Category: sound doctrine

Continue #3

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

See chapter 5 of Paul’s first epistle to young Timothy: “[11] But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; [12] Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. [13] And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. [14] I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. [15] For some are already turned aside after Satan.”

Finally, we read from the sixth chapter: “[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. [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. [9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. [10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Whether chapter 1, or chapter 4, or chapter 5, or chapter 6, First Timothy contains warning after warning after warning after warning regarding how Satan actively attacks Christian/grace doctrine. These deeds are particularly in the context of ministry, the local church, where young Timothy himself serves the Lord. Paul knows Timothy must learn that a single word means the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

Continue #2

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Turn now to chapter 4 of 1 Timothy, today’s Scripture and context, paying special attention to the opening verses of 1-5: “[1] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; [2] Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; [3] Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. [4] For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: [5] For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

“[6] If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. [7] But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. [8] For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. [9] This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. [10] For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

“[11] These things command and teach. [12] Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. [13] Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. [14] Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. [15] Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. [16] Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

First Timothy presents additional advice….

Continue #1

Monday, May 4, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Recently, a dear brother in Christ made an inquiry of me. Exactly how do preachers and teachers undergo the transformation from good to bad? In Christendom’s denominations—and, unfortunately, even in the supposed “Grace Movement”—these individuals take up the right side of issues and then adopt the wrong side of issues. I myself have seen it for almost 20 years in ministry. From where exactly are these people coming? Their entrance seems to occur instantly, as if they “appeared out of thin air.” Alas, such is not the case. The matter we are describing here can best be explained by this quote that another dear brother in Christ shared with me: “Big change takes longer to happen than you think it would, and then it happens faster than you thought it could!”

Before exploring today’s Scripture, it would greatly advantage us to survey other verses directed to Pastor Timothy. These lay out the reason for the admonition or warning of today’s Scripture: “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm…. This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme” (1 Timothy 1:3-7,18-20).

There are more such passages in 1 Timothy….

The Awareness of a Temporary Earth

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

“And, Thou, O Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: they shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail” (Hebrews 1:10-12 KJV).

On this Earth Day, let us not confuse the creation with the Creator!

Today, people worldwide celebrate “environmental awareness.” According to the secular, naturalistic worldview, our planet and its sun could last many more billions of years. They claim that we have done so much damage to our planet—climate change, overpopulation, deforestation, pollution, et cetera—that we must change our attitude toward “mother earth” and change our lifestyles before we destroy her and civilization as we know it! You can sense the zeal in their message, can you not? While these people are sincere, they are wasting all of their time, energy, and resources on a temporary planet.

Let us be very clear that the Lord Jesus Christ placed man on the earth, especially the Garden of Eden, to “dress it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Adam was to take care of the Earth: he was God’s representative, God’s king, who had a divine commission to rule this planet for God’s glory (Genesis 1:26-28).

It was not long, however, before Satan distracted mankind from understanding God’s purpose for him. Adam began to focus on himself: like Satan, he began to “worship and serve the creature more than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). Thus began man’s continual downward spiral into spiritual ignorance. He would continually worship himself, as we well know today.

Today’s Scripture reminds us that, because of sin, this creation will pass away. The Lord Jesus Christ, however, will live forever. Why worship that which is temporary? It makes no sense! The Lord Jesus Christ gave you life, not the pagan goddess “mother earth.” Environmental awareness? Indeed, be aware that our world is temporary, as God will one day create “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1).

The Bible’s Season of New Life

Monday, April 6, 2026

“God that made the world and all things therein… he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;” (Acts 17:24,25 KJV).

May we never forget the true meaning of Eastertime!

Satan is the master counterfeiter: from Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures reveal how the devil schemes to “be like the most High” (Isaiah 14:14). Whatever God does, Satan defiles that work by introducing false doctrine, distracts mankind from God’s truth by mimicking His actions, discourages God’s people from His ministry by using incorrect thinking patterns, and so on. Why? Satan wants the worship that God alone deserves (Matthew 4:8-10; Luke 4:5-8).

