Month: September 2025

I Just Wanted to Get Away! #2

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

“And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10 KJV).

Will sinners “get away” from accountability before God?

In Genesis 3:1-6, Adam and Eve chose to live outside of the sphere of existence their Creator God had ordained for them. It was activity contrary to how He designed their life to work. Eve was deceived, but Adam was not (1 Timothy 2:11-14). Adam failed to function as his wife’s Bible teacher, and Eve was negligent by not asking her husband for spiritual counsel.

Their first response to their sin problem was to sew fig leaves together to make clothes to cover their nakedness (Genesis 3:7). Here is works-religion. Instead of asking God to intervene, they took matters into their own hands and attempted to make themselves acceptable in His sight. Man sidesteps accountability for the first time. He is too proud to confess his inadequacy. Adam and Eve knew their manmade coverings of fig leaves were not enough, so they hid from the LORD God when they heard Him approaching (Genesis 3:8). Man avoids accountability for the second time.

Read Genesis 3:9-13: “And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.” God calls Adam, the spiritual leader, to confession and accountability—but Adam blames his wife and God (!) for his eating of the forbidden fruit. Man avoids accountability for a third time. Eve then shifts her blame over to the Devil! Here is man’s attempt to justify himself yet again.

While some view Genesis as nothing more than fairytale or legend, they betray their spiritual ignorance. These reactions of Adam and Eve have been played out in every human’s life every day for thousands of years….

In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

I Just Wanted to Get Away! #1

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

“And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10 KJV).

Will sinners “get away” from accountability before God?

A robbery suspect once led police on a high-speed chase down the interstate. With his vehicle forced to stop after some minutes, officers got him out and onto the ground. As he was handcuffed, the adult man sobbed like a little child and cried out, “Man, why did y’all do that to me?! I was just wanting to get away! I was just trying to get away!” It is human nature to evade accountability. This goes all the way back to the literal events of Genesis 3:1-8, when our parents, Adam and Eve, hid from God because of their guilt.

“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? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 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. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

“And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.”

Let us see if they “got away….”

The Social Club with the Steeple #6

Monday, September 8, 2025

“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 KJV).

Is our local church building the meeting-place of people filled with God’s life, or just “a social club with a steeple?”

Read 2 Timothy 4:3,4, an excerpt from one of Paul’s “pastoral epistles” (church handbooks of 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon): “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.”

In order to have turned away from the truth, they had to first have/know the truth. Now, they want nothing to do with it. They prefer hearing fables or “feel-good” religious stories (speculations and opinions of men), not sound Bible doctrine. If this does not describe many of our “Christian” churches and “Christian” schools today, nothing does! In the midst of that apostasy, the Holy Spirit through Paul directed Timothy in verses 1 and 2: “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 longsuffering and doctrine.”

There will be no great revival before Christ returns. Anyone who says otherwise contradicts the Bible and entertains wishful thinking. This should not discourage us though. Regardless of what dreadful events take place (even in the so-called “Grace Movement”), we should keep teaching and preaching sound Bible doctrine, dispensational truth—even as those who support it become fewer and fewer. Indeed, we will not turn the apostasy around, but we can slow it down ever so slightly. A few souls here and there can be saved from that inevitable, universal slide into doctrinal error. Let us go about our Father’s work sharing His rightly divided Word (King James Bible in English!) with those who want to hear, as we wait for our Lord’s return to get us! 🙂

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. 🙂

The Social Club with the Steeple #5

Sunday, September 7, 2025

“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 KJV).

Is our local church building the meeting-place of people filled with God’s life, or just “a social club with a steeple?”

As a preacher observed long ago, some local churches have actually not had any controversy in many years. Holding services and implementing programs, they are nevertheless spiritually dead churches. Whenever the Spirit of God works, the flesh opposes (Galatians 5:17). Therefore, if no doctrinal disagreements exist, it is because of one of two options. Either everyone in the assembly knows everything (highly unlikely!), or they do not discuss doctrine because they fear conflict. In the latter case, emotions, speculations, stories, and/or experiences take preeminence. Though the local church should be alive with God’s life and serve as “the pillar and ground of the truth” (today’s Scripture)—elevating the truth and supporting the truth—doctrine frequently means nothing to professing Christians. They want error instead! Remember, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

Talking with people of various persuasions all these years, I conclude the vast majority are not attending church services because they hear the truth there. Instead, it is a cultural motivation. They were raised in that belief system, their parents went to that church, their friends go there—and they visit for social connections rather than doctrinal reasons. Hence, they react with indifference when you show them the church’s false teachings. Unconcerned, they elect to keep going. Why? Doctrinal integrity was never their incentive anyway! They liked eating the potluck suppers, felt happy with the amusement (music, singing, dancing, joke-telling), had great joy with the foolishness (tongue-talking or ecstatic utterances, hand-raising, “supernatural” storytelling, snake-handling, healing miracles), or liked reducing the Bible to an “intellectual” or literary work (analyzing its arguments, terms, grammar, historical/cultural background). They do not actually believe or appreciate the Holy Scriptures as the living Word of the living God. Brethren, may we identify them and withdraw from them for our own spiritual health’s sake!

