March, 2022 | THE BIBLE VIEW

The Bible View #852 — Prophecy

In This Issue:
When Will the End of the World Come?
Pre-written History
Prophecies about Christ
What Is Prophecy?
Interpretation of Prophecy

Volume: 852 March 28, 2022
Theme: Prophecy

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When Will the End of the World Come?
Bill Brinkworth

Since the time of Jesus’ disciples (Mat. 24:3), many have wondered, “When is the end of the world coming?” Many have given dates for the end or dates for biblically predicted end-time events such as the rapture, last judgment, the Battle of Armageddon, and even the future of humanity. All foretold dates have been wrong!

One internet site, Wikipedia.com, has recorded more than 158 predicted days for end-time events that never occurred. Many of the prediction dates came from fairly well-known people such as Martin Luther (“not later than 1600”), Christopher Columbus (1658), John Wesley (1836), Jeanne Dixon (2/4/62), Jim Jones (1967), Charles Manson (1969), and Nostradamus (7/1999). Some “religious” have also given their predictions, including Catholic popes (1/1/1000, 1284, 1901), Herbert W. Armstrong (1936, 1943), Hal Lindsey (1980’s), Jehovah’s Witnesses (1908, 1914, 1916, 1941, 1971, 1975, 1984), Seventh-day Adventists (1999), and Sun Myung Moon (2000). Since 1977, someone has put a date for an end-time event for almost every year.

There are also many predicted dates for the future. Jean Dixon (a psychic) also claims something will happen between 2020 and 2037. Nostradamus again predicted another date of 3797.

When the projected dates were given, I imagine some were concerned. Many may have been alarmed and tried to prepare for what they thought would be a cataclysmic event by stockpiling and hoarding supplies, as some are doing today.

Although all the past predicted dates were wrong, some overlook the only source that has never been wrong about predicting events. This source has foretold many historic past events, and most of its prophecies have come true. Some predicted events were warned about 1,000 years before the event occurred, but they were still valid prophecies.

This authority told about the coming of God’s Son and what He would do on Earth. All those prophecies about Jesus came true. This source also gives many predictions about future events. This reliable source is God’s Word, the Bible. If it was correct about hundreds of past prophecies, we can also trust its accuracy about future events that have not occurred yet.

However, the King James Bible, as accurate as it has been in the past, does not give dates for end-time events. God’s Word has indicated that it is not for man to know when He will begin the last-days events. He even states that the angels do not know the day and hour, nor does His only Son, Jesus.
“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” Matthew 24:36

If the heavenly host and Jesus do not know when such events will occur, we can be assured that a common, sinful man will not know either. Certainly, those who believe contrary to what the Bible commands will not be told the details of God’s plan, including psychics, unbiblical religions, astrologists, and even preachers. Why anyone would think that a Holy God would whisper end dates to human-sacrificing, false god worshipping Mayans is even more ludicrous.

Many sense that the “end” is getting closer. Cataclysmic events may occur. This year may be a challenging year financially and physically for many. We, as a people, have been snubbing our noses at God for a long time. Why would He not begin to exercise His promised events soon?

However, the last day’s events will begin when God says it is time, and they will be according to the way His Word records them. God’s Word says the rapture of God’s people will happen first, followed by the seven-year tribulation, 1,000-year reign of Christ, and other judgments on the Earth’s inhabitants. After they have occurred, this world will be “passed away” (Revelation 21:1), and a new Earth will replace the old.

If people would read and believe their Bible more than what the television or some newspaper writer says, they would realize that most predictions are not even close to what will happen. Read and believe God’s Word first. Do not even consider those that set days on God’s plans.

“No leaps of faith are needed to jump from God’s Word into tomorrow.” — Author Unknown

Pre-written History
Author Unknown

In all ages, God has pre-announced certain things He proposed to do. These announcements are termed prophecies. Prophecy is history pre-written. It is as credible as any Word that God has spoken.

The Bible is filled with prophecies. Almost all the 66 books contain some prophecy. Nearly one-fourth of the Bible was predictive when it was written.

It is most reasonable to conclude, since every Bible prediction concerning the past has been fulfilled in the minutest detail, we may expect all the remaining prophecies to be just as literally fulfilled.

“If psychics can know the future, why don’t they win the lottery every time?”

