Category: The Nation Israel

Note the Horizon! #11

Friday, October 18, 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?

Ephesians chapter 2: “[11] Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; [12] That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: [13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. [14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; [15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; [16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: [17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. [18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”

In the prophetic program, whether before or after our Dispensation of Grace, there is a difference between Jew and Gentile. However, in Paul’s ministry, our mystery program, this distinction concerning “circumcision” and “uncircumcision” has been removed. All believers in Paul’s Gospel (“Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day;” 1 Corinthians 15:3,4) are one Church the Body of Christ. As God has an earthly people (Israel), so He has an heavenly people (us). Ephesians 1:8-10: “Wherein he [Father God] hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:….”

Let us see how Pauline revelation fits with the Bible overall….

Note the Horizon! #10

Thursday, October 17, 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?

As God was unfolding prophecy, He was also withholding mystery… for the best way to overcome Satan is to keep a secret! For which reason, the Bible explains in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8: “Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

“Mystery” in the above passage is defined as “the hidden wisdom.” Ephesians 3:5,9 adds, “Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;… the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:….” Please make sure you appreciate how the events of Calvary were not a secret. For centuries prior to Paul, God through His prophets foretold various aspects of how Jesus would die. Christ Himself made frequent references to His crucifixion (Matthew 16:21-25; Matthew 20:17-19; Mark 9:31,32; Luke 18:31-34). Yet, the full scope of Christ’s finished crosswork—all that it would accomplish—was God’s secret!

In Ephesians chapter 3, verses 4-9, we read of “the fellowship of the mystery,” how “that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:….” This is the formation of the Church the Body of Christ, the group of believers God kept secret. It was totally unknown to the Old Testament prophets that God would take believing Gentiles and believing Jews and create one agency, the Body of Christ, an entity separate and distinct from the nation Israel. Isolating the Body of Christ from other churches in Scripture is critical to Bible understanding….

Note the Horizon! #8

Tuesday, October 15, 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 come to Paul’s ministry, there is not simply good news about Jesus Christ—but good news that extends beyond Israel and out to all the world without Israel’s rise to kingdom glory. See Paul’s “all-nations” apostleship in Romans 1:5 and Romans 16:25,26.

Calvary’s cross was indeed preached in early Acts, yet Christ’s crucifixion was bad news because Israel killed Him in unbelief (Acts 2:22-24,36; Acts 3:13-18; Acts 4:10-12,24-28; Acts 7:52,53). They did not crucify Jesus in faith, as sufficient payment for their sins. No, as the Apostles proclaimed in early Acts, Israel wanted Him dead and out of the way so they could continue unopposed with their works-religion! One religious fanatic who was thrilled in this regard was Saul of Tarsus. As pious as he was, he was headed for Hell at a breakneck speed!

Whereas God would use Christ’s blood in the prophetic program to cleanse Israel of her national sin problem (“my [Isaiah’s] people” of Isaiah 53:8; “give his life a ransom for many” in Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45), Paul (formerly lost Saul of Tarsus) learned a secret from the resurrected, ascended, and glorified Lord Jesus Christ in Acts chapter 9. Christ died not for Israel only, but for all people without distinction: “[3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; [4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. [5] For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; [6] Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. [7] Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity” (1 Timothy 2:3-7).

Paul is the “due-time testifier”—the apostle or preacher who proclaims according to God’s schedule—how Christ died as “a ransom for all.” Let us see why God kept the secret, a secret….

Note the Horizon! #7

Monday, October 14, 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?

Going all the way back to when God placed man on the Earth, Adam’s creation, He has always had some Gospel (good news) to share with man (Genesis 1:28; Genesis 2:16,17; Genesis 3:15; and so on). Father God has spoken about His Son Jesus Christ in some capacity, as Peter preached in Acts 3:20,21: “…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.”

Christ would reign in an earthly kingdom—the very earthly kingdom Adam and Eve would have enjoyed but lost because of sin in Genesis chapter 3 (Matthew 25:34, “the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”). This was the same earthly kingdom that was passed on to Israel, the one at the heart of the Gospel of the Kingdom preached during Matthew to John and early Acts (see Matthew 3:1,2; Matthew 4:17,23,24; Matthew 9:35; Matthew 10:5-7; Mark 1:14,15; Luke 10:9; Acts 2:29,30; Acts 3:21; Acts 5:31).

