Category: ecumenical movement

No Corrupt Communication #12

Tuesday, March 12, 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?”

If someone tells us “it makes no difference what Bible version we use,” it is because of one of two possibilities. Firstly (the lesser charge), they have probably not personally studied the matter in great detail—and are only innocently repeating “authorities,” “experts,” or “scholars.” Secondly (the more serious reason), perhaps they know more than they are telling us and/or know more than we do about it, and they offer dishonest or incomplete information for fear their school or church will be exposed as being responsible for tampering with the Bible!

Throughout Israel’s history, despite the apostasy and unbelief, faithful Levitical (priestly) scribes collated (collected) and copied the Hebrew Scriptures (Genesis through Malachi) once God’s prophets wrote the original manuscripts. See the Levites’ ministry in Deuteronomy 17:18, Deuteronomy 24:8, Deuteronomy 31:24-26, Ezra 7:11, Nehemiah 8:6-9, and Malachi 2:7. By New Testament times, believers in Jesus Christ were collating and copying the Books of Matthew through Revelation after the Apostles wrote the original manuscripts. See Romans 16:26, 1 Corinthians 14:37, and Colossians 4:16.

Of course, the Devil always seeks to imitate God as much as possible so as to receive praise that only the Creator deserves (Isaiah 14:14). Only two Bible manuscript families exist—God’s preserved words and Satan’s counterfeit. If there were forged Bible manuscripts some 2,000 years ago (remember 2 Thessalonians 2:2), no one can ever truthfully tell us deliberate falsification of the Scriptures is not occurring today in some fashion.

Sinful man, agreeing with Satan’s policy of evil (“I will think and do what I want, no matter what God says!”), seeks to undercut or undermine faith in the preserved line of Bible manuscripts. No longer is it “God has guarded against error a text family worthy of our faith,” but rather (courtesy of “natural-man scholarship”) “God needs our help in recovering or reconstructing what text He lost because He was unable to protect it!” Indeed, the latter statement appeals to the flesh, and glorifies secular education under the guise of “Christianity.”

Doubtless, actual Bible text changes are the deadliest form of “corrupt communication….”

No Corrupt Communication #11

Monday, March 11, 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?”

Let us take a more detailed look at Jeremiah chapter 23: “[1] Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. [2] Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD…. [16] Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD. [17] They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you…. [30] Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. [31] Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith…. [36] And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man’s word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.”

Some six centuries before Christ, the Jewish people were overrun with false prophets. These corrupt religious leaders “stole [God’s] words” from their neighbors by substituting Divine revelation with manmade information. Such an exchange made the Jews “vain” (spiritually empty and unproductive), for they were operating according to the faulty reasonings of fallible men as opposed to being filled with the life and will of the Almighty LORD God. Thus, the accusation rang out, “Ye have perverted the words of the living God!” Even this very moment, a large number of so-called “spiritual leaders” are guilty of this “corrupt communication,” preaching from their own heart instead of from the LORD’S mouth….

No Corrupt Communication #10

Sunday, March 10, 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?”

“Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart” (Jeremiah 14:14). “Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 23:32). “For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 29:9).

In the above verses, preachers claim, “The LORD gave me a message for you!” However, the LORD avows He had nothing to do with it. They are pretending to be His spokesmen, trying to pass off their own opinions as “God’s words.” Go now to 2 Thessalonians 2:2: “That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.” Here is a forged letter—someone feigning to be Paul, someone claiming apostolic power, and using pretense (false information) to unsettle and lead believers astray.

Most of the “scholarly persuasion” reassure us it does not matter what Bible version we use—for, allegedly, one translation is “just as good” as the other. No one, they say, intentionally forges or alters Bible manuscripts for doctrinal purposes. They, being ignorant of the very Bible they profess to know, are nothing more than the blind leading the blind. This is harsh, but it pales in comparison to their disrespectful comments about what is and what is not the Word of God. One can easily search the Scriptures to find all sorts of verses about imposters or counterfeits—false brethren, false apostles, false prophets, false teachers, false Christs, and the like.

