Category: God’s grace

The Social Club with the Steeple #3

Friday, September 5, 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?”

To “behave thyself in the house of God” (today’s Scripture) means believers of the congregation observe the grace principles presented in this local-church handbook of 1 Timothy (plus companions 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon). One recurring idea in 1 Timothy is “doctrine” (teaching worthy of our faith/trust).

“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,… For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;…” (1 Timothy 1:3,10). Carefully read verses 3-11.

“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…. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:6,13). “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17). “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed… 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;…” (1 Timothy 6:1,3). Read 1 Timothy 6:3-5 carefully.

“Sound” in 1 Timothy 1:10 is not in the sense of acoustics (hearing), but healthy (as in a “sound” mind, not sick or diseased). We get our English word “hygiene” from that Greek term. It is also rendered “wholesome” in 1 Timothy 6:3, plus translated “whole” (physical healing or bodily health) in Luke 5:31, Luke 7:10, Luke 15:27, and 3 John 2. As we learn also from 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9,13; and Titus 2:1,2; sound doctrine matters….

The Social Club with the Steeple #2

Thursday, September 4, 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?”

A social club is a gathering of people who have common interests—love of business, history, sports, politics, religion/philosophy, science, or the like. Numerous social clubs are also devoted to collecting comic books, postage stamps, and coins, or appreciating films, artwork, and writings. Unfortunately, countless souls have reduced “church” to this.

While some have come to worship the Lord, study His Book, and fellowship with like-minded believers, we wonder how many have showed up just to engage in regular chitchat with neighbors, family, friends, or clergy. For them, going to church is akin to visiting a barbershop or beauty salon, supermarket, coffee shop, or sporting event. It is simply a social-networking strategy, assembling at a place where the community exchanges news. One such man remarked, “My motivation was not a religious search for spirituality; it was more a search for somewhere to belong and to be with people who shared my interest in world affairs.” (Wow!!!)

Maybe they have entered to feel religious (get an emotional high) or be entertained with singing and dancing. Going to church is like making one’s way to the local bar or nightclub, comedy venue, amusement park, or music concert. Similar to the effects of illegal drugs and liquor, that adrenaline rush is extremely addicting! There might even be a free (!) lunch or supper as a bonus. Perhaps they go to church to get the preacher or teacher to recognize their “spirituality.” For them, it is like maintaining a social-media profile or website, radio or television program—someone bragging about their accomplishments to receive “likes,” standing ovations, views, and/or subscriptions.

Therefore, when you reason with them by sharing sound Bible doctrine, they are not interested in listening to verses. It does not bother them that their “church” is not teaching them the pure Scriptures, merely selected passages that support the denomination. They were not going there to learn sound Bible doctrine anyway….

The Social Club with the Steeple #1

Wednesday, September 3, 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?”

A dear Christian woman described to me how her local church was anything but a Spirit-filled assembly. There were several unaddressed problems. It is only as a mature Bible student (grace dispensationalist) many, many years later that she now fully understands the difference between empty religion and grace living.

For instance, the children of a certain poverty-stricken family were given preeminence over her children in Sunday School. Her kids were pushed aside, made outcasts, so the poor kids could have most of the attention. Another example of the spiritual disarray was when the pastor told her it was better for her to come to church and teach children’s Sunday School than accompany her husband to care for her ill, hospitalized father-in-law! Moreover, when she spoke out against false teaching in the assembly, she was reprimanded by a “Bible college graduate” serving as the head of the church’s Sunday School department.

A former deacon of that church told me how a great many people in the assembly were lazy regarding the maintenance of the property and facilities. Out of a congregation of about 100 people, only he and a handful of others tended to most of the chores. Knowing the little I do about that local church, I can say unashamedly that that church was dead spiritually. There was no life of God. Just about everyone there was living in the energy of the flesh. The amount of sound Bible doctrine was extremely limited. Most members were running a social club, not a place of Christian living. The pastor should not have been favoring anyone. He should have not allowed spiritual confusion to go on unaddressed in his church. His strict rules and regulations made void or cancelled God’s grace. This is just one of tens of millions of useless “places of worship” not worth attending at all….

You Builders! #6

Sunday, August 31, 2025

“This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner” (Acts 4:11 KJV).

Who are these “builders?” What have they done—and not done?

Jesus Christ is “the head of the corner,” the cornerstone, the foundation of everything Father God will do with the nation Israel in the ages to come. All prophecies and promises radiate from His crosswork (the basis or focal point).

First Peter chapter 2: “[4] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed [rejected] indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, [5] Ye [Little Flock, believing Israel] also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. [6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. [7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed [rejected], the same is made the head of the corner, [8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. [9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: [10] Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”

Likewise, everything God will do with us the Church the Body of Christ depends on Jesus Christ according to Paul’s mystery preaching of Him: “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:20-22). Romans to Philemon is to and about us, Christ as revealed in mystery being the foundation of God’s current dealings with man (1 Corinthians 3:9-17). Like Israel’s apostate spiritual leaders, however, our leaders for the last 2,000 years have corrupted us with garbage (non-dispensational) doctrine, mixing law and grace!

