Category: denominationalism

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #140

Tuesday, October 13, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Doubtless, it is human nature to desire entertainment, a marked emotional experience that relieves us of the monotony of daily affairs. We yearn to escape the “same old, same old,” so we read or write romance novels, watch or produce horror movies, and tell jokes or listen to humorous stories. Whether bliss, fright, or hilarity, these immaterial or intangible reactions in us can be easily confused with the invisible working of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Those who frequent church services that feature boring rites, rituals, and ceremonies, can take only so much before fleeing in disgust. Dead, uninteresting, cold religion is enough to make anyone launch a lifelong crusade railing against God for the foolishness of man witnessed! It had been a “sin” to so much as whisper in the “sanctuary”—unless, of course, you whispered a prayer. The atmosphere was subdued to the point that several closed eyes could be seen and countless snores could be heard. Yet, for the souls desiring to stay in church, they simply move to the other extreme—lively “worship” services of loud music, prolonged singing, dancing, jumping, swaying, raising hands, and so on. Here, they hold weekly “concerts for the Lord,” and just as many attend these as if they were a secular venue where the Lord’s name is never mentioned even once.

We now reflect on thought-provoking questions. Could singing about Jesus ever really be evil? Is it possible to praise the Devil with our musical instruments? What about in a church setting? How can we measure the propriety or impropriety of such conduct? So as to prompt further critical thinking, we offer this verse: “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying” (1 Corinthians 14:26). As Corinth could (and did) teach us much about the real Lord’s Supper and the fake one, so it can (and will) alert us to diabolical counterfeits in the world of music….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #139

Monday, October 12, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

For countless millions, “holy communion” is a time of excessive use of manmade prayers, ringing of bells, bowing of heads and knees, eating of wafers, drinking of wine/juice, playing of music, burning of incense, crossing of one’s heart, folding of hands, wearing of costly apparel, pacing to and fro, looking up to Heaven, using special utensils, alleviating guilt, and on and on and on. There is more showmanship than spirituality, more ritualism than righteousness, more ignorance than knowledge, more formalism than truth, and more unbelief than faith. Yet, it makes these spectators feel good, closer to God, and superior to those without. If ever they were to trust the pure Gospel of Grace—Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day—all these grounds for their boasting would be thrown out and permanently shut out. It would start being about what He did once for all, rather than what they do over and over again (trying to perform better each time, but failing miserably). Therefore, they would rather spend eternity in the Lake of Fire than part ways with what appeals to their sin nature and strokes their egos.

God the Holy Spirit set forth general guidelines about the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:20-34 rather than specifics. He did not want us to get caught up in meticulous adherence to insignificant details and external/body rather than internal/heart (religionists become obsessed with outward form—see Matthew 23:23-33). Unlike the annual feasts of the LORD under the Law of Moses (Leviticus chapter 23), the frequency of the Lord’s Supper is not stipulated. Scripture never sets a schedule—whether daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, or whatever, for that is not important. “As oft as” and “as often as” (1 Corinthians 11:25,26) are as close to any prescribed timetable as the Bible gets. We should use our renewed mind to figure out the rest. Above all, what matters is that we think about the Lord Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for our sins—how it binds us to God, to each other (members of the Body of Christ), and even to believing Israel (Messianic Church, Little Flock).

We now pass on to yet another realm of misunderstanding….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #138

Sunday, October 11, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

“For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world” (1 Corinthians 11:30-32). Severe medical problems—and even no health (yea, physical death!)—resulted from the Corinthians’ sins of gluttony and drunkenness at the Lord’s Supper (verses 21,22). Just because they were Christians did not mean God would exempt them from the natural consequences of their stupidity! He simply handed them over to the aftermath of their willful choices; they had only themselves to blame.

“Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come” (verses 33,34). In the place of selfishness (verses 21,22), the Corinthians should eat together, sharing whatever food and drink they could with fellow believers. The Lord’s Supper would thus be beneficial instead of detrimental. Much chaos overwhelmed them, but at least they would resolve this problem before Paul went back to southern Greece. Twenty centuries later, the majority of our local churches have yet to improve their thoughts and activities regarding the Lord’s Supper.

Interestingly, a segment of the grace community maintains the Lord’s Supper was exclusively for the Acts transitional period. They suppose it is the Passover feast, but such is ignorance. Firstly, the Passover must always be observed in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 16:1,2,6), whereas the Corinthians held the Lord’s Supper in Corinth. Secondly, Paul writes how believers should observe the Lord’s Supper “till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Did Christ return at the close of Acts? No! Then, believers should still be holding the Lord’s Supper until our Dispensation of Grace ends. Paul did not “borrow” the Lord’s Supper from prophecy. It is part of the revelation of the mystery that the resurrected, ascended, and glorified Lord Jesus Christ gave him (1 Corinthians 11:23)….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #137

Saturday, October 10, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Instead of the Lord’s Supper being serious and reverent—a time to remember the Lord Jesus’ cruel death on the cross of Calvary—the Bible babies of Corinth made it all about amusing self. Yea, it was indistinguishable from a secular party unsaved people have with their fine foods and expensive alcoholic beverages.

“Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body” (verses 27-29). If the immature Corinthians treated this mere representation of Christ’s finished crosswork with such flippancy and contempt, what was their attitude about that actual crosswork? God the Holy Spirit condemned their outrageous conduct! Failing to esteem its memorial supper, they valued neither Calvary nor their brethren in Christ. Having animosity against believers with whom they were about to eat and drink, and a desire to be disrespectful (“eat… drink… unworthily”), they should have stayed home rather than go to church and give the Devil an occasion to divide. Yet, if they could inspect their hearts and determine God’s Spirit had filled them with an attitude of grace, they should absolutely partake of the Lord’s Supper and get better acquainted with the people with whom they will share eternity in Heaven….

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 Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #136

Friday, October 9, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

“Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies [sects or disagreements caused by false teaching] among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not” (1 Corinthians 11:17-21).

Having accepted so much false teaching, the church at Corinth was exceedingly fractured into little denominations (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 1 Corinthians 3:1-4). Therefore, when they publicly assembled for “worship,” it was more destructive than beneficial. In fact, it was better for them to stay home and not meet at all! Their alleged “Lord’s Supper” was an occasion to the flesh, and the Holy Spirit through their Apostle denounced them as holding nothing but the Devil’s Supper. Why? Wealthier Corinthian saints were partying as drunkards and gluttons, not sharing their food or their drink with their fellow brethren in Christ (who were poorer and could not afford such luxuries). This selfish behavior only reinforced their schisms. What God had intended to be a solemn occasion, the Corinthians reduced it to just another social function—no different from lost people getting together to “have a good time!” Even now, in the spirit of Corinth, there are modern churches who could not care less about sound Bible doctrine… but they readily congregate at “God’s house” to enjoy delicious potluck dinners (the food, fun, fellowship, and foolishness of denominationalism).

Let us see what else Corinthians can teach us….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #114

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

God’s ministry needs funding, so we can and should give of our resources (money, time, energy) to support it as we are able. Yet, this is not tithing! If the Word of God’s Grace works in us, if His Holy Spirit fills us, then we will give cheerfully—exactly as in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 (never once does the word “tithe” appear in those passages). Regrettably, leaders tend to steal those supplies simply to build manmade denominational systems on the backs of ignorant, gullible people. They teach false doctrine and extort money from spiritual children. Religion is big bu$ine$$—and this should not surprise us in the least because it was big bu$ine$$ over 2,000 years ago in New Testament times. Judaism, God’s religion, had been corrupted, transformed into a money-making scheme: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses [cheating widows out of everything they own by offering to pray for their dead husbands at a steep price!!], and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation” (Matthew 23:14; cf. Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47).

“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:12,13; cf. Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45,46). As Jews from other nations came to worship for the feasts of Judaism, they brought foreign currencies to the Jerusalem Temple. These heathen monies would be converted to the Jewish shekel, and, in the process, the visitors were given less than what they were owed while the (corrupt) moneychangers took more than what they were owed. Jesus cleansing the Temple infuriated those religious leaders to the point they wanted to kill Him, for He had eliminated their source of (dishonest) income (Mark 11:18; Luke 19:47,48)!!

Of course, it should not astonish us when religionists and denominationalists violently react as we share sound Bible doctrine now….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #113

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Materialism and covetousness are so widespread in countless churches and “Christian” schools that people wonder if they should fund the preacher’s/teacher’s lavish lifestyle or pay their own bills. They suppose they can add another “0” to their donation so as to avert God’s disfavor. Or, consider the man who gave $10,000 (!) a (!) month (!) to his megachurch. He told his Christian stepmother that he had to give it to get to Heaven (what was he learning at that “church?!”). She tried in vain to convince him otherwise. As far as we know, he died in his sins… just as lost as the poorest pauper in Adam!

It is nobody’s business what amount we give to God’s ministry. Nevertheless, denominational boards have presumptuously reviewed personal financial/tax records to see who is giving what—and to reprimand contributors who fall short of that anticipated precious 10%! A man once explained how he, in frustration, stopped attending his feel-good megachurch. They had just constructed a 3,000-seat auditorium, so the preacher constantly begged for tithes and offerings to pay it off. A dear Christian friend informed me that his denominational church (which he has since left) placed the names of large financial donors on a sign for everyone to notice. If the praise of men is our incentive to give to God’s ministry, beloved, we should not give a single penny. A gift donated with that attitude—even if billions of dollars—will be absolutely worthless at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Are they really upholding sound Bible doctrine when they refer to “raising money” for “ministry” and “missions?” Or, are they just seeking funds for the proselytization of people so their denominations can increase membership (which individuals are still unsaved!). We should always cheerfully give of our resources to support God’s ministry, but let us be sure that we are backing God’s work rather than the Devil’s! It should be a legitimate grace ministry, teaching the Word of God rightly divided and clearly preaching the Message of Grace. If not, we ought not waste one cent giving there or one second going there….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #112

