Category: denominationalism

Gospel Truth

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:9-12 KJV).

Have you ever heard the expression, “It is the gospel truth?” Someone says this when he or she wants others to believe his or her statements. In other words, it functions as verification. (Yet, who of these people actually believe the Gospel is “truth?”)

People will believe what other humans say in a moment’s notice. Sadly, we humans can be very naïve. Incidentally, I recently saw friends of mine circulating on social media what they assumed was a true news headline. In reality, it was fake! The website was spelled very similarly to a popular, legitimate news organization’s site. What should have caught their attention was the news article’s absurd title. Alas, my friends—and many others—were easily deceived!

Whenever people talk about the Bible, especially critics, they invariably mention its “unreliability.” They scoff at and deride the Scriptures, even though the Bible has abundant internal proof to demonstrate itself to be the Word of God. Yet, they refuse that testimony. No, they do not want to hear what God has to say. They would rather listen to and believe another human’s gossip, read and believe another human’s opinions and speculations, and broadcast and believe fantasy and folly another human originated. But, believe the Word of God that never lies? Never!

Today’s Scripture says God offers us eternal life in His Son, Jesus Christ. We either believe this or we do not. So many believe eternal life is found in rituals, rites, ceremonies, commandments, denominations, and organizations. They, having received and believed “the witness of men,” and having rejected “the witness of God,” will be sorely disappointed at death because they rejected TRUE Gospel truth!

The Truth or Fables?

Sunday, October 9, 2016

“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; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3,4 KJV).

What is our authority—the truth, or fables?

A well-known television preacher answered a “religious” question submitted to him. The issue was a certain superstition. A lady wanted to know if this belief was just a bunch of nonsense or actually true. Rather than turn to the pages of Scripture, and tell the inquirer what God says in the Holy Bible, the preacher immediately began answering the question by relating a similar experience that he had heard someone else had had. Since that individual had had encountered the same “mysterious” event, the preacher told the inquirer that such things were possible and not at all fantasy. That he would entertain such an idea on national television is ridiculous enough, but worst of all was he never once quoted a Bible verse. His only authority was some vague story someone else had told him! (Why did he not quote a Bible verse? The Bible actually disagrees with him.)

Notice how the aforementioned preacher demonstrated today’s Scripture to be fact not fiction. Having once known Bible truths, he has since left them to embrace heretical theology. It is no shock he would answer that question in the manner he did. Decades ago, he “turn[ed] away [his] ears from the truth” and “turned unto fables.” A “fable” here is actually the Greek word muthos (from which we get “myth,” a tale). Such subjective stories rely too heavily on human emotions and intellect; therefore, they are not sound spiritual authorities. We must have an objective standard, something outside of ourselves, that never changes. That is the importance of the written Word of God, the 66 books of the Holy Bible. Had the professing “Church” “endured [tolerated] sound doctrine,” they would have never embraced such wholesale fantasy!

“Neither give heed [attention] to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying: so do” (1 Timothy 1:4). “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness” (1 Timothy 4:7).

May Ignorance Not Be Your Preference!

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

“Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” (Ephesians 3:4 KJV).

Want to know the Bible’s truths, especially Paul’s revelations? Read it!

Recently, I spoke with a Christian brother who explained how he had quite an “adventure” coming to understand the Bible rightly divided. It boggled his mind how, despite all the deception in the world, he had come to the knowledge of the truth. In fact, other grace believers often ask the same question he had, “Why did God choose to reveal this to me while so many others, especially professing Christians, know nothing about it and grope in spiritual darkness?” Dear friends, this is actually a flawed question because, whether we realize it or not, it endorses the false teachings of Calvinism (that is, “God chose me and He did not choose you! I am so special!”)

The consistent testimony of Scripture is people are ignorant of God’s Word, not because He chose them for ignorance, but because they refused Him and His Word. See Romans 1:20-32, for example. The Lord Jesus Himself said in John 7:17: “If any man will [wishes to] do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” He said in Matthew 23:37: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” Finally, John 5:43: “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.”

