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The BIBLE VIEW#1025 — Money

In This Issue:
Borrowing
The Delusion of Wealth
Never Enough
What Some Wealthy People Thought about Wealth

Volume: 1025   November 10, 2025
Theme:  Money

Read 19+ years of  free Bible Views, PLUS devotions, lessons, Bible studies,
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Borrowing and Lending
Bill Brinkworth

Many in the last three decades or more have developed a lifestyle of spending more than they can afford.  Yes, I know that the economy is geared to people living off their credit, and yes, I know “everyone is doing it.”

No, I do not think it is the bank’s fault for lending us money we cannot afford to repay.  We are responsible for our decision to obtain a loan.  We alone are accountable for our spending and paying back what we borrowed.

In many cases, it may be necessary to borrow money to purchase a “need.” However, there is such a thing as “responsible borrowing and lending.” Here are a few biblical principles that, if heeded, may keep many from the financial trouble that could easily happen to them if these principles are ignored:

  • The Bible does teach that it is acceptable to loan money and things.  The good lender should show mercy and kindness to those to whom he has lent.
    “A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.” Psalm 112:5
    “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” Proverbs 19:17
    “Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.” Luke 6:30
    “Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.” Matthew 5:42  Also: Psalm 112:5, Proverbs 19:17
  • A godly person has a responsibility to pay back what he has borrowed.  It is a wicked person who does not repay a loan!
    “The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.” Psalm 37:21
  • When we give our word to repay money we have borrowed, we have an obligation to repay it.  Breaking our word is lying.  We are accountable for the promises we make!  It is our testimony, especially as Christians, to do what we say we will do.
    “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,” Proverbs 6:16-17
    Covenant breaking (promise breaking) is listed as a sin in Romans 1:31.
  • When times are tough and it does not seem possible to pay the bills, turn to God first —not the banks.  He can, if it is truly a need, help you!
    “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.  I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalms 37:24-25
    “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37:4
  • When a person does not repay what he borrows, he keeps what does not belong to him.  That is stealing!
  • When you do borrow, you can lose some freedom.
    “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7
  • When you do borrow, do not get into a situation where your freedom is used as collateral for a debt.
    “Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.” Proverbs 22:26 (“Surety” can be one that is legally bound to pay off a debt. In some cases, if the debt is not paid, a person may be bound to pay off the debt by his being in slavery, in one form or another.)
  • Some debt may be accumulated because of one’s coveting.  Coveting is a sin (Exodus 20:17).  It is wicked in God’s eyes because one may not be happy with what God has allowed him to have.  

    A person may lust for what another has.  That coveting may lead him to spend what he should not have spent.  He may end up with payments he cannot afford.  The financial hardship may be the consequence of one’s sin.  It may be a reaping of what was sown.
  • If we borrow something, and it is damaged or dies in our possession, it is the borrower’s responsibility to restore to the lender what was lent.  The borrower needs to fix what was damaged or loss.
    “And if a man borrow ought of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.” Exodus 22:14
  • If you are responsible for making a person poor, do not charge him interest!
    “If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.” Exodus 22:25
  • If you are trying to help a person who is having financial difficulties, do not profit from his hardship.
    “And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.  Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.  Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.” Leviticus 25:35-37

Having a “little” may not be such a bad thing!
“A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.” Psalm 37:16
“Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.” Prov. 15:16 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” I Timothy 6:6

The Delusion of Wealth
Author Unknown

There is a fable about a covetous man who claimed to find his way one moonlit night into a fairy’s palace.  There he saw bars, apparently of solid gold, strewed everywhere.  He was permitted to take away as many as he could carry.  He carried his treasure home with much difficulty.

In the morning, when the sun rose, he found himself waking and still clutching his “treasure”,  which he saw was only a bundle of sticks.  All around him, invisible “people” laughed and scoffed at what he previously thought was valuable.

Such will be the confusion of many a person who died in this world and who is worth much.  Awaking in the next life, they will find that their “treasures” on Earth meant nothing in eternity.  They will find themselves “… wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17).

“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.”  Rev. 3:17-18

Never Enough
Author Unknown

“When I was younger,” said a friend, “an older man tried to teach me some wisdom I should know about.  He once asked me when a man was rich enough?”  I replied, “When he has ten thousand dollars?”

“No,” was his answer.

“Twenty thousand?”

Again, “No.”

“A hundred thousand?”

“No.”

In an attempt to settle the discussion, I responded, “One million dollars?”

“No!” he again responded.  “When he has a little more than he has, and that is never!  If he acquires one thousand, he wishes to have two thousand, then five, then twenty, then fifty.  If he grasped all the money in the whole world, he would desire other world’s riches to possess.”

“Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.”
Proverb 27:20

What Some Wealthy People Thought about Money

“I have made many millions, but they have brought me no happiness.”  
— John W. Rockefeller 

“The care of $200,000,000 is enough to kill anyone.  There is no pleasure in it.”
— W. H. Vanderbilt

“I am the most miserable man on Earth.” — John Jacob Astor 

“I was happier when doing a mechanic’s job.” — Henry Ford

“Millionaires seldom smile.” — Andrew Carnegie

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which, while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” I Timothy  6:10

The BIBLE VIEW #1024- Sin

In This Issue:
Catching Monkeys
It Cannot be Tamed
A Wormhole
A Snow Story

Volume: 1024   October 27, 2025
Theme:  Sin

Catching Monkeys
Bill Brinkworth

Many hunters use their skills with bows and arrows, blowguns, and spears to kill monkeys.  Missionary Arnold Skelton told of an interesting way that natives capture the primates.

Some clever hunters have figured out a way that monkeys can trap themselves.  The hunter would scour the jungles looking for the right-sized, wild gourd.  It would have to be large and big around the middle.

After the gourd had dried for several weeks, he would cut a two-inch hole in the side and a smaller one in the top, through which a rope could be passed and the gourd hung from a tree.  He would then take the insides out of the gourd, leaving an empty, hard-shelled trap that he would use to catch a monkey dinner.

After finding the right place in the jungle where there were plenty of monkeys, he would hang his trap from a tree.  In the center of the gourd-trap, he would place several handfuls of peanuts and then leave his monkey-catcher.

In a short time, the curious creatures would scamper over to see what the man had left behind.  A glance and a long sniff would reveal to the monkeys that one of their favorite foods was conveniently close by — and easy to get!

One monkey would venture first.  He would look the gourd over well.  The gourd was a common sight to the creature and would not rouse many questions, and inside, he would discover wonderful, plump peanuts.  What more could a monkey ask for?

Into the gourd would venture one monkey’s hand, grasp one or two peanuts, and then slowly, he would ease out his hand.  Easy pickings!  He got a handful and they were so good!

Perhaps another monkey saw how easily it was done.  He, too, wanted his share.  In would go his little hand, and not wanting to miss out on this free deal (“Why, some of the other monkeys may go next and not leave any more for me!”), he would grab as many as he could get.  His hand was now too big to get back out of the hole.  When he tried to pull back his hand, it would not come out through the gourd’s hole.  His hand was stuck.

He would pull and pull, but to no avail.  The creature was caught.  There seemed to be no way out.  His own selfishness had bound him to the trap.  It would never dawn on him to let go of the peanuts.  There, he would be captured until the hunter returned and easily killed the monkey.

So many people are in a similar trap.  It may not be a lust for peanuts that has them bound, but it may be bondage to cigarettes, drinking, drugs, lying, adultery, stealing, or some other sin that has them caught.

At first, the sin looked harmless to them.  “Everyone was doing it, and it seemed to be okay.” Finally, sin’s noose tightened, and there was no longer any fun or enjoyment in the iniquity.

