Category: King James Bible Authority

No Corrupt Communication #10

Sunday, March 10, 2024

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 KJV).

What is this “corrupt communication?”

“Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart” (Jeremiah 14:14). “Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 23:32). “For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 29:9).

In the above verses, preachers claim, “The LORD gave me a message for you!” However, the LORD avows He had nothing to do with it. They are pretending to be His spokesmen, trying to pass off their own opinions as “God’s words.” Go now to 2 Thessalonians 2:2: “That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.” Here is a forged letter—someone feigning to be Paul, someone claiming apostolic power, and using pretense (false information) to unsettle and lead believers astray.

Most of the “scholarly persuasion” reassure us it does not matter what Bible version we use—for, allegedly, one translation is “just as good” as the other. No one, they say, intentionally forges or alters Bible manuscripts for doctrinal purposes. They, being ignorant of the very Bible they profess to know, are nothing more than the blind leading the blind. This is harsh, but it pales in comparison to their disrespectful comments about what is and what is not the Word of God. One can easily search the Scriptures to find all sorts of verses about imposters or counterfeits—false brethren, false apostles, false prophets, false teachers, false Christs, and the like.

“Christian” books and sermons throughout history have been deliberately edited for doctrinal purposes….

No Corrupt Communication #9

Saturday, March 9, 2024

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 KJV).

What is this “corrupt communication?”

In the Scriptures, we read about false accusations (Luke 3:14; Luke 19:8; 2 Timothy 3:3; Titus 2:3; 1 Peter 3:16), false apostles (2 Corinthians 11:13), false balances (Proverbs 11:1; Proverbs 20:23), false brethren (2 Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 2:4), false Christs (Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22), false dealings (Genesis 21:23; Leviticus 19:11; Psalm 44:17; Jeremiah 6:13; Jeremiah 8:10), false divinations (Jeremiah 14:14; Ezekiel 21:23), false dreams (Jeremiah 23:32; Zechariah 10:2), and false gifts (Proverbs 25:14).

Also, the Bible refers to false lips (Proverbs 17:4), false matters (Exodus 23:7), false oaths (Zechariah 8:17), false reports (Exodus 23:1), false sayings (Matthew 7:15), false science (1 Timothy 6:20), false swearing (Leviticus 6:3,5; Leviticus 19:12; Jeremiah 5:2; Jeremiah 7:9; Hosea 10:4; Zechariah 5:4; Malachi 3:5), false teachers (2 Peter 2:1), false tongues (Psalm 120:3), false visions (Jeremiah 14:14), and false ways (Psalm 119:104; Psalm 119:28; Jeremiah 8:10).

However, the most prominent mentions are false prophets (Jeremiah 5:31; Jeremiah 29:9; Matthew 7:15; Matthew 24:11,24; Mark 13:22; Luke 6:26; Acts 13:6; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1; Revelation 16:13; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10) and false witnesses (Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy 5:20; Deuteronomy 19:16,18; Psalm 27:12; Psalm 35:11; Proverbs 6:19; Proverbs 12:17; Proverbs 14:5; Proverbs 19:5,9; Proverbs 21:28; Proverbs 25:18; Matthew 15:19; Matthew 19:18; Matthew 26:59,60; Mark 10:19; Mark 14:56,57; Luke 18:20; Acts 6:13; Romans 13:9; 1 Corinthians 15:15).

All the above references involve something untrue, deceitful, or counterfeit: they relate to dishonest businesspeople, lying religious leaders, and erroneous beliefs or messages. The two dominant themes—and note them well—are false prophets (people claiming to speak for God when they are not) and false witnesses (people arguing something is true when it is not). If the Holy Spirit dedicates so many verses about them, then it only stands to reason these passages about false witnesses and false prophets merit special attention. Yet, in the average “Christian” assembly or institution, little to no consideration is given them.

Let us see how false witnesses and false prophets factor into corrupt communication….

No Corrupt Communication #8

Friday, March 8, 2024

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 KJV).

What is this “corrupt communication?”

As any competent construction foreman or worker knows, the type and quality of the building material makes a difference. Furthermore, no responsible person erratically places components while erecting the edifice or building the site. Every piece has its proper place according to the blueprints, and only approved materials will pass the inspection. As believers in Jesus Christ, how much more careful should we be with regards to spiritual (eternal) matters?

The classic passage on this subject is 1 Corinthians 3:9-17: “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed [beware, be careful, exercise caution] how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”

The Corinthian saints were being careless by embracing and exalting human wisdom—how unsaved people (such as heathen Greek poets or philosophers) thought about life. If you read both Corinthian epistles, you gain a sense of just how spiritually disoriented and debilitated these believers became once they fell into the trap of non-grace, non-dispensational, non-Spirit-filled thinking, corrupt communication….