Consider Christmastime. Centuries before Christ, Satan had pagans worshipping the birth of the sun god in early winter—near the date that Jesus Christ (God the Son) took upon human flesh in the virgin Mary’s womb! Now, consider Eastertime. Centuries before Christ, Satan had pagans worshipping fertility deities and new life in early spring, near the date that Jesus Christ (God the Son) died for our sins and resurrected victoriously over sin, death, hell, and Satan to give us new life! (To Satan’s delight, today’s average church member is not mindful of relevant sound Bible doctrine during Christmastime and Eastertime—the devil’s distractions have never lost their efficacy!)

The God of the Bible instituted in Israel a festival, Passover (the killing of a spotless lamb and its bloodshed in early spring), while they were still in Egypt (Exodus chapter 12)—Passover’s annual observance reminded them of JEHOVAH delivering them from Egyptian slavery unto new life. Israel did not understand its meaning until 1,500 years later. The true Passover lamb, Jesus Christ, died and shed His sinless blood during that annual Passover feast (early spring), and He resurrected in new life to give them spiritual life and liberty.

Yes, the pagans may have “hijacked” this time of year for the devil’s glory, but we can disregard their ignorance: spring is God’s season for new life. We can still use this season to bring the God of the Bible glory by remembering that He has given us physical life (today’s Scripture), and He offers us new life (that is, spiritual life) through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection! 🙂

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. 🙂

Messiah’s Joy Amidst Calvary’s Grief #2

Saturday, April 4, 2026

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 KJV).

Do you ever wonder what our Lord Jesus Christ was thinking about while He hung there on Calvary’s cross?

Jesus knew Bible prophecy had to be fulfilled: He had to suffer in accordance with the Old Testament prophets. Even when He spoke seven times from the cross, He quoted various Old Testament verses. The Old Testament prophets also gave Him comfort: “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” (today’s Scripture).

For instance, He remembered that Jonah’s prophecy had to be fulfilled: “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40). On the third day, He would live again, and be reunited with His heavenly Father!

He knew that His Father would resurrect Him. His spiritual torment and physical death were only temporarily, as David quoted Jesus 1000 B.C., “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption” (Psalm 16:10; cf. Acts 2:24-31).

Our Lord thought of reigning over that glorious kingdom that His Heavenly Father would give Him after His resurrection. As the psalmist wrote centuries before Calvary’s crosswork, “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession” (Psalm 2:6-8). “Begotten” refers to Jesus’ resurrection, not His nativity in Bethlehem (Acts 13:33,34).

Jesus Christ, during His torturous crucifixion, thought about and rejoiced in the promises in the Scriptures that applied to Him. Likewise, we, during difficult circumstances, can remember and joy in God’s promises to us—Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon.

We too can share Messiah’s joy amidst grief! 🙂

See our archived Q&A: “Did the disciples go to the wrong tomb on Resurrection Sunday?”

Counsel About the LORD’S Counsel

Saturday, March 28, 2026

“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand” (Proverbs 19:21 KJV).

The following protest has been offered: “There is no free will. I did not ask to be here.” Of course, this is downright silliness. How could you ask to be here? To ask to be here implies you would first have to be here, for someone who is not here is unable to ask to be here. Nonexistent beings cannot speak! It is illogical to suggest permission can be asked of someone who is not there.

Observe. The God of the Bible has laid out a plan for life, but we can decide to do something else. He does not force us to live according to His eternal purpose. This is free will. Sin complicates the situation because the sinner is naturally defiant, an autonomous being in his or her own eyes. At some point, if ever so briefly, each sinner realizes “I did it my way” is selfish, unfulfilling, and futile (today’s Scripture).

Recently, a young woman told me how it is tempting to grow discouraged or frustrated to see and hear people “act the fool” online. My advice to her was simple: if God is not worked up in handing people over to it, then it should not work us up either. Eventually, you learn to limit your exposure to drama and concentrate on more important matters in life.

We will not worry about “I did not ask to be here,” for that is too self-centered and therefore fails to take into consideration someone or something beyond ourselves. Also, we will not bother with the lame, “I was not here 1,000 years ago, and I will not be here 1,000 years from now.” The fact of the matter is, we are here now, so let us make the most of it by choosing to learn why we are here—as opposed to inventing “clever” philosophical statements designed to provide us with an alibi for our spiritual laziness and ineptitude.