It has them caught.  There seems to be no escape from the terrible wage (and there always is at least one) of the sin.  There is.  Let go, before it’s too late!

“Oh, it’s easy to say, but harder to do,” many claim the excuse.  There is only one way to escape the consequences of sin, and that is to leave it.  No person can do it for you.  No pill will take sin’s grip away.  No good work will erase it.  You have to break the bind.  The sin has to be stopped.  The longer it continues, the stronger its grip.

“Well, I can’t stop this sin.” Well, maybe YOU can’t.  There is, however, another way to get the victory.  This way is to call upon the Lord to help you.  He can help you get the win over this world, its traps, and snares.  You must trust in Him to show you the way out.

Here are some Bible verses about letting go and letting God help you get the victory over the devices of this world:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13
“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10
“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” II Corinthians 12:10

The only way you will know His will and way is if you read His book.  His Word is exactly that, His words.  The Bible is a book with the preserved plans of God to help you through life.  You will never know His way if you do not read it and you will never get the victory unless you obey it.

Yes, little monkey, there is a way out of your predicament.  Let go and let your Heavenly Father help release you from sin’s bondage.

“In diving to the bottom for pleasures, we bring up more gravel than pearls.”
—Author Unknown

It Cannot be Tamed
C. H. Spurgeon

I have heard of a man who kept a tame leopard in his house.  It had been nursed from the time it was a cub, and it wandered about the house like a cat.

One day, while the master was asleep, the leopard licked his hand.  As it licked a place where the skin was thin and broken, blood began to flow.  Soon,s all the wild instincts of the beast flashed from its furious eyes.  

The man suddenly woke and saw the situation.  His end was near unless he should be quick and skillful enough to destroy the animal.  

Do you think he paused or hesitated?  No, a loaded pistol was within his reach, so he stretched out his hand quietly, grasped it firmly, aimed it steadily, fired it instantly, and the creature lay dead at his feet.  It had come to this: either he must kill it, or it would kill him.

Is it so with you?  Your sins may have begun to draw “blood” from you already.  Those stings of conscience, that empty purse, that lack of peace, those red eyes all are starting to tell what sin can do.  

Not yet do you know all sin’s horror.  Before the leopard of iniquity springs upon you and speedily tears you to pieces, God help you to give it up!

“Secret sin down here is open scandal in Heaven.”  — Dr. Chafer

A Wormhole
Author Unknown

You have seen an apple with a wormhole in it.  Do you know whether the worm began to bore the hole in the apple from the inside or from the outside?  Many would say from the outside, but a scientist will agree with the observer who declares that the worm began on the inside.  In fact, they tell us that the egg was laid in the blossom and that the worm was hatched in the heart of the apple, whence he bored his way out.

That is precisely the way the worm of sin starts work in the human life.  It begins in the heart and bores its way out.  We know it is true that out of the heart are the issues of life.  We must never forget that the heart must be sound, or the life will be mutilated.

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Prov. 4:23



A Snow Story
Author Unknown

It was wintertime, and the freshly fallen snow had clothed the whole face of the country in a beautiful white robe.  Crossing a field with her milk can in hand was a little girl.  She was on her way to the farmhouse to buy some milk.  In the middle of the field, she stopped and took three looks.

She looked around.  All was pure and white: the hedges, the trees, the ground, and the house.  All were covered with snow.

She looked within.  The little girl thought of her sins, of how many wrong words she had spoken, and of how many bad things she had done.  She felt she was dirty with her sins and not at all like the snow around her.

She looked up.  She turned to the Saviour of sinners, and from the field rose her cry, “Lord, wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”

Would the Lord hear that cry?  Indeed, He would.  He answered it at once and gave that little girl knowledge and confidence that His precious blood cleansed her from all sin, and that she was whiter than snow in His sight.

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7

The BIBLE VIEW #1023 — Difficulties

In This Issue:
Why Me?
The “Bad” Times
A Shelter in The Time of Storm

Volume: 1023   October 27, 2025
Theme:  Difficulties

Why Me?
Bill Brinkworth

Even if a person is well-educated, lives a good life, has wealth, and may be able to protect themself, but lives in a bad neighborhood, it does not guarantee they will be exempt from lawlessness.  It is a crime-ridden neighborhood, and all who reside there will most likely have terrible things happen at some time.

It is the same for good Christian people in this world.  Earth is a sin-infested place where we reside.   All who live here will be affected or involved in iniquity because of the “neighborhood”  where they reside.  

The hardships encountered by living here may include financial, health, accidents, social, and many other areas.  There will be problems that happen to all of us at some point in our lives.  Many of the difficulties and bad experiences are because we live in a cursed residence.
“And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;  19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Genesis 3:17-19
“The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.” Isaiah 24:5-6

Christian souls may be saved, and we may be doing much better than our neighbors, but all will encounter the consequences of iniquity from our own weaknesses or those committed by others.   Nowhere in the Bible does it say that followers of Christ will not have problems as a result of sin.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12

Do not expect not to have problems.  We are all born sinners; that is why we need to be saved.  All will be affected by sin’s side effects.
“Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.” Job 14:1
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12

So, why are bad things happening to you?  Not only are you a sinner and possibly reaping the repercussions of your iniquities, but you live in a sin-oppressed world.  Sin hurts everyone, even the innocent.  Believers are not exempt from its terrible consequences.
“For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night.  This is also vanity.” Ecclesiastes 2:23

As overpowering as the plague of sin on all is, Christians can have protection during iniquity’s storms.  We can limit what happens to us by living a God-centered and God-lead life. 

If waves from wickedness do crash spray over your life’s bow, it is a time to draw near the Master of the Sea to help you through sin’s gale.  He may be using that trial to make you a stronger Christian.  It is not time to abandon ship!

“He who knows no hardships will know no hardihood.  He who faces no calamity will need no courage.  Mysterious though it is, the characteristics in human nature which we love best grow in a soil with a strong mixture of trouble.” — Harry Emerson Fosdick

The “Bad” Times
Bill Brinkworth

No one likes troubles, trials, and tribulations, but we all will or have had them.  Since we will all encounter them in our lives, it only makes sense to view them properly.

God often sends “bad” incidents to make us into what He desires us to be.  They will teach us lessons in life’s school that will never leave us the same.  It can be for this reason that God preserved the words in James 1:2-4:“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; [trials] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

We are to take these challenging times as a “joyful time”?  How can anything as miserable as some have experienced be joyful?  Usually, the lesson is learned and thankfulness is appreciated after the fire is passed through and when we’re out on the other side of calamity.  It is then that we can have “joy”.

After one goes through so many “temptations” and remembers how they benefited from those experiences, one can easily develop the right attitude the next time unpleasantness comes into view.  “Ah, I don’t like the class, but the lesson I will learn will be worth it.” That is joy.

The Bible gives us many different reasons why hard times come into our lives.  Those amidst trials learn many lessons.  Some did not learn their lesson the first time they took the “course.”  Later on, they faced more difficult training further down life’s path because they had never learned it previously.

Sometimes tempestuous times are meant to strengthen us.  We can be made stronger when we are awed at His deliverance from the impossible.  When we get to that point, we can look back and say, “Only God could have gotten me through that”.
“He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.” Deuteronomy 10:212

At other times, our turbulent trials build our faith after we see what God has done.  After passing through enough testing and remembering how we were delivered in the past, we have faith that He will guide us through the next time.
“Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.” I Samuel 12 24

Part of what happens when our faith is strengthened is that we are taught.  We learn more about Him, what He can or will not do, and His other character traits when we see God work in our lives.

