Category: God’s peace

Paul and The Pause of Prophecy #9

Monday, June 10, 2024

“Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him” (Acts 13:9 KJV).

How is the Apostle Paul connected to the pause of prophecy?

Wrath delayed should never, ever be confused with wrath nonexistent (imagined) or wrath abrogated (canceled). Just because God’s current attitude toward the world is grace and peace does not mean it has always been true or will always be true. The Holy Spirit through Paul reminded self-righteous, proud, hypocritical, unsaved Jews during the Acts period of this fact.

Romans chapter 2: “[3] And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? [4] Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? [5] But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; [6] Who will render to every man according to his deeds: [7] To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: [8] But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, [9] Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;….”

Concentrate on verse 4: “…despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering….” For 2,000 years now, God has had mercy upon all—Jew and Gentile alike. Anyone and everyone can approach Him through faith alone in Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for their sins (the Gospel of Grace, or Paul’s Gospel, of 1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Yet, many still smugly clung to their self-righteousness, believing they are “decent” or “good enough” without Christ. How pitifully ignorant they are of “the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds:… unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;….”

The pause will now cease….

Paul and The Pause of Prophecy #8

Sunday, June 9, 2024

“Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him” (Acts 13:9 KJV).

How is the Apostle Paul connected to the pause of prophecy?

Doubtless, the religious fanatic leading the Jewish people to hate and reject the Son of God most vehemently, the man in Israel most opposed to Jesus Christ during early Acts, was Saul of Tarsus. Saul held the clothes of Stephen’s murderers (Acts 7:57-60; Acts 22:19,20)! He viciously persecuted the Messianic Church (cf. Acts 8:1-3; Acts 9:1-6,13,14; 1 Corinthians 15:9; Galatians 1:13,14,22,23; Philippians 3:6). Had Christ come back in prophecy, God’s wrath would have easily consumed him. Instead, Christ returned in Acts chapter 9 in mystery. The God of the Bible had kept a secret, and he revealed it only when He was ready. He would spare Saul of Tarsus, save his pitiful soul through Christ’s finished crosswork, and send him out as the Apostle Paul with this new Gospel of Grace.

First Timothy 1:12-16: “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”

Instead of wrath and war (as prophecy foretold), Christ came back in Acts chapter 9 to save His chief enemy in the Earth. Saul of Tarsus was delivered because of mystery truth. As per 1 Timothy, his salvation is a “pattern” of how God deals with sinners via “grace and peace.” This is the “longsuffering… salvation… wisdom given unto Paul” to which Peter referred in 2 Peter 3:9,15,16. God’s longsuffering that saved Paul is now being extended to all sinners, including apostate Israel mocking believing Israel in 2 Peter chapters 1 and 3….

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. 🙂

God’s Offer to the Nations

Monday, September 11, 2023

“…[T]hat God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is God’s offer to all the nations of the world today.

September 11, 2001 was a day that changed our nation forever. It was the worst terrorist attack in our two-century national history. Afterward, many Americans began to talk about “God Bless America” and “God Save the United States.” These phrases are not as commonplace as they used to be.

In the 22 years that have passed since that awful day, it is a sad commentary that “God” is now the least of our nation’s concerns. With the redefining of marriage, controversial political arena, moral decay, skyrocketing national debt, and the uncertainty as to what constitutes a human life and what does not, obviously, the God of the Bible has been largely pushed out… until we need His help, and then we cry out to Him. Unless we need Him, we rather not think about anything He has to say.

While many argue that God is judging America today for its sins, the Bible does not support such an idea. Certainly, God dealt with Israel in that manner—“Do good and I will bless, but disobey and I will curse” (Leviticus chapter 26; Deuteronomy chapter 28)—but we have no relation to that Old Covenant of Law.

For the last 20 centuries, God has offered His grace to all the world’s nations, to have a right standing before Him by trusting Jesus Christ. People still die and go to hell, but today’s Scripture says that God is not judging nations for their sins. Through Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork, God offers reconciliation to sinners, whether here or around the world. However, that grace is exhaustible, and one day, it will be replaced with His wrath (Romans 2:1-16). Still, we believers are not appointed to God’s wrath; we are saved from all wrath through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9).

The only hope for America—yea, for any nation—is faith in Jesus Christ alone!

*You can also see our 2011 Bible study commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11. It can be watched here or read here.

God’s Offer to the Nations

Sunday, September 11, 2022

“…[T]hat God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is God’s offer to all the nations of the world today.

September 11, 2001 was a day that changed our nation forever. It was the worst terrorist attack in our two-century national history. Afterward, many Americans began to talk about “God Bless America” and “God Save the United States.” These phrases are not as commonplace as they used to be.

