Category: Christian brethren

Put the Brethren in Remembrance

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained” (1 Timothy 4:6 KJV).

Never forget to remind the brethren!

Father God has much to say. He was so generous to give us a written record of what He wanted to tell us. May we be so thankful to Him that, when we have a King James Bible, we hold His inspired words preserved in English. No need for us to get lost in a maze of Hebrew and Greek, looking for hidden “nuggets” in a mine abounding with fools’ gold. It is unnecessary to enter a “prayer closet” and beg God to reveal His will to us. Rather, we need to get into His Bible and read it for ourselves!

Since the creation of Adam and Eve some 6,000 years ago, human life has become increasingly complicated and busier. In this age of entertainment, it is extremely easy for Christians to become sidetracked. They sit in front of their televisions, computers, and personal devices (including smartphones), and often go hours, days, weeks, months… even years!… without giving God’s Word even the slightest consideration. May they wake up!

Paul the Apostle exhorted young Pastor Timothy to remind his Christian brethren of the instructions laid out in the first epistle that bears his name. He was to especially bring to their attention Satan’s schemes and scams. In the verses preceding today’s Scripture, the Holy Spirit warned of Christians who would abandon sound Bible doctrine. They would embrace religion—“forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats” (verses 1-5).

However, Timothy could reduce Satan’s work by reminding his brethren of sound Bible doctrine (today’s Scripture). Those grace doctrines, constantly affirmed, would encourage the members of the Body of Christ to hold fast to God’s truth. As long as they held on to God’s Word rightly divided, being daily reminded of it, they would survive the apostasy.

Brethren, we trust we have fulfilled today’s Scripture here on a daily basis. Now, to our Lord Jesus Christ’s glory, we close five full years of “333 Words of Grace!” 🙂

Tychicus

Thursday, March 31, 2016

“All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here” (Colossians 4:7-9 KJV).

Exactly who was “Tychicus?”

Tychicus (“fortunate”) was a Christian man from “Asia” (“Asia Minor,” present-day Turkey) who accompanied Paul into that region on his third apostolic journey (Acts 20:4—Tychicus’ first appearance in Scripture). While we do not know very much about Tychicus’ origin, we understand that he was a very helpful brother in Christ during the latter half of Paul’s ministry.

Paul called Tychicus “a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:21) and “a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord” (today’s Scripture). Ephesians 6:21,22 say of Tychicus, “[he] shall make known to you all things, Whom I have sent for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts” (cf. today’s Scripture).

According to the Bible, Tychicus, with Onesimus, was a courier by whom Paul sent his epistle to the Colossians. Tychicus personally carried Paul’s epistle of Ephesians to Ephesus. While Paul was in prison in Rome, Tychicus was his messenger to the Colossians and Ephesians, and he relayed information to and from the Apostle. Just as good news cheers our hearts, so any good news from Paul to his Gentile converts or good news to the Apostle from his Gentile converts, would have certainly been a source of comfort. Indeed, Tychicus’ ministry was vital to Paul’s—especially in a day when long-distance communication was so limited and slow.

It is unknown if Paul sent Tychicus to commune with Titus on the island of Crete (Titus 3:12 was a possibility, not a fact). The last we hear of Tychicus is in Paul’s farewell epistle, where the Apostle, before being executed, had sent him to Ephesus (2 Timothy 4:12). Whatever became of our brother, Tychicus, we know not!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Does Acts 13:48 support Calvinism?”

A Conference Worth Attending

Friday, November 27, 2015

“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13 KJV).

A great Bible conference begins today!

This evening, we will hold our fourth annual Slidell Grace Bible Conference in southeastern Louisiana. It will be nice to see old friends in the ministry as well as new ones. We are all going to fellowship with each other around our Saviour (Jesus Christ), our final authority (King James Bible), and our apostle (Paul). There will be delicious food for the (temporary) outward man to enjoy, but more importantly, there will be strong spiritual meat on which the (eternal) inner man can feast forever!

We saints are not assembling to feel religious, but rather to be reminded of God’s life in us. We saints are not assembling to be entertained, but rather to be edified by God’s Word rightly divided. We saints are not assembling to fill our minds with complex denominational doctrines, but rather to fill our hearts with the simple doctrine that is in the King James Bible. We saints are not assembling to exalt preachers, but rather to encourage one another to continue in sound Bible doctrine. We saints are not assembling to tell God the Holy Spirit what He should be doing in the present-day, but rather to let God the Holy Spirit tell us what He is doing so we can by faith do that as well.

