Author: admin

The BIBLE VIEW #1052 —Bad Decisions

In This Issue:
 Ruined!
If One Could Hear from Hell

Volume: 1052   June 15, 2026
Theme:  Wrong Decisions

Ruined!
Bill Brinkworth

While reading the daily news, I came across a sad story about a 19-year-old.  He had killed another teenager and was sentenced to 35 years in prison.  What a ruined life that young man is now facing, all because of a bad decision and reaction.

Because of incarceration, he will most likely not be able to experience a marriage with the love of his life, experience the joy of teaching a young son how to ride a bicycle, or have a career that he looked forward to expanding.  His life was drastically changed because of one terrible act.

My mind mused on a family member who also committed a terrible deed and how their life was also changed because of a wrong decision.  That person also missed out on a lot of joy and a more “normal” life because of the wrong act.

Then I continued to ponder on my own poor decisions and sinful deeds.  Except for traffic violations, I never committed a crime, but in God’s eye, I committed transgressions against Him.

Except for the enduring, patient grace of God, it could be me locked up and missing all the wonderful things that have happened in my life.  From those brief meditations, it was not a long stretch to think of the most likely trillions that found themselves in a tormenting Hell because they made many wrong choices.  Thank you, Lord, for keeping me from what I deserve.

As was the title of the article I read about the youth being sentenced to jail, there will be a “Judgment Day” for those who did not trust Christ as their Saviour from a tormenting eternity.  Their worst and damning decision was not to trust Christ’s death as payment for their sins and be saved.  Now, their hopeless screams resonate off Hell’s walls.  It will be a time that is much longer than 35 years. 

Hell, however, is a “temporary” holding cell for the damned dead who will one day face a judgment for their sins.  They will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment and later sentenced to eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire.  What a terrible day that will be for too many!
“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.  12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  13 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.  14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.  This is the second death.  15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:11-15

The saved will never face judgment for their sins; they are forgiven when they trusted Christ’s death as payment for their sin.  However, there will be a time when those folks will also face a time to answer for what they did or did not do for Christ after their salvation.  No one is saved just to sit and soak up God’s goodness.  We are to serve Him.“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” II Corinthians 5:10
“But why dost thou judge thy brother?  or why dost thou set at nought thy brother?  for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10
“Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.  25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” Colossians 3:24-25

The young murderer has ruined his life.  I am sure he has many regrets, but those emotions will not change his future.

Likewise, those who have not been born-again by trusting Christ’s payment for all their iniquities will one day have an eternity of regrets and sufferings.  Now, while you have breath and an opportunity, trust Christ as your Saviour, if you have not done so already.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14


If One Could Hear from Hell
Bill Brinkworth

“And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores … 22 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; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.  24 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 … 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.  29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.  30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.  31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”  Luke 16:20-31

In Luke 16, Jesus tells of two men who died.   One found himself in Hell.  The other found himself in a comforting, rewarding place where Abraham and other Old Testament believers temporarily dwelt.

A rich man discovered that Hell was real, and the torment was unbearable.  Most likely, he had little concern for where he would go after his death, but then it was taken seriously.  He knew there was no hope for him and that he would be facing an eternity of torment, pain, and separation from God.

However, he wanted his five, still-living brothers, to be warned of the dangers of Hell-fire.  He pleaded for the opportunity to keep his family from also ending up in that terrifying place, but his request was denied.

All in Hell surely regret the wasted opportunities they had to keep from spending an eternity there.  It is too late for them.  However, they most likely want their remaining family to avoid Hell’s torment.  I am sure they all wish their loved ones had a chance to heed the Word of God and be saved, so they would never experience what they are.

Nowhere in God’s Word is there an account of the damned conversing with the living (although deceiving demons may have tricked some).  If Hell-imprisoned prisoners or one from the dead could communicate with the living, what would be their plea?

It may be a thirst-caused raspy voice, exhausted from endless terror and torment that would reach out to a loved one.  The plead would be personal; I am sure.  “Bruce, please listen to me.  Jesus is the only way out of this dark, lonely abyss of hopelessness.  Stop mocking Hell; it is real!  Run to that Baptist church on the corner.  Beg the preacher to tell you what the Bible says you must do to avoid this torment.  What he warned us of is true!  Go now!  Pleasssse, go now.  Don’t wait!”

Perhaps a barely audible whisper from Hell would plead, “It’s me, your father.  I failed to be saved from this terrifying torment.  Don’t waste your time on Earth, as I have.  Trusting Jesus as payment for all your sins is the only way to miss Hell.  Go to our Christian neighbor next door and beg him to show you what the Bible says one must do to avoid this place.  Don’t wait!  Go now, while you have the chance!”

A pained, frightened voice from the lonely bowels of the Earth would undoubtedly beg a grandson to flee the child’s sin and to read, believe, and obey all that is within the pages of God’s Word.  “Heed it, Bobby!  It’s all true!  Read it and do as God commands in the Bible.  It’s too late for me, but not for you!  Please, Bobby.  I beg you — go!”

Although logic may tell us that hearing a cautioning cry from Hell or beyond the grave would change our minds and encourage us to live as the Lord desires, God knows better.  He knew that, as people of the early church ignored what prophets, believers, and God’s Word warned people, they would most likely continue to take God’s promises and warnings lightly.  Pleadings from the dead will not permanently change hearts.

The only action that will rescue anyone from that tormenting destination is to believe God’s saving words by faith!  Faith is what saved the poor beggar whom Christ used as an example.  He had no sign or heard no warning from a Hell-imprisoned soul.  He just believed what he had heard.

The beggar had the same conviction that billions of sinners since Jesus’ time have had.  That trusting, believing, and obeying faith is still sufficient to save a person today.  Visual or audible proof will not usually soften or change the heart of an unrighteous person.  Only believing God’s warnings and promises will allow a person to enjoy an eternity with Jesus!
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

“If you put-off sincerely seeking God’s will and way today when the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart, tomorrow your heart may be too hard to hear Him!”

The BIBLE VIEW #1051 — Revival

In This Issue:
 What Is Revival?
Do You Love Your Country Enough to Pray for It?
Revival  The Moravian Revival
It Started by Prayer   If
Successful “Method”

Volume: 1051   June 8, 2026
Theme:  Revival

What Is Revival?
From an article by Charles Finney

Although many plead for revival today, their expectations of what one is come short of what a true revival is.  It is not just more people coming to church, getting more out to one’s Sunday school class, or more people being interested in the things of God.  

Charles Finney was a Presbyterian and Congregational minister of the Second Great Awakening.  He lived from 1792 to 1875.  Here are some excerpts of how Finney described what a true revival is:

  1. “The foundations of sin need to be broken up … In a true revival, Christians are always brought under conviction.  They see their sins in such a light that often they find it impossible to maintain a hope of their acceptance with God.
  2. “Revival is a new beginning of obedience with God.  The first step is a deep repentance: a breaking down of heart, a getting down into the dust before God, with humility and a forsaking of sin.
  3. “Backslidden Christians are brought to repentance … A revival is nothing else than a new beginning of obedience to God.
  4. “Christians will have their faith renewed.  While they are in their backslidden state, they are blind to the state of sinners.  Their hearts are as hard as marble.  The truths of the Bible appear like a dream … But, when they enter into a revival, they no longer see ‘men as trees, walking,’ but they see things in that strong light which will renew the love of God in their hearts.  This will lead them to labor zealously to bring others to Him.  They will feel grieved that others do not love God when they love Him so much.  And they will set themselves to persuade their neighbors to give Him their hearts.  Their love for men will be renewed and they will be filled with a tender and burning love for souls.  They will have a longing desire for the salvation of the others.…
  5. “A revival breaks the power of the world and sin over Christians … They have a new foretaste of Heaven, and new desires after union with God.  The charm of the world is broken, and the power of sin overcome.
  6. “When the churches are thus awakened and reformed, the reformation and salvation of sinners will follow.  Their hearts will be broken and changed.  Very often, the most abandoned profligates are among the subjects.  Harlots, drunkards, infidels, and all sorts of abandoned characters are awakened and converted to Christ.  The worst of human beings are softened and reclaimed, and made to appear as lovely specimens of the beauty of holiness.
  7. “When can a revival be expected?  A revival may be expected when Christians have a spirit of prayer for a revival.  That is, when they pray as if their hearts were set upon it; when they go about groaning out their heart’s desire; when they have real travail of soul.”

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chronicles 7:14

Do You Love Your Country Enough to Pray for It?
Bill Brinkworth

Most would admit that America of today is not the same America that flourished and was blessed by God in the past.  There are those in government who are attempting frightening, unscriptural changes.  Others are trying to “improve” it without seeking God’s guidance and help.

