Month: November 2014

Pets Past, Prayer, and Peace

Monday, November 10, 2014

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7 KJV).

What comfort does God’s Word provide regarding pets that have died?

Recently, a Christian brother emailed me for advice. His family had just lost a young pet to an automobile accident, and his distressed children had inquired as to whether pets go to heaven. I too have faced this interesting question posed by young children, and what I have always responded with is that the Bible does not provide any details about that matter. While this answer is valid, it does not provide any comfort, particularly for very young minds. My reply to him was to share today’s Scripture with his children.

If ever confronted by young people asking about pets being in heaven, we should tell them today’s Scripture and explain it to them. God’s Word is so plain that even a child heartbroken by the death of pet, can profit from it. Small children should be reminded that, whenever they remember a pet that has died, they should thank God that He gave the pet to them for the time they had him or her. Part of praying is telling Father God that we are thankful for His provisions; after all, He is “the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17).

Prayer—talking to God about all the details of life, in every circumstance, in light of what His Word says to us—brings His peace to our worrisome hearts during difficult times. We talk to Him in light of what we read in His Word, and His peace guards our minds and hearts through Christ Jesus. Why do our minds and hearts need protection? Satan will use those awful circumstances to make us miserable, to discourage us, to defeat us. Father God knows how Satan operates, and He has made provisions for us in Christ to withstand Satan’s schemes and scams. Whenever our pets die, let us remember today’s Scripture, such soothing words of God. 🙂

The Three E’s of Bible Study

Sunday, November 9, 2014

“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading” (Nehemiah 8:8 KJV).

Can you name the three “E’s” of Bible study?

In Nehemiah’s day, 150 years after God deported Judah and Jerusalem to Babylon (their chastisement for centuries of pagan idolatry), the priest-scribe Ezra led some Jews from Babylon to Jerusalem. After Jerusalem’s wall is completed under Nehemiah’s supervision, Ezra preaches to Israel from Moses’ writings (probably Leviticus and/or Deuteronomy). Men are standing with Ezra, explaining God’s Word to Israel. The people are moved, convicted, realizing their sins before God; they are instructed to do right in God’s sight; and they finally obey JEHOVAH’S words by keeping His Feast of Tabernacles (verses 9-18).

Hence, whenever God’s Word is opened and thoughtfully read, these three events should always occur:

  1. ENLIGHTENMENT—“to give spiritual light to; instruct.” Paul prayed for all believers: “[17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: [18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,…” (Ephesians 1:17,18).
  2. EDIFICATION—“to instruct or benefit; uplift.” “Edify” is derived from two roots, the first meaning, “to build,” and the second, “house, temple.” The idea is building a structure of sound doctrine inside a person’s soul. Paul and Timothy wrote, “…we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying” (2 Corinthians 12:19). “For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord giveth us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed” (10:8).
  3. ENCOURAGEMENT—“to put courage in; to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence.” Paul wrote to downcast Timothy, “Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6). “[S]tand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing terrified by your adversaries…” (Philippians 1:27,28).

The Way of All the Earth

Saturday, November 8, 2014

“Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;…” (1 Kings 2:1,2 KJV).

Even David, once the mighty king of Israel, must “go the way of all the earth.”

No matter what station we have in this life, the truth is that death is the “great equalizer”—everyone loses every single material possession gained in this life. King or pauper, rich or poor, death claims them all. David, in today’s Scripture, gives a portion of parting advice to Solomon his son and successor, the new king of Israel. (You can read “the last words of David” in 2 Samuel 23:1-7.) Forty years of reigning over God’s people Israel were now finished, and forty years of Israel under a new king had just begun (1 Kings chapter 1). While the entire speech (1 Kings 2:2-9) is an interesting passage, we want to focus on the expression “the way of all the earth.”

David knew that he would die, just as all his ancestors had, and just as all the Gentiles who lived before him had. Still, he knew, according to the oldest book of the Bible, Job, that he would be resurrected one day to enter God’s kingdom on earth (see Job 19:25-27). David did not understand all of the mechanics of resurrection, for God’s progressive revelation was ongoing. He still penned his own resurrection in Psalm 16:8-11—he did not realize the Holy Ghost was moving him to also predict Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 2:24-31).

Today, we learn through God’s completed Word, the Holy Bible, that Jesus Christ will accomplish our resurrection. “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:21,22). Short of the Lord’s coming, we members of the Body of Christ will also “go the way of all the earth.” Nonetheless, a glorious resurrection awaits us (verses 23,49-58)!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Was God ‘unfair’ to punish us for Adam’s sin?”

Slain and Crucified?

Friday, November 7, 2014

“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree” (Acts 5:30 KJV).

Why did the Apostles suggest Israel killed Messiah Jesus before they crucified Him?

When reading, the diligent Bible student will ask questions. Questions prompt a deeper and more involved reading. Today’s Scripture has unusual language, but it conveys a precious truth. The Scriptures say that Jesus died on the cross (Matthew 27:50; Mark 15:37; Luke 23:46; John 19:30), so why did the Holy Ghost through the Apostles indicate that Israel killed Jesus and then crucified Him (today’s Scripture)? Moses provided clues, some 1,500 years earlier.

