a change is expected from the seeking heart. They can't just speak His name like He is some genie in a bottle. God knows the sincerity of a person's heart and while it is true that He is patient, loving & merciful and doesn't wish anyone to go to hell, we also cannot make His grace some cheap thing. Too high a price was paid for our salvation to simply utter His name without something taking place at that time. 

Take my wife’s sister Marge. Her statement to me a while back was: "I believe in God, that's good enough." Yet she is negative, nasty, manipulative, and truly doesn't exhibit any of the fruits of the spirit. Kathy spoke to her about the Lord a month or so ago and told her when she goes to her room for bed, tell God you want to be forgiven and allow Him to change you. She didn't. You cannot force folks to be “saved”, and neither should you. Free will choice is what we are all afforded, yet so many simply turn a deaf ear to the gospel message. Pray for the lost that they might repent. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

 

TIME

 

Our physical world has four known space-time dimensions of length, width, height (or depth) and time. However, God dwells in a different realm—the spirit realm—beyond the perception of our physical senses. It’s not that God isn’t real; it’s a matter of His not being limited by the physical laws and dimensions that govern our world (Isaiah 57:15). Knowing that “God is spirit” (John 4:24), what is His relationship to time?

In Psalm 90:4, Moses used a simple yet profound analogy in describing the timelessness of God: “To you, a thousand years is like the passing of a day or like a few hours in the night.” (NCV) The eternity of God is contrasted with the temporality of man. Our lives are but short and frail, but God does not weaken or fail with the passage of time.

Though we cannot possibly comprehend this idea of eternity or the timelessness of God, we in our finite minds try to confine an infinite God to our time schedule. Those who foolishly demand that God operate according to their time frame ignore the fact that He is the “High and Lofty One . . . who lives forever” (Isaiah 57:15).

Again, because of our finite minds, we can only grasp the concept of God’s timeless existence in part. And in so doing, we describe Him as a God without a beginning or end, eternal, infinite, everlasting, etc. Psalm 90:2 declares, “From everlasting to everlasting You are God” (see also Psalm 93:2). He always was and always will be.

 

Our understanding of time itself or in relation to Almighty God, becomes far too nebulous to grasp. In other words, it is “vague” ... “Lacking definite form or limits”.

 

What are some famous quotes regarding “time” ... 

 

“The only reason for time is so everything doesn’t happen at once.” - Albert Einstein

 

“Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you can’t get more time.” - Jim Rohn

 

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” - Michael Altshuler

 

            Is time something real or is it in actuality something that is inexplicable. We know that whatever time is, it never stops, in that the hands on the proverbial clock never stop moving. “Time (& Tide) waits for no man.” (Saint Mahler, AD 1225) We’ve been conditioned, based on what we’ve been taught, that we are allotted 24 hours in a unit of time referred to as ‘one day’. An hour is comprised of 60 whole minutes. Unless we are in prison or have an incurable disease, for example, we can spend our ‘time’ as we please. People are traditionally prone to wasting time as realized with statements such as, “where did all the time go?” Some folks are organized, even regimented in the way they attack any given day; but then there are the folks that lead rather serendipitous lives, unaware of time and not caring. 

I suppose it all depends on what you’ve been taught growing up and what you end up believing. Time is a commodity that can only be spent once, so spend it wisely or it will be gone. Time.  Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

 

In His Name and for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: www.biblegateway.com; https://grammarbrain.com/time-waits-for-no-man/; & https://www.gotquestions.org/God-time.html

(NCV - New Century Version)                

                  

Is Your Heart Empty?

Your heart has a hole in it, there's a vacuum that cannot be filled, its empty of love and joy...perpetually unsatisfied. But that’s really only a partial answer. To go a step further, for the spiritually minded, our heart and soul are intimately intertwined. Your heart is a feeler. So when your heart aches, your soul is crying out in despair. Your soul will be filled whether you like it or not. It will either filled with the love and happiness you place and safeguard in your heart, or it will be heavy laden with sorrow, misery, anger, and regret, or worst of all - hate.  Be sure to fill your heart with the good stuff, otherwise an empty heart will fill itself with whatever spirits find it empty and unguarded. Do not watch your life flash before your eyes with hate in your heart, it’s an eternal curse there is no remedy for.

