The Advent Series: Final Thoughts

            “Time is the indefinite continued progress of existence and events that occur in an apparently irreversible succession from the past, through the present, to the future.” ^[1] It is comprised of seconds, which are the base unit. Everything builds off that. 60 seconds equals 1 minute, 60 minutes equals 1 hour & 24 hours equals 1 day. 365 days equals 1 calendar year. Time is fleeting. “Time & tide wait for no man.” ^[2]

                  As we stand at the doorway leading into a new calendar year we must reflect on our use of time. I confess I end up wasting far too much time on frivolous things. It reminds me of a line from Pink Floyd’s song “Time”. “Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day. Fritter & waste the hours in an offhand way.” ^[3] Any day as a Christian should never be dull, but we often find ourselves frittering & wasting far too many hours in an offhand way. There is so much we can be doing for the Lord and while everyone needs some ‘chill’ time every once in a while, too many of us tend to see the need to ‘chill’ every chance we get. I am writing this to ME as much as anyone else.

                  Scripture is very clear regarding time and man’s use of it. I am the best at using my time wisely. It readily escapes me. What about you? We’ve been given a second chance to live our lives righteously according to the Word of God. We all must do better with our time management. Before you know it the trumpet will sound, and time will be no more. All the things we planned to do will be blown away like dust in the wind. We all must see to it that we place God first every day in all we do. He is the one who controls time. Now read these scripture regarding time. Take them to heart & apply them to your life with the Holy Spirit’s help.

 

2 Peter 3:8 – “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven….”

Ephesians 5:16 – “Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

James 4:14 - “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

Psalm 31:14 – “But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand….”

 

Thursday we will return to our study on prayer. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources:

^[1] – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time

^[2] – Unknown origin; predates modern English. 

^[3] – Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd; March 1,1973; Capitol Records.

The Advent Series: Additional Thoughts 4

                The night sky is filled with stars, some bright, some a little dull, some near and some very, very far away. They make a light filled tapestry that is very impressive even to the most casual of observers. The further into the suburbs and outlying areas, away from all the light pollution the sky is transformed. The deeper darkness reveals billions more stars so that it almost looks like a thick starry blanket that covers the night sky. Beautiful is the only way to describe it.

                A little over 2000 years ago a certain star filled a small segment of the sky. It was said to have led 3 Magi to where the Christ child lay. Some scientists and astronomers got together and tried to find out if it really was a star or other celestial bodies that were responsible for that certain big, bright light that night. That star provided the type of light that made travel a bit easier as it lit up the terrain that surrounded them as they continued their trek thru the night. There was speculation that it may have been 3 planets, all properly aligned at the time of Christ’s birth that could have been responsible for that great light. Others speculate that it may have been a mighty angel shining with the light of heaven, that hovered over where Christ laid as a sign of the importance of this development. Or it could have simply been a star … a Star of Bethlehem. Regardless of what it was, it’s light drew those God desired to visit His beloved Son. His Son who would live and die with the sole purpose of eradicating all sin from the hearts of mankind.

                There was nothing special about that star other than it being one of a myriad of conduits used by God to fulfill his purposes. Another piece in the mysterious puzzle that constituted his grand plan of salvation. Once the star had served its purpose it is never spoken of again. Another innocuous event in the lives of men that led to a greater purpose, a singular goal; the expulsion of sin from man’s heart. 

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

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The Advent Series: Additional Thoughts 3

           Women get pregnant all the time. It’s the right of passage to motherhood. It’s something that has transpired throughout the years, generation by generation. But Mary was different. She was hand selected by God to carry HIS Son. The angel Gabriel was sent by God to deliver this message; Mary would give birth to a son who was called Jesus. I think it’s safe to say no one has had an experience like that before that time or since. So while women can relate to the experience itself, there is no way they could ever relate to how it all took place.

            Joseph was an honorable man. We know that because when he found out Mary was pregnant he decided he would help her leave town quietly because of the stigma that was borne out of what appeared to be an illegitimate pregnancy. He knew he couldn’t marry her under these conditions but wanted to do the honorable thing.  Then Gabriel came to Joseph and told him it was all right for him to take Mary as his wife for she was pregnant by the hand of God. 

