Satan and Policy of Evil – Page 130

World Lost! #8

Monday, August 10, 2020

“Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children” (Deuteronomy 4:9,10 KJV).

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

The United States of America has long been considered a “Christian” nation. Down through the centuries, many other countries have been labeled “Bible-believing” as well. Actually, these nations have overwhelmingly had but a mere façade of righteousness—and that is why anti-Christian voices are rising up at an unprecedented rate.

Religious leaders have forced people to walk aisles, make professions, attend church services, get water baptized, become members of local assemblies, recite “sinner’s prayers,” listen to “feel-good” messages, and so on. There was no clear Gospel of Grace and, thus, no life in Christ. Now, there is such backlash concerning “religion.” People—having grown up with such “hypocrisy,” “half-heartedness,” and “shallowness”—are hellbent on destroying anything even partly resembling morality and order.

Indeed, for centuries, we have faithfully founded denominations, local churches, organizations, and ministries. Like ancient Israel, we have been busy in religion. Yet, all it was… was the energy of the flesh. Sound Bible doctrine was not our priority. Where there is no sound Bible doctrine, there is no Holy Spirit working, and, thus, neither light nor life. Instead of seeking Bible truth, we have pursued religious experiences, and emphasized rites, rituals, and ceremonies. Now that it is too late, we recognize just how far we have “slipped” over the years. The house, almost fully submerged, nearly an entire insect nest itself, can no longer be painted over! We have let the damage become too extensive. The structure is not yet fallen, but it is irreversibly decomposing! Can we do anything as Christians? Let us see….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What does ‘subvert’ mean?”

World Lost! #7

Sunday, August 9, 2020

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

The fig tree of Matthew chapter 21 symbolizes Israel’s religion. Displaying attractive leaves, it had a pleasant appearance—and seemed to be alive. However, upon closer inspection, the observer would peel back the leaves and realize it had no fruit. It was a worthless tree with false advertisement!

In connection to the barren fig tree, we find the Lord Jesus lamenting in chapter 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! [38] Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.” This “house” is the Jerusalem Temple—and God has vacated it because they do not want Him! Yet, it is a gorgeous structure, decorated with enormous limestone blocks and golden plates. See Luke 21:5,6: “And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Also worthless, it would be demolished!

The culmination of Israel’s apostasy was when she demanded her Messiah’s crucifixion just a few days after He cursed the fig tree. With Jesus hanging on Calvary’s cross, Israel could no longer hide her unbelief. She was spiritually and nationally dead. Even now, we can no longer suppress the anti-God and anti-Bible attitude pervading our society today….

World Lost! #6

Saturday, August 8, 2020

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

The Holy Spirit afforded Moses the ability to look at the nation Israel millennia into the future: “Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee” (Deuteronomy 32:18). Circa 750 years before Christ, halfway between Moses and Calvary, we observe the Jews’ divided kingdom—Israel up north, Judah down south. “For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof” (Hosea 8:14).

Israel’s land abounded with temples, places of worship. She appeared religious. Yet, the fact of the matter was they had taken their eyes off the LORD God. Outwardly, she looked alive. Internally and spiritually, however, she had already perished. As for Judah, that kingdom relied on military might instead of the LORD—seemingly strong, it was really weak.

Fast-forward to Christ’s earthly ministry, Matthew chapter 21: “[18] Now in the morning as he [Jesus] returned into the city [Jerusalem], he hungered. [19] And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away. [20] And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!” Again, “religious” Israel was promising on the outside, but barren on the inside….

World Lost! #5

Thursday, August 6, 2020

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

In 2 Kings chapter 2, we read of a strange event that occurred circa 900 B.C. The Prophet Elijah has just gone up into Heaven, and the Prophet Elisha is now functioning as his successor. Notice: “[23] And he [Elisha] went up from thence unto Bethel: and as he was going up by the way, there came forth little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him, Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head. [24] And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them. [25] And he went from thence to mount Carmel, and from thence he returned to Samaria.”

Regarding the bears consuming these youth, see Moses’ warning concerning the third course of chastisement (Leviticus 26:21,22). The “little children”—not necessarily toddlers or preschoolers—could have been as old as teenagers. Whatever their age, they unashamedly ridiculed God’s spokesman. Such an attitude was learned at home, where Jewish parents failed to obey Moses’ instructions in today’s Scripture. Those mothers and fathers taught their children to have, not faith in the LORD, but patent unbelief! By the time of the murders of John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and Stephen many centuries later, the nation Israel had already long forgotten the covenant they made with JEHOVAH God at Mount Sinai….

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

World Lost! #4

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

Upon first glance, we marvel at Stephen’s graphic death in Acts chapter 7. His Jewish nation picked up rocks and murdered him in cold blood! However, the experienced Bible student expected this. Draw your attention to the verses that immediately preceded his demise: “[51] Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. [52] Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: [53] Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.”

Firstly, Israel had just demanded Jesus Christ’s death by crucifixion a year prior (verse 52). Secondly, they had previously permitted King Herod Antipas to execute Christ’s forerunner, John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-12). Therefore, Stephen’s homicide was absolutely predictable. Re-read Acts 7:51,52. Stephen indicts his Jewish nation for repeating the sins of their patriarchs. “As your fathers did, so do ye.” “Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?” “…[A]nd they have slain them [the prophets]….” In other words, prior to those three deaths (John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Stephen), the nation Israel had an anti-God attitude throughout the Old Testament. The Jews mercilessly mistreated or killed every preacher the LORD God sent to them—and, as Stephen said, “like fathers, like sons.” Despite her beautiful religious outward appearance, Israel could not hide her internal sickness of sin….

