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The BIBLE VIEW #1036 — Sin

In This Issue:
I Blame My Generation

Volume: 1036     February 9, 2026
Theme: Sin

I Blame My Generation!
Bill Brinkworth

The world, especially America, is a social and spiritual mess.  It is not the same as it was when I was younger. 

Previous generations have also had similar observations, I am sure.  However, the changes we see and experience these days are unlike anything the world has seen in recent times.

Most likely, it was my generation that initiated the massive moral decline and other extreme philosophies we are dealing with today.  Many in my generation shunned biblical principles and embraced “what felt good” even though it was sin.

I was born in 1951 and was a young adult in the early 1970s.  That is when so many moral changes occurred.  Before the late 60s and 70s, ethical behavior was much different.

At that time, most Americans claimed to be Christian, although most denominations had already begun to depart from biblical truths.  Businesses were closed on Sunday so people could go to church.  God and His morals were on the consciences of many, even the unsaved.

Before the slow drift away from 1,000s of years of somewhat biblical thinking and living, respect was prevalent in most walks of life.  Thoughts of how one’s actions would affect others were on most minds.  Elders were respected and treated with kindness and understanding. 

The treatment of women was different.  One would be scolded for cursing in front of children or women.  Doors were held open for women, and rarely would men ever even think of hitting a female.  If others harmed or mistreated a woman, most other men would rebuke or get involved to stop such behavior.

Not only were women looked up to, but they were considered special and they had a desire to stay home, raise children, and handle household duties.  It was recognized as a God-given ability most women had.

Men were expected to support their families, work, and do whatever it took to provide for their families.  One who did not do what was expected of him was looked down upon and often rebuked socially.  Few government handouts were available to those who did not work, thus further encouraging a work ethic.

Families were loyal to each other.  Most marriages were “unto death doeth part.” Divorces were not common, and divorcees were often frowned upon.  That social pressure helped spouses persevere, resolve disagreements and problems, and remain together.

Although pre-marital sex and adultery were always committed, they remained a troubler to  one’s conscience when that sin was committed.  Those who had committed such iniquities were often looked down upon, scolded, and sometimes socially avoided.  The shame those actions brought was also a deterrent to many from committing them.

The government was entrusted with protecting and caring for its people.  Little corruption was heard of, and if there was any immorality among officials, even local authorities, they would not be qualified to run or be elected.

If a scandal were uncovered, the politician or government official would be quickly removed from their post.   All government officials had shown some form of leadership ability, or they would not even have been considered for their positions.

Most laws were unquestionably followed.  Following them was critical and severely punished if violated.  Most realized that if all did not obey the public rules, chaos would undoubtedly follow. 

Those sent to prison were shamed, and their imprisonment would not be a time of rest and watching television.  It often meant hard work, which deterred reincarceration.

Education was important to most.  Teachers were screened and hired based on their moral standards and educational excellence.  Any questionable philosophies or activities that did not align with social standards, which were often biblically based, disqualified anyone seeking the opportunity to teach and influence the youth. 

The curriculum always encouraged critical thinking and prepared students for life.  The day usually started with prayer and Bible reading (in my experience, it was always the KJV).

Then something changed in the 60s!   Only the Lord knows when the severe moral and social decline started, however.

Although man has always had a sinful nature that all succumb to at some point in their lives, there was usually some spiritual restraint.  However, back in the late 1800s, the world’s moral compass, the preserved Bible, was altered. 

Convicting verses were watered down and even alleviated.  The trend increased rapidly in the 1920s and 30s and continues today.

God’s moral compass, which keeps mankind from getting further from His will and way and from worsening social behavior, was altered and removed in many instances.  Most now have no clear definition of what God says is right and best, or of what He desires for His creation.

Soon, those planning to enter the ministry had the seeds of doubt planted in their minds by the questioning of “what the Bible really says and means” at the seminary they attended.  After sthe pulpits to share those watered-down doctrines with their congregations.  Soon, doubts about God’s dogma were spread to the masses.
“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” II Corinthians11:3

Many polluted minds now questioned if being a Christian was necessary.  God’s teachings, His will, and His way were doubted and therefore “could not possibly be lived in this age and time.”  “Was the Bible’s teaching and standards the only way to guide one’s life,” and “the Bible can be interpreted differently,” washed away any conviction that was still ingrained in lives.

It was not long until minds, no longer guided by God’s truths, became more self-centered and changed to “you’re the most important person in your life philosophy.”  Right and wrong began to be determined by each individual’s opinion rather than by God’s Truths.

Since what they had always believed was no longer “right,” questioned and debatable, respect for others declined.  Concern for elders, family, and others became less important.

The cloud of social pollution quickly spread, destroying families and their values.  Women were  convinced that their past role in family raising was restricting and degrading.  They sought ways to abandon their God-given abilities and commandments and to allow others to raise their children so they could “find themselves.”  Some women even left their families to “better themselves.”

In surrendering their God-given duty and ability and succumbing to a change of behavior and even dress, women lost respect from the other sex.  Since many declined their important roles and changed their behaviour, they lost their positions on the social pedestal.  Men’s respect to them lessened.  “Why,” many believed, “they curse like a man, dress like one, and are even in jobs like one, why should I treat them differently.”

Special treatment towards women ceased.  Respect was lost.  The taboo on pre-marital sex was removed.  Divorces soon increased to 40-50% of all marriages.  More “shacked up” with a partner rather than marrying them.

Children were allowed to be trained by non-family members, often with unbiblical standards and beliefs.  The only training many youngsters got was from the school system, which further hid true morality and encouraged them to “do whatever felt right.”  Another generation was encouraged “to do their own thing” and was unleashed on a morally declining civilization.

Men questioned whether they should really be the only providers.  “My wife says she can do anything a man can do (And she can, but why would she want to give up her God-given role in a family?), so let her.  Real estate and other products increased, as many families now had two incomes, so “they could afford it.”

More men thought less, not only about respecting women, but also strove to get out of the role of family provider.  Free time for the once “head of the household” led to more adultery and divorces.  The God-ordained family structure continued to crumble!

As family structures disintegrated, their financial needs increased.  The destroyed work ethic did not meet needs in many situations, so the government was summoned to address the needs that the head of the household was not providing. 

Perhaps, originally intended to meet the desperate needs of struggling families, government handouts soon became more relied upon than families providing for themselves.  That reliance led the government to step in and exercise more control, and possibly to ensure the vote for the “concerned” politicians.  Since the officials were products of godless training and not always upstanding citizens, their involvement further accelerated civilization’s collapse.

The moral decline continued.  Individuals lost their purpose.  Families were no longer stronger.  Sexes of  people were even questioned.  Men and women believed the lie that they could change sexes if they wanted.  Confusion abounded.

Governments fell apart as many politicians realized they could deceitfully gain power and often even obtain large financial benefits.  Corruption dominated most parts of society.  Although there may be an occasional roadblock to the social destruction, it will be impossible to halt the exodus from following God’s will and way.

All the terrible downward trends against morality started when God’s way was disregarded and eventually discarded.  It most likely will not end as the Bible says at one point, demonic control will exponentially overrun all nations.  It will not end well for those who rejected God’s way.

My generation may have opened the floodgates of godlessness.  However, there is still hope for individuals who stand against the overwhelming current of destruction.

Anyone can still be rescued from what is happening in this world.  One can be saved from an eternity in Hell by trusting Christ’s payment for their sins and be saved.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” Titus 2:11-12

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9

It is then possible that the new creature in Christ can be different and still please God and live right!  Most likely, it will be difficult, but it must be done. 
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

Who knows that one with a godly stand amongst today’s tumult can also encourage others to live God’s way.  If Christians don’t show the world God’s way of living, who will?

“If we are reaping the consequences of my generation’s sin, what is this generation going to reap?”

The BIBLE VIEW #1035 —Sin

In This Issue:
Vexed by Ungodliness
Let Go!
It Will Rub Off on You!
Get Far from Evil
Seek the Better Things

Volume: 1035     February 2, 2026
Theme: Sin

Vexed by Ungodliness
Bill Brinkworth

When given a choice by his Uncle Abraham, Lot chose the choicest of lands to raise his cattle and family (Gen. 13:8-11).  He left Abraham (named Abram at the time) the less appealing land, and kept the “best” for himself.

His selfish pick may have appeared to be the best choice; however, there was one important matter Lot did not consider when choosing where to live.  He did not consider what his soon-to-be neighbors would be like. 

As it turned out, the place he chose to live near was near the twin cities: Sodom and Gomorrah.  Those cities were known for their rampant sin, particularly homosexuality.  It was there that the righteous man, Lot, chose to live.

It was not long before he was involved in the city’s government (Gen. 19:1, 9).  He was not only living among wickedness, but he was also involved in the choices made to help manage the city.  

Shortly, his constant exposure to godlessness and their sin affected Lot.  The Bible says that he was “… vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked … in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;” (II Peter 2:7-8).  The part of Lot that wanted to live and please the Lord was “irritated, harassed, teased, and disturbed” by the lifestyle he was allowing himself and his family to be exposed.

