Category: lost souls

Scrooges and Christians

Monday, December 16, 2024

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

To the old identity, we say, “Bah, Humbug!” To the new, we say, “God has blessed us, everyone in Christ.”

Other than Jesus Christ’s conception and birth as found in the Holy Bible, there is one other classic story associated with Christmastime. British author Charles Dickens’ 1843 book, A Christmas Carol, focuses on the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge (the novella has some Christian influence).

From the onset, Scrooge is a wealthy, miserable, mean, stingy, and selfish old man. His employee, Bob Cratchit, is underpaid (yet, strangely, Ebenezer observes, Cratchit is cheerful). Scrooge refuses to donate to charities collecting for the destitute—to him, Christmastime is a time for others to “pick his pocket.” He even refuses to attend his nephew’s Christmas party. What a miser!

Through visitations by four Spirits—his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley; and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future—Scrooge is forced to realize what a thoroughly rotten man he is. Once confronted with his future, the awful events that lie ahead, he asks for another chance to make things right (which, thankfully, he receives and does!). The Scrooge at the end of the book is drastically different from the Scrooge at the beginning. Scrooge is now loving, warm, cheerful, and generous—he is a brand-new man.

Bible-believing Christians recognize parallels between Dickens’ work and the Holy Scriptures. The sinner starts off rotten, a rebel from birth—selfish, miserable, and mean. When he or she comes to realize that pitiful condition he or she is in, and comes by simple faith in Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for their sins, God gives him or her a new identity (today’s Scripture). That identity is designed to influence subsequent actions. Scrooge did not simply change his outward activity; he had a change in heart first. This Christmas, let us be submissive to God’s Holy Spirit working in our hearts, as He uses sound Bible doctrine to manifest in our behavior our identity in Christ, that we be not Scrooges.

In Every Thing Give Thanks

Thursday, November 28, 2024

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV).

Dear saints, take a moment this Thanksgiving to learn a valuable lesson from the Holy Scriptures!

God wants “all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3,4). To be “saved” here means you have been rescued from the penalty of sin (hell and the lake of fire), and that you have a home in heaven, because you have trusted the death, shed blood, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as sufficient payment for your sins. To “come unto the knowledge of the truth” is when a person who has trusted Christ, begins to understand why God saved him or her, and how God will use him or her for His glory. Although soul salvation is instantaneous, spiritual maturity is a life-long process (that is especially true regarding handling difficulties, the grace way!).

It is human nature to avoid difficulties and stress, to flee them, rather than confront them. This self-preservation is advantageous, particularly in “life or death” situations. However, running from troubling circumstances is not the way God has designed our life in Christ to function. Today’s Scripture says, “In every thing give thanks,” not “For every thing give thanks.” We do not thank God for our troubles; we thank God while we are enduring those troubles. This is tough, I know, but it takes time for us to learn it. Even the Apostle Paul had to learn this.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13).

Be thankful in every thing. God’s grace is sufficient for you, dear saint, in all of life’s circumstances. When you learn this, you are “[coming] unto the knowledge of the truth.”

*Excerpted from our Thanksgiving 2012 Bible study with the same name. That study can be read here or watched here.

You may also see, “What are our spiritual blessings in Christ?”

Note the Horizon! #17

Thursday, October 24, 2024

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,…” (Romans 1:1 KJV).

Friend, do you see the horizon here? How can it facilitate your understanding and enjoyment of the Bible?

It is only because of God’s goodness (not man’s “goodness”) that the Dispensation of Grace goes on. That alone holds back Divine wrath or judgment. Yet, it is easy for sinners—such as unbelieving Israel during Acts, Paul’s audience in Romans chapter 2—to have such a low opinion of the riches of God’s goodness and forbearance (patience) and longsuffering (tolerance).

Observe these words from Romans chapter 2: “[4] Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? [5] But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; [6] Who will render to every man according to his deeds:… [8] But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, [9] Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;….”

Now, turn to 1 Thessalonians chapter 2: “[14] For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: [15] Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: [16] Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.”