333’s 5200th – We Still Have Time!

Monday, August 25, 2025

“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11 KJV).

Many, many years ago, as a university graduate student, I spoke with a works-religion man also attending classes there. Although he was an unbeliever, I strongly encouraged him to access our online devotionals blog, where he could find 500 daily Bible studies to read and consider. He was surprised as to how someone could have time to write so many devotionals. Well, by God’s grace, we have multiplied that over 10 times now!

There is still much, much, much to read, learn, and teach. While one particular ungrateful “believer” whined how she “could not keep up with us” (and she referred to basic topics!), mastering sound Bible doctrine is the only way to survive the deception of Satan’s evil world system. Instead of griping how “difficult” and “slow” spiritual growth is, it is important that we find the right teachers and right preachers and steadily mature with them. Even if it is so gradual it is barely perceptible, a believing heart resting in sound doctrine will assuredly develop spiritually.

Brethren, the Dispensation of the Grace of God is still in effect. For now, God’s attitude toward the world is “grace and peace.” Therefore, we need to get on with studying the Dispensation of Grace as described in Paul’s 13 epistles, Romans to Philemon. Contrary to the false accusations of the denominational preachers and “natural-man” teachers, we do not discard a single Bible verse. We study the Scriptures of Genesis through Revelation, for each and every verse is inspired of God. Howbeit, we “rightly divide” (2 Timothy 2:15), knowing what is for our learning (outside of Pauline revelation) versus what is to and about us (Pauline revelation). If our spiritual leaders have not taught us this, they have failed us miserably. They need to do less talking and more studying themselves, lest they continue to be “blind leaders of the blind.”

We hope our daily studies here have helped and blessed you in some measure these last 14.25 years. No, we do not know everything, for we are not God, but we know a little more than we did yesterday, last year, a decade ago. Praise our Lord Jesus Christ, and onward to #5300!

Note: All our previous devotionals, going back to “day 1,” are archived chronologically here.

Asset or Liability to the Establishment? #11

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

“[Our Lord Jesus Christ] Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:…” (Galatians 1:4 KJV).

Are we assets or liabilities to Satan’s Establishment?

God bestowed spiritual gifts upon the early Body of Christ, that believers grow up into strong spiritual adults (not remain Bible babies!), for only spiritual adults can do the work of the ministry: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:…” (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Now, with the completed Bible canon, the temporary spiritual gifts are unnecessary. All revelation from God has been given, written down in the Bible, preserved through history via a multiplicity of reliable manuscript copies, and translated for us into our language English (the King James Bible). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

Doctrine is information or teaching worthy of our faith/trust, reproof is criticism for wrong conduct, correction is for improving poor thinking—all three are instruction in righteousness (the right path to walk!). Satan wants us to be ignorant, to not know what God wants us to know, for, if we knew what God wished we knew, we would be “perfect [spiritually mature], throughly furnished unto all good works [the very good works that are liabilities to Satan’s lie program!!!].”

We study all the Bible, Genesis to Revelation, for it is all God’s Word. Yet, we know Paul is our Apostle, Christ’s spokesman to us (Acts 26:17,18; Romans 11:13). Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, describe God’s current dealings with man. If we fail to see what God is doing in the “but now,” and/or try to go back to “time past” (Scripture prior to Paul), that is a heavenly way to do the Devil’s work (serve as his assets)!

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. 🙂

Asset or Liability to the Establishment? #10

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

“[Our Lord Jesus Christ] Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:…” (Galatians 1:4 KJV).

Are we assets or liabilities to Satan’s Establishment?

One Pauline “pastoral epistle” describes the work of the ministry as follows: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:24-26). “Those that oppose themselves” are people living contrary to whom they are in Christ—that is, believers who never abandoned what they thought (doctrine) and did (conduct) as lost people. They are “in the snare [trap!] of the devil… taken captive by him at his will.” Until they believe sound Bible doctrine to recover themselves, they will be no bother to Satan because they are functioning as his assets!

Paul prayed saints would be “strengthened with might by [God’s] Spirit in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:16). “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16). “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;…” (Ephesians 5:18). To be “filled with the Spirit” is to “let the word of Christ dwell in [us] richly in all wisdom.” That Word of God’s Grace will “build [us] up [edify us], and… give [us] an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).

In short, the indwelling Holy Spirit takes that sound Bible doctrine and works in us as we trust it: “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Here is spiritual growth and development, maturing in the faith, Christ’s life being revealed in and through our life. This is how we are liabilities to Satan.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Asset or Liability to the Establishment? #9

Monday, August 4, 2025

“[Our Lord Jesus Christ] Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:…” (Galatians 1:4 KJV).

Are we assets or liabilities to Satan’s Establishment?

Ephesians 4:17-21: “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. But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:….”

