Category: denominationalism

A Lost Generation! #6

Sunday, June 7, 2020

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3,4 KJV).

What this “lost” generation needs is to be found!

Our King James Bible scholars handled the Greek word rendered “lost” in today’s Scripture—“apollymi”—various other ways. For example, they used it to describe King Herod the Great as he “destroyed” the young children of Bethlehem Judaea (Matthew 2:13). Similarly, the Great Flood “destroyed” the unbelievers (Luke 17:27). Or, the old world overflowed with water “perished” in Noah’s day (2 Peter 3:6). Also, the Pharisees and Herodians plotted to “destroy” the Lord Jesus (Mark 3:6). Thus, “lost” can refer to a person who “loseth” physical life (Matthew 10:39).

The Greek word can also carry a spiritual meaning—namely, eternal damnation in Hell and the Lake of Fire. For instance, Christ said those who have eternal life will never “perish” (John 10:28). Surely, this goes beyond physical death—for Christians do experience physical death. The opposite of someone “lost” is someone “saved,” and this is in the spiritual realm. Notice the two contrasting ideas in the following three verses. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). “For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish” (2 Corinthians 2:15). “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

Whether they know it or not, those souls without salvation in Christ—spiritual healing through Calvary’s finished crosswork—are headed to their spiritual doom, spiritual ruin, or spiritual destruction. They are not on the path of eternal life because they are in unbelief, separated from God’s life and righteousness. Until they recognize their sin problem—their lack of righteousness—and fully trust Jesus Christ as the sole Remedy, they will remain a “lost” generation….

A Lost Generation! #5

Saturday, June 6, 2020

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3,4 KJV).

What this “lost” generation needs is to be found!

Today’s Scripture says the “gospel,” or good news, the Apostle Paul preached was “hid” to “lost” people. It is concealed because “the god of this world”—the ruler of this evil world system, Satan—has hidden it. Read verses 1 and 2 to see how he obscures it: “Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.”

Satan is a master deceiver, so he is usually underestimated. The most effectual way he works is through perverted Bible verses (an appearance of truth). Paul thus referred to the fact “[we] have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty.” As an apostate Jewish religious leader long ago, Saul of Tarsus was a Bible corrupter. He was entangled with works-religion, a watered-down version of the Mosaic Law, and steeped in self-righteousness. Now, as an apostle of Jesus Christ, he had abandoned that nonsense. He was “handling the word of God deceitfully” no more!

However, 2 Corinthians chapter 11 says: “[13] For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. [14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. [15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” As long as the Devil can keep souls focused on their works in religion—their “goodness” (self-righteousness)—then they cannot appreciate just how sinful they really are and how they need God’s righteousness (Romans 10:1-3). Having no idea they are “lost,” they see no need to be saved through faith in Christ!

Once we deal with our sin at Calvary—where God dealt with it—then we become a “found” generation….

A Lost Generation! #4

Friday, June 5, 2020

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3,4 KJV).

What this “lost” generation needs is to be found!

The key to solving society’s problems is not enticing warm bodies to occupy cold pews and listen to ear-tickling messages. We should not be told how “good” we are, and we should not be convincing others “they” can improve themselves, feel good about themselves, and go on living for “self.” Almighty God has no faith in us, so we should have no faith in ourselves either. He is not interested in our self-righteous works. What He wants is our faith—our reliance upon His grace, what He can do for us rather than what we can do for Him. He understands we are but weak, sinful beings, never able to be perfect on our own.

If righteousness is to prevail in the Earth, it will be accomplished only by having Jesus Christ living in each and every human heart. This comes by hearing and believing a clear Gospel message—one that Christendom has never actually given to the masses. It is always a convoluted, confusing message of works, works, and more works. For 20 centuries, church membership, water baptism, tithing, confession, Sabbath-observance, and commandment-keeping have all been stressed ad nauseum. Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for our sins, however, is but a supplemental memo tacked on the end. It is not at the head of the message, so it never impacts the audience like it should!

We can pass a million pieces of legislation, and imprison criminals, but evils will still be rampant in society. Again, the key to solving racism, inequality, war, injustice, and so on, is to have Jesus Christ in every heart. If Christians can then understand their new identity in Christ, it will manifest itself in their lives. The Lord Jesus Christ is compatible with Himself, so if He is in one person and He is in another person, both people by faith can live in harmony. It all starts by having a clear Gospel message….

Saints, please remember us in your monthly giving—these websites do cost money to run! 🙂 You can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux, or email me at arcministries@gmail.com. Do not forget about Bible Q&A booklets for sale at https://arcgraceministries.org/in-print/booklets-bible-q-a/. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! By the way, ministry emails have really been backed up this year. I am handling them as much as humanly possible. Thanks for your patience. 🙂

A Lost Generation! #3

Thursday, June 4, 2020

“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:3,4 KJV).

What this “lost” generation needs is to be found!

Dear friends, it is sad to say it, but the professing Church has utterly and miserably failed in maintaining sound Bible doctrine these last 2,000 years. We simply have to read church history—what went after the Bible but before us—and then look at the spiritual conditions today. Preachers and teachers even now have replaced sound Bible doctrine with “pop psychology.” Instead of teaching about the grace life—how we can have victorious Christian living through faith in Jesus Christ—they have substituted it with feel-good sermons. “Choose your best life now! God wants you to be happy, healthy, and wealthy! You can become a better person if you try! Come have a good time at our church!”

