Category: ministry

333’s 500th: Grace Publishers

Friday, October 12, 2012

“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it” (Psalm 68:11 KJV).

Saints, by God’s grace, 333 Words of Grace reaches yet another milestone!

For the past 500 days, I truly have been honored to teach God’s perfectly preserved Word (the King James Bible) rightly divided, to you all. Our goal from the very beginning was to provide free, quality, sound, brief devotionals to anyone who had an open heart, so that he or she could be edified, encouraged, and enlightened by God’s Word rightly divided.

How we desired to “have all men saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3,4). How we shared God’s desire “to make all men see the fellowship of the mystery” (Ephesians 3:9), to proclaim the precious and clear Bible truths that, sadly, religious tradition has deliberately muddled and hidden. Our goal was to demonstrate that the King James Bible is interesting and practical, intricately designed and divinely preserved, trustworthy and majesty. How we praise the Lord that He accomplished His will!

God is doing something so fantastic in this the Dispensation of His Grace, and as members of the Body of Christ, we are privileged to teach and preach His wonderful grace to us in Jesus Christ as found in His preserved Word, and preserved words, the King James Bible. With humble and thankful hearts, as the Lord gives us strength, we will continue to minister to you here in this venue.

Saints, by God’s grace and faithfulness, and with your prayerful support, we now aim for 1000. We will continue to hope, pray, study, and write, with the intention of further “publishing” God’s Word in a clear, sound manner—dispensationally studied, believed, and taught. My, how we have come such a long, long way, but we have much more from God’s Word to “publish.” Only by God’s grace, our next 500 devotionals will be even better, covering an even greater variety of topics. We do ask for your prayers, as we now have 800 new devotionals planned and begun.

Thank you, and please remember that all of our posts are archived here at https://333wordsofgrace.wordpress.com. 🙂

Many Coming and Going

Saturday, September 1, 2012

“And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat” (Mark 6:31 KJV).

Today’s Scripture testifies that ministry work in the Lord, although joyous and rewarding, can be extremely time-consuming, demanding, and exhausting.

The book of Mark focuses on Jesus Christ as God’s Servant, what He did (that is, the miracles He performed). In the context of today’s Scripture, the Lord Jesus and His apostles have preached, performed miracles, and travelled to such an extent that they have not even had time to eat! The Lord knows He and His apostles need a “lunch break,” so He invites them to come with Him into a “desert” (lonely, private) place to rest. “And they departed into a desert place by ship privately” (verse 32). Jesus Christ and His apostles need rest, so they attempt to quietly sail away! Will they escape?

Nevertheless, “And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him” (verse 33). The people see Jesus and His apostles floating away, so they run ahead of them, and meet Him and His apostles on the other side of the shore! Jesus and His apostles will get no rest.

“And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd [cf. Matthew 9:36; Matthew 10:6]: and he began to teach them many things” (verse 34). “And when the day was far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed:” (verse 35). Now, it is nearing evening, Jesus is still teaching, and He and His apostles still have not eaten! (Here, Jesus feeds the 5,000 with the two fishes and five loaves of bread; verses 36-44.)

Saints, ministry is very strenuous, but let us not grow weary. Yes, we do take time to rest, but may we never permanently rest! 🙂

Faithful, Hospitable Lydia

Sunday, August 19, 2012

“And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul” (Acts 16:14 KJV).

Lydia demonstrates how Christian women can be helpful in the ministry.

In the context of today’s Scripture, Paul, Silas, Timotheus (Timothy), and Luke are accompanying Paul on his second apostolic journey. Luke narrates: “And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont [accustomed] to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither” (verses 12,13). While Paul, Silas, Timotheus, and Luke are in Philippi, some Jewish women have gathered by a riverside on the Sabbath day to have a prayer service.

