Category: spiritual growth and maturity

To Be Seen and Heard #17

Thursday, April 3, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

Romans 16:17,18: “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.” A false teacher uses charming words to form beautiful dialog to attract a following: their own heart, not our Lord Jesus Christ, is served. Philippians 3:19 marks them as “enemies of the cross” and says “whose God is their belly.”

Romans 1:25 is consummated in Daniel chapter 7: “I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame… And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time” (verses 11,25). Chapter 11, verse 36: “And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.”

Second Thessalonians 2:3,4: “…that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” This Antichrist (not just “against Christ” but “replacement Christ”) will be seen and heard, “whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (verses 9,10). In verse 11, they believe a “lie” (cf. Romans 1:25). All that Lucifer or Satan planned (our present evil world) climaxes in this one man….

To Be Seen and Heard #16

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

Those who desire to be seen and heard have to contribute—even if their contribution is worth nothing. They must do or say something—though it is pointless or meritless. “Freedom of speech” is an expression recognizable and regularly mentioned here in the United States, but it is a constitutional right that should be exercised responsibly. Just because we have the right to say it does not automatically mean we should say it. I can tell everyone I meet, “I am an idiot!” Yet, would it be sensible for me to do so? Of course not! Likewise, we have the liberty to teach false doctrine, but is it proper or worthwhile?

In Paul’s farewell epistle to Timothy, 2 Timothy, the Apostle penned in verses 3 and 4 of chapter 4, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” These people are not interested in wholesome, healthy, reliable teaching worthy of their trust. Instead, their agenda is to locate and accumulate teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear (namely, a lie). Why would people prefer to hear lies? The lie feels good. It gives them a sense of false hope, confirming what they have already made up their mind to believe. To trust the truth would mean recanting the lie, so they dare not change their ways!

The ultimate lie is to substitute the creature for the Creator, man being seen and heard instead of God. Second Timothy chapter 3, verses 2 and 4: “For men shall be lovers of their own selves,… lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;….” Of course, this is Romans 1:25, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.” Here is our present evil world, leading to the one final lie yet to come….

To Be Seen and Heard #15

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

It is utterly impossible for everyone to be a pastor. Everyone cannot teach Sunday School. It is totally unreasonable for everyone to lead singing (erroneously called “worship service”). Yet, there is regularly a contest to see who can be most visible in ministry, someone on whom the eyes of the group are firmly fixed. People who should not be in these roles wind up serving in them because individuals controlled by man’s wisdom have appointed them. They do not have the sound doctrine, the filling of the Holy Spirit, to carry out the jobs: they are doing “God’s work” with the Devil’s help!

Once, two Christian men attended local religious classes for some weeks. They knew it was a false system, but they were “scouting” or investigating what was happening. Many students had assembled for a priest to teach them denominational doctrine. These two men would raise their hands and ask Bible questions, posing a threat to the priest because it directed the group conversation toward “banned” topics (which he cared not to discuss or have his people see and hear). Finally, during one meeting, these two Christian men were stunned to hear the priest present a Gospel message to the class just like they would have. Greeting people upon dismissal, the priest addressed the departing men, “Are you happy now? Do not come back!” (One of these men shared this with me.)

Usually, we are inclined to comment, “Oh, what poor people, they are so deceived and do not know any better!” Actually, they are likely more aware of the truth than we think. (I have discovered this many times in my own ministry.) Though they let it be seen and heard briefly so as to “keep up appearances,” it is their preference if you saw and heard them, saw and heard their theological system. Again, remember, that was corrupted Judaism during Christ’s earthly ministry—and it led to His execution!

What is worse than striving to be seen and heard is wanting to see and hear those who wish to be seen and heard….

To Be Seen and Heard #14

Monday, March 31, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

“Desperate” means “have a great need or desire for something.” People desperate for attention and relevance endeavor to be seen/heard and regarded as important. Such desperation includes repeatedly giving large sums of money to strangers and posting the videos online, delivering long-winded “intellectual” dissertations at “institutions of higher learning,” and wearing eccentric clothing and/or glitzy jewelry. Moreover, it flourishes in the realm of news media, which billions have failed to detect because they have been brainwashed. During the last decade, the expression “fake news” has become more widely used. The label denotes lies so-called “journalists” or “reporters” (activists!) publish in electronic, spoken, or print form. As always, someone wishes to be seen and heard—even resorting to embellishment or outright fabrication simply to get “likes,” views, high ratings, awards, and other recognition.

Many years ago, before I started internet ministry blogging, I worked for my local newspaper in drafting weekly Bible-study columns. Eventually, I learned the “Christian” city editor—who (laughably!) told me how he “answered to the Lord”—was deleting “offensive” portions of my column. If those Bible verses remained, he knew the local preachers and “religious” business owners who advertised in our newspaper (that is, financially supported it) would be insulted. Funding would be withdrawn! (Horrors!) $ub$cription$ would be cancelled! (Horrors!)

