Month: November 2019

Teamwork!

Sunday, November 10, 2019

“O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen” (1 Timothy 6:20,21 KJV).

It is a group effort—guarding the principles of grace given us.

Recently, I attended another one of my niece’s softball tournaments. Those young women have greatly matured in the last two years. By trial and error, training and careful thought, they have learned exactly what it takes to be victorious. It does not come easy, as “teamwork” really is about cooperating with others instead of operating alone. There are great frustrations. Situations look grim, maybe hopeless. In the midst of it all is the foreboding feeling of wanting to give up. Much effort is required to achieve anything important. The Christian ministry is quite similar.

Brethren, we have the Bible—God’s “playbook” that also lays out how our Adversary (Satan) works as the opposing team. The Holy Spirit has already outlined therein what Father God is doing today as well as what the Devil is doing to contest it. Grace has given us the privilege of serving with other Christians to gain the advantage with sound Bible doctrine.

If we want to “train up” in the world’s way, learning how lost people think and applying that to life, we most certainly can do it. While not what God originally wanted for us, He is more than willing to give us over to “do our own thing.” We will “swing the bat at nothing”—too high, too low, too fast, too slow (struggling and imprecise). If we do manage to run toward a base, again, we run too slow or too fast—not reaching the base, or passing it and being tagged out. Tripping, we fall, unable to achieve that higher level of maturity and work.

We can do the work of the ministry, and see God’s words and will be conveyed to the masses. Or, we can fall victim to infighting and self-defeat. Unless we give careful thought to what we are doing—what Father God is doing—we will be weak and incompetent. Far better we remain in the “dugout” than go out “on the field” inexperienced and stumbling; more harm than good will result with recklessness!

What Pleases God #8

Saturday, November 9, 2019

“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Peter 1:17 KJV).

Using the Scriptures, we will define exactly what God thinks well of….

“He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me” (2 Samuel 22:20; cf. Psalm 18:19). King David celebrates after JEHOVAH God “delighted” (was pleased with) him and delivered him from all his enemies. This previews believing Israel’s future deliverance at Christ’s Second Coming, liberated from Satan and all other Jew-haters. “For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation” (Psalm 149:4).

When compared to His Son’s perfect sacrifice of Himself on Calvary’s cross, God has “no pleasure” in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin (Hebrews 10:6-8). As concerning us Christians in the Body of Christ, “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). God has “no pleasure” in hearts of unbelief (Hebrews 10:38). He was “not well pleased” with a large number of Jews who came out of Egypt (1 Corinthians 10:5); hence, they died in unbelief in the wilderness in the Book of Numbers. As Israel killed Messiah Jesus, and then persecuted and slew His Apostles and their converts during the Acts period, the Holy Spirit commented on how the Jews “please not God” (1 Thessalonians 2:15).

“But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased” (Psalm 115:3; cf. Psalm 135:6). “By him [Christ] therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:15,16). “I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs” (Psalm 69:30,31). Saints, we know what pleases God! Now, how will we respond? 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What is the ‘appearing’ of the Lord in 2 Timothy 4:8?”

What Pleases God #7

Friday, November 8, 2019

“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Peter 1:17 KJV).

Using the Scriptures, we will define exactly what God thinks well of….

Ephesians 1:6 says Father God “hath made us accepted in the beloved.” The Greek word rendered “accepted” is “charitoo,” translated “highly favoured” in Luke 1:28. (“Charis” is Greek for “grace.”) It naturally follows that since we are God’s children, our activities should reflect our identity. Just as we please God positionally—in Christ, sharing all His traits (righteous, holy, beloved of God, et cetera)—so we should please Him practically by letting that identity transform our lifestyles on a daily basis.

First Thessalonians chapter 4: “[1] Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. [2] For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. [3] For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: [4] That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; [5] Not in the lust of concupiscence [strong desire], even as the Gentiles which know not God: [6] That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. [7] For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”

Sinners cannot help but sin; sin is all the “old man,” the old nature, knows! Saints, however, are “freed from sin” (Romans 6:7); sin does not have dominion over us. We can choose to take our stand by faith in Pauline doctrine, and walk in accordance with it. When our conduct matches Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, we please Father God. The Holy Spirit is “grieved” (saddened) when we “quench” (hinder, prevent) Him from working in our lives (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19).

Let us now summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

What Pleases God #6

Thursday, November 7, 2019

“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Peter 1:17 KJV).

Using the Scriptures, we will define exactly what God thinks well of….