There are many lessons to be learned from life’s trials.  When Israel was led through the wilderness, they learned to fear and follow God.  Jonah’s experience also taught him to obey – the first time.  

Paul’s blinding experience on the road to Damascus taught him that there is only one way to please God, and that it is God’s way, not the traditions or religions of man.  After Jesus healed a blind man from a lifetime of darkness, the man came to know of His power.

All these events changed the lives of those going through what they initially thought were unwanted times.  What would they have been like if they had not experienced them?

Reading the Scriptures, one can easily see how hard times were used to teach God’s people how He could protect them.  God has used hornets, earthquakes, darkness, disease, fear, and water, to name a few, to guard and direct His own.  What an unforgettable lesson must have been learned when they got to see the mighty works of their protective Father.

Hard times can also direct us.  The trials we go through often change the direction we are going and put us on the course God desires – much like the road detour no one likes.  

If our route had not been changed, we would have ended up in the construction workers’ freshly dug trench, possibly damaging our vehicle and ourselves.  The many extra miles were worth the aggravation we could have faced in the body shop or even in the hospital.  When we look back on what could have happened, we can be joyful about what did not occur and are thankful for His direction.

Certainly, tough times can change us.  Jonah’s attitude was surely changed after his stay in the whale’s belly.  Saul had a new perspective about persecuted Christians after he was one.  

Joseph was certainly appreciative of all the hardships he endured after recognizing how they prepared him for his future.  We can lose all our self-righteousness and self-worth in a short hurry when we face trials and realize that in those times, only God can make a difference.

Not all trials are punishment of God, but some are.  Our miseries can be an act of God to correct us when we do wrong.  A proper punishment will change wrong behavior and quickly.  

When God’s people were doing wrong, God sent enemies, bondage, plagues, and other deterrents to change their mindset.  Parents sometimes have to punish their child for wrong behavior; our heavenly Father sometimes needs to do so also.

Not too many people get excited when terrible things happen to them, but if you have not already learned, there is much to be learned from the “bad times.”   Not one spiritual, close-to-God Christian got that way without going through a lot of heartache.  Sometimes the most spiritual have gone through the most.  Hard times can have a positive effect on us if we learn our lesson properly.



A Shelter in The Time of Storm
A Hymn by Vernon Charlesworth

The Lord’s our rock, in Him we hide,
A shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide,
A shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain:
Oh, Jesus is a rock in a weary land,
A weary land, a weary land;
Oh, Je­sus is a rock in a weary land,
A shel­ter in the time of storm.

A shade by day, defense by night,
A shelter in the time of storm;
No fears alarm, no foes af­fright,
A shel­ter in the time of storm.
Refrain:

The raging storms may round us beat.
A shelter in the time of storm
We’ll never leave our safe retreat,
A shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain:

O rock divine, O refuge dear,
A shelter in the time of storm;
Be Thou our helper ever near,
A shelter in the time of storm.
Refrain:

The BIBLE VIEW #1022 —Anger

In This Issue:
Get It Right Before Bedtime
When Anger Is Sinful
Uncontrolled Anger
When Humor Helped Keep His Shirt On
Yielding Personal “Rights”
Unhappy and Last Place

Volume: 1022   October 20, 2025
Theme:  Anger


Get It Right Before Bedtime
Bill Brinkworth

Part of man’s makeup includes the “anger” emotion.  Perhaps, because we are made in the image of our Creator, we received this reaction in certain situations from God.

Reading the Scriptures, one will quickly see some instances where God was angry.  There were times when God was angry with Moses (Ex. 4:14), Aaron (Deut. 9:20), Israel (Deut. 9:8, II Kings 17:18), Solomon (I Kings 11:9), and the wicked on a daily basis (Psalms 7:11). 

God’s only son, Jesus, also got angry at times.  He was angered by hardened hearts (Mark 3:5).  Most likely, Jesus was angered when He saw people making the Temple, a place of worship, into a place of commerce (John 2:14-15).

However, when God and Jesus became angry, no sin was involved.  God is Holy (Lev. 19:2, I Sam. 2:2) and does not sin, nor does His Son (Heb. 4:15).  Anger does not necessarily need to be sinful.

There are still things that make God angry, and I am sure they still break Jesus’ heart.  We encounter plenty in this life that should make a Christian angry. 

The killing of 4,000 innocent babies a day by abortion should make a Christian angry.  The world’s brainwashing attempt to get people to accept and tolerate sin should get a believer mad.  

Punishing righteousness and godly living should make one displeased.  Christians live in a world where many things are done contrary to what the Bible teaches we should do, and they should get upset over that.  We should love the sinner, but sin should make us angry.

Sometimes people’s reactions to things, which may not necessarily be a sin, can get them mad.  Regardless of what upsets us, we must be cautious, as anger can lead to sin.  A Christian must always be wary of getting involved in iniquity.  One must avoid anything that may, at one point, lead one to do wrong.

For this reason, God has given us a blow-off valve so the pressures from our anger do not evolve into sin.  God’s warning is that no matter what gets you angry, make sure you get it right before the day is over.  Before the sun goes down and before you put your head on your pillow, make sure you deal with your anger.

If you find yourself angry with your wife, family member, coworker, or anyone else, make sure to address it before the end of the day.  That means someone may have to surrender their pride and discuss the day’s provocation with their spouse before bedtime. 
“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” Ephesians 4:26

A child may need to be apologized to because a parent’s temper got the better of them during a discipline situation.  Perhaps a phone call is necessary to re-establish a good relationship with an employee or neighbor.  If we want to end the possible consequences of improper handling of anger, it should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Failing to address anger promptly often results in hostilities and feelings being bottled up.  When one wakes up the next day, those emotions are strengthened and hardened in one’s mind.  The longer they remain undealt with, the harder they will ever be to reconcile.

Unreconciled feelings often lead to hardened, unpliable hearts.  A hardened heart leads to bitterness.  Before long, one may develop a bitter spirit towards an individual or even a group of people, all because anger was never addressed and instead it festered and grew.  

Often, the person may not even realize what has happened to him.  Anger and bitterness can fester in a relationship all because one let a day go by without humbling oneself and getting a problem resolved before the sun went down.

Perhaps, many suns have set on your anger.  The resulting bitterness has robbed you of the joy you once had. 

Every time you see a certain person or hear his name, the old, unforgiven memories churn up, and you find yourself facing the same anger.  It would have been much easier to remedy those feelings on the day it happened, but it is never too late to get your angry feelings right with another. 

Yes, it may be the other person who did something terribly wrong.  However, your anger has robbed you of your joy, and that sin may have kept you from having a closer walk and relationship with the Lord.  Get hostilities and anger right today, before the sun goes down.

“A man that does not know how to be shaken to his heart’s core with indignation over things evil is either a fungus or a wicked man” — Beecher


When Anger Is Sinful
J. Beaumont, 1871

Anger is sin:

  • When we are angry with the providence of God.
  • When we are angry with the laws of God.
  • When we are angry at the doctrines taught in the Word of God.
  • When we are angry at the good we see in others.
  • When we are angry with those who differ from us in religious sentiments.
  • When we are angry at reproof.
  • When we wish evil upon our reprover.
  • When we use unlawful means to avenge ourselves.

“To be angry is often to revenge the fault of others upon ourselves.” — Antinomy

Uncontrolled Anger
Oliver B. Greene

Alexander the Great was one of the few men in history who truly deserved his descriptive title.  He was energetic, versatile, and intelligent.  Although hatred was not generally part of his nature, several times in his life, he was tragically defeated by anger.

