Category: counsel

To Esteem the Greater Words #2

Friday, September 7, 2018

“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12 KJV).

Friend, do you pay more attention to the words of men than the words of God?

When the Holy Scriptures speak of “this present evil world” (Galatians 1:4), they refer to the system that operates in every sphere of human society. Ephesians 2:2 says: “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air [Satan operating in the invisible realm], the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:….”

Every aspect of human existence conveys Satan’s lie program—education, religion, economics, mainstream media, politics, and so on. They all express the Adversary’s thoughts and attitudes. No matter how decent the people may be holding the offices, the underlying system remains corrupt. Satan, in the temptations of Christ, boasted that he (not God!) exercised power in and through Earth’s governments. Jesus never denied it, either!

Luke chapter 4: “[5] And the devil, taking him [Jesus] up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. [6] And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. [7] If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. [8] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

It should therefore not surprise us that human society, whether at its highest echelons or lowest ranks, is perverted. Sadly, so many professing Christians are shocked and hysterical. Sitting for hours upon hours every day before a television screen or computer monitor, soaking up the world’s wisdom, they give very little (if any!) attention to personal Bible study. The media—not the Scripture—tells them what to think. They know more about what lost people say and do than what God says and does. Oh, how they need to esteem the greater words….

To Esteem the Greater Words #1

Thursday, September 6, 2018

“Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12 KJV).

Friend, do you pay more attention to the words of men than the words of God?

Someone recently asked me if I watch television news programs. NO—unless I happen to glimpse them in public places or at someone’s house. I prefer to read or watch online news about topics that interest me rather than listen to five minutes of actual news interspersed between 10 minutes of manipulative commercials and 15 minutes of boring commentaries. My curiosity lies in what people have said and done; I form my own conclusions. I am not interested in hearing pundits’ opinions and remarks about what others have said and done.

Today’s “journalist” is usually not a researcher and reporter of news, but rather an individual who mentions facts (intertwined with lies) to support a personal or company agenda. Likewise, an “anchor” is often simply another political activist. They are paid—even several (up to tens of) millions of dollars!!—to parrot their organization’s approved “talking points.” By design, such “news” outrages viewers and entices them to keep watching. Meanwhile, the network sells them advertising, controlling what products and services they purchase. The more salacious, outlandish, or provocative the story is, the larger the show’s audience and the higher the ratings. They invite the same on-air guests to repeat stories for days or weeks. Viewers cannot get enough!!

The media controls information—via television, magazines, newspapers, vlogs, websites, podcasts, et cetera—so as to form (or maintain) a certain line of thinking among the public. Here in the United States, one of our “First Amendment rights” is “freedom of the press.” The “press” (media) is not to be muzzled by the government, although that does not give the press license to fabricate and mislead. Years ago, I wrote for a local newspaper. The “newspaper” was not “free” to publish certain facts, as “offended” advertisers could potentially withdraw funding. Articles or stories challenging local beliefs were thus suppressed.

Brethren, how important, therefore, it is for us to not get caught up in media frenzies. We can (and should) esteem far better words….

Saints, please remember us in your monthly giving—these websites do cost money to run! 🙂 You can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux, or email me at arcministries@gmail.com. Do not forget about Bible Q&A booklets for sale at https://arcgraceministries.org/in-print/booklets-bible-q-a/. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! By the way, ministry emails have really been backed up this year. I am handling them as much as humanly possible. Thanks for your patience. 🙂

The Thing Which is Good

Monday, September 3, 2018

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Ephesians 4:28 KJV).

On this Labor Day, we talk about work, “the thing which is good.”

In this day and age of increasing “government assistance,” people are becoming less and less aware of our hard work being the Lord Jesus’ preferred method of the source of our incomes. While the physically and mentally disabled are obvious exceptions, the God of the Bible expects all of us to contribute labor in order to provide for ourselves. For children and young adults, even being a student in school is work enough!

Observe the doctrine being communicated in today’s Scripture. The grace life does not merely teach us to quit doing bad things, but it also instructs us to start doing good things (Titus 2:11,12). Once a thief trusts the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished crosswork as sufficient payment for his sins, then God expects that thief to quit stealing and find a job so he can provide for his needs!

The God of creation calls work “the thing which is good” (today’s Scripture). Work is not something to be avoided; it is something to be embraced for the Lord’s glory!

When the Lord Jesus Christ put the first man, Adam, on earth, that man had a divine commission. Adam was not to simply loaf around and do nothing: “And the LORD God took the man, and put him in the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Adam was to protect that garden, to till its ground, to prepare it for Jesus Christ to come down and dwell in with he and Eve (because of sin, that earthly kingdom over which Jesus Christ will rule is still awaiting fulfillment!).