It is because of today’s Scripture that, at our Bible conference, we will “give attendance” (or, pay attention to) “reading,” “exhortation [encouragement/advice],” and “doctrine [teaching].” Very rarely is the Bible actually read in “Christian” churches today. They read novels, commentaries, and Greek grammars, but not much Bible (unless it fits the system the denomination promotes). Oftentimes, the “encouragement” in “Christian” churches today is some feel-good message instead of a sound (“healthy”) message. Very rarely is “doctrine” mentioned in most “Christian” churches today. “Boring” Bible study and “divisive” doctrine have been replaced by moving, jumping, and singing. No need to wonder why the professing church is so impotent and functionally dead!

Above all, we are meeting to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ, right now, and forever! 🙂

NOTE: For those of you who cannot attend our conference in person, we will have the videos available on YouTube within the next few weeks. On behalf of the speakers, Richard Jordan, Frank Redman, Charlie Fouche, and myself (Shawn Brasseaux), your prayer is greatly appreciated!

Satan and Dispensationalism #12

Friday, October 16, 2015

“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).

Today’s Scripture is one of the six key areas that Satan has found to be advantageous regarding confusing God’s people in this Dispensation of Grace, the Church the Body of Christ!

Satan wants ignorant Christians. After all, he can only rule over people who are unaware of what really matters. As one dear brother often says, “Ignorant brethren are the world’s largest denomination!” To add insult to injury, the exact six instances where Paul says not to be ignorant of some doctrine, they are the very doctrines of which Christendom is totally ignorant today! Awful! Shameful! Awful!

The final exhortation not to be ignorant is in today’s Scripture. Christians in Thessalonica were suffering intense persecution (1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-7). Today’s Scripture indicates some believers were murdered! Paul told the living saints in Thessalonica not to worry or sorrow uncontrollably. They would see their brethren in heaven. While grieving, they were to “comfort one another with these words” (verse 18). Before prophecy resumes, our Dispensation of Grace must close. All Christians who have died during the last 2,000 years—beginning with the Apostle Paul—will be resurrected. “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” (verse 17). We will all be given glorified bodies like Jesus Christ’s, thereby enabling us to function in the heavenly places forever for Jesus Christ’s glory (2 Corinthians 5:1-5; Philippians 3:20,21).

There is still a satanic agenda today to rob Christians of the blessed hope, our gathering together unto Christ in the air—not on Earth! Friends, let us ever be mindful of it. Many people today in so-called Christian circles scoff at the idea of the Rapture. They deny it, claiming we should be waiting for the seven-year Tribulation and Christ’s Second Coming. They are unaware of the very thing Paul said to pay attention to! Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, are largely ignored… thus, Christendom is largely ignorant!

NOTE: Saints, with 12 studies, we are just “warming up” with “Satan and Dispensationalism!” We will temporarily suspend these studies tomorrow, to make way for a special one-day study. Please stay tuned! 🙂

The Key to Harmony

Saturday, May 2, 2015

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32 KJV).

Behold, the key to harmony!

We all recall times when fellow Christians mistreated us. We all remember times when we wronged other Christians. While Father God has granted us abundant forgiveness in Christ (today’s Scripture), it is very difficult to apply that forgiveness to others. What they did to us hurt, and what we did to them hurt. Some wrongs are especially painful, very tough to relinquish (which then fester to become grudges). When we see these people, what they did to us immediately comes to mind. It was five, 10, 20, or over 50 years ago, but we still remember what happened. Our emotions (tainted by sin) then get involved, and how we want to lash out at them!

As a brother in the ministry once said, “We grace Christians need to be the kindest, gentlest, most loving people.” Today’s Scripture should be committed to memory. No, we are not to be doormats, but we should make every possible effort to make any situation better, especially if it involves another member of the Church the Body of Christ (Romans 12:18; Galatians 6:10). Sometimes, because of pride, the other party refuses to yield. They decline to reconcile—no apologies are offered, no kindness is shown, wrongdoing is denied, et cetera. Some matters just cannot be straightened out. Unfortunately, they will only be made right in heaven (when neither person’s flesh is in the way).