When a Christian lives in the energy of the flesh, he or she is just as useful to God as a lost person (non-Christian) is. Why? Both people are separated from God’s life. An ignorant Christian is just as useful to God as a lost person (non-Christian) is. Why? Both people are isolated from God’s thoughts. The separations are positional for the lost person and practical for the Christian. Moreover, the Christian living “at Corinth” is no bother to Satan. The Christian living “at Galatia” is no bother to Satan either.

A Corinthian will readily see the error of the Galatian, but not his own faults. A Galatian will spot with ease the error of the Corinthian, but not his own faults. The mature Christian recognizes both. Living apart from Christ’s life, the Corinthian engages in human evil—idolatry, theft, fornication (habitual sexual misconduct, especially outside of marriage), coveting, reviling (insulting language), extortion, drunkenness, homosexual behavior, and so on (see 1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Living apart from Christ’s life, the Galatian participates in human “goodness”—rites, rituals, ceremonies, self-righteousness, commandment-keeping, including holy meals, confession of sins, fasting, water baptism, physical circumcision, kosher food laws, prayer recitation, and so on (see Galatians 3:1-3; Galatians 5:1-3).

Neither Corinthian living nor Galatian living is Christian living—both are man living, Adam living, not Christ living. If it is not Christ living, it is no bother to Satan, for Adam living enhances and extends Satan’s work. Christ is set aside, and man gets all the attention. It is man’s efforts, man’s intellect… man, man, MAN….

Asset or Liability to the Establishment? #8

Sunday, August 3, 2025

“[Our Lord Jesus Christ] Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:…” (Galatians 1:4 KJV).

Are we assets or liabilities to Satan’s Establishment?

Indeed, we humans are “creatures of habit.” It is difficult (!!!!) to forsake former mindsets and old ways, no matter how incorrect or destructive they are. We believers in Christ can indeed live a lie by entertaining these erroneous thoughts: “The Christian life depends on me. I promise to ‘do better’ next time. I will make a deal with God to try harder to stop doing this or that. Oh no, I am just an old, poor, helpless, hopeless sinner who must sin!” This was exactly Paul’s dilemma in Romans chapter 7—a Christian positionally, but a spiritual loser practically.

Remember, Romans 6:6,7: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.” This “old man” is our identity in Adam, something God nailed to Calvary’s cross with Christ. We have been liberated from its power. Sin is not who we are anymore, but we lose the battle with it when we return to a performance-based acceptance system (Romans chapter 7). See Romans 6:14,15: “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.”

Sin dominates us when we think Christian living involves our obedience to rules and regulations. Romans 6:18: “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Here is whom we are in Christ, what God made us in Christ. It is not something we make ourselves. We are simply living according to what God has done for us through Calvary (grace). Before we trusted Christ as our personal Saviour, we were living in the energy of the flesh because that is all we could do. We were alienated from the life of God. Now that we have trusted Christ, we have God’s life in us and should let the Holy Spirit have His way in us as we walk by faith in an intelligent understanding of God’s Word to and about us….

Attention: As touching our New Testament Survey Project, we have now started our Galatians studies. See the playlist of videos here.

arC Ministries Is 18!

Thursday, July 31, 2025

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV).

To our Lord Jesus Christ’s glory, arC Ministries celebrates its 18th anniversary today!!!

Eighteen years ago, as a 19-year-old college student, I endeavored to use Facebook to create a Bible study group for teens and college students. Thus, “ambassadors for the risen Christ ministries” was born. As I grew more in God’s Word rightly divided, I grew increasingly aware of the need for additional ministry projects. The more I had been learning drove me to share those precious truths with others. That eventually led me to look for supplementary avenues of ministry.

During these past 18 years, God’s grace has enabled us to continue the original group on Facebook. In addition, we have branched out quite a bit in other areas. This devotionals blog has been operating for over 14 years now. For the last 13 years, we have focused on developing and drafting a grace study Bible (now in its fourteenth year). Other ministry projects include a 22-week newspaper ministry column (this devotionals blog’s predecessor), a YouTube channel with home Bible study videos, a Twitter feed, a full-length Bible studies blog, a college campus ministry, a nursing-home ministry, and our Bible-question-and-answer blog. Nine years ago, we launched our new main ministry website and now have a line of printed Bible study booklets available for sale there. Six years ago, we recorded and distributed our Old Testament Survey video series. Later that year, we launched our New Testament Survey video series (which will last a few years). We hear from people all over the world!

Our name says it all: we serve the risen Lord Jesus Christ, not some “dead Jew” and not ourselves. The original motto of our ministry was, “To equip ambassadors, and to encourage others to become ambassadors.” Our primary goal is to teach Christians, and our secondary goal is to evangelize the lost world. Eighteen years later, we still endeavor to uphold God’s Word (King James Bible) rightly divided, whether it be in edifying the Christian brethren or preaching the clear Gospel of the Grace of God to this lost and dying world. For those of you who have been with us from day 1, thank you for your prayer and encouragement. We pray for you upon every remembrance! There is still plenty more for the Lord Jesus Christ to do in and through us, so let us give Him all the praise and glory as we enter Year 19! 🙂