Category: cults

Spiritual Calligraphy #2

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us about spiritual calligraphy?

Adam and Eve rebelled against their Creator in Genesis chapter 3. For roughly the next 2,000 years of human history, the peoples of the world also had access to the God of creation. Yet, they too chose sin and Satan: “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them” (Genesis 6:5-7).

In chapters 6–8, the LORD God sent the Great Flood to destroy all people save eight—Noah, his wife, and their three sons and daughters-in-law. These survivors stepped off the Ark in chapter 9, with the nations descending from Noah’s sons being recorded in chapter 10. These are the Gentiles. By the time of Genesis chapter 11, the nations are going the way of Satan-worship again: “[1] And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. [2] And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. [3] And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. [4] And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.”

With post-Flood (after the Flood) mankind repeating his pre-Flood (before the Flood) sins, the LORD God intervenes yet again to ensure His purpose and plan in creation come to pass. He will raise up one man by the name of Abraham….

Spiritual Calligraphy #1

Monday, May 6, 2024

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us about spiritual calligraphy?

Upon being asked about his religious beliefs, one celebrated entertainer answered how he was a lapsed member of his denomination. Why? It had given him no meaningful answers. Now, he was earning quite a large salary making fun of religion. Considering the watered-down system he was raised in, no Bible believer could ever fault him for leaving or mocking that cult! Clearly, like so many countless millions, he was disenchanted, embittered, indignant, disappointed, resentful, dissatisfied.

Dear friends, we do not need to be told that life is difficult. It abounds with perplexities and struggles of all kinds. Some 6,000 years of world history testify to this fact. Of all the places where we should be able to find truly meaningful answers, it would seem to be in a church building somewhere. If there were actually people worshipping some “supreme being” that really existed, then “he/she/it” would be able to solve at least some of humanity’s never-ending problems. There would be even the slightest chance of making sense of this world’s mysteries, obtaining justice for at least some of those wronged, and achieving peace, health, and prosperity for people everywhere.

Nonetheless, time and time again “church” sooner or later becomes a frustration or regret for a great many. Why? What we need to be sure we understand is that creeds, confessions, ceremonies, rites, rituals, and programs are no substitute for the truth. Try as hard as we might to do and think right, we the human species are a helpless and hopeless bunch—and how silly we are when we expect frail, limited creatures like ourselves to answer our questions and offer us solutions when they are powerless in overcoming the same dilemmas (!).

Calligraphy is the art of writing in fancy, attractive, elegant, or striking ways. In contrast to ordinary, “boring” penmanship, calligraphy often features “flourishes” (curves or extra lines). It is thus no surprise that “calligraphy,” derived from the Greek language, literally means “good writing” (“kalos,” as in “good/beautiful;” “grapho,” or “I write”). Let us see if we are able to use today’s Scripture to learn about spiritual calligraphy….

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #13

Sunday, May 5, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

As opposed to “naming and claiming” today’s Scripture (which has a context different from what denominationalism has led us to believe!), here are some pertinent references to us members of the Church the Body of Christ meeting with each other (for Bible study and fellowship).

“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together” (Acts 20:7,8). “These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 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 3:14,15). “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13).

In the Pauline pastoral epistles—1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon—we find Divine counsel on how to run the local church or assembly. First Timothy chapter 3 and Titus chapter 1 list the qualifications for “bishops,” “deacons,” and “elders.” Note the brethren interacting in Titus chapters 2 and 3. Paul’s epistles of Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 and 2 Thessalonians were all written to assemblies of saints living and meeting in their respective cities or regions (Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colosse, and Thessalonica). Timothy served as pastor in Ephesus, Titus was pastor on the island of Crete, and Philemon’s home in Colosse was the site of a local church.

Read of the individual local churches in Romans 16:5,10,11,14,15; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; 2 Timothy 1:16; 2 Timothy 4:19; and Philemon 2. These Christians were congregating in personal homes in the first century; it was not until the third century when organized religion took over Christianity and started stressing buildings as the “church.” No, we Christians are the church! Therefore, whenever and wherever we meet around Scripture, we are having church!

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. 🙂

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #12

Saturday, May 4, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

What is usually passed off as “Christian” thinking is seldom pure and correct: it is not even remotely Christian. Due to denominationalism, going to church has been reduced to nothing more than faithfully attending services in a building some religious institution or organization owns or maintains. This group may or may not be Christian, but it seems to be, so anyone who does not join appears to be non-Christian. Consequently, home Bible studies (where the Holy Scriptures are used alone, apart from denominations) are not commonly considered “church” because of the lack of steeples, “altars,” stained-glass windows, robes, candles, pews, baptisteries, confession booths, and aisles.

