Never in Bondage?

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

“They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?” (John 8:33 KJV).

Is that so?

If you listen to today’s popular “Christian” preaching, you get the impression that people are not really all that bad. They have “some good in all of them.” Thus, so many actually believe they will make it into heaven eventually. They just keep “making an effort” so “God will give them ‘points’ for trying” (as a religious friend told me). Many see no need for the Gospel of Jesus Christ because they do not fully appreciate the fact that they are lost and going to hell!

Jeremiah 17:9 says about our human heart: “…deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Our heart will cause us to believe any lie and we will not know any better. Just look at the Jews’ response in today’s Scripture. They told Jesus they had never been in bondage to any man before. Of course, they overlooked the Roman soldiers walking by! (Rome was currently ruling over Israel.) Not to mention Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Medes, Persians, and Greeks had ruled Israel centuries prior!

The Jews were too prideful to admit that pagan dirty “dogs” (Gentiles) were dominating them. Since they could not learn a physical lesson, they completely missed the spiritual one. They were too prideful to admit their sin. Jesus was talking about Him being able to free them from the bondage of sin (verse 34), but they were thinking in terms of the natural world (physical freedom, which they said they did not need because they were supposedly no one’s slaves).

I will never forget an almost 90-year-old religious relative who, while I was sharing the Gospel with her, told me that she had “never sinned” in her whole life! (That dear lady has since left this world… I can only wonder where her soul is today!) Perhaps as many as 100,000 precious souls wake up in hell every single day. They thought they were never in “bondage” to sin; now, they are in “bondage” to hell forever! Brethren, reach them by God’s grace while you still can!

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Did Jonah live in the whale’s belly?”

Thus Saith the LORD

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD” (Jeremiah 23:6 KJV).

“Thus saith Dr. So-and-So…?” (No.) “Thus saith St. This-and-That…?” (No.) “Thus saith Mother Church…?” (No.) Thus saith Lexicon…?” (No.) “Thus saith Seminary Professor…?” (No.)

The various Bible manuscripts and their resultant 200 modern English translations have caused most to not know what the Lord has said. Satan, in Genesis 3:1, questioned God’s Word: “Yea hath God said…?” Watered-down Bibles equal watered-down Christian lives. Thus, we unapologetically emphasize the King James Bible. It has stood the test of time for over 405 years—it has changed more lives worldwide than any other volume. You cannot say that about modern versions—NIV, NASB, NKJV, ESV, NRSV, HCSB, et cetera.

Some Bible readers will believe footnotes, commentaries, and study notes long before they will believe the Bible text; church members often believe their doctrinal statement long before they believe the Holy Scriptures from which the doctrinal statement supposedly came. Like the unbelieving “scholars” who taught them, they distrust the Bible. When approaching the Bible text, they cannot help saying, “Most scholars believe this verse should be translated as….” “Scholars” have spent so many years allegedly studying the Bible, so why doubt them? The fact is they have been trained to believe there is no perfect Bible on Earth today. In their minds, God has ordained them to reconstruct His Word for Him. What on Earth would God do without educated men? We shudder to think!

If you call yourself a “Bible-believing Christian,” you better have a Bible you actually believe! Friend, if you cannot hold up any book and say with absolute certainty, “Thus saith the Lord in His verbally inspired book preserved without error,” sit down, be quiet, and not utter one word about Jesus Christ or His Book until you find it and hold it!

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.”

How You Finish, Not How You Start

Monday, June 6, 2016

“Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry” (2 Timothy 4:9-11 KJV).

In these verses, we see two saints—profitable and unfaithful, and unfaithful and profitable.

Today’s Scripture is Paul beginning to conclude his farewell epistle. Guilty of preaching an “illegal religion,” the aged Apostle awaits his beheading. Sitting in a cruel dungeon in Rome, he writes to Timothy one last time, urging the young man to come to the prison as quickly as possible. Why? Paul explains that “only Luke” remains with him. His other ministry companions are travelling, possibly visiting local grace assemblies on his behalf. In today’s Scripture, two contrasting names are set in bold relief.

