Category: Grace Living (Christian Life)

The Damsel and The Spirit of Divination #5

Friday, June 23, 2023

“And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour” (Acts 16:16-18 KJV).

Behold—a slave girl, an evil spirit, a vexed apostle, and a mighty God!

The devil-possessed damsel has bothered Paul “many days.” A habitual distraction from the Lord’s work, her preaching has become such a nuisance the Apostle must stop her now. “But Paul, being grieved [anguished, pained], turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.” The power was not in the name of Paul, but in the name of Jesus Christ.

Upon hearing this pronouncement, the evil spirit must leave the poor girl alone. He departs, rendering her useless to her masters because she can no longer communicate with the spirit world. She symbolizes the Gentiles or nations, how they can be delivered from satanic bondage by approaching the one true God through the Apostle Paul’s ministry. See also Acts 14:8-10, the crippled Gentile world now made spiritually whole or healthy via Christ’s heavenly ministry through Paul.

In Acts chapter 9, but recorded only in Acts chapter 26, the Lord Jesus Christ’s commission of Saul of Tarsus was as follows: “[17] Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, [18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.” However, the Gentiles would not necessarily receive this information gladly. In fact, the slave owners in Philippi are not happy at all with Paul, for they are comfortable in their spiritual darkness….

The Damsel and The Spirit of Divination #4

Thursday, June 22, 2023

“And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour” (Acts 16:16-18 KJV).

Behold—a slave girl, an evil spirit, a vexed apostle, and a mighty God!

If Paul were a shallow Christian (like most), he would have replied to that devil-possessed girl with, “Do you believe in a ‘higher power?’ And, you agree with our message? Then come on in, sister! We all serve God and gladly receive you as a fellow Christian! You will be such a valuable asset to our ministry!” Paul, of course, had profound spiritual insight. It was once wisely stated, “Help from the Devil is no help at all.” If ever Satan and/or his servants volunteer to do God’s work, we would be utter fools to unite. Paul knew that quite well! If he let that devil-possessed damsel join his ministry team—though she spoke the truth—her admittance into God’s group would have done irreparable damage to their testimony.

Recall Christ’s earthly ministry. “And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace [Be quiet!], and come out of him” (Mark 1:23-25). “And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. And he straitly charged them that they should not make him known” (Mark 3:11,12). These devils recognized and preached Jesus as Messiah or Christ, but He silenced them because He did not need their public endorsement! Neither did Paul require the damsel’s approval….

The Damsel and The Spirit of Divination #3

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

“And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour” (Acts 16:16-18 KJV).

Behold—a slave girl, an evil spirit, a vexed apostle, and a mighty God!

Satan’s “woman preacher” in Philippi serves to mock and distract. As Paul and his ministry party make their way around, this devil-possessed girl follows them as an announcer or introducer. What is quite remarkable is how she does not lie, but tells the truth about them! Hollering, she declares, “These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation!” All these words are true. Paul and his ministry companions do serve the most high God and do proclaim to everyone in Philippi how they must come to Him through Jesus Christ the Saviour. She does not argue with them—overtly. She does not discredit them—openly. Yet, she poses a threat because she is under the influence of an evil spirit. Do God’s people need Satan’s endorsement?!

One prevailing misconception about Satan is that he always circulates false information. To be sure, the Devil is “a liar and the father of it [the lie]” (John 8:44), but no liar—not even Satan—speaks 100 percent error. The most effectual, injurious lie is a statement that is overwhelmingly true. A book that contains a single lie (blended in with the truth) is far deadlier than one that has 10 false statements (obvious error).

Ministry has its challenges, but the most insidious (stealthily treacherous or deceitful) is the scheme to promote compromise. Uniting resources with other professing “Christians” seems harmless, but if their doctrine is incorrect, their acceptance of many “cardinal or orthodox beliefs” means nothing. Let us see if the Devil’s woman will fool Paul….

Father: A Godly Man

Sunday, June 18, 2023

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4 KJV).

Since today is Father’s Day, we dedicate today’s devotional to the godly (Christian) fathers.

What is a godly father? Oftentimes, fathers are either too authoritative (very strict) or too carefree (little to no concern for their children). According to the Bible (today’s Scripture in particular), fathers must have a balance between setting boundaries and enforcing them, and refraining from being a heartless tyrant.

  • On one hand, the Christian father is to “bring [his children] up in the nurture of the Lord.” “Nurture” is simply defined as “caring for and encouraging their growth or development.” All too often, fathers (sadly) ignore this, usually being too rough, or even, apathetic (unconcerned).
  • On the other hand, the Christian father is to “bring [his children] up in the admonition of the Lord.” “Admonition” is simply defined as “authoritative counsel or warning.” He is to lovingly guide them in life, instructing them from God’s Word rightly divided.

A father is not simply one who procreates. God’s Word makes it very clear that they should serve a lifelong, active role in their children’s lives. A Christian man, especially a father, should be a godly man in beliefs as well as in deed. He needs to set an example for his children (especially his sons): it is his duty as an older Christian man to set an example for younger men.

