Category: denominationalism

No Corrupt Communication #7

Thursday, March 7, 2024

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 KJV).

What is this “corrupt communication?”

To a great many people, it makes no difference where they go to church or under whose ministry they sit. “All preachers and denominations basically believe and teach the same thing,” they reassure us time and time again. However, we are not—and never will be—convinced. Others, recognizing those insurmountable doctrinal disparities, have chosen simply to ignore doctrine altogether and assert they “just fellowship around the love of Jesus” (whatever that means!). They need to understand they have failed miserably to make a distinction between sound doctrine and corrupt communication, spiritual wellbeing and spiritual hazard. No one taking the Holy Bible at face value—literally and historically—could ever be so casual and tolerant about what they believe.

Observe 1 Timothy 6:3-5: “[3] 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; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”

Remember this adjective “wholesome” (verse 3) was also translated “sound” (healthy—1 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9,13; Titus 2:1,2). These “wholesome words” are the Lord Jesus Christ’s words through His spokesman to us, our Apostle Paul—the Bible Books of Romans through Philemon. Anyone who does not submit to these words has a corrupt mind—and we must get away from them (“from such withdraw thyself”), or their equally rotten communication will be detrimental (harmful) to our spiritual health.

Go back to Matthew chapter 7, verse 15: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” The Sermon on the Mount is quite popular, except here (for obvious reasons). This verse denominationalists could do without! Nevertheless, we have chosen to beware of false teachers, those who utter “corrupt communication….”

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. 🙂

No Corrupt Communication #6

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 KJV).

What is this “corrupt communication?”

Edification is the opposite of destruction, as seen here: “For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:…” (2 Corinthians 10:8). Furthermore, 1 Timothy 1:4 reveals one of our goals in ministry: “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” This “godly edifying” is a construction of sound doctrine which exalts God—whatever He is, believes, and does.

Construction is that which brings growth and development, resulting in an edifice (building) of sound doctrine erected in the Christian’s soul: “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:20-22). Observe how the Holy Spirit is raising a structure of doctrine so as for Father God to have a house, a vessel through which He can live (display His life). Corrupt communication destroys this process, whereas sound doctrine accomplishes it. Father God’s goal is to form Christ in us (Galatians 4:19)—not some denominational doctrine, philosophical speculations of lost people, and so on.

Overall, God’s work of this present dispensation involves the formation of one Church the Body of Christ, a group of saints equipped with God’s grace revelation so as to take it into and display it in the heavenly places in the ages to come. “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:… From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:12,16).

Hence, we should have no corrupt communication in our lives….

No Corrupt Communication #5

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 KJV).

What is this “corrupt communication?”

The only Bible verse that exhorts us to study the Bible also tells us how to study it: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). A failure to obey this verse has resulted in a persistent myth circulating in our churches and Bible colleges. Everything in the Bible is allegedly the same. What God did in the past, He is still doing. If it was true then, it must be today. There is and has always been one church, one baptism, one gospel, and so on. We can claim any verses for ourselves and demand God act accordingly. Believe it or not, this is corrupt communication (the opposite of sound 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 1:10). “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;…” (2 Timothy 4:3). “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9). “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:…” (Titus 2:1). This word “sound” in “sound doctrine” is the Greek “hugiaino” (as in “hygiene”)—in contrast to “corrupt.” It was also translated “whole” (healthy, well) in Luke 5:31 and Luke 7:10, and rendered “be in health” in 3 John 2.

Christians filled with sound doctrine are thus “sound in faith” (Titus 1:13; Titus 2:2). We are told in 2 Timothy 1:13: “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” Finally, “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome [hugiaino] words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;…” (1 Timothy 6:3).

Let us see more of this sound doctrine….

No Corrupt Communication #4

Monday, March 4, 2024

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 KJV).

What is this “corrupt communication?”

Following three chapters of doctrine and wealth (Ephesians chapters 1–3), the Apostle Paul goes on to issue three chapters on duty and walk (Ephesians chapters 4–6). It is in the “walk” or “duty” section of Ephesians—victorious, Christian, grace-oriented, daily living—that we come across today’s Scripture.

As opposed to allowing “corrupt communication” to leave our mouth, we ought to speak “good” words that will lead to “edifying,” which will result in grace being ministered to our listeners. Today’s Scripture reads quite similarly to Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” If we could have a simple definition of grace, it would afford us comprehension as to just what is the corrupt communication referenced in today’s Scripture.

Oftentimes, grace has been described as “God’s unmerited favor.” Yet, we can say more here. Grace can be thought of as this: “all that God can do for us, everything that He is free to do for us, through the Lord Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork on Calvary.” If our speech conforms to this definition or principle, we will thereby avoid “corrupt communication.”

