The Bible View Bulletin Insert | Sunday School Paper

Featured

Read the weekly Bible Views!

This free, weekly publication contains Bible-related articles, Bible studies, devotions, and puzzles. This version can be read by all, especially cell-phones. Printable versions are available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html and can be used as a bulletin insert, ministry handout, bus ministry handout, nursing home handout (the large print version), deaf ministry handout, and Sunday school paper as do many in over 165 countries. There are over 12 years of past editions available. Only the KJV is used!

SELECT A BIBLE VIEW BELOW!

The BIBLE VIEW #1044 —Grief

In This Issue:
The Definition of Grief
Grief

Volume: 1044 April 13, 2026
Theme: Grief

Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M to receive the DAILY VIEW devotion. The daily e-mail includes a KJV chapter, a short devotion on something taught in that chapter, and more spiritual food for the hungry soul. Start your day with some good news from the Bible!

A Definition of Grief
Dr. Hewlett

Grief can be the effect of wounded affection and the effect of discovered, but undeserved, unkindness. It is the pang a mother feels when she first learns that the child of her fervent prayers and cherished hopes has become profane and profligate (“morally unrestrained”). It is the throbbing emotion of the generous heart when thwarted or interrupted in the benevolent design it has conceived.

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

Grief
Bill Brinkworth

For much of my saved life, I have been around and ministered to older people and those with special needs. As can be expected with those folks and all others, death visited many of their loved ones.

After the passing of someone who meant a lot to them, I tried to comfort and encourage them. However, after the loss of my wife of 37 years, I now have a better understanding of the grief they were experiencing.

I believed I was being compassionate and helpful, but after experiencing what it was like to lose someone close to me, I realized that I was not as understanding as I should have been.

As is often the case when God allows one to go through a problem, I have lately been exposed to others who have also recently lost someone close to them. I have noticed that people handle their loss or emotions differently.

Without warning, tremendous bouts of sadness bring torrents of tears to many. Perhaps the sight of another person, activity, or thing brings back memories that trigger more sadness.

Many experience anger, guilt, confusion, lack of enthusiasm, and some may find themselves not wanting to be around others. Many notice their decision-making and thinking abilities are diminished. The overwhelming acquiring of duties that the deceased used to do may also bring on more grief.

Those not going through the heart-wrenching sadness of loss wonder why the grief-burdened person does not ”just get over it” and have no idea what it is like to lose a child, friend, or spouse that had meant so much to them or to handle overbearing challenges. Some never “get over it,” and pangs of sadness or immense anxiety continue to torment one’s thoughts and behaviors.

I have talked to one who lost her husband almost two decades ago, and she still has not “gotten over it.” That deceased person was a part of her life, and now she stands all alone, missing an integral part of hersself.

The thoughtless “get over it” attitude just won’t work with someone who spent a lifetime loving and living with a person, raising a child, or not having the changes or difficulties they are now facing. In many cases, the deceased person made the surviving person more complete, and now they feel like half a person.

Since it seems God is allowing me to encounter many grieving people crossing my path, it would be helpful to know what the Bible teaches on the subject.

Although every person handles grief differently, as far as I have been able to find, there is no quick three or four-step process to fix or shorten one’s grieving process according to the Bible. However, one can find more about the subject in God’s Word, which can be encouraging to those disturbed by a mountain of distress and help them realize the naturalness of their grief and anxiety.

It is found in the scriptures that:

God can be grieved. Since we are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), we have many physical, mental, and emotional traits that our Creator has. There is a divine purpose for our having the ability to grieve and be heavily troubled over certain situations.
“And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” Genesis 6:6 God was broken-hearted that His creation was given over to great wickedness continually.
“How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!” Psalm 78:40 The people of Israel knew what was expected of them, but they lied, disobeyed, and did what angered their Lord. Those actions and many, many others broke God’s heart.
The Holy Spirit can be grieved. The Spirit God sent to help mankind can also be grieved over the wrong works of man. The Spirit is made so heavy with grief over what a sinner has done that He will not work in a person’s life, often until that person gets it right with Him.
“But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.” Isaiah 63:10
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30

Grief is a natural emotion that most people will experience at some point. It is part of life, but we can learn to handle what happens in our lives by seeing how people in the Bible handled their immense stress.

