Category: Christian brethren

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #13

Sunday, May 5, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

As opposed to “naming and claiming” today’s Scripture (which has a context different from what denominationalism has led us to believe!), here are some pertinent references to us members of the Church the Body of Christ meeting with each other (for Bible study and fellowship).

“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together” (Acts 20:7,8). “These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:14,15). “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13).

In the Pauline pastoral epistles—1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon—we find Divine counsel on how to run the local church or assembly. First Timothy chapter 3 and Titus chapter 1 list the qualifications for “bishops,” “deacons,” and “elders.” Note the brethren interacting in Titus chapters 2 and 3. Paul’s epistles of Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 and 2 Thessalonians were all written to assemblies of saints living and meeting in their respective cities or regions (Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Philippi, Colosse, and Thessalonica). Timothy served as pastor in Ephesus, Titus was pastor on the island of Crete, and Philemon’s home in Colosse was the site of a local church.

Read of the individual local churches in Romans 16:5,10,11,14,15; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; 2 Timothy 1:16; 2 Timothy 4:19; and Philemon 2. These Christians were congregating in personal homes in the first century; it was not until the third century when organized religion took over Christianity and started stressing buildings as the “church.” No, we Christians are the church! Therefore, whenever and wherever we meet around Scripture, we are having church!

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. 🙂

Missed

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him” (1 Thessalonians 4:13,14 KJV).

Not long ago, I remembered the three-year anniversary of a dear brother and friend in Christ going to his heavenly home and finally meeting his Saviour face-to-face. By coincidence, it was three years ago this very day that I wrote a special devotional by which to remember him. We take another chance to reflect on his passing.

When I needed wise Christian counsel in dealing with personal matters (multiple doctrinal errors and betrayals), “the good doctor” was there to listen and advise during those two dark years of ministry. Actually, the Lord used him mightily to save our ministry from ruin. There are times when I could use his expertise even now, but I have since leaned on and stood on the shoulders of other Christian brothers who, despite their limited insight, have pointed me in the right direction. I could have learned much more from him, if only he had been around just a few more years. Alas, after a long period of declining health, he gave up the ghost and graduated to Heaven!

Regarding the saints who have died in Christ, we know that our separation from them is not eternal. While we mourn their absence, we are not hopeless like the unsaved world lamenting their departed loved ones. Those saints who have died in Christ will be resurrected when we are to receive our own glorified bodies, at the event we commonly call “the rapture,” or our “catching up” (see today’s Scripture and its context, verses 13-18; also, “our gathering together unto [Christ]” in 2 Thessalonians 2:1). It will be a joyful reunion, the best Bible conference ever, and we will never again part ways.

Dear saints, when we all get to Heaven one day, you will surely get to meet “Brother Charlie”—and be sure to thank the Lord, right now, for his ministry to us, that we have been enabled to serve you here for another five years.

Like-Minded

Monday, January 16, 2023

“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:3-6 KJV).

Recently, I received through the regular mail a generous financial donation for our ministry. The man, quite far away, who contacted me had left his phone number, which I called so I could thank him personally.

Answering the phone, he was delighted to hear from me. As we conversed, he explained how he was a former works-religion cult member who had since heard and believed the Message of God’s Grace. Now, he was a Bible-believing dispensationalist who “just so happened” to find our ministry websites while browsing the internet, and was grateful for our innumerable Bible studies (articles and videos) available online. I also learned that he had had a heart attack only a few days prior to our phone call. Joking with him, I said, “God is not finished with you yet! He still wants you here on Earth, and His grace is sufficient!” He agreed, and we continued having wonderful fellowship around our Lord Jesus Christ, closing our chat with, “Either we will talk again here [Earth!], or, up there [Heaven!].”

Brethren, it is quite strange, but true. You can meet a “total stranger,” learn he or she is a member of the Church the Body of Christ, and, in a short amount of time they seem like you have known them your entire life. That is the harmony of the Spirit of God, taking people from all stations and nations and making them saints according to the Word of Truth. Re-read today’s Scripture: “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:3-6). We should all agree on these points, for they are, in fact, what unite us to everything that Father God is doing today!

The Lord’s Ministers

Thursday, October 14, 2021

“Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:5-9 KJV).

As I write this, I am thinking of two particular brothers in Christ who have helped me to understand and enjoy the King James Bible. I have never met them, but I have read their books with great interest. They have contributed to my spiritual edification, and that of those I teach. Just as Paul and Apollos labored in the grace ministry, so we all work with God in bringing other believers in Christ to a greater awareness of spiritual truth.