The story is told of one of these occasions, when a dear friend of Alexander, a general in his army, became intoxicated and began to ridicule the emperor in front of his men.  Blinded by anger and quick as lightning, Alexander snatched a spear from the hand of a soldier and hurled it at his friend.  Although he had only intended to scare the drunken general, his aim was accurate, and the spear took the life of his childhood friend.

Deep remorse followed his anger.  He was overcome with guilt, Alexander attempted to take his own life with the same spear, but he was stopped by his men.  For days, he lay sick, calling for his friend and chiding himself as a murderer.

Alexander the Great conquered many cities and countries, but he had failed miserably to control his own spirit.

When Humor Helped Keep His Shirt On
Author Unknown

In early 1952, President Truman appointed Newbold Morris to investigate crime and its management in high government circles.  Later that year, Morris was in the witness chair answering a barrage of pointed questions from the Senate subcommittee regarding the sale of some ships by his New York company.

The investigation was becoming hot and fierce.  Morris’ face took on a look of pain, then of surprise, and then of anger.  Amidst the excitement, he shouted as he reached into his coat and produced a sheet of white paper.

“Wait a minute.  I have a note here from my wife.  It says, ‘Keep your shirt on.’”

Everybody laughed, and the angry excitement died down, at least temporarily.

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1

Yielding Personal “Rights”
Author Unknown

The public library had a system called “Dial-A-Tale.” Anytime a young child wanted to hear a fairy tale, they could call the number, and a voice would read a short fairy tale to the listening young ear.  However, the number was only one digit different than Rev. Tom Erickson’s number.

Because the small fingers often made mistakes, Tom received frequent calls from a child wanting to hear a fairy tale.  

After several unsuccessful attempts to explain a wrong number to the small child, Tom felt he had only one alternative.  He obtained a copy of Three Little Pigs, and set it by the phone.  Whenever a child called, he simply read him the tale.  A beautiful illustration of yielding personal rights and avoiding anger.

He didn’t, as you might have thought, change his telephone number to avoid the “invasion of his privacy”, as some might have done.

“Anyone can become angry.  That is easy.  But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, and in the right way — that is not easy.”  — Antinomy

Unhappy and Last Place
Author Unknown

A Do-it-yourself catalog firm received the following letter from one of its customers: “I built a birdhouse according to your stupid plans, and not only is it much too big, but it keeps blowing out of the tree.  Signed, Unhappy.”

The firm replied: “Dear Unhappy, We’re sorry about the mix-up.  We accidentally sent you a sailboat blueprint.  But if you think you are unhappy, you should read the letter from the guy who came in last in the yacht club regatta.”

The BIBLE VIEW #1021 — Being A Christian

In This Issue:
When the Holy Spirit Whispers to Your Heart
What We Do Have
Paul’s Good Advice
“Insiders” Can Do More Damage

Volume: 1021   October 13, 2025
Theme:  Being a Christian


When the Holy Spirit Whispers to Your Heart
Bill Brinkworth

Paul had corrected the carnal Corinthian church in his writings to them.  He got no joy out of rebuking them for their sin and weaknesses (II Corinthians 7:8), however, he rejoiced over the results of his correcting them. 

The Corinthians weighed his remarks about their sin, found the accusations were correct, saw that it was wrong in God’s eyes, were sorrowful over their iniquities, and corrected their behavior (II Cor. 7:8-9).  Paul’s verbal stand against their wrongdoing helped them repent of their error.

That is usually the intent of every preacher who preaches behind the pulpit.  They labor over the portion of the Scriptures God had laid on their heart to preach and deliver a message.  Many times, the preacher would rather not say what he has to say.  He knows very well how some will react.  

The preacher has a duty, however (II Cor. 7:12).  That duty is to deliver the truth, no matter how hard some may take it.  As did Paul, the preacher is to put the spotlight on spiritual problems in our lives.  Once we see the error, it is up to us to correct the wrongdoing.

Some hear the message pounded from the pulpit and do as the Corinthians did.  They listen to it, and most likely do not like what they hear.   Then they realize that it was not the preacher who was rebuking them, but God’s Word. 

When the seriousness of the matter is realized, they become “sorrowful” over the matter.  They become so sad about what they had done that they committed themselves not to do it again.  The Holy Spirit’s work through the preacher’s sermon has done what it was intended to do!

However, many react differently to the sermon.  Instead of getting their sin or spiritual weakness corrected, they get mad at the deliverer of the Good News. 

It is not unusual for some to storm out of the church, never to return, blaming the preacher for, “He was personally attacking me, and embarrassing me before the whole church!”  Quite often, the preacher has no idea that his words hit the mark the Holy Spirit was aiming at or to whom it applied.

Others react badly by discrediting the Spirit’s tugging at their heart by saying, “The preacher doesn’t know what he is talking about,” “That Scripture was for another time, and doesn’t apply today,” “I don’t agree with what he said”, and on and on the excuses flow.  The truth is that the Holy Spirit spoke to their heart, and they refused to obey what He was convicting them of doing.

Preaching is often the medium God chooses to speak to hearts.  However, God speaks to our hearts, it is up to us to heed the warning and turn from our rebuked ways. 

Have you heard His commands?  Did you get glad and repent, or did you get mad and not correct what He desired you to change?

“When God’s Word convicts you of sin, don’t shoot the messenger; heed the message!”

What We Do Have
Bill Brinkworth

From time to time, one hears a complaining Christian murmur, “I am a Christian.  I can’t do this or that.”  They sound like they do not enjoy being a Christian.  They forget who they are and what they have. 

Romans 8 reminds us of some of the many advantages of being a Christian.  When we are saved, the blessings include:

  • We are not condemned for the many sins we commit.
    “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

Matthew Henry wrote, “Paul does not say, ‘There is no accusation against them,’ for this there is; but the accusation is thrown out, and the indictment quashed.  He does not say, ‘There is nothing in them that deserves condemnation,’ for this there is, and they see it, and own it, and mourn over it, and condemn themselves for it; but it shall not be their ruin.  He does not say, ‘There is no cross, no affliction to them or no displeasure in the affliction,’ for this there may be, but no condemnation.” We are protected from the law’s judgment on our sins because of Christ.

  • We have the opportunity to be led by the indwelling Spirit of God.  We do not have to follow the flesh that only wants to do what feels right to it, and leads us to commit damaging sin.  We can follow God’s perfect, safe guidance (Rom. 8:5).
  • Because we can follow the Spirit of God, we can please God (Rom. 8:8).  Before the Spirit guided us, we did not please Him.
  • We are “sons of God” (Rom. 8:14).  Praise the Lord!  We are family members!
  • We are adopted into God’s family when we are saved (Rom. 8:15).  He is our “Abba”, our Father.  There is no greater honor than to be able to call the Creator of everything “Father.”  We can, once we are saved!
  • We are no longer bound by sin; we are freed from its control (Rom. 8:15-16).
  • The indwelling Spirit lets us know that we are different; we are the children of God (Rom. 8:16).
  • When we love God, we know that all that happens to us can turn out for our good and God’s glory (Rom. 8:28).  There is no need to be afraid, because God is for us (Rom. 8:31).
  • No person or circumstance can separate us from our loving God (Rom. 8:35-39).

So, praise the Lord!  If you are saved, you are on the winning side.  You have much for which to be thankful.

