Category: sin

Spiritual Calligraphy #7

Monday, May 13, 2024

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us about spiritual calligraphy?

Although the prophetic program anticipated the salvation of Gentiles or the nations through Israel’s rise to kingdom glory (today’s Scripture), God was withholding a secret that He did not reveal until the Apostle Paul’s ministry (beginning in Acts chapter 9).

Read Romans chapter 11: “[11] I say then, Have they [Israel] stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. [12] Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? [13] For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: [14] If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. [15] For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?”

Whereas Israel in prophecy was to be a light to the unbelieving Gentiles, now Gentiles in mystery are to be a light to unbelieving Israel. This was especially true during the Acts transitional period, when Paul’s Gentile converts were advised not to use their liberty under grace in ways that would offend unbelieving Israel. Acts chapter 15: “[19] Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: [20] But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. [21] For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day…. [28] For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; [29] That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.”

Alas, as with unbelieving Israel in time past, so Gentiles in the but now engaged in spiritual cacography….

Mother: A Virtuous Woman

Sunday, May 12, 2024

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10 KJV).

Today is Mother’s Day, so we dedicate this devotional to godly women (specifically mothers). I especially dedicate this to the virtuous woman who has been in my life for almost 36 years… my mom!

Today’s Scripture is the first verse of the Bible’s “Virtuous Woman” passage (Proverbs 31:10-31). King Solomon explained that the virtuous woman:

  • has a husband who safely trusts in her (verses 11,12).
  • is not lazy, but is strong because she works to feed and clothe her family and herself (verses 13-19,21,22,24,25,27).
  • pities the poor and needy (verse 20).
  • has a husband who is well-known because of her godly lifestyle (verse 23).
  • opens her mouth with wisdom, and speaks kindly and lovingly (verse 26).
  • has children and a husband who praise her (verse 28).
  • excels in what she does (verse 29).
  • has works that praise her (verse 31).

Verse 30 explains the virtuous woman is “a woman that feareth the LORD.”

The Apostle Paul wrote that godly women should: not slander/gossip, not be controlled by alcohol and emotions (sober minded), be teachers of good things, love their husbands and children, be cautious and modest, maintain the home, be “good,” and should obey (respect) their husbands… “that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:3-5). A Christian woman, especially a mother, should be a virtuous woman in beliefs as well as in deed. She needs to set an example for her children (especially her daughters).

A Christian woman and/or Christian mother places her faith in this sound Bible doctrine, the indwelling Holy Spirit will then take that doctrine and transform her for God’s glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Her mind will be renewed by sound Bible doctrine, and that will transform her outward activity (Romans 12:1,2).

Are you a Christian woman or Christian mother who desires to be the woman God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO OUR READERS WHO ARE MOTHERS!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

Archived: “What does the Bible say about motherhood?”

Spiritual Calligraphy #6

Saturday, May 11, 2024

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us about spiritual calligraphy?

Though Israel in time past enjoyed many Divine blessings (Romans 9:4,5; cf. Romans 2:17-20 below), the nation as a whole did not take seriously God’s purpose and program for them.

Observe Romans 2:17-24: “[17] Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, [18] And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; [19] And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, [20] An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. [21] Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? [22] Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege [steal idols from temples]? [23] Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? [24] For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.”

Verses 21-24 show how the Jewish people were hypocrites. They bragged to the nations about their (Israeli) status of being God’s people, and how they had the Hebrew Bible… yet they were unwilling to see their own sinful nature as taught in their Hebrew Bible. Israel’s boast was, “We are better than the Gentiles!” Instead of spiritual calligraphy (God’s beautiful words believed by Israel and thus working in Israel to teach the Gentiles), it was spiritual cacography (Greek, “kakos,” as in “evil/sick/diseased;” “grapho,” or “I write”). God’s Hebrew Bible and His Jewish nation entrusted with it were ugly or repulsive to the Gentiles. Verse 24 reveals how Israel in time past repeatedly afforded Gentiles the opportunity to “blaspheme” (speak against) the LORD God. Sadly, watching the Jewish people live in sin, the nations replied: “If that is what it means to be a worshipper of JEHOVAH God, we would rather die in our pagan religions!”

To bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

The Awareness of a Temporary Earth

Monday, April 22, 2024

“And, Thou, O Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: they shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail” (Hebrews 1:10-12 KJV).

On this Earth Day, let us not confuse the creation with the Creator!

Today, people worldwide celebrate “environmental awareness.” According to the secular, naturalistic worldview, our planet and its sun could last many more billions of years. They claim that we have done so much damage to our planet—climate change, overpopulation, deforestation, pollution, et cetera—that we must change our attitude toward “mother earth” and change our lifestyles before we destroy her and civilization as we know it! You can sense the zeal in their message, can you not? While these people are sincere, they are wasting all of their time, energy, and resources on a temporary planet.

