Category: correction

The Social Club with the Steeple #5

Sunday, September 7, 2025

“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 3:15 KJV).

Is our local church building the meeting-place of people filled with God’s life, or just “a social club with a steeple?”

As a preacher observed long ago, some local churches have actually not had any controversy in many years. Holding services and implementing programs, they are nevertheless spiritually dead churches. Whenever the Spirit of God works, the flesh opposes (Galatians 5:17). Therefore, if no doctrinal disagreements exist, it is because of one of two options. Either everyone in the assembly knows everything (highly unlikely!), or they do not discuss doctrine because they fear conflict. In the latter case, emotions, speculations, stories, and/or experiences take preeminence. Though the local church should be alive with God’s life and serve as “the pillar and ground of the truth” (today’s Scripture)—elevating the truth and supporting the truth—doctrine frequently means nothing to professing Christians. They want error instead! Remember, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

Talking with people of various persuasions all these years, I conclude the vast majority are not attending church services because they hear the truth there. Instead, it is a cultural motivation. They were raised in that belief system, their parents went to that church, their friends go there—and they visit for social connections rather than doctrinal reasons. Hence, they react with indifference when you show them the church’s false teachings. Unconcerned, they elect to keep going. Why? Doctrinal integrity was never their incentive anyway! They liked eating the potluck suppers, felt happy with the amusement (music, singing, dancing, joke-telling), had great joy with the foolishness (tongue-talking or ecstatic utterances, hand-raising, “supernatural” storytelling, snake-handling, healing miracles), or liked reducing the Bible to an “intellectual” or literary work (analyzing its arguments, terms, grammar, historical/cultural background). They do not actually believe or appreciate the Holy Scriptures as the living Word of the living God. Brethren, may we identify them and withdraw from them for our own spiritual health’s sake!

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

The Social Club with the Steeple #4

Saturday, September 6, 2025

“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 3:15 KJV).

Is our local church building the meeting-place of people filled with God’s life, or just “a social club with a steeple?”

Once, a family member announced online how she had just returned from “fun” church services during which she “learned some new dance moves.” She had gone there for amusement! I accessed the website of the church of another relative of mine. Their Sunday School, named after a famous “thinker,” was nothing more than a “philosopher’s club:” they had “intellectual” discussions instead of actual Bible study! In his biography on the church’s website, the “worship leader” actually named some of the worldliest, vulgarest musicians as his inspiration!

Several years back, a churchgoing woman notified me her local assembly was, in her words, a “social club.” When she asked the pastor to intervene regarding the false doctrine one of their Sunday School teachers was promoting, the pastor refused to get involved. Once she moved to Heaven, three new pastors were installed in a span of just a few years… and the congregation really went on a downward spiral doctrinally. The first new preacher threw out the old members (loyal to the former pastor) and brought in new people to support him and his “modern reformations.” I spoke with those next two new pastors: they are apostates, having no desire to hear Bible truth.

If it is not sound doctrine, it is not teaching or information worthy of our faith or trust. One fact is clear from the Bible Books of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. The local church must not change the doctrine; chiefly, it is not to throw away Grace to take up the Law. We must continue in sound Bible doctrine. This—not entertainment—is (should be) the focus of the local assembly. Yet, it has become increasingly common for pastors, teachers, and denominations to not make an issue of doctrine because “doctrine divides.” “Narrow-mindedness” offends! Instead of worrying about doctrine, they wish to broaden their audience with various errors and thereby increase revenue (the love of money!).

Yes, they are running “social clubs with a steeple….”

The Social Club with the Steeple #3

Friday, September 5, 2025

“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 3:15 KJV).

Is our local church building the meeting-place of people filled with God’s life, or just “a social club with a steeple?”

To “behave thyself in the house of God” (today’s Scripture) means believers of the congregation observe the grace principles presented in this local-church handbook of 1 Timothy (plus companions 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon). One recurring idea in 1 Timothy is “doctrine” (teaching worthy of our faith/trust).

“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,… For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;…” (1 Timothy 1:3,10). Carefully read verses 3-11.

“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…. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:6,13). “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17). “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed… If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;…” (1 Timothy 6:1,3). Read 1 Timothy 6:3-5 carefully.

“Sound” in 1 Timothy 1:10 is not in the sense of acoustics (hearing), but healthy (as in a “sound” mind, not sick or diseased). We get our English word “hygiene” from that Greek term. It is also rendered “wholesome” in 1 Timothy 6:3, plus translated “whole” (physical healing or bodily health) in Luke 5:31, Luke 7:10, Luke 15:27, and 3 John 2. As we learn also from 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9,13; and Titus 2:1,2; sound doctrine matters….