“If you live for God, you might miss some things: drunkenness, AIDS, divorce,
jail, etc.” — Barbara Brinkworth



Paul’s Good Advice
Bill Brinkworth

In Paul’s concluding remarks to the Galatians (Galatians 6), he left them with some good advice.  His counsel included:

  • If someone has a weakness, and you truly are spiritual, help them with their problem.  That advice is contrary to what so many do when one is having difficulties (Gal.  6:1).  Too many talk about the dilemma of those who are hurting, ridicule them, and “kick them” when they are down.
  • Take others’ hardships to your own heart.  Bear the burdens of others (Galatians  6:2), as if they were your very own.
  • No matter how successful you think you are, do not fool yourself into thinking you are better than you really are (Gal.  6:3).
  • Hardships and trials are difficult and exhausting, but when you persevere through them, you will feel better about yourself (Gal. 6:4, 5).  Too many try to keep others from learning a valuable life lesson by making it easier for them.  Those people never experience the joy of overcoming the difficulty.  Often, facing a problem alone can lead a person to draw closer to and become more reliant on God.
  • Never forget or be fooled, one always reaps what one sows!  If one plants a crop of sin, he will reap the harvest of some really rotten “fruit” (Gal. 6:7, 8)!
  • Do not quit doing right!  You may feel that there is no reward in doing so, or that no one may ever give you the credit for doing right, but God promises that, in time, you will reap the blessings of a good “crop” (Gal.  6:9)!
  • Be a blessing to others, especially other Christians (Gal. 6:10)!

Those seven bits of advice will make one’s life more rewarding and limit many unnecessary bad consequences that many face.  Paul’s wisdom, if followed, would result in fewer selfish people and many more others-oriented, content, and fulfilled Christians.

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”  I Corinthians 15:58



“Insiders” Can Do More Damage
Author Unknown

We who have believed can hurt Christ more than those who have not.  Enemies within the fort are more dangerous than enemies without. 

God’s worst enemies when He sought the world through His Son were not the unbelieving Romans, but the Jews who believed in God and had worshipped Him for centuries.

What a responsibility this truth puts upon those who bear Christ’s name.  For the damage is just as severe from unintentional disloyalty as from open enmity.  Every lowering of our standard is a worse stab at our best Friend and Saviour than can be dealt by scoffers or unbelievers.

The BIBLE VIEW #1020 — Grief

In This Issue:
Tip-toeing Through the Tombstones
There Is Hope.  He Is Alive.

Volume: 1020   September 29, 2025
Theme:  Grief


Tip-toeing Through the Tombstones
Bill Brinkworth

After visiting cemeteries, I often wandered among tombstones that, for many, were the only remaining memories of people who once lived.  The visits were a solemn reminder that life will come to an end for all, and our mark on this world may soon vanish.

Only cold granite stones remains of lives that once laughed, traveled, did good or bad deeds, brought lives into this world, and so much more.  Invisible to us, however, their soul still lives on, but where?
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” Matthew 25:46

Towards the front of a cemetery were five large plain stones without an etched name or date.  The rocks were carefully manicured to remove overgrown grass, just like all the other monuments.  A sign near the markers stated that they were monuments to unknown people. 

Perhaps the markers were placed before a stone mason was available to chisel their personal information on the rocks.  Maybe they were very poor and could not afford a better monument.  Not even their names were remembered.  There was no memory of them at all.

They are forgotten to us, but not to God.  He knows who they are, what they did, and why and when they died.  I wonder where they are.  Are they in Heaven or Hell for all those centuries?

Further along in a graveyard, there were three crudely carved headstones.  All three had the same last names, different birth dates, but the same day of death.   From the dates on the stones, I could tell they were very young children. 

What happened that they all died on the same day?  Was it a raging epidemic?  Was it a catastrophic fire that they all perished in?  Lord knows, and their ages were very young, so they probably were not old enough to decide to trust and understand Christ as their Saviour.  But, if that is so, they are still in Heaven with their Heavenly Father.
“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16
“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14   Also: Matthew 18:10, 21:16.

Next to their markers were no headstones with the same last name.  Their parents were not buried next to them.  How did the adults handle the great loss of their children?  Did they get angry, shake their fist at God, and blame Him?  Did they ruin their lives because they did not overcome their grief?  Or did they turn their sadness over to the Lord and remain faithful to Him even through that great loss?  Wherever they are buried, what was chiseled on their headstone?
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”  Psalm 34:18
“The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” Psalm 145:18

Four or five stones together were a reminder that there lie the remains of local soldiers who died in a World War II battlefield.  They gave their lives to secure their country, but where are their souls now?  Are they in Heaven or Hell?  Although great was their sacrifice, that great deed alone would not get them to Heaven. 

Did they get saved before the Service, or perhaps a rare conversion just before leaving this world?  Did they cling to the promises underlined in their small Blbles they were given when they first enlisted and always carried with them?
“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

Side by side were two other stones, marking the resting places of a husband and wife.  Apparently, the husband died first.  Was he a born-again child of God?  Is he in Heaven? 
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13

Twenty years later, the wife apparently died, with the same last name as her husband.  As her last name was the same as her husband’s, I suppose she never remarried. 

She spent all those years most likely by herself.  Did her children visit her, or did they go about their lives ignoring their mother’s great grief? 

How did she handle the great sadness she must have carried?  Did she ever get saved?  Is she in Heaven with her husband, or is she in agony alone in Hell?  If she and her husband were both saved, I am sure it was a grand reunion when they remet in Glory.

Another stone clearly told whose remains were under the chiseled little lamb headstone.  Apparently, a young child died and was buried there.  Again, how did the parents handle the grief?

I imagine it was difficult for them.  But did they take the time of great sadness and realize that one day their time would come?  Did they get saved?  Their child was older according to the etched dates.  Was the child saved?  Was there a great reunion for that family in Eternity?

A whole row of memorials all had the same last name.  Most had some indication that the person was saved.  There were crosses and verses etched on many of the monuments.  It appeared to be a family including grandparents, parents, and some children.  It was apparently a Christian family. 

Were they all saved, or did some of the “residents” claim to be born-again but were not, and opened their eyes to a terrifying eternity?  Or were they all born-again and living for the Lord?  If so, I am sure there is still a great reunion in Heaven.

One stone had a last name that was not on any of the other nearby monuments.  The dates indicated that the person lived a long life.  Did he live it alone?  Was he ever married?  Did he die alone?  If alone, how did he manage?  Did that person ever get saved?  Where is he residing now?

Then I  came upon a newly laid stone.  The plastic flowers put down by the funeral parlor remained.  It was the burial place of my wife of 36 years. 

I did not have to wonder about that woman’s past or where she is living for eternity.  She was saved and served the Lord for over 40 years.  I know where she is now.  There is no guessing.  
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15

I know in the future, we too will have a great reunion.  What a comfort it is to remember her great faithfulness, her toiling for the Lord, and her diligence in reaching others with the Gospel.

Every life has a story.  We can surmise how some lived and died by reading the etched brief information on their headstones.  But all that we can read is their past.  All souls live on, and we have little knowledge of their eternal “life” now and in the future.

When your body gives its last breath and your body lies in a cemetery, what will an onlooker remember, wonder, or read about your life?  Are you confident that your eternal soul will be in Heaven with the Lord, or will you finally recognize that you wasted an opportunity for Heaven?  Oh, what an agonizing eternal error that would be.

Trust Christ and live for Him today.  Life is shorter than you think.
“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow.  For what is your life?  It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” James 4:14

“Grief drives men into habits of serious reflections, sharpens the understanding, and softens the heart.”  — John Adams

There Is Hope.  He Is Alive.
Gotthold

A wife observed her husband, who was dejected by some misfortune that had befallen him.  To such a degree was the grief that he could not sleep.  His sadness was quite apparent.

