Christian ambassador (Shawn Brasseaux)

Apocrypha: Adding Books to the Bible Is a Sin (by Nolan Guilbeau)

December 23, 2007

by Nolan Guilbeau – Published in The (Opelousas, Louisiana) Daily World
℅ Shawn Brasseaux

The word apocrypha from the Bible is from the Greek apokrupha and is defined as meaning “hidden things.” It was used by ecclesiastical writers for matters secret or mysterious. Further definitions are: unknown origin, forged or spurious in nature, and being unrecognized or uncanonical. It is the name generally given to many books or scrolls of the Old Testament.

These very books were not permitted or accepted among the sacred books during the first four centuries of the genuine Christian church. Many respected theologians of that era didn’t accept these writings either, as they were not considered to be the inspired Word of God (“God-breathed”). The canon of Scripture was closed and sealed in the first century.

However, at the Council of Trent on April 15, 1546, the Roman church, added and adopted at least 11 of these uninspired books and declared them as new canons of their church and introduced some of these books in their Bibles for the first time in their church history. Strange it would take many, many centuries of well over 1000 years for Rome to suddenly include these books as part of the inspired Word of God in their canons and Bibles. Were these books of spurious origin added to enable Rome to enforce teachings of purgatory, salvation by works, praying for the dead, etc? (For instance, II Maccabees 12:43-45 and Ecclesiasticus 3:30) In the older Douay Version of a few years ago, more of these Apocryphal books were added.

Apocrypha historical facts:

The Jewish religion never accepted these Apocryphal writings as inspired—they rejected them. Orthodox Jews, custodians of the Hebrew religion, would have forfeited their lives rather than falsify Old Testament Scripture. They viewed the Apocrypha as the mere thoughts and works of man.
Some of the very writers of these spurious books themselves disclaimed any inspiration. The prologue to Ecclesiasticus, II Maccabees 2:24-33 and 15:38-39 did not claim any inspiration.
Apocryphal writings contradict God-inspired writings—cf. Baruch 1:2 & Jeremiah 23:6-7
The Church of Rome didn’t introduce the Apocrypha until 1546; therefore they cannot claim apostolic authority for them.
These writings were rejected by Jerome (340-420), who the Roman Church calls “the great Doctor” because of his knowledge of the Scriptures. (Proof—See Volume I, pg. 601 of the Catholic Encyclopedia and Leo XIII’s encyclical letter.) You will find that many of the “doctors” of the church—Augustine (354-430), Cardinal Ximenes, Cardinal Cajetan, and Pope Gregory (540-604)—rejected these Apocryphal writings as inspired.
Finally, none of these books were ever quoted or taught by either the Lord Jesus or the apostles. It’s obvious the Apocrypha is unreliable for doctrine.

Those who add to or subtract from the word of God are subject to His judgments. Proverbs 30:6: “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” According to Scripture, judgment is certain for those who “add” to God’s word, the Bible. Christians need to discern matters of the past and the present which affects our worship; who and why we worship and not get stuck on indifference. For every knee shall someday bow before Jesus Christ of the Scriptures, acknowledging Him as Lord (Philippians 2:10).

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Posted by Christian ambassador (Shawn Brasseaux)

Elderly, But Still Loved By God

December 12, 2007

by Shawn Brasseaux

About two weeks ago, I went with my parents to see an elderly family member in the nursing home. Jim is in his early seventies and he is my paternal grandfather’s brother (one of the last surviving members of eight original children). It was quite sad because not many people visit him. He once lived in a mobile home, and my dad’s cousin would go every day and care for him there. This past January, my dad’s cousin died of cancer, so Jim was moved to a nursing home a few months back. He has had a couple of strokes in the past, but thankfully, he can still hear and talk, and he has a sound mind. He still remembers us, and He can still make sound decisions.

The nursing home in which he lives is a very lonely place. As we talked to him in a lobby, there were other elderly people watching television. One poor lady must not have been able to speak, because she just sat there tapping her hands and slumped to one side of the chair. A man nearby suffered from tremors, and he sat in a wheelchair at a table with a nurse. Another woman, who probably was senile, was walking and pacing the floors, and then returning to her seat. One of Jim’s friends could not hear us talking, and he was waiting on his niece to bring him some batteries for his hearing aids. As we wheeled Uncle Jim to the cafeteria, we passed by several rooms. I would glance in the doorways, and see a poor old soul lying in bed staring up at the ceiling. These dear souls, outcasts of society, are just wasting away.

