Category: The Church the Body of Christ

To Be Seen and Heard #18

Friday, April 4, 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?”

Unfortunately, certain individuals make sure they are the largest monetary donors at their local church… just to have their names placed on the public bulletin board. Others will gladly compromise with false doctrine to get a pat on the head or slap on the back from eminent “scholars” who have those same perverted views. Indeed, temporary membership in some elite manmade club is far more important to them than God’s eternal approval. Look and listen closely, for you will see and hear them on a daily basis. They broadcast on “Christian” radio and television shows, strut in pulpits, write books and “worship” songs, organize ministry projects, and teach at seminaries (Bible cemeteries).

In our computer-based world, man is more obsessed than ever with growing a “fan base.” For example, a “social-media influencer” is someone who believes his or her opinion about a product, idea, and so on, matters to such a high degree that they strive to advertise it so everyone knows. For the sake of making a name and money for themselves, they are flashy, pretentious, ostentatious, showy, flamboyant, outrageous, extravagant. There is nothing wrong with a woman looking nice with makeup or jewelry. Nevertheless, if she is wearing these simply to turn heads or make headlines, she has failed (!) miserably (!) to put more focus on the inner man (soul with sound Bible doctrine) and less on the outward man (temporary physical body) (1 Timothy 2:9,10; 1 Peter 3:1-4).

We must face it: man loves man. He loves looking in the mirror and he enjoys hearing himself. Recently, I was watching “Christian” television (HA!). One program featured a famous false teacher at the heart of the “health and wealth” movement (“prosperity theology”). Two other women were with her discussing shallow topics on the set. Ironically, she announced, “Are we doing it to glorify God or for ourselves?” Here are some pertinent details I omitted: as she moved her lips (“to be heard”), she was wearing her usual excessive makeup, abundant jewelry on her face and hands, and an expensive outfit (“to be seen”)!

Again, let us be on guard….

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….

Paul in the Synagogues #11

Sunday, March 16, 2025

“…Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God” (Acts 9:19b,20 KJV).

What are the three reasons the Apostle Paul went to the synagogues?

Paul’s visits to synagogues had a three-fold purpose. Firstly, his preaching the Gospel of the Grace of God (Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4) was to win some lost Jews to Jesus Christ and therefore have them join the Church the Body of Christ (see Romans 9:1-5 and Romans 10:1-3).

Secondly, such a provoking ministry automatically left the entire nation Israel without excuse. Read Romans 11:11-14. Jews in the land of Palestine had already rejected the LORD God by refusing to believe the Gospel of the Kingdom during Matthew to John and early Acts. Now, outside the Promised Land and throughout the Roman Empire as he travelled, they were resisting, obstructing, and attacking Paul’s ministry during Acts chapters 9–28. Whether under Peter or under Paul, their mounting unbelief and protracted hatred for Jesus Christ increasingly justified God turning to the Gentiles without them. Salvation and blessing would go to the world through Israel’s fall because, although there was a Jewish believing remnant (the Little Flock or Messianic Church), the nation itself was unconverted.

Thirdly, and lastly, Paul’s trips to those synagogues for 15 or 20 years (Acts chapters 9–19) were God’s method of announcing to Israel out of the land about the change in program from prophecy to mystery. To wit, Paul preached Romans chapters 9–11 as he went to those synagogues. National Israel’s history of unbelief (Romans chapter 9, Abraham to Christ’s earthly ministry) continued to the present (Romans chapter 10, the Acts period) and would remain even into the future until mystery ceased and prophecy returned (Romans chapter 11). Israel was not walking by faith in Old Testament prophecy, persisted in that unbelief, so God unfolded a secret program through Paul. Even as Paul himself preached that, apostate Israel fought him! See Acts 13:44-48 and Acts 18:5,6. From the world capital of Rome, his farthest point from the Promised Land, Paul announced to lost Jews at the end of the Acts transitional period how the God of Israel had gone to Gentiles in spite of their nation’s unbelief (see Acts 28:14-29)!

Paul in the Synagogues #10

Saturday, March 15, 2025

“…Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God” (Acts 9:19b,20 KJV).

What are the three reasons the Apostle Paul went to the synagogues?

As Romans 11:11-14 specifies, Paul’s Acts provoking ministry was designed to attract some unbelieving Jews from the prophetic program (who had rejected the Gospel of the Kingdom) to now believe his Gospel and thereby join the Church the Body of Christ (mystery preaching of Jesus Christ; Romans 16:25,26). Before they could see and believe how the Lord Jesus Christ died for their sins, was buried, and rose again (Paul’s Gospel of 1 Corinthians 15:3,4), lost Jews had to receive the historical facts of how Jesus was Christ (God’s Son, God’s anointed) and had risen from the dead. Therefore, Paul made sure to preach in those synagogues both Jesus as Christ and His resurrection (see Romans 10:9,10; cf. Matthew 28:11-15). Re-read today’s Scripture, Acts 13:23-37, Acts 17:1-3, and Acts 18:4-6.

Like the Lord Jesus in His earthly ministry, Paul targeted synagogues because this was where Jews assembled for religious purposes. It would be here that they would be most receptive to spiritual truth. However, going to the synagogues outside of the land of Palestine, Paul could not, and thus did not, offer those lost Jews God’s literal, physical, visible, earthly, Davidic, Israeli kingdom (the Gospel of the Kingdom; see Peter’s sermon in Acts 3:19-21). Nevertheless, Paul could and did offer them immediate justification and forgiveness through Jesus Christ by means of his Gospel (Acts 13:38,39).

As unbelief abounded in synagogues during Christ’s earthly ministry, so unbelief dominated in synagogues during Christ’s heavenly ministry (Paul’s ministry). See Acts 9:23-25,29; Acts 13:45-48; Acts 14:2-5; Acts 17:5-9,13; Acts 18:6; and Acts 19:9. Such lost individual Jews proved they were just as ignorant of their Old Testament and worthy of God’s displeasure as Israel who had put Christ on the cross years before in the first place! Whether under Peter’s ministry of early Acts or under Paul’s ministry of latter Acts, Jewish unbelief prevailed because of a preference for works-religion (Romans 9:30–10:4; especially see Romans 10:14-21).

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Litanies of Philosophies #6

Monday, March 3, 2025

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:…” (1 Corinthians 2:6 KJV).

What wisdom really matters—and what wisdom really does not?

Today’s Scripture is a clarification. The Apostle Paul in no way disparages or discourages all wisdom, for he does “speak wisdom among them that are perfect [spiritually-mature Christians, who alone can appreciate true wisdom—God’s wisdom].” The world in its so-called “wisdom” had no capacity whatsoever, and still has no capability whatsoever, to comprehend just how God kept a secret (“mystery… hidden wisdom”).

Read today’s Scripture within its context: “[6] Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: [7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: [8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

Had Satan known what precisely was God’s secret, he would have never influenced man (apostate Israel and pagan Rome) to crucify the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ, “the Lord of glory,” is at the center of a plan called “Glory” whereby Father God will glorify Him eternally in both Heaven and Earth. Man, in all his satanic wisdom, still cannot fathom how God will use Christ’s finished crosswork as the plan of salvation to redeem two peoples—Israel (for Earth) and us, the Church the Body of Christ (for Heaven).

“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool [“moros” = moron!], that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness” (1 Corinthians 3:18,19). Saints, far better it is to be temporarily labeled “fools” according to the world’s (flawed) standards—devoid of all their advanced degrees, “clever” explanations, and elaborate arguments—than for God to use His exceeding mightier (perfect) standards to forever prove us fools!

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. 🙂