Saints, may we work to provide for our families (1 Timothy 5:8), and may we work to help those who truly are needy (today’s Scripture). In the words of God the Holy Spirit, that is “good!” 🙂

Oft Reproof, Much Hardening

Sunday, September 2, 2018

“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1 KJV).

Behold, sinfulness intensifies as God’s Word is continuously spurned!

Matthew 14:6-10 says Israel tolerated John’s death (beheading): “But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger. And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.”

Mark 15:9-15 declares Israel demanded Jesus’ death (crucifixion): “But Pilate answered them, saying, Will ye that I release unto you the King of the Jews? For he knew that the chief priests had delivered him for envy. But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him. And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.”

Acts 7:57-60 reports Israel caused Stephen’s death (stoning): “Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

The Jewish people became increasingly opposed to God’s Word to them, hardening their own heart. Indifference—permitting God’s messenger to be killed—ultimately became outright bloodthirstiness—actively participating in the killing of another spokesman! Beware, friend, sin begins “small” but grows exceedingly!

How to Do Right!

Saturday, August 25, 2018

“And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves:…. Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him” (2 Chronicles 14:2-3,5 KJV).

King Asa’s noteworthy extensive religious reforms involved demolishing his fathers’ idols and shrines, and teaching good doctrine.

Asa was King David’s great-great-grandson. His father (King Abijah/Abijam) was evil, as was his grandfather King Rehoboam. Asa was Judah’s first good king in 20 years. While appearing briefly in 1 Kings chapter 15, much of what we know about him comes from 2 Chronicles chapters 14-16 (today’s Scripture). He ruled Judah 41 years and was Jehoshaphat’s father.

Verse 4: “And [Asa] commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment.” They were to keep the Mosaic Law: the First Commandment instructed Israel not to have any other gods before JEHOVAH God. Idols had been worshipped long enough; it was time to forsake such folly and live realistically. Exodus 20:3-5: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God….”

Religion demands, “You had better stop sin!” Yet, no religionist knows how to do it! Asa went beyond merely forbidding evil; he told his people how to do right. Since they listened to the LORD God, he blessed them with peace in their land for 10 years. Not only do we stress the negative (sin), we emphasize the positive (eternal life through Jesus Christ). We present the bad news first to heighten the good news—“the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

An Enjoyable Marriage

Friday, August 10, 2018

“So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones” (Ephesians 5:28-30 KJV).

What is God’s idea of a perfect marriage?

Some Christian friends—a husband and wife—are currently miserable. The woman is far away visiting family, but her husband could not travel and thus stayed home. Now, she is concerned because he is “going crazy” without her. Even though they speak via phone, he is still so sad. Having been married for 16 years, and rarely apart, such separation (even for a few days) is nerve-racking. How he loves her, and she, of course, loves him. This is quite appropriate (cf. today’s Scripture).

It is quite unfortunate, but it is no secret. Some people literally leap and shout for joy when their spouses go away on trips. Retirement can be a nightmare for the other partner! Such a “sweet, lovey-dovey couple” on the wedding day may wind up a “bitter, cruel couple” at divorce court the very next! Think of a poor lady who hated the idea of going to Heaven if her husband would be there!

Saints, you can have “a marriage made in Heaven”—one that glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. There can be love, joy, peace, and pleasure. Someone once rightly stated, “Marriage is the highest halls of human happiness.” Yet, such relationships are few and far between… remarkably few (!!) and extremely far between!! How awful it is, but it must be repeated. There can be “a marriage from Hell” too, and habitual selfishness is the speediest route to get there!

Marriage is not a competition between both parties but rather an alliance Satan is constantly attempting to abolish. The husband, as the spiritual head, guards by taking the lead. If the Holy Spirit controls the husband, the wife (also led by the Holy Spirit) will follow him. The husband initiates the faith, love, stability, and so on. Conversely, if he is not leading, the marriage will eventually collapse. “Holy matrimony” will become “hellish matrimony.” Friends, you have been warned!!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Is there a geographical error in 2 Kings 2:2?”

For Students This is Safe

Thursday, August 9, 2018

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God’s Chief Foe

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

“And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:2 KJV).

Behold, the four facets of Satan’s mode of operation!

These four titles appear, in the same order, in Revelation 12:9: “And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

“The dragon / great dragon” — God’s leading enemy is a monster, “the great red dragon” (Revelation 12:3), a fierce, malevolent creature, not merely “an evil force” but a real being (albeit invisible).