In the cafeteria, Jim sat next to a woman—she was 99 years old! We sat with him for a short time while he ate, and then we left. As I walked down the halls back to the parking lot I got the idea that I needed to write an article about the elderly. Those people probably have very little hope there, because they feel unloved and forgotten. No one has time for them because society views them as elderly and therefore useless. Most of them, if not all of them, are lost and have no idea about the salvation in Christ Jesus. What is further sad is that some have lost much of their ability to learn and comprehend, so they have little to no hope of trusting in Christ!

This past summer, we traveled to Texas to see one of my mom’s great uncles. Uncle Joe is a Christian and he is 95 years old, but he looks quite younger than that. The first time we visited him was back in 2001 when his wife of 65 years had just recently gone on to be with the Lord (he claims that his wife was also a believer). When we stopped by his apartment this past July, he was so delighted to see us that he clapped his hands and jumped from his recliner! His daughter lives right next door, but I am sure that he still gets lonely. Despite his age, he has a very sharp memory, and he is still driving. He was sad to see us leave, because we only talked with him for a few hours. Now that his wife is gone, not many people visit him either, and he has very little interaction with others.

While the bodies of these elderly are worn and weakening as the golden years draw to a close, their souls have not aged! The Bible says that the LORD God made humans in His image (Genesis 1:26-28). We have a part of us that is timeless and eternal like God is, and that is our soul. God still loves the elderly, because He also died for their forgiveness! The Bible says that one day we will grow old too, as this is because the curse of sin has brought in physical death.

In the Old Testament, Deuteronomy 34:7, Moses lived to be 120 years old and he still had sharp vision and could walk like a young man! When Moses dies, the Bible says in verses 5-6 that God Himself buried Moses in a secret location. Abraham, the “father” of the nation Israel, was 175 years old when he died (Genesis 25:7). Genesis 5:5 says that Adam was 930 years old when he died, while the oldest known man is Methuselah, who lived 969 years (Genesis 5:27). Noah died at age 950 (Genesis 9:28-29). While we can never expect to live that long here in this world, we as Christians can expect to live forever in glory!

Just the other day, a 95-year-old sister in Christ, whom my parents knew for years, passed away and is now in the presence of the Lord. Another elderly Christian my parents know suffers from Alzheimer’s. She may not be fully aware of where she is or what she needs to do at times, but God has not forgotten her, and neither will He leave her side. If you are a genuine Christian, Jesus Christ has promised to “never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). Even in your old age, in your weakness, the Lord can still use you to accomplish His will. You may be limited physically, but you can still pray for others to be saved and/or grow spiritually.

To any young people reading this, we should honor and love the elderly. Although the elderly can be good sources of information, pay special attention to the advice of elderly Christians. They have lived their lives according to the Bible, and they have experience from which you can also benefit. I am learning that more and more everyday.

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Posted by Christian ambassador (Shawn Brasseaux)

Bible’s Authors Were Not ‘Ghost Writers’ (by Nolan Guilbeau)

December 9, 2007

by Nolan Guilbeau – Published in The (Opelousas, Louisiana) Daily World
℅ Shawn Brasseaux

It’s regrettable a critic of my recent letters would resort to personal attacks, rather than intelligently engage in the subject matter or content presented. Evidently he doesn’t live in a glass house. (Romans 3:23) I am honored to be called a “Bible-toter;” however, in the context of his letter, it wasn’t meant to be complimentary but rather to demean. At least I know I have the necessary simple truths of scriptures that gave me eternal life with Christ and do not subscribe anymore to the many unscriptural doctrines and dogmas of man. The claim by this critic of my having “ghost writers” is somewhat amusing, but nevertheless folly for an educator to make. I would have expected an intelligent response on the issues presented. Simply put, if the authors of the books of the Bible I often quote in my letters are seen as mere “ghost writers” by him, then it exposes his disbelief in the Scriptures.

For him to suggest the world today has to “wink” at the supposedly innocence of the Roman Catholic Church for their horrible crimes of past, including murdering an estimated 150 million people is incredible. Wink at Catholic Hitler, too? To my knowledge, no restitutions or reparations were ever made. Is “Thou Shalt Not Murder” from the Ten Commandments so difficult to understand? Plead ignorance will you? Believe this and I have a piece of the Brooklyn Bridge to sell.