She pretended to be very upset in the morning and cried and moaned.  As she had spoken cheerfully to her husband the evening before, and exhorted him to dismiss his sorrow, he was concerned about his wife.

He asked her the cause of her sudden grief.

Hesitating a little, she replied that in a dream it seemed a messenger had come from Heaven and brought news that God was dead, and that all the angels and others were weeping.  Hope was gone.”

“Foolish woman,” said the husband, “you know quite well that God cannot die!”

“Indeed,” replied the wife, “and if that be certain, how come it is that you are now sorrowful over your problem as if He really did no longer exist, or, at least, as if He were unable to control what is happening in your life.  My dear husband, learn to trust Him.  He is in control.  He is not dead.”

“The greatest griefs are those we cause ourselves.”  — Sophocles

The BIBLE VIEW #1019 — Studying the Bible

In This Issue:
The Word of God — Forever!
Study!
Effect of Reading the Bible
Context!  Context!  Context!

Volume: 1019   September 22, 2025
Theme:  Studying the Word of God

The Word of God — Forever!
Bill Brinkworth

“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass.  The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever.  And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” I Peter 1:24-25

Kings and presidents come and go.  Celebrities also rise and fall.  People are here on Earth for a relatively short time, and then they are gone.  One thing that will never vanish, and one thing that will never be just a “fad,” is the Word of God.

One could knock on most doors in the area and not find many households that have a book that was written over 100 years ago.  Those houses would also hold even fewer copies of books that were over 500 years old.  However, the majority of those houses have the Bible, which has portions that are over 3,500 years old.  This fact validates the prophecy that God’s Word will always be with us.

Men, sometimes with Satan’s influence, have tried to make God’s promise of preserving His Word for us not true.  However, their attempts have failed.  It has been burned, ripped up, and hidden, but the Bible remains.  People have been killed for even reading it.  Men have tried changing its words with over 400 modern translations and diluting what God wants every man, woman, and child to know, but the truths from the Word of God are still available.

This year, the most accurate English translation of the Bible is celebrating its 414th birthday.  The King James Version is the translation from the preserved Hebrew and Greek manuscripts.  The Word of God is still with us!  God cannot lie, and He is keeping His promise.  His Word will endure forever!

“Read my Bible; pray every day, and I’ll grow, grow, grow.” —
From a Child’s Song

Study!
Bill Brinkworth

One of the most important responsibilities all Christians have is to study the Scriptures for themselves.  Church is important, and one can learn quite a lot from the man of God in the pulpit, but it is up to us to study and learn what the Word of God says.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Tim.  2:15

II Timothy 2:15 teaches us five things about studying the Word of God:

  1. We receive God’s approval when we deem it important enough to study what God has recorded for us in the Bible’s preserved words.
  2. Notice that the word God used is “study” and not “read.”  We are to delve into it like we want to pass life’s tests and know God’s mind.  It is the only source that will help us get through life’s difficulties and learn more about the Father.  Reading is a shallower, less urgent, and less purposeful approach to a subject.  Studying takes time, rereading, comparing Scripture with Scripture, and a lot of prayer.  It takes “work,” commitment, and a great desire to get all one can out of God’s Word.  That is how God expects every Christian to approach His Truth.  Be a “workman”!
  3. When we study the Bible, we will never be embarrassed by believing the wrong things.  There are so many who have never read the Word of God for themselves.  All they know about God’s Word is what others have taught them.  If the teachers are wrong, then the students may be also. 

    If more would delve into the Word of God with an anxious desire to find what God has in store for them, learn His teachings, and practice them, most liberal, unbiblical churches would be out of business in a month!  Unscriptural denominations would be history!  The most significant revival ever would sweep this planet!
  4. In studying the Word of God, one must separate, or “divide,” some teachings.  Some practices were for past dispensations.  The priesthood, sacrifices, and signs from God were practices of times past.  A proper study of God’s Word will expose those facts, and one will not include them in their beliefs for this church age.
  5. God’s Word is the “word of truth.”  It is not just a collection of factual statements; it is the only truth.  It is the only source of truth on Earth, and God has preserved it for all to read!

The reverse teaching of II Timothy 2:15 is that if one does not study God’s truth, he is not approved of God!  Gulp!  That is hard to swallow.  Looking at it that way should make learning what the Bible teaches a higher priority.

Is knowing what God says important to you?  Is it important enough for you to invest some of your time in understanding what God wants you to know?

“To know Him is to love Him.”  — Author Unknown



Effect of Reading the Bible
Oliver Green

A young believer was discouraged in his attempts to read the Bible.  He said, “It’s no use.  No matter how much I read, I always forget what I have just read.”

A wise pastor replied, “Take heart.  When you pour water over a sieve, no matter how much you pour, you don’t collect much.  But at least you end up with a clean sieve.”

Some seem to expect the Word of God to hit them like a jolt of adrenaline each time they read or study it.  Although the “jolt” may hit us periodically, the benefits of the Word of God act more like vitamins.  

People who regularly take vitamins do so because of their long-term benefits, not because every time they swallow one of the pills, they feel new strength surging through their bodies.  They have developed a habit of consistently taking supplements because they have been told that, in the long haul, vitamin supplements are going to have a beneficial effect on their physical health, resistance to disease, and general well-being.

The same is true of reading the Bible.  At times, it will have a sudden and intense impact on us.  However, the real value lies in the cumulative effects that long-term exposure to God’s Word will bring to our lives.

“The Word of God is an armory of heavenly weapons, a laboratory of infallible medicines, a mine of exhaustless wealth.  It is a guidebook for every road, a chart for every sea, a medicine for every malady, and a balm for every wound.”  — Guthrie

Context!  Context!  Context!
Oliver Green

There is a story of two lawyers on opposing sides of a case.  During the trial, one thought he would make a great impression on the jury by quoting from the Bible.  So he said, concerning his opponent’s client, “We have it on the highest authority that ‘… all that a man hath will he give for his life.’”

The other lawyer knew the Bible better.  He said, “I am not very much impressed by the fact that my distinguished colleague here regards as the highest authority the one who said, ‘All that a man has will he give for his life.’ You will find that this saying comes from the book of Job, and the one who utters it is the Devil.  And that is who my colleague regards as the highest authority!”

“The needle of a compass always points to the North Pole.  The Bible is a book that always points to Heaven.”   — Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #1018 — Halloween

In This Issue:
Halloween

Volume: 1018   September 15, 2025
Theme:  Halloween

Sunday School Teachers & Preachers: There are hundreds of free lessons at http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/lessons.html and http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/.  The commentaries for each New Testament chapter can also be used for lessons at http://www.openthoumineeyes.com/blog/.  You can be assured that all material uses only the KJV (most Sunday School material cannot claim that)!

Halloween
Bill Brinkworth

More than 2,000 years ago, the pagan Celts celebrated the end of the summer and the arrival of cold winter.  The day was celebrated on November 1, the beginning of their new year1. 

The celebration served as a poignant reminder to many that winter would claim numerous lives.  On the night before their New Year, October 31, the Celts believed that on that day, Samhain, the dead returned to the Earth.  It was believed that those spirits would create trouble and destruction.  Death was the theme of that day2.

It was also believed that the Druids, the Celtic priests, could make prophecies about the future on that day.  The priests built huge fires where people burnt crops and sacrificed animals to the Celtic “gods.”  People attending the festival wore costumes, often featuring animal heads and skins, and tried to tell others’ futures. 