Prophecies about Christ
Halley’s Bible Handbook

The Bible prophesied:

That Jesus would be of David’s family: II Sam. 7:12-16, Psa. 89:3-4, Isa. 9:6-7.
That He would be born of a virgin: Isa. 7:14.
That He would sojourn in Egypt: Hos. 11:1.
That His coming would occasion the massacre of Bethlehem’s children: Jer. 31:15.
That His mission would include Gentiles: Isa. 4:1-4.
That His ministry would be one of healing: Isa. 53:4.
That He would teach by parables: Isa. 6:9-10.
That He would be disbelieved and rejected: Psa. 69:4, Psa. 118:22, Isa. 6:10.
That He would make a triumphal entry into Jerusalem: Zech. 9:9.
That He would be betrayed by a friend for 30 pieces of silver: Zech. 11:12-13, Psa. 41:9.
That He would be given vinegar and gall: Psa. 69:21.
That no bone would be broken in His body: Psa. 34:20.
That He would rise from the dead: Psa.16:10-11, Luke 24:46.

What Is Prophecy?
Dr. J. Hamilton

Fulfilled and unfulfilled, the prophecies are mountains and valleys; mountains, from whose gilded summits you may look on future vistas through the fog. They are strands of sunshine in the vapor flood where glorious things are revealed, while from the echoing sides of ravings still dark and misty come up the heavy footfall or terrific cries of sorrows not occurred as yet.

“Our cares we can cast on Thee, for Thou carest for us. How can we be troubled about the future road since it belongs to Thee? How can we be troubled where it leads since it finally leads us to Thee?” — John Henry Neuman

Interpretation of Prophecy
Horsley

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” II Peter 1:20

The apostle’s negative maxim, “… that no prophecy … is of any private interpretation,” has within it two affirmative rules of exposition; that every single text of prophecy is to be considered as a part of an entire system and to be interpreted in that sense which may best connect it with the whole, and that the sense of prophecy, in general, is to be sought in the events which have taken place.

“I never think of the future. It comes soon enough.” — Albert Einstein

The Bible View#851 — Health Issues

In This Issue:
When You Don’t Get Healed
Thoughts on Cancer
Why They Had Health Afflictions
The Home Light
God’s Protection

Volume: 851 March 21, 2022T
heme: Heath Issues

The FREE printable versions (bulletin insert, large print, and e-mail versions) of this Bible View and many others can be found at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html.

So many are battling serious health issues. Perhaps this edition may help and encourage them. If you think it may, please forward it to those that could use uplifting.

When You Don’t Get Healed
Bill Brinkworth

Paul was a man used greatly by God. Because of God’s helping hand, the evangelist survived shipwrecks, beatings, persecutions, imprisonments, and other ill-treatment. With God’s miraculous help, this man was used in healings, revivals, and many miracles. However, as utilized by God as he was, Paul still had a personal ailment.
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.” II Corinthians 12:7

Commentators have strained at attempting to name Paul’s “thorn in the flesh,” although God chose not to make it clear to us. No matter what it was, Paul made it evident that he faced an infirmity. Three times he pleaded with God to remove the malady from him (II Cor. 12:8). God’s answer was “… My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness …” (II Cor. 12:9).

Here was a man that had seen glorious things in the third heaven (II Cor. 12:2-4). He had been delivered from many horrible things, yet God wanted Paul to experience this physical problem. God could have easily healed his body, but the God’s answer was that His grace was enough for him to live with the situation. Paul’s infirmity was a vehicle to make him spiritually stronger.

If God would allow one of His great spiritual warriors to face such a battle, we too should not be surprised if we face health problems. As it is with most trials, we can do one of two things when going through testing. We can either shake our fist at God and be angry with him, which is not the wise thing to do when we need Him the most. However, during that testing time, we can get close to Him and rely on Him to get us through the challenge.

Paul chose not to be foolish and get angry with God, as some do. He decided that if God allowed him to go through the problem, he would have a good attitude about it (II Cor. 12: 10) and give God the glory. In so doing, Paul learned what God wanted him to know. He understood that when he was weak, the preacher was the strongest through God’s help!

“Some cry, “Why me?” when they go through a trial.”

