Author: Christian ambassador (Shawn Brasseaux)

Grace and peace! What a privilege to be an ambassador for the risen Christ here on WordPress! I am a Pauline dispensationalist Christian saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus plus nothing! My goal is to "have all men saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:3,4). I seek to preach Jesus Christ crucified for our sins, buried, and raised again for our justification as the only way to salvation. Also, I seek to edify and perfect the saints using dispensational Bible study and the Authorized Version King James Bible!

Riches and the Four Gospels #5

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

“And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (Luke 18:24,25 KJV).

Understandably, “health-and-wealth” preachers and teachers never quote Jesus’ words in today’s Scripture!

Observe how Jesus’ audience responded to today’s Scripture: “[26] And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? [27] And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. [28] Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. [29] And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, [30] Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.”

Jesus’ audience did not comprehend that those who could be saved in Israel’s program were those who sold their possessions and gave to the poor. The rich, however, would be greedy, worshipping “mammon” (their material wealth; Matthew 6:24-34). They would fall into the snare of the Antichrist—and once they would accept his mark or worship him in order to keep the value of their possessions, the Bible says they would be damned to everlasting hellfire (Revelation 14:9-11).

The Apostle Peter, representing all members of Israel’s little flock, responded, “Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.” Jesus assured them that He knew that they had abandoned their houses, families, businesses, and so on, for the sake of God’s kingdom. He reassured them that they would receive “manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.” What did He mean?

Though believing Jews had lost their flesh-and-blood family members, and their material possessions, they had gained many brothers and sisters and spiritual wealth in Christ. These Messianic Jews would behave like family now by taking care of each other’s physical needs….

Riches and the Four Gospels #4

Monday, August 4, 2014

Understandably, “health-and-wealth” preachers and teachers never quote Jesus’ words in today’s Scripture!

When Jesus spoke today’s Scripture, He had Israel’s prophetic program in mind. The book of Proverbs had already foretold: “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death” (11:4). “Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the LORD’S wrath; but the whole land shall be devoured by the fire of his jealousy: for he shall make even a speedy riddance of all them that dwell in the land” (Zephaniah 1:18).

Once Israel’s Messiah, Jesus, arrived, her program was in its “last days” (Hebrews 1:2; cf. Acts 2:16-21; Joel 2:28-32; Luke 16:16; Matthew 3:7-12). After the outpouring of the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2), the day of the LORD’S wrath, the seven-year Tribulation, was to begin. Then, the Antichrist, the false Messiah, would con Israel, and cause her to rest in a false peace policy. He would then manifest himself as satanic by implementing a tyrannical economic agenda: “[16] And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: [17] And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name” (Revelation 13:16,17).

Jesus knew that material riches would spiritually hinder and destroy His little flock, for they would be tempted to take the Antichrist’s mark and accept his name or number in order to retain their physical possessions. He even warned Israel’s believers not to be attached to material goods during the Tribulation period (Matthew 24:15-18; Mark 13:14-16). If they sold all they had, they would be guarded against materialism. However, those rich would value their possessions, and thus submit to the Antichrist….

Riches and the Four Gospels #3

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Understandably, “health-and-wealth” preachers and teachers never quote Jesus’ words in today’s Scripture!

In Luke 12:13-15, a man desired Jesus to speak with his brother, that he “divide the inheritance” with him. Christ replied, “Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you? [And he said unto them,] Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Jesus then spoke a parable, describing how a rich man wanted to demolish his barns and build larger ones to contain his many fruits and goods. This fool deceived himself into thinking he could now enjoy “the good life,” forgetting that he would perish, lose it all, and stand before God as an idolater. Jesus concluded, “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (verse 21).

Jesus then proceeded to tell His disciples not to worry about what they would eat, drink, or wear (verses 22-29).

Verses 30-34 continue, “[30] For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. [31] But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. [32] Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. [33] Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. [34] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

In the Four Gospels, Jesus told the Jews that selling all their possessions and giving to the poor was a sign that their heart, their hope, was in heaven. Those who ignored this command were signifying their unbelief….

Riches and the Four Gospels #2

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Understandably, “health-and-wealth” preachers and teachers never quote Jesus’ words in today’s Scripture!

The context of today’s Scripture (Luke 18:18-30; cf. Matthew 19:16-30) is a “certain ruler” asked Jesus Christ, “Good Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (verse 18). “[19] And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. [Jesus was asking him, “Are you calling Me ‘God?’” Modern versions water down this verse for obvious reasons.] [20] Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. [21] And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up” (Luke 18:19-21). (Note how law-keeping is related to soul salvation in Israel’s program, just as James 2:17-26 says.)

We proceed to read today’s Scripture within its immediate context: “[22] Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. [23] And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. [24] And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! [25] For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”

Our Lord Jesus commanded this wealthy ruler to sell all of his possessions and give (alms) to the poor. Why? And why did Jesus speak so negatively of being wealthy, warning His audience not to be rich (and instructing them to sell their possessions, too)?

The answers may surprise you….

