February, 2023 | THE BIBLE VIEW

The BIBLE VIEW #898 — Sin’s Stranglehold

In This Issue:
Free the Slaves
Sin’s Damage

Volume: 898 February 20, 2023
Theme: Sin’s Stranglehold

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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) estimates today 49.6 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). Those statistics have drastically increased since 2013!

The numbers forced to work in mental or physical slavery or owned or controlled by an “employer” are not close to those in bondage in a different, less obvious way. Those in that type of slavery outnumber the 49+ million many times over. To make matters worse, those in that popular type of bondage may not even know they have lost their freedoms!

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

There are two choices in this world. One can serve oneself and selfish desires, which are often sin and sometimes the devil’s destructive enticements, or one can serve and live for God. There are only those two choices, if man realizes it or not. One’s decision can enslave one to sin or free one from its strangling, controlling grasp!
“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 soon becomes “addictive” and leads to more iniquity. Soon, sin controls one’s thoughts and is a decisive force in one’s life.

Lying and deceitfulness lead 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 one to commit more sin hoping their cravings will be satisfied. Sexual sins ruin lives and families, wreck relationships, but still leave the committer with a feeling of loneliness and failure.

On and on goes the list of the consequences of iniquity. Transgression against God’s commandments leave one’s life changed, and often physically damaged from its commission. No one gets away without paying the horrible cost of sin.

Iniquity does nothing but rob and destroy what could be good in one’s life. Sin’s grasp steals one of joy and enslaves. The committer of sin is led by one’s desires and loses freedoms.

When one chooses to “do his own thing” and ignores the life God desires one to have, one 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). They replied they were not in bondage. The Jews thought they were free.
“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 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 to be free of sin’s control and from the ultimate cost for sinning — Hell!
“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, even the saved, often freely choose to continue doing wrong. We have the opportunity not to be forced to serve iniquity. 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 will want to live righteously. However, the longer one is involved in doing wrong, the harder the battle will be against the temptations it will bring. Sinful lifestyles can be changed to one 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 can freely serve God and will get their sights off themselves and desire to serve 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 control. When one surrenders control of selfish desires and lives the way God commands, one will have a life blessed and honored by Him! God looks at his servant not as a bound 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 that 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

Ultimately, God rewards those who choose to live the way He commands.
“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 ever dreamed would come with the commission of iniquity. The charge for the sin usually continues for longer than anyone would ever want to pay. Its cost often comes due at a time that the sin’s commission is forgotten, but there is always a payday for doing wrong. No one avoids its cost.

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

An unsaved person can also go to God in prayer. However, unless one realizes and admits one’s sin and fully trusts that Christ’s death on the cross is the only payment God will recognize to cover one’s wrongdoings, the eternal payment for sin will not be removed. All the good intentions and halting of sin’s commission will not eliminate its expensive cost. Without God’s help, one will still be a slave to sin. You must be born again (John 3:3) to have the free pardon from all transgressions committed.

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), and seek to live the way God commands in His Word, the Bible. Serving God, and living the way He desires you to live, will break the chains of sin that are keeping you in bondage to it. 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 tame much pleasure in.

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

The BIBLE VIEW #897 — Judgment

In This Issue:
Whoa! Woe Could be Headed Your Way!
When God Struck
What Motivated Booth
God’s Pay
Others’ Sins

Volume: 897 February 20, 2023
Theme: Judgment

View 16+ years of printable, free BIBLE VIEWs at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html. Make as many copies as you need and use them at your church, nursing homes (large print version available), Sunday school, deaf ministry, bus ministry, and as a church bulletin insert.

Whoa! Woe Could be Headed Your Way!
Bill Brinkworth

Stop now if you are involved in sin because you could be headed to great sorrow, grief, and misery. Payday for iniquity is someday, either immediately or in your eternal future.

Over 98 times, the King James Bible warns of the woe sinners will face. Twenty-six of those times, the warning was given to nations given over to sin. The rest of the references were to sinning individuals.

“woe” — misery, grief, experiencing great mournfulness

There will be woe to nations when:

they are not bothered by their committing of sin. Some nations even flaunt or boast of their wickedness. There will be woe to them, as some biblical nations were warned.
“The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! For they have rewarded evil unto themselves.” Isaiah 3:9
“I have seen thine adulteries, and thy neighings, the lewdness of thy whoredom, and thine abominations on the hills in the fields. Woe unto thee, O Jerusalem! Wilt thou not be made clean …” Jeremiah 13:27
they legalize sin.
“Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;” Isaiah 10:1

