BREAD OF LIFE MINISTRIES

TEACHINGS DESIGNED TO EDUCATE, EDIFY & MAKE YOU THINK!!
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Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Avoiding Sexual Sin

1 Corinthians 6:18 New Living Translation 

“Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.”

Morality is one of the key pillars that God sees as vital in a believers life. There is no doubt that we have been given a free will to do as we please, however, every action we are thinking of taking should be tested by asking ourselves these two important questions: “Is what we are thinking of doing going to be beneficial to me?” “Will this thing eventually overpower and enslave me, potentially destroying my testimony for Christ?” 

            When it comes to sexual sin, as in adultery, our thoughts, words, and actions are always extremely selfish. We want what we want knowing deep down inside that it is morally wrong and will ruin our lives and the lives of all the others touched by our actions. Trust me, sadly, I speak from personal experience. I’ve been forgiven by God a long time ago, but the damage was done, and it was and is irreversible. 

Adultery couldn’t care less about the feelings of any other parties. Nobody wins, just like in divorce, which is likely to be the ultimate outcome of your nefarious act. Kids suffer the most, because they are not equipped to handle the emotional devastation that takes place. All this suffering and angst for mere moments of pleasure that is only carnal pleasure … there’s nothing lasting about it at all. 

Being a man, I see the male side of this issue. Generally speaking men are stimulated by visual enticements. Their sexual instincts kick in and they go about seeking something they have no right to in the first place. This is why I often stress that we focus intently on the Lord and his directives and not those worldly temptations that lie all around us. 

So if you feel the pull of some low hanging forbidden fruit, don’t walk, run away in the opposite direction, because nothing good will come of a future association with said fruit. Here are some other verses regarding illicit affairs for you to look up.  Exodus 20:14; Hebrews 13:4; James 4:17; Proverbs 6:32; Matthew 5:27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Luke 18:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5; Mark 7:20-23 and Matthew 15:17-20. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Monday, May 29, 2023

Word for the Day


 

God’s Love Remains Forever

Psalm 103:15-18

New Living Translation

“Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!”

 

                  Today is the day we remember the great military veterans who stood up for our nation in time of war to help preserve our freedom. We honor their memory and also honor those who are still living.

                  We know from scripture that man’s time on earth is but a wisp.  It cannot be altered or stopped in any way. As the saying goes, “Time marches on!” This simply means that ‘time continues to pass’. We’re born, we live and then we die. What we make of this life is up to us. If we don’t live for God then chances are we’ll pass from this earth unnoticed. Now that’s not to say that we’re supposed to spend our lives building our own reputation and legacy. That smacks of self-centeredness. Our legacy needs to be established ‘In His Name & for His Glory’. Our accolades are inconsequential. A true believer in Christ takes no credit for those things they’ve accomplished in this life for what we do should be for the expansion of God’s Kingdom and not our own.

                  On the heels of the truth that we are here today and gone tomorrow comes another truth ... that God’s love for His creation is endless. The Psalmist says to his readers that those who fear him will experience His infinite love. ‘Fear’here is not being afraid, but rather, viewing Him with awe, reverence, and respect.  If you honor and respect God you are more inclined to obey His commandments and be faithful to His covenant with His creation. 

                  This is no time to have a selfish or rebellious nature in the face of our distressing future. In the end God wins without question. Plant yourself on the right side of life and don’t fall victim to the lies of the enemy. Focus on Christ and all He has done for us. Reciprocate by living a life that is pleasing to the Creator. Obey God’s precepts for in them there is life and life more abundant. 

                  I wish to thank all those still among us who risked their lives to preserve our freedoms. May God richly bless them, as well as their families. Amen. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Finishing the Lord’s Assignment

“I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.” “But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”– Acts 20:21, 24 NLT

 

            The Greeks listed above would be representative of Gentiles worldwide. There are two groups of people in God’s creation, Jews and Gentiles or non-Jews. Paul’s zeal was fueled by one message: a person’s repentance by virtue of God’s saving grace thru Christ Jesus. I can assure you that nothing this side of heaven is worth more than sharing the truth of the gospel.

            We’re all different, made that way by God himself. I don’t happen to be a great orator like the Apostles Paul or Peter, but I write very well, by virtue of the gift of writing God has bestowed upon me. Some are evangelistic; still others exhibit a healthy, pure disposition of mercy and grace. God uses whom he chooses, the weak to display his strength, the stubborn to display his patience, the headstrong to display his compassion and mercy. Serving God doesn’t necessarily present you with recognition, fun, money, or success; however, Paul didn’t consider worldly success something he needed to achieve. Since the Lord provides for us anything and everything we’ll ever need in this life, we need not strive for anything but obedience to Christ.

