Category: False Teaching

Minimum Wage Hike? #5

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

“He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor” (Proverbs 14:31 KJV).

Is this a good verse to support minimum wage increases?

Very few people realize Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon form one unit and thus interpret each other. This “heart” or “wisdom” literature is both rooted in literal history and typical of future events. For example, the Holy Spirit through King Solomon wrote today’s Scripture with both history and prophecy in mind. As we move on the Bible timeline toward the end times, the last days of Israel’s prophetic program, it becomes more evident that the Bible Books before and after Paul’s writings are mirror images. History loops to the future, and the future loops to history. What preceded our Dispensation of Grace predicts what will happen once it closes.

With prophecy in view, the “poor” being “oppressed” in today’s Scripture goes far beyond the issue of little to no wages. For instance, read Psalm 10: “[1] Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? [2] The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. [8] He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. [9] He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. [10] He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones…. [14] Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.”

Psalm 12:5: “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.” Psalm 72:4: “He [The Lord Jesus Christ] shall judge the poor of the people, he shall save the children of the needy, and shall break in pieces the oppressor [same Hebrew word as “oppresseth” in today’s Scripture].” The LORD is returning in wrath, and paltry paychecks are hardly the controversy….

(In order to bring you a special devotional tomorrow, we will temporarily suspend this devotionals arc.)

Minimum Wage Hike? #4

Monday, August 5, 2019

“He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor” (Proverbs 14:31 KJV).

Is this a good verse to support minimum wage increases?

Doubtless, the Law of Moses shows us JEHOVAH God was quite merciful toward individuals living in poverty. Jews were to lend money to their disadvantaged brethren without charging “usury” or interest (Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37). They were commanded to do whatever they could to alleviate the financial struggles of their relatives—and even neighboring Gentiles (Leviticus 25:25,35,39-43; Deuteronomy 15:7-15). Fields were never to be completely stripped during harvest, lest the poor passersby starve (Leviticus 19:9,10; Leviticus 23:22). In the seventh or sabbatical year, the land was not to be sown or harvested; it was to be left to grow wild to feed needy people and animals (Exodus 23:11). Under no circumstances whatsoever were poor hired servants—Jews or Gentiles—to be mistreated.

Deuteronomy chapter 24: “[14] Thou shalt not oppress [same Hebrew word as “oppressed” in today’s Scripture] an hired servant that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy brethren, or of thy strangers [Gentiles/foreigners] that are in thy land within thy gates: [15] At his day thou shalt give him his hire, neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is poor, and setteth his heart upon it: lest he cry against thee unto the LORD, and it be sin unto thee.” Also, Leviticus 19:13: “Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.” Payment was to be proportional to the work. It was a fair transaction for both employer and employee: it was not some exorbitant amount exchanged for meager labor. Furthermore, the paycheck was given on the very day of the job.

In the context of today’s Scripture, the Jew is not following the Law of Moses concerning these matters. Dishonesty and inequality are present. JEHOVAH God, who has given this Law, has been disrespected. Had they honored the God of Abraham, they would have valued the servants He had instructed them not to defraud! Now, we add a prophetic layer to what we have learned thus far….

Minimum Wage Hike? #3

Sunday, August 4, 2019

“He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor” (Proverbs 14:31 KJV).

Is this a good verse to support minimum wage increases?

Unfortunately, friends, politicians will often say anything—even utter foolishness and fantasy—to get elected. Of course, they are not all evil; nevertheless, most exaggerate or outright lie to gain more votes. One politician recently claimed the Bible favored raising the minimum wage in the United States. In fact, he quoted today’s Scripture.

Since America has a large “Christian” (?) population, a Bible verse quoted goes a long, long (!!!) way in public arenas. The gullible masses assume, “Surely, no one using the Bible is dishonest!” Once the Scripture is quoted, the ignorant soak it up. In the blink of an eye, in the snap of a finger, heads bob in agreement and shouts of “Amen!” ring through the crowds. It is a cruel reality, but they will never check the Bible to see if that is what it really said. Skillful oration on the speaker’s part and slothfulness on the hearer’s part—spiritual darkness prevails as though God never gave us His Book!

