Category: Grace Living (Christian Life)

Spellbound! #2

Sunday, August 20, 2023

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17,18 KJV).

Let us analyze these “good words and fair speeches.”

A Christian lady once related to me her innumerable ridiculous experiences in religion. One such particular disappointment involved her bedridden husband who had a terminal illness. This dear woman hated seeing him suffer, so she desperately sought the “services” of someone who took advantage of her. She asked a certain local preacher to come and minister to him. Standing by the dying man, the pastor pronounced that God would heal him, that he would recover and leave his sickbed. It took her some time before she finally realized just what a charlatan this so-called “man of God” really was. Her husband’s condition worsened, and he soon died and moved to Heaven!

Many years later, I talked with that “healing” pastor (he works at a nearby funeral home!), and though he was friendly, he had no interest in sound Bible doctrine. After being a professional denominationalist for several decades, he was too comfortable with his delusions and staunchly refused to forsake his traditions! Our only conclusion is that this man in ministry is one of countless people who have no business being in ministry at all. False religious hope leads to wallets, purses, and souls taken!

Re-read today’s Scripture: “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Paul the Apostle here describes individuals who split up believers (local grace churches) by introducing false teaching. Instead of all Christians united around the truth, they now go their separate ways because each has found someone who promotes a special view that appeals to them but not to others. The result is just another cult, sect, or denomination. It all starts with something that sounds pleasant, lovely, wonderful….

Spellbound! #1

Saturday, August 19, 2023

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17,18 KJV).

Let us analyze these “good words and fair speeches.”

A few years ago, a Christian friend faithfully listened to a “Christian prophetess” (?) share her “wisdom” through online sermon videos. He would tell me what she discussed, and, since I was skeptical of her, I would strongly caution him not to bother with her. However, he kept following her “ministry,” watching her videos daily. Yet, here is a startling development. Recently, he finally admitted to me that she had indeed tricked him—like so many others. He had just happened upon a website that exposed her as false. (Of course, that was no surprise to me because I already knew she was a fraud and told him so many times before!) She would set numerous dates for certain events to materialize, but nothing she said ever came to pass. Her frequent failed predictions were well-documented on the website my friend noticed. He had been fooled, but it took a stranger (rather than me, his friend) to convince him!

My dear friend told me exactly how this “Christian prophetess” (?) had manipulated him into adopting all kinds of weird views. She did it by foretelling things he really wanted to happen. For example, she habitually started off by reporting a particular negative or depressing news event. Then, she would claim “God” would intervene and correct the problem at a specific time (she would pinpoint the month and the day). This constant dose of wishful thinking kept luring my friend to tune in to her broadcasts for several months. Unfortunately, the dates would come and go, with the sinful event continuing unresolved. Where was the “God” she said would “intercede?” My friend finally admitted he had been scammed.

Today’s Scripture is the Holy Spirit giving us a firsthand glimpse of what a false teacher is really like, and what we should do when we discover one….

For Students This is Safe

Friday, August 18, 2023

“Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:128 KJV).

As a new school year dawns, let us awake unto spiritual truth!

Although the autumnal equinox is still over a month away here in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is finally beginning to wind down for most of us. Students—with long faces and deep sighs—have returned or are beginning to return to school. As students return to the classroom, they need to be particularly mindful of the following.

Firstly, learning in and of itself is not a sin. Moses was “learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” (Acts 7:22). Luke was a medical doctor (Colossians 4:14). Daniel and his companions were skilled in science (Daniel 1:4). Adam was the first taxonomist (Genesis 2:19,20). The God of the Bible is never against learning new things—remember, He gave us His Holy Bible so we can have plenty to learn for all of eternity!

Secondly, what the God of the Bible opposes is when we believe/trust ideas that do not seek our best interests, that contradict the way He designed our lives to function. Certainly, we Christians should never go around believing anything and everything heard and seen. Just because the professor, preacher, pope, or president says it is true, that does not make it so. Scientific consensus has been wrong before, religion has been wrong before, politicians have been wrong before. Much of the ideas that permeate our world today are wrong.

Lastly, there are many wonderful, exciting ideas and concepts out there—medical advancements, technological breakthroughs, and so on—but there are equally detrimental ideas that will mess up your life—religious traditions, secular humanism, and other philosophies. Daily intake of the King James Bible rightly divided will cleanse our souls of the filth and foolishness that we hear and see day in and day out in this evil world system. We highly exalt God’s Word, we know it is right “concerning all things,” and we hate and ignore the error.