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

The Social Club with the Steeple #4

Saturday, September 6, 2025

“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 KJV).

Is our local church building the meeting-place of people filled with God’s life, or just “a social club with a steeple?”

Once, a family member announced online how she had just returned from “fun” church services during which she “learned some new dance moves.” She had gone there for amusement! I accessed the website of the church of another relative of mine. Their Sunday School, named after a famous “thinker,” was nothing more than a “philosopher’s club:” they had “intellectual” discussions instead of actual Bible study! In his biography on the church’s website, the “worship leader” actually named some of the worldliest, vulgarest musicians as his inspiration!

Several years back, a churchgoing woman notified me her local assembly was, in her words, a “social club.” When she asked the pastor to intervene regarding the false doctrine one of their Sunday School teachers was promoting, the pastor refused to get involved. Once she moved to Heaven, three new pastors were installed in a span of just a few years… and the congregation really went on a downward spiral doctrinally. The first new preacher threw out the old members (loyal to the former pastor) and brought in new people to support him and his “modern reformations.” I spoke with those next two new pastors: they are apostates, having no desire to hear Bible truth.

If it is not sound doctrine, it is not teaching or information worthy of our faith or trust. One fact is clear from the Bible Books of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. The local church must not change the doctrine; chiefly, it is not to throw away Grace to take up the Law. We must continue in sound Bible doctrine. This—not entertainment—is (should be) the focus of the local assembly. Yet, it has become increasingly common for pastors, teachers, and denominations to not make an issue of doctrine because “doctrine divides.” “Narrow-mindedness” offends! Instead of worrying about doctrine, they wish to broaden their audience with various errors and thereby increase revenue (the love of money!).

Yes, they are running “social clubs with a steeple….”

The Social Club with the Steeple #3

Friday, September 5, 2025

“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 KJV).

Is our local church building the meeting-place of people filled with God’s life, or just “a social club with a steeple?”

To “behave thyself in the house of God” (today’s Scripture) means believers of the congregation observe the grace principles presented in this local-church handbook of 1 Timothy (plus companions 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon). One recurring idea in 1 Timothy is “doctrine” (teaching worthy of our faith/trust).

“As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,… For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;…” (1 Timothy 1:3,10). Carefully read verses 3-11.

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained…. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:6,13). “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17). “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed… If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;…” (1 Timothy 6:1,3). Read 1 Timothy 6:3-5 carefully.

“Sound” in 1 Timothy 1:10 is not in the sense of acoustics (hearing), but healthy (as in a “sound” mind, not sick or diseased). We get our English word “hygiene” from that Greek term. It is also rendered “wholesome” in 1 Timothy 6:3, plus translated “whole” (physical healing or bodily health) in Luke 5:31, Luke 7:10, Luke 15:27, and 3 John 2. As we learn also from 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9,13; and Titus 2:1,2; sound doctrine matters….

The Social Club with the Steeple #2

Thursday, September 4, 2025

“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 KJV).

Is our local church building the meeting-place of people filled with God’s life, or just “a social club with a steeple?”

A social club is a gathering of people who have common interests—love of business, history, sports, politics, religion/philosophy, science, or the like. Numerous social clubs are also devoted to collecting comic books, postage stamps, and coins, or appreciating films, artwork, and writings. Unfortunately, countless souls have reduced “church” to this.

While some have come to worship the Lord, study His Book, and fellowship with like-minded believers, we wonder how many have showed up just to engage in regular chitchat with neighbors, family, friends, or clergy. For them, going to church is akin to visiting a barbershop or beauty salon, supermarket, coffee shop, or sporting event. It is simply a social-networking strategy, assembling at a place where the community exchanges news. One such man remarked, “My motivation was not a religious search for spirituality; it was more a search for somewhere to belong and to be with people who shared my interest in world affairs.” (Wow!!!)

Maybe they have entered to feel religious (get an emotional high) or be entertained with singing and dancing. Going to church is like making one’s way to the local bar or nightclub, comedy venue, amusement park, or music concert. Similar to the effects of illegal drugs and liquor, that adrenaline rush is extremely addicting! There might even be a free (!) lunch or supper as a bonus. Perhaps they go to church to get the preacher or teacher to recognize their “spirituality.” For them, it is like maintaining a social-media profile or website, radio or television program—someone bragging about their accomplishments to receive “likes,” standing ovations, views, and/or subscriptions.

