Category: Pauline Dispensationalism / Dispensational Bible Study

Heart’s Desire

Saturday, October 1, 2016

“I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart” (Romans 9:1,2 KJV).

Why did Paul have “great heaviness and continual sorrow in [his] heart?”

Mom and I recently visited a family friend, a new Christian only a year old in the Lord. After our three-hour Bible study answering her questions, she spoke to us as we were leaving. Having just learned many precious truths from God’s Word, this dear lady began to literally weep. She now fathomed the immense deception of her former denomination. How she was so burdened that her son, her daughter, and her grandchildren were still trapped in that cult. She had raised them in that religious group, and while she had escaped, they had chosen to remain in it. We comforted and encouraged her.

In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Paul was deeply disturbed, constantly sorrowful. Verse 3 explains, “For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” Paul was so saddened to see his Jewish brethren stuck in their apostasy—Satanic deception and anti-Jesus-Christ attitude. They hated Jesus so much they often attempted to take Paul’s life for preaching His name! Chapter 10 opens: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” And, verse 3: “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

Friend, do you know what made it especially hurtful for Paul to see Israel utterly fallen and thoroughly deceived? As Saul of Tarsus, he had encouraged Israel to reject Jesus and kill His followers (Acts 8:1-4; Acts 26:9-11)! Being lost, Paul had led Israel’s rebellion against Jesus Christ! Now, having been saved from hell’s flames, he felt deep remorse for what he had done. Until his dying day, Paul surely prayed for his unbelieving brethren. They were to give up their works-religion and embrace Jesus Christ, as he had! Beloved, let us not cease to pray for our unsaved loved ones—and be ready to speak God’s truth when they want it!

Bible Q&A #310: “Can you explain 1 Corinthians 8?”

May Ignorance Not Be Your Preference!

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

“Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” (Ephesians 3:4 KJV).

Want to know the Bible’s truths, especially Paul’s revelations? Read it!

Recently, I spoke with a Christian brother who explained how he had quite an “adventure” coming to understand the Bible rightly divided. It boggled his mind how, despite all the deception in the world, he had come to the knowledge of the truth. In fact, other grace believers often ask the same question he had, “Why did God choose to reveal this to me while so many others, especially professing Christians, know nothing about it and grope in spiritual darkness?” Dear friends, this is actually a flawed question because, whether we realize it or not, it endorses the false teachings of Calvinism (that is, “God chose me and He did not choose you! I am so special!”)

The consistent testimony of Scripture is people are ignorant of God’s Word, not because He chose them for ignorance, but because they refused Him and His Word. See Romans 1:20-32, for example. The Lord Jesus Himself said in John 7:17: “If any man will [wishes to] do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” He said in Matthew 23:37: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” Finally, John 5:43: “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.”

“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:13). Bibles are everywhere on this planet—in print, online, and audio. Oftentimes, people who have access to several Bibles never read any of them, let alone study any! Too many people, if they do read the Bible, always let theologians and denominations “interpret” (read that as “confuse!”) it for them. According to Scripture, the vast majority remains ignorant of God’s truths because ignorance is their preference! “If any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant” (1 Corinthians 14:38)!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Could you explain John 1:51?”

The Precious Blood of Christ #8

Saturday, September 24, 2016

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18,19 KJV).

God the Father and God the Holy Ghost think the blood of Jesus Christ is “precious.” And you?

When people tell us the blood of Christ is “slaughterhouse religion” or “too offensive to stress,” what they really mean is God’s purpose and plan for creation means nothing to them! “Without shedding of blood is no remission [forgiveness]” (Hebrews 9:22). Life is in the blood, Leviticus 17:10-14 tells us. Save for the shed blood of the sinless God-Man, we sinners have no life—we would remain dead in our trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). The person who rails against the blood of Christ does so in ignorance. He or she has not a clue that just as sin brought us death, so the blood of Christ brings us life (cf. Romans 5:1-21).

