Category: Christ’s earthly ministry

His Son #2

Thursday, October 20, 2016

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us?

For some reason known only to Him, God the Holy Spirit chose not to reveal the human instrument He moved to write the Book of Hebrews. So, rather than squabbling about the man’s identity, all we need to know about its writer is found in the first word—God!

JEHOVAH God, Israel’s God, for centuries, had sent prophets to communicate more and more of His Word to her. “Time past” here in this context (Hebrews 1:1) denotes Abraham’s call all the way up to John the Baptist’s ministry (about 2,100 years). It started with Abraham because he was Israel’s father, and it ended just before John the Baptist’s ministry began (we will look at this verse later). For now, just know this was a time of piecemeal revelation to Israel—“at sundry times.” It involved various angelic appearances, handwriting, visions, dreams, miracles, fire from heaven, and so on—“in divers manners.”

First Peter chapter 1 says of the “Old Testament” prophets who, with limited understanding, tried to make sense of it all: “[10] Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: [11] Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.” Notice this reference to Christ’s First Coming (earthly ministry—“the sufferings of Christ”) and His Second Coming (“the glory that should follow”).

With the passing away of such “piecemeal” prophetic ministries, Father God sent His Son as His Spokesman to Israel. Whatever those holy men spoke prophetically, Jesus would come (Matthew through John) and repeat, explain, and add to it….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Was the Law of Moses given by the LORD, or by angels?”

His Son #1

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:1-3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us?

The Book of Hebrews opens with these three verses. We would do well to notice this is the Epistle to the Hebrews. This will greatly help us understand today’s Scripture. Throughout church history, Bible expositors and church members alike have gotten into much trouble and suffered tremendous confusion because they took verses written to and about Israel, and forced them onto us (the Church the Body of Christ).

For many centuries prior to the Book of Hebrews, for several hundred years before the early Acts period, for many centuries before Christ’s earthly ministry, Father God had sent numerous prophets to Israel concerning His coming Son. Through the preaching of those holy men, He was preparing His nation to identify their Messiah when He arrived. Yet, Israel became increasingly unbelieving and stubborn. Suddenly, God began to speak more and more about His coming wrath as well.

As the Book of Hebrews tells us in today’s Scripture, Israel’s “last days” (the final stages of her program) commenced with the earthly ministry of Christ. Some 800 years before Jesus, the Prophet Joel (2:28-32) predicted those “last days.” First would be the outpouring of God’s Spirit on believing Israel (fulfilled in Acts chapter 2). Then there would be the outpouring of God’s wrath on unbelieving Israel (still awaiting fulfillment, but would have come in early Acts). In Acts 2:14-36, Peter the Apostle preached to Israel that Joel’s prophecy was coming to pass, and that wrath was coming! They must “repent and be baptized… in the name of Jesus Christ.” God’s Son, whom their prophets foretold would come, has come, and they have rejected Him, nailed Him to Calvary’s cross, and still refuse to hear Him….

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry?

Saturday, October 15, 2016

“And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:19 KJV).

Would we do well to “…eat, drink, and be merry?” (Nay, we would not do well!)

The King James Bible, first published over 405 years ago, has greatly influenced the English language. Listen closely to English speakers and carefully read English writers. You will pick up on “various and sundry” quirky sayings. From whence are these? While it greatly disturbs people to acknowledge it, many decades ago, Bible verses (horrors!!!!) were required in public school curriculums here in the United States of America. Those students grew up and went on to dominate the 20th century in various capacities. They incorporated those Bible phrases into their everyday speech and writing. Newer generations picked up those phrases. Even today, Bible haters unknowingly often quote the Book they detest! (“Holier than thou;” “apple of mine eye;” “warp and woof;” “judge not, that ye be not judged;” “flies in the ointment;” “ask and ye shall receive;” “render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s;” “words smoother than butter;” et cetera.)