Let us be very clear that the Lord Jesus Christ placed man on the earth, especially the Garden of Eden, to “dress it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Adam was to take care of the Earth: he was God’s representative, God’s king, who had a divine commission to rule this planet for God’s glory (Genesis 1:26-28).

It was not long, however, before Satan distracted mankind from understanding God’s purpose for him. Adam began to focus on himself: like Satan, he began to “worship and serve the creature more than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). Thus began man’s continual downward spiral into spiritual ignorance. He would continually worship himself, as we well know today.

Today’s Scripture reminds us that, because of sin, this creation will pass away. The Lord Jesus Christ, however, will live forever. Why worship that which is temporary? It makes no sense! The Lord Jesus Christ gave you life, not the pagan goddess “mother earth.” Environmental awareness? Indeed, be aware that our world is temporary, as God will one day create “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1).

The LORD Seeth Not? #3

Thursday, April 11, 2024

“Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, the LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth” (Ezekiel 8:12 KJV).

Is it valid to say, “The LORD seeth us not?” and “The LORD hath forsaken the earth?”

If a college professor who could read, write, and teach advanced English also lived in the United States (a country filled with English Bibles), why was he seeking “truth” by experimenting with countless foreign religions? Joining a cult is not accidental, but the fatal end of a series of poor choices. Eventually, we all realize we are heading down the wrong path, yet only a few of us ever humbly turn to Jesus Christ in faith (the correct path). We know we are fallible creatures—faulty minds, deceptive hearts, ailing bodies. How can we possibly worship beings like ourselves, depending on our own righteousness or theirs, blindly following cult leaders when even they also have weaknesses and problems?

In the context of today’s Scripture, the LORD has supernaturally transported the Prophet Ezekiel from Babylon to Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem (verses 3,4). Here in JEHOVAH God’s house, the Jews have installed and worshipped numerous idols (verses 5-16). Today’s Scripture: “Then said he [the LORD] unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, the LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth” (cf. Ezekiel 9:9). They assumed God was unaware of their sins, and they had escaped justice! Of course, judgment did eventually come!

“Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it. Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?” (Psalm 94:7-9). Let us rest assured, friends, the LORD will take vengeance—and no evildoers will escape His justice. May we come by faith in Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for our sins, before it is too late for us too!

The LORD Seeth Not? #2

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

“Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, the LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth” (Ezekiel 8:12 KJV).

Is it valid to say, “The LORD seeth us not?” and “The LORD hath forsaken the earth?”

Read Genesis 3:9-13. Human nature is to blame someone else. When Adam was asked if he committed wrongdoing, he accused God of giving him “the woman!” When Eve was questioned if she did wrong, she accused Satan! There was no personal accountability in Eden… and there is still none on Earth. To this day, excuses are either “God made me this way” or “The Devil made me do it!”

Firstly (mark it well!), the LORD God did not create robots or machines, people who automatically follow His will and do right. If He did, the cry would surely be heard, “God is such a tyrant for not letting me do or believe what I want!” Therefore, He gave us liberty to choose right or choose wrong. If we choose wrong, then we portray the situation as follows: “I did nothing wrong, so it is God’s fault for letting me face the consequences of my poor choices.”

Secondly (and we dare not forget this either!), JEHOVAH God did not leave Himself without witness (Acts 14:15-17; Acts 17:24-31; Romans 1:18-25; Romans 2:14,15). If we choose right, we realize Bibles are everywhere: we do have access to the Word of God and can know the will of God. We recognize the fact everyone has some sense of right and wrong (conscience). Even the most primitive cultures in the most remote regions have a code of conduct. The very existence of a creation demands a Creator—so if we question if God is there, we are only showing we have not been honest with the evidence. If we are grateful for the light we have, responding positively to the evidence we can identify, God will give us more light and we will see more evidence. If we are unthankful for what evidence we have, however, our vulnerability to a darkened heart is guaranteed (Romans 1:19-32).

We must ultimately bear responsibility for ourselves….

Heap Coals of Fire on His Head #3

Sunday, April 7, 2024

“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head” (Romans 12:20 KJV).

What is this, “heap coals of fire on his head?”

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:15: “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” This pairs nicely with the context of today’s Scripture: “[17] Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. [18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. [19] Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

As for the “heaping coals of fire” on the enemy’s head (today’s Scripture), this is somewhat obscure, but may allude to the ancient Egyptian custom of carrying a hot container of coals on the head as a public expression of guilt or shame for misconduct. The fire represented burning disgrace and remorse. In the situation of Christians doing good to those who treated them wrongly, the point is so simple. Such friendliness will generate mental misery or torture as in shame or guilt—perhaps even repentance (a change in mind) and possible conversion to Christ!