Hebrews 11:6 is a transdispensational truth: “But without faith it is impossible to please him [God]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” No matter the dispensation or place on the Bible timeline, the God of Scripture always looks first and foremost for faith. He is interested in people trusting His words to them (the content of the Divine revelation changing through time). If they believe His Word to them, then they will have works.

Works can be faked—someone simply “going through the motions.” Faith, however, cannot be faked. We can see people’s works, but they can fool us (mindless actions). God alone can see a heart of faith; He cannot be tricked. He can discern a heart of faith with Christ working in it (righteousness), versus a heart of unbelief attempting to counterfeit Christ’s works (self-righteousness). Belief in the Gospel of Grace makes the difference!

“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God” (Hebrews 11:5; cf. Genesis 5:24; Jude 14,15). Again, faith is most important—not works! As pertaining to us in the Church the Body of Christ, Father God “hath made us accepted in the beloved” (Ephesians 1:6). God’s “beloved” here is Jesus Christ. As soon as we believed on Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection as sufficient payment for our sins (Ephesians 1:6,7,12-14); God the Holy Spirit eternally united us with Jesus Christ. Placing us into the Church the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13), the Holy Spirit simultaneously transferred Christ’s identity to us!

The God of the Bible does not accept sinners; He does, however, see sinners in Christ as saints. Since Jesus Christ is God’s “beloved” Son (today’s Scripture), and we are in that Son, we are equally God’s “beloved,” and thus well pleasing in His sight as well….

What Pleases God #5

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Peter 1:17 KJV).

Using the Scriptures, we will define exactly what God thinks well of….

Paul’s epistles make four references to God’s “good pleasure.” Ephesians chapter 1: “[4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: [5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, [6] To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

“[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; [8] Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; [9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: [10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:….” It delighted Father God to make us the Church the Body of Christ a part of His will for creation! We, a corporate entity, will glorify His Son in the heavenly places!

Philippians chapter 2: “[12] Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. [13] For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Second Thessalonians chapter 1: “[11] Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: [12] That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Until we get to the heavenly places, it is Father God’s good pleasure to use us now on earth….

What Pleases God #4

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Peter 1:17 KJV).

Using the Scriptures, we will define exactly what God thinks well of….

Chapter 1 of Colossians comments on God’s Son, Jesus Christ: “[16] 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: [17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; [20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

Colossians proves crucial in interpreting the creation of Genesis 1:1. When “God created the heaven and the earth,” that “God” was God the Son—the Lord Jesus Christ. He installed within those two realms a hierarchy of governmental offices (“things”), placing creatures to occupy those administrative positions. It “pleased” God the Father to appoint Jesus Christ as the Head of all those governments: all authority, in heaven and on earth, originates from Him. The nation Israel is the group of creatures whom God created to glorify His Son in the earth; the Church the Body of Christ (us!) is the group of creatures whereby God the Son is praised in the heaven.

The latter part of God’s will—His plan for the heavens—is the heart of the Apostle Paul’s ministry and message. Galatians 1:15,16: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:….” If we turn to Paul’s message, we see the ultimate expression of God’s pleasure….

Saints, please remember us in your monthly giving—these websites do cost money to run! 🙂 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! By the way, ministry emails have really been backed up this year. I am handling them as much as humanly possible. Thanks for your patience. 🙂

What Pleases God #3

Monday, November 4, 2019

“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Peter 1:17 KJV).

Using the Scriptures, we will define exactly what God thinks well of….

The LORD God was “pleased” to bless King David’s house, ensuring that Jesus Christ would be born of his seed and reign over Israel as his heir. “Therefore now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before thee: for thou, O Lord GOD, hast spoken it: and with thy blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever” (2 Samuel 7:29). “Now therefore let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant, that it may be before thee for ever: for thou blessest, O LORD, and it shall be blessed for ever” (1 Chronicles 17:27).

While God promised His earthly kingdom to Israel, the nation apostatized (turned from Him), prompting Him to form a believing remnant within the nation. That remnant—the Little Flock—will be the recipient of that earthly kingdom sworn to David and even Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 17:6). Consequently, the Lord Jesus assured His disciples: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32; cf. Matthew 21:43).

“Wherefore they cried unto the LORD, and said, We beseech thee, O LORD, we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O LORD, hast done as it pleased thee” (Jonah 1:14). It “pleased” the LORD to generate a storm to judge disobedient Jonah for refusing to preach to Gentiles; here is Israel’s (future) end-time suffering, the consequence of her rejecting her ministry to share God’s Word with the Gentiles. As we read just moments ago, however, it will also “please” God to deliver Israel, bless her, and make her a blessing to all people (Gentiles).