Government is not the solution that will change America the right way.  Complaining amongst ourselves will not change anything either.  What has in the past, and what can change it today, is God’s help!

If Americans will humble themselves, seek God’s intervention and control of their future, America can once again be a proud, strong, moral nation.  In the past, when Americans joined each other in prayer, God has turned this nation around.  If you love this country, consistently pray for our nation.
“Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.” James 4:2

“If you put-off sincerely seeking God’s will and way today when the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart, tomorrow your heart may be too hard to hear Him!”

Revival
Excerpts by C. H. Spurgeon from the 1866 Sword and Trowel

The word “revival” is as familiar in our mouths as a household word.  We are constantly speaking about and praying for a “revival”.  Would it not be as well to know what we mean by it?  Of the Samaritans, our Lord said, “Ye worship ye know not what.” Let him not have to say to us, “Ye know not what ye ask.” 

The word “revive” wears its meaning upon its forehead.  It is from the Latin and may be interpreted as, “to live again, to receive again a life which has almost expired; to rekindle a flame which was nearly extinguished.”

When a person has been dragged out of a pond and is nearly drowned, the bystanders are afraid that he is dead, and are anxious to ascertain if life still lingers.  The proper means are used to restore animation; the body is rubbed, stimulants are administered, and if by God’s providence life still tarries in the poor clay, the rescued man opens his eyes, sits up and speaks, and those around him rejoice that he has revived. 

A young girl fainted, but after a while, she returns to consciousness, and we say, “She is revived.” 

The flickering lamp of life in adying men suddenly flames up with unusual brightness at intervals, and those who are watching around the sick bed say of the patient, “He is reviving.”

We do not expect to see the revival of a person who is dead.  There also will be no revival of a thing that never lived before.  It is clear that the term “revival” can only be applied to a living soul, or to that which once lived. 

To be revived is a blessing which can only be enjoyed by those who have some degree of life.  Those who have no spiritual life are not, and cannot be, the subjects of a revival. 

Many blessings may come to the unconverted from the consequence of a revival among Christians, but the revival itself has to do only with those who already possess spiritual life — those that are born again.  There must be vitality to some degree before there can be a quickening of vitality, or, in other words, a revival.

The Moravian Revival
Bill Brinkworth

One of the greatest revivals of God’s people occurred at the Saxony estate of Count Zinzendorf.  The young, Christian noblemen offered many Christians safety on his property.  Many at the time were fleeing imprisonment, death, banishment, and torture for their beliefs.  They fled to Zinzendorf’s and called their new home Herrnhut, ‘the Lord’s Watch’.

There, on August 13, 1727, a great revival began.  According to Oswald Smith, “They discovered that the Church could not save them, that there was no salvation in its creeds, doctrines or dogmas, good works, moral living, commandment keeping, praying, Bible reading, culture, character, or conduct. 

“They found that Christ alone could save, that He was willing and able to receive sinners at a moment’s notice, that justification, the forgiveness of sins, the new birth, etc. were instantaneous experiences received the very moment a sinner believed on Christ. It was believed that salvation was through grace and by faith, apart from the deeds of the law.  When a man is saved, he has peace with God, and he receives the assurance of salvation by the witness of the Holy Spirit in his heart.”

When these truths prevailed in their hearts, things changed!  The Moravian brethren had stopped judging each other and were convinced of their sinfulness in God’s eyes.  Divisions and discord were halted.  All were together in one accord.  Prayer groups started and spread.  Songs were written by the group and sung throughout the country.  Hearts were broken, and lives were changed.

Prayer groups started and got power from God.  A prayer chain that ensued from this revival lasted over 100 years!

People had burdens to reach others with the Good News.  The burden was so powerful that many went themselves to reach the world for Christ.  The West Indies, North America, Greenland, Africa, South America, and most countries in Europe and Asia were reached by those who were stirred.  The world was changed by God’s people when they got revived!

“A native of India, in the past, described the great revival they were experiencing as, ‘We are having a great re-Bible here’.  The church needs to be re-Bibled!” — C. E. World

It Started with Prayer
Gospel Herald

When Pastor Finney was conducting services in a certain place, a young woman came in from a neighboring town and asked him to go there and preach.  “Her utterance was choked with deep feeling.”  Mr. Finney told her he did not see how he could go, but he inquired of the place and found that it was a moral waste. 

The young woman came the next Sunday, and “appeared greatly affected; too much so to converse, for she could not control her feeling.”  The evangelist consented to go the next Sunday afternoon. After he arrived at her home, he heard her praying in a room above.  He remained in that home overnight and heard her praying and weeping nearly all night.  She pleaded with him to come again, and “at the third service the Spirit of God was poured out on the congregation.” 

A spirit of prayer spread, and the revival that followed was so powerful that “nearly all the principal inhabitants of the town were gathered into the church, and the town was morally renovated.”  That great spiritual movement began with that young woman’s prayers.

“Give me 100 men who fear nothing but sin, and desire nothing but God, and I will shake the world.” — John Wesley

If
Author Unknown

If all the sleeping folk will wake up,
And all the lukewarm folk will fire up,
And all the dishonest folk will confess up,
And all the disgruntled folk will sweeten up,
And all the discouraged folk will cheer up,
And all the depressed folk will look up,
And all the estranged folk will make up,
And all the gossipers will shut up,
And all the dry bones will shake up,
And all the true soldiers will stand up,
And all the church members will pray up,
Then you can have a revival.

“The monument I want after I am dead is a monument with two legs going around the world; a saved sinner telling about the salvation of Jesus Christ.” — D. L. Moody

Successful “Method”
C. A. Curry, “Western Recorder”

Following reports of successful revivals by Gypsy Smith, a certain preacher approached the noted evangelist to ascertain the secret of his success.  He was asked to explain the best method to start a revival.

The answer was, “Brother, go back home, and lock yourself up in a private room.  Take a piece of chalk and mark a circle on the floor; get down on your knees inside it; pray to God to start a revival in that circle.  When that prayer is answered, a revival will begin.”

“All it takes for nothing to change, is for good men and women to do nothing!”

The BIBLE VIEW #1050 — Hatred

In This Issue:
 Hatred and Love
The Old Nature
A Life Long Battle

Volume: 1050   June 1, 2026
Theme: Hatred

Hatred and Love
Bill Brinkworth

As biblical principles have been ignored or not taught, personal and social standards have changed drastically.  For millennia, God’s standards have been ingrained in most behaviors and have permeated society.  Those norms, however, are no longer at the forefront of social behavior, and harmful attitudes and ways have become the new standard.

Restraint over emotions and feelings is uncommon today.  Opinions rule the roost, and strong feelings against those who disagree are rampant.  Many are so vehemently opposed to any opposition that hatred is expressed.

Angry parents demand special treatment for their children, and their red-faced shouting shows their anger.  Screaming and sometimes cursing are unleashed against a politician who does not agree with what another believes.  Fistfights have broken out in government chambers over disagreements.

News anchors are no longer polite and even honest when they attack those with whom they disagree.  For much of mankind’s existence, hatred was viewed as a negative character trait, and it was most often kept private, but not now!  

Kindness and understanding are now replaced by hatred in so many walks of life.  The Bible, however, teaches and warns much about such feelings:

Hatred is not of God.
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” I John 4:8

Hatred is forbidden by God!
“Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.” Leviticus 19:17

Hatred is wicked!
‘Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.” Proverb 26:26 

Hatred is unwise.
“He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.” Proverbs 10:18

Hatred is damaging and hurtful!
“Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” Proverbs 10:12

Hatred’s root cause against Christianity can be deceptive.
“The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.” John 7:7
“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” John 15:18
“Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.” I John 3:13

Hatred will be more prevalent as we approach the end days.
“And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one
another.” Matthew 24:10


However, love should be experienced, not hatred, especially for Christians:

Love should be the prevalent emotion for all!  A godly attribute is love.
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” I John 4:7
“This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you;” John 15:12

Love everyone, even those who hate you!
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;” Matthew 5:44
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” Romans 12:14

Love is commanded by God!
“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.” Levitcus 19:18
“For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” I John 3:11

Love for the Lord should be great!
“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” Deuteronomy 6:5
“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” I John 4:20



Hatred can lead to alienation from others, even those doing right.  The separation between people and nations should help those involved understand who is often behind the spewing of hatred and anger — Satan.

Hatred, no matter the reason or circumstances, is not of God.  It is unacceptable and destructive to people and nations.  It certainly is not the emotion our God of love desires for any of us!