            The pregnant Mary endured riding bare back on a donkey the entire trip that she and Joseph were to take. Speculation from scholars says the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was roughly 90 miles. They probably travelled about 20 miles per day making their trip take approximately 4 ½ days. Even though there were no rooms in the Inn, resting in a stable was probably a welcome break after their long trip. A donkey would play another prominent role in the life of Jesus as he entered into Jerusalem on the back of one as an adult. This beast of burden was a symbol of the simplicity demonstrated by Christ. Though he was worthy of it; Jesus requested no gold covered carriage or throne. Rather he very specifically sent his disciples to fetch a donkey for his entrance. It was a sign of not only basic transportation, but a clear indication of humility. This is an important trait in any follower of Christ. God is greater, I am the lesser. He is to take the lead in our lives, not us.  Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The Advent Series: Additional Thoughts 2

                  At this time of year the landscape becomes littered with manger scenes. Plastic ones that light up, life size ones that move and tabletop ones for the homestead. Some come with hay and a wooden manger*. Cultural history from that region tells us there may have been a variety of mangers … some made of stone, some of wood, some cut out of a stone wall. I’ve read various articles regarding what type of manger Jesus was laid in, but aside from tradition, cultural regularities or accumulated historical data, no one truly knows. 

                Man is a curious being. They have a need to know inconsequential information. Frankly, although it’s interesting (at least to some) to find out where Jesus was born, in what he was laid and what his surroundings were regarding personage and animals, the main topic to be discussed ought to be the birth.  I do see the significance in knowing about the 3 Wise Men. They traveled a great distance (Some scholars say up to 1,000 miles) following a star in the sky to where the baby lay. They bore him gifts fit for a king and were Godly men due to their allowing an angel of God to advise them. I would imagine the presence of the animals and the overall scene itself reveals the common way in which Christ was born. Not in a palace, but in a stable with barn yard animals. A relatable scene to the vast majority of those he would minister to in future years.

                There was no heat, no creature comforts, and no amenities, just beasts of burden, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. This scene is just the opposite of what you would expect for the birth of a king. God orchestrated this from the very beginning and worked out every detail with the precision of a highly skilled surgeon. Was Jesus really born on December 25th? There are several theories as to when he was born, but all of that is inconsequential in the eternal scheme of things. The fact that needs to be focused on is that Jesus came, lived his life, and died a criminal’s death so that we might live. That’s what can be called ‘the great exchange’! Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* A trough or an open box in which feed for livestock is placed.

The Advent Series: Additional Thoughts

           The message of the gospel is straining to be heard over the cacophony of noise the world provides at this time of year. Sales for the next “latest, greatest” thing are soaring thru the roof. The giddy excitement of getting what you’ve always wanted. The numbness that hits you over and over as your credit cards become so overworked they are warm to the touch by the end of each day. That’s what Christmas has become and that’s what it is. But is that what Christmas is supposed to be all about?

The message of the gospel doesn’t hit you like the heavy-handed sound of a syncopated drumbeat. It’s the still small voice of peace and hope. Those who are drawn to it embrace it and follow its lead like the pillar of fire that led the Israelites out of Egypt. It speaks to our hearts about the Christmas story that was born over 2000 years ago. There are many explanations of just what a manger is. There is so much discussion about the time and the place and that which surrounded baby Jesus, that it almost overshadows the importance and miraculous nature of his coming.

                 Christmas time is a time to reflect on the divine gift giver, rather than the gifts we receive, for their value is infinitesimal by comparison. We all need to focus on Christ at this time of year more so than any other time of the year for his coming is vastly important, not just to you and me, but to all mankind. His death cannot take place unless his birth comes first.

Learn to block out the wide variety of noises that attempt to break the sound barrier and focus your attention on the importance of birth vs. the resurrection. That is not to diminish Christ’s death and resurrection at all, but it is very much like the ‘which came first the chicken or the egg’ conundrum. We Christians must stay in touch with what our faith means to us as individuals because it is a very personal individual faith that we have. Don’t ever lose sight of what is truly important during this most wonderful holiday season.

