Category: Grace Living (Christian Life)

The Clever Axe #3

Saturday, November 22, 2025

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15 KJV).

Observe the following: “The forest was shrinking, but the trees kept voting for the axe, for the axe cleverly convinced the trees that his wooden handle made him one of them.” While written about duplicitous politicians, it is also practical instruction for religious leaders and about religious leaders.

“Fruit inspecting” is one of religion’s “hot topics.” Ripping from context Matthew 7:16 and Matthew 7:20 (the context of today’s Scripture), self-righteous churchgoers look for “signs” of salvation among their peers. “Ye shall know them by their fruits…. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” It has been therefore proclaimed, “Unless you have fruits, you are a fake Christian!” This is a gross distortion of the passage.

Today’s Scripture heads the pericope of Matthew 7:15-23 (verses to be studied in conjunction). The subject is “false prophets,” preachers speaking wrong information. Verses 16-19: “…Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.” A good tree (symbolic of the true prophet) cannot produce evil/corrupt fruit (error). Neither can a corrupt tree (representative of the false prophet) yield good fruit (truth). To distinguish true prophets from false prophets, we must inspect the prophet’s “fruit” (contents of the message). “Fruit-inspecting” is not so much looking for good works as it is looking for good words!

Re-read the dictum: “The forest was shrinking, but the trees kept voting for the axe, for the axe cleverly convinced the trees that his wooden handle made him one of them.” Many such “axes” lead our churches and “Christian” schools, though they know and use Bible words and Scriptural phrases that assist them in blending in with the trees (God’s people)… as the axe’s wooden handle helps it “identify with” the trees it decimates. Just as false prophets corrupted ancient Israel (about whom Jesus warned in the Sermon on the Mount!), so “Christian” leaders everywhere still destroy God’s people with their manmade opinions and traditions. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing….

The Clever Axe #2

Friday, November 21, 2025

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15 KJV).

Observe the following: “The forest was shrinking, but the trees kept voting for the axe, for the axe cleverly convinced the trees that his wooden handle made him one of them.” While written about duplicitous politicians, it is also practical instruction for religious leaders and about religious leaders.

How frightening it is that voters are frequently unable to express specific, reasonable justification for their choice of candidates. Other than silence, the only “defenses” offered are along the lines of, “He or she promised the public this free service or those free goods. I saw internet videos of this person or that person acting like everyone else. This man or woman is a great speaker.” You can pose the same question to religious people… except apply it to their pastors and teachers. What you will hear is, “This person is funny. He or she is kind. That person has a large following. Here is why I sit under his or her teaching.” Very rarely is the criterion, “He or she teaches sound Bible doctrine, and I learn such valuable information there.”

The phrase “wolf in sheep’s clothing” is indeed derived from the English Bible—specifically today’s Scripture. Jesus’ audience was of an agrarian or agriculture-based lifestyle. The Jewish people were well acquainted with raising sheep, and how shepherds were to be constantly vigilant of wolves (the sheep’s natural predator). What made such wolves exceptionally dangerous was when they were no longer perceived to be a threat. Nevertheless, they were “ravening” (related to “ravaging”), voracious, hungry, or greedy; thus, they would go to great lengths, they would stop at nothing, to fill their bellies!

Sheep naturally follow each other and stay in a group because they feel they have “safety in numbers.” Among humans, this is known as “herd mentality,” people blindly conforming to a principle simply due to the fact many others have adopted it. However, such sheep (both animals and people) are in grave danger if the “sheep” they are following turns out to be a “wolf in sheep’s clothing!” The prey realizes, when it is usually too late, that his neighbor was really the enemy in disguise….

The Clever Axe #1

Thursday, November 20, 2025

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15 KJV).

Observe the following: “The forest was shrinking, but the trees kept voting for the axe, for the axe cleverly convinced the trees that his wooden handle made him one of them.” While written about duplicitous politicians, it is also practical instruction for religious leaders and about religious leaders.

There is no question that the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5–7) is extremely popular in Christendom. The “Our Father” Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)—erroneously known as “the Lord’s Prayer”—and the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) are particularly appealing to church members who mindlessly quote these passages without any real meaningful understanding of their dispensational context. Had they known from these chapters what they should have known, they would be shocked beyond belief!

Part of the Sermon on the Mount is Matthew 7:15-23, today’s Scripture and its subsequent verses. Carefully read them, perhaps a few times: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Ironically, the individuals and institutions who habitually run to the Sermon on the Mount for authority and teaching are often the same whom it condemns as false (!)….

The Mighty Man #8

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

“Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually” (Psalm 52:1 KJV).

Let us see how Psalm 52 can teach us something about the past, the present, and the future….

Re-read the rest of Psalm 52, verses 5-9: “[5] God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah. [6] The righteous also shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him: [7] Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. [8] But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. [9] I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.”

