January, 2024 | THE BIBLE VIEW

The BIBLE VIEW #942 — Character

In This Issue:
Good and Bad Character
The Character and Attributes of God
Honesty Is a Principle
We Remember Their Character
Test of Sanctified Character
Character
Where Are Your Convictions?

Volume: 942 January 29, 2024
Theme: Character

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Good and Bad Character
Bill Brinkworth

A person is exhibiting good character, as given by many biblical examples, when:

He uses the old biblical standard for morality, wisdom, and good behavior rather than the constantly changing public opinion.
He sticks to his word, no matter what it costs him. His word, including commitments, means something to him.
He fights temptation rather than giving in to it.
He is more interested in what is right than what is popular. His principles cannot be altered or compromised by peer pressure.
He puts others’ needs in front of his desires.
He consistently does the same thing, even when no one is looking!
Doing what he thinks is right is more important than any embarrassment, public opinion, or other negative thing it may cost him.
He learns from his mistakes and does not intentionally repeat them.
He has godly, rather than selfish, priorities.
He is as honest with himself as he is with others.
He lets principles, rather than emotions, pride, or opinions, guide him.
He seeks and follows truth, even if it costs or pains him to do so.

A person is not exhibiting good character when:

He changes his stand from biblical principles and morals to match those that oppose what he is voicing. A man of good character will not succumb to mob rule or mob mentality!
He makes choices that he believes are popular. He is more interested in popularity or what he can get out of a situation than doing the right thing.
He is more interested in instant gratification rather than long-term results.

“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your future!”

The Character and Attributes of God
Gleaned from Bible Readings for the Home, 1943

A Christian should be Christ-like. Christ was like His Father. Here is how the Bible describes God’s character:

“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” I John 4:8
“The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” Psalms 145:17
“And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.” Ex. 34:6, 7
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Ps. 86:15
“Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;” Deut. 7:9
“In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Col. 2:3
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: (impartial, unprejudiced)” Acts 10:34
“The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” Ps. 145:9

“When you run away from a problem, it most likely will follow you the rest of your life, no matter where you go!”

Honesty Is a Principle
Author Unknown

A slave boy on the auctioneer’s block was approached by a kind-hearted man who asked, “If I buy you and take you to a beautiful home, will you be honest and truthful?”

The young man answered without hesitation, “Sir, I will be honest and truthful whether you buy me or not!”

We Remember Their Character
Author Unknown

Abel, had the best sacrifice
Abraham, waited for God’s promises
Adam, the sinner that tainted all mankind
Daniel, the brave one
David, deep trust in God
Elijah and Elisha, relied on God
Eve, succumbed to serpent-pressure
Jacob, sneaky and an opportunist
Jesus, Holy, obedient, righteous…
Job, patient and trusted on God
Jonah, disobedient to God
Joseph, the chaste and upright
Judas, betrayed Jesus
Obadiah, the faithful
Moses, follower of God
Nehemiah, man with a burden to continue to worship God’s way
Paul, determined to do what God commanded
Satan, enemy of God
You! What best describes your character: ________________

Tests of Sanctified Character
Author Unknown

Some of the acid tests of sanctified character will always be:

Can you labor on cheerfully without earthly reward?
Can you toil on hopefully without tangible returns?
Can you travel the road of frequent criticism without bitterness?
Can you sacrifice, pray, and give while others lead the procession and receive the honors? Are you willing to be the soil where providential events may grow while others fill the places of leaves and blossoms on the trees of time?

“Truthfulness is a cornerstone in character, and if it is not firmly laid in youth, there will ever be a weak spot in one’s character.” — J. Davis

Character
Author Unknown

The Greek word from which our word “character” originates refers to a sharp-pointed instrument or engraving tool. This definition can also be applied to our personal “character.” Our character is the means by which each of us makes an impression on the world; our character labels us.

The instrument itself is not a finished product. It is a mere tool, but character improves with use like many a fine instrument. Our actions and reactions temper our disposition and strengthen us to face future obstacles. Each must forge his character. Each must be responsible for keeping it in condition. Each must also be responsible for its results.

“Where Are Your Convictions?”
Author Unknown

A certain congressman once voted for the approval of an immoral bill. He knew he was doing wrong, but he stifled his conscience in obedience to political expediency demands.

