Category: early Acts period

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #115

Thursday, September 17, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Micah 3:11, circa 700 B.C.: “The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.” Ancient Israel’s political and religious leaders were more concerned with receiving bribes and monetary gain than upholding and preaching the truth. Roughly 1100 B.C., the Scriptures relate: “And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre [money, profit], and took bribes, and perverted judgment” (1 Samuel 8:1-3).

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily [sneakily] shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious [destructive] ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned [insincere] words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not” (2 Peter 2:1-3). The sense of “make merchandise of you” is “use you to make a profit” (gaining your money, attention, trust, and so on—having first “coveted” [2 Peter 2:14]); it is the Greek “emporeuomai,” from whence English derived “emporium.”

In Acts 8:9-25, Simon the sorcerer had so captivated the Samaritans with “miracles” that they assumed this servant of Satan was a servant of God! (His “witchcraft ministry” actually previews the Antichrist.) When Simon noticed how Apostles Peter and John imparted the Holy Ghost via the laying on of hands, he offered them money to “buy” that power from them. It is a reasonable inference that Simon had extorted much wealth from the Samaritans, so he had plenty to give Peter and John (who nevertheless declined)!

Again, let us be wise about money matters….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #108

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Those who have constructed their theological systems upon Matthew to John and early Acts have inadvertently created insurmountable hurdles for themselves. A classic example is, in their effort to “be like Jesus,” they are forced to confront the verses where He warned not to lay up treasures on Earth but rather lay up treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). To wit, they would have to part with their bank accounts and all their material goods—but they will not follow Him here, dismissing these words of His as mere “figurative language.” Yet, the problem is that believers in early Acts obeyed Him literally, actually selling their possessions and giving the proceeds to the poor (Acts 2:44,45; Acts 4:32–5:11). Upon being asked for money, Peter thus answered in Acts 3:6, “Silver and gold have I none!” Why was there 100% giving here? Was that not “too extreme?”

Entrepreneurs Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John all left their fishing businesses behind (Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11). “And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him” (Luke 5:11). “Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?…. [Jesus answered] And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life” (Matthew 19:27,29; cf. Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30). This is what materialistic/unbelieving/idolatrous Israel refused to do (Matthew 19:16-26, Mark 10:17-27, Luke 12:13-21, and Luke 18:18-27)!

These saints were awaiting the Antichrist, whose economic system would not allow them to buy or sell without his mark, his name, or the number of his name (Revelation 13:16-18). Hence, by divesting themselves of all material goods, believing Israel would not be faced with the choice of deciding between following Antichrist and following Christ. Matthew 24:15-22 and Mark 13:14-20 enlarge upon these (yet future) events. Of course, such is prophecy instead of mystery, meaning neither tithing nor 100% giving pertain to us….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #107

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Under the Law of Moses, Israel’s yearly tax rate was 23.3% (two 10% [Levitical and festival] tithes given annually, and one 10% [welfare] tithe exacted triennially). These were fruits, vegetables, and animals whose value supported the tribe of Levi (priests), funded three yearly trips to Jerusalem for the feasts of Passover and Pentecost and Tabernacles, and sustained the welfare system. Endeavoring to appear “spiritual,” denominationalists today give a measly “10% tithe” (ignorant of how there are really three biblical tithes!). Moreover, a select few brag about donating “reverse tithes” (“I make so much money as a feel-good preacher that I can afford to ‘tithe’ 90% of my income!”). This too is Bible ignorance. Who among them is willing to give away 100% of their income? The reason why we ask this is simple: though there is not one command in the New Testament to give a “ten-percent” tithe, there is 100% giving in Matthew to John and early Acts!

“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21). “Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me” (Mark 10:21). “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth” (Luke 12:33). “Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all [!] that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me” (Luke 18:22). In early Acts, it was indeed 100% giving: “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need” (Acts 2:44,45; cf. Acts 4:32–5:11).

Let us study why this 100% giving was necessary….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #78

Sunday, August 9, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

What Saul of Tarsus learned outside of the city of Damascus in Acts chapter 9 was this (verses he did not write until 30-plus years later): “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting” (1 Timothy 1:12-16).

