Month: May 2020

Death! #1

Monday, May 11, 2020

“In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return” (Genesis 3:19 KJV).

It is a morbid topic, but a reality we know all too well….

Funerals, cemeteries, and coffins are rather disturbing sights, are they not? There is a certain “unnaturalness” to them, right? It simply does not make sense for death to end life, does it? Why is the human body born just to live a short while and then die and undergo such horrific decomposition? No matter how hard we try to soften it with phrases (for example, “passed away” instead of “died,” “casket” as opposed to “coffin,” “memorial park” not “cemetery,” et cetera); or glamorize it (with extravagant ceremonies, pricey graveclothes, embroidered box liners, elaborate vaults and crypts, and so on); death is an inescapable certainty. Why?

Turn to Genesis chapter 2 for the answer: “[15] And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. [16] And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: [17] But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” This first man’s name was Adam, and JEHOVAH God ordered him not to eat the forbidden fruit. If Adam did, he would “surely die.” It was indisputable or certain.

Move over to chapter 3, concerning Adam’s wife Eve and her encounter with Satan: “[1] Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? [2] And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: [3] But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. [4] And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:….” What a lie….

Mother: A Virtuous Woman

Sunday, May 10, 2020

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10 KJV).

Today is Mother’s Day, so we dedicate this devotional to godly women (specifically mothers). I especially dedicate this to the virtuous woman who has been in my life for almost 32 years… my mom!

Today’s Scripture is the first verse of the Bible’s “Virtuous Woman” passage (Proverbs 31:10-31). King Solomon explained that the virtuous woman:

  • has a husband who safely trusts in her (verses 11,12).
  • is not lazy, but is strong because she works to feed and clothe her family and herself (verses 13-19,21,22,24,25,27).
  • pities the poor and needy (verse 20).
  • has a husband who is well-known because of her godly lifestyle (verse 23).
  • opens her mouth with wisdom, and speaks kindly and lovingly (verse 26).
  • has children and a husband who praise her (verse 28).
  • excels in what she does (verse 29).
  • has works that praise her (verse 31).

Verse 30 explains the virtuous woman is “a woman that feareth the LORD.”

The Apostle Paul wrote that godly women should: not slander/gossip, not be controlled by alcohol and emotions (sober minded), be teachers of good things, love their husbands and children, be cautious and modest, maintain the home, be “good,” and should obey (respect) their husbands… “that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:3-5). A Christian woman, especially a mother, should be a virtuous woman in beliefs as well as in deed. She needs to set an example for her children (especially her daughters).

A Christian woman and/or Christian mother places her faith in this sound Bible doctrine, the indwelling Holy Spirit will then take that doctrine and transform her for God’s glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Her mind will be renewed by sound Bible doctrine, and that will transform her outward activity (Romans 12:1,2).

Are you a Christian woman or Christian mother who desires to be the woman God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest!

 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO OUR READERS WHO ARE MOTHERS!

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

The Horrors of Distraction!

Saturday, May 9, 2020

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:1-4 KJV).

If we focus on what we do in religion, we will disregard what Christ did for us at Calvary!

Recently, I listened to a former Roman Catholic nun give her testimony. From her early teens until mid-30s, she had been subjected to various strange and horrific tortures in a “cloistered” (closed, isolated) convent. Her food was but bread, water, bland soup, and an occasional glass of skim milk. As part of her “penance,” suffering for her sins, she was hung by her thumbs for several days, her toes just above the floor! She was also whipped with tiny pieces of metal attached to straps. The more blood she shed through those sufferings, the more she was allegedly becoming like Jesus Christ who shed His blood for her. Eventually, after being imprisoned in such a hopeless complex for over two decades, she escaped and found the Gospel of Grace (1 Corinthians 15:3,4)!

Most tragically, she was just one of billions so thoroughly disoriented because of false religion. Today’s Scripture—written 20 centuries ago—spoke of spiritual leaders who were dishonest, “walking in craftiness,” and using the Bible “deceitfully.” All denominations would fall under this category. While they may be sincere and polite, they are nevertheless promoting a damnable system that Satan himself uses to hide God’s truth from souls. Indeed, Hell abounds with people who were so busy working they had completely overlooked Jesus Christ’s work for them. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

Our latest Bible Q&A: “How are the days of Matthew 24:22 ‘shortened?’”

The Book of the People of the Book

Friday, May 8, 2020

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:7-9 KJV).

We Christians are known as “the People of the Book,” but do we know the Book?