Consider this detailed case in point. While shopping a department store not long ago, I saw various Christmas decorations for sale. One particular little knick-knack had the following phrase painted on it: “Eat, drink, be merry.” This is a common maxim, heard and read in a wide range of contexts. Having read today’s Scripture, my friend, you know exactly from whence that expression came! Moreover, if you examine that verse in context, “eat, drink, and be merry” is actually evil. A covetous man, having accumulated so much material wealth, spoke those words in false assurance. He had worked hard, but had ignored God. The Lord Jesus issued this parable to correct the mentality of a certain individual wrapped up in worldly goods (verses 13-21). Those worldly possessions were “uncertain,” to be certainly lost at death (1 Timothy 6:17).

Friends, while it is not a sin for Christians to “enjoy” life (1 Timothy 6:17), the phrase “Eat, drink, and, be merry” actually typifies carefree living without the living God. If we must “take [our] ease,” let us rest only in Jesus Christ!

ATTENTION: The 2016 Slidell Grace Bible Conference is scheduled for Friday-Sunday, December 2-4, just north of New Orleans, Louisiana. Speakers are Richard Jordan, John Smith, and myself (Shawn Brasseaux). We would love to have you! (Videos to be archived to YouTube later in the year.) For more information, see: https://arcministries.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/2016-slidell-gbc.pdf.

Unity in Variety

Thursday, October 13, 2016

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire” (Matthew 3:11 KJV).

Let us consult Mark, Luke, and John.

Friend, the Bible is truly a remarkable Book—yea, rather, the world’s greatest Book! If you carefully read its words, looking for related phrases and words elsewhere, you begin to assemble a giant puzzle. What was mysterious is now somewhat understandable. While absolute clarity is impossible in this life—for our flesh limits us—we can appreciate a wide range of contexts and concepts by simply comparing Bible verses. Unfortunately, most have resorted to comparing verses with commentaries and dictionaries. Eventually, the commentaries and dictionaries become believable and the verses become doubtful.

It comes as no surprise that Bible detractors usually dismiss the writers of Scripture as “collaborators.” They say that Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John were from one written source. However, that argument does not hold up. While we can study and compare those Four Gospel Records, and see how they do oftentimes agree, in several places, these four books starkly depart from each other. John especially stands almost entirely alone. All the more reason to believe them as true! Why?

Consider today’s Scripture (Matthew): “[W]hose shoes I am not worthy to bear….” Mark’s version (1:7) says: “And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.” Finally, Luke’s version (3:16): “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose….” (John does not record this at all in his book!)

Notice how they do not read word-for-word. They are not supposed to read verbatim, either—that would certainly merit suspicion of collaboration! These accounts read differently… but, friend, fret not! They are four different men looking at the same John the Baptist (although, actually, the same Lord Jesus Christ) from four different perspectives. And, yet, the same Holy Spirit leading them all! Such unity in variety!

Why Stand Ye Gazing Up Into Heaven? #4

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

“And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:10,11 KJV).

Why did the angels ask the Apostles, “Why stand ye gazing up into heaven?”

Today’s Scripture declares the 12 Apostles looked “stedfastly” toward Heaven. They were not merely watching Christ Jesus ascend. Rather, they continued to look up. It was an intense gaze, not casual observation. Perhaps they even looked up long after He was out of sight. In spite of His instructions not to look for His return until they saw certain events (Luke 21:25-28), they looked up for Him to reappear immediately to “restore again the kingdom to Israel” (Acts 1:6). As we ask someone doing wrong, “Hey, what are you doing?,” to cause him or her to realize misconduct, so the angels asked the Apostles, “Why stand ye gazing up into heaven?”