Interestingly, while the aforementioned politician quoted today’s Scripture, he conveniently skipped the context. Here is one Divine principle to be followed when holding a governmental office: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (verse 34). Had he quoted this, he would lose votes! “Oh no, we cannot offend people concerning what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong.’ We do not want to go around dictating to others what is and what is not sin. That is narrow-minded bigotry.” See, whether religious cults or political campaigns, they use the Bible only when they agree. Otherwise, they ignore it. (I wonder if the politician who cares so much about the poor has followed the verse in which Jesus said to sell his possessions and give the monetary value to the poor? Would he care to obey Luke 12:33?! Highly unlikely!)

Who are the “poor” in today’s Scripture? Are they the 21st-century “underprivileged” Americans who “deserve” a raise? Well, frankly, they are not! Rather than “wresting” the Bible by haphazardly pulling “favorite” verses from their contexts, we let God’s Word interpret itself….

Minimum Wage Hike? #2

Saturday, August 3, 2019

“He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor” (Proverbs 14:31 KJV).

Is this a good verse to support minimum wage increases?

The Holy Spirit through the Apostle Peter advised in 2 Peter chapter 3: “[15] And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; [16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”

“Wresting” is “twisting or turning,” like a human body being tortured as it is mangled on the rack. Metaphorically, it means to pervert or distort language so the text fits one’s own idea. According to the Holy Spirit through Peter, people were abusing the Bible 20 centuries ago. We should therefore expect individuals to still be using the Scriptures to deceive their audience. Rather than God’s Word saying what God says, it is man making God’s Word say something God never said. As the Apostle Paul observed, “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God” (2 Corinthians 2:17).

For example, Micah 5:2 predicted of Jesus, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” If you study carefully, you realize Israel’s religious leaders actually misquoted this in Matthew chapter 2: “[4] And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. [5] And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, [6] And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.” Here, Scripture was made to say the exact opposite of its original teaching!

As religious leaders corrupt God’s Word, politicians do likewise….

Minimum Wage Hike? #1

Friday, August 2, 2019

“He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor” (Proverbs 14:31 KJV).

Is this a good verse to support minimum wage increases?

When the Creator God gave us His inspired Word, the Holy Bible, He left Divine truth in the hands of men. He could have given it to angels (more powerful and intelligent), but He did not. Unfortunately, man has not been faithful in “holding fast” those precious words delivered him. Down through the many centuries, sinful man has so terribly mistreated Scripture. It has been “adjusted” to fit various sectarian and political biases. Scores upon scores of modern English versions have been produced in the last century, each further tainted by modernism, liberalism, and denominationalism. Yet, as soon as someone mentions the Bible, they are assumed to be telling the truth. “He quotes the Bible, so he must be speaking for God and telling the truth.” This assumption is ever so dangerous!

Friend, the Bible is the universe’s most important book: it is God’s Book, and never, ever forget it. The Holy Spirit designed it so that it “reads” us as we read it! Hebrews chapter 4: “[12] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [13] Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

As soon as we open God’s Word, it puts our heart under a spiritual microscope. It sees right through our flesh, our skin, and penetrates deep to expose our soul and spirit. Almighty God scans our innermost being—all that we know or will ever know, all that we believe or will believe, all that we plan to do or will ever do, He sees the “real” us! The Holy Spirit evaluates our motives. Why are we turning pages in His Book? Are we interested in handling His words honestly, or have we appealed to them to fulfill an evil agenda? He thus acts accordingly….

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

A Grace Study Bible

Thursday, August 1, 2019

“And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2 KJV).

Today, we reflect on seven full years of the arC Ministries’ Grace Study Bible Project!