Not long afterward, while visiting his home, he met an old friend on the street. After they had exchanged greetings, the friend frankly told the congressman how disappointed he was by the leader’s vote. “You voted wrong on that bill, John. You must have known it was wrong. How did you happen to vote that way?”

“Well, yes,” admitted the embarrassed politician. “I’m afraid it wasn’t the right way to vote, but you have no idea what pressure I am under.”

“Pressure?” echoed his friend. “Where are your convictions, courage, and conscience that can help you bear that pressure?” The question was a searching one. It mercilessly exposed the congressman’s lack of character to stand by his convictions.

“Do right until the stars fall!” — Bob Jones, Sr.

The BIBLE VIEW #941 — Our Speech

In This Issue:
But, You Promised!
Mind Your Speech
Your Words

Volume: 941 January 22, 2024
Theme: Our Speech

Update

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But, You Promised!
Bill Brinkworth

“For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” Romans 3:3-4

There was a time when one’s promise would usually be upheld and trusted. Four copies of notarized signed documents were not needed.

A person’s handshake and words of commitment were substantial no matter what happened. Even if there were problems after the agreement, those who gave their promises would uphold their obligations, no matter what. It was their promise, and it had great value to them and others.

Today, one’s word and signed legal documents are no guarantee that one’s promise will come to fruition. One’s oral commitment means little in many transactions.

What went wrong? Why are the promises of politicians, business partners, friends, and other associates of little value many times?

For most, the standard for moral values, the Bible, has lost its importance, and its teachings have never been instilled in lives. God’s Word defines right and wrong, and many wander through life without godly advice, direction, or conviction.

Without instilling the Bible’s moral commandments and remembering God’s firm reprisals when one breaks them, there will be no knowledge of them and certainly no fear when God’s ordinances are violated.

Little guilt or embarrassment is experienced when a commitment is broken. Sometimes, conscienceless excuses are justified when one’s promises are broken. “Well, he was dumb to trust me. That’s his problem,” “It’s not written and legal, so I don’t have to honor what I told her,” or even “I lost my job. I promised I’d pay, but I can’t afford my rent anymore, so what does the landlord expect of me?” Those are just a few excuses one hears when one’s commitments are not upheld.

Without one’s upheld promise, transactions and the trust of others will disappear. Society will change as characters will not be relied upon. Additional laws will attempt to force people to honor their words and commitments.

However, unbiblical immorality will constantly challenge laws and attempts to do what at one time was natural to do. Promises will not be upheld.

There needs to be value in what one says. If one says one will do something, it should be done. When someone says, “I will be there at 5:00, all efforts to meet that time should be made.” If not, it will be quickly realized by others that one’s word cannot be trusted.”

Because of unkept promises and valueless words, society will breed untrusted generations. That danger can be stopped by values, including the keeping of promises.

Keep your word. If you said you would do something, do it. Your character is at stake, and it is important.

Others are watching and remembering. Be the trustworthy example others need to hear.
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10

“Promises may get thee friends, but non-performance will turn them into enemies.” — Benjamin Franklin

Mind Your Speech
Bill Brinkworth

God gave man the ability to speak. The purpose of speech is for His creation to communicate with others and to bring glory to Him. However, man’s sinful, self-centered nature does not always use one’s lips for the intended purpose.

Here are some of God’s wisdom of what to do with the gift He gave us, as is revealed in Proverbs 15:

To squelch nasty arguments, lower your voice in heated discussions, and it will diffuse anger.
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Prov. 15:1
Purpose to present facts and not popular answers or opinions.
“The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.” Proverbs 15:28
Be wise and not hurtful in what you say. Use the truth to inform others and to help them, not just opinions and assumptions.
“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.” Proverbs 15:2 Also: Prov. 15:7.
“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4
Be kind and considerate when speaking to others.
“The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.” Proverbs 15:26
There is a time to say certain things. Wait patiently for the right moment to share your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions.
“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” Proverbs 15:23

Use the God-given gift of speech to help others, not to separate, hurt, deceive, or sway others in areas that are not right or helpful. Your testimony, especially if you are a child of God, often rides on what you have said. Speak carefully.

Oh, be careful, little tongue, what you say,
Oh, be careful, little tongue, what you say.
There’s a Father up above looking down in love,
So be careful, little tongue, what you say. — Child’s Song, Author Unknown

Your Words
Bill Brinkworth

God’s words, as preserved in the Bible, are always honest and can be trusted (Prov. 30:15). Our words, however, are not always truthful and not as reliable as His. Everyone sins with their mouth.

