Category: Satan and Policy of Evil

Satan and Dispensationalism #1

Monday, October 5, 2015

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:24-26 KJV).

Dispensational Bible study is the key to believing a clear Gospel message and understanding the Bible canon, so Satan seeks to hide or corrupt it, that he may keep the masses in his snare!

Beloved, as grace believers, as Pauline dispensationalists, we have an awesome responsibility to teach God’s Word to all people, confused Christians and confused lost people. Satan has taken them captive, skillfully and tirelessly fighting to keep them imprisoned. In accordance with his will, he keeps them blinded. Lost people (religious and non-religious alike) have no idea about soul salvation and forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. They are going to a devil’s hell forever. They need to hear a clear Gospel message that can save them! Denominational Christians are so focused on manmade theologies that their service is unacceptable and offensive to God. They are going to heaven, but have not a clue as to what the God of the universe is doing today. They are too busy working in religion to please God. They need to hear sound Bible study to stabilize their souls!

God did not create man to die and go to hell. God did not create Christians to grope about in spiritual ignorance. Alas, man dies and goes to hell, and Christians grope around in spiritual ignorance! How awful! They must “recover themselves” (today’s Scripture). Their minds and hearts must be corrected by divine truth. God has already revealed in His written Word, the answers they need to escape their dire situations. Whether they look in the Bible on their own, or we gently teach it to them, it is ultimately their responsibility to apply by faith the verses applicable to their circumstances. Lost people do not have to stay lost and go to hell. Denominational Christians do not have to stay confused and defeated. Oh, what good news right division literally brings!

Bands of Love

Sunday, October 4, 2015

“I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them” (Hosea 11:4 KJV).

Oh, what gracious love JEHOVAH God had for hateful, ungracious Israel!

Have you ever loved someone and he or she just trampled it underfoot? You truly cared for them and they truly could not care less about you. They had no time for you unless they could get something from you. You did a lot to help them and they were so ungrateful. They dragged your name through the mud. They mocked you, hurt you, and slandered you. How did that make you feel? Bitter, angry, sad, disappointed?

“[1] When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt. [2] As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images. [3] I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them. [4] I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.”

It is most pathetic to find, in the context of today’s Scripture, that Israel has thrown God’s love in the garbage! They did not want fellowship with the one true God, the God who had felt sorry for them and who had rescued them from such deplorable Egyptian slavery. They preferred to offer sacrifices to worthless idols that could not think, hear, talk, or love them. This is no different today. We love our religion. Unlike Jesus Christ, our religion never loved us to die for us. Why are we so devoted to denominations? We love our sin. Unlike Jesus Christ, our sin never loved us enough to die for us. Why are we so loyal to our sin?

Friends, may we never throw away the identity that God offers us in Jesus Christ. Let us learn the lesson from Israel’s tragic history. May we be content with God’s grace. With each passing day, let us thank Him for it!

Settle Not for “Angelic” Trinkets!

Saturday, October 3, 2015

“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30 KJV).

What Christian needs guardian angels when the Spirit of God guards his or her soul?

Recently flipping through a shopping catalog, one particular trinket grabbed my attention: “Guardian Angel Visor Clip keeps a watchful eye on loved ones when you can’t be there. Attractive pewter-finish accessory features a guardian angel; gently reminds those behind the wheel to be ever watchful while on the road. $7.” The attractive (distractive) little angel held a plaque that read, “[Granddaughter/grandson/son/daughter] please drive safely.” (Nothing for husbands or wives or parents?!? And who is going to be looking at this “reminder” hanging on their rear view mirror if they should be watching the road?!)

Undoubtedly, angels played a very important role in the lives of Old Testament believers (Judges 6:11-24; 2 Kings 19:35; Daniel 9:21; et cetera). “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them” (Psalm 34:7). Angels even served the Lord Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry (see Mark 1:13; Luke 22:43). In the future, believing Israelites will have guardian angels to help them in the seven-year Tribulation. “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14). In Revelation chapters 1-3, describing that time period, we read of seven angels that will lead the seven churches of believing Jews in Asia Minor.

When we look at Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, there is no hint of any angels serving or protecting us. What the Apostle does say about angels in this the Dispensation of Grace is that we should not worship them (Colossians 2:18,19) and the only reason an angel would appear to us today is to preach to us a false Gospel (Galatians 1:8), to draw us away from the Word of God’s Grace.

The Holy Spirit has “sealed” us—preserved us spiritually (the inner man). Whatever happens to the outward man (physical body), it does not matter in the grand scheme of things. What counts most concerning us, God the Holy Ghost has already taken care of it! We need not religious trinkets!

NOTE: The 2015 Slidell Grace Bible Conference (New Orleans area) will be held Friday-Sunday, November 27-29, 2015. Guest speakers will be: Richard Jordan, Frank Redman, Charlie Fouche, and me, Shawn Brasseaux. See attached flyer for details. We would love to have you attend! 🙂

Wars Among and Within

Thursday, October 1, 2015

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” (James 4:1 KJV).