Job was overcome by grief as God allowed him to endure great testing and trials.
“So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.” Job 2:13
“Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together!” Job 6:2
“Though I speak, my grief is not asswaged [to make something burdensome or less intense, painful or severe] and though: I forbear, what am I eased? “ Job 16:6 Also: Job 16:5-6.
David experienced grief. The pressure brought on from his enemies and the heavy burden from being amidst many troubles, weighed heavily on him.
“Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. 10 For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.” Psalm 31:9-10 Also: Psalm 6:7.
King Solomon experienced grief. The actions of his wayward son grieved the king; however, he learned that a great sadness in one’s life can be helpful in life’s continuing trials.
“A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.” Proverbs 17:25
“For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.” Ecclesiastes 1:18 Also: Eccl. 2:23.
Isaiah experienced grief and prophesied about the Saviour and the grief Jesus would bear.
“In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: but the harvest shall be a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow.” Isaiah 17:11
“He [Jesus] is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 17:11 Also: Isaiah 53:10.
Jeremiah experienced grief.
“Woe is me for my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it.” Jeremiah 10:19
“Thou didst say, Woe is me now! for the LORD hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.” Jeremiah 45:3
Jonah experienced grief.
“And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd.” Jonah 4:6
Paul, most likely, experienced grief.
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17
We can grieve over what we have done.
“Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” Genesis 45:5
We can be grieved by what others have done.
“So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.” I Samuel 20:34
“And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.” II Samuel 19:2
The wicked may be grieved at the sight of a righteous person. (This may explain why those with liberal philosophies and politics get so mad at those trying to live a righteous life.)
“The wicked shall see it (Psalm 112:1-10), and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.” Psalm 112:10

As can be discovered from the Bible, grief can be a result of extreme pressure, changes against one’s beliefs, or after the loss of a loved one. Grieving is a God-given emotion that places a high value on heartache and love and may help some avoid sin or ungodliness.

God would not give us an emotion that would harm us. Perhaps it is a safety valve to enable us to cope with tragedy or change. There is no easy fix for the mental pain it can cause. Again, each sufferer handles grief differently.

When I found myself thinking and doing things that were not normal for me after the loss of my wife, a loved one brought to my attention, “You are not going crazy, it is just grief.” There is no predefined way one will handle grief; it just happens.

Grief is an emotion that puts a high value on life, doing the right thing, and directs some to respect life more. The loss of a loved one also keeps our temporary life on Earth in perspective. We are just pilgrims passing through this life, awaiting and occupying it, hopefully for the cause of Christ, until it is our turn to leave.

“Grief teaches the steadiest minds to waver.” — Sophocles

The BIBLE VIEW #1043 —Jesus

In This Issue:
Who Is Jesus?
Why Jesus’ Death Is So Important

Volume: 1043 April 6, 2026
Theme: Jesus

Who Is Jesus?
Bill Brinkworth

Today, Jesus is the\ key to anyone getting into Heaven. Since having faith in Jesus and what He has done for us is important, it is essential to know who He is and what He has done. Here is some of what the Bible says about Jesus, the Saviour of mankind:

Jesus was the prophesied Messiah that God promised to send. Some of the 300-plus prophecies about the Messiah include:

It was prophesied about 599 B. C. (years before Christ was born), that the Messiah (“anointed”, “consecrated one”) would come from the lineage of King David (Jer. 23:5-6, Mat. 1:1, Luke 3:23-38, Acts 13:22).
Jesus’ purpose was foretold to His earthly father (Joseph) before Christ was born (Mat. 1:21).
It was foretold more than 1,020 years B. C., that man’s Saviour would ask God why His heavenly Father turned His head and did not stop Christ’s death. (Psalm 22:1, Mat. 27:46)
It was foretold approximately 1,020 years B. C., that the Messiah would have His hands and feet pierced. (Ps. 22:16, John 20:25)
It was prophesied, at least 1,020 years B.C., that the Saviour would not have any of His bones broken. (Psalm 34:20, John 19:36)
It was also foretold about 1,020 years B. C., that the Son of God would not say a word to His prosecutors. (Isaiah 53:7, Mat. 26:63)

Jesus preached and taught God’s message. (Mat. 4:17, Mat. 4:23, John 7:16)

Jesus performed miracles. He did things only a divine person could do.

Lepers were healed. (Mat. 8:3, Luke 17:11-19)
Jesus healed the lame. (John 5:8, Mat. 15:30)
Jesus healed blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52).
Jesus healed a paralyzed man (Mat. 9:2-8).
Jesus healed a man with a withered hand (Mark 3:1-5).
Jesus raised the dead (Luke 7:11-16).
Jesus cast out demons (Mat. 12:22-37, Mark 5:13).
Jesus walked on water (Mat. 14:22-33).
Jesus knew the thoughts of the people around Him. (Mat. 12:25)
Jesus rose from the dead (Mat. 28:2-10, Luke 24:34) and appeared to many after He rose from the dead (John 20:26-29, John 21:1-2).
Jesus ascended back to Heaven. (Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:51, Acts 1:9-11)
He performed many more miracles (John 21:25).

Jesus is God’s only son. This is why He could do all the miracles He did.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (John 3:18, John 4:15, I John 4:9, Acts 3:13, Mat. 16:20, Mat. 8:29)

Why Jesus is so important:

Jesus was sent so that man would know the Truth and not have to live in sin.
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12 “Darkness” is referring to sin. When a person is saved, he no longer has to sin. Sin is always a choice. Knowing the truth from God’s Word can keep us from making the wrong choices.
Jesus is man’s only way 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 (John 10:9, Acts 16:31, Rom. 10:9, Acts 15:11, Gal. 2:16)
Jesus’ death on the Cross is the only payment for man’s sin that God will accept. One’s good deeds, kindness, goodness, traditions, or following religious ordinances and rules will not get anyone to Heaven!
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Rom. 8:1 (I Thes. 4:14, Heb. 2:9, Ephesians 5:2, Titus 2:14, I Tim. 2:6, Mat. 28:20)

Jesus was God in the flesh. Jesus and God are one! This is part of the teaching of the Trinity. God is three in one — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
“I and my Father are one.” John 10:30 (Philippians 2:6, I John 5:7)

Jesus was sinless. Only one born supernaturally, as was Christ, could be without sin. Jesus’ sinlessness was necessary so He could be an acceptable payment for our sins. Only Jesus was sinless. All others born on Earth are guilty of iniquity.
“And being made perfect, he [Jesus] became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” Heb. 5:9 (Heb. 9:14, I Peter 1:19)

Jesus was God’s gift to man.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23 (John 13:3, John 8:42, John 12:44)

Jesus was not just a man, as some claim. He was God in the flesh come down to Earth to die for man’s sins. All who believe and accept what Jesus did for them, when He died on the Cross and rose again from the dead, can be saved.

That is why making Jesus one’s personal Saviour from the punishment for our sins is so important. Jesus is the only way anyone will get to heaven. There is nothing we can do to earn Heaven. It has all been done for us by Jesus. All we have to do is believe He died for us, believe that He rose again from the dead on the third day, and ask Him to be our Saviour. If you have never been saved, and you believe Jesus died for you and rose again, you can ask Him to be your Saviour right now!
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9

Why Jesus’ Death Is So Important
Bill Brinkworth

When asked, the majority of professing Christians would acknowledge that Jesus died for their sins. But if asked why that was important, most would shrug and be unable to explain.

From man’s beginning, as recorded in Genesis, it is found that our first parents, Adam and Eve, were sinners. Because of their sin of disobedience to God, as promised, death entered the human race.
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 2:17

To cover their nakedness after they sinned, God killed animals to provide covering for them. Since this first sacrifice foreshadowed what Christ would do for humanity, who was called the “Lamb of God,” the sacrifice was most likely a sheep. From the first sin, blood had to be shed because of sin.
“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” Gen. 3:21

Side note: Many of the references to Lamb in the New Testament, where capitalized, as they are proper nouns referring to a person — Christ.

Throughout the Old Testament, blood continued to be shed to cover humankind’s iniquities. The offering had to be repeated because it did not permanently cover the people’s sins.

The blood of animals, such as sheep, goats, bulls, and birds, was sacrificed as an offering for people’s transgressions against God. Eventually, God made laws (from Genesis to Leviticus) detailing how offerings should be made and when.

After more sin was committed or during certain times of the year, blood again had to be offered as a sacrifice for personal and Israel’s sins. Animals were sacrificed to cover humankind’s transgressions. That is what God insisted. If there was no blood sacrifice, there was no forgiveness of iniquity.

Those sacrifices were not a good work to earn anyone Heaven. No one can earn an eternity with God. Salvation from Hell is a gift that God gives to those who trust and believe what Jesus did for them.
“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

Disobedience to God’s laws continued. At times, God’s laws were not followed.

God, however, not wanting any to perish offered a permanent sacrifice to cover all iniquity’s violators. That gift was the blood of God’s only son, Jesus. After realizing one’s sinfulness and knowing without that payment for their iniquities one would go to Hell, one can escape eternal punishment by trusting Jesus’ sacrifice for what they did against God.
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29
“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

Trusting Christ’s payment for our iniquities is the only way to pay our sin-debt to God. After asking Jesus to save, any sinner can be saved and spared an eternally tormenting Hell.
“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
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17
“I [Jesus] am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9
“For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” Hebrews 10:4

The majority of man-made religions teach that there are other ways to obtain Heaven. Some declare that following their ordinances, doing good deeds, baptism, praying to dead saints of the past, rituals, and many other works will earn one Heaven, please God and then He will let them into His Heaven. They will not!

Jesus paid a tremendous price for our sins — His life. By accepting His free gift, one can have God’s promise of Heaven. It is the only way. Have you asked and trusted Christ to be your Saviour?
“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

“This is the very essence of true salvation — personally living with a personal Savior, personally trusting a personal Redeemer, personally crying out to a personal Intercessor, and receiving personal answers from a Person who loves us, and who manifests Himself to us.” — Spurgeon

The BIBLE VIEW #1042 — Lying

In This Issue:
Liar! Liar! Your Testimony Is On Fire!
Lying Lips

Volume: 1042 March 30, 2026
Theme: Lying

View 18+ years of printable, free BIBLE VIEWS at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html. Make as many copies as you need and use them in your ministry, nursing homes, Sunday school, deaf ministry, bus ministry, and church bulletin insert.

Liar! Liar! Your Testimony Is On Fire
Bill Brinkworth

Honesty is one of the most important glues that binds people together. Without truth, trust between people cannot be achieved.

Relationships most often will not last when dishonesty is involved. Societies will fall apart, as the only remaining truthful source will be one’s own biased, often-changing opinion.

Unfortunately, taking one’s truthful word on a subject is a thing of the past for many. It used to be that if someone gave their word on a matter, they would keep their commitment, no matter the consequences, but not anymore.

It is often discovered that a fellow worker’s promises mean little. Friends, to avoid doing something, offer a fabricated excuse for not participating. A “little white lie” is still a lie and can cause future distrust.

After watching the news, one is often shocked by the untruths that flow freely from leaders’ mouths. A quick follow-up on what the person actually said is shown, and one’s apparent falsehood is made public. Yet, there is no retraction; no apology, only further justification of one’s falsehood. In too many situations, it seems the liar got away with their deceit and faced no repercussions. Politicians caught in lies often get re-elected, and their untruths are forgotten and unpunished.

Actual footage of a lawbreaker’s crime shows that he was guilty of the crime for which he was accused. However, the violator’s own words stick to an untruth, no matter what the evidence reveals. Police have a difficult time determining what happened in an incident because many of those involved lie.

A wayward spouse insists that they were not unfaithful, even though it was apparent to all involved that it was a lie. Children caught in the act of doing something they were not allowed to do, deny that they did it. Proof again does not change their deceitfulness.

Liars are all about us. We, too, must admit that we have lied at times.
“I said in my haste, All men are liars.” Psalm 116:11
“God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” Romans 3:4

With the advent of artificial intelligence, pictures loaded on the internet show a political appointee in a compromising situation. Most know it is not true, but some accept the dishonest picture as truth. A seed of distrust may have been planted.

Others, if they realize it or not, slowly discover that nothing seen or said can be believed. Mistrust spreads. Society weakens and becomes desensitized to dishonesty.

Dishonesty has always been a plague. However, in my lifetime, it has never been so unleashed. Society seems not to be that concerned, and at times has even allowed untruthfulness to be treated as entertainment. Sometimes the heroes of a movie live lives of deceit but are still the “good guys.”

Lying was not always prevalent. Satan was the starter and encourager of lying.
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44

However, Satan’s creator, God, is honest. He can always be trusted. God’s Word, found in the Bible, can also be relied on. It is the Truth!
“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:” Hebrews 6:18

God hates all sin, including lying. For that, and many more reasons, we should strive to be honest!
“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,” Proverbs 6:16
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” Proverbs 12:22

To have a relationship with God and others, one must place a high value on honesty.
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24
“The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” Psalm 145:18
“Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.” Joshua 24:14

To get along with others, truthfulness is needed. That is why God demands we be honest.
“These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:” Zechariah 8:16
“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

Yes, we are all sinners and liars by nature. However, a child of God has a new nature. Being born again can allow us to do all we can to please our God, and being honest is an important step in reaching that goal. We can now make our words truthful and more reliable to others. Our words can now have value!
“Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” Ephesians 4:25
“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:” Proverbs 3:3

“A liar is not believed even though he tells the truth.” — Cicero

Lying Lips
Bill Brinkworth

From a young age, most know it is wrong to lie. Perhaps it is an innate guilt or a learned “no-no” from reprimands from parents, friends, or teachers.

The nonacceptance of untruths is universally frowned upon, or it used to be, and the bearer of falsehoods is often mistrusted and avoided. One should learn quickly that dishonesty is not acceptable.

A lie exposed has cost many future suspicions from friends, fellow workers, and casual and long-time acquaintances. Because of discovered untruths, relationships have been shattered, jobs have been lost, and even jail time has been the penalty for many who lied.

Lying lips have cost many much more than ever realized. God also does not tolerate falsehoods and demands that people, especially Christians, be true to their word.

God’s Word, the Bible, has much to say and warn about untruths:

God and His Son, Jesus, are honest. Since believers should be like our Saviour, Christ-like, we should also be truthful.
“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:” Hebrews 6:18
“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” Titus 1:2

God hates untruths!
“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” Proverbs 12:22

God commands us not to lie!
“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Exodus 20:16
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” I John 3:18

Lies are often told because of pride.
“For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.” Psalm 59:12
“The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.” Psalm 119:69

Liars twist and change God’s truths to enable them to do what they desire rather than what God commands.
“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.” Romans 1:25

Although usually our weak flesh succumbs to dishonesty, often people may be encouraged to lie by Satan’s influence. Since an unsaved person does not typically heed God’s commandments, it may be easier to follow the leading of God’s and humanity’s enemy.
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.” John 8:44

God knows who is honest.
“The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.” II Corinthians 11:31

A good witness of a situation should tell the truth of what was seen, heard, or experienced.
“A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.” Proverb 14:5 Also: Exodus 23:1.
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.” Proverbs 19:5
“A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.” Proverbs 21:28

ALWAYS be honest.
“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;” Colossians 3:9
“Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.” Psalm 31:18
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;” Ephesians 4:22-23
“Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.” Psalm 120:2

We can lie about anything, including being right with God.
“If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” I John 1:6
“I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.” I John 2:21
“Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.” Revelation 3:9

Because of the rejection of God’s will and way, our world has become one of dishonesty, distrust, misdirection, and deceit. It is a tolerated sin among politicians, police, and most people. It should not be.

Dishonesty separates many and breeds mistrust. This must stop for a society to be healed and to get along with each other. Start today, especially if you are a born-again child of God. Always tell the truth!

“There is beauty in truth, even if it’s painful. Those who lie, twist life so that it looks tasty to the lazy, brilliant to the ignorant, and powerful to the weak. But lies only strengthen our defects. They don’t teach anything, help anything, fix anything or cure anything. Nor do they develop one’s character, one’s mind, one’s heart or one’s soul.” ― José N. Harris

The BIBLE VIEW #1041 — Friends

In This Issue:
Friends Dear Liberal Friend
Friendly Advice
A Friend
The Unfailing Friend

Volume: 1041 March 23, 2026
Theme: Friends

Friends
Bill Brinkworth

The right friend will build you up. A wrong friend may destroy you.

Many will have their plans and lives changed because they picked the wrong companion or gave a confidant the wrong priority in their lives! Some do not even know what a true friend is.

Here is a short study on what the Bible says about a true friend:

Friendly all the time! A true friend loves us during the hard times and the good.
Proverbs 17:17-18 “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend.”
Proverbs 27:10 “Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.”

Friendly first! A true friend is friendly first, rather than waiting for others to approach him.
Proverbs 18:24 “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

Friendly giving! True friendship is given and not bought. You cannot buy true friendship. Give, and you may get a person you can trust and like. Do not be friendly to earn friendship, though. You cannot make someone your friend.
Proverbs 19:6 “Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts.” — but not true friends!

Friendly honest advice! A true friend tells what they believe is best for us because they care about what happens in our lives.
Proverbs 22:6 “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
Proverbs 27:10 “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.”

“False friends are like vermin that abandon a sinking vessel or like the swallows that depart at the approach of winter.

“True friends are like ivy that adheres to the tree in its decay. They are also like the light of phosphorus: brightest in the dark.” — Unknown

Dear Liberal Friend
Bill Brinkworth

I am so sorry about how our friendship has turned out. I was excited when I learned you were a “Christian.” Fellowship and friendship with another of like faith are important to me. However, I quickly realized that your definition and my definition of being a “Christian” were completely different.

When one says they are a “Christian,” I assume their thinking and lifestyle would be aligned with the Bible. Your “Christianity” is not what is described in my Bible. Most of the time, you did not even want to discuss God’s Word.

When the conversation led to spiritual things, you quickly went on the defensive and accused me of judging or else argued the doctrine. We have spent more time discussing “what the Bible really means,” as you keep saying, rather than agreeing on the things of God.

My other friendships with Christians have never been this strained. It has always been easy and perfectly natural for my other friends and me to talk about the things of God because we are interested in them. You, obviously, are not.

I may not have been saved as long as you have been, but I know that the Bible teaches that a Christian should live differently from the unsaved. You seem to be very comfortable dressing, talking, acting, doing things the world does, and going to places where the unsaved go.

Your philosophies are often identical to what the ungodly world thinks. It’s hard to tell any difference between you and the lost. I am not comfortable doing many of those things, and I believe some of them are against what God teaches in His Book.

The consequences of worldliness and its sin are some things from which I was saved. The world is losing and not heading for Heaven, but is going to Hell. I have no interest in thinking and looking like the losing side.

Before I was saved, I did not have the joy or peace I do now by obeying the Lord. Being more like Christ is far safer, peaceful, and biblical.

Clearly, the Bible tells us to talk to others about Christ so they can be saved and have the promise of Heaven. Proverbs 11:30 says one is wise if that is done.

You have ridiculed and tried to stop me from witnessing to others. No, I don’t think it’s “pushing God’s Word down their throat” by telling them. If someone didn’t tell me how to be saved, I would not be. I would feel very selfish if I didn’t share salvation with others and would be disobedient to God’s biblical commandments if I did not.

When I do witness to others, I often hear the word “hypocrite.” The unsaved world knows how Christians should live. They have seen many call themselves Christians, and people see that they do not live the way they should.

After seeing more living the wrong way, they quickly assume that all Christians are hypocrites and living the wrong lifestyle. I certainly am not perfect and am still growing spiritually, but the people they are referring to are not people like me, but are people like you.

I love being saved. It is exciting to know that Christ died for all my sins and paid the price for them so I could go to Heaven. I owe Him so much. My desire now is to live for and serve Him.

Your liberal theology and lifestyle are doing much to harm and weaken the cause of Christ. It is giving those trying to serve and live for God a bad name. Your lifestyle is hurting the testimonies of those trying to live right.

Sadly, I think it is time to part as friends. No, I don’t believe myself “holier than thou.”

sI know what I was and can fall back into my old ways. I am concerned that your disobedience may rub off on me. Association with your un-Christian lifestyle will also hurt my Christian testimony. I desire to be more like Christ and have that reputation, so our fellowship will have to stop until your lifestyle becomes more Christ-like.

Regretfully,
Bill

“Insomuch as anyone pushes you nearer to God, he or she is your friend.”
— Unknown

Friendly Advice
Bill Brinkworth

WAIT on the right friend. Do not settle for the first acquaintance that comes around just because you are lonely.
Pick a friend you look up to, not down to, or the relationship may hurt your walk with Christ.
Pray about the friendship. Ask God how you can be a better friend, not just how that person can meet your needs.
Be honest with your friend. If they dislike the real you, or the truth, they are not the right friend for you.
Friendship is not popularity! Acquaintances are not necessarily friends.
Stick up for a friend.
Never put a friend down in front of others!
Be a friend to someone who you feel needs one! They are often the most grateful and the most loyal!
Obey your parents’ discernment about friends. If they say to stay away from a certain person, obey them!
Marry a friend!

“A true friend never gets in your way except when you are on the way down.” — Unknown

A Friend
Author Unknown

When troubles come, your soul to try
You love a friend who just stands by.
Perhaps there’s nothing he can do,
The thing is strictly up to you.
For there are troubles all your own,
And paths the soul must tread alone,
Times when love can’t smooth the road,
Nor friendship lift the heavy load.
But, just to feel you have a friend,
Who will stand by until the end,
Whose sympathy through all endures,
Whose warm handclasp is always yours,
It helps somehow to pull you through.
Although there’s nothing he can do.
And so, with fervent heart we say,
“God bless the friend who just stands by.”

“They who have loved together have been drawn close; they who have struggled together are forever linked, but they who have suffered together have known the most sacred bond of all.” — Author Unknown

The Unfailing Friend
Author Unknown

The friendship of Jesus is lasting. Other friends may grow old and cold. It is not so with the company of our Saviour.

Other friends may misunderstand us. Jesus never.

His love is the same in our youth as in old age. The friendship will instead grow stronger as we get older.

If you have lost what to you seemed everything, if you find yourself friendless and alone, despised and forsaken, seek to get acquainted with this most lovely, dear, and precious Friend — Jesus.

The BIBLE VIEW #1040 — Difficulties

In This Issue:
Good From “Bad”
The Canvas God Is Painting

Volume: 1040 March 16, 2026
Theme: Difficulties

Good From “Bad”
Bill Brinkworth

What a world this would be if bad things never happened. Since sin entered in, however, all will experience many difficulties during their life.

Many think that hard things should not happen to good people or Christians, but they do! Just because a person is born into the family of God does not mean they will be exempt from the consequences of natural disasters, disease, aging, others’ actions, and death.

Being saved from Hell does not magically put a force field around a person. Yes, God does protect us many times, but it still rains on the “just and the unjust.” (Matthew 5:45). Calamities and hard times will happen to everyone.

God could certainly protect us from all misfortunes, but our trials and tribulations often do much to strengthen us and get us closer to Him. It is during the hard times that we should grow closer to God and trust Him to carry us through them. It is also during those times that our faith can grow, as we see his mighty hand of deliverance.

Many wonderful things have happened because of the “bad” times. Here are some “bad” events that happened to godly people in the Bible, and how God used those events to bring honor to Himself, to bless those going through the dilemma, and to bless others:

Noah. If Noah had not obeyed God and spent many years building the Ark, humanity would not have had a second chance.
Abraham. If Abraham had not come to the point that he chose God over everything else, including his son’s life, he may not have had God’s blessings on him and his generations.
Joseph: If Joseph’s jealous brothers had not thrown him in the pit and sold him into slavery, he never would have been second-in-command to the pharaoh and been able to help his family during a time of drought and starvation.
Children of Israel: If they had never been in hard bondage, they may have accepted their plight and never turned to God for deliverance. Think of all the mighty miracles they saw when He answered their prayers.
Moses: If he had never kept his father-in-law’s, Jethro’s, sheep and suffered loneliness in the wilderness, he would never have been in the place to see the burning bush and be called to be God’s people’s leader.
Moses: If the angry Egyptian pharaoh had not pursued the people of Israel, they never would have seen the Red Sea part, would not have seen their enemy destroyed, and would not have known that God would guide them.
Ruth: If Ruth had not been faithful to her mother-in-law and worked to support her, she never would have met the man she was to marry.
Hannah: If she had never gone to the temple to pray with a broken heart because of her barrenness and made a vow to God to dedicate the child to Him, she may never had been the mother of Samuel and given Israel a godly leader.
Elijah: If Elijah had never stood faithful to God when it was not popular, Israel may have indulged longer in the idolatry of Baalism.
Nehemiah: If Nehemiah did not love God and weep for Jerusalem, Jerusalem would never have been rebuilt.
Job: If Satan had never tested Job, the man of God never would have had twice as much wealth and belongings as he had had originally (Job 42:12-13).
David: If David had not had hard times and heartbreaks, he never would have helped write much of the book of Psalms, which has encouraged and blessed billions of people.
Daniel: If Daniel had never been a captive of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, he never would have been able to interpret the king’s dream and spare the lives of the other wisemen (Daniel 2) or be the leader he was.
Paul: If Paul had not shipwrecked on Malta, the island’s ruler’s father would never have been healed of his fever.
Jesus: If Jesus was never mocked, persecuted, whipped, beaten, lied about, and eventually died on the tormenting cross, we would never escape a punishment in Hell.

Sometimes hard times do come to people to turn them in a godly direction, or stop them from doing more damage to themselves or others. The difficult tribulations can get them closer to God, so they can see his mighty hand in helping them. Other times, the trials can be to change a situation to the way God has planned.

Some people spend their whole life mad and blaming God for the death of a loved one or for a trial they went through. Do they possibly think that their loved ones would miss death, or that they will have a perfectly sheltered life because they are so “good”?

Hard times will and do come to everyone. No one is exempt. Those times are either a time to foolishly shake your fist at God (which can only make matters worse) when you need Him the most, or to draw close to Him and see His mighty hand produce “good” from what seemed “bad”.

Why should bad things not happen to us? Are we more special than even God’s only Son, who also went through hard times? God has a plan for all that happens in our lives, even though its purpose may be cloudy when we are going through it.

When going through a “valley”, it is the time to call for the God of the mountain. He sees what we are facing and is willing to guide us through the hard times. It is during those difficult times that we should get close to Him and seek His help.

“I have never met a strong Christian who had not faced many trials and tribulations! Those difficulties made them the person they are now.”

The Canvas God Is Painting
Caitlin Hockenburry

When you feel you are all alone
With nowhere else to go
What is going on, you don’t know
But life is changing.
This side of Heaven’s shore
We don’t know what’s in store.
We feel we cannot go on anymore
Without fainting.