The fact of the matter is that even when we avoid the “inconvenient” topic of sin, it dThe fact of the matter is that even when we avoid the “inconvenient” topic of sin, it does not make it less of a reality. Instead of attempting to appease the world by speaking like it, Christendom should have told the world the truth. We have not been called to compromise, or make lost people feel “at home” when they attend our church services. However, we have overwhelmingly done both for years innumerable. Our church buildings host potluck suppers, concerts, blood drives, golf courses, food drives, and various other philanthropic and social gatherings, but we are neglecting our ultimate purpose. Where is the sound Bible doctrine? The in-depth Bible study? The yearning for spiritual understanding? The hunger for lost souls to come to faith in Christ? Furthermore, so as not to be “controversial” or “offensive,” we will send packages of food and clothes to hungry and destitute people overseas—but we will not bother to include Bibles or Gospel tracts!

Dear friends, it is sad to say it, but the professing Church has played its own integral part in causing this world to be a “lost” generation….

The Horrors of Distraction!

Saturday, May 9, 2020

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:1-4 KJV).

If we focus on what we do in religion, we will disregard what Christ did for us at Calvary!

Recently, I listened to a former Roman Catholic nun give her testimony. From her early teens until mid-30s, she had been subjected to various strange and horrific tortures in a “cloistered” (closed, isolated) convent. Her food was but bread, water, bland soup, and an occasional glass of skim milk. As part of her “penance,” suffering for her sins, she was hung by her thumbs for several days, her toes just above the floor! She was also whipped with tiny pieces of metal attached to straps. The more blood she shed through those sufferings, the more she was allegedly becoming like Jesus Christ who shed His blood for her. Eventually, after being imprisoned in such a hopeless complex for over two decades, she escaped and found the Gospel of Grace (1 Corinthians 15:3,4)!

Most tragically, she was just one of billions so thoroughly disoriented because of false religion. Today’s Scripture—written 20 centuries ago—spoke of spiritual leaders who were dishonest, “walking in craftiness,” and using the Bible “deceitfully.” All denominations would fall under this category. While they may be sincere and polite, they are nevertheless promoting a damnable system that Satan himself uses to hide God’s truth from souls. Indeed, Hell abounds with people who were so busy working they had completely overlooked Jesus Christ’s work for them. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

Our latest Bible Q&A: “How are the days of Matthew 24:22 ‘shortened?’”

A Prayer According to God’s Will

Thursday, May 7, 2020

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” (1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV).

On this United States’ National Day of Prayer, we pray you pray according to the Lord Jesus Christ’s will for today!

Today, religious people—the general public, clergy, and government officials—will assemble nationwide, like they do every year, and pray for spiritual and moral revival of the “Christian” (?) United States of America. We commend their noble efforts, but God’s Word says there will be no godly revival of any of the world’s Gentile nations until Jesus Christ returns to earth at His Second Coming (Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 59:20–60:3; Zechariah 8:20-23; Revelation 11:15; et cetera).

The LORD’s words to King Solomon are often quoted on this day: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Friends, this is certainly God’s Word, but has nothing to do with Gentiles in the United States in the Dispensation of Grace. This verse has a context often overlooked—the nation Israel under the Mosaic Law, praying in relation to God’s Temple in Jerusalem (verses 15,16). Actually, that Temple was destroyed over 19 centuries ago! Unlike Israel, the United States was never a divinely-founded nation. The American people as a whole are not God’s people like Israel was.

Rather than praying 2 Chronicles 7:14, remember today’s Scripture (God’s Word to us Gentiles). The verse following today’s Scripture says, “[God] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Pray for those in authority, that they would trust Jesus Christ alone as their personal Saviour, and then grow in His Word to them so they can make wise decisions on behalf of the people they govern.

NOTE: Due to coronavirus, this year’s National Day of Prayer is a somber one, abounding with much confusion. For more information concerning how to pray in light of these difficult times, refer to our archived study, “What about the coronavirus pandemic?”

To Pray a Better Way #1

Thursday, February 27, 2020

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26,27 KJV).

How does the Holy Spirit “maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God?”

Prayer is everywhere in Christendom. Regardless of the denomination, people have all been taught to pray. Even people who do not like the Bible pray—especially in times of trouble and tragedy! We would expect non-Christians not to know how to pray “effectually” (producing the results God intended). Yet, unfortunately, even genuine Christians are struggling ever so greatly in this realm. “I do not know what to pray for.” “Praying seems to be a waste of time. I am just not ‘getting through.’ No one answers me!”

We would do well to consider the Apostle Paul’s experience with prayer in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10: “[7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. [8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. [9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

Is it not strange that even Paul himself had firsthand knowledge in unanswered prayer? Facing major difficulties, bothered by one great affliction in particular, he cried out to the Lord on three occasions, “Please, deliver me!” Notice, it took three times. On that last occasion, Paul finally heard from the Lord. However, it was another unexpected outcome! If he wanted to see results, he needed to pray a better way….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Did God ‘forget’ to create Eve?”

Something in Which to Glory!

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

“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?”

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Why is Jesus called ‘the Son of Man?’”

A Life That Will Please

Saturday, January 4, 2020

“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]!” 🙂

Saints, throughout the year, please remember us in your monthly giving—these websites do cost money to run! 🙂 You can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux, or email me at arcministries@gmail.com. Do not forget about Bible Q&A booklets for sale at https://arcgraceministries.org/in-print/booklets-bible-q-a/. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! By the way, ministry emails have really been backed up this year. I am handling them as much as humanly possible. Thanks for your patience. 🙂

A Book That Will Teach

Friday, January 3, 2020

“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)!