A Roman Church Cardinal Newman wrote several books. On page 359 of his book The Development of the Christian Religion, he states: “Temples, incense, oil lamps, votive offerings, holy water, holidays, seasons of devotion, processions, blessings of the fields, sacerdotal vestments, the tonsure (of priests, monks nuns) images and statues” all used in the Roman Church—“all are from pagan origin.”

Would this critic denounce as hypocritical, heretical, blasphemous of his own Cardinal Newman’s public exposure of his findings in antiquity, relative to the Roman Church and its open practice of these? Many other researchers of ancient Babylon pagan religion, for instance, document these same findings. Attempts to silence the messenger do not change documented historical facts, right? If the writers of the Old and New Testament books are ghost writers as this critic would imply, where does the Roman Catholic Church get all of its doctrines? I suppose from his imagined ghost writers of the Bible and ghost writers of reliable oral tradition, the magisterium.

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Posted by Christian ambassador (Shawn Brasseaux)

Some Forsaking Sound Doctrine to Attack Others (by Nolan Guilbeau)

December 3, 2007

by Nolan Guilbeau – Published in The (Opelousas, Louisiana) Daily World
℅ Shawn Brasseaux

In the latter days of this church age, it’s not surprising to experience the rise of the spirit of the antichrist in the world. The scriptures amply address this very subject. They caution and serve as a reminder to the readers of the awful deceptions and events that will eventually come to pass involving religions of the world. The readers have the option to believe or reject these messages. However, ignorance or indifference doesn’t alter the facts of God’s messages to mankind. They remain true and always will, according to the scriptures. (Psalms 119:89) “Forever, O Lord, thy Word is settled in heaven.”

It’s rather interesting to read in the “Story Chats” people who use coded methods to obscure their identities. A few use this method to protest, dissent or attack the writers of letters to the editor. A recent one to critique my letters was a professing Baptist who suggested my messages “divide.” He evidently expects humanity to embrace the ecumenical movement, predominately led by Rome, which will lead to a one-world religion. He stated: “We are of the same faith” as the Roman church. I’m left to wonder how often this seemingly faithful ecumenist frequents the Roman church and participates in its services?

This is one of the many deceptions cast upon naive, well-meaning, yet uninformed people that take place before the return of Jesus Christ. How can there be “unity” when two entities each proclaim a different gospel? Impossible. The apostle Paul gives a clarion call: “Be not unequally yoked,” “Come out from among them,” and “Be ye separate.” (II Corinthians 6:14 & 17) This is a call for “separation:” not unity. Separation for the tight reasons is commanded. Bible-believing Christians have a God-given duty to proclaim the pure gospel of Jesus Christ of the scriptures and not another gospel. (Romans 1:16) A soft-peddled, sugar-coated, polluted gospel seems to be the order of today. Shame!

To those who believe sound Biblical doctrines are unimportant and can be sacrificed at will for the sake of “unity,” I suggest you also research and renew your minds of what the Reformation was all about. We may have again entered the conditions of a pre-Reformation period because of the indifference of some genuine Christians. Fact: Evangelical Christians have standing curses and damnations against them in Rome’s canons and decrees of centuries ago and reaffirmed in the 1960s. Do these few whiners and chronic complainers of my letters ever cry out “foul” to these injustices contrived by Rome’s religious hierarchy on Bible-believing Christians? No. Why the silence? Is this an endorsement of these injustices?

Suppressing the exercise of free speech in any society is bondage, which eventually leads to tyranny reminiscent of the Dark Ages. Amazingly, many don’t seem to have a clue while others reject truth. Those who cast aspersions and suggest I dislike Catholics are very, very mistaken in judgment. Most all of my relatives are of that faith, and I would be less than human to dislike them because of their religion. Love of family is innate. I leave this message: “For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, Not of works lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8,9).

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Is Jesus Christ “Dead in Vain?” (by Nolan Guilbeau)

November 13, 2007

by Nolan Guilbeau – Published in The (Opelousas, Louisiana) Daily World
℅ Shawn Brasseaux

There are many reasons why Christians enjoy reading the Bible. They have come to the realization that the Bible is the source of simple instructions to follow to inherit eternal life with Christ and instructions on how to help guide others who need God’s salvation. We find that the holy God of the universe, Creator of all things that are made, has made the plan for man’s salvation, so even a “child” can understand. So says the scripture as Paul speaks to his son in the faith, Timothy “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto “salvation” through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (II Timothy 3:15). See, no rituals and no pompous ceremonies, Timothy.