                 May God be praised both now and always!  Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

If you are a believer in Christ then you most assuredly know that He & He alone is the reason for the season. Amidst all the celebratory events that surround this special holiday, never forget who came to die in your place so that you could live free from sin both now & throughout eternity. 

Lord, we lift You up and bless your name for who You are & for what you've done for each one of us. We are truly grateful beyond words. Thank you. 

Enjoy the days festivities, never forgetting the reason Christ came. 

I love you all with the love of Christ.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The Advent Series: If Christ had Never Come

          “A few years ago, a striking Christmas card was published, with the title, “If Christ had not come.” It was founded upon our Savior’s words, “If I had not come.” The card represented a clergyman falling into a short sleep in his study on Christmas morning and dreaming of a world into which Jesus had never come.

In his dream he found himself looking through his home, but there were no little stockings in the chimney corner, no Christmas bells or wreaths of holly, and no Christ to comfort, gladden and save. He walked out on the public street, but there was no church with its spire pointing to Heaven. He came back and sat down in his library, but every book about the Savior had disappeared.

A ring at the doorbell, and a messenger asked him to visit a poor dying mother. He hastened with, the weeping child and as he reached the home he sat down and said, “I have something here that will comfort you.” He opened his Bible to look for a familiar promise, but it ended at Malachi, and there was no gospel and no promise of hope and salvation, and he could only bow his head and weep with her in bitter despair.

Two days afterward he stood beside her coffin and conducted the funeral service, but there was no message of consolation, no word of a glorious resurrection, no open Heaven, but only “dust to dust, ashes to ashes,” and one long eternal farewell. He realized at length that “He had not come,” and burst into tears and bitter weeping in his sorrowful dream.

Suddenly he woke with a start, and a great shout of joy and praise burst from his lips as he heard his choir singing in his church close by:

 

O come, all ye faithful, joyful & triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;

Come & behold Him, born the King of Angels,

O come let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.

 

Let us be glad and rejoice today, because “He has come.” And let us remember the annunciation of the angel, “Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people, for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11).” *

 

* This devotional was written in the early 1920’s. It still rings true today. Here’s a bio on the author: Lettie Burd Cowman, also known as L.B. Cowman, was an American writer and author of the devotional books Streams in the Desert and Springs in the Valley. Cowman published her books under the author name Mrs. Charles E. Cowman. She was also one of the cofounders of The Oriental Missionary Society.

 

May the true spirit of Christmas be with you on Christmas Day & throughout the year.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The Advent Series: Christ - The Rising Sun

The Advent Series: Christ - The Rising Sun

“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”- Luke 1:76-79

 

“… John and Jesus come by God's mercy to prepare and lead God's people. John will proclaim salvation, but Jesus will take them to it.” *

 

                 John the Baptist was called by God to lead the people to the Messiah. He was to be a prophet of God. These verses that appear above are from Zechariah’s prophetic song or hymn. Christ is the ‘rising sun’ spoken of. A rising sun brings the hope of a new day. Darkness represents all that has us under foot: despair, loneliness, sin, depression, worry. John provides hope in the form of the coming Messiah. Jesus Christ shall be the actual embodiment of forgiveness and mercy, which is the grace of God. John was chosen before time began to be born of a woman of advanced age … Elizabeth, wife to Zechariah. Zechariah, whose doubt caused him to be struck dumb, had his speech restored once he wrote on a tablet to the people at his child’s birth that his name is John. They raised John to adulthood. It was then that John began his mission, proclaiming to the people of Israel that salvation was coming to them. He baptized them and yet let them know that One was coming whose sandals he was not fit to untie (John 1:27). John gave the people knowledge, what they did with it was up to them. It is no different today. It is like the old adage: you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink. I have experienced this firsthand, and it is quite literally true. You can actually shove a horse’s muzzle into a tub of cool water on a hot day and if it doesn’t have a mind to drink, it will not drink. The water Jesus was to provide would quench the thirst of any man who partook of it for all eternity, for HE was the living water the gospel speaks of (John 4:10-14). 

