Category: ministry

God’s Business, Not Our Business

Thursday, June 30, 2022

“And he [the Lord Jesus Christ] said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49 KJV).

In the secular world, one fundamental business principle is as follows: learn precisely what customers want and then experiment to find the most efficient way to give it to them. Of course, problems arise when we begin treating God’s ministry in the same fashion.

Once we take up God’s Book, whose narrow teachings are offensive to mankind in general, we have already inadvertently chosen to limit the size of our audience. Knowing this, professional church operators will compromise: they rely partly on Scripture and derive the rest of their material from other sources. Popular psychology, world religions, philosophy, and other cultural “supplements” are used with the Bible instead of the Bible alone. The implementation of this wide variety of information affords the opportunity to appeal to myriads upon myriads, thereby increasing and maximizing attendance and merchandise sales. This humanistic approach has driven the megachurch movement for decades. It has also been the standard practice of numerous “Christian” publishing houses.

We need not be theological geniuses to recognize that the more universal the teaching is, the greater the likelihood it will be a well-received medium. Such establishments can be likened unto a restaurant that has broadened its menu, a college that has expanded its selection of available courses, or a brick-and-mortar store converting to an online presence. Customers will gather and profits will surge—but there are inherent risks (which should never be unnoticed but often are). If we try to create Bible groups using nonbiblical or unbiblical beliefs and practices, we will seem successful to the world. However, in the grand scheme of things, our efforts will not pass Almighty God’s inspection.

In today’s Scripture, young Jesus (only age 12!) knew He was about His Heavenly Father’s business by imparting spiritual light to the ignorant religious leaders of His nation, Israel. “And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers” (verse 47). In short, there is no substitute whatsoever for sound Bible study—not what people want but what they need!

Our latest Bible Q&As: “What does ‘amiss’ mean?” and “What does ‘albeit’ mean?”

Preach with Conviction!

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

“And all bare him [the Lord Jesus Christ] witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?” (Luke 4:22 KJV).

Saints, may we preach with conviction!

Many years back, a man approached the pastor after church service and expressed the following observation: “You delivered your message with such conviction that you sounded like you actually believed what you said, like there was no alternate view.” The preacher replied, “If I thought and believed it was some other way, I would have taught it that other way!”

It is rather unfortunate, but that man had grown so accustomed to hearing ministers use the Bible flippantly or lightheartedly. For example, he was in the habit of hearing words to the effect of, “Some believe this verse means this, but others teach it means that, so you can pick and choose what you believe.” (To wit, the preacher is just as unskilled in the Word as his congregation!) Therefore, when the man heard a Spirit-filled preacher use the Scriptures solemnly and deliver an authoritative or well-founded sermon that actually made sense, he was rather shocked. (Likewise, so were the synagogue attendees when the Lord addressed them in today’s Scripture!)

Dear brethren, the preacher’s response encapsulates what should constitute our ministry. Lost people may be spiritually blind, but, sad to say, they are more willing to spot a religious hypocrite from a much farther distance than the average professing Christian. Just as we would not care to hear some boring speaker talk about a topic they have no real passion to teach, individuals know when someone is faking or guessing in the pulpit and they will thus turn away with increasing cynicism. By the tone of our voice, by the depth of our material, and by the authority with which we preach, our audience will know if we are sincere and actually trust what we exhort them to hear from us. If they can sense we doubt what we are telling them, they will fail to appreciate—yea, actually detest—the Scriptures and will see no reason to believe them either. Let us not be hypocrites in the church building… particularly in the pulpit!

333 Turns 11!

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself” (Philippians 3:20,21 KJV).

Dear brethren in Christ, these 11 years now—where, oh where, has the time gone?!—we have journeyed quite far by God’s grace. Are we willing to go even further?

We are often accused of being “know-it-alls,” but that is simply a misunderstanding of what Bible believers should be. For example, would you not expect your physician to be skilled in specialized medical training? I hope so—especially if you need surgery! Or, would you be surprised if your attorney was quite knowledgeable of the judicial system? No, in fact, you would panic if some know-nothing represented you in court! Accordingly, Bible-believing Christians should be just as acquainted with the Bible as any professional is with his or her discipline.

No, we are not “know-it-alls,” for if we were, then we would no longer be studying the Bible on a daily basis, now would we? Let us put it like this. We know more about Scripture than we did when we appealed to denominationally-minded leaders for “help.” So as to excuse their willful ignorance, “Christian” (?) people will fault we who are more knowledgeable than they. We politely invite them to stop whining and start growing with us!

Friends, we are preparing for life in the heavenly places by storing up sound Bible doctrine in our inner man right now. Whether we realize it or not, over the course of these last 4,000-plus Bible studies, Christ has been formed in us (Galatians 4:19). It will not be until the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:9-16; 2 Corinthians 5:9,10) when we learn the eternal value and impact of God’s work in and through us here as we keep “studying… rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). With each passing day, may we continue renewing our mind (Romans 12:1,2) and maturing (Ephesians 4:12-32), ready to accomplish God’s will in the heavenly places when He comes for us.