The Social Club with the Steeple #2

Thursday, September 4, 2025

“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 3:15 KJV).

Is our local church building the meeting-place of people filled with God’s life, or just “a social club with a steeple?”

A social club is a gathering of people who have common interests—love of business, history, sports, politics, religion/philosophy, science, or the like. Numerous social clubs are also devoted to collecting comic books, postage stamps, and coins, or appreciating films, artwork, and writings. Unfortunately, countless souls have reduced “church” to this.

While some have come to worship the Lord, study His Book, and fellowship with like-minded believers, we wonder how many have showed up just to engage in regular chitchat with neighbors, family, friends, or clergy. For them, going to church is akin to visiting a barbershop or beauty salon, supermarket, coffee shop, or sporting event. It is simply a social-networking strategy, assembling at a place where the community exchanges news. One such man remarked, “My motivation was not a religious search for spirituality; it was more a search for somewhere to belong and to be with people who shared my interest in world affairs.” (Wow!!!)

Maybe they have entered to feel religious (get an emotional high) or be entertained with singing and dancing. Going to church is like making one’s way to the local bar or nightclub, comedy venue, amusement park, or music concert. Similar to the effects of illegal drugs and liquor, that adrenaline rush is extremely addicting! There might even be a free (!) lunch or supper as a bonus. Perhaps they go to church to get the preacher or teacher to recognize their “spirituality.” For them, it is like maintaining a social-media profile or website, radio or television program—someone bragging about their accomplishments to receive “likes,” standing ovations, views, and/or subscriptions.

Therefore, when you reason with them by sharing sound Bible doctrine, they are not interested in listening to verses. It does not bother them that their “church” is not teaching them the pure Scriptures, merely selected passages that support the denomination. They were not going there to learn sound Bible doctrine anyway….

The Thing Which is Good

Monday, September 1, 2025

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Ephesians 4:28 KJV).

On this Labor Day, we talk about work, “the thing which is good.”

In this day and age of increasing “government assistance,” people are becoming less and less aware of our hard work being the Lord Jesus’ preferred method of the source of our incomes. While the physically and mentally disabled are obvious exceptions, the God of the Bible expects all of us to contribute labor in order to provide for ourselves. For children and young adults, even being a student in school is work enough!

Observe the doctrine being communicated in today’s Scripture. The grace life does not merely teach us to quit doing bad things, but it also instructs us to start doing good things (Titus 2:11,12). Once a thief trusts the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished crosswork as sufficient payment for his sins, then God expects that thief to quit stealing and find a job so he can provide for his needs!

The God of creation calls work “the thing which is good” (today’s Scripture). Work is not something to be avoided; it is something to be embraced for the Lord’s glory!

When the Lord Jesus Christ put the first man, Adam, on earth, that man had a divine commission. Adam was not to simply loaf around and do nothing: “And the LORD God took the man, and put him in the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Adam was to protect that garden, to till its ground, to prepare it for Jesus Christ to come down and dwell in with he and Eve (because of sin, that earthly kingdom over which Jesus Christ will rule is still awaiting fulfillment!).

Saints, may we work to provide for our families (1 Timothy 5:8), and may we work to help those who truly are needy (today’s Scripture). In the words of God the Holy Spirit, that is “good!” 🙂

For Students This is Safe

Friday, August 8, 2025

“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:128 KJV).

As a new school year dawns, let us awake unto spiritual truth!

Although the autumnal equinox is still over a month away here in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is finally beginning to wind down for most of us. Students—with long faces and deep sighs—have returned or are beginning to return to school. As students return to the classroom, they need to be particularly mindful of the following.

Firstly, learning in and of itself is not a sin. Moses was “learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” (Acts 7:22). Luke was a medical doctor (Colossians 4:14). Daniel and his companions were skilled in science (Daniel 1:4). Adam was the first taxonomist (Genesis 2:19,20). The God of the Bible is never against learning new things—remember, He gave us His Holy Bible so we can have plenty to learn for all of eternity!

Secondly, what the God of the Bible opposes is when we believe/trust ideas that do not seek our best interests, that contradict the way He designed our lives to function. Certainly, we Christians should never go around believing anything and everything heard and seen. Just because the professor, preacher, pope, or president says it is true, that does not make it so. Scientific consensus has been wrong before, religion has been wrong before, politicians have been wrong before. Much of the ideas that permeate our world today are wrong.

Lastly, there are many wonderful, exciting ideas and concepts out there—medical advancements, technological breakthroughs, and so on—but there are equally detrimental ideas that will mess up your life—religious traditions, secular humanism, and other philosophies. Daily intake of the King James Bible rightly divided will cleanse our souls of the filth and foolishness that we hear and see day in and day out in this evil world system. We highly exalt God’s Word, we know it is right “concerning all things,” and we hate and ignore the error.