Genuine Bible-believing Christians, symbolically speaking, do not have their feet set in sand and cement as a spiritual foundation, rather it is solid “rock,” the chief cornerstone better known as Jesus Christ of the scriptures. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 3:11).

As well, there is no need on God’s green earth of a co-redeemer/redemptrix for man’s eternal salvation and life with Christ. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). The scripture compliments and builds on itself to further explain through the book of Hebrews 12:2: “Looking to Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith, who endured the sacrifice of himself on the cross despising the shame and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

It’s plain from the scriptures no one else but Jesus ever performed an efficacious act to redeem man from his sins. Jesus Christ is the all sufficient savior for mankind. There is no other Savior. We can see this as Paul states, “But God commended His love towards us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

God extends to man his free gift of grace which is the enablement for faith through the Holy Spirit to receive his free gift of eternal salvation. Paul speaks and says, “But to every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ” (Galatians 4:7). I don’t see any intermediary helper giving Out God’s grace through rituals or ceremonies. God bestows it directly to individuals.

God’s word is clear that many reject his free gift of grace, his unmerited favor and instead man endeavors to merit his grace and his free gift of eternal salvation by human efforts or works. This is defined by the word “synergism” which is man’s belief in his ability to assist or help God to save him. Paul again states, “I do not make void the grace of God, for if righteousness come by the works of the Law, then Christ is dead in vain” (Galatians 2:21).

“Christ is dead in vain” if we substitute our good works to appease God for our eternal salvation.

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Posted by Christian ambassador (Shawn Brasseaux)

Rome Curses Non-Catholic Christians (by Nolan Guilbeau)

November 11, 2007

by Nolan Guilbeau – Published in The (Opelousas, Louisiana) Daily World
℅ Shawn Brasseaux

Are you in everyday’s walk of life searching to find truth and solitude? Without exception absolute truth in this world regarding spiritual matters is found in God’s revealed Word to mankind, the Bible (Daniel 10:2; II Timothy 2:15; II Timothy 3:15-17). The Scriptures state if anyone with spiritual teaching authority does not speak or address spiritual matters according to this Word, “there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20; John 3:19). Failure to properly follow this set rule of Scripture for doctrine, for reproof, for instructions in righteousness, etc., is an invitation to deviate to unscriptural doctrines, thus yielding to the spirit of antichrist.

Recently, some of my letters to the editor have apparently been troublesome to a couple of readers with criticisms and accusations of my ranting and bashing Catholics. Evidently some of these writings with references made to Jesus Christ and the gospel message of the Scriptures was offensive, because it was not the spurious gospel message or doctrines proclaimed by Rome. In that light, it’s understandable why it became troublesome or convicting and considered it ranting and bashing. For the preaching of the genuine gospel of Christ of the Scripture is foolishness to unbelievers, but to genuine Christians (the saved), it’s the power of God (I Corinthians 1:18).

While people are entitled to opinions, some are, at times, made through ignorance of facts. Consider the following, and then, who is bashing whom? The 100-plus canons and decrees of the Council of Trent convened in 1545, and again confirmed at II Vatican Council (1962-65) declares pronouncements before the world community of CURSES AND ETERNAL DAMNATIONS on those who believe the orthodox teachings (the accepted beliefs) of the tenets or core doctrines of Biblical Christianity. These Bible teachings have endured since the first century to present times. Do CURSES and DAMNATIONS on people equate to modern-day hate crimes?

History reveals that Rome’s religious entity has repeatedly oppressed, condemned, ostracized, cursed, etc., evangelical Bible-believing Christians since the Reformation almost 500 years ago and continues to today. Rome’s religious system refers to evangelicals as separated brethren, heretics, lost to eternal damnation. Why? Because genuine Christians refuse to bow down and accept Rome’s many unscriptural teachings. “Broad is the way that leads to destruction and many go that way, narrow is the gate that leads to eternal life and few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

The great apostle Paul posed this question to the church at Galatia almost 2000 years ago, which I also ask: “Am I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the TRUTH?” (Galatians 4:16). Wake up America!

