Month: April 2025

The Price of Christ #1

Thursday, April 10, 2025

“And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver” (Matthew 26:15 KJV).

How much is Jesus Christ worth in the eyes of lost man?

Let us read today’s Scripture within its context: “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him” (Matthew 26:14-16).

“Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; and gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me” (Matthew 27:3-10).

The 30 pieces of silver was enough to buy a field; it was an enormous sum of money. The King James Bible does not specify what types of coins the priests paid Judas, but the “30 pieces of silver” is estimated to be the equivalent of three or four months’ wages. According to the Mosaic Law, the price of a slave was “thirty shekels of silver” (Exodus 21:32). In the eyes of lost mankind, the Lord of glory, Jesus Christ, was worth nothing more than a slave!

Brutish! #3

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

“For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others” (Psalm 49:10 KJV).

The Authorized Version mentions “brutish” individuals some 13 times—who and what are they?

Having surveyed the relevant verses to pick out context clues, we realize “brutish” means “stupid, dull, unreasonable, thoughtless, irrational.” How exactly does one wind up in such a pathetic condition? Again, a few of those verses supply hints.

Read Jeremiah 10:6-8,14,15,21: “Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O LORD; thou art great, and thy name is great in might. Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise men of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, there is none like unto thee. But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities…. Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. They are vanity, and the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish…. For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered.” Also see Jeremiah 51:17: “Every man is brutish by his knowledge; every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.”

This context is pagan idolatry in Israel. Images of wood, stone, and metal distract the Jewish people from the LORD God. Such empty belief systems, worthless lies, and futile conduct resulted from a failure to walk in the light of the one true God’s words to them. That evil world system of Jeremiah’s day will originate the future “natural brute beasts” (animalistic or beastly people) of 2 Peter 2:12 and Jude 10. Such spiritual animals are created, such spiritual insanity is generated, because of a deliberate rejection of God’s knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Brethren, if we refuse the Lord’s words to us through our Apostle Paul, Romans to Philemon, we are just as “brutish” (1 Corinthians 14:37,38)!

Brutish! #2

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

“For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others” (Psalm 49:10 KJV).

The Authorized Version mentions “brutish” individuals some 13 times—who and what are they?

Such “brutish” people are in juxtaposition with fools. “…[T]he fool and the brutish person perish” (Psalm 49:10). “A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this” (Psalm 92:6). “Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?” (Psalm 94:8). “Surely the princes of Zoan are fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish…” (Isaiah 19:11). “But they are altogether brutish and foolish:…” (Jeremiah 10:8).

“Brutish” also stands in opposition to knowledgeable. “A brutish man knoweth not…” (Psalm 92:6). “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof [criticism, blame] is brutish” (Proverbs 12:1). Moreover, “brutish” is connected to “without understanding.” “Understand, ye brutish among the people…” (Psalm 94:8). “Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man” (Proverbs 30:2). To lose wisdom—or to fail to obtain it—is to become “brutish.” “…[T]he counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish…” (Isaiah 19:11).

Such who “understand not” and “know not” are like “brute beasts” (stupid animals). “But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;…” (2 Peter 2:12). Those who are “brutish” are said to be “But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves” (Jude 10).

Using context clues, we recognize “brutish” and “brute” are associated with foolishness—especially a lack of knowledge, wisdom, and/or understanding. Basically, it is irrationality or stupidity (“brutus” is Latin for “dull, stupid”). Incidentally, the Greek word rendered “brute” in 2 Peter and Jude is “alogos” (“no thought”). It was translated “unreasonable” in Acts 25:27: “For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.” Of course, Judaean Governor Porcius Festus deemed it senseless to send Paul to stand trial before the Roman Emperor without first specifying the charges!

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Brutish! #1

Monday, April 7, 2025

“For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others” (Psalm 49:10 KJV).

The Authorized Version mentions “brutish” individuals some 13 times—who and what are they?

Before we can make any analysis, we ought to read the pertinent verses. “For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others” (Psalm 49:10, today’s Scripture). “A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this” (Psalm 92:6). “Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?” (Psalm 94:8). “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish” (Proverbs 12:1). “Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man” (Proverbs 30:2).

“Surely the princes of Zoan are fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?” (Isaiah 19:11). “But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities…. Every man is brutish in his knowledge: every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them…. For the pastors are become brutish, and have not sought the LORD: therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered” (Jeremiah 10:8,14,21). “Every man is brutish by his knowledge; every founder is confounded by the graven image: for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them” (Jeremiah 51:17).

