Category: alcoholic beverages

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #137

Saturday, October 10, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). Instead of the Lord’s Supper being serious and reverent—a time to remember the Lord Jesus’ cruel death on the cross of Calvary—the Bible babies of Corinth made it all about amusing self. Yea, it was indistinguishable from a secular party unsaved people have with their fine foods and expensive alcoholic beverages.

“Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body” (verses 27-29). If the immature Corinthians treated this mere representation of Christ’s finished crosswork with such flippancy and contempt, what was their attitude about that actual crosswork? God the Holy Spirit condemned their outrageous conduct! Failing to esteem its memorial supper, they valued neither Calvary nor their brethren in Christ. Having animosity against believers with whom they were about to eat and drink, and a desire to be disrespectful (“eat… drink… unworthily”), they should have stayed home rather than go to church and give the Devil an occasion to divide. Yet, if they could inspect their hearts and determine God’s Spirit had filled them with an attitude of grace, they should absolutely partake of the Lord’s Supper and get better acquainted with the people with whom they will share eternity in Heaven….

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. 🙂

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #131

Sunday, October 4, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

During a communion/Eucharistic service in the Roman Catholic Mass, does the bread literally transform into Christ’s body and does the wine/juice actually become His blood? After all, He did tell His disciples, “This is My body… This is My blood.” We do not have to be spiritual geniuses to understand the ordinary meaning of these words. Perhaps, though, we have chosen to abandon all reason so as to keep parroting what others have told us. Here are seven reasons how we know, beyond any and all shadow of a doubt, the bread is not Jesus’ physical body and the wine/juice is not His physical blood.

Firstly, “is” in Matthew 26:26,28; Mark 14:22,24; Luke 22:19,20; and 1 Corinthians 11:24,25; is synonymous with “represents” or “symbolizes” (exactly as “is” functions in 2 Samuel 23:17 and Galatians 4:25). Secondly, Jesus Himself remained sitting at the table with them. He did not vanish to take the form of the bread; His blood was still running through His veins (He was alive at the table, was He not?), and was not drained into the cup! Thirdly and fourthly, the Law of Moses forbids consumption of blood (Leviticus 17:10-14) and contamination with dead bodies (Numbers 19:11-22).

Fifthly, after Christ spoke those words, He did not claim it was “blood” but still referred to it as “this fruit of the vine” (Matthew 26:29). Unlike those who idly speculate in religion, He would have known if it were mere juice or actual blood, right?! Sixthly, if the bread were really His body, the disciples will ever be remembered as cannibals! Finally, prophecy dictated that no bone of Jesus’ literal body would be broken (Psalm 34:20; John 19:31-36). Therefore, if the bread were literally His body, His bones were broken when the bread was divided and chewed (Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19).

Whether mindlessly repeating lies in innocence, or intentionally spreading this deception, defenders of transubstantiation demonstrate unfathomable Bible ignorance—but, to the death, they maintain it is “biblical.” Do you see how the Devil loves the traditions of men? They are extremely profitable to his cause, serving as distractions from the pure Word of God….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #130

Saturday, October 3, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Regarding the Lord’s Supper, the standard Roman Catholic boast is: “Our Holy Mother Church alone really has Jesus’ body and blood at her Eucharistic services. You Protestants cannot claim that privilege!” Of course, Bible verses are offered as support. Here, it behooves us to scrutinize these “proof texts.” Is it actually Scripture, or mere superstition?

Two Bible events supposedly authorize the Eucharist. One is generally called “the Last Supper” (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25). The Roman Catholic contends thusly: “Jesus never said, ‘This bread represents My body’ or ‘This wine/juice represents My blood.’ He said, ‘This is My body… This is My blood.’” Frankly, such an interpretation is extremely infantile, superficial, and flimsy—but it is most dangerous since people base their eternal souls on it! (We will discuss that later.) For now, understand that God the Holy Spirit in His Word uses language like we do. As an example, displaying a picture of someone, we state, “This is [person’s name].” We (justly?!) assume our audience has enough sense to recognize the photograph is not the actual person, rendering it totally unnecessary for us to announce, “This represents [person’s name].”