He should be a hard worker, he should meditate on the things of God (the Bible), his speech should conform to sound Bible doctrine, he should be hospitable and caring, kind and loving, he should respect and love his wife, he should love his children, and he should be reserved and cautious in his actions.

Are you a Christian man or Christian father who desires to be the man God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest! Then, you will become the godly man described on the pages of Scripture.

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

ARCHIVED: “What does the Bible say about fatherhood?”

333’s 4400th – Clarifying to Edify, Edifying to Clarify

Saturday, June 17, 2023

“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and 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, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:…” (Romans 16:25,26 KJV).

Saints, we celebrate another ministry milestone today—devotional #4400!

For just over 12 years now (has it really been that long?!), we have daily followed the Pauline design for the edification of the believer as laid out in today’s Scripture. Indeed, if we want stability, firm or strong footing, in the Holy Bible; if we wish to better grasp what God has done, is doing, and will do; if we desire to know and undertake His will; if we aspire to grow up into mature believers in Christ; we should pay attention to this Pauline design instead of patterning our thoughts and lives after denominational systems and theological speculations.

As evidenced in today’s Scripture, Father God will develop us using a three-fold process. Firstly, it will be according to Paul’s Gospel: “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Countless souls talk about “the Gospel,” yet they never actually define it as Paul would. Secondly, it will be according to “the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery [secret], which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest:” Paul’s presentation of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Books of Romans through Philemon. Thirdly, it will be according to “the scriptures of the prophets,” or the rest of the Bible as interpreted in light of Pauline doctrine.

By using this procedure of dispensational Bible study, “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), submitting to the Holy Spirit’s words, we have not only clarified misunderstood and troubling verses, we have been edified (strengthened) to the point of being able to clarify those same passages for others. Here is the perfecting of the saints, here is the work of the ministry, and here is the edifying of the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). Onward by God’s grace to devotional #4500!

Remember, all our studies are archived here: https://333wordsofgrace.org/master-list-of-devotionals-chronological/.

The Understanding Darkened #5

Friday, June 16, 2023

“This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:…” (Ephesians 4:17,18 KJV).

How can today’s Scripture aid in our understanding of the wild world around us?

With Israel’s temporary fall and God’s salvation and blessing coming to us Gentiles via the Apostle Paul’s ministry (Romans 11:11-14), the “Dispensation of the Grace of God” has been given to us in the 13 Pauline Books of Romans through Philemon (see Ephesians 3:1-11). This information is designed to bring us out of the darkness of our ancestors (Acts 17:30,31). See also Colossians 1:25-29, Colossians 3:1-17, Philippians 1:9-11, Philippians 2:14-16, and even the context of today’s Scripture (Ephesians 4:11-24).

Titus 2:11-14: “[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; [13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; [14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

As suggested in today’s Scripture, and Romans 1:19-32, the dear people of our world languish in a gigantic spiritual trap. Wherever the Lord’s ministry through Paul has penetrated these last 20 centuries, the response has been overwhelmingly negative (as in, refusing to believe the Word of God’s Grace—or, if initially receiving it, failing to keep it pure and continue with it uncorrupted). Even lost souls acknowledge human society is increasingly deteriorating each and every day. Though they struggle mightily to identify the causes and try to correct the situation with additional manmade solutions (works-religion, philosophy, science, politics, and so on), they are wasting their time without the renewed mind we have in Christ. Their only hope of making sense of this sinful world and escaping it, is if we who know the truth then share it with them (2 Timothy 2:2,24-26). Life apart from the God of the Bible is certain ruin… the understanding darkened.

Lawful Advice from Asa’s Life #10

Sunday, June 11, 2023

“And [King Asa] commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment” (2 Chronicles 14:4 KJV).

What lawful advice can be gleaned from King Asa’s life?

Attending to the management of the local church or ministry, the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul guided young Pastor Timothy (and thus, us!): “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also…. 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 2:2,24-26).

Timothy should take what Paul taught him, and pass on that exact same information to other men, men who could then repeat the cycle. In no way was the doctrine to be changed. Someone who serves the Lord will not be combative or contentious, but calm and willing to humbly tolerate a great deal of senselessness as he tries to share the Word of God’s Grace with people who will probably reject it anyway. Regardless, the minister endeavors to supply those people with the sound doctrine Bible that they can then (hopefully!) believe and ultimately use to deliver themselves from Satan’s snare or trap (Bible ignorance).

In today’s Scripture, Asa had pointed ancient wayward Judah in the right direction—get back to the Law of Moses, or face the dire consequences! Today, we are under the Dispensation of the Grace of God given to Paul (Ephesians 3:1,2). Our options are clear: get back to the Grace of God, or reap an even worse harvest than we have already have! Romans through Philemon will facilitate us, first and foremost, in having a clear Gospel message (1 Corinthians 15:3,4), and, secondly, possessing the grace life resulting from that finished crosswork of Jesus Christ. In the end, even righteous Asa succumbed to the evil world system he fought against, so let us be careful not to depart from Pauline doctrine upon receiving it!

333 Turns 12!

Thursday, June 1, 2023

“And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches” (Acts 15:40,41 KJV).