Remember, all past 11 years of daily devotionals are archived here.

Special-edition Bible Q&A #960: “Does John 7:53–8:11 belong in the Bible?”

333’s 4000th – To Keep That Good Thing

Friday, May 13, 2022

“Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us” (2 Timothy 1:13,14 KJV).

Saints, only by God’s grace, for 4,000 days now, we have striven “to keep that good thing!”

Paul the Apostle wrote in 1 Timothy 6:20,21: “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.” Now, re-read today’s Scripture. In this second and final epistle, or formal doctrinal letter, to Timothy; Paul issued some parting instructions that we would do well to note. (Had the Church the Body of Christ actually obeyed these directions 2,000 years ago, there would be far less doctrinal error plaguing us right now!)

“Thing which was committed unto thee” and “that which is committed to thy trust” is the translation of “parakatatheken,” a compound Greek word composed of “para” (“with,” “alongside”) and “katatithemi” (“to place down”). The Lord Jesus Christ through Paul left with Timothy—and all other members of the Body of Christ—the principles of grace that are in effect today in the mystery program. If Timothy drew from the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, he would “keep” (guard from perversion or disrespect) that sacred deposit. Timothy was exhorted to be strict in his “holding fast” of sound Bible doctrine, not drifting around or “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). As the professing church continues to slip into more and more apostasy, darkness, and immaturity—and the Grace Movement itself is no exception—it is now more important than ever for us to be careful here at “333 Words of Grace.”

Dear brethren, over the course of 4,000 (!) daily devotionals now, we have followed the Lord’s instructions through Paul, making dispensational Bible truths plain to those interested in doing God’s will today. With that, we open our ninth 500-devotional unit. Thank you for your prayer and financial support, and now (only by God’s grace) we grow even more in sound Bible doctrine.

***NOTE: All former devotionals are archived here.***

The Best Option

Friday, May 6, 2022

“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11 KJV).

Several decades back, a prosperous man summoned a famous preacher to visit a certain local church so he could help the congregation raise money to pay off a debt. The man offered the preacher accommodations in either his country house, his town house, or his seaside house. Using the frankest of terms, the preacher replied with a letter that simply read: “Sell one of those places and you will be able to pay off that debt yourself!”

The above preacher made wise use of his resources. He had no reason to visit that debt-laden assembly because one of its own members was more than financially capable of paying the bill. The preacher’s time and energy could be better spent elsewhere—and praise the Lord Jesus Christ he had the spiritual discernment to realize it! After all, one of the challenges of ministry is to be sure to allocate time for what really matters and not squander it with trivialities and other distractions. If the preacher truly values the Lord and His Word, and has grown up enough in the Word, he will know that he should “approve things that are excellent” (today’s Scripture). Out of all the choices he can make for his Saviour’s glory, he uses his renewed mind to select the best option. Saints, we would also do well to remember this on a daily basis.

“Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, 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 5:14-18).

The Little Gift and the Gift of Eternal Life

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

“For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth” (2 Corinthians 13:8 KJV).

Dear friends in Christ, it is no secret our world abounds with evil. At every turn, in every institution, in every realm, Satan’s policy of evil is alive and well. Even in so-called “Christian” circles, the Scriptures are largely ignored (unless they can be quoted to support a favorite theological position!). Oftentimes, the average believer cannot help but suppose maintaining and teaching sound Bible doctrine is a lost cause. “What can I possibly do to advance the truths of God’s Word? I am no preacher or teacher! I am just one person! Bible-believers are outnumbered by the billions so what difference could I possibly make for the Lord’s glory?!”

Long ago, a lady was preparing a package to send to missionaries far away overseas. A child gave her a penny, so the woman used it to buy a Gospel tract to place into the box. That Gospel tract reached the chief of a people in that foreign land. He came to trust Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, and he shared his testimony with his friends (most of whom also believed unto eternal life). Also, a local church was eventually founded there, and over 1,500 other natives believed on Jesus Christ to pass from death to life. It all began with one child giving a single penny!

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

Saints, share this devotional throughout social media platforms (only the Lord knows how far it will travel—or whom it will influence for His glory!).

Time’s A-Wastin’

Saturday, April 30, 2022

“…he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully…” (Jeremiah 23:28 KJV).

Many decades ago, a volunteer fire department arrived on the scene of a blazing house. The full-time fire company from a neighboring area also showed up to help. However, the first group’s chief protested that his team had the jurisdiction, so the second crew rolled up their hoses and left. Later, with the fire still raging out of control, the second company was called back. A third brigade was even recruited to aid. Alas, by the time the fire was extinguished, the house was a total loss and two adjacent buildings were damaged!

The above true story is an example of how denominationalism ruins the Church the Body of Christ and the entire world. We have spent 2,000 years (!) arguing about how this theological system is right, or that denomination is spot-on, or this sect is right, or that cult is truthful. Instead of believing the pure Word of God, and seeking to exalt it alone, we waste time arguing about petty and ridiculous issues that really do not matter. This world is ablaze with error, spiritually burning to the ground, while we in professing “Christian” circles debate in the energy of our flesh!!

