Category: prophecy

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #6

Sunday, April 28, 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?

Continue reading the context of today’s Scripture: “[15] Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before [Jeremiah 31:33,34], [16] This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; [17] And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. [18] Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.” To repeat, Hebrews chapters 8–10 (the larger context) are Israel’s Old Covenant (Law of Moses) passing away so the New Covenant can be ratified via Christ’s finished crosswork. If necessary, read Jeremiah 31:31-34 (plus Hebrews 8:1-13).

Keep reading Hebrews chapter 10, with today’s Scripture in its context: “[19] Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, [20] By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; [21] And having an high priest over the house of God; [22] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised; ) [24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: [25] 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.”

To wit, today’s Scripture is situated in a passage where believing Jews are isolating themselves from their apostate (unbelieving) nation, a nation that obstinately refuses to come to the one true God “the new and living way” because its majority prefers to retain “the old and dead way….”

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #5

Saturday, April 27, 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?

To fully appreciate it, we must read today’s Scripture in context. Start at the beginning of the chapter: “[1] For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. [2] For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. [3] But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. [4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

“[5] Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith [Psalm 40:6-8], Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: [6] In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. [7] Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. [8] Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; [9] Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

“[10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. [11] And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: [12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; [13] From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. [14] For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”

The context of today’s Scripture, Hebrews 10:25, is Israel moving from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant….

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #4

Friday, April 26, 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?

When reading Hebrews, it would do us well to note the obvious: its title is “the Epistle to the Hebrews,” meaning it is written to national Israel (which is composed of believing and unbelieving Jews). Hebrews has been called “the Leviticus of the New Testament,” and this is due to the fact a great deal of Hebrews describes how the Levitical priesthood and its Old Covenant will give way to Christ’s Melchisedecian priesthood and its New Covenant. The writer of Hebrews goes into much detail to argue why Jesus Christ is superior to creation, angels, Moses, Aaron, and the Law. Hebrews stresses how national Israel needs to move on to spiritual maturity.

Hebrews 5:11–6:3: “[5:11] Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. [5:12] For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. [5:13] For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. [5:14] But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. [6:1] Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, [6:2] Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. [6:3] And this will we do, if God permit.”

Today’s Scripture sits in this context of God the Holy Spirit calling the nation Israel to come out of spiritual darkness and into His marvellous light….

The Awareness of a Temporary Earth

Monday, April 22, 2024

“And, Thou, O Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: they shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail” (Hebrews 1:10-12 KJV).

On this Earth Day, let us not confuse the creation with the Creator!

Today, people worldwide celebrate “environmental awareness.” According to the secular, naturalistic worldview, our planet and its sun could last many more billions of years. They claim that we have done so much damage to our planet—climate change, overpopulation, deforestation, pollution, et cetera—that we must change our attitude toward “mother earth” and change our lifestyles before we destroy her and civilization as we know it! You can sense the zeal in their message, can you not? While these people are sincere, they are wasting all of their time, energy, and resources on a temporary planet.

Let us be very clear that the Lord Jesus Christ placed man on the earth, especially the Garden of Eden, to “dress it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Adam was to take care of the Earth: he was God’s representative, God’s king, who had a divine commission to rule this planet for God’s glory (Genesis 1:26-28).

It was not long, however, before Satan distracted mankind from understanding God’s purpose for him. Adam began to focus on himself: like Satan, he began to “worship and serve the creature more than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). Thus began man’s continual downward spiral into spiritual ignorance. He would continually worship himself, as we well know today.

Today’s Scripture reminds us that, because of sin, this creation will pass away. The Lord Jesus Christ, however, will live forever. Why worship that which is temporary? It makes no sense! The Lord Jesus Christ gave you life, not the pagan goddess “mother earth.” Environmental awareness? Indeed, be aware that our world is temporary, as God will one day create “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1).

One Mediator #9

Sunday, April 21, 2024

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV).

According to Sacred Scripture, the Holy Bible, how many mediators are there between God and men?

It is as plain and simple as English can be. We do not need to attend seminary (Bible cemetery!) and study foreign languages for 10 years to understand today’s Scripture: Jesus Christ alone is the one mediator between God and men. As works-religion Israel must learn, “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man [Jesus Christ!], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;…” (Hebrews 10:11,12).

Long ago, a little girl enrolled in a religious school reported to her mother how a Roman Catholic nun that day had given the class a lesson on prayer and mediatorship. The nun instructed these children (under age 10) how to pray. With all heads bowed and all eyes closed, that nun led these little children in prayer to ask “Jesus” for candy. When everyone finished praying, the nun ordered them to lift their heads and open their eyes. In utter disappointment, the youngsters noticed there was no candy on their desktops! The nun guided the children to again bow their heads, close their eyes, and pray for candy—except now they would pray to “the Virgin Mary.” After they begged for Mary’s intercession, they were thoroughly amazed to find candy on their desktops. In these dear little impressionable minds, and upon their naïve hearts, an indelible mark was made: for the rest of their lives, they would always remember how Mary provided what Jesus cannot (or will not)!

