The BIBLE VIEW#975 — Transformations

In This Issue:
Godly Sight
The Great Transformation
The Most Wonderful Plant
Earthly Changes Are Not the New Birth
A New Captain

Volume: 975    September 23, 2024
Theme: A Great Transformation

The  Daily View is a free, daily devotion.  Sign up (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M), and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something in the day’s reading.  The e-mail will include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.


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Godly Sight
Bill Brinkworth

It had been a long time since the older woman had been considered “legally blind.”  Many years ago, the sight had totally gone in her left eye, and slowly, the right eye’s vision deteriorated.  In the last few years, all she could see from the right were shadows and outlines.

When a doctor told her that surgery might improve what she saw out of the right eye, she hesitated.  She remembered how previous medical attempts obliterated the left eye’s sight.  Still, she pondered the surgery and soon gave her approval.  The day of the operation found her being wheeled down to surgery.

After the surgeon’s work was complete and she awoke from the anesthesia, the bandages were slowly removed.  It was not long until she opened her eyes to see color; then, as her right eye came into focus, she could see details.  She saw what the doctor looked like as he explained what had occurred.  She saw the room’s decor, the chairs, her daughter, and the papers clipped to the doctor’s clipboard.  One eye could once again see.  Her world now appeared differently from what it had previously.

As she continued to scan the room, she saw one thing that she did not like.  In the room’s mirror, the senior saw her image and the wrinkles time put on her face.  When she last saw her reflection, all she had seen was youthful, smooth skin.  Now, her observation was different.  She saw the real her, not what only her hands felt and could “show” her.

Likewise, a person’s spiritual understanding is different when they get saved (John 3:16).  Many things they were involved in now appear different.  What was then “normal” and done by many is currently seen as the Saviour sees it.  Sinfulness and guilt are realized when that activity is even considered.

Lies that used to be a quick defense for getting out of trouble now bring a guilty feeling when uttered.  Watching many television programs now brings shame to one’s heart, as those shows are now realized to be obscene and ungodly.  The obscenities spoken on the same programs are no longer funny but are now perceived as “filthy.”  Some are even recognized as mocking or blaspheming the Saviour.

Habits and other activities that were performed for many years are now felt as “inappropriate” and certainly not exhibiting good Christian behavior.  Much of what was done, said, and seen is now frowned upon after being “born again.”

A transformed vision and understanding come with the “new birth” (John 3:3).  It is part of the attitude and inward change that happens when one is saved.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” II Cor. 5:17

The “new creature” in a saved child of God has a new mind that perceives their condition differently.  It is that mind which thinks similarly to Christ: “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?  But we have the mind of Christ.” I Cor. 2:16  (Also: I Cor 1:10, Philippians 1:27).

Although many claim to be Christians, few see changes in their thinking processes or behavior.  They see no difference in their lives after a profession of being saved.  That is not what the Bible tells us happens to a person when they “born again.”  They should think differently, and their lives should change.  Perhaps they have only a profession of salvation without real possession.

If you claim to be saved, has there ever been a time when your “vision” was changed?  Do you see your life and the world around you differently? 

After being born again, did you see the “wrinkles” of your own sin’s depravity?  Did the “sight” of how you were thinking and living shock you enough that you wanted to change your lifestyle and follow God’s direction?  Is your spiritual life different than it ever was?  Are you saved?

If you are unsure you are saved and have no one to talk to about that matter, please e-mail me at brinkworth@frontier.com.

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found.
Was blind, but now, I see!”

— From “Amazing Grace” by John Newton (1725-1807)



The Great Transformation
C. H. Spurgeon

I know a village, perhaps once the most profane in England.  It was a village inundated by drunkenness and debauchery of the worst kind.  An honest traveler could not stop in the public house without being annoyed by blasphemy.  It was also a place noted for robbers.

One man, the ringleader of them all, listened to the voice of God and got saved.  That man’s heart was broken.  The entire gang then came to hear the Gospel preached, and they sat and listened to the preacher and believed what he taught from the Word of God.  These men became changed and reformed.  Everyone who knows the place affirms that such a change had never been wrought but by the power of the Holy Ghost.