First appearing in Paul and Barnabas’ apostolic ministry at the very end of Acts chapter 12, John Mark is Barnabas’ nephew (Colossians 4:10). He travels with Paul and Barnabas during their first apostolic journey (Acts chapters 13-14). By the start of their second apostolic journey, Barnabas wants to take John Mark with them but Paul refuses because John Mark had previously abandoned them around Acts 14:24. Barnabas and Paul, due to this momentous disagreement, go their separate ways at Acts 15:36-41.

Just over 10 years later, in Acts chapter 28, Demas appears in Paul’s ministry. Paul greets the Colossian believers on behalf of Demas (4:14). In Philemon 24, the companion epistle, Paul calls Demas a “fellow-labourer.” Most definitely, Demas was very useful to Paul’s ministry. Oh, but what a tragedy! A few years later, Paul writes today’s Scripture: “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world….” Demas’ precise motives are unknown.

Friends, just think! The actions of John Mark and Demas are written down forever in God’s Word! John Mark, once unfaithful, returned to Paul’s ministry at the very end. Demas, once faithful, abandoned Paul’s ministry at the very end. Brethren, just think! Those you expect to stay with the truth, they may not! Those you expect to never embrace the truth, they just may!

Qualifying Queries

Sunday, June 5, 2016

“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes” (2 Timothy 2:23 KJV).

The servant of the Lord must carefully choose questions about the Bible.

As a Bible teacher, it is exciting for me to hear from Bible students who are so engaged in Scripture that they ask questions. Some questions are so very easy they can be answered quite quickly. Others require a great deal of study—yes, months or years in some cases!

Bible questions allow me to assess where others are in their Scriptural understanding. It also enables me to see where I am in my own understanding, and where I could use improvement and enlightenment. Oftentimes, when people ask me questions, I research the answers and come away from the Bible with a greater understanding myself. However, sometimes, like them, I have more questions than answers, so I reply, “Before I comment, I will study more!”

Brethren, when it comes to Bible questions, remember the following. On one hand, it is easy to start asking various questions the Bible never definitively answers. We begin to focus too much on subjects the Scriptures rarely—if ever—mention. On the other hand, the Bible is very clear and quite dogmatic about certain issues. We need not overlook those defined ideas and facts by stressing the topics of uncertainty.

Today’s Scripture encourages us to answer Bible questions, provided they are neither “foolish” nor “unlearned.” Such inquiries generate “strife” (fighting, trouble, et cetera). Rather than actually leading to a definite point where something is learned and the inquirer is benefited, these questions are just meant to “go around in circles.” The Bible never clearly comments on them so all you are left with is idle speculations of yourself or others. People then try to prove themselves right and they start arguing with others who also may want to be right. Minds spinning, emotions running, people raise their fists and circle the room!

Before we ask Bible questions ourselves, or answer questions from others, let us be mindful of today’s Scripture. In doing so, we will spare ourselves of Satan’s “devices” meant to discourage Bible discussion altogether!

Enjoy our Bible studies? You may always donate to us securely at: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Thanks!

Five Assets for Christians

Saturday, June 4, 2016

“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12 KJV).

What are the five assets that God has given us for our Christian life to function as He intended?

As today’s Scripture says, God desires to have mature Christians, people who understand, delight in, and are willing to work with Him by faith to do what He wants accomplished. He has given us five assets so that we can achieve His will with Him:

  1. The Holy Bible (2 Timothy 3:16,17) – This is God’s inspired Word, preserved for us in English as the King James Bible. It is God’s mind, the way He thinks about various life matters. If we want His wisdom in life, rather than pray for wisdom, we need to read His Word! We consult especially Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, God’s Word to and about us.
  2. Indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-14) – The Holy Spirit will take the verses that we study and believe, and He will work in us to have our lives reflect the truths presented in those verses. We can have victorious Christian lives by the power of the Holy Spirit.
  3. Prayer (Philippians 4:6,7) – Prayer is not getting God to give us things but us talking to Him in light of His Word to us. It is a way of reinforcing the verses we read in the Bible, and then applying them to all of life’s situations.
  4. Local Church (1 Timothy 4:13-16) – Other Christians encourage us. When we hear other believers talk about how God’s Word is working in their lives, they are instructing us how to use specific verses in our own similar circumstances. The local church should be a haven for sound Bible doctrine.
  5. Pastors and Teachers (Ephesians 4:11) – These men lead the local assembly of believers. They have the responsibility of teaching us what they have learned from the Scriptures. We can turn to them for help, but, as time passes, we should not need them as much as we first did. Rather, eventually, we will be able to stand with them and teach God’s Word to others. We will have matured enough to help others mature.

