The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #83

Friday, August 14, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Although Paul performed healings, exorcisms, and other miraculous demonstrations (Acts 13:6-12; Acts 14:3,8-10; Acts 15:12; Acts 16:16-18; Acts 19:1-7,11,12; Acts 20:7-12; Acts 28:1-10; cf. 2 Corinthians 12:12), and his Gentile converts were granted the same miracle-working power (1 Corinthians 12:9,10,28-30), these were exceptions rather than the norm—and we cannot emphasize it enough (!). Such miracles became fewer and fewer as the years passed, until they disappeared altogether.

In the same epistle wherein he wrote how he wrought miracles (Galatians 3:5), Paul referred to his “infirmity of the flesh… [his] temptation which was in [his] flesh” (Galatians 4:13-15) (an unspecified physical problem—disability, disease, limitation—never cured). Moreover, he penned 2 Corinthians 11:30 and 2 Corinthians 12:5-10, additional verses as touching his “infirmities” (weaknesses, illnesses). After the Acts transitional period, he was unable to heal Timothy who suffered multiple health issues: “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23). His farewell has in its conclusion: “Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick” (2 Timothy 4:20). Before re-locating to Heaven, the Apostle could not cure an ill colleague in ministry!

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:22,23). “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man [physical body] perish [grow older, sicker, and finally die], yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Rather than a (temporary) physical healing, we await our resurrection to inhabit glorified bodies (Romans 8:17-25; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:1-5)….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #82

Thursday, August 13, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Paul’s first miracle recorded in Scripture is Acts 13:6-12: “And when they had gone through the isle [Cyprus] unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus: Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him. And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.” A Gentile wishes to hear Paul and believe his message, but a satanic and unbelieving Jew prevents it. Here is Paul’s ministry summarized—Israel is blind and without faith, but Gentiles believe on Jesus Christ.

“Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their [Barnabas and Paul’s] hands…. And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked” (Acts 14:3,8-10). This is God’s ministry through Paul amongst the Gentiles, people spiritually disabled (see Gentiles’ pitiful condition in Acts 14:11-18) but Israel’s miracles leading to their restoration and wellbeing (symbolized by physical healing)….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #81

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Once He pinpointed Israel’s fall and diminishing in Romans 11:11,12, the Holy Spirit identified and magnified Paul’s “office [apostleship]” in verse 13. He ultimately wrote in verse 14, “If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.” These of Paul’s “flesh” are lost Jews (cf. Romans 9:3,4), who reject Jesus Christ as Saul/Paul himself had done in early Acts. Christ’s heavenly ministry through Paul is conducted in such a way during Acts so as to “provoke them [Israel] to jealousy… [same Greek phrase as] provoke to emulation” (Romans 11:11,14). To wit, the Holy Spirit utilizes Paul’s “Acts” ministry in a special manner to attract (excite/rouse) lost Jews, that they undergo such intense “zeal” to the point of abandoning their nation’s darkness, blindness, and ignorance. In doing so, they can come to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the way Paul’s Gentile converts were (through faith in Christ’s finished crosswork!).

Note well this striking contrast. In “time past,” a Gentile had to behave like a Jew to fellowship the God of the Bible. However, in “but now,” a Jew has to behave like a Gentile to commune with the God of the Bible (Romans 10:12,13)! Imagine this admission: “I cannot claim any special privilege of Abraham as my father, I cannot offer my works, I cannot as a sinner do anything but believe on Christ like everyone else [that is, Gentiles] converted under Paul’s apostleship!” Such was especially repulsive to the Jews who took great pride in their “non-Gentile” heritage, which difference between Jew and Gentile the LORD God had removed with the raising up of Saul/Paul (see Ephesians 2:11-18).

During the 30-year transition from prophecy to mystery (Acts chapters 9–28), God indicated to Israel that He was now dealing with the nations using Paul’s ministry, and Israel’s signs amongst the Gentiles (signs connected to Paul’s ministry) prove it. See believing Israel hearing such a testimony in Acts 15:12: “Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.” Israel’s miraculous demonstrations had proliferated in the world without her national conversion….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #80

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

A Gentile in “time past” accessed the God of the Bible via two routes. Firstly, he could become a convert (proselyte) to Judaism by undergoing the (painful!) rite of physical circumcision (Exodus 12:48; cf. Genesis 17:23-27). Esther 8:17 explains, “…And many of the people of the land became Jews….” (By the way, sincere but sincerely wrong people—[religious, Law-keeping] Pharisees who did not rightly divide the word of truth—attempted to convince Paul’s converts to do likewise in Acts 15:1,5,24 [cf. Galatians 6:12,13]!) Secondly, a Gentile of “time past” could place himself under Israel to receive God’s blessings (Genesis 12:3). Observe how the Roman centurion loved Israel, built them a synagogue, and sent Jewish messengers to Christ (Luke 7:1-10; note verses 3-5). Also, remember the devil-possessed girl whose Gentile mother acknowledged Israel’s preeminence in the Earth and requested a “spillover” of God’s blessings/miracles reserved for Israel (Mark 7:24-30; note verses 27,28 [Gentiles are “dogs,” opposite of the “children” of Israel]).

