Category: Grace Living (Christian Life)

When Christ Jesus Returns

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1,2 KJV).

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (verses 3,4).

Christian people often ask, “When is Christ Jesus coming back?” Various and sundry dates are provided. Church history abounds with many instances of such speculations. None have been accurate yet!

Years ago, I heard the following advice: “We Christians live like Jesus Christ is coming within the next 10 minutes. We plan like He is not coming for the next 10 years.” The point is our lifestyles should be glorifying Him whenever He comes for us. Furthermore, we should plan ahead as though He will not come for another decade. By what other means can we reach more lost people with the Gospel of the Grace of God? By what other methods can we teach other Christians the Word of God rightly divided? While we are waiting for Him, we have more opportunity to serve Him. As long as the Dispensation of Grace operates, Paul’s Gospel is still valid. The Church the Body of Christ is still open to membership. God’s attitude toward the world is still grace and peace.

Doubtless, we should anticipate our Saviour’s coming. The Bible calls it our “blessed hope” and we should be “looking” for it (Titus 2:13). However, we should not sit around idly waiting and guessing dates. God before ordained that we the saints should walk in good works (Ephesians 2:1). These good works should continue as long as we are on this Earth. Good works should cease only for two reasons—physical death or the Rapture. Even a bedridden saint can pray, particularly for those Christians who are mobile!

Whenever Jesus Christ returns, whether in our lifetime or not, two things should be true. Firstly, may it be true that it was His life living in us. Secondly, let it be true that we planned to continue letting Him live in us, had these physical bodies continued! 🙂

Hated But Humble

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (John 15:18,19 KJV).

We are hated but humble!

A new Christian emailed me in exasperation. Tired of how people had treated him, he wanted to go to heaven and leave this planet of such great evils! He explained he did not care how he lived anymore—even if those frivolous actions made other Christians or lost people stumble! Thankfully, the Bible truths I shared with him helped him recover himself out of the snare of the Devil.

That brother needed to be reminded Jesus Christ was treated most horribly. He was “hated without a cause” (John 15:25). People have various reasons for hating us. Some are justified. Perhaps we lied to or about them, or stole from them, or cursed them out! However, they had no reason to hate Jesus Christ. He did nothing wrong—to them or anyone else. All Christ did was preach God’s truth and love, and they demanded His crucifixion!! Despite how they treated Him, He still lived righteously for the sake of His Heavenly Father whom He represented. Brethren, let us do the same, remembering not to live unto ourselves, but unto the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us and rose again (2 Corinthians 5:15).

Philippians chapter 2 exhorts us: “[3] Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. [4] Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. [5] Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: [6] Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: [7] But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: [8] And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Why do we suffer?”

An Inconvenient Truth

Saturday, September 10, 2016

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16 KJV).

Into what depths of madness will we descend if we ignore today’s Scripture?

An elderly lady once expressed to me a most unpleasant dilemma. For years she had known a Roman Catholic priest and his “healing missions trips” to foreign countries. Those poverty-stricken people overseas did not have viable healthcare, so they embraced his “healing campaigns.” She explained he had come to her house many times before to hold “healing”/prayer meetings. She not only let him come but she also participated. In recent years, however, he had not visited her home (perhaps she could no longer afford donations?!). Furthermore, she had had severe health (largely mobility) problems that prevented her from attending his meetings being held elsewhere. Her lack of healing proved today’s Scripture. Despite all the “healing claims,” these temporary bodies are still wearing down and dying!

The above predicament describes the insanity one will experience if he or she rejects the plain and simple truths of the Word of God. When you consider the absolutely absurd beliefs abounding in the world, they generally fall into two categories—science and religion. Both parties have scorned the light and understanding God’s Word would have provided them had they received it (Psalm 119:130). Man refusing to hear the Word of God will wind up in the same spiritual darkness as he would have remained in had God not given us His Word at all.

