Month: April 2018

How to Know Your Apostle Paul

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

“For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office” (Romans 11:13 KJV).

Friend, have you ever wondered how to know your Apostle Paul?

Initially boasting, “I do not follow ‘some man,’ I go by what ‘Jesus’ says;” professing Christians subsequently assemble at their denominations where manmade traditions masquerade as pure Bible. There, they have been trained to snatch “charming verses” out of context. Since each Bible dispensation differs, and religionists “pick and choose” verses from multiple dispensations, countless combinations and divergent denominations result. Some follow Moses, but most stress Christ’s earthly ministry and the (transitional) Acts period. Yea, denominations arise when Bible readers fail to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). They do not understand which dispensation applies to them—namely, God’s spokesman to them.

The Book of Acts records God’s dealings with man in “time past” giving way to the “but now” (Ephesians 2:11-13). With Saul of Tarsus’ conversion and commission in Acts chapter 9, God temporarily suspended His dealings with the nation Israel and began forming the Church the Body of Christ with any believers (Jew or Gentile) in Christ’s finished crosswork at Calvary.

Christ Jesus told Saul/Paul (Acts chapter 26): “[16] But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; [17] Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send [apostello—cf. today’s Scripture] thee, [18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”

Therefore, we read: “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:…” (Ephesians 3:1,2). Since the ascended Lord Jesus Christ sent Paul to us, we find God’s instructions for us today in the Pauline epistles, Romans through Philemon. Avoid the abounding confusion; take heed to Christ’s heavenly ministry!

For more information about Paul’s apostolic authority, you may see: https://ambassadorsfortherisenchristministries.wordpress.com/2013/01/03/pauls-apostolic-authority-verses/.

How to Know Dispensational Bible Study

Monday, April 9, 2018

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV).

Friend, have you ever wondered how to know dispensational Bible study?

People often inquire, “Why are there so many churches?” Expectedly, precious few of those tens of thousands of professing “Christian” denominations understand and appreciate the Holy Bible. Unfortunately, they are “lost” in the Scriptures, unable to make any sense out of them. No wonder they are tempted to—or actually do—completely throw out the puzzling and contradictory Bible! Since all groups quote some verses, using the Bible to sort out the confusion appears impossible. Yet, today’s Scripture allows us to not only answer but even avoid those spiritual catastrophes—“study… rightly dividing the word of truth.”

A “dispensation” is simply a particular set of instructions that God gives to man for his faith and obedience during a definite time (see 1 Corinthians 9:17; Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 3:2; Colossians 1:25). We must (!!!) recognize and “rightly divide” the various dispensations as God has already done. Verses will become destructive and the Bible loathsome if we ignore dispensational contexts and boundaries (timing). Provided that we want to believe the Word of God, and not promote a denominational agenda, absolutely nothing here is difficult.

Religionists consider “dispensational Bible study” dirty words, curse words, profanity. Their denominational doctrine is threatened, and they know it! If people understand the Bible by themselves, they will no longer depend on the denominational hierarchies for “guidance” (brainwashing)! Dispensational Bible study is simply placing the Scriptures on a timeline. Just as we sort secular history instead of jumbling all the events and peoples together, so we recognize God’s arrangement of the Scriptures to form a wonderful, sequential layout.

Ephesians chapter 2 provides three invaluable timeline markers—“time past” (verses 11,12), “but now” (verse 13), and “the ages to come” (verse 7). Acts 3:21 shares information God has “spoken… since the world began.” Romans 16:25-26 mentions knowledge God “kept secret since the world began” but has now revealed through the Apostle Paul. Unless we organize Bible verses dispensationally—whether history, present-day, or prophecy, and involving either the nation Israel or us the Church the Body of Christ—we will be hopelessly flummoxed by Scripture!

For more information about dispensational Bible study, you may see: https://333wordsofgrace.wordpress.com/whats-dispensational-bible-study/.

How to Know the Holy Bible

Sunday, April 8, 2018

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16,17 KJV).

Friend, have you ever wondered how to know the Holy Bible?

Years ago, like most, I assumed all Bible versions said basically the same thing; oddly, I was also a King James Bible critic. Then, instead of naïvely repeating hearsay, I began researching. The beautiful leather covers, insightful study notes, contemporary English, extra-wide margins, attractive graphics, “unparalleled scholarship,” and large print aside, something quite sinister underlies the Bible versions issue. God’s chief enemy, Satan, wants to remove the Bible from its place as the final authority. Genesis 3:1-5 captures Satan’s first words spoken in Scripture: if he can question God’s Word, add to it, take from it, water it down, or completely deny it, he has you on his side without you realizing it!