Jesus told Israel’s believing remnant—particularly His 12 apostles—they were not to look up for His Second Coming (for them) until they saw specific phenomena. Contrariwise, when describing Christ coming for us (the Church His Body), Scripture says nothing about preceding signs. For example, see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, Philippians 3:20, Titus 2:13, and 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2. There will be no warning signs concerning this coming (for the Body of Christ). In contrast to Israel anticipating the Second Coming, we should be looking for the Rapture to occur at any time. Only in Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, do we find this doctrine of the Body of Christ being caught up from Earth into Heaven. Us searching for the Rapture elsewhere in Scripture will introduce unanswerable confusion.

A thoughtful and prayerful consideration of the Bible reveals two future comings of Christ Jesus. To force all verses about “Christ’s coming” to apply to one event is dangerous. We must not combine what God has separated; we must not mixed what God told us to “rightly divide” (2 Timothy 2:15). These two future comings of Christ are separate!

Why Stand Ye Gazing Up Into Heaven? #3

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

“And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:10,11 KJV).

Why did the angels ask the Apostles, “Why stand ye gazing up into heaven?”

Several weeks earlier, just before His crucifixion, Jesus had told His Apostles: “[25] And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; [26] Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. [27] And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [28] And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke chapter 21). Believing Israel was not to look up until they saw certain signs. Those signs were absent in Acts chapter 1; therefore, Israel was not to be looking up in Acts chapter 1! The angels asked the Apostles why they were looking up to prompt them to remember Jesus’ words.

Furthermore, Jesus had told them to wait for the Holy Spirit who would come days later: “[5] For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence…. [8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” They were not to be looking up as though Jesus would return right there in Acts chapter 1 because He was not coming back at that time.

God’s Word told Israel not to look up for Christ’s return until certain events transpired. Let us compare and contrast this with His Word to us concerning Christ’s return….

Why Stand Ye Gazing Up Into Heaven? #2

Monday, October 3, 2016

“And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:10,11 KJV).

Why did the angels ask the Apostles, “Why stand ye gazing up into heaven?”

Acts begins with Jesus spending 40 days with His Apostles during His resurrection and ascension. Verse 3 says He spoke of “the things pertaining to the kingdom of God”—see Matthew chapter 28, Mark chapter 16, Luke chapter 24, John chapter 21, and Acts chapter 1. Before ascending into heaven from the Mount of Olives, Jesus told them they should not leave Jerusalem. Verses 4 and 5: “…wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.”

The Apostles, having heard Him talk about the kingdom of God those last 40 days, ask Him in verse 6, “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Notice “again.” The only kingdom Israel ever had was a literal, physical, earthly kingdom—its apex with Kings David and Solomon. Rather than rebuke them—“No, I am talking about a spiritual kingdom in the hearts of men, not a literal earthly kingdom. I am about to start the spiritual Body of Christ” (what people assume Jesus said)—Jesus simply told them in verses 7 and 8: “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” The time-schedule of that coming literal, physical, visible, earthly kingdom is withheld from these Apostles.

Yet, they start looking up as the Lord Jesus Christ goes into heaven (today’s Scripture). They have not been mindful of His instructions to them….

Sparrows and Saints

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31 KJV).

A noted atheist once openly ridiculed “soft-hearted” God for “weeping” when a sparrow fell. What is our answer to such a fool?

Today’s Scripture says, in New Testament times, two sparrows were worth one “farthing” (also called an assarius). A “penny” (also called a denarius) was a laborer’s daily wages (Matthew 20:2). The assarius was about 1/16th of a penny. Imagine your wages for working 1/16th of a day. That was the price of two sparrows. Halve that to get the price of one sparrow. One would only have to work 1/32nd of a day to buy one sparrow. You could work a full day and buy 32 sparrows. In other words, sparrows were inexpensive in terms of human assessment. But, in the Lord Jesus’ estimation, every little sparrow was valuable. The Father would notice when an “insignificant” sparrow would “fall on the ground” (assuming death). After all, that sparrow was the descendant of the original birds He had directly created via His spoken word. He never intended even one animal to die! Death was man’s doing, not God’s!

