Category: early Acts period

Note the Horizon! #5

Saturday, October 12, 2024

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,…” (Romans 1:1 KJV).

Friend, do you see the horizon here? How can it facilitate your understanding and enjoyment of the Bible?

“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come” (Matthew 12:31,32). Though Israel spoke against the Son of Man (“We have no king but Caesar!;” John 19:15), Christ’s crucifixion was forgiven them (Luke 23:34) and Israel was given a renewed opportunity of repentance during early Acts.

Yet, Israel opposed the Holy Spirit’s ministry through the Little Flock, climaxing with the Prophet Stephen’s sermon (“ye do always resist the Holy Ghost;” Acts 7:51) and his death by stoning (verses 58-60). This blasphemy of the Holy Ghost could not be forgiven. “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God” (verses 55,56). Christ, once seated, was now standing to return and make His enemies/foes His footstool (Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:32-36).

Present at Stephen’s murder is a young man, Saul of Tarsus, who also holds the clothes of Stephen’s killers (Acts 7:58). Saul consents to or approves Stephen’s death (Acts 8:1). Years later, now as the Apostle Paul, he recounts for us: “And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles” (Acts 22:19-21).

With Israel in obstinate unbelief, God raised up a new Apostle, Saul of Tarsus (the leading self-righteous, Christ-rejecting Jew!)….

Note the Horizon! #4

Friday, October 11, 2024

“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,…” (Romans 1:1 KJV).

Friend, do you see the horizon here? How can it facilitate your understanding and enjoyment of the Bible?

When we look out to the horizon, we see a clear boundary between earth (bottom) and sky (top). Primarily a gas, the sky suspends small solid particles and water droplets, plus ice crystals in its higher layers. It reflects blue light. Most of Earth’s surface is liquid (water); the rest is solid (rock, soil, and ice). Earth and its vegetation reflect green, yellow, and brown light. Blending sky and earth results in confusion or disorientation (knowing neither where you are nor where you are going). Put the horizon back where it belongs and all becomes clear.

The Greek word for “separated” in today’s Scripture in “aphoridzo,” derived from “apo” (“from, away, off”) and “horidzo” (“mark out, limit, specify”). “Horion” means “border, coast.” Such is the basis for the English “horizon.” As there is a physical horizon, so there is a spiritual horizon that we dare not overlook. It is Paul being “separated” from the other Apostles, isolated from the rest of mankind. The beginning of his ministry marks a clear boundary: it is a break in prophecy, a departure from God’s prior dealings with man.

In prophecy, Israel is first: God saves Israel nationally to use redeemed and converted Israel as His kingdom of priests, His channel of salvation and blessing to the world/Gentiles/nations. “Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities” (Acts 3:25,26). This is the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3; Isaiah 60:1-3; Zechariah 8:20-23).

Therefore, the Lord Jesus Christ and His 12 Apostles were sent to Israel first (Matthew 10:5-7; Matthew 15:24). Once all of Israel was converted via this Gospel of the Kingdom (Jesus is Christ), Israel would preach to the Gentiles (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8). Yet, as the Books of Matthew through John and the opening seven chapters of Acts show, all Jews did not believe….

An Inescapable Testimony #10

Sunday, October 6, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

Dear Christian friends, try as hard as we might, it is not our job to convince anyone of anything. We can (and should) offer them evidence, but we cannot force them to believe it. Indeed, Satan uses works-religion (self-righteousness) to blind them to the Gospel of Grace, yet God’s light shines through even the thickest spiritual veil (see 2 Corinthians 4:1-6).

The entrance of God’s words gives spiritual light (Psalm 119:130), but hearers usually decide to hide in the darkness (just as critters dwelling underneath a rock scatter when you overturn it!). “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved [exposed as wrong]” (John 3:19,20).

Just because we do not see immediate results does not automatically mean we failed in ministry. What matters most is whether or not we gave them anything worthwhile to think about. Did we offer them sound Bible doctrine to correct their errors and escape their snare? Or, did we give them just another religious system in which to be in bondage (nothing better than what they already have!)?

Several obstacles must be overcome if one is to accept the truth. Emotional turmoil, loss of pride and ego, becoming an outcast from social circles, are surely to be faced—among other traumatic consequences. Therefore, quick conversion is rare. People are hesitant to leave trinkets and take up treasures because they have grown accustomed to those trinkets (and daily interact with similar people, who would ostracize them, so instant relinquishment is quite costly).

Provided we at least give them 1 Corinthians 15:3,4 (“Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day”), and they still wind up at the Great White Throne Judgment, it is an inescapable testimony that they heard a pure Gospel of Grace from us!

Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂

An Inescapable Testimony #9

Saturday, October 5, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

When someone hears or reads the Word of God, the Holy Bible, it is like a measuring rod piercing his or her heart (soul) and spirit. The person realizes how he or she compares to those Divine words. If there is faith, the person will use his or her heart or soul to agree with God. However, if there is unbelief, the person disagrees with God. These two responses depend upon the individual’s willingness to admit personal shortcomings (erroneous words or sinful deeds).

Either way, the Bible serves as a “discerner,” a critic or judge, evaluating what is really inside of each of us (today’s Scripture). At some point, everyone has a chance to hear and understand their sin problem—how they have come short of God’s righteous standard in Jesus Christ, how their nature in Adam damns them, how their works do not impress Almighty God. People hide behind ignorance and/or self-righteousness, but that Word of God keeps poking their soul—cutting them and pricking them. Over time, the heart of such people becomes increasingly hardened or insensitive. Passive unbelief (refusing to agree with God) escalates into hostility (making fun of the Scriptures, persecuting Christians who preach them, and so on).

Believe it or not, the Word of God we hear never actually leaves any of us. The souls suffering in the flames of Hell this very second can still remember Bible verses, knowing above all, “I did not have to come here to this horrific place of torment! Had I believed God’s words to me when I had the opportunity, I would not be here now!” They will always remember that, too—a truly inescapable testimony. In fact, the more light they rejected, the hotter their punishment in the Lake of Fire (see “more tolerable” in Matthew 10:15, Matthew 11:22, Matthew 11:24, Mark 6:11, Luke 10:12, and Luke 10:14)!

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

An Inescapable Testimony #8

Friday, October 4, 2024

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).

How can we have an inescapable testimony?

Today’s Scripture describes the Word of God, the Holy Bible, as “quick” (living, lively, able to give life) and “powerful” (active, mighty, capable of work). It can impart life to those who hear it (physically, as in John 5:25; or spiritually, as in John 6:63). It is also “sharper than any twoedged sword,” efficiently slicing up and down, penetrating beyond the physical realm and right into “the soul and spirit” (cutting in two the parts of the inner man, heart/emotions and mind, respectively). Also, it slashes into “the joints and marrow” (most intimate realms of the spiritual body). We wish to concentrate on the final phrase, “and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

In Greek, “discerner” is “kritikos,” the basis for our English words such as “critic,” “critical,” and “criticism.” The Bible judges, evaluates, or discriminates “the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Such “thoughts” are, of course, the ideas someone thinks, devises, or conceives. The “intents” are motives, purposes, or objectives. Holy Scripture is competent to pass judgment on what our heart (soul) thinks and aims to do. Not only is this true of the written Word of God, it can apply to the spoken Word (before Scripture was written).

For example, after hearing the Apostle Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-36), unbelieving Jews in Jerusalem were “pricked in their heart” (verse 37). They were convicted: the Holy Spirit, giving Peter utterance, spoke to them and used His words to pierce or inflict pain (sorrow, for example) in their soul. This led to them seeing how they had killed their Messiah Jesus in unbelief. In more violent situations, the Holy Spirit utilized Peter’s sermon in Acts 5:29-32 and Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7:2-53 to “cut to the heart [saw them through with vexation!]” Israel’s apostate religious leaders (Acts 5:33; Acts 7:54).

The Word of God being read or preached still brings out vehement reactions, positive and negative….

Old Cloth, Old Garment—New Wine, New Bottles #11

Sunday, September 22, 2024

“No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved” (Matthew 9:16,17 KJV).

What is our Lord Jesus Christ teaching here?

Comparing today’s Scripture, Mark 2:21-22, and Luke 5:36-39, we notice a verse exclusive to Luke: “[36] And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old. [37] And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. [38] But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved. [39] No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.”

Verse 39 is a fact, not an approval. As Jesus Christ Himself knew, a drunkard prefers to stay with his intoxicating beverage instead of moving to a healthier habit. Likewise, apostate Israel is content with keeping their vain religious system (watered-down Old Covenant) as opposed to coming under the New Covenant. This continued even into Acts.

Romans chapters 9 and 10: “[9:31] But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. [9:32] Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; [9:33] As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [10:1] Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. [10:2] For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. [10:3] For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

We summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Old Cloth, Old Garment—New Wine, New Bottles #10

Saturday, September 21, 2024

“No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved” (Matthew 9:16,17 KJV).

What is our Lord Jesus Christ teaching here?

