Category: megachurches

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #157

Friday, October 30, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Brethren, whether false doctrine or worldly music, let us be sure we are neither “foolish” (senseless, thoughtless) nor “bewitched” (captivated, charmed, hypnotized, enchanted, fascinated) by the flesh (Galatians 3:1-3). Long ago, I was horrorstruck when browsing one church’s website. Its “worship leader” had named his “role models:” his musical inspiration came from three vulgar celebrity musicians (who will forever remain anonymous here)!

May we make sure the world does not influence us Christians to think about music contrary to God’s assessment. In some religious circles (which esteem [worship!] secular education), one needs to be a professional singer or trained musician before being seriously considered worthy of going up before their congregation. Yet, true worship of God is not learned in man’s classrooms. Just because sinners approve one’s exams and research—meeting an institution’s academic requirements—does not necessarily mean a person qualifies to serve in God’s ministry. No assortment of diplomas or degrees can ever fill anyone, or has ever filled anyone, with the Holy Spirit. Remember well certain “unlearned and ignorant men” who “had been with Jesus,” fishermen Peter and John being God’s mighty vessels in spite of their lack of schooling (Acts 4:13).

For 2,000 years, even though there has been so much folly and darkness, Christians have written and sung timeless or classic psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs worth memorizing and singing even now. If we are people mature in the rightly-divided Word, grounded in dispensational truth, it is quite easy to discern what is rubbish doctrine and what is rich doctrine. Let us also bear in mind that, regardless of what is being sung today for Satan’s glory, it will pass away in due time (its volume decreasing until heard no more). Simultaneously, the songs of the saints will reach their crescendo, permeating the Heaven and the Earth, as God’s eternal purpose is finally brought to fruition and Jesus Christ reigns as the Lord of glory for all ages to come.

We now shift our concentration to yet another topic worth straightening out in our minds and hearts….

ATTENTION: For more information, see our archived studies, “Which hymns are appropriate for us grace believers to sing?” and “Must I have a degree in music to sing or play an instrument at a local church?”

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

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #156

Thursday, October 29, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Reiteration is key, for the old maxim reminds, “Repetition is the mother of all learning.” Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)—courtesy of the 1960s–1970s Charismatic Movement—has now become the standard of nearly every church service. More weight is ascribed to sounds than sound doctrine. As walls vibrate, “Christians” (?) move their bodies indecently and foolishly. There is more entertainment than edification, as the lyrics are shallow, unscriptural, and un-dispensational. This is how Satan sabotages God’s ministry. It is not truly spiritual unless it conforms to Pauline revelation! “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 14:37,38).

Decades before “Contemporary Christian Music” inundated us, a minister astutely remarked: “The prevailing character of music in the worship of God should be vocal. If instruments are employed, they should be so subordinate that the service may be characterized as singing.” To wit, if you focus more on musical instruments than singing sound doctrine, that is the Devil. If engaging in worldly amusement is given precedence over using rightly-divided Scripture to praise the Lord, then that is the Devil. Run, flee, get out of there, and never return, dear friend! However, the majority have been (intentionally) programmed to go to church for entertainment anyway, so they will unconsciously keep going there. You can warn them to no avail; if they want it, let them have it! Contemporary Christian Music is known for its musical instruments rather than its singing—and it is definitely not known for its sound Bible doctrine.

Three elements of good music are: (1) lyrics, words, Bible verses from the Word rightly divided; (2) melody or harmony; and (3) rhythm or pulsation, beat, drive. Music that God accepts must come from a heart of gratitude, must be designed to reflect His thoughts and communicate His words and will, and must harmonize with what He is doing in creation. Otherwise, frankly, we are worshipping the Devil with our music….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #155

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Preparing to enter ministry (over 20 years ago now!), I was given a book a famous pastor wrote. In it, he asserted, “God loves all kinds of music.” To be blunt, this is Bible ignorance. God does not love false doctrine, so He would not care for any music whose lyrics contain bad information or foster spiritual immaturity. If the music’s lyrics promote Bible ignorance, how can the Lord love it? Here is what the feel-good, megachurch leader overlooked—either not knowing or pretending not to know. (I am afraid it is willful ignorance!)

There is indeed a spiritual component to music, a therapeutic effect, just as in 1 Samuel 16:23 when David played the harp to relieve King Saul of spiritual distress (cf. verses 14-17). Music can either influence us positively or negatively, bring us to spiritual truth or bring us from spiritual truth. Unfortunately, most Christians are ignorant of this—and it is not God’s fault that they are unaware of the Devil’s “worship services.”