We need to take a moment to pray for those who have wronged us. If they are unsaved, may we be burdened to pray for their salvation unto eternal life. They need to believe the Gospel of Grace now before they die and go to hell and have to pay for those sins forever. If they are Christians, we need to pray ever so earnestly that they grow in God’s grace, and straighten up, and hurt the cause of Christ no more. Yes, they have done us wrong, but Jesus Christ took care of it at Calvary, and we need to send those wrongs there! 🙂

When the Roll is Called Up Yonder #2

Thursday, April 9, 2015

“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: 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” (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 KJV).

The second verse of James Milton Black’s classic 1893 hymn “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” highlights today’s Scripture.

“On that bright and cloudless morning when the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory of His resurrection share;
When His chosen ones shall gather to their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there.”

One day, when no one else wants to trust Jesus Christ as his or her personal Saviour, “the fulness of the Gentiles [will] be come in” (Romans 11:25). The Church the Body of Christ and the Dispensation of Grace will be complete: Paul’s Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) will no longer be a valid Gospel message. Once our mystery program ends with the Rapture (today’s Scripture), Israel’s prophetic program will resume where God paused it 2,000 years ago with Saul’s conversion in Acts chapter 9.

“Our gathering together unto [Christ]” (2 Thessalonians 2:1) is a most joyous hope, comforting bereaved and weary Christians: sadness and suffering permanently ends, a reunion with loved ones in Christ, and meeting Jesus Christ Himself! This world ending for us that we enter the heavenly places and fulfill God’s will there. The Rapture is much more than an escape from Earth. It is an appointment to keep in the heavens!

These weak, flesh-and-blood bodies cannot function in outer space. So, God will give all deceased Christians resurrected glorified bodies, and He will give us (living Christians) new glorified bodies as well (1 Corinthians 15:35-55). These new bodies will be just like Jesus’ resurrection body (Philippians 3:20,21), unlimited by time and space (meant to function in heaven). One day, I will be there, when all the saints are called up yonder to fill the heavens with Jesus Christ’s glory (Ephesians 1:18-23; Ephesians 2:6,7)! Will you?

Left Behind with Them in Mind

Saturday, March 21, 2015

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20 KJV).

While we saints tarry in this world, let us remember why we are here!

Not long ago, I spoke with a dear friend and Christian brother who shared some great news. Although still coping with his wife’s graduation to heaven, he was recently reminded of why he is still here on Earth. God is not finished using him in the ministry. A man who had “just so happened” to stop by his house, ended up being curious about spiritual matters, and they began to converse about the Bible. While time was limited, he learned that the man was a Christian, and he was able to help that other saint better understand spiritual matters.

Remember, if God were to remove all members of the Body of Christ from planet Earth, there would be no one left here to be His mouthpiece. There would still be the Bible, but there would be no living, flesh-and-blood testimony of His grace to us in Jesus Christ. Christians commonly say, “I want to leave this place and go to heaven! Things are getting so bad in this world and I want out! I want to go meet my loved ones who have died in Christ!” Yet, beloved, we must not be selfish.

Today’s Scripture says, “For our conversation is in heaven.” Ephesians 2:19 affirms that we are, “fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” Because we are citizens of heaven, because we really belong in heaven (and we will get there one day), our “conversation” (lifestyle) should reflect that status. Not only should we be studying and memorizing Bible verses, not only should we be sharing those Scriptural truths with others, we are to have lives in accordance with those verses. While this Dispensation of Grace is operating, God needs spokespeople on Earth, and He has chosen the Church the Body of Christ for that role. As we continue in this Christian ambassadorship, let us live with the mentality that Jesus Christ will come for us one day! Keep looking up! 🙂

Greet the Brethren!

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

“Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen” (1 Peter 5:14).

Dear saints all around the world, we greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! 🙂

Elsewhere in the Bible’s canon, we find similar expressions to today’s Scripture. For instance, 2 Corinthians 13:12-13: “Greet one another with an holy kiss. All the saints salute you.” Or, “Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss” (1 Thessalonians 5:26). And 1 Corinthians 16:20: “All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.”

To “greet” is an action of endearment, a gesture of love and respect. As custom in apostolic days, to “kiss” other believers was to do so on the cheeks, beard, hands, or forehead. Men would kiss men and women would kiss women. Today, we shake hands, hug, wave, smile, say “Hello,” et cetera.

Many times the Greek word for “greet” is translated “salute” in our King James Bible (Romans 16:5,7,9,10-16,21-23; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Philippians 4:21,22; Colossians 4:10,12,15; 2 Timothy 4:19; Titus 3:15; Philemon 23; Hebrews 13:24; 1 Peter 5:13; 3 John 14; et cetera). Our English word “salute” is from Latin salutare ‘greet, pay one’s respects to,’ from salus, salut- ‘health, welfare, greeting’; the noun partly from Old French salut.