“We may fight against what is wrong, but if we allow ourselves to hate, that is to insure our spiritual defeat and our likeness to what we hate.”
— George William Russell

The Old Nature
Bill Brinkworth

In Romans 6, Paul let us know that when one trusts Christ as Saviour, the sin-desiring “old man” should be dead (Romans 6:6).  That part of us was removed when one is saved.  Also, the believer’s new nature does not want to do what is against God’s desires.  On the right side of salvation, one no longer must serve the flesh’s desires.
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Romans 6:6

Romans 7 takes that understanding and explains how we are no longer under sin’s dominion and the Old Testament laws that identified the sins.  Paul likens the new arrangement of being saved to a new marriage (Romans 7:2-3).

In a marriage, one is bound to one spouse as long as they are alive.  Before we were saved, we were bound to sin until that nature died.  It led us where we allowed it to take us: into bars, adulterous relationships, bitterness, hatefulness, blasphemy, and a host of other regrettable places and feelings.  Our sinful nature was in control.

A saved person, however, is “… dead to the law by the body of Christ…” (Romans 7:6).  Our first “spouse” “died” when we got saved.  That “husband” contained over 600 Old Testament laws.

The law is important, however.  It shows us what God likes and dislikes.  From it, we learned that lying is wrong, as are adultery, deceitfulness, disobedience, rebellion, hatred, and on and on the list goes (Romans 7:7). Without the law of God, we would not have known the whole mind of God concerning sin.

The law is very hard, however.  It curses and condemns us for the sins we have committed.  When accepted, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross pays for our sins, and now one can have grace and mercy.  As Matthew Henry put it, “The sentence of the law against us is vacated and reversed by the death of Christ, to all true believers.”

For the believer, the “old man” is dead.  We can be “married” to another.  The second spouse is Christ.  We are not bound to the “old man” and His laws.  Yes, the old and new nature will still battle for control (Romans 7:18-19), but with the altered mind a Christian has, one can be free from the power of sin (Romans 6:7).
“For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him?  But we have the mind of Christ.” I Corinthians 2:16

“If you are saved, you sin by choice, not by chance.” — Barbara Brinkworth



A Life Long Battle
Bill Brinkworth

A Christian may be saved on the inside, but he will still fight the temptations of the flesh until the day he dies.  Paul gives the only solution for keeping the sin-seeking human nature we were born with at bay.  That temptation-resisting advice is “… Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

To avoid life-controlling temptations and often the life-ruining consequences they bring, be wary of where suggestions to do something arise.  Recognize if the enticement comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit or what feels good to the flesh.

Paul explained some “works of the flesh” so one can avoid them.  They are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness (“lustfulness and indulgences of animal desires” 1), idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance (“disputing that causes disagreement, discord, and dissensions” 1), emulations (“contentions” 1), wrath, strife, seditions (“causing commotion”), heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like…1 (Galatians 5:19-21).  His checklist should make it easy to evaluate whether a behavior or feeling one is having is the old sin-nature controlling a person.

The preacher also listed some things that, if one were doing them, could indicate that the Holy Spirit was involved.  An old nature would have nothing to do with committing these activities, so one could know that God’s Spirit was probably engaged in them.  The “fruit of the Spirit” included: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23).

If we can detect what we are involved in or are feeling is of God, we may avoid temptation’s grasp (Galatians 5:25).  If one keeps far from sin, they will rarely be in danger of falling for iniquity’s commission!  Obey the Spirit, and one will not give the sin-desiring flesh any control.

1 Noah Webster, American Dictionary of the English Language, Facsimile First Edition, Foundation for American Christian Education, 1828

“Sin will keep you from this Book.  This Book will keep you from sin.”
— Dwight L. Moody 

The BIBLE VIEW #1049

In This Issue:
The Interpreter
The Unhindered Holy Spirit
The Comforter

Volume: 1049   May 25, 2026
Theme: Holy Spirit


The Interpreter
Bill Brinkworth

The preacher stood behind the pulpit and shared what God had laid on his heart.  All ears and eyes were attentive, especially the eyes of the small, deaf ministry sitting on the front, right side of the church.

As the pastor spoke, a deaf interpreter stood up to relay the message to the deaf congregation.  He stood between the preacher and the deaf and did his best to let the deaf “hear” what was said.

The hearing and the deaf were soon moved.  Every once in a while, a soft “amen” could be heard from the hearing congregation.  Sometimes, a loud clapping-type sound emanated from the deaf section.  It was from a non-hearing person slapping a thumbs-up fist into his open palm; it was the deaf sign language for “amen.”

On and on, the stirring message touched hearts, until an unusual thing happened to the sound system.  It stopped.  The soundman attending the system was perplexed.  He interrupted the preacher to explain while he tried to fix the equipment.

Not wanting to halt the working of the Holy Spirit, the pastor continued what the Lord had him share.  Although some in the front row could hear what was being said, many could not.  The interpreter was still close enough to hear, so he continued relaying the heart-stirring message to the deaf.

While some soft “Amen”s could still be heard, the pounding of the loud deaf’s “Amen”s increased.  More non-hearing people signed their amens in response to the message. 

One deaf lady left her seat and almost ran to the altar steps to get alone with God and get things right with Him.  Shortly, an older deaf man kneeled next to her; his face was wet with tears.  The Holy Spirit was working in the hearts of those who “heard” God’s message to them.

However, those in the back of the church heard very little.  Many looked to their neighbors with perplexed “what’s going on” looks on their faces.

There were no “amen”s coming from the back of the church, and little evidence of the Holy Spirit doing anything back there.  However, a revival was going on in the church’s front, but those towards the back were not affected.

This fictional account illustrates what happens in good, Bible-believing churches during most services.  Many hearing and non-hearing  “hear”  the message, but the “interpreter,” the Holy Spirit’s whispering to hearts is not heard, ignored, or purposely disobeyed.

Hardened, disobedient, and even unsaved hearts refuse to obey or do what the Holy Spirit has convicted them of.  In so doing, the Lord’s “voice” is not heard by them.

Many in the service have heard what the Lord would have them do, and they do it.  However, there are always some who wonder why others are excited about what was preached and are satisfied to continue daydreaming or on their cell phones while the message is delivered.

The Word of God, when preached or heard, will change lives and hearts.  Unfortunately, many sin-deafened ears do not do what is laid on their hearts.  After seeing that the Holy Spirit’s help is not obeyed, He decides to no longer speak to the person who is ignoring Him or is determined to do their own will rather than what God knows is best for them.

Are you attentive to the Holy Spirit’s attempt to interpret God’s will and way for you, or are you deaf to His prodding?  Submit to His calling, or one day He may never give you the opportunity again.

“When men surrender themselves to the Spirit of God, they will learn more concerning God and Christ and the Atonement and Immortality in a week, than they would learn in a lifetime, apart from the Spirit.”  — Brown



The Unhindered Holy Spirit
Bill Brinkworth

The Holy Spirit indwells a Christian.  Those who have trusted Christ alone as Saviour become the residence of the Spirit of God.
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” I Cor. 3:16

God’s Spirit never leaves the person, as some unbiblically teach.  The Spirit is “sealed,” or permanently confirmed, and the matter is closed in His eyes (Eph. 4:30).  He does not come and go out of the believer’s life.

However, there are some things in a believer’s life that can prevent God’s Spirit from working or exercising the control He desires.  Sin is the culprit that can sadden the Spirit of God that wants to work in a Christian.
“And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Eph.  4:30

I understood this best after raising a child.  On a very rare occasion, my child would do something that broke my heart.  I did not do it out of spite, out of anger, or to “teach a lesson”, nor was it a planned reaction, but the child’s commission of some wrongdoing made me so sad that I could not talk to or even look at the child. 

The act did not change my love for the child one bit.  In a short time, I was “over it,” and things were back to normal, but for that brief moment, my spirit was crushed.  That is exactly how the Holy Spirit must feel when we commit sin or violate what God intends for us.  Our activity, or lack of it, can grieve the Holy Spirit.

Not only can the indwelling Spirit be saddened because of what we do or do not do, His excitement and zeal in working in us can also be “quenched.”  Just as water puts out a fire, our sin can put out the flames of anticipation God has for using us for His glory.  The “putting out” of the Holy Spirit’s activity in one’s life may be why so many have lost the joy of being saved (Psalm 51:12) when their sins prevent God from working in their lives.
“Quench not the Spirit.” I Thes. 5:19

Nowhere in the New Testament is it suggested that the Holy Spirit comes and goes from one’s life like He is in a revolving door, as some would have us believe.  He is in us for good.  We do not have to be saved again, but we do have to resolve some things with the Holy Spirit in order for Him to work in us again.