Despite their denominationalism, they shared the spiritual light they had—even if it meant offending “scholarship” and being the object of ridicule. One of those saints was a bitter opponent of dispensational Bible study because it contradicted his religious traditions; therefore, his spiritual growth was stunted. The other Christian was quite deceived in seminary, so those shortfalls also prevented him from coming to a fuller understanding of Scripture than he had. Regardless, I can rejoice in the Lord those two brethren are in Heaven, one graduating to there long before I was born and the other moving to the Lord’s presence just a few years ago. However great their confusion was here, their Saviour has straightened them out there. They fight against their Lord no longer! When it comes my time to leave this world and relocate to Heaven, I will surely shake those two brothers by the hand and tell them what the Lord used them to do with me and all those our ministry reaches.

How we are ever thankful of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He not only works through men who believe, but also performs in us to build and expand on their understanding of His precious (and preserved) words.

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What is ‘the one needful thing’ in Luke 10:42?”

To Savour the Flavour of the Saviour #5

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

“But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men” (Mark 8:33 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture and its context teach us about Satan’s policy of evil?

“Savour” means “give oneself to the enjoyment of, appreciate to the full, set affection on, place interest in.” Jesus’ “flavour” was the “indication of His essential character;” that is, He had fully given Himself over to delighting in working with His Heavenly Father. When we savour the flavour of the Saviour, we are thinking in accordance with the Head of the Church the Body of Christ: after all, His mind should govern us! (Recall Romans 8:5, Philippians 2:5, and Colossians 3:2.)

“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” (Romans 12:1,2). As the perfect Man, the Lord Jesus Christ exhibited this lifestyle during His earthly ministry. Consequently, Satan attacked Him by using the sinful world system around Him. In fact, the Adversary even used Peter, Christ’s chief Apostle of Israel. Never forget today’s Scripture!

Brethren, the application we can make here is quite simple. If we are working with our Heavenly Father in the “family business”—the grace ministry—we can be absolutely (!) sure (!) Satan will use whomever or whatever he can to distract, discourage, and destroy us. Whether fellow Christians (even beloved pastors and fellow grace saints!), spouses, sons and daughters, or dear friends, if they are not submissive to the aforementioned renewed mind; they will become Satan’s mighty vessels in causing us to stumble in sin (apostasy and/or carnality). Still, we follow Christ’s pattern in today’s Scripture. He was not sidetracked from the Father’s plan: “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8)! 🙂

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

Straightened Out—At Last!

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13 KJV).

Having departed this present world, they are free from all the effects of sin—including doctrinal confusion!

Recently, I learned of the Homegoing of a brother in Christ whose writings I have read for several years. I was initially saddened, but then realized and rejoiced he was with his Lord and Saviour! What thrilled me the most was—at last—he was straightened out doctrinally. Although saved, denominationalism and seminary (Bible cemetery!) had severely corrupted and confused him. Hence, his articles frequently abounded with “scholarly” ramblings and sectarian slants. What he intended to be a Bible study was mostly Greek or Hebrew study: he would employ complicated terms here and there. As opposed to a lesson in Scripture, it was a lecture on theology. He did not “rightly divide the word of truth” either. All these unfortunate facts hindered the Holy Spirit from working through him more fully. Now, however, things have changed for him! Never again will he be spiritually puzzled!

Praise the Lord! The next time we see the saints who have graduated to Heaven, no doctrinal error will be present to divide or confuse us. Here is one more reason to “sorrow not, even as other which have no hope.” Continuing after today’s Scripture: “[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

He Finished His Course!

Saturday, February 15, 2020

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8 KJV).

Another one of our brothers, friends, and coworkers in the grace ministry has entered the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ!

For the last several years, Dr. Charlemagne “Charlie” Fouché, 59, suffered from diabetes. During the last three years, he was further debilitated with Parkinson’s disease. He battled melanoma (cancer) during his last two years on this Earth—including months of grueling radiation and then ineffective chemotherapy. Diabetes led to a partial foot amputation. Parkinson’s rendered him unable to dress himself, and even caused him to get lost at times. Finally, the cancer spread to his lungs; therefore, he coughed endlessly, unable to get adequate sleep at night. He spent his last few weeks housebound, bedridden, and just “existing.” Our dear brother, suffering tremendously in this temporary body, is now permanently healed!

I met this fellow Frenchman when we were teaching at a Bible conference four years ago. The Lord used him mightily to counsel with me during our ministry’s darkest hours (2018–2019). It was my privilege to serve him in his last few years during his difficulties too. His soon exodus from Earth was expected. Hence, I decided months ago to dedicate our New Testament Survey video series (still in production) to him. He knew. Our last Bible Q&A study of 2019 was dedicated to him. He enjoyed reading it, as well as our other Bible studies these last four years. How we thank Father God for having this saint to fellowship and serve with us on Earth. We look forward to serving the Lord with him in the ages to come!