                The evidence of God’s tender mercy came in the form of a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes; the lowly birth of a mighty king. No one could have suspected or in their wildest dreams imagined what controversy that same infant would cause in his life. All to fulfill the salvation plan of Almighty God. Christ is the “rising sun” that shines on those living in darkness. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* Prophecy About John and Jesus (Luke 1:76-80); The IVP New Testament Commentary Series; www.biblegateway.com.

The Advent Series: Gabriel, the Archangel

“The angel said to (Zechariah), ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.’” - Luke 1:19

 

“In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.”- Luke 1:26-27

 

“Angels are messengers of God to His people (Zech. 1: 9, 13-14, 19 Luke 1:11-20, Luke. 1:26-38) and it is this encounter that dominates our Christmas celebration. However, appearances of the angels are usually brief and formal. They are aimed at improving our relationship with the Lord rather than attracting attention to themselves. (Revelation 22: 8-9)” *

 

          These two verses above regarding the coming and birth of John the Baptist and the Christ child are very specific regarding angelic activity. Apparently, Gabriel had come from the throne room of God to deliver two messages; one to Zechariah and one to Mary. His message to Zechariah was regarding the birth of a son to his wife, Elizabeth and the message to Mary is regarding the birth of Jesus. Angels are messengers God uses to speak to those who are in the family of God. To speak to one who does not believe is tantamount to casting pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6).

          What do we know about archangels? ** They stand before Almighty God day and night. They are sent out by God to do His bidding. They administer the will of God to those who have sought Him. In this particular case the archangel Gabriel has let Zechariah know that God has favored his wife with a son who would be the one who would bear witness to the Messiah and point the way to Him. Zechariah’s hesitation to believe this message caused Gabriel to strike him mute until his child was born. Could you imagine if God did that to us today in light of our constant hesitation to belief? I think the world would be a lot quieter.

          One of the problems facing the world today is this obsession with angels. Angels do not draw attention to themselves, yet so many people are fascinated by angelic beings as if they were gods themselves. They are not. As a matter of fact, that is exactly why the Apostle John was told in Revelation 22:8-9 not to bow down before an angel God sent to him. The angel emphatically told John to “worship God alone”. Angels are not to be worshipped. They are vehicles of God’s word and blessings. They too were created by God prior to the creation of our world. (Nehemiah 9:6) They protect those in the family of God as well. God controls all things in His creation, even His angels. Let’s put it into perspective using a military analogy: God is like the commander in chief. All others report to Him and follow His instructions. You never need to doubt God’s ability to know what you are going through, for He knows and sends angels to assist us when we cry out. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

* Angels & the Hierarchy of the Heavenlies; Eddie Russell FMI;www.flameministries.org/angels.htm 

** Angel: a spiritual being believed to act as an attendant, agent, or messenger of God. Archangel: a high-ranking angel. (www.oxforddictionaries.com)

The Advent Series: The Messengers of God

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So, they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” - Luke 2:8-16

 

In addition to the wise men who were guided to the manger where Jesus lay, shepherds were also guided there. According to the customs of the day, shepherds were considered outcasts. They were unable to keep ceremonial law that was required of all Jews as they were out in fields watching over their flocks; animals that were to be used for sacrifice. They were men of lowly stature. It seems apparent that God is revealing that all economic strata are welcome to Him. There is no differentiation between rich and poor with God. All were created by Him, and all were worthy of His grace and forgiveness for He has declared it to be so. 

                Messengers of God (angels) were used regularly in the story of the birth of the Messiah to bring the Good News that He had come just as it had been prophesied in days of old. Angels* were sent from the very throne room of God, for scripture tells us in Revelation 7:11 of their position in His throne room. Angels can come in a variety of forms, even in the form of a human being if God finds it necessary to accomplish His purposes. The sight of not just one angel of an entire host of angels declaring the glory of the Lord must have been both a terrifying and beautiful sight. It’s not every night that shepherds see such a sight in the sky during the watching of their flocks. I would have to believe that the magnitude of the event compelled them to go to Bethlehem to see if what the angel had told them was true. It’s not as if a total stranger walked up to you on the street and told you to go to a town to see this incredible infant. This was quite a spectacular event, far greater than any fireworks display we would see in the sky on July 4th. How unbelievable it must have been to actually see first an angel, then a multitude of angels. I cannot even imagine what that must have been like. Someday we'll know. As amazing as this event must have been, it could never overshadow the birth of the Savior** of all of mankind. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

