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

Solomon and Jesus #2

Thursday, July 6, 2023

“And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever” (2 Samuel 7:12,13 KJV).

Let us search the Scriptures to see how Solomon is a type of the antitype Jesus….

As we probably know, Solomon was David’s heir or successor. “So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David. And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father; and his kingdom was established greatly” (1 Kings 2:10-12). Do you see how this conforms to today’s Scripture?

“Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him. And all the princes, and the mighty men, and all the sons likewise of king David, submitted themselves unto Solomon the king. And the LORD magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed upon him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel. Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And he died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honour: and Solomon his son reigned in his stead” (1 Chronicles 29:23-28). Again, do you notice the similarities to today’s Scripture?

Now, compare this to Luke 1:31-33: “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.” The Davidic Covenant of today’s Scripture ultimately looks to this prophecy….

Solomon and Jesus #1

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

“And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever” (2 Samuel 7:12,13 KJV).

Let us search the Scriptures to see how Solomon is a type of the antitype Jesus….

Types and antitypes in the Bible are God’s way of showing how He knows the end from the beginning. The “type” is a person, place, or thing that serves as a pattern or preview for a person, place, or thing that will be mentioned later in the Bible record (which person, place, or thing is known as the “antitype”). If we are familiar with the type, the antitype will not surprise us because the type prepared us for it. As an example, let us take up Solomon and the Lord Jesus Christ. By looking at one, we can see a reflection of the other—just as if they are mirror images (though, like all types and antitypes, they are not 100 percent identical).

Start with the Davidic Covenant, the LORD’S promise to King David (today’s Scripture in context): “[12] And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. [13] He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. [14] I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: [15] But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. [16] And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. [17] According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David.”

Looking closely, we see both Solomon and Jesus here….

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

Tuesday, July 4, 2023 🇺🇸

“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 247th 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 Damsel and The Spirit of Divination #7

Sunday, June 25, 2023

“And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour” (Acts 16:16-18 KJV).

Behold—a slave girl, an evil spirit, a vexed apostle, and a mighty God!

Though captive to Satan and men, the slave girl was not without hope. While the Devil and his angels are powerful, they were no match for the Lord God Who ultimately delivered her. Although her human masters fumed how their “prophetess” was now profitless; though they caused Paul and Silas to be publicly beaten, imprisoned, and tortured (all contrary to the laws of Rome); they inadvertently provided God’s preachers an opportunity to minister to yet more unfortunate souls in Philippi!

Read verses 25-40 (those which follow today’s Scripture). For example, “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them” (verse 25). Though suffering immense mental, physical, and emotional pain, Paul and Silas talked to the Lord and sang hymns! Their cellmates also heard the Gospel of Grace. Once a major earthquake rocks the area, the jailer—under such extreme conviction—approaches Paul and Silas, asking in verse 30, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Their answer was short and direct, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (verse 31). Released from prison, they proceed to minister to the jailer’s household and convert them too!

Saints, the lessons we can draw from this are simple. Though the world, the flesh, and the Devil interfere; by the might of the Holy Spirit, we can exercise God’s wisdom in successfully navigating those challenges (distractions, offers of compromise, persecution including physical violence, and so on); which will allow our testimony to have a far greater impact it otherwise would have never had.

Father: A Godly Man

Sunday, June 18, 2023

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4 KJV).

Since today is Father’s Day, we dedicate today’s devotional to the godly (Christian) fathers.

What is a godly father? Oftentimes, fathers are either too authoritative (very strict) or too carefree (little to no concern for their children). According to the Bible (today’s Scripture in particular), fathers must have a balance between setting boundaries and enforcing them, and refraining from being a heartless tyrant.

  • On one hand, the Christian father is to “bring [his children] up in the nurture of the Lord.” “Nurture” is simply defined as “caring for and encouraging their growth or development.” All too often, fathers (sadly) ignore this, usually being too rough, or even, apathetic (unconcerned).
  • On the other hand, the Christian father is to “bring [his children] up in the admonition of the Lord.” “Admonition” is simply defined as “authoritative counsel or warning.” He is to lovingly guide them in life, instructing them from God’s Word rightly divided.

