Category: Calvary’s cross

Time Travel and the Mystery #6

Monday, November 17, 2014

“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Corinthians 2:7,8 KJV).

Will it ever be possible to manipulate natural laws, to travel back in time and manipulate events, that things (hopefully) turn out differently? Let us consider today’s Scripture.

Colossians 2:13-15 explains: “[13] [God]…having forgiven you all trespasses; [14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [15] And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” As today’s Scripture says, it was through Calvary’s finished crosswork that Jesus Christ overcame sin, death, and Satan and his cohorts. Imagine Satan’s utter embarrassment when he learned from Paul’s ministry how God made a spectacle of him and his policy of evil; he was so horrified to discover that he had actually contributed to his own downfall. A plan he had labored so hard and so long to accomplish, and now he himself had permanently ruined it!

Jesus Christ’s blood shed at Calvary currently enables God to save us, formerly pagan Gentile sinners headed for hell, to baptize us into the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit when we trust that shed blood alone (1 Corinthians 12:13). Why does God save us? Not just to keep us out of hell, but to use us corporately in the heavenly places in the ages to come, for Jesus Christ’s glory (“our glory” of today’s Scripture; cf. Colossians 3:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:14). We Christians will be glorified one day so, ultimately, Jesus Christ will be glorified in and through us throughout eternity future (Romans 8:17-25)!

As we saw earlier, Colossians 1:16-20 also provides clarity regarding Israel’s program and God’s restoration of Earth. God the Father will use Christ’s shed blood to ratify the New Covenant, allowing Him to redeem Israel from their sins (Hebrews 10:1-25).

With all that as “background,” we proceed to analyze today’s Scripture with its context….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “How is mankind ‘lower than the angels?’”

Time Travel and the Mystery #5

Sunday, November 16, 2014

“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Corinthians 2:7,8 KJV).

Will it ever be possible to manipulate natural laws, to travel back in time and manipulate events, that things (hopefully) turn out differently? Let us consider today’s Scripture.

In the “sister” epistles of Ephesians and Colossians, the Apostle Paul describes the reason for God forming the Church the Body of Christ. God’s “eternal purpose” (Ephesians 3:11) is to, “in the dispensation of the fulness of times,” “gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth” (Ephesians 1:9,10).

Colossians 1:16-20 amplifies: “[16] For by him [Jesus Christ] were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; [20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

Prior to Paul, God revealed that He would use Israel to reconcile Earth unto Himself; but He kept secret how He would reconcile Heaven unto Himself. Now, with the mystery disclosed through Paul’s epistles, we see that God is using Jesus Christ’s shed blood to form a body of believers (the Church the Body of Christ) that will do in Heaven what Israel will do on Earth—make Jesus Christ preeminent in all of creation’s governments (His original plan before sin entered!).

Let us further examine how Christ’s shed blood develops God’s eternal purpose….

Time Travel and the Mystery #4

Saturday, November 15, 2014

“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Corinthians 2:7,8 KJV).

Will it ever be possible to manipulate natural laws, to travel back in time and manipulate events, that things (hopefully) turn out differently? Let us consider today’s Scripture.

From Genesis until Acts chapter 9, about a 4,000-year period, God revealed piece-meal (little by little) His purpose and plan for restoring Earth unto Himself: an earthly kingdom with Christ reigning (the kingdom Adam and Eve should have had back in Eden, but which transferred to Israel). This is called “prophecy,” or “[that] which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21).

While God was revealing “prophecy,” He was hiding “mystery.” By disclosing only part of His will, God caused Satan to focus on attacking only that. Satan was distracted. Additionally, by Satan trying to hinder that revealed part of God’s will (that is, by hindering God’s earthly plans, or killing Messiah Jesus), Satan behaved in such a way as to unwittingly participate in accomplishing God’s will for restoring Heaven and Earth. Romans 16:25,26 speaks of “mystery,” “the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest [through Paul’s writings]….” After Calvary, God revealed to and through the Apostle Paul, how He will restore the Heavens using Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork.