*Although the word "angel" in the Bible, meaning a “messenger”, nearly always applies to heavenly beings, it can occasionally apply to human messengers. Malachi himself said a priest was a messenger (malak) of the LORD of hosts (Malachi 2:7), and in the Book of Revelation the elders of the seven churches of Asia were called angels (1:20; 2:1 etc.). But when we meet messengers doing supernatural things, there is no doubt they are heavenly beings - God's messengers, working for Him and for the ultimate benefit of mankind. [Angels: God's Messengers Bible Teaching About God's "Ministering Spirits"; http://www.christadelphia.org/pamphlet/angels.htm ]

** Savior means ‘deliverer’, for Christ delivered us from our sinful state, thus putting us once again in right standing with God, just as Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden.

NOTE: The heavenly host. “Host” is a military term, and it is remarkable that an army should announce peace (v. 14). The “peace” is peace with God, a peace that Christ would bring. [Reformation Study Bible]

NOTE: The angel's song (v. 14), according to many manuscripts, was “peace on earth, goodwill to men”; but the NIV translation, “on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests,” follows the earliest and most reliable manuscripts. Jesus did not bring political peace to the world, but he made it possible for men and women to have peace with God. [Asbury Bible Commentary]

The Advent Series: Angels

Luke 2:8-10 _{New Living Translation}

“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.’”

                People have many different ideas about angels and what they look like.  We envision anything from chubby little children with wings flitting about to beautiful women in shiny white gowns with sparkling wings. According to scripture neither appears to be the case. In Daniel, the prophet describes what he saw during his encounter with an angel: “I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.” ^[1] In Matthew’s gospel the Roman soldiers who were guarding the tomb where Jesus’ body lay were severely shaken and collapsed like dead men at the sight of an angel: “Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow.” ^[2]

                We can learn several things from these two accounts. 1) These angels sound like very large men who were extremely strong; 2) there appearance was so striking that it immediately struck fear in the hearts of those who encountered them. 

                According to Jack Wellman ^[3] angels are not composed of physical matter but are spirit beings created by God for God.  They took on human form when they encountered mortals, typically in the male gender. They do the bidding of the Lord and perform duties for God more so than for man.  They are messengers of God and “agents to bring punishment and display his holy wrath.” A good example can be found in Revelation 18:21^[4].  So when an angel suddenly appeared before the Shepherds at night, and they were terrified you can understand a little clearer why.  The angel was there to proclaim the glorious news of Christ’s birth.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

^[1] Daniel 10:5-6

^[2] Matthew 28:2-3

^[3] Jack Wellman is a father and grandfather and a Christian author, freelance writer, and pastor at the Mulvane (KS) Brethren church in Mulvane, Kansas. He did graduate work at Moody Bible Institute. His books are inexpensive paperbacks that are theological in nature: “Teaching Children The Gospel/How to Raise Godly Children, ““Do Babies Go To Heaven? /Why Does God Allow Suffering?,“ "The Great Omission; Reaching the Lost for Christ," and “Blind Chance or Intelligent Design?, Empirical Methodologies & the Bible."         

^[4] “Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a huge millstone. He threw it into the ocean and shouted, ‘Just like this, the great city Babylon will be thrown down with violence and will never be found again.’”

 

The Advent Series: Past & Present

Titus 3:3-7 ^{New Living Translation}

“Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

                 Christ’s birth was an event in history that had a specific purpose.  He was to be our Savior.  In other words he was sent by God to save us all from ourselves and our sinful ways.  Before we knew the Lord we thought that while we certainly weren’t perfect we were good people who were trying to do the right thing in life.  Without set parameters or boundaries to contain us we ended up all over the place morally, ethically, and spiritually.  Christ was born among men so that he could relate to us and by becoming relatable cause us to see the purpose of his coming.