No Corrupt Communication #7

Thursday, March 7, 2024

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 KJV).

What is this “corrupt communication?”

To a great many people, it makes no difference where they go to church or under whose ministry they sit. “All preachers and denominations basically believe and teach the same thing,” they reassure us time and time again. However, we are not—and never will be—convinced. Others, recognizing those insurmountable doctrinal disparities, have chosen simply to ignore doctrine altogether and assert they “just fellowship around the love of Jesus” (whatever that means!). They need to understand they have failed miserably to make a distinction between sound doctrine and corrupt communication, spiritual wellbeing and spiritual hazard. No one taking the Holy Bible at face value—literally and historically—could ever be so casual and tolerant about what they believe.

Observe 1 Timothy 6:3-5: “[3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”

Remember this adjective “wholesome” (verse 3) was also translated “sound” (healthy—1 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9,13; Titus 2:1,2). These “wholesome words” are the Lord Jesus Christ’s words through His spokesman to us, our Apostle Paul—the Bible Books of Romans through Philemon. Anyone who does not submit to these words has a corrupt mind—and we must get away from them (“from such withdraw thyself”), or their equally rotten communication will be detrimental (harmful) to our spiritual health.

Go back to Matthew chapter 7, verse 15: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” The Sermon on the Mount is quite popular, except here (for obvious reasons). This verse denominationalists could do without! Nevertheless, we have chosen to beware of false teachers, those who utter “corrupt communication….”

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 Corrupt Communication #6

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 KJV).

What is this “corrupt communication?”

Edification is the opposite of destruction, as seen here: “For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:…” (2 Corinthians 10:8). Furthermore, 1 Timothy 1:4 reveals one of our goals in ministry: “Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.” This “godly edifying” is a construction of sound doctrine which exalts God—whatever He is, believes, and does.

Construction is that which brings growth and development, resulting in an edifice (building) of sound doctrine erected in the Christian’s soul: “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:20-22). Observe how the Holy Spirit is raising a structure of doctrine so as for Father God to have a house, a vessel through which He can live (display His life). Corrupt communication destroys this process, whereas sound doctrine accomplishes it. Father God’s goal is to form Christ in us (Galatians 4:19)—not some denominational doctrine, philosophical speculations of lost people, and so on.

Overall, God’s work of this present dispensation involves the formation of one Church the Body of Christ, a group of saints equipped with God’s grace revelation so as to take it into and display it in the heavenly places in the ages to come. “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:… From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:12,16).

Hence, we should have no corrupt communication in our lives….

No Corrupt Communication #5

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 KJV).

What is this “corrupt communication?”

The only Bible verse that exhorts us to study the Bible also tells us how to study it: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). A failure to obey this verse has resulted in a persistent myth circulating in our churches and Bible colleges. Everything in the Bible is allegedly the same. What God did in the past, He is still doing. If it was true then, it must be today. There is and has always been one church, one baptism, one gospel, and so on. We can claim any verses for ourselves and demand God act accordingly. Believe it or not, this is corrupt communication (the opposite of sound doctrine).

“For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;…” (1 Timothy 1:10). “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;…” (2 Timothy 4:3). “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” (Titus 1:9). “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:…” (Titus 2:1). This word “sound” in “sound doctrine” is the Greek “hugiaino” (as in “hygiene”)—in contrast to “corrupt.” It was also translated “whole” (healthy, well) in Luke 5:31 and Luke 7:10, and rendered “be in health” in 3 John 2.

Christians filled with sound doctrine are thus “sound in faith” (Titus 1:13; Titus 2:2). We are told in 2 Timothy 1:13: “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” Finally, “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome [hugiaino] words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;…” (1 Timothy 6:3).

Let us see more of this sound doctrine….

Remember the LORD and His Word on Leap Year Day!

Thursday, February 29, 2024

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:7-9 KJV).

Since it actually takes 365.25 days for the Earth to revolve once around the Sun, an extra day is inserted into our calendar every four years. Unless it is our birthday (celebrated every four years), February 29 is just another day of God’s grace, but we need to make the most of it by remembering Him and His Word.

“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read…” (Isaiah 34:16). “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” (Ephesians 3:4). “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13). “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things” (2 Timothy 2:7). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16,17). “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

The Christian life will not operate on the basis of ignorance because it cannot operate on the basis of ignorance. We need to take our Bible—the King James Bible, if we are English speakers—and read, study, and believe its sound doctrine. It is especially important that we pay attention to the Books of Romans through Philemon, God’s current dealings with man. Only when our faith is resting in an intelligent understanding of God’s Word to and about us, will it make a difference in our life for His glory.

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

To Spite the LORD! #6

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

“Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments” (Exodus 7:11 KJV).

Is it really wise for us to spite the LORD? In the grand scheme of things, will He or we lose?

