Category: Satan and Policy of Evil

Note the Horizon! #16

Wednesday, October 23, 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?

In early Acts chapter 9, Saul of Tarsus left Jerusalem as a lost sinner swiftly bound for Damascus… and Hell! Smug in his religious goodness and callous in his fanaticism, he was enthusiastically eliminating all “Jesus-loving Jews” he could possibly locate, arrest, and torture! No one would dare challenge his theological system and get away with it! Saul did not know it, but the resurrected, ascended, and glorified Lord Jesus Christ was staring down at Earth, intently watching him make his way northward from Judaea into Syria. The Lord Himself made certain they had a meeting—and, without any doubt whatsoever, Saul saw and heard things he neither expected nor forgot.

The Divine wrath that should have crushed his unbelieving, stubborn self in Acts chapter 9, was replaced with grace and peace. God’s wrath was not canceled, only postponed—pushed out into the future to a time known only to Him. Essentially, what the Lord Jesus Christ revealed to Saul can be paraphrased as: “Now that you have realized and experienced firsthand just how drastic a change My dealings with man have undergone, now that you know the unfathomable grace [unmerited favor] and the immeasurable mercy [pity] I have shown you here outside of Damascus, I now send you out as My Apostle to your undeserving world to preach that very message that saved your pathetic soul unto eternal life.” If necessary, read Acts 9:1-16, Acts 22:1-15, Acts 26:9-20, and especially 1 Timothy 1:12-16.

“And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 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;…” (Romans 2:3-5). As Saul’s ministry got underway, he learned how the apostate nation Israel he was once a part of was just as hostile to Jesus Christ as he had been….

Note the Horizon! #15

Tuesday, October 22, 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?

For three years, Jesus Christ preached repentance (change in mind) to Israel because God’s earthly kingdom was at hand. Alas, most of the nation was uninterested. Luke chapter 13: “[6] He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. [7] Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? [8] And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: [9] And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.”

Israel received a one-year extension to believe, a renewed opportunity for repentance (verse 8)—the first seven chapters of Acts. As they blasphemed against the Son of Man and crucified Him, so they spoke against the Holy Ghost and stoned His prophet Stephen. By Acts chapter 7, wrath could no longer be delayed—as far as the prophetic program was concerned. In Acts chapter 9, the mystery program began: Jesus Christ poured out grace, mercy, and peace on Saul of Tarsus, His chief enemy in the Earth (see 1 Timothy 1:12-16).

Read Peter’s words in 2 Peter chapter 3: “[9] The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance…. [15] And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; [16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”

As God was gracious, merciful, and peaceful to save Saul/Paul, so Saul/Paul is a pattern of God’s longsuffering, His attitude toward sinful mankind even now….

Note the Horizon! #14

Monday, October 21, 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?

What the God of the Bible is currently doing is but temporary. As He has not always done it, so He will not always do it. To the absolute shame of Christendom, most church members understand this to the same degree as those outside of church do—not at all! Christian and non-Christian alike never cease to ask such juvenile questions as, “Where is God’s wrath against sin? Was not Jesus allegedly coming back 2,000 years ago? Where is He then?” The Bible already answered these concerns, for the Apostle Peter was facing the same mockers (at that time, Christ had been gone only about 30 years).

Second Peter chapter 3: “[3] Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, [4] And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. [5] For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: [6] Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: [7] But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. [8] But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

Peter replies to the scoffers who doubt Jesus’ return was ever real, those who are deliberately ignorant of the Scriptures and keep delighting in their sin as though they have escaped justice. John the Baptist, Jesus Christ Himself, and others had long foretold of God’s impending judgment against sinners (Matthew 3:7-12; Matthew 13:38-42; Matthew 21:44; Luke 3:7-9,15-17; Luke 20:18; Acts 2:19,20,34-36; Acts 7:55,56; cf. Psalm 110:1). Where is this Divine wrath, Peter? Let us see if Peter offers a valid explanation….

Magdala

Monday, October 7, 2024

“And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala” (Matthew 15:39 KJV).

This little obscure town in Galilee is more familiar than you realize….

After miraculously feeding the 4,000-plus in northern Israel, the Lord Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee by ship and entered the “coasts” (borders) of the town of Magdala (today’s Scripture). Magdala, apparently, was near the westernmost shore of the Sea of Galilee, slightly south of the midpoint between the little cities of Capernaum and Tiberias. It was one of the elevated or fortified places in Palestine (“migdal” is Hebrew for “tower”). According to the parallel passage (Mark 8:10), the town was located in the vicinity of Dalmanutha. Do we know any Bible character from Magdala? Yes!

“Magdala” forms part of the designation of a famous Bible character. She is none other than “Mary Magdalene,” a believer who is mentioned a dozen times in Scripture (Matthew 27:56,61; Matthew 28:1; Mark 15:40,47; Mark 16:1,9; Luke 8:2; Luke 24:10; John 19:25; John 20:1,18). It is unclear exactly when she trusted Jesus as Messiah, but she definitely resided in Magdala at some point before following Him. Her appellation is no different from the names “Simon the Canaanite [from Cana, a town in Galilee]” (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18) and “Judas Iscariot [Hebrew for ‘man of Kerioth,’ a town near Jerusalem]” (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:19).

Hopefully, we will remember how the Bible declares of her, “Mary Magdalene, out of whom he [Christ] had cast seven devils” (Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2). It is unknown just when this miracle occurred, but, Mary Magdalene herself was doubtless a fortified tower of devils—seven evil spirits, to be precise, who had taken over her body. She was a graphic representation of her sinful nation Israel and its polluted land of Canaan, quite useful to Satan in preventing God’s earthly kingdom from being founded. Of course, the Lord Jesus threw out all seven devils, reversing her complete and utter spiritual defilement. Also, by subsequently accompanying and serving Him—especially at His crucifixion, resurrection, and beyond—Mary Magdalene’s conduct ensured her tiny town of Magdala is noteworthy. Now, the Holy Spirit has written these verses so it will never be forgotten.

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….