 

Meaning of Empty Heart

 

Based on search results, having an “empty heart” can have multiple interpretations. Here’s a summary:

 

1.     It may refer to a lack of emotional connection or empathy towards others, characterized by being self-centered and unable to reciprocate kindness or compassion.

2.     It can signify a life without meaning or purpose, where individuals strive for achievements but ultimately feel unfulfilled.

3.     In some cases, it may describe a state of emotional numbness or emptiness, often accompanied by feelings of loneliness, confusion, or lack of motivation.

4.     For others, an “empty heart” might imply a sense of emotional exhaustion or depletion, potentially resulting from excessive physical and emotional energy expenditure.

5.     In a spiritual context, an empty heart can represent a vacuum or a lack of love, joy, and fulfillment, leaving one perpetually unsatisfied.

 

Overall, having an “empty heart” can encompass various meanings, including emotional detachment, lack of purpose, emotional exhaustion, or spiritual emptiness. Don’t let that happen to you. Hold on to the Lord like the life preserver that He is, for without Him there is no lasting hope or peace. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: www.quora.com; www.urbandictionary.com

Is Jesus God?

 

Christianity is considered unique among world religions in that it teaches that Jesus is God. According to Christian beliefs, Jesus is not just a prophet or a great teacher, but the Son of God and part of the Trinity, which includes God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. This belief is central to Christianity and distinguishes it from other religions. For example, in Islam, Jesus is regarded as a significant prophet but not as God, and in Judaism, Jesus is not considered the Messiah or divine.

While other religions may acknowledge Jesus as a historical figure or a moral teacher, Christianity uniquely asserts that Jesus is both fully God and fully human, and that his death and resurrection provide salvation for humanity. This belief is rooted in the New Testament, where Jesus is referred to as the "Son of God" and is depicted as having divine attributes such as the ability to forgive sins and the power to conquer death.

In summary, Christianity is the only religion that teaches that Jesus is God, making it distinct from other major world religions. 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

Individuals that Pretend to Be Christians

 

Based on my search results, the following describes groups or individuals that can be identified as ‘pretend’ Christians:

People who attend church services regularly but do not genuinely practice Christianity. They may do so for social or reputational reasons, rather than out of a genuine desire to follow Jesus Christ. They claim to be Christian but do not demonstrate Christian behavior or values in their daily lives. They may use religious language, but their actions contradict their professed faith. They may pretend to be a Christian for personal gain, or social acceptance. They also may not even genuinely believe in Christianity or its teachings at all.

It is essential to note that these groups or individuals do not represent authentic Christianity, as defined by the Bible and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Authentic Christianity is characterized by a personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, demonstrated through love, compassion, and service to others.

 

Key characteristics of groups that pretend to be Christian:

 

1. Lack of genuine faith or spiritual transformation.

2. Focus on external appearances rather than internal transformation.

3. Prioritization of social status, reputation, or personal gain over biblical values.

4. Inconsistent or contradictory behavior with Christian teachings.

5. Exclusionary or discriminatory attitudes towards others based on race, ethnicity, or other characteristics.

 

Contrast with authentic Christianity:

 

1. Emphasis on personal relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

2. Focus on internal transformation and spiritual growth.

3. Prioritization of biblical values such as love, compassion, and service to others.

4. Inclusive and welcoming attitude towards all people, regardless of background or characteristics.

5. Consistent behavior with Christian teachings and values.

 

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

How to Know ...

            Would you like to know a good way to find out if something you’re about to do is right or wrong? I found a pretty simple way for Christians to know the right or wrong of something. You can simply ask yourself two questions: 1) “What would Jesus do in that situation?”; and 2) “Does this act point me to Jesus and help me glorify God in my life?” 