                 God is kind.  His kindness is revealed thru his mercy and grace.  Grace can be viewed as an acronym that stands for “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense”.  It’s what we become entitled to if we receive God’s forgiveness and allow ourselves to be changed by his Holy Spirit.  The gift of God’s Son provides a second chance to live life as God intended, godly living free from sin.  Our previous lives were fraught with foolish disobedience that made us slaves to our own ungodly desires.  We weren’t free at all, though we seemed to think we were.  Christ came to rescue us.  He took on our sin.  That is some gift.

                 The Advent Season is a season of incredible miracles and resulting hope which breeds confidence.  Knowing Christ in a personal way enables us to know in our hearts and not just in our minds that we will inherit eternal life with God as we allow the Holy Spirit to perform his spiritual surgery on our heart and soul.  Salvation is like getting a complete makeover.  The Lord forces himself on no one.  We must want to become all he knows we can be in him.  It all starts with the birth of the baby who would shake up and change the world forever. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

The Advent Series: Prophecy Fulfilled

Matthew 1:22-23 _{New Living Translation}

“All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: ‘Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel ^[1], which means ‘God is with us.’”

             The key word I would like to focus on today is the word “fulfill”.  If there is any doubt among believers that God orchestrates the events of history, causing or allowing things to take place for his own purposes, then consider this.  The Old Testament, written by man empowered by God’s Holy Spirit, predicted to each precise detail the birth of Jesus.  How else could anyone have known what was to take place hundreds of years after they had passed away?  They couldn’t know, that’s the point.  Since there are no coincidences in God’s economy, then what was revealed thru the Old Testament prophets must have been foretold by Almighty God as a means of preparing man for an event of monumental importance. I’d say the total forgiveness and removal of all accumulated sin for each created individual is monumental to say the least.

                 The name the child was to be called reveals who he truly was, the Son of God born of a woman, making him wholly God and wholly man.  He alone could save mankind from the plight that awaited them.  He alone, being wholly God, could live life as we were created to live; without sin. This is such incredible news. No matter what we have ever done in our lives we can have our slate wiped completely clean.  As a stained garment can be bleached clean, so can our souls be made clean as well.  All this in exchange for a changed life dedicated to living a righteous life for God.  That is truly a great and awesome exchange. 

                 Do you believe in the existence of God today?  Do you know the total significance of the birth of Jesus, the birth that the world is attempting to make irrelevant in the minds and hearts of future generations?  Christ is the only hope for a sin sick and dying world.  Without Christ there is no hope at all and without hope there can be no life worth living. Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world like you never have before.  He is worthy of all our praise, glory, and honor.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

^[1] Matthew is quoting from the prophet of the Old Testament in Isaiah 7:14.

The Advent Series: The Manger

Luke 2:7 _{New Living Translation}

“(Mary) gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.”

                 There has been much speculation regarding the location where Jesus was born. He wasn’t born in a manger, but rather laid in a manger after birth.  Just what is a manger? A manger is a food trough for animals.  Luke’s Gospel is the only one of the four gospels that goes into detail about the birth of the Christ child.

                  I’ve come across 3 scenarios for the location of the animal food trough where Christ was laid.  1) It could have been just as it has been depicted in film, on Christmas cards and in our imaginations.  A barn with stalls and a wooden food trough with animals all about and all the rich fragrances that come with that type of environment.  2) An early church tradition places the food trough in a cave where owners place their animals to protect them from the elements. It would very possibly have been cold, dank, and dirty.  3) Lastly, since Luke doesn’t use the words ‘inn’ or ‘innkeeper’, but rather the word ‘lodging’, Joseph and Mary could have been looking to stay at his family’s home.  Joseph came from Bethlehem, so he and Mary went there for the census.

                 The interesting fact here is that people dwelled upstairs on the 2nd floor of their dwelling. They ate and slept there, while the animals and tools of their trade stayed downstairs.  That is where the food trough would have been.  The statement that there was no lodging for them simply meant that with family members coming to Bethlehem at the same time for the census there was no place for Joseph and Mary to stay upstairs.  So they stayed among the beasts and the tools. It’s very possible that this is where the baby Jesus spent his first night. 