Around A.D. 43, the Romans took control of the Celtic territories.  Over time, they combined the days commemorating the Roman Day of the Dead and their day honoring their false goddess of fruit and trees (Pomona, which was symbolized by apples) with the celebration of Samhain. 

On  60 A. D., Catholic Pope Boniface IV established the feast of All Martyrs Day, honoring Christian martyrs.  Later, Pope Gregory III included all saints and martyrs, and changed the day from May 13 to November 12. 

The influence of Catholic ”Christianity” spread to Celtic areas.  As Catholicism has done throughout history, it absorbed the pagan Celtic beliefs into the teachings of the Catholic church, most likely to make the religion more encompassing and more powerful. 

Later, November 1 became “All Souls Day,” “All Saints Day,” and  ”All Hallows Eve” to honor the dead.  Eventually, the day was changed to “Halloween” and was still celebrated as was done during the Celtic Samhain.  Bonfires, costumes, and parades were part of the celebration.  Some dressed up as saints and devils.  It was soon celebrated on October 312.

As immigration transported many who upheld the Catholic/Celtic tradition of Halloween to America, the practice spread.  It was not accepted in New England because the Bible’s influence was too profound, and they recognized it as an ungodly event.  However, it did thrive in Maryland (“Mary Land, named after Mary in the Bible, who Catholics venerated.”)

As Halloween spread across America, that day’s traditions evolved.  However, many of the early practices remain, including bobbing for apples, giving treats, scaring people, costumes, and concern for the dead in the afterlife.

Today, in many areas, Halloween is celebrated more than Christmas.  The day often glorifies things God is against, including the occult, and even has a theme of fear. 

Scary things, such as ghosts, devils, and unwholesome things, are emphasized on that day.  Professing witches commemorate Halloween more than their other festivals and days they remember.

Halloween is a day that remembers and celebrates traditional pagan beliefs.  It should have no business being observed by professing Christians.  It glorifies all things that a Christian should avoid.

Halloween:

  • Incites fear.  We are to respect and rely on God.  We are not to be afraid of what could happen in this world.  Fear breeds trust in oneself.  Our eyes and reliance should be on Him, not on the things of this world or those that God opposes.
    “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
    “But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7
    “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32
    “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” Psalm 37:7       Also: Proverbs 24:19.
  • Glorifies death and makes it appealing.  But, for many, death will be eternal agony in Hell and later in the everlasting Lake of Fire.  Halloween desensitizes many so that they will not fear death, which they should if they are not saved (John 3:3).
    “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.  This is the second death.” Revelation 20:14
    “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15  Also: Rev. 20:10.
  • Fills one’s mind with wicked, ungodly thoughts and actions.
    “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8
    “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:2
    “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.” Proverbs 15:26
  • Witchcraft.
    “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Exodus 22:18   In the Old Testament, they were to put witches to death.  Today, many dress up as witches and even venerate them.  God hated the sin then and hates it today.
    “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.  Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” I Samuel 15:23.  Witchcraft is a sin, and we are to stay away from it.  We should certainly not venerate it or make it appealing, as is done on Halloween, in movies, and in other forms of entertainment.
  • Fortune tellers  and talking to spirits:
    “A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.” Leviticus 20:2
    “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:31
    “A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.” Leviticus 20:27 
    “And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers.” Micah 5:12      A soothsayer is one who makes futuristic predictions, often from supernatural sources.
    Also read: Deuteronomy 18:10-11, Leviticus 20:6.
  • Wizards:
    “And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.” Leviticus 20:6
    “And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.” Malachil 3:5    Also: Leviticus 19:31, I Samuel 28:3, 9.
  • God commands not to have any part with the occult.
    “There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer (sorcery, divination).” Deuterobomy 18:10-11
    “Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.” Leviticus 19:26


Halloween has origins in ungodly behaviors and practices.  Christians should not elevate it by using it as entertainment or celebrating what God forbids.
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” I Thessalonians 5:22  Also Philippians 4:8.

Many justify participating in the celebration of Halloween by claiming “It’s just harmless fun.  We are not encouraging people to be involved in those sins.”  Maybe so, but you are showing  people, especially the youth, that it is an acceptable activity. 

Many folks have their first exposure to the occult from the “innocent” participation of  glorifying things that God is against.  Halloween can put ideas in minds to consider one day.  If it is okay to do things God hates on one day of the year do not be surprised if that exposure to those things becomes more than a thought in someone’s mind.  Do not celebrate a day that glorifies activities God is against!

1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween
2 https://www.history.com/articles/history-of-halloween

“Christian, you are on the winning side.  Why are you doing what the losing side does?”  — Brinkworth
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” II Corinthians 6:17
“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” I Thessalonians 5:22

The BIBLE VIEW #1017 —The New Birth

In This Issue:
The New Birth
Sin Sick
What Should I Do?

Volume: 1017   September 8, 2025
Theme:  The New Birth



Read or HEAR the DAILY VIEW devotion, a KJV chapter, and more spiritual food for a hungry soul. The e-mailed devotion is a spiritual all-you-can-eat buffet that might have some biblical comfort or advice you may need for that day. Sign up for it at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M



The New Birth
Bill Brinkworth

Throughout time and the world, many feel that there’s more to life than meets the eye.   They are right!

There is a God and a Heaven where He dwells.  That place can also be a home for anyone who enters His way.

That “way” is questioned and doubted by many.  What “way” is right many wonder? 

Without reading or following the only preserved roadmap (the Bible) God has given and preserved for mankind, many man-made avenues are created that many hope will get them to that eternal home.

Religions have cropped up all over the world, but their way to God’s Heaven is often not His way.  However, they usually have one thing in common.  That way is that mankind tries to please God by doing good works or religious tasks.  They believe that if their good works outweigh their bad deeds, the Lord will be obligated to let them enter His Heaven.

However, as sincere as those believers are, there is only one way to enter into God’s abode.  It is His way!

There is no good deed or any amount of good works that will get anyone higher than the coffin lid.  Nothing one can do (except being saved) can get them a heavenly passage, as Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross has paid for their sin-debt.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;” Titus 3:5

God’s only way to Heaven is by being born-again.
“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
“Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.“John 3:7

Being “born again” is a spiritual birth.  We cannot birth ourselves, especially by good works.  One’s spiritual birth can only be done by God.
“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:5
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” I Peter 1:23
“Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:13
“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” James 1:18

If one is truly born again, there will be a new life!  One certainly will not be perfect,  as one still has the natural, sin-prone body given them at birth.  There will, however, be changes in one’s behavior and thinking.
“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
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” Galatians 6:15

Have you been born again?

“One can’t do what is already done.  Jesus paid for your sins; you can’t.”
—Brinkworth



Sin Sick
Barbara Brinkworth

“But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.  13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Matthew 9:12-13

Sometimes, the sick do not even know that they need a physician. That was my condition for over 36 years. I was spiritually sin sick because of my iniquities.

I was religious, but lost, and did not even realize I was unsaved and not bound for Heaven. For many years, I had gone to church and knew about God.  I knew that Jesus Christ had come to Earth and died on the Cross for my sins.  But, I later learned that knowing is not enough.

Despite all I knew, I was not born again.  I was not saved.  I was not trusting the price Jesus paid for my “illness” but was relying on my good works.
“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
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

It took a faithful preacher’s message on the Bible’s way of salvation to open my eyes to the truth.  The man’s message spoke to my heart when he said that salvation was in Jesus Christ alone, plus nothing and minus nothing.  That day, I trusted Jesus as my Saviour and was assured that Heaven would be my home one day.
“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.  13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” I John 5:12-13

I am so glad that Jesus Christ came to call “… sinners to repentance.” He healed me from my sin sickness!
“When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Mark 2:17

“Real Christians are forgiven, but sin can still ruin one’s walk with Christ and make one’s life miserable.” — Brinkworth

What Should I Do?
Bill Brinkworth

A rich man came to Jesus unintentionally admitting that he had committed the same mistake that most of the religious and unreligious would not dare confess.  It is the same philosophy that sends most to Hell.  That terrible iniquity is where over 90% of churches and religions are wrong.  His confession was, “… what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18)

That ruler (Luke 18:18) was trying to work his way to Heaven by doing all he could to earn a place there.  Certainly, he and others in many unbiblical religions think it natural that if you do enough good things, the good will outweigh the bad, and God will let you into Heaven.  

Wrong!  Unbiblical!  That is what distinguishes all man-made religions from true Christianity!  Other religions teach that doing something, such as abiding by traditions, rules, catechisms, rites, sacraments, pillars of the faith, or their religion’s teachings, will get one to Heaven.

Real Christianity is the only “religion” that teaches one does not have to do anything to get to Heaven except trust Christ as one’s Saviour and ask to be saved from Hell.  One does not have to do anything for it because it has already been done for them by Jesus Christ.

There is a Person who never sinned.  His undeserved death on the Cross is the only payment God will accept to cover anyone’s sin.  It is Jesus alone, God’s only Son, who is worthy enough to pay for our sins.  

Trying to do good “works” to earn Heaven is rejecting Christ’s finished work on the Cross.  That rejection says that Christ’s payment was not enough.

Like the rich ruler, doing good things and living the way one thinks is right will earn no one an eternity with Jesus.  That man had done “right” his whole life, yet he was looking for one more thing to do to guarantee eternal life.  Good works never satisfy because they are never enough.

Trusting that God loves us so much that He gave His life so that we can live eternally is the only way God will accept us.  Are you 100% sure that if you were to die today, tomorrow, or a hundred years from now, you would go to Heaven?  You can be sure because the “ticket” has been paid for; all you have to do is accept it!

“Worry not who you are, but be concerned whose you are.” — Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #1016 — Sin Free?

In This Issue:
One Can’t be Sinless
I Stil Mak Mistaks
Guilty

Volume: 1016   September 1, 2025
Theme:  Not Perfect

One Can’t Be Sinless
Bill Brinkworth

When I was younger, my mother once confined me to my room until supper time because of my bad behavior.  While there, I was very upset about getting into trouble.

The guilt of not doing right and being punished was humiliating.  Making my mother upset also lay heavily on my heart.   I never wanted to disappoint her and have her punish me.

After retrieving my Bible from the bookcase and reading random passages from it, I felt even worse.  Although I don’t remember which passage affected me, I was reminded that my actions were sinful.  Conviction made me feel worse.

Soon, I made up my mind that I would never sin again.  In a short time, I don’t remember what I did, but even though I was the only one in the room, I had sinned again.  All alone, with no one to lead me astray, and I still sinned.

At that point, I realized that it was not possible not to sin.  Now that I am saved, I understand that I was discovering my soul may not want to commit iniquity, but my weak flesh had a mind of its own if I let it. 

As a Christian, we may be forgiven and may not sin as much as we did before being saved, but we are and always will be sinners, as long as we are in this body!  We may not want to break God’s commandments, but we can and too often will.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” I John 1:10
“What then?  are we better than they?  No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin.” Romans 3:9

Admitting one’s sins is essential, but it is just a starting point for getting ALL one’s sins forgiven and forgotten by God.  The crucial next part to have ALL one’s iniquities pardoned is to realize there is nothing anyone can do or pay to have their sins canceled.  Good deeds and acts will not pay the great price the sinner owes God.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

There is only one payment that God will accept to cover our transgressions.  Believing that God sent Jesus, His only Son, to pay our sin debt on the Cross is the only way.  That personal realization and trusting what He has done for us will then free one from sin’s ultimate penalty.

“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  We can be saved from an eternity in a tormenting Hell.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12

Although we may still need to confess and repent of our sins daily to remain in fellowship with God, it does not mean we have to be saved again.
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30  “Sealed” indicates salvation is an official transaction that cannot be changed.
“Quench not the Spirit.” I Thessalonians 5:19

“My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:29  A saved sinner will not lose one’s salvation.

If one is not saved, they will experience an eternity of regret.  For those who are truly trusting Christ’s payment for their iniquities, you are forgiven.  However, get it right with God and purpose to do your best to flee temptation and sin with God’s help.

“When one is saved all their sins are forgiven, but refusal to clean out current iniquity can halt God from working in one’s life.” — Brinkworth

I Stil Mak Mistaks
Bill Brinkworth

I have been writing Christian material for over 40 years.  Thousands of articles have been produced.  However, despite my best efforts, I still make many mistakes.

All articles have been read and reread.  Each time I review the material, I find more errors and often discover a more effective way to express something.

My bookshelves have many grammar and writing books.  I have studied them and try to adhere to the rules, but still, not one article I have written in all those years has been without error. 

During and after writing, I carefully proofread what I have written.  Sometimes, I reread the article more than five times before I handed it to my wife for her to check.  Still, even with the two of us proofreading, there were still errors or improvements that could have been made.

Since she was unable to proofread my writing due to her illness, I use professional proofreading software to check the pieces I had written.  Those programs still find mistakes.  If I check the article with one program, another system will find errors that the other software did not detect.

Just before they are published, I reread them again.  Still, I find mistakes or more efficient ways to make a statement.

It is very discouraging to me that, despite the effort I put into the material, I still do not write “perfectly.”  The fact and truth of the matter is, no writer can proof their own work.  Other proofreaders may also still find more mistakes.

One printing company I am familiar with has put each of its publications through a rigorous 12+ point barrage of proofreaders.  Most have still found errors.

As hard as I try, I will always make mistakes in what I write.

Likewise, a person, saved or lost, will also make “mistakes,” however, their deeds are often sins.  Sin always has grievous side effects and usually regrets.  It must be avoided,

Try as the sinner may, iniquity will always be around the corner.  It is very difficult not to sin, especially in this God-rejecting environment. 

None of us is “good.”  We may have better moments, but sin can hijack one’s thought life or behavior.
“But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” Galatians 3:22

Because of an inherited sin nature, no thanks to Adam and Eve’s disobedience,  we will always sin.  Those who claim they do not sin are either ignorant of what iniquity is, are dishonest, or should be checked for nail prints in their hands  (Jesus was the only person who never sinned and His hands were nailed to a Cross).
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12

Because one will always sin, that does not give anyone the license to continue transgressing God’s commandments, nor does one need to stop trying to halt iniquity.  “Why, I keep messing up, so why try?” some mutter in exasperation.

When a born-again child of God sins, one does not lose one’s salvation.  No one has earned their salvation; it is a free gift of God, and He does not take back what He has given.
“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” II Timothy 1:9

Sin needs to be confessed to God, and with God’s help and one’s watchful attempts, it can be curtailed.  Draw closer to Him.  He will patiently help you get untangled from sin’s stranglehold.  You can succeed.
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.  And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:” I John 2:1

We cannot be perfect because of our temporary, weak bodies.  However, one day we will not have to battle our sinful flesh and be discouraged by our sin.  God will one day give saved people a new body that will not sin.  Until that time, carry on doing his will and way.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“Real Christians are forgiven, but sin can still ruin one’s walk with Christ and make one’s life miserable.” — Brinkworth

Guilty?
“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.  24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:  25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever.  Amen.  26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.  28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;  29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,  31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:  32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Romans 1:22-32