“Christian” books and sermons throughout history have been deliberately edited for doctrinal purposes….

No Corrupt Communication #9

Saturday, March 9, 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?”

In the Scriptures, we read about false accusations (Luke 3:14; Luke 19:8; 2 Timothy 3:3; Titus 2:3; 1 Peter 3:16), false apostles (2 Corinthians 11:13), false balances (Proverbs 11:1; Proverbs 20:23), false brethren (2 Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 2:4), false Christs (Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22), false dealings (Genesis 21:23; Leviticus 19:11; Psalm 44:17; Jeremiah 6:13; Jeremiah 8:10), false divinations (Jeremiah 14:14; Ezekiel 21:23), false dreams (Jeremiah 23:32; Zechariah 10:2), and false gifts (Proverbs 25:14).

Also, the Bible refers to false lips (Proverbs 17:4), false matters (Exodus 23:7), false oaths (Zechariah 8:17), false reports (Exodus 23:1), false sayings (Matthew 7:15), false science (1 Timothy 6:20), false swearing (Leviticus 6:3,5; Leviticus 19:12; Jeremiah 5:2; Jeremiah 7:9; Hosea 10:4; Zechariah 5:4; Malachi 3:5), false teachers (2 Peter 2:1), false tongues (Psalm 120:3), false visions (Jeremiah 14:14), and false ways (Psalm 119:104; Psalm 119:28; Jeremiah 8:10).

However, the most prominent mentions are false prophets (Jeremiah 5:31; Jeremiah 29:9; Matthew 7:15; Matthew 24:11,24; Mark 13:22; Luke 6:26; Acts 13:6; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1; Revelation 16:13; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10) and false witnesses (Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20; Deuteronomy 19:16,18; Psalm 27:12; Psalm 35:11; Proverbs 6:19; Proverbs 12:17; Proverbs 14:5; Proverbs 19:5,9; Proverbs 21:28; Proverbs 25:18; Matthew 15:19; Matthew 19:18; Matthew 26:59,60; Mark 10:19; Mark 14:56,57; Luke 18:20; Acts 6:13; Romans 13:9; 1 Corinthians 15:15).

All the above references involve something untrue, deceitful, or counterfeit: they relate to dishonest businesspeople, lying religious leaders, and erroneous beliefs or messages. The two dominant themes—and note them well—are false prophets (people claiming to speak for God when they are not) and false witnesses (people arguing something is true when it is not). If the Holy Spirit dedicates so many verses about them, then it only stands to reason these passages about false witnesses and false prophets merit special attention. Yet, in the average “Christian” assembly or institution, little to no consideration is given them.

Let us see how false witnesses and false prophets factor into corrupt communication….

No Corrupt Communication #8

Friday, March 8, 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?”

As any competent construction foreman or worker knows, the type and quality of the building material makes a difference. Furthermore, no responsible person erratically places components while erecting the edifice or building the site. Every piece has its proper place according to the blueprints, and only approved materials will pass the inspection. As believers in Jesus Christ, how much more careful should we be with regards to spiritual (eternal) matters?

The classic passage on this subject is 1 Corinthians 3:9-17: “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed [beware, be careful, exercise caution] how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

The Corinthian saints were being careless by embracing and exalting human wisdom—how unsaved people (such as heathen Greek poets or philosophers) thought about life. If you read both Corinthian epistles, you gain a sense of just how spiritually disoriented and debilitated these believers became once they fell into the trap of non-grace, non-dispensational, non-Spirit-filled thinking, corrupt communication….

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. 🙂

That They All May Be One! #10

Saturday, March 27, 2021

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:20,21 KJV).

What exactly is this unity?