Yet, that is not all. The little girl revealed something disturbing to her mother (a woman with whom I talked). In class, this clever and curious student had peeked during the Mary prayer whereas her classmates had their eyes shut. She had seen the nun’s helpers quietly running around the classroom with bags of candy and placing these treats! Beloved, this kind of dishonesty abounds in religion, people who will deceive anyone and everyone so as to preserve their denomination or theological system. Beware of them!

One Mediator #8

Saturday, April 20, 2024

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV).

According to Sacred Scripture, the Holy Bible, how many mediators are there between God and men?

Just as the Book of Hebrews declares, Israel must learn how the Old Covenant of Law (including its Levitical priesthood) will give way to the New Covenant (and its Melchisedecian priesthood of Jesus Christ). “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises” (Hebrews 8:6). “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance” (Hebrews 9:15). “And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel” (Hebrews 12:24).

John the Apostle added, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate [intercessor] with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:…” (1 John 2:1). Christ’s shed blood that will ratify the New Covenant at His Second Coming, is the same shed blood that allows us in the Dispensation of Grace to come before Father God (see today’s Scripture, plus verses 6 and 7).

Nevertheless, countless intermediary beings or inanimate things are presumed to play some role in men’s fellowship with God. Whether “Mother Mary” (the so-called “co-mediatrix and co-redemptrix”), or angels, or departed saints in Heaven, or sacraments, or priesthoods, someone or something is being used as a vessel, channel, or vehicle to “get closer to God,” to elicit blessings or answers to prayer from Him. Frankly, these are nothing more than Satan’s policy of evil sidetracking hearts and minds away from the Lord Jesus Christ. These “other mediators” serve no purpose whatsoever—save to blind the minds of them which believe not, to hide the Gospel of the Grace of God from Hell-bound sinners, that they stay out of God’s will of being saved through Jesus Christ’s mediatorship (see 2 Corinthians 4:3,4).

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Heap Coals of Fire on His Head #3

Sunday, April 7, 2024

“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head” (Romans 12:20 KJV).

What is this, “heap coals of fire on his head?”

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:15: “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” This pairs nicely with the context of today’s Scripture: “[17] Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. [18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. [19] Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

As for the “heaping coals of fire” on the enemy’s head (today’s Scripture), this is somewhat obscure, but may allude to the ancient Egyptian custom of carrying a hot container of coals on the head as a public expression of guilt or shame for misconduct. The fire represented burning disgrace and remorse. In the situation of Christians doing good to those who treated them wrongly, the point is so simple. Such friendliness will generate mental misery or torture as in shame or guilt—perhaps even repentance (a change in mind) and possible conversion to Christ!

Paul closes Romans chapter 12 with verse 21: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” By submitting to verses 17-20 (having the renewed mind), we will conquer evil and thereby prevent evil from dominating us. We can let evil “overcome” (defeat) us (grudges, bitterness, et cetera), or we can overthrow evil by doing good to those who have harmed us (especially Christians). “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). We need not repay evil for evil: by faith, we send that mistreatment to Christ’s cross, we forgive it, and we move on (lest it be a hindrance—see 2 Corinthians 2:10,11). Beloved, “Heap coals of fire on his head!” 🙂

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. 🙂

Heap Coals of Fire on His Head #2

Saturday, April 6, 2024

“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head” (Romans 12:20 KJV).

What is this, “heap coals of fire on his head?”

In the context of today’s Scripture (verses 14-21), the Holy Spirit through our Apostle Paul clarifies how we as grace believers should respond to our enemies (those who wrong us, whether unbelievers or even fellow Christians!). Highlights include: “[14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not…. [17] Recompense [Repay, return] to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. [18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

We should not malign or insult those who persecute, injure, or mistreat us (see Christ’s example in 1 Peter 2:21-23). Instead, we should speak well of them. If they do us evil, we do not take personal vengeance. (In serious cases, obviously, we would appeal to human government, as in Romans 13:1-7. On a national level, we would have a strong military for defense—exactly as ancient Israel had.)

By not “striking back” on a personal level, we are attempting to live amiably with all people. The Holy Spirit in us the members of the Body of Christ leads us to think like this. When we have done all we can to get along with others, but they still seek our harm or death, we must move away from them. “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19, quoting Deuteronomy 32:35, Christ’s Second Coming in fiery wrath to pay His enemies back).

