December, 2021 | THE BIBLE VIEW

The Bible View #839 — Sin’s Grasp

In This Issue:
Free the Slaves
Sin’s Damage

Volume: 839 December 20, 2021
Theme: Sin’s Grip

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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 (Mon.-Sat.) and read a devotion and KJV chapter at your computer.

Free the Slaves
Bill Brinkworth

When speaking of slavery, most immediately think of those taken against their will from Africa and other countries in the early-to-mid 1800s. However, forced labor continues today and is more prevalent than in the 1800s.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimated in 2013 that 20.9 million men, women, and children around the world are “forced to work for little or no pay and at the complete mercy of their ‘employer’” (www.antislavery.org, 11/2013). Some estimates make the count closer to 30 million.

Those forced to work in mental or physical slavery or controlled by an “employer” are not even close to the numbers of those in bondage in a different, less obvious way. Those in this type of slavery outnumber the 30 million many times over. To make matters worse, those in this popular type of bondage often do not realize they have lost their freedoms!

The Bible has much to say about this type of oppression:

There are two choices in this world. One can serve himself and one’s selfish desires, which are often sin and sometimes the devil’s destructive ploys or one can serve God. There are only these two choices, whether man recognizes it or not.
“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 [the self-serving desires of our flesh].” Matthew 6:24 Also: Luke 16:13.

Although sin is always an individual’s choice, it becomes “addictive” and leads to more iniquity. Soon sin controls one’s thoughts and is a demanding and controlling force in one’s life.

Lying and deceitfulness oftenlead to more lies and alienation from others as one becomes mistrusted. Bitterness , unforgiveness, resentment, and jealousy rob many of peace and good relationships. Drinking, drugs, pornography, and most sins never fulfill one’s lust and often lead to committing more iniquities in hopes that their cravings will be satisfied. Sexual sins ruin lives and families, wreck relationships but leave the committer with a feeling of loneliness and failure.

On and on goes the list of the consequences of sin. No one gets away without paying the horrible cost to one’s life because of sin. Iniquities leave one’s life changed and often physically damaged from its commission. Iniquity never does anything but rob and destroys what is good in one’s life. Its grasp robs one of joy and makes one a slave. The committer of sin is led by desires and loses freedoms.

When one chooses to do his own thing and ignore the life God desires one to have, the person will not only reap the terrible consequence of sin but will alienate himself from God.
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” I John 2:15
“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4
“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Gal. 1:10

Jesus addressed a group of saved Jews and told them they could be free (John 8:31-32). The believers responded that they were not in bondage.
“They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?” John 8:33

Then Jesus pointed out to them that they were indeed slaves to the sins they had committed.
“Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” John 8:34

Those given over to sin have no permanent desire to live a life that pleases the Lord.
“For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.” Rom. 6:20

Trusting Christ’s payment for all our iniquities is the only way one can be free of sin’s control and from the ultimate price for committing them — the Lake of Fire!
“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” Rom. 8:2

The choice is always up to the individual! One does not have to serve sin, although many choose to continue committing it. We have the liberty to do right.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Gal. 5:1
“For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.” I Cor. 7:22

When free from the desire to sin, one should strive to live righteously. However, the longer one is involved in sin, the harder the battle will be against the temptations it will present. Halting sin can be changed to a lifestyle that is pleasing to God.
“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Rom. 6:18
“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” Rom. 6:22
“Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.” Mat. 12:18

One freed from the desire to sin has the opportunity to serve God freely, and in so doing, one should get their sights off themselves and desire to help others.
“And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.” Mark 10:44

Although one may choose to serve God, it is servitude out of gratitude and love, not out of forced bondage. When one decides to surrender control of selfish desires and live the way God commands, one will have a life that is blessed and honored by God! God looks at his servant not as a bond slave but with special love — as a friend.
“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” John 15:15
“If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:26

Jesus, our example, was this type of servant also.
“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” Philippians 2:7
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” Mat. 25:21 Also: Mat. 25:23.

The most dangerous and ever-present threat to anyone, even a saved person, is the commission of sin. It always has a price tag that no one would ever dream would come when committing it.

The charge for getting involved in iniquity usually continues longer than anyone would ever want to pay. Its bill often comes due when the sin’s commission is forgotten, but there is always a payday for sin. No one avoids its cost.

When a believer sins, one can always go to the Father in prayer, seek forgiveness, and plead with God for strength not to commit the trespass again. The guilt may be gone, and one will not have to answer for the sin. However, its temptation will often appear again in one’s life and be a future difficulty one must battle to avoid.

All the good intentions and halting of sin’s commission will not remove sin’s payment. One must realize one is a sinner and trusts Christ’s death on the cross as the only payment God will recognize to cover one’s wrongdoings. When one does that and asks God to save him, the eternal wage for sin will be removed. You must be born again (John 3:3) to have the free pardon from all sin.