Yet, even “many sparrows” (despite God’s value of them) were nothing compared to His believers. “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Take time today to read Matthew chapter 10 very closely. You can see the Lord Jesus Christ preparing His 12 apostles (and, more generally, believing Israel) to experience very difficult times. They will have to endure the extreme pressures of the coming Antichrist’s rule. Friends, that future persecution of Israel’s Little Flock is beyond our comprehension. For following Jesus Christ, all will lose family members and friends. They will also lose their homes, clothes, employment, and access to food. Some will lose their lives.

What the Lord Jesus skillfully did in today’s Scripture is encourage believing Israel, paraphrased, “Just as My Father notices an inexpensive sparrow dying, He will notice you suffering and dying for His Son’s name! He is watching everything and will punish your persecutors in due time!”

The Precious Blood of Christ #6

Thursday, September 22, 2016

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18,19 KJV).

God the Father and God the Holy Ghost think the blood of Jesus Christ is “precious.” And you?

Remember, God’s original purpose in creating the nation Israel was to form an earthly people whom He would use to glorify His Son in the earth. That was the intention of the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3). Israel was to remain separate from the world’s nations and religions (all Satanically-inspired). However, Israel increasingly intermingled with heathenism. By the time we get to Christ’s earthly ministry, 2000 years after Abraham, Israel is far removed from God’s Word. They are in no condition to recognize God’s Son when He shows up and offers to be their king. Pagan idolatry, false religion, has so deceived them that they are under Satan’s control like the rest of the world!

However, the Little Flock of today’s Scripture is reminded that they, as Israel’s believing remnant, have been purchased from that vain manner of living they received by tradition from their fathers. God has taken them out of that apostate nation Israel. Their purchase price was “the precious blood of Christ.” As the Passover lamb’s blood saved Israel from God’s wrath in Egypt, so the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, will save believing Israel from the wrath about to consume the apostate Jews.

No amount of silver or gold could provide these Jews spiritual life. It was the valuable blood of Christ. They are “born again… by the word of God” (verse 23)—given new life. Now, they are to behave according to their new identity. They are to be holy practically because God is holy (verse 16). With Israel’s believing remnant coming by faith to God through “the precious blood of Christ,” they have left Satan and become the nation God originally intended them to be! They are His kingdom of priests, His holy nation (1 Peter 2:9), able to reach believing Gentiles in the future Millennium. Israel can finally be that nation to restore God’s authority in the earth….

The Precious Blood of Christ #5

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18,19 KJV).

God the Father and God the Holy Ghost think the blood of Jesus Christ is “precious.” And you?

When Scripture says the blood of Christ is “precious,” it means “valuable” or “esteemed.” That word is rendered “had in reputation” in Acts 5:34 when referring to the respected rabbinical scholar, Gamaliel. Paul confessed that, despite all his afflictions for preaching the Gospel of Grace, he did not count his life “dear” to himself (Acts 20:24). We read about “precious” stones (or gemstones) symbolizing good doctrine at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:12). Marriage is called “honourable” in Hebrews 13:4. God’s promises to Israel are called “precious” (2 Peter 1:4). That word “precious” is also used to describe the immense wealth of the Antichrist’s future religious-political system (Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:12,16). “Precious” is descriptive of the radiant stones that make up New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:11,19).

Chapter 2 of 1 Peter, not far away from today’s Scripture, declares: “[4] To whom [the Lord] coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious… [6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture [Isaiah 28:16], Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. [7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is become the head of the corner….” This is the cross-reference for the “precious blood of Christ” in today’s Scripture.

Father God “laid in Sion” a “chief corner stone” means His Son’s earthly ministry, culminating with His crucifixion. Believing Israel (to whom Peter is writing) embraced Jesus, while the nation’s religious leaders encouraged most Jews to reject Him. To Father God, Jesus Christ is “precious” and His blood is “precious.” Believing Jews agreed. Still, what makes Jesus’ blood so “precious?” It is ever so valuable because it holds together God’s purpose for creation….