Today’s Scripture echoes Proverbs 25:21,22: “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.” Whether King Solomon (Proverbs), Christ Jesus (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27,28), or the Apostle Paul, all agree we ought to be humane or cordial to our opponents—supplying them with food, drink, and so on. Let us ponder how “heaping coals of fire upon his head” relates to the situation….

Without Blemish and Without Spot #3

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

“But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:…” (1 Peter 1:19 KJV).

How was Israel to see Jesus Christ was “without blemish and without spot?”

Passover/Calvary is two days away (Matthew 26:1,2). Israel’s chief priests, scribes, and elders connive to deceitfully arrest and murder Jesus. At Simon the leper’s house in nearby Bethany, Mary pours ointment on Jesus’ head (unknowingly preparing Him for burial). Judas Iscariot schemes with the chief priests to betray Christ for 30 silver pieces (verses 14-16). Jesus eats an early Passover with His 12 Apostles (verses 17ff.). On the Mount of Olives, He prays, before being betrayed and apprehended. His unjust, nighttime trial concludes late the next morning. Sentenced to death (!), He is crucified at 9 A.M.; He lets Himself die by 3 P.M. (Mark 15:25-38).

Israel could have verified Jesus as Messiah-Redeemer during those four days between Palm Sunday and Calvary. Rather than wrongdoing, He cleansed the defiled Temple, demonstrated God’s power, preached the truth, upheld the pure Mosaic Law, defended and expounded the Hebrew Bible, and exposed Israel’s perverted religious leaders. Scripture testifies of Christ Jesus during His last days: “the innocent blood” (Matthew 27:4), “just [righteous]” (Matthew 27:19), “I find no fault in this man” (Luke 23:4), “I… have found no fault in this man… No, nor yet Herod…” (Luke 23:14,15), “I have found no cause of death in him” (Luke 23:22), “this man hath done nothing amiss [no wrong]” (Luke 23:41), “I find in him no fault at all” (John 18:38), “I find no fault in him” (John 19:4). (Cf. Matthew 27:23; Mark 15:14; Luke 23:22; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:22; cf. today’s Scripture)

Matthew 27:24,25: “When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the [Jewish] people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.” Israel knew Pilate was correct; however, they could not care less that Jesus was innocent. Like all other sinful (deceived) children of Adam, they refused God’s sinless Son as their King: they demanded He be crucified as an imposter (John 19:15)!

Without Blemish and Without Spot #2

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

“But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:…” (1 Peter 1:19 KJV).

How was Israel to see Jesus Christ was “without blemish and without spot?”

Christ rides the donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday (Matthew 21:1-11). (Passover, His death, is about four days away [cf. John 12:1,12-16].) Entering the Temple, He cleanses it of the thieves who had been utilizing “God’s religion” to deceive and rob His people; there, He heals the blind and lame (Matthew 21:12-14). Israel’s religious leaders grow envious when children praise Him (verses 15,16).

Sleeping in nearby Bethany for the night, Jesus returns to Jerusalem in the morning to curse the barren fig tree (verses 17-22). God will never reinstitute the Mosaic Law, for it has produced no spiritual fruit in Israel. In the Temple, Israel’s religious leaders demand of Christ where He received His authority, and slyly dodge His subsequent question about John the Baptist (verses 23-27). He then issues three stinging parables: they do not follow God as they claim (verses 28-32), they willfully reject and scheme to murder His Christ—yes, He knows!! (verses 33-46), and they further refuse to believe on Him (22:1-14).

The Pharisees collaborate to get Jesus to say something incriminating before the Temple crowds (verse 15): they send delegates to ask Him about paying taxes (verses 16-22). The Sadducees then attempt to trick Him with a resurrection riddle (verses 23-33). A lawyer of the Pharisees finally asks Him about the great Law commandment (verses 34-40). Christ answers all three issues wisely! He asks them a question now, which they cannot answer; they are silenced (verses 41-46). Matthew chapter 23 follows—His severest censure of these false religious leaders (cf. John chapter 8)! He finally curses unbelieving Jerusalem, declaring that God’s house has become her house. Exiting the Temple, He walks to the Mount of Olives; in Matthew chapters 24 and 25, He delivers His magnificent end-time “Olivet Discourse.” Calvary is soon!

Indeed, when Israel was appraising the Passover lamb for slaughtering, sinless Jesus entered Jerusalem. He was the true Passover lamb, “a lamb without blemish and without spot” (today’s Scripture), to be sacrificed for us sinners (1 Corinthians 5:7). Would Israel sacrifice Him in faith? Or, in unbelief? Let us see….