As a Christian, we usually cannot live on top of a mountain, away from the world and all their sin.  Most of the time, we have to live around sin, see it in the workplace, hear it on television, and be exposed to its consequences and involvement wherever we go. 

However, if we are not wary of iniquity and do not do all we can to limit its exposure, we too will be “vexed” by sin.  It will wear on us, and if we are not careful, sin will be commonplace to us. 

We will be hardened against it.  Seeing or hearing sin will not bother us as much as it used to.  The spiritual part of us will be desensitized to sin’s evilness.  If we are not careful, we will even be involved in it, thinking it is normal because “everyone is doing it.”

Despite what the unsaved world is doing, sin is and always will be wrong to God.  The only protection against being desensitized by it or involved in it is to do one’s best to avoid contact with it. 

If you are vexed by filthy language on television, there may be some channels you should never listen to again, or you may have to stop watching the “hellevision”.  Filthy words creeping into your own language?  Maybe there are some foul-mouthed influences that you should no longer listen to or associate with.  

Seeing things your eyes should not be seeing on the internet?  Limit where you browse, or maybe you will have to stay off the internet altogether.  

Dirty images you have already viewed plaguing your thought-life?  Avoid further looks and recite Scripture verses, particularly about what you are thinking.  It is difficult to have the clean Word of God and filthiness in your thought-life at the same time.  The filthiness will flee!

The key to keeping a holy, unsoiled life and testimony for the Lord is to separate (II Cor. 6:17) from the world.  It is possible to remain undefiled in this ever-increasing sinful world.

If we purpose in our hearts not to be defiled by ungodliness in this world, the Lord will do His part to help us.  He will give the believer “a way to escape” sin’s vexing grasp, if the believer wants it!

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” I Corinthians 10:13

“If you can get along with the world, then you are out of step with God!”
— Dr. Harold Sightler


Let Go!
Author Unknown

This world holds nothing so dear
That Christ cannot give us more:
His love, His peace, His Joy —
Far more than heart could implore.

Our lives lose much He has for us
As we cling to our earthly ties:
In Him are pleasures forevermore,
Let go — for Christ satisfies.

“Ultimate success depends on loving things above more than things below!” — Author Unknown

It Will Rub Off on You!
Bill Brinkworth

Little Seymour was dressed in the suit he had to wear for his uncle’s wedding.  Being the ring-bearer, he had to wear what was picked out for him.  In this case, it was an all-white suit.  Even the coat, shirt, pants, socks, and shoes were white.

Like many six-year-olds, he was quite squirmy.  It was impossible for him to sit or even stand still.  Some part of him just had to wiggle or wander — all the time.  

Being unsupervised for just a couple of seconds allowed the child the opportunity to sneak outside on the dreary, rainy day.  Partly out of instinct to be where he should not be, little Seymour found himself close to a very inviting puddle. 

The child’s inquisitiveness led him to investigate if the surrounding mud was “really the kind that is squishy, and the kind you sink into?”  An inspecting finger verified, “Yep, it was squishy”.  Muddied shoes also proved the discovery.

The little mind continued to wonder, “Is the water deep enough to splash really good?  Yep!” A now muddied coat and pants also gave him the answer, as they were now splattered with mud and water.  

Of course, the inevitable happened, and the wearer of white fell face-first in the muddy puddle.  He was not the clean member of the wedding party he was ten minutes prior.

Sin is very much like the mud puddle the little boy investigated, and the child of God is very much like little Seymour.  A born-again person has all their sins forgiven.  If the indwelling, convicting Holy Spirit is obeyed, the believer will have many of the sins he was involved in “cleaned up” in his life.  He may not be perfect, but many of the things he used to do will no longer be part of his life.

Honesty will replace a lying past.  Everyday conversation will no longer include the filthy words that used to be said.  Reading filthy magazines will be replaced by reading the Word of God. 

Sundays may no longer spent guzzling beer with friends, and the believer will regularly be found in a local church learning more about the things of God.  The believer should be a new creature in Christ, and much different from what he was before.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

However, a mistake could have been made.  He got too close to sin.  Maybe it was just “one puff” on a cigarette that God had helped him keep away from.  Perhaps it was just a “little sip” of his friend’s beer, or it was not turning the television station he knew he should not be watching on.  Maybe it was his involvement in “just a little sin”, but soon the “cleaned up” Christian found himself in the same mud puddle of sin.

The only prevention from this happening in any believer’s life is to keep away from sin.  Sin will rub off on you!  No one is exempt!  However, sin cannot rub off on you if you are far away from it!
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13

“Whatever you love more than God is your idol!” — D. L. Moody

Get Far from Evil
Adam Clark

Abstain from all appearance of evil.  Sin not, and avoid even the appearance of it.  Do not drive your morality so near the bounds of evil as to lead even weak persons to believe that ye actually touch, taste, or handle it.  Let not any form of it appear with or among you, much less the substance.  Ye are called to holiness; be ye holy, for God is holy.

 Seek the Better Things
C. H. Spurgeon

Many years ago, there was a crossing-sweeper in Dublin with his broom at the intersection of two roads.  His responsibility was to keep the crossing clean.  He was paid one penny for doing so.

One day, a lawyer put his hand upon his shoulder and said to him, “My good fellow, do you know that you are heir to a fortune of ten thousand pounds a year?”

“Do you mean it?” said the road sweeper.

“I do,” he said.  “I have just received the information.  I am sure you are the man.”

The sweeper walked away from his job, and left his broom behind.  Are you astonished?  Why, who would not have forgotten a broom, when suddenly made possessor of ten thousand pounds a year?  

So, I pray that some poor sinners, who have been thinking of the pleasures of the world, when they hear that there is hope, and that there is Heaven to be had, will forget the deceitful pleasures of sin, and follow after higher and better things.

“This world is not my home!  I’m just passing through.  Thank the Lord.”

The BIBLE VIEW #1034 —Service

In This Issue:
What Is Your Gift?
Do Sumthin’

Volume: 1034     January 26, 2026
Theme: Service


What Is Your Gift?
Bill Brinkworth

God has plans for every Christian.  To better equip each child of God and to bring Him the glory, each is given a gift(s) to serve the Saviour better.

These gifts are not the gifts the early church had before they had the entire Word of God.  The seven gifts found in Romans 12:6-8 are necessary to accomplish the work of God in today’s world.  They include the gifts of:

  • Prophecy.  This is not the same ability prophets and early disciples had.  We have the entire plan of God in His written, preserved Word.  We do not need to foretell the future as they did in Old Testament days.

    This gift of prophecy is taking the Word of God and helping others understand it better.  In his 1828 dictionary, Noah Webster defines the gift as the ability “to preach; to instruct in religious doctrines; to interpret or explain Scripture or religious subjects.…”
  • Ministry.  This God-given gift gives a great burden to a Christian to meet the needs of others.
  • Teaching.  This is a gift that allows one to help others better understand the things of God.
  • Exhorting.  This important gift helps one be an encourager to others—a most needed gift, especially among God’s people.
  • Giving.  This gift places a burden on one to meet others’ needs through their giving of things and of themselves.
  • Ruling.  This gift allows one to be a leader.  Too many think they have it, but few have the God-given ability to lead God’s people.
  • Mercy.  This gift gives one the heart to have understanding, patience, and kindness with others.

If you are a child of God, God does not plan for you just to sit.  He desires you serve Him and help others.  He has given you at least one of the above gifts in this church age.

What are your gift(s), and are you using them to help others, honor God, and bring others to know and serve the Lord better?

“A child of God will find themselves in Heaven, but what regrets they will have for eternity when they discover the consequences of not doing anything or little for the Lord while they had the opportunity on Earth.”
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23

 Do Sumthin’
Bill Brinkworth

After one is saved, God’s intention for each person is not to sit around and soak up God’s goodness.  His desire is for each to do something that would get more people saved and more living for the Lord.  It is God’s hope for each of us that we serve Him.  

Each child of God should be a tool that God can use for His glory, using the spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:4-8) He has entrusted to each individual.  Those gifts, special talents, and abilities can be used to reach the lost and glorify God in many ways.  Each of us can be an important cog in winning the world for the glory of God.  We all can do something.

Here are some ministries in which I have seen many serving the Lord:

  • Preaching ministry.  Some are called by God and directed to reach the world with His Message by enabling them to preach.  Preaching is not always from the pulpit on Sunday.  Many have preached at subway stations, by the side of the road, in public gatherings, or wherever they can publicly expound God’s Word.  Some have “preached” without uttering a word, but “spoke” boldly by their public Christian example.  Most of us would not be saved if it were not for someone’s “preaching” God’s truths to us!
  • Teaching ministry.  Some have been burdened to teach the world what God’s Word says.  If a teacher does not teach them, who will (Acts 8:30-31)?

