Category: Gospel of the Kingdom

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #70

Wednesday, July 29, 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?

Since Israel refused to walk by faith in the Abrahamic Covenant—thereby repeating Abraham’s sin of depending on the flesh (works/Ishmael)—her people accepted the Old Covenant (Law of Moses) by promising to completely obey the LORD so as to become His people (Exodus 19:3-8). Amongst the 613 commandments He issued them at Mount Sinai, the Fourth was: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it” (Exodus 20:8-11).

The Sabbath is a “sign,” the sign or symbol of the Old Covenant: “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed” (Exodus 31:16,17). Israel was ordered to quit working every Sabbath (Saturday!) and remember why God Himself had rested on the first Sabbath in Genesis 2:1-3: “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” Remember, Israel plays a role in glorifying that God of creation, and this they do in the Earth. The Sabbath loops toward the ages to come, the kingdom “rest” of God’s earthly program (the kingdom of the Gospel of the Kingdom) (Hebrews 3:7–4:11).

Israel has yet another covenant, and yet another related “sign….”

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #69

Tuesday, July 28, 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?

Just about everyone in Christendom has no grasp of why Christ was water baptized. Apparently, all they can manage saying is, “If you want to be Jesus’ disciple, you need to obey God by following Him in ‘believer’s baptism!’” Instead of supporting a manmade institution by mindlessly parroting some cliché they heard in church, it would be far better if they carefully searched the Holy Scriptures they claim to know and esteem. They will thus understand the purpose of water baptism and gain some spiritual enlightenment and maturity.

Water baptism is a sign, the representation of the Davidic Covenant (just as physical circumcision symbolizes the Abrahamic Covenant). It accompanies the preaching of the Gospel of the Kingdom, as Israel is to become a kingdom of priests and must therefore undergo a washing with water like the Levitical priests at their installation. Water baptism signifies a purification, the defilement of idolatry being washed away. If so, then why was Jesus water baptized? Observe! Friend, if we are going to adopt the Bible-believing view, here are four reasons for His own water baptism.

Firstly, since water baptism is needful for priests (Exodus 29:4; Leviticus 8:6), and Christ is repeatedly designated as Israel’s “high priest” (Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 4:14,15; Hebrews 5:5,10; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7:26; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 9:11; Hebrews 10:21), He was water baptized and that “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:13-17; cf. Mark 1:9-11). Secondly, the Lord Jesus needed water baptism to be manifested to Israel as Messiah/Christ, the Son of God (John 1:29-34). Thirdly, Christ was water baptized to identify Himself with believing Israel (“Little Flock;” Luke 12:32) that was likewise water baptized (Luke 3:21,22—to wit, He blends in with “all the people [believing Jewish remnant coming to John the Baptist’s water baptism]”). Fourthly, by Jesus being water baptized, He was exposing as lost (unbelievers, or, not His people!) those Jews who had refused to be water baptized of John (Luke 7:29,30).

We reiterate. For believing Israel (and for believing Gentiles in prophecy), water baptism is necessary as an outward indication of inward cleansing. Let us see yet another sign in God’s purpose and plan for the nation Israel….

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 #65

Friday, July 24, 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?

The Apostle Peter preached to Israel in chapter 3 of Acts, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began…. 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” (verses 19-21,25,26).

With the founding of God’s earthly kingdom (Matthew 5:5; Matthew 25:31,34; et cetera) still in view in early Acts, the “signs” of the Gospel of the Kingdom continued to be present—picking up exactly where Mark chapter 16 concluded. The healing of the lame man in the opening of Acts chapter 3 typifies Israel restored to kingdom glory (see Peter’s sermon beginning chapter 4). Chapter 5 elaborates: “[12] And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people [Israel!]; (and they were all with one accord in [king!] Solomon’s porch. [13] And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. [14] And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) [15] Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. [16] There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.”

Again, in Scripture, “signs” and Israel go together….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #64

Thursday, July 23, 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?

When JEHOVAH God brought Israel out of Egyptian slavery, He was thinking of His earthly kingdom headquartered in the Promised Land. Read this excerpt from the Song of Moses, Exodus chapter 15: “Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain [kingdom] of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established. The LORD shall reign for ever and ever” (verses 17,18). Skip over to chapter 19, verses 5 and 6: “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.”

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Gospel of the Kingdom was preached with accompanying miracles of casting out devils and healing the sick (reminiscent of Moses’ snake-handling and leprosy-healing in Exodus chapter 4!). “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick [insane], and those that had the palsy [paralytics]; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:23,24; cf. Luke 6:17-19). “And as ye [12 Apostles] go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:7,8). “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:…” (Mark 3:14,15).

Observe again how these miracles are twice designated as “signs” in Mark 16:15-20, Mark’s conclusion bringing us into early Acts….

A Hope Reserved for Israel in Heaven? #9

Saturday, February 7, 2026

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,…” (1 Peter 1:3,4 KJV).

Perhaps we can search the Scriptures to resolve an apparent contradiction, thereby perfecting that which is lacking in superficial readers….

With national Israel refusing to repent (change the mind) and believe the Gospel of the Kingdom during Christ’s earthly ministry, the King goes back to Heaven as a “Royal Exile.” At some later time, the Lord Jesus will return to reign, just as the Apostle Peter preaches in early Acts: “Whom [Jesus Christ] the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21). Also 1 Peter 3:22: “Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”

In today’s Scripture, Israel is actually awaiting that kingdom—and Christ’s Second Coming that will bring it to Earth from Heaven: “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:6-9).