Do you realize that your sin is against what God desires for your life? Confess it to God. He knows about it already but wants you to humble yourself and admit it. Seek to live the way God commands in His Word, the Bible.

Obeying God and living the way He desires you to live will break the chains of sin that are keeping you in bondaget. You can be free. There is hope!

“The way to keep the heart quiet is to keep ourselves in the love of God and to do nothing to offend him.” — Henry

Sin’s Damage
Keach

Sin is composed of naught but subtle wiles,
It fawns and flatters and betrays by smiles;
‘Tis like the panther, or the crocodile,
It seems to love, and promises no wile,
It hides the soul and hates when it vows most love.
It plays the tyrant most by gilded pills (unpleasant people),
It secretly ensnares the souls it kills.
Sin’s promises they all deceitful be,
Does promise wealth, but pays us poverty;
Does promise pleasure, but doth pay us sorrow;
Does promise life today; pays death tomorrow.
No thief so vile, nor treacherous as sin,
Whom fools do hug and have much pleasure in.

“Sin will keep you from the Bible. The Bible will keep you from sin.” — D. L. Moody

The Bible View #838 — Christmas

In This Issue:
Was Jesus Born on December 25?
An Opportune Time
Jesus Came Anyway
The First and Last Time He Comes

Volume: #838 December 13, 2021
Theme: Christmas

FREE Printable versions of THE BIBLE VIEW (including large print and church bulletin inserts) are available at https://www.openthoumineeyes.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 (M-Sat.) and read a devotion and KJV chapter at your computer.

Was Jesus Born on December 25?
Rev. Alexander Hislop

Many Christian holidays have their true meanings and even the time they occurred altered by false religion’s influence. Christmas, unfortunately, is one of those days. Although Christ was born on this Earth, and all the Bible says about Him is true, false religions and their effort to get people to accept their false teachings successfully merged their doctrines with those of Christianity.

Here is some of the history behind how December 25th was adopted to be the day of Christ’s birth, according to Rev. Alexander Hislop’s The Two Babylons:

“… The festivals of [Catholic] Rome are innumerable, but five of the most important may be singled out for elucidation: Christmas day, Lady day, Easter, the Nativity of St. John, and the Feast of the Assumption. Each and all of these can be proved to be Babylonian.” This is especially true with the festival in honour of the birth of Christ, Christmas.

“… How comes it that that festival was connected with the 25th of December? There is not a word in the Scriptures about the precise day of His birth or the time of the year when He was born. What is recorded implies that at what time His birth took place couldnot have been on the 25th of December.

“… At the time that the angel announced His birth to the shepherds of Bethlehem, they were feeding their flocks by night in the open fields. Now, no doubt, the climate of Palestine is not so severe as the climate of this country; but even there, though the heat of the day be considerable, the cold of the night, from December to February, is very piercing, and it was not the custom for the shepherds of Judea to watch their flocks in the open fields laterthan about the end of October. It is in the last degree incredible, then, that the birth of Christ could have taken place at the end of December.

“… the celebrated Joseph Mede pronounces a very decisive opinion to the same effect. … At the birth of Christ, every woman and child was to go to be taxed at the city whereto they belonged, whither some had long journeys, but the middle of winter was not fitting for such a business, especially for women with child and children to travel in. Therefore, Christ could not be born in the depth of winter. Again, at the time of Christ’s birth, the shepherds lay abroad watching with their flocks in the nighttime; but this was not likely to be in the middle of winter. And if any shall think the winter wind was not so extreme in these parts, let him remember the words of Christ in the Gospel, ‘… pray ye that your flight be not in the winter … (Mat. 24:20)’. If the winter was so bad a time to flee in, it seems no fit time for shepherds to lie in the fields and women and children to travel in.”

“… Indeed, it is admitted by the most learned and candid writers of all parties that the day of our Lord’s birth cannot be determined, and that within the Christian churchno such festival as Christmas was ever heard of till the third century, and that not until the fourth century did it gain much observance.

“… How, then, did the Romish Church fix on December the 25th as Christmas day? Why, thus:

Long before the fourth century a festival was celebrated among the heathen, at that precise time of the year, in honour of the birth of the son of the Babylonian queen of heaven; and it may fairly be presumed that, in order to conciliate the heathen, and to swell the number of the nominal adherents of Christianity, the same festival was adopted by the Roman Church, giving it only the name of Christ. This tendency on the part of Christians to meet paganism halfway was very early developed; and we find Tertullian, even in his day, about the year 230 AD, bitterly lamenting the inconsistency of the disciples of Christ in this respect and contrasting it with the strict fidelity of the Pagans to their superstition.