            If you sincerely want to know the answer to the right or wrong of a situation, then those are two simple questions that should clear things up for you. Insincere motivation will more than likely give you an answer you don’t want to hear. When that happens chances are you will do that thing anyway and dig up some weak justification for doing it. It is never right to do that which is morally or ethically wrong according to God’s Word. Romans 12:2 ^{English Standard Version} tells us “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” 

            As you can see by the bold text, there is a way to know God’s will for any situation you are faced with. God knows what is best for each one of His children. We think we know but don’t know at all, unless we seek the face of God and the wisdom He freely gives to those who ask. So we CAN know what we should be doing in every situation we find ourselves, if we draw close to our Lord and stay in constant touch with Him. God WANTS to hear from us. Not because He’s checking up on us, but rather because He loves us too much to watch us stumble around and fail. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Is Forgiveness Automatic?

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to the multitude of Your tender mercy and loving-kindness blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly [and repeatedly] from my iniquity and guilt and cleanse me and make me wholly pure from my sin! For I am conscious of my transgressions, and I acknowledge them; my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done that which is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified in Your sentence and faultless in Your judgment.” – Psalm 51:1-4 Amplified Bible

There is no forgiveness without repentance. We need to acknowledge our sin and seek forgiveness from our Heavenly Father.  King David, in Psalm 51, knows full well that he is a sinner, for he admits to his many transgressions. We know when we’ve sinned, and we must understand that God doesn’t automatically forgive us.  Having said that, He wants to forgive you, but you must acknowledge your guilt and seek forgiveness, with the understanding that you will then make every effort with the Spirits help to alter your behavior regarding that thing in the future. Now some things are difficult to cease doing. They are deeply embedded in our subconscious, and we need to exercise self-control to defeat it; therefore, our ideal response should be to learn from our mistake(s) and improve our behavior going forward. 

            Receiving Christ and relinquishing our worldly lifestyle is very serious business. It takes earnest determination to achieve true Christian living which is based on scripture. God knows our heart, so we cannot fool or deceive Him. To believe you can is a foolhardy endeavor, which is a product of sheer ignorance regarding the characteristics of our God. To know God is to know His Word. You can only know His Word by sitting down and reading it. It requires concentration; in other words, do it at a time and in a place where distractions are either limited or non-existent. I personally have very poor concentration; in that I am distracted by the least little thing. Yet the Lord enables me to focus far better than I can on my own. That’s the work of the Holy Spirit within. 

            To know God is to begin to scratch the surface regarding deepening your personal relationship with Him. Since God has so many layers to understand, it is doubtful we can truly know Him, but to know Him even a little bit can be a very rewarding experience. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries  

The Holy Trinity: Meaning of One God in Three Persons 

 

                  The general idea of the Trinity is that there is only ONE God, who is fully described in the scriptures. He is an eternal entity that exists in three persons. He is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. All three make up ONE God. They are co-equal & co-eternal with the exact same nature and attributes. All three are therefore worthy of the same worship, trust, and obedience. In other words, we should have every confidence that all the things we know about God and trust Him for would apply to Jesus & the Spirit. Simply put, they are all described equally in Scripture and have the same power and holiness as the Creator.

            Here are two examples from the Bible that address the plurality of God: Matthew 28:19 says, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"; while Genesis 1:26 illuminates their working together by saying, "And God said, ‘Let us make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness...’."

Admittedly, the concept of the Trinity isn’t the easiest thing to explain in simple terms. 

 

Historical Background - The idea of the Trinity has been in existence since the first days of Christianity. The name Trinity was conceived by Latin theologian Tertullian in the early 3^rd century. The explanation of the term came from the early Church Fathers in response to a wide variety of heresies and misunderstandings about God’s nature. 

            The word Trinity itself does not appear in the Bible; however, it’s concept is clearly present. The verse from Matthew up above reveals the true triune nature of Almighty God. The interaction between the Father, Son and Spirit is shown throughout the NT.

            Hopefully this brief look at our Triune God was helpful in your understanding of this entity.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: https://www.christianity.com/wiki/god/god-in-three-persons-a-doctrine-we-barely-understand-11634405.html#google_vignette

The Depths of God

 

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!”- Romans 11:33 _(NIV)

 

            If you lack wisdom or knowledge, dip into the deep resources of God. You may not receive an immediate answer, but the answer you need is an answer worth waiting for. The conventional wisdom of this world cannot compare to the wisdom of God. He is the embodiment of wisdom and knowledge. His essence is truth. He IS so everything about Him is eternal and everlasting. Nothing else on this earth can be spoken of in such a manner. All of creation is finite … the Creator is not. It is impossible to comprehend that He was and is and always will be. How does a finite mind grasp that concept? It doesn’t. It ‘s not possible. The knowledge and wisdom of God far surpasses anything that can be understood by mortal man.  