Again, Paul’s salvation and commissioning were a departure from prophecy, separate from Israel, and without Judaism. By the time of Acts chapter 9, Israel had already fallen (it had occurred in chapter 7, partly due to his satanic ministry), so there could be no salvation for Paul in joining Israel’s believing remnant; this necessitated the beginning of the Church the Body of Christ, Paul becoming its first member. The Apostle’s salvation is a “pattern,” and those who believe on Christ follow his example by trusting the Gospel of Grace committed to Paul (Acts 20:24): “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). This is what is known as “Paul’s Gospel” (Romans 2:16; Romans 16:25; 2 Timothy 2:8), for it was the Glad Tidings committed first to him and the Good News he preached. It also forms the heart or core of the Dispensation of the Grace of God given to him (Ephesians 3:2).

What Israel in Acts had to see firsthand was Paul’s own ministry proving a departure from prophecy, no difference between Jews and Gentiles, and salvation and blessing from God having no relation to Judaism or the Law….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #77

Saturday, August 8, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

One major fact that the Book of Acts makes abundantly clear is that, by the time its 28 chapters have been laid out, salvation has indeed gone to the Gentiles without God’s literal, physical, visible, earthly people (Israel) rising to kingdom glory. How would God prove this to Israel, though? Of course, He would use preaching—and He did. Also, He would use signs—and He did. Therefore, Paul’s ministry during the Acts period is linked to all kinds of phenomena we regard as “bizarre.” While church members everywhere have struggled for 20 centuries to understand Acts, Israel recognized exactly what God was teaching in it. Although church members everywhere have tried in vain to mimic Acts for 2,000 years, what (!) they (!) read (!) about (!) in (!) it (!) will (!) never (!) be (!) repeated (!). Mark it well, mark it well, mark it well: Acts is a transitional period that was applicable only to a 30-year period during the A.D. first century, and is certainly not a pattern for believers in Christ to copy for two millennia. The special conditions of Acts have long since passed.

When Paul elaborated on his Gentile ministry, he wrote during that Acts period: “Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ” (Romans 15:15-19).

Let us now talk about Gentiles and “signs….”

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. 🙂

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #76

Thursday, August 6, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Without question, Acts is the most abused Book of the Bible in church history. Such unbelievably irresponsible, shoddy treatment of it has produced more lost souls and more ruined Christian minds and lives than any other portion of Scripture people have perverted. Its transitional nature renders it exceptionally challenging—at first, anyway. Once we discover the general tenor, though, Acts becomes a blessing rather than a burden. It all starts with making sure we approach it using the method of dispensational Bible study, thereby jettisoning the traditional views that led to unending confusion, heresy, and apostasy. Alas, even a great many supposed “dispensationalists” are clueless as to what transpired during the Acts period, so we must be careful not to wind up in their trap either.

In order to gain a sense of the transitional nature of Acts, all one needs to do is simply compare and contrast the first chapter and the last chapter. Chapter 1 is Israel, the ministry of the 12 Apostles, the city of Jerusalem, and prophecy; however, chapter 28 is Gentiles, the ministry of the Apostle Paul, the city of Rome, and mystery. The opening of Acts is nothing like the close of Acts, and that is by Divine design; Acts is an historical Book, the record of how God was just or fair in departing from Israel, suspending her covenants, withdrawing her signs, and ending her (earthly, prophetic) program… and how He started dealing with the world/nations, apart from covenants, apart from signs, thereby introducing a secret/mystery and heavenly program.

The Book of Acts covers approximately 30 years, from Christ’s ascension all the way to Paul’s house-arrest. During that special time in human history, Israel became less and less of an issue—her fall in Acts chapter 7 with Stephen’s stoning (blasphemy against the Holy Ghost) leading to her diminishing for the remainder of Acts. Those dreadful concluding words of Acts 28:23-29 are entered into the scriptural record to demonstrate that, in spite of Israel’s persistent unbelief (all through those three decades of Acts!), salvation indeed had gone to the Gentiles without (WITHOUT!) God’s literal, physical, visible, earthly people….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #73

Monday, August 3, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Remember, Israel and signs go together. “And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped” (Exodus 4:30,31). “Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe” (John 4:48). “For the Jews require a sign…” (1 Corinthians 1:22). Actually, Israel declares in Psalm 74:9: “We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet:….” Signs are Israel’s national birthright; they belong to them!