Have a wonderful school year in our Lord Jesus Christ! 🙂

God’s Profaned Name #10

Thursday, August 17, 2023

“And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes” (Ezekiel 36:23 KJV).

How was God’s great name “profaned among the heathen?” In what way will He “sanctify” it?

Today’s Scripture is definitely part of the prophetic program. It involves God’s purpose and plan for Israel and the Earth. The Holy Spirit comments on how the nation Israel in time past abandoned the identity that their Creator gave them. They were not reflections of the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Despite their infidelity, He, in the ages to come, will be faithful in bringing to pass His original promise to them. They are to be His vessels to reach the Gentiles when the Lord Jesus Christ comes back to reign.

What about us, the Church the Body of Christ? Can we profane God’s name? Yes, we can. If we are not careful to walk in our identity in Christ, as described in Romans to Philemon, we can misrepresent Him as Israel did long ago. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17).

If what we say and do is incompatible with all that the Lord Jesus would say and do (His “name”), then non-Christians will see and hear conflicting information. Our misconduct will become the scoffer’s principle: “I am not a Christian and never want to be a Christian because ‘Christians’ lead a worse life than I do as a non-Christian.” It will be similar to ancient Israel’s detractors: “For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written” (Romans 2:24). “If that nonsense is what it means to be a worshipper of JEHOVAH God, we will keep our idols and die as heathen!”

As we (the Body of Christ) seek to avoid Israel’s disasters, we bear in mind passages such as Philippians 1:9-11 and Philippians 2:13-16. “And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful” (Titus 3:14).

God’s Profaned Name #6

Sunday, August 13, 2023

“And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes” (Ezekiel 36:23 KJV).

How was God’s great name “profaned among the heathen?” In what way will He “sanctify” it?

Re-read today’s Scripture. The word “profane” means “make common or ordinary.” It is the opposite of “sanctify, set apart, hallow, make holy or special.” Whereas JEHOVAH God’s name was unique, distinct from the gods and goddesses of heathenism, the nation Israel misrepresented Him amongst the Gentiles to whom belonged those idols. You can consult the Prophet Daniel’s prayer of confession in Daniel 9:3-20, which was said in obedience to Leviticus 26:40-46. Like Daniel, the Prophet Ezekiel looked forward to the day when Israel would be restored to the LORD’S service.

The context of today’s Scripture—Ezekiel chapter 36—prophesies how the LORD will take Israel from under the Old Covenant (Law of Moses) and put them under the New Covenant. Curses give way to blessings, as sin is replaced with righteousness; wrath fades and grace overflows. Read the verses that follow today’s Scripture: “[24] For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. [25] Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. [26] A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. [28] And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.”

Here is how God will “sanctify” His great name that the Jewish people soiled while under the Dispensation of the Law of Moses….

An Ambassador Turns 35!

Monday, August 7, 2023 🎂

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 KJV).

An ambassador for the risen Christ turns 35 years old today!

Not long ago, an elderly Christian friend and ministry partner (in his mid-eighties) told me, “Shawn, do not get old!” He shared with me how aches and pains, failing memory, and other disadvantages accompany aging. Of course, dear friends, as hard as we try, we can neither slow nor stop the passage of time. It seems like just yesterday when I was writing a devotional for my 25th birthday—but that was 10 years ago now! A few weeks back, I commemorated 28 years since trusting the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour. Time marches on, but even several lifetimes on Earth do not compare to endless life in the Heavenly Places!

Regardless of how long our earthly life is, whether 80 years or 120 years, we should never grow attached to this temporary world. Whereas non-Christians wish to stay here longer and longer and longer—because this is their only “heaven”—Christians should long for the true Heaven the longer they spend here are on Earth. As I reflect on 35 years of earthly life, I can say that these years have flown by and can never be repeated. What is important is that I continue to grow in the future, that I better understand my place in the purpose and program of Father God. While the Lord in His grace has brought me far, I still have a very long way to go—we all do. Perhaps I will be writing here when I am 45. If so, that is fine. If not, that is fine too. Whatever the case, may I keep renewing my mind and inner man, looking at the things which are not seen… the eternal things! 🙂

The Blessedness of Forgiveness #5

Sunday, August 6, 2023

“Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin” (Romans 4:6-8 KJV).

What is this “blessedness?” How can we have it?

“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man [the Lord Jesus Christ] is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38,39). As Paul preached in the synagogue of Antioch of Pisidia so long ago, God is currently offering forgiveness of sins by faith in Christ without religious works of any kind.