Indeed, contrary to popular belief, the United States’ press is not really “free.” It is severely biased; I know this personally. They are determined to invent and control the narrative, guaranteeing people hear only carefully selected information (opinions!). A truly free press would promote only the truth (facts), instead of being fettered to the lie. Always remember, people working for large “news” organizations are paid to look and sound good, saying just what their employers deem appropriate—which is generally nothing but propaganda, misleading information, half-truths, distractions, and sensational pieces. They cannot afford to lose the almighty dollar (financial donors, salaries/jobs, et cetera).

Howbeit, friends, there is a sneakier and more destructive agenda corrupting our world. The souls of men in religious circles are seeing and hearing only what their denominational leaders wish they see and hear….

To Be Seen and Heard #13

Sunday, March 30, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

Egocentric Corinthian Christians fragmented their local church into little factions: “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying” (1 Corinthians 14:26). Harmony lacked because each was “doing his or her own thing.” They derived incalculable pleasure from their misuse of spiritual gifts, particularly the gifts of prophecy and tongues (see 1 Corinthians chapter 14). Similar to drug addiction, it felt so (!) unbelievably (!) good (!) to be seen and heard, to be regarded as “most spiritual” and “holiest of all.” Their loss of bodily control attracted many stares, and their unusual speech patterns (glossolalia, tongue-talking) appealed to countless ears. Of course, it was all for show, to compete with one another: “I am closer to God than you are! I have outdone you!”

Whether the formalism of the Galatians (the “fair shew in the flesh” of works-religion or self-righteousness), or the fanaticism of the Corinthians (the “to be seen and heard of men” courtesy of experiences and emotionalism), neither is Jesus Christ’s life. Both are man’s life (Adam’s life, sin). The creature is being worshipped and served instead of the Creator (Romans 1:25). This loops all the way back to the “I will… I will… I will… I will… I will…” plan of Lucifer or Satan in Isaiah 14:12-14. Such self-will carried over into Adam’s species (us) when he chose to align with that idea in Genesis chapter 3. Pride is called “the condemnation of the devil” (1 Timothy 3:6; cf. Ezekiel 28:2,5,17; Isaiah 14:12-14), but Christians should be humble (Philippians 2:5-11).

If members of the Church the Body of Christ are not walking by faith in Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, they will not mind the things of the Holy Spirit. Flesh-walking will therefore wreck their Christian lives. Attention will be drawn to individuals rather than the Lord whom the sound Bible doctrine portrays and glorifies….

To Be Seen and Heard #12

Saturday, March 29, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

The heart of the three-chapter unit of 1 Corinthians dealing with spiritual gifts is chapter 13—charity described, love in action or the labour of love defined. Love is seeking another’s highest good; therefore, “charity… seeketh not her own” (1 Corinthians 13:5). Yet, the only people the Corinthians loved were themselves. They were babes in Christ, mere spiritual kindergarteners. Children are obsessed with getting their way, deriving as much pleasure as possible from whatever achievable means. Similarly, the Corinthians treated spiritual gifts like toys or candy: “I want, I want, I want! Look at what I have, look at what I have, look at what I have! You cannot have, you cannot have, you cannot have!” Pouting, fussing, and fighting divided the Corinthian church.

Chapter 14 of 1 Corinthians is exceptionally shameful. God’s gift of tongues, speaking intelligent human languages without formally learning them, is being counterfeited. The Corinthians have returned to their babbling of heathen idolatry and are trying to pass off gibberish (unintelligible speech) as “the words of God.” “Hastala, shastala, habbala, gabbala!” Instead of legitimate language, it was imitation, and nothing but occasion for arrogance: “I can speak in a private tongue that you cannot!” Of course, like modern charismatics, it drew attention to individuals. In addition to strange sounds uttered, there was loss of bodily control (falling down, rolling on the floor, waving arms, jumping, running, spinning, trembling, fainting, et cetera). Fake spirituality was confused with genuine spirituality (see 1 Corinthians 14:37,38). People were speaking their opinions but pretending God the Holy Spirit was talking. They just aspired to be seen and heard, not worship or glorify God. Paul thus counseled, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).

Frankly, Corinthian living is trashy Christian living. It is a hybrid of the wild, loose conduct of charismatics and the depraved, darkened mind of humanistic intellectuals. Corinthian living is not real Christian living, but simulated: Christians struggling in futility in the energy of the flesh to copy Jesus Christ’s life. It is the “reality television” of Christianity….

To Be Seen and Heard #11

Friday, March 28, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

Circa the year 2000, just before the advent of social media, society began gravitating toward so-called “reality television.” Contrary to its name, it is mainly not reality but illusory. Such scripted shows focus on trash talk and trashy living, “to be seen and heard” at levels unparalleled. Filth and foolishness are glorified for sake of high ratings and enormous paychecks. Topics once deemed improper—or “for mature audiences only”—were gradually introduced to viewers of all ages by means of exaggerated dialog and feigned conduct. People acting like complete fools on television became normalized, which spilled over into real life. An entire generation of children (including my own generation) grew up with the influence of such “rearing,” observing constant vulgar programming and assuming it was okay.

Social-networking platforms targeting pre-teens and teenagers are now raising the next generation. With technological advancements, today, they have, not merely screens to watch others engage in nonsense, but their own cameras and social-media to create and instantly share their personal folly with millions around the world! Narcissism—love of self—has exploded exponentially. We can only wonder the emotional and psychological damage inflicted. (Rest assured, it will become more apparent as the decades pass.) Yet, “reality television” and “social-networking” are the least of our problems.

