Category: ministry

333’s Fifth Anniversary – God’s Mighty Working

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

“Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily” (Colossians 1:29 KJV).

Dear Grace Saints worldwide, only by God’s grace, “333 Words of Grace” has reached its greatest milestone yet!

Five years ago, our six-month-long local newspaper ministry ended very abruptly. Its cancellation was the result of extensive outcry of many local religious leaders. The King James Bible rightly divided had caused too much “trouble” for them. Our local newspaper editor—a “good Christian!”—eagerly forced me out. To replace our weekly newspaper Bible study columns, we launched this, our daily devotionals blog. While our critics tried to suppress us, Father God launched us worldwide. Had we stayed with the newspaper, we would not be reaching you right now here!

These past five years have flown by. They were quite an experience for us all. Until heaven, brethren, we will never ascertain just how many people around the world we reached with the Gospel of the Grace of God. Until heaven, we will never know just how many Christians around the world we reached with the Message of the Grace of God. During these past five years, we have made many contacts from various countries and all walks of life. Only by God’s grace, hundreds upon hundreds of Bible questions were answered, and over 2,000 Bible studies were disseminated.

During these past five years, we have also lost many dear saints, friends, due to various tragedies—illness, natural disaster, and (just recently) perhaps murder. During those last five years, we have also lost many dear saints due to infighting and apostasy. They have turned from us and returned to religion. However, we are ever so glad to have reached them with the precious words of God, during the short time we were able to minister to them. We have never forgotten them, we still love them in Christ, and we will see them all in heaven when God makes all right.

Brethren, thank you for praying for us and supporting us, inviting us into your life every day. For those who have been with us all five years, a special thanks for staying with us. By God’s grace, short of the Lord’s coming, we aim now for five more years! Onward in Christ we go! 🙂

All five years’ worth of our daily devotionals studies are linked here: https://333wordsofgrace.wordpress.com/master-list-of-devotionals-chronological.

Bible Q&A #270: “Is the Rapture in Matthew 24:40-41 and Luke 17:34-36?”

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!” 🙂

Wealthy of Goods But Destitute of Truth

Sunday, May 29, 2016

“Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself” (1 Timothy 6:5 KJV).

Their pockets are full—their teachings are vain.

Recently flipping through a religious magazine, the following tidbit caught my attention: “When he requested early retirement due to reasons of health in late [year], Bishop [name] gratefully acknowledged that, despite difficult times, the last five years of his service to the people of [location] was marked by a 35 percent increase in offertory collections throughout the diocese.”

Friend, the above paragraph justifies people’s claims that religion is all about money. This bishop, who had served his parishioners for many years, “gratefully acknowledged” one accomplishment in particular. Notice it was not that he ensured that the Gospel of the Grace of God was clearly preached throughout the hundreds of churches that he oversaw. Notice it was not that he guided his people into the truths of God’s Word, the Holy Bible. Notice that it was not that his diocese had glorified Jesus Christ. Nay! He was most proud of the fact that the diocese’s income increased 35 percent with him as leader!

When instructing young Timothy how to operate a local grace church, Paul reminded him not to let materialism corrupt his ministry (today’s Scripture). God’s ministry needs funding, no doubt, and we should give to sound Bible ministries. But, ministers should exercise great caution that they not worship wealth (see 1 Timothy 3:3,8; Titus 1:7).

Remember, Israel’s religious leaders had made God’s religion of Judaism into a “lucrative business.” They were cheating people in the name of “JEHOVAH” and—adding insult to injury—they were doing it in His house, the Temple (Matthew 21:12,13)! Jesus fittingly called them “thieves.” He could easily say this about so many professing “Christian” churches and ministers today (go back to the “bishop’s” noteworthy accomplishment!). They focus on installing ornate woodwork, fine paintings, stained-glass windows, and “state-of-the-art” electronics. Meanwhile, they are less concerned about teaching sound Bible doctrine and handling God’s Word God’s way. Their church buildings appear nice and godly, but are full of unsaved, spiritually ignorant people. May we have enough Spiritual grounding to avoid them!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “‘Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated?’”