“No one should disregard a faith that can make sinful men good!”
— Author Unknown



The Most Wonderful Plant
Edited from an article by C. H. Spurgeon

A man had a garden that produced nothing but weeds.  One day, he got some seeds from a rare plant he had heard wonderful stories about.  

He sowed a handful of the seed in his overgrown garden and let it work its way.  He slept and rose and knew not how the seed grew until one day, he opened the gate and saw a sight that astounded him.

He knew that the seed would produce a dainty flower and looked for it, but he had little imagined that the plant would cover the entire garden as it did.  The flower exterminated  every weed.  As he looked from one end to the other, from wall to wall, he could see nothing but the fair colors of that rare plant and could smell nothing but its delicious perfume.

Christ is like that plant.  If He is sown in the soil of your soul, He will gradually eat out the roots of all ill weeds and poisonous plants and “turn under” your old nature.  All that will be seen will be Christ in you.

Earthly Changes Are Not the New Birth
John Bate

A man may pass from the lowest ignorance to the highest intelligence.  Degraded poverty may be exchanged for the most exalted riches.  A person may come out of the greatest obscurity into the largest publicity.  He may rise from the narrowest circle of influence into the widest sphere of power.  He may pass from one extreme to another in all things, be they moral, intellectual, political, social, and civil changes.

However, through all those changes, he may keep his innate bias to do evil, have an aversion to doing good, and continue to be a stranger to the new birth as it exists in the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  No earthly change can substitute for the changes that only come from Above when one is saved.

“Deathbed repentance is burning the candle of life in the devil’s service and then blowing the smoke into the face of God.”  Billy Sunday



A New Captain
Edited from an article by C. H. Spurgeon

There was a poor man about sixty years old.  He had been a rough sailor, one of the worst men in the village.  It was his custom to drink, and he seemed to be delighted when he was cursing and swearing.  He came into a church one Sunday and heard preaching about Jesus weeping over Jerusalem.

The man thought, “Why did Jesus Christ ever weep over such a wretch as I am?” He thought he was too bad for Christ to care for him.

At last, he came to the preacher and said, “Sir, sixty years have I been sailing under the standard of the devil.  It is time for me to have a new owner.  I want to scuttle the old ship and sink her altogether!  Then, I shall have a new owner and sail under Prince Jesus’s colors.”

Since that moment, that man has been a praying man and has walked before God sincerely.  Yet, he was the very last man you would have thought would be saved and converted.  

God often does not choose just the “best” people.  He will also take the filthiest and the vilest and fashion them into glorious beings, making them saints.  Whereas they were sinners, He then sanctifies them and makes them holy.

The BIBLE VIEW #974 — Voting

In This Issue:
Christian, You’re Not Voting?
Who Should a Christian Vote For?
Christ’s Attitude Towards His Country

Volume: 974      September 16, 2024
Theme: Voting

The  Daily View is a free, daily devotion.  Sign up, and you will be e-mailed a link to read or HEAR a KJV chapter and a short commentary (200-700 words) of something in the day’s reading.  The e-mail will include a mini-sermon in pictures, a prayer list, Thought for The Day, and short articles reinforcing biblical principles.
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Christian, You’re Not Voting?  
Bill Brinkworth

America is a wonderful country.  Many gave their lives, and others suffered great losses so that we would have a country where we could have some control over the government.  Our early forefathers knew what it was like to have the government control everything by dictatorships and monarchies.  They designed our ruling body to be fair and unlike any other government at the time.

Yet today many take for granted what was given to them.  Many do not participate in maintaining the freedoms that they inherited.  Exercising the right to vote is one way to do that.  Here are some of the many excuses some give for not voting in an election:

“It won’t make any difference, so why bother voting.” By not voting, you are not even trying to make a difference in the government.  As Christians, we should have God’s wisdom on what is right and wrong.  Wisdom and insight into what pleases our heavenly Father should guide us through life’s many decisions.  By not trying to make a decision at the election polls, we are letting others, even the ungodly, make choices for us.