Anglophone (English-speaking) Christians once had one voice because they used one standard set of Bible manuscripts. This ceased approximately 140 years ago with the arrival of contemporary English Bible translations based on completely different manuscripts. Consequently, verses are now removed, words have been inserted, and familiar Christian phrases are watered down. Roughly 200 modern English versions have now been released to the general public. Many Bible translators and publishers—not necessarily Christians but shrewd entrepreneurs—see economic incentives. Moreover, those exalting heretical (counterfeit) Bible manuscripts hide their motives by releasing nocuous yet “easy-to-read” English versions. Sadly, today’s “Bible scholars” are usually not interested in maintaining and defending the integrity of the Holy Bible.

The King James Bible has served the Church the Body of Christ well for over 400 years. A sure foundation in this ever-darkening, ever-depreciating world, it has withstood the test of time. We cannot afford to be waffling between hundreds of English Bibles; alas, to Satan’s delight, much of the professing church is doing just that. Friend, if you are to be “throughly furnished unto all good works” (today’s Scripture), then you must (!) have the inspired, preserved Word of God for English speakers—the King James Bible. Your Christian life depends on having that final authority!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What are the ‘sins that are past’ in Romans 3:25?”

How to Know Jesus Christ

Saturday, April 7, 2018

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4 KJV).

Friend, have you ever wondered how to know Jesus Christ?

We all have an innate longing for someone or something beyond us. One philosopher said, “There is a God-shaped hole in every human heart.” If you want, spend your whole life studying various world religions. You can look, and look, and look even more—traveling far and wide, reading all sorts of texts found in numerous and sundry languages. Everyone, you will discover, agrees that at least one “higher power” or “supreme being” exists. Some argue for myriads of gods or goddesses (polytheism); three spiritual systems declare one God (the monotheistic systems—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam).

Whatever religion you choose to follow, you will notice that works are demanded: your performance is vital to being “set right” with that higher power or supreme being. Here, you encounter more difficulties than you imagined. The harder you attempt to do right, the more you fail and more miserable you become. Right? Find religious rules and regulations, and throw all away except one. Forget juggling numerous commandments—try keeping one. When you fail with that one, you need not bother to keep the rest. You are already condemned to Hell!

Religion, a performance-based acceptance system, points out human frailty and failure. The Holy Bible titles this imperfection “SIN.” It may come as a shock to you, dear friend, but you are not perfect! You are a sinner. The God of Judaism and Christianity already knew that—long before you were born and failed so miserably. In His unfathomable love, tender mercy, and abounding grace; He became a Man, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die to pay for those sins (today’s Scripture). Yea, Christ died for every last one of your sins. Once His rich, royal, sinless blood was shed, He was buried. Then, He resurrected in great power, victorious over sin and death! Do you believe that in your heart? Do you trust His finished crosswork at Calvary as sufficient payment for your sins?

How to Know Your Purpose

Friday, April 6, 2018

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:16,17 KJV).

Friend, have you ever wondered how to know your purpose?

A noted atheist, who has since expired (!), conceded, “One can’t prove that God doesn’t exist.” Nevertheless, fervently gripping his worldview, he boasted, “But science makes God unnecessary. The laws of physics can explain the universe without the need for a creator.” Really? Has science made God “unnecessary?” Can the laws of physics show us that our universe originated without a Creator? Why, what wishful thinking he entertains! (Does physics explain the origin of consciousness? Of logic? Of memory? Emotions?! Morals?! Ethics?!)

Being a scientist for many years, I can guarantee (!) you that science is not as “settled” as its worshippers would have the general public believe. Despite the various experiments conducted over the course of decades and centuries, we still know an extremely small fraction about our incomprehensibly massive universe. What little we do know (or think we know!) involves constant refining, rejection, and disagreement. Science is merely a tool, not a god. It is limited and flawed too—chiefly because it relies on human nature, which itself is faulty (accidental errors, deliberate lies, impaired senses, et cetera). Since man manufactures all lab equipment, such equipment malfunctions to reflect its builder’s defects. Therefore, rest assured, save in the deluded mind, science will never overthrow God!