            Paul loves to tell others of God’s wonderful grace, his undeserved favor. That favor initiates a single-mindedness that allows us to focus on the one great task given to us by God … spreading the gospel. If you are a true believer in Christ you will have a desire to do what you can to expand God’s kingdom. Be like Paul, the most prolific missionary known to man. Without the Lord you can’t do anything of eternal value, with the Lord nothing is impossible! Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! 

In His Name & for His glory

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Applicant Study Bible.

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Dining with Sinners

“But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious [1] sinner,” they grumbled.” Luke 19:7 NLT

 

          This is the story of Zacchaeus, a Jewish tax collector for the Roman Government. He was not welcome in common social circles and despised by the general populous for as the text says, Zacchaeus was a “notorious sinner”He was short in physical stature, so when Jesus came to town and was walking by, he scrambled up a nearby tree to catch a glimpse of this supposed Messiah. When Jesus spied Zacchaeus up in the tree, He told him to come down for He would be coming to his house for a meal. The crowd, no doubt predominately Jewish, was not happy with Jesus’ choice.

          Our chosen verse is interesting because it tells us Jesus decided to dine with an ungodly man and his family. Jesus could have chosen anyone in the crowd, but he chose to call out a man that was despised and despicable. This shines a light on Luke 5:31-32, where Jesus said: “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.”

            The verse also shows us the predetermined nature of this tax collector. Zacchaeus was a Jew who was employed by the governing body (the Romans), who were Gentiles, a group that was despised by the Jews. For this reason Zacchaeus was doubly hated. They judged him by what job he had without knowing the man at all. 

            Have you ever shunned someone because of externals, without knowing them? I sure have. Trust me, God knows everything about us … therefore He knows this too. Nothing we think, say, or do shocks or surprises the Lord. We don’t need to be concerned with the external appearance of anyone. Our goal is to be Christ-like in this life. We will fail in this endeavor more times than not. Perfection happens to be unattainable this side of heaven; however, that should never be a reason NOT to strive for it.  Pray for the spiritual ability to see others just as God sees them. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Rich Keller

Bread of Life Ministries 

 

[1] Notorious - widely and unfavorably known; disreputable; infamous.   

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

God Doesn't Condemn Us

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”John 3:17                                    

          Pretty much everyone is familiar with John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” But let’s look at the following verse and focus clearly on the words in John 3:17. God loved us before we ever even knew Him. He sent Jesus into this world as part of His salvation plan, as the required payment for our sins (as established in the OT).

 

1 John 4:10 (NIV) “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

 

          In spite of all the judgment passed down by the organized church worldwide, God did not send His son to pass judgment on it. God knew what man’s problem was. He knew his soul’s condition. He knew what was necessary to correct the situation that existed and still exists to this very day. Based on the payment system He Himself set up to pay for ones’ sins (for a sin must be atoned for), blood had to be shed to cover the sin made. The NT difference is that Christ’s blood did what no animal’s blood could ever do; it erased sin rather than covered it up, which is all the OT sacrificial system did for an individual. And the wiping clean was done once for all time. He came to SAVE the world, not CONDEMN it. By its’ own actions, the world has condemned itself. It needs a remedy for its sickness. It needs a Savior. Christ is that savior, the One and only … once for all for all time.

            Your eternal soul hangs in the balance. Whether you receive Christ or not is your own business ... your own choice, for we’ve been given a free will by God. The consequence of rejecting Christ is eternal damnation ... The reward for receiving Christ as your personal and intimate Lord and Savior is freedom from sin and eternal life with our Lord. You make the choice. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Atone defined: To make amends; to reconcile. (American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.)

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Thoughts from a Random Mind

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

Peter is quoting Proverbs 3:34

“The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.”

 

            Humility is another word that can be used for a person who has a “teachable spirit”. Some folks seek out the things of God, wishing to please Him with their attitude toward their own behavior. They wish to emulate Christ and the only way that can be done is for them to feast on the word of God and listen to that which is being said. 

            Then there are those folks who gladly accept salvation but have their own ideas on how to live their life. Perhaps they have a rebellious nature based on their own life experiences. It’s God’s desire for His children to follow in His footsteps. To do that people must be willing to submit to the will of God. Those who ignore God’s wise counsel regarding how they should live are generally not willing to be told what to do. I know a few people like that. 