    Many have used their talents, hobbies, or interests in making God’s Word clearer to those they have taught.  I have seen some use Gospel magic, art, puppets, and even their interest in animals to get the attention of many and use their teaching medium to instruct audiences in biblical principles.
  • Visitation ministry.  Many churches have organized visitation at least once a week for all to attend.  They often go in pairs to visit shut-ins, those who have previously visited the church, or to knock on neighboring doors to invite people to church.  Sometimes there are even opportunities to tell people how to be saved.  Millions have been saved by this method. 

    If a church does not have this opportunity, then people can still visit their neighbors, canvas their community, or contact anyone the Lord puts on their heart as a ministry unto the Lord.  Telling others God’s Good News is not just a pastor’s responsibility.  We are all to go and tell!
  • Nursing home ministry.  I call it the “Last Chance Ministry.”  For many of the home’s residents, it is the last opportunity they may have to hear how to be saved or to learn more of God’s Word before they leave this world.  In this ministry, one can preach to those living at the facility or just visit them.  Many in the homes have lost their loved ones, are lonely, and could use an encouraging visit.
  • Tract Ministry.  A “tract” is a little piece of paper with the plan of salvation on it or teaches some biblical truth.  They can sometimes be obtained from one’s church or purchased at a Christian bookstore (The Bible Views available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html were created for that purpose).  These tracts can be left in bathrooms, given to toll booth attendants, handed to people waiting in line at a restaurant, included in an envelope when paying bills, and given to those we encounter every day.
  • Van or Bus ministry.  Many churches have a bus or van ministry where a vehicle picks up children and adults and brings them to church.  Get involved as a driver or worker.  If your church does not have such a ministry, start one with your vehicle.  Bring as many as you can to hear God’s Message.  Someone may be saved because of your efforts.
  • Singing or music ministry.  Singing in church services is available in most churches.  Some have used their ability to sing on their own in hospital or nursing home rooms.  One nursing home worker asked whether she could sing a hymn as she visits each patient, and she would sing one if the resident desired.  Another man visited those sick in the hospital.  He brings his guitar with him, sings, and plays for anyone who wants him to.
  • Minister to those who are sick or shut-ins.  Have you experienced health problems where you were bed or house-bound?  Perhaps you felt cut off from the world because no one visited you.  Others feel the same way.  When you hear of one who is not well, send them a card or call on them.  It is a wonderful opportunity to be a Christian influence for someone who needs encouragement.
  • Prison ministry.  Prisons are often places where folks listen to what the Bible has to say.  It may be difficult to get into that ministry.  However, if the Lord desires you to get involved with those who are detained, He can open the doors of opportunity.
  • Card Ministry.  People need encouragement.  Send a birthday, sympathy, get well, or “praying for you” card to people God puts on your heart to encourage.  E-mailing or calling them are also ways to be a Christian encouragement to others. 
  • Writing ministry.  God has always preserved His teaching with the written Word.  His Message can still be distributed through this medium.  One can expound what the Bible teaches by getting articles published in newspapers (letters-to-the-editor).  Articles can be published in Christian newsletters, websites, and other publications.  Some have even prayerfully picked names out of phone books, written those strangers, and given them the plan of salvation.
  • Help ministry.  Some notice a need in others’ lives and help meet it.   They may visit a lonely person, babysitting for a working single parent, or even do household chores for someone who physically cannot do certain things.
  • Prayer ministry.  People have needs everywhere you look.  We cannot always do something physically to help others, but we can pray for them.  Make others’ needs your prayer burdens and bombard God’s throne with pleas for His help in the lives of those who are needy.
  • Disciplining.  People may be saved, but they rarely know what to do next or how to do it.  For this reason, many never grow spiritually.  If you feel led by the Holy Spirit, take a person under “your wing.”  Spend time with that person.  Perhaps your influence will encourage them to live for the Lord. 
  • Meals.  Prepare meals for those who may be going through a difficult time and may not be able or have the time to cook. 
  • Exhorting others.  Everyone gets discouraged or goes through hard times.  While down in their “valley,” they could use someone’s kind words of encouragement.   Checking up on people by telephone when they are absent from church or elsewhere, shows them that they are important. 
  • Widows ministry.  There are not too many things harder than being married to a person for a long time and losing them in death.  Widows need to be encouraged.  Visit them.  Help them do things that perhaps their deceased spouse used to do.  They are often alone, can use a friend, and need help.
  • Reading the Bible to people who cannot read it anymore.  Some cannot read or cannot see to read.  Make it your ministry to faithfully read to them. 
  • Be a friend.  Some take it upon themselves to be a friend to someone who does not seem to have one.
  • Deaf or language interpreting ministry.  Hearing the Word of God is essential.  The deaf, or those who speak another language, may not understand it unless someone helps them hear God’s truths in the language they know.
  • Hospitality ministry.  Meet others’ needs by allowing visiting preachers or others to stay in a spare room. 
  • Flea market or fair ministry.  One man goes to a flea market, rents a booth, and to witnesses to many that pass his table.  He gives out tracts, Bibles, and even hands out “Bible Views.”  Others have a full-time ministry doing the same thing at state fairs.

One of the great commandments that each Christian is to obey is to “… love thy neighbour as thyself.  There is none other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31.   Doing something for others and making their needs important to you is showing them that you care about them.  Making others a priority in our lives also helps us get our minds off ourselves.  It can enable others to see the love of Christ through our efforts.

If you have the desire to make a difference in this world for the cause of Christ, ask God to give you the ministry He wants you to have.  After that, look for the opportunity He gives you to do something for Him.  There is something everyone can do.  Everyone has a hurt, a discouragement, or a need.  God often uses other Christians to meet those needs.  He wants to use you if you are willing.

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Eccl. 9:10

The BIBLE VIEW #1033 — Service

In This Issue:
What To Do If You Can’t Do Any More
Do What You Can

Volume: 1033     January 20, 2026
Theme: Service

 What To Do If You Can’t Do Any More
Bill Brinkworth

One day, everyone will reach a point where they cannot do what they used to do.  Be it health issues, psychological reasons, or age restrictions, some will find themselves watching the world go by from the sidelines.

However, if a sidelined person is a Christian, quitting and not making a spiritual difference in this world should not be an option.  No one is saved to sit and soak in God’s goodness. 

We are saved to stand and serve.  No age or Bible health restriction tells a Christian, “Okay, you have done your part, now sit down and relax.”

Often, when a tire has little tread life, there is a way to keep it in service.  There still can be a use for it.

A worker removes the tire’s outer layer.  If the supporting radial fibers are still intact, a new tread can be adhered to them, allowing the critical part of the car to be used again.  It may not be suitable for a racecar, but it can still be used.

If the steel cords in the tire are damaged, there is still use for it.  It can be used for a child’s backyard tire swing or a bumper for boats approaching a dock.  It still can be used somehow. 

The same should be applied to a wounded or aged Christian.  If the desire to still do something for the Lord remains, the believer should not be sidelined There is something he or she can still do.  A Christian can still be repurposed.

The set-apart Christian is valuable in God’s eyes.  The seasoned saint has learned a lot from God’s Word, how to apply it, and how the Lord’s intervention can make a difference.  Their faith had been tested by many fires and disasters, but it relied on the Lord and stayed true to Him.  Their spiritual experience can be utilized in ways a newer Christian is not qualified.

That kind of seasoned spiritual experience is important and should not be shelved.  There is still a use for it in others’ lives.  The Christian must find what they are to do in the different stage of their life.

After realizing they still have a true desire to continue doing something for the Lord, the first step would be to immediately go to the One who guided them through their past.  “What is it you would have me do now, oh Lord?” It may take some patience to wait for His direction, but it will come.  God will not waste the life of a valued spiritual warrior.

But, while you are waiting on the Lord’s new direction in your life, do whatever opportunity  crosses your path.  Often, the reward for service is more service to a faithful, willing, obedient believer.  Those who are reluctant to fulfill a need they saw may not have any other opportunities given to them.
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Romans 12:11-12
“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
“Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;  7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” Ephesians 6:6-8

Perhaps there will be an opportunity to visit one in a nursing home.  One never knows that one’s heart may be stirred at the needs there, and make that one’s new ministry.

A young mother may need someone to help her manage her children.  There is a great need for that, and a spiritual person could give much encouragement to an exhausted mother.

A disabled church visitor may be sitting all alone in the church, as many do not know how to act around that person, so they stay away.  That person may need a friend, and that is an area where one may feel burdened to fulfill that person’s need.  (By the way, everyone needs a friend.  Find a person sitting by themselves and spend time with them.)

Perhaps a Sunday school class has few students.  That would be an excellent opportunity to encourage the teacher by offering to visit neighborhoods and children to grow that ministry.

Prayer can change everything.  Hearing all the needs can burden one to change situations by calling on the Lord on behalf of others.  Summoning God’s help can make a big difference in lives.  No matter one’s handicap or situation, one can commit oneself to be a reliable, consistent prayer warrior!

Everywhere there are needs.  God did not call any Christian to sit and just look.  While you still have a breath, there are opportunities for an experienced Christian to go and help for the Glory of God.  Go, you can make a difference for the cause of Christ.