The sign of the New Covenant is the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. “And I will put my spirit within you…” (Ezekiel 36:27). “And shall put my spirit in you,…” (Ezekiel 37:14). “…for I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel, saith the Lord GOD” (Ezekiel 39:29). “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh… And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit” (Joel 2:28,29). Israel’s believing remnant underwent this in Acts 2:1-4,16-18,33. The opening chapters of Acts preview the New Covenant that will be ratified at Christ’s Second Coming (Acts 3:19-21; Romans 11:25-29).

In early Acts, Israel’s believing remnant filled with the Holy Spirit is empowered to perform signs. “And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles” (Acts 2:43; cf. Mark 16:20). “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people;…” (Acts 5:12). “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” (Hebrews 2:4). “…[A]nd were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,…” (Hebrews 6:4,5). These miraculous demonstrations (spiritual gifts) of Matthew through John and early Acts preview God’s literal, physical, visible, earthly kingdom to be founded at Christ’s Second Coming….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #68

Monday, July 27, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Water baptism has been fittingly titled “religious TNT.” Fiery, explosive arguments have arisen because, instead of letting the pure Word of God have preeminence, individuals have isolated verses from their contexts to uphold denominations. Precious few understand that water baptism is not a New Testament ordinance, but an Old Testament one.

Under the Law of Moses, Levitical priests washed with water at their ordination (Exodus 29:4; Leviticus 8:6). Therefore, for Israel to be a kingdom of priests (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9), each believing Jew must be water baptized, and that to symbolize purification from idolatry’s pollution: “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you” (Ezekiel 36:25). Water baptism is the sign of the Davidic Covenant. Therefore, John the Baptist, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, was water baptizing in Matthew 3:5-7: “Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”

Water baptism saves believing Israel from God’s end-times wrath. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). “…the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:…” (1 Peter 3:20,21). Moreover, in prophecy, believing Gentiles are also water baptized so believing Israel sees how these Gentiles have forsaken their idols (Matthew 28:19,20).

Now, we address Christ’s own water baptism….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #67

Sunday, July 26, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

God promised Abraham would be the father of “kings” (Genesis 17:6,16; cf. Genesis 35:11, reconfirmation to grandson and heir Jacob). Born about a millennium later, David was the most famous of these historical kings, with whom the LORD made this covenant: “And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David” (2 Samuel 7:12-17).

Remember, the LORD purposed to make Israel “a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;…” (1 Peter 2:9). One of David’s sons will permanently occupy his throne—and this is Jesus Christ, JEHOVAH God who takes on human flesh and receives the legal right to the throne through Joseph and the biological right to the throne through Mary. “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:31-33; cf. Matthew 1:1,6,20; cf. Isaiah 9:6,7).

This is the kingdom of the Gospel of the Kingdom….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #66

Saturday, July 25, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

What was the significance of the healing miracles and casting out of devils of Moses’ ministry, Christ’s earthly ministry, and the 12 Apostles’ ministry in early Acts? It was more than simply to help people escape suffering or entertain them with supernatural demonstrations. God was communicating sound Bible doctrine by fulfilling centuries-old prophecies of the Old Testament.

“For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us…. And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity” (Isaiah 33:22,24). When God would found His earthly kingdom, there would be no physical disability or disease: “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing:…” (Isaiah 35:5,6). Once Messiah (Christ Jesus) arrived, there would be a proliferation of healing miracles—as well as casting out of devils (evil spirits that rendered Israel unclean, unfit for God’s service): “And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land” (Zechariah 13:2). It would be the very earthly kingdom God intended for Adam and man before the Fall, before there were satanic activities on Earth and before there was the curse of sin and sickness on Earth. Hebrews 2:4 recalls early Acts: “God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?”

If Israel was to be used of God, not only did her people need to be cleansed of sin and delivered from Satan, they had to see proof that they would be God’s kingdom of priests. Thus enters the Davidic Covenant, and yet another sign….