 

            God’s strategy for effective living is as follows:  

1]        It begins with God’s wisdom - Respecting and appreciating who God is, reverence and awe toward God.

2]        It requires moral application - Trusting in God and His word; allowing His Word to speak to us personally; being willing to obey.

3]        It requires practical application - Acting on God’s direction daily.

4]          It results in effective living - Experiencing what God does with our obedience. *

 

The Christ Life - Don’t just speak it ... LIVE IT!!!

 

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

In His name and for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study bible

Sunday, May 21, 2023

God's in Control

“In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 56:4 NIV

There is a very basic thought that a believer needs to digest and understand. It is that God is the Creator of all things … ALL things. This means there is nothing greater than Him … NOTHING

God knows what He is doing and doesn’t need anyone’s help, especially ours, to accomplish His purposes. God has foreordained all that has taken place, all that IS taking place now and all that will take place in the future. To say it is not so would mean that God is not in ultimate control of His own Creation, and not only doesn’t that make any sense, but it would be a lie.  

Man wears himself out seeking ways to circumvent the plans of God in favor of his own. The scripture addresses this: Proverbs 14:12 & 16:25 (NIV) both say, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” Many times the creation thinks itself more intelligent than the Creator Himself. This stems from the simple notion that man does not want to be ruled over by anyone.

Understand this, God’s path is the only way to heaven. Belief in anything else is a pathway to destruction. Trust in God; fear no one but Him (fear as in revere with awe); seek His wisdom and guidance; follow wherever He leads, for to do anything else is accepting less than the best. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Romans - Paul's Final Instructions

Paul’s Final Instructions

Romans 16

 

            In this final chapter, the apostle Paul cautions about false teachers who infiltrate their congregations and begin to spread doctrine that is contrary to that which they had first been taught. There is little doubt that this warning is born out of Paul’s missionary experiences where it is likely that he encountered these type of heresy. Just as Paul gave a pointed warning to “stay away from (such people)”, so that admonishment applies to all Christian believers everywhere. This has happened down thru the ages and is still happening today. This is why believers in Christ must hone the gift of spiritual discernment. In this way one is able to determine whether something is of God or not. We must stay spiritually mature and strong in our faith to ward off the enemy’s flaming arrows of evil.

            It is at the end of this letter that we find out a man named Tertius wrote this correspondence for Paul, who no doubt dictated it to him. It’s at this time that Paul allows Tertius to send greetings to those with whom he is familiar.

            The final 2 verses of Paul’s letters are always reserved for praise to God. The apostle reiterates that Yahweh is the God of both Jew and Gentile that is more that capable of protecting and prospering all who would turn their life over to Him. 

            This concludes our study of Paul’s Letter to the Roman congregation of believers. I trust that the breakdown of this Pauline correspondence has benefited you in a positive way. Our next destination has yet to be determined, so please pray for me as I seek that which the Lord knows would spiritually benefit each one of us, myself included. May God’s richest blessings be yours and you seek to please Him with your life.

In His Name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource:  Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Romans - Paul Greets His Friends

Paul Greets His Friends

Romans 16:1-16

 

In the beginning portion of this final chapter of this letter, Paul takes the time to greet all friends and acquaintances he had met during his missionary travels. It was customary for believers who traveled from place to place to carry with them letters of commendation. This practice is referred to in Paul’s 2nd Letter to the Corinthian church. (2 Corinthians 3:1 - New Living Translation) Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not!”

The first individual mentioned in Paul’s correspondence is Phoebe, who belonged to the church at Cenchrea, located some seven miles from Corinth and serving as the seaport of the city (cf. Ac 18:18). It was one of the Achaian communities to which the Gospel spread from Corinth during and after Paul's original ministry in that city (2Co 1:1). Phoebe is called a "servant" of this church. The same word can be rendered "deaconess." Men were serving as deacons about this time (Php 1:1), and before long women were being referred to in a way that suggests they held such an office in the church.

The reason Paul sent so many greetings was because he didn’t want to leave anyone out. Being human, Christians may have had the tendency to look upon themselves being left out of the greeting as favoritism. Each individual mentioned had assisted Paul in one way or another since his conversion. It may seem odd that he would know so many believers from a church he had never visited, however, because of his extensive travelling it was very possible that he met these folks on the road or in another city and found out from them that they attended the Roman congregation.