The easy and fast way to resolve my broken heart when my child grieved my spirit was for my child to admit the wrong-doing and apologize.  After that was done, everything was back to normal, and it was never spoken of or thought of again (on my part).

The loving Spirit of God reacts much the same way.  Although He knows exactly what we have done, humbling ourselves and admitting the sin is the first step in soothing the broken heart of the Spirit. 

Secondly, a genuine apology and a sincere desire not to commit the sin again are what it will take to have the Holy Spirit working in our lives again.  There is not one sin He will not forgive.  The Holy Spirit will always love the believer and always desire the best for his life.

“The Spirit-filled life is life at its very best.”  — Author Unknown

The Comforter
Bill Brinkworth

Jesus told His disciples that it was essential for Him to leave so that the “Comforter” would come (John 16:7).  Acts 2 related the unusual instance when the Holy Ghost came upon some disciples.

It is not the first account of the Holy Spirit working in people.  We read that John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Ghost (Luke 1:15), as was Elizabeth (Luke 1:41), Zacharias (Luke 1:67) also had that experience, and many others did as well.  Some disciples had the Holy Ghost descend on them earlier, as told in John 20:22.

That experience, however, differed from all other biblical accounts when one was filled with the Holy Ghost.  There came a sound from Heaven as a great wind.  Over each individual, “cloven tongues like as of fire… sat upon each of them.”

Those disciples then spoke in a language they had never learned to those who spoke it. Those people marveled that those filled with the Holy Ghost talked to them in their native tongue.

Soon, other foreigners came to see that miracle (Acts 2:5, 6), and they, too, heard God’s message in their tongue.  They were all spoken to in their native language to understand God’s “wonderful works.”

There was a purpose for these miracles.  They were not performed to “wow” the Christians and prove that they were saved or had some supernatural “power.” The purpose was to teach others about the things of God.  Today, many try to duplicate that miracle unbiblically, but it is never used as it was then to reach others with God’s message.

The early church’s leader, Jesus, had just left to return to His home in Heaven.  Those early Christians did not have the One who gave them the truths from God. They did not have the whole compiled Word of God, which would come later.  Until they had all the words God wanted them to have, God used speaking in unknown languages and other miracles to encourage them in His direction.

When we received all the Scriptures, there was no longer any need for thosse sign gifts (1 Corinthians 13:8-13).  The Holy Ghost still indwells all believers, although He may be grieved at times because of our sins and may not be working in our lives.  We can still have the comfort of the Holy Spirit to guide us, and we will see His workings when we live by faith.

“Trying to do the Lord’s work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work.  But, when you are filled with the Holy Spirt and obeying His leading then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.”  — Corrie Ten Boom

The BIBLE VIEW #1048 — Church

In This Issue:
Family Time
Back Seat Problem
What My Absence in Church Did
Upper or Supper Room?
The Devil’s Tactics in Today’s Church

Volume: 1048   May 10, 2026
Theme: Church

Family Time
Bill Brinkworth

As Paul concluded his letter to the Roman church in Romans 16, the preacher spent the whole chapter remembering Christians he knew in the ministry.  He named 28 individuals and remarked on what they had meant to him, or how they had been useful in the ministry.  

Those believers were more than acquaintances to him. The people in the church were close to his heart.

Going to church for us should also be more than just nodding at people as they pass us in the aisle or shaking their hands as we see them in Sunday school.  Church is where those of like faith and beliefs gather.  

Church should be a place removed from the world, where we can be with our own kind — Christians. In that place, we are no longer a “peculiar” people as the unsaved see us.  In that fellowship, we are with others who share our beliefs.  We are with members of the family of God.

Church is a place where some hear the Gospel for the first time and get saved. It should be a place where the Bible is taught, and people learn more about God’s Word. 

In church, Christians can hear what the Lord has laid on the under shepherd’s heart, and learn how they can be better Christians.  It is a place where people can be burdened for needs they see or hear about and can get involved in a ministry themselves.

The church is also a place where we are among those of like faith.  I know I cannot speak for all churches, as too many have too much of the world in them, but church should be a place where we can be far from godless living and closer to God.  

In church, we can be encouraged by other Christians. All week, we are swimming against the current of the world. It can spiritually tire us. 

Being around other believers can reward us with advice, encouragement, and even with seeing how other Christians handle their problems, so we can run our own spiritual race successfully.

Those Christians who are not faithful in church attendance miss the help and encouragement of being around their own kind.  It is not just the preaching, teaching, church dinners, and special events that we need.  We need to feel, for the time we are with others of like faith, that we are not alone in this world. 

We need to know there are others like us.  No wonder Paul addressed many individually.  They were important to him because they were part of his spiritual family — the family of God.

“Going to church is family time.”  — Charles W. Tobey

Back Seat Problem
Author Unknown

“I wonder,” said good Parson Jones
With a little troubled frown,
“If there is any way to get
You folks seated farther down?

“You see I have to talk across
So many empty pews,
Before my voice can reach the back,
I fear my point you lose.

“And then I feel so lonesome,
Way up here and you clear back there,
It’s hard to feel you’re with me
When I come to God in prayer.

“I wonder if you folks are scared
Of what I’m going to preach
That you hurry so to park
In the fartherest back seat?

“Or do you fear the church some day
Will suddenly catch afire?
Or do you want to slip out quick
If of my subject you tire?

“I wish you’d come up closer
So I wouldn’t have to shout;
If you don’t, I’m going to have
Those back seats taken out!”

“A lot of church members who are singing ‘Standing on the Promises’ are actually just sitting on the premises.”  — Author Unknown

What My Absence in Church Did
Author Unknown

  • It made some question the reality of Christianity.
  • It made some think that I was a pretender.
  • It made many regard my spiritual welfare and that of others as a matter of small concern.
  • It weakened the effect of the church service.
  • It made it more difficult for the preacher to preach.
  • It discouraged the brethren, and therefore robbed them of a blessing.
  • It caused others to stay away from church.
  • It made it harder for me to meet the temptations I faced this week.
  • It gave me a poor Christian testimony with those that know I am a Christian.
  • It gave the Devil more power over lost souls.
  • It encouraged the bad habit of non-church going.

“God wants full custody of His children, not just Sunday visiting rights.”
— Author Unknown

Upper or Supper Room?
Author Unknown

The early church prayed in the upper room.  Today’s church cooks in the supper room.  Today the supper room, or the church kitchen, has taken the place of the “upper room”.

Play has taken the place of prayer, and feasting has taken the place of fasting.  There are more full stomachs than there are bended knees and broken hearts.  There is more fire in the range in the kitchen, than there is in the pulpit. 

When you build a fire in the church kitchen and the smells permeate the building, it often puts out the fire in the pulpit.  Ice cream awaiting to be eaten chills the fervor of spiritual life.

The early Christians were not cooking in the supper room the day the Holy Ghost came.  They were praying in the upper room.  They were not waiting on tables.  They were waiting on God. 

They were not waiting for the fire from the stove, but for the fire from above.  They were detained by the command of God, and not entertained by the cunning of men.  They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, not stuffed with a stew or roast.

Oh, I would like the cooking crew put out, and the praying band put in.  We need less ham and sham, and more Heaven; less pie, and more piety; less use for the cookbook, and more use for the old Book. 

Put out the fire in the kitchen and build it on the altar; more love and more life; fewer dinners and getting more sinners in the church.  Let us have a church full of waiters on God, and a church full of servers, serving God.

“The church is to feed the sheep, not to entertain the goats!”  — A. W. Tozer

The Devil’s Tactics in Today’s Church
J. Vernon McGee

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. 

Satan 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. 

“The Christian church is a society of sinners.  It is the only society in the world in which membership is based upon the single qualification that the candidate shall be unworthy of membership.” — Morrison

The BIBLE VIEW #1047 —Difficulties

In This Issue:
God Will Protect His Own
Don’t Mess with Me!  I’ve Got Bodyguards!
Only with God’s Permission
God Has A Purpose

Volume: 1047      May 11, 2026
Theme: Hardships

** Sign up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M to receive the DAILY VIEW devotion.  The daily e-mail includes a KJV chapter, a short devotion on something taught in that chapter, and more spiritual food for the hungry soul.  Start your day with some good news from the Bible!

God Will Protect His Own
Bill Brinkworth

Biblical Israel faced a plethora of attacks from their godless enemies (Psalm 129:1).  Modern-day Israel is facing similar assaults against it.  Through all the attempts of destruction upon them, that nation has persevered and even prospered. 