Church in the Bible is much more than entering some physical structure and participating in rites, rituals, and ceremonies. At its heart, going to church is fellowshipping with God’s people around sound Bible doctrine (rightly divided Scripture). If we place more emphasis on form (where, when, how—externals) than on doctrine (faith in sound teaching—internals), we have totally missed the point and cheapened grace living so it looks like ancient Judaism’s dead religious bu$ine$$ and busyness.

We who are too nauseous and too disenchanted to attend denominational church services any longer, and prefer to meet in home Bible studies, are castigated for failing to assemble with “the church.” Little do our faultfinders realize we are fellowshipping with God’s people, saints, around the truth—and it is they (our critics) who are wrong because of their unity with false religious systems. The Bible makes it extremely clear we should separate from the religious system (Romans 16:17,18; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:1-7). Consequently, these verses take precedence over any misapplication of today’s Scripture (“the Bible says not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together!”).

The Holy Spirit through our Apostle Paul recommends we gather for church, but we do so with sound Bible doctrine at the heart of our meetings. It has nothing to do with social clubs, nothing to do with seeking soul salvation in some organization, nothing to do with entertainment, and nothing to do with today’s Scripture….

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #11

Friday, May 3, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

How extremely (extremely!) critical it is to our Bible understanding that we do not isolate verses from their context… and this includes today’s Scripture. To lift verses out of their dispensational setting is to go the way Christendom has for centuries upon centuries upon centuries—tens of thousands of denominations, cults, and sects all “picking and choosing” which Scriptures to “name and claim” and which to let alone and wish did not exist. Had they been mindful of contexts, there would have been far more discretion, far more maturity, and far less corruption and far less confusion.

While many take immense pleasure in appealing to today’s Scripture because it agrees with their theological system (and such mandatory church attendance is sure to generate funding for their denomination!), they tend to ignore verses 26-31 (the context) because the context is at variance with what their theological system promotes. The fact of the matter is that the Book of Hebrews applies to no one alive today. It is prophetic and Israeli, whereas we are in mystery and the Church the Body of Christ.

Like with God calling people to get on the Ark in Noah’s day, so the Holy Spirit through the writer of Hebrews (today’s Scripture) calls unbelieving Jews to place their faith in Jesus Christ and thereby join or assemble with the Little Flock (believing Israel) so as to survive the wrath to come (Matthew 24:36-41; Luke 17:24-37; Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20,21; 2 Peter 2:5; 2 Peter 3:5-7). Carefully note the wrath meted on unbelieving Israel in Hebrews 10:30,31—the wrath connected to the “day” of Christ’s Second Coming in verse 25, the wrath to fall on Jews who have not entered the “ark” of the Little Flock.

Someone will surely inquire, “If Hebrews 10:25 is for Israel and not for us, what about our church attendance? Should we go to church?” In order to answer this question, we must painstakingly lay out some clarifications….

One Mediator #9

Sunday, April 21, 2024

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV).

According to Sacred Scripture, the Holy Bible, how many mediators are there between God and men?

It is as plain and simple as English can be. We do not need to attend seminary (Bible cemetery!) and study foreign languages for 10 years to understand today’s Scripture: Jesus Christ alone is the one mediator between God and men. As works-religion Israel must learn, “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man [Jesus Christ!], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;…” (Hebrews 10:11,12).

Long ago, a little girl enrolled in a religious school reported to her mother how a Roman Catholic nun that day had given the class a lesson on prayer and mediatorship. The nun instructed these children (under age 10) how to pray. With all heads bowed and all eyes closed, that nun led these little children in prayer to ask “Jesus” for candy. When everyone finished praying, the nun ordered them to lift their heads and open their eyes. In utter disappointment, the youngsters noticed there was no candy on their desktops! The nun guided the children to again bow their heads, close their eyes, and pray for candy—except now they would pray to “the Virgin Mary.” After they begged for Mary’s intercession, they were thoroughly amazed to find candy on their desktops. In these dear little impressionable minds, and upon their naïve hearts, an indelible mark was made: for the rest of their lives, they would always remember how Mary provided what Jesus cannot (or will not)!

Yet, that is not all. The little girl revealed something disturbing to her mother (a woman with whom I talked). In class, this clever and curious student had peeked during the Mary prayer whereas her classmates had their eyes shut. She had seen the nun’s helpers quietly running around the classroom with bags of candy and placing these treats! Beloved, this kind of dishonesty abounds in religion, people who will deceive anyone and everyone so as to preserve their denomination or theological system. Beware of them!

One Mediator #8

Saturday, April 20, 2024

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV).

According to Sacred Scripture, the Holy Bible, how many mediators are there between God and men?

Just as the Book of Hebrews declares, Israel must learn how the Old Covenant of Law (including its Levitical priesthood) will give way to the New Covenant (and its Melchisedecian priesthood of Jesus Christ). “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises” (Hebrews 8:6). “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance” (Hebrews 9:15). “And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel” (Hebrews 12:24).