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Failing the Test of Scripture (by Nolan Guilbeau)

October 25, 2007

by Nolan Guilbeau – Published in The (Opelousas, Louisiana) Daily World
℅ Shawn Brasseaux

In July 2007, the world community witnessed a news event, a message from Rome, the city of seven hills, the seat of the “universal church.” From the highest echelon of leadership of this religious entity came a proclamation before the world community, of being the only true Christian church with the only true Christians. Its dogmas/doctrines indeed teach it to be the only means of eternal salvation for the human soul and all others outside this “universal church” are lost to eternal damnation. Good grief! Love thy neighbor, please?

I suppose from its perspective of believing it still reigns supreme in this world as THE spiritual entity, it likens itself to the proverbial giant elephant standing where it wills, immovable, and, at will trampling underfoot whom it wishes as it did during the period of history called the Dark Ages. Examining the purpose and validity of this recent proclamation of such a brazen statement, begs the question for answers in view that many of its doctrines are foreign to the Scriptures of truth, the Bible, and cannot be substantiated with any Biblical authority. Nevertheless, this religious system professes TO BE the all exclusive power/authority for the deliverance of an individual’s soul to either eternal salvation or eternal damnation. Is this claim a monopoly on scriptural truth?

In light of sound Scriptural doctrine, the church Reformers of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries believed many of this universal church’s teachings were at best heretical and blasphemous. The Reformers took issue resulting with many being martyred through the centuries. In opposition to erroneous doctrines and persecutions by Rome’s religious hierarchy (a theocracy?), reformers prevailed in many areas of their endeavors breaking the bonds of this religious tyranny. The world community once again experienced, to some degree, the light of the Scriptures with restored religious freedom to worship according to the core doctrines of Scripture—that’s Christianity!

This “universal church” of Rome has proclaimed its supremacy throughout the centuries and over the world with a motto of “Semper Eadem” (“always the same”). Nevertheless, the annals of recorded secular history of the affairs of this religious system records its acts of ruthlessness, barbarism, inhumanity, tyranny that endured for many centuries, as well as the moral decadence evident even in present times. Bible believing Christians were mainly the ones who suffered under the rule of this reprehensible religious hierarchy. It was a quest for supreme power and control by the sword or burning at the stake or any means to force conversion and total allegiance to its institution. Apparently relentless in their atrocities against millions of innocent people, ever searching to destroy the free will and minds of the godly who dared oppose the stench of Rome’s religious hierarchy. For over 1200 years these atrocities reigned in the name of Christianity! Or was it pseudo Christianity? Solid historical facts are unimpeachable!

Today, with its temporal powers weakened largely as a result of the actions of the Reformers this same “universal church” wears a different mask before the world community. Cleverly it obscures to some extent its real character and political aims. Beware; it is a pit-dominant force behind world ecumenism. Ecumenism’s goal is to unite all church denominations or globalization under its leadership and render supreme control again to this Roman “universal church” hierarchy. (Always the same goals of conquer and rule). True Bible-believing Christians are to be discerning concerning church leaders—using the Scriptures to determine whether they are true Christians of the Scriptures, or false teachers!!

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Posted by Christian ambassador (Shawn Brasseaux)

Fifteenth- and Sixteenth-Century Church Reformers (by Nolan Guilbeau)

October 25, 2007

by Nolan Guilbeau – Published in The (Opelousas, Louisiana) Daily World
℅ Shawn Brasseaux

Were the church Reformers of the fifteenth and sixteenth century “justified” in opposing and separating themselves from the religious system in Rome, a.k.a. the “universal church?” Even in our modem times it is apparent to many that sound Biblical doctrines and values are under relentless attack. Just listen to the outcry of “liberal” spiritual leaders enjoined with their many unbelieving counterparts speak and admonish their audiences including genuine Christians to practice “tolerance” towards others of “different faiths.” To “tolerate” whether or not their beliefs are compatible and meet the criteria of sound Biblical doctrine. What a travesty with this kind of mindset, for many are being seduced and convinced this is righteous and acceptable.

According to Biblical accounts, Jesus was compassionate towards the human race, His creation, but He did not “tolerate” heresy and sin. He addressed it. Christ did not “tolerate” the money changers and thieves in the temple nor some of the many “traditions” practiced and taught by the religious sect of the Pharisees of His day. According to Jesus many of these “traditions” violated and voided God’s commandments and were regarded as heresy due to their flawed theology, with them remaining unresponsive to His correction. Christ further amplified the latter by calling those who practiced and taught such heresies, white-washed tombs, having a great outward appearance to behold before the world community but inwardly full of emptiness and decay; worthless!

