Category: curse of sin

NO Bible Ignorance in the Midst of Tragedy! #32

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 KJV).

In light of the recent New Orleans terrorist attack just a few hours away from my home, we are delighted to dispel the associated Bible ignorance….

According to the Bible rightly divided, it is not God’s current will to directly intervene in the affairs of man to punish evil, deliver the righteous, and remove the curse of sin from creation. He is neither apathetic, nor cruel, nor nonexistent: instead, He is gracious, merciful, and peaceful toward our human species that has rejected His dear Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) for almost 20 centuries. We should not despise His goodness and/or moan about His plan simply because we do not understand what we ought and have not gotten our way. Far better if we considered the Holy Scriptures dispensationally, find out what He is doing today, by faith do that, and thereby do His will.

Jesus Christ is not where He should be, Satan is not where he should be, the Church the Body of Christ is not where it should be, and the nation Israel is not where it should be. In God’s due time, all will be set right. If we could say it as succinctly as possible: God’s purpose and plan in creation will truly be brought to pass one day, but that cannot happen until redeemed Israel (Earth) and the Church the Body of Christ (Heaven) rule in their respective realms, and this cannot happen until Christ Jesus Himself reigns, which cannot occur until Satan is removed, which cannot happen until Israel is complete, which cannot occur until prophecy resumes, which cannot occur until mystery ends, which cannot transpire until the Body of Christ is closed, which cannot happen until the Dispensation of Grace is rescinded, which cannot be until the Apostle Paul’s ministry is terminated.

“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him…” (2 Timothy 2:12a). We members of the Church the Body of Christ—who have trusted the Lord’s finished crosswork alone as sufficient payment for our sins—understand that this world is not our home. Though this life is rough and tough, God’s grace is sufficient for us to handle all of its problems… all the way up to our departure to be glorified in, and govern, the heavenly places with Christ Himself.

-FINIS!-

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. 🙂

NO Bible Ignorance in the Midst of Tragedy! #10

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 KJV).

In light of the recent New Orleans terrorist attack just a few hours away from my home, we are delighted to dispel the associated Bible ignorance….

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Our present universe is quite far from that original perfect system its Creator intended. Even if we knew no Bible verses whatsoever, we could easily see and conclude that something is just not quite right! With the passage of time from Genesis chapter 3 onward, scientific experiments corroborate how conditions are indeed worsening. Chaos, confusion, blindness, ignorance, darkness, disintegration, decay, decomposition, and death have become more widespread. Man has struggled for millennia to reverse this downward spiral—relying on his flawed intellect in an attempt to solve his endless problems—but he has failed so miserably. Yet, this exercise in futility does not deter him from trying and trying again using his long-time methods (the definition of “insanity!”).

Colossians chapter 1 expands upon Genesis 1:1: “[16] For by him [God’s dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ—verse 13] 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.”

Here is what lies at the heart of Father God’s plan to restore this fallen creation to Himself. Though sin currently runs rampant throughout the heaven and the earth, it is a temporary situation. His plan of reconciliation starts with “the blood of [Christ’s] cross” (verse 20). We must go back to Calvary, the worst tragedy of all time….

NO Bible Ignorance in the Midst of Tragedy! #7

Saturday, January 11, 2025

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 KJV).

In light of the recent New Orleans terrorist attack just a few hours away from my home, we are delighted to dispel the associated Bible ignorance….

Back in Genesis 1:26-28, the LORD God delegated governmental power (“dominion”) to Adam and Eve, but Adam (mankind’s federal head) relinquished this earthly authority to Satan in Genesis 3:1-6. See Luke chapter 4, part of the Lord Jesus’ temptations: “[5] And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. [6] And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. [7] If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. [8] And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

Observe how Satan boasted that he owned the kingdoms of this world and the glory of them. They were his to give to the Lord Jesus—but only if Jesus worshipped him! Satan is a usurper, and he reigns on earth even today through sinful governmental leaders (humans) and reigns in heaven using sinful governmental leaders (fallen angels). We thus read of “spiritual wickedness in high [heavenly] places” (Ephesians 6:12). “The heavens are not clean in [God’s] sight” (Job 15:15). “The stars are not pure in [God’s] sight” (Job 25:5). See Revelation 12:7-11, when Satan will finally be cast out of the second heaven (outer space) in the ages to come and then removed from earth in Revelation 20:1-3. As touching earth, we know this is a “present evil world” (Galatians 1:4) because Satan is “the god [ruler] of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4).

