Category: God: The Father, the Son Jesus Christ, & the Holy Ghost

333’s 4800th – Wise Fools or Wise Fools

Sunday, July 21, 2024

“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God…” (1 Corinthians 3:18,19a KJV).

Dear Saints and readers, only by God’s grace, we have reached devotional #4800!

In the Bible, we can be either wise fools or wise fools. For example, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,…” (Romans 1:20-22).

These wise fools are knowledgeable, intelligent, and clever in their own eyes, but they have forsaken God’s wisdom (true wisdom). To Him, they are but fools. Here is much of the world. “Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Corinthians 1:20,21).

In today’s Scripture, there are some other wise fools: “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” Any Christian who believes he can live the Christian life by using worldly wisdom (recall Romans 1:20-22) is but a fool in God’s eyes. That is most of Christendom. Yet, we can reject secular wisdom, adopt God’s wisdom, and become wise in God’s sight—though the world sees us as fools.

With each passing day of our sound Bible doctrine studies, we are moving away from wise fools (relying on our wisdom, thus wise in man’s sight but fools in God’s sight) and over to wise fools (relying on God’s wisdom, thus wise in God’s sight but fools in the world’s sight). May we seek God’s approval above all (2 Timothy 2:15)!

Onward we go to #4900! 🙂

Please remember that all studies have been archived here.

No Shepherd for Israel! #9

Saturday, July 20, 2024

“Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace” (2 Chronicles 18:16 KJV).

Why does Israel have no shepherd?

Like every nation of the world, Israel’s history abounds with leaders who were spiritual losers. That is the heavy price of sin—and it is a heavy price indeed. All nations could have been spared an incomprehensible amount of pain, suffering, ignorance, and turmoil. Yet, the LORD God created us as free moral agents, not robots, and that means letting man do what he wants. Still, we can be thankful that is not the way things will always be in creation. Before situations and circumstances improve on Earth, though, they will have to deteriorate even more than what we see now.

With each passing day, the world grows closer to the Antichrist’s appearance. This last self-serving, diabolical shepherd—the worst of them all—must operate in Israel’s government before the Lord Jesus Christ comes back to destroy him, sit on David’s throne, and appoint His righteous shepherds (the 12 Apostles). Jesus Christ the “Good Shepherd” is in stark contrast to those shepherds who scatter the sheep, those who do not care about the wellbeing of the sheep (John 10:11-14). Ultimately, Christ will give up His life to save the sheep—a clear reference to Calvary (see John 10:15,17-18). In addition to being the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life at the cross (John 10:11 corresponding to Psalm 22); Jesus Christ is also the “Great Shepherd” who cares for and blesses the sheep (Hebrews 13:20 matching Psalm 23); Christ is also the “Chief Shepherd” who brings the sheep into His Millennial Kingdom (1 Peter 5:4 corresponding to Psalm 24).

The Lord Jesus will lead the lost sheep of Israel back to Himself, as in 1 Peter 2:25: “For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” Psalm 79:13, Psalm 95:7, and Psalm 100:3 all look to that Millennial Reign of Christ as well. In that day, “no shepherd for Israel” will never be true again!

No Shepherd for Israel! #8

Friday, July 19, 2024

“Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace” (2 Chronicles 18:16 KJV).

Why does Israel have no shepherd?

At His Second Coming, the LORD Jesus Christ will destroy the corrupt pastors/shepherds of Israel (the Antichrist and all his predecessors) and replace them with His 12 Apostles in preparation for the Millennial Kingdom.

Jeremiah 23:1-4: “[1] Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD. [2] Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD. [3] And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. [4] And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.” Pay close attention to verse 4, which now leads us to the 12 Apostles and the close of John’s Gospel Record.

See the “lambs” and “sheep” of John 21:15-17: “[15] So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. [16] He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. [17] He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

No Shepherd for Israel! #7

Thursday, July 18, 2024

“Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace” (2 Chronicles 18:16 KJV).

Why does Israel have no shepherd?

Through the centuries, most of Israel’s spiritual “leaders” were that in name only: they were not guiding the nation into the words and ways of JEHOVAH God. Yet, the LORD would not leave His people in the hands of satanic religious leaders forever. Read Isaiah’s prophecy in chapter 40, verses 9-11: “O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

Messiah Jesus, who is the JEHOVAH God of Isaiah, offered to be Israel’s Shepherd during His earthly ministry of Matthew through John. See John chapter 10, verses 12-16: “But he that is an hireling [false teachers leading Israel], and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf [more false teachers] coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”

With Israel rejecting and killing Jesus in unbelief, now the Antichrist can enter to further destroy the nation, therefore necessitating Jesus come back in power and great glory so as to reign as Israel’s Shepherd….

A Light to David #7

Thursday, July 11, 2024

“And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there” (1 Kings 11:36 KJV).

What is this “light” the LORD God has for David in Jerusalem?

Re-read today’s Scripture and its analogous verses. “And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there” (1 Kings 11:36). “Nevertheless for David’s sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:…” (1 Kings 15:4). “Yet the LORD would not destroy Judah for David his servant’s sake, as he promised him to give him alway a light, and to his children” (2 Kings 8:19). “Howbeit the LORD would not destroy the house of David, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a light to him and to his sons for ever” (2 Chronicles 21:7).

The “light” or “lamp” was how King David would have a successor or heir who would maintain his royal bloodline until Messiah Jesus would be born. This is the LORD’S fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16; cf. Psalm 132:10-14,17), Israel and Jerusalem having a perpetual King. “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). “…JESUS… shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:31-33).