Under Paul’s ministry (“but now”), no physical circumcision, no blessing Israel, and no Law-keeping are required for Gentiles (Galatians 3:1-15; Galatians 5:1-6; Galatians 6:15). Hence, a major controversy arose to produce the Jerusalem Conference of Acts chapter 15 and Galatians chapter 2! Paul’s Gospel is: “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe [whether Jew or Gentile, by faith without works of any and every kind]: for there is no difference: For all [all Jews and all Gentiles] have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Romans 3:22-26).

With Israel’s signs temporarily carrying over into Paul’s Gentile ministry during Acts, lost Jews were thus roused to behave like his Gentile converts (that is, believe on Christ without Law/works)….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #79

Monday, August 10, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Contrary to public opinion, Paul/Saul operated under a commission different from that given to the 12 Apostles. For example, the 12 were instructed, “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). This pairs with the sequence of early Acts: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In prophecy, salvation and blessing come to Israel first (Matthew 10:5-7), and Jerusalem is Israel’s capital, “the city of the great King” (Matthew 5:35). Therefore, Jerusalem was where the Holy Spirit was poured out on Israel’s believing remnant in Acts chapter 2 (Pentecost) and Jerusalem was where the 12 Apostles (Matthias as Judas Iscariot’s successor) and the rest of believing Israel conducted their ministry during Acts chapters 1–7. With Israel persisting in unbelief during that time, the 12 Apostles did not expand to ministering to the (Gentile) world (nations). Matthew 28:18-20 is yet future!

However, Paul/Saul began his ministry in Damascus rather than Jerusalem (see Acts 9:19-25). Additionally, Gentiles come first in his commission: “But the Lord said unto him [Ananias], Go thy way: for he [Saul/Paul] is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:…” (Acts 9:15). Christ had notified Saul/Paul outside of Damascus, “Delivering thee from the people [Israel], and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee [‘apostello,’ make thee an ‘apostle,’ ‘sent one’],…” (Acts 26:17). With Paul’s ministry, there was no more distinction between Jew and Gentile, but he was preaching to people who had known nothing but that difference. Therefore, his apostleship had authenticating “signs” during the Acts period for a two-fold purpose. Firstly, it showed Israel how their God was now with the Gentiles, and, secondly, it showed the Gentiles how Israel’s God was now with them (the Gentiles)….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #78

Sunday, August 9, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

What Saul of Tarsus learned outside of the city of Damascus in Acts chapter 9 was this (verses he did not write until 30-plus years later): “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting” (1 Timothy 1:12-16).

Again, Paul’s salvation and commissioning were a departure from prophecy, separate from Israel, and without Judaism. By the time of Acts chapter 9, Israel had already fallen (it had occurred in chapter 7, partly due to his satanic ministry), so there could be no salvation for Paul in joining Israel’s believing remnant; this necessitated the beginning of the Church the Body of Christ, Paul becoming its first member. The Apostle’s salvation is a “pattern,” and those who believe on Christ follow his example by trusting the Gospel of Grace committed to Paul (Acts 20:24): “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). This is what is known as “Paul’s Gospel” (Romans 2:16; Romans 16:25; 2 Timothy 2:8), for it was the Glad Tidings committed first to him and the Good News he preached. It also forms the heart or core of the Dispensation of the Grace of God given to him (Ephesians 3:2).

What Israel in Acts had to see firsthand was Paul’s own ministry proving a departure from prophecy, no difference between Jews and Gentiles, and salvation and blessing from God having no relation to Judaism or the Law….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #77

Saturday, August 8, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

One major fact that the Book of Acts makes abundantly clear is that, by the time its 28 chapters have been laid out, salvation has indeed gone to the Gentiles without God’s literal, physical, visible, earthly people (Israel) rising to kingdom glory. How would God prove this to Israel, though? Of course, He would use preaching—and He did. Also, He would use signs—and He did. Therefore, Paul’s ministry during the Acts period is linked to all kinds of phenomena we regard as “bizarre.” While church members everywhere have struggled for 20 centuries to understand Acts, Israel recognized exactly what God was teaching in it. Although church members everywhere have tried in vain to mimic Acts for 2,000 years, what (!) they (!) read (!) about (!) in (!) it (!) will (!) never (!) be (!) repeated (!). Mark it well, mark it well, mark it well: Acts is a transitional period that was applicable only to a 30-year period during the A.D. first century, and is certainly not a pattern for believers in Christ to copy for two millennia. The special conditions of Acts have long since passed.