Paul writes in Ephesians 1:8-10 how the secret will of God is now manifested: “[8] Wherein [God] hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; [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:”

Let us see just how God will accomplish this grand plan, in spite of Satan’s rebellion….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Is John 1:29 really a reference to Calvary?”

Time Travel and the Mystery #1

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1 Corinthians 2:7,8 KJV).

Will it ever be possible to manipulate natural laws, to travel back in time and manipulate events, that things (hopefully) turn out differently? Let us consider today’s Scripture.

As Bible students, we understand that Satan is the wisest of all of God’s creatures: “full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty” (Ezekiel 28:12). The LORD said of Satan, “Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee” (verse 3). The Devil has existed for at least 6,000 years; he has witnessed all of human history and learned more than all of us will ever know. Satan thinks on a much higher plane than we.

For many decades now, cosmologists, physicists, astronomers, and other scientists have been pondering and researching the possibility of time travel. What exists in “science fiction” today is seen as plausible in the future. Still, we must face the truth of today’s Scripture—not even Satan himself is wise enough to reverse history.

If time travel were possible, Satan would have already figured it out, done it, and reversed the events of Calvary. While we regret our mistakes, the one most disturbed by the past is none other than Satan himself. Satan will always be angry with God. If he could ever undo one mistake, he would go back in time and he would never have crucified the Lord of glory. At Calvary, the Devil reveled in the notion that he had won the victory. The Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son, was dead, and Israel, God’s nation, was guilty—what else could God do but utterly damn Israel, completely destroy His plans for her, and ultimately discard His original purpose for creation?

Satan did not know it, neither did the angels nor mankind, but God was keeping a most glorious secret….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What does ‘at the last trump’ mean in 1 Corinthians 15:52?”

The Greatest Veteran

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

“Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:14,15 KJV).

Today is Veterans’ Day in the United States, so let us especially thank the “Greatest Veteran of All Time.”

We thank veterans, living and departed, the often-forgotten men and women who risked their lives to secure our freedom. Just as we remember flesh-and-blood veterans who fought for our physical liberty, we reserve our worship and utmost respect for the least esteemed Veteran, He who secured our spiritual liberty.

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Through Christ’s finished crosswork on Calvary, we have eternal victory over sin, death, hell, and Satan. Everything that God has planned for us is dependent upon Christ’s victory at Calvary.

Jesus Christ nailed the Mosaic Law to His cross (today’s Scripture). His sinless blood covered our failure to obey God’s laws; Jesus’ righteousness annulled our unrighteousness (sin). Christ not only liberated us from sin and its penalty (the everlasting lake of fire), but today’s Scripture affirms He also triumphed over Satan himself!

Christ has “spoiled [destroyed] principalities and powers [Satan’s power], he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it [His cross].” Jesus Christ destroyed Satan’s plans. Through Christ’s cross, God has “delivered us from the power of darkness” (Colossians 1:13), Satan’s evil system of Ephesians 2:1-3.

During a recent cemetery visit, I noticed American flags flying above deceased veterans’ headstones. These individuals can no longer hear or regard our thanks, but Jesus Christ’s body is not decaying in some tomb. If there ever was a Veteran most worthy of our gratitude, it is our Lord Jesus Christ. Though He died in battle, allowing Himself to be executed on a Roman cross of shame and scorn, He resurrected. He is alive and well today, alive forevermore!

Saints, eternity will ring with our thanks to the Veteran worth thanking, the Lord Jesus Christ. 🙂

*Adapted from our 2010 Bible study, “The Greatest Hero.” The Bible study video can be viewed here.

Reading Calvary’s Superscription in 4D

Sunday, November 2, 2014

“And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS” (Mark 15:26 KJV).

Today’s Scripture proves how one of the Four Gospels can be used to better understand the other three.