Whether or not we have weapons, wars cannot be avoided! Weapons do not cause wars! Sin causes wars! Sin causes violence! Weapons do not cause violence! Sinners cause violence!

Absolutely, we should try to live peaceably with all people, especially with other Christians. The Bible says, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). Yes, all disputes should be settled by peaceful means. God created us as rational beings who can discuss and learn how to get along with others. “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). Unfortunately, that is not always feasible.

Friends, we have to live in reality and not in a fantasyland. It may be hard for some of us to grasp, but not everyone wants to be our friend. Some nations/leaders/people are simply not interested in getting along with anyone, anywhere, anytime. They just want to bicker with, bully, conquer, and plunder others. They have a religious ideology to promote, a social system to advocate, and they will stop at nothing to get it across. Pacifism is of no use when the other party is bent on harming or killing you!

To combat the sin working inside others, we may have to use deadly force. When they want to steal from us, try to take our lives, overrun our country, certainly God does not expect us to sit around doing nothing. Surely, we should not be obnoxious, picking fights with others, but when they threaten life and property, they must be stopped. This is why God instituted the death penalty in Genesis 9:6, and Paul reaffirmed it in Romans 13:4 (“the sword”). Throughout the Old Testament, when Israel’s enemies wanted to overrun them, God encouraged the Jews to have men of war ready to fight, and God gave Israel victory!

The only real solution to the war without is to stifle the war within. Faith in Jesus Christ will take care of the sin problem… and the fighting problem, too!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Should Christians support wars or should they be pacifists?”

Affections and Lusts Crucified

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:24,25 KJV).

Behold, the key to overcoming temptations!

There is a constant battle in the Christian’s mind. On one hand, we have the garbage thinking from the Adamic sin nature. “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:21). On the other, we have the Holy Spirit using sound Bible verses to “transform [us] by the renewing of [our] mind, that [we] may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).

Hence, in verses preceding today’s Scripture, we read: “[16] This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. [17] For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. [18] But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.”

And 2 Corinthians chapter 10: “[3] For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: [4] (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) [5] Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

Whatever does not agree with “the knowledge of God” (His Word rightly divided), throw it out. We are to “bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” This is not you making your thoughts obedient to Jesus Christ. Rather, it is you taking your thoughts and seeing whether or not they agree with Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork (His obedience to Father God; Romans 5:19; Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 5:8). The desires of the flesh, they were crucified with Christ. They have no power over you, dear brother or sister in Christ!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “What advice can be given to homosexual Christians?”

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #10

Monday, September 28, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

A very fascinating portrait has formed. The Lord Jesus’ foster father, Joseph, was a carpenter, and He followed him in the trade. His Heavenly Father, God, was also a Carpenter, and He followed Him in the “family business” also. Today’s Scripture declares Father God was building a house in His creation. Jesus was thrilled to work with His Heavenly Father!

Jesus had studied the “Old Testament” Scriptures to learn that Father God was forming a nation who would learn His Word and then take it to the nations. He also learned, however, that Israel had gotten lost along the way. A vain and corrupt religious system had ensnared her and drawn her away from God’s pure words. The Lord Jesus knew that He had to reteach Israel verses she should have learned and later shared with the nations. As it turned out, they were willing to hear Jesus as much as they were willing to hear Moses. As the years passed, Jesus came to understand that that house Father God was building also involved three iron spikes, a wooden cross, and His sinless shed blood. Israel had to be redeemed from her sinful nature and forgiven of behaviors.

After Jesus taught Israel advanced doctrine built on the “Old Testament” Scriptures, those words were recorded in Matthew through John. This teaching was further developed in early Acts and Hebrews through Revelation. Once our Dispensation of Grace ends, believing Israel is to remain faithful to that doctrine, that the Antichrist not deceive her during those last seven years (verses 5,6). And so, the Carpenter from heaven is there today, to one day come back and finish building His nation Israel! 🙂

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #9

Sunday, September 27, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

According to the Law of Moses, Israel’s high priest had to first be washed with water, and then anointed with oil, before he could function in that office (see Exodus 29:1-7; cf. Leviticus 8:1-13). That high priest could then offer animals’ blood for the atonement of Israel’s sins (Leviticus chapter 16). In order to function as Israel’s “High Priest” (today’s Scripture), Jesus Christ was water baptized and then anointed with the Holy Ghost (Matthew 3:13-17). Then, His sinless blood was shed on Calvary, for Israel’s sins (Isaiah 53:8; Daniel 9:24).

Now, when our dispensation ends, Israel’s New Covenant can be established (Jeremiah 31:31-34). As the Old Covenant of Law was ratified with animal blood (Exodus chapter 24), so the New Covenant will be ratified by Jesus Christ’s shed blood (Hebrews 8:8-13; Hebrews 10:1-39). That New Covenant will redeem national Israel (Acts 3:19), her believing remnant, and enable them to become a house, Jesus Christ’s “house” (today’s Scripture). Verses 5 and 6 continue, “And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house we are, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.”