When Paul elaborated on his Gentile ministry, he wrote during that Acts period: “Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ” (Romans 15:15-19).

Let us now talk about Gentiles and “signs….”

Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂

An Ambassador Turns 38!

Friday, August 7, 2026 🎂

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 KJV).

Only by God’s grace, I celebrate 38 years of earthly life today!

At my nephew’s high-school graduation a few months ago, I was surprised to notice my old high-school English teacher (who had attended my graduation 20 years before—almost to the very day). With a chuckle, I told him how he now had two decades’ worth of teaching experience. Also, I commented that time was passing quite rapidly, with us (my classmates and I) now almost middle age. (He is 10 years older, so he is already well into it!) I shook his hand and thanked him for the work he did so long ago.

I have been a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ for 31 years now, and a dispensational Bible student for just under 20. There is still much more for me to learn, and much more for me to teach others. If I could share one life lesson that I have ascertained, it is this. Not only is the Christian life difficult for me to live, it is impossible for me to live. I do not live for God, for I cannot live for God. Also, I cannot give Him my life. The only thing I can give Him is my sin. It is He who must give His life to me. Only Jesus Christ can live His life. This is what I have learned firsthand, and what I have learned secondhand from others. It is unwise to trust myself or anyone like me. I do not build my Christian life on preachers and teachers, theological/denominational/philosophical systems, or any other such faulty foundations. These are nothing but distractions and disappointments.

As the Holy Spirit led Paul our Apostle to see it in today’s Scripture, so we agree. We have no life without Christ, so the life we have in Him is all about Him and not about us. Therefore, whatever age we are, may He alone be “magnified [lifted up]” in our physical body (Philippians 1:20). “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #76

Thursday, August 6, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Without question, Acts is the most abused Book of the Bible in church history. Such unbelievably irresponsible, shoddy treatment of it has produced more lost souls and more ruined Christian minds and lives than any other portion of Scripture people have perverted. Its transitional nature renders it exceptionally challenging—at first, anyway. Once we discover the general tenor, though, Acts becomes a blessing rather than a burden. It all starts with making sure we approach it using the method of dispensational Bible study, thereby jettisoning the traditional views that led to unending confusion, heresy, and apostasy. Alas, even a great many supposed “dispensationalists” are clueless as to what transpired during the Acts period, so we must be careful not to wind up in their trap either.

In order to gain a sense of the transitional nature of Acts, all one needs to do is simply compare and contrast the first chapter and the last chapter. Chapter 1 is Israel, the ministry of the 12 Apostles, the city of Jerusalem, and prophecy; however, chapter 28 is Gentiles, the ministry of the Apostle Paul, the city of Rome, and mystery. The opening of Acts is nothing like the close of Acts, and that is by Divine design; Acts is an historical Book, the record of how God was just or fair in departing from Israel, suspending her covenants, withdrawing her signs, and ending her (earthly, prophetic) program… and how He started dealing with the world/nations, apart from covenants, apart from signs, thereby introducing a secret/mystery and heavenly program.

The Book of Acts covers approximately 30 years, from Christ’s ascension all the way to Paul’s house-arrest. During that special time in human history, Israel became less and less of an issue—her fall in Acts chapter 7 with Stephen’s stoning (blasphemy against the Holy Ghost) leading to her diminishing for the remainder of Acts. Those dreadful concluding words of Acts 28:23-29 are entered into the scriptural record to demonstrate that, in spite of Israel’s persistent unbelief (all through those three decades of Acts!), salvation indeed had gone to the Gentiles without (WITHOUT!) God’s literal, physical, visible, earthly people….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #75

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Observe two verses carelessly tossed around in denominational circles. “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed” (Malachi 3:6). “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). By citing these Scriptures, such people imagine they have permission from God Himself to do whatever they wish—including entertaining the assumption they can somehow manipulate or beg Him enough to give them their way (such as making Him repeat His actions of time past). Here is what they fail to see, or refuse to see. God’s nature or character is immutable, unchanging, for He never ceases to be omniscient (all-knowing), omnipresent (all-existent), omnipotent (all-powerful), faithful, righteous, holy, possessor of eternal life, and so on. However, His relations with mankind can and do change. A plethora of verses can be offered to easily demonstrate that, including this excerpt from the Bible.

“I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?…. For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?…. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:…. For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:11,12,15,20,25).

Opinions and idle speculations aside, according to the Word of God, Israel (once at the forefront of God’s dealings with man) is presently “fallen,” “diminished,” “cast away,” “broken off,” and “blinded.” This necessarily means Israel’s covenants are not in force and their accompanying signs are not in operation either. Remember, the very program to which they belong has been interrupted, prophecy temporarily giving way to mystery….