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. 🙂

World Lost! #3

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

The Prophet Stephen, led by the Holy Spirit, spoke in Acts chapter 7: “[51] Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. [52] Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: [53] Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.” How will Israel respond?

“[54] When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. [55] But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, [56] And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. [57] Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, [58] 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. [59] And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. [60] 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 [died physically!].”

This is the result of nations who reject the one true God….

World Lost! #2

Monday, August 3, 2020

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

To understand the dire situation in which our society finds itself, let us consider a simple illustration. Suppose a homeowner notices some minor structural damage. Maybe it was due to water… or perhaps it was insect infestation. Whatever the cause, he does nothing to prevent further destruction, remarking, “Well, it does not look that bad. It could be worse, you know!”

As time passes, though, the destruction becomes more obvious. Again, instead of taking steps to deal with the problem—applying poison, removing and replacing the unstable material, waterproofing the area, et cetera—he now decides to paint over it. While not as convenient as his prior “do-nothing” approach, this “appears” to have worked. As the structure increasingly crumbles, he just takes a brush to mask it with more paint. One day, his house totally collapses… and great was the fall of it!

Simply put, friends, we can fake it for only so long. It is absolutely impossible to turn a “blind eye” forever to a problem. While we can live in a “fantasy world,” eventually, reality will catch up with us. The matter, if not promptly and fully addressed, will expand and become a monstrous nightmare. Now, think of an untreated bodily illness. To deal with the symptoms of the disease, and not the disease itself, is medical carelessness. Remember, what started off as a “minor” coughing fit may very well turn into an early grave! So it is with the nations of the world….

World Lost! #1

Sunday, August 2, 2020

Some have cried out, “This world is going to hell in a handbasket!” Others have exclaimed, “We have lost our country!” Surely, surely, they are all correct!

A dear Christian brother has often expressed to me how, although he was a believer, his kids grew up without him as their spiritual leader. Today, they are all adults, beset by strange ideas and poor choices. Their “liberal pastors” and “liberal college professors” educated them. In other words, they are the product of the very evil world system from which their father should have protected them! Such error will soon spread to his young grandchildren.

I can recall hearing one religious mother, years ago, panicking at the thought of the vile society in which her children would be growing up. A Christian man attempted to console her: “Teach the Gospel and the rest of the Bible to your kids.” She grew quiet—stunned! All these years later, it is evident she has done little to heed his advice.

Long ago, a pastor friend spoke about his visiting prisons and preaching to inmates. In talking with them through many years, he learned the vast majority of these incarcerated men had an extremely poor to no relationship with their father! Read the biographies of famous disreputable people—dictators, prostitutes, murderers, drunkards, thieves, drug abusers, rapists, gang members, and so on. I have done so. A commonality among a great many is an unpleasant childhood: the patriarch of the family was either abusive or absent.

Why is society declining? As Bible believers, is there anything we can do? Or, should we just sit back and watch the world destroy itself? Let us see what the Bible says….

Seducers—Deceivers—Howlers!

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:12,13 KJV).

Beware the seducers, beware the deceivers, beware the howlers!

Paul has already written Timothy concerning “seducers.” Turn to chapter 4 of 1 Timothy: “[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.” To “seduce” means “use a form of delight to lure or draw someone away from the path of righteousness.” These “seducing spirits” are the voices of preachers teaching “doctrines of devils.” Not all doctrine is created equal! False doctrine causes people to turn away from good doctrine.

Ponder today’s Scripture. In contrast to those who will live godly in Christ Jesus suffering persecution, “evil men and seducers” become increasingly wicked. What is the outcome? “Deceiving, and being deceived.” It does not say “being deceived, and deceiving.” No, the order is: (1) deceive others and then, (2) they themselves are deceived. Indeed, they were originally deceived. However, now they are misleading others—and they themselves are becoming further entrenched in their error. Having repeated those lies long enough, they have no real sense of what the truth even is anymore.

The Greek word for “seducer” in today’s Scripture is “goes” (sounds like /go ayze/). It is related to the term meaning, “to wail.” Secular Greek writers used it to refer to enchanters, deceivers, or imposters. In fact, the word was applied to wizards who would howl incantations or spells! Similarly, when Almighty God hears false doctrine—His non-rightly divided Word—it is just as offensive to Him as a spell being cast. False teachers are “charming” the gullible masses… and the “magical effect” sweeps the crowds away into error. Beware, friend! Stick to the Apostle Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, and you will not be seduced!

Who Will Go? #7

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

“Also I heard the voice of the LORD, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8 KJV).

May we agree with the Prophet Isaiah!

Second Timothy chapter 2: “[20] But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. [21] If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. [22] Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. [23] But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. [24] And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, [25] In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; [26] And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”

A servant is just a nobody—no one special. Yet, if the Lord Jesus Christ is involved, nothing becomes something: His vessels are filled with His mighty power! In this world growing wilder and darker daily, we should have a clear Gospel message to share with lost souls: “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). This is how they escape Satan’s policy of evil! We should also have a well-defined Bible study system for those interested in understanding and enjoying the Scriptures: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). This too frees souls from spiritual darkness.

Conducting our ministries, we recruit others to God’s family… who, in turn, go out to convert others. As pertaining to the Dispensation of the Grace of God, the Lord is interested in sending out preachers and teachers. In unison, all members of the Church the Body of Christ should cry out, “Here are we!” 🙂

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