Paul’s ministry (the Gospel of Grace, 1 Corinthians 15:3,4) was all that was preventing God’s wrath from falling on apostate Israel during Acts (when Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians), yet unbelieving Israel kept opposing Paul over and over and over and over and over again! Yet, we dare not forget how even unbelieving Gentiles are guilty of this sin of despising God’s Apostle to them. Their pride and ignorance will be their downfall too….

An Inescapable Testimony #10

Sunday, October 6, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

Dear Christian friends, try as hard as we might, it is not our job to convince anyone of anything. We can (and should) offer them evidence, but we cannot force them to believe it. Indeed, Satan uses works-religion (self-righteousness) to blind them to the Gospel of Grace, yet God’s light shines through even the thickest spiritual veil (see 2 Corinthians 4:1-6).

The entrance of God’s words gives spiritual light (Psalm 119:130), but hearers usually decide to hide in the darkness (just as critters dwelling underneath a rock scatter when you overturn it!). “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved [exposed as wrong]” (John 3:19,20).

Just because we do not see immediate results does not automatically mean we failed in ministry. What matters most is whether or not we gave them anything worthwhile to think about. Did we offer them sound Bible doctrine to correct their errors and escape their snare? Or, did we give them just another religious system in which to be in bondage (nothing better than what they already have!)?

Several obstacles must be overcome if one is to accept the truth. Emotional turmoil, loss of pride and ego, becoming an outcast from social circles, are surely to be faced—among other traumatic consequences. Therefore, quick conversion is rare. People are hesitant to leave trinkets and take up treasures because they have grown accustomed to those trinkets (and daily interact with similar people, who would ostracize them, so instant relinquishment is quite costly).

Provided we at least give them 1 Corinthians 15:3,4 (“Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day”), and they still wind up at the Great White Throne Judgment, it is an inescapable testimony that they heard a pure Gospel of Grace from us!

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. 🙂

An Inescapable Testimony #9

Saturday, October 5, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

When someone hears or reads the Word of God, the Holy Bible, it is like a measuring rod piercing his or her heart (soul) and spirit. The person realizes how he or she compares to those Divine words. If there is faith, the person will use his or her heart or soul to agree with God. However, if there is unbelief, the person disagrees with God. These two responses depend upon the individual’s willingness to admit personal shortcomings (erroneous words or sinful deeds).

Either way, the Bible serves as a “discerner,” a critic or judge, evaluating what is really inside of each of us (today’s Scripture). At some point, everyone has a chance to hear and understand their sin problem—how they have come short of God’s righteous standard in Jesus Christ, how their nature in Adam damns them, how their works do not impress Almighty God. People hide behind ignorance and/or self-righteousness, but that Word of God keeps poking their soul—cutting them and pricking them. Over time, the heart of such people becomes increasingly hardened or insensitive. Passive unbelief (refusing to agree with God) escalates into hostility (making fun of the Scriptures, persecuting Christians who preach them, and so on).

Believe it or not, the Word of God we hear never actually leaves any of us. The souls suffering in the flames of Hell this very second can still remember Bible verses, knowing above all, “I did not have to come here to this horrific place of torment! Had I believed God’s words to me when I had the opportunity, I would not be here now!” They will always remember that, too—a truly inescapable testimony. In fact, the more light they rejected, the hotter their punishment in the Lake of Fire (see “more tolerable” in Matthew 10:15, Matthew 11:22, Matthew 11:24, Mark 6:11, Luke 10:12, and Luke 10:14)!

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

An Inescapable Testimony #8

Friday, October 4, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

Today’s Scripture describes the Word of God, the Holy Bible, as “quick” (living, lively, able to give life) and “powerful” (active, mighty, capable of work). It can impart life to those who hear it (physically, as in John 5:25; or spiritually, as in John 6:63). It is also “sharper than any twoedged sword,” efficiently slicing up and down, penetrating beyond the physical realm and right into “the soul and spirit” (cutting in two the parts of the inner man, heart/emotions and mind, respectively). Also, it slashes into “the joints and marrow” (most intimate realms of the spiritual body). We wish to concentrate on the final phrase, “and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

In Greek, “discerner” is “kritikos,” the basis for our English words such as “critic,” “critical,” and “criticism.” The Bible judges, evaluates, or discriminates “the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Such “thoughts” are, of course, the ideas someone thinks, devises, or conceives. The “intents” are motives, purposes, or objectives. Holy Scripture is competent to pass judgment on what our heart (soul) thinks and aims to do. Not only is this true of the written Word of God, it can apply to the spoken Word (before Scripture was written).