Life that truly is life cannot be enjoyed until that life starts here: “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).

Zealously Affected #35

Friday, March 27, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

In Mormonism, “burning in the bosom” is a sensation of peace and warmth regarded as confirmation that the Holy Spirit works and guides. This “burning” might simply be acid reflux, gas, or indigestion… not necessarily the Holy Spirit. Remember, every world religion has its “peace and warmth,” which means nothing if it is a system of lies!

Looking at the Bible, the final authority in all matters of faith and practice, we see it is more advantageous to have objective verses, not feelings, to verify the Holy Spirit’s influence: “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Romans 8:5-7). To “mind” the things of the Spirit is to exercise the renewed mind—entertaining thoughts that correspond to the Word of God rightly divided, and acting by faith according to these thoughts.

“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” (Romans 12:1,2). “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:13-16).

Emotions are fickle. Take heed, lest you base your Christian life upon them!

-FINIS!-

Zealously Affected #34

Thursday, March 26, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

An objection to ponder: “Are not emotions (fear) useful in fleeing danger?” Yet, is it emotions that benefit us most—or really emotions subjugated by logic? Fear tends to exaggerate reality, leading us to move away indefinitely. Mental processes restrain the distance we cover. For example, if emotions were in complete control, we might run from a burning building for an hour before stopping to look back to see if flames were still threatening!

Moreover, fear is not necessarily advantageous to the Christian. Spiritual bullies (false teachers) intimidated Timothy into silence when he should have been preaching the Word! “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;…” (2 Timothy 1:7,8). No Bible student can ever forget how Peter being terrified of potential persecution contributed to his thrice denial of the Lord Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-18,25-27). It was this very fear Paul was facing when he requested prayer to overcome it in Ephesians 6:18-20. Regardless of the satanic distress seeking to destroy him and his ministry, he wished to be a bold preacher of Christ under Roman house-arrest!

In this world, anger is frequently nothing more than people reacting irresponsibly when they do not get their way (cf. Galatians 5:20; Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8). Scripture, however, speaks of righteous anger—being angry because sin devastates lives. This anger is not sinful, as there is logic and just cause for it (Matthew 5:22). “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:Neither give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26,27). “And when he [Jesus] had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness [callousness, apathy, unbelief] of their hearts,…” (Mark 3:5). More could be said, but that should suffice.

Let us (finally!) summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Zealously Affected #33

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

Dear friend, share dispensational Bible study with others. I have done it for nearly two decades now. Typical responses are silence, astonishment, or puzzled facial expressions. Others are franker, such as issuing aggressive outbursts of, “You remind me of a know-it-all!” or “Our denomination may be manmade, but you need to be in church here anyway!”

Long ago, I had a Christian relative scream in my face when he realized he was using a corrupt Bible version; his emotions had become uncontrollable, and no logic was present. Also in my early ministry, I was escorted out of one church building because I was sharing verses contradictory to the theological system promoted there. Four Bible teachers debated me outside the door, their arguments being more ignorance and sarcasm than substantial. Studying at college, I saw and heard a professor (an “educated” man) act and speak in a most thoughtless way. His emotions were dominant as he rattled (ranted) on and on about how he hated Christianity and Christians because of his terrible experiences with “church.” That tantrum is still quite vivid in my mind 19 years later.

We can give a hearty “Amen!” to the words of a stranger who said it best on an online forum I was scanning not too long ago: “Most are ignorant and just want to stay that way. [It] lets their hatred and emotions override logic and actual research efforts.” Here is an individual who is not fooled. Ignorance, especially deliberate ignorance, is excused because emotionalism is incapable of evaluating ideas, policies, or conduct. As long as we are comfortable suffering emotional revolt and emotional tyranny, we have neither a hope nor a prayer in the world of escaping the fantasy world of “feelings.”

How essential it is that we—without delay—turn from darkness to light, from blindness to sight, from wrong to right….