Some 100 years ago, the Scofield Study Bible was published. It was a work that popularized—not invented—dispensational Bible study. For a century, the Church the Body of Christ has used this monumental aid to edify itself. It was (and still is) useful in recovering precious Bible truths that had been lost for centuries, doctrines still pushed aside by denominational hierarchies that prefer to be the “authority” with their “tradition of men.”

Seven years ago today, after much prayer and consideration, I began the formation of a new grace study Bible. Using the King James Bible, my goal in this project is to build on Dr. Scofield’s foundation laid long ago. We are (and will always be) indebted to that brother for his faithful service, his submission to the Holy Spirit to produce a profitable study Bible. (Incidentally, Dr. Scofield led a missionary to Christ, that missionary led a preacher to Christ, that preacher led a woman to Christ, that woman led Mom to Christ, and Mom led me to Christ.) What took Dr. Scofield decades to learn, we can acquire in a fraction of that time. Brother Scofield did not live long enough to progress any further in Bible understanding, but in the century since he has gone to heaven, a faithful remnant within the Body of Christ has expanded upon Dr. Scofield’s insightful notes. We recognize where he was wrong in certain areas, and we can improve those areas in our understanding and study.

In brief, some stats about our grace study Bible. We seem to be roughly 70 percent completed with it. How many more years it will take remains to be seen, but rest assured, what cannot be condensed into marginal notes or footnotes, will be, Lord willing, expanded into a full-Bible commentary book series! Stay tuned in the coming years and thank you for your prayer in this regard! 🙂

* You can read more about our Grace Study Bible Project here.

No Way Out! #4

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

“Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake” (John 13:22 KJV).

Look, the disciples have no way out!

The disciples did not know how to react. They were simply unable to imagine one of their own would be Jesus’ traitor. “Who in the world can it be? How could this be so?” When the legalistic tenets of the denominationalists fooled the Galatian saints, the Apostle Paul was likewise at a loss for words. “How could you be so soon removed from grace? Brethren, what am I to do with you?” In both instances, perplexity or astonishment abounds. “Aporeo” appears two other times in the King James Greek New Testament. We will look at them to further amplify our understanding.

Acts chapter 25: “[19] But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. [20] And because I doubted [aporeo] of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.” Being a Roman, Judaean Governor Porcius Festus was unfamiliar with Jewish religion. Incompetent in judging these theological matters, he preferred not to get involved with the Jews accusing Paul concerning their “superstition.”

When recalling ministry challenges thus far, Paul confessed: “[8] We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed [aporeo], but not in despair; [9] Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; [10] Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body” (2 Corinthians 4:8-10). It was not always clear to Paul what route to take. However, dear friends, there is a play on words in verse 8: “we are perplexed [aporeo], but not in despair [exaporeo—an intensive form of “aporeo”].” Paraphrased, it is, “We may not have a way out, but we are not entirely without an exit.” Completely, utterly, absolutely clueless we are not!

Brethren, as long as we stick close to the words of God’s Word rightly divided, we will always have a way out concerning life’s dilemmas and difficulties. We are not without hope, not without guidance, and not without peace! 🙂

No Way Out! #3

Monday, July 29, 2019

“Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake” (John 13:22 KJV).

Look, the disciples have no way out!

As the disciples in the Upper Room were “at a loss” regarding whom among them was Jesus’ traitor, so the Apostle Paul did not know which way to turn mentally concerning the Galatians. Read from his epistle to them, chapter 4:

“[15] Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. [16] Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? [17] They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. [18] But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. [19] My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, [20] I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you [“aporeo”—same as “doubting” in today’s Scripture]. [21] Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?”

Prior to writing the Galatians, Paul had visited these pagan idolaters and preached the Gospel of Grace to them. From him, they heard about the one true God and His free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork—He had died for their sins, been buried, and been raised again (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). They came to faith in Christ alone as sufficient payment for their sins. How joyful they were to no longer be slaves to works-religion, sin, and Satan!