God’s wisdom and knowledge doesn’t merely exist; it flows on endlessly. I believe it flows because it is uncontainable. I believe, just like God Himself, His wisdom and knowledge is living, breathing and never ending. I do not pretend to understand a whole lot in this life, but one thing that I believe I DO understand is that God cannot be contained. He cannot be limited. There are no boundaries when it comes to what God is capable of doing. I believe it to be literally true that no matter what situation you find yourself in at this very moment in time, one word from Almighty God and your entire situation can CHANGE in an instant, a mere Nano-second. Faster than a blink of the eye. As quickly as Christ will appear in the sky when He returns for His church. In the twinkling of an eye, as scripture puts it. 

            There isn’t anything this side of heaven that makes any sense at all when it comes to God and all the riches He has at His disposal. So, rest in God … rest in the knowledge of knowing that you cannot figure it out. As terrifying as being in a free fall may seem to you, imagine that you are doing just that. You are in a free fall through time and space and yet are seen by a God Who will not allow anything to harm you … those things that take place are pre-ordained or mapped out by the Creator of the Universe. You are safe in His arms, even while you are falling. Instead of stressing about the landing, allow yourself to reside in the peace of God and enjoy the ride. God will never fail you. He will never abandon you. He will never let you down. What you must endure in this life God is aware of and has either prepared you for it or will sustain you through it. Seek His face and reach deep into the richness that is God for His wisdom and knowledge. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries 

Jesus as the Cornerstone

Cornerstone - 

1. a stone uniting two masonry walls at an intersection.

2. a stone representing the nominal starting place in the construction of a monumental building, usually carved with the date.

3. something that is essential or basic.

4. the foundation on which something is constructed or developed. ^[1]

Capstone -

The final stone placed at the top of a finished building or monument. The crowning achievement or final stroke. ^[2]

 

            “The Bible describes Jesus as the cornerstone that His church would be built upon. He is foundational. Once the cornerstone was set, it became the basis for determining every measurement in the remaining construction; everything was aligned to it. As the cornerstone of the building of the church, Jesus is our standard of measure and alignment.” ^[3]             

            Jesus as the cornerstone is spoken of prophetically in Isaiah - “So this is what the sovereign Lord says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line’”. ^{(Isaiah 28:16–17)}

The apostle Paul gets specific - “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord” ^{(Ephesians 2:19– 21)}

Without Christ to stabilize the building, as in His kingdom and your life, it will collapse. Christ’s crucifixion could, by the above definition, be the ‘capstone’ of Christianity. Our faith must be built on the strength of the cornerstone, which is designed to be the strongest stone in the entire building. Jesus is matchless with regards to strength, and power. He is the first and the last, the alpha and omega. Nothing can overcome Him, and no one can remove Him from His throne. He is the One we must turn to, because He is the only One we need. Salvation comes in no other. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] Random House Kernerman Webster’s College Dictionary. (2010).

^[2] American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. (2011).

^{[3]  www.gotquestions.org}

Abiding in Christ

 

To "abide in Christ" means to live in a close, sustained relationship with Jesus Christ, characterized by faith, obedience, and a continuous dependence on Him for life and strength. It's not a temporary state but a way of life for believers. 

Abiding in Christ is synonymous with being saved and being "in Christ". Keeping Christ's commandments, including loving God and neighbor, is a way to abide in His love. Allowing God's Word to shape your mind, will, and affections is essential for abiding in Christ. Recognizing Jesus as your source of life and strength, rather than a supplement. Both Christ and the believer are described as abiding in each other, signifying a close and intimate relationship. ‘Abiding’ is not a one-time event but a daily practice of remaining connected to Jesus. As a branch on a vine, believers who abide in Christ bear fruit in their lives. ‘Abiding in Christ’ is also described as "knowing" Him intimately. Continuously trusting in Jesus and His love. Following Jesus' teachings and commandments. Regularly praying and communicating with God. Meditating on God's Word and letting it shape your life. Engaging in fellowship with other believers and cultivating a close relationship with God. Regularly evaluating your relationship with Christ and identifying areas in need of growth.