“Retire doesn’t have to mean ”to withdraw, to retreat, or to recede from life.”  It could mean to discard what used to be done, and repurpose oneself in a new, different way for the glory of God.”   — Brinkworth


Do What You Can!
Bill Btinkworth

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Eccl. 9:10

When J.’s daughter approached her to make a lacy collar for her dress, as the other children had at church, J. was troubled.  She could not afford the fancy collar that was so popular among girls at the time, and she had never made anything that intricate before.

Her daughter encouraged her to make one.  “They have how-to books, Mom.  You can get the materials at the store,” the daughter suggested.

It is so hard for anyone, especially a mother, to turn down a child’s requests.  After begging God to help her do such a project, she went to the store, bought a knitting needle, and the necessary thread.  After carefully following the directions and working some of the night, the accessory for her daughter’s dress was completed.

The next morning, her daughter proudly wore the dress collar to school.  God had allowed J. to do something she never imagined she could do.

Later, a young girl approached J. with what she thought was a collar like the ones all the other girls had.  She boasted she had one like the other children, but it was only the lining from some clothing and looked nothing like what the other girls were wearing.  J. was burdened to make one for that girl also.  After some long hours and hard work, J. presented the dress accessory to the girl.  The girl was ecstatic over the love and concern that J. would make her something.

J.’s lifetime ministry had started because she saw the needs of others and allowed God to enable and use her to meet them.  Her hands were kept busy for many decades to come as one sewing need after another was shown to her.  All must have been encouraged that someone thought enough of them to give her time, and often at her own expense, to meet their needs.  She was showing many what love in action was.  What a good Christian testimony she was to so many.

Not everyone is called, burdened, or qualified to be a preacher, Sunday school teacher, music director, or to serve in some other prominent ministry in the church.  However, everyone can do something to meet the needs of others and be a good Christian testimony.  Everyone, in church and all around us, has needs.

Over the years, I have seen many who wanted to serve the Lord and make a difference in others’ lives.  They have used their skills and abilities to fix cars for widows, keep the bus ministry running, watch children for single parents, sing in the choir, visit those who are housebound due to illness, and so many other ways.  They saw a need, put their Christianity into action, and gave a most valuable gift — themselves.

The requirement to be a blessing and an encouragement to others is not so much skill, but a willing heart, and compassion to see and meet the needs in others’ lives.  Everyone needs help from time to time.  Helping others is one way to show the love of Christ to those who may have never seen Christian love in action.

It is easy to talk about loving people, but the world needs more who are willing to show it.  Helping others is one way to be the Christian example the world needs to see.  Whatever need you see, put your hand to the task and help.
“And of some have compassion, making a difference:” Jude 1:22  

“It is amazing how much God can accomplish through an imperfect person who has put all his imperfections completely at God’s disposal.”  — Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #1032

In This Issue:
The Old Suitcase
I Am a Soldier!

Volume: 1032     January 5, 2026
Theme: Standing Strong

 The Old Suitcase
Bill Brinkworth

“Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.” Acts 11:14
“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” Acts 16:31
“And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.” Acts 16:34

To be better organized, I put all my Gospel magic in various cases.  When I use the object lessons to preach or teach to children, I always lug cases with me.  

One particular case is certainly well-worn, old, and the ugliest of them all.  Because of its sentimental value, I cannot bring myself to throw out the 80-year-old, small, two-toned, brown leather suitcase.  It reminds me well of who I used to be.

Growing up, I had a very godly grandmother.  She was my mother’s mother, and she came to visit several times a year.  Honestly, and shamefully, she was not my favorite of our two grandmothers.  There was something different about her that made me uncomfortable.  She was a Christian.

Shortly after her arrival, the little suitcase was opened, and she pulled out several copies of a Sunday school paper she had saved and gave them to me.  She would then lug out her old, battered Bible.  It would start on the nightstand next to her bed, but after her next morning’s devotions, it would be left on a table in the living room, where she read it and where its appearance haunted and troubled me.

Every time she came, her conversation turned to the things of God at least once.  Perhaps it was to correct something I had done wrong, or maybe it was, “Did you read those Sunday school papers I gave you?  What did you think?”

Her godly presence in our house often convicted me.  Things were not comfortable when she was there, even if she did not say anything about the Bible or religion.  I now know I was not saved then, and that her godly lifestyle made me feel bad and guilty.  Her presence brought me under tremendous conviction much of the time, without her having to say anything.

As I got older and after I got the polite welcomes out of the way, I made an effort to stay out of the house as much as possible when she was visiting.  I also developed an attitude toward her because of something my father said.  He roughly remarked, more than once, that she was “forcing her religion down our throats.”

Good, Dad gave me another defense to keep me from having spiritual guilt; she was wrong, and she was forcing her way of thinking on me.  Still, her presence made me uneasy.  Things went back to “normal” when she and that brown, leather suitcase were out of the house.

All her remarks and advice she gave me somehow made it through the dark crevasses of my conscience, even though I tried to prevent them from invading it.  For years, without even realizing it, I was influenced by her biblical teachings. I felt guilty when I sinned.

Her influence came to light at a particular Memorial Day parade years after she died.  I remember sitting on the steps of my rented home in Yardley, Pennsylvania, watching the parade go by.  I recalled all the successes I had already had in my young life; I was married; I had property; I owned a new truck; I had a young child.

Everything seemed to be going so well.  Then, I remembered thinking, “Grandmom was wrong.  I did get away with sin!”  Her persistence in trying to teach me God’s way had, unknowingly to me, still stayed with me.

One year later to the day, everything had changed.  Almost everything I boasted of the previous year was gone: house, marriage, and property.  All gone!  Then I realized, “Oh, no.  I did not get away with anything.  Grandmom was right!  I didn’t get away with my sin.”

It was not long until I realized my way did not work.  I was in desperate need of the right answers.  

It was then that I started reading my Bible.  In a short time, I asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins. He did and saved my soul.

The old book that I used to run away from when grandmom came was now the source of the solution to my life’s problems.  I could not wait to get home from work to read more from the same book I had previously avoided much of my life.

As I read and learned more, my thinking and life began to change.  The sinful things I used to do lost their appeal, and one by one, dropped out of my life, or at least I worked on stopping them.  Because, at that time, I was not in a good, Bible-believing church and was not around strong Christians, I did not know what was happening to me.

I thought of calling grandmom.  Surely, she would like to know about the changes in my life, and how I was reading my Bible, but I did not.  Six months went by, and I still had not called her.  Then I got my mother’s telephone call.  Grandmom had died and gone to Heaven.

With guilt in my heart, I went to the funeral.  People at the funeral told how wonderfully my grandmom had served the Lord; how she had led many to the Lord, taught Sunday school for most of her life, had knocked on doors to invite people to church, and even visited her students.  

It even turned out that after she led a person to the Lord, she wrote their name in a little book.  People repeatedly requested to look into the little book.  My grandmom had made quite a difference in many lives, including mine.

Then the preacher preached at the service.  I had heard preaching much of my life, but his words were much different.  I had never heard anything like it in my life: such truth, such power, so interesting!  

Then he did an unusual thing.  He said that my grandmother would want him to conclude her “going home service” with an invitation to invite anyone listening with an opportunity to be saved and have the same promise of Heaven she had.  

After hearing the invitation, I finally realized what had happened to me; I had been saved.  I learned right there at her funeral that I had done what God wanted me to do; I had trusted Christ as my Saviour.  I was forgiven and not forgotten by God.

It has been over 55 years since that funeral.  Grandmom’s in Heaven, and I have God’s promise that I, too, can go there and see her one day.  

All that happened because my grandmom cared about my soul.  She did not quit her godly influence, just because I was not interested at the time.  

In the end, her perseverance, daily prayers, and efforts to get me to be obedient to God paid off.  “Thanks, Grandmom, for not giving up.”

No, I do not think I will ever get rid of that old suitcase.

** I don’t think it is a coincidence that God moulded me into being a teacher and soul-winner just like my grandmother, and I have been a publisher of Sunday school papers, similar to the ones she gave me!  Her faithfulness helped make me the Christian I am.  I am glad she did not quit on me **

“Example is more forcible than precept.  People look at me six days a week to see what I mean on the seventh.”  — Cecil

I Am a Soldier!
Author Unknown

 “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” II Timothy 2:3

I am a soldier in the army of my God.  The Lord Jesus Christ is my commanding officer.  The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.  Faith, prayer, and God’s Word are my weapons of warfare.  I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity, and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this army, and I have enlisted for eternity.  I will either retire at the rapture or die in this army, but I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or be pushed out.  I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable.  

If my God needs me, I am there.  If He needs me in the Sunday school to teach the children or work with the youth, if He needs me to work with the adults, He can use me because I am there.

I am a soldier!  I am not a baby.  I do not need to be pampered, petted, primed, pumped, picked up, or pepped up.  I am a soldier!