According to today’s Scripture, God created heaven and earth for a purpose. We see that He structured a government to operate in both realms. He intended to fill those administration offices with creatures—angels and people—to then carry out His will in their respective spheres. We, you, friend, are not here by accident!! Holding to a strict “empirical” view—“I must see it to believe it!”—is imperfect. You can observe and test to learn “how” the universe works, but the “why” will never, ever be answered using scientific means. To answer the purpose question, we must use spiritual eyes.

How to Know God

Thursday, April 5, 2018

“Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:19-21 KJV).

Friend, have you ever wondered how to know God?

Many today are allegedly “looking for God.” After “soul-searching,” they uncover nothing but disappointment. Visiting “church,” they find nothing but confusion. Appealing to scientists and philosophers, they realize nothing but disagreement. Glancing at society, they discover nothing but evil. In light of the disappointment, confusion, disagreement, and evil, they throw up their hands in defeat and plead ignorance: “It is impossible to know for sure if there is a God!” Those most damaged in this faulty approach reach the well-known conclusion, “There is no God” (or, its softened variation, “There is probably no God!”).

Doubtless, God exists. Firstly, today’s Scripture says a physical creation demands a Creator be behind it: observing the universe allows us to see He is intelligent and orderly. Secondly, Romans 2:14,15: “For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)….” Every person possesses a conscience—a system of standards and norms that evaluate (good / bad) and regulate behavior (do / do not do). We also see that the Creator has established right and wrong; we naturally have some sense of truth and error (although sin and our unique cultural upbringing modify it).

Alas, maybe we blatantly reject this most basic knowledge. Ungrateful of the Creator God and His provisions given us, we do not worship Him. Entertaining empty thoughts, our foolish heart becomes darkened. Despite our claims, we have no interest in discovering and knowing God. But, then again, what if we do?

333’s 2500th – The Same Commit Thou to Faithful Men

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2 KJV).

To the praise of the glory of Father God’s grace, we have (finally) arrived at our 2500th daily study! 🙂

My dear readers, can you fathom that we began “333 Words of Grace” nearly seven years ago?! Since then, some of you have moved to Heaven; others have left to apostatize. Yet, we are here, still moving right along in the grace edification process. We pray for you upon every remembrance. Thank you for all your prayerful and financial support. We could not have undertaken this without your help!

For the last 2,500 days, we have feasted upon the rightly divided Word of God. While we have yet to cover the whole Bible, we have reviewed large portions and grown thereby. We better understand the Gospel of Grace—how to be saved from sins and Hell unto eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Also, we have a firmer grasp of how the Christian life operates (Colossians 2:6,7). Moreover, we better understand the nation Israel and God’s program for the Earth. We have all gained a much richer understanding and appreciation of the Holy Bible. It has been quite an intense learning experience, yes?

So, what happens now? After 2,500 devotionals, am I set to “retire?” God forbid!! Actually, if our Lord Jesus Christ tarries, we are prepared to go another 2,500 studies. Remember, there are many Bible verses we have not yet discussed. If we are to be experts in Scripture, we must continue studying it every single day. Otherwise, we are vulnerable to Satan’s evil world system.

The Apostle Paul’s intention in training young Timothy was for Timothy to then repeat the process by educating others with the same information (today’s Scripture). From the very beginning, our goal has been to guide you along in the King James Bible and the Grace Message so that you can do with others what we have done with you. Brethren, thank you for the privilege of letting me be your Bible teacher thus far…. Now, onward to #3000! 🙂

All 2,500 studies are archived here: https://333wordsofgrace.org/master-list-of-devotionals-chronological.

Saints, please remember us in your monthly giving. You can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux, or email me at arcministries@gmail.com. Do not forget about Bible Q&A booklets for sale at https://arcgraceministries.org/in-print/booklets-bible-q-a/. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! 🙂

Two Sons and Two Fathers

Tuesday, April 3, 2018

“And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:” (Luke 23:18 KJV).

One son will be liberated to live, and the other Son will be sentenced to die!

At the time of Christ’s trial, Barabbas is a prisoner (Matthew 27:16). Barabbas is a murderer, a robber, and guilty of “insurrection,” or rebelling against the government (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:18,19; John 18:40).

It is Passover. Roman governor Pontius Pilate has a custom that, at the feast, he releases a prisoner, whomever the people desire (Matthew 27:15; Mark 15:6). “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified” (Matthew 27:20-22).

Israel’s chief priests, rulers, and common people all demand Christ’s crucifixion and Barabbas’ release, so Pilate gives the sentence (Luke 23:23-25). Guilty Barabbas is set free to live, and innocent Jesus Christ is condemned to be crucified. While Barabbas’ involvement in the matter seems insignificant upon first glance, God included it in His written Word because to provide us with an amazing illustration!