Muhammad (A.D. 570?–632), Islam’s founder and chief prophet, understood Jews and Christians depended heavily on the Holy Bible. Thus, in the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book, Muhammad called Jews and Christians “the People of the Book.” As alleged “Bible-believing Christians,” are we really familiar with that “Bible” (Book)?

The average professing Christian is highly sidetracked (an understatement!), lacking even the most basic spiritual foundation. Church tradition, conspiracy theories, philosophy, and other speculations have distracted. We can quote “Christian” bestselling novels, theology books, and “Christian” song lyrics with ease, but with ever so much difficulty we “cite” Bible verses. Therefore, many Christian lives are not functioning properly—if at all. Never, ever can the Christian life operate on the basis of ignorance. It simply will not work, for God’s power is present only when His Word is there!

In today’s Scripture, we learn: “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.” The Holy Bible will turn around the confused soul, equip the naïve with sound doctrine, impart joy, enlighten, never pass away, and be permanently reliable and upright. “More to be desired are [God’s words] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb” (verse 10).

Provided we listen to and believe these Divine words, we will be “the People of the Book” in thought and practice—and not in name only.

A Prayer According to God’s Will

Thursday, May 7, 2020

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” (1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV).

On this United States’ National Day of Prayer, we pray you pray according to the Lord Jesus Christ’s will for today!

Today, religious people—the general public, clergy, and government officials—will assemble nationwide, like they do every year, and pray for spiritual and moral revival of the “Christian” (?) United States of America. We commend their noble efforts, but God’s Word says there will be no godly revival of any of the world’s Gentile nations until Jesus Christ returns to earth at His Second Coming (Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 59:20–60:3; Zechariah 8:20-23; Revelation 11:15; et cetera).

The LORD’s words to King Solomon are often quoted on this day: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Friends, this is certainly God’s Word, but has nothing to do with Gentiles in the United States in the Dispensation of Grace. This verse has a context often overlooked—the nation Israel under the Mosaic Law, praying in relation to God’s Temple in Jerusalem (verses 15,16). Actually, that Temple was destroyed over 19 centuries ago! Unlike Israel, the United States was never a divinely-founded nation. The American people as a whole are not God’s people like Israel was.

Rather than praying 2 Chronicles 7:14, remember today’s Scripture (God’s Word to us Gentiles). The verse following today’s Scripture says, “[God] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Pray for those in authority, that they would trust Jesus Christ alone as their personal Saviour, and then grow in His Word to them so they can make wise decisions on behalf of the people they govern.

NOTE: Due to coronavirus, this year’s National Day of Prayer is a somber one, abounding with much confusion. For more information concerning how to pray in light of these difficult times, refer to our archived study, “What about the coronavirus pandemic?”

Without Hands #3

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

“Among the gods there is none like thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works” (Psalm 86:8 KJV).

Let us see what the Bible says about works made “without hands.”

The expression occurs one final time in Colossians chapter 2: “[11] In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: [12] Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”

Once we trust Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for our sins, the Holy Spirit identifies us with Him and makes us members of the Church the Body of Christ: “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13). Here is our “baptism”—and it is not water! Instantaneously, we are also spiritually circumcised, cut off from our identity in Adam and given Christ’s identity. Instead of being the work a Jewish rabbi, this circumcision was made “without hands.” Believing Israel has both an outward/fleshly circumcision and an inward/spiritual circumcision: “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God” (Romans 2:28,29).

It will take Almighty God Himself to defeat Israel’s enemies—no one else can do it. Here is one act done “without hands.” It will take Almighty God Himself to deliver Israel and the world from Satan and the Antichrist—no one else is able to accomplish it. Here is a second act done “without hands.” It will take Almighty God Himself to remove man’s sinful heart—no one else can do it. Here is a third act done “without hands.” Now, we close with today’s Scripture: “Among the gods there is none like thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.”

Without Hands #2

Tuesday, May 5, 2020

“Among the gods there is none like thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works” (Psalm 86:8 KJV).

Let us see what the Bible says about works made “without hands.”

Daniel chapter 2 covers Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and the Prophet Daniel’s interpretation. Israel’s God has given Nebuchadnezzar prophetic insight: he sees all the Gentile (non-Jewish) empires that will dominate Israel until Christ’s Second Coming. The Medes and Persians are to conquer the Babylonians, the Greeks will defeat Media-Persia, and ten mysterious kings will follow.