Therefore, when you reason with them by sharing sound Bible doctrine, they are not interested in listening to verses. It does not bother them that their “church” is not teaching them the pure Scriptures, merely selected passages that support the denomination. They were not going there to learn sound Bible doctrine anyway….

The Social Club with the Steeple #1

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 KJV).

Is our local church building the meeting-place of people filled with God’s life, or just “a social club with a steeple?”

A dear Christian woman described to me how her local church was anything but a Spirit-filled assembly. There were several unaddressed problems. It is only as a mature Bible student (grace dispensationalist) many, many years later that she now fully understands the difference between empty religion and grace living.

For instance, the children of a certain poverty-stricken family were given preeminence over her children in Sunday School. Her kids were pushed aside, made outcasts, so the poor kids could have most of the attention. Another example of the spiritual disarray was when the pastor told her it was better for her to come to church and teach children’s Sunday School than accompany her husband to care for her ill, hospitalized father-in-law! Moreover, when she spoke out against false teaching in the assembly, she was reprimanded by a “Bible college graduate” serving as the head of the church’s Sunday School department.

A former deacon of that church told me how a great many people in the assembly were lazy regarding the maintenance of the property and facilities. Out of a congregation of about 100 people, only he and a handful of others tended to most of the chores. Knowing the little I do about that local church, I can say unashamedly that that church was dead spiritually. There was no life of God. Just about everyone there was living in the energy of the flesh. The amount of sound Bible doctrine was extremely limited. Most members were running a social club, not a place of Christian living. The pastor should not have been favoring anyone. He should have not allowed spiritual confusion to go on unaddressed in his church. His strict rules and regulations made void or cancelled God’s grace. This is just one of tens of millions of useless “places of worship” not worth attending at all….

The Holy Kiss

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

“Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you” (Romans 16:16 KJV).

What is this “holy kiss?”

Paul refers to the “holy kiss” on four occasions. “Salute one another with an holy kiss…” (Romans 16:16). “All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss” (1 Corinthians 16:20). “Greet one another with an holy kiss” (2 Corinthians 13:12). “Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss” (1 Thessalonians 5:26). Peter refers to a similar “kiss of charity [love in action]:” “Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen” (1 Peter 5:14).

In the Middle East, the kiss was a form of friendly or affectionate greeting. “And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son. And he came near, and kissed him…” (Genesis 27:26,27). “And Jacob kissed Rachel…” (Genesis 29:11). “…And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him” (2 Samuel 20:9). “And forthwith he [hypocritical Judas Iscariot!] came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him” (Matthew 26:49). “Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet” (Luke 7:45). “And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him, Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship” (Acts 20:37,38).

Thus, through Peter and Paul, believers are exhorted to greet or salute each other with a “holy kiss.” Considering passages such as 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 1 Corinthians 3:1-4, 1 Corinthians 11:17-19, and 2 Corinthians 12:20,21; the Corinthians particularly needed to get along with each other. The “holy” kiss was a “set-apart” kiss—believers greeting each other on the forehead, cheek, or beard. It had no sexual connotation. Men kissed men, and women kissed women. Would this type of kissing be appropriate today? It would probably not be, as it was more of a cultural issue in Bible days. Nevertheless, we should greet each other in Christ in some fashion—maybe shaking hands, hugging, waving, and so on. As long as there is a sense of tenderness or care, that is all that really matters. The heart attitude is what is most important, not the physical movements.

The Thing Which is Good

Monday, September 1, 2025

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Ephesians 4:28 KJV).

On this Labor Day, we talk about work, “the thing which is good.”

In this day and age of increasing “government assistance,” people are becoming less and less aware of our hard work being the Lord Jesus’ preferred method of the source of our incomes. While the physically and mentally disabled are obvious exceptions, the God of the Bible expects all of us to contribute labor in order to provide for ourselves. For children and young adults, even being a student in school is work enough!

Observe the doctrine being communicated in today’s Scripture. The grace life does not merely teach us to quit doing bad things, but it also instructs us to start doing good things (Titus 2:11,12). Once a thief trusts the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished crosswork as sufficient payment for his sins, then God expects that thief to quit stealing and find a job so he can provide for his needs!

The God of creation calls work “the thing which is good” (today’s Scripture). Work is not something to be avoided; it is something to be embraced for the Lord’s glory!

When the Lord Jesus Christ put the first man, Adam, on earth, that man had a divine commission. Adam was not to simply loaf around and do nothing: “And the LORD God took the man, and put him in the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Adam was to protect that garden, to till its ground, to prepare it for Jesus Christ to come down and dwell in with he and Eve (because of sin, that earthly kingdom over which Jesus Christ will rule is still awaiting fulfillment!).

Saints, may we work to provide for our families (1 Timothy 5:8), and may we work to help those who truly are needy (today’s Scripture). In the words of God the Holy Spirit, that is “good!” 🙂