“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13). Bibles are everywhere on this planet—in print, online, and audio. Oftentimes, people who have access to several Bibles never read any of them, let alone study any! Too many people, if they do read the Bible, always let theologians and denominations “interpret” (read that as “confuse!”) it for them. According to Scripture, the vast majority remains ignorant of God’s truths because ignorance is their preference! “If any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 14:38)!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Could you explain John 1:51?”

The Precious Blood of Christ #2

Sunday, September 18, 2016

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18,19 KJV).

God the Father and God the Holy Ghost think the blood of Jesus Christ is “precious.” And you?

Unfortunately, since liberalism and modernism strangled “Bible-believing” (?) America during the mid-20th century, “Christian” teaching about Jesus’ blood has significantly decreased. For example, in a 1990 video, a preacher gave a sermon on that very subject. He said he had not heard one televangelist in the last 30 years (so, since 1960) present a message dedicated exclusively to the blood of Christ. They had delivered whole messages on other theological subjects—but never Jesus’ blood. That very aged brother went to heaven not long ago. We can only wonder how many televangelists he heard talk about the blood of Christ in the nearly 30 years since 1990! Friend, think about it. How many topical sermons have you ever heard about the blood of Christ—on television, radio, internet, or in person at a local church? Few… if any!

A prevalent objection to the “blood of Christ” is summarized as, “Christianity is a ‘slaughterhouse’ religion. The preaching of Calvary’s cross is a ‘violent’ message.” For fear of offending someone, the shed blood of Christ is vaguely, if ever, referenced. It is so “negative” a topic, such a “detestable” idea. In fact, some groups have taken great pains to remove from hymnals all songs that emphasize the blood of Christ. To them, the blood of Jesus Christ means nothing! But, what does the blood of Christ mean to us?

The very first time shed blood appears in Scripture is Genesis 3:21: “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” Once Adam and Eve sinned, God killed one or two animals. The animal skins were used to cover the physical bodies of Adam and Eve; the shed animal blood covered their spiritual bodies. That concept of shed blood for the forgiveness of sins continued all the way up through the Bible….

An Inconvenient Truth

Saturday, September 10, 2016

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16 KJV).

Into what depths of madness will we descend if we ignore today’s Scripture?

An elderly lady once expressed to me a most unpleasant dilemma. For years she had known a Roman Catholic priest and his “healing missions trips” to foreign countries. Those poverty-stricken people overseas did not have viable healthcare, so they embraced his “healing campaigns.” She explained he had come to her house many times before to hold “healing”/prayer meetings. She not only let him come but she also participated. In recent years, however, he had not visited her home (perhaps she could no longer afford donations?!). Furthermore, she had had severe health (largely mobility) problems that prevented her from attending his meetings being held elsewhere. Her lack of healing proved today’s Scripture. Despite all the “healing claims,” these temporary bodies are still wearing down and dying!

The above predicament describes the insanity one will experience if he or she rejects the plain and simple truths of the Word of God. When you consider the absolutely absurd beliefs abounding in the world, they generally fall into two categories—science and religion. Both parties have scorned the light and understanding God’s Word would have provided them had they received it (Psalm 119:130). Man refusing to hear the Word of God will wind up in the same spiritual darkness as he would have remained in had God not given us His Word at all.

Religion and science alike are largely based on man’s intuition and opinions, not on the Holy Spirit’s teaching ministry. Thus, they will never be the means whereby God reveals Himself. First Corinthians 2:9-10 says: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” Friends, let us allow the Holy Spirit to teach us His inspired Word, the Holy Bible. If we refuse, pledging blind allegiance to religion and/or science, all boundaries of sanity will indeed be lifted!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Are we humans created in ‘the image of God?’”

Kindergarten Work!

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe” (Hebrews 5:12,13 KJV).

Have not spiritual “kindergarten work!”