Carefully note how these three verses use “is.” “This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25). Was that cup literally the New Testament, or just its symbol?! “For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia” (Galatians 4:25). Was Hagar really Mount Sinai, or did she merely represent it?! Did David have actual human blood in his cup in 2 Samuel 23:17 (“is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives?”), or just water that signified lives endangered to obtain that water for him?! Friends, this is just plain common sense, simple verses that require no real effort to master. Likewise, “This is My body… This is My blood” is figurative—as are (obviously) “I am the door” (John 10:9), “I am the vine” (John 15:5), and so on.

The only way someone would get confused is if they wanted to be confused, and, there are plenty such people….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #129

Friday, October 2, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Whether Protestant or Roman Catholic local churches, the communion service is generally a morsel of bread and a sip (or tiny cup) of juice/wine. It is no coincidence that these two divergent systems of thought could have such striking similarities. When Protestants left the (corrupt) Roman Catholic Church during the Reformation in the early 1500s, they retained the wafers and cups of juice/wine they saw in Romanism—although modifying or removing the “consecratory” words, abandoning the belief in an actual sacrifice, and so on. We will elaborate on all this later. For now, just understand: precious few are aware that a “mini-Mass” or “Mass-lite” is being carried out in Protestant churches that claim no affiliation with Roman Catholicism (which boasts of its full Mass)!

The Roman Catholic Lord’s Supper is titled “the Eucharist” (from “eucharisteo,” Greek for “I give thanks;” see Matthew 26:27). Such an elaborate ceremony is far more complicated than the average Protestant “communion service.” At its heart lies the belief that, allegedly, once Jesus said, “Take, eat; this is my body” (Matthew 26:26), the bread was literally altered into His actual body. Moreover, supposedly, when He declared, “Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood…” (Matthew 26:27,28), the contents of the cup actually changed into His literal blood. (The Roman term for these transformations is “transubstantiation.”) When a Roman priest utters certain words, the bread/wafer purportedly turns into Jesus’ literal body and the wine/juice is said to become His actual blood—though, strangely, they keep their physical properties (appearance, smell, taste) of bread and wine/juice! (Indeed, this “blood” can, and does, intoxicate!)

On the other hand, many Protestants see those words of Christ (“This is my body… This is my blood”) as figurative or non-literal, but rarely have studied the matter enough to firmly stand on a solid foundation of the truth. Under no circumstances do we wish to disparage anyone’s beliefs or values. Nevertheless, the truth is offensive (Galatians 4:16), and, ignorance of truth is not faith but rank unbelief. We must delve into the issue even more….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #128

Thursday, October 1, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Religion is full of incongruities and eccentricities. This we should expect, for, by default, it is mindlessness (not meant to make sense!). Go to any local church of any denomination where they hold a “Lord’s Supper” or “communion service.” Despite variations, the basic procedure involves sharing bread and juice/wine. People either take these to themselves, or a church official issues them. Small, round wafers and tiny cups of juice/wine are distributed. Yet, unless someone is mentally deficient, a pauper, or a mechanical religionist, he or she would never regard a bite of bread and a sip of juice/wine as a “supper.” Such is nothing but a snack! Additionally, denominations observe the Lord’s “Supper” during mornings or throughout the day—rather than exclusively evening/nighttime, when Christ and His disciples first had it (Matthew 26:20, Mark 14:17, and 1 Corinthians 11:23). The history behind these disparities is fascinating, but we must reserve it for a later study.

Similar to water baptism, denominations fight with each other about whether children should be allowed to participate in the Lord’s Supper. They argue if ordinary crackers can be substituted, or if a special type of bread bearing “holy” markings/symbols is required. Must the drink be grape juice, or can it be partly alcoholic? What color? Does there have to be eating and drinking? Spoken formulas also vary from place to place: what should be said? Plus, conflicts have broken out as to what, if anything, happens to the bread and juice/wine when those words are uttered. These illustrate the strange digressions people wind up with when they do not have a clear understanding of Scripture. Others, aiming to altogether avoid the confusion and disagreement, have refused to have anything to do with any “Lord’s Supper.”