“Word” is used at least 704 times in the King James Bible. Although it often refers to God’s Word, we can see by many references that our speech is important to God. Some of those verses show us what God thinks about what comes out of our mouths.

In Romans 1, at least 30 sins are mentioned. At least fifteen of those sins involve what was said. Some iniquities mentioned are unthankfulness, debating, deceitfulness, gossiping, backbiting, pride, boasting, disobedience to parents, and covenant-breaking.

Although there are over 600 commandments in the Old Testament, the popularly known “Ten” includes at least three commandments that can involve our tongue. It should be evident to all that our tongue can be used for good, or it can be used to sin.

Here is some of what the Bible says about the words that can come out of our mouths:

Many sins are with the tongue. Our tongues can be behind some of our iniquities.
“Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.” James 3:5-6
“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:8
Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.” Psalms 52:2
“Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:” Psalm 64:3 Also: Isa. 6:5, Prov. 30:5, Mat. 12:32, Job 15:5, Psa. 15:3, Psa. 73:9, Prov. 6:17. Prov. 15:2, Prov. 17:4, Prov. 18:21 Prov. 21:6, Prov. 26:28.
Be careful what the tongue says. It can and should be controlled!
“Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.” Psalm 34:13
“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:2
“Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred.” Job 6:24 Also: Job 27:4, Proverbs 10:31, I Peter 3:10.
We will be accountable for every word we say!
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:36
“The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:” Psalm 12:3
“For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.” Psalm 139:4
“If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” James 1:26

There were times when Jesus, our example, knew to say nothing. Sometimes, following His example and saying nothing in certain situations would be best.
“And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly.” Matthew 27:14
The tongue can be used for good.
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Colossians 3:17
“And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.” Psalm 35:28
“The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.” Proverbs 10:20 Also: I Timothy 4:12, Proverbs 15:4, Proverbs 14:15.
There will be a time when we should speak what God wants us to say. Use your tongue for His glory.
“And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:11

Like the rest of our body, our tongue was part of God’s creation. Its creation was not intended for us to use it to sin against our Creator.

A saved person should strive to control what is uttered by one’s tongue. Some of the best advice for those desiring to please God and wanting to control their tongue comes from the adage, “If you can’t say anything good, don’t say anything.”

“The tongue is more to be feared than the sword.” — Japanese Proverb

The BIBLE VIEW #940 — Getting Along

In This Issue:
Handling Conflicts
Don’t Let the Carnal Fight the Carnal!
Love Them No Matter What
Foolish Words

Volume: 940 January 15, 2024
Theme: Getting Along

Get the New Testament reading schedule at:
https://openthoumineeyes.com/assets/readntt.pdf

Handling Conflicts
Bill Brinkworth

“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” Matthew 18:15-17

Everybody has had a problem with somebody sometime. What does the Bible say to do when you are offended?

It does not say to start a smear campaign and tell everybody your side of the situation to get them on “your side.” That usually gets a bunch of people bitter at one another. When you do that and convincingly get others to think you are right and the other wrong, you bring the innocent listener “shame and folly” (Proverbs 18:13) for making him judge a situation without hearing the other side.

The Bible also does not say to hold it all in when another has offended you. That often results in one having a severe case of “bitterness” against that person. Waiting around for that person to come to you and get it right is also not on the Bible’s recommended list of ways to handle problems.

If the person is a Christian, God’s Word says to go to the offender. Many times, that person may not even know they offended you. Going to the person one-on-one will often solve the problem.

When you go to that person, you may discover:

He did not mean it the way you understood it.
That you heard it wrong!
A new way of looking at a matter.
That you were 100% wrong!

I have often been embarrassed when talking with someone and finding that my being upset at them was not justified. It takes courage to face a person when they have offended you, and they may not always accept your confronting them. That is why the next step to get the problem solved is found in Matthew 18:17-18.

There may be a time in settling differences between you and another that you may have to bring an unbiased person with you to be a witness in further communications with the offender. Rarely, it may even be necessary to take the matter in front of the church if the Christian is a member of your church.

People shudder at the Bible’s way of handling a problem. Most do not deal with the situation correctly. That is why there are so many disgruntled people in churches. It is also why many “… soweth discord among brethren” (Proverbs 6:19), and some live with bitterness.