By faith in the shed blood of Christ, any person can come to Father God and be justified (declared righteous) because he or she will share Christ’s identity. In today’s Dispensation of Grace, the believer joins the Church the Body of Christ. In time past, it was the nation Israel. In the ages to come, it will be the nation Israel. Regardless of which agency—Israel (Earth) or Body of Christ (Heaven)—both require faith in Christ’s shed blood to join. Now, we see how God will reconcile Heaven and Earth unto Himself. He will toss out Satan and his minions and replace them with His saints!

Romans 3:24-26: “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” ’Tis only possible because “the precious blood of Christ” was shed so rich and free… for you and for me! 🙂

Teach Them Diligently Unto Thy Children

Thursday, September 15, 2016

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:6,7 KJV).

Such wise words from so long ago!

Earlier, I overheard two women talking about raising kids in this very confused world. The boundaries of human sexuality have been blurred. Children are addicted to electronic entertainment. All we hear about violence. There is such uncertainty. Friends, this is going to sound harsh, but it is the truth. Most children these days have a very bleak future because their parents have such a very weak understanding of what really matters. They have religion, education, and material wealth, but they do not understand the things of God. They cannot stand by faith on the written Word of God because they do not know it. If they do not know it, they certainly cannot teach it to their children!

Today’s Scripture commanded the Jews to teach their children the Law of Moses. If those new generations of Israel did not faithfully keep that Mosaic Covenant, God would forcefully drive them out of that Promised Land. Israel treated this commandment very lightly. They did not faithfully pass on God’s Word to their children. About 900 years after Moses, Israel fell politically. Instead of holding to God’s Word, they had worshipped and served pagan idols. So, in righteous judgment, God fulfilled His Word to them. He forced them out of the Holy Land. Gentile armies robbed, ravished, imprisoned, and killed them! The Jews are scattered worldwide even today!

Friends, if we are worried about future generations today, we had better get them into God’s Holy Word rightly divided. Our King James Bible is a sure (reliable) basis for life. It will be here long after we leave this world. Religious tradition will not do it because it changes through time. Science will not do it because scientific ideas change through time. We had better get our young people especially into the Pauline epistles, Romans through Philemon, lest our society wind up like ancient Israel’s!

When Christ Jesus Returns

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1,2 KJV).

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (verses 3,4).

Christian people often ask, “When is Christ Jesus coming back?” Various and sundry dates are provided. Church history abounds with many instances of such speculations. None have been accurate yet!

Years ago, I heard the following advice: “We Christians live like Jesus Christ is coming within the next 10 minutes. We plan like He is not coming for the next 10 years.” The point is our lifestyles should be glorifying Him whenever He comes for us. Furthermore, we should plan ahead as though He will not come for another decade. By what other means can we reach more lost people with the Gospel of the Grace of God? By what other methods can we teach other Christians the Word of God rightly divided? While we are waiting for Him, we have more opportunity to serve Him. As long as the Dispensation of Grace operates, Paul’s Gospel is still valid. The Church the Body of Christ is still open to membership. God’s attitude toward the world is still grace and peace.

Doubtless, we should anticipate our Saviour’s coming. The Bible calls it our “blessed hope” and we should be “looking” for it (Titus 2:13). However, we should not sit around idly waiting and guessing dates. God before ordained that we the saints should walk in good works (Ephesians 2:1). These good works should continue as long as we are on this Earth. Good works should cease only for two reasons—physical death or the Rapture. Even a bedridden saint can pray, particularly for those Christians who are mobile!

Whenever Jesus Christ returns, whether in our lifetime or not, two things should be true. Firstly, may it be true that it was His life living in us. Secondly, let it be true that we planned to continue letting Him live in us, had these physical bodies continued! 🙂

Weep As Grace Saints Sleep

Monday, September 5, 2016

“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)” (Philippians 3:18,19 KJV)

Why was Paul “weeping” here?