My question to them is, “Why wouldn’t it be you? Are you something special that you shouldn’t have problems or sicknesses?” God promises eternal life in Heaven to the saved. He promised no one he would not have problems on this Earth. — B. Brinkworth

Thoughts on Cancer
By Dr. Curtis Hutson, while going through cancer which later took his life.

Cancer can shorten your earthly life, but it cannot affect your eternal life.
Cancer can steal your days, but it cannot steal your dreams.
Cancer can cause you to be immobile, but it cannot keep you from being immovable.
Cancer may make you weak, but it cannot take away the joy of the Lord, which is our strength.
Cancer can incapacitate you, but it cannot captivate you.
Cancer may bring pain, but it cannot keep you from praising the Lord and rejoicing in His name.
Cancer may make you look bad on the outside, but it cannot change the inside where you have everlasting life and the very presence of God Himself in the Person of the Holy Spirit.
Cancer may take your physical life, but it cannot destroy the everlasting life given to you the moment you trust Christ as Savior. In fact, it can’t even diminish it. It is just as real in your weakest moment as the day you trusted Him as Saviour.
Cancer may put you in the grave, but it cannot keep you there. There shall be a resurrection.
Cancer may destroy the physical tabernacle in which you live, but it cannot touch the heavenly mansion prepared for you.
Cancer may cause a temporary separation from your family and friends, but it cannot stop the blessed reunion that will take place someday when all of God’s children are called on to Heaven either by way of death or the rapture.
Cancer may weaken your body where you cannot even say to your dearest friends, “I love you,” but it cannot keep you from loving.
Cancer may follow you to the graveyard, but it cannot follow you beyond.
Cancer, at times, may cause you to want to give up\, but it cannot keep you from going up. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (II Cor. 5:6-8).
Cancer can stop your labors, but it cannot undo your works.

When I consider my crosses, tribulations, and temptations, I shame myself almost to death, thinking what are they in comparison to the suffering of my blessed Savior, Jesus Christ. — Martin Luther

Why They Had Health Afflictions
Bill Brinkworth

Paul had an unspecified health problem, so he would have to trust God for His help to get through the difficulty.
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” II Cor. 12:9 Read also: I Peter 5:10.

Job went through many trials and tribulations, including health problems. God allowed Satan to inflict Job with health difficulties so that Satan would see Job was faithful to God, not just because God blessed Job’s life. Sometimes health troubles are a witness to others, so they can observe how a Christian goes through trials.
“And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause… 5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face. 6 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life. 7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.” Job 2:3-7

The author of Psalms 119, most likely David, learned more about God’s Word when going through afflictions.
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” Psalm 119:71

Some have health afflictions, not because of any sin they have committed, but so God can get the glory and credit when the person is healed.
“And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” John 9:1-3
“When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” John 11:4

A centurion’s servant was sick, so the centurion had an opportunity to exercise his faith when he trusted Jesus to heal his ill helper.
“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. . . . 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. . . . 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour.” Matthew 8:5-13

Some have health problems because of unconfessed sin. In this biblical case, it was partaking of the Lord’s Supper without confessing their sins to God.
“After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.” I Cor. 11:26-30

“We are usually closest to God when we need Him the most. That is usually when our prayer life is the strongest.” — B. Brinkworth

The Home Light
Mama’s Way, Thyra F. Bjorn

Thyra Bjorn told the story of accompanying her pastor-father one evening to the shack of a poverty-stricken elderly man. He was crippled with age and pain, yet he offered them what hospitality he could. When they prayed together, the older man’s face came alive as the agony of his present life gave way to radiant joy. Rather than asking anything of God, the man thanked Him for his shack, warm bed, visitors, and everything that was a part of his seemingly cramped and limited existence. When he had finished, Bjorn wrote, “He looked as happy and contented as though he had no discomfort at all.”

On the way home through the dark, cold, fall air, Thyra’s father sighted a lamp being lit in their parsonage in the valley below and called his daughter’s attention to it. Then the young girl thought that this too was what the old man in the cabin had seen. “He had seen his Father’s house and knew that he soon would be home. There would be no more sickness, pain, or loneliness and no more sorrow. The light of his faith would lead him home.”