“… Upright men strove to stem the tide, but in spite of all their efforts, the apostasy went on, until the church, with the exception of a small remnant, was submerged under pagan superstition. That Christmas was originally a pagan festival is beyond all doubt. The time of the year, and the ceremonies with which it is still celebrated, prove its origin.

“Also, in Egypt, the son of Isis was born at this very time, ‘about the time of the winter solstice.’ The very name by which Christmas is popularly known among ourselves — Yule-day — proves at once its pagan and Babylonian origin. ‘Yule’ is the Chaldean name for an ‘infant’ or ‘little child’; and as the 25^th of December was called by pagan Anglo-Saxons, ‘Yule-day,’ or the ‘Child’s day.’ The night that preceded it became known as ‘Mother-night,’ long before (380–362 BC) they came in contact with Christianity. This sufficiently proves the real reason December 25 was selected.”

“Christmas is a time for ‘giving up’ sin, bad habits, and selfish pleasures. Christmas is a time for ‘giving in’ and surrendering to Christ and accepting Him as King. Christmas is a time for ‘giving out,’ real giving and not swapping.”

An Opportune Time
Oliver B. Greene

Christmas is a depressing time for many people. An article written by a director of the California Department of Mental Hygiene warned: “The Christmas season is marked by greater emotional stress and more acts of violence than any other time of the year.”

Christmas is an excuse to get drunk, have a party, get something, give a little, leave work, get out of school, spend money, overeat, and all kinds of other excesses. But, for the real church, Christmas is an excuse for us to exalt Jesus Christ in the face of a world that is at least tuned in to His name.

“The message of Christmas is that the visible material world is bound to the invisible, spiritual world.”

Jesus Came Anyway
Oliver B. Greene

Sherwood Wirt captured the mood of that first Christmas in this description, which he wrote in a Christmas card: “The people of that time were being heavily taxed, and faced every prospect of a sharp increase to cover expanding military expenses. The threat of world domination by a cruel, ungodly, power-intoxicated band of men was ever just below the threshold of consciousness.

Moral deterioration had corrupted the upper levels of society and was moving rapidly into the broad base of the populace. Intense nationalistic feeling was clashing openly with new and sinister forms of imperialism. Conformity was the spirit of the age. Government handouts were being used with increasing lavishness to keep the population from rising up and throwing out the leaders. Interest rates were spiraling upward in the midst of an inflated economy. External religious observances were considered a political asset, and abnormal emphasis was being placed upon sports and athletic competition. Racial tensions were at the breaking point.”

In such a time, and amid such a people, a child was born to a couple who had just signed up for a fresh round of taxation and were soon to become political exiles. The born child was called, among other things, Immanuel, God with us.

“Selfishness makes Christmas a burden; love makes it a delight.”

The First and Last Time He Comes
Oliver B. Greene

The Lord Jesus Christ, whom we exalt especially at Christmas, is not just a baby in a manger. He is not a character in a children’s story. He is far more.

The first time He came, He came veiled in the form of a child. The next time He comes, and we believe it will be soon, He will come unveiled, and it will be abundantly and immediately clear to all the world just who He really is.
The first time He came, wise men and shepherds brought Him gifts. The next time He comes, He will bring gifts, rewards for His own.
The first time He came, there was no room for Him. The next time He comes, the whole world will not be able to contain His glory.
The first time He came, only a few attended His arrival. The next time He comes, every eye shall see Him.
The first time He came as a baby. Soon He will come as Sovereign King and Lord.

“The hinge of history is on the door of a Bethlehem stable.”
— Ralph W. Stockman

The Bible View #837 — Fighting Our Battles

In This Issue:
A Battle Rages

Volume: 837 December 6, 2021
Theme: Fighting Battles

FREE Printable versions of THE BIBLE VIEW (including large print and church bulletin inserts) are available at https://www.openthoumineeyes.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 (M-Sat.) and read a devotion and KJV chapter at your computer.

A Battle Rages
Bill Brinkworth

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 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 6:11-13

“Christian, be careful. Get out of harm’s way. Don’t you see or hear what the enemy is doing out there? A battle surrounds us. Stay with me in this safer place. Believers need to stick together in times of trouble.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Heb. 10:25

“You can’t see it? Why open your eyes, man! Can’t you hear it? Why we’re facing a frontal attack. The enemy is aiming right at you. They’re trying to get us to doubt our faith. They’re throwing everything they have at us.

“Why, can’t you hear the fellow over there trying to get you to quit because you don’t have a chance and that you are outnumbered? That guy way over there is even questioning if you are a Christian. He must know you because he is shouting that he has watched you and believes you are acting more like his side than a Christian.

“You are a child of God, aren’t you? You have been saved? You do know that just going to church doesn’t make you a Christian?