There will also be woe to many individuals. Some of God’s warnings are to:

the unsaved.
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15
those that sin.
“Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?” Isaiah 29:15
“Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.” Isaiah 3:11
“Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbour’s service without wages, and giveth him not for his work;” Jeremiah 22:13
Christians that want to be like the world and seek the world’s approval.
“Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:26
drunkards.
“Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!” Isaiah 5:11
those that help others drink!
“Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!” Habakkuk 2:15
those that approve of sin.
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20
those who think they are so smart and have all the answers and excuses for their ungodly behavior.
“Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” Isaiah 5:21
to pastors that preach philosophies and ideas contrary to God’s Word.
“Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.” Jeremiah 23:1
those with filthy, ungodly speech.
“… Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5
trouble-makers.
“Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.” Micah 2:1
a man that turned against Christ: Judas.
“The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born.” Matthew 26:24. I wonder if the principle taught here applies to the many who oppose and attempt to discredit Christ today.
those that will go through the great, future tribulation warned about in Revelation.
“One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.” Revelation 9:12

Since God is the same today as when he had men of God record these warnings, it would be correct to assume that many of the “woes” apply today. God left these warnings to remind the readers that unless they halt their sins, afflictions, unhappiness, or disaster will be upon them for their transgressions. Stop! Heed God’s warning, and turn from iniquity in your life!

“Foolish men imagine that because judgment for an evil thing is delayed, there is no justice, only coincidence here below. Judgment for an evil thing is often delayed some a day or two, some a century or two, but it is sure as life. It is sure as death!” — Thomas Carlyle

When God Struck
Sunday School Times

A Christian physician once took refuge from an approaching storm in a grocery store that also contained a bar. Two drunken men were present, and as the lightning flashed, they poured forth such a volley of fearful oaths that finally the storekeeper said, “Gentlemen, I am no Christian, but I want to say that your awful cursing is too much for me. God will strike you dead right here with a stroke of lightning if you do not hush your blasphemous oaths.”

The leader of the two rolled up his sleeves, went to the door, cursed God, and defied Him. At that moment, a blinding flash of lightning descended with a flame of fire. Quickly, the light was gone, and only smoke remained. In a moment that, too, had disappeared, and there lay God’s defier in a heap, just as an empty garment. The physician helped to lay the man out, and he said he did not believe there was a bone two inches long left unbroken in his body.

“We evaluate our friends with a God-like justice, but we want them to evaluate us with a God-like compassion.” — Sydney Harris

What Motivated Booth
Walter Knight

Many Christians say that they believe in the day of accountability but are as silent as the sphinx when it comes to warning others to flee from the wrath to come. The thing that made William Booth a “fiery” salvationist was the indicting, taunting statement of an infidel lecturer, who said, “If I believed what you Christians say you believe about the coming judgment and the day of reckoning, with the resultant eternal lostness of the impenitent Christ-rejectors, then I would crawl on my bare knees on crushed glass all over London, night and day telling men and women to flee from the wrath to come!”

God’s Pay
Dennis McCarthy

Who does God’s work will get God’s pay,
However long may seem the day,
However weary be the way,
Though powers and princes thunder, “Nay!”
No human hand God’s hand can stay;
Who does His work will get His pay.

He does not pay as others pay,
In gold or land or raiment gay,
In goods that perish and decay,
But God’s high wisdom knows a way;
And that is sure, let come what may,
Who does God’s work will get God’s pay!

Others’ Sins
The Dawn

During a revival, a young man said he did not wish to be a Christian. When asked for his reason, he replied, “Several years ago, I was in a man’s kitchen. He found me there, swore at me, and kicked me out. He was a professing Christian, and from that time, I decided never to have anything to do with religion. And I never have to this day.”

The young man was asked to write down his reason in full and sign it. Then it was handed back to him with the words, “Take this, and when you are asked for your excuse on the Day of Judgment, hand this up.” The young man saw his folly and came to Christ that night.

Are you letting the sins of others keep you from giving your heart to Jesus? Don’t be so foolish, for it will not stand the test on Judgment Day.

The BIBLE VIEW #896 — Hell

In This Issue:
Home of the Lost — What the Bible Says about Hell!
How Does the Bible Tell One to be Saved from Hell?

Volume: 896 February 11, 2023
Theme: Hell

Home of the Lost — What the Bible Says about Hell!
Bill Brinkworth

One of the most frightening doctrines taught in the Bible is about the place called Hell. Many go to great lengths to belittle and scoff at it. Some curse it. Many deny it. However, it is mentioned 54 times in the Bible and referred to in many other places.

Perhaps, if people convince themselves and others that Hell does not exist, their scoffing will alleviate their guilt from their sins. Their ridiculing the horrible place of torment may even help convince them that Hell does not exist and that they do not have to fear going there.

