Month: June 2020

A Lost Generation! #9

Wednesday, June 10, 2020

“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 4:3,4 KJV).

What this “lost” generation needs is to be found!

Concerning the nation Israel after Jesus Christ finished His earthly ministry and His 12 Apostles undertook their ministry under the power of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter chapter 2: “[9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; [10] Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” No longer was Israel “lost!”

As touching formerly pagan Gentiles, now members of the Church the Body of Christ, the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter 2: “[1] And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; [2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: [3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. [4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved; ) [6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: [7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” No longer were these Gentiles “lost!”

Provided each “lost” generation of every moment in human history believes God’s Word to and about it, it can be a found generation. Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

A Lost Generation! #8

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

“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 4:3,4 KJV).

What this “lost” generation needs is to be found!

As Jesus Christ conducted His earthly ministry, He remarked, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). He commissioned His 12 Apostles: “Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:5-7). The nation Israel was “lost,” removed from the path JEHOVAH God had for her. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). Christ proceeded to bring Israel back to Him by preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom. He was her long-promised Messiah/Christ-King-Saviour-Redeemer. Individual Jews were to “repent,” change their mind about their idolatry, and trust Him as the Son of God and heir to David’s throne. He performed miraculous demonstrations to validate His Gospel message: “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people” (Matthew 9:35).

Likewise, when the Apostle Paul began his ministry in Acts chapter 9, the resurrected, ascended, and glorified Jesus Christ commissioned him: “Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 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” (Acts 26:17,18). It is through Paul’s ministry and message that we Gentiles can be saved….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Does God suffer from Alzheimer’s disease?”

A Lost Generation! #7

Monday, June 8, 2020

“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 4:3,4 KJV).

What this “lost” generation needs is to be found!

Jeremiah 17:9 is anything but complimentary: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Several centuries later, Christ supplied details: “That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man” (Mark 7:20-23).

Returning to Romans chapter 1: “[28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; [29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers [gossipers], [30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable [cannot be pleased, antagonistic], unmerciful: [32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

Our human heart is sinful, “desperately wicked”—really evil, extremely malevolent, dreadfully nasty, awfully corrupt. However, if you listen to “feel-good” religious adages, you would think otherwise. The Bible is quite offensive indeed, for it presents God in a positive light and man in a negative light. Furthermore, our heart is “deceitful above all things.” Unless the Scriptures told us of our horrific spiritual sickness, we would see ourselves healthy. It is but human nature to evaluate ourselves as “not perfect but pretty good.” How deceived we are to be comfortable with something less than perfect! How misled we are if we assume God will accept anything less than perfect!

Having been spiritually adrift and ill (yea, dead!) for far too long, this “lost” generation can be found and made whole….

A Lost Generation! #6

Sunday, June 7, 2020

“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 4:3,4 KJV).

What this “lost” generation needs is to be found!

Our King James Bible scholars handled the Greek word rendered “lost” in today’s Scripture—“apollymi”—various other ways. For example, they used it to describe King Herod the Great as he “destroyed” the young children of Bethlehem Judaea (Matthew 2:13). Similarly, the Great Flood “destroyed” the unbelievers (Luke 17:27). Or, the old world overflowed with water “perished” in Noah’s day (2 Peter 3:6). Also, the Pharisees and Herodians plotted to “destroy” the Lord Jesus (Mark 3:6). Thus, “lost” can refer to a person who “loseth” physical life (Matthew 10:39).

The Greek word can also carry a spiritual meaning—namely, eternal damnation in Hell and the Lake of Fire. For instance, Christ said those who have eternal life will never “perish” (John 10:28). Surely, this goes beyond physical death—for Christians do experience physical death. The opposite of someone “lost” is someone “saved,” and this is in the spiritual realm. Notice the two contrasting ideas in the following three verses. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish” (2 Corinthians 2:15). “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

Whether they know it or not, those souls without salvation in Christ—spiritual healing through Calvary’s finished crosswork—are headed to their spiritual doom, spiritual ruin, or spiritual destruction. They are not on the path of eternal life because they are in unbelief, separated from God’s life and righteousness. Until they recognize their sin problem—their lack of righteousness—and fully trust Jesus Christ as the sole Remedy, they will remain a “lost” generation….