333’s 1800th – The Word of God, Quick and Powerful

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

Dear brethren worldwide, by God’s grace, “333 Words of Grace” marks devotional #1800 today!

Had God left us (mankind) to ourselves, we truly would be hopeless and helpless, spiritually blind, unable to know anything about Him or His original intention for us. While so many people are ignorant of Scripture—even with several Bibles at home—the Bible is not an impossible Book. If we truly have an eye to see, if we truly have an ear to hear, and if we truly have a heart to believe, we have God’s personal guarantee that we will know what He wants us to know. Jesus Himself said, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17). By the same token, if we prefer to stay “in the dark,” He will grant us that wish!

Today’s Scripture says God’s Word is “quick” (living and life-giving). Jesus Christ said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). The Word of God has the ability to impart spiritual life to its hearers. Today’s Scripture says that God’s Word is also “powerful” (mighty, potent). Paul wrote that God’s Word “effectually worketh also in you that believeth” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). The Word of God has the ability to impart spiritual power to its hearers. The key is to believe/trust that divine Word!

For 1800 days straight now, just a month short of five years (!), we have daily delivered you the Word of God rightly divided. You have been exposed to more Bible doctrine these last 59 months than most will ever get in a lifetime. Friends, we have all learned much from the world’s greatest Book. Yet, there is so much more to learn! Our hope and prayer is that you have believed the thousands of verses we have discussed thus far. After all, there are thousands more to discuss and believe! 🙂 Onward and upward in Christ!

Enjoy our daily devotionals? You can always donate securely to us by visiting https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Thanks!

Shopping for Souls

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

“But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;” (Philippians 1:12,13 KJV).

For most, the only pleasant visit to a store is when an item is on sale or free. But, for the Christian, shopping trips are always a wonderful time to share the Lord Jesus Christ!

At least one store clerk is dead in trespasses and sins, and he or she is waiting to hear about Calvary’s finished crosswork… from your lips! There is another customer somewhere struggling to understand the Bible, eager to learn dispensational Bible study if you would just speak up. You can especially find interesting persons scanning the “Christian” book section. Strike up a conversation with them with, “Looking for anything good to read?” “Would you like to read about how to have your sins forgiven and have a home in heaven?” (I have learned that 99.99% of the time they will listen!)

We have a faithful reader and Christian sister who operates a fireworks stand with her husband. They open for business twice a year—Christmas/New Year’s and July 4th. Every chance she gets, she gives her customers a Gospel tract, a Bible study pamphlet, some ministry websites, something Bible-related. She tells her testimony to any individual who mentions spiritual matters. When she gets tough questions, I am always a phone call away, and she has put many people on the phone with me! (And there have been some “strange” people I can assure you!)

In closing his epistle to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul wrote, “All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household” (4:22). Paul was in prison in Rome. Yet, even some of the members of the Emperor’s household had heard the Gospel of the Grace of God. If Paul had the courage to preach Jesus Christ in prison (today’s Scripture), surely, brother or sister, you can do so in a store! 🙂

You may see our archived Bible Q&A: “Should Christians observe Lent?”

He is Not Done With Us Yet!

Sunday, January 31, 2016

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:21-24 KJV).

God cannot use us in heaven until He is done with us on earth!

Recently, a Christian brother was telling another believer and myself that he was ready to go home to heaven. He was tired of the struggles and troubles. He longed to meet a certain loved one in heaven. But, he explained how he was able to share the Lord Jesus Christ with a lost person not long ago. It was then that the thought struck him. God had not taken him home yet because He was still using him for His glory!