In Ephesians 5:19, we read of “psalms” (songs praising God for His wonderful works), “hymns” (general songs praising God), and “spiritual songs” (odes of spiritual value, poems “charged with spiritual truth,” songs restricted to the things of the Holy Spirit). The description “spiritual songs” eliminates all confusion with secular/worldly songs (especially the chanting of the drunken worshippers of Bacchus [ancient Roman god of wine], familiar to the Ephesians and other citizens of the Roman Empire). Read the spiritual songs of Elisabeth (Luke 1:41-45), Mary (Luke 1:46-55), and Zacharias (Luke 1:67-79), all involving personal testimony and joy. “…Is any merry? let him sing psalms” (James 5:13). Alas, Christians today have utilized worldly music standards to determine what is appropriate. To boost popularity and profits, separation has given way to compromise (violating 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1 and Ephesians 5:1-21).

Ephesians 5:19 also exhorts us to sing and make melody in our heart “to the Lord.” This is not amusement, and this is not to man. Our music should worship the Lord—not self, not man, not Satan. We express our gratitude to God for what He has done for us….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #154

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

“Anointed music” (or “anointed worship”) is a trendy name habitually repeated in Christendom. While seemingly impressive, rest assured it is nothing valuable or godly. Basically, particular phrases/lyrics, musical instruments, and sounds are employed to create an atmosphere that stirs up and maintains an adrenaline rush (it happened with ancient Babylonian idolaters in Daniel chapter 3!). It is a syncretism of Judaism, heathenism, mysticism/superstition, and emotion-based religion (Corinth!!!). If ever you hear, “Come encounter God—come feel His presence—at our ‘praise and worship’ service,” permanently turn your back to it and leave as quickly as you can! Why?

The Charismatic Movement of the latter half of the 20th century was actually Pentecostalism (founded circa 1900) infiltrating mainline denominations. Excessive emphasis is still placed upon miraculous demonstrations and spiritual gifts (especially tongues), as well as various other superficial and external criteria (what looks good, feels good, et cetera). Charismatic theology and practice produced “Contemporary Christian Music” (“CCM”) in the 1960s and 1970s, and popularized it throughout the 1980s and 1990s. What people generally do not understand, or have chosen to ignore (!), is how this nonsense resulted from failing to avoid the spiritual silliness of which 1 Corinthians warned. Contemporary Christian Music is spiritually dangerous: its lyrics (underlying doctrine) are quite shallow and even heretical.

However, Contemporary Christian Music appeals to the (lost) general public. Megachurches use it to attract tens of thousands of visitors. Frankly, that strong feeling of excitement—“frisson,” adrenaline rush (!)—is exactly what drug users experience and become addicted to. “Worshippers” enjoy a concert, release their pent-up energy with “moving and grooving,” and even feel a bit religious in the process (after all, it is “church!”). Captivated, it is guaranteed they will return (and even throw in a generous contribution at collection time, similar to children paying admission into an amusement park!). Denominations and ministries affiliated with Contemporary Christian Music are not about to divest themselves of anything that brings in large crowds of people and huge sums of money—even if it is a counterfeit spirituality.

Oh, dear friends, how the professing church is in overwhelming spiritual trouble….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #153

Monday, October 26, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

One lady described for me her first visit to a local megachurch. The music was “so loud” that she was totally disgusted—and not going back! Several years ago, I viewed the television program of another large “feel-good” congregation meeting in my area. These engaged in vigorous physical activity while singing one song for 10 minutes uninterrupted (yes, I timed it). Such lyrics asked “the Holy Spirit” (?) to descend. Exhausted, they ceased for a few seconds to catch their breath… before the preacher (a notable false teacher) beckoned for them to start up the band again! They proceeded to sing the chorus for an additional four minutes, over and over and over. Such was fun and games to this blind leader of the blind, and all his gullible followers were equally “carried away” in religious fervor (1 Corinthians 12:2). Watching attentively and listening closely, I ultimately concluded the Holy Spirit would have no part of that empty noise… even after they had spent nearly a quarter-hour begging Him to come down!