God commands us to make a difference in the world.  He compares Christian living to the seasoning — salt.  Without salt in our diets, our bodies would not function properly.  Without salt in our food, it would not have the taste it could have.  Hidden in the closet and still in its shaker, salt is useless.  A non-voting Christian is much like that useless salt.
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted?  it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men”    Matthew 5:13

The discernment a Christian has gained from reading and obeying God’s commands should show him that adultery, abortion, drugs, immoral behavior, and other sins are intolerable to God.  The Christian’s vote at election time should be a vote to show that he does not approve of a nominee’s practice or philosophy of wrongdoing.

In 2000, the presidential race was determined by the close voting at Florida’s polls.  The Florida Supreme Court-ordered recount determined that President Bush had won the race by 493 votes.  Just a few votes did make a difference.

“I’m not even registered to vote.”  We have a constitution that many countries dream of having.  One of the rights it gives us is the right to vote (Amendments 15, 19, 24, and 26).  The right to vote was fought for and not just given to us in America.

“God doesn’t want me to get mixed up in government”.  Where did you get that idea?  In the Bible, Jesus said to give the government what is due it.  One of the unique opportunities we have to give our government moral stability is to vote.
“And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.”  Luke 20:25

The Word of God even commands us to pray, listen to, and respect our government:
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” I Timothy 2:1-2 

“God is in control; it doesn’t matter what leader gets in.” God wants us to choose a godly lifestyle and gives us the freedom to do so.  Unfortunately, most misused their freedom, which is why sin is rampant. 

Israel’s early history included a time when God was in control, but there were God-appointed leaders even then.  Soon, men were picking their officials without seeking His opinion.  This is often happening today. 
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”   Proverbs 29:2  Also: Prov. 28:2.

“God doesn’t want me to stand up against the government He put in office.  If Christians did not vote, chances are His will was not followed in electing an official.  He often lets us get what we deserve by our improper choices or lack of influence.  Besides, many in the Bible stood up to change what the government was doing.  Moses stood against Pharaoh’s ill-treatment of Israel.  Paul let all know he was a Roman citizen and had his rights under their laws (Acts 22:25-29).  We are to stand up for the privileges God has allowed us to have.

“I don’t want to cross the ‘separation of church and state’ line.” The Constitution of America never said that we are not to get involved in politics.  It does have a provision (First Amendment) to keep the government from intervening in the affairs of the church:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”


Many of the framers of our early government were godly men.  They wanted godly influences to continue to make America a country God would bless.

God has given us a wonderful country.  When a country drifts from godly principles, anarchy, mob decisions, and sin dominate.  We have an opportunity to vote for candidates who think more in line with what God would want.

Admittedly, it is sometimes an exercise to select the lesser of multiple evils, but isn’t a Christian more qualified than an unsaved person to make that decision?  If we do not intervene, the world will go on a godless course.  How will the ungodly know unless we, as Christians, show them what God approves or disapproves of by our vote?

“If we forget we are one nation under God, we will be a nation gone under!”



Who Should a Christian Vote For?
Bill Brinkworth

When one is saved, he should be for what God is for and against what He is against.  We should be as Christ-like as possible.

With this in mind, how would Jesus vote if He were voting (and He is through us since we are His ambassadors — II Cor. 5:20)?  He would not vote for those standing against biblical principles but would vote for those standing for godly principles. 

