Category: John the Baptist

Wisdom for Life #10

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is true wisdom for life….

Here are the first seven verses of the Book of Proverbs (outlining its purpose): “The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Precious few have ever been taught that Proverbs is not a set of principles without a dispensational context. It is a Book of great prophetic significance for Israel. Check chapter 1, verses 8-19, which are a veiled reference to Calvary. Verses 20-33 point to John the Baptist’s preaching, as well as Pentecost (Acts chapter 2) and the horrors of the Antichrist’s diabolical schemes. Yet, whether prophecy or mystery, today’s Scripture is still true and is always true, because these verses are transdispensational. Paul definitely agrees with trusting in the LORD as opposed to trusting in our “wisdom.”

Whether prophecy or mystery, sinful man, filled with Satan’s life, needs God’s power in order to be filled with God’s life. Once the sinner trusts the Lord Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as sufficient payment for his or her sins (1 Corinthians 15:3,4); he or she becomes a vessel of the Holy Spirit who can then be filled with Jesus Christ’s life as that saint walks by faith in an intelligent understanding of God’s words to and about the Church the Body of Christ. Passages such as Romans chapters 12–16, Ephesians chapter 4, and Colossians chapter 3, can then serve as replacements for the evil deeds of Romans chapter 1.

This is true wisdom for life….

Reaping and Sowing #4

Friday, May 23, 2025

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7 KJV).

Let us not be ignorant brethren concerning the concept of “reaping and sowing!”

During the centuries before Christ, Israel worshipped Gentile idols. Consequently, Satan’s lie program distracted the Jewish people from John the Baptist’s preaching, Jesus Christ’s preaching, and even Peter’s preaching in early Acts. Israel sowed unbelief and will reap the horrors of (the future) Daniel’s 70th Week!

The LORD speaks in Proverbs 1:20-33: “[20] Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets: [21] She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, [22] How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? [23] Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. [24] Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; [25] But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: [26] I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; [27] When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.

“[28] Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: [29] For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: [30] They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. [31] Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. [32] For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. [33] But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.”

There is an old farmers’ adage, “You reap what you sow, you reap more than you sow, and you reap later than you sow.” In short, our actions have consequences—the outcome reflects the decision, the outcome will be more extreme than we thought when we made the decision, and the outcome does not immediately follow the decision. Let us now see today’s Scripture in context….

To Be Seen and Heard #20

Sunday, April 6, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?” (NO!)

It bears many labels—showing off, publicizing, theatrics, advertising, pageantry, performance, being flashy, headline-seeking, flaunting, pontificating, acting pretentiously or ostentatiously, showboating, grandstanding, wishing for a pat on the back or head, wanting applause or award, making a fair shew in the flesh, being “thirsty” (slang), aiming to be seen and heard of men. Someone is in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference!” They crave approval, recognition, approbation, regard. We would be wise not only to decline the invitation to join them but also to stay as far away from that meeting as possible.

Foreshadowing the future Antichrist, blasphemous King Herod Agrippa I attempted to be seen and heard as God’s replacement in Acts chapter 12. He silenced God’s preachers (verses 1-4) before God hushed him (verses 20-23)! “But the word of God grew and multiplied” (verse 24). Likewise, today, man’s standing ovations cease, clapping fades, trophies tarnish and melt, certificates tatter and burn, social clubs vanish, online personal profiles shut down… all are drowned out as God commends and praises His people for faithful service rendered to Him. Brethren in Christ, heart faith in sound Bible doctrine should underlie everything we say and do. Christian living is not blindly following people, denominations, religious organizations, et cetera. Outward shows do not matter, as we are not to desire man’s approval anyway but rather God’s praise. All that counts forever is to be seen and heard of God, not seen and heard of men.

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God” (1 Corinthians 4:5). “But he that glorieth [boasts, finds value in], let him glory in the Lord. For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth” (2 Corinthians 10:17,18). “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

-FINIS!-

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. 🙂

To Be Seen and Heard #19

Saturday, April 5, 2025

“But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,…” (Matthew 23:5 KJV).

Should we be in attendance at the “Desperate-for-Attention-and-Relevance Conference?”

Remember, the Antichrist of the ages to come will be the utmost fulfillment of Romans 1:25. He will be seen and heard, people worshipping and serving him instead of the living and true God of creation (Daniel 7:11,25; Daniel 11:36; 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4). Revelation 13:5,6: “And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.”