                 In reality it matters not where he was born. More importantly, it is the fact that he WAS born that changes the trajectory of history.  We can seem to agree that Jesus was laid in a hay filled food trough, not the most sterile of atmospheres. But God protected him so that he might fulfill that which he was sent to do.  God offers us that same protection throughout our lives if we will only surrender to his will for our life.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible; www.gotanswers.org?; www.christiananswers.net

The Advent Series: The Star of Bethlehem

Matthew 2:9 _{New Living Translation}

“After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was.”

             This star that scripture speaks of is the Star of Bethlehem.  There have been several theories as to what exactly this star was.  Some scientific scholars came up with 3 different scenarios that would take out the miraculous and make it an explainable event.  Some said it was a comet, but records of comet sightings do not correspond with the estimated time of Christ’s birth.

                When a cluster of planets intersect in the night sky it is called ‘a conjunction’.   Some scientists maintain that this may have been the case; however, this type of scenario doesn’t replicate the light produced by one single source.  Planets do intersect fairly frequently, but this cannot be considered a viable option due to the single source of light statement above.

                Lastly, an exploding star or ‘supernova’ may have explained the bright light, but there is no record of a supernova taking place at that time in history.  

                 There are a couple details about the scriptural account that should be mentioned.  The Magi and the Shepherds were the only ones who saw the star.  The example listed above would have been seen by everyone and surely would have been chronicled somewhere in the journals of history.

                 The star led the Magi 6 miles to the North of their position from when they first saw it.  Stars move from East to West due to the earth’s rotation.  While this look at the star of Bethlehem certainly isn’t exhaustive, it makes a solid case that the star was a miraculous light sent by Almighty God to lead the 3 Wise Men to the place where he wished them to be to see and worship the Lord Jesus. 

                 During the Advent Season we need to realize that everything that took place on that night so long ago was orchestrated from start to finish by the hand of God.  It’s no different than how his hand orchestrates our own lives as well if we allow him to.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource:  www.christiananswers.net

The Advent Series: The Three Wise Men

Matthew 2:12 _{New Living Translation}

“When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.”

                 The Wise Men or Magi as they were also called, came to the manger where Jesus lay to give him gifts and worship him.  Where did they come from? What were their names? We don’t know a whole lot about them, but I believe we know enough.  There’s no record from whence they came, but historic tradition tells us that their names were Gaspar, Balthasar, and Melchior.  Magi were typically highly educated men of noble birth who were wealthy and prestigious within their own sphere of influence.  They could have been philosophers or counselors of rulers, learned in the wisdom of the ancient East.  Magi were men of high integrity, so their visit to see the Christ child had the most upright of intentions.  There is speculation that others may have come to worship the infant King, based on Isaiah 60:3 which says, “All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance.”

                 Like the Shepherds, the Magi saw a bright star in the sky the night of Jesus’ birth.  Believing it to be important, they turned to sacred scrolls they carried with them.  Their study of the scrolls led them to a determination to go in search of this infant King who would be Israel’s Messiah.  Like Abraham in the Old Testament, the three men had no idea where to go, but they followed the star which led them to where the child lay.

                 God had his hand in all of this in that he supplied the star as a guiding light and spoke to them in a dream warning them not to return to Herod.  God’s plans shall never be thwarted.  Nothing is impossible for the Lord, and nothing can impede his plans from coming to fruition.  He led the people he wanted to see the Christ child and kept those who would do him harm far from him.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! 

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: http://www.bibleinfo.com.

The Advent Series: Herod the Great

Matthew 2:3 _{New Living Translation}

“King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem.”

                 What about Jesus birth was disturbing to King Herod?  People like Herod become paranoid, ever waiting for the other shoe to drop or worse still an assassination plot to unfold.  It was because he was a bad man who had done very bad things that he was disturbed by the events that were taking place in Bethlehem. 