Like the idiotic fire chief who should have seen his colleagues as friends instead of foes—his foolish pride leading to a catastrophe!—so we genuine believers in Jesus Christ need to unite around sound Bible doctrine to address the world’s dire situation. Over 100,000 people are dying and going to Hell every single day! Yet, the average “Christian” is unable to do anything about it, for he or she cannot identify the true Gospel of Grace (1 Corinthians 15:3,4)—let alone share it with others! Millions of true believers in Christ are wallowing in such spiritual darkness, weakness, and helplessness.

Dear brethren, we have the answers in the Holy Bible rightly divided. The work of the ministry is cooperating with other likeminded saints in making those truths known to as many souls as we possibly can. Quarreling in foolish pride about trivialities is a waste of time. Remember, the house is ablaze, so let us be about watering instead of arguing!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What are ‘fitches?’”

We Are Just Men #5

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

“And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another” (1 Corinthians 4:6 KJV).

If there is one thing that does not belong in the Christian’s life, it is that ugly sin of pride. Egos are at stake—and may we be willing to lose them!

The Lord, at the Judgment Seat of Christ, will judge or evaluate men’s ministries, meaning they themselves are not important or above suspicion (verses 1-5). Speaking on behalf of Apollos, Paul reminded the Corinthians how they (Paul and Apollos) viewed grace ministry. It was not about “I prefer Paul,” it was not about “I like Apollos,” it was not about “I fancy Cephas [Peter],” and it was not about “I choose Jesus’ earthly ministry.” These believers at Corinth were “puffed up for one against another” (today’s Scripture). Instead of following God’s pattern for this the Dispensation of Grace, and doing it humbly (!), they were proudly exalting mere men (Paul, Apollos, Cephas/Peter) and seeing them and their adherents as competitors or enemies.

As opposed to being so shallow-minded and spiritually juvenile, the Corinthians were (and we are!) to meekly adopt this principle: “Wherefore I beseech [beg, ask] you, be ye followers of me [Paul]…. Be ye followers of me [Paul], even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1). The operative words are “even as I also am of Christ.” It was Jesus Christ preached according to the mystery who ultimately mattered (1 Corinthians 3:10,11; cf. Romans 16:25,26)! God’s spokesman to them was not the Apostle Peter, and not Jesus during His earthly ministry. While Apollos was a ministry coworker of the Apostle Paul, the Lord Jesus Christ had revealed the doctrine first and foremost to and through Paul (Galatians 1:11,12; Ephesians 3:1-3; Colossians 1:23-26). Apollos had learned grace doctrines from Paul’s friends, Aquila and Priscilla, whom Paul himself had first taught (Acts 18:1-3,24-28). We magnify Paul’s “office” or ministry, not Paul the man (Romans 11:13)!

Dear saints, remember: “That ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written.”

We Are Just Men #4

Monday, March 21, 2022

“And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another” (1 Corinthians 4:6 KJV).

If there is one thing that does not belong in the Christian’s life, it is that ugly sin of pride. Egos are at stake—and may we be willing to lose them!

The Holy Spirit through Paul corrected the dear saints at Corinth in chapter 3: “[4] For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal [fleshly, worldly]? [5] Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? [6] I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. [7] So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” Who ultimately mattered was not Paul or Apollos (for they were just men); God was most important, for it was His words that Paul and Apollos preached and taught in Corinth.

Now, chapter 4, the context of today’s Scripture: “[1] Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. [2] Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. [3] But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. [4] For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. [5] Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” Concerning ministry, Paul neither evaluated himself nor depended on other people to properly assess him. He knew the Lord would do this one day—and for all saints (Apollos, the Corinthians, et cetera). Let us not think of men above that which is written….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What is the ‘train’ in 1 Kings 10:2?”

Low Pricing, Low Prizing #3

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it” (Amos 8:11,12 KJV).

Unbelieving Israel has taken God’s words for granted for many centuries, so now He will be silent for the next 400 years. May we not be so foolish in declining the Divine revelation given us!

For 2,000 years now, the world has had a completed Bible, the full revelation from God and of God. Contrary to theologians’ speculations, there is no “secret will of God.” The Apostle Paul remarks in the first chapter of Ephesians: “[8] Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; [9] Having made known unto us the mystery [secret!] of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: [10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:….”

In the Bible Books of Romans through Philemon, we find “the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest…” (Romans 16:25,26). Outside of those 13 Pauline epistles and the mystery program, we find in the rest of Scripture the prophetic program, “[the preaching of Jesus Christ concerning that] which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21). Whether prophecy or mystery, it is all God’s Word. “For thou [O LORD] hast magnified thy word above all thy name” (Psalm 138:2).

Billions of lost people, non-Christians, are quite eager to share with us whatever they believe. Are we believers in Christ just as enthusiastic about teaching them the Holy Scriptures rightly divided? If not, indeed, the low pricing of the Bible has resulted in our low prizing of the Bible!