For example, after hearing the Apostle Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-36), unbelieving Jews in Jerusalem were “pricked in their heart” (verse 37). They were convicted: the Holy Spirit, giving Peter utterance, spoke to them and used His words to pierce or inflict pain (sorrow, for example) in their soul. This led to them seeing how they had killed their Messiah Jesus in unbelief. In more violent situations, the Holy Spirit utilized Peter’s sermon in Acts 5:29-32 and Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7:2-53 to “cut to the heart [saw them through with vexation!]” Israel’s apostate religious leaders (Acts 5:33; Acts 7:54).

The Word of God being read or preached still brings out vehement reactions, positive and negative….

An Inescapable Testimony #7

Thursday, October 3, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

At one time or another, we have all been in the situation where someone did not care to hear us share sound Bible doctrine with them. Upon reflection, we grow discouraged. We feel like we did not adequately convey the proper view—and, perhaps, that is so. Or, we suddenly remember additional information we could have offered them that “would have” (or we assume) “convinced them.” Alas, we fail to realize the following: not only must we be equipped with answers, the members of our audience need to have a heart that wishes to receive those answers!

It has been stated, and rightly so, “It is not an evidence problem, but a heart problem.” This dictum explains how the Lord Jesus Christ could work an abundance of miracles for three years, and, yet, receive such negative feedback (unbelief, persecution, intimidation, execution). It describes how He could preach innumerable wise sermons and respond to His critics most skillfully for three years, and still have so few converts (aptly designated “the little flock;” Luke 12:32). John chapter 1, verses 9-12, says about Jesus Christ: “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:….”

Despite a believing remnant, most of His listeners were just too comfortable with their lies—and to admit they had been wrong for so long was simply inconceivable. It was not that He did not do enough. It was not that He did not say enough. It was not that the evidence was faulty or nonexistent. Rather, it was the audience had already elected not to believe!

Let us now look at today’s Scripture in this light….

An Inescapable Testimony #6

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

Observe the final verses of John chapter 12, Christ speaking at the end of His three years of earthly ministry: “[47] And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. [48] He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. [49] For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. [50] And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”

With Jesus Christ, His 12 Apostles, and His 70 Preachers all proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom through Matthew to John and early Acts, forever removed from Israel was any and all occasion to be without excuse. When lost Jews from that time find themselves at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15), facing the Lake of Fire, none will be able to argue they had no chance to hear and believe the truth: “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

No matter where we look on the Bible timeline, there is always a Scriptural record of God having a prophet or spokesman to testify or bear record of His words to man. At the Great White Throne Judgment, the Lord Jesus Himself will take the Bible and point out the verses that were applicable to that individual soul’s time on Earth. That soul is then punished according to the light rejected, always haunted by those Divine words he or she chose not to believe….

An Inescapable Testimony #5

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

Just before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, the Lord Jesus issued these words to His Little Flock (especially His Apostles): “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause” (John 15:18-25).

Pay special attention to verse 22: “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.” It is not that, unless Jesus had conducted His earthly ministry with them, apostate Israel would have been sinless. Rather, He visited them to render them “without excuse” (cf. Romans 1:20), allowing them to be guilty of rejecting Him when given the opportunity to believe on Him (John 3:16-21; John 9:39-41; John 12:37-50). “They have no cloke for their sin” is another way of saying they had no covering or excuse to continue living in sin, because the Son of God and the Spokesman of the Godhead had preached to them for three years—and they ignored Him….

An Inescapable Testimony #4

Monday, September 30, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

Turning to Christ commissioning His 12 Apostles, we read, “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city” (Matthew 10:14,15). “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city” (Mark 6:11).

As for commissioning His 70 Preachers, we learn, “And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city” (Luke 10:8-12).

What a frightening concept! As terrible as the Day of Judgment will be for the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah when they are sentenced to the eternal Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15), even their punishment will be light or easy when compared to the dreadful fate awaiting the residents of the cities of Israel whose streets the Son of God and His dozens of preachers trod as they proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom to willingly deaf ears….