John the Apostle added, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate [intercessor] with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:…” (1 John 2:1). Christ’s shed blood that will ratify the New Covenant at His Second Coming, is the same shed blood that allows us in the Dispensation of Grace to come before Father God (see today’s Scripture, plus verses 6 and 7).

Nevertheless, countless intermediary beings or inanimate things are presumed to play some role in men’s fellowship with God. Whether “Mother Mary” (the so-called “co-mediatrix and co-redemptrix”), or angels, or departed saints in Heaven, or sacraments, or priesthoods, someone or something is being used as a vessel, channel, or vehicle to “get closer to God,” to elicit blessings or answers to prayer from Him. Frankly, these are nothing more than Satan’s policy of evil sidetracking hearts and minds away from the Lord Jesus Christ. These “other mediators” serve no purpose whatsoever—save to blind the minds of them which believe not, to hide the Gospel of the Grace of God from Hell-bound sinners, that they stay out of God’s will of being saved through Jesus Christ’s mediatorship (see 2 Corinthians 4:3,4).

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

One Mediator #7

Friday, April 19, 2024

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV).

According to Sacred Scripture, the Holy Bible, how many mediators are there between God and men?

In Judaism (especially detailed in Leviticus, and briefly summarized in portions of Hebrews), the Levitical priests in the Tabernacle and the Temple served as mediators between the LORD God and Israel. They offered sacrifices for the Jewish people, burned incense for the Jewish people, annually appeared before the Mercy Seat for the Jewish people on the Day of Atonement, and so on. These sons of Aaron were Israel’s representatives before JEHOVAH God.

However, when Jesus Christ came to Israel during His earthly ministry, the nation preferred to retain their watered-down religion instead of recognize His mediatorship. The writer of the Book of Hebrews, penning his work during Acts, expounds: “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man [Jesus], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable [nontransferable] priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore” (Hebrews 7:22-28).

Alas, due to church tradition (especially Roman Catholicism), Christendom has retained some elements of Judaism (a priesthood, an elaborate system of sacrifices and holy meals, altars, candles, prayers). Like with apostate (unbelieving) Israel in New Testament times, when Hebrews and today’s Scripture were written, these “aids to worship” served only to distract from the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished crosswork (of which the Law of Moses foretold). Whether lost Israel or pagan Gentiles, all had inferior mediators between God and men. This is still true….

One Mediator #6

Thursday, April 18, 2024

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV).

According to Sacred Scripture, the Holy Bible, how many mediators are there between God and men?

The mediator between God and men can take God by the hand and mankind by the hand, and join them together. “For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both” (Job 9:32,33). As God in human flesh, Jesus is both God and man (see John 1:1,14). Notice, He is “the man Christ Jesus” (today’s Scripture). Being undiminished Deity and full humanity in one Person, He alone can mediate between the two parties. This is exclusivist, and, understandably, quite offensive and very controversial.

Courtesy of religious tradition and paganism, there is a prevailing myth that “there are many ways to God.” However, that is not what the Bible says. If we are Bible believers, we will simply believe the Bible. It says what it means, and it means what it says. We can disagree with it if we want, but that does not change what it means or change what it says. Paul’s writing here is not the only word on the subject. Here is another primary verse pertinent to the discussion: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Peter preached in early Acts: “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:10-12).

Indeed, however, in our world of endless pleas for “tolerance” and “open-mindedness,” few are tolerant of the Bible and few are open-minded concerning the Bible…

One Mediator #5

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV).

According to Sacred Scripture, the Holy Bible, how many mediators are there between God and men?

The Greek word Paul used in today’s Scripture is “mesites,” from “mesos” (“middle”). Our King James translators rendered it “mediator,” someone who is a “go-between.” A mediator must naturally have something in common with both parties between whom he is mediating. He needs to understand and address both sides of the issue, so as to accomplish peace between them.

Re-read Job 9:32,33: “For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.” As we stated earlier, this is Job describing God who is “not a man, as I am.” Also, at the time of Job, there is no “daysman” (mediator, moderator) between God and Job (a man) or God and men (humanity as a whole).

With a completed Bible in hand, we see entirely what Job saw only in part. Today’s Scripture tells us: “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;….” As noted in our prior comments, the “mediator” must share something with both parties. In this context, we see “God our Saviour” (1 Timothy 2:3). Compare to Isaiah 43:11: “I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.” The only Saviour in the Bible is JEHOVAH God.

The Bible repeatedly states in various ways—“a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11); “the Christ, the Saviour of the world” (John 4:42); “a Saviour, Jesus” (Acts 13:23); “the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20); “our Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 1:10); “the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour” (Titus 1:4); “our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13); “Jesus Christ our Saviour” (Titus 3:6). “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world” (1 John 4:14). “Jesus” is the Greek form of the Hebrew “Joshua” or “Jehoshua,” meaning “JEHOVAH-Saviour” (see Matthew 1:21). Jesus and JEHOVAH are definitely the same Person….