In the 21 years that have passed since that awful day, it is a sad commentary that “God” is now the least of our nation’s concerns. With the redefining of marriage, controversial political arena, moral decay, skyrocketing national debt, and the uncertainty as to what constitutes a human life and what does not, obviously, the God of the Bible has been largely pushed out… until we need His help, and then we cry out to Him. Unless we need Him, we rather not think about anything He has to say.

While many argue that God is judging America today for its sins, the Bible does not support such an idea. Certainly, God dealt with Israel in that manner—“Do good and I will bless, but disobey and I will curse” (Leviticus chapter 26; Deuteronomy chapter 28)—but we have no relation to that Old Covenant of Law.

For the last 20 centuries, God has offered His grace to all the world’s nations, to have a right standing before Him by trusting Jesus Christ. People still die and go to hell, but today’s Scripture says that God is not judging nations for their sins. Through Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork, God offers reconciliation to sinners, whether here or around the world. However, that grace is exhaustible, and one day, it will be replaced with His wrath (Romans 2:1-16). Still, we believers are not appointed to God’s wrath; we are saved from all wrath through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9).

The only hope for America—yea, for any nation—is faith in Jesus Christ alone!

*You can also see our 2011 Bible study commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11. It can be watched here or read here.

Psalm 110:1 #7

Sunday, June 26, 2022

“The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool” (Psalm 110:1 KJV).

How does today’s Scripture, this Psalm of David, explain the Bible timeline for us?

During this Age of Grace, as long as this the Dispensation of the Grace of God runs its course, the Lord Jesus Christ still sits at His Father’s right hand in Heaven. No Divine wrath is currently being meted out—though this world deserves it and will reap the consequences of its sin one day. No Divine war is presently being waged—though this society deserves it and will see the terrible results of its sin eventually. Rest assured, there will come a point when today’s Scripture will be fulfilled in its entirety! But not today!

For the last 20 centuries, dear friends, the prophetic program has been in abeyance, temporarily suspended while God forms a mystery or secret entity (the Church the Body of Christ). Paul’s Gospel—Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3,4)—is the only thing that keeps God’s judgment from falling on Earth (2 Peter 3:1-9,15,16). For those who have not yet come to Jesus Christ by faith in this Gospel of Grace, there is still time to do so… but that opportunity is now 2,000 years old, and, with each passing day, it is winding down, so they had better not delay any longer!

Saints, we who have trusted Jesus Christ alone as our personal Saviour, the God-Man is still seated for this reason: “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Romans 8:31-34). “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1).

Psalm 110:1 #6

Saturday, June 25, 2022

“The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool” (Psalm 110:1 KJV).

How does today’s Scripture, this Psalm of David, explain the Bible timeline for us?

One key incident in the prophetic program concerns God the Father directing God the Son to sit at His right hand in Heaven. The Son would remain seated there until it was time for His enemies to be made His footstool. A “footstool,” as the name implies, is furniture on which someone’s feet rests. Therefore, to be made a “footstool” meant utterly defeated, the victor placing his foot on the loser’s neck. Such imagery is violent and indicative of war.

As we now know, Psalm 110:1 was partially fulfilled when the Lord Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry ended and He returned to His Heavenly Father in Mark 16:19, Luke 24:51, and Acts 1:9-12. “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God” (Mark 16:19). The next event on the prophetic calendar, according to today’s Scripture, was for Jesus Christ to rise from His seated position. Peter proclaimed that in Acts 2:34-36, and Stephen witnessed it unfolding in Acts 7:55,56. Yet, the Lord paused prophecy so it was not completely fulfilled. He initiated that drastic dispensational change with Saul of Tarsus.

“Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee” (Numbers 10:35). Psalms repeats the vocative, “Arise, O LORD” (Psalm 3:7; Psalm 7:6; Psalm 9:19; Psalm 10:12; Psalm 17:13; Psalm 44:23; Psalm 132:8); here is believing Israel in the ages to come, pleading for JEHOVAH God to return and save them from the Antichrist. Isaiah 2:19-21 depicts the LORD arising to “shake terribly the earth.” Also, Isaiah 3:13: “The LORD standeth up to plead, and standeth to judge the people.” Finally, “Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence [return, Second Coming!!!] of God” (Psalm 68:1,2).

Today, Christ is once again sitting… for now….

Psalm 110:1 #5

Friday, June 24, 2022

“The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool” (Psalm 110:1 KJV).

How does today’s Scripture, this Psalm of David, explain the Bible timeline for us?