After leaving a life of many years in false religion, a lady observed an assembly of supposed “grace” people. She noted they acted “silly,” using grace as a license to sin. All was forgiven, so they did literally whatever they wanted at the expense of every lost and saved person watching them! Sadly, they gave ammunition to those who whine, “Pauline dispensationalists use grace as a license to sin!” This dear Christian, trying to grow in the Bible after several years of confusion, stumbled. Just what would the “grace of God” profit her? People in her denomination, although lost, at least behaved decently. These “grace” people, who supposedly “had the truth,” habitually misbehaved and spoke inappropriately. Shame!

Dear friends, if we claim to know God’s grace in truth, and yet we “live like the Devil,” we have no business even talking about “God’s grace!” Why? We have no idea what “grace” really is! In today’s Scripture, Paul confessed that he was “weeping.” There were Christians, not lost people, who were “enemies of the cross of Christ.” They lived contrary to Christ’s cross (“dead to sin, alive unto God”—Romans 6:1-23). Their “God” (idol) was their own set of desires/appetites. They acted selfishly. They boasted “in their shame.” Thoroughly carnal, worldly-minded, they had completely forgotten about their “conversation [which] is in heaven” (verse 20). While they would be saved into heaven, their spiritual edification (growth and advancement) would be “destroyed” (today’s Scripture).

Titus 2:11-14 says: “[T]he grace of God… teach[es] us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; … the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

This is the grace of God—learn it and believe it BEFORE you preach it!

The Published Word of the Lord

Thursday, September 1, 2016

“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it” (Psalm 68:11 KJV).

We have some exciting ministry news to report, saints!

In this world of gross spiritual ignorance, it is our responsibility as Bible-believing Christians to “publish” the Word that the Lord has given to us. Our goal is not to convert every last lost person and our goal is not to rehabilitate every last confused Christian. No. We merely aim to share the Gospel with any lost person who will listen to us and we merely aim to share the Word of God’s Grace with any Christian who will listen to us. Not everyone wants to learn God’s Word, remember. Still, we are willing to give it to those who are genuinely interested in having it. In addition to audible preaching and teaching, the written word is another way to educate others in God’s Word rightly divided.

Near the beginning of the year, I reported to you that we aimed to get hundreds of our Bible Q&A studies formatted into printed booklet form in the coming months. Such written grace Bible study materials were so desperately needed. The good news is that we have reached our goal to fill that void (somewhat). Our original aim was to produce 100 unique booklets spanning 20 themes—five booklets/volumes per theme, or five Volume Sets of 20 booklets each. To the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, we now have 60 unique booklets in print, three booklets per theme (three Volume Sets), encompassing over 450 studies and 3,000-plus pages. At least 40 new booklets are being planned right now. These new studies are currently in development.

Friends, with all the above said, we are greatly delighted to formally announce the grand reopening of our online Bible study resource bookstore! Currently, we have 60 booklets, covering a wide range of topics, available for purchase. Catalogs and ordering info can found at https://arcgraceministries.org/in-print/booklets-bible-q-a/. We are honored to provide this service to you and these written materials for you! Your support of the ministry is greatly appreciated! Please share this with others. Beloved, we endeavor to “publish” God’s Word as much as we possibly can! 🙂

Special-edition Bible Q&A #300: “How can I have an effectual prayer life?”

Kindergarten Work!

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe” (Hebrews 5:12,13 KJV).

Have not spiritual “kindergarten work!”

Years ago, in high school, our art teacher grew very frustrated with lazy students. We were expected to turn in four art projects every six weeks. Many times, he gave the class lectures about “kindergarten work.” That is, teenagers were submitting artwork equivalent to that of four- or five-year-olds! He was not being overly critical. I remember some of the work—mere scribbles on paper!! They did not put their heart into it and their work reflected their poor attitude.

Every Christian is at a different level in his or her Bible understanding. It is certainly not a sin to be unfamiliar with large portions of Scripture. Before we can grow, we must be immature. The problem is when we refuse the edification process found in the Word of God rightly divided. We want to stay with “kindergarten work”—the absolute bare minimum of understanding and behavior.