Being a “publican” or tax collector, Matthew/Levi was financially able to host a large banquet at his house in Jesus’ honor (Matthew 9:9,10; Mark 2:14,15; Luke 5:27-29). Apparently, a great many people attending this feast were Matthew’s friends and/or acquaintances, for the Bible says “publicans and sinners” were present. These were the very societal outcasts, the souls, Christ had come to save. They were the same spiritually-sick people the Great Physician purposed to deliver from their satanic blindness and ignorance: “I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Matthew 9:13; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:31).

The adjective “righteous” in the above three verses designates those who do not regard themselves as sinners. They are thus the self-righteous, those who saw no need for any personal Saviour. In contradistinction to such smugness, the “sinners” who recognized their pitiful and lost estate were continually attracted to the Lord Jesus Christ in large numbers—which only sparked more moans and grumbles from the Jewish “religious” community. “Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them” (Luke 15:1,2).

It is at this point (Luke chapter 15) that Christ issued three parables—The Parable of the Lost Sheep (verses 3-7), The Parable of the Lost Coin (verses 8-10), and The Parable of the Lost/Prodigal Son (verses 11-32). Respectively, these apply to Christ’s earthly ministry, the early Acts period, and Daniel’s 70th Week (yet future). In each case, it is a believing remnant in Israel—never the entire nation. That Little Flock will become the new nation Israel, that which is given the New Covenant and filled with the indwelling Holy Spirit….

Brother’s Keeper? #5

Saturday, September 7, 2024

“And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9 KJV).

Let us learn the import of Cain’s reply….

Abel was a prophet, a messenger of the LORD God (Luke 11:50,51). Doubtless, he preached to his brother Cain how Cain’s “good works” were not enough to please the LORD. Of course, self-righteous Cain hated to hear that, for he had absolutely no interest in obeying God or believing anything He said. Cain therefore silenced Abel—just as Zacharias, Jesus, and members of the Little Flock throughout Matthew through John and Acts (namely, Stephen) all died at the hands of their works-religionist brethren.

By preaching the Word of God, Abel was looking out for his brother Cain. Cain’s spiritual wellbeing was at stake, and while he had no concern, his brother did. When God asked Cain regarding Abel’s whereabouts (today’s Scripture), Cain lied by stating he did not know—but not only that. Cain was actually callous enough to ask God a question: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” This was nothing more than a mockery of what family is supposed to be about. Essentially, Cain argued he was not his brother’s guardian or protector. “How am I responsible for knowing my brother’s location? I am not his babysitter!”

In the ages to come, we recognize how false religion will divide families and cause unbelievers to persecute the saints—even turning these their believing brethren over to the Antichrist’s government to face execution! Matthew chapter 10: “[21] And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. [22] And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. [23] But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another…. [35] For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. [36] And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.” See also John 15:17-25, James 2:14-26, 1 John 2:9-11, and 1 John 3:10-17.

We can gather even more data….

No Wedding Garment! #6

Saturday, July 27, 2024

“And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless” (Matthew 22:11,12 KJV).

Who is this who has no “wedding garment?”

In today’s Scripture, with all guests now present, Father God the King looks them over and notices a man without a “wedding garment.” The man is totally without excuse, for the question posed to him indicates he had been offered a wedding garment but had refused it: “Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?” According to the Bible, he is “speechless”—exactly as Israel’s religious leaders will be by chapter’s end (see Matthew 22:46)! He represents self-righteous, unbelieving Israelites who have (wrongly!) supposed their own efforts have secured them a position at the wedding feast.

Romans 9:31–10:3 says of lost Israel throughout Christ’s earthly ministry and even into the Acts ministry of the Apostle Paul: “[9:31] But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. [9:32] Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; [9:33] As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. [10:1] Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. [10:2] For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. [10:3] For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

Here is the proper wedding garment: “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10). Yet, in their works-religion pride, lost Israelites are without the garment of God’s salvation….

No Wedding Garment! #5

Friday, July 26, 2024

“And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless” (Matthew 22:11,12 KJV).

Who is this who has no “wedding garment?”

When prophecy resumes one day, leading up to Christ’s return to reign on Earth, God will have messengers preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom. “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14). “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15,16). “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come” (Matthew 10:22,23). The “two witnesses” of Revelation 11:3-13 and the 144,000 male Jewish preachers of Revelation 7:4-8 will have this ministry.

The above is the third and final call of The Parable of the Wedding Feast of Matthew 22:1-14. Re-read verses 8-10: “Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.” This is Daniel’s 70th Week, the seven-year Tribulation.

Here is today’s Scripture at last: “[11] And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: [12] And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.” Let us see how Father God the King responds….