Deuteronomy 21:18-23 says, “[18] If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: [19] Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city… [20] And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice;…. [21] And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear. [22] And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: [23] His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”

Israel’s method of execution was stoning, but because she involved the Roman government, Jesus was put to death by crucifixion on a Roman cross. Just as a rebellious son was to be stoned and then hanged on a tree, Israel treated Jesus as a rebellious son, a heretic and imposter, and hung Him on a tree (Galatians 3:13). Simply put, in their minds, they had “killed” Him long before they hung Him on Calvary.

Walking in the Truth

Thursday, November 6, 2014

“I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father” (2 John 4 KJV).

As the Apostle John wrote to believing Israel to commend her of her godly walk, so we rejoice when we hear of you “walking in truth,” too!

In 1 John, the Apostle made several contrasts between Jews believing, and Jews unbelieving; Jews sound in faith, and Jews apostate; Jews physically and spiritually circumcised, and Jews physically circumcised only; Jews true, and Jews counterfeit. Afterward, he wrote two books, 2 and 3 John, to praise and encourage those Jews who had trusted Jesus as Messiah, those who were believing, those who were sound in faith, those who had been born again, those who were true Jews. In the future, the words of commendation will apply to those Jews who reject Antichrist (see 1 John 4:1-3; 2 John 7).

The two tiny epistles of 2 John and 3 John are best understood as addendums to the book of 1 John. Notice today’s Scripture, from 2 John, and verses 3 and 4 of 3 John: “For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee [Gaius], even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” Whether writing to believing Israel in general (2 John), or a believing Jew named Gaius (3 John), it was the Holy Spirit through John that rejoiced in the fact that these Jews did not trample God’s precious words under foot as their unbelieving kindred were doing.

Specifically, the commandment that these Jews had been given by the Father was that they should love one another (2 John 6).

John was thrilled to hear of those to whom he had ministered, so glad to see them progressing in sound Bible doctrine, maturing, becoming stronger in their spiritual understanding. We too enjoy hearing from all of you, who express to us your utmost gratitude for our ministry, how you are learning much, and how you pray for us daily. Praise our Lord Jesus Christ! 🙂

Natural-Man Wisdom and Divine Wisdom

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12 KJV).

Beware of natural-man wisdom, for it naturally leads to death!

The following quote personifies human viewpoint: “In my belief one only needs to be a moral person and have faith [to be saved]. With the multitude of different religious groups that all revolve around Christianity and Judaism are you really that certain that the word that you read is to be taken word for word as written and all others are wrong? This would seem to me rather arrogant and to be a sin as well. It is not our position to judge. Have faith whatever it may be, be a moral person and in my belief you will be saved.”

Is it not fascinating that this individual posited that we Bible-believers should not “judge” those who disagree with us, but then he freely “judges” the “immoral” by saying only the “moral” can be saved? Furthermore, for him to claim “morality” means he believes there is absolute right and absolute wrong (but all religions disagree regarding what is “right” and “wrong,” so arguing “morality equals heaven” is far-fetched).

Why do I believe the Bible “word-for-word?” Firstly, it says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Every person in the world testifies to the truth of this verse—sin exists (we cannot avoid it)! Secondly, it says, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). Every cemetery in the world testifies to the truth of this verse—sin kills (we cannot live here forever)! Thirdly, it says, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in [God’s] sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). Every religion in the world testifies to the truth of this verse—sin damns (we cannot perform perfectly)! Lastly, it says, “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23b). Every Christian in the world testifies to the truth of this verse—Christ saves (we can trust Him alone for salvation)!

Ultimately, it is not arrogance. It is confidence! 🙂

For the Good of the People

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

“Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows” (Psalm 45:6,7 KJV).

Never forget that it is only in the Lord Jesus Christ that we find political salvation.

Dear friends, the word “politician” has become increasingly unpopular here in the United States. Many who claim to seek “our best interests” are incompetent, unwilling and/or unable to address the numerous issues still facing our beloved nation. Yes, here, and in nations worldwide, paperwork, political privileges, and partisanship often come before people. The mainstream media does not report valuable stories that inform the public, just “feel-good fluff” accounts that warn the heart and waste the mind. Satan’s agenda is simple: suppress the truth and spread error. The religious, economic, educational, political, and social systems are all “arms” of Satan’s evil world system. But, praise God, those “arms” will be broken one day!

The writer of Hebrews (1:8,9) quoted today’s Scripture to describe when Father God elects Jesus Christ as Earth’s King. Jeremiah 23:5,6 confirms: “[5] Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. [6] In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.” And, Psalm 89:14, “Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.”

God instituted national governments in Genesis chapter 9 to maintain order and He established country borders in chapter 10, but Satan is usurping those power structures. A corrupt government is not isolated to this country; every nation has Satan as its “god” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Thankfully, this is not as good as it will ever get. The day is coming when Jesus Christ will reign as “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16). He will remove Satan, uphold God’s Word, and execute true justice, forevermore reigning truly for the good of His people! “Come, Lord Jesus!”