Paul won the Corinthians to Christ back in Acts chapter 18. Several years passed by the time he penned our Bible Books of 1 and 2 Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians chapters 12–14, spiritual gifts are being abused. The Corinthians have replaced the Holy Spirit’s work in them with their own efforts, and this was absolutely disastrous. Chapter 12 is how the Holy Spirit imparted spiritual gifts to the members of the Body of Christ before the Bible canon was completed. As each body part of the physical body is necessary, so every spiritual gift was to be treated as important—though some were more obvious or seemed more significant than others. The Corinthians were egotistic, lovers of self who used their spiritual gifts to draw attention to themselves….

To Be Seen and Heard #10

Thursday, March 27, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

Romans chapter 12 encourages proper thinking, the renewed mind. We should reason about ourselves as God the Holy Spirit would have us think: “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. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another” (verses 1-5).

As is readily apparent from the Epistles of 1 and 2 Corinthians, aberrations (a multitude of sins and scandals) plagued the church of Corinth. Why? These saints had departed from the basic standard of grace living—the Epistle of Romans! In other words, they were not presenting their bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is their reasonable service. They have been conformed to this world, and they have not been transformed by the renewing of their mind. Being man-oriented, these Corinthians depend on human wisdom because they have spurned God’s wisdom.

Romans instructs believers “not to think of [themselves] more highly than [they] ought to think; but to think soberly….” Also, it admonishes them to think about spiritual gifts in a mature, correct way (see Romans 12:6-8). One of the several disgraces in the Corinthian church, as seen in 1 Corinthians chapters 12–14, involved the abuse of spiritual gifts. Yes, like those hypocrites in Judaism of today’s Scripture, the Corinthian Christians wanted to be seen and heard….

NO Bible Ignorance in the Midst of Tragedy! #32

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 KJV).

In light of the recent New Orleans terrorist attack just a few hours away from my home, we are delighted to dispel the associated Bible ignorance….

According to the Bible rightly divided, it is not God’s current will to directly intervene in the affairs of man to punish evil, deliver the righteous, and remove the curse of sin from creation. He is neither apathetic, nor cruel, nor nonexistent: instead, He is gracious, merciful, and peaceful toward our human species that has rejected His dear Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) for almost 20 centuries. We should not despise His goodness and/or moan about His plan simply because we do not understand what we ought and have not gotten our way. Far better if we considered the Holy Scriptures dispensationally, find out what He is doing today, by faith do that, and thereby do His will.

Jesus Christ is not where He should be, Satan is not where he should be, the Church the Body of Christ is not where it should be, and the nation Israel is not where it should be. In God’s due time, all will be set right. If we could say it as succinctly as possible: God’s purpose and plan in creation will truly be brought to pass one day, but that cannot happen until redeemed Israel (Earth) and the Church the Body of Christ (Heaven) rule in their respective realms, and this cannot happen until Christ Jesus Himself reigns, which cannot occur until Satan is removed, which cannot happen until Israel is complete, which cannot occur until prophecy resumes, which cannot occur until mystery ends, which cannot transpire until the Body of Christ is closed, which cannot happen until the Dispensation of Grace is rescinded, which cannot be until the Apostle Paul’s ministry is terminated.

“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him…” (2 Timothy 2:12a). We members of the Church the Body of Christ—who have trusted the Lord’s finished crosswork alone as sufficient payment for our sins—understand that this world is not our home. Though this life is rough and tough, God’s grace is sufficient for us to handle all of its problems… all the way up to our departure to be glorified in, and govern, the heavenly places with Christ Himself.

-FINIS!-

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. 🙂

NO Bible Ignorance in the Midst of Tragedy! #29

Sunday, February 2, 2025

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 KJV).

In light of the recent New Orleans terrorist attack just a few hours away from my home, we are delighted to dispel the associated Bible ignorance….

Philippians is one of Paul’s so-called “prison epistles”—although it was technically written in Rome under house-arrest (see Acts 28:30,31). While awaiting his trial with the Roman Emperor (Nero?), the Apostle was always chained to a soldier; yet, he was free to have people come and go from his own hired (rented) house. Despite his numerous tribulations (especially confinement), Paul often mentioned “joy” and “rejoicing” in Philippians (see 1:4,18,25,26; 2:2,16-18,28; 3:1,3; 4:1,4,10). Hence, Philippians is also known as the “joy” epistle.

See chapter 4: “[6] Be careful [full of care or anxiety] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [8] Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. [9] Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me [Paul!], do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” Thinking the Pauline way, praying the Pauline way, going about life the Pauline way, is mature and victorious Christian/grace living—even in the midst of tragedy!

Continue in chapter 4: “[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Whether good or bad circumstances, Paul “learned” (!) to be “content” or thankful for His resources in Christ that would sustain him….

ATTENTION: Dear brethren, as touching our New Testament Survey Project, we have now begun studying 2 Corinthians verse-by-verse! See our playlist of videos by clicking here.