Follow God’s advice in solving a problem between one another. Our heavenly Father knows best; He has raised billions of children!

“Love is the doorway through which the human soul passes from selfishness to service and from solitude to kinship with all mankind.” — Author Unknown

Don’t Let the Carnal Fight the Carnal!
Bill Brinkworth

Like so many Christians even today, Paul faced opposition from other Christians. Some in the churches he spoke at questioned his apostleship, and others accused him of walking in the flesh (II Corinthians 10:2).

No matter the accusation, Paul chose not to fight back. He decided not to fight those who were carnal with his own carnal retorts. He was determined to let his works for the Lord speak for themselves and let the Lord do the rest of the battling (II Cor. 10:4-8).

Most who attend a church may have someone falsely accuse them of something or else have one’s feelings hurt at least once. No church is perfect. It is a God-commanded assembly of believers, and it may have mostly Christians in attendance, but none of them are perfect.

Some members of the church family are more carnal than others. They see things from a fleshly perspective, not how God sees them (II Cor.10:5). To make matters worse, they often voice their opinions about other members. When this is done, someone usually gets hurt.

Too many, unfortunately, get wind of what was said about them and leave the church — never to darken the ministry again. My first thought is usually, “Who would be behind such a move of leaving a church for the wrong reasons — God or Satan?” It certainly would not be of God to disobey His commandment (Hebrews 10:24-25) to assemble with other believers, yet people leave churches all the time for the wrong reasons.

There have been times that my wife and I also have had things said about us by other church family members. The false accusations hurt us deeply, but we remembered that we were not in attendance for the accusers but for God. He wanted us to stay, and we did. It was a hard time, and we prayed much about the situation.

We never missed a meeting, and we kept at the work the Lord had for us. Over time, we looked around and noticed that our accusers were no longer in attendance. God does take care of his own, but that does not mean that there will not be difficulties.

Paul stayed and did what God told him to do, and God used him greatly. His accusers names are not even mentioned in the Bible, but Paul is still remembered. Be a “Paul.” Purpose in your heart whom you will serve, and then let the Lord handle the light work!

“Hopefully, you didn’t go to church for ‘feelings’, so don’t leave if they get hurt. You should be going to church to be obedient to the Lord!”

Love Them No Matter What

We are not only to get along with other Christians, but we are to love them.

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13:34
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” John 15:12
“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Gal. 5:14
“These things I command you, that ye love one another.” John 15:17
“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8
“And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:” I Thess. 3:12
“But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.” I Thess. 4:9
Also: Heb. 13:1, I Peter 1:22, 2:17, I John 3:11, 23, I John 4:7, 11-12.

Foolish Words
Bill Brinkworth

Proverbs 18 brings to light behavior tolerated by most but not accepted by God. His Word shows that those types of conduct are foolish.

We see here that foolishness:

Is not wanting to understand all sides of a matter. The fool is more concerned about doing what feels right or seems the best thing for him to do. This sounds more like the desire today to do what is popular rather than what is logical, moral, fact-related, or helpful.
“A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.”
Proverbs 18:2

Is making a decision or judgment after hearing only one side of the situation or story. Without knowing all sides of an account and only portions of what is considered, wrong assumptions will be made. Facts are often not the fool’s concern, as they prefer decisions based on emotions and not truth.
“He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Proverbs 18:13

Are words that are often disliked and shameful. Sadly, the speaker may not even realize the derogatory impact of his speech on others.
“A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.” Proverbs 18:6
Often comes off one’s lips and ruins one’s character, respect, and testimony. Many times, it is not even realized that one’s worst enemy is one’s thoughts and words.
“A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.” Proverbs 18:7

After reading the wisdom of these four types of foolishness, it should bring to mind the actions and words heard today from prominent speakers, politicians, media outlets, and others. Their statements may be eloquent and contain official-sounding, ten-dollar catchy phrases, but much of what we hear is not wisdom. In God’s eyes, much of what is said and accepted is still foolish.

“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.” Proverbs 15:2

The BIBLE VIEW #939 — Changes

In This Issue:
New Things
Why Are They Different?

Volume: 939 January 8, 2024
Theme: Changes

Get the New Testament reading schedule at:
https://openthoumineeyes.com/assets/readntt.pdf

New Things
Bill Brinkworth

Living a biblical lifestyle is certainly the old way, the way much of mankind has lived for over 6,000 years. Living that way may be “old-fashioned” to some, but there are many new things that obeying and living for the Lord can offer.