Have you ever wondered why there are four Gospel records of the Lord Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry? Why do we need the Bible books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John? Why did the Holy Spirit choose four books instead of having one single account of Jesus Christ’s earthly life and ministry?

The four Gospel records provide unique aspects of Jesus Christ’s earthly life and ministry. Matthew presents Him as King, Mark presents Him as Servant, Luke presents Him as Man, and John presents Him as God. Hence, overall, their records independently verify and complement one another. It is one life and ministry viewed from four perspectives—that is why they do not read 100 percent alike, even when discussing the same events or parables. Throughout history, theologians have gotten themselves into trouble by trying to conflate all four books into one—they have omitted phrases or verses that are unique to one or two of the four books. Today’s Scripture is an example of how all four Gospel records can be used to explain and better understand one another, despite their differences.

Mark said the superscription above Christ’s head on the cross was, “THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Matthew 27:37 states, “THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Luke 23:38 says, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” John 19:19 declares, “JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.” While Bible detractors often contend Bible writers “conspired” to make their books agree, these four varying superscriptions strengthen the case for the independent testimony of the Bible authors. In addition, only Matthew 27:38 and John 19:20 report that the aforementioned superscription was written in Greek, in Latin, and in Hebrew.

So, in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew (the chief languages of Jerusalem at the time), the superscription above Christ’s head read in full, “THIS IS JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

Attention: The 2014 Slidell Grace Bible Conference will be held Friday, November 21, to Sunday, November 23. Slidell is 40 minutes’ drive northeast of New Orleans. Speakers are Brothers Richard Jordan, Frank Redman, and Edward Yarber, and myself, Shawn Brasseaux. For more information, see the following flyers.

In Him and Not in Hell

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith” (Philippians 3:9 KJV).

Before we can have a right standing before God, we must realize our wrong standing before God.

A dear lady I shared the Gospel with not many weeks ago told me, “I think I will go to heaven. Now if I commit some horrible sin just before I die, then I will go to purgatory.” Like so many, she needed to realize that the ultimate sin is to believe we can live a perfect life to make God so happy with us that He will have no choice but to let us into heaven, that we can supplement and/or substitute Jesus Christ’s life and righteousness with our own, that we call God a liar by saying our sin nature can still offer so much as one work that is pleasing in His sight, that Jesus Christ failed to do what we must do.

When I asked this lady on the basis of what five minutes her life would be totally acceptable to God, what five minutes of her living were 100 percent perfect and made her worthy of heaven, she confessed she had no such five minutes; that is when she realized that that failure is sin, that her lack of assurance was a sign she was headed to anywhere but heaven!

I began to share with her the wonderful news of God’s righteousness in Jesus Christ received by simple faith in Him alone (today’s Scripture). God is offering us a place in heaven as a free gift and we cannot work for a gift (otherwise it becomes a debt). If we so much as believe we can work enough to add to Jesus’s perfect sacrifice, then we are telling God we want to pay for our own sins; the place where God’s wrath against our sin is appeased, is the lake of fire, and it burns forever because God’s wrath against our sin can and will never be appeased apart from Jesus Christ’s suffering at Calvary. Let us be found in Him, and not found in hell!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Why did God ask where Adam was?”

Keep Yourselves in the Love of God #6

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life” (Jude 21 KJV).

How will today’s Scripture benefit the nation Israel in “the ages to come?”

Jesus predicted that Messianic Jews would be hated for His sake during the reign of false Messiah (Antichrist) (John 15:17-25 cf. 1 John 3:11-13). The Bible student will compare Jesus’ words with today’s Scripture and 1 John 3:16: “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

Later in that same epistle, the Apostle John continued: “[7] Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. [8] He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. [9] In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. [10] Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. [11] Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another” (1 John 4:7-11).