Observe the “Our Father” Prayer: “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come [to Earth from Heaven], Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9,10). “And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth” (Luke 11:2). Father God is “in heaven” because unbelieving Israel has rejected Him….

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

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. 🙂

A Hope Reserved for Israel in Heaven? #3

Sunday, February 1, 2026

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,…” (1 Peter 1:3,4 KJV).

Perhaps we can search the Scriptures to resolve an apparent contradiction, thereby perfecting that which is lacking in superficial readers….

As Peter expresses in today’s Scripture, believing Israel has a hope in Heaven, not a hope on Earth. Some maintain that this challenges—yea, disproves—dispensational Bible study. A second line of argument is offered via an appeal to other verses. Note the recurring expression of Christ’s earthly ministry, “the kingdom of heaven,” which is clearly to and about Israel. Observe, again, how it is not the Kingdom of Earth, but the Kingdom of Heaven.

The 31 “kingdom of heaven” references are exclusively in the Gospel Record of Matthew (see Matthew 3:2; 4:17; 5:3,10,19,20; 7:21; 8:11; 10:7; 11:11,12; 13:11,24,31,33,44,45,47,52; 16:19; 18:1,3,4,23; 19:14,23; 20:1; 22:2; 23:13; 25:1,14). Also, remember, this “kingdom of heaven” is at the heart of the Gospel of the Kingdom: “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand…. And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people” (Matthew 4:17,23).

Souls who have not matured in the Word of God rightly divided have reached an impasse at this point, facing a difficulty that appears to have no satisfactory resolution. Two options are available. The first is easiest, and therefore, most tempting. We can throw up our hands in defeat, and never take up the Bible again. Or, maybe we could do a little study, a little digging, a little thinking, looking for a Bible cross-reference here and there that will afford us the ability to weave together a tapestry of superb spiritual judgment. We certainly do not have to be spiritual geniuses, or graduates of Bible college or seminary (Bible cemetery). All we need is to be humble enough to let the Holy Spirit enlighten the eyes of our understanding….

Possessed with Devils #21

Sunday, October 26, 2025

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What does the Bible say about devil possession?

Two passages that will revolutionize the way we look at the Holy Scriptures (if we let them!) are Acts 3:21 and Romans 16:25,26. Acts chapter 3 is Jesus Christ preached according to prophecy, that “which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.” Romans chapter 16 is Jesus Christ preached according to mystery, that “which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest [through Pauline revelation].” Remember Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Prophecy corresponds to God’s will for Earth, whereas mystery regulates His will for Heaven. To mix them is to become totally mixed up. These prophetic and mystery programs cannot be combined, lest unanswerable confusion result. Again, we must “study… rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

The kingdom of the Gospel of the Kingdom is God’s literal, physical, visible, earthly, Davidic, Israeli kingdom. Prophecy is the series of events which will result in God having an earthly people, Israel, to accomplish His will in the Earth. “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth [not ‘heaven!’],” says Matthew 5:5, the earthly kingdom constitution. “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:…” (Matthew 25:34), which kingdom loops back to God placing Adam on the Earth (not in Heaven!).

Mystery is what information God kept secret from mankind until Christ revealed it to and through the Apostle Paul in Acts chapter 9 onward. As Israel will exalt Jesus Christ in Earth, so we learn from Pauline revelation how the Church the Body of Christ will glorify Him in the Heavenly Places. God is not claiming real estate on the Earth today. The current battle is in the heavenly places, and, to miss this is to give Satan the victory. Devil possession is Satan’s way of corrupting the Promised Land, but with Israel temporarily fallen (Romans chapter 11), Satan and God are at war in the heavenly places now….

Possessed with Devils #18

Thursday, October 23, 2025

“And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24 KJV).

What does the Bible say about devil possession?

Since national Israel refused the Lord Jesus Christ at His First Coming, but crucified Him in unbelief, she and her land of Canaan were never fully cleansed of Satan’s policy of evil. In other words, Christ was not allowed to drive out all unclean spirits from the Jewish people. Moreover, although the Apostles were given power to cast out devils (Matthew 10:1,7-8; Mark 3:15; Mark 6:7; Mark 16:17; Luke 9:1,2; cf. Luke 10:17-20), and they performed such exorcisms in early Acts (see Acts 5:16 and Acts 8:7), apostate or unbelieving Israel rejected the Holy Spirit’s ministry during those opening chapters of Acts. The Little Flock or believing remnant was persecuted, for their message not believed, which means Israel’s last state (devil possession) will be far worse than ever (re-read Matthew 12:43-45 and Luke 11:21-26).

The controversial commission of Mark 16:15-20 applies to early Acts (before our Dispensation of Grace) as well as the ages to come (after our Dispensation of Grace). “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;…” (Mark 16:17). Devil possession will be rampant under the Antichrist’s heathen religion during Daniel’s 70th Week (yet future from us), but Israel’s believing remnant is granted power to drive out evil spirits (thus validating their Gospel of the Kingdom as did the Little Flock in early Acts 2,000 years before).

See Satan’s future activity—the devil-worship and workings of devils—in passages such as 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12; Revelation 2:9,13,14,24; Revelation 3:9; Revelation 9:20,21; Revelation 12:7-10; Revelation 16:13,14; and Revelation 18:2. As in time past (Matthew to John, and Acts), so Satan again labors to possess and contaminate Israel (to prevent God’s earthly kingdom from being founded, moved from Christ’s First Coming to His Second Coming of Revelation chapters 19–20). Except, in the ages to come, Satan corrupts Israel to such an extent that the devil possessions of Matthew to early Acts will be comparatively minor (!)….