A Lost Generation! #5

Saturday, June 6, 2020

“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 4:3,4 KJV).

What this “lost” generation needs is to be found!

Today’s Scripture says the “gospel,” or good news, the Apostle Paul preached was “hid” to “lost” people. It is concealed because “the god of this world”—the ruler of this evil world system, Satan—has hidden it. Read verses 1 and 2 to see how he obscures it: “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.”

Satan is a master deceiver, so he is usually underestimated. The most effectual way he works is through perverted Bible verses (an appearance of truth). Paul thus referred to the fact “[we] have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty.” As an apostate Jewish religious leader long ago, Saul of Tarsus was a Bible corrupter. He was entangled with works-religion, a watered-down version of the Mosaic Law, and steeped in self-righteousness. Now, as an apostle of Jesus Christ, he had abandoned that nonsense. He was “handling the word of God deceitfully” no more!

However, 2 Corinthians chapter 11 says: “[13] For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. [14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. [15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” As long as the Devil can keep souls focused on their works in religion—their “goodness” (self-righteousness)—then they cannot appreciate just how sinful they really are and how they need God’s righteousness (Romans 10:1-3). Having no idea they are “lost,” they see no need to be saved through faith in Christ!

Once we deal with our sin at Calvary—where God dealt with it—then we become a “found” generation….

A Lost Generation! #4

Friday, June 5, 2020

“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 4:3,4 KJV).

What this “lost” generation needs is to be found!

The key to solving society’s problems is not enticing warm bodies to occupy cold pews and listen to ear-tickling messages. We should not be told how “good” we are, and we should not be convincing others “they” can improve themselves, feel good about themselves, and go on living for “self.” Almighty God has no faith in us, so we should have no faith in ourselves either. He is not interested in our self-righteous works. What He wants is our faith—our reliance upon His grace, what He can do for us rather than what we can do for Him. He understands we are but weak, sinful beings, never able to be perfect on our own.

If righteousness is to prevail in the Earth, it will be accomplished only by having Jesus Christ living in each and every human heart. This comes by hearing and believing a clear Gospel message—one that Christendom has never actually given to the masses. It is always a convoluted, confusing message of works, works, and more works. For 20 centuries, church membership, water baptism, tithing, confession, Sabbath-observance, and commandment-keeping have all been stressed ad nauseum. Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for our sins, however, is but a supplemental memo tacked on the end. It is not at the head of the message, so it never impacts the audience like it should!

We can pass a million pieces of legislation, and imprison criminals, but evils will still be rampant in society. Again, the key to solving racism, inequality, war, injustice, and so on, is to have Jesus Christ in every heart. If Christians can then understand their new identity in Christ, it will manifest itself in their lives. The Lord Jesus Christ is compatible with Himself, so if He is in one person and He is in another person, both people by faith can live in harmony. It all starts by having a clear Gospel message….

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. 🙂

A Lost Generation! #3

Thursday, June 4, 2020

“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 4:3,4 KJV).

What this “lost” generation needs is to be found!

Dear friends, it is sad to say it, but the professing Church has utterly and miserably failed in maintaining sound Bible doctrine these last 2,000 years. We simply have to read church history—what went after the Bible but before us—and then look at the spiritual conditions today. Preachers and teachers even now have replaced sound Bible doctrine with “pop psychology.” Instead of teaching about the grace life—how we can have victorious Christian living through faith in Jesus Christ—they have substituted it with feel-good sermons. “Choose your best life now! God wants you to be happy, healthy, and wealthy! You can become a better person if you try! Come have a good time at our church!”