So, today’s Scripture contrasts Moses leading Israel under the Old Covenant with Jesus Christ leading Israel under the New Covenant. During the seven-year Tribulation, which will be operate once our dispensation ends, the book of Hebrews urges believing Jews to stay doctrinally pure, until Jesus Christ returns at His Second Coming to begin that New Covenant (cf. Romans 11:26-29).

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Should we pray for sick people?”

The Carpenter from Nazareth (and Heaven) #6

Thursday, September 24, 2015

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:1-4 KJV).

Have you ever stopped to consider why Jesus’ earthly trade was carpentry?

God’s purpose in creation (cf. today’s Scripture) was not simply a physical heaven and a physical earth. What He was also doing was using His spoken word to form a spiritual structure, an edifice of sound doctrine. Daily He taught Adam about what He was doing and Adam’s purpose in that plan. Then, Adam willfully abandoned that doctrine and fell into sin. God created the nation Israel to do what Adam failed to do—reign over Earth for His glory. God gave Israel His Law through Moses, but, alas, Israel willfully abandoned it in favor of sin.

Why did Jesus come to Earth? He said, “I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). He was “sent” to Israel, yea, He was Israel’s “Apostle” (today’s Scripture). Jesus Christ came to guide lost Israel back to Father God. She had so strayed from the path of righteousness and had become trapped in the mire of self-righteousness. God’s Son came to live a sinless life in her midst, to be the embodiment of the Law system she never even closely resembled. As JESUS, JEHOVAH-SAVIOUR, He came “to save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

What Adam had miserably failed to do, what Israel had miserably failed to do, Jesus succeeded in doing. As the perfect Man, He had so filled His heart with Father God’s Word! Now, He could teach Israel that word and thus lead her back to God! The edifice of sound doctrine Jesus Christ had built in Himself, He could now work with His Father God, building that structure of sound doctrine in the hearts of His wayward people, Israel.

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Should we use the book of John in evangelism?”

Mark the Heretics—Mark the Faithful

Friday, September 18, 2015

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3,4 KJV).

My, oh my, most news items involving “Christianity” today can be summed up thus!

A news article currently circulating on social media involves a 103-year-old woman now banned from the Baptist church that she has attended all of her life. She disagreed with the “new” pastor’s actions and teaching in the local assembly. He would holler and those with him would roll around on the floor. She confronted him, telling him these types of charismatic activities did not belong in their Baptist church. Sometime later, she received a letter in the mail that forbade her from returning to the church building. When she did return, the police were called… but they could not do anything because it was a civil dispute. She plans to keep on going to that church.

Yes, Christendom is still sliding doctrinally. Apostasy—that is, turning away from God’s truth, and embracing error—is evident even in mainline denominations that did not historically support such warped views. Evidently, the local assembly—like tens of thousands of others—did not have enough Scriptural grounding to identify and run off the heretical pastor. He is still there!

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17,18). Not only are we to “mark” those who are bad, but we are to also “mark” those who are good. “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample” (Philippians 3:17).

We are to follow the Apostle Paul and those who follow him, for they are following Jesus Christ Himself (1 Corinthians 11:1). This is the sure way to avoid the spiritual disaster described in today’s Scripture… and in today’s religious news stories!

Baptized/Circumcised, But Not Necessarily Saved

Thursday, September 17, 2015

“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves” (Matthew 23:15 KJV).

The Lord Jesus Christ was certainly not afraid to “rattle some cages” to free people many centuries ago. We will “rattle some cages” momentarily, for millions more need to be freed from today’s organized religion as well!

I recently read the back cover of a religious book: “A pastor for 47 years, Dr. [man’s name] served [church’s name] of [city, state] for 33 years. Under his ministry, this great church experienced a tremendous growth. Consistently listed in the top ten churches in baptisms in the state, the church baptized over 4500 people and grew from 2600 to 5000 in church membership.”

You can see how religion genders bragging rights. What is this church’s concern? How many people they got wet in some silly ceremony!!!! There is nothing about how many people heard a pure Gospel and how many people had a testimony of trusting Jesus Christ exclusively. They probably do not even know a pure Gospel to teach a pure Gospel so people can believe a pure Gospel! It has been said that monetary compensation in pastors’ retirements in this particular denomination is dependent upon how many people the pastor water baptized. We can see why there is big push for water baptisms in all denominations!!!

Friend, think about today’s Scripture. Has anything changed in religion these last 2,000 years? Nay! Israel’s religious leaders were mainly interested in getting Gentiles physically circumcised after the manner of Moses. There was no real faith in JEHOVAH God, no circumcision in the heart that that physical circumcision was meant to reflect. It was just some rite to boast ego, all done in the name of “God” of course. “Oh, look, we increased our membership roll. Who cares if they are going to hell? Just as long as we get those warm bodies into cold pews, have them give in the collection plate, and make them support the church program, that is all that matters!”

The solution to such nonsense? Back to Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon!!!!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Is it ‘Pauline’ to call ourselves ‘Christians?’”