Though Antichrist will be seen and heard, that will be short-lived. The Lord Jesus Christ will be seen and heard as His radiant and thunderous return through the skies extinguishes Antichrist and the remainder of Satan’s evil world system! “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth [hear!], and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming [see!]:…” (2 Thessalonians 2:8). “And I saw heaven opened, and behold [look!] a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war…. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword [listen!], that with it he should smite the nations…” (Revelation 19:11,15).

Some are so desperate for attention and relevance they are on a crusade to attack those who are at the center of attention, for they would otherwise be ignored or forgotten. These desperate individuals are Satan, sinful man, and all fallen angels, who would be “nobodies” had it not been for their publicized revolt against their Creator God. As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, however, we are neither at the center of attention nor should we care to be. No one needs to know about us. Read John 3:26-31. When John the Baptist was asked if he was concerned that people were leaving him to follow Jesus Christ, John was at peace, for he knew he was nothing whereas Christ was everything: “He must increase, but I must decrease!” We give a hearty “Amen!”

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Note the Horizon! #18

Friday, October 25, 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?

Carefully read Romans 11:11-14 to comprehend national Israel’s current status before God in this the Dispensation of the Grace of God. Basically, in spite of Israel’s unbelief, and through Israel’s fall, the salvation and blessings of God are coming to the Gentiles or nations via Paul’s apostleship, ministry, message (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; cf. Acts 20:24). Gentiles can approach Israel’s God through faith in Christ’s finished crosswork on Calvary—without coming by means of Judaism, physical circumcision, or any other “time-past” requirement. You may also read Ephesians 2:1-18.

It was to be expected that, when the Gentiles would hear this message (Israel’s fall, setting aside, casting away), these nations would gloat or arrogantly delight (smirking, chuckling, teasing—“God turned to us Gentiles because you, Israel, were in unbelief!”). Thus, the Holy Spirit through Paul in that very chapter (see Romans 11:15-36) alerted these nations to fear instead of boast. Why? As God rejected and set Israel aside because of their sin of unbelief, so He will reject the nations because of their unbelief in due time (and, in the ages to come, return Israel to her exalted status as in time past). Our “but now” is only temporary; the nations’ access to God without Israel is but momentary. “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved…” (Romans 11:25,26a).

We are not Israel, and we have not replaced Israel. Yet, the Gentiles or nations resemble Israel in that they have responded to God in the same way Israel did. Israel overwhelmingly ignored all the prophets, John the Baptist, Christ’s earthly ministry, the 12 Apostles, and Father God’s other messengers to them. Likewise, the nations these last 20 centuries have not heeded the Apostle Paul (God’s spokesman to them).

Let us summarize this devotionals arc….

Note the Horizon! #14

Monday, October 21, 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?

What the God of the Bible is currently doing is but temporary. As He has not always done it, so He will not always do it. To the absolute shame of Christendom, most church members understand this to the same degree as those outside of church do—not at all! Christian and non-Christian alike never cease to ask such juvenile questions as, “Where is God’s wrath against sin? Was not Jesus allegedly coming back 2,000 years ago? Where is He then?” The Bible already answered these concerns, for the Apostle Peter was facing the same mockers (at that time, Christ had been gone only about 30 years).

Second Peter chapter 3: “[3] Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, [4] And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. [5] For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: [6] Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: [7] But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. [8] But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

Peter replies to the scoffers who doubt Jesus’ return was ever real, those who are deliberately ignorant of the Scriptures and keep delighting in their sin as though they have escaped justice. John the Baptist, Jesus Christ Himself, and others had long foretold of God’s impending judgment against sinners (Matthew 3:7-12; Matthew 13:38-42; Matthew 21:44; Luke 3:7-9,15-17; Luke 20:18; Acts 2:19,20,34-36; Acts 7:55,56; cf. Psalm 110:1). Where is this Divine wrath, Peter? Let us see if Peter offers a valid explanation….

Old Cloth, Old Garment—New Wine, New Bottles #9

Friday, September 20, 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?

John the Baptist expected the Pharisees and Sadducees (works-religionists in Judaism) to offer the lame excuse that they needed no repentance (change in mind) or water baptism because of their Jewish heritage. They would say something like, “Abraham is our father, and this alone automatically gives us a right standing before God. We have no sins to confess!” (We infer this based on John’s own words in Matthew 3:9 and Luke 3:8, plus the Apostle John’s comments in 1 John 1:6,8,10.)