Paul specifically mentions the likes of Priscilla and Aquilla and Epenetus. The ladies were considered by the apostle to be “co-workers” for Christ and Epenetus was the first person to be converted during Paul’s missionary travels. It can be difficult to recall everyone who means something important to you, but Paul shares not only their names but what their association to him was. 

The next posting from Romans represents the final one from Paul’s letter to the Jews and Gentiles who made up the Roman congregation. Friends and associations can be the saving grace of a brother or sister who is on the road so much. Having contacts both far and wide can certainly come in handy. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament

Monday, May 15, 2023

Romans - Paul's Travel Plans

Paul’s Travel Plans

Romans 15:23-33

 

            These verses bring an end to the teaching portion of Paul’s letter.  In it he states that his work in that region was finally complete. The region was probably Corinth which is seen by scholars as the place Paul laid pen to paper for this correspondence. 

            The apostle revealed to the Roman brethren that the congregations in Macedonia and Achaia had taken up an offering for the Jerusalem church which Paul had pledged to deliver to them during his travels. His plan was to make a stop in Jerusalem on his way to Rome. It should be noted that while the passing on of funds to help the poor within a congregation is typically very helpful and often times necessary, prayer should be considered another mighty weapon that should be used to suppress the works of the enemy against the brethren, thus given them hope and peace during their trials.

            Paul ends chapter 15 by urging the brethren to pray that the believers in Jerusalem are willing to accept the donation that is being brought to them and “join in my struggle by praying for me” ... “Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other.” (vv.30, 32) 

As we know, Paul did end up going to Rome, but as a prisoner, rather than a free man. “Tradition says that Paul was released (from prison) for a time and that he used this opportunity to go to Spain to preach the Good News. This journey is not mentioned in the book of Acts.” Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible. (LASB)

P.2511; verse notes from LASB.

Sunday, May 14, 2023

Romans - Paul’s Reason for Writing this Letter

Paul’s Reason for Writing this Letter

Romans 15:14-22

 

            The apostle Paul tells us point blank what he considers his God-given mission to be ... “to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else.” (v.20) Paul reveals in this portion of scripture that his visit to the Roman brethren had been delayed because he had heard good things regarding the Roman brothers and was convinced that those who hadn’t heard the good news needed to hear from him over those in Rome.

            Paul was confident that the Roman brethren were able to instruct each other. He essentially says this by stating in Romans 1:8, “Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world.”

Based on what he’d heard he knew their faith was strong. 

            Paul refers to himself as “a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an acceptable offering to God, made holy by the Holy Spirit.” (v.16) While he knows they are spiritually strong in their faith; Paul feels his letter was to be sent as a reminder of things they already knew. As means of an example of this, no matter how many times we teach and preach on the Passion of Christ, it never hurts to remind us of all that Jesus went thru on our behalf. Sadly, it is far too easy to forget these facts so crucial to our belief system.

            Paul’s final thought in this portion of scripture was reiterate to the Roman brothers that his mission to Gentiles who had never heard the Gospel took precedence over visiting them because of their strong faith and love for one another. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible 

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Romans - Living to Please Others

Living to Please Others

Romans 15:1-13

 

            Paul is now speaking of unity in faith and the acceptance of others thru love. He speaks once again about not living solely to please ourselves. Remembering the statement, “no man is an island unto himself”, we are to reach out to our brethren as a means of helping them rather than collect God’s blessings hoarding them only for ourselves. If God is our Jehovah Jireh, our provider, then why would we need to keep things to ourselves. I often pray, “Lord bless me so that I may be a blessing, not simply so I am blessed, but so I might pass them on to others.”Christianity speaks of unity; therefore, it behooves us all to accept those who are different than us for they too are God’s children and worthy of our respect and acceptance. 

Life isn’t a contest to see who can be the best or most holy because regardless of how we feel about ourselves and the way we are living, chances are we all fall woefully short of what is expected of us. Remember, we must compare ourselves to God and God alone and not our fellow man. Only that way will be see our true spiritual condition.

The church in Rome was highly diverse, being made up of Jews and Gentiles, slaves, and free men, rich and poor, and both spiritually strong and weak. Just like these early believers, we are to accept them into our homes as well as our hearts. Acceptance means sharing meals and activities while avoiding racial or economic discrimination. They were told by Paul not to play favorites, but rather go out of your way to interact with people you don’t know, seeking to minimize differences while looking for common ground. 

