Word for the Day

 

The Parables of Jesus

This begins a study of some of the parables of Jesus

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

                                                            Matthew 25:1-13 NIV

 Matthew 25:1 - “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.”

 

            We are told to watch and be ever ready for the return of our Lord. No man knows the day or the hour when Christ shall return ^{(Matthew 25:13)}. This parable illustrates for the reader the need to be ready. Half of the 10 virgins had already prepared for the bridegrooms return by purchasing extra oil so their lamps wouldn’t burn out. The other 5 virgins apparently didn’t see the importance of being prepared, believing they would have plenty of time to do whatever needed to be done to be ready for his coming.

            The delay of the bridegroom caused the 5 foolish virgins to become drowsy and so they slept rather than prepare themselves for his return. When they awoke, they realized their lamps were about to go out and asked the wise virgins for some of their oil, but the wise virgins turned them down saying there wasn’t enough oil for both of them. The foolish virgins were told to quickly go purchase more oil before the bridegroom returned. So they headed off to make their purchase. While gone the bridegroom returned. The wise virgins were invited into the wedding feast. The door was closed. This symbolizes an opportunity lost to be with the bridegroom forever. Although the foolish maidens cried out for entrance, the bridegroom turned them away saying he didn’t know them.

In today’s world that may seem cruel not to share what you have, but all ten were told to be prepared. 5 took the message seriously and 5 did not see the urgency of the moment.  We must be attentive to God and his word for the Bible isn’t an interesting novel or a history book, it is the dynamic, living Word of Almighty God. We must allow it to teach us about our Heavenly Father and guide us throughout our life as his ambassadors. Be ready & stay ready for Christ’s return could come at any moment. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Warren Camp Bible Study (www.warrencampdesign.com)

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Thanks to the generous donation of a precious friend & sister in the Lord I am able to offer to you FREE this booklet on healing. I've read it & can vouch for it's Biblical soundness. 

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Charles Capps is a farmer from England, Arkansas who became an internationally known Bible teacher by sharing practical truths from the Word of God. This is what is said about his booklet on healing: 

        God's Creative Power Will Work for You ... was first published in 1976 and has sold more than 4 million copies. The lives of Christians around the world have been revolutionized by the powerful principles of speaking God's Word found within its pages. Now God's Creative Power for Healing is here to follow in its footsteps. This powerful booklet combines all new teaching with Scripture for healing. You will learn how you can release the ability of God for your healing by the words of your mouth! The Faith-filled scripture you speak to God can release God's power to heal ... if you have faith as small as a mustard seed you can see great things happen.

If you would like one of these booklets sent to you free of charge, email me your mailing address & I will send it out to you.

In His name & for His glory,

Rich Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

EMAIL: richkeller65@yahoo.com

Cell: (848) 240-1293

Thoughts from a Random Mind

            I don’t believe in ‘luck’. Luck is defined in the broadest sense as “a chance happening”, but I don’t believe anything happens simply by chance. I believe in God. I can’t see him, but I can see the evidence of his existence all around me. It takes faith in the unseen to believe in God. Now there are plenty of people who believe in the unseen, but instead of God they spend their time entertaining the existence of ghosts and the paranormal. These things cannot redeem your soul, so they are frivolous endeavors to say the least, in my opinion. 

            Luck has nothing to do with what transpires in our lives on a daily basis. When Moses parted the Red Sea, it wasn’t luck, but rather a divine act of providence that saved the Israelites from death at the hands of their enemies. When David killed Goliath with a sling and a single stone it wasn’t luck, but divine intervention. 

            We have been given a free will to believe as we choose and in what we choose. If we choose to believe in luck over a God who created and loved us enough to come in human form and die to cleanse us of our sins, then so be it. Just remember, luck runs out at some point and in the end is God standing, arms open wide, saying “when you grow weary of speculating about this and that I will still be here waiting for you.”

            Folks will try anything and everything rather than step thru the door into the light of the one truth that defies logic. Salvation isn’t logical. It isn’t rational. It defies everything we think we know as true. But what is really true and what is an illusion? What is real and what is fake? We think we know but in reality, know nothing of any consequence. Put this nonsense about luck aside and seek out the One truth that can carry you on to heavenly places. Being saved from sin isn’t in any way lucky, it’s God’s plan for mankind so we may be part of a bright and glorious future free from heartache and pain, free from tears and sadness, free from death and disease, not just temporarily, but forevermore. Seek God while he may be found & the door is still open. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The Sermon on the Mount - No. 9

Final Thoughts

 

            The Sermon on the Mount or The Beatitudes, as they are also called, was Jesus longest recorded sermon. He was taking the time to describe the behavioral traits he was looking for in his followers, which of course, would include us today. Jesus said God will bless those who exhibit these traits consistently throughout their life. Jesus even takes the time to point out that anyone who exhibits these traits will more than likely face opposition.

            It should be easy to see that each Beatitude directly contradicts the typical way the world operates in society. Our best example of these traits being lived out daily is none other than Jesus himself. It stands to reason that a person couldn’t effectively teach something if they weren’t able to do what they taught themselves. Jesus, being God in the flesh, was certainly able to live what he taught.

            Therefore the main purpose of this blessed Sermon is to set before each follower the goal of becoming like Christ in our daily life. And you can be assured that applying each of these Beatitudes to our lives will challenge the way we live each day we are alive. This ends of study of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The Sermon on the Mount - No. 8

Key Lessons

 

Matthew 5:10 - “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

 

Paul endured many persecutions in his life as a believer in Christ. He had this to say about that in his second letter to Timothy. “You know … the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:10-13) 

Some of us seem to think we’ve gone to persecutory trials and some of you most likely have, but until you’ve been demonized for your faith in Christ personally you probably don’t know what you could be in for. We in America may all escape major persecution. There are certainly pockets of persecution within our country and around the globe, but until we experience it on an individual level, we simply do not know what it’s like to fear for your life because of what you believe. To go to jail for the same offense. 

But there is a blessing attached to any persecution we may suffer for righteousness’ sake. We inherit the Kingdom of heaven. In these difficult times when godliness is under attack and our faith is required of us more than ever, we can rest assured that any pain we may suffer this side of heaven will be well worth it compared to the blessing that awaits us with God in heaven. Stand tall in the face of any persecution that may find you and trust in him whom you’ve believed. God will not fail you. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name and for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

The Sermon on the Mount - No. 7

Key Lessons

 

Matthew 5:9 - “God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.”

            In other translations it refers to “peacemakers”. Jesus is not speaking of people who long for peace, but those whom the Lord uses to bring peace to the world. Not only are we ambassadors for Christ, but also are ‘agents of reconciliation’. Christ brought heavenly peace to us thru redemption, reconciling us to God. In turn we, as individuals, are to spread that peace throughout our world. (Not the entire world, but OUR world). 

                  This peace is not necessarily the end of all physical violence between nations, but rather peace with God thru his Son. We are also to make peace with those we may be at odds with. The world sees it differently. Personal peace is sought without concern for its effect on others. This is also true on a global scale, with wars all around us in the name of peace, yet lasting peace eludes man and has for centuries. The only true and lasting peace is the eternal peace administered by God to his children. 

                  Scripture also speaks of us having a peaceful, gentle spirit. James 3:17-18 says: “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name and for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries 

Resources: Reformation Study Bible, Believer’s Bible Commentary.