When Adam handed his God-given authority over to Satan, God placed a curse on creation so as to signify an enemy or adversary had taken over (Genesis 3:16-19). Satan could not use creation to its full potential, for God wisely “sabotaged” that hijacked work of His! This is the curse of sin, “the bondage of corruption” of Romans 8:17-25, which affects us until now….

NO Bible Ignorance in the Midst of Tragedy! #2

Monday, January 6, 2025

“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1 KJV).

In light of the recent New Orleans terrorist attack just a few hours away from my home, we are delighted to dispel the associated Bible ignorance….

Let us start by considering one of the most worn-out questions: Why do bad things happen to good people? (Conversely, it could be asked: Why do good things happen to bad people? Yet, that is not the scope of this study.) Suffering stems from three sources.

Firstly, because of sin, we live in a world (an entire universe) that is disintegrating, falling apart, decaying, becoming more chaotic with the passage of time. Genesis 3:16-19 is true. We grow sick, old, and die. “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body” (Romans 8:22,23). The curse of sin is random—each individual suffering a unique set of troubles, weaknesses, illnesses.

Secondly, we and others make stupid decisions: as we and they sow, so we and they reap. This principle clarifies that whatever we do (good and bad) affects others and whatever they do (good and bad) affects us. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Galatians 6:7,8).

Thirdly, we Christians suffer persecution because we live in enemy territory, Satan and his servants looking to injure or eliminate us the “competition.” “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation [trouble] enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). “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” (John 15:20).

Here is adult understanding….

A Lost Love #4

Sunday, July 23, 2023

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (Romans 10:1 KJV).

Just the other day, an aged friend in ministry for several years now, shared with me the news of one of his recent undertakings. Let us see how his sentiments and efforts match those of Paul in today’s Scripture.

Dear friends, we must constantly (!!) be on guard against emotional revolt, making sure our emotions do not dictate to us what we should think or do. Emotions are deceptive, so if we allow them to control us, we will live in a fantasy world as opposed to reality. For example, remember when you watched a television show or movie. Depending on the actions you saw and the dialogue you heard, you moved from feeling anger to feeling sadness to feeling happiness to feeling peaceful to feeling distressed. People sob as they observe the tragic scenes, leap for joy when they see the pleasant situations, and scowl when they view the frustrating scenes. Of course, what they are watching is all make-believe—but it “feels” real, it “seems” real, because dominating emotions have no thinking process attached to them. Emotions are stupid or brainless. How can we ever expect our lives to function if we rely on this foundation of sand? It literally does not make sense.

The Bible tells the truth: sin forever changed human makeup. If we doubt this, we just need to look around at society and agree with the Scriptures. When Adam and Eve rebelled against the LORD God, human nature was significantly altered. Spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional modifications were introduced—and they are passed down from Adam to each and every successive generation. The key to solving all these problems is not therapy sessions with a “positive thinker,” endless drug usage, alcoholic beverages, or any of the other “solutions” man has developed to cope with his symptoms (minor) instead of addressing his sickness (major). The disease is sin, and it afflicts Christians and non-Christians alike. Christians conducting ministry based on emotions are on dangerous ground, and the non-Christians they are trying to reach are in an equally perilous condition. Let us see how the renewed mind remedies the matter for both parties….

Living With Others in Mind #1

Monday, June 26, 2023

“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you” (Philippians 1:23,24 KJV).

In what way was Paul self-centered—in what way was he self-sacrificing?

Just a few days back, a ministry friend of mine lost a dear friend who had been suffering a brief illness. (Both are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.) In a recent phone conversation, he expressed how he had mixed emotions about her relocation to Heaven. On one hand, he was thankful because he took comfort in knowing she was free from her disabled, frail body. On the other hand, he said how he was deep in grief because she was absent. Yet, as I listened to him, it was more than just mourning her loss. He had become the victim of self-pity, especially since he wanted to leave this sin-cursed world like she did, thereby escaping his own trials and tribulations (failing health, aching body, the death of his wife many years earlier, and so on).