Wayward or Wise

Monday, November 3, 2014

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise” (Proverbs 12:15 KJV).

Today’s Scripture says we can be wayward, or we can be wise—one or the other is everyone before God’s eyes.

Sin is being our own authority, our operating independently of how God designed us to function. For 6,000 years now, the God of the Bible has tolerated our species, the sinful human race. Despite our technological advances that have made life easier, we are still so perplexed as to how to solve our basic problem, sin, that makes life harder.

For three years, the Lord Jesus Christ labored so fervently, so diligently, to turn around the nation He had delivered from Egyptian bondage 1,500 years earlier. He preached, and confirmed with miracles, that He was their long-promised Messiah—willing to evict their Gentile enemies and introduce Israel’s earthly kingdom. Yet, Israel largely disregarded Him. Precious few Jews, those who wisely hearkened to that divine counsel, trusted Him as Christ.

Chiefly, Israel’s works-religion—their striving to be accepted of God—was “right in [their] own eyes.” They refused to hear about their sin; they rejected the counsel Jesus Christ was providing through His sermons and miraculous demonstrations. The Lord Jesus spoke to unbelieving Jews in John 5:39,40: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” Contrary to “irresistible grace,” one of the tenets of Calvinism, God never forces Himself on anyone who rejects Him. He gives them over to what they prefer. Jesus continued, “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive” (verse 43). They did not want Jesus as Christ, so God will one day give Israel a false Messiah, the satanic Antichrist, one who will deceive them and they will gladly have him!

May we wisely come to Jesus Christ as He is presented in Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon. Otherwise, we are just as wayward as Israel was in time past.

Reading Calvary’s Superscription in 4D

Sunday, November 2, 2014

“And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS” (Mark 15:26 KJV).

Today’s Scripture proves how one of the Four Gospels can be used to better understand the other three.

Have you ever wondered why there are four Gospel records of the Lord Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry? Why do we need the Bible books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John? Why did the Holy Spirit choose four books instead of having one single account of Jesus Christ’s earthly life and ministry?

The four Gospel records provide unique aspects of Jesus Christ’s earthly life and ministry. Matthew presents Him as King, Mark presents Him as Servant, Luke presents Him as Man, and John presents Him as God. Hence, overall, their records independently verify and complement one another. It is one life and ministry viewed from four perspectives—that is why they do not read 100 percent alike, even when discussing the same events or parables. Throughout history, theologians have gotten themselves into trouble by trying to conflate all four books into one—they have omitted phrases or verses that are unique to one or two of the four books. Today’s Scripture is an example of how all four Gospel records can be used to explain and better understand one another, despite their differences.

Mark said the superscription above Christ’s head on the cross was, “THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Matthew 27:37 states, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Luke 23:38 says, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” John 19:19 declares, “JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.” While Bible detractors often contend Bible writers “conspired” to make their books agree, these four varying superscriptions strengthen the case for the independent testimony of the Bible authors. In addition, only Matthew 27:38 and John 19:20 report that the aforementioned superscription was written in Greek, in Latin, and in Hebrew.

So, in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew (the chief languages of Jerusalem at the time), the superscription above Christ’s head read in full, “THIS IS JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

Attention: The 2014 Slidell Grace Bible Conference will be held Friday, November 21, to Sunday, November 23. Slidell is 40 minutes’ drive northeast of New Orleans. Speakers are Brothers Richard Jordan, Frank Redman, and Edward Yarber, and myself, Shawn Brasseaux. For more information, see the following flyers.

Battle Scars and Bible Skeptics

Saturday, November 1, 2014

“Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing” (John 20:27 KJV).

Today’s Scripture says that, in the body of His flesh, the Lord Jesus Christ bore the scars of the greatest battle ever faced.

“Doubting Thomas” is a famous Bible character, but the passage that features this apostolic skeptic involves a fascinating concept often overlooked. Contrary to the nonsensical notion that Jesus arose in some invisible, spirit form, He Himself declared that He had a physical body that Thomas could touch with his physical hands. In another post-resurrection passage, Jesus said, “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have” (Luke 24:39). We are confident that the Lord knew more about His own body than present-day conjecturers in theology.

Today’s Scripture is Jesus’ reply to Thomas’ comments in verse 26: “The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But [Thomas] said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

As physical proof that it was the Lord Jesus Himself, He ordered Thomas to feel the nail scars in His hands and the spear wound in His side. Yes, it was the same body that had died on the cross three days earlier, and the exact body that laid lifeless in the tomb for three days and three nights. There was no question that Jesus Christ and His message were true—His literal, bodily resurrection confirmed everything (Romans 1:4). What else could His enemies do to Him? They had already killed Him, and now He was alive! What else could Thomas do but believe? Jesus was physically standing just steps away from him!

The Lord Jesus Christ chose to retain those battle scars, probably forever. Evidently, He still has them today, to one day be seen by us, those who already believe! What a concept!