Friend, without all five, your Christian life will be ruined!

Grace and Peace

Friday, June 3, 2016

“To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV).

Jesus Christ is the Saviour, not the Judge, today.

Recently, a Christian brother told me God was keeping certain leaders in power here in America to “judge us.” That is, God was using evil politicians to punish the wicked United States. He pointed out God judged Israel for sins in the “Old Testament.” America’s current difficulties, the brother claimed, are the divine wrath disobedient Israel endured. Today’s Scripture, a verse of tremendous dispensational significance, teaches something entirely different.

Paul is “the apostle of the Gentiles [all nations]” (Romans 11:13). As God’s spokesman to all nations, Paul was led on 13 occasions to write, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 3). Each of Paul’s epistles greets the world with “grace and peace” (opposite “wrath and war”). Again, today’s Scripture: “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them.” Because of Calvary, God is not angry at nations today. He is being kind to them!

Concerning “the Dispensation of the Grace of God” (Ephesians 3:2), God’s attitude toward all nations is “grace and peace.” There is no Law system operating today as in Israel’s program. Israel’s Law system was simply to prove that God would have to save mankind according to His grace, not man’s religious efforts. Now, He is manifesting His grace (unmerited favor) to mankind in a very special way today—the soul salvation found in Jesus Christ’s shed blood. In the Dispensation of Grace, God is freely and unconditionally offering the nations salvation through Jesus Christ. God is longsuffering, and has been for 2,000 years, for the people of the world to respond in faith. Once they trust His Son, He permanently reconciles with them individually.

As bad as it may seem in the United States or anywhere else, Earth is not facing God’s wrath… yet!

He Who Knew No Sin

Thursday, June 2, 2016

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV).

What does the Bible mean—Christ “knew” no sin?

The Greek word translated “knew” (ginosko) in today’s Scripture in the King James Bible, is rendered “had” in six modern English versions. That is, “had no sin” is found in: NIV, NIV-UK, Easy-to-Read Version (ERV), Expanded Bible (EXB), International Children’s Bible (ICB), and New Century Version (NCV). While this rewording avoids copyright infringements, it is a poor translation. Out of 50 English versions, only these six use “had.” The majority—agreeing with the KJV—renders ginosko as “knew.” Why is “knew” superior?

Jesus did not merely “have no sin.” As someone once pointed out, “had” allows the possibility that Jesus had personal sins that God did not simply credit to His account. Nay, our KJV has the correct reading—“who knew no sin.” As 1 John 3:5 says: “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.” And 1 Peter 2:22 confirms: “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth….” Jesus had no sins for Father God to reckon because He never “knew” (experienced) sin! Our Lord Jesus had no relationship with sin like we. How was this possible?

The Lord Jesus was far from a “good man” and “great teacher.” He was the perfect Man, God manifested in our humanity. There is no way a man cannot sin… unless, of course, he lacks a human father. So, the Lord Jesus did not have a biological earthly father. Therefore, he had no Adamic sin nature to inherit. He merely had a human mother, with God the Holy Spirit supplying the male sex cell. Notice Luke 1:35: “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” That “holy thing” was Jesus’ sinless human nature, contrasted with our “unclean thing,” or sinful human nature (cf. Isaiah 64:6).

Without a sin nature, Jesus could never “know” sin!

333’s Fifth Anniversary – God’s Mighty Working

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

“Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily” (Colossians 1:29 KJV).

Dear Grace Saints worldwide, only by God’s grace, “333 Words of Grace” has reached its greatest milestone yet!

Five years ago, our six-month-long local newspaper ministry ended very abruptly. Its cancellation was the result of extensive outcry of many local religious leaders. The King James Bible rightly divided had caused too much “trouble” for them. Our local newspaper editor—a “good Christian!”—eagerly forced me out. To replace our weekly newspaper Bible study columns, we launched this, our daily devotionals blog. While our critics tried to suppress us, Father God launched us worldwide. Had we stayed with the newspaper, we would not be reaching you right now here!