One’s opinion, however, does not negate facts. There is a place called Hell, and unfortunately, many will go there (Mat.7:13-14).

Here are some facts about Hell according to the King James Bible:
Hell is down:
“Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.” Isaiah 14:9
“They also went down into hell with him unto them that be slain with the sword; and they that were his arm, that dwelt under his shadow in the midst of the heathen.” Ezekiel 31:17 Also: Ez. 31:16, Ez. 32:21, Isaiah 14:15.

Hell is for the wicked:
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”
Psalm 9:17
“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” Matthew 23:33 Also: Matthew. 5:22.

Hell is a place of sorrows:
“The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.” Psalm 18:5
“The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.” Psalm 116:3

Hell is a place of pain:
“And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.” Luke 16:24-25 Also: Luke 16:28.
“And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.” Isaiah 66:24
“Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9:44 Also: Mark 9:46, 48.

Hell is a place where the souls of the dead go:
“But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.” Proverbs 9:18 Life isn’t over when our flesh stops breathing.

Hell has levels:
“For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.” Deuteronomy 32:22 Also: Psalm 86:13.

Before Christ died, the center of the Earth was different than it is today. There were three sections in it, as revealed in Luke 16:19-31.

In the verses in Luke 16, readers see the destination of two Old Testament people. One was Lazarus, who was a poor beggar, but a godly saint. When he died, his soul went to a compartment in the Earth called “Abraham’s bosom.”
“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;” Luke 16:22

When the rich man died, he went to Hell (“hades”). There, the man’s soul suffered torments (Luke 16:23-25, 28).
“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” Luke 16:23

Although separated by an impassable chasm (“a great gulf fixed” — Luke 16:26), the once wealthy man could look up where he recognized Lazarus. There he saw that the man who once had a hard, deprived (“evil”) life was now “comforted.” The man suffering in Hell saw one thing Lazarus had that he longed for — water.
“And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.” Luke 16:26

This account in Luke 16 is important as it shows that the unrighteous, Old Testament dead went to a tormenting Hell. The righteous saints of that time went to a place that was not tormenting but comforting.

After Jesus “died,” he led the godly Old Testament saints out of Abraham’s Bosom. Where the Saviour went was not a tormenting place, but a “comforting” one.

The Old Testament saints were “captive” in “Abraham’s bosom,” perhaps, until the perfect blood atonement was made to cover their sins. Jesus’ blood was that sacrifice, freeing them to go to Heaven with Him.
“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” Ephesians 4:8 Also: Ps. 68:18.
“Because thou wilt not leave my soul [David] in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Acts 2:27 Also: Acts 2:31. If I understand correctly, Abraham’s bosom was also referred to as “hell,” although it was not the tormenting place.
“He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.” Act 2:31

Hell is growing. Unfortunately, it is expanding as souls are still filling that horrible place.
“Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.” Proverbs. 27:20
“Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.” Isaiah 5:14

Hell is not for those trusting Christ as their Saviour.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish [“to destroy fully”], but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

Hell is a temporary place, but then it gets worse:
“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.” Revelation 20:13 — All those in Hell will be released, judged, and sentenced to eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire. After Hell, one goes to the Lake of Fire – FOREVER!
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” Revelation 20:14

Hell certainly is a horrible place. No one should want to go there. (Many believe it will be a wonderful place to go!) The only way to avoid that tormenting place is to be saved.

Are you positive you will not go to Hell when it is your time to leave this world? Be sure! Do not gamble or guess with your eternal soul.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

A printable version of this lesson is available at: https://openthoumineeyes.com/lessons/hell.html

“Smoking or non-smoking? The choice of your eternity is up to you!” – Author Unknown

How Does the Bible Tell One to be Saved from Hell?

Know that you are a sinner:
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23 Also: Romans 5:12, I John 1:10.

Hell is the payment for all that have sinned.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12

BUT, there is good news! Jesus’ death on the cross is the payment for the sins of all that call upon Him for salvation!
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13

The above is how the Bible says one is to be saved. However, so many add to God’s commandments. They add good works and deeds, obedience to a church’s teaching, or “religious acts” to get to a heavenly eternity.

Those works are man’s attempts to pay for their sins. There is nothing we can add or pay to receive God’s gift of salvation. Jesus paid it all when He died for our sins. Accept His payment today! Trust Christ as your Saviour!

“Don’t gamble on the eternal destiny of your soul. It is the only thing you possess that will last forever!”

The BIBLE VIEW #895 — Assorted

In This Issue:
The Church That Would Not Help
Trust God
The Clock Ticks On

Volume: 895 February 5, 2023
Theme: Assorted

View 16+ years of printable, free BIBLE VIEWS at https://openthoumineeyes.com/newsletters.html. Make as many copies as you need and use them at your church, nursing homes (large print version available), Sunday school, deaf ministry, bus ministry, and as a church bulletin insert.