The fact of the matter is that even when we avoid the “inconvenient” topic of sin, it dThe fact of the matter is that even when we avoid the “inconvenient” topic of sin, it does not make it less of a reality. Instead of attempting to appease the world by speaking like it, Christendom should have told the world the truth. We have not been called to compromise, or make lost people feel “at home” when they attend our church services. However, we have overwhelmingly done both for years innumerable. Our church buildings host potluck suppers, concerts, blood drives, golf courses, food drives, and various other philanthropic and social gatherings, but we are neglecting our ultimate purpose. Where is the sound Bible doctrine? The in-depth Bible study? The yearning for spiritual understanding? The hunger for lost souls to come to faith in Christ? Furthermore, so as not to be “controversial” or “offensive,” we will send packages of food and clothes to hungry and destitute people overseas—but we will not bother to include Bibles or Gospel tracts!

Dear friends, it is sad to say it, but the professing Church has played its own integral part in causing this world to be a “lost” generation….

A Lost Generation! #2

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

“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 4:3,4 KJV).

What this “lost” generation needs is to be found!

Acts chapter 14: “[15] And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities [idols] unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: [16] Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.”

Chapter 17: “[27] That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: [28] For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. [29] Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. [30] And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: [31] Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”

At the Tower of Babel (Genesis chapter 11), the Creator gave the nations over to their preference—pagan idols. Romans chapter 1: “[21] 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. [22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”

Such is the world even now, far from God’s original intention….

A Lost Generation! #1

Tuesday, June 2, 2020

“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 4:3,4 KJV).

What this “lost” generation needs is to be found!

Recently, I passed by a church building that had a sign out on the front lawn: “a caring church for a hurting generation.” Indeed, we are a “hurting generation”—sin has caused grief and misery literally the world over. However, it is shallow to say we need someone to “care” for us. Such a motto fails to capture the real needs of society. Our greatest need is to hear and believe the truth, for we are a deceived generation, a lost generation!

Notice how Ephesians 4:17-19 describes the evil world system currently in operation: “[17] This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, [18] Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: [19] Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”

The Bible says the nations “walk… in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened.” In other words, as they go about their daily life, under the impression they are getting along just fine, their thoughts are truly empty and useless. Their state is further defined as “being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.” Instead of being alive with the life of the Creator God, they are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1) and thus “walk according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (verse 2).

If we are to get out of this mess the Scriptures call “sin,” we need more than positive thinking or “words of encouragement.” We need to be given a new mind entirely….

333 Turns 9!

Monday, June 1, 2020

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105 KJV).

Dear saints, “333 Words of Grace” celebrates its 9th birthday today!

While it is quite unfathomable—and I absolutely cannot believe I am about to type this—but we have “met” here daily around the King James Bible rightly divided for the last nine years! What an enjoyable, eye-opening experience it has been for all of us, has it not?!

It seems like yesterday when I wrote those first few Bible studies… having no idea we, by God’s grace, would still be here nearly a decade later. How challenging it was to start, but, honestly, it has become easier as the years have flown by. When we began, we were but novices in the Scriptures dispensationally considered and delivered. Yet, we can say with confidence that we walked in the spiritual light that we had, and Father God in His infinite goodness honored our sincerity. Now, all these years later, we can truthfully say we better understand His purpose and plan for creation—especially our role in it as members of the Church the Body of Christ.

Believe it or not, we still have so much more to learn and so many more Bible topics yet to cover. We are not content in staying where we are in our spiritual understanding, so we will seek a much higher comprehension level. Our Father’s Word not only shines so we see where we stand, it radiates out into the distance to see where we are going (today’s Scripture). We need not wonder in unawareness, wander in senselessness, or grope in darkness.

As Philippians 3:14 says, “[We] press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” We have a lot more spiritual growing to do! How many more years must we continue with these our daily grace-oriented devotionals? Frankly, we will keep going as long as God’s grace enables—exactly what has kept us going all this time now anyway! Thank you for your prayerful support these past nine years, dear brethren, and we look forward to serving you for (maybe) another nine! 🙂

All nine years’ worth of daily devotional studies are linked here: https://333wordsofgrace.org/master-list-of-devotionals-chronological/.

Our latest Bible Q&As: “With God ‘all things’ are possible?” and “Is ‘Ask and ye shall receive’ applicable to us?”