Israel’s enemies’ attempts to weaken and destroy the nation have failed.  The adversary’s advances came to naught.  The attacks failed, not because of Israel’s strength and might, but because the attacks against the people God cares about, although often spiritually wayward, were foiled by their faithful God.

The Bible is packed with other accounts of God protecting His own.  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked out of a devouring, fiery furnace without harm because God delivered them (Dan. 3:16-17, 26) from the danger.  Daniel was spared the ravaging appetite of a den of lions because of God’s protection (Dan. 6:22).  Israel learned many times that, no matter the attacks from their enemies, no one could harm them unless it was God’s will at the time. 

In the story of Job’s trials (Job 1:8:22, 2:3-10), one reads that Satan could only attack God’s man if God granted the enemy permission.  God allowed His own Son, Jesus, to be tested by Satan, but no harm came to Him.  Paul faced beatings, being stoned, robbed, and many other perils (II Cor. 11:25-28), yet God delivered him from all situations.  No harm can come to His people unless God allows it!

Today’s Christian can also have similar safety and security.  We will have attacks from enemies, disappointments, and trials, but they will never harm us unless God allows them to do so.  Most of the time, if the enemy’s assaults are seemingly victorious, it is to teach a deserved lesson or to move the believer in the direction God wishes for him.

There is much in tis world that can be feared.  However, the child of God, if he is within God’s will, has nothing of which to be afraid.  God will protect His own and often destroys the intentions and devices of the wicked.  We are safe because of God’s watchful eye and protective hands.
“The LORD is righteous: he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked.” Psalm 129:4

“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side for God is always right.”  — Author Unknown

Don’t Mess with Me!  I’ve Got Bodyguards!
Bill Brinkworth

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” Psalm 28:7

I cannot read the first part of Psalm 28:7 without smiling, as it reminds me of a time in my youth.  As a scrawny, 89-pound (when-soaking-wet) kid, I had to be careful who I said what to and where.  It would not take much of a bully to teach me a painful lesson because of my sometimes big, provoking mouth.

One day, I met a boy much bigger than me.  He had a reputation as a tough and rough person, and people had to be careful what they said around him.  We got to be good friends, and I hung around him at home and at school.  He had a friend who was also large, and we became friends too.

I found I wasn’t as shy or quiet around those two.  Sometimes, with one on my left and the other on my right, I even found myself being brave, trying to be tough, and letting my provoking mouth have its way.  I knew I could get away with it because I had my “bodyguards” protecting me.  Anyone who wanted to shut my foolish mouth would have to deal with my rough and tough defenders.  I certainly felt safe when in that situation.

Soon, I outgrew my “protection” and went on with my life.  I went back to wisely watching what came out of my mouth.  Then, 13 years later, something wonderful happened in my life: I got saved!

It was not long afterward that I started reading my Bible.  I learned that I did have to watch what my unkind mouth said, but I also learned that, since I was now a child of God, I had protection all around me.  I had no reason to fear because nothing could happen to me that God did not allow or know about.  I was safe and secure.

I learned that:

  • “The LORD is my strength ….”  Psalm 28:7   God will give me strength that I usually do not know I have to face any trial or tribulation this life throws at me.  A situation may look frightening and with no hope in sight, but He WILL give me the power to face and defeat my “Goliath” (I Samuel 17)!  He has done it thousands of times in my life!
  • “… and my shield; …” Psalm 28:7 Just like a soldier’s shield shunned any arrows, rocks, or spears thrown at him, the Lord will protect His own from what he faces in this life.  He is the “shield” that will protect him when he drives down the road, from the plans of our enemies, from sin, and whatever can happen in his life.
  • Not only do we have God’s protection, but we have His heavenly host surrounding and protecting us.  Angels do God’s bidding on Earth and protect His own.  I am supernaturally protected!
    “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7
  • God knows the dangers we will face well in advance and will protect us from dangers we may not even know are there!  He is our “high tower” observer and defender!
    “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.” Psalm 18:2

It has been a long time since I had my “bodyguards.” However, I am safer and more secure than I have ever been.  I have better protection.  I have the Lord protecting me, and nothing can happen to me unless it is God’s will, and if it is God’s will, He will give me the strength and grace to face that challenge.

If you are born again, you too can have that security.   You can be “safe and secure,” as an old hymn reminds us.
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6



Only with God’s Permission
Bill Brinkworth

Many Christians are more fearful than they should be.  A child of the King should never fret or worry because nothing can happen to him unless God allows it for the person’s or other people’s betterment.

According to Psalm 91, our Lord is:

  • Our safety and protection (Psalm 91:2, 9)
    “I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” Psalm 91:2
  • Our protector from life’s traps that are set to get us to fail (Psalm 91:3).
  • Our protector from life’s storms (Psalm 91:4).
  • Our source of truth (Psalm 91:5).
  • Our protector from what scares us (Psalm 91:5-6).
  • Our protector from the attacks of our enemies (Psalm 91:5-7).
  • Our protector from health problems (Psalm 91:6, 10).
  • Our protector from evil (Psalm 91:10-12).
  • Our protector from danger (Psalm 91:14-15).
  • Our rewarder (Psalm 91:15-16).

One born into the family of God by the spiritual birth (John 3:3) has nothing to fear.  You are safe in the hands of your heavenly Father.  Frightening situations will occur to all, but God is always in full control.  Nothing is a surprise to Him.  You will be safe.  Fear not!
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7

God Has A Purpose
Bill Brinkworth

Living the way God commands us to live is not easy.  So many people are under the false impression that once they submit to the Lord’s will, problems will never occur.  They think they will be exempt from heartaches, hardships, hazards, and life’s hiccups.  That certainly is not true.

The godly may have God’s protection and guidance, but we are in a sinful world, and we face the consequences of our and others’ sins.  We experience it today, and David faced it as he wrote in Psalm 31.  The King dealt with:

  • Traps sent for him to make him fail (Psalm 31:4).  A foiled believer makes the ungodly triumph as they see that Christians “are not so holy and perfect ….”  Somehow, a defeated Christ-follower eases their guilt in not living a godly life.
  • Lies, all around him (Psalm 31:6, 18).
  • Troubles, and plenty of them (Psalm 31:9).  However, those troubles and trials are not always a “bad” thing.  Often, undesirable occurrences draw us closer to the Lord as we seek His help.  They can also help us grow in our faith as we see that God will protect and help us through the tribulations.
  • Grief.  Because of sin, there will be death and many let-downs.  Hearts will be broken, but we have a God who will fix and comfort broken, discouraged, and sad believers (Psalm 31:10).
  • Those who forgot him and his needs (Psalm 31:12).  We are not the first to have invested a lot of time and trust in a person and later been cast aside.  David had experienced the hurt of abandonment more than once.

Although we do not have a get-out-of-pain-and-suffering card just because one is a child of God, we do have something that the godless do not have when they go through hardships.  We have the Lord.  He is our God (Psalm 31:14), and we will have his watch-care, guidance, and protection. 

We will experience what God allows in our life for our or someone else’s benefit.  We may not always like the trials we face, but God has a purpose for us: to learn and to grow spiritually through our tests and tribulations.
“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”  Psalm 31:24

“Courage: Being scared to death and saddling up anyway.”  — Wayne

The BIBLE VIEW #1046 —Separation

In This Issue:
There Are Accursed Things Among Us!
Do Not Yoke Up
Do You Really Want What It Has To Offer?

Volume: 1046   May 4, 2026
Theme: Separation

Sign up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M to receive the DAILY VIEW devotion.  The daily e-mail includes a KJV chapter, a short devotion on something taught in that chapter, and more spiritual food for the hungry soul.  Start your day with some good news from the Bible!

There Are Accursed Things Among Us!
Bill Brinkworth

“Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel: thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.” Joshua 7:13

Joshua and the people of Israel had seen God’s hand in their victory over Jericho.  All marveled at how that mighty fortress collapsed with God’s help (Joshua 6).

The leader’s further instruction to the people was to enter the flattened city and not spare any enemy lives (Josh. 6:17, 21).  All were to be killed. 

Israel was also strictly forbidden to take any of the riches of the city for themselves.  All the treasures of the fallen city were to be given to Israel’s treasury.

As Israel’s army entered the city and did to it as they were commanded, one man could not resist the temptation of all the valuables he saw, and took some for himself.  That man, Achan, took a Babylonian garment, silver, and some gold.  He took it back to his tent and buried it.  The thief thought no one knew, but God knew of his disobedience.

Later, when a small force of Israel’s army went to attack the nearby town of Ai, they were easily defeated.  Joshua and the people were horrified over the defeat and the death of some of their soldiers.  The thrashing from a weaker enemy led Joshua to believe that God’s hand was no longer with His people.