Go back to today’s Scripture: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Grace-oriented speech will edify, for it “ministers” (serves, like a waiter) grace to the audience. Now, think of “edifying.” The root is “edify,” which forms the basis for “edifice” (a building or structure). If grace-oriented speech edifies or builds up, then, it stands to reason, corrupt communication destroys or tears down. After all, remember “corrupt” in Greek here is “sapros,” as in rotten or decayed, with the decomposition spreading to whatever is affected.

What we need to speak are wholesome words, those which are healthy (able to impart spiritual life or spiritual health), so our hearers can partake of spiritual life and spiritual health….

No Corrupt Communication #3

Sunday, March 3, 2024

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 KJV).

What is this “corrupt communication?”

It is safe to say that most church leaders would never dream of using “four-letter words”—the obscenities, expletives, or vulgarities heard in nightclubs, prisons, and R-rated movies. We do commend them for their decency in this regard, but we warn them to be even more careful as touching the less-known “corrupt communication” abounding in empty works-religion and denominationalism. Church members everywhere have been exposed to these destructive words for nearly 20 centuries—but precious few have had any spiritual discernment to identify and complain about them, or avoid them altogether.

For example, courtesy of “contemporary Christian music,” assemblies have emphasized emotions and amusements and passed them off as “praise and worship.” There is more focus on dance moves and hand-raising than sound doctrine and Bible page-turning. Church attendees universally are pressured to walk aisles, mindlessly recite prayers, exalt “scholarship,” gratify preachers, jump into a baptistery, donate generous tithes and offerings, demand huge financial blessings from God, seek a healing experience, offer their commandment-keeping to get God’s acceptance, give up this pleasure and that luxury. All these activities stem from hearing “corrupt communication” in the pulpits, reading it in the “Christian bestsellers,” and learning it in Bible college and seminary classrooms.

Re-read Matthew 7:15-20, Matthew 12:33-37, and Luke 6:43-45, paying attention to “corrupt” situated in the context of speaking (especially false teachers talking, lies originating from a corrupt or rotten heart). Such words transmit a spiritual disease, decay or decomposition. Listeners and readers are exposed to a contagion, a poison, and they likely do not even realize it. The situation is more than unhealthy; it is often fatal, leading people down a destructive spiritual path and eternal ruin. Again, this goes far beyond mere “dirty words,” “swearwords,” or “indecencies.” As today’s Scripture suggests, it encompasses that which tears down people spiritually, affecting the growth of their soul, words not conforming to the principles of grace.

Let us investigate this more fully….

No Corrupt Communication #2

Saturday, March 2, 2024

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 KJV).

What is this “corrupt communication?”

The Greek word rendered “corrupt” here is “sapros.” Let us see how our King James translators handled it elsewhere.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt [sapros] tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt [sapros] tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:15-20).

“Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt [sapros], and his fruit corrupt [sapros]: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:33-37).

“For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt [sapros] fruit; neither doth a corrupt [sapros] tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh” (Luke 6:43-45).

In all the above verses, including today’s Scripture, the theme is corrupt speech….

No Corrupt Communication #1

Friday, March 1, 2024

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 KJV).

What is this “corrupt communication?”

Early in my ministry, while driving home from college every afternoon, I listened to a certain local denominational preacher’s radio program. Being ignorant and shallow in the Scriptures, I figured I would be profited. Indeed, I learned some good information and, though I never attended services in person, I even sent a monetary donation to his ministry to express appreciation. However, some weeks later, I heard him teach false doctrine in one radio sermon. Later, I emailed him to correct his theology… but he replied with a single Bible verse he had lifted out of context. I thus stopped listening to his broadcasts.

A few years later, my parents and I began going to a denominational church where some Christian friends were attending services. For three years, we became acquainted with the pastor. Though friendly, he was also willingly teaching error and refusing counsel. By this time, my family had begun to learn dispensational Bible study, but we still did not know enough to break away from the assembly. The more we grew in the Scriptures rightly divided (following others’ ministries), the spiritual distance widened between us and this denominational preacher. Ultimately, we had to leave this group.

Lately, I was at a cemetery near my house, looking for the tomb of our denominational pastor who had died back in late 2019. Utterly astonished, I noticed immediately next to his burial plot a headstone bearing another familiar name: the name of that radio pastor (who died more recently)! Standing by their graves side-by-side, I reflected on those experiences I had under their ministries so long ago. It was some invaluable firsthand knowledge of how denominational systems strive to keep people ignorant and ensure they fund their organizations. Both men were presumably members of the Church the Body of Christ, and I rejoiced that, if they were in Heaven, they were now free from the endless confusion they caused themselves and others.

I can honestly say I was not bitter, for God in His grace used those detrimental situations for my benefit and the advantage of those I reach….

Something in Which to Glory!

Thursday, February 15, 2024

“As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:12-14 KJV).

In what shall we glory? About what shall we boast? In what shall we find value?