Solid historical facts of the past centuries reveal many spurious, deceiving doctrines perpetrated on the world community by this one “universal church,” many occurring in a time period known as the Dark Ages. The persecution of true Christian believers, which were reviled and treated as the lowest criminals by this “universal church” remains as a bloody testimony today against their dark deeds of inhumanity. And if it were the true Christian believers, as history testifies who were brutalized, burned, scourged and murdered for their faith in Bible doctrines, then who is, and of what faith and doctrinal belief system is this “universal church?”

The church Reformers and martyrs of those centuries finally restored to the world community the glorious gospel of Christ of the Scriptures and specifically the grand doctrine of justification by faith in Christ alone. And many other discoveries of erroneous doctrines/dogmas of this “universal church” came through the light of Scripture to the world community.

Today’s genuine Christian, born of the Spirit of God, should speak out upholding Biblical doctrines and principals, exposing blasphemous heresy and untruths as they appear. There is a saying history repeats itself. God forbid that we are once again entering a frightful pre-Reformation period. Yes, today’s Christian is to be vigilant, responsive to preserve the One Faith of the Scriptures that millions of history died to protect. To defend against modern day religion(s) that would deny and not adhere to core tenets of true Christianity of the Scriptures. This claim by this one “universal church” of being the only true Christians as presented through the media recently is confrontational, deceiving, condescending, maligning and defrauds Christianity and the members of the true body of Christ!

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Prayer: In the Throne Room

August 12, 2007

by Shawn Brasseaux
2011 Update

“For we have not a high priest [Jesus Christ] who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15,16 KJV).

Notice what the writer to the Hebrews declared in the above Scriptures: God is never too busy to hear our concerns and petitions. Prayer to the Lord is more than just words. Elijah prayed that it would not rain for 42 months, and there was a drought (1 Kings 17:1; James 5:17,18). Joshua asked the Lord to make the sun and moon stand still, and they stood still (Joshua 10:12-14)! These are some strange prayers in the Bible, but they worked in their proper dispensation! We cannot understand or comprehend it, but God does hear every believer’s prayers all at once. God hears lost people talking to Him too, but the Bible never says that God answers their prayers. (Now, if a lost person is talking to God about salvation, then that is a totally different matter.)

If God can speak and create our entire universe from nothing, and keep that universe sustained with His spoken Word, then He can easily manage to hear all of us Christians pray! Prayer does work; the key is to pray in accordance with God’s will. For instance, do not pray for material riches such as a Lexus or a lakefront beach house. Do not pray for God to cause something bad to happen to your enemy. We should not be praying for God to change our circumstances to make life easier. Please do not abuse your privilege of praying to the Creator God! In this Bible study, we want to look at how we should pray in this the Dispensation of the Grace of God.

The first key to prayer is THANKSGIVING. Thank God the Father that He can hear you, and that He will accomplish His will regarding your prayer. The Scriptures instruct us to not only pray with thanksgiving, but also to pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20). Jesus Christ is the only Mediator you need in order to get to God (1 Timothy 2:5). Do not pray to the dead saints in heaven, and do not pray to Mary—they cannot help you!

The Lord is omniscient: He knows your thoughts, your needs, and your feelings. Nonetheless, God wants you to communicate with Him and fellowship with Him in prayer: tell Him what you feel in your heart. A Christian’s prayers are like incense to God’s nostrils, the Bible says in Psalm 142:2 and Revelation 5:8. God enjoys our communicating with Him, and as a believer, do not be afraid to talk to Him.

The Bible tells us to pray as often as we can (Romans 12:12), and we should “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17): before a new day, before bedtime, or anytime whenever you like to pray. Your present location does not matter—you can pray wherever you are, whenever you feel like praying! You do not need a “prayer closet” as Jesus taught the Jews in Matthew 6:6. You do not have to necessarily kneel, you have no need to cross your heart, and you do not have to speak out loud. There is no specific amount of time you have to pray, either. The issue is none of these things—the content of the prayer and the heart attitude (faith) is the important thing.

Philippians 4:6,7 KJV is the best description of prayer: “Be careful [anxious, worrisome] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication [requesting] with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Effectual prayer is you praying in accordance with what the Lord is doing today (more on this later).