Paul, seeing opportunity to share the Gospel of the Grace of God, preaches to the group. While we do not know how many women were present, the Bible only mentions Lydia, a Jewess who is rather wealthy (she is “a seller of purple,” and purple cloth was expensive at that time). As Paul preaches the finished crosswork of Jesus Christ as sufficient payment for sins, Lydia listens intently, and then places her faith in that message (Paul’s Gospel).

After she and her household were saved and water baptized, Lydia told Paul, Silas, Timotheus, and Luke: “If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained [urged] us” (verse 15). And so, Lydia lodged them in her house. Later, after being freed from prison, Paul and Silas return to Lydia’s house to see and comfort the Christian brethren there (verse 40).

Scripture never again mentions Lydia. Nevertheless, she was faithful and hospitable in that she took care of God’s apostles by inviting them into her home to lodge. Lydia’s actions will remain recorded forever in God’s Book as a testimony that God can use women for His glory.

Lest Satan Should Get an Advantage of Us

Saturday, August 4, 2012

“To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:10,11 KJV).

In today’s Scripture, we learn that the Corinthians and the Apostle Paul had forgiven someone. Who was this individual, and why was it necessary for the Christian brethren to forgive him? Grace brethren, be on guard, for Satan employs the oldest military strategy—“divide and conquer.”

When Paul wrote the epistle of First Corinthians, he addressed nearly a dozen issues that disrupted Christian fellowship and hindered spiritual growth in Corinth. The problem associated with today’s Scripture is described in 1 Corinthians 5:1-5. A Christian brother in Corinth was having sexual relations with his father’s wife, an act that not even the pagan Gentiles committed! Unfortunately, the Corinthians were bragging of this sin, making light of it, and Paul’s solution was to temporarily cast out the man from fellowship, which would hopefully bring him to his senses, and cause him to change his lifestyle (verses 9-11).

Now, in today’s Scripture, a year or so has passed since the penning of First Corinthians. Evidently, the Corinthians had heeded Paul’s instructions by having nothing to do with the fornicator (2 Corinthians 2:6). Paul now writes to the Corinthians, “So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that you would confirm your love toward him” (verses 7,8). This brother had now straightened up, so the Corinthians were to forgive him, accept him, and show their love toward him, lest Satan would use bitterness and strife to further divide these Christians.

Saints, we must never be ignorant of Satan’s “devices,” tactics he uses to thwart the ministry of the local grace church (today’s Scripture). May we forgive, and not “give place to the devil” by holding grudges or being bitter (Ephesians 4:25-32). Satan is our enemy, not our grace brethren.

We Are STILL Ambassadors for Christ

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV).

Today, arC Ministries celebrates its fifth anniversary….

Five years ago, arC Ministries began as a Facebook and a Myspace Bible study group. Over the past half-decade, we have met countless individuals from all walks of life, and we have learned quite a bit from conversing with them (hopefully, the vice versa is also true!).

Our original mission statement was, “To equip ambassadors, and to encourage others to become ambassadors.” We share God’s will: “to have all men saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). There is great confusion as to what soul salvation is and how to receive it, but there is an equal amount of perplexity as to what the Bible’s truth even is regarding those who are saved. Our goal in proclaiming the Gospel of Grace is show the lost world how to be saved and have forgiveness of sins, for God’s glory. Our goal in teaching the Bible dispensationally is to allow you, the saints, to reach spiritual maturity, for God’s glory.

Here is a brief description of our ministry: our written Bible studies, which go back to 2006, laid the foundation for a newspaper ministry (letters to the editor and finally a weekly column). The newspaper ministry, having been cancelled over a year ago, served as a “stepping stone” to establishing this very devotionals blog. These devotionals are now forming the foundation for larger Bible studies, including whole Bible book commentaries. The Bible book commentaries and the devotionals have now become the foundation for a King James Study Bible, which we will publish eventually.

Saints, God has left us “ambassadors” in this foreign land, Earth, but only temporarily. Our time is short, and we will not be ambassadors here forever, so let us invest in the things of God while we still can. This lost and dying world, and our deceived Christian brethren, need to hear God’s truth, and they need to hear it from us!