These past five years have flown by. They were quite an experience for us all. Until heaven, brethren, we will never ascertain just how many people around the world we reached with the Gospel of the Grace of God. Until heaven, we will never know just how many Christians around the world we reached with the Message of the Grace of God. During these past five years, we have made many contacts from various countries and all walks of life. Only by God’s grace, hundreds upon hundreds of Bible questions were answered, and over 2,000 Bible studies were disseminated.

During these past five years, we have also lost many dear saints, friends, due to various tragedies—illness, natural disaster, and (just recently) perhaps murder. During those last five years, we have also lost many dear saints due to infighting and apostasy. They have turned from us and returned to religion. However, we are ever so glad to have reached them with the precious words of God, during the short time we were able to minister to them. We have never forgotten them, we still love them in Christ, and we will see them all in heaven when God makes all right.

Brethren, thank you for praying for us and supporting us, inviting us into your life every day. For those who have been with us all five years, a special thanks for staying with us. By God’s grace, short of the Lord’s coming, we aim now for five more years! Onward in Christ we go! 🙂

All five years’ worth of our daily devotionals studies are linked here: https://333wordsofgrace.wordpress.com/master-list-of-devotionals-chronological.

Bible Q&A #270: “Is the Rapture in Matthew 24:40-41 and Luke 17:34-36?”

Put the Brethren in Remembrance

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained” (1 Timothy 4:6 KJV).

Never forget to remind the brethren!

Father God has much to say. He was so generous to give us a written record of what He wanted to tell us. May we be so thankful to Him that, when we have a King James Bible, we hold His inspired words preserved in English. No need for us to get lost in a maze of Hebrew and Greek, looking for hidden “nuggets” in a mine abounding with fools’ gold. It is unnecessary to enter a “prayer closet” and beg God to reveal His will to us. Rather, we need to get into His Bible and read it for ourselves!

Since the creation of Adam and Eve some 6,000 years ago, human life has become increasingly complicated and busier. In this age of entertainment, it is extremely easy for Christians to become sidetracked. They sit in front of their televisions, computers, and personal devices (including smartphones), and often go hours, days, weeks, months… even years!… without giving God’s Word even the slightest consideration. May they wake up!

Paul the Apostle exhorted young Pastor Timothy to remind his Christian brethren of the instructions laid out in the first epistle that bears his name. He was to especially bring to their attention Satan’s schemes and scams. In the verses preceding today’s Scripture, the Holy Spirit warned of Christians who would abandon sound Bible doctrine. They would embrace religion—“forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats” (verses 1-5).

However, Timothy could reduce Satan’s work by reminding his brethren of sound Bible doctrine (today’s Scripture). Those grace doctrines, constantly affirmed, would encourage the members of the Body of Christ to hold fast to God’s truth. As long as they held on to God’s Word rightly divided, being daily reminded of it, they would survive the apostasy.

Brethren, we trust we have fulfilled today’s Scripture here on a daily basis. Now, to our Lord Jesus Christ’s glory, we close five full years of “333 Words of Grace!” 🙂

The Greatest War Hero

Monday, May 30, 2016

“For God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 KJV).

In the United States, today is Memorial Day, when we remember those who sacrificed their time and lives to provide our physical freedom. Likewise, as Christians, we have spiritual freedom, which was more costly. Someone had to die to give us the eternal life we now enjoy….

Scripture describes a spiritual warfare between good and evil, God’s truth program versus Satan’s lie program: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles [schemes] of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:11,12; see also verses 13-20).

Satan distracts mankind from God’s pure Word, the Bible, keeping unbelievers lost (dead in their sins), and preventing unbelievers and Christians from knowing God’s will. The devil draws them away (seduces them) from God’s Word by using religious tradition and human “wisdom” (1 Timothy 4:1-3; cf. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Galatians 3:1-3).

God loves us, so at Calvary’s cross, Christ fought for us sinners, died in battle (today’s Scripture), shed His divine sinless blood, and eternally rescued us from Satan and sin: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:14,15).

Hebrews 9:12 says Jesus Christ has “obtained eternal redemption for us.”

If we have trusted Jesus Christ alone as our personal Saviour, God “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). Now, God can use us for His glory for all eternity.

Beloved, let us rejoice in our victory over sin, death, and hell that Jesus Christ secured for us by going to Calvary’s rugged cross! Jesus Christ is now alive forevermore—He is our Hero, the Greatest Hero!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study “The Greatest Hero,” which can be read here or watched here.