“Well, I thought so, but I was just checking and making sure you knew that for sure. When those on the other side lob insults and hurl more doubts, you will need to be certain you’re a child of God and on the winning side.
“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 Cor. 15:58
“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;” Heb. 3:14

“Oh no. Turn around. Some of who we thought were on our side are attacking us from the rear. Why, they even claim to be born-again. That fellow charging behind us attended my church. Now he’s ganging up on us, too!
“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Eph. 6:6
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” II Cor. 11:13

“They’re showing us their true colors. They never were one of us. That must be why they only acted ‘Christian’ on Sunday, but acted like the world the rest of the week. Why they’re shouting the same things we’re hearing from the frontal assault. Ignore, them brother. If they learn anything from us, it should be that a Christian is “Christian’ all the time and that we will not back down from our convictions.

“Look out! I can’t believe it. Now we’re being flanked on the right. Get really low because they’re launching temptations, and they’re coming our way. Don’t look because the flash of some of what they want us to see will be etched in our minds, and those thoughts are hard to forget. That missile that landed behind us was loaded with filth; it’s a good thing we were looking in a different direction.
“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” Psalm 101:3

“We’re being attacked from the front, rear, and even our flanks that we never expected to be breached. But don’t get discouraged, warrior. We are on the winning side. We have weapons far superior to theirs. For every projectile hurled at us, counter it with the promises from our great Commander. His Words are the only truths. When the enemy hears His Words, they sometimes get mad and confused. Often, they never heard such truths that go against all they have ever been told.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb. 4:12

“Several times, I have replied to their sneers and accusations with His great words, and the advancing army stopped dead in their tracks. Some became confused and did not know what to do next. Some shook their heads and retreated. His Word is a powerful weapon.

“Do you have a copy? You do, but you don’t know where it is? Here, use mine. It is well worn, but it has all the answers for every attack you will ever face.

“No, you can’t keep it, but you can use it while we are under attack. It is my old friend, and I cherish and rely on it. Many of its principles are stored in my heart. When I face predicaments like this, they automatically come to mind in my time of need. They always guide me through these battles.

“Our Commander is also the greatest warrior that ever lived. He promised that even when all looks bleak that we would be victorious. Onward we must attack with the weapons He has issued us. When He gives the Word, we will move. For now, we must resist the attacks and fight them with His Truths. Be steadfast, unmovable. We will persevere!
“Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” Deut. 5:32

“Oh my. The enemy is not giving up. Now’s he’s air-dropping more discouragements. Their bombardment by radio waves and television programs won’t sway me. I will not look or hear the wicked things they put before my ears and eyes, nor should you. Keep your eyes on the attack and don’t let yourself be distracted.
“Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside there from to the right hand or to the left;” Joshua 23:6
“… 21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.” I Sam. 12:20-21

“Hang in there, Christian. It looks like we’re surrounded, but still, our commanding officer has a plan. He is not idle. Wait patiently until He gives the Word! You may not see Him, but our great Leader has also sent a great Comforter, and as we speak, He is doing something to help and protect us. He may even be working in the minds of our enemies to turn them to His side. The Comforter has done that many, many times.
“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal. 6:8

“Although you think it is just you and me in this trench, we are not alone. We can talk to our great Leader, and He will hear our pleas wherever we are.

“No, we don’t have a radio for communications. We don’t need one. We can talk to Him right now. Here, join me as we bow our heads in respect and call upon his help. I told you our Commander was the greatest.”

Both soldiers bowed their heads and pleaded for their leader’s mercy and help in their time of need. They shared their greatest fears and feelings with their unseen Protector.

After their time of fellowship with their unseen Leader, the two warriors continued to engage the enemy. Soon, something unbelievable happened.

The attacks of the enemy halted as quickly as they started. A great silence cloaked the area where previously confusion, temptations, and mayhem rained upon the faithful men. The two battle-worn infantrymen poked up their heads from their places of safety to see why there was suddenly silence.

To their amazement, they saw the enemy fleeing, but it was unclear why their adversaries retreated. It did not appear anyone was pursuing them. Perhaps the enemies pulled back to attack other Christians, hoping they are weaker than those they had just faced. Perhaps they were frightened or confused. The two may never know why the calm, but they were sure the conflict had ended.

However, one can be assured that the battle may have been won, but the war continues. Somewhere and somehow, the enemy is attacking other soldiers of the Great Commander.

Often there are casualties. At other times, there are not. But still, the war rages. The next battle may be close to or involve you. Are you armed and ready for action?

The war will continue until one day our Great Leader no longer tests and seasons His followers and ends the battle forever! There will one day be an end to this great battle between the forces of good and evil. Until then, which side will you be on, or will you retreat?
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” I Peter 5:8
“Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.” Eph. 3:13
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” II Cor. 4:16

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”
I Timothy 6:12