Beloved, the same could be said all of us. Our time, talent, prayer lives, material goods, and so on, we can all use them to further the name of Jesus Christ in some way or another. First Corinthians chapter 12 describes how one Body of Christ is actually many members working together. All parts are needed. Sadly, a lot of Christians wrongly believe it is not their responsibility to share Jesus Christ with others. They think that it is the “pastor’s job,” the “evangelist’s job,” and the “Bible teacher’s job.” If that were true, I am quite sure all the non-pastors, all the non-evangelists, and all the non-teachers would have been taken to heaven by now!

Our Apostle, Paul, in today’s Scripture, wanted to “be with Christ,” which is “far better.” It was better than a prison in Rome. Yet, he put aside his selfish desires. He preferred to stay on Earth, for many people still needed to benefit from his ministry. There were still sermons to be preached, more Scripture to write, more people to meet. Yes, we all long to go to Heaven, but until we find ourselves there, may we be content staying until Father is done with us on Earth! 🙂

May Ye Be Cheerful Givers!

Saturday, January 30, 2016

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6,7 KJV).

Dearly beloved, we take this opportunity to let you be “cheerful givers!”

We serve many pastors, local churches, ministries, Bible teachers, and other Bible students. Some have recently and kindly inquired about how they could support us financially. After extensive planning, and various delays, we have now established a secure donation website via PayPal. Our ministry has grown much these last 10 years, but I have never mentioned donations until now. For 4½ years now, 333 Words of Grace has been a free ministry/Bible service to you. It will continue to be free and will always be free (as long as I am living), but we are incurring some operating costs (bills). We have financial needs that must be met at this point. Friend, if you are benefiting from this ministry, we now allow you an opportunity to help us. Please prayerfully consider supporting us financially. Whatever amount and however often is irrelevant but greatly appreciated. What matters most is that, if you do give, give “cheerfully.” And, rest assured, your donations will certainly not go to waste.

During these last few years, ministry has taken up more and more of my time and energy. When we first began many years back, I wrote a handful of Bible studies a month. Currently, I produce—at minimum—40 written Bible studies a month, not including replies to our emails. As you can imagine, that is an extremely demanding schedule, crammed with prayer and Bible study. It now prevents me from having outside employment for the time being. The necessity for print materials (booklets, books, et cetera) has also arisen, particularly for those who want to use and distribute our material without internet access. In the future, we do plan on becoming a legally recognized (United States) non-profit organization, so that we may better serve you. That too will require some financial commitment. Again, friends, it will be up to you how far along we will get this year in the ministry. Thanks ever so much, and we look forward to serving you in the future. Now is your chance to show your gratitude! Praise our Lord Jesus Christ! 🙂

Philippians 4:17: “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.”

1 Timothy 5:18: “The labourer is worthy of his reward.”

You may give securely by visiting the following website:
https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux
(This “PayPal – Donate Now” link has also been added to our homepage.)

In Christ, Shawn Brasseaux (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Redeem the Year!

Friday, January 1, 2016

“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” (Ephesians 5:15-17 KJV).

What great advice for 2016!

Despite 2,000 years of Bible schools and seminaries, 2,000 years of a completed Bible canon, 2,000 years of Bible reading in churches, several decades of “Christian” television and radio, and just over a decade of widespread use of “Christian” websites, how sad that Bible ignorance is still quite extensive (it is as if God never gave His Word to start with!).

Frankly, the Church the Body of Christ needs to wake up! The verse previous to today’s Scripture says, “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light” (verse 14). Paul, loosely quoting Isaiah 60:1, reminded us that the spiritual ignorance that gripped Israel in Isaiah’s day seized Christians in his day—and it still grips Christians 20 centuries later. Feel-good sermons, enjoyable “worship” services, and rites, rituals, and ceremonies will NOT solve this problem—they exacerbate it!