Alas, after Paul departed from their midst in order to visit and evangelize other pagans, false teachers slipped in and conquered the Galatians with works-religion. These legalists emphasized Law and thereby excluded Grace. Understandably, Paul was amazed, confessing to the Galatians, “I stand in doubt of you.” It is not that he doubted their salvation. Rather, he could not wrap his mind around the fact that they had been led astray so quickly and so easily (cf. Galatians 1:6-10). Yea, he too had “no way out….”

The Jews’ Feasts #5

Sunday, July 21, 2019

“After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem” (John 5:1 KJV).

Thrice, and only in John’s Gospel Record, we read a unique expression. What is it, and why is it significant?

Long ago, someone once aptly stated, “Christendom is a bastardized form of Judaism!” To wit, what is called “Christianity” is really Christendom, and Christendom is essentially Judaism. The candles, altars, priests, holy garments, cups, bowls, sacrifices, holy/feast days, confession of sins, anointing with oil, water baptism, law-keeping, and prayers commonly assumed to be “Christian” are actually not Christian at all. They were stolen from Judaism (Old Testament) and carelessly incorporated into pure Christianity! Moreover, the steeples, mother goddess worship/veneration, sun images, statues, relics, kissing of images, bowing/genuflection, “fatherly” priests, popes, prayers for the dead, and relics all assumed to be part of “Christian worship” are derived from heathen or pagan religion (which apostate Israel herself adopted to corrupt Judaism!!)!

Christianity—how the God of creation would have us worship Him—is described quite clearly in the Bible Books of Romans through Philemon. Friend, read those passages and then notice the “Christian” churches, study “Christian” literature, and converse with “Christian” people. Overwhelmingly, you will realize that Satan’s world system has fooled billions. Most of what is assumed to be “Christian” is either outright paganism, a mixture of paganism and Judaism, or paganism-Judaism amalgamated with Christianity!

The Apostle Paul, “the apostle of the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13), never mentions bell towers, candles, statues, confessions, or relics. God the Holy Spirit through him never commands us to place ourselves under the Law system (just the opposite—Romans 6:14-15 and Titus 2:11-14). He says we have no feast days to observe (Colossians 2:16,17; Galatians 4:9-11) and no water baptism to administer in the Dispensation of Grace (1 Corinthians 1:17; Ephesians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 12:13). There are no popes or priests in Pauline doctrine, only elders, bishops, and deacons.

See, friend, to the degree apostate Israel corrupted Judaism over the course of many centuries, so apostate church leaders have watered down Christianity with paganism over the centuries. Unless one is grounded in the Word of God rightly divided, there will be no spiritual discernment to differentiate the true worship system from the false worship system. Beware (Colossians 2:8)!

The Jews’ Feasts #4

Saturday, July 20, 2019

“After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem” (John 5:1 KJV).

Thrice, and only in John’s Gospel Record, we read a unique expression. What is it, and why is it significant?

Man always spoils the works of the LORD God, such as distorting His Word, the Holy Bible: “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God…” (2 Corinthians 2:17). “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” (Jeremiah 23:36).

Apostate Israel ruined God’s Jerusalem Temple with their flagrant dishonesty: “And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written [Isaiah 56:7], My [that is, God’s] house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves” (Matthew 21:12,13). God’s house received a new name, for Christ later denounced Jerusalem (23:38), “Behold, your (!) house is left unto you desolate!” The God of the Bible wanted nothing further to do with the Temple; He was no longer inhabiting it. “And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple” (24:1). He gave them over to their false religion!

Why have people selected their particular local church? To hear sound Bible doctrine there? Probably not. (Just ask them if you doubt it.) A friend of mine likes to say, “They want food, fun, and fellowship!” (I like to add a fourth reason—foolishness!) Organized religion and denominations have replaced God’s work with their own. It is not the Holy Spirit working in them because they believe His words to them (for they are ignorant of His principles of grace). Rather, they are striving to duplicate Christ’s life by using man’s fallible interpretations. Furthermore, they want material food, not the bread from heaven. They crave amusement, not truth. They seek to be friends with the world, not friends of God. They have childish wishes, not mature desires. It is Christendom, not Christianity….