Joshua was grieved.  He prayed, and God revealed that the defeat was due to one man’s disobedience (Josh. 8:13). Because of one man’s sin, all of Israel was guilty (Josh. 7:1, 11) of rebelling against what God had commanded them to do.  

One man’s iniquity cost the lives of others.  Israel’s testimony was tarnished, and God’s hand was no longer helping His people.

Later, with God’s help, Joshua discerned who was responsible (Joshua 8:17-19).  Achan was revealed to be the culprit.  He confessed, and what had not been put into Israel’s treasury was recovered.  Because of the sin that cursed the people, Achan and his family were killed (Joshua 8:25).  Many suffered greatly because of one man’s sin.

Today, that principle still applies.  Others suffer great loss because of an individual’s sin. 

Families are split up because of an adulterous parent’s sin.  Friends who innocently ride along with a friend who commits a crime often see jail time as accomplices to the wrongdoing.  

New laws rob many of their freedoms because of others’ wrongdoing.  A family can get a bad reputation because of one misbehaving child.  Whole communities have been looked down upon because of the belligerent attitudes of some.  Sin’s tentacles often reach further than the one sinning.

In the account in Joshua 6-8, one individual’s sin affected all of Israel.  Perhaps two million people suffered loss of God’s guidance and protection!  It was not a “little” sin. 

With Achan’s treachery in mind, and how it affected so many, imagine how the sins that are rampant today are harming nations.  Although many are ignorant of God’s commandments, and many refuse to obey the ones they know, God has not changed. 

What was sin in Joshua’s day and biblical days is still iniquity today.  Sins that cost nations in the past are causing much suffering today.

God is aware of today’s national tolerance of sins such as abortion, sexual deviancies, acceptance of man-made religions, mockery of God and biblical morals, lessening punishments for crimes, reliance on government rather than God, attacks on Christianity, and scores of other “acceptable” behaviors.  Although much of society tolerates current immoralities, God does not.  He did not tolerate it with Achan, and He will not put up with it today.

Because of Achan’s transgression, Israel could not stand against a smaller, insignificant enemy.  Today, we have small, terrorist cults creating great havoc to very powerful nations.  Small minorities seem to hold the power to control vast majorities.  

Common sense is dumped for philosophies that have failed countless times previously.  Once great nations are now cowering under pressures from small groups of radical extremists.

Why all the chaos?  Why is sin prevailing and righteousness failing?  

As a nation was judged because of one man’s disobedience after the Battle of Jericho, so are some being judged today for sin.  No one person or country gets away with wrongdoing. 

There may be no thunderbolts being hurled from the heavens or earthquakes swallowing the sinning individuals, but unless sin is dealt with directly, God’s helping and protecting hand will be withdrawn from many.  It is far past time we learn the lesson that Israel learned the hard way; that unless sin is judged, halted, and repented, many will suffer — even today!
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” II Chron.  7:14

“Oil and water do not mix; neither do the saved and the unsaved.”

Do Not Yoke Up!
Bill Brinkworth

One of the principles that will distinguish a strong Christian from a weak one, when practiced, is taught in II Corinthians 6.  Not adhering to God’s teaching on this doctrine has ruined many Christian lives and testimonies.  It is the number one robber of joy for a child of God.  Paul taught that there should be a separation of a Christian from those who are not saved. (II Cor. 6:14-17).
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?  and what communion hath light with darkness?” II Corinthians 6:14

The double-negative “not unequally yoked” can be somewhat confusing to our modern vernacular, but it simply means “do not be yoked together with unbelievers”.  The yoke spoken of here refers to the wooden implement that binds two farm animals together. 

It was common for two oxen or mules to be joined together with that device so they could plow a field together.  We are not going in the same direction as the world is going.  We should not be plowing the same “field” as they.

We should not be yoked to unbelievers in marriage, business relationships, friendships, or other close relationships.  When we are yoked together closely in such a relationship, we can end up going the wrong direction.  

We are in the world, and we may naturally be in close contact with the unsaved.  That happens and is a good opportunity to be a witness and an example to them, but getting into the position that we are going in their direction is what God is warning us against

A child of God is on the winning side.  Why in the world would he want to go in the same direction as the losing side? 

We have a Leader who will take us in the right direction.  We should not be following those who do not know the way.  We should be guiding others in the right direction, not following their wrong pathways through life.

The Bible says there are two spiritual sides in this life:  God’s and the devil’s (also called Belial).  What can we possibly have in common with an unbeliever’s thinking and goals? 
“And what concord [agreement, union in opinions, sentiments, views or interests] hath Christ with Belial?  or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  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 Cor. 6:15-16 

“The pull to have what the world temporarily has to offer has cost countless Christians their joy, testimony, and futures!” — Author Unknown

Do You Really Want What It Has To Offer?
J. Mason

If you love your soul, beware of what the world has to offer.  It has slain millions.

  • What ruined Lot’s life?  The world!
  • What ruined Haman?  The world!
  • What ruined Judas?  The world!
  • What ruined Demas?  The world!

And you really believe you can survive what the world will give you unscathed?

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Mark 8:36

The BIBLE VIEW# 1045 – Holiness

In This Issue:
Holy, Holy, Holy!
Holiness
Personal Holiness
Reasons Why the Believer Should be Holy
Holy, Holy, Holy.  Lord God,Almighty
Destiny of Holiness

Volume: 1045   April 27, 2026
Theme: Holiness

Sign up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M to receive the DAILY VIEW devotion.  The daily e-mail includes a KJV chapter, a short devotion on something taught in that chapter, and more spiritual food for the hungry soul.  Start your day with some good news from the Bible!

 Holy, Holy, Holy!
Bill Brinkworth

“2 And immediately I [John] was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. … 8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.  9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever.” Revelation 4:2-9

In Revelation 4:2-9, the reader gets a glimpse of the throne room of Heaven.  Another peek is revealed in Isaiah 6:1-3.  In both views, we read of similar creatures that surround the heavenly throne and worship God.

Those creatures (Revelation 4 calls them “beasts;” Isaiah identifies them as “seraphim”), because of their nearness to God’s throne must know quite a bit about Him. They know more about what God has created than we do.  We only see what is here on Earth.  They look about Heaven and see creatures, including seraphim, cherubim, angels, and other glorious things, that we cannot even imagine.  However, they were not praising God for all that is in His Heaven.

They must know that all the stars are more than our limited human minds can imagine and count.  It most likely would not surprise them to know that the largest star we know about is VY Canis Majoris, which is estimated at over 1,800 times the size of our sun.  Yet, all those amazing stellar creations were created by God in one day.  However, the heavenly host are not singing His praises about His wonderful creations.

The seraphim must also know about God’s patience in allowing Earth’s inhabitants many opportunities to come to and obey Him.  They also must know how so many curse His name, and openly rebel against their own Creator.  Those creatures know of the Almighty’s wrath, that He can release when it is time and necessary.  Yet, with all they know of what God has done for all those in Heaven and here on Earth, they do not praise Him for His character.

In both instances, in Isaiah and Revelation, they praised Him for His holiness.  “… Holy!  Holy!  Holy! …” cried the Heavenly host.  Of all the wonderful things those creatures must know about Him, they are most impressed and respectful of God’s holiness!  There is no sin in Heaven, as God cannot be near such wickedness, so those singing God’s praises do not sin, yet they praise God for His holiness! 

Holiness is important to God.  That is why He also desires us to be Holy.  We certainly will never be as holy as our Creator, but Christians should still strive to live a holy life.  

It is expected of us to flee and avoid sin and emulate our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Our goal should be to please God by making our lives as holy as we can.  Living a holy life is possible, or He would not expect it of us!
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” I Peter 1:15-16
“Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.” Lev. 20:7

“The essence of true holiness consists of conforming to the nature and will of God.” — Dr. Lucas

Holiness
Dr. T. W. Jenkyn

Holiness, in the Scriptures, means a hallowed state.  It is a full, entire, and impartial consecration to the service and the use of God.  It is a definite separation and dedication for His purposes and pleasure.  Not to be in this state would be diverting our sacred purpose to which we should be devoted.

“The goal of a Christian should be to be holy, and happiness will follow.”
— Author Unknown

 Personal Holiness
Dr. T. W. Jenkyn

Personal holiness is the first and foremost tribute which we owe to the Holy Spirit to be used by our Master.  We are to offer Him no other service until that is given.

A Roman sent to Caesar a present of a royal crown while he was openly rebelling against Caesar’s throne.  Caesar returned the gift with the message, “First of all, yield obedience, and then send presents.” 