While God the Father designed John the Baptist’s ministry to introduce Israel to His Son, Messiah Jesus, some of John’s disciples (followers) never actually transferred to Jesus like those in John 3:26. They joined the unbelieving Pharisees and Sadducees by opposing Him instead of coming to Him by faith (see Matthew 9:14 and Mark 2:18). In Matthew 21:33-46, Mark 12:1-12, and Luke 20:9-20; apostate Israel plots to kill the King so as to take His kingdom (nation Israel) from Him!

The New Covenant cannot be given to lost Israel, for they will not come by faith to the God-Man who can inaugurate that New Covenant via His shed blood. Likewise, if they are not partakers of the New Covenant, they are prohibited from entering His literal, physical, visible, earthly, Davidic kingdom. “Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you [unbelieving Israel], and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof” (Matthew 21:43). This “nation” is believing Israel, the Messianic Church, the “little flock” of Luke 12:31,32: “But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Again, like today’s Scripture declares, Old Covenant self-righteousness cannot mix with New Covenant righteousness….

No Wedding Garment! #2

Tuesday, July 23, 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?”

The Parable of the Wedding Feast (Matthew 22:1-14) is the third parable the Lord spoke to Israel’s unbelieving religious leaders during His final two days alive. See also Matthew 21:28-32 and Matthew 21:33-46. Let us expound this Parable of the Wedding Feast.

Verses 1-3: “And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.” The God of Heaven, Father God, the “king,” seeks to host a wedding and accompanying feast for His Son (Jesus Christ).

Father the King commissions His “servants”—John the Baptist of Matthew chapter 3, the Lord Jesus Himself, the 12 Apostles of Matthew chapter 10, and the 70 preachers of Luke chapter 10—to announce invitations to the Jewish people. Alas, the people summoned during Christ’s earthly ministry were overwhelmingly not interested in attending because of their unbelief. “And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him” (Luke 7:29,30). That is the first call to repentance.

Verses 4-6: “Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.” This is the second call to repentance. In early Acts, the 12 Apostles and the rest of the Little Flock preach as the Holy Spirit empowers them. However, apostate Israel still refuses to believe and continues persecuting these Jewish saints, climaxing in Stephen’s murder in Acts chapter 7….

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #9

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

Whether John the Baptist’s preaching, or Christ’s preaching, or the 12 Apostles’ preaching, the Gospel of the Kingdom was used to call the Jews to repentance (change in mind). Read about early Acts now, as in Acts 2:38-41: “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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”

Focus on the Apostle Peter’s urging, “Save yourselves from this untoward generation” (verse 40). “Untoward” means crooked, perverse, warped. Interestingly, the Greek word is “skolios,” from which we get “scoliosis” (abnormal curvature of the spine). You can also see “crooked” in Philippians 2:15 with respect to the Gentile world. In Acts 2:40, it is Israel who is “untoward” (think of “not toward,” the opposite of “toward”). This “generation” of Israel is evil, unbelieving, Christ-rejecting. Remember, Calvary was only seven weeks prior to Peter’s sermon. The Apostle encourages his Jewish audience to believe his message (Jesus is Christ) and thus deliver (isolate, detach, separate) themselves from their apostate (unbelieving) nation.

The Book of Hebrews was written during latter Acts, with Peter’s words in mind. Situated in its context, and contrary to popular belief and widespread ignorance (!), today’s Scripture in no wise—no way, no manner—describes Gentiles gathering in church buildings on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, or any other day during the duration of the Dispensation of the Grace of God. To use Hebrews 10:25 as though it were applicable to us is to fail (miserably!) to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15)….

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #8

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

Friend, mark it well how God used the Gospel of the Kingdom to call the Jewish people to repentance (a change in mind)—whether it was during John the Baptist’s preaching, through the Lord Jesus Christ’s preaching, or during the 12 Apostles’ preaching.

“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:1,2). “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). “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 10:5-7).

However, only some in Israel—a Jewish believing remnant—responded in faith to this preaching of “the kingdom of heaven is at hand [near].” This was the “little flock” of saints, a small portion being extracted from the nation: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). The majority held fast to, or persisted in, their unbelief. Observe: “And all the people that heard him [John the Baptist], and the publicans [tax collectors], justified God [declared God right, fair, just], being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him” (Luke 7:29,30).

A Jewish group was assembling around sound Bible doctrine by faith, whereas the rest were forsaking (abandoning, neglecting, failing) to do so (see today’s Scripture). This was true in both the Four Gospel Records and the early Acts period….