Category: denominationalism

Continue #6

Monday, May 11, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

For a moment, think of the prophetic program of Acts 3:21. Overall, Israel did not continue in the Divine revelation given them through their Old Testament Prophets or Hebrew Bible, the Books of Genesis to Malachi (refer to Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 4:1-10). However, regarding Israel’s believing remnant, the Little Flock of Luke 12:32, the Messianic Church of Matthew 16:18, the “church” (“called-out group belonging to the Lord”) in Acts 2:47, the Bible reports in Acts 2:42: “And they continued stedfastly [firmly/resolutely, were unwavering] in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Though national Israel was under Satan’s influence and thus apostate (standing away from the truths of JEHOVAH God, the LORD God—chiefly, committing the sin of refusing Jesus as their Messiah), a believing remnant within it was following Christ’s 12 Apostles’ teachings.

As touching our mystery program of Romans 16:25,26, Satan’s present evil world still convinces individuals to abandon the right side of issues and go over to the wrong side. Sometimes it is inadvertently or mistakenly, people just being so utterly clueless that they have no spiritual stability and therefore believe practically anything they hear from religious leaders. The graver situation, the more serious matter, is how certain others have made a conscious choice to believe and teach lies. Paul advised the elders of Ephesus: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse [distorted, corrupted] things, to draw away disciples after them [to gain a following, to start a cult!]” (Acts 20:28-30).

False teachers will not continue in sound doctrine, and, unless we continue in sound doctrine, we have no option but to become their victims….

Continue #5

Saturday, May 9, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Notice: the key term distinguishing between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying is “continue,” persisting in teaching and believing sound Bible doctrine or grace doctrine. The opposite is “revert,” as in “turn back” or “regress” or “relapse.” Ephesians 4:17-19 exhorts, “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”

What happens to those whose Christian life dies (fails to function properly) is they increasingly rely on their own understanding, turning to the Bible less and less, eventually throwing it away altogether—or, they keep the Bible, but do not “rightly divide” it (2 Timothy 2:15).

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9). These Galatians did not continue in “grace,” but went back to the Law: they were swiftly “removed” from Pauline influence. These too did not “continue” in, or “endure,” “sound doctrine:” “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).

To ensure victorious Christian living, we must progress in grace edification instead of returning to our former (heathen) thoughts and ways….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

Continue #4

Friday, May 8, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Remembering they who teach “other doctrine,… fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions… having swerved [from faith unfeigned, a good conscience, charity out of a pure heart] have turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law” (1 Timothy 1:4-7), bearing in mind the younger Christian widows “wax[ing] wanton against Christ… having damnation, cast[ing] off their first faith… already turned aside unto Satan” (1 Timothy 5:11-15—re-marriage, to unbelievers), having in view those who “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” (1 Timothy 6:3-5), but (especially in the context) considering those who will “depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy” (1 Timothy 4:1,2), Paul in today’s Scripture alerts Timothy to remember that God’s (and, our) chief enemy Satan diligently labors to destroy the Church the Body of Christ and prevent the work of the ministry in the local church!

Observe how the Devil attacks sound doctrine, for sound doctrine is what God uses to work in believers. The adjective “sound” in “sound doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9; Titus 2:1) has the sense of “healthy” or “wholesome” (so rendered in 1 Timothy 6:3). In Greek, it is “hygiaino,” from whence “hygiene” is derived. If there is a removal of sound doctrine—or none to begin with—spiritual insanity and spiritual filthiness result. Pastor Timothy therefore must watch himself and his doctrine, for lack of discretion will lead to his spiritual downfall… and his congregation will perish with him!

Today’s Scripture and the previous verse: “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” For Timothy and his audience to be “saved” (delivered, healed, rescued) from false doctrine and its attendant spiritual illness, he must “continue” in what he has learned from the Holy Spirit through our Apostle Paul….

A Prayer According to God’s Will

Thursday, May 7, 2026

“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.

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. 🙂

Continue #3

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

See chapter 5 of Paul’s first epistle to young Timothy: “[11] But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; [12] Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. [13] And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. [14] I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. [15] For some are already turned aside after Satan.”

Finally, we read from the sixth chapter: “[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. [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. [9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. [10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Whether chapter 1, or chapter 4, or chapter 5, or chapter 6, First Timothy contains warning after warning after warning after warning regarding how Satan actively attacks Christian/grace doctrine. These deeds are particularly in the context of ministry, the local church, where young Timothy himself serves the Lord. Paul knows Timothy must learn that a single word means the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

Continue #2

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Turn now to chapter 4 of 1 Timothy, today’s Scripture and context, paying special attention to the opening verses of 1-5: “[1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; [2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; [3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. [4] For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: [5] For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

“[6] If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. [7] But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. [8] For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. [9] This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. [10] For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

“[11] These things command and teach. [12] Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. [13] Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. [14] Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. [15] Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. [16] Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

First Timothy presents additional advice….

Continue #1

Monday, May 4, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Recently, a dear brother in Christ made an inquiry of me. Exactly how do preachers and teachers undergo the transformation from good to bad? In Christendom’s denominations—and, unfortunately, even in the supposed “Grace Movement”—these individuals take up the right side of issues and then adopt the wrong side of issues. I myself have seen it for almost 20 years in ministry. From where exactly are these people coming? Their entrance seems to occur instantly, as if they “appeared out of thin air.” Alas, such is not the case. The matter we are describing here can best be explained by this quote that another dear brother in Christ shared with me: “Big change takes longer to happen than you think it would, and then it happens faster than you thought it could!”