Religion and science alike are largely based on man’s intuition and opinions, not on the Holy Spirit’s teaching ministry. Thus, they will never be the means whereby God reveals Himself. First Corinthians 2:9-10 says: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” Friends, let us allow the Holy Spirit to teach us His inspired Word, the Holy Bible. If we refuse, pledging blind allegiance to religion and/or science, all boundaries of sanity will indeed be lifted!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Are we humans created in ‘the image of God?’”

The Rod of Correction

Friday, September 9, 2016

“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15 KJV).

My eight-year-old nephew misbehaved recently and he received corporal punishment!

Of course, before I whipped him with that flyswatter, he whined and screamed to dissuade me from punishing him. I calmed him down. We carefully discussed his several acts of misbehavior, including his new tantrum. After he admitted wrongdoing, I explained to him he knows disobedience will result in discipline. Once I told him I loved him and wanted to discourage misbehavior, I spanked him on the behind and had him sit right beside me.

I hugged him and said, “I love you.” I told him it was for his good not harm. We got the Bible and read today’s Scripture. Scripture commands me to use “the rod of correction” to drive far from him the foolishness bound in his heart. There was a consequence to not acting wisely. That pain would deter him from repeating the wrong behavior. I reminded him I was not abusing him—hitting his face, pulling his hair, twisting his limbs, or kicking him.

Also, we read together Ephesians 6:1: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” I admonished him that if he does not quit rebelling against authority now, when he grows older he may encounter the police in bad circumstances and go to prison! I explained to him why there are so many people in prison for life. They were probably never properly instructed as children to respect and submit to authority. To conclude, I told him that while he did not understand everything I was telling him, I urged him to believe those verses as best as he could. “One day,” I told him, “You will understand this.” We resumed playtime as if nothing happened.

Every Christian parent should take great care, UTMOST CARE, when administering corporal punishment on his or her children. It should be done, not out of anger or in cruelty, but in love and firmness. There should be no extremism but no apathy either. If you do not correct that foolishness now, friend, your child may just grow up to literally be your worst heartache!

How to Paddle Upstream!

Thursday, September 8, 2016

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1,2 KJV).

Will you let the course of the evil world system sweep you away?

River-water finds the shortest, quickest route (course) to the lowest elevation. So, to reach higher ground via a rowboat, you must do some mighty fast paddling! Without constant effort, you will be swept downstream. Now, think about Christian living.

Positionally, we have been justified (declared righteous) in Christ. Furthermore, we did not make ourselves holy. Father God sanctified us when we trusted Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour. We share His identity (chapters 3-8). Now, will our practice (daily living) match our position? Our choice! We can act like who we are in Christ (only logical). Or, we can act like who we were in Adam (ridiculous, since we are no longer in Adam!).

Most people today are in Adam. Dead in their trespasses and sins, they are alienated from God’s life (Ephesians 4:17-19). They do not have eternal life; they cannot live like God because they do not have God’s life in them. The course of this world is to flow toward Satan—his thinking, behavior, goals, et cetera. As Christians, we are instructed to “paddle” the other way, applying sound Bible doctrine so our identity in Christ becomes real in our life. The Holy Spirit will work in us if we believe sound Bible doctrine. If ever we are distracted from that doctrine, focusing on the course of this world, we will drift backward, away from “the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:11). “Going with the flow” is much easier, so most Christians give in—living more like Satan and less like God intended. Absurd!

After all Father God has done for us (previous eight chapters), friends, we should honor Him to the fullest extent. We follow today’s Scripture by faith—allowing His Word to transform how we think, rather than letting the world conform us to its course! 🙂

Weep As Grace Saints Sleep

Monday, September 5, 2016

“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” (Philippians 3:18,19 KJV)

Why was Paul “weeping” here?