A father is not simply one who procreates. God’s Word makes it very clear that they should serve a lifelong, active role in their children’s lives. A Christian man, especially a father, should be a godly man in beliefs as well as in deed. He needs to set an example for his children (especially his sons): it is his duty as an older Christian man to set an example for younger men.

He should be a hard worker, he should meditate on the things of God (the Bible), his speech should conform to sound Bible doctrine, he should be hospitable and caring, kind and loving, he should respect and love his wife, he should love his children, and he should be reserved and cautious in his actions.

Are you a Christian man or Christian father who desires to be the man God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest! Then, you will become the godly man described on the pages of Scripture.

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

ARCHIVED: “What does the Bible say about fatherhood?”

333’s 4400th – Clarifying to Edify, Edifying to Clarify

Saturday, June 17, 2023

“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:…” (Romans 16:25,26 KJV).

Saints, we celebrate another ministry milestone today—devotional #4400!

For just over 12 years now (has it really been that long?!), we have daily followed the Pauline design for the edification of the believer as laid out in today’s Scripture. Indeed, if we want stability, firm or strong footing, in the Holy Bible; if we wish to better grasp what God has done, is doing, and will do; if we desire to know and undertake His will; if we aspire to grow up into mature believers in Christ; we should pay attention to this Pauline design instead of patterning our thoughts and lives after denominational systems and theological speculations.

As evidenced in today’s Scripture, Father God will develop us using a three-fold process. Firstly, it will be according to Paul’s Gospel: “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Countless souls talk about “the Gospel,” yet they never actually define it as Paul would. Secondly, it will be according to “the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery [secret], which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest:” Paul’s presentation of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Books of Romans through Philemon. Thirdly, it will be according to “the scriptures of the prophets,” or the rest of the Bible as interpreted in light of Pauline doctrine.

By using this procedure of dispensational Bible study, “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), submitting to the Holy Spirit’s words, we have not only clarified misunderstood and troubling verses, we have been edified (strengthened) to the point of being able to clarify those same passages for others. Here is the perfecting of the saints, here is the work of the ministry, and here is the edifying of the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). Onward by God’s grace to devotional #4500!

Remember, all our studies are archived here: https://333wordsofgrace.org/master-list-of-devotionals-chronological/.

The Understanding Darkened #5

Friday, June 16, 2023

“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:…” (Ephesians 4:17,18 KJV).

How can today’s Scripture aid in our understanding of the wild world around us?

With Israel’s temporary fall and God’s salvation and blessing coming to us Gentiles via the Apostle Paul’s ministry (Romans 11:11-14), the “Dispensation of the Grace of God” has been given to us in the 13 Pauline Books of Romans through Philemon (see Ephesians 3:1-11). This information is designed to bring us out of the darkness of our ancestors (Acts 17:30,31). See also Colossians 1:25-29, Colossians 3:1-17, Philippians 1:9-11, Philippians 2:14-16, and even the context of today’s Scripture (Ephesians 4:11-24).

Titus 2:11-14: “[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; [13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; [14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

As suggested in today’s Scripture, and Romans 1:19-32, the dear people of our world languish in a gigantic spiritual trap. Wherever the Lord’s ministry through Paul has penetrated these last 20 centuries, the response has been overwhelmingly negative (as in, refusing to believe the Word of God’s Grace—or, if initially receiving it, failing to keep it pure and continue with it uncorrupted). Even lost souls acknowledge human society is increasingly deteriorating each and every day. Though they struggle mightily to identify the causes and try to correct the situation with additional manmade solutions (works-religion, philosophy, science, politics, and so on), they are wasting their time without the renewed mind we have in Christ. Their only hope of making sense of this sinful world and escaping it, is if we who know the truth then share it with them (2 Timothy 2:2,24-26). Life apart from the God of the Bible is certain ruin… the understanding darkened.

Lawful Advice from Asa’s Life #10

Sunday, June 11, 2023

“And [King Asa] commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment” (2 Chronicles 14:4 KJV).

What lawful advice can be gleaned from King Asa’s life?

Attending to the management of the local church or ministry, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul guided young Pastor Timothy (and thus, us!): “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…. 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 2:2,24-26).