Riches and the Four Gospels #1

Friday, August 1, 2014

Understandably, “health-and-wealth” preachers and teachers never quote Jesus’ words in today’s Scripture!

Mass media (television, radio, and internet) have been effectual means in sharing the Gospel of the Grace of God and sound Bible teaching with the masses. Nevertheless, just as tares (weeds) sprout among wheat, there are many charlatans dominating such “Christian” programming. Just as Simon the sorcerer “bewitched” the people of Samaria with counterfeit (satanic) miraculous demonstrations (Acts 8:9-11), millions upon millions are still under the spell of false religion that literally parades as “Gospel truth.”

In the last few decades, the professing church has gravitated more and more toward megachurches and “feel-good” messages. We see and hear on television, on radio, and on the internet, teachers and preachers who tickle ears with such common taglines as, “God wants to supernaturally cancel all your debts,” “God wants to deposit thousands into your bank account,” and “God wants you healed not sick.” (Then, they urge you to send in a “generous seed donation” so “God” can deposit millions into their bank accounts!)

Christendom often quotes Jesus’ earthly ministry, but when they push for “wealthy Christian living,” they have to look elsewhere in Scripture. Today’s Scripture is an obvious embarrassment to the “God-wants-you-wealthy” crowd, for since what Jesus said was true, God would actually be giving you riches in order to keep you out of His kingdom! Yea, lest the church program be jeopardized, Christendom is rather forced to go back to the “Old Testament” Scriptures and use rich Abraham (Genesis 13:2), wealthy King Solomon (1 Kings 3:13), and prosperous Job (Job 1:3; Job 42:10-12) as examples.

Still, this begs another question: God certainly blessed Abraham, Solomon, and Job with material riches, so why did Jesus tell His audience in today’s Scripture that material riches were detrimental (disadvantageous) to their salvation?

Let us be Bereans and search the Scriptures (Acts 17:10,11)….

arC Ministries Turns 7!

Thursday, July 31, 2014

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV).

Rejoice with us in Christ Jesus as arC Ministries celebrates its seventh anniversary today!

On July 31, 2007, I started a Facebook group titled, “ambassadors for the risen Christ.” It was one of the first Bible study groups on Facebook, designed to serve as a platform where I would write and post Bible studies for college students to read and discuss (it still exists today). These last seven years have certainly flown by. To dream that that small group would lead to where our ministry is today was totally unexpected!

For the last three years, we have dedicated much of our time to this devotionals blog, and for the last two years, we have focused on developing and drafting a grace study Bible (entering its third year tomorrow). Other ministry projects include a 22-week newspaper ministry column (this devotionals blog’s predecessor), a YouTube channel with home Bible study videos, a Twitter feed, a full-length Bible studies blog, a college campus ministry, a nursing-home ministry, and late last year, we introduced our Bible-question-and-answer blog.

We have heard from people from five continents and from many walks of life—atheists, pastors, priests, seminarians, common church members, and Bible teachers. It has been quite a joy to see countless people come to understand and rejoice in Bible truth, whether they were saved unto eternal life or rescued from vain religious tradition unto spiritual maturity.

Our very name says it all: we serve the risen Lord Jesus Christ, not some “dead Jew” and not ourselves. Dear saints, for those of you who have been with us these last seven years, we thank you for your prayer support. This is your fruit, and in eternity, you will partake of the benefits. How we are ever grateful to our Lord Jesus Christ, who committed unto all of us the ministry of reconciliation, that we may tell others God has paid the price of their sins in full at Calvary, and teach them from the rightly divided Bible what it all means in light of eternity.

Here is to another seven years to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ! Onward in Him we go! 🙂

Delight in the Light

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

“Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors” (Psalm 119:24 KJV).

Let us delight in the Holy Bible’s spiritual light!

While shopping at a store recently, I could hear a young child pitching a fit in the distance but who was drawing closer to me. Then I saw him. In tears, this three- or four-year-old boy was walking around and repeatedly exclaiming, “I want a toy!” No matter what his parents were telling him, he would not be dissuaded. He still remembered what he wanted and he continued to whine for it. He had such delight and such determination. He wanted a toy!

If only everyone in the world were so fervent in seeking soul salvation unto eternal life through Jesus Christ, rather than focusing so much on this temporary world about us! If only all Christians would be so desirous of Bible understanding, rather than dedicating so much time and effort on concentrating on that which will pass away! To think that a child would value a temporary item so much when the average adult gives far less thought concerning things of eternal value.

Think of the many people who take lightly the topics of soul salvation from eternal hellfire unto eternal life and soul salvation from false teaching unto spiritual maturity. They have no idea that they are lost and they have no hint that they are not where they need to be in their spiritual understanding. We have to tell them God’s truth!