I counseled with him by sharing some information he already knew as a Christian. Those simple Bible truths were forgotten because he had set aside his renewed mind and was now allowing his emotions to dominate him. What I heard from him was, “I am tired of the pain and suffering. I do not want to be here anymore. I want to leave this world.” After hearing his complaints, I posed one question, “Do you know more than God?” There was silence, so I continued by quoting today’s Scripture and its context: “[21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [22] But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. [23] For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: [24] Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

Let us compare and contrast selfishness and selflessness, and use the renewed mind to identify and choose the needful….

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #10

Thursday, May 4, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

You have no control over losing health, wealth, or loved ones. Fretting will not decrease the likelihoods either. Instead, behold the priority! Before you permanently lose your soul for all eternity—that most dreadful, irreversible process—you need to place your faith exclusively in the fact Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Then, you can join the Apostle Paul in saying: “for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep [guard, preserve] that which I have committed unto him against that day” (today’s Scripture).

As opposed to going to great lengths to extend the longevity of these physical bodies—which are still destined for the cemetery!—we should focus more on our bodily resurrection to come (Romans 8:18-25; 2 Corinthians 4:16–5:5; Philippians 3:20,21). We should be building up our inner man, soul and spirit, renewing it day by day with sound Bible doctrine. Instead of hoarding our earthly riches—which we will lose anyway!—we should rather use our resources to selflessly help those who are less fortunate (see 1 Timothy 6:17-19). What we will take with us to Heaven is not material goods at all, but spiritual wisdom, spiritual knowledge, and spiritual understanding that we acquired here during our earthly sojourn (see 1 Corinthians 3:9-15; 2 Corinthians 5:9,10; Colossians 3:23-25). Though we will lose our family members and friends, we still have everlasting fellowship with Father God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and all believers throughout the ages. Nothing “shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39—read verses 31-39 for the context).

“Be careful [worrisome, anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep [guard, preserve] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7).

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #9

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

If enough time elapses, we will lose our health, wealth, and loved ones. Sin is thief, mercilessly stealing them all, and Paul in today’s Scripture was very well acquainted with that. He also knew there was one thing he would never lose: his soul was secure in Christ, and the Lord would “keep” (guard) it, no matter all the earthly losses he endured before reaching Heaven.

When describing the materialism and idolatry afflicting His nation, Israel, the Lord Jesus stated: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:25,26). “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:35-37).

The above words highlight the severity of the penalty unbelievers will face in eternity future. To “gain the whole world” means they were so attached to the treasures and pleasures of earthly life—cooperating with Satan’s policy of evil (which the Antichrist will personify). They had a merry, prosperous life without God. They certainly did not want to die for Him either. In contrast, the believers in Christ chose to be people of faith—even when it meant perishing as martyrs. Whereas the believers will experience perpetual gain (true life, eternal life), the unbelievers will suffer permanent loss (second death; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21:8). They “lose their soul”—their identity, becoming nobodies in the Lake of Fire, separated from God forever (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Revelation 14:9-11).

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #8

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

Since people usually think about just this life—not the afterlife—they endeavor to preserve and extend earthly life and pleasures as long as possible. In their “Heaven on Earth,” they do whatever they can to accumulate as much wealth as they can; take numerous vitamins and supplements to perpetuate their weakening and aging bodies; and flatter, bribe, or compromise to maintain relationships with family and friends. However, in the end, physical death will take it all away!

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

“For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it” (Romans 8:22-25).

Here are three passages to orient us toward the afterlife….

You Do Not Have to Lose Everything #7

Monday, May 1, 2023

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV).

Dear friend, you do not have to lose everything!

Philippians 4:11-13: “[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [12] 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. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Paul had experienced the full gamut—having all and having nothing, fed and hungry, and so on. No matter his circumstances, he learned something: be content, be grateful, be thankful. His God was with him through it all, good and bad; Christ had strengthened him in every situation, reminding him not to rely on self but on Him!

Notice verse 8, the context of today’s Scripture: “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.” Paul was in a Roman prison, anticipating his execution, for the Lord’s sake. “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things…” (verse 11 plus a portion of today’s Scripture).

Paul had been prosperous as Saul of Tarsus, a false teacher in Judaism (see Galatians 1:13,14)—now he had nothing in his prison cell. He had countless Christian “friends” in Asia Minor or Turkey—now they had forsaken him (2 Timothy 1:15). Soon, he would be dead—his health permanently taken from him. Fully aware of all these realities, he penned, “Nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

Herein is adult Christian thinking….