My (final) denominational preacher—from long, long ago—was a skilled vocalist. He once traveled from church to church with a quartet. Possessing a great voice indeed, he felt superior to those whom he regarded as “unable to sing.” Eventually (after my family left the group), I heard how he developed dementia and became incapable of preaching. Once a new pastor was installed, the former pastor was relegated to songleader—until he was unable to sing because he could no longer remember lyrics. All those beautiful songs were not as approved unto God as the preacher or his congregation thought, for he passionately fought against dispensational Bible truth.

Dear friends, if we are going to confine “praise and worship” to two brief periods on Sunday, and one on Wednesday night, what exactly is the rest of our week? Should we not be praising and worshipping God all the time? Is not the delivery of sermons and studying actual Bible verses also praise and worship? Or, could it just be that, despite all our alleged “praise and worship,” we really have no idea what praise and worship are? Yea, we are too preoccupied with amusement, emotionalism, and fleshliness….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #147

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

When I was a university student, I attended a meeting in our student union. Coincidentally, a “worship session” was simultaneously being held in a theater across the hall. Out of curiosity, I put my hands and ear on the outer side of the wall of that room. Although voices were muffled, I could literally feel that wall shaking! As for this noisy religious (charismatic) group, I subsequently visited their building located on-campus to share Bible verses with them. It was not long before they escorted me out the door for teaching information that contradicted what they wanted to believe! That was my first—and last—time there.

A relative shared on social-media how she had just come back from church. Their special guest showed the whole congregation “some new dance moves.” With great excitement, she concluded the post with, “Christians can have fun!!!” Their reason for going to church could not be more obvious. Consider the time when a nearby megachurch had services that included a full hour of singing. Interviewed, one attendee’s words demonstrated he heard no clear Gospel of Grace or any other sound Bible doctrine. A young adult, age 21, notified me how her favorite part of a “grace conference” (the same one I attended) was not learning sound doctrine: nay, the highlight for her was singing with friends. This same woman had attended grace churches for years, was a children’s Sunday school teacher and camp counselor, and was “training for ministry.” Despite all that outward appearance, she had no interest in learning any sound doctrine from me!

These are a few samples of how yearning for entertainment at church has replaced longing for truth at church. Dearly beloved, we need not wonder why we are so pitifully ignorant of even the simplest of Bible concepts. Unfortunately, as Christians, our view of music tends to vary little from that of the unsaved world. Lost people could not have done a better job as our teachers, and we could not have done a better job as their students….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #113

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Materialism and covetousness are so widespread in countless churches and “Christian” schools that people wonder if they should fund the preacher’s/teacher’s lavish lifestyle or pay their own bills. They suppose they can add another “0” to their donation so as to avert God’s disfavor. Or, consider the man who gave $10,000 (!) a (!) month (!) to his megachurch. He told his Christian stepmother that he had to give it to get to Heaven (what was he learning at that “church?!”). She tried in vain to convince him otherwise. As far as we know, he died in his sins… just as lost as the poorest pauper in Adam!

It is nobody’s business what amount we give to God’s ministry. Nevertheless, denominational boards have presumptuously reviewed personal financial/tax records to see who is giving what—and to reprimand contributors who fall short of that anticipated precious 10%! A man once explained how he, in frustration, stopped attending his feel-good megachurch. They had just constructed a 3,000-seat auditorium, so the preacher constantly begged for tithes and offerings to pay it off. A dear Christian friend informed me that his denominational church (which he has since left) placed the names of large financial donors on a sign for everyone to notice. If the praise of men is our incentive to give to God’s ministry, beloved, we should not give a single penny. A gift donated with that attitude—even if billions of dollars—will be absolutely worthless at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Are they really upholding sound Bible doctrine when they refer to “raising money” for “ministry” and “missions?” Or, are they just seeking funds for the proselytization of people so their denominations can increase membership (which individuals are still unsaved!). We should always cheerfully give of our resources to support God’s ministry, but let us be sure that we are backing God’s work rather than the Devil’s! It should be a legitimate grace ministry, teaching the Word of God rightly divided and clearly preaching the Message of Grace. If not, we ought not waste one cent giving there or one second going there….

The Social Club with the Steeple #6

Monday, September 8, 2025

“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 KJV).

Is our local church building the meeting-place of people filled with God’s life, or just “a social club with a steeple?”

Read 2 Timothy 4:3,4, an excerpt from one of Paul’s “pastoral epistles” (church handbooks of 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon): “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.”