Since no candidates make 100% of their decisions based on biblical guidelines, our vote should be for the one closest to using those guidelines.  Granted, it is getting harder to determine who is lined up the closest to the biblical standard, and in some instances, it is a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils.  However, several areas of a nominee’s philosophy, life, and standards can be examined before casting a vote for them.  Here are several to consider:

  • What is their personal life like?  If the nominee’s life includes acts of adultery, drunkenness, filthy language, dishonesty, lack of attending church, and other signs of wanton, ungodly living, how can that person be expected to make decisions based on biblical principles and standards?
  • Where does he verbally stand on the things of God?  Does He speak about his faith?  If he is involved in a church or religion that does not concur with what the Bible teaches, he cannot be expected to make biblically correct decisions.
  • What is the value of the nominee’s word?  Does he do what he says?  Is he double-tongued, “politically correct”, trying to make his words pleasing to everyone?  Is he constantly changing what he says depending on who his audience is?  Does his word mean anything?
  • Is the politician more interested in being elected than leading the country in a moral, bible-principled direction?
  • Where does he stand on abortion?  God is against the taking of the innocent lives of babies!  Life does start in the womb: Gen. 25:21-23, Ex. 21:22-23, Jer. 1:5, Ps. 139:15-16.  Any official that has such a low esteem for the taking of innocent lives should not be a person anyone would want making decisions about euthanasia, healthcare for those that are older, abortion, etc.
  • Where do the nominees stand on rewarding citizens for not working and getting government support?  God wants us not to be slothful and instead to be workers (Prov. 12:11, Pr. 13:4, 11, 23, Prov. 20:13, Prov. 22:29).
  • Do they believe that each person should learn the consequences of wrong decisions, or do they think that other people (government’s money) should help finance their mistakes?
  • Where do the politicians stand on punishing crime?  God punishes sin.  Our legislators should also be strict on crime.
  • Are they for things God is for and against what He is against?  Where do they stand on moral issues, loss of freedom by making more demands on citizens, obeying the existing laws (constitution and other laws that are already on the books), getting the government to take the place of God (by allowing the people to turn to the government for provision, rather than God)?
  • Who are their associates?  You can tell much about a person by whom they associate with.  If one’s closest associates have godless lifestyles, one can assume that kind of lifestyle does not bother the politician, and they would never cast a vote condemning it.  A person who is genuinely against immoral lifestyles would not gravitate to people living that way.
  • Where do they stand on drugs and alcohol?  God wants us to care for our bodies  (I Cor. 3:16).

What does the nominee’s life show onlookers?  If you voted for the want-to-be-leader, would you be picking a choice that abides as close to godly principles as the choice allows?  Would Jesus consider voting for that nominee?

“A man that stands for nothing will fall for anything!”



Christ’s Attitude Toward His Country
W. Jennings

Jesus was a model citizen:

  1. He called the country He lived in His “own” country: Mat.  13:54,57.
  2. He kept his country’s laws and refused to be made a king or to start a political revolution: John 6:15.
  3. He recognized the right of taxation (Mark 12:17) and paid taxes (Mat. 17:24-27).
  4. He was loyal to national institutions: temples, synagogues, etc.
  5. He recognized the first claim of His country (Mat. 10:6, Luke 24:47).
  6. He warned it of its perils (Mat. 23:37-39).
  7. He rebuked its officials (Mat. 23:1-36).
  8. He wept over its sins and impending doom (Luke 19:41-44).

“Corrupt leaders are usually elected, not by bribes, but by apathy!”
— Author Unknown

The BIBLE VIEW #973 — The Blood

In This Issue:
The Blood
Our Substitute
Nothing, but the Blood

Volume: 973      September 9, 2024
Theme: The Blood


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The Blood
Bill Brinkworth

One word mentioned or alluded to over 378 times in the Bible is “blood.” Its usage indicates:

  • it is essential for life (Lev. 17:11, 14),
  • that man’s blood should not unnecessarily be shed (Ex. 20:13, Gen. 9:6),
  • “Innocent” blood should not be spilled.  Those that do so will be accountable (Prov. 6:17, Lev. 20:27, II Sam. 4:11),
  • that some in the Old Testament were given the responsibility to revenge the blood of those murdered (Num. 35:19, 21, Jos. 20:5),
  • and another very important usage.  That important usage of “blood” was its application toward man’s sins.