Before his parting, I let Brother Charlie know how much he meant to us. Also, I told him to enjoy his retirement in the heavenly places until we meet again. “À plus tard, mon frère!” (“See you later, my brother!”) Louez votre Seigneur Jésus Christ! (Praise our Lord Jesus Christ!

-IN MEMORIAM-
Dr. C. F.
1960–2020

Teamwork!

Sunday, November 10, 2019

“O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen” (1 Timothy 6:20,21 KJV).

It is a group effort—guarding the principles of grace given us.

Recently, I attended another one of my niece’s softball tournaments. Those young women have greatly matured in the last two years. By trial and error, training and careful thought, they have learned exactly what it takes to be victorious. It does not come easy, as “teamwork” really is about cooperating with others instead of operating alone. There are great frustrations. Situations look grim, maybe hopeless. In the midst of it all is the foreboding feeling of wanting to give up. Much effort is required to achieve anything important. The Christian ministry is quite similar.

Brethren, we have the Bible—God’s “playbook” that also lays out how our Adversary (Satan) works as the opposing team. The Holy Spirit has already outlined therein what Father God is doing today as well as what the Devil is doing to contest it. Grace has given us the privilege of serving with other Christians to gain the advantage with sound Bible doctrine.

If we want to “train up” in the world’s way, learning how lost people think and applying that to life, we most certainly can do it. While not what God originally wanted for us, He is more than willing to give us over to “do our own thing.” We will “swing the bat at nothing”—too high, too low, too fast, too slow (struggling and imprecise). If we do manage to run toward a base, again, we run too slow or too fast—not reaching the base, or passing it and being tagged out. Tripping, we fall, unable to achieve that higher level of maturity and work.

We can do the work of the ministry, and see God’s words and will be conveyed to the masses. Or, we can fall victim to infighting and self-defeat. Unless we give careful thought to what we are doing—what Father God is doing—we will be weak and incompetent. Far better we remain in the “dugout” than go out “on the field” inexperienced and stumbling; more harm than good will result with recklessness!

She Finished Her Course!

Saturday, March 16, 2019

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8 KJV).

Back in early 1980, “Ms. P.” led my parents to Christ. I played at her house as a 5-year-old boy with one of her grandsons. Her (late) husband was a Bible teacher of our family. For the last decade, I had the privilege of being her Bible teacher: she was an asset to our ministry. Physical age 80 years—and 50 years old in Christ—she has finally met her Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ!

At age 30, she left Roman Catholicism, having heard the Gospel of the Grace of God, recognizing her righteousness was but filthy rags. She saw and trusted Jesus Christ’s shed blood as the fully-satisfying payment for her sins. Ten years later, she met my parents and shared the Gospel with them. She was zealous in reaching as many people as she could for our Lord Jesus Christ. Several years ago, she opened her house to host some of my home Bible studies. (These videos are here.) We will surely miss her fellowship and counsel, but she is far better with Christ. He has her, and we have Him. There is great peace and hope in knowing that we will see her again, when we assemble at the Grand Bible Conference!

Only a week ago, she fell at home and broke three ribs. Complications arose—she had a host of other chronic bodily afflictions—and we had been preparing for her departure. Now, she has graduated to glory! Our joy is indescribable in knowing that her suffering has ended, having given way to our Lord’s presence. She is free from the curse of sin. We know she was a genuine warrior for Jesus Christ, we can testify she fought a good fight, we rejoice she finished her course, and we are thankful she kept the faith! With this devotional memorial, we now send her off to her heavenly retirement, grateful to have known her—our strong and dedicated coworker in the Lord’s grace ministry! (Please pray for her family, especially her husband.)

-IN MEMORIAM-
Ms. P. K.
1938–2019

 

 

Striving, Not Striving #5

Sunday, February 10, 2019

“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1,2 KJV).

Rather than striving with each other, we saints need to strive together.

Philippians chapter 2 continues: “[5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Here is the “mind” all Christians should have. It is a mental attitude of utter selflessness, total humility, and undivided dedication to Father God’s will. Dear brethren, if we would believe and obey these verses, then the inconsequential disagreements and stupid arguments would disappear from our local churches. We would set aside self and look to benefit others. If Euodias and Syntyche followed these Divine instructions, then they would “be of the same mind in the Lord.”

Now, we turn back to Philippians chapter 1: “[27] Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; [28] And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.”

Recall that “the gospel of Christ” focuses on Christ’s finished crosswork. Philippians 2:5-8 reports that a certain mentality drove Christ to Calvary. If we adopt His attitude, then we will “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Our passion will be the defense of sound Bible doctrine as opposed to trifling opinions and self-centeredness. Then, our efforts will make a positive impact in eternity—something well worth our time and effort! 🙂