The spirit and the truth of His message are addressed by the Holy Spirit to every Christian and to every church.  He desires our obedient hearts before our worldly “sacrifices” and offerings.

“Real holiness has love for its essence, humility for its clothing, the good of others as its employment, and the honor of God as its end.”  — Emmons



Reasons Why the Believer Should be Holy
Edited from 500 Bible Readings, Marsh

  • Because of what God is.
    “The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” Ps. 145:17
  • Because of what He has done.
    “Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.” Lev. 19:2
  • Because He commands it.
    Lev. 19:2
  • Because of His relationship to us.
    “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.” Lev. 20:7
  • Because of His choice of us.
    “And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.” Lev. 20:26
  • Because of our relationship to Him.
    “They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy.” Lev. 21:6

“It is a great deal better to live a holy life than to talk about it.  Lighthouses do not ring bells and fire cannons to call attention to their shining.  They just shine.”  — Moody

Holy, Holy, Holy!  Lord God Almighty
Hymn by Reginald Heber

  1. Holy, holy, holy!  Lord God Almighty!
    Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
    Holy, holy, holy!  Merciful and mighty,
    God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

    2.  Holy, holy, holy!  All the saints adore thee,
    Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
    Cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
    Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

    3.  Holy, holy, holy!  Though the darkness hide thee,
    Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
    Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
    Perfect in power, in love and purity.

    4.  Holy, holy, holy!  Lord God Almighty!
    All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea.
    Holy, holy, holy!  Merciful and mighty,
    God in three persons, blessed Trinity.

Destiny of Holiness
Oswald Chambers, Edited from My Utmost for His Highest, Sept. 1

The preaching of the Gospel awakens an intense resentment because it reveals that I am unholy.  God has one destined end for mankind through holiness.  

His one aim is the production of saints… He did not come to save men out of pity.  He came to save men because He had created them to be holy.  The Atonement He gave is the way God can put me back into perfect union with Himself, without sin’s shadow, through the death of Jesus Christ.

Never tolerate, through sympathy with yourself or others, any practice that is not in keeping in line with a holy God.  Holiness means unsullied walking with the feet, unsullied talking with the tongue, and unsullied thinking with the mind.  Every detail of our lives is under God’s scrutiny.   Holiness is not only what God gives me, but what I show others that God has helped me to be.

“I believe the holier a man becomes, the more he mourns over the unholiness that remains in him.”  — Spurgeon

The BIBLE VIEW #1044 —Grief

In This Issue:
The Definition of Grief
Grief

Volume: 1044   April 13, 2026
Theme: Grief

Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M to receive the DAILY VIEW devotion.  The daily e-mail includes a KJV chapter, a short devotion on something taught in that chapter, and more spiritual food for the hungry soul.  Start your day with some good news from the Bible!

A Definition of Grief
Dr. Hewlett

Grief can be the effect of wounded affection and the effect of discovered, but undeserved, unkindness.  It is the pang a mother feels when she first learns that the child of her fervent prayers and cherished hopes has become profane and profligate (“morally unrestrained”).  It is the throbbing emotion of the generous heart when thwarted or interrupted in the benevolent design it has conceived.

“Grief drives men into habits of serious reflections, sharpens understanding, and softens the heart.”  — John Adams

Grief
Bill Brinkworth

For much of my saved life, I have been around and ministered to older people and those with special needs.  As can be expected with those folks and all others, death visited many of their loved ones.

After the passing of someone who meant a lot to them, I tried to comfort and encourage them.  However, after the loss of my wife of 37 years, I now have a better understanding of the grief they were experiencing.

I believed I was being compassionate and helpful, but after experiencing what it was like to lose someone close to me, I realized that I was not as understanding as I should have been.

As is often the case when God allows one to go through a problem, I have lately been exposed to others who have also recently lost someone close to them.  I have noticed that people handle their loss or emotions differently.

Without warning, tremendous bouts of sadness bring torrents of tears to many.  Perhaps the sight of another person, activity, or thing brings back memories that trigger more sadness.

Many experience anger, guilt, confusion, lack of enthusiasm, and some may find themselves not wanting to be around others. Many notice their decision-making and thinking abilities are diminished.  The overwhelming acquiring of duties that the deceased used to do may also bring on more grief.

Those not going through the heart-wrenching sadness of loss wonder why the grief-burdened person does not ”just get over it”  and have no idea what it is like to lose a child, friend, or spouse that had meant so much to them or to handle overbearing challenges.  Some never “get over it,” and pangs of sadness or immense anxiety continue to torment one’s thoughts and behaviors.

I have talked to one who lost her husband almost two decades ago, and she still has not “gotten over it.”  That deceased person was a part of her life, and now she stands all alone, missing an integral part of hersself.

The thoughtless “get over it” attitude just won’t work with someone who spent a lifetime loving and living with a person, raising a child, or not having the changes or difficulties they are now facing.  In many cases, the deceased person made the surviving person more complete, and now they feel like half a person.

Since it seems God is allowing me to encounter many grieving people crossing my path, it would be helpful to know what the Bible teaches on the subject.  

Although every person handles grief differently, as far as I have been able to find, there is no quick three or four-step process to fix or shorten one’s grieving process according to the Bible.  However, one can find more about the subject in God’s Word, which can be encouraging to those disturbed by a mountain of distress and help them realize the naturalness of their grief and anxiety.

It is found in the scriptures that:

  • God can be grieved.  Since we are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), we have many physical, mental, and emotional traits that our Creator has.  There is a divine purpose for our having the ability to grieve and be heavily troubled over certain situations.
    “And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” Genesis 6:6    God was broken-hearted that His creation was given over to great wickedness continually. 
    “How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!” Psalm 78:40  The people of Israel knew what was expected of them, but they lied, disobeyed, and did what angered their Lord.  Those actions and many, many others broke God’s heart.
  • The Holy Spirit can be grieved.  The Spirit God sent to help mankind can also be grieved over the wrong works of man.  The Spirit is made so heavy with grief over what a sinner has done that He will not work in a person’s life, often until that person gets it right with Him.
    “But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.” Isaiah 63:10
    “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30


Grief is a natural emotion that most people will experience at some point.  It is part of life, but we can learn to handle what happens in our lives by seeing how people in the Bible handled their immense stress.

  • Job was overcome by grief as God allowed him to endure great testing and trials.
    “So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.” Job 2:13
    “Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together!” Job 6:2
    “Though I speak, my grief is not asswaged [to make something burdensome or less intense, painful or severe] and though: I forbear, what am I eased?  “ Job 16:6  Also: Job 16:5-6.
  • David experienced grief. The pressure brought on from his enemies and the heavy burden from being amidst many troubles, weighed heavily on him.
    “Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.  10 For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.”  Psalm 31:9-10  Also: Psalm 6:7.
  • King Solomon experienced grief.  The actions of his wayward son grieved the king; however, he learned that a great sadness in one’s life can be helpful in life’s continuing trials.
    “A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.”  Proverbs 17:25
    “For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.” Ecclesiastes 1:18      Also: Eccl. 2:23.
  • Isaiah experienced grief and prophesied about the Saviour and the grief Jesus would bear.
    “In the day shalt thou make thy plant to grow, and in the morning shalt thou make thy seed to flourish: but the harvest shall be a heap in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow.” Isaiah 17:11 
    “He [Jesus] is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 17:11   Also: Isaiah 53:10.
  • Jeremiah experienced grief.
    “Woe is me for my hurt!  my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is a grief, and I must bear it.” Jeremiah 10:19
    “Thou didst say, Woe is me now!  for the LORD hath added grief to my sorrow; I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.” Jeremiah 45:3
  • Jonah experienced grief.
    “And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief.  So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd.” Jonah 4:6
  • Paul, most likely, experienced grief.
    “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Hebrews 13:17
  • We can grieve over what we have done.
    “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” Genesis 45:5
  • We can be grieved by what others have done.
    “So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the month: for he was grieved for David, because his father had done him shame.” I Samuel 20:34
    “And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son.” II Samuel 19:2
  • The wicked may be grieved at the sight of a righteous person.  (This may explain why those with liberal philosophies and politics get so mad at those trying to live a righteous life.)
    “The wicked shall see it (Psalm 112:1-10), and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.” Psalm 112:10


As can be discovered from the Bible, grief can be a result of extreme pressure, changes against one’s beliefs, or after the loss of a loved one.  Grieving is a God-given emotion that places a high value on heartache and love and may help some avoid sin or ungodliness.

God would not give us an emotion that would harm us.  Perhaps it is a safety valve to enable us to cope with tragedy or change.  There is no easy fix for the mental pain it can cause.  Again, each sufferer handles grief differently.