Dear friends, let it be fully known here that we have now reached the highly offensive part of our study. Still, we would rather the truth anger people than the lie pacify them. It is with this disclaimer that we move into deeper truths about the Lord’s Supper….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #14

Sunday, May 31, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Dear young reader, abstain from all drugs and alcohol. Cigarettes and vapes contain poisonous, addictive chemicals that increase the risk of various cancers (mouth, throat, tongue, et cetera). Intoxicating beverages shrink the brain, destroy the liver, stress out the heart, and negatively affect the stomach. All these products age the body, people ending up ill in a hospital or prematurely dead in a morgue. Frankly, you can locate millions of individuals today whose bodies are permanently disfigured or ruined because of drugs and alcohol (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:30)—missing limbs, blindness, extensive scarring, cirrhosis, brain damage, and a plethora of additional health complications. Some are even doomed to live with the knowledge of having taken other’s lives. I have a friend who repeatedly overdosed on illegal drugs, almost dying on those occasions. A lady I knew smoked cigarettes for 50 years, nearly perished because of diminished lung capacity, quit smoking, and then spent her last 20 years finding it increasingly harder to breathe!

Since it is human nature to seek entertainment—to be thrilled, frightened, delighted, and so on—drugs and alcoholic beverages are tremendously appealing. Yet, Paul the Apostle reasoned: “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power [mastery, control, domination] of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12). Indeed, there is freedom under grace, but the absence of an express prohibition does not necessarily mean an action is “expedient” (profitable, useful, beneficial). Once identified, any and all addictions should be avoided. As opposed to being under the influence of wine (or any other mind-altering substance/addiction), the Holy Spirit should control our thinking and conduct: “See then that ye walk circumspectly [cautiously, looking around], not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;…” (Ephesians 5:15-18).

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow (a commemoration of 15 full years of “333 Words of Grace!”), we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #9

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Poor mental health is one problem with which modern society is struggling. Whether due to financial debt, sleep deprivation, technological addictions, isolation, substance abuse, physical inactivity, or something else, our thinking processes are being devastated now more than ever. It particularly affects younger people (who are undeveloped and therefore vulnerable). Much of this mental-health crisis can be reduced—even eliminated—if individuals decided to start entertaining better thoughts. Alas, sinful man still arrogantly continues to devise his own plans and carry out his own life without depending on the Creator God. When living contrary to how He has designed life to work, we can expect nothing less than depression and misery. (If in doubt, try it out!)

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you” (Philippians 4:8,9). Such “things” are truths of sound Bible doctrine that Paul had taught these believers at Philippi. Thinking on this instead of trash will greatly aid us in enjoying good mental health… and “peace” only God can give!

Read Romans 12:1,2: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (cf. Ephesians 4:23; Colossians 3:10). In addition to daily reading and believing the Scriptures “rightly divided” (2 Timothy 2:15), spend a few minutes each day writing, playing a musical instrument, or drawing. Such mental exercises will strengthen your creativity and guard against negativity. Be not a hermit, but socialize with good in-person company. Dear young reader, take your eyes off yourself and your fellow man, and look solely to the Lord Jesus Christ….

Mother: A Virtuous Woman

Sunday, May 10, 2026

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10 KJV).

Today is Mother’s Day, so we dedicate this devotional to godly women (specifically mothers). I especially dedicate this to the virtuous woman who has been in my life for almost 38 years… my mom!

Today’s Scripture is the first verse of the Bible’s “Virtuous Woman” passage (Proverbs 31:10-31). King Solomon explained that the virtuous woman:

  • has a husband who safely trusts in her (verses 11,12).
  • is not lazy, but is strong because she works to feed and clothe her family and herself (verses 13-19,21,22,24,25,27).
  • pities the poor and needy (verse 20).
  • has a husband who is well-known because of her godly lifestyle (verse 23).
  • opens her mouth with wisdom, and speaks kindly and lovingly (verse 26).
  • has children and a husband who praise her (verse 28).
  • excels in what she does (verse 29).
  • has works that praise her (verse 31).

Verse 30 explains the virtuous woman is “a woman that feareth the LORD.”