Paul closes Romans chapter 12 with verse 21: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” By submitting to verses 17-20 (having the renewed mind), we will conquer evil and thereby prevent evil from dominating us. We can let evil “overcome” (defeat) us (grudges, bitterness, et cetera), or we can overthrow evil by doing good to those who have harmed us (especially Christians). “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). We need not repay evil for evil: by faith, we send that mistreatment to Christ’s cross, we forgive it, and we move on (lest it be a hindrance—see 2 Corinthians 2:10,11). Beloved, “Heap coals of fire on his head!” 🙂

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. 🙂

Heap Coals of Fire on His Head #2

Saturday, April 6, 2024

“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head” (Romans 12:20 KJV).

What is this, “heap coals of fire on his head?”

In the context of today’s Scripture (verses 14-21), the Holy Spirit through our Apostle Paul clarifies how we as grace believers should respond to our enemies (those who wrong us, whether unbelievers or even fellow Christians!). Highlights include: “[14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not…. [17] Recompense [Repay, return] to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. [18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

We should not malign or insult those who persecute, injure, or mistreat us (see Christ’s example in 1 Peter 2:21-23). Instead, we should speak well of them. If they do us evil, we do not take personal vengeance. (In serious cases, obviously, we would appeal to human government, as in Romans 13:1-7. On a national level, we would have a strong military for defense—exactly as ancient Israel had.)

By not “striking back” on a personal level, we are attempting to live amiably with all people. The Holy Spirit in us the members of the Body of Christ leads us to think like this. When we have done all we can to get along with others, but they still seek our harm or death, we must move away from them. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19, quoting Deuteronomy 32:35, Christ’s Second Coming in fiery wrath to pay His enemies back).

Today’s Scripture echoes Proverbs 25:21,22: “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.” Whether King Solomon (Proverbs), Christ Jesus (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27,28), or the Apostle Paul, all agree we ought to be humane or cordial to our opponents—supplying them with food, drink, and so on. Let us ponder how “heaping coals of fire upon his head” relates to the situation….

Heap Coals of Fire on His Head #1

Friday, April 5, 2024

“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head” (Romans 12:20 KJV).

What is this, “heap coals of fire on his head?”

Sin, the nature we have inherited from Adam, generates hostility and conflict: “From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” (James 4:1). Living in a fallen world and connected to a fallen identity, human “civilization” is spiraling downward to self-destruction. Endless wars pit one nation against another. Ceaseless debates antagonize one individual against another. “Why can we not all just get along?!” (The reason is sin, sin, SIN!)

Dearly beloved, the solution to true, lasting peace is not weapons confiscation, signing treaties, imposing sanctions, delivering speeches, or implementing policies. These are man’s futile efforts to fix a broken world—a world just as spiritually flawed as he is. In all the years of innumerable peace summits and countless peace agreements, civil unrest and wars still constantly break out in cities, states, and countries. Most of our political leaders aggravate the situation.

Read verses 1 and 2, the context of today’s Scripture: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Chapters 12–16 are this “renewed mind”—a new way for Christians to think (as opposed to their depraved mental processes before they came to faith in Christ!).

Part of this renewed mind is today’s Scripture in context: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:18-21).

Here is how we should think about our enemies….

Two Sons and Two Fathers

Thursday, April 4, 2024

“And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:” (Luke 23:18 KJV).

One son will be liberated to live, and the other Son will be sentenced to die!

At the time of Christ’s trial, Barabbas is a prisoner (Matthew 27:16). Barabbas is a murderer, a robber, and guilty of “insurrection,” or rebelling against the government (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:18,19; John 18:40).

It is Passover. Roman governor Pontius Pilate has a custom that, at the feast, he releases a prisoner, whomever the people desire (Matthew 27:15; Mark 15:6). “But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified” (Matthew 27:20-22).

Israel’s chief priests, rulers, and common people all demand Christ’s crucifixion and Barabbas’ release, so Pilate gives the sentence (Luke 23:23-25). Guilty Barabbas is set free to live, and innocent Jesus Christ is condemned to be crucified. While Barabbas’ involvement in the matter seems insignificant upon first glance, God included it in His written Word because to provide us with an amazing illustration!

“Barabbas” means “son of the father.” Barabbas is a criminal, and he represents sinful, rebellious mankind who is worthy of death. He is bound by sin, and faces eternal death. Spiritually, sinful mankind is the son of Satan—man is of his father the devil (John 8:44). Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, God, “knew no sin” (2 Corinthians 5:21), but took upon Himself our sins and was punished in our place.

Innocent Jesus Christ took the place of guilty Barabbas, which actually represented Christ taking the place of the whole world, suffering God’s wrath on our behalf! “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18). Thus, through Christ’s finished crosswork, we sinful sons of Adam (and Satan) can be freed from sin, and we can become the righteous sons of God.