After all that, “a stone… cut out without hands… smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces…. And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom…. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter…” (verses 34,44,45). The “stone cut out without hands” is Christ abolishing the evil world system and founding in its place His righteous, earthly kingdom.

Chapter 8 speaks of Israel’s last despot just prior to Christ’s Second Coming. Here is the Antichrist: “…a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.” Again, Christ personally returns to destroy him (2 Thessalonians 2:8)!

These are God’s works, not man’s efforts. Man will not be able to vanquish Israel’s oppressors. Also, man will not be able to dethrone Antichrist and Satan’s evil world system. Something more powerful than human hands must accomplish these ends—the hands of Almighty God! Now, let us see His labor as it pertains to us, members of the Church the Body of Christ….

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. 🙂

Without Hands #1

Monday, May 4, 2020

“Among the gods there is none like thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works” (Psalm 86:8 KJV).

Let us see what the Bible says about works made “without hands.”

Firstly, “[34] Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces…. [45] Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure” (Daniel 2:34,45).

Secondly, “[23] And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. [24] And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. [25] And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand” (Daniel 8:23-25).

Lastly, “[11] In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: [12] Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead” (Colossians 2:11,12).

The expression “without hands” describes that which Almighty God alone can do. No mortal man is able to fulfill these verses. As today’s Scripture shows us, there is no idol that can do what Israel’s God can do, what the God of Christianity can do, what the God of the Bible can do. Let us proceed to examining these passages within their contexts to see exactly what the one true God is working to achieve, both with us and the world in which we live….

Be Ready!

Sunday, May 3, 2020

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2 KJV).

Let us be ready to correct false teaching!

Recently, a friend was listening to a radio program when he heard a commentator make some incorrect remarks concerning the Bible. The “expert” claimed the New Testament Scriptures never mentioned a particular controversial issue. My friend phoned this man on-air, and had him take his Bible and read some verses. The man replied, “I never saw that before.” My friend answered, “Well, maybe you better read your Bible before misinforming people!”

It is most unfortunate many people who speak about the Bible have little to no familiarity with it. They should be studying more and talking less. It is better for them to stay silent until they study. For some, they are so confused they should never speak. While they are eager to comment—and, hopefully, they are sincere—they need to prepare and straighten out their own thoughts before they misrepresent the Scriptures and further confuse people.

Today’s Scripture issues three directives. The first is “preach the Word.” We are to proclaim the Bible, rightly divided (2 Timothy 2:15)—not traditions, speculations, opinions, philosophies, et cetera. The second is “be instant in season, out of season.” Whether convenient circumstances or inconvenient, we should be ready to address error. The third is “reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” We are to “reprove” (expose and correct wrongdoing), “rebuke” (warn, disapprove, criticize), “exhort” (urge, encourage) “with all longsuffering” (patience) and “doctrine” (information to be believed). Unless we know sound Bible doctrine—the Word of God rightly divided—we will be unable to identify false doctrine.

“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”

The Inner Three

Saturday, May 2, 2020

“And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James” (Mark 5:37 KJV).

Behold, the inner three Apostles of Israel—Peter, James, and John!

The Scriptures group Peter, James, and John on three occasions:

  1. As touching Jesus transforming on the Mount of Transfiguration: “And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,…” (Matthew 17:1). “And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them” (Mark 9:2). They were the only Apostles to see a preview of Jesus Christ’s glory to be demonstrated at His Second Coming.
  2. In regards to Christ raising Jairus’ daughter from the dead: “And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James” (today’s Scripture). “And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden” (Luke 8:51). They were the only Apostles to witness a preview of the nation Israel’s resurrection, to take place at Christ’s Second Coming.
  3. As touching Jesus praying just prior to His arrest in Gethsemane: “And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;…” (Mark 14:33). They were the only Apostles to see Christ agonizing in prayer leading up to His death.

Interestingly, they were the only three Apostles to whom Jesus gave nicknames. According to John 1:42, Simon was renamed “Cephas” (“stone”) or “Peter” (Mark 3:16). Mark 3:17 says brothers James and John were renamed “Boanerges” (“the sons of thunder”). Peter was the head Apostle, as per Matthew 16:19: “And I will give unto thee [“you” singular] the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou [“you” singular] shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou [“you” singular] shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Thus, he was often the 12 Apostles’ spokesman. James and John were likened unto God’s voice, thunder a picture of His Word going forth (2 Samuel 22:14; Job 37:4,5; Job 40:9; Psalm 29:3; Psalm 104:7).