“Without faith, we are as stained glass windows in the dark.” — Author Unknown

God’s Protection
Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, Michael P. Green

Dr. James M. Gray, former president of the Moody Bible Institute, convalesced from a severe illness. His physician, thinking that a change of scenery might bring the relaxation his patient needed, advised him to take an ocean voyage.

When arrangements for the journey were completed, Dr. Gray experienced an unexpected physical setback. He was greatly disappointed and wondered why the heavenly Father had allowed this new affliction to come.

About a week later, he picked up a newspaper that carried on the front page the tragic account of a steamer that had sunk after striking a reef in St. John’s harbor. There were no survivors. When Gray read that this was the ship he would have taken, he realized how perfectly the Lord had directed his way. His temporary sickness had delivered him from certain death.

The Bible View #850 — Assorted

In This Issue:
A Failure?
Appearance of Evil
The Lament of a Backslider
Doing It on Their Own
A Good Example
A Burden for Others
Christ, Forever

Volume: 850 March 14, 2022
Theme: Assorted

The FREE printable versions (bulletin insert, large print, and e-mail versions) of this Bible View and many others can be found at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html.

A Failure?
Cameron

Many years ago, a merchant’s business failed. He went home greatly upset.

“What is the matter?” asked his wife.

“I am ruined. I will be a beggar. I have lost it all!” he exclaimed, pressing his hands to his forehead.

“All?” said his wife. “No. I am left.”

“All, papa?” questioned his eldest boy. “Here I am!”

“And I too,” piped in his little girl, running up and putting her arms around his neck.

“I’m not lost, Papa,” repeated Eddy.

“And you have your health left,” said his wife.

“And your hands to work with,” said the eldest, “and I can help you.”

“And your two feet, Papa, to carry you about and your two eyes to see with, Papa,” said little Eddie.

“And you have God’s promises,” said the grandmother.

“And a good God,” said his wife.

“And a Heaven to go to,” said his little girl.

“And Jesus, who came to fetch us there,” said his eldest.

“God forgive me!” said the poor merchant, bursting into tears. “I have not lost it all. What I have lost is nothing compared to what I have,” and he took comfort and was encouraged.

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

Appearance of Evil
John Bate

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” I Thessalonians 5:22

A thing may have the appearance of wrong-doing and not be evil in itself, as an apple may look to be sweet and sound but be sour and rotten. Why then are we to abstain from the “appearance of evil”?

Because most judge by appearance and would therefore judge us wrongfully.
Because in judgment, our characters could be damaged, and Christianity be defamed.
Because by following the appearance of doing something wrong, we could promote and encourage evil itself.
Because we are commanded to keep from even looking like we are doing something sinful.
Because it is directly inconsistent with the good we profess we do.
Because by abstaining from even looking like we are doing something wrong, we do not appear as hypocrites.

“If you want your neighbor to see what the Christ spirit will do for him, let him see what it has done for you.” — H. Beecher

The Lament of a Backslider
Author Unknown

Where is the Saviour now,
Whose smiles I once possessed?
Till He returns, I bow,
By heavy grief oppressed.
My days of happiness are gone,
And I am left to weep alone.
Where can the mourner go,
And tell his tale of grief?
Ah, who can soothe his woe,
Ah, who can give relief?
Earth cannot heal the wounded breast
Or give the troubled conscience rest.
Jesus, Thy smiles impart;
My gracious Lord, return,
Bind up my broken heart
And bid me cease to mourn;
Then shall this night of sorrow flee,
And peace in Heaven is found in Thee.

Doing It on Their Own
H. W. Beecher

Many say, “I can find God without the help of the Bible, or church, or minister.” Very well. Do so if you can.

The ferry company would feel no jealousy of a man who should prefer to swim to New York City, rather than ride on their ferry. Let him do so if he is able, and we will talk about it on the other shore, but probably trying to swim would be the thing that would bring him quickest to the boat.

So, God would have no jealousy of a man’s going to Heaven without the aid of the Bible, church, or minister, but let him try to do so, and it will be the surest way to bring him back to them for help.

A Good Example
Author Unknown

A chaplain told this story of a young soldier who consulted with a question of Christian duty.

“Last night,” said the young man, “in my barrack, before going to bed, I knelt and prayed in a low voice, when suddenly my comrades threw their boots at me and laughed.”