In this world of busyness and worldliness, love is greatly lacking—even within the professing “Body of Christ.” Christians talk about how there once was an atmosphere of love in their local assembly; now, the ambiance is cold and unconcerned, full of backbiting, division, and selfishness. Christians do not seem to be as caring as they once were concerning other Christians. It is described by the phrase “without natural affection” in 2 Timothy 3:3. What a shame when Christians treat other Christians as lost people treat Christians!

Today, find another Christian and “salute/greet” him or her. Give a handshake, a wave, blow a kiss, do something to acknowledge their presence. After all, you need your practice. There will be millions of saints for you to “salute/greet” when you get to heaven. And, never forget, some will be the exact same saints mentioned in today’s Scripture! 🙂

When Peace Means Distance

Sunday, February 15, 2015

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18 KJV).

What wonderful advice to save ourselves headache and heartache!

Recently, some Christians who were dealing with an unbearable Christian family member, asked me for advice. Today’s Scripture summarizes what they should do. They are to live “peaceably” with the gossiper and liar—sadly, in their case, peace is only possible long-distance! Beloved, we are not doormats. The Holy Spirit’s guidance in dealing with Christians who are fornicators, covetous, idolaters, railers (uttering constant bitter complaints against people or things), drunkards, and extortioners, is “with such an one no not to eat” (1 Corinthians 5:11). Have no social relations with that Christian until he or she improves. But, what if they never reform? Then never have social relations with them.

Through the years of ministry, I have met some very obnoxious people, lost souls and Christians (!). Even today, honestly, it is best to avoid them as much as possible. They are troublemakers who delight in disgracing and destroying sound Bible ministries. They had no desire to hear what the Bible says, and no desire to uphold what the Bible says. While I love them as the Lord Jesus Christ would, and I forgive them in Christ if they have done me wrong, that does not mean that I have to seek them out and be around them and hear or read their nonsense. If they are hungry, or thirsty, and they come to me for help, that is something else entirely (Romans 12:20), but I have no reason whatsoever to go after them and attempt to reform them. They were already given verses that they rejected, and I will not force myself on anyone.

Beloved, the mature Christian should most definitely attempt to correct or reform a wayward brother or sister in Christ in meekness and love (Galatians 6:1), but eventually we must “reject” the “heretick.” After the first and second admonition (warning), we need to leave the person alone and move on to something more worthwhile (Titus 3:10,11). Sometimes peace means distance—it is a shame but long distance may also be necessary!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Who will have children in the Millennium?”

Conferring to Edify

Sunday, November 23, 2014

“As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do” (1 Timothy 1:3,4 KJV).

When grace Bible conferences conclude, a sense of sadness is present because the Christian fellowship must end.

In reality, it is leaving the closest thing to “Heaven on Earth” that the Church the Body of Christ will ever experience. We have been “godly edified which [was] in faith” (today’s Scripture): rather than proclaiming fictitious and moral stories (“fables”), stumbling over personalities (“endless genealogies”), and preaching Law-keeping for Christian living (verses 5-11), we taught sound Bible doctrine, glorified the Lord Jesus Christ, and preached His grace as means for daily victory over sin. How enjoyable! Thus, to part with like-minded Christians is not easy, but it demonstrates the unity, the brotherly love, that should exist between God’s people when they let His Word work in them when they believe it.

Rather than biting, devouring, and consuming one another, we simply “walked in the Spirit,” and enjoyed doctrinal unity and peace between each other. We united around three cardinal truths: the King James Bible as our final authority, the Gospel of the Grace of God (Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as sufficient payment for our sins), and Paul’s apostleship and ministry to us Gentiles regarding grace living. We read, studied, and rejoiced in Israel’s verses, but we did not claim them for ourselves because God is doing something else today. We also read, studied, and rejoiced in our verses, Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, recognizing that they described what God is currently doing and what He wants to do with us.

We had wonderful discussions about how the Lord Jesus Christ is working in our lives today, and we gladly shared Him with those who were visiting. While we had a small group, we had more than the seven Noah had with him on the Ark, and we look forward to fellowshipping with one another around God’s Word rightly divided, one last day today! 🙂

NOTE: The 2014 Slidell Grace Bible Conference concludes today! Videos of the messages to be uploaded to YouTube in due time, so stay tuned for updates.