“And I will pour out mine indignation upon thee, I will blow against thee in the fire of my wrath, and deliver thee into the hand of brutish men, and skilful to destroy” (Ezekiel 21:31). “But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;…” (2 Peter 2:12). “But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves” (Jude 10).

Within these verses lie context clues to point us toward a sound definition of “brutish….”

To Be Seen and Heard #20

Sunday, April 6, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?” (NO!)

It bears many labels—showing off, publicizing, theatrics, advertising, pageantry, performance, being flashy, headline-seeking, flaunting, pontificating, acting pretentiously or ostentatiously, showboating, grandstanding, wishing for a pat on the back or head, wanting applause or award, making a fair shew in the flesh, being “thirsty” (slang), aiming to be seen and heard of men. Someone is in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference!” They crave approval, recognition, approbation, regard. We would be wise not only to decline the invitation to join them but also to stay as far away from that meeting as possible.

Foreshadowing the future Antichrist, blasphemous King Herod Agrippa I attempted to be seen and heard as God’s replacement in Acts chapter 12. He silenced God’s preachers (verses 1-4) before God hushed him (verses 20-23)! “But the word of God grew and multiplied” (verse 24). Likewise, today, man’s standing ovations cease, clapping fades, trophies tarnish and melt, certificates tatter and burn, social clubs vanish, online personal profiles shut down… all are drowned out as God commends and praises His people for faithful service rendered to Him. Brethren in Christ, heart faith in sound Bible doctrine should underlie everything we say and do. Christian living is not blindly following people, denominations, religious organizations, et cetera. Outward shows do not matter, as we are not to desire man’s approval anyway but rather God’s praise. All that counts forever is to be seen and heard of God, not seen and heard of men.

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God” (1 Corinthians 4:5). “But he that glorieth [boasts, finds value in], let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth” (2 Corinthians 10:17,18). “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).

-FINIS!-

Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂

To Be Seen and Heard #19

Saturday, April 5, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

Remember, the Antichrist of the ages to come will be the utmost fulfillment of Romans 1:25. He will be seen and heard, people worshipping and serving him instead of the living and true God of creation (Daniel 7:11,25; Daniel 11:36; 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4). Revelation 13:5,6: “And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.”

Though Antichrist will be seen and heard, that will be short-lived. The Lord Jesus Christ will be seen and heard as His radiant and thunderous return through the skies extinguishes Antichrist and the remainder of Satan’s evil world system! “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth [hear!], and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming [see!]:…” (2 Thessalonians 2:8). “And I saw heaven opened, and behold [look!] a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war…. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword [listen!], that with it he should smite the nations…” (Revelation 19:11,15).

Some are so desperate for attention and relevance they are on a crusade to attack those who are at the center of attention, for they would otherwise be ignored or forgotten. These desperate individuals are Satan, sinful man, and all fallen angels, who would be “nobodies” had it not been for their publicized revolt against their Creator God. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, however, we are neither at the center of attention nor should we care to be. No one needs to know about us. Read John 3:26-31. When John the Baptist was asked if he was concerned that people were leaving him to follow Jesus Christ, John was at peace, for he knew he was nothing whereas Christ was everything: “He must increase, but I must decrease!” We give a hearty “Amen!”

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

To Be Seen and Heard #18

Friday, April 4, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

Unfortunately, certain individuals make sure they are the largest monetary donors at their local church… just to have their names placed on the public bulletin board. Others will gladly compromise with false doctrine to get a pat on the head or slap on the back from eminent “scholars” who have those same perverted views. Indeed, temporary membership in some elite manmade club is far more important to them than God’s eternal approval. Look and listen closely, for you will see and hear them on a daily basis. They broadcast on “Christian” radio and television shows, strut in pulpits, write books and “worship” songs, organize ministry projects, and teach at seminaries (Bible cemeteries).

In our computer-based world, man is more obsessed than ever with growing a “fan base.” For example, a “social-media influencer” is someone who believes his or her opinion about a product, idea, and so on, matters to such a high degree that they strive to advertise it so everyone knows. For the sake of making a name and money for themselves, they are flashy, pretentious, ostentatious, showy, flamboyant, outrageous, extravagant. There is nothing wrong with a woman looking nice with makeup or jewelry. Nevertheless, if she is wearing these simply to turn heads or make headlines, she has failed (!) miserably (!) to put more focus on the inner man (soul with sound Bible doctrine) and less on the outward man (temporary physical body) (1 Timothy 2:9,10; 1 Peter 3:1-4).