I am reminded of a Christian brother who has since “relocated to heaven,” how he used to be so eager to learn God’s truth. He would repetitively utter about spiritual matters, “Give me nothing but the truth. I want to hear the truth.” In this day of “itching ears,” such a plea is rarely heard (2 Timothy 4:3,4). The Psalmist of today’s Scripture desired, recognized, and delighted in the truth. He took great pleasure in the solemn declarations of JEHOVAH God, utilizing His written words as his advisers. Beloved, may we desire, seek, find, and enjoy the preserved words of God in English, the King James Bible, and may we share it with others so they can delight in it, too! 🙂

Jesus Christ, Preeminent One

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

“…that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18c KJV).

Behold, the Person who alone will have preeminence in all things!

A celebrity once questioned why people had to talk about Jesus Christ “so much.” (Perhaps people should be talking about her instead?) Beloved, such people are actually indicating that they have no clue as to why they exist. They are so self-absorbed that they are thoroughly shocked when they learn it is not “all about them.”

Imagine the pride that filled Lucifer’s heart when he saw his own reflection, and the envy that filled his heart when he realized that God was on the throne rather than he! These two emotions—pride and envy—permeate the sinful human soul; hence, the Bible calls lost mankind, “children of the devil” (John 8:44), “[those] of that wicked one” (1 John 3:12), and “children of disobedience” and “children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:2,3). No wonder God has to kill that awful nature before He can let us into heaven!

The mystery of God’s will is to have all of heaven and earth under Jesus Christ’s authority (Ephesians 1:9,10). Colossians 1:16-20 says that Jesus Christ will have preeminence over all things, all the governments of heaven and earth. Throughout eternity future, Jesus Christ will have preeminence in everything, and He will use us to glorify Himself in heaven and redeemed Israel to glorify Himself on earth.

Philippians 2:9-11 says that all creatures in heaven, in earth, and under the earth (lost mankind and all the fallen angels in hellfire), will bow before Jesus Christ one day. Although the lost are permanently severed from Him, they will admit and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of Father God. All of the world’s religious leaders—popes, preachers, seminary professors, imams, gurus, “prophets,” Dalai Lamas, priests—will be forced to bow to Jesus Christ and give Him all the worship He alone deserves.

“Wherefore God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

That is why we talk about Jesus Christ “so much!” 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A’s: “Did the Church the Body of Christ Begin in Acts 2?” and (our special 50th Q&A) “When Did the Church the Body of Christ Begin?”

You At the Finish Line

Monday, July 28, 2014

“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:12 KJV).

When you reach “the finish line,” your brief earthly life now done, your life in eternity has just begun, so you had better have God’s Son!

Some obituary columns are a few sentences long; others feature several paragraphs delineating many lifetime achievements. The deceased were professionals, lifelong members of and servants in local churches, dedicated their time and resources to various clubs and/or organizations, enjoyed certain hobbies, had families, and so on. We read of those who travelled the world as philanthropists, who died as celebrities, who received many prestigious awards, et cetera.

Yet, beyond all of that, we can only wonder what they did with God’s Son. They did a lot with their lives, but what did they do with Jesus Christ’s life? Did they accept it by faith? Was there ever a point when they believed that all of their good works did not measure up before God? Was it ever Jesus Christ living in them, or was it all done for nought (“in the flesh”)? Save Jesus Christ, there is nothing we can take from this world upon death.

Dear readers, God Almighty looks beyond social statuses, material possessions, romantic lives, humanitarian awards, religious affiliations, education, and the like. The Bible is as plain as 19 one-syllable words can be: “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:12). Think of all the things that people often stick into that verse that are not there—there is no reference to church membership, good works, believing God exists, emotional experiences, and so on. We have either trusted God’s only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as our personal Saviour, or we have not. We either have Him or we do not. There is no in-between.

No matter who you are or what you have done, God will accept you in His Son. Come by simple faith in Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for the complete payment for your sins, and enjoy the everlasting victory He has secured for you!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Can you please explain Paul’s ‘Acts’ ministry?”

Something Better Than Works

Sunday, July 27, 2014

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23 KJV).

Today’s Scripture says that there is something better than “good” works. What is it?

Religious people often contend, “If that good person did not go to heaven, no one is going to heaven.” Indeed, there are many kind, honest, law-abiding citizens in religion; yet, even the best of them are imperfect (that is what sin is!). When we read about “all liars” having their part in the lake of fire and brimstone (Revelation 21:8), we realize that condemnation covers everyone. No matter how much “good” we do, there are plenty of lies we can never rescind.

Moreover, the Lord Jesus declared in today’s Scripture that “good” works can actually be “iniquity:” people known for doing “good” works may in fact be those “that work iniquity [wickedness].” He pointed out that good works—even if done supposedly “in His name”—are not the issue. Anyone can do good works, and everyone does good works, so God is looking for something beyond external activity. God is interested in the heart—trust in Him. The Lord Jesus told His audience that they were to do the will of His Father in heaven. What was His Father’s will? “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40). Everyone does “good” works, but precious few will do God’s will by trusting Jesus Christ!

Something better than our works—which are always imperfect—is our faith in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ at Calvary to put away our sins so He can produce in us the good works He alone can generate (Philippians 1:11)!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What is ‘the Dispensation of Grace?’”

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