“[God] will have all men to be saved…” (1 Timothy 2:4a). Do you want this New Year to count for God’s glory? First, you need to get saved from sins and hell! You need to become a Christian by trusting in and relying on Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as sufficient payment for your sins (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). That is only part of God’s will for you, for 1 Timothy 2:4b continues, “[God] will have all men… to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” Now, God’s will for your Christian life is daily, personal Bible study to renew your mind, so your faith in those verses can cause God to work in your life—it will be His life, thus making you “perfect [spiritually mature], throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

Today’s Scripture urges us to buy back the time Satan has robbed from God (time created for God’s glory). By faith, we need to make that time glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by applying His Word, particularly Paul’s epistles of Romans through Philemon, to our lives. Have a good year in Christ! 🙂

You can download our free “One-Year Bible Reading Schedule.”

See our archived Bible Q&A: “What Scriptural advice can you give me for the New Year?”

Lewd Fellows of the Baser Sort

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

“But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people” (Acts 17:5 KJV).

Our King James Bible abounds with interesting phraseology. Today’s Scripture is no exception. As a pastor friend often comments about the verse, “You may not understand that expression ‘lewd fellows of the baser sort’ but you at least know it does not sound good!” We will analyze the phrase and learn just how “bad” it really is. Context first, though.

While Paul and Silas were conducting Paul’s second apostolic journey, they came to Macedonia (northern Greece), to a city named Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. For two or three weeks, Paul reasoned with them out of the Scriptures. He used the Old Testament to prove that Jesus was Christ. Some in the audience believed the Gospel of the Grace of God—Christ Jesus died for their sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Luke writes in chapter 17 of Acts, verse 4, a great multitude of religious Greeks and many chief women believed unto eternal life. Today’s Scripture picks up the account. Satan was very upset!

Unbelieving Jews who followed Paul everywhere, became envious that God was now working amongst and saving the pagan Gentiles. In response to Paul’s ministry triumphs in Thessalonica, these lost Jews gathered a mob of the worst people they could locate. These men were “lewd” (wicked), but to make it worse, they were “of the baser sort” (the worst of the worst!). That mob then caused a riot in Thessalonica. It physically attacked a Christian, Jason, and his household. After that intense day, Paul and Silas by night barely escaped to nearby Berea with their lives (verses 6-10)!

Saints, may we learn this simple lesson. Let us brush off the silly and snide comments, awful frowns, and rude gestures from the lost world. After all, the Bible says Christians have been assaulted (literally) “by worse!” 🙂

Paul and Dispensationalism #12

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

“Brethren, be ye followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample” (Philippians 3:17 KJV).

What else can the Apostle Paul teach us about dispensational Bible study?

Many earnest Christians say, “I do not follow man. I go by what Jesus said.” Bless their dear hearts—they follow the traditions of men by following Jesus’ words to Jews. Jesus Himself said He was not God’s spokesman to us Gentiles: “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). Are you a lost sheep of the house of Israel? Then, Jesus’ earthly ministry does not apply to you (2 Corinthians 5:16)!

Paul is our apostle (Romans 11:13) whereas Jesus Christ is Israel’s Apostle (Hebrews 3:1). It thoroughly astonishes Bible readers to learn that the Apostle Paul is the person we should follow, not Jesus in His earthly ministry. Jesus never said we Gentiles need to follow Him. However, we do find Jesus Christ speaking through Paul and instructing us to follow Paul as he follows Jesus Christ. “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). “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 4:9).

Friend, if you do not know where to go in the Bible to retrieve God’s Word to and about you, you have no hope in ever understanding the Bible. You will not know the baptism valid for you; you will not know how to handle sickness; you will not have a clear Gospel message to believe; you will not know how to pray; you will not know how God’s Spirit works in you today as a believer; you will not know how to function as a spouse, child, student, parent, boss, employee, pastor, teacher, neighbor, citizen; and so on.

You cannot find victorious Christian living in the Old Testament, the Four Gospels, the early part of Acts, or Hebrews through Revelation. If you want victorious Christian living, you must go to the Holy Spirit’s instructions found in Paul’s 13 epistles, Romans through Philemon. This is the key to Christianity’s doctrinal dilemma!