Paul advised the Roman brethren to accept all others within the faith, for this is just what Christ did for you...loved and accepted you in spite of yourself and your many flaws. Live a life that brings glory to God and not anyone else. Know God’s story so you can trust Him implicitly based on His past performance throughout scripture. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Romans - The Danger of Criticism

The Danger of Criticism

Romans 14

 

            Next up is Paul’s talk on neither criticizing, nor condemning those within the brethren that believe differently than you. Paul cites the example of one believing he can eat anything, while another will only eat vegetables. We are not the judge of them...neither are they our judge. We are to love one another, but some of us have this strange idea that they can pick and choose who they love and who they should avoid because of doctrinal differences. Let’s face it, at one time or another we’re all guilty of that. If you think you’re not, think harder and allow the Holy Spirit to remind you of times when you judged, condemned, or criticized another person or group. It seems to come rather naturally. That’s not being like Jesus, but to root out our flaws we must earnestly strive to be different than we have been. That’s the job of the Spirit within.

            In addition to judging others of like faith, Paul says essentially that whatever we do should be to honor God and not ourselves, for we are accountable to Christ and no one else. If we live according to God’s statutes daily than we should never condemn others...nor should they condemn you. We must live in such a way as to not cause another believer to stumble and fall. 

            Paul attempts to put to rest the controversy regarding what is and is not permissible to eat by declaring that “no food in and of itself, is wrong to eat.” He adds that if a believer strongly feels that it is wrong to eat certain foods, then for them it is wrong, but do not become distressed about what you eat. If someone IS distressed by what you have chosen to eat, then out of respect and love avoid eating that item in their presence. Paul points out that “the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. We are to seek to build harmony within the body of Christ.”

We are to edify and encourage the brethren whenever possible.

            Paul concludes this chapter by stating that if there is anything that you believe is not right, then you are sinning if you do it. This becomes the reason to follow Christ closely so that you become well-versed in what is required of you. In this way you will please God with your life. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible 

Sunday, May 7, 2023

Romans - Love Fulfills God's Requirements

Love Fulfills God’s Requirements

Romans 13:8-14

 

            In this portion of scripture we find Paul using the word “obligation” when it comes to loving our neighbors. It has to do with the permanent, infinite love Christ has for His children. The only way we could ever repay Him is by loving others the way Christ loves us ... unconditionally and indiscriminately.  

            Some of us have gotten the idea that we are not to have self-love. If that were true then loving others the same as we love ourselves would be a fallacy or false notion. Paul wraps up loving others in verse 10, when it says - “Love does no wrong to others...” He also says that love for others fulfills the requirements of the law.

            Since we as believers in Christ are to progressively become more like him in our behavior, we are living the law (without it being required). We are to “live decent lives for all to see”. This becomes our testimony... our witness that there’s a tremendous change in our lives. This is also why we are told to always be ready to explain what has happened to us.

            When we lead with love we shall be clothing ourselves in our Lord. The more we become like Christ the less likely we will allow ourselves to think about ways to indulge our evil desires. Make no mistake about it, the enemy is working night and day to trip you up, causing your testimony to take a jolt. Mistakes are made and forgiveness is always available ... don’t be like a pig who is washed off then rushes to roll around in the mud all over again. Seek and find forgiveness, then don’t do that thing again. A believer continuing to dabble in sin makes a mockery of God’s forgiveness. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing. 

In His Name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible

Monday, May 1, 2023

Romans - Respect for Authority

Respect for Authority

Romans 13:1-7

 

            In the first phrase of the 13th chapter Paul uses the word “submit” when it comes to governing authorities. Notice he didn’t use the word “obey”“Submit” means “To yield or surrender (oneself) to the will or authority of another.” We are to submit to God appointed rulers who may end of being good or bad. When it comes to obeying potentially ungodly, harmful rules/laws, we are to obey God first and foremost, especially when the worldly law happens to be a glaring contradiction to all God stands for. If we are compelled to disobey our government, rather than disobey God we must be willing to face the consequences, whether just or not. No government should circumvent God’s statutes and when they do they are to be rejected...however, this is not to advocate rebelling against any government. We are supposed to be good citizens, and support the community in which you live, following the rules set by the authorities within reason.

            Paul explains that if a person follows the rules of the government they are honoring God, since He is ultimately in charge of all things. The people IN authority are God’s servants, whether they know it or not (even if they are non-believers). When authorities are unjust, upright people become afraid. When they are just, people who do right have nothing to be concerned about. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.