Timothy should take what Paul taught him, and pass on that exact same information to other men, men who could then repeat the cycle. In no way was the doctrine to be changed. Someone who serves the Lord will not be combative or contentious, but calm and willing to humbly tolerate a great deal of senselessness as he tries to share the Word of God’s Grace with people who will probably reject it anyway. Regardless, the minister endeavors to supply those people with the sound doctrine Bible that they can then (hopefully!) believe and ultimately use to deliver themselves from Satan’s snare or trap (Bible ignorance).

In today’s Scripture, Asa had pointed ancient wayward Judah in the right direction—get back to the Law of Moses, or face the dire consequences! Today, we are under the Dispensation of the Grace of God given to Paul (Ephesians 3:1,2). Our options are clear: get back to the Grace of God, or reap an even worse harvest than we have already have! Romans through Philemon will facilitate us, first and foremost, in having a clear Gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:3,4), and, secondly, possessing the grace life resulting from that finished crosswork of Jesus Christ. In the end, even righteous Asa succumbed to the evil world system he fought against, so let us be careful not to depart from Pauline doctrine upon receiving it!

Lawful Advice from Asa’s Life #9

Saturday, June 10, 2023

“And [King Asa] commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment” (2 Chronicles 14:4 KJV).

What lawful advice can be gleaned from King Asa’s life?

Re-read 1 Corinthians 14:37,38: “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” There were innumerable self-proclaimed “spiritual” people in Corinth, supposedly led by the Spirit of God (just like today!). Also, there were countless self-promoting “prophets” in Corinth, people allegedly speaking for God (as right now!). However, the test was simple: if the information did not conform to Pauline revelation, it was not of the Spirit of God! Additionally, the Apostle anticipated a negative reaction, so he added, “But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant.” Those who disregarded God’s advice were to be left in their darkness, for it was deliberate error.

“I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me” (1 Corinthians 4:14-16). The Corinthian saints were paying attention to all types of religious leaders—especially Greek philosophers from nearby Athens, the intellectual capital of the ancient world. Consequently, 1 Corinthians chapters 1–3 ordered the Corinthians to cease exalting human wisdom and stop incorporating it into their Christian lives. They were instead to follow the Apostle Paul as he followed Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 11:1). The professing church, these last 2,000 years, could have saved itself an unfathomable amount of deception, headache, heartbreak, disappointment, and discouragement had it obeyed the Lord’s words through Paul. “But if any man be ignorant!”

As someone once wrote, “Either it is back to Paul, Paul, Paul—or it is onward to apostasy, apostasy, apostasy!” Once King Asa and Judah departed from the Law, they reaped great difficulty. Similarly, unless we return to Pauline revelation, the Lord’s heavenly ministry, the troubles afflicting the church today are nothing compared to what lies ahead….

Lawful Advice from Asa’s Life #8

Friday, June 9, 2023

“And [King Asa] commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment” (2 Chronicles 14:4 KJV).

What lawful advice can be gleaned from King Asa’s life?

Although Asa and his Jewish people were under the Law of Moses, and we are under the Grace of God, the all-encompassing principle remains the same: if we are truly seeking the LORD God of the Bible, then we will accept, believe, and apply to our lives His Word and words to us. Whether in the centuries before Christ, or right now in our day, far too many people are either deliberately or inadvertently pursuing a life without Divine wisdom. They hope to create an existence that seems suitable or respectable in their own eyes. In the decades before Asa, the Jewish people did just that, following whatever “felt good.” Howbeit, when Asa came to power, he knew his nation was in deep trouble, so he reformed his people and brought them back to JEHOVAH God (if only for a while).

The professing church of this present moment finds itself in a similar mess. Like Judah of old (prior to Asa), it has sought and worshipped other gods. For centuries, it has “preached another Jesus, another spirit, and another gospel” (2 Corinthians 11:4). The preaching of Jesus Christ according to prophecy (pre-Paul) and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to mystery (Paul) have been totally confounded or combined, yielding a distorted view of the Scriptures and two billion “Christians” (?) who struggle to grasp or explain even the simplest of Bible concepts. Are we humble enough to confess our failures, and the failures of our church leaders, so we can proceed to solving our problems?

Like today’s Christendom, believers at Corinth had formulated their own “Christianity.” The Holy Spirit’s admonition through Paul was: “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 14:37,38). As Moses was Asa’s way to reform Judah, so Paul is our method to save ourselves from countless years of “doing our own thing.” Let us see how….