“Barabbas” means “son of the father.” Barabbas is a criminal, and he represents sinful, rebellious mankind who is worthy of death. He is bound by sin, and faces eternal death. Spiritually, sinful mankind is the son of Satan—man is of his father the devil (John 8:44). Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, God, “knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21), but took upon Himself our sins and was punished in our place.

Innocent Jesus Christ took the place of guilty Barabbas, which actually represented Christ taking the place of the whole world, suffering God’s wrath on our behalf! “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18). Thus, through Christ’s finished crosswork, we sinful sons of Adam (and Satan) can be freed from sin, and we can become the righteous sons of God.

The Bible’s Season of New Life

Monday, April 2, 2018

“God that made the world and all things therein… he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;” (Acts 17:24,25 KJV).

May we never forget the true meaning of Eastertime!

Satan is the master counterfeiter: from Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures reveal how the devil schemes to “be like the most High” (Isaiah 14:14). Whatever God does, Satan defiles that work by introducing false doctrine, distracts mankind from God’s truth by mimicking His actions, discourages God’s people from His ministry by using incorrect thinking patterns, and so on. Why? Satan wants the worship that God alone deserves (Matthew 4:8-10; Luke 4:5-8).

Consider Christmastime. Centuries before Christ, Satan had pagans worshipping the birth of the sun god in early winter—near the date that Jesus Christ (God the Son) took upon human flesh in the virgin Mary’s womb! Now, consider Eastertime. Centuries before Christ, Satan had pagans worshipping fertility deities and new life in early spring, near the date that Jesus Christ (God the Son) died for our sins and resurrected victoriously over sin, death, hell, and Satan to give us new life! (To Satan’s delight, today’s average church member is not mindful of relevant sound Bible doctrine during Christmastime and Eastertime—the devil’s distractions have never lost their efficacy!)

The God of the Bible instituted in Israel a festival, Passover (the killing of a spotless lamb and its bloodshed in early spring), while they were still in Egypt (Exodus chapter 12)—Passover’s annual observance reminded them of JEHOVAH delivering them from Egyptian slavery unto new life. Israel did not understand its meaning until 1,500 years later. The true Passover lamb, Jesus Christ, died and shed His sinless blood during that annual Passover feast (early spring), and He resurrected in new life to give them spiritual life and liberty.

Yes, the pagans may have “hijacked” this time of year for the devil’s glory, but we can disregard their ignorance: spring is God’s season for new life. We can still use this season to bring the God of the Bible glory by remembering that He has given us physical life (today’s Scripture), and He offers us new life (that is, spiritual life) through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection! 🙂

Christ Liveth in Me

Sunday, April 1, 2018

“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 KJV).

“He is risen” is not a simple blasé cliché!

When Jesus’ disciples came to His tomb on that glorious Sunday morning nearly 2,000 years ago, they were startled to find it empty! Angels inform them that He has resurrected, but they are still in shock (Matthew 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-8). Jesus Christ Himself must later explain the Scriptures to them regarding what happened those last few days (Luke 24:44-46).

However, until Paul’s ministry, Christ’s finished crosswork is not preached as good news for salvation. Peter and Israel’s other apostles simply preach that Jesus Christ is now resurrected to “sit on [David’s] throne” (Acts 2:30)—that is bad news for much of Israel, for they still reject Him, weeks and months after His resurrection and ascension. Throughout early Acts, Israel’s apostles warn her that Jesus Christ is coming back to judge them.

When we come to the Apostle Paul’s ministry, we learn that we Gentiles can benefit from Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork. Israel’s rejected Messiah is now our way to heaven! Yes, Israel hated Him, and demanded that He experience the most awful method of execution devised, but God allowed it in order to accomplish His will. Satan attempted to hinder God’s will by having Christ killed, but all that did was provide the method whereby God could save us pagan Gentiles. Calvary’s finished crosswork frees us from Satan’s evil system and gives us a chance to be God’s people (Acts 26:17,18)!

As people who have trusted Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as sufficient payment for our sins, that crucifixion is our death to self and sin, and that resurrection is our raising to walk in newness of life—His life (today’s Scripture; cf. Romans 6:1-11)!

Indeed, Jesus Christ is alive, and He lives in and through those who walk by faith in God’s Word to them, Paul’s epistles of Romans through Philemon! 🙂

HAPPY EASTER!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study by the same name. That study can be read here or watched here.