The most infamous Bible character present at Stephen’s murder was Saul of Tarsus: “And they cast [Stephen] out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul” (Acts 7:58). Saul eventually got saved and become the Apostle Paul (see Acts 13:9). Years later, Paul (no longer lost) gave his testimony to lost Israel: “And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting [agreeing, approving] unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him” (Acts 22:19,20). As an unbelieving religious leader, (Pharisee) Saul had led Israel’s rebellion against the Holy Spirit’s ministry during early Acts (Acts 8:1-4; Acts 9:1-14; Acts 26:9-11; Galatians 1:13,14,23; Philippians 3:5,6; et al.)!

Decades pass. In 1 Timothy 1:12-16, and late in his ministry, Paul reflected on his former life: “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief [leader]. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.”

Indeed, Jesus Christ did return in early Acts—but not in the wrath and war of prophecy. Rather, with the introduction of the un-prophesied, unexpected mystery program commencing in Acts chapter 9, the Lord came back in grace, mercy, and peace to meet and save first and foremost Saul of Tarsus. Grace and peace have been offered to all the world ever since….

Bible Q&A articles #964 and #965: “Did Nebuchadnezzar appoint his own uncle or brother as King of Judah?” and “Why are the genealogies of Matthew 1 and Luke 3 different?”

Psalm 110:1 #4

Thursday, June 23, 2022

“The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool” (Psalm 110:1 KJV).

How does today’s Scripture, this Psalm of David, explain the Bible timeline for us?

When Stephen announced how the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, was standing at God’s right hand in Acts 7:55-56, it was a major point on Israel’s prophetic timeline. Jesus did not rise to receive and greet Stephen who would soon perish (that is a common, albeit shallow and false, interpretation). Stephen’s audience was quite aware of a most disturbing truth.

After all, just one year prior to chapter 7, in Acts chapter 2, the Apostle Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost how Psalm 110:1 had been fulfilled when Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven in chapter 1: “For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:34-36). Peter, speaking as the Holy Spirit gave him utterance, altered it from “enemies” (today’s Scripture) to “foes” because Israel had actively opposed Christ (crucifying Him on Calvary) and was still refusing God’s will even into early Acts (weeks and months after Calvary).

Luke 13:6-9 explains that, after Jesus’ three-year-long earthly ministry (to which Israel responded overwhelmingly in unbelief), God would grant Israel a one-year extension to repent (change the mind) and believe the Gospel of the Kingdom. Therefore, in Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, and Acts 5:31, Peter “filled with the Holy Ghost” preached to Israel repentance and faith in Jesus as Christ. By the time of chapter 7, Stephen (also “filled with the Holy Ghost”) confronts and denunciates unbelieving Israel. The opportunity to repent has passed; the one-year extension is expired. The Son of Man has risen from His seated position to make His enemies or foes (unbelieving Israel!) His footstool. He is returning to subjugate or conquer them in flaming fire and vengeance!

Right here, just moments away from God’s wrath falling on this whole planet, the Lord paused prophecy and began mystery, pouring out grace, mercy, and peace on the chief sinner….

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

The Good News of Peace #3

Sunday, November 28, 2021

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1 KJV).

Having our most severe danger removed, all other problems are but minor….

Romans chapter 8 closes: “[31] What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? [32] He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? [33] Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. [34] Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. [37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. [38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Satan uses our troubles to deceive us into thinking we are divorced from God’s love. Yet, the Scriptures declare: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” “Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight: ) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8). Whatever difficulties we face here until we reach Heaven, all those uncertain matters really do not matter in the grand scheme of things. Our eternity is certain in Christ! “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13).

NOTE: Brethren, this is our final original devotional for 2021, as our classic Christmas studies will now run the rest of the year.

The Good News of Peace #2

Saturday, November 27, 2021

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1 KJV).

Having our most severe danger removed, all other problems are but minor….

When we trust Jesus Christ alone as our personal Saviour—that is, when we become a Christian—our difficulties do not magically disappear. Contrary to what we hear from “feel-good” denominational church leaders, we are not spared the pain and suffering of this fallen world. The effects of the curse of sin are random; we know they are not “God’s way of getting our attention,” or Him punishing us for a sin, or some other silly explanation.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9,10). Today’s Scripture in context: “[1] Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: [2] By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. [3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; [4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope: [5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

If we listen to the Holy Spirit’s words here, we come to realize troubles are not something to fear. Our circumstances do not convey God’s words to us; however, they are the context in which we apply God’s words to us. Instead of expecting the Lord to change whatever is around us, we learn He purposes to change whatever is in us. As opposed to removing our problems, He gives us the internal strength to bear them. No other way could ever cause us to be as grateful to Him as this. It would be impossible for us to see His goodness in perspective if He were never given opportunity to show it to us….

Special-edition Bible Q&A #900: “Was Jesus Christ a dispensationalist during His earthly ministry?”