Have a wonderful school year in our Lord Jesus Christ! 🙂

Asset or Liability to the Establishment? #11

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

“[Our Lord Jesus Christ] Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:…” (Galatians 1:4 KJV).

Are we assets or liabilities to Satan’s Establishment?

God bestowed spiritual gifts upon the early Body of Christ, that believers grow up into strong spiritual adults (not remain Bible babies!), for only spiritual adults can do the work of the ministry: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:…” (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Now, with the completed Bible canon, the temporary spiritual gifts are unnecessary. All revelation from God has been given, written down in the Bible, preserved through history via a multiplicity of reliable manuscript copies, and translated for us into our language English (the King James Bible). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

Doctrine is information or teaching worthy of our faith/trust, reproof is criticism for wrong conduct, correction is for improving poor thinking—all three are instruction in righteousness (the right path to walk!). Satan wants us to be ignorant, to not know what God wants us to know, for, if we knew what God wished we knew, we would be “perfect [spiritually mature], throughly furnished unto all good works [the very good works that are liabilities to Satan’s lie program!!!].”

We study all the Bible, Genesis to Revelation, for it is all God’s Word. Yet, we know Paul is our Apostle, Christ’s spokesman to us (Acts 26:17,18; Romans 11:13). Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, describe God’s current dealings with man. If we fail to see what God is doing in the “but now,” and/or try to go back to “time past” (Scripture prior to Paul), that is a heavenly way to do the Devil’s work (serve as his assets)!

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. 🙂

Sincerity—Or Spite? #3

Thursday, July 10, 2025

“The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds” (Philippians 1:16 KJV).

Is it sincerity… or just spite?

Teaching or preaching sound Bible doctrine is not necessarily a mark of spiritual maturity. Over the years, I have encountered various individuals—online and in-person—who initially seemed to be spiritual adults. However, becoming better acquainted with them, I concluded they were preaching the right information with the wrong spirit/motives. They had good doctrine but bad attitudes. For example, one “friend in ministry” later turned out to be a vicious, emotional drama queen who attacked me verbally online and finally harassed my mother via a combative email!

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive [fight, quarrel]; 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 2:24-26). Some people in ministry just want to generate “heat” instead of “light”—create a battle founded on emotions instead of impart meaningful information to illuminate and build up souls. “I know more than you!” Positions are not taken for merit’s sake, but for contrarian’s sake—“This view is right, but I will believe something else simply to rebel!” Such “striving” (warring) is immaturity, not of the Holy Spirit.

Remember, in today’s Scripture, Paul is chained (under house-arrest) when he wrote Philippians during his two years in Rome (Acts 28:30,31; cf. “bonds” in Philippians 1:7,13,14,16; cf. Acts 28:16). With the Apostle now unable to travel freely throughout the Roman Empire, his enemies in ministry went around preaching and proclaiming themselves as his “replacement.” Their dastard motive was to get all the attention while he was “hidden away” as a prisoner! Sadly, Satan tried to use them to grieve Paul (a man already facing immense adversity).

“What then? notwithstanding [nevertheless], every way, whether in pretence [outward false appearance/show—hypocrisy], or in truth [genuine motives], Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice” (Philippians 1:18). Despite the “pretending” of the self-promoting preachers, Paul delighted in knowing Christ was preached, thereby guarding himself against the bitterness or rivalry into which Satan was attempting to draw him!

Liberated to Serve

Friday, July 4, 2025 🇺🇸

“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 249th 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.

Wisdom for Life #12

Thursday, July 3, 2025

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is true wisdom for life….

Read Romans chapter 1: “[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; [19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. [20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: [21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. [22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,… [25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen…. [28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate [worthless, unapproved] mind, to do those things which are not convenient [proper, fit];….”

For the first 2,000 years of human history—Adam to Abraham—the nations of the world had free or unrestricted access to the LORD God, the Creator God (there was no Israel or Judaism then). Those nations willingly scorned that spiritual light to take up man’s “wisdom,” which ultimately resulted in God creating Israel—a special nation through which He would reach the world. Alas, for almost 2,000 years, Israel also overwhelmingly rejected God’s words so as to accept man’s “wisdom,” so He gave them to us the nations (and especially the Church the Body of Christ). Howbeit, for 2,000 years now, the nations and the Body of Christ have also predominantly ignored those words in favor of man’s “wisdom.”

Dear brethren, may we by faith in sound Bible doctrine, break that endless vicious cycle of foolishness, and hold fast true wisdom for life!