The above earthly kingdom, however, was contingent upon Israel’s rise to kingdom glory in accepting the King, Messiah Jesus—whom they refused and crucified in unbelief because they were too self-righteous to admit their sin problem (see Romans 9:30–10:4). After prolonged national unbelief in early Acts, resulting in Stephen’s murder, Israel loses her special status before God and Paul’s apostleship now begins. “I say then, Have they [Israel] stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:…” (Romans 11:11-13).

With Israel’s fall comes a new Gospel, the Gospel of Grace….

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….

Note the Horizon! #3

Thursday, October 10, 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?

“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). Indeed, Christendom recognizes a difference between the Old Testament and the New Testament—how the Hebrew/Aramaic Books of Genesis to Malachi differ from the Greek Books of Matthew to Revelation. Also, to some measure, they distinguish Israel and “the Church” (though the latter is a pitifully deficient term!). They do tell us, “We ought to divide truth from error!,” but seldom do they actually do that.

To solve our problem, we must define it first. Our fundamental error in Christendom is a failure to see two distinct programs in the Bible, two sets of information that outline God’s overall dealings with man. To state it another way: God has one series of planned events that should never be confounded with another series of planned events. Never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever should we mix them!

Firstly, read an excerpt from what the Apostle Peter preached: “[Jesus Christ] 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” (Acts 3:21). Secondly, read excerpt from what the Apostle Paul wrote: “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:…” (Romans 16:25,26).

God was speaking prophecy “since the world began” (Acts, Peter’s ministry)—and He was keeping mystery “secret since the world began” (Romans, Paul’s ministry). As the heaven and the earth were and are divided (Genesis 1:1), so the prophetic program and the mystery program must be rightly divided….

Magdala

Monday, October 7, 2024

“And he sent away the multitude, and took ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala” (Matthew 15:39 KJV).

This little obscure town in Galilee is more familiar than you realize….

After miraculously feeding the 4,000-plus in northern Israel, the Lord Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee by ship and entered the “coasts” (borders) of the town of Magdala (today’s Scripture). Magdala, apparently, was near the westernmost shore of the Sea of Galilee, slightly south of the midpoint between the little cities of Capernaum and Tiberias. It was one of the elevated or fortified places in Palestine (“migdal” is Hebrew for “tower”). According to the parallel passage (Mark 8:10), the town was located in the vicinity of Dalmanutha. Do we know any Bible character from Magdala? Yes!

“Magdala” forms part of the designation of a famous Bible character. She is none other than “Mary Magdalene,” a believer who is mentioned a dozen times in Scripture (Matthew 27:56,61; Matthew 28:1; Mark 15:40,47; Mark 16:1,9; Luke 8:2; Luke 24:10; John 19:25; John 20:1,18). It is unclear exactly when she trusted Jesus as Messiah, but she definitely resided in Magdala at some point before following Him. Her appellation is no different from the names “Simon the Canaanite [from Cana, a town in Galilee]” (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18) and “Judas Iscariot [Hebrew for ‘man of Kerioth,’ a town near Jerusalem]” (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:19).

Hopefully, we will remember how the Bible declares of her, “Mary Magdalene, out of whom he [Christ] had cast seven devils” (Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2). It is unknown just when this miracle occurred, but, Mary Magdalene herself was doubtless a fortified tower of devils—seven evil spirits, to be precise, who had taken over her body. She was a graphic representation of her sinful nation Israel and its polluted land of Canaan, quite useful to Satan in preventing God’s earthly kingdom from being founded. Of course, the Lord Jesus threw out all seven devils, reversing her complete and utter spiritual defilement. Also, by subsequently accompanying and serving Him—especially at His crucifixion, resurrection, and beyond—Mary Magdalene’s conduct ensured her tiny town of Magdala is noteworthy. Now, the Holy Spirit has written these verses so it will never be forgotten.

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….