It pleased Father God to make Israel the head of the nations, because it also pleased Him to make Jesus Christ the Head of all creation. Now, we see where we the Church the Body of Christ enter the scene….

What Pleases God #2

Sunday, November 3, 2019

“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Peter 1:17 KJV).

Using the Scriptures, we will define exactly what God thinks well of….

The Prophet Samuel reminded his ancient Israelite brethren of a historical reality they often disregarded: “For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name’s sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people” (1 Samuel 12:22). JEHOVAH God was delighted to take the nation Israel and set them apart from all the world’s peoples (Genesis 12:1-3; Deuteronomy 4:1-10). With that special privilege (participation in doing God’s will) came great expectations (chastisement for not doing it). “You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities” (Amos 3:2).

Due to religious tradition, most see Him as a grouchy, bloodthirsty monster. However, the God of the Bible is much more than a God of wrath and punishment. When we prefer that He deal with us on the basis of our works (religion!), then, yes, He will be severe. His righteousness means absolute perfection, and His justice demands His righteous standard be met. Sin must be dealt with—a penalty must be meted out!

The God of the Bible takes pleasure in, approves of, His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Isaiah 53:10 speaks of Christ suffering and dying on Calvary’s cross: “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand” (Isaiah 53:10). God the Father found value in His Son dying in our place, “the just [righteous] for the unjust [unrighteous]” (1 Peter 3:18). It pleased the Father that His Son be sacrificed for our sins; otherwise, we must pay for those sins by suffering in Hell’s endless flames!! God’s pleasure is that He wants to reveal to us His goodness, not our own. Once we see that, His pleasure can become our pleasure….

What Pleases God #1

Saturday, November 2, 2019

“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (2 Peter 1:17 KJV).

Using the Scriptures, we will define exactly what God thinks well of….

Dear friend, if you were asked what pleases God, could you use Bible verses to answer? Surely, in our religious “goodness,” we all would eagerly claim, “Why, I please God, and what I do pleases God.” We would proceed to mention how faithful we are in our daily prayers, our giving “generous” “tithes” and “offerings,” our “keeping” the 10 Commandments, our following the Sermon on the Mount, our participation in ceremonies and programs and rituals, and on and on. Would all that be enough to please God? (No!)

Today’s Scripture is the Bible’s final reference to a historical event that is recorded in God’s Word four times. It is Father God’s declaration connected to Jesus Christ’s water baptism. “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). “And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). “And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22).

Matthew the Apostle quoted Isaiah 42:1, Father God’s description of the Lord Jesus Christ: “Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles” (Matthew 12:18). At the Mount of Transfiguration, Matthew 17:5 reports: “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”

Finally, we read Christ’s words in John 8:29: “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” Here is what—here is He that—pleases God….

Limited (for a Limited Time!)

Friday, November 1, 2019

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, 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 KJV).

What we see now is not what we will see forever!

Enduring bodily illness is certainly no fun (I currently speak from firsthand experience!). Alive in a fallen world, cursed by sin and death, pain and suffering are inescapable. Indeed, “We humans are creatures of habit.” We do not like change and grudgingly accept it (if ever). However, sin’s curse on creation is limited, and we Christians thus welcome our substantial transformation coming one day!

It is impossible to imagine functioning in anything other than these bodies of flesh and blood. We cannot fathom living in a world without sickness and death. These debilitating, dying bodies are all we know. Yes, all the “healing” claims aside, the death rate is still one apiece! We are all growing older, we will grow sicker, and, short of the Lord’s coming, we will all die. Here is the blunt reality of the curse of sin—something from which none are exempt. It has absolutely nothing to do with God being “unfair” or “uncaring.” Actually, He does care, and it is not yet His time to introduce a new and better order.

Life in this world is not easy; the Bible never told us it would be. Regardless, life in another world—that world free of sin, pain, suffering, and death—is one day closer. We need not be discouraged, brethren. What we see with our physical eyes will not last. It is passing, an experience wholly incomparable to the endless ages to come. Our glorified or resurrection bodies can be seen through the eyes of faith in sound Bible doctrine (see 2 Corinthians 5:1-8). One day, we will take up residence in those perfect and eternal bodies, and permanently abandon these deteriorating, restricted ones. We are limited… but only for a limited time! 🙂