“Well,” replied the chaplain, “suppose you defer your prayer until you get into bed and then silently lift your heart to God?”

A week or two afterward, the young soldier called again. “Well,” said the chaplain, “you took my advice, I suppose? How has it gone?”

“Sir,” he answered, “I took your advice for one or two nights, but I thought it looked rather like I was denying my Saviour, and I once more knelt at my bedside and prayed in a low whisper as before.”

“And what happened?”

“Not one of them laughs now, sir. The whole fifteen each kneel and pray, as well.”

“I felt ashamed,” added the chaplain in narrating the story, “of the advice I had given him. That young man was both wiser and bolder than I was.”

“A good example has twice the value of good advice.”

A Burden for Others
K. Arvine

Ancient history records that a city was besieged and was obliged to surrender at length. In that city, two brothers had obliged the conquering general and, because of this, received permission to leave the city before it was destroyed and take with them as much of their property as they could lug. The two youths appeared at the city’s gates, one of them carrying their father and the other their mother.

If we could all be as generous and burdened as those brothers were after we get saved. We would be concerned to tell as many family members, friends, and neighbors the way to Heaven. More would be going there!

Christ, Forever
S. Coley

When King Ptolemy built Pharos, he wanted his name upon it. Sostratus, the architect, did not think that the king, who only paid the money for its construction, should get all the credit while he had none. Sostratus put the king’s name on the front of the structure in plaster. Underneath it, in the eternal granite, the architect had his name chiseled deep into the stone.

Over time, the sea dashed against the plaster and chipped it off bit by bit. I dare say it lasted out the time of Ptolemy, but soon the plaster was chipped away, and there stood the name “Sostratus.”

I am sure that there are “waves” that will chip off all human names from the true church Christ built. I know the name of Christ shall last forever after all others fade away.

The Bible View #849 — Church

In This Issue:
Dangers to A Church
Beware!
Why Should a Christian Go to Church?

Volume: 849 March 7, 2022
Theme: Church

The FREE printable versions (bulletin insert, large print, and e-mail versions) of this Bible View and many others can be found at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html.

Dangers to A Church
Bill Brinkworth

The actual church is the believers of Christ wherever they may be. If a believer is at home, that is where the church is. When the born-again child of God goes to the supermarket, that is where the church is.
“For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” I Corinthians 3:9“
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” I Peter 2:5“
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” II Corinthians 6:16

However, a physical church is an important place where believers meet to hear the Word of God’s teachings, a place to worship Him, and where they can be encouraged to serve and live for the Lord. The building is a recognized place where most know they should be able to hear what the Bible teaches. Many attend, and because of the preaching and teaching, decide to be born again into God’s family.

There are many dangers to the health and life-changing ministry that pastors and church attendees should be wary. Because of the local church’s importance, it faces many threats that could harm its role to the cause of Christ. Some demolishers that can weaken or destroy a God-honoring and obeying ministry include:

Using “bibles” that have changed or water-down what the preserved Word of God teaches. There are over 350 different versions in the English language alone, each teaching something different after verses have been altered or deleted.

“Bibles” labeled as “new versions” should signal to a Christian that God is not now just giving us His Word. It has been around since Old and New Testament times. God has preserved it for earlier believers, and it is safely kept for today’s Christians.

For English-speaking people, every word God had prophets, leaders, and men of God pen still has every “jot and tittle” (Matthew 5:18) preserved in the King James version. Changing His words has weakened and destroyed many ministries.

To learn more why the KJV should be used for those speaking English, please view: https://www.openthoumineeyes.com/bible-answers/God%20Kept%20His%20Word.pdf (Use the right arrow key to go through the presentation)