Here are some of the new things God still offers and desires all to have and experience:

A new birth. When one becomes a child of God, he has a new spiritual birth. He is a new, different creature.
“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
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” I Peter 1:23
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Corinthians 5:17

A new joy, happiness, and purpose. Being born again is wonderful. It comes with new chances in life with great joy and happiness.
“O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people. For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods” Psalms 96:1-3
“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” Psalms 40:3 Also: Psalms 98:1.

A new heart. God gives, along with salvation, a new “heart” that has new desires, purposes, and hopes.
“Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even gather you from the people, and assemble you out of the countries where ye have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel. And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” Ezekiel 11: 17-20 These verses were written about the people of Israel, but the principle can apply to us.
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26

A new outlook. Life is seen differently by a child of God. When one is saved, educated from the Word of God, and obedient to it, life looks a lot different. Activities and actions of the past now may appear contrary to God’s commands and harmful rather than “fun.” The “old, dead” Bible now becomes alive and helpful.
“Thou hast heard, see all this; and will not ye declare it? I have shewed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them.” Isaiah 46:6

A new life (a new mind). Along with other new blessings comes the “mind of Christ” which thinks much differently than before the new birth.
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:22-27
“And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:” Colossians 3:10

A new day filled with second chances and other opportunities. Just as a new day brings fresh opportunities and expectations, God gives the born again soul a second chance in life.
“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

A new testament; new covenant. A “testament” is a document declaring the will and desires of a person. The New Testament that God gave man is not only part of the Bible, but it is His will and the new covenant (commitments or promises) He made with man. It tells of God’s will for man in this church age.
“And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Mat. 26:27-28
“And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.” Mark 14: 24

A new world. One day, God will destroy this world, and a new one will be created.
“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered.” Isaiah 65:7
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” Rev. 21:1-2

“If you have not experienced many of the first six changes mentioned above, you may not be saved! Gulp! “ — Bill Brinkworth

Why Are They Different?
Bill Brinkworth

Luke 7:36-48 answers a question some have. They wonder, ”Why are so many second-generation Christians not having the same enthusiasm and excitement about the things of God and serving Him as their parents did?”

In those Luke 7 verses, we read of a very sinful woman. Many have supposed from her description that she was a harlot. When the woman found Jesus was nearby, she visited Him. She wept as she washed Jesus’ road-weary feet with her tears and anointed Him with ointment. Because of her apparent love and respect for Jesus and her broken-heartedness over her past sins, Jesus forgave her.

A parable (Luke 7:41-42) given by Christ explains the key to her broken spirit over her guilt. The Saviour’s teaching story taught that the one that was forgiven the most was the most appreciative and loving of the Saviour.

This explains why some today, with a sinful past, are the most appreciative after being saved. Drunkards have gotten saved from the clutches of alcohol, and when they got saved, they have a different, hopeful future. Adulterers who have seen relationships crumble from rampant sin have become faithful, loyal spouses after becoming born again.

Violent men have become excellent, peaceful fathers after the Saviour came into their lives and changed them from the inside out. When millions of sin-torn lives trusted the Saviour’s sacrifice and received God’s pardon for their sins, they were transformed.

After those rescued souls got closer to God and learned what He wanted for them, they made things right that were wrong. They usually concluded that exposure to the ungodly worldliness encouraged them to make wrong turns. To prevent their loved ones from making the same bad decisions, they did all they could to keep others from going the wrong way.

Parents made sure their children were in church. Families had daily Bible-reading devotions. Financial sacrifices were made to send children to Christian schools so they would not be polluted by secular education.

With all the effort put into them, often those second-generation Christians, although they may have gotten saved, still went in the wrong spiritual direction. The children, although insulated from powerful, sinful influences, got the desire to “taste” sin. The allure of the shiny things of this world has often led the second generation right back into the mire from which the previous generation was rescued.

Why does this happen so often? Unfortunately, our sinful nature often prohibits us from learning from those who have learned a lesson the hard way. We ignore advice from those who have already traveled the wrong road and must learn the lesson for ourselves — sometimes the dangerous path.

It would save much heartache, grief, and destroyed lives if people would listen to those warning them of the wrong direction in which they are headed. No one should have to repeat the errors of others!

“Insanity is following the bad examples of others and expecting a different result!” — Author Unknown