We must face it: man loves man. He loves looking in the mirror and he enjoys hearing himself. Recently, I was watching “Christian” television (HA!). One program featured a famous false teacher at the heart of the “health and wealth” movement (“prosperity theology”). Two other women were with her discussing shallow topics on the set. Ironically, she announced, “Are we doing it to glorify God or for ourselves?” Here are some pertinent details I omitted: as she moved her lips (“to be heard”), she was wearing her usual excessive makeup, abundant jewelry on her face and hands, and an expensive outfit (“to be seen”)!

Again, let us be on guard….

To Be Seen and Heard #17

Thursday, April 3, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

Romans 16:17,18: “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” A false teacher uses charming words to form beautiful dialog to attract a following: their own heart, not our Lord Jesus Christ, is served. Philippians 3:19 marks them as “enemies of the cross” and says “whose God is their belly.”

Romans 1:25 is consummated in Daniel chapter 7: “I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame… And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time” (verses 11,25). Chapter 11, verse 36: “And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.”

Second Thessalonians 2:3,4: “…that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” This Antichrist (not just “against Christ” but “replacement Christ”) will be seen and heard, “whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (verses 9,10). In verse 11, they believe a “lie” (cf. Romans 1:25). All that Lucifer or Satan planned (our present evil world) climaxes in this one man….

To Be Seen and Heard #16

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

Those who desire to be seen and heard have to contribute—even if their contribution is worth nothing. They must do or say something—though it is pointless or meritless. “Freedom of speech” is an expression recognizable and regularly mentioned here in the United States, but it is a constitutional right that should be exercised responsibly. Just because we have the right to say it does not automatically mean we should say it. I can tell everyone I meet, “I am an idiot!” Yet, would it be sensible for me to do so? Of course not! Likewise, we have the liberty to teach false doctrine, but is it proper or worthwhile?

In Paul’s farewell epistle to Timothy, 2 Timothy, the Apostle penned in verses 3 and 4 of chapter 4, “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.” These people are not interested in wholesome, healthy, reliable teaching worthy of their trust. Instead, their agenda is to locate and accumulate teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear (namely, a lie). Why would people prefer to hear lies? The lie feels good. It gives them a sense of false hope, confirming what they have already made up their mind to believe. To trust the truth would mean recanting the lie, so they dare not change their ways!

The ultimate lie is to substitute the creature for the Creator, man being seen and heard instead of God. Second Timothy chapter 3, verses 2 and 4: “For men shall be lovers of their own selves,… lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;….” Of course, this is Romans 1:25, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” Here is our present evil world, leading to the one final lie yet to come….

To Be Seen and Heard #15

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

It is utterly impossible for everyone to be a pastor. Everyone cannot teach Sunday School. It is totally unreasonable for everyone to lead singing (erroneously called “worship service”). Yet, there is regularly a contest to see who can be most visible in ministry, someone on whom the eyes of the group are firmly fixed. People who should not be in these roles wind up serving in them because individuals controlled by man’s wisdom have appointed them. They do not have the sound doctrine, the filling of the Holy Spirit, to carry out the jobs: they are doing “God’s work” with the Devil’s help!

Once, two Christian men attended local religious classes for some weeks. They knew it was a false system, but they were “scouting” or investigating what was happening. Many students had assembled for a priest to teach them denominational doctrine. These two men would raise their hands and ask Bible questions, posing a threat to the priest because it directed the group conversation toward “banned” topics (which he cared not to discuss or have his people see and hear). Finally, during one meeting, these two Christian men were stunned to hear the priest present a Gospel message to the class just like they would have. Greeting people upon dismissal, the priest addressed the departing men, “Are you happy now? Do not come back!” (One of these men shared this with me.)

Usually, we are inclined to comment, “Oh, what poor people, they are so deceived and do not know any better!” Actually, they are likely more aware of the truth than we think. (I have discovered this many times in my own ministry.) Though they let it be seen and heard briefly so as to “keep up appearances,” it is their preference if you saw and heard them, saw and heard their theological system. Again, remember, that was corrupted Judaism during Christ’s earthly ministry—and it led to His execution!

What is worse than striving to be seen and heard is wanting to see and hear those who wish to be seen and heard….