In order to have turned away from the truth, they had to first have/know the truth. Now, they want nothing to do with it. They prefer hearing fables or “feel-good” religious stories (speculations and opinions of men), not sound Bible doctrine. If this does not describe many of our “Christian” churches and “Christian” schools today, nothing does! In the midst of that apostasy, the Holy Spirit through Paul directed Timothy in verses 1 and 2: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

There will be no great revival before Christ returns. Anyone who says otherwise contradicts the Bible and entertains wishful thinking. This should not discourage us though. Regardless of what dreadful events take place (even in the so-called “Grace Movement”), we should keep teaching and preaching sound Bible doctrine, dispensational truth—even as those who support it become fewer and fewer. Indeed, we will not turn the apostasy around, but we can slow it down ever so slightly. A few souls here and there can be saved from that inevitable, universal slide into doctrinal error. Let us go about our Father’s work sharing His rightly divided Word (King James Bible in English!) with those who want to hear, as we wait for our Lord’s return to get us! 🙂

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. 🙂

The Social Club with the Steeple #5

Sunday, September 7, 2025

“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 KJV).

Is our local church building the meeting-place of people filled with God’s life, or just “a social club with a steeple?”

As a preacher observed long ago, some local churches have actually not had any controversy in many years. Holding services and implementing programs, they are nevertheless spiritually dead churches. Whenever the Spirit of God works, the flesh opposes (Galatians 5:17). Therefore, if no doctrinal disagreements exist, it is because of one of two options. Either everyone in the assembly knows everything (highly unlikely!), or they do not discuss doctrine because they fear conflict. In the latter case, emotions, speculations, stories, and/or experiences take preeminence. Though the local church should be alive with God’s life and serve as “the pillar and ground of the truth” (today’s Scripture)—elevating the truth and supporting the truth—doctrine frequently means nothing to professing Christians. They want error instead! Remember, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

Talking with people of various persuasions all these years, I conclude the vast majority are not attending church services because they hear the truth there. Instead, it is a cultural motivation. They were raised in that belief system, their parents went to that church, their friends go there—and they visit for social connections rather than doctrinal reasons. Hence, they react with indifference when you show them the church’s false teachings. Unconcerned, they elect to keep going. Why? Doctrinal integrity was never their incentive anyway! They liked eating the potluck suppers, felt happy with the amusement (music, singing, dancing, joke-telling), had great joy with the foolishness (tongue-talking or ecstatic utterances, hand-raising, “supernatural” storytelling, snake-handling, healing miracles), or liked reducing the Bible to an “intellectual” or literary work (analyzing its arguments, terms, grammar, historical/cultural background). They do not actually believe or appreciate the Holy Scriptures as the living Word of the living God. Brethren, may we identify them and withdraw from them for our own spiritual health’s sake!

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

The Social Club with the Steeple #4

Saturday, September 6, 2025

“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15 KJV).

Is our local church building the meeting-place of people filled with God’s life, or just “a social club with a steeple?”

Once, a family member announced online how she had just returned from “fun” church services during which she “learned some new dance moves.” She had gone there for amusement! I accessed the website of the church of another relative of mine. Their Sunday School, named after a famous “thinker,” was nothing more than a “philosopher’s club:” they had “intellectual” discussions instead of actual Bible study! In his biography on the church’s website, the “worship leader” actually named some of the worldliest, vulgarest musicians as his inspiration!

Several years back, a churchgoing woman notified me her local assembly was, in her words, a “social club.” When she asked the pastor to intervene regarding the false doctrine one of their Sunday School teachers was promoting, the pastor refused to get involved. Once she moved to Heaven, three new pastors were installed in a span of just a few years… and the congregation really went on a downward spiral doctrinally. The first new preacher threw out the old members (loyal to the former pastor) and brought in new people to support him and his “modern reformations.” I spoke with those next two new pastors: they are apostates, having no desire to hear Bible truth.

If it is not sound doctrine, it is not teaching or information worthy of our faith or trust. One fact is clear from the Bible Books of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. The local church must not change the doctrine; chiefly, it is not to throw away Grace to take up the Law. We must continue in sound Bible doctrine. This—not entertainment—is (should be) the focus of the local assembly. Yet, it has become increasingly common for pastors, teachers, and denominations to not make an issue of doctrine because “doctrine divides.” “Narrow-mindedness” offends! Instead of worrying about doctrine, they wish to broaden their audience with various errors and thereby increase revenue (the love of money!).

Yes, they are running “social clubs with a steeple….”