No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, entice me, or lure me.  I am a soldier!  I’m not a wimp.  

I am in place, saluting my King, obeying His orders, praising His name, and building His kingdom.  No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts.  I do not need to be cuddled, coddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to.  I am committed.  I cannot have my feelings hurt badly enough to turn me around, and I cannot be discouraged enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing.  If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead.  If I win, it will be because of my God, and He will continue to supply all my needs.

I am more than a conqueror.  I will always triumph.   I can do all things through Christ.  

The devil cannot defeat me.  People cannot disillusion me.  Weather cannot weary me.  Sickness cannot stop me.  Battles cannot beat me.  Money cannot buy me.  Governments cannot silence me, and Hell cannot handle me.  I am a soldier!  Even death cannot destroy me.

When my commander calls me from His battlefield, He will promote me to captain and then allow me to rule with Him.  I am a soldier in His army, and I am marching and claiming the victory.  

I will not give up.  I will not turn around.  I am a soldier marching Heaven-bound.  Here I stand!  Will you stand with me?

“You have received Christ; persevere in receiving him.  You have come to trust him; keep on trusting him.  You hang about his neck as a poor, helpless sinner; remain hanging there.  Abide in Him.”  — Spurgeon

The BIBLE VIEW #1031 — False Religion

In This Issue:
Another Jesus, Spirit, and Gospel
Satan’s Successful Tactic
Look Out for False Religion
Christ, the Root

Volume: 1031     January 5, 2026
Theme: False Religion


Another Jesus, Spirit, and Gospel
Bill Brinkworth

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.  4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.” II Cor. 11:3-4

The Apostle Paul was concerned about the early church in Corinth.  He knew the devil would attempt to attack, weaken, and destroy the ministry there as he had done even to the first man and woman in the Garden of Eden.

Paul knew that the subtle enemy of God would attempt to get the fledgling church to disobey and question God, just as he had done many times previously.  The evangelist knew Satan’s tactics and how he often attacked and weakened God’s people.

Satan’s attack on God’s people today is not much different from the one on the early church.  One of his tactics is not to completely halt discussion of the things of God, but to confuse people into believing different things about what is said in the Bible.  The enemy of God is the originator of religiously correct confusion, which is similar to the secular politically correct confusion that is being forced on many today.

One of the enemy’s techniques of confusion is the “religious” acceptance of another Jesus.  This Jesus is spoken of much in modern churches.  He was born in a manger.  He died on the cross, but close examination of their religious teachings shows that He is not the same as described in the Word of God.

Although they may claim that Jesus is the only “begotten Son” of God, some also teach that Satan is Jesus’ brother, which is not scriptural.  Some flatly deny, although they claim Jesus was a good man, that he was God’s son (which false teaching is prevalent in many modern “bibles”), or that He was just a prophet or “God’s messenger.” Others deny his virgin birth, which is the way He was born sinless in the body of a man, and this unvirgin birth would make him a sinner.

Many believe another Jesus, and not the one who came to Earth to save people from the wages of their sin.  Many know of a “Jesus,” but it is not the Holy Son of God taught in God’s Word.

Another confusing ploy of the enemy is to make men believe and follow another spirit, rather than the Holy Spirit.  This false spirit is alive and at work today, as people decide to do what they think is right and good.  

Rather than obey the Holy Spirit’s leading, which is always in accordance with the Word of God, they follow the false, often unholy, spirits of man.  Some of those spirits lead people and do not convict them of their dishonesty, drunkenness, deceitfulness, immodesty, lewdness, unholy lifestyle, or other sins.  Their religion and philosophies justify the sin they are committing.  It is another spirit they are following, as the Spirit of God would not permit any iniquity.

Another gospel is also believed and obeyed (Galatians 1:7-8).  It is not the good news that Jesus died on the cross for sinners, and that His death is the only payment God will accept for any person’s sin. 

Today, many teach that obeying church rules and doctrines will get one to Heaven.  It is also preached from some pulpits that good works, religious rites, or deeds will get one to Heaven, even though the Bible clearly teaches otherwise.  Often, a religion’s man-made writings are given greater importance than the preserved Word of God.

Some even teach the false Gospel that there are many different ways to Heaven, while the true Gospel says there is only one way to Heaven and that is through Jesus (John 14:6).  Others unbiblically teach that praying to Christians of the past can get prayers answered and sins forgiven.  Man-made religion has added to or removed from the real Gospel that Jesus brought to mankind.

The true Gospel is the one God has ensured we have after all these years.  The pure Word of God has been kept for us within the pages of the King James Bible for English-speaking people (Other major languages have a copy in their language that comes from the same roots the KJV comes from.).  That Bible should be the only source of knowing the will and way of God.

There is a real, unseen spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12) occurring everywhere.  The enemy’s goal is to send as many souls as possible to Hell or to weaken believers beyond usefulness to the cause of Christ. 

The battle can be lost by any who believes and follows the wrong Jesus, the wrong spirit, or the wrong Gospel.  Be wary!  Read your Bible for yourselves.  Learn, obey, and follow only the genuine.

“Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of Christ.  8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Galatians 1:7-8

Satan’s Successful Tactic
J. Vernon McGee

When the Devil saw that persecution would not stop the church, he changed tactics.  He joined the church.  He began to hurt the church from the inside. 

He still does that today.  He attacks the validity of the Word of God and seeks to discredit the Gospel.  If that does not work, he tries to invalidate the man who preaches the Gospel. 

“You will never be able to discern false religion, unless you know the truth from God’s Word!”

Look Out for False Religion
Bill Brinkworth

In giving pastoral advice to another preacher, Titus, Paul showed us that we often face today what the early church had to be careful about.  Early churches had to be cautious of false teachers undermining the real work of God.

Paul’s warnings to Titus can help us identify some of the false preaching and teaching that goes on in pulpits today.  Some of the telltale signs of “false preachers” include:

  • They are preaching things that should not be preached or taught.  Perhaps some of what came from the pulpit was not even biblical, as happens too often in many pulpits today.  Somehow, what was said was often motivated by the preacher’s desire to make more money for himself (Titus 1:11)
  • Much of what was said ruined families.  Perhaps unwise preaching brought division, rather than unity in families and caused problems (Titus 1:11).  It may also have been doctrines that encouraged families to leave their church, and the result was that they stopped attending any ministry. 
  • Their having their own prophets (Titus 1:12) that supposedly got a “new message from God” and added their own thoughts and philosophies.  We see this today with Muslims following the teachings of their prophet, Mohammed, and the Mormons following their “prophet,” Joseph Smith.  It is also seen in other religions and denominations worldwide.
  • Their teaching of “fables, and commandments of men” (Titus 1:14).  Instead of “thus saith the Lord,” it was “thus saith the preacher” or “thus saith our religion.” We see this today with many false religions having their own religious books and teachings that get more credence than the Word of God.
  • Their works proved they were not from God (Titus 1:16).  With their mouth, they claimed they were from God, but their involvement in sin and ungodly actions were contrary to their profession.

Many claim they will not “judge” others, and we should not either.  However, we are to discern right from wrong and keep far away from what God does not approve of.  False religion is one danger we need to recognize as not being of God, and avoid it before damage is done to our thinking, testimony, and our Christian walk.

“There are only two types of religions: ‘do’ or ‘done’.  It’s either doing something to earn salvation to get God’s approval, or it was all done already on the cross by Jesus.”

Christ, the Root
C. H. Spurgeon

The Sandwich Islanders had been converted through some of our missionaries, and the Gospel had been preached to them for years.  One day, two or three gentlemen in long black gowns landed there, and the people asked why they had come.  They said they had come to instruct them in the true faith and to teach them.

The islanders said they would be glad to hear it if their teaching were true and scriptural.  By and by, a little diagram was exhibited to the natives after the similitude of a tree.

That tree had many branches.  The twigs, which were farthest off from the trunk, were the different believers who do good works.  The limbs, which were a little larger, were the priests; the bigger boughs were bishops; the biggest boughs were the cardinals; and, at last, those all were joined to the trunk, which was the Pope, and that went all the way down to the bottom, until it came to Peter, who was the root, deriving his authority from Christ.

The natives asked about all thoe twigs and branches, and especially about certain rotten branches that were tumbling off into a fire.  Who were they?  “They were Luther and Calvin, and other heretics who had been cut off from the true tree of the church,” the men in black robes claimed.

“Well,” said one of the islanders, ”what is the root of the tree?”

That was allowed to be Jesus Christ.  The islanders clapped their hands at once for joy, and said, “Never mind about the branches, and stems, and twigs.  We have never heard of them, but we have got the Root and that will do to grow on.”  Soon. they ignored what those men tried to teach them that were contrary to the Bible.  They had the Truth!

In like manner, brethren, we can still say, if we have Christ, we have “the root out of the dry ground (Isa. 53:2).” We have the Root of salvation.