In Middle Eastern culture, the light or lamp was hung in the dwelling (tent, house) to indicate life—someone was home, alive and well, occupying the place. See the opposite: “Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him” (Job 18:5,6). The extinguishing of the light meant the destruction of life!

A Light to David #6

Wednesday, July 10, 2024

“And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there” (1 Kings 11:36 KJV).

What is this “light” the LORD God has for David in Jerusalem?

The royal house of David would not be obliterated, though God would punish the sons of David for their sin. As Genesis 49:10 foretells, “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah [David’s tribe], nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” The word “Shiloh” is Hebrew for “peaceful,” and is a title of Messiah (who, like David, is a member of the tribe of Judah).

“And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof” (Revelation 5:5). Luke chapter 3: “[23] And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,… [31] Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,… [33] Which was the son of Aminadab, which was the son of Aram, which was the son of Esrom, which was the son of Phares, which was the son of Juda,….”

To better understand this “light” or “lamp” of today’s Scripture (cf. 1 Kings 15:4; 1 Kings 11:36; 2 Kings 8:19; 2 Chronicles 21:7), we need to remember that it was connected to David’s life too. “But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel” (2 Samuel 21:17). If David died in war, the “light of Israel” would be “quenched” (extinguished). This is also helpful in putting the final pieces of this puzzle together.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

A Light to David #5

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

“And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there” (1 Kings 11:36 KJV).

What is this “light” the LORD God has for David in Jerusalem?

Though sons of David would sin—and some of them grievously “committed iniquity” (such as Solomon, Rehoboam, Jehoram, Manasseh, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah), God’s covenant with David was unconditional. These members of David’s royal bloodline would be “chastened with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men” (2 Samuel 7:14)—devastating wars with enemies, for example. However, “my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul.” There would always be a son of David to carry his DNA up until Messiah’s conception (Messiah being the final son of David, the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant).

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this” (Isaiah 9:6,7). “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jeremiah 23:5,6).

“And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:31-33).

Yet, what does a “lamp” or “light” have to do with all this? Let us see….

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. 🙂

Liberated to Serve

Thursday, July 4, 2024 🇺🇸

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13 KJV).

Today, as we in the United States celebrate the 248th anniversary of our nation’s independence, we invite our Christian brethren worldwide to rejoice with us concerning our freedom in Jesus Christ.

When we proclaim Romans 6:14—“Ye are not under the law, but under grace”—people tend to assume “loose living.” Does “grace living” really mean we can now live any way we want? Lest anyone be misled in that regard, God the Holy Spirit moved the Apostle Paul to write in the next verse, “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid [May God never let that happen!]” (Romans 6:15). Grace living is not Law-keeping, but it certainly is not Law-breaking either.

God still cares how we live, albeit He is not operating the “weak and beggarly” system of “bondage” (Law) that He once did with Israel (Galatians 4:9). God proved to the entire world that since Israel could not keep His commandments perfectly, no other sons of Adam (the Gentiles) could either: “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them [Israel] who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world [Gentiles] may become guilty before God” (Romans 3:19).

We sinners cannot keep the Law. However, God in His grace provided us a way to escape that condemnation by sending Jesus Christ to offer Himself on Calvary’s cruel cross to pay for our sins. By simple faith in Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as the fully-satisfying payment for our sins, we can now be “made the righteousness of God in [Christ]” (2 Corinthians 5:21). We can be delivered from the penalty of sin (hell and the lake of fire) and the power of sin (flesh-walking).

Why are we Christians free? To selfishly live any way we want? NO! Today’s Scripture says we are liberated to now serve others, especially our Christian brethren, just as Jesus Christ selflessly served His Father and selflessly died on our behalf. That is grace living!!!!

Please see our 2011 Fourth of July Bible study “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land,” which can be watched here or read here.

The Roller-Coaster of Life #8

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).

In this roller coaster called “life,” who is truly “faithful?”

When the disciples learned how they would desert Jesus, they disputed it and called Him a liar! “And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice. But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all” (Mark 14:27-31). Of course, it came to pass exactly as Christ foretold: “And they all forsook him, and fled” (verse 50), including boastful Peter denying Him three times (verses 66-72)!

It contradicts humanism (“man is his final authority!”), is at variance with “feel-good” Christendom, and offends our ego. Yet, the fact remains that, because of sin, none (!) of us are faithful. Saul of Tarsus, who later became the Apostle Paul, was raised in Judaism (works-religion). Such “Judaizers” or denominationalists constantly promoted “the goodness of men” amongst his grace believers. Now, as a Christian, he composed these words: “For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:…” (Philippians 3:3,4). Indeed, Saul had “trusted in the flesh”—his religious performance—yet that was “but dung” (verses 5-8). “And be found in him [Christ], not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:…” (verse 9).

Never forget: Father God does not trust us, but He does trust Christ in us, so we may we trust Christ in us too! 🙂

The Roller-Coaster of Life #7

Monday, July 1, 2024

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9 KJV).

In this roller coaster called “life,” who is truly “faithful?”

Chapter 10: “[1] Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; [2] And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; [3] And did all eat the same spiritual meat; [4] And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. [5] But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

“[6] Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. [7] Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. [8] Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. [9] Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. [10] Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

“[11] Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. [12] Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. [13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

As ancient Israel forsook Moses (God’s spokesman to them), so the Corinthians had abandoned Paul (God’s spokesman to them). Yet, again, “God is faithful” (verse 13), offering the Corinthians the spiritual power to overcome their apostasy and return to His words of grace to them by faith (Romans through Philemon). Even now, this holds true of us.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….