Israel’s believing remnant is not to focus on those who hate them; they are to focus on the love of the Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, whose love alone matters, whose love alone never fails. The Apostle John reminds Israel’s believing remnant that it was Jesus Christ who loved them so much that He died for them, going to Calvary’s cruel cross to purchase their spiritual freedom. Likewise, they, now enduring the awful seven-year Tribulation, can lay down their lives for their suffering Jewish brethren, risking their lives to help them who are suffering utmost deprivation because of the satanic Antichrist (James 2:14-18). If God’s love is truly operating in them, if they are mindful of God’s love for them, they will let that love manifest itself in deed (1 John 3:14-24)!

Let us conclude this devotionals arc….

Looking Before Not Behind

Saturday, October 11, 2014

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13,14 KJV).

(If you must “look back,” look back at Calvary’s cross, the payment for your mistakes!)

Recently, I received the following reply to one of our Bible studies addressing proper Bible study: “I wish that I would have had this type of instruction back in 1968 when I started my Journey! So much reading that I did was wasted and Unnecessary!”

Friends, at one time or another, we all allow bygone mistakes to hound us; we just love to “beat ourselves up” with regret and sadness! This is especially true about spiritual matters. Whether it applies to someone who was trapped in a false religion for three decades before he learned about God’s free gift of salvation (true story), or someone who went to church for 90 years (!) before she finally learned how to understand and enjoy her Bible (true story), religion has robbed everyone to some extent.

After illustrating his empty religious past (verses 3-6), today’s Scripture is part of Paul’s description of his Christian life (verses 7-16). Once, he spent 30 years hating Jesus Christ—some of that time he spent imprisoning and killing Jesus’ followers! But, Paul had to move on; he was now saved, a new man, in Christ for the last 30 years, and wanted to press forward in spiritual maturity.

Maybe we did not have Paul’s Gospel to give to our loved ones when they needed it years ago (before they passed away), but we know it now. Maybe we did not know dispensational Bible study years ago when our denominational loved ones were still living, but we know about it now. Let us not worry about what could have been, but let us focus on what can be. We have the answers we had not before, so let us use what time remains to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ by preaching His finished crosswork as the answer to man’s sin problem, and dispensational Bible study as the answer to Christendom’s denominational problem! 🙂

Our latest Bible Q&A: “In light of Galatians 1:8-9, was the Apostle Peter “accursed?’”

Glorious Freedom #4

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin” (Romans 7:24,25 KJV).

The fourth verse of Haldor Lillenas’ classic 1917 hymn “Glorious Freedom” highlights today’s Scripture.

“Freedom from fear with all of its torments;
Freedom from care with all of its pain;
Freedom in Christ, my blessèd Redeemer—
He Who has rent my fetters in twain.”

Our Apostle, Paul, was no “super-human;” just as human as we are, he worried, he struggled with sin, he grew exhausted when he attempted to live the Christian life. As we Christians often do today, he would forget the glorious doctrines of grace living in Romans chapter 6—our death to sin and our resurrection unto life for God’s glory—and he would lapse back into a performance-based acceptance system.

Before Paul was saved, as Saul of Tarsus, he was “a Pharisee” (Philippians 3:5), people whom Jesus repeatedly condemned for emphasizing outward performance and ignoring inward faith in God’s Word. Like we who abandoned legalistic religions or denominations would do today, Paul (now saved) would return to that old thinking, that old lifestyle of legalism (Law-keeping), and he would wind up defeated (today’s Scripture). He would ignore Jesus’ finished crosswork at Calvary as the power to save him from being defeated by daily sins.

We are free from fear with all of its torments, for our future is secure in Christ because of His performance and not ours (2 Timothy 1:12; Romans 8:35-39). We are free from care with all of its pains, for when we pray to Father God in light of His Word to us (Paul’s epistles), He gives us His peace (Philippians 4:6,7)—even in the midst of trouble (2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Philippians 4:11-13). We are free in Christ, for we function in Him as His (and our) Heavenly Father designed us, by faith allowing the indwelling Holy Spirit to work mightily in us to produce in us the Christian life (Romans chapter 8). Yea, Jesus Christ, our wonderful Redeemer, has freed us from Satan and sin! 🙂