When I found myself thinking and doing things that were not normal for me after the loss of my wife, a loved one brought  to my attention, “You are not going crazy, it is just grief.”  There is no predefined way one will handle grief; it just happens.

Grief is an emotion that puts a high value on life, doing the right thing, and directs some to respect life more.  The loss of a loved one also keeps our temporary life on Earth in perspective.  We are just pilgrims passing through this life, awaiting and occupying it, hopefully for the cause of Christ, until it is our turn to leave.

“Grief teaches the steadiest minds to waver.” — Sophocles

The BIBLE VIEW #1043 —Jesus

In This Issue:
Who Is Jesus?
Why Jesus’ Death Is So Important

Volume: 1043   April 6, 2026
Theme: Jesus

Sign-up at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/a26cc9M to receive the DAILY VIEW devotion.  The daily e-mail includes a KJV chapter, a short devotion on something taught in that chapter, and more spiritual food for the hungry soul.  Start your day with some good news from the Bible!

Who Is Jesus?
Bill Brinkworth

Today, Jesus is the\ key to anyone getting into Heaven.  Since having faith in Jesus and what He has done for us is important, it is essential to know who He is and what He has done.  Here is some of what the Bible says about Jesus, the Saviour of mankind:

Jesus was the prophesied Messiah that God promised to send.  Some of the 300-plus prophecies about the Messiah include:

  • It was prophesied about  599 B. C. (years before Christ was born), that the Messiah (“anointed”, “consecrated one”) would come from the lineage of King David (Jer. 23:5-6, Mat. 1:1, Luke 3:23-38, Acts 13:22).
  • Jesus’ purpose was foretold to His earthly father (Joseph) before Christ was born (Mat. 1:21).
  • It was foretold more than 1,020 years B. C., that man’s Saviour would ask God why His heavenly Father turned His head and did not stop Christ’s death.  (Psalm 22:1, Mat.  27:46)
  • It was foretold approximately 1,020 years B. C., that the Messiah would have His hands and feet pierced.  (Ps. 22:16, John 20:25)
  • It was prophesied, at least 1,020 years B.C., that the Saviour would not have any of His bones broken.  (Psalm 34:20, John 19:36)
  • It was also foretold about 1,020 years B. C., that the Son of God would not say a word to His prosecutors.  (Isaiah 53:7, Mat.  26:63)

Jesus preached and taught God’s message.  (Mat. 4:17, Mat.  4:23, John 7:16)

Jesus performed miracles.  He did things only a divine person could do.

  • Lepers were healed.  (Mat. 8:3, Luke 17:11-19)
  • Jesus healed the lame.  (John 5:8, Mat.  15:30)
  • Jesus healed blind Bartimaeus  (Mark 10:46-52).
  • Jesus healed a paralyzed man (Mat. 9:2-8).
  • Jesus healed a man with a withered hand (Mark 3:1-5).
  • Jesus raised the dead (Luke  7:11-16).
  • Jesus cast out demons (Mat. 12:22-37, Mark 5:13).
  • Jesus walked on water (Mat. 14:22-33).
  • Jesus knew the thoughts of the people around Him. (Mat. 12:25)
  • Jesus rose from the dead (Mat. 28:2-10, Luke 24:34) and appeared to many after He rose from the dead (John 20:26-29, John 21:1-2).
  • Jesus ascended back to Heaven. (Mark 16:19-20, Luke 24:51, Acts 1:9-11)
  • He performed many more miracles (John 21:25).

Jesus is God’s only son.  This is why He could do all the miracles He did.
“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.” John 3:16  (John 3:18, John 4:15, I John 4:9, Acts 3:13, Mat. 16:20, Mat. 8:29)

Why Jesus is so important:

  • Jesus was sent so that man would know the Truth and not have to live in sin.
    “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12   “Darkness” is referring to sin.  When a person is saved, he no longer has to sin.  Sin is always a choice.  Knowing the truth from God’s Word can keep us from making the wrong choices.
  • Jesus is man’s only way to Heaven.
    “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     (John 10:9, Acts 16:31, Rom. 10:9, Acts 15:11, Gal. 2:16)
  • Jesus’ death on the Cross is the only payment for man’s sin that God will accept.  One’s good deeds, kindness, goodness, traditions, or following religious ordinances and rules will not get anyone to Heaven!
    “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Rom. 8:1 (I Thes. 4:14, Heb. 2:9, Ephesians 5:2, Titus 2:14, I Tim. 2:6, Mat. 28:20)

Jesus was God in the flesh.  Jesus and God are one!  This is part of the teaching of the Trinity.  God is three in one — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
“I and my Father are one.” John 10:30 (Philippians 2:6, I John 5:7)

Jesus was sinless.  Only one born supernaturally, as was Christ, could be without sin.  Jesus’ sinlessness was necessary so He could be an acceptable payment for our sins.  Only Jesus was sinless.  All others born on Earth are guilty of iniquity.
“And being made perfect, he [Jesus] became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;” Heb. 5:9 (Heb. 9:14, I Peter 1:19)

Jesus was God’s gift to man.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23  (John 13:3, John 8:42, John 12:44)

Jesus was not just a man, as some claim.  He was God in the flesh come down to Earth to die for man’s sins.  All who believe and accept what Jesus did for them, when He died on the Cross and rose again from the dead, can be saved.

That is why making Jesus one’s personal Saviour from the punishment for our sins is so important.  Jesus is the only way anyone will get to heaven.  There is nothing we can do to earn Heaven.  It has all been done for us by Jesus.  All we have to do is believe He died for us, believe that He rose again from the dead on the third day, and ask Him to be our Saviour.  If you have never been saved, and you believe Jesus died for you and rose again, you can ask Him to be your Saviour right now!
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”  John 10:9


Why Jesus’ Death Is So Important
Bill Brinkworth

When asked, the majority of professing Christians would acknowledge that Jesus died for their sins.  But if asked why that was important, most would shrug and be unable to explain.

From man’s beginning, as recorded in Genesis, it is found that our first parents, Adam and Eve, were sinners.  Because of their sin of disobedience to God, as promised, death entered the human race.
“But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 2:17

To cover their nakedness after they sinned, God killed animals to provide covering for them.  Since this first sacrifice foreshadowed what Christ would do for humanity, who was called the “Lamb of God,” the sacrifice was most likely a sheep.  From the first sin, blood had to be shed because of sin.
“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.” Gen. 3:21

Side note: Many of the references to Lamb in the New Testament, where capitalized, as they are proper nouns referring to a person — Christ.

Throughout the Old Testament, blood continued to be shed to cover humankind’s iniquities.  The offering had to be repeated because it did not permanently cover the people’s sins. 

The blood of animals, such as sheep, goats, bulls, and birds, was sacrificed as an offering for people’s transgressions against God.  Eventually, God made laws (from Genesis to Leviticus) detailing how offerings should be made and when.

After more sin was committed or during certain times of the year, blood again had to be offered as a sacrifice for personal and Israel’s sins.  Animals were sacrificed to cover humankind’s transgressions.  That is what God insisted.  If there was no blood sacrifice, there was no forgiveness of iniquity.

Those sacrifices were not a good work to earn anyone Heaven.  No one can earn an eternity with God.  Salvation from Hell is a gift that God gives to those who trust and believe what Jesus did for them.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Disobedience to God’s laws continued.  At times, God’s laws were not followed.

God, however, not wanting any to perish offered a permanent sacrifice to cover all iniquity’s violators.  That gift was the blood of God’s only son, Jesus.  After realizing one’s sinfulness and knowing without that payment for their iniquities one would go to Hell, one can escape eternal punishment by trusting Jesus’ sacrifice for what they did against God.
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Trusting Christ’s payment for our iniquities is the only way to pay our sin-debt to God.  After asking Jesus to save, any sinner can be saved and spared an eternally tormenting Hell.
“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
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17
“I [Jesus] am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9
“For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.” Hebrews 10:4

The majority of man-made religions teach that there are other ways to obtain Heaven.  Some declare that following their ordinances, doing good deeds, baptism, praying to dead saints of the past, rituals, and many other works will earn one Heaven, please God and then He will let them into His Heaven.  They will not!

Jesus paid a tremendous price for our sins — His life.  By accepting His free gift, one can have God’s promise of Heaven.  It is the only way.  Have you asked and trusted Christ to be your Saviour?
“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

“This is the very essence of true salvation — personally living with a personal Savior, personally trusting a personal Redeemer, personally crying out to a personal Intercessor, and receiving personal answers from a Person who loves us, and who manifests Himself to us.”  — Spurgeon