The BIBLE VIEW #1030 —Dating/Marriage

In This Issue:
Bottom Feeders or Trophy Catch?
Advice for a Christian Seeking a Mate
The Bible and Marriage

Volume: 1030     December 22, 2025
Theme: Dating


Bottom Feeders or Trophy Catch?
Bill Brinkworth

I love to fish.  However, I am one of those fishermen who pose no environmental threat.  Many times, I come back with nothing, but it is still fun to try.

Sometimes, when I don’t seem to catch anything with my lures or flies, I switch to a sure-fire method that usually allows me to hook something.  I find the wiggliest worms or the smelliest chicken guts I can get.  I put them on a good-sized hook, make sure there is hefty weight on the line, and then cast it out into deep water.  There it sits on the bottom.  Every once in a while, I will reel it back in to check if the bait is still on, then cast it back out.

Rarely do I catch a wanted bass or trout on that rig (unless they are lost or very dumb).  I usually hook something, but it’s unwanted bottom feeders like catfish, suckers, or carp — at least I could tell my wife I caught something.  Most of the time, my catch from the bottom is not what a fisherman is really trying to hook, and it is rarely something he would ever brag about.

I was thinking of catching the bottom feeders after seeing a young Christian woman’s post on social media one day.  She was showing off how she looked after getting ready for a first-time date. 

There she was in her tight-fitting dress, far from being modest, with make-up that would rival many movie actors, and heels that were nosebleed high.  Although I have only seen actors portraying prostitutes showing their “wares”, she was not dressed much differently.  I was troubled about what she was doing to herself and what she was advertising to her date.

I certainly would not say anything to her, but I would like to.  I want to tell her that when a person dresses like that, she would probably end up with a “bottom feeder”; one of those catches that one usually throws back, and is not proud of pulling in. 

Her dress-up efforts most likely will not attract someone looking for a good wife, not someone looking for intellect, friendship, good character, a sparkling personality, or a good mother for his future children.  Most likely, he will only be attracted to the bait she is offering, get the biggest bite he can get away with, and will soon swim off to see what else the bottom of the lake has to offer.  Then she will be left all alone again, more lonely and rejected than she was before, and she may even wonder where she went wrong.

A child of God should not be looking for “bottom feeders.”  When a fisherman wants to catch a fish worth his time, he uses the right bait and fishes in completely different spots. 

To catch a desired trout, he fishes the cool, deep holes under a shaded tree.  It usually does not look like a likely spot, but that is where you find them.  If the goal is a lively, prized, large tail-dancing bass, then a line is cast among the tall grasses and lily pads.  A Christian should not be going to the wrong, worldly places to find a mate.

Dating should not be about trying to catch everything that is swimming around.  That type of “fishing” often does a lot of mental damage to the “fisherman” and “fish” alike, and the result is usually unhappiness.  Feelings get hurt.  Moral standards get lowered.  Regrets remain.  Frustration flourishes, and long-time marriage goals may be compromised.  Dating should be for mating.  It should be an avenue to find a lifetime marriage partner.

Only the right “catch” should be sought.  The proper catch is one that is spiritually similar. 

A Christian should only be seeking a Christian as a soulmate.  Marriage is a joining (“yoked”) of a man and a wife intended to be for a lifetime.  Two cannot be yoked together if their relationship with the Lord will lead them in different directions.  The goals and thinking are too different between a saved and an unsaved person. 

Often, the pressures of those spiritual differences cause not only disunity between the husband and wife, but to silence marital problems, the Christian frequently changes or hides his/her spiritual feelings and desires.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?  and what communion hath light with darkness?” II Cor. 6:14  Also:Isa. 52:11.

It is quite common that when a believer marries an unbeliever, different problems arise.  One wants to flee sin and obey convictions placed in his/her heart, and the other does not see things the same way.  Often, sin is not recognized or seen as a problem, and it would be unlikely that an unsaved person would want to live for the Lord.  

There cannot be any spiritual commonality between a child of God and a lost person.  A spiritual relationship is far more important than married people realize — until it is too late.

“Well, when we get married, I’ll change him,” is often the excuse.  Rarely can a person change another person’s spiritual condition.  It is the Holy Spirit that successfully changes anyone.  Usually, when a person tries to change another person, regret, resentment, and rebellion result.  Unless the Holy Spirit does the work, a relationship will not flourish.

There is a reason God tells believers to only “yoke up” (work together — and marriage is a lifetime “work”) with like-minded believers.  A Christian should desire to grow.  Growth will be inhibited if a mate is not a child of God also (I Cor. 5:9-13, II Cor. 6:15).  

Once a relationship with an unsaved person begins, it may be hard to end it.  To avoid regrettable actions, never allow yourself to “bottom feed” in the first place.  A regrettable relationship with a lost person will not occur if an unsaved person is never dated.  

Set your goals on a trophy catch.  Go where the “trout” or “bass” are found.  Never lower your expectations, standards, or goals.  If you are a child of God, you deserve only the best, God-selected trophy catch.  That is God’s desire for you also. 

“Ladies, if you run after God like you ran after a man, He will send you a man you won’t have to run after.” — Author Unknown

Advice for a Christian Seeking a Mate
Bill Brinkworth

  • Pray for the right mate!  I know of young people who began praying for the right life partner in their early teens.
  • Grow yourself!  Some seek a mate when they can barely take care of themselves, let alone meet the needs of another!
  • Be patient!  An opportunity for a date does not necessarily mean it is God’s will!  If you are praying about the right mate, God knows about the need.  He will provide.  You or your future spouse may not be ready yet, so do not rush God’s work in the situation.
  • Seek only a Christian (II Cor. 6:14)!
  • Seek a Christian who is as spiritually mature, or more so than you are.  A couple with one who has been saved for a long time and one who has just been saved may have problems, as the younger Christian may need to mature spiritually.
  • Seek one that you can look up to, not one that you have to “fix” to be happy with.
  • Seek in the right places.  A bar, nightclub, or other worldly place is not a place one usually finds a strong Christian.  A strong Christian will be where strong Christians hang out: in church, serving the Lord in a ministry, helping others, etc.
  • Seek one that you like.  Best friends make the best marriage partners.
  • Seek one for their character, moral values, and closeness to the Lord.  Marrying someone for their looks may lead to disappointment as age changes one’s appearance.
  • Seek God’s will and way in the search!
  • Do not necessarily seek a mate that is just like you.  I have observed and experienced that some of the best marriages are between two people who are not the same.  In areas where one is weak, the other is strong, and vice versa.  The two “halves” make a perfect union that only God can put together.



The Bible and Marriage
Bill Brinkworth

  • Marriage is honorable.
    “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” Hebrews 13:4
  • It is a good thing to be married.  God is pleased with that relationship.
    “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” Proverb 18:22 Also: I Tim. 5:14.
  • A husband and wife should show kindness to each other.
    “Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.” I Corinthians 7:3
  • A married person’s life and body are not their own, but belong to their spouse.  Most split-ups involve selfishness somewhere.  Fewer divorces would occur if more mates did not worry about their own needs but about meeting their partner’s needs.  If both in the marriage made this their purpose, both needs would be met, and a happier, more content marriage would result.
    “The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.  Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.” I Corinthians 7:4-5
  • There was no “trying out“ a marriage.  If the sin of fornication (sex outside of marriage) had been committed, the man had the responsibility to make the woman his wife.
    “And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife.” Exodus 22:16
  • Touching the opposite sex can lead to sin.  To avoid that trespass, a man and woman should marry.
    “Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.  Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.” I Corinthians 7:1-2  Also: I Cor. 7:9.
  • Although we are not under Old Testament law, the principle still applies that a husband and wife are still bound together until death separates them.
    “Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?  For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.  So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.” Romans 7:1-4
  • Although God’s commandments are often disregarded, and man’s laws are frequently obeyed more, God says marriage should be permanent.
    “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” Mark 10:9  Also: Matthew 19:6.

“When asked how the married couple stayed together for 65 years, the wife answered, ‘We were born in a time when something was broken, you fixed it, not throw it away as they do now.”— Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #1029 — Sacrifice

In This Issue:
The Greatest Sacrifice
The Sacrifice for Others
Our High Priest

Volume: 1029     December 15, 2025
Theme: Sacrifice

The Greatest Sacrifice
Bill Brinkworth

Jesus existed before being born on Earth.  The Bible states that fact.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 The same was in the beginning with God…. 14 And the Word [Capital “W” so it is a proper noun.  Jesus is the “Word.”] was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-14  Jesus was there at Creation.
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” Micah 5:2
“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58
“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” John 17:5
“When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man.  And He placed His right hand on me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold,  18 I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.’” Revelation 1:17-18

However, God’s only Son came from a glorious heavenly home to be born as a child on Earth.  Jesus came from a place free from the ravages of sin but chose to go to an iniquity-infested world for an essential, divine purpose.  His purpose was to be the ultimate sacrifice for professing believers to be saved from an eternal punishment due them because of their inherited and committed sin.
“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.  15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child… 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” Luke 2:4-20

BUT, knowing who He was and what would eventually happen to Him when He came here, Jesus came anyway.  The eternal destiny of your soul was important to Him.