Religion produces people who enjoy bragging all about their “dedication to God.” “Look what I did—the ceremonies in which I have participated, the many prayers I faithfully recited daily, how much I put in the collection plate, see how many pleasures I gave up to please God! Come, see how much I love Him!” Dear friends, the Apostle Paul found great value in something—but that something was not what he did. All that human flesh can accomplish pales in comparison to the work in today’s Scripture.

As Lent begins, the time when religionists temporarily (a mere 40 days) relinquish some pleasant food or activity, let us remember that our performance is often non-performance. Once we place ourselves on that treadmill of “do, do, do,” we are guaranteed to fail at some point. Human flesh is simply too weak to maintain 100 percent—that is sin! Even concerning one rule, we cannot keep it perfectly. We mess up eventually.

If ever we believe that our puny works are worth bragging about, let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul in today’s Scripture. While some boast in their religiosity (in the passage, the Judaizers applauding their rite of physical circumcision), and such denominationalists today urge us to obey their church’s instructions so they too may boast in our ability, let us eschew such foolishness. Being imperfect, all their works do not measure up to Christ’s finished crosswork. At Calvary, we find the only sacrifice that will ever please the God of the Bible. If we must boast, let us brag that He did what we could never, ever do!

See our archived Bible Q&A: “Should Christians observe Lent?”

A Life That Will Please

Thursday, January 4, 2024

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20 KJV).

Today’s Scripture tells us who alone can live a life pleasing in God’s sight!

Everyone does “good” deeds. Yet, doing “good” is not necessarily good. For instance, people often do “good” just to receive praise/reward, make up for their wrongs, feel good, et cetera. Furthermore, despite our “good” deeds, we have plenty more bad ones! Pride, lying, evil thoughts, being a false witness, and being contentious are some of the things the LORD hates (Proverbs 6:16-19).

Mankind cannot even keep 10 simple rules from God. However, religion continues to urge us to keep seven sacraments, utter various prayers, give assorted offerings and “tithes,” attend numerous feasts and festivals, and perform sundry other tasks to “hopefully” please God and avoid hellfire. Whether we attempt to keep a church’s laws, our laws, or God’s laws, our flesh is far too weak to ever measure up. Just look at what God’s religion did to Israel—how much worse some man-made religion does to us!

As Saul of Tarsus, the Apostle Paul was a Pharisee, a religious leader of Israel. He was a nitpicker concerning Law-keeping, and yet, after his soul salvation, he admitted that all of his religion was “but dung” compared to Jesus Christ’s righteousness (Philippians 3:3-11). Even for the Christian, to live a perfect life is impossible (read of Paul’s miserable existence in Romans chapter 7). Paul had to forsake his vain religion and learn today’s Scripture: the Christian life is NOT the performance of the Christian, but the Lord Jesus Christ living and working in the Christian, as the Christian walks in an intelligent understanding of God’s Word to him or her!

If we trust a Saviour who will save—the Lord Jesus Christ—and trust a Book that will teach—the King James Bible—we can redeem the year for the great God and our Saviour, “who loved [us], and gave himself for [us]!” 🙂

A Book That Will Teach

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13 KJV).

Today’s Scripture tells us who alone we can trust to teach us God’s truth!

Once, I heard a minister give his self-proclaimed “prophetic” message about top headlines that would appear in the coming year. While he reassured his audience that he received this information directly from “the Lord” (?), he gave a disclaimer: “I do not know, but at the end of this year, we will see if what I say came to pass.” Unlike the inner impressions and hunches of this “Christian” preacher, the Holy Bible is infallible, and we can trust its information completely.

Long, long ago, God Almighty wrote a Book, and He preserved it through history through a multiplicity of manuscript copies, so that it could eventually be translated into English, so we could read it even today! (Of course, Satan, the master counterfeiter that he is, most certainly had his own manuscripts—they still circulate today as corrupt Bible translations.) God promised to preserve His words forever (Psalm 12:6,7; Isaiah 30:8; Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:25). Consequently, every person will stand before Him one day to give account as to what he or she did with that Bible. Did we reject it in favor of counterfeits? Did we re-translate it to fit our denominational beliefs? Did we apply it to life by faith? Did we even read it at all?

As English-speaking people, we understand—or, at least, we should understand—that we can trust the 400-year-old King James Bible. Sadly, even in many church circles, we are often cautioned not to trust God’s preserved Word. Unfortunately, footnotes, study notes, and seminarians usually attempt to claim that authority by offering “better” readings or “better” manuscripts. Beloved, we can do without unbelieving textual critics and their “scholarship.” God does not need lost people to explain His Word to His children; He never did and He never will (1 Corinthians 2:14). Never forget that!

The Holy Spirit will teach us the King James Bible if we “read” (Ephesians 3:4), “study” (2 Timothy 2:15), and “consider” it (2 Timothy 2:7)!

NOTE: This is the 4600th devotional of “333 Words of Grace!” A special-edition study will be presented once our New Year’s devotionals have run their course.