As David the Psalmist had faith in JEHOVAH God, so we ought to trust the Lord Jesus Christ. Just as David was said to be like “a green olive tree,” so we have spiritual life and access to Father God through Christ: “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). We the righteous should not fear the so-called “mighty man”—those who fight against the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, for He is the true Mighty Man and our victory in Him is certain. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:57,58).

Similar to how David praised God in the midst of trouble, so our Apostle Paul did and we should too: “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (2 Timothy 4:17,18).

The Mighty Man #7

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

“Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually” (Psalm 52:1 KJV).

Let us see how Psalm 52 can teach us something about the past, the present, and the future….

While we should always make distinctions between Israel and the Body of Christ, and differentiate between prophecy and mystery, we would also do well to notice similarities. For example, take Psalm 52. It is not to or about us, but it is for our learning. Certain principles are true no matter where we are on the Bible timeline: these are “transdispensational” or “intradispensational” truths.

Re-read Psalm 52:1-4: “Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. The tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.” Did you notice the evil man, someone working against the God of the Bible, someone conspiring to lie and commit sin, someone not depending on the God of the Bible? This man is doomed to destruction. He trusts in temporary material wealth; “mammon” is his god, and it is impossible to serve God and money (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13). We should not repeat his sins, as the Lord through our Apostle Paul affirms.

“Charge [Command] them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;…” (1 Timothy 6:17). “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;…” (Colossians 3:9). “That no flesh should glory [brag] in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:29-31). “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

Let us go back to Psalm 52 to see David the believer’s viewpoint….

The Greatest Veteran

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:14,15 KJV).

Today is Veterans’ Day in the United States, so let us especially thank the “Greatest Veteran of All Time.”

We thank veterans, living and departed, the often-forgotten men and women who risked their lives to secure our freedom. Just as we remember flesh-and-blood veterans who fought for our physical liberty, we reserve our worship and utmost respect for the least esteemed Veteran, He who secured our spiritual liberty.

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Through Christ’s finished crosswork on Calvary, we have eternal victory over sin, death, hell, and Satan. Everything that God has planned for us is dependent upon Christ’s victory at Calvary.

Jesus Christ nailed the Mosaic Law to His cross (today’s Scripture). His sinless blood covered our failure to obey God’s laws; Jesus’ righteousness annulled our unrighteousness (sin). Christ not only liberated us from sin and its penalty (the everlasting lake of fire), but today’s Scripture affirms He also triumphed over Satan himself!

Christ has “spoiled [destroyed] principalities and powers [Satan’s power], he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it [His cross].” Jesus Christ destroyed Satan’s plans. Through Christ’s cross, God has “delivered us from the power of darkness” (Colossians 1:13), Satan’s evil system of Ephesians 2:1-3.

During a recent cemetery visit, I noticed American flags flying above deceased veterans’ headstones. These individuals can no longer hear or regard our thanks, but Jesus Christ’s body is not decaying in some tomb. If there ever was a Veteran most worthy of our gratitude, it is our Lord Jesus Christ. Though He died in battle, allowing Himself to be executed on a Roman cross of shame and scorn, He resurrected. He is alive and well today, alive forevermore!

Saints, eternity will ring with our thanks to the Veteran worth thanking, the Lord Jesus Christ.

*Adapted from our 2010 Bible study, “The Greatest Hero.” The Bible study video can be viewed here.

Be Sage About Road Rage

Monday, November 10, 2025

“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9 KJV).

Drivers of every age should be sage about road rage.

A lady was driving through an intersection when another vehicle ran past a red stoplight and crashed right into her. Furious, she got out of her car and went over to fuss the other driver. He argued it was unintentional: he had just watered a garden, and his wet shoe slipped from the brake pedal to the acceleration pedal. Then, they realized… he was her husband, and she was his wife! (Remember, you never know whom you might “run into” on the roadways!)

Once, a truck driver was “tailgating”—following too closely—a second motorist’s car. Zooming from behind and riding alongside the car, the truck driver stuck his hand out of the window and made an obscene gesture at the car driver. The truck sped on ahead… only to lose control and crash right into a tree! (Remember, you never know what will happen if you do not keep both hands on the steering wheel!)

A motorist was “cut off” when another driver got in front of him. The motorist followed the driver until the driver stopped and stepped out, and the driver waved a knife in a threatening manner. Fearing for his life, the motorist brandished a gun, prompting the driver to retreat and call police. The man with the knife was subsequently arrested for aggravated assault. (Remember, you never know if your violence in road rage will be exceeded by another’s!)

Drivers frequently wish to get to their destination faster, which impatience contributes substantially to road-rage incidents. Hundreds of people are murdered, and as many as 10,000 are injured, in such situations every year. Related shootings occur on an average of one a day. Young male drivers are more prone to road rage. Just remember, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour [shouting], and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:31,32). “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools” (today’s Scripture).

The Injudicious Judge

Sunday, November 9, 2025

“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:9 KJV).

The verdict is in—guilty of injudiciousness!