Unfortunately, some Christians have not grown in the Bible in years. They refuse to open up the Bible and study on their own. Rather, they depend entirely on pastors and Bible teachers. Pastors and Bible teachers are necessary, but to continually use them as “crutches” is very dangerous. If we depend entirely upon them, never studying on our own, we will get no further in the Bible than they are! If they are not matured in Scripture, then we will not be either! If they are confused about the Bible, then we will be too!

Verse 14 says: “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” This is the spiritual maturity we need to reach as Christians. It is not sinlessness, but rather an increasingly awareness of what God is doing and what He wants us to do today (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

By the way, if our studies have helped you mature in the Word of God rightly divided, will you consider donating securely to us at https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux? Thank you!

Bible Q&A #299: “How does one know if he or she is maturing in the Word of God?”

More About Jesus #5

Monday, August 29, 2016

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18 KJV).

The chorus of Eliza E. Hewitt’s classic 1887 hymn, “More About Jesus,” highlight’s today’s Scripture.

“More, more about Jesus,
More, more about Jesus;
More of His saving fullness see,
More of His love Who died for me.”

Notice how the chorus has “More, more about Jesus / More, more about Jesus.” The hymn writer wants to continue “growing in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” How greatly lacking is that desire today in the professing church. Lord, deliver us from such appalling ignorance!

I just sat with a dear, confused Christian and taught her the Bible rightly divided. A “babe in Christ,” she has only been saved for about a year. She is a slow learner; however, I did not mind repeating phrases and verses many times. Since she has a lot of unanswered questions, I want to give her as much “room” as I possibly can. After spending over six decades as a lost person in a false religion (!), she is saved and now genuinely trying to learn God’s Word. What is problematic is people who have trusted Christ decades ago, they are still asking their same questions. They have been so busy learning the traditions of men, those worthless denominational teachings got them nowhere in their Christian life! Thankfully, God’s Word is becoming clearer for this dear lady. She has learned “more, more” about Jesus, “more, more” about His Word, and “more, more” about His purpose and plan for her.

In today’s Scripture, the Apostle Peter admonished believing Israel to continue growing spiritually. There were apostates and unbelievers in their day (verses 1-17), just as there are today. These believers were to remain faithful to their kingdom doctrine about Jesus Christ, that they not go the way of those Bible scoffers and unbelievers. We too had better take heed, friends. Satan’s policy of evil wants to discourage us from also learning more about Jesus! Let us take our stand on the Word of God rightly divided, that we may learn “more, more about Jesus!” 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Are we praying to God ‘long-distance?’”

More About Jesus #4

Sunday, August 28, 2016

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18 KJV).

The fourth verse of Eliza E. Hewitt’s classic 1887 hymn, “More About Jesus,” highlight’s today’s Scripture.

“More about Jesus; on His throne,
Riches in glory all His own;
More of His kingdom’s sure increase;
More of His coming, Prince of Peace.”

Jesus Christ is understood most fully by approaching the Scriptures dispensationally. God gave the Apostle Paul the final installment of His revelation to mankind (cf. Colossians 1:23-29). We get the complete picture by acknowledging “the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery” (Romans 16:25). Not only is Jesus Israel’s Messiah (prophecy), He is the Head of the Body of Christ (mystery).

As our physical body takes orders from our brain, so we members of the Church the Body of Christ serve our Head (Jesus Christ). We learn more about Him, thereby learning more about what He is doing and more about what He wants us to do. Father God’s purpose in creation is not simply to glorify His Son Jesus Christ in Earth (with Israel). His purpose is also to glorify Christ in Heaven (with us!). Ephesians chapter 1: “[9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: [10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”

One day, saints, when this earthly life is over, and we the Church the Body of Christ are caught up into heaven, we will function in the heavenly places in the ages to come. We will glorify Father God by Christ Jesus there: “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:21). With the Body of Christ beginning to functioning in Jesus Christ’s heavenly kingdom, He will return to Earth as Israel’s Prince of Peace to have Israel function in His earthly kingdom. His kingdom will increase, so our knowledge of it should surge as well!