That’s pretty much ‘abiding in Christ’ in a nutshell. His death on the cross presented us with a challenge. That challenge is to accept Him for who He says He is, and leave your old life behind. That may not be so easy for some folks, but you will be the winner if you do. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

“The Mark of the Beast"

The main passage in the Bible that mentions the “mark of the beast” is Revelation 13:15-18. Other references can be found in Revelation 14:9, 11, 15:2, 16:2, 19:20, and 20:4. This mark acts as a seal for the followers of Antichrist and the false prophet (the spokesperson for the Antichrist). The false prophet (the second beast) is the one who causes people to take this mark. The mark is literally placed in the hand or forehead and is not simply a card someone carries.

The recent breakthroughs in medical implant chip and RFID technologies have increased interest in the mark of the beast spoken of in Revelation chapter 13. It is possible that the technology we are seeing today represents the beginning stages of what may eventually be used as the mark of the beast. It is important to realize that a medical implant chip is not the mark of the beast. The mark of the beast will be something given only to those who worship the Antichrist. Having a medical or financial microchip inserted into your right hand or forehead is not the mark of the beast. The mark of the beast will be an end-times identification required by the Antichrist in order to buy or sell, and it will be given only to those who worship the Antichrist.

Many good expositors of Revelation differ widely as to the exact nature of the mark of the beast. Besides the implanted chip view, other speculations include an ID card, a microchip, a barcode that is tattooed into the skin, or simply a mark that identifies someone as being faithful to the Antichrist's kingdom. This last view requires the least speculation, since it does not add any more information to what the Bible gives us. In other words, any of these things are possible, but at the same time they are all speculations. We should not spend a lot of time speculating on the precise details.

The meaning of 666 is a mystery as well. Some speculated that there was a connection to June 6, 2006—06/06/06. However, in Revelation chapter 13, the number 666 identifies a person, not a date. Revelation 13:18 tells us, “This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666.” Somehow, the number 666 will identify the Antichrist. For centuries Bible interpreters have been trying to identify certain individuals with 666. Nothing is conclusive. That is why Revelation 13:18 says the number requires wisdom. When the Antichrist is revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4), it will be clear who he is and how the number 666 identifies him. 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.gotquestions.org/mark-beast.html

 

GOT QUESTIONS.ORG is a ministry of dedicated and trained servants who have a desire to assist others in their understanding of God, Scripture, salvation, and other spiritual topics. We are Christian, Protestant, conservative, evangelical, fundamental, and non-denominational. We view ourselves as a para-church ministry, coming alongside the church to help people find answers to their spiritually related questions.

Are You a Disciple of Christ?

 

An apostle is a “messenger”, but a disciple is a “student”. The twelve men who followed Jesus were His disciples because they were supposed to learn from the teacher. Little did they realize at the time that they were being taught by a member of the Trinity, God’s son. That’s pretty wild. 

            To be a disciple of Christ you MUST cultivate a personal relationship with the master teacher, in this case, Jesus. Discipleship involves imitating the life, values, teachings, and behavior. We mustn’t allow ourselves to stagnate, like a still pond with no fresh water feeding into it.

            Discipleship is a lifelong process that involves living in a way that pleases Almighty God. It should become our way of life.  Therefore, to review, ‘discipleship’ is a spiritual journey of growth that involves learning from a master teacher, imitating their life, and living in accordance with their teachings. In Christianity, a ‘disciple’ is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ who strives to live more like him.