Before exploring today’s Scripture, it would greatly advantage us to survey other verses directed to Pastor Timothy. These lay out the reason for the admonition or warning of today’s Scripture: “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm…. This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme” (1 Timothy 1:3-7,18-20).

There are more such passages in 1 Timothy….

To Kneel or Not to Kneel in Prayer? #4

Sunday, April 26, 2026

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,…” (Ephesians 3:14 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture insinuate the “proper posture of prayer” is kneeling?

The Lord Jesus did not care if someone chose to pray while standing. He actually instructed His disciples, “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses” (Mark 11:25). In fact, if we are going to assert the “best” praying is done on our knees, we might as well stop advertising our Bible ignorance and start expelling it!

For those who never cease saying, “We need to follow Jesus,” they may find it interesting that when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane just moments before His arrest and hours before His crucifixion, not only did He kneel (Luke 22:41), He “fell on his face” (Matthew 26:39) and He even “fell on the ground” (Mark 14:35). Therefore, if we are going to commend ourselves as “spiritual” for kneeling, we might as well go all the way and put our face to the ground too! Or, better yet, we should be entirely prostrate on the floor—the lowest possible position (short of burial)! Do they want to “follow Jesus” here? Probably not!

Moreover, yet again, we ask: does lowly physical posture equate to worship of God? No. Over a decade ago, I witnessed such hypocrisy at the last denominational church I ever attended. For approximately two years, one deacon went forward at “invitation time” and either walked to stand with the pastor or went over to the front pew and knelt before it to pray. Later, another deacon of the congregation explained to me that that was a performance that the pastor had devised to entice people to get up and “walk the aisle.” The deacon talking to me stated how he had refused to go along with the charade, but that the other deacon did not mind parading himself with his “fair [beautiful] shew in the flesh” (Galatians 6:12). Such was not faith but denominational tomfoolery. There was a lowly physical position, but no humility.

We must see prayer as God Himself does….

Not Thy Righteousness, But Their Wickedness #12

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

“Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Deuteronomy 9:5 KJV).

May we have the proper perspective of wickedness versus righteousness….

Commoners, pastors, and teachers can all learn something from today’s Scripture. Inflated egos—the same in the Israelites’ hearts—can easily dominate and ruin us. Graduates of “Christian” institutes of higher learning might conclude that they “deserve” to be in ministry because they are brilliant scholars, loyal denominationalists, and articulate speakers. Even the most spiritual believers are not immune to adopting the erroneous supposition that they are “God’s gift to man,” “Heaven’s favorite.”

Sure, we can lift our noses high and sniff, and stick out our little chests and bellow, but let us remember the people who demanded Jesus’ crucifixion were… extremely religious. See for yourself in Matthew 27:20-22; Mark 15:9-15; Luke 23:20-24; John 18:39,40; John 19:12-15; Acts 3:12-18; Acts 4:8-12; Acts 5:26-32; and Acts 7:51-53. Those chief priests and commoners were the products of 1,500 years of mindless works-religion instead of heart faith in JEHOVAH God who gave them that Mosaic Law system!!!! It was their self-righteousness that led them to believe they had no need for the Saviour. Saul of Tarsus was one such “goody-goody” (see Philippians 3:1-9 and 1 Timothy 1:12-16).

Believe it or not, Hell abounds with “good” people—and countless billions more souls have yet to arrive. The underlying supposition is how their limited, insubstantial works in the energy of their flesh somehow supplement or replace Jesus Christ’s sinless blood. Regardless of what they do, once they leave this life upon physical death, they will always be “in Adam.” That nature will remain with them throughout the endless ages to come, and their punishment is hence without end (see 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 and Revelation 14:9-11).

“For he [Father God] hath made him [Jesus Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we [through faith in Him alone] might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is not our righteousness, but God’s righteousness in Christ!

Zealously Affected #14

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

“Buyer’s remorse” happens when the consumer regrets the purchase of a good or service. Perhaps it was cheaply made or poorly rendered, too expensive, or unnecessary. Emotions obscured the truth; to wit, that which is obvious to a thinking person is less clear to an emotional one. The salesperson made the customer feel happy, sad, or whatever, and, impulsively, the deal was closed. In hindsight, once emotions have subsided and rationality prevails, it is evident the transaction should have never taken place. What initially “felt good” is now a major disappointment, for expectations were not met! Again, emotions and feelings are fickle, and they are a primary reason for financial debt.

Something similar to “buyer’s remorse” is in the realm of religion. Deep down inside, everyone knows they have a sin problem, and each person copes differently with this realization. Some outright ignore it, pretending it is not there and deceiving themselves to the point of asserting they are “without sin.” Others hide behind “intellectualism” and “science,” natural-world phenomena and natural-man thinking—having no regard for anything supernatural and focusing exclusively on what can be seen, touched, heard, tasted, smelled, and reasoned via human intelligence.

The vast majority, however, will join this denomination, or that religion, or this cult, or that sect. Recognizing there is someone or something beyond themselves, they will experiment with a ceremony, ritual, or rite in an attempt to get in touch with the “spiritual realm.” All will learn, sooner or later, that religion is nothing more than man using his own feeble efforts to try to re-connect with God. They had hoped “church” would help them, make them joyful, give them peace, and bring them to Heaven. However, how many hundreds upon hundreds of millions have been sorely dissatisfied because Satan has “slipped them a counterfeit?!” They have religion, but they have no life in Christ. Yes, they are smug in their “goodness,” yet they are dead in their trespasses and sins. They sing about Heaven, but they are on their way to Hell….