The Apostle Paul wrote that godly women should: not slander/gossip, not be controlled by alcohol and emotions (sober minded), be teachers of good things, love their husbands and children, be cautious and modest, maintain the home, be “good,” and should obey (respect) their husbands… “that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:3-5). A Christian woman, especially a mother, should be a virtuous woman in beliefs as well as in deed. She needs to set an example for her children (especially her daughters).

A Christian woman and/or Christian mother places her faith in this sound Bible doctrine, the indwelling Holy Spirit will then take that doctrine and transform her for God’s glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Her mind will be renewed by sound Bible doctrine, and that will transform her outward activity (Romans 12:1,2).

Are you a Christian woman or Christian mother who desires to be the woman God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO OUR READERS WHO ARE MOTHERS!

*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 motherhood?”

Mother: A Virtuous Woman

Sunday, May 11, 2025

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10 KJV).

Today is Mother’s Day, so we dedicate this devotional to godly women (specifically mothers). I especially dedicate this to the virtuous woman who has been in my life for almost 37 years… my mom!

Today’s Scripture is the first verse of the Bible’s “Virtuous Woman” passage (Proverbs 31:10-31). King Solomon explained that the virtuous woman:

  • has a husband who safely trusts in her (verses 11,12).
  • is not lazy, but is strong because she works to feed and clothe her family and herself (verses 13-19,21,22,24,25,27).
  • pities the poor and needy (verse 20).
  • has a husband who is well-known because of her godly lifestyle (verse 23).
  • opens her mouth with wisdom, and speaks kindly and lovingly (verse 26).
  • has children and a husband who praise her (verse 28).
  • excels in what she does (verse 29).
  • has works that praise her (verse 31).

Verse 30 explains the virtuous woman is “a woman that feareth the LORD.”

The Apostle Paul wrote that godly women should: not slander/gossip, not be controlled by alcohol and emotions (sober minded), be teachers of good things, love their husbands and children, be cautious and modest, maintain the home, be “good,” and should obey (respect) their husbands… “that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:3-5). A Christian woman, especially a mother, should be a virtuous woman in beliefs as well as in deed. She needs to set an example for her children (especially her daughters).

A Christian woman and/or Christian mother places her faith in this sound Bible doctrine, the indwelling Holy Spirit will then take that doctrine and transform her for God’s glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Her mind will be renewed by sound Bible doctrine, and that will transform her outward activity (Romans 12:1,2).

Are you a Christian woman or Christian mother who desires to be the woman God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO OUR READERS WHO ARE MOTHERS!

*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 motherhood?”

Mother: A Virtuous Woman

Sunday, May 12, 2024

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10 KJV).

Today is Mother’s Day, so we dedicate this devotional to godly women (specifically mothers). I especially dedicate this to the virtuous woman who has been in my life for almost 36 years… my mom!

Today’s Scripture is the first verse of the Bible’s “Virtuous Woman” passage (Proverbs 31:10-31). King Solomon explained that the virtuous woman:

  • has a husband who safely trusts in her (verses 11,12).
  • is not lazy, but is strong because she works to feed and clothe her family and herself (verses 13-19,21,22,24,25,27).
  • pities the poor and needy (verse 20).
  • has a husband who is well-known because of her godly lifestyle (verse 23).
  • opens her mouth with wisdom, and speaks kindly and lovingly (verse 26).
  • has children and a husband who praise her (verse 28).
  • excels in what she does (verse 29).
  • has works that praise her (verse 31).

Verse 30 explains the virtuous woman is “a woman that feareth the LORD.”

The Apostle Paul wrote that godly women should: not slander/gossip, not be controlled by alcohol and emotions (sober minded), be teachers of good things, love their husbands and children, be cautious and modest, maintain the home, be “good,” and should obey (respect) their husbands… “that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:3-5). A Christian woman, especially a mother, should be a virtuous woman in beliefs as well as in deed. She needs to set an example for her children (especially her daughters).

A Christian woman and/or Christian mother places her faith in this sound Bible doctrine, the indwelling Holy Spirit will then take that doctrine and transform her for God’s glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Her mind will be renewed by sound Bible doctrine, and that will transform her outward activity (Romans 12:1,2).

Are you a Christian woman or Christian mother who desires to be the woman God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO OUR READERS WHO ARE MOTHERS!

*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 motherhood?”