“Old serpent” — Our word “archaic” comes from the Greek, archaios, here rendered “old.” Satan is primeval, one of the first of God’s creatures, and has been operating for a very long time—before man (Adam and Eve) sinned in the Garden of Eden. “The devil sinneth from the beginning” (1 John 3:8): his policy of evil has been opposing God’s purpose and plan for creation some 6,000 years! The descriptor “serpent” accentuates his cunning ability to deceive (Genesis 3:1; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Revelation 12:9).

“The Devil” — As God’s primary opponent, Satan is a false accuser, slanderer, a spirit-being endeavoring to divide two parties (Greek, diabolos, “throw through”). John 8:44: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”

“Satan” — Found mostly in the New Testament, it is the transliteration of the Old Testament Hebrew satan (“adversary, one who stands against”). Not only is he God’s nemesis, he is the antagonist of all Christians! Dear brethren, we should be skilled in our leading competitor’s ways, that we may avoid his traps. “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil…. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:11,13).

An Ambassador Turns 30!

🎂 Tuesday, August 7, 2018 🎂 

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

Age 30 is highly significant in Scripture—and also quite striking today!!

Joseph was 30 years old when he began to serve Pharaoh King of Egypt (Genesis 41:46). JEHOVAH God selected David to become King of Israel at age 30 (2 Samuel 5:4). A Levitical priest, a son of Aaron (Moses’s brother), was to be ordained into the ministry at 30 years old and serve until 50 years old (Numbers 4:3,23,30,35,39,43,47). Evidently, the LORD God commissioned the Prophet Ezekiel at age 30 (Ezekiel 1:1). Lastly, the Lord Jesus Christ began His earthly ministry at approximately 30 years old (Luke 3:23).

What have I learned in my 30 “short” years alive? I have learned to focus more on the eternal and less on the temporal—there is more (much, MUCH more!) to life than what we see with physical eyes! I have learned not to trust sinners such as myself—I trust Christ in people, not people! I have learned more about my Saviour Jesus Christ and His Word than I ever dreamed, and all because I have learned to approach the Holy Bible dispensationally. There is so much I still do not know, so I am constantly studying to continue learning.

I have now entered my fourth decade of earthly living—the most important. Hopefully, our Grace Study Bible Project will be completed within this decade. My 30s will bring many new life changes and experiences, but God’s grace teaches me how to keep walking. A “young man”—“man” is generic for male or female—purifies his “way,” his course of thinking and living, by listening carefully to God’s Word (today’s Scripture). Whatever life situations he faces, any decisions he must make therein, the Holy Bible affords him light and understanding. Whether we are young, or old(er), “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130). Then, we, as “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20), share that information with all who want to hear and believe as well! 🙂

P.S.: The age of 50 years is also an important Bible concept—and if I am around here in 20 years, we will have an appropriate study!! 🙂

Knowledge Not of God

Monday, July 30, 2018

“Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land” (Hosea 4:1 KJV).

While this is Israel 700 years before Christ, it could be said of the Church the Body of Christ 2,000 years after Christ.

One modern “Christian” author is a descendant of a popular “feel-good” minister from many years ago. Perusing through his new 200-page book, I counted 26 verses quoted overall! It was, on average, one verse every seven or eight pages. The verses he did use were quite basic. You would think that a seminary graduate—with two advanced Bible degrees—would be more knowledgeable in Scripture!!

Alas, most seminaries do not educate people using just the Bible. They focus on human wisdom (philosophy), denominational tradition, church history, linguistics (Hebrew and Greek studies), and systematic theology. There is no solid footing or grounding in the Scriptures. Oftentimes, they are taught to make their own Bible translations, which are usually radical departures from the standard English Bible (King James Bible).

In today’s Scripture, God laments the pitiful condition of His people (Israel). He has given them revelation—the Scriptures, prophets, angelic visitations, visions, dreams, and so on—and yet they still are so willfully ignorant of His Word and will for them. Verse 6 goes on to say, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.”

Ancient Israel knew plenty of religion (Judaism and heathenism), a lot of history, and plenty of entertainment, but they had no “knowledge of God.” Talk to the average church member, or even preacher, today. They know all about their denominational system, experiences, and theological speculations, but they have not a clue about Pauline doctrine (God’s current dealings with man). No matter what the dispensation, the Devil always distracts God’s people using erroneous teaching and thinking, especially bad Bible doctrine (non-dispensational Bible study) but also no Bible at all. Do not be distracted from valuable knowledge!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Can you shed light on Galatians 3:20?”