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The Model Prayer (Part Six): Our Daily Bread
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the Model Prayer, Jesus includes the phrase, "Give us this day our daily bread," which extends beyond a mere request for physical food. Bread, often seen as a symbol for sustenance, represents all that God provides to maintain human life, and in this context, it also signifies His Word as essential nourishment. Just as God supplied manna to the Israelites in the wilderness daily, teaching them to trust in His provision, so too does His Word sustain us each day. This daily bread is not only physical but spiritual, as God draws a connection between the bread from heaven and living by His instructions, urging a life of obedience to His ways for true living. Jesus emphasizes this spiritual dimension when resisting temptation, affirming that life is not sustained by physical bread alone but by every word that proceeds from God. Our request for daily bread thus encompasses a plea for divine instruction to guide us on the path to His Kingdom, encouraging growth in grace and knowledge. Furthermore, Jesus identifies Himself as the Bread of Life, the ultimate sustenance who gives life to the world. To feed on Him is to actively learn, obey, and imitate His example, maintaining a continuous relationship with Him. Therefore, when we pray for our daily bread, we seek complete nourishment for body, mind, and spirit, recognizing that true, life-giving sustenance comes solely from God.
Approaching God Through Christ (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBread as God's Word: The bread on the table of showbread symbolizes God's providence of spiritual nourishment, which is embodied in Christ. The twelve loaves represent the spiritual Israel, symbolizing our consecration and covenant with God, and our recognition of His providence and grace. Eating the old bread on the Sabbath in the sanctuary symbolizes being fed by God with His Word on that day. The old bread represents the old traditions and truths set out by God, emphasizing that His truth is enduring and that we do not need new truth to grow. We must ingest and accept what Christ provides for our spiritual life, continually eating His words, which are spirit and life, to be in God's presence forever.
Strategies for Escaping Babylon (Part Seven)
Sermon by David F. MaasBread as God's Word is established through the connection between physical bread and spiritual sustenance. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus states that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from God. This concept is further reinforced in John 6:63, where the words of Christ are described as spirit and life, providing eternal life. The spiritual bread or manna is thus equated with the words spoken by Jesus.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 7)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJeremiah compares studying and meditating upon God's Word to physical eating, enabling a person to receive spiritual energy, vitality, and health.
Post-Resurrection Lessons
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOn the Road to Emmaus, some of Christ's followers were agitated, confused, and in turmoil, being unable to put the scriptures and the physical facts together.