Through Paul’s Gospel, we can receive “forgiveness of sins” (see his grace commission of Acts 26:18). To “forgive” means “to clear the debt or send away the offense.” In fact, the Greek word translated “forgiveness” is related to that which is rendered “sent away” in Matthew 13:36 and Mark 4:36. What is Paul’s Gospel, the Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:24)? “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

Dear friends, as long as we attempt to fill the God-shaped void in our heart and life with someone or something other than the God of the Bible, the blessedness of forgiveness will ever elude us. No water baptism, no tithing, no rites, no prayers, no theological studies, no ceremonies, no promises, no pilgrimages, no confessions, no rituals, no commandment-keeping, no turning over a new leaf, no traditions, no experiences, no distribution of denominational literature, no lucrative business deals, no drugs, no alcoholic beverages, no illicit sexual activities, no followers on social media, no education, no partying, no foreign trips, and no job promotions can ever replace the joy of total, permanent forgiveness of all our sins through Jesus Christ’s perfect shed blood. Please see Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 1:14, Colossians 2:13, and Colossians 3:13 for more information!

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. 🙂

The Blessedness of Forgiveness #4

Saturday, August 5, 2023

“Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin” (Romans 4:6-8 KJV).

What is this “blessedness?” How can we have it?

Deep down inside, works-religion people are miserable. They have no lasting peace, eternal security, or joy of the Holy Spirit. Instead, they “hope and pray” they will make it into Heaven. Nothing has ever been settled for them at Calvary, so their sin problem is constantly irritating them. As preposterous as it sounds, even believers in Christ—if they are not renewing their mind—will walk the same tightrope and fall to their practical death too (Romans 7:7-25). That was the case of the Galatians, struggling to manage their sin by appealing to the law system that only condemned them as sinners (see Romans 3:19,20; Galatians 3:19-27; 1 Timothy 1:7-11).

Is not grace a “license to sin?” This objection arises either because someone seeks an excuse to hold to the Law system (as if the Law ever empowered sinners to stop sin!), or they lack a real understanding of what grace is and what it teaches. They should grasp Titus 2:11-14! “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of 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.”

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid [God protest!]” (Romans 6:14,15). Unless we think in terms of Romans chapter 6 (we are dead to sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord), we will go the way of chapter 7 (misery). The key to recovering ourselves out of this snare of the Devil is Romans chapter 8.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

The Blessedness of Forgiveness #3

Friday, August 4, 2023

“Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin” (Romans 4:6-8 KJV).

What is this “blessedness?” How can we have it?

The Galatians had originally received the Gospel of Grace when the Apostle Paul came into central Turkey in Acts chapters 13 and 14. These pagan idolaters learned about the Lord Jesus Christ dying for their sins, being buried, and being raised again for their justification (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Nonetheless, they did not stay with this Good News; they therefore drifted away to a works-religion message.

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9).

“Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain…. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:8-11,15,16).

Once joyful saints thankful for Paul’s ministry and God’s grace (God’s riches at Christ’s expense), they chose to return to works-religion (perform to obtain the blessings). In so doing, they became miserable (losing their “blessedness”) and made Paul their opponent….

The Blessedness of Forgiveness #2

Thursday, August 3, 2023

“Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin” (Romans 4:6-8 KJV).

What is this “blessedness?” How can we have it?

After explaining how Abraham believed God’s words to him (verses 1-5)—and how Abraham was justified (declared righteous in God’s sight) by faith without works (see Genesis 15:6)—Paul takes up a second example (David as presented in today’s Scripture). Neither Abraham nor David knew all what our completed Bible would teach, but God expected them to believe what He had revealed to them in their respective points on the timeline of His plan for the ages.

David “also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works.” This “blessedness” is the joy of justification, the gladness of applied righteousness. David did not understand how Calvary would take care of his sin problem—the cross was 1,000 years into the future—but he knew God had cleared the debt (forgiveness) and given him righteousness (justification).

“Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” Paul here reaches back to David’s words in Psalm 32:1,2. Since David was imperfect, his sin haunted him and made him miserable (see verses 3,4). Furthermore, because Israel was under the Law of Moses, David had to confess that sin and offer the appropriate animal sacrifice (see verses 5,6). Notice well how that concerned one sin: “Blessed is he whose transgression [singular] is forgiven, whose sin [singular] is covered” (Psalm 32:1).

Now, with us on this side of the cross, God has dealt with all our sins at Calvary. Observe how Paul made the nouns plural—“iniquities” and “sins”—in Romans 4:7. What David knew in part (forgiveness of one sin), we know in totality (forgiveness of all sins). Paul’s argument is thus: if David could rejoice in the little spiritual light he had, then we can and should rejoice even more because we have all revelation from God on the subject….