You can watch our special anniversary Bible study here and/or read it here.

Devoted Epaphroditus

Friday, July 20, 2012

“Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants” (Philippians 2:25 KJV).

Epaphroditus, whose (heathen) name means, “Devoted to [the goddess] Venus,” was actually devoted to the true and living God, the God of the Bible.

Read the context to learn more about Epaphroditus: “For he longed after you all [Philippians], and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:” (verses 26-29).

Paul is writing to Philippi from his prison in Rome, and he is sending the epistle of Philippians to Philippi by a courier and fellow Christian—Epaphroditus. The Apostle explains that Epaphroditus had been sick, but Paul is thankful that he has since recovered: Paul is depressed in prison, and he does not need more “sorrow” (the death of a saint, “fellowsoldier,” and someone who had provided for his needs, would certainly add to Paul’s distress).

Both the Philippians and Paul will be encouraged when Epaphroditus arrives in Philippi: the Philippians will read news from Paul, and Paul will be relieved that God’s Word (his epistle) reached the saints in Philippi. Paul urges the Philippians to “hold such [Epaphroditus] in reputation.” Why? Verse 30 explains: “because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.”

Epaphroditus had literally worked in the ministry to the point of near-death! Paul had needs, and the Philippians failed to supply for them, so Epaphroditus risked his life to compensate. What dedication! Epaphroditus was devoted (but not to Venus): may we be as Epaphroditus, who served the Lord Jesus Christ, “not regarding his life.”

The Meek Pauline Dispensationalist

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

“Put them in mind… to be ready to every good work, to speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men” (Titus 3:1,2 KJV).

An individual recently shared a concern with me, so we offer a humble, friendly reminder to you, our grace brethren in Jesus Christ….

We understand and are saved by God’s grace to us in Christ. Nevertheless, most individuals are lost (dead in their sins). Also, we recognize and believe that Jesus Christ committed to the Apostle Paul the special ministry and doctrine for this the Dispensation of Grace. Sadly, church tradition hides these truths, and most professing Christians are deceived doctrinally.

God’s will is to have “all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Our goal in teaching God’s Word rightly divided is so everyone can also have a chance to be liberated from the bondage of sin and the burden of religion. We Pauline dispensationalists are privileged to proclaim these precious Bible truths to both lost people and Christians, thereby bringing our Saviour Jesus Christ glory and honor.

However, grace brethren, please exercise great caution. Do not allow Satan to utilize your flesh (sin nature) to get the advantage. Today’s Scripture instructs us to be “meek”—humble, not prideful—in the ministry. Why? Read the next verse: “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another” (Titus 3:3). It is easy to grow angry with lost people, non-Pauline Christians, and non-King James users, but remember, we were once where they are. May we, without compromising sound (dispensational) Bible doctrine, gently, lovingly reach out to them on God’s behalf. 🙂

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; 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).

333’s 400th: Liberty to Publish God’s Word

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

“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 we commemorate the United States’ 236th anniversary and our 400th devotional.

Just as we Americans celebrate our nation’s birthday and independence today on this Fourth of July, we Christians worldwide reflect on the “liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free [from sin, death, hell, and the condemnation of the Mosaic Law]” (Galatians 5:1).

Moreover, God our Father has entrusted us with the ministry of sharing with the lost world the spiritual freedom we have found exclusively in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our role in the Christian ambassadorship is to publish God’s pure (unadulterated) Word, the Holy Bible. Whether preaching and teaching it rightly divided, or translating and literally printing it, “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it” (Psalm 68:11).

God, through His Son’s finished crosswork on Calvary, has freed us from the bondage of the Law and sin. Christ’s blood has “redeemed” us, and it is our responsibility to tell others of that “redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). The lost and dying souls of the world need to hear the words of Jesus Christ, the words that “are spirit and… [that] are life” (John 6:63b). They need to hear about the eternal life found only in Jesus Christ. They need to hear it from us, God’s people!