Jesus knew He was born here to die.  He surrendered Himself to be the ultimate sacrifice for all who would trust His gift to be the sacrifice for their sins.
“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10  For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Hebrews 2:9-10

With all Jesus knew about who He was, where He came from, and all the terrible treatments and tortures He would face on Earth, He still came.   He endured sufferings and unpleasantries so that all who would accept His ultimate sacrifice as payment for all their sins would be spared from an eternal, tormenting Hell.  He was a willing sacrifice for what we did.

Has Jesus’ birth and suffering on Earth been for naught because you never accepted His gift for your iniquities?  Or do you have a special reason to celebrate His birth because He came to be your personal Saviour?

I am glad Jesus became the greatest sacrifice for us!  If He did not, none of us would have any hope because He is the only way anyone can get to Heaven.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

“The sacrifice of Jesus is the only reason for our salvation.”  — Spurgeon



The Sacrifice for Others
Talmage

During a plague many years ago in Marseilles, thousands died.  One day, the College of Physicians met and resolved that a victim of the plague should be dissected so that the physicians might know how to treat the disease.

There was silence among the physicians, for it was known that whoever undertook that dissection would lose his own life.  After a while, Dr. Guyon stepped forth and said, “I will do the work.”

The next morning, he made his will.  He prepared for death.  He entered the dissecting room, but he did what he promised to do.  He wrote down the result of his observation, and in twelve hours, he died.

“Oh,” you say, “what a self-sacrifice that was!” The Lord Jesus Christ looked out on this plague-stricken world.  He saw that its sins must be “dissected.”  He came down and entered the hospital of the world’s suffering.  He made His will, giving all things to His dear people.  Of our plague, He died; the well for the sick, the pure for the impure, the good for the bad, the only God for man.

“Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season”



Our High Priest
Bill Brinkworth

During Old Testament times, some priests served as mediators between God and man, presenting their prayers and sacrifices to Him.  Before Moses, the priests’ duties were often performed by the head of a household, as was the case with Job, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  During Moses’ day, God appointed priests from the Levite lineage, and this practice was intended to continue until the perfect priest came, Jesus Christ.

The Old Testament priests were not perfect.  Their limitations were because:

  • They were ordained (“appointed by”) men, although they were of an ancestry ordered by God (Hebrews 5:1).  Not just any man could be a priest.
  • They had to go to God with sacrifices and gifts (Heb. 5:1, 3).  The offerings were not a one-time gift.  They had to be offered more than once.  They were only temporary appeasements to a Holy God.
  • The priests themselves were sinners.  They also had to give an offering for themselves.  (Heb. 5: 2, 3)

Soon, the priesthood stopped.  The sacrifices halted.  Intercessory prayers and gifts to God ceased, but man was still in desperate need of a mediator between him and God.

God then sent man the perfect Priest.  Man did not appoint him.  He only had to make one offering for all of man’s sins.  That sacrifice covered sins past, present, and even into our future. 

That priest was not of Levi’s lineage.  He was very much like a priest of Abraham’s time — Melchisedec.  Like Melchisedec, whose name means “king of righteousness,” this God-appointed priest was the real King of righteousness.  That priest was the only God-appointed priest.  The priest was God’s only begotten son — Jesus!  Jesus’ one-time sacrifice, which never had to be re-offered, was His own life.

Unfortunately, many have not allowed God’s High Priest to be the sacrifice for their sins.  Too many have rejected Jesus and are still appointing their own priests.  No matter what those sincere people offer to God, it will be refused by the Creator.  They are doing it their way and are rejecting the one-time sacrifice Jesus made for them on Calvary’s cross.

The Old Testament priesthood was for another time — a time before the perfect Priest had been sent by God.  Today, we have the privilege of going to that High Priest, who is not sitting in some earthly temple or church, but is seated at the right hand of the Father in Heaven.  We can accept His offering on the cross to cover all our sins.  After we have accepted Him as our Saviour, we can go to Him anytime with our prayers and needs.  We no longer need an imperfect middleman; we have the perfect mediator — Christ Jesus.

“Jesus was born in a manger for you!”   — Brinkworth

The BIBLE VIEW #1028 — Our Sinful Nature

In This Issue:
Die, Old Nature!  Die!
Remarried

Volume: 1028     December 8, 2025
Theme: Our Sinful Nature

Die, Old Nature!  Die
Bill Brinkworth

When a person is saved, he becomes a different, “new” man.  One may be “new” on the inside, but all have the same “flesh” they were born with.  

Those fleshly, worldly desires may be tucked away out of sight for now, but they will always be waiting for their chance to make an appearance.  If the indwelling “new man” does not keep them in check, they will ruin his life and cause him to be in the same miserable state, or worse, than he was in before.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

No, one does not get unsaved because he does not follow the “new” Holy Spirit’s guidance.  However, his life may not appear much different from that of an unsaved person.  He will not have the joy he could have, nor be all he could be.  He will go through many hardships he would not normally face, and God will not use that person as He desires.

All have to battle the pull from the old nature’s stranglehold to rule and get its way.  Many of our personal and social problems are because someone’s “old man” (Romans 6:6) is trying to rule the roost — again.  

It is that old man who is prevailing when the green-eyed monster of jealousy raises its unruly head between brother and sister, or when one gets angry quickly with another.  He surfaces again when a lie is offered to get one out of trouble.  

It is the “old man” who creates power struggles between peers, becomes selfish, and it is that same villain who spreads gossip to defame one’s testimony because someone hurt the gossiper’s feelings.  The “old man” exposes himself when a mouth spews out hurtful words and filthy talk.

The old nature retakes control when we allow it to criticize someone who is not doing things our way, when we are scared others are not accepting us, and in countless other ways.  The “old man” will always haunt our lives, until we do what God commands us to do to our old, could-be-dominating nature.  Our “old man” must die — sometimes even daily, but he must cease to control our lives!

No, do not even suggest that one commit sin and takes one’s life.  It is not what the Bible is teaching here. That thinking is definitely letting the “old man” have his lecherous control over one’s life.  Everyone, if they want to please God, must put the “old man” of the flesh to “death” and let the new, spiritual man lead.  The old nature must have as little control over one’s life as possible.  Here is some of what the Bible says about the subject:

When one is saved, he is a different person with new needs, desires, and purpose.  The second “birth” creates in him a new part of him that never existed before.
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3   Also:  II Cor. 5:17 (see above).
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” Galatians 6:15  Religious ceremonies, traditions, and works should not be the governing factor in one’s life, but a new, spiritual life in accordance with God’s Word should be guiding him.

Do not live for “self.”  Let the “new man” be your life’s leader.  Put self-ambition, self-goals, and self-desires behind you and let your leading force be the desire to be obedient to God’s commandments found in His Word and to be a godly testimony (example).  Listen to the indwelling Holy Spirit.  

Let many of your self-motivated desires “die,” and have no control over your life.  In so doing, God will live through you.  The “new man” has a new mind, Spirit, master, goals, and  joy.
“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Ephesians 4:24
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Colossians 3:9-10  

Let your “old man die”.  Self-will will have less dominance when the “new man” is leading.
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Romans 6:6

Do not let worldly desires and habits rule your life.  Being born again is being born into the family of God.  What kind of child are you that, while a member of one family, acts like and wishes you were a member of another family?  That is what those who are living for the world, by living the world’s way, are doing.  By their actions, they are telling God, “I love you Father, BUT I like how the unsaved live, and I will behave, have the same goals, and strive to be like them.”

Christians are on the winning side!  Why would anyone ever want to act and live like those on the losing side?
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts … And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.  Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.  Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.  Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. … Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:22-32
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” Galatians 5:24
“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Romans 13:14
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.  Behold, I will do a new thing; ….” Isaiah 43:18-19
“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.  Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Romans 8:9
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world.  If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” I John 2:15
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:9  

You are not your own anymore if you are saved.  “I’m born again, but I don’t want to do all God wants me to do,” is what too many say by their actions and words to God.  You are not your own; you are purchased by God when you were saved.  The blood that Christ shed on the Cross bought you.  

You did not like who you were, or how you were headed to Hell, before you were saved.  God has done great things for you, including rescuing you from an eternal Hell.  Don’t you want to do something for Him?  Live the life He wants you to live!
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”  I Corinthians 3:16

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2
“Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3

If all the children of God would obey the “new man,” and let their “old man” “die”, their lives would be much different.  There would be fewer disagreements, tensions, and disunity in churches, families, schools, and the workplace.  All would have the same Godly purpose and direction when the “new” creature is allowed to guide them through life.  If you want the “new” life God desires you to have, let your “old man” die — and please, don’t ever let him be resurrected!

“There is but one question, and that is, what is the will of God?  That settles all other questions.”  — William E. Gladstone

Remarried
Bill Brinkworth

In Romans 6, Paul lets us know that when we trust Christ as Saviour, our “old man” is “dead” (Rom.  6:6).  The part of us that was once unrestrained, did whatever it wanted to, even things that were against God’s desires for us, is “dead”.  Once we are saved, we no longer have to serve our sin nature.