Years ago, in high school, our art teacher grew very frustrated with lazy students. We were expected to turn in four art projects every six weeks. Many times, he gave the class lectures about “kindergarten work.” That is, teenagers were submitting artwork equivalent to that of four- or five-year-olds! He was not being overly critical. I remember some of the work—mere scribbles on paper!! They did not put their heart into it and their work reflected their poor attitude.

Every Christian is at a different level in his or her Bible understanding. It is certainly not a sin to be unfamiliar with large portions of Scripture. Before we can grow, we must be immature. The problem is when we refuse the edification process found in the Word of God rightly divided. We want to stay with “kindergarten work”—the absolute bare minimum of understanding and behavior.

Unfortunately, some Christians have not grown in the Bible in years. They refuse to open up the Bible and study on their own. Rather, they depend entirely on pastors and Bible teachers. Pastors and Bible teachers are necessary, but to continually use them as “crutches” is very dangerous. If we depend entirely upon them, never studying on our own, we will get no further in the Bible than they are! If they are not matured in Scripture, then we will not be either! If they are confused about the Bible, then we will be too!

Verse 14 says: “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” This is the spiritual maturity we need to reach as Christians. It is not sinlessness, but rather an increasingly awareness of what God is doing and what He wants us to do today (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

By the way, if our studies have helped you mature in the Word of God rightly divided, will you consider donating securely to us at https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux? Thank you!

Bible Q&A #299: “How does one know if he or she is maturing in the Word of God?”

Lost, Now Found

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

“Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:13,14 KJV).

Once lost, now found!

Recently, I stood near a store’s customer-service desk. The lady in front of me suddenly gasped and exclaimed, “Thank you, Jesus!” Puzzled, I watched a store clerk exiting the “lost-and-found” room with a purse in her hand. That lady had left her purse in a shopping cart. Thankfully, some honest customer had turned it in! She rummaged through her bag and was relieved to find everything there. Amazingly, of all the evil people into whose hands it could have fallen, an honest person found it instead!

The above stories are always nice to hear in this world abounding with bad news—stealing, killing, raping, vandalizing, abusing, et cetera. While the world is a very dangerous place physically, it is more important to realize it is a very dangerous place spiritually. It is truly a miracle when, despite all the false gospels out there, we can still find the pure Gospel of Grace being preached if we look for it. It is truly a miracle when, despite all the false systems out there, we can still find the pure Word of God (rightly divided) being taught. It is truly a miracle that God’s truth survives intact in this world of so many spiritual lies.

While it is no enjoyable time to have a purse or wallet stolen, this is the least of our concerns if some false religious system has stolen our trust and our soul! Rather than uttering the swear-phrase “Thank you, Jesus!” because we found missing material wealth, we should say “Thank You, Jesus!” because He came looking for us who were dead in trespasses and sins. We can always replace a wallet or purse, but we can never replace our soul once it is lost in hell. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:36,37).

“Thank You, Jesus! Once lost, we are now found (in You)!” 🙂

More About Jesus #5

Monday, August 29, 2016

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18 KJV).

The chorus of Eliza E. Hewitt’s classic 1887 hymn, “More About Jesus,” highlight’s today’s Scripture.

“More, more about Jesus,
More, more about Jesus;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love Who died for me.”

Notice how the chorus has “More, more about Jesus / More, more about Jesus.” The hymn writer wants to continue “growing in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” How greatly lacking is that desire today in the professing church. Lord, deliver us from such appalling ignorance!

I just sat with a dear, confused Christian and taught her the Bible rightly divided. A “babe in Christ,” she has only been saved for about a year. She is a slow learner; however, I did not mind repeating phrases and verses many times. Since she has a lot of unanswered questions, I want to give her as much “room” as I possibly can. After spending over six decades as a lost person in a false religion (!), she is saved and now genuinely trying to learn God’s Word. What is problematic is people who have trusted Christ decades ago, they are still asking their same questions. They have been so busy learning the traditions of men, those worthless denominational teachings got them nowhere in their Christian life! Thankfully, God’s Word is becoming clearer for this dear lady. She has learned “more, more” about Jesus, “more, more” about His Word, and “more, more” about His purpose and plan for her.