Be sure to thank God for hearing your prayer, and thank Him in advance for accomplishing His will regarding your prayer request. Your prayer may not be answered the way you think God should have answered it, but you still have the “peace of God.” You know that God heard you, and you have peace that He knew best, so relax in His grace! When you feel worried or scared, ask God to comfort you, and read and meditate on these two Bible verses (Philippians 4:6,7).

As Jesus told the Jews, do not pray vain repetitions, memorized prayers, or prescribed written prayers to God (Matthew 6:6,7)—this is what heathens (unbelievers) do. God is not interested in the choice of words as much as He is concerned with the meaning of the prayer (what is your purpose for praying; what are your motives?). Prayer books are totally unnecessary because that is simply mindless repetition; pray from the heart, not from a book! In fact, the “rosary” is a form of the Oriental religions’ meditation—the rosary is not to be prayed because the Bible never instructs us to recite it.

PRAYING IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOD’S WILL: FOR WHAT SPECIFICS SHOULD WE PRAY?

The Apostle Paul prayed for his Gentile converts in Philippi, that their “love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment” (Philippians 1:9). Paul wanted them to live godly and righteously, “being filled with the fruits of righteousness” (verses 10,11). That their testimony would reach the lost and dying world for God’s glory!

We find some other good verses about prayer in 2 Thessalonians 1:11,12 KJV: “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power: that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Pray for God’s Word to have “free course” and “be glorified”: in other words, 1 Thessalonians 3:1 means that we should pray that God’s Word reaches many people, accomplishes His will, and glorifies His name!

We should pray for fellow believers in Christ, that they grow in knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, walking worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:9-17).

Pray for wisdom as you read God’s Word. Notice what Paul prayed for the Ephesians in Ephesians 3:14-21: that they be “strengthened with all might by [God’s] Spirit in the inner man, that Christ would dwell in [their] hearts by faith, rooted and grounded in love, that they would understand the breath, length, depth, and height [of what God is doing], and that they would know the love of Christ so they could be filled with all the fulness of God.” These are things for which we should pray for other believers!

Should I confess my sins in prayer every day? As a Christian, you are already forgiven in Christ Jesus; do not beg God for forgiveness because you already have it! We are already forgiven of our sins, because of Jesus Christ’s bloodshed (Ephesians 1:17; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 1:14; Colossians 2:13). The forgiveness spoken of in 1 John 1:9 has nothing to do with us because it belongs with Israel’s program (compare with Matthew 3:6). The confession of 1 John 1:9 is for lost Jews in Israel’s program—we are neither Jews nor lost!

Remember, Matthew 7:7, Luke 11:9,10, John 14:13,4, John 15:16, John 16:23-26, and 1 John 3:22 have absolutely nothing to do with us. We are not to “claim” the verses such as “Ask, and it shall be given you” and “whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” These promises of “pray for it and you get it” were given to the nation Israel; they have not been given to us as members of the Church, the Body of Christ because Paul’s epistles never give us these promises. In fact, Paul never got healed/delivered, although he prayed for healing/deliverance three times in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9.

The so-called “Lord’s prayer” of Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4 has nothing to do with us. We have no reason to pray these prayers. This prayer was given to Israel’s apostles and Israel’s little flock of believers; we are separate from Israel’s kingdom program, plus we are already forgiven as members of the Church, the Body of Christ (in time past, a Jew had to first forgive everyone before God would grant him forgiveness).

Pray to God, anywhere, anytime! Remember to pray as Paul prayed (pray in accordance with God’s will / what God is doing today in this dispensation), and thank God for listening and accomplishing His will regarding the matter!

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Posted by Christian ambassador (Shawn Brasseaux)

Operation: Resurrection

August 9, 2007

by Shawn Brasseaux

Is there life after death? Many cannot tell us with absolutely certainty, but the Bible says there is life after death! When you die, you spend eternity fully and completely conscious: in the Lord’s presence in glory (if you trusted in Christ Jesus alone for salvation), or in the torments of hell (if you chose to remain dead in your trespasses and sins).

The oldest book in the Bible, Job, indeed confirms a bodily resurrection: “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God” (Job 19:25,26 KJV). The Apostle Paul even spent 58 verses discussing the doctrine of resurrection (1 Corinthians chapter 15).

There are two resurrections: the first one is for the people of faith from history, and a separate second resurrection for everyone else (the lost of the ages). The prophet Daniel wrote (12:2): “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”

Jesus Christ said in John 5:28,29 KJV: “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good [that is, the people of faith], unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil [the people of unbelief], unto the resurrection of damnation.”