The Church That Would Not Help
Dr. Ralph Yarnell

Once upon a time, there was an average preacher who pastored an average church in an average city. The church was always short on mission funds. One day a salesman approached the pastor with the following proposal.

“If you allow me to speak to your congregation for 15 minutes, I will show you how to easily add $10,000 to your mission program now and an extra $1,000 each month, if the church members cooperate.”

The average preacher consulted with the average church board. They put it to a vote of the average congregation and quickly accepted the proposition. A date and time were set. Announcements were made, and every church member was urged to attend.

The time arrived; the church was packed, and the salesman began:
“Ladies and gentlemen, I represent a home training program. If you use our equipment, I guarantee you will quickly learn at least 32 things that will give you a thrilling experience. Our equipment sells from $100 to several thousand dollars and $20 each month from then on. Our equipment will teach you:

How to murder anyone you don’t like
How to deceive
How to commit adultery
How to get drunk
How to use and push drugs
How to curse
How to have an abortion
How to display your nakedness
How to embrace Humanism
How to get a divorce
How to spread violence
How to enjoy vulgarity
How to be anti-God and anti-Christian
How to be anti-American
How to show hate
How to tell lies
How to be a thief
How to live immorally
How to have illicit sex
How to be a homosexual
How to show vengeance
How to become a gambler
How to commit suicide
How to be an arsonist
How to cheat others
How to be continually fighting
How to be a mugger and a rapist
How to commit hideous crimes
How to torture others
How to loot
How to riot
How to disobey both God and the government.

“The 32 things are only the beginning of what our equipment will teach you. I guarantee it!

“Now, by showing raised hands, let me see how many of you are willing to invest in our equipment. None? Can it be there is not one raised hand?

“Now, by the raised hand, let me see how many of you have a television or DVD player. Nearly every hand is raised.

“Evidently, someone beat me to the sale, for I am selling TVs and DVDs. I promised this church an opportunity for $10,000 plus more than $1,000 each month for your mission program if you would follow my suggestions. The suggestions are for each of you to sell your TVs and DVDs, give the proceeds to your church missions program, and donate the monthly cable charge to your church’s program.

“Now, how many of you are willing to follow my suggestions? Raise your hands, please. Can it be not one hand is raised? Tell me, why are none of you willing to help missions?”

“Wait, we don’t want to be too hasty. There are some benefits of controlled TV,” said the pastor.

The salesman questioned, “Do you control the TV, or does it control you? Few, if any Christians can overcome the erosion of clear thinking, traditional values, and Biblical living caused by improper exposure to TV and DVDs.”

“There are still some good things on TV,” retorted a deacon.

“Yes, of course; even a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day.”

“I believe there is some good in everything,” a Sunday school teacher added.

“Yes, there is no doubt some good food in the garbage can, but we do not go there to get our dinner,” answered the salesman.

“Most of us have already signed a petition to the FCC to clean up TV,” said a choir member.

“Noble thought, but the Christian’s job is not to clean up the pigpen, but to keep the pigpen out of our homes, lives, and churches.”

“Let’s be reasonable. There’s nothing wrong with laughing at comedy and having a good time,” interjected the youth leader.

“Yes, but we cannot laugh our life away or when sin is glorified. Folks, the mission money your church needs is in your TVs and DVDs. The revival you need is in the disposal of that equipment.” The salesman ended his presentation at that point as no one wanted to support missions or end their exposure to sin.

The average church continued to wonder why they were always short of money for the missionaries.

“One leak will sink a ship, and one sin will destroy a sinner.” – John Bunyan

Trust God
Author Unknown

One morning in George Mueller’s orphanage, there was no food for the children’s breakfast. The tables were set with empty plates and mugs. Mr. Mueller prayed, “Dear Father, we thank Thee for what Thou art going to give us to eat.” Immediately, there was a knock at the door. Opening it, he saw the local baker.

“Mr. Mueller,” he said, “I couldn’t sleep last night. I felt you had no bread for breakfast, so I got up at 2 o’clock and baked fresh bread. Here it is.”

Mueller thanked him and praised God. Then a second knock came. It was the milkman. His cart had broken down out front, and he wanted to give the milk to the children.

It was a happy group that gave God thanks that morning. God never fails His child who trusts Him.

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.” John 14:13-14

“Every believer is God’s miracle.” — P. Bailey

The Clock Ticks On
Author Unknown

The clock of life is wound, but once
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.

To lose one’s wealth is sad indeed.
To lose one’s health is more.
To lose one’s soul is such a loss
That no man can restore.

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26