Dear saints and readers, “333 Words of Grace” is 12 years old today!

For nearly 4,400 consecutive days now, we have gathered here around the Word of God rightly divided for the purpose of studying and better understanding our Creator’s will and our role in it. Some of us have graduated to Heaven, others have departed into apostasy, but we remain to mark this special ministry milestone. For 12 years now, the Message of God’s Grace has gone throughout the world via these devotionals, bearing fruit we will one day see when we assemble with those saints at our gathering together unto Christ.

As his second apostolic—not missionary, but apostolic (!)—journey gets underway, Paul takes along the Prophet Silas (see verse 32). They minister in Syria and Cilicia, including southern present Turkey, and today’s Scripture says Paul is “confirming the churches.” He is revisiting the believers he had converted years earlier in chapter 9, verse 30 (see Galatians 1:21). “Confirming” is “strengthening,” for in Acts 18:23 it is the same Greek word: “And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.” This starts Paul’s third apostolic (not missionary, but apostolic!) journey.

We do not endeavor to please men, or build our faith on their backs, so our eyes should be fixed solely on the Lord Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us on Calvary’s cruel cross. Yet, why did God save us from Hell, sin, death, and the Lake of Fire? What does He have in store for us? Our goal is to fine-tune what sound Bible doctrine we know, and, whether we are crawling in grace, hobbling in grace, or walking steadfastly in grace, we must keep moving along and growing by God’s grace. How many have just given up, for the evil world system has lured them away and they care not to come back to the faith! Our studies are designed to “strengthen” us, “confirm” us, make us firmer or stronger in grace principles, Romans through Philemon. Perhaps the Lord will give us another 12 years to do it!

Please remember all our devotionals are archived and linked here: 333wordsofgrace.org/master-list-of-devotionals-chronological/.

Without or Within?

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity” (Matthew 23:27,28 KJV).

Which matters most—outward or inward?

He had worn his conspicuous, elegant robe to the funeral home. My family members huddled to greet this religious leader in the lobby. Having just arrived, he was ready to perform the “services” for a dearly departed relative of mine. After they had shaken his hand, I watched how he proceeded to break away from the crowd and stroll to a table whereon was a bowl of delicious mints. He selected a candy, popped it into his mouth, tossed the wrapper onto the tabletop, and passed on by. Someone else would have to throw away his trash!

Later, during the “services,” he bellowed a long series of prayers in a book, stumbling over the simplest words and having to correct himself numerous times. It was as if he were racing to see how much he could get through so he could depart quicker. He seemed bored, like it was mindless repetition, something he needed to endure because he had to “play the part” for all the devout souls observing him. While only the Lord knows his heart, it looked like it was done out of religious duty rather than genuine worship of God. If the man was too lazy to discard his own garbage, whatever he believed made no positive difference in his life, so the impression was given it cannot improve anyone else’s condition either.

Remember, dear friends, we can fool some people some of the time, but we cannot fool all people all of the time, and we can fool God none of the time. Dispensational Bible study will empower us to avoid religious hypocrisy, for we know the life of Jesus Christ is manifested in us as we walk by faith in God’s Word to us, Romans through Philemon. What matters most is on the inside (heart faith), not outside (“fair shew in the flesh;” Galatians 6:12,13). Here is genuine, not artificial, Christianity.

*NOTE: Dear Saints, we now close 12 full years of “333 Words of Grace!” 🙂

Wishful Thinking

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation” (Matthew 23:14 KJV).

Beware, there are scammers everywhere!

Desperate to reduce his monthly electric bill, a friend shared with me his intention of purchasing two devices that would allegedly save him money. Their advertisement had convinced him, but I replied quite bluntly: “That sounds like a clever scam, so do not bother with it.” However, refusing to listen to reason, he continued justifying why he would buy them. Though expensive, one celebrity supposedly endorsed it and the online reviews were positive. He stubbornly told me he wished to give the product a try.

Later, after he bought them, and as he awaited the package by mail, he and I conversed again. I cautioned him, urging him to return the items upon arrival, so he could obtain a refund. Yet, in order to test the devices and see if they actually saved him any money, he would have to wait a month for his next electric bill. Unfortunately, the products had to be returned within 30 days for a refund. To make a long story short, he received the parcel, the devices were junk (surprise!), and he ended up being stuck with his same monthly electric bill plus the unreasonable price of the gadgets. After all that disappointment and permanent loss of money, he told me, “It is a scam!” (Of course!)

There is an old saying: “If it is too good to be true, it probably is.” We would save ourselves a great deal of misfortune, money, and harm if we just used this type of simple common sense. Our sinful, cruel world is filled with frauds and thieves—especially in religion. Wishful thinking and desperate souls go hand in hand. In today’s Scripture, the Lord Jesus pronounced harsh condemnation for spiritual leaders who preyed on and robbed widows. These men charged excessive fees with the promise of arduously praying for dead spouses to escape some nonexistent place (a Jewish purgatory, actually!).

Dear friends, we had better believe our King James Bible rightly divided, or wishful thinking will become our thinking.