                 Herod the Great, as he was called, was an Edomite, who were “descendants of Esau, the firstborn son of Isaac and the twin brother of Jacob” ^[1].  Herod came from a family of manipulators who worked their way into political office with the assistance of the Roman Government, whom they supported.  Once in power, his reign was marked by harsh and bloody cruelty.  It was understandable that the people would welcome a change in leadership. When the Magi came thru the area speaking of visiting the newborn King of the Jews you can imagine why Herod would be disturbed.  Other translations use words like “deeply troubled” and “alarmed”.  Suffice it to say Herod was not at all pleased by these developments. This is why he had all Jewish boys 2 years old and younger murdered. ^[2]

Herod was nearing the end of his reign which only served to heighten his paranoia toward anyone he might suspect to usurp his throne. Whenever there is a change in leadership there is tension among the people.  You never really know ones intentions until they are in office and begin to rule over you.  The Jewish people looked upon the newborn Christ child with cautious optimism.

                 The birth of Christ would bring hope to a people who were seeking some semblance of encouragement, some sign that God hadn’t forgotten them.  God sent his Son to fulfill the prophecy regarding the coming of a deliverer (Messiah) for the Jewish people.  Once born Christ’s life would be a long, eventful walk from a manger to a cross.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

 

Resources: http://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org;http://biblehub.com/matthew/2-3.htm

 http://www.biblestudytools.com.

^[1] https://www.gotquestions.org/Edomites.html

^[2] Matthew 2:16 “Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance.”

The Advent Series: The Reason Jesus Came

Matthew 5:17 _{New Living Translation}

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”

                 Why did Jesus come?  His purpose for coming has been documented throughout scripture and even the Lord himself states above that he came to fulfill the purpose of the Mosaic Law and the Old Testament prophetic writings. The Law was divided into three categories: Ceremonial Law, Civil Law and Moral Law. Ceremonial Law has to do with worshipping God.  Once Jesus came these Laws were no longer necessary; therefore they no longer were binding to man. Jesus taught us about worshipping and loving God, so that was one purpose for his coming.

                 Civil Law applied to daily living by the Jews.  Our society today is very much different from the society when the Laws were first given. They are guidelines that are to be followed to show us how we are to act as ambassadors of Christ. Jesus was our living example of these principles; ones we are to emulate each day.

                 Moral Law would be, as an example, the Ten Commandments. The Jews were required to follow these Laws in strict obedience, for they came directly from the mouth of God. These Moral Laws shine a light on the nature and will of Almighty God and they still apply today. They do not bind us; however, as we live in the spirit we end up abiding by them as a result.

                 So the reason Jesus came was to fulfill the demands of the Ceremonial, Civil and Moral Laws that God had laid down for man to follow, as well as the prophetic verses that pointed to his being the Messiah Israel sought. The Laws were designed to reveal to man their sinfulness. Christ forgives sin.  Man must kneel before the Lord and seek forgiveness for this is necessary to achieve heaven. Believing is a start but is not nearly enough. A changed life needs to be the result of the forgiveness received.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.

The Advent Series: Christ Came to Die for Us All

1 Timothy 1:15 _{New Living Translation}

“This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them all.’”

                 The Apostle Paul is writing to Timothy, his “true son in the faith”. The nature of Paul’s letter was to encourage and instruct the young leader, who had served as a leader in the church at Ephesus. Judaizers were infiltrating the church, pushing gentile converts to follow Jewish customs and practices. Such peripheral issues were not to be given credence. Gentiles were being asked to practice Judaism at man’s request, not God’s.

                 In Paul’s letter he accentuated the fact that Jesus came to save sinners. Jesus himself 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.” ^{[Luke 5:31-32]} When Christ came he came for a very specific purpose, to minister to all those who know they were leading a sinful life. These were the people in need of attention. Those who believe they were just fine spiritually speaking find it difficult to envision themselves as sinners in need of saving. People are really no different today.

                 This Advent Season is a time of reflection on whom the infant born in Bethlehem truly was and who we are in relation to him. Have you faced your sinful past head on and received forgiveness from God thru the blood of Christ or are you stuck in the delusion that mere belief is more than enough to secure your place in your eternal home? Christ came for a reason; he came to die for the sins of man. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource:  The Life Application Study Bible.