God’s grace has saved us, not so we could live any way we want (we were doing that before God’s grace saved us!). We should use our liberty in Christ to “by love serve one another” (today’s Scripture). God’s love motivates us to teach Holy Spirit-indwelt (but denominational) Christians Pauline dispensational Bible study, and to preach to the lost world God’s saving grace in Christ (Paul’s Gospel of 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

Saints, as we reach another milestone, we thank you for your continued prayer for this ministry. And, we thank our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us liberty to publish God’s Word….

Lord willing, on to #500. 🙂

You can also see our 2011 Fourth of July study “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land,” which can be watched here or read here.

Take Heed to Thy Ministry

Saturday, June 16, 2012

“And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it” (Colossians 4:17 KJV).

Each of us members of the Church the Body of Christ has a role in what God is doing today. Are we willing to “fulfil” (complete) that ministry? Do we even realize we have it?

Archippus is only mentioned twice in God’s Word—in today’s Scripture, and in Philemon 2, where he is called Paul and Timothy’s “fellow-soldier.” While we do not know much else about Archippus, we gather that he resided in Colosse (perhaps someone who fellowshipped in the church who met in Philemon’s house?).

In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Paul instructed the Colossian believers to admonish Archippus to “take heed to the ministry which [he had] received in the Lord, that [he] fulfil it.” Exactly what opportunity this “ministry” was, we can only speculate (teaching Scripture? giving? leading the Colossian assembly as bishop?). Whatever this ministry was, it was of great importance (hence Paul’s warning to Archippus to “take heed [pay attention!]” to it and complete it. (Do not overlook your God-given responsibility, Archippus!!)

Paul could have written today’s Scripture to you and me as individuals. All of us Christians have been given “the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18). We are God’s ambassadors, His representatives in the earth, temporarily left here to declare His wonderful grace in Christ Jesus to this lost and dying world (verses 19-21)! We need to “take heed” to our ministry, to “fulfil” it.

As a Christian brother once stated, “God did not save us so we could sit on the stool of do-nothing, saying, ‘I shall not be moved!’” Brethren, let us exploit our resources to further the message of salvation found only in Jesus Christ. We do not have to all teach and preach, but we can pray for, give to, and help in local grace churches in whatever role we wish, as God’s Word instructs us. Time is precious, so let us not waste it on trivial (temporal) matters. “Take heed to [thy] ministry,” which will reap eternal benefits….

333’s First Anniversary: Yet Not I, But the Grace of God

Friday, June 1, 2012

“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10 KJV).

We rejoice in the Lord, for we reach a special milestone today: one full year of grace-oriented devotionals. We commemorate our first anniversary by joining our Apostle Paul in remembering: “Yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” (After all, this is “333 Words of Grace!”)

This past year, we were thrilled beyond words to know the great God and our Saviour was using this devotionals blog to lead people to salvation by His grace through faith in Christ Jesus, and to spiritually enlighten His people with sound dispensational Bible study (1 Timothy 2:3,4). But, again, it was not us, “but the grace of God.”

Paul could have continued wasting his life away by opposing God’s work (1 Corinthians 15:9, the verse preceding today’s Scripture). Instead, he chose to trust Christ Jesus as his Saviour, and Christ saved him by His grace. Thus, Paul, now God’s chief apostle to the Gentiles, could honestly say, “by the grace of God I am what I am.” Just as we could have wasted this past year in unbelief, we chose rather to rely on God’s grace by faith. Thus, we too honestly say, “by the grace of God [we are] what [we are].”

Much labour and prayer went into the past 366 devotionals, so that the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word could be exalted. How the grace and love of God worked in us this past year, and it is our great hope and prayer that He will continue this ministry.

Saints, we extend our utmost appreciation to you, whose input and prayer were not in vain. How we are so grateful to God, for without His grace, this ministry would not exist. And, above all, as we enter our second year, we remember, “not I, but the grace of God that [is] with me.” 🙂