The Book of Exodus opens with an extremely intense spiritual battle Satan is waging with the LORD God. It is a complex conflict, abounding with vindictiveness and counterfeits at the beginning, but moving closer and closer to war’s end both the victor and the loser become clearer and clearer to us. There was spite and an imitation might, but only one won in that day and only that one was right. Thousands of years later after this situation, we even now can make a simple application.

If we wish to waste our time and energy being dead in our trespasses and sins, refusing (as lost people) to trust the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour (the Gospel of the Grace of God of 1 Corinthians 15:3,4), or (as Christians) rejecting His life as manifested through grace principles (Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon), we have on both counts been given liberty (freedom to choose). Overall, though, it is we who will lose, for we are contributing to our own misery, confusion, dissatisfaction, and spiritual loss.

Indeed, we can copy the life of Christ, but only so far—until reality hits us that we have aligned with fakery. Yea, we can fool ourselves into believing we are invincible, self-sufficient, our own authority, our own god. We can pretend like our false theological system is correct, our “scholarship” is beyond all doubt, and our religious leaders would never lie to us; but we would be just as mistaken as the Egyptians were in Moses’ day. Echoing Pharaoh of old, we can request “one more night with the frogs,” too stubborn to humble ourselves before LORD and too eager to remain in our pathetic lot. The blame falls squarely on us, and us alone.

“Wherefore then do ye harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? when he had wrought wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed?” (1 Samuel 6:6).

The Centurions #7

Thursday, February 22, 2024

“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,…” (Matthew 8:5 KJV).

What are “centurions?”

A centurion was the commanding officer of a century, a group of 100 Roman soldiers. Such military men did not appear in the record of Holy Scripture until politically-fallen Israel was subjected to yet another Gentile world-power—the Roman Empire—in the years leading up to Christ’s birth. It is thus beginning in the New Testament that we read of centurions, from Christ’s earthly ministry (Matthew to John) and even until the very end of the Acts period (Acts chapter 28). Their presence in the land of Canaan indicates Israel is under “the times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24), dominated by Gentile global rulers until Christ’s Second Coming and subsequent Millennial Reign (when Israel will once again be the head of the nations, God’s chief nation in the Earth).

Even though the centurions were pagan Romans, they were not completely without spiritual light from Israel’s God. Some of them were even walking by faith in the Bible information they had. However limited their spiritual understanding was, they were thankful for that which they did have (which was in stark contrast to unbelieving Israel, who had more spiritual light but could not care less about it!). Recall Matthew 8:5-13 (today’s Scripture); Luke 7:1-10; Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39; Luke 23:47; Acts 10:1-4,22; Acts 27:1,3,31,32,43; and Acts 28:16. It is here at this second point that we can make personal application.

Truly, dear friends, we do not have all the answers because we do not know everything that can be known. This should not discourage us, however, since we still have access to the Holy Bible that teaches us what we need to know. If we are appreciative of the few sound Bible doctrinal truths we know, if we trust the sound Bible doctrine we have learned thus far, God will value that attitude and provide us with more light. Yet, if we decide to set aside the Scriptures rightly divided, and take up in their place the tenets of philosophy or vain religious tradition or theological speculations of men, we will be in a lot even worse than ancient unbelieving Israel was. Remember the (believing) centurions!

Something in Which to Glory!

Thursday, February 15, 2024

“As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:12-14 KJV).

In what shall we glory? About what shall we boast? In what shall we find value?

Religion produces people who enjoy bragging all about their “dedication to God.” “Look what I did—the ceremonies in which I have participated, the many prayers I faithfully recited daily, how much I put in the collection plate, see how many pleasures I gave up to please God! Come, see how much I love Him!” Dear friends, the Apostle Paul found great value in something—but that something was not what he did. All that human flesh can accomplish pales in comparison to the work in today’s Scripture.

As Lent begins, the time when religionists temporarily (a mere 40 days) relinquish some pleasant food or activity, let us remember that our performance is often non-performance. Once we place ourselves on that treadmill of “do, do, do,” we are guaranteed to fail at some point. Human flesh is simply too weak to maintain 100 percent—that is sin! Even concerning one rule, we cannot keep it perfectly. We mess up eventually.

If ever we believe that our puny works are worth bragging about, let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul in today’s Scripture. While some boast in their religiosity (in the passage, the Judaizers applauding their rite of physical circumcision), and such denominationalists today urge us to obey their church’s instructions so they too may boast in our ability, let us eschew such foolishness. Being imperfect, all their works do not measure up to Christ’s finished crosswork. At Calvary, we find the only sacrifice that will ever please the God of the Bible. If we must boast, let us brag that He did what we could never, ever do!

See our archived Bible Q&A: “Should Christians observe Lent?”