When Adam and Eve first sinned, innocent animals had to have their blood shed so that the two original sinners would have their sins “covered”.  God killed animals that had done nothing wrong so that the first man and woman’s nakedness would be covered.  Innocent blood was shed to cover their sins.
“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” Gen. 3:21

Shortly afterward, frequent sacrifices to the Lord included other animals being killed, usually cattle and sheep, for the “covering” of sin.  When on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments, Moses received God’s instructions on sacrificing the lives of animals to be incorporated in worshipping God (Ex. 29:12, 16).  It was always innocent blood that was necessary to “cover” the iniquities of men.  That was God’s plan after sin was first committed.

However, those “payments” for man’s sins were not permanent.  They had to be repeated over and over again.  The blood of the sacrificed animal was not sufficient to cover any of man’s sins indefinitely, and it was not long until man completely stopped offering the proper sacrifices God required.

Man’s treatment of sacrifices was no surprise to God.  He knew from the beginning that there was no work man could ever do to pay for His sins: “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:4)

God then allowed the one sacrifice that would redeem (Col. 1:14) all man’s sins.  This perfect, innocent offering also was not guilty of doing anything wrong.  Like the earlier Old Testament sacrifice, this Sacrifice’s blood was also spilled.  

That offering, however, was not sacrificed by ordained men of God, as was done in the Old Testament, and the blood was not put on an altar.  That blood offering dripped down the arms of a “Man” that was nailed to a cruel Roman’s wooden cross over 2,000 years ago.  The blood of that sacrifice was willingly offered by God’s only son, Jesus, and it was sufficient to be given only once.  The sacrifice never had to be repeated as it covered all man’s sins from the time of Jesus’ offering until the time the rapture occurs.  Jesus is the only worthy Lamb of God whose blood can pay for all man’s sins.

One of the main purposes of the Bible is to show the importance of the Saviour’s blood.  The Old Testament continually pointed to it.  However, there was a time God made a new covenant (testament) with man.  Jesus became the new agreement God made with mankind.
“And he [Jesus] said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.” Mark 14:24   Also: Mt. 26:28 & Luke 22:20.

Man’s sinful nature very clearly shows that he cannot stop sinning.  He has continued to demonstrate this from his first appearance on Earth.  Being “good” is impossible because all people are sinners (Rom. 3:23, 5:12), and his good deeds will not eliminate his past sins.  This also includes “religious” activities, good intentions, and anything else man may think will pay for his sins which are against God Himself.  God has made it clear that there is nothing man can do to pay for his sins.  That is why He had to give the only sufficient sacrifice — His Son’s blood. 

Has there ever been a time in your life that you have admitted your sinnership to the Father, believed that Jesus’ sacrifice was payment for all your sins, and asked Jesus to be your Saviour?  If not, please do so today!
“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

One might better try to sail the Atlantic in a paper boat than try to get to Heaven on good works.” — C. H.  Spurgeon

Our Substitute
Edited from an Article by C. H. Spurgeon

In Prussia, a law exempted the only son of a widow from going to war.  It was said that the country was so in need of recruits that the law was, for a time, rescinded, and a widow’s only sson was taken.  A woman came forward saying, “Ay, take him.  My country is dearer to me even than he is.”

She put him forward and said, “Go forth, my son, to die if it be necessary.  I give thee up.  I give thee willingly.”

You could see the red eyes of the widow.  She had wiped it dry and wept in secret.  If we were to steal behind the door when her son was gone and saw her pouring out whole floods of sorrow, we would be able to know how great her love for her country would have been that she was able to turn him over.

Beloved, we never would know Christ’s love in all its heights and depths if He had not died for us.  We also would not know the Father’s deep affection for us if He had not given his only Son to die for us.  What boundless love!

To be almost saved is to be totally lost! — Author Unknown



Nothing but the Blood
Words from a Hymn by Robert Lowry, 1876

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain: Oh!  Precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing, this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain.

Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain.

This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain.

Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain.


“Jesus paid a debt He didn’t owe, so to Heaven I may go.”  — Author Unknown