            I am a big fan of making a regular spiritual assessment regarding where I stand with the Lord. I ask the Lord what I could be doing better and what I should not be doing at all. I seek His help and guidance as provided by the Spirit within. Finally, we all must have a teachable spirit, open to hearing from the Lord and doing what is being revealed to us. That is essentially what discipleship is all about. Do you consider yourself a disciple of Christ? Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & fort His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The “God-Shaped Hole” 

            Does everyone have a God-Shaped Hole inside them? This theory states that each person throughout creation has a void in their soul, spirit and life that can only be filled by one thing and that one thing is God. Yes, God - that unprovable deified entity that millions of people around the globe recognize as supreme over all life forms. This whole idea suggests that we all have an innate longing for something outside ourselves. Something or someone greater than ourselves. 

            God created man for His own eternal purpose, and it is only God who can fulfill this desire to connect with Him. Isn’t all religion really just our effort to connect with our maker? So therein lies the theory of the “God-Shaped Hole”.

            The problem arises when man seeks to take on this challenge by themselves, ignoring the “Hole” altogether or attempting to fill that hole with all sorts of things instead of God. The prophet Jeremiah (17:9) describes the condition of a man’s heart by stating: “The heart is deceitful above all thing & beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Solomon repeats the same thought in Ecclesiastes 9:3: “The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live....” The New Testament agrees: “The sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.” (Romans 8:7) Romans 1:18-22 describes humanity ignoring what can be known about God, including presumably the “God-Shaped Hole”, instead giving worship to anything and everything other than God.

            It is a sad thing to see when people spend their lives looking for something or someone to fill their search for meaning other than God. Those who pursue ungodly things that have no eternal value leave them unfulfilled as they wonder why they never seem satisfied with their life. Don’t misunderstand me, there is a sense of fulfillment initially, but it fades with time. Happiness without God at the helm of your life is fleeting; in the profound words of Solomon, it is a “chasing after the wind”. Whatever man tries to accomplish outside of God will ultimately fail to bring lasting satisfaction. Ecclesiastes 12:13 concludes the matter according to Solomon: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole (duty) of man.”

            Just like a square peg can never fill a round hole, neither can the “God-Shaped Hole” inside each of us be filled with anything or anyone other than Almighty God. It is only thru a personal, intimate relationship with our maker thru faith in Jesus Christ can the “God-Shaped Hole” be filled satisfactorily and our desire for eternity be fulfilled. 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

Standing Still

            If you stand still, you are not progressing, you are falling behind. Think of it as you standing on a busy sidewalk. You can either walk forward, walk backward, or stand stock still. Only one represents progression, the other two represent regression. You are regressing when you stand still because you’re now being passed by others.

            This is what is being spoken of in Hebrews when Paul talks about apostasy. Apostasy is a falling away from your faith and speaks directly to the problem of regressing in your faith. Now for clarities sake, we’re not talking about standing still for a moment to collect your bearings, we’re talking about stopping in your tracks and staying there due to confusion or doubt. When some folks are finished entertaining the whole God is real and Jesus died for you deal, they revert to their true feelings on the matter. Autonomy is a tough sensation to break away from. Unless you are ALL IN regarding your faith, chances are you will end up as a casualty of apostasy by forsaking your beliefs in favor of something that seems much more palatable.

            This is how Paul describes apostasy to his readers: “For [it is impossible to restore to repentance] those who have once been enlightened [spiritually] and who have tasted and consciously experienced the heavenly gift and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted and consciously experienced the good word of God and the powers of the age (world) to come, and then have fallen away—it is impossible to bring them back again to repentance, since they again nail the Son of God on the cross [for as far as they are concerned, they are treating the death of Christ as if they were not saved by it], and are holding Him up again to public disgrace.” ^{[Hebrews 6:4-6 Amplified Bible]}

                  Now I’m in NO WAY a judge; with my history I’m certainly not qualified to pass judgment on ANYONE. All I really trying to do here is cast a warning out to my readers. Is your faith rock solid or does it waver when things don’t make sense. I’m not aware of anywhere in scripture where it says we must understand all that God has said, for honestly, at times we struggle with the why and the wherefore. We aren’t asked to understand, but rather to simply trust God. Some might refer to that as BLIND FAITH and maybe it is, but I’d rather blindly trust a flawless, loving, truth telling Almighty God, then anyone else and I certainly wouldn’t trust myself to make the right choice regarding important matters on my own. Our faith and trust in God will lead us in the right direction every time if we’re committed to following. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries