THE BIBLE VIEW #829 — Peer Pressure

In This Issue:
Peer Pressure — the other guy “made” me do it!
Can’t Please Everybody
The Two Brothers
The Need of Many Churches
Value of the Church

Volume: 829    September 27, 2021
Theme: Peer Pressures

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All should read the Bible daily!  While at your computer,  go to www.DevotionsFromTheBible.com and read a chapter each day, and learn something from what you read. SIGN-UP to have the FREE devotion e-mailed and read a devotion and KJV chapter at your computer.



Peer Pressure — the other guy “made” me do it!
Bill Brinkworth

Many claim an outside “force” compelled them to do things they usually would not do. Getting their peer’s approval and acceptance is that force for many.

Webster defines “peer” as an “equal; one of the same rank.”  For some, it is essential to please people, even though they are not “equals,” and really cannot do anything to force them to do what they have done.

This invisible pressure to please one’s acquaintances has always been an overwhelming force in many lives.  Here are some reasons, as illustrated by biblical characters, that the desire to have the approval of one’s peers can have such power in one’s life:

They do not want to be different. Peter, Jesus’ disciple, certainly attested to the power of peer pressure.  He was the one who planned to be loyal and faithful to Jesus when he said, “… Although all shall be offended, yet will not I”  Mark 14:29. 

However, before the rooster crowed, as Jesus had prophesied, Peter denied having anything to do with his friend and leader.  It was more important to Peter to fit in at the campfire of strangers than to be publicly identified with God’s only Son.

Too many have been led by similar pressure.  They have sold out their testimony and future to “fit in” and be like everyone else.  Selling out for social acceptance is usually temporary and has to be performed repeatedly for each group it is important to “fit in.”  It is not long until a person has molded himself to please so many groups that he does not know who he is anymore.

They want to make others happy. Pilate succumbed to peer pressure when the rantings of a mob convinced him to have the Saviour put to death.
“And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him. And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.” Mark 15:13-15 

Pilate allowed mob rule to cloud his judgment.  His wrong decision helped put the nails into the body of God’s only Son.  Many of us have also done things to make others happy, only to find that happiness is temporary as long as we do what others want.  Later, we have to live with the side effects from the judgments we have made, often for the rest of our lives.

They think they are outnumbered.  Instead of “winning others,” they are joining with them. Aaron was swayed by peer pressure when the people of God commanded him to make false idols.  He gave in to the pressure of the opposing multitudes rather than doing right in God’s eyes.
“And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them… For they said unto me, Make us gods, which shall go before us:…”  Exodus 32:21-23

No matter if “everyone” is doing wrong, it does not make it right for us to do likewise.  We should do what pleases God, if it is popular or not.

They blame others for their wrongdoing.  For many, the reason for their not doing the righteous thing is that others “forced” them to do contrary to what God requires. Saul revealed his weakness to peer pressure when he insisted the people made him disobey God:
“Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, … And Samuel said, What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?  And Saul said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice unto the LORD thy God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.” I Samuel 15:3-15

Saul was the leader.  It was his responsibility to lead the people in obeying God. Unless one is physically forced into doing what is wrong, which rarely is the reason, it is up to us to do what God expects us to do.  We are the ones that are responsible for our actions.

It has become common to blame the environment, surroundings, people, or circumstances for our actions. Too many have become “victims” and think they are not responsible for their actions.

According to God’s Word, each is responsible for his actions. Our excuses for not doing right in God’s eyes and according to His Word do not take away from the fact that wrong is still wrong.  The pressures felt from our peers do not give us any permission to disobey what God commands us to do. Each of us must one day give an account of our actions.
“For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:11-12

“If you do things merely because you think some other fool expects you to do them, and he expects you to do them because he thinks you expect him to expect you to do them, it will end in everybody doing what nobody wants to do, which is, in my opinion, a silly state of things.”   — George Bernard Shaw



Can’t Please Everybody
Author Unknown

Mullah Nasir-Ed-Din, an ancient Persian humorist, and his son were walking along a country road behind their donkey who was contentedly nibbling grass along the way.

Seeing Mullah and his son sweating profusely, a man remarked, “Look how foolish they are, walking instead of riding.”

Hearing the remark, Mullah and his son climbed on the donkey. They rode through the next village where they heard an old man exclaim, “They ought to be ashamed, making that poor old donkey carry two riders.” Mullah dismounted and walked while the son rode the donkey to the next village.

There Mullah heard this commentary, “Poor old man!  That boy should be ashamed, making his poor, old Dad walk!”  Then Mullah got on the donkey while his son dismounted and walked for some distance.

Finally, another villager made this observation, “Look at that old man riding while his son has to walk.  How cruel!”  Mullah rubbed his beard, shook his head and said to himself, “You can’t please any of the people any of the time.”

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”  — Matthew 6:24  


The Two Brothers
Gospel Herald

There were two boys in the Taylor family.  The older said he must make a name for his family and turned his face toward Parliament and fame.  The younger gave his life to the service of Christ and turned his face toward China and duty.  Hudson Taylor, the missionary, died, beloved, and known on every continent. When I looked in the encyclopedia to see what the other son had done, I found these words, “The brother of Hudson Taylor.”


The Need of Many Churches
Author Unknown

  • More workers and fewer shirkers.
  • More backers and fewer slackers.
  • More of God’s plans and less of man’s.
  • More praying and less straying.
  • More divine power and less human “pow-wow.”
  • More Good News and fewer book reviews.
  • More burden-bearers and fewer talebearers.
  • More love for the Word, less love for the world.
  • More seeking for grace, less seeking for place.
  • More holiness of life, less bickering, and strife.
  • More tithes and fewer drives.
  • More fasting; less feasting.
  • More praying; less playing.


Value of the Church
Author Unknown

“Why should I go to church?” a young girl asked her grandfather.

The grandfather was silent for a moment, and then he said, “Tell me, child, has the piano-tuner been here yet?  You said that the piano needed tuning.”

“No, I am still waiting for him.  The piano needs tuning badly.  I tried to play last evening, but my playing was a dismal failure.”

“Now, see my child, our souls are like a musical instrument,” said the grandfather.  “The strings become slack and out of tune quickly. They must be tuned up from time to time.”

“What do you mean, grandfather?”

“All strings, goodness, faith, courage, generosity, reverence, love — all grow less vibrant in us, without our even knowing it. But, when we hear the truths from the Word of God proclaimed at church, we see how we have lost tune.  We are tuned up once more to what is the true pitch of righteousness.  However, the tuning does not last, and so one must regularly go to church to have one’s soul tuned right.”

To some people, religious freedom means the choice of churches, which they may stay away from.” — York Trade Compositor  

The Bible View #828 — Do Right

In This Issue:
As For Me, I Will…
Make Up Your Mind

Volume: 828    September 20, 2021
Theme: Do Right

Devotions, Bible Studies, Sunday School lessons and printable versions of The Bible View (including church bulletin insert and large print versions) are available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/ and http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/.

All should read the Bible daily!  While at your computer,  go to www.DevotionsFromTheBible.com and read a chapter each day, and learn something from what you read. SIGN-UP to have the FREE devotion e-mailed and read a devotion and KJV chapter at your computer.


As For Me, I Will…
Committing to the Lord can be difficult and should involve conviction-led decisions.  A Christian must make up his mind if, when, and how he will obey what he has seen or learned of the Word of God truths.  

Many men and women of the past and present have had the tugging of the Holy Spirit encouraging them to obey God’s commandments, and they did.  Their convictions and determinations to do what God spoke to their hearts to do should be models for Christians.  Here are some decisions of many Bible characters and what they were convicted to do.

Joshua decided that no matter what those around him were doing, he would serve the Lord.
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

No matter what others did, Samuel was determined not to sin.
“And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD;… 23 Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you:…” I Samuel 12:20-23

David was determined to build a great work for the Lord.  Although God would not allow him to build the temple because of his past deeds, David provided all the necessary items for its construction and operation. He did what he could.
“And David said to Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the LORD my God: 8 But the word of the LORD came to me, saying … thou shalt not build an house unto my name…”  I Chronicles 22:7-10  Also: I Chronicles 28:2, 29:17.

Job was determined not to be a complainer.
As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?” Job 21:4

David determined to rely on God’s protection and honor God.
As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.” Psalm 55:16  Also: Psalm 17:8-15.

David was determined to be obedient to God.  One of God’s commandments was for all to attend the temple services and to worship God, and he did.
“But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.” Psalm 5:7

David was determined to abide by the standards God had shown him to uphold.
“… 11 But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: redeem me, and be merciful unto me.” Psalm 26:9-11

David was determined to humble himself before his enemies and not to return evilness to other’s wickedness.
“… they laid to my charge things that I knew not. 12 They rewarded me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul. 13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.” Psalm 35:11-13

David was determined to have a consistent prayer life.
“But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time…” Psalm 69:13

Jeremiah was determined not to quit the task God called him to do.
“As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee.” Jeremiah 17:16

Jeremiah was determined to tell others what God wanted them to know, even if it cost him his life.
“Then spake Jeremiah unto all the princes and to all the people, saying, The LORD sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard. 13 Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God… 14 As for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as seemeth good and meet unto you. 15 But know ye for certain, that if ye put me to death …” Jeremiah 26:12-15

Daniel was determined not to be selfish with the wisdom God had given him.  He made sure he shared it with those that would be helped by God’s truths.
“But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.” Daniel 2:30


Being born-again into the family of God by salvation is only the beginning.  After one is saved (Romans 10:9), God must and will do much “house cleaning” in a person’s character, if He is allowed.

A Christian is to be Christ-like and to be like Him the new creature in Christ should find himself a changed person.  Worldly thoughts and behaviors often are swept from a believer’s life, and different desires and behaviors will be proof of the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives.
“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

Christian, has the convicting Holy Spirit urged you to make changes in your lifestyle and character? Heed His prompting to make even the “little” changes in your personality, and how you react to situations you will face. 

As for you, what will you do with God’s Words?  Determine to do what He has shown you to do.  If you do, you will discover yourself to be the new creature God desires you to be.

“Always do right.  This will gratify some people and astonish the others.
— Mark Twain


Make Up Your Mind
Bill Brinkworth

Before Joshua’s death, Israel’s leader gathered his people together. He reminded them of all the mighty things God had done for them and their fathers. Joshua rehearsed how God took, gave, sent, plagued, brought, put, destroyed, and delivered for them in over 17 instances (Joshua 24:3-13).

In the remembrances of the great helps God had done for Israel, the leader also reminded them of their failures. He told them how they continued to backslide from God and repeatedly had to be rescued from the consequences of their poor choices. Many of God’s deliverances were because the people had not learned their lesson and still were of two opinions.

Sometimes they served God, and other times they served the losing side and its false gods. Trying to live for God was a constant struggle for them. Their minds were not entirely made up, or they would not have repeatedly made the same mistakes.

No matter the loyalty of Israel to God, it was not a hard decision for Joshua. His mind was already made up. A long time previously, he had decided who His God was and that he would be faithful in obedience. It was no longer a struggle for him whom he would serve when he said: “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. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:14-15

Israel’s leader used interesting words in describing many of the people’s desire not to serve God. He used, “… if it seem evil”. This indicates that some people thought that serving their Creator and Protector was physically, socially, or morally bad for them. This thinking is not unlike the thoughts today of many. Too many think serving God and obeying his commandments are unprofitable to them because:

  • They will miss all the fun if they follow God’s commands. Sin is only “fun” for a short time. Sin never gives true joy, only temporary satisfaction.
    “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;” Hebrews 11:25 
  • They do not know that there is a price tag for sin. No one gets away with sin. Sin always does damage and only gives short-lived satisfaction (Hebrews 11:25).
    “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverb 28:13  Also: Romans 6:23.
  • His way is not the world’s way. By following His way, they will appear strange and different tos others. They will not fit in.

    Yes, God’s way is different. Yes, you will not “fit in” if you are obedient to God, but why do you want to be like the losing side? God’s way is always better. He has raised trillions of children, and His ways are the best.
    “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:9
  • They only see the now and forget the eternal. There is life after death. There is an eternity in either Heaven or Hell. What sense is there in missing Heaven for temporal satisfaction in a relatively short time here on Earth? 
    “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36


The world’s excuses for not serving God have always been the same. The reasons come from a similar rebellious and disobedient heart. No matter the time, the answer to God can be the same as Joshua’s, “… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15) No matter what others think or do, we can always be different and do right!

Right is right, even if everyone is against it, and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it.” William Penn

The Bible View #827 — Out of Fellowship

In This Issue:
Lost Fellowship
Out of Touch with God
Blow on The Embers

Volume: 827    September 13, 2021
Theme: Out of Fellowship

Devotions, Bible Studies, Sunday School lessons and printable versions of The Bible View (including church bulletin insert and large print versions) are available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/ and http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/.

All should daily read the Bible!  While at your computer,  go to www.DevotionsFromTheBible.com and read a chapter each day, and learn something from what you read. SIGN-UP to have the FREE devotion e-mailed and read a devotion and KJV chapter at your computer.



Lost Fellowship
Charles Spurgeon

I once asked a Christian how long it was since he had enjoyed fellowship with Jesus. His reply was remarkable. “I feel sorry,” he said, “you have asked me that question, and yet I must thank you. Had you asked me whether I continued in prayer, I would have said, ‘Yes,’ for I constantly pray with more or less fervor. Had you inquired whether I endeavored to walk honestly and uprightly before my fellow creatures, I would have said, ‘Yes,’ thank God, I hope I have not slipped with my feet.  However, when you say, ‘How long is it since you have had fellowship with Jesus?’ I blush because many a day has passed since I have known that high privilege.”

Is that so with you, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ? If so, it is very, very sad.

Your excuses for drifting far from God will not stand!
“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.”  Isaiah 40:29


Out of Touch with God
Bill Brinkworth

Psalm 60 referred to the historical event when David got the victory over the Edomites.  However, as do most of the Psalms, there is something that one can relate to in their own life today.

There are times some have the feeling David had when he knew He was not in fellowship with the Lord.  He sensed something was different between him and His relationship with the Lord.  David knew he and Israel had displeased God, and he desired His heavenly Father’s help, guidance, and fellowship again.
“… O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.” Psalm 60:1

We are joyous over the times we know God is close, and we see His hand in our lives every day.  We pray, and we see His answers.  Miraculously, we see his blessings in our lives. They are wonderful days, but something happens.  Those feelings disappear. For some, those God-filled days are only a dim memory.

Frantically, we search our lives.  We know God would never leave us, but He will withdraw His helping hand in our lives when we sin. Prayers go up but appear unanswered. “What is it that I have done to grieve you, dear Lord,” we plea.

As we recall past events, one, two, or maybe more sins that we have done against the Father come to mind. We certainly cannot undo our past, but we must do something to have a better future.

Quickly, we pull aside out of what we are doing and bow our heads in prayer.  God knows what we have done or neglected to do, but He wants to hear us admit our transgressions.  As we name them one by one in prayer, a waited-for plea is uttered from our lips, “And, please Father, forgive me for what I have done.  With your help, please help this never to happen again.”

Forgiveness is sought, and it is received from a gracious God.  Many times, the fellowship is not immediately restored to the point it was previously.  Still, our confession to Him is all we can do. It is a necessary re-starting point.

David experienced that situation.  He knew why his and his nation’s close relationship with God had changed, and He wanted the relationship back the way it was.  The leader humbled himself and sought forgiveness.

If you find yourself in a situation that your walk with the Lord is not what it used to be, it may be time you do as David did.  Search your heart. Be honest with yourself, and do not hide behind excuses.

Seek answers through praying. As you are reminded of things that could have been done differently, sin that never should have been committed, or steps of disobedience, beg God’s forgiveness and help to stay within His graces.  Do so when your heart is convicted.  There may not be another opportunity to be restored to the fellowship with your heavenly Father.

“True repentance hates the sin, and not merely the penalty…”  — Taylor


Blow on the Embers
Bill Brinkworth

To supplement our heater, we use a wood stove. With the right fuel, it produces a roaring fire, and with the damper set just right, a load of wood will burn most of the night and heat the house. 

After a night-long burn, the fire seems to have gone out by the morning, but there are still embers. After some poking and attention are given to them, they will easily ignite new fuel and continue to burn the rest of the day. At first, there seems to be no hope of rekindling the night’s fire.  However, after the burned-out ash is pushed aside to expose hidden embers, kindling is laid on top of them, gently blown on, and it is not long until a blaze results from the revived embers.

A born-again child of God can likewise lose the “blaze” for the Lord he once had. There may have been a time when prayer, church attendance, Bible reading, and other spiritual activities were priorities. Slowly, however, the fervent, spiritual-fire burning in one’s life was reduced to a smoldering, hardly-remembered ember.

If one is genuinely born-again, the embers are still there. The embers never completely went out. There is no loss of salvation, as some suppose is the reason for no spiritual activity and more involvement in sin. The Bible does teach that once saved, always saved (II Tim. 1:9, Eph. 2:8-9, John 10:28-29). Since salvation is still there, there may be just an over-covering of “ash” from sin’s participation.

Involvement in sin will not chase the indwelling Holy Spirit away. It will, however, grieve Him enough that He will not speak or move in one’s life until the sin is repented.

The Holy Spirit does work in one’s life.  It is He that speaks to one’s heart, does the convicting resulting in changing one’s life, and He encourages spiritual growth in one’s life.  When the Holy Spirit is no longer working, His refusal to work often reflects our non-spirituality.
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.“ Eph. 4:30  (Also: Prov. 28:13, I Thes. 5:19).

Like the seemingly defunct fire, a saved person can once again be the spiritual person he was or even be closer to God than he was before. There is hope in rekindling spiritual fires again! 

The first necessary step to get back to where one once was spiritually, or to have any spiritual growth, is to want change!  One can feel guilty or be depressed about one’s condition, but if one does not want to change, nothing will ever be altered in one’s relationship with God.  The fire in my stove would never be re-started unless I wanted it to be.  A person has to desire an alteration before anything will change.  As much as others want a person to be different, their efforts will not be long-lived or not result in any modifications unless the person himself desires a different life.

Secondly, the person himself must know what made the spiritual fires cease from burning fervently. Was there not enough fuel to keep it burning?  Was there no Bible reading?  Was there no prayer life?  Was there no spiritual food on which to feed?  If one feeds fleshly desires with worldliness, how can one expect the spiritual part to grow?  Whatever part of us that is fed the most is the one that grows!

Another reason spiritual fires may be gone out is sin over-covering the embers.  Sin will quench any desire to live for God. It will sadden the Holy Spirit so much He will not work in one’s life. The only remedy is to admit (confess) what one has allowed to hamper his relationship with the Lord, ask the Lord to forgive him for his transgression, and with God’s help, purpose not to err that way anymore (Psalms 51:2).  If an attempt to get closer to God again fails, one can start all over again.  He is a second-chance God, and third chance, and fourth….

After this truth is realized, the Lord is faithful and just to forgive and forget, and one can get back to where he should have been in his relationship with the Lord.  Once again, the Holy Spirit will blow on our “embers,” and a “blaze” can be resumed.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9 (Also I John 1:7)

“There can be no doubt in any man’s mind, nor any man’s heart, that God is our sustenance and our strength. Each of us must believe wholeheartedly and fiercely in the power and the glory, and the strength of God.  Thus, it would be more proper to say that each man must seek the companionship of God.  God awaits each one of us.” — Harold K. Johnson

The Bible View #826 — Christianity’s Opposition

In This Issue:
 Because What They Saw and Heard
Why Christianity Is Opposed
Not Recognized
It’s Love, Not Hate

Volume: 826    September 6, 2021
Theme: Christianity’s Opposition

Devotions, Bible Studies, Sunday School lessons and printable versions of The Bible View (including church bulletin insert and large print versions) are available at https://openthoumineeyes.com/ and http://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/.

All should daily read the Bible!  While at your computer,  go to www.DevotionsFromTheBible.com and read a chapter each day, and learn something from what you read. SIGN-UP to have the FREE devotion e-mailed and read a devotion and KJV chapter at your computer.


Because What They Saw and Heard
Bill Brinkworth

“Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises. 7 For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.” Psalm 47:6-7

Much of the world has developed a disdain for Christianity.  Looking at Christians the way the unsaved may see them, they may have a reason to believe as they do.

The lost see people who tout the name of Christ but see little difference between themselves and the supposedly “godly” people.  They hear Christ-followers ridicule their church leaders, catch them complaining, question and doubt God’s Word, and violate principles it teaches.  Unsaved people see believers live a life that is much like their own.

The unsaved world see poor Christian examples.  Dishonesty and perversion of church leaders are in media headlines. The lost often see the children of God begging for money and sometimes doing dishonest things to get it.  They hear of the sin the “godly” commit and observe the disunity between bickering believers. No wonder reproach is upon the name “Christian.”

Unsaved people seldom hear God being given credit for the blessings He pours out on His people.  Infrequently have they seen what they recognize as a genuine love for the Lord. Rarely have they heard how a converted sinner’s life was remarkably changed to produce an outstanding member of society. Few have heard of God’s answering prayers and the “impossible” miracles only His intervention could have caused.

Most of us can take some blame for their observations.  We have not done as the psalmist’s hymn in Psalm 47 encourages. We have not shown our excitement of being a child of God (“… O clap your hands…) — Psalm 47:1.  Instead, those people see the pooched lips and sad countenances of ungrateful believers.

The lost world needs to hear more from God’s children of all the wonderful things He does in their lives.  It would change their attitudes and beliefs if others heard of our answered prayers, deliverance from dangers, fulfilled prayer requests, and His leadership in our lives.  They need to listen to us “sing” His praises (Psalm 47:6-7).  If we are verbal about what God is doing, He will be real to them because His goodness and greatness have been praised and recognized.

God is not dead!  He is alive and working in lives.  I talked to Him today and daily see what He has done in my life and others!  The world needs to know that they are missing the biggest blessing of their lives without Him.  They will then know their loss if believers praise Him for His goodness.

“As a lost person, my tongue was quick with foul language. After being saved for a short time, God convicted me of my poor testimony for Him in that area.  I purposed to replace curses with praises to Him. I may not be much, but daily do those around me hear me praising His name and accrediting His wonderful works in my life!  He is worthy to be praised!” — B. B.



Why Christianity Is Opposed
Bill Brinkworth

There has always been animosity for those that live a lifestyle in accordance with the Bible. It is the same disdain that had Christ nailed to the cross. This resentment towards Christianity is undoubtedly alive and doing terribly today.  Ill feelings are particularly shown against Christians attempting to obey the Bible to the best of their ability.

True biblical Christianity does not, nor has it ever been a physical threat. Do not dare say Christianity has killed many.  It was certain false religions, not true believers, that committed those atrocities. 

Christianity has always improved nations, converted the sinner into a contributing member of society, given to worthy causes, helped the unfortunate, and done many other positive things.   Then why are so many voicing disdain against Christianity?  Here is a brief examination as to why many oppose Christians and Christianity:

They may hate God.  It may never be said from their lips, but that is often the root of why they are against Christianity.  They cannot attack God, so they strike out against Christians, seen as the next closest thing.
“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” John 15:18 Also: I John 3:13.

They may have guilt from their sin.  Many deal with this guilt in different ways.  Instead of stopping their iniquities, some turn their hearts against the one that showed them their actions were biblically wrong. One that is living the proper, (most naturally know in their heart what is right and wrong) godly life often heightens their guilt just by another’s biblical lifestyle. They resent any light that is put on their sin.
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil  For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved..”  John 3:19-20

They are on the enemy’s side. There are two sides: God’s and Satan’s.  People may be against the things of God because they are against God and for Satan.
“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Matthew 12:30
“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  Jesus was speaking to “religious” leaders.

There is a spiritual battle raging, so expect skirmishes:
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12

They see hypocrisy. The unsaved, much of the time, have expectations of how a Christian should act.  When they see the professing Christian not practicing what is preached or living the way expected, bitterness can be built against Christianity.

One of the most destructive forces to the cause of Christ is the liberal church movement.  They have removed much of the credibility, godliness, and character from Jesus’ church. The unsaved world clearly sees their hypocrisy and disobedience. We are to be an example for the cause of Christ in how we live our lives. Be different and be a godly light in this sin darkened world.
 “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.  But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”  Matthew 15:7-9

“It is better to incur the world’s hatred by testifying against its wickedness than gain its goodwill by going down the stream with it.”  — Henry



Not Recognized
Missionary Baptist News

A story is told of a North Carolina preacher who lived when traveling preachers were entertained at hotels for free.  A particular preacher put up at a hotel for a few days, where the host most hospitably entertained him, but as he was leaving, he was surprised to be presented with a bill.

“Why?” he said, “I thought preachers were entertained free.”

“Well,” said the innkeeper, “you came and ate your meals without asking the blessing; no one has ever seen you with a Bible; you smoked big cigars while you were here, and you talked about everything but religion.  Pray, how were we to know that you were a preacher?  You have lived like a sinner, so now you will have to pay with the sinners.”

“A hypocrite is a fellow who isn’t himself on Sundays!”



It’s Love, Not Hate
Bill Brinkworth

The Bible defines true morality.  However, if one points out that the Word of God says lying, stealing, adultery, homosexuality, etc., are wrong and sinful, the messenger is labeled a “hater.”  The source of the authority for labeling the iniquity, the Bible, is then ignored. 

The word “hate” has become a defensive word that many use to silence anyone they do not like, understand, or with which they agree.  Once the messenger of morality or a difference of opinion is branded hateful, many believe they are justified in ignoring all that the person says, even truth.

The attack now is often on the credibility of anyone that supports biblical morality or opposes the popular mob-rule thinking, so their message can be ignored. Often those stating what the Bible says are ridiculed and even criticized.

All know that when something improper or incorrect in another’s life is pointed out, it will not be received well. So why would a person still point out another’s immorality?

In many cases, it is love for the person and what can happen if they continue in immorality or wrongdoing, not hate.  Love and concern are why most parents, teachers, friends, and neighbors endure the negative feelings and comments they may receive and rebuke those doing wrong things.

It is the sin of abortion that terminates the life of an unborn baby.  It should be spoken against.

Alcohol and drugs can kill people and destroy lives.  Their use should be rebuked. 

Lying costs people’s trust and destroys relationships.  It should be disdained.

Gambling often costs people all they have earned and destroys their families over the ensuing financial ruin. It should be spoken against.

Adultery destroys families, and innocent children have their lives changed because of another’s sin.  Unfaithfulness to a spouse should also be hated, along with other sins that always hurt lives.

Toleration of wrongdoing and sin will not stop iniquities havoc; it will only allow it to continue. It is not love that is silent while people suffer or do things that will hurt them. It is indifference and often hate. It is love that often causes people to warn others of immorality, no matter the cost.

In Christianity, it is the relation of the soul to God that is important, not the relation of man to his fellow man.”  — Russell