Contrary to popular belief, the harmony or accord of which Jesus spoke in John chapter 17 was not Bible believers setting aside doctrine so as to unite with heretics and apostates. Rather, it was the reunification of the peoples of Israel and Judah, the divided kingdoms joined together as they were in the days of David. Through the Apostles’ preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom—Jesus is Christ, the Son of David—their converts would return to Father God and thus submit to the Davidic dynasty as before. Ultimately, this will occur during the Millennium.

Re-read John chapter 17: “[16] They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. [17] Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. [18] As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. [19] And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” We must not throw away sound Bible doctrine, for true Christian unity is based on the truth (cf. Ephesians 4:3-6). Thus, it is impossible to make all beliefs equivalent: all religions and denominations cannot be accepted without reservation. The Bible is specific in its teachings; therefore, we conclude doctrine matters (Romans 16:17,18; Galatians 1:6-9; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Timothy 4:1-4; Titus 3:9-11; et al.). Remember, the division between Israel and Judah occurred because of Solomon’s false religions, epitomized as: “Doctrine does not matter. Let us all gather around any and every god. All religions are the same anyway!”

Nay, brethren, we bring to mind the stern warning in Scripture: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” (2 Corinthians 6:14,15).

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What does ‘by and by’ mean?”

That They All May Be One! #9

Friday, March 26, 2021

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:20,21 KJV).

What exactly is this unity?

One purpose of the New Covenant is to rejoin Israel and Judah, redeem them through Jesus Christ’s shed blood, and forgive their sin debt incurred under the Old Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34; cf. Hebrews 8:8-13; Hebrews 10:1-39). Sin split them from God, and also divided them into two kingdoms and two nations. Yet, God’s grace will cover those transgressions and restore all 12 tribes under one King, the Lord Jesus Christ, to become one born-again nation. Returning to the Promised Land, they never again leave it because of Gentile captivity (Jeremiah 32:36-44; Ezekiel 36:16-38; et al.).

Although unbelieving, High Priest Caiaphas was used of the Holy Spirit to describe Jesus’ impending death: “And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad” (John 11:49-52).

Believers from Israel and Judah, dispersed worldwide, will be made one people through Christ’s finished crosswork: “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd” (John 10:16). Again, it was this prophetic unification of Israel and Judah underlying Jesus’ prayer in today’s Scripture. Speaking of that Millennial reconciliation and blessing of Israel and Judah, Psalm 133:1 exclaims, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

That They All May Be One! #8

Thursday, March 25, 2021

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:20,21 KJV).

What exactly is this unity?

Israel and Judah divided was foreseen in the Jewish religious calendar given to Moses. Leviticus chapter 23: “[15] And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: [16] Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD. [17] Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals; they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD.” Roughly 50 days after Passover, the Jews were to bring “two wave loaves of two tenth deals,” or a “new meat [meal/grain] offering.”

As touching the fulfillment of the aforementioned Leviticus passage, the issue of harmony among Jesus’ disciples is accentuated. “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren” (Acts 1:14). “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place” (2:1). “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,…” (2:46).

“And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:….” (4:24). “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common” (4:32). “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch” (5:12). This was a foretaste of the New Covenant friendship…..

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Why does ‘revived’ appear in Romans 14:9?”

That They All May Be One! #7

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:20,21 KJV).

What exactly is this unity?

Once Israel and Judah split, their civil wars lasted centuries (1 Kings chapter 12 onward). Instead of fighting the Gentiles, they turned on each other! As opposed to doing God’s will in the Earth, they wasted all their time and energy on endless battles—not to mention their pagan idolatry that continued up until their respective captivities in Assyria and Babylon.

Continue reading Ezekiel chapter 37, God delivering them from their political, social, and religious factions: “[23] Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwellingplaces, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God. [24] And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.

“[25] And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children’s children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever. [26] Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. [27] My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [28] And the heathen shall know that I the LORD do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.

Indeed, when Christ reigns as the ultimate Son of David, all 12 tribes will come under one government as before, with resurrected David ruling too….