After Lazarus died, Martha told Christ that she knew Lazarus would rise again, but it would be on resurrection day (John 11:23,24). The Lord Jesus told Martha in John 11:25,26 KJV, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth [trusts] in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth [trusts] in me shall never die.”

When a lost person dies, his or her soul goes down to the flames of hell (Luke 16:22,23; Romans 2:5). However, when a believer in Christ dies, his or her soul goes to be with the Lord in glory. In 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 KJV:

“6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

After death, the physical body goes into the ground, but the soul is fully conscious after death because it never sleeps. Resurrection refers to the physical body, not the spiritual body (soul and spirit). The spiritual body needs no resurrection.

Let us look now at the two general resurrections.

THE FIRST RESURRECTION: THE RESURRECTION TO ETERNAL LIFE

The first group of people to be resurrected is the saints, the people of faith from human history. The first resurrection is divided into three parts: the resurrection of the “first-fruits,” the “main harvest,” and then the “corners and gleanings.” Just as Israel in time past would harvest the crops in various stages, the Lord will collect the believers’ physical bodies from their graves on three separate occasions.

In Leviticus 23:9-11, Israel was instructed to pick the “first-fruits,” the first few ripened samples of the crop. These samples were to be taken and given to the priests. In Matthew 27:50-54, we learn that after Christ’s resurrection, a number of deceased Jewish saints also resurrected. Notice:

“50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.
51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”

Jesus Christ was the first person to resurrect, never to die again. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:20, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept [those who have died physically].” Furthermore, those few Jewish believers who resurrected at the time of Jesus’ resurrection were only a sampling of the resurrection of the believers. The firstfruits were the smallest portion of the crop; accordingly, these firstfruits of resurrection were few in number as well.

The main harvest contained the largest percentage of the total amount of crops. Similarly, the Church the Body of Christ is the main harvest of the believing souls of the ages. The largest number of all believers who will ever live has lived in this past 2,000 years of the Dispensation of Grace. The resurrection of the Body of Christ will occur at the rapture, where deceased Christians of the Church the Body of Christ will be resurrected, and the bodies of those Christians who are still alive at the rapture will be instantly transformed into glorious bodies (1 Corinthians 15:49-55; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). At that time, the Bible says that our physical bodies will be regenerated and transformed into a body like unto Christ’s resurrected body (Philippians 3:20,21).

The last resurrection of saints will take place after the Second Coming of Christ but just before the establishment of the millennial kingdom on earth (Daniel 12:11-13). This resurrection is for the Old Testament believers, believers from Christ’s earthly ministry, and the believers that were killed during the seven-year Tribulation. This resurrection ensures that they will also be present to rule and reign with Christ for the millennium (Revelation 20:4-6). On the whole, the total number of believing Old Testament saints, saints from the Four Gospels, and the Tribulation saints will be relatively small compared to the Dispensation of Grace, but greater in number than those first fruits resurrected with Christ. The Old Testament and Tribulation saints are represented by “corners and gleanings” in Israel’s harvest. Again, under the Law, the Jews were to harvest their fields, but commanded to leave a remnant of crops in the field for travelers and the poor (Leviticus 19:9,10).

So, the first resurrection is broken up into three components:

First-fruits — Jesus Christ and the few Jewish saints who were resurrected 2000 years ago (these were the first saints resurrected)
Main harvest — the Church the Body of Christ resurrected at the rapture (most of the saints of the ages)
Gleanings and corners — the Old Testament saints and the Tribulation saints resurrected after Christ’s Second Coming but before the Millennial Reign (the last saints of the ages to be resurrected).

THE SECOND RESURRECTION: THE RESURRECTION TO ETERNAL DAMNATION

The second resurrection is one giant resurrection, and it will take place after the Millennial Reign of Christ (Revelation 20:5). Once the 1000 years of Christ’s earthly kingdom ends, each and every unbeliever from the ages past will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ, to give an account for their lives that they lived on earth at the Great White Throne Judgment. The Apostle Paul writes that they will be judged according to his Gospel, the Gospel of Grace (Romans 2:16). Each of these lost people will be given a body fit for eternity, and then they will be judged. After their judgment, they will each be cast into the lake of fire, to suffer for all eternity in a conscious state (Mark 9:42-50; Revelation 20:11-15).

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Posted by Christian ambassador (Shawn Brasseaux)