After leaving a life of many years in false religion, a lady observed an assembly of supposed “grace” people. She noted they acted “silly,” using grace as a license to sin. All was forgiven, so they did literally whatever they wanted at the expense of every lost and saved person watching them! Sadly, they gave ammunition to those who whine, “Pauline dispensationalists use grace as a license to sin!” This dear Christian, trying to grow in the Bible after several years of confusion, stumbled. Just what would the “grace of God” profit her? People in her denomination, although lost, at least behaved decently. These “grace” people, who supposedly “had the truth,” habitually misbehaved and spoke inappropriately. Shame!

Dear friends, if we claim to know God’s grace in truth, and yet we “live like the Devil,” we have no business even talking about “God’s grace!” Why? We have no idea what “grace” really is! In today’s Scripture, Paul confessed that he was “weeping.” There were Christians, not lost people, who were “enemies of the cross of Christ.” They lived contrary to Christ’s cross (“dead to sin, alive unto God”—Romans 6:1-23). Their “God” (idol) was their own set of desires/appetites. They acted selfishly. They boasted “in their shame.” Thoroughly carnal, worldly-minded, they had completely forgotten about their “conversation [which] is in heaven” (verse 20). While they would be saved into heaven, their spiritual edification (growth and advancement) would be “destroyed” (today’s Scripture).

Titus 2:11-14 says: “[T]he grace of God… teach[es] us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; … the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

This is the grace of God—learn it and believe it BEFORE you preach it!

Very Pure

Sunday, September 4, 2016

“Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it” (Psalm 119:140 KJV).

God’s Word is “very pure.”

In his Bible-question-and-answer book, a well-known “scholar” and “apologist” instructed his readers how to respond to people who think the King James Bible is the only “legitimate” Bible. His entire argument—abounding with heathen philosophy from seminary, Bible cemetery—was merely 15 sentences. Boasting a doctorate in theology, he mustered five simple/childish “objections” (wow!) to the King James Bible. Furthermore, for someone supposedly “defending the faith” against skeptics and unbelievers, he was without reservation in challenging and belittling the Bible that English-speaking Christians have used for 400 years!

While we cannot read his heart, we most definitely can read his book: his hatred for the King James Bible was manifested in five gripes. One was a myth about the King James Bible, two were ridiculous complaints, one was a questionable statement, and the last was a half-truth. Having a background in (sneaky) theology, he carefully “edited” his arguments so as not to provide the “full picture.” That is, had he done more research instead of repeating hearsay—or had he provided more detail (which may have been intentionally withheld)—those claiming “King-James-Bible legitimacy” would have been found correct after all! He concluded his “defense” with a claim that he did not intend to “malign” the King James Bible. (Of course not! He just wanted you to think less of it so you [and he] can be “justified” in using any of the preferred 200 modern versions!!)

All the foolishness aside, beloved, we take our stand by faith in Scripture. As one refines a precious metal to remove all impurities, so God’s Word is void of error and deception (today’s Scripture). This is true of the King James Bible. It is not true of the New International Version, not true of the New American Standard Version, not true of the New King James Version, not true of the Voice, not true of the Message, not true of the Amplified Bible, and not true of the English Standard Version. People may not like it but so what! Our King James Bible can be EASILY proven to be “very pure.” Therefore, we LOVE it! (What does this say about its haters?)

Waiting

Saturday, September 3, 2016

“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” (1 Thessalonians 1:2,3 KJV).

Let us continue to patiently wait….

This past week, Mom and I visited an old family friend who used to go to the same church we attended many years back. Having not seen us in a few years, and having grown a bit frailer, she was surprised and delighted when we showed up unexpectedly at her nursing home room. All three of us have grown older but it was nice fellowship with her around Christ and His Word. Now in her 80s, she still declares, “I am still waiting for the Lord!” (The dear soul has been “waiting” at least 40 years.)

Paul highlighted the Thessalonians’ spirituality by mentioning their “work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” These elements (faith, love, and hope) appear throughout the Pauline epistles—sometimes as triplets (as here) but other times as couples. Let us focus on that last one, the “patience of hope.”