A lack of unbiblical doctrines taught and preached. A ministry will weaken and not grow if opinions are taught rather than “thus saith the Word of God.” God preserved His Word because it will change lives and even societies. His will and way will never change and it is recorded in His Word.
A lack of desire and attempts to reach others with the Gospel. One essential goal of a Bible-obeying ministry should be to reach the lost so they can be saved. If they are not sought and taught, there will be little growth in a ministry. Too many churches are spiritually dead, as they are no longer a “saving station” nor a hospital for the spiritually wounded.
Unqualified or uncalled leadership in a church. The Bible clearly defines the qualifications of church pastors and deacons (I Timothy 3:2-13). Those in charge that should not be instructing or preaching will also weaken and destroy a ministry.
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Act 20:28
Undealt with sin within the church. The Bible warns of sin throughout its pages. When sin is not preached against or is tolerated, the hand of God will be off that ministry!
Those sowing discord among the brethren. Gossip against the preacher, teachers, and anyone within the ministry can also weaken and hurt a church.
“These six things doth the LORD hate… 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Proverbs 6:16-19
Home Bible study groups. Attending a local church every time its doors are open and one’s personal Bible study should be the primary sources of spiritual feeding. The intention of having extra Bible studies sounds edifiying, but they often can result in being hotbeds for “sowing discord” against the brethren and teaching false doctrines. Even a diet of television and radio preaching can sometimes sow disagreement against what one’s church is preaching from God’s Word. Division can occur in a church because of those influences.
Covid and other infectious diseases. If you cannot attend because of health issues, do your best to stay in contact with your local church leaders and members. Although we do not want to spread disease to other church members, separation from other believers and being part of a local ministry can weaken and slowly kill a local church. Lack of attendance also discourages the preacher and teachers and disheartens other church members.

A local Bible-believing, Scripture-obeying ministry is an essential need for children of God and surrounding communities. Lives have been improved, souls saved, and sin stopped by a church’s outreach and influence.

A church’s usefulness can easily be destroyed by allowing it to be weakened by many of the mentioned dangers. Do your best to keep its doors wide open so God’s will and way can be preached and practiced. If its doors are closed and its message weakened, how will the nearby people know God’s truths? Who will tell them if the local ministry is too weak to help?

“When the Devil saw that persecution would not stop the church, he changed to a different tactic. He joined the church. He began to hurt the church from the inside. He still does that today. He attacks the validity of the Word of God, and he tries to discredit the Gospel. If that doesn’t work, he tries to discredit the man who preaches the Gospel, as he tried to discredit Paul.”
— J. Vernon McGeePsalm 53:2

Beware!
Bill Brinkworth

The early church had many of the problems our churches have today. In Philippians 3, the church was warned of three particular dangers. The three “beware”s (Philippians 3:2) they were cautioned of were:

“… of dogs”. Although gentiles were often called “dogs,” it would hardly be likely that Paul, a missionary to the gentiles, would warn the Philippians (many of whom were converted gentiles, to look out for themselves. He may have been referring to the false shepherds (pastors) that were only in the ministry for themselves, as described in Isaiah 52:8-11: “The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, … All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea, all ye beasts in the forest. His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.”
“… evil workers”. These may be the same villains who were self-purposing ministers, sowing their wrong doctrines and leading the “sheep” astray. They could have been “wolves in sheep’s clothing.”
“… of the concision …”. “Concision” means cutting off. The Philippians were to beware of those still adhering to the law. Instead of cutting away the sin in their lives as Paul was teaching (Philippians 3:3), they tried to stick to the Old Testament laws to please God.

As taught in Ephesians 6, there is a spiritual war going on. We have to be watchful for the enemy, no matter where he hides. Sometimes we find him operating even in good Bible-believing churches. That is why it is important to read and know the Scriptures for ourselves to discern when false doctrines are taught.

Why Should a Christian Go to Church?
Bill Brinkworth

Attendance to any church is NOT the way to Heaven, but it is essential for a Christian’s growth. If one is truly saved, he should:

Wanna Go to Church – The hungry,s born-again person should have a desire to be fed from the Word of God, as the preacher delivers it. He also should desire fellowship with like-minded people.
“My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.” Psalm 84:2
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” Ephesians 2:19
“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” I Corinthians 12:25

Wanna Grow – Church is one of the most important places where a Christian can hear God’s Word to find out how he can improve himself, obey God, and learn what God has for him to do.
“Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.” Psalm 92:13

Wanna Obey – We are commanded to go.
“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.” Hebrews 10:25

Wanna Pray – Although it is not the only place a Christian can pray, it is a good place.
“And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Matthew 21:13

It makes one wonder when a person, who claims to be saved, does not want to attend church and finds excuses for avoiding it. Not regularly attending church is contrary to Scripture.

“Church: You are not too bad to go in. You are not too good to stay out.”
— Author Unknown