In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Peter admonished believing Israel to continue growing spiritually. There were apostates and unbelievers in their day (verses 1-17), just as there are today. These believers were to remain faithful to their kingdom doctrine about Jesus Christ, that they not go the way of those Bible scoffers and unbelievers. We too had better take heed, friends. Satan’s policy of evil wants to discourage us from also learning more about Jesus! Let us take our stand on the Word of God rightly divided, that we may learn “more, more about Jesus!” 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Are we praying to God ‘long-distance?’”

More About Jesus #3

Saturday, August 27, 2016

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18 KJV).

The third verse of Eliza E. Hewitt’s classic 1887 hymn, “More About Jesus,” highlight’s today’s Scripture.

“More about Jesus; in His Word,
Holding communion with my Lord;
Hearing His voice in every line,
Making each faithful saying mine.”

The Holy Bible is God’s inspired Word to man. No (!) believer should ever (!) have one (!) critical remark about the King James Bible (unless some lost person polluted his or her mind with anti-Bible rhetoric at “church” or “seminary!”). Why?

In every book of that Book of books, we see glimpses of the Lord Jesus Christ—ark of safety (Genesis), faithful Creator (Job), perfect servant (Mark), kinsman-redeemer (Ruth), Son of God (John), Passover lamb (Exodus), et cetera. Without that written record, we have no trustworthy link to Him. We dare not be blasé when people alter the Bible text using “better” or “more scholarly readings.” With every tinker of the written Word of God, the portrait of the living Word of God is being further defaced!

The first and foremost way we commune with Father God is to read His Word—His communication to and fellowship with us. The second way we commune with Father God is to pray—our communication to and fellowship with Him. Notice! Any Christian life lacking sound Bible doctrine and/or sound Pauline prayer is already ruined or soon-to-be ruined!

All of the Bible is for us, no doubt. All Scripture is “for our learning” (Romans 15:4). We can learn from Israel’s mistakes. We can see how Father God was faithful to them, so He is faithful to us (Romans 15:13). We can trust Him. However, not all Scripture is to or about us. In Paul’s epistles alone, we find our doctrine, duty, walk, destiny, and hope as members of the Church the Body of Christ. Friend, if you are not thinking and praying according to the books of Romans through Philemon, you will especially not learn “more about Jesus!” You will be struggling to make everything in the Bible the same. Spare yourself the heartache and confusion!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Why does 1 Corinthians 9:6 mention Barnabas, when he did not travel to Corinth with Paul?”

More About Jesus #2

Friday, August 26, 2016

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18 KJV).

The second verse of Eliza E. Hewitt’s classic 1887 hymn, “More About Jesus,” highlight’s today’s Scripture.

“More about Jesus let me learn,
More of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God, my teacher be,
Showing the things of Christ to me.”

Christian people often pray, “O Father, I need Thy wisdom here! What should I think about that? How should I respond in this situation? Show me Thy will!” Friends, this is all well and good. They sound genuine. But, this is the saddest prayer you could ever hear Christians utter. Why? These precious people usually spend little to no time in the Bible! As one would disregard the owner’s manual of a new gadget, and then complain in frustration, “I do not know how it works!,” so people leave God’s Holy Word unopened and cry out, “Give me wisdom, God!”

Second Peter says in chapter 1, verses 20 and 21: “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” And, 1 Corinthians chapter 2, verses 13 and 14: “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. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Finally, 2 Timothy chapter 3, verses 16 and 17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

Dear friends, the Holy Spirit will certainly teach you His written Word. BUT, you must take time to read and study it first!!!!! Unfortunately, most people refuse to do it. Please do not be like them. Be willing to learn “more about Jesus!”