Monday, September 14, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Reflecting on Christendom’s boundless confusion, we must realize that they know more than we assume. For instance, the pastor of the last denominational church I attended was aware of the truth about tithing; after all, I had taught him. Yet, his exact words when we met in private were: “Do not tell my people they are not under the tithe. They do not give enough as it is!” (By the way, he had allowed old, domineering, wealthy women in his congregation to bully a senior citizen on a fixed income to “give more!”) Hearing those words with my own ears forever settled in my mind that more denominational leaders know the truth about tithing (and other issues) than we suppose, but they choose to be silent. They will not openly embrace or preach the truth because it would divide their little social club of food, fun, fellowship, and foolishness!

In fact, when I was an infant, my family went to one local assembly. A certain deacon seemed to be the “most spiritual” of everyone there. HA! Once I reached adulthood and learned dispensational Bible truth, I confronted him about tithing, thinking I would bring him some light. I was surprised to hear him say: “I have longtime known that we are not under the tithe, but I never told your family or anyone else at our former church because it would have been too controversial!” Again, this is my firsthand knowledge that denominationalists comprehend more than we think. Beloved, it ought to bother us, alarm us, that this deception has been going on in our churches for centuries… all in the name of “Jesus,” of course!

Denominationalists cry out, “We literally cannot afford to tolerate or tell the truth; it will drive us out of bu$ine$$! We are not going to challenge or change our long-held traditions, no matter how wrong they are and no matter how wrong we are!” Demetrius confessed something similar in Acts 19:23-27. He understood Paul’s preaching would dry up his income and collapse his city’s economy that depended on idol-making!

Let us keep exploring and correcting the misunderstandings about money matters in Christendom….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #111

Sunday, September 13, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Doubtless, tithing is Scriptural—but is it dispensational? To wit, is it God’s Word to and about us? No! Even if we wanted to, it is impossible to give a biblical tithe today. There is no functioning Levitical priesthood, no Jerusalem Temple, no Mosaic Law, and no Israel in God’s current relations with man. Furthermore, no biblical tithe would ever fund manmade denominations!

Israel’s tithing was to prove God’s faithfulness to bless in response to obedience (or, His faithfulness to curse in reaction to disobedience!). However, giving under Grace (God’s present dealings with us) is to prove our gratitude to God for Him blessing us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Tithing is driven by fear and guilt, but giving under Grace originates from love and thankfulness. Mark it well: God’s grace is not against giving; it is against tithing!

The Bible is clear that local churches should financially support their pastors and teachers as much as they are able, for those leaders do the work of the ministry (1 Corinthians 9:1-18; 2 Corinthians 11:9; Galatians 6:6,10; Philippians 4:10-18; 1 Timothy 5:17,18). Alas, there is so much abuse, as staggering sums of money have been taken—and are still being taken—under fraudulent pretenses. For centuries upon centuries, denominational people have been giving out of guilt and fear (Law, not Grace), thinking they will receive material riches from God in return (“prosperity theology”). Such extortion has proliferated substantially since the advent of telecommunications (radio, television, and internet). The Scriptures foretold in 1 Timothy 6:3-19 about multimillionaire preachers and multimillionaire teachers—and those who lacked enough spiritual sense to avoid being scammed have no one to blame but themselves.

After a brother came to understand the Bible dispensationally, learning how we are not obligated to tithe but are free to give under Grace, he told me, “All these denominational churches are about is money!” Sure! It took him only 60 years to figure that out. Unfortunately, before he graduated to Heaven, he wound up back at a church of his former denomination! (His case is not isolated.)

Let us see if we can drive out even more Bible ignorance….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #110

Saturday, September 12, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Re-read that classic proof-text denominations relentlessly use as they beg for “tithes:” “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts” (Malachi 3:8-11).

Context matters! The “cursed nation” of Malachi 3:9 is Israel (Malachi 1:1), suffering the curses of Leviticus 26:1-46 and Deuteronomy 27:1–28:68. By withholding tithes and offerings, they have violated the Law of Moses (an agreement they made with God, originally promising to give Him those tithes!). The LORD through the Prophet Malachi challenges Israel to “prove” (test) Him: He will remove the curse and bless them if they obey (give Him tithes and offerings). As per the Law motivation principle of “guilt and fear,” they are expected to tithe and thereby avoid punishment. However, giving under Grace results from gratitude for how God has already blessed us in Christ through Calvary’s finished crosswork: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3; cf. Romans 8:32). Giving under Grace does not prove God’s love for us (Calvary does that!—Romans 5:8), but it does prove our love for Him! “I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love” (2 Corinthians 8:8).

Israel gave tithes and offerings so God could bless them. We give under Grace because God has already blessed us in Christ. Tithing with the Law and giving under Grace are totally incompatible….