Many years ago, a judge noticed a man sitting in the back of his courtroom wearing a hat. Outraged that this individual would be so disrespectful to the court, the judge demanded he leave. Proceeding to further business, the clerk announced the next case. The name of a burglar, out on bond, was called. No one came forward. Suddenly, a voice was heard. The prosecuting attorney was speaking: “Your Honor, that was the man you just dismissed!” It is unknown if the burglar was ever re-apprehended.

Doubtless, it would have greatly benefited the public if the judge had first asked the man to identify himself and/or ordered him to remove his hat. Alas, emotions contributed to recklessness, and that “brilliant legal mind” fell prey to injudiciousness. As King Solomon penned in today’s Scripture, “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” Also from Solomon is Proverbs 16:32: “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” Emotions are not evil, but, if they rule us, they become evil. Sound Bible doctrine—the indwelling Holy Spirit using the Word of Christ—should instead dominate what we believe and do (Ephesians 5:18,19; Colossians 3:16).

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26,27). We ought to always be angry with sin (“And when he [Jesus Christ] had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts,…” [Mark 3:5]). However, the anger we see, hear, and feel in the world is seldom justified. Rather, people are reacting in a petty, irrational, or childish manner because they have not gotten their way. It is not individuals irritated that sin is destroying lives and souls. As the injudicious judge of decades ago, they are throwing fits and doing more harm than good (though he/they had good intentions). Friends, may we judge wisely here.

ATTENTION: Regarding our New Testament Survey Project, we have now begun studying Ephesians verse-by-verse. Watch the introduction video here.

Convenient Season #8

Saturday, November 8, 2025

“And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” (Acts 24:25 KJV).

According to the Bible, when is the “convenient season?”

Paul and Felix indeed met countless times again (verses 26,27), but nothing in Scripture indicates the Governor ever trusted Christ. In fact, covetous Felix twice exhibited unbelief. He wanted a bribe from Paul, and he kept the Apostle in Roman prison to pacify lost Jews!

“Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Corporately or globally, our “convenient season” to believe this Gospel of Grace, the Good News at the heart of the Dispensation of the Grace of God, is the length of time (2,000 years!) that we the world—especially the “Christian world”—have had Paul’s epistles, Romans to Philemon. Individually or personally, our “convenient season” to believe the Gospel of Grace is the span of time that we have breath while this Age of Grace is in effect. Not only should lost people immediately believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved unto eternal life, Christian people should immediately believe sound Bible doctrine to come unto the knowledge of the truth (see 1 Timothy 2:3,4). As Romans makes quite clear, the Christian life starts only by Christ’s finished crosswork and is maintained only by Christ’s finished crosswork.

Proverbs 29:1 declares: “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” With the passage of time, any person failing to believe God’s words to him or her becomes more callous or insensitive to the Holy Spirit’s ministry. This stubborn, “hardened heart” has formed repeatedly throughout human history (see, for example, 1 Samuel 6:6; 2 Chronicles 36:13; Psalm 95:7,8; Mark 3:5; Mark 6:52; Mark 8:17; Mark 16:14; John 12:40; Romans 2:5; Hebrews 3:7,8-13,15; Hebrews 4:7). The topic of “deathbed confessions” is somewhat fascinating. While we hope all trust Christ as Saviour before physical death comes upon them, unfortunately, the likelihood of such faith decreases with time. Remember, where death finds us, eternity keeps us—and eternity is a long time to be wrong. Friend, do not delay; trust Christ alone today!

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. 🙂

Convenient Season #7

Friday, November 7, 2025

“And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee” (Acts 24:25 KJV).

According to the Bible, when is the “convenient season?”

Foolish Felix had a “convenient season” to believe the precise moment he heard and understood Paul’s sermon. There was no legitimate reason to seek another “convenient season.” Here was an Apostle of Jesus Christ standing right before him to answer any questions, but the Governor “lingered in Adam” and dismissed that preacher from the meeting until they could rendezvous at some later date. Such is reminiscent of Paul’s visit to “intellectual” Athens years prior.

The Athenians at first listened to this “itinerant speechmaker” or “amateur philosopher,” but these lovers of man’s wisdom could tolerate God’s wisdom for only so long. Hearing about bodily resurrection—which Greek philosophy denied—some proceeded to “mock” while others told Paul, “We will hear thee again of this matter” (Acts 17:32). In contrast to the ridiculers (“no, thanks!”) as well as the procrastinators (“maybe later!”), praise the Lord there were some immediate believers in verse 34 (“we believe now!”)!

Earthly life is fragile, as there are myriads of ways to end it. It is “wind,” fleeting away (Job 7:7). “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). “Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah” (Psalm 39:5). “For my days are consumed like smoke…” (Psalm 102:3). “Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away” (Psalm 144:4). “Go to [James challenges them to ‘come’] now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that” (James 4:13-15).

To have life as the Dispensation of Grace is in effect, is truly our “convenient season” to believe God’s words to and about us….