Romans 7 takes that understanding and explains how we are no longer under sin’s dominion, and the Old Testament laws that identified the sins.  Paul likens the new arrangement of being saved to a new marriage (Romans 7:2-3). 

Like a marriage, one is bound to one spouse for as long as they live.  Before we were saved, we were bound to sin, until that nature died.  It led us where we allowed it to take us into bars, adulterous relationships, bitterness, blasphemy, and hosts of other places.  Our sin nature was in control.

Like a marriage, we are no longer bound to the first “spouse” when that “spouse” dies.  Our first “spouse” died when we got saved.  That first “husband” contained over 600 Old Testament laws.  A saved person is “… dead to the law by the body of Christ …” (Romans 7:6).

The law is essential, however.  It shows us what God likes and dislikes.  From it, we learned that lying is wrong, as is adultery, deceitfulness, disobedience, rebellion, hatred, and on and on the list goes (vs. 7).  Without the law of God, we would not have known the whole mind of God concerning sin.

The law is very hard, however.  It curses and condemns us for the sins we have committed.  Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, when accepted, pays for our sins, and now we can have grace and mercy.  As Matthew Henry put it, “The sentence of the law against us is vacated and reversed by the death of Christ to all true believers.”

For the believer, the “old man” is dead.  We can be “married” to another.  The second spouse is Christ.  We are not bound to the “old man” and his laws.  Yes, the old nature and new nature will still battle for control (Romans 7:18-19),  but with the new mind a Christian has, he can be free from the control of sin (Romans 6:7).

“If you are saved, you sin by choice, not by chance.” — Barbara Brinkworth

The BIBLE VIEW #1027 — False Beliefs

In This Issue:
Filling the Empty Spot
Believe and Ask
Whosoever!
Look It Up!

Volume: 1027     December 1, 2025
Theme: False Beliefs

Filling the Empty Spot
Bill Brinkworth

Paul found himself in the world’s cultural center, Athens, Greece.  As well educated and developed in the arts as the Athenians were, Paul saw something the people were doing that deeply troubled him. 

The man of God saw throughout the city idols and other signs that it was immersed in idolatry.  On approaching a hill where many judicial duties were performed, Mars Hill, he saw something that concerned him even more about the people there.

There on the hill, he saw an altar dedicated to “The Unknown God.”  Here were people who had much of what the world desired: money, education, and pleasures.  In all this, they were not satisfied.  There was something spiritually missing in their lives. 

They tried to fill that void with worship of their own design.  Still, worshiping their created deities did not fulfill their spiritual needs.  “What happens if we leave out a god that we don’t know about?” must have been their concern.   They then created an altar to a “god” they did not even know about.

The Athenians of Paul’s time are no different from many today.  People are still not satisfied with who they are or what they have.  Most have an innate need that they do not know they have.  Throughout their lives, they unconsciously try to satisfy that need. 

Pleasure with all its laughs and imaginations does not fill the “empty spot,” nor do the degrees that come with their education.  Money never fills an insatiable pit.  It always seems, no matter how much is collected, that there is just not enough.  The searching continues.  They try this religion or that religion.  All kinds of ways to please a God they do not really know are attempted.  They remain “empty.”

The “empty spot” everyone has can be filled only through a relationship and fellowship with the real Creator.  When it is accomplished the way He requires, not our ways, He will be a part of our lives. 

God will be the direction our lives yearn for.  He will be the comfort our troubled souls desire.  He will be the supplier of all our needs.  God is the filler of everyone’s “empty spot” when He becomes the Known God to us.

“No God; no peace.  Know God; know peace.”

Believe and Ask
Bill Brinkworth

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9

Next to John 3:16, Romans 10:9 is one of the most memorized and recited verses in the Bible.  Within those 29 words is the message that has changed the lives of billions and saved countless souls from an eternal Hell.  It contains God’s directions for being saved from punishment for our sins — an eternity in Hell.

The most important step in salvation is confessing.  “Confess” is to “own, avow, or acknowledge.  To declare a belief in and adherence to” (Webster, 1828).  We are to acknowledge that Jesus, God’s only son, is alive. 

Jesus is not dead; He has risen from the dead.  Because God’s son did the “impossible” by overcoming death, He could also make it possible for His death, burial, and resurrection to be the payment for all our sins.

Unlike other religious leaders, whose remains are still on this Earth somewhere, Jesus did what no other man could do.  He died for our sins and was buried.  On the third day, He rose from the dead by the power of God.  There were no remains of His body left on this Earth. 

If the truth of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection is believed in one’s heart, that person is saved.  He can then be assured of a home in Heaven upon death.  

Believing that Jesus paid for all our sins is admitting that there is nothing we can do to earn our way to Glory.  It was something another did for us.  Jesus paid for our sins with His blood and got the victory over death, Hell, and the grave.

Saying we believe in Jesus and still hoping our good works outnumber our bad deeds is not trusting in Jesus Christ’s work alone for our salvation.  It is adding something to what He did.  The devil believes in Jesus because he has talked to Him, so just believing Jesus exists is not enough. 

What is “enough” is believing that Jesus got the victory over death, and that He is the payment for our sins.  It is trusting with all our hearts that Jesus is the only Way to Heaven.  He is our only hope.  That is total belief in what Jesus did for us.

With this belief, we can be saved from what is due us: the penalty for our sins (Romans 6:23).  Believe that Jesus died for your sins, confess Him and you can have God’s promise of eternity with Him in Heaven.

The world says, “Seeing is believing,” but Jesus says, “Believing is seeing.”
— Barbara Brinkworth

Whosoever!
C. H. Spurgeon

One time, Martin Luther saw, in one of the Roman Catholic churches, a picture of the Pope, cardinals, bishops, priests, monks, and friars all on board a ship.  They were all safe.  

As for the laity, poor wretches, they were struggling in the sea, and many of them were drowning.  Only those were saved to whom the good men in the ship were so kind as to hand out a rope or a plank.

Fortunately, that is not our Lord’s teaching.  His blood was shed “for many” (Mat. 26:28) and not for the few.  Jesus is not the Christ of a caste, religion, or a class, but the Christ for all people.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13  



Look It Up!
Bill Brinkworth

In Romans 4, the doctrine of works versus faith is discussed.  Paul said (vs. 3) that no matter what biblical teaching is discussed or considered, there should be one concern that must have paramount importance.  That concern should be, “For what saith the scripture?…” (vs. 3).

Your opinion or mine has little importance in light of many topics, especially those concerning the things of God.  Unfortunately, many people’s beliefs about spiritual things are not based on God’s Word. 

Often, people discuss among themselves what they think God’s Word means.  Usually, it is just opinions.  Dr. Mickey Carter called that kind of belief “fireside religion.”  People share their opinions, and often those thoughts turn into lifelong beliefs about the subject, even though they may not be true.

There is one God, and one way to His Heaven.  It is not anyone else’s way, no matter how much education, money, or popularity one has.  Those things do not matter one iota to God when man’s philosophy does not line up with what He has said in His Word.

If this problem of different opinions were not a reality, there would not be different denominations and religions.  Shockingly, many Christian denominations do not even line up with what God has said. 

Because the majority of people do not read and study the Scriptures for themselves, the only biblical knowledge they have is what has been expounded from the pulpit.  They have assumed that the preacher went to college for biblical studies and must know what he is talking about.

Unfortunately, many who claim to know the Scriptures do not know them or even believe what they teach.  I remember being horrified when a pastor many years ago remarked, “Oh yeah, I read the Bible once when I was in college.”  Here was supposedly a spiritual leader to hundreds of people, and he had read the Bible once in his lifetime!  His lack of knowledge certainly must have hurt many lives and eternal souls.

A quick study and examination of most religions, and even denominations that are labeled “Christian,” may quickly reveal that:

  • Idolatry may be involved in their worship.  Many may deny that they are committing idolatry when they stand before a statue and pray or do some “religious” activity before it.  However, in God’s eyes, it is still idolatry.
  • According to their teachings, Jesus is not the only way to Heaven.  Unbiblical teachings often center on good deeds and works that do not please God.  Good works will not get anyone into Heaven.
  • There are other people of the past that they pray to to get answers to their prayers, help, etc., other than Jesus or God.  The Bible says there is only one person (“mediator”) we should pray to, and that is Jesus Christ (I Tim. 2:5).
  • Church teachings and writings have higher importance than the Word of God.
  • They often do not know where the Word of God is.  Leaders frequently use many different versions of the Bible, each teaching differently, and even use writings from other religions.

Many church doors would be closed shortly if attendees simply asked the same question Paul did about church doctrines.  A simple, “I heard what you just preached from the pulpit.  Show me in the King James Bible where what you just preached is written down, and I will gladly believe it.”  A biblically aligned church leader, or even one answering your query, should not be offended when you earnestly seek “What saith the Lord?”

“If you have truth decay, brush up on the Bible!” — Author Unknown