In the same chapter as today’s Scripture, we read: “[9] For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; [10] And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.” And, Titus 2:13: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Finally, 2 Thessalonians 3:5: “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”

Our hope is not, “I hope He comes.” Our hope is, “Jesus Christ is coming for us and the rest of His Body, and we anticipate it patiently.” This is “the patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” Brethren, “sorrow not, even as others which have no hope…” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Rather, be “looking for that blessed [happy, joyful] hope!” 🙂

The Published Word of the Lord

Thursday, September 1, 2016

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

We have some exciting ministry news to report, saints!

In this world of gross spiritual ignorance, it is our responsibility as Bible-believing Christians to “publish” the Word that the Lord has given to us. Our goal is not to convert every last lost person and our goal is not to rehabilitate every last confused Christian. No. We merely aim to share the Gospel with any lost person who will listen to us and we merely aim to share the Word of God’s Grace with any Christian who will listen to us. Not everyone wants to learn God’s Word, remember. Still, we are willing to give it to those who are genuinely interested in having it. In addition to audible preaching and teaching, the written word is another way to educate others in God’s Word rightly divided.

Near the beginning of the year, I reported to you that we aimed to get hundreds of our Bible Q&A studies formatted into printed booklet form in the coming months. Such written grace Bible study materials were so desperately needed. The good news is that we have reached our goal to fill that void (somewhat). Our original aim was to produce 100 unique booklets spanning 20 themes—five booklets/volumes per theme, or five Volume Sets of 20 booklets each. To the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, we now have 60 unique booklets in print, three booklets per theme (three Volume Sets), encompassing over 450 studies and 3,000-plus pages. At least 40 new booklets are being planned right now. These new studies are currently in development.

Friends, with all the above said, we are greatly delighted to formally announce the grand reopening of our online Bible study resource bookstore! Currently, we have 60 booklets, covering a wide range of topics, available for purchase. Catalogs and ordering info can found at https://arcgraceministries.org/in-print/booklets-bible-q-a/. We are honored to provide this service to you and these written materials for you! Your support of the ministry is greatly appreciated! Please share this with others. Beloved, we endeavor to “publish” God’s Word as much as we possibly can! 🙂

Special-edition Bible Q&A #300: “How can I have an effectual prayer life?”

Kindergarten Work!

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe” (Hebrews 5:12,13 KJV).

Have not spiritual “kindergarten work!”

Years ago, in high school, our art teacher grew very frustrated with lazy students. We were expected to turn in four art projects every six weeks. Many times, he gave the class lectures about “kindergarten work.” That is, teenagers were submitting artwork equivalent to that of four- or five-year-olds! He was not being overly critical. I remember some of the work—mere scribbles on paper!! They did not put their heart into it and their work reflected their poor attitude.

Every Christian is at a different level in his or her Bible understanding. It is certainly not a sin to be unfamiliar with large portions of Scripture. Before we can grow, we must be immature. The problem is when we refuse the edification process found in the Word of God rightly divided. We want to stay with “kindergarten work”—the absolute bare minimum of understanding and behavior.

Unfortunately, some Christians have not grown in the Bible in years. They refuse to open up the Bible and study on their own. Rather, they depend entirely on pastors and Bible teachers. Pastors and Bible teachers are necessary, but to continually use them as “crutches” is very dangerous. If we depend entirely upon them, never studying on our own, we will get no further in the Bible than they are! If they are not matured in Scripture, then we will not be either! If they are confused about the Bible, then we will be too!

Verse 14 says: “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” This is the spiritual maturity we need to reach as Christians. It is not sinlessness, but rather an increasingly awareness of what God is doing and what He wants us to do today (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

By the way, if our studies have helped you mature in the Word of God rightly divided, will you consider donating securely to us at https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux? Thank you!

Bible Q&A #299: “How does one know if he or she is maturing in the Word of God?”